City awards airport consultant contract to Passero Associates LLC

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 22, 2019

The Fernandina Beach City Commission at their February 19, 2019 Regular Meeting accepted the qualification review committee ranking for airport engineering/planning consultant services by awarding RFQ # 2018-21 to Passero Associates LLC and approving an agreement for continuing services with Passero Associates LLC.

All five commissioners voted in favor of the contract award to Passero Associates LLC.

The last selection of Airport Engineering/Planning Consultant Services was conducted in 2008. 

The City developed and released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) per the Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA), FS 287.055 and per Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 150/5100-14, for professional services to assist the City with Airport Engineering/Planning Consulting services under RFQ #2018-21. An eight person committee met twice and evaluated two RFQ responses, ranked them on established criteria and scored Passero Associates LLC as the higher ranking agency. 

Staff negotiated a draft continuing services agreement for this selection for consideration by the City Commission. 

The second submitting agency, Hanson Professional Services Inc., is also on a continuing services contract with the City for engineering/planning services as a result of a previously released Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Following the FBCC vote, Passero Vice President Andrew Holesko expressed appreciation for the award and noted Passero’s long association with the city.  “Whenever you need us or want us, just let us know,”  Holesko said, adding that he works closely with airport manager Nathan Coyle and City Manager Dale Martin on a regular basis.  “I am willing to stand at this podium whenever you wish.”