Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution awarding Bid Number 25-26, Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) Relocation at Skylark Field to F&W Electrical Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $300,250.00.
Body
DATE: July 15, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Mike Wilson, Executive Director of Aviation
SUBJECT: Award Bid No. 25-26, Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) Relocation at Skylark Field
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Skylark Field has a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) owned and maintained Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) on the west side of the airport that provides pilots with critical safety information on cloud height, visibility, wind direction and speed, as well as other weather information to assist with flight operations. The FAA has standards for keeping the areas within 1,000 feet of the AWOS clear of obstructions that would affect the ability of the sensors to collect accurate readings. The proposed Anthem Park development, when fully constructed, would cause the existing AWOS to not meet FAA standards for the 1,000 feet radius. To accommodate for this future development, it is necessary to relocate the AWOS to a location that will meet FAA standards for weather data collection.
The Aviation Department staff coordinated with the FAA and our consultants to develop plans and specifications for a bid package to relocate the AWOS to meet current and future requirements at Skylark Field. The project is funded by a combination of TIRZ funding and FAA grants.
The project was first advertised beginning on February 2, 2025 and appeared in the local newspaper as well as the City’s website. Additionally, it was advertised on multiple statewide electronic bidding sites. A pre-bid meeting was held on February 18th, 2025, with one (1) general contractor attending.
Bids were opened on March 11, 2025, and the City of Killeen received one (1) bid which greatly exceeded the budget for this project. The City Council approved staff’s recommendation to reject the bid for Bid No. 25-12 on April 15, 2025.
The City advertised this project again (Bid 25-26) beginning on April 20, 2025, and appeared in the local newspaper as well as the City’s website. Additionally, it was advertised on multiple statewide electronic bidding sites. A pre-bid meeting was held on April 29, 2025, with one (1) electrical contractor attending. The bid opening was on May 15, 2025, at 2:15 pm, with two (2) bids.
List of Bids
Contractor Bid Amount
F&W Electrical Contractors, Inc. $ 300,250
Vellutini Corporation dba Royal Electric Company $ 449,345
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms to local and state’s policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
$300,250
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
One-time expense
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Partially.
If not, where will the money come from?
The project is funded by the TIRZ Fund, Account # 226-56201-900-600-923035, in the amount of $115,000 and the Aviation AIP Fund Account # 341-56201-900-605-923035, in the amount of $90,000. The remaining $95,250, will be funded through the Aviation AIP Fund and reimbursed through an FAA AIG Grant in September 2025. Funding will be appropriated on the year-end budget amendment.
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Upon approval of the year end budget amendment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council award the bid for Bid No. 25-26, Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) Relocation at Skylark Field to F&W Electrical Contractors, Inc., and recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement with F&W Electrical Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $300,250, as well as authorize all change orders or actions within the amounts set by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Purchasing
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Recommendation of Award and Bid Tab
Contract
Certificate of Interested Parties
Presentation