File photo Firefighters conduct a training exercise at the Del Valle facility.

Design plans have been completed for upgrades announced two years ago to the Del Valle Regional Emergency Training Center in the Castaic area. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors will consider a recommendation by Public Works Director Gail Farber to put bid out the actual construction.

Background:
The Del Valle Regional Emergency Training Center site covers an area of approximately 160 acres and is currently used by the Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County to conduct training for a variety of live firefighting operations. It also provides classrooms, administrative support buildings, and training areas for the handling of flammable liquids, hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, and the use of fire extinguishers.

On April 1, 2014, the Board established Capital Project No. 89034 for the Del Valle Infrastructure project, and authorized the Director or her designee to proceed with the design of the infrastructure project. The scope of work includes a new 1,000-kv-amp electrical substation; a 564-square-foot communications building; installation of approximately 60 lineal feet of piping for water distribution; demolition and replacement of an existing above-ground reclaimed water storage tank; and completion of a chlorination system for reclaimed water.

These infrastructure improvements are required to support the new classrooms and burn tower, which were built at the Del Valle site by the Santa Clarita Community College District as part of the 2008 Joint Use Agreement for Use of Shared Facilities between the Fire and College Districts. Design of the infrastructure improvements was completed through an existing Public Works Board-approved, as-needed architectural/engineering agreement with J.C. Chang and Associates.

Design and jurisdictional approvals for the project are now complete. Adopting plans and specifications, advertising for bids, and delegating to the Director or her designee the authority to award, execute, and implement a consultant services agreement for the preparation of a baseline construction schedule, and the authority to award and execute a construction contract with the apparent lowest responsive and responsible bidder will allow an accelerated delivery process.

The proposed consultant services agreement requires the apparent lowest responsive and responsible bidder to prepare a baseline construction schedule that conforms to the County’s schedule specifications.

It is anticipated that construction of the project will begin in November 2016 and be substantially completed in July 2017.