Inner Harbor Desalination Project Moving Forward
City of Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — (News Release) The City of Corpus Christi Inner Harbor Desalination Project is a step closer to becoming a reality with the selection of a finalist for the design-build firm.
On October 2nd, the Evaluation Committee completed its review of the three City Council-approved proposers and selected Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. as the top scoring proposer for delivery of the 30 million gallon per day Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination Treatment Plant Project. Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., based in Westlake, Texas, was created by Kiewit Corporation in 1969 for the delivery of complex water/wastewater treatment projects. Kiewit Corporation is a privately held United States construction company based in Omaha, Nebraska, founded in 1884. As the Number 2 ranked organization on Engineering News Report’s Top 400 Contractors by construction revenue, it is one of the largest construction and engineering organizations in North America. Locally, Kiewit employs over 1,600 personnel at their 400-acre fabrication and laydown yard in Ingleside, Texas.
The table below reflects the ranking of the five-member evaluation committee, from first to third, with additional information below on the merits of the preferred proposer. The evaluation committee complied with Texas Government Code Chapter 2269’s requirements for a best value selection (combination of price, qualifications, experience, and approach).
Table: Evaluation Committee Scoring of Request for Proposals Responses.
* Cost proposal evaluation was based on fractional project cost components (planning/conceptual design, general conditions of construction, and anticipated construction fee). Cost Proposal score is not indicative of anticipated final project cost.
All three teams were determined to be qualified to deliver the project and presented compelling approaches based on their strengths, as demonstrated in their written proposals and interviews. Key attributes of the top-scoring proposer’s team include:
Detailed plan to maintain a positive relationship with the Hillcrest and Westside communities during the project’s construction.
Compelling vision and approach to manage risks and complete the project on schedule.
Best approach for working with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority on marine construction requirements and with AEP Texas, Inc. on electrical system integration.
Cohesive team with prior desalination delivery experience to start efforts efficiently.
Given that all three teams are qualified and can deliver the project, the ranking process establishes the order for negotiations. In accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2269, the City will commence negotiations with the top-scoring proposer, Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. If the City is unable to reach an agreement with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., the City will terminate negotiations in writing and commence negotiations with the next highest ranked proposer. This process will continue until a contract is reached. A notice to proceed is anticipated in early December 2024.
City Council approved the procurement of a design-builder for the Project at its January 25, 2024, meeting. City Council also accepted the SWIFT (State Water Implementation Fund for Texas) II loan for continued project planning and design and approved the submission of an application for SWIFT III for the balance of the project for design and construction at this meeting.
On June 25, 2024, City Council passed a resolution approving the short-list of proposers and authorizing the execution of a contract with the top scoring proposer. No further City Council action is anticipated before the execution of the guaranteed maximum price for construction of the project, estimated to be in late 2025.
All three firms have been contacted regarding the evaluation committee’s determination. This same information is being shared with federal, state, and local partners. CCW will continue to provide updates as we move through the negotiation and contract finalization process.
