Approval is requested for increase in amount of an existing contract with Bay Span, Inc., of Fairfield for the provision of temporary skilled craftsmen, including mechanics for the Water Pollution Control Plant.

For the past several years, the City has contracted with Bay Span, Inc., to provide temporary skilled craftsmen, as needed, to support critical City operations. Bay Span offers a wide range of personnel skilled in the construction trades as well as qualified maintenance, instrumentation and HVAC mechanics. Bay Span provides its own in-house safety training and drug and alcohol testing, and all of its employees have completed an apprenticeship program and have a minimum of five years' experience in their respective fields.

Over the years, the firm has been a valuable resource to the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) as well as to Building Services. At this time, however, the only Bay Span employee assigned to the City is working at the WPCP. The WPCP has had a greater need for temporary personnel than expected because a regular WPCP mechanic has been out on disability leave. As the result, expenditures since April 1, 2001, will exceed the City Manager's awarding authority of $50,000 before the current contract expires June 30, 2002; and Council action is required.

It is expected that, beginning July 1, 2002, most temporary personnel will be acquired from Randstad US (RTC 02-162); and the need for contracts with specialized temporary personnel agencies will be reduced, if not eliminated. For that reason, staff does not recommend extension of the current contract with Bay Span at this time.

Section 2.08.070(b) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code exempts professional or specialized services from competitive bidding.

Total expenditures through June 30, 2002, will not exceed $65,000. Funds are available in various Water Pollution Control Plant accounts.