Agenda Item Wording:
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Award a construction contract for the fiscal year 2025-26 Cape Seal Project - Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to VSS International in the amount $1,573,325 for the construction of the fiscal year 2025-26 cape seal project.
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Agenda Date: 04/06/2026
Prepared by:
Danny Galindo, Public Works Manager, danny.galindo@visalia.gov , 713-4186
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov ,713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to award a contract to VSS International, Inc. in the amount $1,573,325 for the construction of the fiscal year 2025-26 cape seal project (CIP 1410-72000/CP0247-999).
Summary:
RFB 25-26-33 for the fiscal year 2025-26 Cape Seal Project (CIP 1410-72000/CP0247-999) was advertised in the newspaper on January 23, 2026, posted on Bidnet, and notifications were sent to contractors who provide this service. On February 26, 2026, City staff opened (5) bids that were submitted for the project. The results are summarized below and are listed in the order from lowest to highest bid.
No. Contractor Location Bid
1 VSS International, Inc. West Sacramento, Ca $1,573,325
2 American Pavement Systems Modesto, Ca $1,690,556.34
3 Dryco Construction Freemont, Ca $1,726,726
4 Pavement Co. Sacramento, Ca $1,790,303.41
5 Dolittle Construction Snoquaimie, Wa $1,866,999.99
VSS International submitted the lowest bid. Through review of their submitted bid documents, it was determined they were the most responsive and responsible bidder. VSS International completed Visalia’s FY 23-24 and FY 24-25 Cape Seal Projects successfully, and on time. Public Works staff and the Public Works Inspector commented that VSS International previously performed quality work in a timely manner with excellent communication.
Background Discussion:
This project includes the application of cape seal to various streets identified in the City’s pavement management program. The work will be focused on specific streets throughout the City as shown in the attached map.
To increase the longevity of the pavement surface, it is necessary for the City to maintain the pavement of the streets properly and promptly. Applying cape seal treatments at this life-stage of the streets is beneficial as it extends the pavement life at a relatively inexpensive price. As streets deteriorate further, without this preventive maintenance, future maintenance becomes more expensive and time consuming.
The cape seal maintenance treatment must be performed with consideration to the public. Public outreach is required to notify the residents in the work zone and to provide expectations on the extents of traffic control to be performed. Cape seal consists of an application of a chip seal followed by a microsurfacing application onto the selected roadways. The chip seal consists of applying an asphalt-rubber seal binder combined with a heated application of aggregate cover material. After the chip seal has cured, the microsurfacing application is applied. This secondary application consists of a mixture of aggregate, emulsified asphalt, mineral filler, and other additives that creates a new drivable surface over the chip seal.
Prior to the chip seal process, the streets will be swept and prepared as necessary. The contractor will be required to provide access during the treatment process. The chip seal portion can be performed relatively quickly, 1-2 days depending on area, and provides a semi-finished surface which is typically opened within 24 hours following the treatment. Once the chip seal has cured, the roadway will be opened for 1-2 weeks until the microsurfacing is applied. During this time, the street will be swept again to remove excess aggregates left behind from the chip seal. Once the microsurfacing has been applied and been allowed to fully cure, the roadway is opened back up to the public within 24 hours typically. “No Parking” signs will be posted and flyers will be handed out to residents and businesses three (3) working days prior to beginning the cape seal work in the affected areas.
This project is funded solely using Measure N funds. The residents of Visalia passed Measure ‘N’ in November of 2016 to increase the City’s ability to perform street maintenance as one of its primary objectives (CP0247).
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
The Measure N Cape Seal Project for FY 2025-26 (CIP 1410-72000/CP0247-999) has a current budget of $1,901,089.
Budget Summary FY 2025-26 Cape Seal Project, CP0247
Project Budget $1,901,089
Estimated Project Cost:
Construction Cost $1,573,325
Construction Contingency (10%) $157,332
Construction Management (2%) $31,467
Construction Inspection (3%) $47,200
Geotechnical Testing (1.5%) $23,600
Total Project Cost $1,832,924
Estimated Project Budget Surplus $68,165
Unexpended funds following completion of the project will be returned to the fund source from which they were originated.
Prior Council Action:
- May 19, 2025 - City Council awarded the construction contract for FY 24-25 Cape Seal Project to VSS International, Inc.
- October 6, 2025 City Council authorized the City Manager to file a Notice of Completion for the construction of the FY 24-25 Cape Seal Project
Alternatives: None recommended
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I motion to authorize the City Manager to award a contract to VSS International, Inc. in the amount $1,573,325 for the construction of the fiscal year 2025-26 cape seal project.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 04/06/2026
Attachments:
VSS International Bid
Summary of Bids
RFB 25-26-33
Cape Seal Layout
Levine Act
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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