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Establishment of Alternative Project Delivery Contract / Competitive-Sealed BID Proposal Method / John Ferraro Building Renovation and Modernization Project / Resolution and Ordinance

Council File 26-0868

Pending — the City Council approved the renovation strategy, but final ordinance details are stuck in the Energy and Environment Committee waiting for sign-off before LADWP can launch its search for a design-build contractor.

Introduced
2026-06-11
Last changed
2026-09-09
Status
open
Expires
2028-09-08
Committee
Energy and Environment Committee
Initiated by
Board of Water and Power Commissioners
References
Resolution: 026 233City Administrative Officer Report: 0150-12723-0001City Attorney Report: R26-0510

Brief

The Board of Water and Power Commissioners introduced a resolution and ordinance authorizing an alternative project delivery contract and competitive-sealed bid process for renovating and modernizing the John Ferraro Building. The proposal aims to streamline procurement for this capital project. Council approved the measure 11-0-4 on August 21, 2026, and the City Attorney's office submitted a final document on September 8, which was referred back to the Energy and Environment Committee on September 9.

Full summary

The John Ferraro Building is LADWP's downtown headquarters, housing roughly 3,500 employees and designated as City Historic-Cultural Monument No. 1022. A 2020 engineering assessment by Arup North America concluded that the building's original infrastructure had reached the end of its useful life, requiring immediate replacement to meet current energy codes and keep LADWP operations running without disruption. A 2023 hazardous materials survey by Stantec Consulting further found asbestos-containing materials throughout the ceiling fireproofing and return air system, along with lead-containing paint and polychlorinated biphenyls, all requiring abatement. The full renovation scope also includes structural and seismic strengthening of the steel frame, LEED Gold certification goals, technology and security upgrades, elevator and roof work, and improvements to the auditorium, Board Meeting room, medical offices, food services, fitness center, and office spaces. Rather than use a standard low-bid procurement, LADWP proposed a Progressive Design-Build approach awarded through a competitive sealed request for proposals. Under this method, authorized by City Charter Section 371(b), negotiations with proposers are permitted after proposals are opened, allowing the utility to refine design and cost details with a specialized firm experienced in architectural design, engineering, renovation, and historic preservation of existing high-rise structures. The contract term would not exceed five years, reflecting the complexity of the project and the time needed to fabricate major building components. The Local Business Preference Program applies under Charter Section 371(a) and the Los Angeles Administrative Code. The project was determined to be categorically exempt from CEQA review as renovation of an existing structure with no expansion of use. The measure was introduced by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners on June 11, 2026, and referred to the Energy and Environment Committee. The committee approved it as amended on August 4, and the full Council adopted it 11-0 on August 21, 2026. The City Attorney's office subsequently transmitted a draft ordinance on September 8 formalizing the competitive sealed proposal criteria, which was referred back to the Energy and Environment Committee on September 9 for final consideration. The file remains open and pending in committee.

Activity (9)

  • 2026-09-09 City Attorney document(s) referred to Energy and Environment Committee.
  • 2026-09-08 Document submitted by City Attorney, dated September 8, 2026.
  • 2026-08-25 Council action final.
  • 2026-08-21 Council adopted item, subject to reconsideration, pursuant to Council Rule 51.
  • 2026-08-18 City Clerk scheduled item for Council on August 21, 2026.
  • 2026-08-04 Energy and Environment Committee approved as amended .
  • 2026-07-31 Energy and Environment Committee scheduled item for committee meeting on August 4, 2026.
  • 2026-06-11 Board of Water and Power Commissioners document(s) referred to Energy and Environment Committee.
  • 2026-06-11 Document submitted by Board of Water and Power Commissioners, dated June 11, 2026.

Documents (10)

Council votes (1)

  • 2026-08-21 Adopted — 11-0-4 · Regular

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