SUBJECT
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Consideration to approve the renewal of contract FY24-106 with GRA Incorporated, Alexandria VA, and Merchant Aviation LLC, A Groupe ADP (Aeropuertos De Paris) company, Summit NJ, each contract shall not exceed $75,000.00 for a total contract value of $300,000.00 for air service development and consulting services. The term of this contract shall be for a period of one year beginning as of the date of its execution and is contingent upon the availability of the appropriated funds. This contract can be renewed one additional one-year extension period, upon mutual agreement of parties. Funding is available in the Laredo International Airport Fund.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal 4.16: The Laredo International Airport will increase its role as a welcoming gateway for passengers, as an intermodal hub for incoming and outgoing goods, and as a center for related economic activities that serve the city and the region.
Summary of alignment:
Approval of these contracts aligns strongly with the viva Laredo comprehensive plan because it allows the airports to take steps in addressing residents’ concerns on the needs to attract more airline routes to Laredo with more destinations that will help with tourism and trade. Lower costs and increased choices of travel for residents is a valuable quality of life amenity for attracting and keeping talented people in Laredo.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Motion to award Professional Services Agreement, 10/23/202
BACKGROUND
On August 19, 2024, the Laredo International Airport solicited formal bids through Cit-E-Bid from interested and qualified parties with demonstrated expertise Air Service Development and Consulting Services for development and implementation of a comprehensive air service and business development strategy to maintain, target and increase air service by existing carriers and attracting new carriers to the airport.
The scope of services for this contract includes the ability to define the market and analyze the airport’s air service trade area in multiple ways, provide advice to LRD on air service development issues based on knowledge of Laredo, demographics, and economies, support for LRD’s meetings with airlines at air service development conferences as needed, assistance with grant applications, strategies to reduce passenger leakage, quarterly data reports, passenger forecast by airline and by route, advice based on expert knowledge of FAA policies, development of airport economic studies to demonstrate the impact of LRD on the local economy, and continued support and analysis of potential new air service opportunities between LRD and Mexico, as well as new domestic opportunities.
The Airport received letters from both Merchant Aviation, LLC and GRA Incorporated agreeingto renew said contract.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this motion.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Laredo International Airport Fund
Account #: 242-3605-583.55-26
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding is available in the Laredo International Airport Fund account 242-3605-583.55-26.
Merchant Aviation LLC, Summit NJ $150,000.00
GRA Incorporated, Alexandria, VA $150,000.00
Total: $300,000.00