Submitted By: Matthew Grow
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Presentation By: Matthew Grow
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Department: Aviation
FORMAL TITLE:
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Task work order with McFarland-Johnson, Inc. for Holding Bay Design Phase Services at Ocala International Airport in the amount of $182,776
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Ocala International Airport (OCF) currently lacks a designated area for aircraft to safely wait during temporary delays due to weather or air traffic. As a result, aircraft often wait on taxiways used by other aircraft traveling to and from the runway, creating congestion during busy periods.
A holding bay functions much like a highway pull-off lane. It allows aircraft that are waiting to move out of the primary traffic path while remaining ready for departure. This improves safety, keeps taxiways clear, and allows the airport to efficiently accommodate more aircraft during periods of high activity.
OCF recorded 105,065 aircraft operations in 2025, compared with 104,917 in 2024. Since 2016, annual operations have increased from 62,571 to more than 105,000. During peak periods, the airport regularly experiences approximately 50 aircraft movements per hour.
On July 21, 2026, City Council adopted Resolution 2026-44 to accept an FAA Airport Improvement grant in the amount of $178,558 to help fund the design phase of this project.
This task work order authorizes McFarland-Johnson, Inc. to complete the engineering design services necessary for this project.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
On February 17, 2022, the City issued its Request for Proposals (RFP) No. AIR/220118 for the provision of continuing general aviation engineering services. Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, PLLC, and McFarland Johnson, Inc. were the highest-ranked of the eight firms that responded and were awarded three-year contracts, with the first of three one-year renewals granted in July 2025, and the second in July 2026.
McFarland-Johnson, Inc. has extensive experience providing airport engineering and planning services throughout Florida and is one of the City's continuing aviation engineering consultants.
This task work order (TWO) includes:
Task 1: Project Administration/Project Management
Task 2: Data Collection
Task 3: Conceptual Design (30 percent)
Task 4: Preliminary Design (60 percent)
Task 5: Final Design (100 percent)
• The scope and fee provided by McFarland-Johnson, Inc. have been reviewed and approved by the City Engineer.
• The TWO for design-phased services is funded through a Federal Aviation Administration Improvement grant and a match by the Airport.
• The Airport Advisory Board supports this project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
FAA 341-060-727-542-54-31010 $ 173,637.50
Match 451-027-727-542-54-31010 $ 9,138.82
Total $ 182,776.32
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The underlying agreement was reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny