On Thursday, January 30th, OrgMetrics joined the City of San Francisco to celebrate the 7th Annual San Francisco Collaborative Partnering Awards and supported the outstanding showing for our 10 project teams during the event. Leaders from each of San Francisco’s Chapter Six Departments attended the event to show support for the City’s highest performing teams and the annual event. The breakfast ceremony, co-emceed by Betsey Tam of the SFPUC and Rob Reaugh, was hosted at San Francisco Public Works headquarters at 49 South Van Ness, was simultaneously elegant, low-keyed and fun. It was a great day to celebrate project teams from all across San Francisco and we were honored to be a part of it.
In the ceremony, the team celebrated 10 award-winning projects that represented $132,211,550 in Total Construction. This year of projects had excellent results: 9 of the 10 had zero lost time incidents, 6 of 10 completed within Budget and 5 of 10 finished ahead of Schedule.
The big winner of the day was the San Francisco International Airport Energy Management Control Systems (EMCS) Project, who took home a Gold Level Award and “Best in Class” for the 2025 Awards program.We will share highlights from each of the 10 project team’s OrgMetrics supported below.
Category 1 Infrastructure Projects – Under $20M
SFPUC & SF Public Works WW-731 Various Locations Brick Sewer Improvements Project
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Prime: CRATUS
A&E: SFPUC and San Francisco Public Works
CM: San Francisco Public Works
Facilitator: Cinda Bond
This $10M project was delivered as part of SFPUC’s Sewer System Improvement Program and involved the rehabilitation of the existing 100-year-old brick sewer mains located in various locations throughout Chinatown, North Beach, Nob Hill, and the Tenderloin neighborhoods. Thanks to effective planning and coordination, the team completed the project 51 days early, $355,000 under budget, and with zero safety incidents!
The project team collaborated well together and with the community, addressing their concerns regarding odors and sewer work, closing the opposite side of the street to avoid disturbing business parklets, and rescheduling work to facilitate food delivery for a local food bank. The team also worked together to research and implement a new-to-the-City EasyLiner lining system that helped streamline the process, shorted the construction impact duration, and minimized potential damage to unknown sidewalk basements.
SFO East Underpass Safety Improvements Project
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco International Airport
Prime: Minerva Construction, Inc.
A&E: SFO Engineering
CM: SFO
Facilitator: Rob Reaugh
The SFO East Underpass project involved a $4.1M investment used to enhance safety and functionality of the East Underpass, a critical roadway that runs beneath the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal Building enabling ground service equipment and employees to enter the Airport’s Airfield Operations Area between Boarding Areas A and G.
This project was initially suspended due to COVID. Started… then was suspended for a week in November 2023 during the APEC Conference and still finished 31 days ahead of schedule and within the budget contingency! The project had zero safety incidents or security breaches during construction in this high traffic area. The result is a significantly improved roadway with a reduced ramp, visual safety enhancements, improved crosswalks, and pedestrian pathways in this congested area under the airport.
The project team worked collaboratively to develop innovative solutions including using a pea gravel concrete mix to improve workability for long-distance pumping under low-clearance conditions and accelerated asphalt paving from 4 weeks to 1, saving $21,000 in operational costs.
Category 2 Infrastructure Projects – Over $20M
SFPUC WW-711 Wawona Area Stormwater Improvement and Vicente Street Water Main Replacement Project
Bronze Level Award
Owner: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Prime: KJ Woods
A&E: SFPUC & San Francisco Public Works
CM: SFPUC & San Francisco Public Works
Facilitator: Rob Reaugh
This $29M sewer improvement project’s scope involved the installation of a new sewer pipe under Vicente Street, from Wawona Street to 34th Ave, and the replacement of the aging water transmission and distribution mains on Wawona Street, 15th Avenue, and Vicente Street west of 19th Avenue.
The key risk on this project involved Ward and Burke’s installation of the 48” pipeline under Vicente St. They proposed the increase in pipe size to 48” as part of a no-cost change order, which enabled them to reduce the schedule from 1 year to 6 months, saving the team hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The team also effectively collaborated with two adjacent high-profile projects (L-Taraval Segment B (SFMTA) and 19th Ave. (Public Works)) to safely resolve key challenges including the potable emergency firefighting water system alignments. Ultimately, the project team completed the project within the budget contingency, safely, and 81 days ahead of Final Completion.
SFO Taxiways D & T Reconstruction Phase 2 Project
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco International Airport
Prime: Golden Gate Constructors
A&E: SFO Engineering
PMSS Consultant: AECOM
Facilitator: Rob Reaugh
The SFO Taxiways D and T Reconstruction Phase 2 Project was a $54.6M initiative aimed at improving airfield safety and operational efficiency as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Runway Incursion Mitigation Program. The project separated and realigned high-traffic taxiways to comply with FAA standards.
The project team worked collaboratively to complete the project 25 days ahead of schedule via ann acceleration change order that was agreed on during construction. To make the date, the team worked through a 24/7 work schedule and increased on-site resources, minimizing operational disruptions, allowing SFO to increase its flight arrival rate during the summer season. The project experienced no aircraft incursions or safety incidents during the 6-month runway closure.
The team was innovative. They piloted the use of incorporating recycled materials and reused native slurry backfill (NSB), enabling the team to save $1M while significantly reducing the environmental impact of that segment of the project. The team also needed to work through a challenging set of scopes involving a recirculation flushing and filtration system for aviation fuel lines, ensuring compliance with stringent fuel quality standards.
SFPUC Hetch Hetchy-1007 Transmission Line 7/8 Upgrade Program
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Hetch Hetchy Water and Power
Prime: Wilson Construction Company
A&E: Black & Veatch
CM: SFPUC HHWP
Facilitator: Rob Reaugh
The HH-1007 Transmission Line 7/8 Upgrades Project was a $24M project, involving the upgrade of 12.5 miles of 115kV transmission lines to meet increased grid capacity demands, requiring reconductoring, tower retrofits, and extensive site improvements. Partnering efforts allowed the project team to develop innovations, such as temporary tower stabilization to protect from 25 mph wind gusts and optimized construction methods, resulting in nearly $3M savings!
Much of the project abutted farmland in Sonora and required regular communication and cooperation with private property owners and regulatory agencies to ensure the smooth execution and minimal impact on local wildlife and ecosystems through dedicated mitigation efforts. The project achieved substantial completion 51 days ahead of schedule and maintained high safety standards, receiving recognition for near-zero incidents and high-quality outcomes.
Category 3 Buildings – Under $20M
SF Recreation & Parks Fillmore Turk Mini Park Project
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco Recreation and Parks
Prime: OBS Engineering Inc.
A&E: TS Studios
CM: San Francisco Public Works
Facilitator: Cinda Bond
The $1.14M Fillmore Turk Mini Park renovation project involved revitalizing a small but significant community park located in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco into a safer, more inviting public space, featuring new landscaping, accessible pathways, seating areas, and lighting. Proactive safety protocols ensured zero incidents throughout construction. The project encountered several challenges including contaminated soil which was discovered early, and resolved using amended soil, saving $100,000 and avoiding significant delays.
The project team worked to provide a community-centered design via extensive outreach engaging over 200 local residents through public meetings and surveys. The residents’ feedback influenced design updates, including enhanced lighting and seating configurations for community events. Strong neighborhood support demonstrated the project’s success as a model for community-driven urban revitalization.
SF Recreation & Parks Golden Gate Clubhouse Project
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco Recreation and Parks
Prime: Treaty Construction
A&E: San Francisco Public Works
CM: San Francisco Public Works
Facilitator: Cinda Bond
The scope of the $3.66M Golden Gate Park Golf Course Clubhouse project involved a 1,500 square foot clubhouse to replace an existing clubhouse at the Golden Gate Park Golf Course that had previously been damaged by a fire in the summer of 2018. The clubhouse design featured updated amenities, secure access, wi-fi, and upgraded power infrastructure. The project team coordinated with stakeholders, including the operator of the golf course and City Agencies to ensure alignment and to minimize disruptions.
The team worked collaboratively to overcome permit delays, weather impacts, site security issues, and cut down PG&E’s commissioning process from 6 to 2 weeks.
SOMA Street Tree Nursery Site Improvements Project
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco Public Works and Operations: Bureau of Urban Forestry
Prime: Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, Inc.
A&E: San Francisco Public Works
CM: San Francisco Public Works
Facilitator: Rob Reaugh
The SOMA Street Tree Nursery Project was a $3M project whose goal was to rehabilitate a neglected and dilapidated 14,000-square-foot lot and turn it into a functional tree nursery, supporting the city’s efforts to expand its urban canopy and mitigate climate change. Partnering on this project enabled the team to overcome significant obstacles, including permitting delays, hazardous soil removal, design changes and a tight schedule.
The project included sustainable design elements such as modular buildings, custom designed from shipping containers, powered by an off-grid photovoltaic system as well as innovative use of materials to minimize the project’s carbon footprint while maximizing functionality. The Yerba Buena and Public Works team leveraged open communication, quick decision-making, and creative problem-solving to successfully complete what would typically have been a 9-month plus construction project in just over 4 months and 3 days, just in time for the APEC Conference. Today, the nursery provides local job training for disadvantaged individuals through the “New Roots” Workforce Program, fostering career development in urban forestry.
SF Recreation & Parks Herz Playground Renovation Project
Silver Level Award
Owner: San Francisco Recreation and Parks
Prime: Treaty Construction, Inc.
A&E: MIG, Inc.
CM: San Francisco Public Works
Key Designer: KPFF
Facilitator: Cinda Bond
Part of the City’s Let’sPlaySF! Initiative, the Herz Playground Renovation was a $3.38M project whose scope involved the renovation of a 10,000 square foot playground with distinct areas for younger and older children. The team installed innovative play structures, musical elements, a track ride, swings, and climbing walls; added enhanced site lighting, ADA-compliant pathways, terraced seating, and picnic areas; and integrated sustainable design with water-efficient landscaping and updated irrigation.
The project team engaged extensively with the local residents and youth through surveys, workshops, and events to ensure the playground design reflected the community’s needs and aspirations. Partnering between Rec & Parks, Public Works, and Treaty, helped ensure that the project team was able to overcome weather delays, permitting obstacles, unforeseen site conditions, labor disruptions, and weather to complete the project 32 days early and under budget.
Category 4 Buildings – Over $20M
SFO Energy Management Control System (EMCS) Project
Gold Level Award and “Best in Class”
Owner: San Francisco International Airport
Prime: Suffolk Construction Company, Inc.
A&E: WSP USA Buildings Inc.
PMSS: Faith Group LLC
Facilitator: Rob Reaugh
The goal of SFO’s $31.5M EMCS Project was to integrate and upgrade the airport’s energy management systems, which would support SFO to achieve the strategic goal of Zero Net Energy by 2030. Initially focused on the development and future automation of the energy and water management platforms, the project evolved to prioritize fire life safety upgrades for the International Terminal Building (ITB).
To ensure project success, the team worked collaboratively with stakeholders, including the San Francisco Fire Department and SFO’s Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Department, to ensure transparency and alignment as they successfully integrated 20+ year-old legacy systems with modern smoke control systems. This involved point-by-point inspection and upgrades of both mechanical smoke dampers and the software to integrate those systems, all while avoiding a full redesign.
This was a five-year project at the outset and it is important to recognize that it was suspended for 19-months and then pivoted completely, and yet still was completed on schedule, $2M under budget, and delivered with zero safety incidents across over 300,000 man hours.
Join us in celebrating each of these outstanding project teams and make sure to be on the lookout for the great event and project photos which will be posted to the www.sfpartnering.com website!
– Rob
Rob Reaugh is President of OrgMetrics LLC. He facilitates the City and County of San Francisco Collaborative Partnering Steering Committee and currently works with San Francisco International Airport, San Jose International Airport, BART, Caltrans, and others. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
For more information please contact Rob Reaugh, RobReaugh@Orgmet.com / (925) 487-2404 (cell), or OrgMetrics, (925) 449-8300.
Rob Reaugh is President of OrgMetrics LLC. He facilitates the City and County of San Francisco Collaborative Partnering Steering Committee and currently works with San Francisco International Airport, San Jose International Airport, BART, Caltrans, and others. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution.