DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Retention of Engineering Firms [28 Pa.B. 5933] Montgomery County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2266The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to perform environmental studies, preliminary engineering, final design, and construction consultation for S.R. 1023, Section 10S, Swamp Creek Road in Marlborough Township, Montgomery County. This project involves widening and rehabilitation of existing bridge over Unimi Creek, including roadway approaches. Approximate construction length is 395 meters including approaches to the bridge. The estimated project construction cost is $750 thousand.
The selected firm will be required to provide the following engineering and design services: surveys; roadway design; pavement design; preparation of cross sections; soils and geological investigations; erosion and sedimentation control design; right-of-way investigation and plan; structure design; hydrologic and hydraulic analysis; preparation of traffic control, pavement marking, and signing plans; utility coordination and design; PennDER;, Corps of Engineers, municipal officials, and the public; preparation of final plans, specifications, and estimates; shop drawing reviews; and alternate design review.
The selected firm will also be required to provide environmental services to identify and assess the following: historic and archaeological resources; regional and community growth; land use and development patterns; wildlife habitat; wetlands; floodplains; surface water and ground water; vegetation; geological resources; noise and air quality; parks and recreational facilities; emergency service, health, and educational facilities; utility locations; residential and commercial property values; hazardous waste; equatic resources; national natural landmarks; vibration; aesthetics and visual qualities; and construction impacts.
The environmental studies will be conducted to prepare a Categorical Exclusion in accordance with accepted analysis techniques and methodologies.
The selected firm will be required to perform the following to insure that a complete environmental investigation has been performed; provide all necessary environmental services, material and equipment necessary to collect, analyze and organize data, assess impacts, conduct agency and public involvement activities, and prepare reports and mitigation plans. The reports and other written graphic material to be prepared may include, but are not limited to, early coordination and scoping correspondence; project need; preliminary alternatives analysis; meeting minutes, newsletters; mailing lists; public meetings and hearings; handouts and displays; technical basis reports; NEPA environmental documents; Section 106 documents; Section 4(f) evaluation; mitigation plans and reports; hazardous waste mitigation plans; PADER permits, Corps of Engineers 404 permits; formulating and participating in public involvement program; and coordinating the development of the study with various agencies and special interest groups.
Firms that are currently serving, or are being considered for selection, as the municipal engineer in the municipalities listed in the project description will not be considered for this assignment. Also, firms that are under contract, or are being considered, to provide engineering services to a land developer for a site located along the project will likewise not be considered for this assignment. Firms should state in the letter of interest that they are not serving in either capacity as a municipal engineer or as a representative of a site developer. Any questions concerning this requirement should be directed to Mr. Timothy R. O'Brien, P.E., at the telephone number listed below.
The consultant shortlist announcement meeting will be held in the Engineering District 6-0 office, 200 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA on January 8, 1999 at 10 a.m.
The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this Agreement shall be fifteen (15%) percent of the total contract price. Additional information concerning DBE participation in this Agreement is contained in the General Requirements and Information section after the advertised project(s).
We encourage small firms to submit a letter of interest for this assignment.
The letter of interest should include no more than four (4) resumes of key staff members for the prime consultant and two (2) resumes for each subconsultant.
The District's copy of the Letter of Interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. Andrew Warren, District Administrator, Engineering District 6-0, 200 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA 19087.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Timothy R. O'Brien, P.E., District 6-0, at (610) 964-6526, or Mr. John R. Laughner, P.E., District 6-0, at (610) 964-6539.
Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.
Bucks County Project Reference No. 08430AG2267 The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to perform environmental studies, preliminary engineering, final design, and construction consultation for S.R. 2095, Section 10S, Dark Hollow Road in Buckingham and Warwick Townships, Bucks County. This project involves removal of existing two span truss bridge with appropriate treatments of roadway approaches. Length of reconstruction is approximately 250 meters. Limits of construction are 100 meters each side of Neshaminy Creek. The estimated project construction cost is $350 thousand.
The selected firm will be required to provide the following engineering and design services: surveys; roadway design; pavement design; preparation of cross sections; soils and geological investigations; erosion and sedimentation control design; right-of-way investigation and plan; structure design; hydrologic and hydraulic analysis; preparation of traffic control, pavement marking, and signing plans; utility coordination and design; PennDER; Corps of Engineers, municipal officials, and the public; preparation of final plans, specifications, and estimates; and shop drawing reviews.
The selected firm will also be required to provide environmental services to identify and assess the following: historic and archaeological resources; regional and community growth; land use and development patterns; wildlife habitat; wetlands; floodplains; surface water and ground water; vegetation; geological resources; noise and air quality; parks and recreational facilities; emergency service, health, and educational facilities; utility locations; residential and commercial property values; hazardous waste; equatic resources; national natural landmarks; vibration; aesthetics and visual qualities; and construction impacts.
The environmental studies will be conducted to prepare a Categorical Exclusion in accordance with accepted analysis techniques and methodologies.
The selected firm will be required to perform the following to insure that a complete environmental investigation has been performed; provide all necessary environmental services, material and equipment necessary to collect, analyze and organize data, assess impacts, conduct agency and public involvement activities, and prepare reports and mitigation plans. The reports and other written graphic material to be prepared may include, but are not limited to, early coordination and scoping correspondence; project need; preliminary alternatives analysis; meeting minutes, newsletters; mailing lists; public meetings and hearings; handouts and displays; technical basis reports; NEPA environmental documents; Section 106 documents; Section 4(f) evaluation; mitigation plans and reports; hazardous waste mitigation plans; PADER permits, Corps of Engineers 404 permits; formulating and participating in public involvement program; and coordinating the development of the study with various agencies and special interest groups.
Firms that are currently serving, or are being considered for selection, as the municipal engineer in the municipalities listed in the project description will not be considered for this assignment. Also, firms that are under contract, or are being considered, to provide engineering services to a land developer for a site located along the project will likewise not be considered for this assignment. Firms should state in the letter of interest that they are not serving in either capacity as a municipal engineer or as a representative of a site developer. Any questions concerning this requirement should be directed to Mr. Timothy R. O'Brien, P.E., at the telephone number listed below.
The consultant shortlist announcement meeting will be held in the Engineering District 6-0 office, 200 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA on January 8, 1999 at 10 a.m.
The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this Agreement shall be fifteen (15%) percent of the total contract price. Additional information concerning DBE participation in this Agreement is contained in the General Requirements and Information section after the advertised project(s).
We encourage small firms to submit a letter of interest for this assignment.
The letter of interest should include no more than four (4) resumes of key staff members for the prime consultant and two (2) resumes for each subconsultant.
The District's copy of the Letter of Interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. Andrew Warren, District Administrator, Engineering District 6-0, 200 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA 19087.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Timothy R. O'Brien, P.E., District 6-0, at (610) 964-6526, or Mr. John R. Laughner, P.E., District 6-0, at (610) 964-6539.
Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.
Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2268The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract for various geotechnical engineering services, preliminary engineering, environmental studies and/or final design services on various projects located in Engineering District 11-0. The Contract will be for a sixty (60) month period with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The required services may encompass a wide range of design, review and consultation efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects having short completion schedules. The anticipated types of projects may include, but are not limited to, bridge replacements or bridge rehabilitations with minor approach work, roadway betterments (3R Type), Capital Improvement Projects (bridges or roadways), maintenance type remediation and minor location studies. The maximum amount of the Open-End Contract will be $1.0 million.
The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three (3) firms for the purpose of negotiating an Open-End Contract based on the Department's evaluation of the acceptable letters of interest received in response to this solicitation. The ranking will be established directly from the letters of interest. Technical proposals will not be requested prior to the establishment of the ranking.
The following factors, listed in order of importance, will be considered by the Department during the evaluation of the firms submitting letters of interest:
a. Ability to package and present the Letter of Interest in accordance with the ''General Requirements and Information'' section.
b. Understanding of Department's requirements, design manuals, policies and specifications.
c. Specialized experience and technical competence of firm. The specific experience of individuals who constitute the firms shall be considered.
d. Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, ability to meet schedules and previous experience on Open-End Contracts.
e. Location of consultant in respect to the District. This will include ability/provisions for quick responses to District requests.
f. Method of controlling quality of projects and submissions. Consideration will be given to coordination between disciplines, subconsultants, etc.
The firm may be required to perform, but will not be limited to, the following geotechnical engineering services: review of geotechnical work performed by private engineering firms; perform geotechnical design for major Department designed projects; perform geotechnical investigations under a Health and Safety Plan; develop Health and Safety Plans (HASP) for projects; investigate and prioritize slope movements and other geologic hazards for future programming; install and/or monitor geotechnical instruments; perform geophysical investigations; geotechnical consultation during and after construction; review projects developed by local municipalities; drilling inspection in accordance with D.M. 4/D.M 1 qualifications and criteria; review of wetland designs from a geological and geotechnical perspective; emergency response to geologic hazards; review and comment on Department procedures and documents; review of right-of-way relinquishments; investigate tunnels and design any necessary remediations; review of requests of mine variances; review of permit requests; prepare man-hour loading analyses; investigate stability of retaining systems; develop specifications; water quality sampling and evaluation; review erosion and sedimentation plans from a geological or geotechnical perspective; develop experimental work plan activities and other research activities; review preliminary area reconnaissances (PAR'S), initial site assessments (ISA'S), preliminary site investigations (PSI'S), detailed site investigations (DSI'S) and waste management plans; prepare and review pavement designs; respond to requests from maintenance for various types of investigations; develop and administer subsurface boring sampling and testing contracts; perform stability analyses of slopes and retaining structures; preparation of erosion and sedimentation plans; perform scour analyses and developing remedial solutions; review of contour grading plans; review of storm water management plans; develop remediation schemes for acid mine drainage (AMD) problems; and preparation of geotechnical engineering reports. These services may include, but not be limited to, the following specific items: attend field views and prepare minutes; prepare submissions for field views and safety review meeting; perform related field surveys; plot topography and cross sections.
Most of the drilling and testing services will be provided by the Department through separate service purchase contracts with other contractors. However, the firm may be required to assist with letting separate non-professional contracts for drilling and soil, rock and water testing. The soil and rock testing must be performed at an AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) accredited laboratory and the water testing must be performed at a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources certified laboratory. Some tests may be required to be performed under a HASP.
The primary services to be provided are geotechnically related: however, other services may be required and they may include, but not be limited to, the following items: prepare submissions and materials necessary for the Department to prepare the application to Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the PUC field conference; attend and supply any required information for all PUC meetings and hearings during project design; develop erosion control details and narrative; develop right-of-way plans; prepare type, size and location reports; prepare hydraulic report for waterway approval; prepare bridge drawings; prepare traffic control plans and narrative; investigate utility and property involvement; prepare and disseminate right-of-entry letters; prepare prints and information required for a value engineering review; make the necessary investigations and adjustments to the design as a result of the value engineering review comments; make all necessary contact with railroad officials for any railroad-related costs estimates, permits, insurance, approvals and other required information; alternatives using benefit/cost analysis; document geotechnical study activities and findings; attend coordination and status meetings with District personnel and prepare minutes; and construction plans, specifications including special provisions and estimates.
The format and content of all documents, plans and specifications will be consistent with applicable State and Federal regulations and guidelines.
The firm may be required to perform any or all of the following environmental studies: air quality; surface water and groundwater hydrology; terrestrial ecology; wetlands; soils, geology; farmland; hazardous waste; visual quality; socioeconomic, cultural; Section 4(f) and Section 106 documents; and other related studies not identified above. The environmental studies will be conducted in accordance with Department policy and accepted analysis techniques and methodologies.
The reports and other written graphic material to be prepared may include, but are not limited to, early coordination and scoping correspondence; meeting minutes; public meetings ad hearing presentations; handouts and displays; technical basis reports; NEPA environmental documents; Section 106 documents; Section 4(f) evaluations; mitigation plans and reports; and wetland and floodplain findings.
The firm may also be required to perform any or all of the following in order to ensure a complete investigation has been performed: plans and lists of areas where soil, rock and water will be impacted and demolition will occur during proposed construction activities.
The services identified above are the general work activities that can be expected under this Open-End Contract. A more specific and project-related scope of work will be outlined for each individual Work Order developed under this Open-End Contract.
The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms (see ''General Requirements and Information'' section) shall be sent to: Mr. Raymond Hack, P.E., District Engineer, Engineering District 11-0, 45 Thoms Run Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, Attention Mr. Richard T. Curry, P.E.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. William R. Adams, P.E., District 11-0, at (412) 429-4919.
Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest for this Open-End Contract can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.
General Requirements and Information Firms interested in providing the above work and services are invited to submit two copies of a Letter of Interest are required information for each Project Reference Number for which the applicant wishes to be considered.
The first copy of the Letter of Interest and required information must be submitted to:
Mr. Charles W. Allwein, P.E., Chief
Consultant Selection Committee
7th Floor, Forum Place
555 Walnut Street
P. O. Box 3060
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-3060
Note: The Zip Code for express Mailing is 17101-1900
The Letter of Interest and required information must be received within twenty (20) calendar days of this Notice. The Deadline for receipt of a Letter of Interest at the above address is 4:30 P.M. prevailing time of the twentieth day.
The second copy of the letter of interest and required information must be submitted to the appropriate District Engineer/Administrator or the Bureau Director as indicated in the individual advertisement. This copy must be postmarked or delivered on or before the deadline indicated above.
If an individual, firm, or corporation not authorized to engage in the practice of engineering desires to submit a Letter of Interest, said individual, firm, or corporation may do so as part of a Joint Venture with an individual, firm, or corporate which is permitted under the state law to engage in the practice of engineering.
If a Joint Venture responds to a project advertisement, the Department of Transportation will not accept separate Letters of Interest from the Joint Venture constituents. A firm will not be permitted to submit on more than one (1) Joint Venture for the same Project Reference Number. Also a firm that responds to a project as a prime may not be included as a designated subcontractor to another firm that responds as a prime to the project. Multiple responses under any of the foregoing situations will cause the rejection of all responses of the firm or firms involved. The above does not preclude a firm from being set forth as a designated subcontractor to more than one (1) prime responding to the project advertisement.
If a goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation is established for an advertised project, firms expressing interest in the project must agree to ensure that Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as defined in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and currently certified by the Department of Transportation shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in any subcontracting or furnishing supplies or services approved under Form 442, Section 1.10(a). The Act requires that firms owned and controlled by women (WBEs) be included, as a presumptive group, within the definition of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). The goal for DBE participation shall be as stated in the individual project advertisement. Responding firms shall make good faith efforts to meet the DBE goal using DBEs (as they were defined prior to the act, WEBs or combinations thereof.
Proposing DBE firms must be certified at the time of submission of the Letter of Interest. If the selected firm fails to meet the established DBE participation goal, it shall be required to demonstrate its good faith efforts to attain the goal.
Responses are encouraged by small firms, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms, and other firms who have not previously performed work for the Department of Transportation.
The Department requests that each Letter of Interest include the following information and that the information be packaged and presented in the order indicated below to facilitate the Department's review and evaluation.
The firm's ability and willingness to package and present the requested information in the above order to facilitate the Department's review and evaluation will be the first factor considered in the evaluation process.
1. Transmittal Letter (Maximum of two (2) 8 1/2" x 11" typed pages, one side)
2. A fact sheet that includes the project reference number for which the applicant wishes to be considered, the firm's legal name, fictitious name (if applicable), and the firm's federal identification number. If the project advertisement indicated the Department will retain an engineering firm for the project, the applicant should indicate on this fact sheet the names and Professional Engineer License Number of individuals who are directing heads or employees of the firm who have responsible charge of the firm's engineering activities, and whose names and seals shall be stamped on all plans, specifications, plats, and reports issued by the firm. If the project advertisement indicated the Department will retain an Land Surveying firm for the project, the applicant should indicate on this fact sheet the names and Professional Land Surveyor Registration Number of individuals who are directing heads or employees of the firm who have responsible charge of the firm's land surveying activities, and whose names and seals shall be stamped on all plans, plats, and reports issued by the firm.
3. Project Organizational Chart (one page, one side, maximum size 11" x 17")
This Chart should show key staff from the prime and each subconsultant and their area of responsibility.
4. Standard Form 255, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire for Specific Project'' (one Form 255 for the project team)
The Standard Form 255 should be signed, dated, and filled out in its entirety, including Item No. 6 listing the proposed subconsultants and the type of work or service they will perform on the project.
Under Item 4 of this form, Column A must specify only the number of subconsultant personnel and Column B should specify only the number of prime consultant personnel to be assigned to work on this project reference number. Do not include the total personnel for either the subconsultant or prime consultant under Item 4 unless the total personnel are necessary to provide the required work and services.
The prime and each subconsultant should not include more than one page each for Items 10 and 11.
If a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal is specified for the project, the DBE must be currently certified by the Department of Transportation, and the name of the DBE and the work to be performed must be indicated in Item No. 6. If a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) firm is substituted for the DBE, the WBE firm must also be presently certified by the Department of Transportation and indicated in Item 6.
5. Standard Form 254, ''Architect-Engineer for Related Services Questionnaire''
A Standard Form 254, not more than one (1) year old as of the date of this advertisement, should accompany each Letter of Interest for the firm, each party to a Joint Venture, and for each subconsultant the firm or Joint Venture is proposing to use for the performance of professional services regardless of whether the subconsultant is an individual, a college professor, or a Company, unless an acceptable Standard Form 254 for the prime and each subconsultant/subcontractor is on file in both the Bureau of Design and the Engineering District Office or Central Office Bureau identified in the individual project advertisement.
These Forms should be assembled with the prime's form first, followed by the form for each subconsultant in the same order as the subconsultants appear in Item 6 of Standard Form 255.
6. Authorization Letters (if required)
If the advertisement requires a letter signed by individuals giving their approval to use their name in the Letter of Interest, the letters from proposed prime employees should be first, followed by subconsultant employees, in the same order as shown in Item 6 of Standard Form 255.
7. Registration To Do Business
Firms with out-of-state headquarters or corporations not incorporated in Pennsylvania must include, with each Letter of Interest, a copy of their registration to do business in the Commonwealth as provided by the Department of State. Firms who are not registered to do business in Pennsylvania at the time of this advertisement must document that they have applied for registration to the Department of State, Corporation Bureau. The telephone number for the Corporation Bureau is (717) 787-1057 or (717) 787-2004.
8. Overhead Rates (one page)
A single page summary should indicate the latest audited overhead rate developed in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for the prime consultant and each subconsultant. If a FAR rate is not available, the latest rate available from a Certified Public Accountant must be indicated. New firms should indicate how long the firm has been in existence and when an audited overhead rate would be available.
9. Additional Information
Additional information, not to exceed ten (10) one sided 8 1/2" x 11" pages or five (5) double sided 8 1/2" x 11" pages may be included at the discretion of the submitting firm.
Letters of Interest will be rejected for the following reasons:
1. Received after the cut-off time and date specified above.
2. Failure to identify a Department Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) if a DBE participation goal is identified in the advertised project.
3. Failure to include a copy of the registration to do business in the Commonwealth, if applicable.
The assignment of the agreement/contract for the above advertisement(s) will be made to one of the firms who submitted an acceptable Letter of Interest in response to the project advertisement. The assignment will be made based on the Department's evaluation of the firm's qualification and capabilities. The Department reserves the right to reject all letters submitted, to cancel the solicitations requested under this Notice, and/or to readvertise solicitation for the work and services.
BRADLEY L. MALLORY,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 98-1958. Filed for public inspection November 27, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]
