2315 Retention of an environmental firm

TURNPIKE COMMISSION

Retention of an Environmental Firm

[31 Pa.B. 7008]

Archaeological Resource Investigations
Susquehanna River Bridge Replacement Project
Reference No. 3-148

   The Turnpike Commission (Commission) will retain an environmental firm for a contract to perform archaeological resource investigations for the Susquehanna River Bridge Replacement Project. The Commission is currently performing design activities for this Project. In keeping with the most recent revisions to section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Commission has performed a Determination of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) consultation and a Phase IA Archaeological Survey. The results of the Phase IA Archaeological Survey indicate that areas of high archaeological sensitivity exist within several portions of the APE. As a result of the Phase IA survey, potentially intact archaeological deposits have been located in the APE. The Phase IA Survey recommends continued archaeological investigations.

   The selected firm will be required to perform archaeological work on Calver Island and in the east shore area of the Susquehanna River. Tasks would include field work and testing, delimitation of site boundaries and significance, and report preparation.

   The Commission is committed to the inclusion of disadvantaged, minority and woman firms in contracting opportunities. The minimum participation level for DBE/MBE/WBEs in this contract will be 10% total. Responding firms shall clearly identify DBE/MBE/WBE firms, expected to participate in this contract, in their letter of interest. If the selected firm does not meet the minimum requirement for DBE/MBE/WBE participation, they will be required to demonstrate good faith efforts to achieve the required level. Proposed DBE/MBE/WBE firms must be certified by the Department of Transportation (Department) at the time of the submission of the letter of interest. If further information is desired concerning DBE/MBE/WBE participation, direct inquiries to the Commission's Contracts Administration office by calling [phone] Ext. 4241.

   The following factors will be considered by the Commission during the evaluation of the firms submitting Statements of Interest for these projects:

   a.  Specialized experience and technical competence of prime consultant and subconsultants. The Team must clearly demonstrate an ability to analyze available data to make decisions and develop documents to complete the project in a timely and cost effective manner.

   b.  Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, ability to meet schedules and previous experience on similar projects. The consultant should identify similar projects that have been completed by that firm as the prime, the magnitude of the project and the client.

   c.  The specific experience and number of individuals who constitute the firm.

   d.  Workload of similar projects of the prime consultant and subconsultants.

   e.  Other factors, if any, specific to the project.

   Address these items and any necessary further details in a brief yet comprehensive manner in the letter of interest.

   Questions and inquiries concerning this solicitation should be directed to David P. Willis at [phone], ext. 3570 or by e-mail at [e-mail]. Contractual questions should be directed to George M. Hatalowich at [phone] or by e-mail at [e-mail].

General Requirements and Information

   Firms interested in providing the previous work and services are invited to submit a Statement of Interest with the required information. The Statements of Interest must include the following:

   1.  One page transmittal letter clearly identifying the project reference number, brief description of the project from the advertisement, the firm's Federal identification number, the firm's legal name, contact person or project manager, address of corporate office and project office. (If the firm has multiple offices, the location of the office performing the work must be identified).

   2.  A three-page statement of interest on the advertised project. Each firm should demonstrate their ability to perform the specific requirements indicated for each project and provide explanation of the technical approach.

   3.  An organization chart for the Project, identifying key personnel and any subconsultants and their roles. Any deviation from the subconsultant's listed in the statement of interest will require written approval from the Commission.

   4.  A Consultant Qualification Package similar to the one submitted to the Department for the current year or one that is best suited for this project. A copy of the Consultant Qualification Package printed directly from the Department's ECMS website is acceptable.

   The Consultant Qualification Package should contain at a minimum the following information for the prime consultant and all subconsultants and attached to the back of the statement of interest (subs to follow primes):

   *  ECMS General Information and Project Experience Forms or Standard Form (SF) 254--Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire in its entirety, either not more than 1 year old as of the date of the advertisement.

   *  Resumes of key personnel expected to be involved in the project. (limit to two 8 1/2 x 11 pages, per person). Only resumes of key personnel should be included.

   *  Copy of the firm's registration to do business in this Commonwealth as provided by the Department of State for firms with out-of-State headquarters or corporations not incorporated in this Commonwealth.

   *  A copy of the Department's DBE/WBE Certification, if applicable.

   If a Joint Venture responds to a project advertisement, the Commission will not accept separate statements of interest from joint venture constituents. A firm will not be permitted to submit a statement of interest on more than one 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 subconsultant to another firm that responds to the same project advertisement. Multiple responses under any of the forgoing situations will cause the rejection of all responses of the firm or firms involved. This does not preclude a firm from being set forth as a designated subconsultant to more than one prime consultant responding to the project advertisement.

   Firms interested in performing the previous services are invited to submit a statement of interest and required information to George M. Hatalowich, Engineering Contract Manager, at the Turnpike Commission Administration Building located at 700 South Eisenhower Boulevard, Middletown, PA 17057 (street address). The Commission mailing address is P. O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676.

   The statement of interest and required information must be received by 12 p.m., Friday, January 11, 2002. Any statements of interest received after this date and time will be time-stamped and returned.

   Based on an evaluation of acceptable statements of interest received in response to these solicitations, a minimum of three firms will be shortlisted for this project. Technical proposals will be requested from the shortlisted firms and oral presentations will be required prior to the establishment of the final ranking. An order of preference will be established for the purpose of negotiating an agreement with the highest ranked firm established by the Technical Review Committee and approved by the Commission.

   The Commission reserves the right to reject all statements of interest, to cancel solicitation requested under this notice and/or to readvertise solicitation for the work and services.

BRADLEY L. MALLORY,   
Chairperson

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-2315. Filed for public inspection December 21, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]