2283 Retention of engineering firms

Retention of Engineering Firms

[30 Pa.B. 6958]

Allegheny County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2649

   The Department will retain an engineering firm to provide preliminary engineering, final design, and construction consultation services on S.R. 0019, Section A13, Wexford Flats Project, Allegheny County.

   This project is to widen and resurface the existing 2.25-mile corridor of S.R. 0019 Section A13, known as Wexford Flats, located in McCandless and Pine Townships, Allegheny County. The project will include widening the roadway at key intersections to provide left turn standby lanes and also restrict left turning movements throughout the corridor except at key intersections. The estimated construction cost is approximately $4 million.

   The Department will consider the following factors, listed in the order of importance, during the evaluation of the firms submitting letters of interest:

   1.  Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, ability to meet schedules, and previous experience on similar projects.

   2.  Specialized experience and technical competence of firm.

   3.  Experience and abilities of key personnel (i.e., project manager, etc.) that will be assigned to the project.

   4.  Subconsultants (if any) assigned to this project.

   5.  Special requirements of the project: firm's experience in highway design and maintenance and protection of traffic on similar type of projects.

   6.  Available staffing for this assignment and ability to meet the Department's needs.

   7.  Location of consultant in respect to the District/project.

   The firm selected may be required to perform a variety of services including, but not limited to the following: project administration; field surveys; utility coordination; preliminary right-of-way investigation; safety reviews; pavement design/analysis; preliminary line, grade and typical section development; preliminary traffic control, signal design, pavement design and Design Field View actions.

   Final design activities may include, but not limited to: drainage design; right-of-way plans; traffic control plans; signing and pavement marking plans; signal design plan; and preparation of a Plans, Specification and Estimates (PS&E) package. Agency and public involvement activities may also be required.

   The design of this project will be developed in English units.

   The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this Agreement shall be fifteen percent (15%) 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).

   This project reference assignment is considered complex. The letter of interest shall be limited to a maximum of five (5) pages (8 1/2" × 11", one sided), including any transmittal sheets, plus an organizational chart (up to 11" × 17" size) and additional resumes, if applicable. Any number and/or page size beyond these maximums will not be reviewed by the Department. See the General Requirements and Information Section for additional Letter of Interest conditions.

   The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:

      Mr. Raymond S. Hack, P.E., District Engineer
      Engineering District 11-0
      45 Thoms Run Road
      Bridgeville, PA 15017
            Attention: Shaun E. Werner, Project Manager

   The Letter of Interest submission for this project reference number must be received at the address listed above by 4:30 p.m. prevailing time on the tenth (10th) day following the date of this Notice.

   The District will announce the firms that have been shortlisted at an open public meeting to be held at Engineering District 11-0, 45 Thoms Run Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017. All candidates that have submitted a letter of interest will be notified of the date. Please specify a contact person in the Letter-of- Interest.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Shaun E. Werner, phone number [phone], fax number [phone].

Statewide
Project Reference Number 08430AG2650

   The Department will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract for waste management, pollution prevention and environmental health and safety services on various projects located throughout the Commonwealth. The Contract will be for sixty (60) month period with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The maximum amount of the Open-End Contract will be five million ($5,000,000) dollars.

   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 letters of interest received in response to this solicitation. The final ranking will be established directly from the letters of interest. Technical proposals will not be requested prior to the establishment of the final ranking.

   The following factors, listed in the order of importance, will be considered by the Department during the evaluation of all firms submitting letters of interest:

   a.  Compliance with Letter of Interest submission requirements (see ''General Requirements and Information'' section).

   b.  Relative past performance record with respect to work quality, cost control, ability to meet schedules, client satisfaction and experience on open-end contracts.

   c.  Expertise and experience of personnel, available staffing, and ability to provide the range of services required.

   d.  Management quality at all levels, management quality assurance/quality control, ability to interface with the client organization at all levels.

   e.  Ability to serve the entire agency.

   f.  Experience and effectiveness dealing with relevant regulatory agencies.

   g.  Experience with the design and construction of state transportation systems, and prior experience with the Department of Transportation.

   Work assignments will be assigned on an ''as-needed'' basis at the discretion of the Department. Assignments may entail work at all levels of Engineering District and Central Office operations.

   A wide range of waste management, pollution prevention and environmental health and safety services may be required. Under the supervision and direction of the Department, the selected firm may be required to perform any or all of the following services including, but not limited to: attend scoping meetings; develop health and safety plans; conduct environmental site assessments and associated activities including, but not limited to sampling, analysis, surveying, modeling, reporting and documenting; develop and evaluate remediation options; develop and evaluate pollution prevention options; develop waste management and remedial action plans recommendations, specifications and estimates for bid documents; advise relative to and prepare waste manifests, permits, and other regulatory and required submissions; provide oversight; provide health and safety monitoring; conduct environmental and/or health & safety risk-based assessments; provide post-construction environmental monitoring; provide storage tank support services including, but not limited to inspecting, testing, certifying and investigating; provide environmental technical assistance in support of the Department's Strategic Environmental Management Program; perform pollution prevention, energy efficiency and compliance audits; provide management and technical assistance in support of the Department's Strategic Recycling Program; provide environmental technical assistance in support of right- of-way acquisition; develop and provide the means to disseminate environmental and regulatory information to Department personnel and other appropriate parties; assist and/or represent the Department when meeting with regulatory agencies and the public; and develop and evaluate technical documents.

   The services identified above are 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.

   This project reference assignment is considered non-complex. The letter of interest shall be limited to a maximum of ten (10) pages, 8 1/2" inches × 11 inches, one-sided, plus an organizational chart (up to 11 inches × 17 inches size), and additional resumes, if applicable (See the General Requirements and Information Section).

   The Letter of interest shall be sent to:

      Mr. Kenneth J. Thornton, P.G.
      Chief (Acting), Pollution Prevention Division
      Bureau of Environmental Quality
      P. O. Box 2957, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2957

   The Letter of Interest submission for this project reference number must be received at the address listed above by 4:30 p.m. prevailing time on the twentieth (20th) day following the date of this Notice.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. David P. Condo, phone number [phone].

Dauphin and Cumberland Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2651

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide a Master Plan for S.R. 0083, Section 034, Interstate 83 from and including the S.R. 0581 Interchange in Cumberland County to the Interstate 81 Interchange in Dauphin County for a total length of approximately 9.5 miles.

   The required services will include preparation of a Master Plan for the Interstate 83 corridor around Harrisburg which will include: obtaining aerial surveys; collecting and analyzing traffic and safety data; utilizing and incorporating data from the Tri-County traffic model; evaluating environmental factors and issues including cultural resources, wetlands, air quality, noise, regional/community growth, flood plains, wildlife, community cohesion, streams and waterways, and hazardous waste; coordinating with state and federal agencies; managing public involvement; identifying traffic congestion locations within the corridor; integrating regional planning issues such as: ITS, transit planning and land use; measuring feasibility/benefits of possible improvements; developing improvement alternatives with pros and cons for Department evaluation and selection; evaluating Department recommended improvements for programming consideration along with the expected level of environmental clearance, costs and schedules for each in order for the Department to make final project recommendations; and developing implementation scenarios for the Department's evaluation and programming. Welcom's Open Plan software will be used by the Department for project management and tracking. A Quality Development Plan will be prepared by the selected firm.

   The Department is seeking a multi-disciplined team with environmental, highway design, traffic analysis, public involvement, and structure design experience.

   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)  Specialized experience and technical competence with similar transportation issues and their ability to provide innovative solutions to complex technical problems.

   b)  The project team's understanding of possible issues for the project based on their observations.

   c)  Ability of the project team to communicate effectively in various mediums and provide strong public involvement management skills.

   d)  Ability to use technology for effective project development.

   e)  Project team management including sub-consultants and how the project manager will manage several disciplines and interact successfully with the District.

   f)  Past record with respect to cost control, work quality, and ability to meet schedules.

   The selected firm and any sub-consultant firms working on this Master Plan will be allowed to participate in any future projects that the Department would recommend from this Master Plan.

   Oral presentations will be required from the three shortlisted firms.

   The goal for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this Agreement shall be ten (10%) percent of the total contact price. Additional information concerning DBE participation in this Agreement is contained in the General Requirements and Information Section after the advertised project(s).

   This project reference assignment is considered complex. The Letter of Interest shall be limited to a maximum of five (5) pages, 8 1/2" × 11", one sided, plus an organizational chart (up to 11" × 17" size), and additional resumes, if applicable. (See the General Requirements and Informational Section).

   The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:

      District Consultant Selection Committee
      Barry G. Hoffman, P.E., District Engineer
      Engineering District 8-0
      2140 Herr Street
      Harrisburg, PA 17103-1699
      Attention:  John M. Bachman, Senior Project
         Manager
      Letter of Interest Enclosed

   The Letter of Interest submission for this project reference number must be received at the address above by 4:30 p.m. prevailing time on the twentieth (20th) day following the date of this Notice.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. John M. Bachman, District 8-0, at [phone].

Montgomery County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2652

   The Department will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately seven (7) inspectors, under the Department's Inspector(s)-in-Charge for construction inspection and documentation services on the following projects:

1.  S.R. 0309, Section 1FF, Montgomery County Local Name: There are various street names. This project involves intersection and roadway improvements to alternate 309 routes. This work is to be done prior to the restoration of Traffic Route 309. Work includes bituminous paving, drainage, sidewalks, curbs, traffic signal upgrades, pavement markings, signing, widening a reinforced concrete T-Beam bridge by using prestressed concrete box beams, and the replacement of and existing concrete culvert with a precast reinforced concrete box culvert. The work is located in Abington, Cheltenham, Lower Gwynedd, Springfield, and Upper Dublin Townships.

2.  S.R. 0309, Section 2FF, Montgomery County Local Name: There are various street names. This project involves intersection and roadway improvements to alternate 309 routes. This work is to be done prior to the restoration of Traffic Route 309. Work includes drainage, curb and sidewalk improvements, traffic signal improvements including fiber optic interconnect, roadway widening, milling, and bituminous paving. The work is located in Lower Gwynedd, Springfield, Upper Dublin, and Whitemarsh Townships.

   Department policy requires firms providing construction inspection services to have a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) field overhead rate established. The Department's current policy (SOL-430-91-34) requires a firm to submit their proposed field and office cost allocation approach, before the beginning of the fiscal year where the separate overhead rates would apply. This approach must comply with the provisions set forth in Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (48 CFR Chapter 1) which governs the determination of the eligibility of costs making up the firm's Direct and Indirect Costs.

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three (3) firms for the purpose of negotiating an Engineering Agreement based on the Department's evaluation of the acceptable letters of interest received in response to this solicitation. The final ranking will be established directly from the letters of interest. Technical proposals will not be requested prior to the establishment of the final 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.  Review of inspectors' resumes with emphasis on construction inspection capabilities and Department experience, and supervisory experience.

   b.  Any specialized construction inspection experience in traffic signals installation and installation of traffic signal systems, concrete, asphalt paving, drainage, pavement markings, and maintenance and protection of traffic.

   c.  Understanding of Department's requirements, policies, and specifications and experience in District 6-0.

   d.  Ability to provide ''CDS'' operators or other personnel capable of inputting data into a personal computer. (TCIS or TCI classifications)

   e.  Number of NICET and NECEPT certified inspectors in each payroll classification.

   f.  Past performance.

   A minimum of two (2) individuals, as part of the inspection staff, must have NECEPT Bituminous Field Technician certification, and two (2) must have ''CDS'' ability or experience. The periods of time these projects are under construction will overlap.

   The qualifications and experience required of the firm's inspectors will be established by the Department, and the qualifications of the firm's proposed employees will be reviewed and approved by the Department.

   It is anticipated that the supplementary construction inspection staff for this assignment will consist of the following number of inspectors who meet the requirements for the following inspection classifications:

	No. of
Classification	Inspectors
Transportation Construction Ins. Super. (TCIS)	2 (2)
(NICET Highway Construction Level 3 or       equivalent)
Transportation Construction Inspector (TCI)	5 (4)
(NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or       equivalent)

   The number(s) in parenthesis above indicate the number of inspectors in each Classification that must meet at least one of the following requirements:

   1.  Be certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) in the field of Transportation Engineering Technology, subfield of Highway Construction, or subfield of Highway Materials, at the Level required for the Inspection Classification.

   2.  Be registered as a Professional Engineer by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the required highway experience specified for the Inspection Classification.

   3.  Be certified as an Engineer-in-Training by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the required highway experience specified for the Inspection Classification.

   4.  Hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering Technology with the required highway experience specified for the Inspection Classification.

   5.  Hold an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology with the required highway experience specified for the Inspection Classification.

   The maximum hourly payroll rate for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year 2001 shall be as shown:

Payroll Classification	Maximum Straight Time
	Hourly Payroll Rate
	(Year 2001)
(TCIS)	$21.05
(TCI)	$17.65

   If applicable, the maximum straight time hourly payroll rate for subsequent calendar years will be established at the scope of work meeting.

   The maximum hourly payroll rate is the maximum hourly rate paid to an employee in a specific Department Payroll classification. The Department reserves the right to negotiate hourly payroll rates of compensation of individuals based on knowledge, experience and education up to the payroll classification maximum hourly payroll rate.

   The firm selected may be required to attend a pre-construction conference with the Department and the construction contractor for this project. Under the supervision and direction of the Department, the selected firm will be required to keep records and document the construction work; prepare current and final estimates for payment to the construction contractor; assist the Department in obtaining compliance with the labor standards, safety and accident prevention, and equal opportunity provisions of the contract item; and perform other duties as may be required. Firms applying must have qualified personnel capable of climbing structures during installation of conduits for fiber optic interconnects.

   The firm selected will be required to supply the following equipment:

Quantity	Item
{5}	Cellular Phones (for Engineer's employees only)
*  The Department will directly reimburse the selected engineering firm for the above equipment, for use by the consultant inspection staff at their actual cost not to exceed the maximum direct reimbursement shown below.
*  Cell Phone    Usage*	As per invoice

   If the equipment is self-owned, reimbursement will be based on actual cost of ownership not to exceed the maximum allowable. If equipment is from an outside supplier, the engineer must secure a minimum of three written quotes. The Department reserves the right to request additional quotes.

*Cost of phone and activation fees are not eligible for direct reimbursement

   The Department will reimburse for actual miles driven on the project as directed by the Department, and a maximum of $32.50/day for either mileage to and from the work site or lodging. An inspector will not be reimbursed for a combination of the two during the same day. Mileage will be reimbursed for the most direct route from the inspector's residence or the Consultant's office, whichever is less, to the project site and return at the lesser of the maximum mileage rate established by the Commonwealth or the firm's current policy. The first 15 miles each day of an inspector's commute from and to his/her residence or the consultant's office to the work location is considered normal commuting travel and will not be eligible for mileage reimbursement. Lodging will be reimbursed at a maximum rate of $32.50/day, in lieu of mileage, but receipts for all costs must be provided to the Department with the Engineer's invoice. Lodging will only be reimbursed for employees whose home or headquarters is more than 65 miles from the project.

   Letters of interest for this project must include a letter, signed by the individuals you propose for all TCIS positions, giving their approval to use their name in your letter of interest for this specific project.

   The maximum number of resumes to be included in the letter of interest shall be as follows:

Classification	No. of Resumes
TCIS	{3}
TCI	{6}

   This project reference assignment is considered non- complex. The letter of interest shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) pages (8 1/2" × 11", one sided), including any transmittal sheets, plus an organizational chart (up to 11" × 17" size) and additional resumes, if applicable. Any number and/or page size beyond these maximums will not be reviewed by the Department. See the General Requirements and Information Section for additional Letter of Interest conditions.

   The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:

      Mr. Andrew L. Warren, District Administrator
      Engineering District 6-0
      7000 Geerdes Blvd.
      King-of-Prussia, PA 19406-1525

   The Letter of Interest submission for this project reference number must be received at the address listed above by 4:30 p.m. prevailing time on the twentieth (20th) day following the date of this Notice.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Mr. Tom Larney, phone number [phone], fax number [phone].

General Requirements and Information

   Firms interested in providing the above work and services are invited to submit a Letter of Interest with the required information for each Project Reference Number for which the applicant wishes to be considered.

   The Letter of Interest and required information must be submitted to the person designated in the individual advertisement.

   The Letter of Interest and required information must be received by the Deadline indicated in the individual advertisement.

   For District projects, all consultants, both prime consultants and subconsultants, who desire to be included in a Letter of Interest must have an Annual Qualification Package on file with the appropriate District Office, by the deadline stipulated in the individual advertisements.

   For Statewide projects, all consultants, both prime consultants and subconsultants, who desire to be included in a Letter of Interest must have an Annual Qualification Package on file with Central Office, Bureau of Design by the deadline stipulated in the individual advertisements.

   Information concerning the Annual Qualification Package can be found in Strike-off Letter No. 433-99-04 or under the Notice to all Consultants published in the February 27, 1999 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

   By submitting a letter of interest for the projects that request engineering services, the consulting firm is certifying that the firm is qualified to perform engineering services in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A firm not conforming to this requirement may submit a letter of interest as a part of a joint venture with an individual, firm or corporation which is permitted under State law to engage in the practice of engineering.

   The letter of interest must include full disclosure of any potential conflict of interest by the prime or any subconsultant based on Engineering Involvement Restrictions Guidelines as established in Strike-off Letter No. 433-00-02 published March 27, 2000. If there are no potential conflicts you shall include the following statement: ''I have reviewed Strike-off Letter No. 433-00-02 and determine that there are no potential conflicts of interest for anyone on this project team.''

   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 a Letter of Interest 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 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century (TEA-21) and currently certified by the Department of Transportation shall have the opportunity to participate in any subcontracting or furnishing supplies or services approved under Form 442, Section 1.10(a). The TEA-21 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 are defined prior to the act, WBEs or combinations thereof).

   Proposed 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.

   Letters of Interest for will be considered non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration for any of the following reasons:

   1.  Letters of Interest not received on time.

   2.  Project of interest is not identified.

   3.  An Annual Qualification Package for the prime consultant and all subconsultants is not on file with the organization receiving the Letter of Interest.

   4.  Conflict of Interest evaluation statement is not included.

   5.  A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal is established for the Project Reference Number but no DBE/WBE is identified and no good faith effort is included.

   6.  Firm submitted a Letter of Interest on more than one (1) Joint Venture or a firm submitted a Letter of Interest as a prime and was also included as a subconsultant, to another firm. Multiple responses under any of the foregoing situations will cause the rejection of all responses of the firm, or firms, involved.

   In addition to the above reasons, a Letter of Interest for Construction Inspection Services will be considered non- responsive for any of the following reasons:

   1.  Prime consultant or any subconsultant does not have a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Audit Field Overhead Rate on file with the Department.

   2.  Using an individual's resume without including a letter granting the individual's approval for TCIS and higher positions.

   3.  Exceeding the maximum number of resumes in a payroll classification.

   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. 00-2283. Filed for public inspection December 29, 2000, 9:00 a.m.]