154 Retention of engineering firms

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Retention of Engineering Firms

[27 Pa.B. 624]

Lehigh County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2048

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately five inspectors, under the Department's Inspector-in-Charge, for construction inspection and documentation services on S. R. 0145, Section 01B, the replacement of Treichlers Bridge, in North Whitehall and Lehigh Townships, Lehigh County, Engineering District 5-0.

   This project involves replacement of the existing Treichlers Bridge with dual 8 span continuous steel girder bridges approximately 1,200 feet each in length, or alternative prestressed concrete bridges, over the Lehigh River and Consolidated Rail Corporation; also construction of approximately 3,336 linear feet of bituminous concrete base course with a bituminous binder course ID-2 and bituminous wearing course ID-2, also extension of a box culvert, mechanically stabilized earth wingwalls and abutments, and removal of existing bridge; also building demolition, guide rail upgrading, drainage improvements, traffic signals, and pavement marking.

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three 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 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.  Review of inspectors' resumes with emphasis on construction inspection capabilities and specialized experience in the maintenance and protection of traffic, soils, structures, concrete, asphalt paving, drainage, guide rail, traffic signals and pavement markings.

   b.  Understanding of Department's requirements, policies and specifications.

   c.  Past performance.

   d.  Number of available inspectors in each payroll classification.

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

   f.  Workload.

   The qualifications and experience required of the firm's inspectors will be established by the Department, and the qualifications of the firm's proposed employes 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 Insp. Super.		2 (2)
(TCIS)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 3 or equivalent)
Transportation Construction Inspector		3 (1)
(TCI)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or equivalent)

   The numbers 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 reimbursement per hour of inspection for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year 1997 will be the following rates:

Payroll Classification		Rate Per Hour
Transportation    Construction    Inspector    Supervisor	(TCIS)	$38.90 (ST)   $44.88 (OT)
Transportation    Construction    Inspector	(TCI)	$34.42 (ST)   $39.28 (OT)

   Maximum reimbursable rate per hour of inspection for subsequent calendar years, if applicable, will be established at the scope of work meeting. The maximum rate per hour of inspection includes all costs to have the inspector on the project site.

   The firm selected may be required to attend a preconstruction 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 painting, rehabilitation or construction.

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

   Transmittal letters for the letters of interest shall be limited to four pages or less.

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

Classification	No. of Resumes
TCIS	3
TCI	4

   No resumes are required on the TA classification.

   The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this agreement shall be 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 projects.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to Walter E. Bortree, P.E., District Engineer, Engineering District 5-0, 1713 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103.

   Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Brian H. Graver, District 5-0, at [phone].

   Questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at [phone].

Monroe County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2049

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately 11 inspectors, under the Department's Inspector-in-Charge, for construction inspection and documentation services on S. R. 0380, Section 01M, the restoration of Interstate Route 380 in Tobyhanna, Coolbaugh, Lehigh and Clifton Townships, Monroe, Wayne and Lackawanna Counties, Engineering District 5-0.

   This project involves the rubblization of approximately 38,700 linear feet of divided roadway with type 2 rubblization, 120 inch depth plain cement concrete pavement on subbase, and type 1 and type 2 concrete shoulders on subbase; also the reconstruction of approximately 17,400 linear feet of divided roadway with 12-inch depth plain cement concrete pavement on subbase, and type 1 and type 2 concrete shoulders on subbase; also the construction of permanent median crossovers, with 12-inch depth plain cement concrete pavement on subbase; also drainage, guide rail and concrete barrier, pavement base drain, and other miscellaneous roadway items; also the construction of two live load distribution slabs over existing culverts and the redecking of two dual 3-span and one 5-span prestressed concrete box beam bridges; also signing items, pavement markings and delineators; also traffic control items; also erosion and sediment pollution control items; within a length of 66,429.45 feet (12.581 miles).

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three 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 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.  Review of inspectors' resumes with emphasis on construction inspection capabilities and specialized experience in the maintenance and protection of traffic, soils, structures, concrete, asphalt paving, drainage, rubblizing, guide rail and signing.

   b.  Understanding of Department's requirements, policies and specifications.

   c.  Past performance.

   d.  Number of available inspectors in each payroll classification.

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

   f.  Workload.

   The qualifications and experience required of the firm's inspectors will be established by the Department, and the qualifications of the firm's proposed employes 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 Manager 1		1 (1)
(TCM-1)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 4 or equivalent)
Transportation Construction Insp. Super.		3 (2)
(TCIS)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 3 or equivalent)
Transportation Construction Inspector		7 (4)
(TCI)	{NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or equivalent)

   The numbers 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 reimbursement per hour of inspection for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year 1997 will be the following rates:

Payroll Classification		Rate Per Hour
Transportation    Construction    Manager 1	(TCM-1)	$43.96   (ST)   $40.96 (OT)
Transportation    Construction    Inspector    Supervisor	(TCIS)	$38.90   (ST)   $44.88 (OT)
Transportation    Construction    Inspector	(TCI)	$34.42   (ST)   $39.28 (OT)

   Maximum reimbursable rate per hour of inspection for subsequent calendar years, if applicable, will be established at the scope of work meeting. The maximum rate per hour of inspection includes all costs to have the inspector on the project site.

   The firm selected may be required to attend a preconstruction 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 painting, rehabilitation or construction.

   Letters of interest for this project must include a letter, signed by the individuals proposed for all TCM-1 and TCIS positions, giving their approval to use their names in the letter of interest for this specific project.

   Transmittal letters for the letters of interest shall be limited to four pages or less.

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

Classification	No. of Resumes
TCM-1	2
TCIS	4
TCI	9

   No resumes are required on the TA classification.

   The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this agreement shall be 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 projects.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to Walter E. Bortree, P.E., District Engineer, Engineering District 5-0, 1713 Lehigh Street, Allentown, PA 18103.

   Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Brian H. Graver, District 5-0, at [phone].

   Questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at [phone].

Fayette, Greene, Washington and
Westmoreland Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2050

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately 16 inspectors, under the Department's Inspector-in-Charge, for construction inspection and documentation services on the following six group projects:

   Group Project I (12-97-SI1, Section 000) in Fayette County; Group Project II (12-97-SI1-2, Section 000) in Fayette County; Group Project III (12-97-SI-2, Section 000) in Greene County; Group Project IV (12-97-SI-4, Section 000) in Washington County; Group Project V (12-97-SI-5, Section 000) in Westmoreland County; and Group Project VI (12-97-SI5-2, Section 000) in Westmoreland County

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three 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 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.  Number of NICET certified inspectors in each payroll classification.

   b.  Review of inspectors' resumes with emphasis on construction inspection capabilities and specialized experience in the maintenance and protection of traffic, soils, structures, concrete, asphalt paving and drainage.

   c.  Understanding of Department's requirements, policies and specifications.

   d.  Past performance.

   e.  Workload.

   The qualifications and experience required of the firm's inspectors will be established by the Department, and the qualifications of the firm's proposed employes 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 Inspector		15 (9)
(TCI)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or equivalent)
Technical Assistant		1 (0)
(TA)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 1 or equivalent)

   The numbers 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 reimbursement per hour of inspection for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year 1997 will be the following rates:

Payroll Classification		Rate Per Hour
Transportation    Construction    Inspector	(TCI)	$34.42   (ST)   $39.28 (OT)
Technical Assistant	(TA)	$24.60   (ST)   $27.00 (OT)

   Maximum reimbursable rate per hour of inspection for subsequent calendar years, if applicable, will be established at the scope of work meeting. The maximum rate per hour of inspection includes all costs to have the inspector on the project site.

   The firm selected may be required to attend a preconstruction 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; one inspector qualified to perform nuclear density tests and nuclear gauges; and perform other duties as may be required. Firms applying must have qualified personnel capable of climbing structures during painting, rehabilitation or construction.

   Transmittal letters for the letters of interest shall be limited to four pages or less.

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

Classification	No. of Resumes
TCI	18

   No resumes are required on the TA classification.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to Michael H. Dufalla, P.E., District Engineer, Engineering District 12-0, P. O. Box 459, North Gallatin Avenue Extension, Uniontown, PA 15401.

   Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Anthony Dzurko, P.E., District 12-0, at [phone].

   Questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at [phone].

Bradford County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2051

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for environmental studies, preliminary engineering, final design and engineering services during construction for S. R. 1056, Section 001, a proposed bridge replacement or rehabilitation project. The existing bridge, a National Register eligible historic resource, spans the north branch of the Susquehanna River in Athens Borough and Athens Township, Bradford County. The estimated construction cost is $4.6 million.

   The selected firm will be required to provide environmental studies such as wetland delineations evaluations, and mitigation; cultural resources evaluations; hazardous waste assessments; and preparation of an Environmental Assessment/Programmatic 4(f) document. Engineering services will include, but not be limited to:  field surveys; utility coordination; alignment studies; hydrologic and hydraulic analysis; roadway drainage design; core boring inspection; foundation analysis and design; right-of-way plans; erosion and sediment pollution control plan; maintenance and protection of traffic plan; signing and pavement marking plan; structure drawings; pavement design; and final construction plans, specifications and estimates. Engineering services during construction will include shop drawing reviews and consultation services.

   The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this agreement shall be 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 projects.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to Paul E. Heise, P.E., District Engineer, Engineering District 3-0, 715 Jordan Avenue, Montoursville, PA 17754-0218.

   Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Russell E. Campbell, P.E., District 3-0, at [phone].

   Questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at [phone].

General Requirements and Information

   Firms interested in providing the above work and services are invited to submit two copies of a letter of interest and required forms for each Project Reference Number for which the applicant wishes to be considered.

   One copy of the letter of interest and required forms must be submitted to Director, Bureau of Design, Consultant Selection Committee, Forum Place, 555 Walnut Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-1900.

   The letter of interest and required forms must be received within 13 calendar days of this notice. The deadline for receipt of a letter of interest at the above address is 4:30 p.m. prevailing tiime of the thirteenth day.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms 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 corporation which is permitted under 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 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 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), 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 goal established, it shall be required to demonstrate its good faith efforts to attain the goal.

   Responses are encouraged by small engineering firms, disadvantaged business enterprise engineering firms and other engineering firms who have not previously performed work for the Department of Transportation.

   Each letter of interest must include the following:

   1.  The project reference number for which the applicant wishes to be considered.

   2.  The firm's legal name, factious name (if applicable), and the firm's Federal identification number.

   3.  If the project advertisement indicated the Department will retain an engineering firm for the project, the applicant must indicate the names and license number of individuals who are directing heads or employes of the firm who is responsible of the firm's engineering activities, and whose names and seal shall be stamped on all plans, specifications, plats and reports issued by the firm.

   4.  Standard Form 255, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire for Specific Project.'' The Standard Form 255 must 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.

   If a Disadvantage 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 firm 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'' not more than 1 year old as of the date of this advertisement, must 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 of a Company, unless an acceptable Standard Form 254 for the prie and each subconsultant/subcontractor is on file in both the Bureau of Design and the Engineering District Office of Central Office Bureau identified in the individual project advertisement.

   If the Standard Form 254 is not submitted with the letter of interest the transmittal letter shall indicate the dates that the Standard Forms 254 were submitted to the Bureau of Design and appropriate Engineering District/Central Office Bureau.

   6.  A ''Workload Projection'' form for the prime and each subconsultant/subcontractor. The ''Workload Projection'' form should indicate the firms current and anticipated workload compared to the anticipated capacity available during the agreement projected time frame.

   7.  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 [phone] or [phone].

   8.  The latest audited overhead rate of the prime consultant and each subconsultant.

   The assignment of the agreement/contract for the above advertisements will be made to one of the firms who submitted an acceptable letter of interest in response to this 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. 97-154. Filed for public inspection January 31, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]