492 Retention of a certified laboratory

TURNPIKE COMMISSION

Retention of a Certified Laboratory

[31 Pa.B. 1531]

Quality Assurance Testing
Systemwide

Reference No. 3-137

   The Turnpike Commission (Commission) will retain a certified independent laboratory for an open end Contract to supplement our Quality Assurance (QA) staff for laboratory assurance testing of construction materials on designated Commission construction and rehabilitation projects on the existing and future expanded Turnpike System. The laboratory will be required to participate in a national reference laboratory inspection program such as the AASHTO Accreditation Program and will be required to perform laboratory tests on various construction materials in accordance with the PADOT PTM Publication 19 Field Test Manual, ASTM, AASHTO, and the Commission's Material Action Plan, in a timely manner. Construction projects may be financed with Federal, State, and Commission funds and applicable Federal requirements will apply, when appropriate.

   The contract will be for a maximum cost of $750,000 or for a 60 month period, whichever occurs first. The firm will be required to provide sufficient office personnel, managers, engineers, technicians and clerical personnel to support the laboratory functions. In addition, the firm selected may be required to attend the prebid meetings and preconstruction conferences for each project with the Commission.

   The selected firm may be required to test and analyze materials incorporated into Commission construction such as aggregates, soils, concrete, asphalt, metals, and masonry to verify compliance with contract documents. Projects may include construction of earthwork, drainage, structures, concrete and bituminous paving, guide rail, roadway lighting, toll plaza buildings, and similiar construction. In addition, the selected firm may be required to keep records, establish frequency of tests, document the test results, identify deficiencies in compliance with contract documents, attend monthly job conferences and perform other duties as may be required.

   The selected firm or any of its subconsultants may not be a prime contractor, subcontractor, consultant or have any financial interest in any construction contract or inspection/management agreement with the Commission.

   Direct project inquiries to Terry D. Dreher, at [phone]; or by e-mail at [e-mail]. Direct contractual questions to George M. Hatalowich at [phone]; or by e-mail at [e-mail].

   The following factors will be considered by the Commission during the evaluation of the firms submitting Letters 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 plans 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 the prime consultant and subconsultants for all Department of Transportation (Department) and Commission projects.

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

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. The Letters 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 expression of interest on the advertised project. Each firm should demonstrate their ability to perform the specific requirements indicated for each project and provide explanation that the firm has successfully completed similar type projects of the same magnitude.

   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 letter of interest will require written approval from the Commission.

   4.  Tabulation or listing of workload for the prime consultant and all subconsultants for all Department and Commission projects. Do not submit the firms workload represented graphically.

   5.  An Annual Qualification Package similar to the one submitted to the Department for the current year that is in the same district as this project or one that is best suited for this project.

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

   *  Standard Form (SF) 254--Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire in its entirety, 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 one 8 1/2 x 11 page, one side, 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 letters of interest from joint venture constituents. A firm will not be permitted to submit a letter 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. 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 above services are invited to submit a letter of interest and required information to Michael W. Flack, P.E., Assistant Chief Engineer for Construction, Turnpike Commission Administration Building, Eisenhower Boulevard and Rt. 283, Highspire, PA 17034 (shipping address). Mailing address: P. O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676.

   The letter of interest and required information must be received by 12 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2001. Any letters of interest received after this date and time will be time-stamped and returned.

   Based on an evaluation of acceptable letters of interest received in response to these solicitations, one firm will be selected for each project. The 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 Selection Committee. Technical Proposals or Requests for Proposals will not be requested prior to selection.

   The Commission reserves the right to reject all letters 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. 01-492. Filed for public inspection March 16, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]