536 Retention of engineering firms

Retention of Engineering Firms

[30 Pa.B. 1701]

Huntingdon County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2522

   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. 6022, Section 005, Huntingdon County
    Local Name: Water Street Bypass
    This project involves the relocation of 1.86 miles of S.R. 0022 and the construction of three new structures, bituminous roadway, traffic signals, and major drainage and intersection work.

2.  S.R. 0022, Section 011, Huntingdon County
    Local Name: Shaffers Run Bridge
    This project involves the replacement of a single span, cement concrete bridge structure.

   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 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 Department, District 9-0 and supervisory experience.

   b.  Specialized experience in asphalt paving, drainage, earth-work, structures, CPM schedule usage, and Construction Documentation System (CDS).

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

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

   e.  Ability to provide one (1) CDS operator or person capable of inputting data into personal computer, and one (1) licensed nuclear operator (TCI-M classification).

   f.  Past performance.

   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 Manager 2 (TCM-2) (NICET Highway Construction Level 4 or equivalent)	1 (1)
Transportation Construction Ins. Super. (TCIS) (NICET Highway Construction Level 3 or equivalent)	1 (1)
Transportation Construction Inspector - Materials (TCI-Materials) (NICET Highway Materials Level 2 or equivalent)	1 (1)
Transportation Construction Inspector (TCI) (NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or equivalent)	3 (2)
Technical Assistant (TA) (NICET Highway Construction Level 1 or equivalent)	1 (0)

   Failure to identify the number of inspectors indicated above will not result in disqualification but it will be a factor, except for the TA position, in the Department's evaluation.

   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 reimbursement per hour of inspection for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year of 2000:

Payroll Classification	Maximum Straight Time
	Reimbursement Per Hour
	Of Inspection
(TCM-2)	$54.35
(TCIS)	$41.75
(TCI-Materials)	$37.65
(TCI)	$36.53
(TA)	$25.12

   The maximum reimbursement per hour of inspection includes all costs for providing construction inspection services at the project site during the normal workweek.

   Maximum reimbursement per hour of inspection for subsequent calendar years, if applicable, will be established at the scope of work meeting.

   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 painting, rehabilitation, or construction.

   The firm selected will be required to supply the following equipment at no direct cost to the Department:

1	Nuclear Densometer Gauge/License at point of need when needed
1	Base Radio Station
4	Two-Way Radios
8	Pagers
1	Cellular Phone
1	Camera (digital)
	Safety Vests--High Visibility for Inspectors

   The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this Agreement shall be fifteen percent (15%) of the total Agreement price. Additional information concerning DBE participation in this Agreement is contained in the General Requirements and Information Section after the advertised project(s).

   Letters of interest for this project must include a letter, signed by the individuals you propose for all TCM-2 and 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
TCM-2	1
TCIS	2
TCI-M	2
TCI	5
TA	2

   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" x 11", one sided, plus an organizational chart (up to 11" x 17" size), and additional resumes, if applicable. (See the General Requirements and Information Section).

   The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:

      Mr. Earl L. Neiderhiser, P.E., District Engineer
      Engineering District 9-0
      1620 North Juniata Street
      Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

   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. Kevin L. Stern, P.E., District 9-0, at [phone], Fax Number [phone].

Lackawanna County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2523

   The Department will retain an engineering firm for a multi-phase, specific project agreement to perform environmental studies and preliminary engineering, final design, and services during construction (shop drawing reviews, alternate design reviews, and consultation during construction) for the proposed new highway in Archbald and Jessup Boroughs, Lackawanna County. This agreement will be administered by Engineering District 4-0. The estimated construction cost is $8.2 million.

   The proposed project is a two (2) lane highway from S.R. 1012 (Salem Road) in Archbald Borough to S.R. 0247 (TR 247) in Jessup Borough, Lackawanna County.

   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 of the firm.

   b.  Project team composition.

   c.  Project team experience (based on similar projects).

   d.  Ability to expedite this project and maintain schedule and budget.

   e.  Past performance (based on similar projects).

   f.  Location of consultant with respect to the project and Engineering District 4-0 Office.

   The firm selected may be required to provide a variety of engineering services as indicated below, but not limited to:

   a.  All studies necessary for the preparation of an Environmental Assessment and associated documents including, but not limited to; wetland delineation, evaluation and mitigation; hazardous waste investigations and reports; Agency Coordination Meeting presentations; secondary impact analyses; terrestrial habitat investigations; threatened and endangered species analysis, etc. Section 106 requirements will be prepared by the Department.

   b.  Preliminary engineering including, but not limited to field surveying; hydraulic and hydrologic analysis; utility investigations; type, size, and location drawings; right-of-way investigations; maintenance and protection of traffic drawings; erosion and sediment pollution control plans; soils and geological investigations; roadway and bridge design; and Design Field View Submission.

   c.  Preparation of final roadway and structure drawings including, but not limited to right-of-way plans; roadway and structure borings; final design; utility relocation plans; and preparation of plans, specifications and estimates.

   d.  Consultation during construction.

   All engineering services for this project will be performed in accordance with current Department Metric Design Standards.

   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" x 11", one sided, plus an organizational chart (up to 11" x 17" size), and additional resumes, if applicable. (See the General Requirements and Information Section).

   The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:

      Mr. Charles M. Mattei, P.E., District Engineer
      Engineering District 4-0
      P. O. Box 111
      Scranton, PA 18501
         Attn: Mr. Carl A. Taddonio, P.E.

   The Letter of Interest submission for this project reference number must be received at the address listed above by 4:00 P.M. prevailing time on the twentieth (20th) 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 in Engineering District 4-0, O'Neill Highway, Dunmore, PA 18512. All candidates that have submitted a Letter of Interest will be notified of the date. Specify a contact person in the Letter of Interest.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Mr. Carl A. Taddonio, P.E., at [phone], Fax Number [phone].

Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna,
Wayne, and Wyoming Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2524

   The Department will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract to provide supplementary construction inspection staff under the Department's Inspector(s)-in-Charge to perform construction inspection services on various projects in Engineering District 4-0, that is Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties. The Contract will include roadway and bridge construction projects, and material plant inspection. The Contract will be for a period of sixty (60) months, with a maximum cost of $1 Million dollars.

   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 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 available inspectors in each payroll classification.

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

   c.  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.

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

   e.  Past Performance.

   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 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 Inspector (TCI) (NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or equivalent)	15 (15)

   Failure to identify a minimum of fifteen (15) inspectors in your letter of interest will not result in disqualification but it will be a factor in the Departments evaluation.

   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.

   A total of five (5) Transportation Construction Inspectors (TCI's) assigned to this contract must be certified in the Department's Construction Documentation System (CDS). Clearly indicate which inspector's meet this requirement in the Letter of Interest. Failure to provide a minimum of five (5)CDS certified inspectors will result in disqualification.

   The maximum reimbursement per hour of inspection for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year of 2000:

Payroll Classification	Maximum Straight Time
	Reimbursement Per Hour
	Of Inspection
(TCI)	$36.53

   The maximum reimbursement per hour of inspection includes all costs for providing construction inspection services at the project site during the normal work week.

   Maximum reimbursement per hour of inspection for subsequent calendar years, if applicable, will be established at the scope of work meeting.

   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 painting, rehabilitation, or construction.

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

Classification	No. of Resumes
TCI	18

   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'' x 11'', one sided, plus an organizational chart (up to 11" x 17" size), and additional resumes, if applicable. (See the General Requirements and Information Section).

   The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:

      Mr. Charles M. Mattei, P.E., District Engineer
      Engineering District 4-0
      O'Neill Highway
      Dunmore, Pa. 18512
         Attn.: David Skrocki, P.E.
                  ADE-Construction

   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 (20) day following the date of this Notice.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Joe Chilek, P.E., Construction Services Engineer, at [phone], Fax Number [phone].

Chester County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2525

   The Department will retain an engineering firm for a specified project contract to perform NBIS bridge safety inspections for 384 designated bridges on the State Highway system in Chester County in District 6-0. This contract will be for a period of thirty (30) months.

   The selected firm is required to provide one bi-annual NBIS inspection for each bridge over a two (2) year period and other services related to NBIS bridge safety inspection. The firm will provide updated inspection reports. The report will include an inspection summary, field inspection Form D-450, updated BMS coding sheets and maintenance recommendations.

   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 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 firm submitting letters of interest:

   a)  Capabilities of the proposed teams to address the bridge inspection, engineering evaluations and recommendations, and related aspects identified in the advertisement.

   b)  Number of NBIS certified inspectors and inspection teams available for the agreement.

   c)  Review of inspectors' resumes with emphasis on bridge inspection capabilities.

   d)  Understanding of the Department's requirements, policies and specifications.

   e)  Current bridge inspection workload.

   f)  Past performance.

   g)  Internal procedures for cost containment and quality assurance.

   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.

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

   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. John Ferry, District 6-0, at [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.

   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 the Central Office, Bureau of Design by the deadline stipulated in the individual advertisements.

   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.

   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.

   The requirements for Letters of Interest, in addition to the requirements stipulated in the individual advertisement, are as follows:

   1.  The Letter of Interest must include the project reference number, the firm's legal name, and the firm's federal identification number.

   2.  Identify the project manager.

   3.  Identify subconsultants, if any, including DBE/WBE, if required.

   4.  Identify key project staff.

   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).

   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 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. 00-536. Filed for public inspection March 24, 2000, 9:00 a.m.]