739 Retention of engineering firms

Retention of Engineering Firms

[28 Pa.B. 2183]

Erie and Mercer Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2184

   The Department of Transportation will retain a consulting firm to assist in right-of-way acquisition services for the following two (2) projects:

   1.  S. R. 4034, Section A51 located in the City of Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania.

   2.  S. R. 0018, Section A01 located in the City of Hermitage, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

   The selected firm will be required to assist the Department right-of-way staff with relocation assistance; appraisal planing services; negotiation assistance; title and settlement services; and clerical and support services.

   S. R. 4034, Section A51 (East Side Access Highway) involves the construction of a new four lane roadway in an urban area. The roadway alignment will parallel an active railroad line which is expected to require some relocation. It is anticipated that thirty (30) to thirty-five (35) parcels will be affected with approximately twenty (20) displacements. Relocations will involve both residential and commercial properties.

   S. R. 0018, Section A01 (North Hermitage Road) involves the widening of a principal arterial from its existing two to four lanes to a full five lane section. The roadway corridor passes through an area experiencing rapid commercial growth and is on the National Highway System (NHS). Approximately seventy (70) parcels will be affected involving residential, commercial and institutional properties. No displacements are anticipated.

   Any firm that is under contract or is being considered to provide real estate or property management services to a land developer with interests in the project areas will not be considered for this assignment. Firms are to state in their letter of interest that they are not under contract nor are being considered for a contract with a land developer with interests in the project area.

   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.  Ability to package and present the letter of interest in accordance with the 'General Requirements and Information' section.

   b.  Experience and competence of the project manager and key personnel.

   c.  Past performance record on similar projects.

   d.  Availability of listed staff.

   e.  Current workload.

   The District's copy of the Letter of Interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. John Baker, P.E., District Engineer, District 1-0, 1140 Liberty Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Michael McMullen, P.E., District 1-0, at [phone].

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

Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2185

   The Department of Transportation will retain a surveying firm to provide preliminary, final, and construction surveying services for various projects through Engineering District 8-0, that is Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties.

   The Contract will be for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of execution. It is estimated that approximately 550 crew days may be required under this agreement.

   The selected firm must be able to adequately staff a minimum of two (2) four-person survey crews and have sufficient staff to provide two-person, three-person, and five-person survey crews when required. The firm will be required to furnish each survey crew with all required material, equipment, liability insurance, safety equipment, and procedures necessary for the efficient, timely, and professional completion of preliminary highway surveys, property surveys, construction stakeouts, re-establish alignments, referencing control points, running cross sections, construction finals, and other related survey projects as directed by the Department.

   Preliminary highway surveys shall be performed using three-dimensional (3D) electronic survey procedures, unless otherwise directed by the Department. To ensure that all survey data is collected in a format compatible with the Department's existing 'ETI' software, the Department will provide Department-developed electronic survey collection software and user's manual to the selected firm. The software will be restricted to use on Department projects. The selected firm will be responsible for providing the hardware configuration necessary to complete surveys using the Department's software. If the selected firm opts to use a Husky FS2 data collector, firm must also have the latest TDS software.

   The hardware requirements are a Corvallis Microtechnology Inc., M C.V-Q hand held computer with 640K of memory or a Husky FS2 with TDS software or compatible data-collecting equipment; a 3 1/2 inch floppy disk drive; and electronic total station survey instruments and cables to communicate with the hand-held data collectors. The instrument will be comparable to or better than five-second accuracy.

   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.  Ability to package and present the letter of interest in accordance with the 'General Requirements and Information' section.

   b.  Review of personnel's resumes with emphasis on surveying capabilities and specialized experience in the completion of engineering surveys for highways.

   c.  Location of consultant in relation to the Engineering District.

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

   e.  Ability to provide survey crew on short (5-day minimum) notice.

   f.  Workload.

   g.  Past performance.

   h.  Additional equipment not required such as radios, laptop computers, etc., will be considered.

   The qualifications and experience required of the firm's personnel must meet or exceed the requirements of the Department's surveyor class specification, i.e., Transportation Surveyor Technician Supervisor for crew chief, Transportation Surveyor Technician for instrument person, and prisms/rod person. The descriptions for these classifications can be obtained from the District contact person identified at the end of this solicitation.

   The survey personnel and supporting resume information must be submitted with the letter of interest. There shall be no substitution or addition of personnel without first submitting resumes and receiving written approval by the Department.

   The engineering or surveying firm must comply with the following requirements:

   1.  All field survey work shall be under the supervision of a PA registered land surveyor.

   2.  Each two-person survey crew shall consist of an instrument person and one prism person/rod person. Each three-person survey crew shall consist of a party chief, an instrument person and one prism/rod person. Each four-person survey crew shall consist of a party chief, an instrument person and two prism/rod persons. Each five-person survey crew will consist of a party chief, an instrument person, and three prism/rod persons.

   3.  Electronic equipment and procedures, as described above, must be utilized in completion of surveys, unless otherwise directed by the Department.

   4.  Survey crew will provide suitable work zone maintenance and protection of traffic in accordance with Publication 203.

   5.  Provisions will be included for railroad insurance and rental of arrow boards, if needed.

   The District's copy of the Letter of Interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. Barry G. Hoffman, P.E., District Engineer, District 8-0, 2140 Herr Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103-1699.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Kenneth C. Quigley, P.L.S., Chief of Surveys, Engineering District, 8-0, at [phone].

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

Dauphin County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2186

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to perform preliminary engineering, environmental studies, final design and consultation during construction for S. R. 0030, Section 005, PA 283 Reconstruction, in Londonderry and Conewago Townships, Dauphin County. The project extends from S. R. 0341 to a point approximately for a total length of approximately 4.3 miles of divided highway. The estimated cost of construction is $16.6 million.

   The required services will include: life cycle cost analysis/pavement survey report; field surveys; plotting of topography and cross sections; pavement and drainage design; highway signing updating; field views; safety review, Step 9 and value engineering submissions and meetings; traffic control plans; core borings, foundation designs, structural rehabilitation design; erosion and sediment pollution control plans and narrative; utility and property involvement investigations; right-of-way plans; preparation of environmental studies and documentation, interagency permits; and construction plans, specifications and estimates.

   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.  Ability to package and present the letter of interest in accordance with the 'General Requirements and Information' section.

   b.  Having the resources to meet an accelerated schedule.

   c.  Familiar with Department criteria.

   d.  Having previous experience with the Department, especially on Interstate Restoration Projects.

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

   The District's copy of the Letter of Interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. Barry G. Hoffman, P.E., District Engineer, District 8-0, 2140 Herr Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103-1699.

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

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

Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2187

   The Department of Transportation will retain engineering firms for two (2) Open-End Contracts for various engineering and/or environmental services on various projects located in Engineering District 4-0, that is Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties. Each Contract will be for a sixty (60) month period with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The maximum amount for each Open-End Contract will be $750 thousand.

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of five (5) firms for the purpose of negotiating two (2) Open-End Contracts 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.  Ability to package and present the letter of interest in accordance with the 'General Requirements and Information' section.

   b.  Specialized experience and technical competence of firm.

   c.  Location of consultant in respect to the District.

   d.  Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, ability to meet schedules, and previous experience on Open-End Contracts. The specific experience of individuals employed by the firm shall be considered.

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

   f.  Projected Workload for the next two (2) calendar days.

   The work and services required under these Open-End Contracts may encompass a wide range of environmental studies and engineering efforts with the possibility of several difference types of projects with short completion schedules being assigned concurrently. The anticipated types of projects include, but not limited to, bridge replacements or bridge rehabilitation with minor approach work, environmental studies, roadway betterments (3R type), minor capital improvement projects (bridges or roadway), railroad grade crossing projects, and minor location studies, etc.

   The engineering work and services which may be required under these Open-End Contracts include, but are not limited to: perform field surveys; plot topography and cross sections; prepare submission for utility verification and relocations engineering; prepare all pertinent submissions and materials necessary for the Department to prepare the application to PUC and for the PUC field conference; attend and supply any required information for all PUC meetings and hearings during the design of the project; develop erosion control details and narrative; prepare right-of-way plans; complete structure designs including type, size, and location reports, core boring layouts and foundation designs and reports; develop traffic control plans with narratives; conduct soils investigations and prepare soils reports; investigate utility involvement on projects; provide material for and participate in value engineering reviews; coordinate contacts with railroad officials and procure railroad related costs, permits, and insurance; collect signal timing, accident data and other traffic flow data; document engineering study findings and activities; alternative analysis to assess impacts and mitigation; seismic evaluations; and prepare construction plans, specifications, and estimates.

   The areas of environmental study required under these Contracts may include, but are not limited to; air quality; noise; energy; vibration; hazardous waste; surface water and ground water quality; surface water and ground water hydrology; terrestrial ecology including threatened and endangered species; wetlands; soils; geology; farmlands; visual quality; socio-economic resources; cultural resources; Section 4(f) Evaluations; early coordination and scoping correspondence; meeting minutes; public meeting and hearing presentations; visualization materials, handouts and displays; technical basis reports (TBRs) and/or technical files; NEPA environmental documents; Section 106 documents; mitigation plans and reports; wetland and floodplain findings; preliminary engineering plans, and remote sensing/mapping innovations. The format and content of all documents will be consistent with applicable State and Federal regulations, policies and guidelines.

   The engineering services and environmental studies identified above are the general work activities that can be expected under these Open-End Contracts. A more specific and project-related Scope of Work will be outlined for each individual Work Order developed under these Open-End Contracts.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms, (see general requirements and information section shall be sent to: Mr. Charles Mattei, P.E., District Engineer, District 4-0, P. O. Box 111, Scranton, PA 18501.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Robert J. Horutz, P.E., District 4-0, at [phone].

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

Indiana and Cambria Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2188

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide final design and services during construction for a nine (9) mile section of State Route 0022, Section 495, in Indiana and Cambria Counties. The western terminus of this project is near the S. R. 0403 interchange in East Wheatfield Township, Indiana County, and the eastern terminus is near the S. R. 0271 interchange in Jackson Township, Cambria County. The improvements involve widening to four lanes and providing minor horizontal and vertical realignment in order to provide additional capacity and improve safety through the project area.

   Letters of interest will be evaluated at the Engineering District 9-0 office with emphasis on the following factors which were listed in order of importance:

   a.  Ability to package and present the letter of interest in accordance with the 'General Requirements and Information' section.

   b.  Specialized experience and technical competence of firm.

   c.  Workload and available staff of prime and subconsultants.

   d.  Past records of performance with respect to technical competence, cost control, work quality and ability to meet or exceed schedules.

   e.  Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan of prime and subconsultants.

   f.  Location of office to perform work.

   The Engineering District 9-0 will announce the firms that have been shortlisted at an open public meeting scheduled for June 16, 1998 at 9:00 a.m., to be held at Engineering District 9-0, 1620 North Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

   All candidates who submit a letter of interest will be notified if this date is changed. Specify a contact person in the letter of interest.

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

   Administration of the Agreement will be provided by Engineering District 10-0 office.

   The District's copy of the Letter of Interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. Earl Neiderhiser, P.E., District Engineer, engineering District 9-0, 1620 North Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, Attention: Mr. David L. Sherman, P.E.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Walter W. Bagley, P.E., at [phone].

   Any 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 are required information for each Project Reference Number for which the applicant wishes to be considered.

   The first copy of the Letter of Interest and required information must be submitted to: Mr. Charles W. All- wein, P.E., Chief, Consultant Selection Committee, 7th Floor, Forum Place, 555 Walnut Street, P. O. Box 3060, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-3060. Note: The Zip Code for express Mailing is 17101-1900.

   The Letter of Interest and required information must be received within twenty (20) calendar days of this Notice. The Deadline for receipt of a Letter of Interest at the above address is 4:30 P.M. prevailing time of the twentieth day.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required information 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 corporate which is permitted under the 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 (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 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, WEBs 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.

   Each Letter of Interest must include the following information and the information must be packaged and presented in the following order:

   1.  Transmittal Letter (Maximum of two (2) 8 1/2" x 11" typed pages, one side)

   The subject heading of the transmittal letter must include the project reference number for which the applicant wishes to be considered, the firm's legal name, fictitious name (if applicable), and the firm's federal identification number. If the project advertisement indicated the Department will retain an engineering firm for the project, the applicant must indicate in the body of their transmittal letter the names and Professional Engineer License Number of individuals who are directing heads or employees of the firm who have responsible charge of the firm's engineering activities, and whose names and seals shall be stamped on all plans, specifications, plats, and reports issued by the firm.

   2.  Project Organizational Chart (one page, one side, maximum size 11" x 17")

   This Chart must show key staff from the prime and each subconsultant and their area of responsibility.

   3.  Standard Form 255, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire for Specific Project'' (one Form 255 for the project team)

   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.

   Under Item 4 of this form, Column A must specify only the number of subconsultant personnel and Column B must specify only the number of prime consultant personnel to be assigned to work on this project reference number. Do not include the total personnel for either the subconsultant or prime consultant under Item 4 unless the total personnel are necessary to provide the required work and services.

   The prime and each subconsultant may include no more than one page each for Items 10 and 11.

   If a Disadvantaged 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 DBE 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.

   4.  Standard Form 254, ''Architect-Engineer for Related Services Questionnaire''

   A Standard Form 254, not more than one (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, or a Company, unless an acceptable Standard Form 254 for the prime and each subconsultant/subcontractor is on file in both the Bureau of Design and the Engineering District Office or 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.

   These Forms must be assembled with the prime's form first, followed by the form for each subconsultant in the same order as the subconsultants appear in Item 6 of Form 255.

   5.  Workload Projection Graph (Not required for Construction Inspection Services)

   Separate Workload Projection Graphs for the prime and each subconsultant shown in Item 6 of the Form 255 must be included and must indicate the firm's current and anticipated workload compared to the anticipated capacity available for the next two-year time frame. The Workload Projection Graphs must be submitted for the office(s) where the work would be performed and must only include the personnel classifications required for providing the advertised services and work.

   6.  Authorization Letters (For Construction Inspections Services, if required)

   If the advertisement requires a letter signed by individuals giving their approval to use their name in the Letter of Interest, the letters from proposed prime employees must be first, followed by subconsultant employees, in the same order as shown in Item 6 of Form 255.

   7.  Registration To Do Business

   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.  Overhead Rates (one page)

   A single page summary must indicate the latest audited overhead rate developed in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for the prime consultant and each subconsultant. If a FAR rate is not available, the latest rate available from a Certified Public Accountant must be indicated. New firms should indicate how long the firm has been in existence and when an audited overhead rate would be available.

   9.  Additional Information

   Additional information, not to exceed ten (10) one sided 8 1/2" x 11" pages or five (5) double sided 8 1/2" x 11" pages may be included at the discretion of the submitting firm.

   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. 98-739. Filed for public inspection May 8, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]