1257 Retention of engineering firms

Retention of Engineering Firms

[30 Pa.B. 3701]

Bedford County

Project Reference No. 08430AG2578

   The Department will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately twenty-four (24) inspectors, under the Department's Inspector(s)-in-Charge for construction inspection and documentation services on the following projects:

1.	S. R. 0030, Section 07A, Bedford County Local Name: Snake Spring Valley Run Bridge This project involves the construction of a single-span, cement concrete structure and 0.62 km of bituminous roadway on a relocated alignment.
2.	S. R. 0030, Section 07B, Bedford County Local Name: Bedford Route 30 Widening East This project involves the reconstruction and widening of 5.14 km of S. R. 0030 with areas of relocation, construction of two (2) structures, retaining walls, bituminous and cement concrete roadway, major drainage, guide rail, traffic signals, and intersection and interchange work.
3.	S. R. 0030, Section 07C, Bedford County Local Name: Bedford Route 30 Widening West This project involves the reconstruction and widening of 2.34 km of S. R. 0030 with the construction of four (4) structures, bituminous and cement concrete roadway, retaining walls, major drainage, guide rail, traffic signals, and intersection work.
4.	S. R. 0030, Section 017, Bedford County Local Name: Bedford Bypass Rehabilitation This project involves the rehabilitation of 4.13 km of concrete roadway and structures with bituminous pavement overlay and the construction of a 0.25 km local connector road.

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

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three (3) firms for the purpose of negotiating an Engineering Agreement based on the Department's evaluation of the acceptable letters of interest received in response to this solicitation. The final ranking will be established directly from the letters of interest. Technical proposals will not be requested prior to the establishment of the final ranking.

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

   a.  Review of inspectors' resumes with emphasis on construction inspection capabilities, Department and District experience and supervisory experience.

   b.  Specialized experience in asphalt paving, concrete paving and patching, drainage, earthwork, structures, CPM schedule usage, and Construction Documentation System (CDS).

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

   d.  Past performance, with particular emphasis being placed on the firm's demonstrated commitment to: 1) customer service, 2) customer satisfaction, 3) partnering, and 4) dedicated support staff.

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

   f.  Ability to provide two (2) CDS operators or persons capable of inputting data into personal computer, and two (2) licensed nuclear operators (TCI-M classification).

   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 Manager 1    (TCM-1) (NICET Highway Construction       Level 4 or equivalent)	2 (2)
Transportation Construction Ins. Super.    (TCIS) (NICET Highway Construction Level       3 or equivalent)	4 (4)
Transportation Construction Inspector--    Materials (TCI-Materials) (NICET Highway       Materials Level 2 or equivalent)	2 (2)
Transportation Construction Inspector (TCI)    (NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or       equivalent)	13 (4)
Technical Assistant--1 (TA-1)    (NICET Highway Construction Level 1 or       equivalent)	1 (0)
Technical Assistant (TA)    (NICET Highway Construction Level 1 or       equivalent)	1 (0)

   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 hourly payroll rate for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year 2000 shall be as shown:

	Maximum Straight Time
	Hourly Payroll Rate
Payroll Classification	(Year 2000)
(TCM-2)	$26.50
(TCM-1)	$23.22
(TCIS)	$20.34
(TCI-Materials)	$17.55
(TCI)	$17.05
(TA-1)	$13.80
(TA)	$11.72

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

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

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

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

Quantity	Item
2	Nuclear Densometer Gauges/License
2	Vehicle for Transporting Nuclear Gauge
16	Two-Way Radios
2	Base Radio Station
6	Cellular Phones (for Engineer's employees    only)
2	Repeaters
2	Two-Way Radio Repeater Station
2	Camera--Digital

   The Department will directly reimburse the selected engineering firm for the above equipment, for use by the consultant inspection staff at their actual cost not to exceed the maximum direct reimbursement shown below. The engineering firm is required to include their billing rates for each type of equipment in the letter of interest.

*  Nuclear Densometer      Gauge	@ $660.00 each	Maximum/month
*  Vehicle for Gauge	@ $650.00 each	Maximum/month
*  Two-way Radio	@ $ 25.00 each	Maximum/month
*  Radio Base Station	@ $ 35.00 each	Maximum/month
*  Cell Phone Usage*	As per invoice
*  Repeaters	As per invoice
*  Two-way Radio       Repeater Station	As per invoice
*  Camera--Digital	As per invoice

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

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

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

   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).

   Letters of interest for this project must include a letter, signed by the individuals you propose for all TCM-2, TCM-1 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	2
TCM-1	3
TCIS	5
TCI-M	3
TCI	16
TA-1	0
TA	0

   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 (any pages beyond 5 will not be reviewed by the Department), plus an organizational chart (up to 11" x 17" size), and additional resumes. (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 (20) day following the date of this Notice.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Kevin L. Stern, P.E., phone number 814-696-7139, fax number 814-696-7146.

Adams County

Project Reference No. 08430AG2579

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for a specific project agreement to provide environmental studies, preliminary engineering, final design, services during construction and viewers plans. This project is for the addition of a middle left turn lane and passing lanes at various locations along S. R. 0030, Section 014, Route 30, for an approximate length of 6.5 miles. This project is located on S. R. 0030 in Adams County, Hamilton, Mt. Pleasant and Berwick Townships beginning at Township road, T-514 and extending through New Oxford and Abbottstown to the Adams and York County line. The design of this project is expected to have an overall duration of approximately seventy-two (72) months with shorter, varying schedules for individual phases. The estimated construction cost of the new roadway is approximately $3.8 million and 6.5 miles in length.

   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.  Experienced in highway design, geotechnical design, and hydrological/hydraulic analysis. Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, and ability to meet schedules. The specific experience of individuals employed by the firm shall be considered.

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

   c.  Specialized experience and technical competence with similar projects, including experience in working on environmental studies and providing right-of-way plans.

   d.  Location of Consultant in respect to the District.

   The selected firm may be required to provide a variety of services. They may include the following: project administration; field surveys; plotting of topography and cross sections; utility investigation and coordination; geotechnical studies; core borings, foundation designs; preliminary right-of-way investigation; safety reviews; pavement and drainage designs; field views; environmental studies and documentation; interagency permits; preliminary line, grade and typical section development; drainage and roadway design; highway signing and pavement marking plans; right-of-plans; traffic control plans; erosion and sedimentation control plans; and structure designs; and P. S. and E. package; electronic data transfer; engineering services during construction including shop drawing review and consultation services; including preparing plans for a potential Board of Viewers review.

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

   Welcom's Open Plan software is to be used for project management and tracking.

   A project specific Quality Development Plan prepared by the selected firm will be required for the project.

   The Department is seeking a multi-disciplined team with environmental, geotechnical, and highway design experience.

   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).

   This project reference assignment is considered complex. The letters of interest shall be limited to a maximum five (5) pages, 81/2" 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 and required forms shall be sent to:

      Barry G. Hoffman, P.E., District Engineer
      Engineering District 8-0
      2140 Herr Street
      Harrisburg, PA 17103
         Attention: Rich Deen, Project Manager

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

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Rich Deen, District 8-0, at [phone], fax number [phone].

General Requirements and Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   If a Joint Venture responds to a project advertisement, the Department of Transportation will not accept separate Letters of Interest from the Joint Venture constituents. A firm will not be permitted to submit a Letter of Interest on more than one (1) Joint Venture for the same Project Reference Number. Also a firm that responds to a project as a prime may not be included as a designated subcontractor to another firm that responds as a prime to the project. Multiple responses under any of the foregoing situations will cause the rejection of all responses of the firm or firms involved. The above does not preclude a firm from being set forth as a designated subcontractor to more than one (1) prime responding to the project advertisement.

   If a goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation is established for an advertised project, firms expressing interest in the project must agree to ensure that Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as defined in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century (TEA-21) and currently certified by the Department of Transportation shall have the opportunity to participate in any subcontracting or furnishing supplies or services approved under Form 442, Section 1.10(a). The TEA-21 requires that firms owned and controlled by women (WBEs) be included, as a presumptive group, within the definition of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). The goal for DBE participation shall be as stated in the individual project advertisement. Responding firms shall make good faith efforts to meet the DBE goal using DBEs (as they are defined prior to the act, WBEs or combinations thereof).

   Proposed DBE firms must be certified at the time of submission of the Letter of Interest. If the selected firm fails to meet the established DBE participation goal, it shall be required to demonstrate its good faith efforts to attain the goal.

   Responses are encouraged by small firms, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms, and other firms who have not previously performed work for the Department of Transportation.

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

   1.  Letters of Interest not received on time.

   2.  Project of interest is not identified.

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

   4.  Conflict of Interest evaluation statement is not included.

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

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

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

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

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

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

   The assignment of the agreement/contract for the above advertisement(s) will be made to one of the firms who submitted an acceptable Letter of Interest in response to the project advertisement. The assignment will be made based on the Department's evaluation of the firm's qualification and capabilities. The Department reserves the right to reject all letters submitted, to cancel the solicitations requested under this Notice, and/or to readvertise solicitation for the work and services.

BRADLEY L. MALLORY,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 00-1257. Filed for public inspection July 21, 2000, 9:00 a.m.]