1192 Retention of engineering firms

Retention of Engineering Firms

[27 Pa.B. 3720]

Mifflin County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2091

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately seventeen (17) inspectors, under the Department's Inspector-in-Charge, for construction inspection and documentation services on S.R. 0322, Section B02, Mifflin County, Milroy Bypass, the construction of a four lane limited access highway on new alignment approximately four miles in length with seven structures.

   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 specialized experience in the Maintenance and Protection of Traffic, soils, structures, concrete, asphalt paving, and drainage.

   b.  Past Performance.

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

   d.  Number of available inspectors in each payroll classification.

   e.  Number of NICET certified inspectors in each payroll 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 1    (TCM-1) (NICET Highway Construction Level 4 or    equivalent)	2 (2)
Transportation Construction Insp. Super.    (TCIS) (NICET Highway Construction Level 3 or    equivalent)	2 (2)
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)	10 (6)*
Technical Assistant (TA) (NICET Highway Construction Level 1 or    equivalent)	2 (0)

* One TCI must be CDS certified.

   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 1997:

Payroll Classification	Maximum Straight Time
	Reimbursement Per Hour
	of Inspection
(TCM-1)	$43.61
(TCIS)	$38.21
(TCI-Materials)	$34.52
(TCI)	$33.44
(TA)	$22.98

   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; attending partnering meetings 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 Gauges/License (at point of need when needed)
5	Cellular Phones

   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-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-1	3
TCIS	3
TCI-M	2
TCI	12
No resumes are required for the TA Classification.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms, (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. George M. Khoury, District Engineer, District 2-0, 1924-30 Daisy Street, P.O. Box 342, Clearfield, PA 16830.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Mr. Vasco A. Ordonez, P.E., District 2-0, at [phone].

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

Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland,
Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2092

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract for various engineering and/or environmental services on various projects located in Engineering District 3-0, that is Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union Counties. The Contract will be for a sixty (60) month period with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The required services may encompass a wide range of design and environmental efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects having short completion schedules. The maximum amount of the Open-End Contract will be for $1.0 million.

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three (3) firms for the purpose of negotiating an Open-End Contract 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.   Specialized experience and technical competence of firm.

   b.  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 who constitute the firms shall be considered.

   c.  Location of Consultant in respect to the District.

   d.  Current Workload.

   e.  Available staffing for this assignment.

   f.  Relative size of firm to size of projects that may be completed under this Contract.

   g.  Resumes of all key personnel.

   h.  Capability for fast response time.

   i.   Demonstration of experience and knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations applicable to PennDOT.

   The selected firm will be required to provide necessary professional environmental and engineering services, material and equipment necessary to collect, analyze, map and organize data; conduct preliminary engineering alternative analyses; assess impacts; conduct agency and public involvement activities; prepare reports; design mitigation plans; and prepare engineering and environmental analyses.

   All engineering services will encompass a wide range of design efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects being designed under short completion schedules. The anticipated types of projects include 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 firm may be required 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; 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; evaluate alternatives using benefit/cost analysis; document engineering study findings and activities; develop design review submissions as per applicable Department manuals, procedures and policies; prepare construction plans, specifications, and estimates.

   The areas of environmental study required under the Contract 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; and Section 4(f) Determinations and Evaluations. The environmental studies will be conducted in accordance with currently accepted analysis techniques and methodologies.

   The preliminary engineering alternative analyses required under the Contract may include, but are not limited to, engineering required to assess impacts and mitigation; avoid and/or minimize impacts; assess the condition of historic structures; and avoid impacts to Section 4(f) properties and waters of the United States.

   The reports and other written and graphic materials to be prepared may include, but are not limited to, early coordination and scoping correspondence; plans of study; meeting minutes; public meeting and hearing presentations; visualization materials, handouts and displays; technical basis reports (TBRs); NEPA environmental documents; Section 106 documents; Section 4(f) Evaluations; mitigation plans and reports; wetland and floodplain findings; and preliminary engineering plans, remote sensing/mapping innovations, policies, procedures and guidelines and training materials. 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 this Open-End Contract. A more specific and project-related scope of work will be outlined for each individual Work Order developed under this Open-End Contract.

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

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Mr. Christopher D. King, District 3-0, 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 and 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 Charles W. Allwein, P.E., Chief, Consultant Selection Committee, 7th Floor, Forum Place, 555 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101-1900.

   The Letter of Interest and required information must be received within thirteen (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 time of the thirteenth 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 corporation 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), 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.

   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 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 employes 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 Organization Chart (one page, one side)

   This Chart should 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 should include the number of subconsultant personnel and Column B should include the number of prime consultant personnel to be assigned to work on this project reference number.

   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 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 shall be assembled with the prime's first, followed by the subconsultant's in the same order as they appear in Item 6 of Form 255.

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

   A Workload Projection Graph for the prime and each subconsultant should indicate the firm's current and anticipated workload compared to the anticipated capacity available for the next two-year time frame. The Workload Projection Graph should be submitted for the office(s) where the work would be performed and should only include the personnel classifications required for providing the advertised services and work.

   6.  Authorization Letters (if required)

   If the advertisement requires a letter signed by individuals giving their approval to use their names in the Letter of Interest, the letters from proposed prime employes should be first, followed by subconsultant employes, 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)

   This page must show 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 Account 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 pages or five (5) double sided 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. 97-1192. Filed for public inspection July 25, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]