1328 Retention of engineering firms  

  • Retention of Engineering Firms

    Centre County

    Project Reference No. 08430AG2235

    [28 Pa.B. 4002]

       The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide final design for S.R. 0080, Section B15 (the Viaduct bridges over Moshannon Creek) in Centre County. The project is located at the Clearfield/Centre county line.

       S.R. 0080, Section B15 project is the replacement of the superstructure for two (2) adjacent 8 span 1400 feet long bridges. The existing curb to curb distance is 31 feet for the bridges. The proposed project will widen the bridges to current design standards. This project will also involve replacement of the abutments, modification of the existing pier caps, and scour protection design for the piers. Traffic for S.R. 0080, Section B15 will be maintained utilizing temporary crossovers and daylight flagging operations as necessary. A conceptual traffic control plan will be supplied to the final design consultant. The estimated construction cost is $5.1 million. This project will be done in metric units.

       The engineering firm will be required to perform surveys; preliminary design/Step 9; final roadway design; structure design/plans; signing, pavement marking and delineation design/plans; erosion and sedimentation control plan; traffic control plan; geotechnical engineering; and the construction plans, specifications, and estimates.

       The letters of interest, at a minimum, should indicate how the selected firm will accomplish the tasks outlined and provide the services as detailed. The anticipated duration of the agreement is fifteen (15) months.

       The following factors, listed in order of importance, will be considered by the Consultant Selection Committee 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.  Specialized experience, previous experience, technical competence of individuals who constitute the firm.

       d.  Project approach proposed by the firm to accomplish requirements of this final design assignment.

       e.  Current workload and capacity of firm to perform work.

       f.  Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, and ability to meet schedules.

       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. George Khoury, P.E. District Engineer, Engineering 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 (814) 765-0439.

       Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.

    Centre County
    Project Reference No. 08430AG2236

       The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide final design services (Part I) and construction consultation/shop drawing review (Part II) for S.R. 0080, Section B09 (I-80 Restoration from Yarnell to Bellefonte Interchange, including Milesburg interchange improvements) in Boggs, Spring and Marion Townships, Centre County.

       S.R. 0080, Section B09 is the restoration of S.R. 0080 between Yarnell (milepost 154) and the Bellefonte Interchange (milepost 164) for a distance of ten (10) miles (sixteen (16) kilometers) and the improvement of Milesburg Interchange ramp geometrics. The roadway will be restored using I4R criteria. The project consists of ten (10) miles (sixteen (16) kilometers) of interstate restoration, ramp improvements, and six (6) multi-span bridges. Traffic for S.R. 0080 will be maintained using temporary crossovers. Traffic for S.R.'s 0220/1006 will be maintained using lane closures and flagging operations as necessary. The design and construction is to remain within the existing right-of-way. The estimated construction cost is $21 million.

       For Part I, the engineering firm will be required to perform surveys; preliminary design/Step 9; final roadway design; structure design/plans; signing, pavement marking and delineation design/plans; erosion and sedimentation control plan; traffic control plan; geotechnical engineering; and the construction plans, specifications, and estimates. Part II will include construction consultation/shop drawing review. This project will be performed in metric units.

       The letters of interest, at a minimum, will indicate how the selected firm will accomplish the tasks outlined and provide the services as detailed. The anticipated duration of the agreement is two (2) years for Part I.

       The following factors, listed in order of importance, will be considered by the Consultant Selection Committee 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.  Specialized experience, previous experience, technical competence of individuals who constitute the firm.

       d.  Project approach proposed by the firm to accomplish the requirements of this final design assignment.

       e.  Current workload and capacity of firm to perform work.

       f.  Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, and ability to meet schedules.

       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. George Khoury, P.E. District Engineer, Engineering 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 (814) 765-0439.

       Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.

    Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter Counties
    Project Reference No. 08430AG2237

       The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract for various environmental services on various projects located in Engineering District 2-0, that is Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter Counties. The Contract will be for a sixty (60) month period with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The maximum amount of the Open-End Contract will be $500 thousand.

       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 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.  Projected workload for the next two (2) calendar years.

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

       e.  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.

       The work and services required under this Contract may encompass a wide range of environmental studies with the possibility of several different types of projects with short completion schedules being assigned concurrently. The anticipated types of projects include, but not limited to, major projects, 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 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; 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; and preliminary engineering plans, and remote sensing/mapping innovations; and construction monitoring of environmental features. The format and content of all documents will be consistent with applicable State and Federal regulations, policies and guidelines.

       The 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. George M. Khoury, P.E., 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 (814) 765-0439.

       Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest for this Open-End Contract can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.

    Chester and Montgomery Counties
    Project Reference No. 08430AG2238

       The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately nineteen (19) inspectors, under the Department's Inspector(s)-in-Charge for construction inspection and documentation services for S.R. 0202, Section 402, Chester and Montgomery Counties. This project consists of the widening and reconstruction of the existing four lane limited access facility, T.R. 202 including new concrete paving, soundwalls, structure rehabilitation, wetlands, signing and drainage while maintaining the existing traffic in Tredyffrin and Upper Merion Townships.

       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.  Specialized experience in concrete paving, soundwalls, structure rehabilitation, wetlands and drainage.

       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 inputing data into a personal computer (TCIS Classification).

       f.  Ability to provide two (2) licensed nuclear operators (TCI classification).

       g.  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.

       A minimum of four (4) individuals submitted as part of your inspection staff must have a NECEPT Bituminous Field Technician Certification.

       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)1 (1)
    Transportation Construction Ins. Super.    (TCIS) (NICET Highway Construction    Level 3 or equivalent)3 (2)
    Transportation Construction Inspector (TCI)    (NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or    equivalent)13 (8)  
    Technical Assistant (TA) (NICET Highway    Construction Level 1 or equivalent)2 (0)

       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 1998:

    Maximum Straight Time
    Reimbursement Per Hour
    Payroll ClassificationOf Inspection
    (TCM-1) $44.93
    (TCIS) $39.36
    (TCI) $34.43
    (TA) $23.67

       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.

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

       a.  Two (2) 35MM cameras with capabilities to provide quality pictures

       b.  Two (2) pagers

       c.  Two (2) cellular phones

       d.  Two (2) nuclear densometer gauges/license and means to transport them on demand

       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 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   2
    TCIS   4
    TCI 14

       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. Andrew Warren, District Administrator, District 6-0, 200 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA 19087.

       Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Jeffrey Wendel, District 6-0 at (610) 688-1700.

       Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.

    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. Allwein, 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 (717) 787-1057 or (717) 787-2004.

       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. 98-1328. Filed for public inspection August 14, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]

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