1543 Retention of engineering firms

Retention of Engineering Firms

[26 Pa.B. 4476]

Allegheny County
Reference No. 08430AG2011

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately seven inspectors, under the Department's Inspector-in-Charge, for construction inspection and documentation services on S. R. 3160, Section A05, removal of an at-grade intersection and replacing it with a grade separated diamond interchange, including structure work, guiderail, drainage, retaining walls, and concrete roadway paving, Allegheny County.

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three 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, drainage, guiderail and retaining walls.

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

   c.  Past performance.

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

   e.  Number of available inspectors in each payroll classification.

   f.  Workload.

   The qualifications and experience required of the firm's inspectors will be established by the Department, and the qualifications of the firm's proposed employes 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		1 (1)
(TCM-1)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 4 or equivalent)
Transportation Construction Insp. Super.		1 (1)
(TCIS)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 3 or equivalent)
Transportation Construction Inspector		4 (3)
(TCI)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 2 or equivalent)
Technical Assistant		1 (0)
(TA)	(NICET Highway Construction Level 1 or equivalent)

   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 reimbursement of direct payroll cost for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year 1996 will be limited to the actual direct salary of the individual employe, or the following rates, whichever is less:

	Direct
Payroll Classification	Payroll Rate
Transportation Construction Manager 1    (TCM-1)	$19.79
Transportation Construction Inspector    Supervisor (TCIS)	$17.34
Transportation Construction Inspector    (TCI)	$15.18
Technical Assistant (TA)	$10.43

   Maximum reimbursable direct payroll rates for subsequent calendar years, if applicable, will be established at the scope of work meeting.

   The firm selected may be required to attend a preconstruction 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; provide one inspector certified in computer documentation and perform other duties as may be required. Firms applying must have qualified personnel capable of climbing structures during painting, rehabilitation or construction.

   Letters of interest for this project must include a letter, signed by the individuals proposed for all TCM-1 and TCIS positions, giving their approval to use their names in the letter of interest for this specific project. The Lead Inspector's name, classification and years of classification must also be shown.

   The goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in this agreement shall be 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 projects.

   Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Terry McCue, District 11-0, at [phone].

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

Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence Counties
Reference No. 08430AG2012

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for an open-end contract for various geotechnical engineering services on various projects located in Engineering District 11-0, that is, Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence Counties. The contract will be for a 30 month period with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. The maximum amount of the open-end contract will be $750,000.

   The required services may encompass a wide range of geotechnical design, review and consultation efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects having short completion schedules. The anticipated types of projects which may require geotechnical assistance include, but are not limited to, bridge replacements or bridge rehabilitations with minor approach work, roadway betterments (3R Type), Capital Improvement Projects (bridges and roadways), maintenance type remediation and minor location studies.

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three 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.  Understanding of Department's requirements, design manuals, policies and specifications.

   b.  Specialized experience and technical competence of firm. The specific experience of individuals who constitute the firms shall be considered.

   c.  Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality, ability to meet schedules and previous experience on open-end contracts.

   d.  Location of consultant in respect to the District. This will include ability/provisions for quick responses to District requests.

   e.  Method of controlling quality of projects and submissions. Consideration will be given to coordination between disciplines, subconsultants and the like.

   The firm may be required to perform, but will not be limited to, the following geotechnical engineering services:  review of geotechnical work performed by private engineering firms; perform geotechnical design for major Department designed projects; prepare Health and Safety Plans; perform geotechnical investigations under a Health and Safety Plan; investigate and prioritize slope movements and other geologic hazards for future programming; install and/or monitor geotechnical instruments; perform geophysical investigations; geotechnical consultation during and after construction; review projects developed by local municipalities; drilling inspection in accordance with Design Manuals 1 and 4 qualifications and criteria; review of wetland designs from a geological or geotechnical perspective; emergency response to geologic hazards; review and comment on Department procedures and documents; review of right-of-way relinquishments; investigate tunnels and design and necessary remediations; review of requests of mine variances; review of permit requests; assist in evaluating the level of effort needed to complete geotechnical work tasks; investigate stability of retaining systems; develop geotechnical specifications; water quality sampling and evaluation; review erosion and sedimentation control plans from a geological or geotechnical perspective; develop experimental geotechnical work plan activities and other research activities; review, from a geotechnical perspective, preliminary area reconnaissances (PARs), initial site assessments (ISAs), preliminary site investigations (PSIs), detailed site investigations (DSIs) and waste management plans; provide geotechnical input for pavement designs; respond to requests from the Department for various types of geotechnical investigations; develop and administer subsurface boring sampling and testing contracts; perform stability analyses of slopes and retaining structures; geotechnical assistance in preparation of erosion and sedimentation control plans; geotechnical assistance in performing scour analyses and developing remedial solutions; geotechnical review of contour grading plans; geotechnical review of storm water management plans; develop remediation schemes for acid mine drainage (AMD) problems; and preparation of geotechnical engineering reports.

   These services may include, but not be limited to, the following specific items:  attend field views and prepare minutes; prepare submissions for field views and safety review meeting; perform related field surveys; plot topography and cross sections. Most of the drilling and testing services will be provided by the Department through separate service purchase contracts with other contractors. However, the firm may be required to let separate contractors for drilling and will have to have soil, rock and water testing capabilities. The soil and rock testing will be performed at an AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) accredited laboratory and the water testing must be performed at a Department of Environment Protection certified laboratory.

   The primary services to be provided are geotechnically related; however, other services requiring geotechnical input may be required and they may include, but not be limited to, the following items:  prepare and disseminate right-of-entry letters; prepare and provide geotechnical information required for a value engineering review; make the necessary geotechnical investigations and adjustments to the design as a result of the value engineering review comments; make necessary contact with the railroad officials for any railroad-related costs estimates, permits, insurance, approvals and other required information needed for a geotechnical investigation; geotechnical alternatives using benefit/cost analysis; document geotechnical study activities and findings; attend coordination and status meetings with District personnel and prepare minutes; and provide geotechnical assistance in the preparation of construction plans, specifications including special provisions and estimates.

   The format and content of all documents, plans and specifications will be consistent with applicable State and Federal regulations and guidelines.

   The firm may be required to assist and provide geotechnical input for any or all of the following environmental studies:  surface water and groundwater hydrology; wetlands; soils; geology; farmland; hazardous waste; Section 4(f) and Section 106 documents; and other related studies not identified above. The environmental studies will be conducted in accordance with Department policy and accepted analysis techniques and methodologies.

   The firm may also be required to perform any or all of the following in order to ensure a complete investigation has been performed:  plans and lists of areas where soil, rock and water will be impacted and demolition will occur during proposed construction activities.

   The geotechnical, geological and geophysical engineering services 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.

   Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to William R. Adams, Jr., P.E., District 11-0, at [phone].

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

Cumberland and Dauphin Counties
Reference No. 08430AG2013

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to perform the preliminary design of approach roadway reconstruction and bridge replacement on S. R. 3034, Section 003, Walnut Street Bridge over the Susquehanna River, City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County. The estimated construction cost is $10 million.

   The required services will include preparation of Feasibility Study and Cost Analysis; Intent to Enter Notices; Categorical Exclusion Evaluation, Section 2002 Evaluation; Cultural Resources; Preliminary Area Reconnaissance; Agency Participation and Coordination; Public Involvement; Deed Searches; Submission of Utility Investigation and Relocation Engineering; Field Survey; Plot Topography and Cross Sections; Safety Design Review; Pavement and Deck Drainage Design; Preliminary Traffic Control Plan with Special Provision; Step 9; Hydraulic Report including Wetland Identification and Delineation Report, Environmental Assessment Form, and the application Checklist for Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit; Erosion Control Plan with Narrative; and Type, Size and Location Submission.

   The shortlisting of firms for further consideration on this project will be held in the Engineering District 8-0 office, in Conference Room D, 2140 Herr Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 1996, at 3 p.m. The shortlist meeting will be open to the public.

   Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to William P. Longstreet, Consultant Liaison Engineer, District 8-0, at [phone].

   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 performing any of the above services are invited to submit letters of interest to: Director, Consultant Selection Committee, Room 1118, Transportation and Safety Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120.

   A separate letter of interest and required forms must be submitted for each project for which the applicant wishes to be considered. The letter of interest and required forms must be received within 13 calendar days of this notice. The deadline for receipt of a letter of interest at the above address is 4:30 p.m. of the thirteenth day.

   If the project advertisement indicates that the Department will retain an engineering firm, letters of interest will only be accepted from individuals, firms or corporations duly authorized to engage in the practice of engineering. 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 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 Expressions of Interest from the Joint Venture constituents. A firm will not be permitted to submit on more than one Joint Venture for the same project advertisement. Also a firm that responds to a project advertisement as a prime may not be included as a designated subcontractor to another firm that responds as a prime to the project advertisement. 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 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. Proposed DBE firms must be certified at the time of submission of the letter of interest. If the selected firm fails to meet the goal established, it shall be required to demonstrate its good faith efforts to attain the goal. Failure to meet the goal and to demonstrate good faith efforts may result in being barred from Department contracts in the future.

   Responses are encouraged by small engineering firms, disadvantaged business enterprise engineering firms and other engineering firms who have not previously performed work for the Department of Transportation.

   Each letter of interest must include in the heading, the firm's Federal Identification Number and the Project Reference Number indicated in the advertisement. The letter of interest must also include the following:

   1.  Standard Form 255, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire for Specific Project.''

   2.  Standard Form 254, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire'' 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. Please disregard the statements on Standard Form 255 that indicate a Standard Form 254 is only required if not already on file with the contracting office. The Department does not maintain a file for Standard Form 254 for contracting purposes; therefore, this Form is required for the prime consultant and each subconsultant as stated above.

   3.  Two copies of the Department's Form D-427 (Rev. 6-89), ''Current Workload'' for the firm submitting the letter of interest. At least one copy of Form D-427 must remain free and not bound in any way to any other portion of the letter of interest or accompanying documentation. Copies of Form D-427 are available upon request from the above address or by contacting the Department's Consultant Agreement Division at [phone].

   4.  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].

   The Standard Form 255 must be 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. If a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal is specified for the project, the DBE must be presently certified by the Department of Transportation, and the name of the firm and the work to be performed must be indicated in Item 6. If a Women 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.

   The Standard Form 254 must be signed and dated and must be less than 1 year old as of the date of this advertisement. A Standard Form must accompany each letter of interest for the firm submitting the letter of interest, each party to a joint venture, and for each subconsultant shown under Item 6 of the Standard Form 255.

   Unless other factors are identified under the individual project reference number, the following factors, listed in their order of importance, will be considered by the Committee during their 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, and ability to meet schedules. The specific experience of individuals who constitute the firms shall be considered.

   c.  Current workload and capacity of firm to perform the work within the time limitations.

   d.  Location of consultant.

   e.  Special requirements of the project.

   f.  Other factors, if any, specific to the project.

   The Department currently limits its participation in the remuneration of principals or consultant employes performing work on projects to $72,800 per annum or $35 per hour or their actual audited remuneration, whichever is less. The Department currently limits its participation in the consultant's indirect payroll costs (overhead) on design and miscellaneous projects to 130% of the direct payroll cost or the consultant's actual audited overhead rate, whichever is less. The Department currently limits its participation in the consultant's indirect payroll costs (overhead) on construction inspection projects to 85.2% of the direct payroll cost or the consultant's actual audited overhead rate, whichever is less. The Department's limitations will apply to the projects advertised above unless the Department policy is revised prior to the negotiation of an agreement or contract.

   The assignment of the above services will be made to one of the firms responding to this notice, but the Committee reserves the right to reject all letters of interest submitted, to cancel the solicitations requested under this notice, and/or to readvertise solicitation for these services.

BRADLEY L. MALLORY,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-1543. Filed for public inspection September 13, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]