Retention of Engineering Firms [30 Pa.B. 4692] Bedford County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2598The Department will retain an engineering firm for a multi-phase, specific project agreement to provide environmental studies, preliminary engineering, final design and services during construction for the roadway relocation of S.R. 0056 Section 013. The corridor for this roadway relocation is referred to as ''North Pleasantville Mountain Relocation'' in the S.R. 0056 Planning Study prepared for the Department in 1995. This two (2) lane roadway relocation is approximately 3.1 miles in length. The proposed corridor is wooded mountainous terrain with few existing residences. These residences are mainly situated near the ends of the proposed relocation where the new roadway will tie to existing roadways. The major improvements include eliminating several sharp curves and some segments of steep grades. This project is located west of Pleasantville in West St. Clair Township, Bedford County.
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 the design team. The team must demonstrate an ability to collect and analyze data, make decisions to develop quality plans in a timely manner, meet accelerated schedules, the capacity for innovative engineering to resolve complex problems, familiarity with the project and how the project relates to the firms' experience.
b. Past experience of firm with respect to cost control, work quality and meeting schedules, with emphasis on District 9-0 projects. The specific experience and project management skills of the individuals who constitute the firm will be considered.
c. Understanding the Department's requirements, Design Manuals, policies and procedures. The selected firm must demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas and/or practices across units, subconsultants and the general public.
d. Current and projected workload on PennDOT and Pennsylvania Turnpike projects will be considered. List current PennDOT projects and PennDOT contact person including their telephone number.
e. The specific experience and project management skills of the subconsultant selected by the prime.
f. Firm must describe their methods of controlling the quality of project submissions by outlining a project specific Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plan.
g. Location of firm with respect to District 9's office as it relates to their ability to provide quick response time to the District's requests.
The firm selected may be required to provide a variety of engineering services as indicated below, but not limited to; all studies necessary for the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion Level 2 (or higher level, if unanticipated issues are discovered) and associated documents, field surveying, traffic studies, line & grade submission, Design field view submission; drainage design, E & S plan, soils and geotechnical reconnaissance, maintenance and protection of traffic, right-of-way investigation, coordination with utility companies, H&H submissions, and TS&L submissions, roadway design, preparation of final roadway, structure plans, and right-of-way plan, roadway and structure borings, final design, preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates, Shop Drawing review and consultation during construction.
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).
This project reference assignment is considered complex. The letter of interest shall be limited to a maximum of five (5) pages, 8 1/2" 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 submission shall be sent to:
Mr. Earl L. Neiderhiser, P.E., District Engineer
Engineering District 9-0
1620 North Juniata Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Attn.: Terry L. BouchThe 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 the date of this Notice.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Terry L. Bouch, phone number (814)696-7171, fax number (814)696-7173.
Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe,
Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2599The Department will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract for various engineering and/or environmental services on various projects located in Engineering District 5-0, that is Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, and Schuylkill 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 $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 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) 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.
b) Available staffing for this assignment and the ability to meet the Department's needs.
c) Specialized experience and technical competence of firm.
d) Location of Consultant in respect to the District.
The work and services required under this Contract may encompass a wide range of environmental studies and engineering efforts 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, bridge replacements or bridge rehabilitation with minor approach work, environmental studies, roadway betterments (3R type,) minor capital improvement projects (bridges or roadway), railroad grade crossing projects, and minor location studies, etc.
The engineering work and services which may be required under this Contract include, but are not limited to, perform field surveys; plot topography and cross sections; prepare submission for utility verification and relocations engineering; prepare all pertinent submissions and materials necessary for the Department to prepare the application to PUC and for the PUC field conference; attend and supply any required information for all PUC meetings and hearings during the design of the project; develop erosion control details and narrative; prepare right of way plans; complete structure designs including type, size and location reports, core boring layouts and foundation designs and reports; develop traffic control plans with narratives; conduct soils investigations and prepare soils reports; investigate utility involvement on projects; provide material for and participate in value engineering reviews; coordinate contacts with railroad officials and procure railroad related costs, permits, and insurance; collect signal timing, accident data and other traffic flow data; document engineering study findings and activities; alternative analysis to assess impacts and mitigation; and prepare construction plans, specifications, estimates, and NBIS structure inspections, as needed.
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. 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 specific project-related Scope of Work will be outlined for each individual Work Order developed under this Open-End Contract.
This project reference assignment is considered non-complex. The letter of interest shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) pages, 8 1/2" 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 submission shall be sent to:
Walter E. Bortree, P.E., District Engineer
Engineering District 5-0
1713 Lehigh Street
Allentown, PA 18103-4727
Attn: James R. McGee, P.E.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 tenth (10th) day following the date of this Notice.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to James R. McGee, P.E., phone number (610) 798-4156, fax number (610) 798-4116.
Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster,
Lebanon, Perry and York Counties
Project References No. 08430AG2600The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract for various engineering and environmental services on traffic and maintenance type projects located in Engineering District 8-0 that is Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties. The contract is expected to be for sixty (60) month period with projects assigned on an as needed basis. The maximum amount of the Open-End Contract will be $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 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. Specialized experience and technical competence of the firm with emphasis on the firm's ability to handle projects of a diverse and complex nature. The firm's experience in traffic related design, including Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) implementation, safety and maintenance improvement projects and minor bridge or culvert design projects; the firm's ability to address critical environmental issues in a timely and cost effective manner; and the firm's ability to procure all necessary permits.
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 Engineering District 8-0.
d. Use of Micro-station CADD compatible equipment.
e. Available staffing for this assignment. The selected firm could be assigned up to 20 concurrent work orders of a similar or diverse nature. Prompt turn-around time is expected.
f. Relative size of the team, to the size of projects that may be completed under this Contract.
The possibility exists that many different types of projects will be assigned under short term completion schedules which will encompass a wide range of traffic engineering projects, including, but not limited to, traffic signal and signal system design/analysis, traffic signing and sign structure designs and reviews, prepare/review maintenance and protection of traffic plans and preliminary field surveys.
Other areas of traffic engineering expertise associated with these projects may include, but are not limited to, developing and reviewing traffic signal permit drawings (new and revised), developing and/or reviewing traffic signal construction plans, data collection analysis (including preliminary field surveys and traffic counts), developing traffic signal coordination timing plans, analyzing and fine-tuning existing signal system timing plans to address any system deficiencies, observe on-street system operation during peak and off peak periods, adjust coordination timing parameters to optimize traffic flow, prepare lighting conversion plans, conducting traffic engineering studies in accordance with Title 67, Chapter 201, reviewing Highway Occupancy Permits (HOPs) in accordance with Title 67, Chapter 441 and Publication 170 for appropriate design criteria, review traffic impact studies, checking HOP plans and documentation for accuracy and compliance with current requirements and design standards, review for driveway applications as well as intersection improvements, conduct detailed field views for each permit review, review and evaluate traffic impact studies, drainage design, regulatory and warning signs, and pavement markings.
In addition, the selected firm may be required to perform engineering studies and design in support of the District's Maintenance Unit. These services could include, but are not limited to: drainage and hydraulic studies, storm water management, minor structural design, core borings and geotechnical investigations, PUC coordination, wetland delineation and mitigation design, preparation of categorical exclusion evaluations, preparation of erosion and sedimentation control plans, and preparation of GP-7 minor stream encroachment permit, applications for Penn DEP.
Provide survey data for in-house design projects, if needed. Survey information must be directly compatible with the District's in-house design capabilities. The District uses in-house software (available to the consultant) or TDS software with a DOS operating data collection.
Consultant shall be able to provide Architectural and Architectural Engineering services including the design and construction drawing preparation for single story wood and/or masonry building repairs or improvements where construction cost is expected to be less than ten thousand dollars. The consultant shall be able to perform structural analyses on existing buildings and be familiar with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Building Code requirements.
Consultant shall be able to prepare subdivision and land development plans for Maintenance stockpiles and represent Department at municipal meetings where approval of subdivision and land development plans are necessary.
Areas of environmental study associated with these projects may include, but are not limited to: soils, geology; streams, rivers and watercourses, wetlands, floodplains, navigable waterways, surface water and groundwater resources, National and State Wild and Scenic Rivers and Streams; vegetation, wildlife and habitat, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, threatened and endangered species investigation, farmland, National Natural Landmarks, natural and wild areas, cultural resources, parks and recreation facilities, hazardous and residual waste including under ground storage tanks, air quality, noise, energy, vibration, public controversy on environmental grounds, aesthetic and other values including visual quality, and socioeconomic impacts. All environmental studies will be conducted in accordance with accepted analysis techniques and methodologies.
The selected firm may be required to perform any or all of the above in order to ensure a completed traffic engineering or maintenance investigation has been performed: provide all necessary engineering services, material and equipment necessary to collect, analyze and review data, prepare reports, and attend meetings with applicants and agencies.
The format and content of all documents, plans, and specifications will be consistent with applicable State and Federal regulations and guidelines. This is the general description of the work involved. A more specific and project related scope of work will be outlined for each individual work order developed under the Open-End Contract.
Project schedules will be maintained by the Department using Welcome ''Open Plan'' software. Consultant schedule software must be compatible.
This project reference assignment is considered non-complex. The letter of Interest shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) pages, 8 1/2" 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 submission shall be sent to:
Mr. Barry G. Hoffman, P.E., District Engineer
Engineering District 8-0
2140 Herr Street
Harrisburg, PA 17103-1699
Attention: Mr. Glenn Rowe, P.E.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 the date of this Notice.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements of this project should be directed to Mr. Glenn Rowe at (717) 783-3981.
Butler County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2601The Department will retain an engineering firm to provide final design services and services during construction on S.R. 0008, Section 283, Main Street Viaduct Bridge Replacement, Butler County.
This project involves the replacement of the existing structure that carries S.R. 0008 over Connoquenessing Creek, Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad, and Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad on a new alignment in the City of Butler, Butler County. The project begins at the intersection of Main Street and Wayne Street (S.R. 356) in the City of Butler and precedes south across the river and railroads, then ties back into S.R. 0008 near the intersection of Roosevelt Blvd. The estimated construction cost for this project is $16 million.
The project will involve the construction of a four lane, major structure (approximately 1200 feet in length) and approach roadway.
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 with major structure design. The specific experience of individuals employed by the firm shall be considered.
b) Past record of performance with respect to cost control, work quality and ability to meet accelerated schedules.
c) Available staffing for this assignment, including projected workload for the prime consultant and subconsultants.
d) Location of Consultant in respect to the District.
The firm selected may be required to provide the following services or perform the following tasks (note: this list may be expanded or reduced as the project requirements dictate): Utility verification and relocation; PUC involvement and coordination; field surveys; roadway cross sections; drainage design; traffic control plans; traffic signal plans; lighting plan; pavement marking and signing plan; waste management plan; final roadway plans; core borings; geotechnical report; foundation approval; final structure plans; erosion and sedimentation control plans; value engineering and safety review submissions; construction CPM schedule; project review meetings; public/special interest group meetings; design partnering; completion of all applicable forms; PS&E package submission; project management and administration. Services during construction activities will include, but not limited to, construction consultation, alternate design review and shop drawing reviews. The project will be designed in English units.
Others are advancing the project, through the completion of the preliminary design submission and field view, preliminary type, size and location and final right-of-way plans. The selected firm must build upon the work that has been performed to date with minimal redundancy.
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).
This project reference assignment is considered complex. The letter of interest shall be limited to a maximum of five (5) pages, 8 1/2" 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 submission shall be sent to:
Mr. Richard H. Hogg, P.E., District Engineer
Engineering District 10-0
Route 286 South, P. O. Box 429
Indiana, PA 15701
Attn: Jim Andrews, P.E.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 the date of this Notice.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Jim Andrews, P.E., phone number 724-357-2080, fax number 724-357-1905.
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. 00-1530. Filed for public inspection September 1, 2000, 9:00 a.m.]
