TURNPIKE COMMISSION Retention of an Engineering Firm [27 Pa.B. 4988] Systemwide Biennial Bridge Inspection Reference No. 3-098 The Turnpike Commission (Commission) will retain an engineering firm to perform the reinspection of approximately 850 structures owned by the Commission. The structures include bridges which are 8 feet or more in length and culverts which are 20 feet or more in length. The work will be performed in order to meet the current national bridge inspection standards of the Federal Highway Administration and the Department of Transportation's Bridge Management System (BMS). Underwater inspections will be included in this program.
The re-inspection of the Turnpike's approximately 65 sign structures and 242 high mast lighting poles will also be performed with this project.
The superstructure and substructure of each bridge, and all components of the sign structures, shall be inspected, rated and appraised based on criteria and guidelines defined in the following documents:
1. National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
2. AASHTO Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges 1983, including the 1990 revision.
3. Bridge Inspector's Training Manual 90.
4. Culvert Inspection Manual, Report No. FHWA-IP-86-2.
5. Inspection of Fracture Critical Bridge Members, Report No. FHWA-IP-86-26.
6. Bridge Management System (BMS) Coding Manual, Department Publications 100A October 1993, and its updates.
7. Manual for Inspecting Bridge for Fatigue Damage Conditions, Research Project No. 85-02.
8. Bridge Safety Inspection Manual, Policies and Procedures, Publication 238, January 1989, and its updates.
9. BMS Coding Forms D-491 and their updates or a printout of the individual structure records from BMS.
10. BMS Inspection Forms D-450 Series and their updates.
11. Guidelines for Inventory and Inspection of Pennsylvania's Sign Structures, dated February 1992.
12. AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries and Traffic Signals.
The consultant must follow the existing 2-year interval schedule. Work performed must be completed by January 31, 2000.
The Commission will select one firm for the purpose of negotiating an engineering agreement based on the Commission's evaluation of the acceptable expanded letters of interest received in response to this solicitation. The selection will be established directly from the letters of interest. Technical proposals will not be required.
The following factors will be considered by the Commission during the evaluation of the firms submitting letters of interest:
1. Specialized technical expertise of the key individuals representing the Team.
2. Number of certified inspectors and inspection teams available for this assignment and their qualifications.
3. Capabilities of the proposed teams to address the bridge inspection, engineering evaluations and recommendations.
4. 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.
5. Internal procedures for cost containment and quality assurance.
6. Current bridge inspection workload.
7. Ability of the firm to perform this type of work in the past for other agencies.
8. Overall presentation of the firm's letter of interest.
Address these items and any necessary further details in a brief yet comprehensive manner in the letter of interest.
Questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to James L. Stump, P.E., at (717) 939-9551, Extension 5540.
General Requirements and Information Firms interested in performing the above services are invited to submit expanded letters of interest to Barry L. Troup, P.E., Assistant Chief Engineer--Design, Administration Building located on Eisenhower Boulevard at the Harrisburg-East Interchange near Highspire, PA (Mailing Address: P. O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676).
The expanded letters of interest must include in the heading the project reference number indicated in the advertisement. A Standard Form 254, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire,'' not more than 1 year old as of the date of this advertisement, and Standard Form 255, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire for Specific Project,'' must accompany each letter of interest. If the firm has multiple offices, the location of the office performing the work must be identified.
Firms with out-of-State headquarters or corporations not incorporated in this Commonwealth must include with each letter of interest a copy of their registration to do business in this Commonwealth as provided by the Department of State.
The Turnpike Commission 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 Commission currently limits its participation in the consultant's indirect payroll costs (overhead) on design projects to 130% or the consultant's actual audited overhead rate, whichever is less.
The following factors should be identified by the Consultant in their submission:
(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 would be involved in the project shall be identified, including the Project Manager.
(C) Expanded letters of interest should include an indication of the prime consultant's and subconsultant's current workload for all Department of Transportation and Turnpike Commission projects.
(D) Location of consultant's office where the work will be performed.
(E) Listing of subconsultants intended. Any deviation from the subconsultants listed in the letter of interest will require written approval from the Commission, if selected.
(F) Special requirements of the project.
(G) An organization chart for the project identifying key personnel. Only resumes of key personnel should be included.
(H) Other factors, if any, specific to the project.
Each firm shall demonstrate in their expanded letter of Interest their ability to perform the specific requirements indicated for this project by including a maximum three page report on this subject.
The expanded letters of interest and required forms must be received by 12 noon, Friday, October 10, 1997. Any letters of interest received after this date and time will be time-stamped and returned.
Based on an evaluation of acceptable expanded letters of interest in response to this advertisement, one firm will be selected for this project. The order of preference will be established for the purpose of negotiating an agreement with the highest ranked firm established by the Technical Review Committee and approved by the Selection Committee. Technical Proposals will not be requested for final selection.
The Commission reserves the right to reject all letters of interest submitted, to cancel the solicitation requested under this notice and/or to re-advertise solicitation for these services.
JAMES F. MALONE, III,
Chairperson[Pa.B. Doc. No. 97-1577. Filed for public inspection September 26, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]
