NOTICES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Retention of Engineering Firms
[26 Pa.B. 5063]
Bucks and Montgomery Counties
Reference No. 08430AG2022The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to perform environmental mitigation services, preliminary engineering, final design and construction consultation for S. R. 0202, Section 701, U. S. 202 Relocation in Lower and Upper Gwynedd Townships and Montgomery Township, Montgomery County, and Warrington and Doylestown Townships, Bucks County. This project involves preliminary and final design and construction of a portion of the New Alignment Alternative for U. S. 202 between Montgomeryville, Montgomery County and Doylestown, Bucks County as outlined in the U. S. 202, Section 700, Draft Environmental Impact Statement (August, 1996).
The limits of the environmental mitigation services and preliminary engineering are U. S. 202 at Hancock Road in Lower Gwynedd Township, Montgomery County and Bristol Road in Warrington and Doylestown Township, Bucks County a distance of approximately 6.2 miles.
The limits of final design are U. S. 202 at Hancock Road in Lower and Upper Gwynedd Townships, and PA 309 in Montgomery Township in Montgomery County a distance of approximately 1.5 miles. The estimated construction cost of this portion is $22.0 million.
The selected firm will be required to provide the following engineering and design services: surveys; roadway design; pavement design; preparation of cross sections; soils and geological investigations; erosion and sedimentation control design; highway lighting design; right-of-way investigation and plan preparation; structure design; hydrologic and hydraulic analysis; preparation of traffic control, pavement marking and signing plans; traffic signal design; sign lighting plans; utility coordination and design; highway lighting; coordination with PUC, DEP, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, municipal officials, and the public; preparation of final plans, specifications and estimates; shop drawing reviews, alternate design review; and construction consultation.
The selected firm will also be required to provide environmental mitigation services to complete the following: wetland creation, noise abatement and hazardous waste contamination remediation. These services will be conducted to complete the design and construction proposals. The selected firm will be required to provide all necessary environmental services, material and equipment necessary to collect, analyze and organize data, assess impacts, conduct agency and public involvement activities, and prepare reports and plans. The reports and other written graphic material to be prepared may include, but are not limited to, meeting minutes, and coordinating the development of the design with various agencies and special interest groups.
Firms that are currently serving, or are being considered for selection, as municipal engineer in the municipalities listed in the project description will not be considered for this assignment. Also, firms that are under contract, or are being considered, to provide engineering services to a land developer for a site located along the project will likewise not be considered for this assignment. Firms should state in the letter of interest that they are not serving in either capacity as a municipal engineer or as a representative of a site developer. Questions concerning this requirement should be directed to Vito A. Genua, at the telephone number listed below.
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 Vito A. Genua, P.E., District 6-0, at (610) 964-6526, or Randy Wanger, P.E., District 6-0, at (610) 964-6548.
Questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division, at (717) 783-9309.
Statewide
Reference No. 08430AG2023The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for an open-end contract to perform Statewide periodic NBIS bridge safety inspections for designated bridges on the local system throughout the Commonwealth. This contract will be for a minimum period of 30 months from the date of execution with projects assigned on an as-needed basis. This maximum amount of the open-end contract will be a minimum of $750 thousand.
The selected firm will be required to provide all necessary professional and nonprofessional services, work, material and equipment necessary to inspect/reinspect and evaluate the condition of locally owned bridges at various locations. The firm will provide updated inspection reports including a bridge load capacity rating/rerating and/or posting recommendation as warranted. Structure inventory and appraisal data, and completed Bridge Management System coding sheets are also to be furnished. Inventory and operating ratings based on existing conditions for AASHTO and Department of Transportation loadings using the Department's computer programs and/or other programs with prior approval when the Department's program is not applicable, may be required.
Firms responding to this solicitation shall provide the following additional information in their letter of interest:
1. Indicate the lead person or subconsultant on each of the expert service elements and indicate the qualifications and experience of the lead person or subconsultant specifically related to each expert service area.
2. Indicate how the firm will provide ''on demand'' response for urgent problems.
3. Indicate internal procedures for cost containment and quality assurances.
4. Indicate computer capabilities including Department of Transportation programs and other software.
The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three firms for the purpose of negotiating 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 technical expertise and experience of the individuals committed to this project.
b. Capabilities of the proposed team to address the underwater inspection, diving, engineering evaluations and recommendations, and related aspects identified in the advertisement.
c. Prior technical successes and timeliness in performing work with the Department.
d. Available staffing and ''on demand'' response capabilities in the event of emergencies.
e. Location, current work log, cost containment and quality assurance program.
The engineering services studies identified above are the general work activities that can be expected under the contract.
Project management will be by the Bridge Quality Assurance Division, Bureau of Design. Engineering inspections will be directed by the respective District Office.
Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Harold Rogers, P.E., at (717) 787-3767.
Questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.
Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton
and Schuylkill Counties
Reference No. 08430AG2024The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm for an open-end contract for various engineering services and environmental studies on various projects located in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Schuylkill Counties in Engineering District 5-0. The contract will be for a 30 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 projects having short completion schedules. The anticipated types of projects may include, but are not limited to, bridge replacements or bridge rehabilitations, with minor approach work, roadway betterments (3R Type), SAMI studies, SAMI final design, Capital Improvement Projects (bridges or roadways), and minor location studies. The maximum amount of the open-end contract will be $750,000.
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. 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.
The firm may be required to perform any or all of the following engineering services: attend field views and prepare minutes; prepare submissions for field views and safety review meeting; field surveys; plot topography and cross sections; prepare submissions and materials necessary for the Department to prepare the application to Public Utility Commission (PUC) for the PUC field conference; attend and supply any required information for all PUC meetings and hearings during project design; develop erosion control details and narrative; develop right-of-way plans; prepare type, size and location reports; prepare hydraulic report for waterway approval; prepare bridge drawings; traffic control plans and narrative; procure core borings; provide the soil and foundation engineering report; investigate utility and property involvement; prepare and disseminate right of entry letters; prepare prints and information required for a value engineering review; make the necessary investigations and adjustments to the design as a result of the value engineering review comments; make all necessary contact with railroad officials for any railroad related costs estimates, permits, insurance, approvals and other required information; collect traffic signal timing and accident data; perform traffic counts and speed delay studies; prepare plans for signal design and implementation of signal interconnections; evaluate alternatives using benefit/cost analysis; document study activities and findings; perform seismic analysis on structures; develop detailed scopes of work for specific contract advertisement; perform surveys for Department in-house design; and prepare construction plans, specifications 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 perform any or all of the following environmental studies: air quality; surface water and groundwater hydrology; terrestrial ecology; wetlands; soils; geology; farmland; visual quality; socioeconomic; cultural; 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 environmental investigation has been performed: provide all necessary environmental services, material and equipment necessary to collect, analyze and organize data; assess impacts; conduct agency and public involvement activities; and prepare reports and design mitigation plans.
The reports and other written graphic material to be prepared may include, but are not limited to, early coordination and scoping correspondence; plans of study; meeting minutes; public meetings and hearing presentations; handouts and displays; technical basis reports; NEPA environmental documents; Section 106 documents; Section 4(f) evaluations; mitigation plans and reports; and wetland floodplain findings.
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.
Technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to Donald E. Lerch, P.E., District 5-0 at (215) 798-4221.
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 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 (717) 783-9309.
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 (717) 787-1057 or (717) 787-2004.
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. 96-1759. Filed for public inspection October 18, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
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