NOTICES
Retention of Engineering Firms
[29 Pa.B. 4210]
Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2383 The Department will retain an engineering firm for an Open-End Contract for various engineering and environmental services on various projects located in Engineering District 8-0, that is Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York 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 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 with emphasis on the firm's ability to handle projects of a diverse and complex nature. The firm's experience in 3R and I-4R design, safety improvement projects and bridge 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 District.
d. Use of Microstation CADD.
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 firm to size of projects that may be completed under this Contract.
The possibility exists that several different types of projects may be assigned with short completion schedules and may encompass a wide range of environmental studies and/or final design efforts. The anticipated types of projects may include, but are not limited to, bridge replacement or bridge rehabilitations with approach work, roadway betterments (3R Type), I-4R projects, SAMI studies, SAMI final design, Capital Improvement Projects (bridges or roadways), and minor location studies.
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 underground 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.
Identify and include cultural resource personnel qualified under the Department of Interior Standards. Identify and include personnel qualified under the United States Fish and Wildlife Service/Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for Bog Turtle Surveys (last revised May 11, 1998) to perform habitat evaluations and/or surveys to determine the presence of bog turtles.
The selected firm may 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 or reevaluate impacts; conduct agency and public involvement activities; and prepare reports and design mitigation plans.
The reports and other written graphic material to be prepared, reviewed and/or distributed may include, but are not limited to: early coordination and scoping documentation and correspondence; plans of study; meeting minutes; public meeting and hearing presentations; handouts and displays; technical basis reports; Conceptual Stage Survey Reports; NEPA environmental documents, including Categorical Exclusions; Section 106 documents, including background research, field views and preparation of documentation required under the Programmatic Agreement for Minor Transportation projects, Section 2002; Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) evaluations; Section 404, 401 and Chapter 105 permits; NPDES permits, 404(b)(1) Alternative Analysis; mitigation plans and reports; wetland monitoring plans; and wetland and floodplain findings.
Other tasks to be completed may include, but not be limited to: entry of information into the District Environmental Management System and/or other project management systems; coordinating field views and meetings; review and preparation of comments on environmental policy; monitoring the incorporation of mitigation measures in final design documents; wetland monitoring, Federal Consistency coordination for projects within Gettysburg Historic District; deed and historical research; file review and archiving.
As part of final design, the engineering firm may be required to perform any or all of the following duties: attend field views and prepare minutes; perform necessary field survey; develop alternatives to the alignment; plot topography and cross sections; prepare submissions for field views and safety review meeting; prepare all pertinent submissions and materials necessary for the Department to prepare the application to 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 hydrologic and hydraulic reports; prepare type, size and location report; perform bridge/structure design and review; 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 the necessary number of 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 cost estimates, permits, insurance, approvals, and other required information; collect 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; 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. This is the general work effort involved. A more specific and project related scope of work will be outlined for each individual work order developed under the Open-End Contract.
The selected firm may be required to supplement the District's Bridge Inspection staff by providing a bridge inspection team with all necessary equipment and material.
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 collector.
Project schedules will be maintained by the Department using Welcom ''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. Greg VaughnThe 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 sixth (6th) day following the date of this Notice.
Any technical questions concerning the requirements of this project should be directed to Mr. Greg Vaughn, at (717) 783-5149.
Northumberland County
Project Reference No. 08430AG2384The Department will retain an engineering firm under a multi-phase, specific project agreement to perform preliminary engineering, environmental studies, final design and construction services for a bridge and roadway project; S. R. 0061, Section 079 in Coal Township and the City of Shamokin, Northumberland County within Engineering District 3-0.
The project consists of studies to determine a solution to eliminate traffic congestion surrounding the subject bridge and the intersection of S. R. 0061 and S. R. 0225. Studies will also review traffic congestion along S. R. 0061 through the City of Shamokin. The firm will then develop plans through final design and construction. Alternatives may include, but not be limited to: interchanges, ramps, signals, channel changes, railroad relocations, and new and rehabilitated structures. Estimated construction cost is $9.0 million. The anticipated agreement duration is four (4) years.
The selected engineering firm will be required to perform a variety of engineering services as indicated below (but not limited to):
a. Development of conceptual alternatives, which should produce at least eight (8) alternates. Tasks associated with this phase could include, but are not limited to: review of existing traffic and origin and destination studies, cost estimates, typical sections, alignment studies, geotechnical studies, environmental overview and mining studies. This phase will require innovative and creative thinking to develop solutions to a complex problem.
b. Refinement of Alternative and Environmental Clearance Studies which will include, but are not limited to: traffic studies for each alternative, alignment studies, hydraulic studies necessary to evaluate alternatives, preliminary maintenance and protection of traffic, development of detailed cost estimates, preliminary structure design, field surveys, preparation of a Categorical Exclusion Evaluation, hazardous waste evaluations, cultural resources studies, and other environmental studies to support the CEE.
c. Development of project plans up to Step 9, including but not limited to line grade and typical section, type, size and location, preliminary traffic control plan, preliminary erosion and sedimentation control plan, pavement design, and preliminary right-of-way plans.
d. Preparation of final roadway and structure plans, including but not limited to: final design, and preparation of plans, specifications and estimates.
e. Consultation during construction.
All engineering services for this project will be performed in accordance with current Department Metric Design Standards.
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 performance of firm with respect to quality of work, administrative and cost controls, ability to meet schedules, and previous experience on roadway widening engineering projects. The specific experience of individuals who constitute the firm shall be considered.
b. Specialized experience and technical competence of firm.
c. Demonstrated familiarity with the project scope.
d. Resumes of key personnel and listing of proposed sub-consultants.
e. Relative size of firm to size of this project.
f. Demonstrated capacity for innovative engineering to resolve complex problems.
g. Location of firm relative to District Office and project site.
The District will announce the firms that have been shortlisted at an open public meeting scheduled for September 1, 1999, at 10 a.m. at the Engineering District 3-0 office at 715 Jordan Avenue, Montoursville, PA. All candidates that submitted a letter of interest will be notified if this date changes. Specify a contact person in the letter of interest.
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" × 17" size), and additional resumes, if applicable. (See the General Requirements and Information Section).
The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:
Mr. Paul E. Heise, P.E., District Engineer
Engineering District 3-0
715 Jordan Avenue
Montoursville, PA 17754The 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 sixth (6th) day following the date of this Notice.
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).
Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Gary R. Williams, P.E., District 3-0, at (570) 368-4391.
Columbia, Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2385The Department will retain an engineering firm to perform periodic NBIS inspection for various locally owned bridges located in Engineering District 3-0, that is Columbia, Lycoming, Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties.
Approximately 314 bridges will be required to be periodically inspected in 2001 and 2003 in Lycoming, Northumberland, Sullivan, Union, and Bradford Counties. Subsequently, approximately 144 interim bridge reinspections of certain bridges in these counties will also be made in 2000, 2002, and 2004. These bridge reinspections will be determined by condition and posting.
There may be a possibility that certain bridges in Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Tioga Counties will also be required to be inspected. Also, possibly 72 unforeseen bridge flood, closed, and initial inspections may be required in the entire District.
Bridges of various structure type and material could be involved; i.e. reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, steel beam, steel truss, and others. A detailed listing of the bridge categories will be distributed during the scope of work meeting.
The selected firm will be required to provide updated inspection reports including a bridge load capacity rating or rerating and posting recommendation as warranted; furnish bridge inventory and appraisal data; completed BMS coding sheets; provide inventory and operating ratings based on existing conditions for various loadings using the Department's computer program for all of the newly inspected bridges and for some previously inspected bridges; and provide load posting recommendations in accordance with the Department's current load posting policy.
Scour critical and fracture critical bridges will be identified for all bridges to be inspected which will be incorporated in the scope of work.
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 performance of firm with respect to quality of work, administrative and costs controls, ability to meet schedules, and previous experience in bridge inspection. The specific experience of individuals who constitute the firm shall be considered.
b. Specialized experience and technical competence of firm.
c. Demonstrated familiarity with the project scope.
d. Resumes of key personnel and listing of proposed sub-consultants.
e. Demonstrated capacity for innovative engineering to resolve problems.
f. Location of firm relative to District Office.
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" × 11", one sided, plus an organizational chart (up to 11" × 17" size), and additional resumes, if applicable. (See the General Requirements and Information Section).
The Letter of Interest submission shall be sent to:
Mr. Paul E. Heise, P.E., District Engineer
Engineering District 3-0
715 Jordan Avenue
Montoursville, PA 17754The 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: Mr. Richard P. Palmer, District 3-0, at (570) 368-4347.
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.
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 the Central Office, Bureau of Design by the deadline stipulated in the individual advertisements.
By submitting a letter of interest for the projects that requests 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.
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.
The requirements for Letters of Interest, in addition to the requirements stipulated in the individual advertisement, are as follows:
1. The Letter of Interest must include the project reference number, the firm's legal name, and the firm's federal identification number.
2. Identify the project manager.
3. Identify subconsultants, if any, including DBE/WBE, if required.
4. Identify key project staff.
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 maximum 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).
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.
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. 99-1294. Filed for public inspection August 6, 1999, 9:00 a.m.]
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