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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 99-242

NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION

Retention of Engineering Firms

[29 Pa.B. 876]

Greene, Washington, Allegheny, Butler,
Lawrence, Mercer, Crawford and Erie Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2294

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to provide supplementary construction inspection staff of approximately eighteen (18) inspectors, under the Department's Inspector(s)-in-Charge for construction inspection and documentation services on the following projects:

   1.  S. R. 0079, Section A22, Allegheny, Lawrence, Greene, Washington, Butler, Mercer, Crawford and Erie Counties Local Name: I-79 ITS from West Virginia to Erie

   This project involves variable message signs, highway advisory radio, weather monitoring systems, pavement sensors, closed circuit television cameras, detection systems, informational kiosks and communication systems at various locations.

   2.  S. R. 0376, Section A21, Allegheny County Local Name: I-376 ITS from the Squirrel Hill Tunnel to Rodi Road.

   This project involves the installation of additional ITS components as part of a freeway surveillance expansion.

   The Department will establish an order of ranking of a minimum of three (3) 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.   Ability to package and present the Letter of Interest in accordance with the ''General Requirements and Information'' section.

   b.  Review of inspectors' resumes with emphasis on construction inspection capabilities and specialized experience in the Maintenance and Protection of Traffic, concrete, ITS (Intelligent Transportation systems) elements and electrical systems.

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

   d.  Past Performance.

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

   f.  Number of available inspectors in each payroll classification.

   The qualifications and experience required of the firm's inspectors will be established by the Department, and the qualifications of the firm's proposed employees 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
ClassificationInspectors
Transportation Construction Ins.
   Super. (TCIS) (NICET Highway
   Construction Level 3 or equivalent)
2 (2)
Transportation Construction
   Inspector (TCI) (NICET Highway
   Construction Level 2 or equivalent)
12 (8)
Technical Assistant (TA) (NICET
   Highway Construction Level 1 or
   equivalent)
4 (0)

   The number(s) 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 per hour of inspection for each Department Payroll Classification for calendar year of 1999:

Maximum Straight Time
Reimbursement Per Hour
Payroll ClassificationOf Inspection
      (TCIS)$40.54
      (TCI)$35.47
      (TA)$24.39

   The maximum reimbursement per hour of inspection includes all costs for providing construction inspection services at the project site during the normal work week.

   Maximum reimbursement per hour of inspection for subsequent calendar years, if applicable, will be established at the scope of work meeting.

   The firm selected may be required to attend a pre-construction 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; one (1) 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.

   The firm selected will be required to supply the following equipment at no direct cost to the Department:

14Two-Way Radios

   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).

   Letters of interest for this project must include a letter, signed by the individuals you propose for all TCIS positions, giving their approval to use their name in your letter of interest for this specific project.

   The maximum number of resumes to be included in the letter of interest shall be as follows:

ClassificationNo. of Resumes
TCIS  3
TCI15

   No resumes are required for the TA Classification.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required forms, (see general requirements and information section shall be sent to: Mr. Raymond S. Hack, P.E., District Engineer, District 11-0, 45 Thoms Run Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Bob Collins, P.E., District 11-0 at (412) 429-4928.

   Any questions concerning the submittal of the letter of interest can be directed to the Consultant Agreement Division at (717) 783-9309.

Bucks and Montgomery Counties
Project Reference No. 08430AG2295

   The Department of Transportation will retain an engineering firm to perform final design and construction consultation for the following projects:

   1.  S.R. 0611, Section 04S, involving three (3) structures at the following locations: Easton Road over Deep Run; Easton Road over Tinicum Creek; and Easton Road over Creamery Road, in Bedminster Township, Bedminster and Tinicum Townships, and Tinicum township respectively in Bucks County. The estimated construction cost is $600 thousand.

   2.  S. R. 3020, Section 98S, involving two (2) structures, Dannehower Bridge over Schuylkill River and a bridge over Conrail and Parkway at Bridgeport and Norristown respectively, in Upper Merion Township in Montgomery County. The estimated construction cost is $1.2 million.

   These projects involve bridge deck rehabilitation including latex modified testing and overlay, parapet safety shape retrofit, replacement of expansion joints, substructure spall repairs, bearing repairs, and scour protection of four (4) bridges. The S. R. 0611 project length is approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) and S. R. 3020 project length is 1.4 kilometers (4612 feet).

   The selected firm will be required to provide the following engineering and design services: surveys; roadway design; drainage design; pavement design; preparation of cross-sections; guide rail system; erosion and sediment control design; right-of-way investigation and plan; structure design; sampling and testing; preparation of traffic control, pavement marking, and signing plans; traffic signal design; utility coordination; coordination with public agencies, municipal officials, and the public; preparation of final plans, specifications, and estimates; shop drawing reviews; alternate design review; and construction consultation.

   Firms that are currently serving, or are being considered for selection, as municipal engineer in the municipality 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. Any questions concerning this requirement should be directed to Ms. Elaine Elbich, at the telephone number listed below.

   Letters of Interest will be evaluated at the Engineering District 6-0 office with emphasis on the following factors:

   a.  Ability to package and present the Letter of Interest in accordance with the General Requirements and Information section.

   b.  Specialized experience and technical competence of the firm including the firm's experience with similar type projects and their ability to provide innovative solutions to complex technical problems.

   c.  Experience of employees to be associated with this project. Particularly important are the key people assigned to the project including their experience and past record of performance with similar projects.

   d.  Company location from District 6-0 office.

   e.  Past performance record.

   The District will announce the firms that have been shortlisted at an open public meeting scheduled for March 5, 1999 at 10 a.m. in Engineering District's 6-0's small conference room.

   The District's copy of the letter of interest and required forms (see general requirements and information section) shall be sent to: Mr. Andrew L. Warren, District Administrator, District 6-0, 200 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA 19087.

   Any technical questions concerning the requirements for this project should be directed to: Mr. Timothy R. O'Brien, P.E., District 6-0, at (610) 964-6526, or Ms. Elaine Elbich, District 6-0, at (610) 964-6529.

   Any 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 providing the above work and services are invited to submit two copies of a Letter of Interest with the required information for each Project Reference Number for which the applicant wishes to be considered.

   The first copy of the Letter of Interest and required information must be submitted to:
      Mr. Charles W. Allwein, P.E., Chief
      Consultant Selection Committee
      7th Floor, Forum Place
      555 Walnut Street
      P. O. box 3060
      Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-3060

   Note:  The Zip Code for express Mailing is 17101-1900.

   The Letter of Interest and required information must be received within twenty (20) calendar days of this Notice. The Deadline for receipt of a Letter of Interest at the above address is 4:30 p.m. prevailing time of the twentieth day.

   The second copy of the letter of interest and required information must be submitted to the appropriate District Engineer/Administrator or the Bureau Director as indicated in the individual advertisement. This copy must be postmarked or delivered on or before the deadline indicated above.

   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 corporate which is permitted under the 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 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, WEBs 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 Department requests that each Letter of Interest include the following information and that the information be packaged and presented in the order indicated below to facilitate the Department's review and evaluation.

   The firm's ability and willingness to package and present the requested information in the above order to facilitate the Department's review and evaluation will be the first factor considered in the evaluation process.

   1.  Transmittal Letter (Maximum of two (2) 8 1/2 x 11" typed pages, one side)

   2.  A fact sheet that includes the project reference number for each project which the applicant wishes to be considered, the firm's legal name, fictitious name (if applicable), and the firm's federal identification number. If the project advertisement indicated the Department will retain an engineering firm for the project, the applicant should indicate on this fact sheet the names and Professional Engineer License Number of Individuals who are directing heads or employees of the firm who have responsible charge of the firm's engineering activities, and whose names and seals shall be stamped on all plans, specifications, plats, and reports issued by the firm. If the project advertisement indicated the Department will retain an Land Surveying firm for the project, the applicant should indicate on this fact sheet the names and Professional Land Surveyor Registration Number of individuals who are directing heads or employees of the firm who have responsible charge of the firm's land surveying activities, and whose names and seals shall be stamped on all plans, plats, and reports issued by the firm.

   3.   Project Organizational Chart (one page, one side, maximum size 11" x 17")

   This Chart should show key staff from the prime and each subconsultant and their area of responsibility.

   4.  Standard Form 255, ''Architect-Engineer and Related Services Questionnaire for Specific Project'' (one Form 255 for the project team)

   The Standard Form 255 should be signed, dated, and filled out in its entirety, including Item No. 6 listing the proposed subconsultants and the type of work and service they will perform on the project.

   Under Item 4 of this form, Column A must specify only the number of subconsultant personnel and Column B should specify only the number of prime consultant personnel to be assigned to work on this project reference number. Do not include the total personnel for either the subconsultant or prime consultant under Item 4 unless the total personnel are necessary to provide the required work and services.

   The prime and each subconsultant should not include more than one page each for Items 10 and 11.

   If a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal is specified for the project, the DBE must be currently certified by the Department of Transportation, and the name of the DBE and the work to be performed must be indicated in Item No. 6. If a Woman 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.

   5.  Standard Form 254, ''Architect-Engineer for Related Services Questionnaire''

   A Standard Form 254, not more than one (1) year old as of the date of this advertisement, should 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, unless an acceptable Standard Form 254 for the prime and each subconsultant/subcontractor is on file in both the Bureau of Design and the Engineering District Office or Central Office Bureau identified in the individual project advertisement.

   These Forms should be assembled with the prime's form first, followed by the form for each subconsultant in the same order as the subconsultants appear in Item 6 of Standard Form 255.

   6.  Authorization Letters (if required)

   If the advertisement requires a letter signed by individuals giving their approval to use their name in the Letter of Interest, the letters from proposed prime employees should be first, followed by subconsultant employees, in the same order as shown in Item 6 of Standard Form 255.

   7.  Registration To Do Business

   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.

   8.  Overhead Rates (one page)

   A single page summary should indicate the latest audited overhead rate developed in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for the prime consultant and each subconsultant. If a FAR rate is not available, the latest rate available from a Certified Public Accountant must be indicated. New firms should indicate how long the firm has been in existence and when an audited overhead rate developed in accordance with FAR would be available.

   Audited overhead rate information for the prime consultant and each subconsultant is not required for construction inspection services.

   9.  Additional Information

   Additional information, not to exceed ten (10) one sided 8 1/2 x 11'' pages or five (5) double sided 8 1/2 x 11" pages may be included at the discretion of the submitting firm.

   Letters of Interest will be rejected for the following reasons:

   1.  Received after the cut-off time and date specified above.

   2.  Failure to identify a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) if a DBE participation goal is identified in the advertised project.

   3.  Failure to include a copy of the registration to do business in the Commonwealth.

   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. 99-242. Filed for public inspection February 12, 1999, 9:00 a.m.]



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