NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Retention of Engineering Firms for Dam and Hydraulic Structure Design and Analysis; Project Reference No. FDC-500-815

[49 Pa.B. 2918]
[Saturday, June 8, 2019]

 The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Department) is seeking proposals from interested and qualified engineering firms, under open-end contracts, for the engineering design, inspection and related environmental and geotechnical services for dam and hydraulic structure design and analysis projects located on State Parks and State Forests land in this Commonwealth. The contracts will be for a 12-month period with four 12-month extensions possible. Projects will be assigned on an as-needed basis to ensure proper and safe operation of Department infrastructure and facilities.

 Letters of Interest for this project 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, the 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.

 The services may encompass a wide range of civil and structural design efforts with the possibility of several different types of projects being designed under short completion schedules. The anticipated types of projects may include, but are not limited to, dam and control structure modification, rehabilitation and upgrades, slope and stability analysis of concrete and earthen dams, structural analysis of spillways and retaining walls, hydraulic and hydrologic evaluation for existing spillways, proposed dam structure modifications, inspection of dams, and preparation of emergency action plans.

 Typically, the engineering firm shall be required to furnish a complete set of contract documents (plans and specifications), suitable for public bid and in accordance with a prescribed Department format, and in accordance with applicable State and Federal codes and requirements. A quality assurance program shall be in place by the engineering firm assuring that all documents are acceptable and of the highest quality prior to submission of said documents to the Department.

Background

 Established on July 1, 1995, the Department is charged with maintaining and preserving the 121 State Parks; managing the 2.2 million acres of State Forest land; providing information on the Commonwealth's ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space and natural areas.

 The Bureau of Facility Design and Construction (Bureau) provides multidisciplined facility and infrastructure technical support to the other bureaus in the Department in the areas of project design, project inspections, construction management, contract administration, surveying and other technical advice and consultation. This Bureau is comprised of three Divisions: Dams, Bridges and Roadways Engineering; Environmental Engineering and Architecture; and Field Engineering and Contracts Management.

 The Bureau's Central Office (located in Harrisburg) is responsible for the development of architectural, landscape architectural, water and sanitary, bridge and roadway and civil and environmental projects required to support the Department's facility construction and maintenance program. The Central Office is comprised of five sections: Architectural Design, Landscape Design, Sanitary and Water Management, Bridges and Road Management and Civil Design. In addition to project design, staff also provides technical architectural and engineering support and advice to assist field operation in State Parks and State Forests.

 The Bureau also has four field offices: Northcentral Office in Emporium; Western Office in Moraine State Park; Southcentral Office in Shawnee State Park; and Eastern Office in Nockamixon State Park. Each office is responsible for providing direct engineering and technical support to the State Parks and State Forests field operation staff in their area. Staff is responsible for project inspection and construction management to ensure contractor compliance with the construction contract documents as well as some project design.

PART I
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

 I-1. Specific Requirements.

 The engineering firm may be required to perform any or all of the following duties: attend site visits; prepare minutes; perform necessary field surveys; plot topography and cross sections; develop erosion and sediment control plans; prepare permit applications, prepare type, size and location reports; prepare construction drawings, specifications and estimates; complete field geotechnical investigations; procure core borings; provide soil, foundation and geotechnical investigation engineering reports; investigate utility involvement; evaluate alternatives, using benefit/cost analysis; develop other details and narratives; inspect major and unusual structures; develop rehabilitation strategies; and also, review shop drawings, catalog cuts, submittals and occasional attendance at construction job conferences may be required.

 The services anticipated under the contract may include project planning, scoping and programming; budget estimating; site visits; existing facility review, assessment and documenting; perform necessary field surveys; plot topography and cross sections; procure core borings; provide soil, infiltration and foundation engineering reports; investigate utility involvement; evaluate alternatives using benefit/cost analysis; inspect simple, major and unusual structures; develop rehabilitation strategies; conceptual design; design development; construction documentation including preparation of drawings and specifications; cost estimating; permit preparation and submission; and construction administration including construction submission review and construction inspection. Permitting services may include 25 Pa. Code Chapters 102 and 105 (relating to erosion and sediment control; and dam safety and waterway management), sanitary permits, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, erosion and sediment control plans, water encroachment plans and storm water management plans.

 Areas of related environmental studies associated with these design projects may include, but are not limited to, wetlands, soil, geology 25 Pa. Code Chapters 102 and 105, Army Corps of Engineers 404 permits, Act 537 planning and Department of Environmental Protection water quality management requirements. The environmental studies shall be conducted in accordance with accepted analysis techniques and methodologies and may include 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, prepare reports and design mitigation plans. The reports and other graphic material to be prepared may include, but are not limited to, plans of study, meeting minutes, preparation of permit application documents, mitigation plans and reports, and wetland and floodplain findings.

 Projects will be located throughout this Commonwealth. Travel to the project sites will be required. Project assignment will be through individual project Work Orders. The scope of the Work Order may range from full responsibility for all aspects of the design to a collaborative design effort with Department in-house staff where only one or more specific design disciplines are required. Work Orders may be for a single phase or portion of a project such as conceptual design, or for all phases of the entire project. The work shall be identified in the Work Order by a series of tasks that encompass the full scope of the project. The number and description of the tasks will vary based on a project's scope and complexity. A typical Work Order will require formal submissions at the end of the Sketch (10%), Preliminary (50%), Pre-Final (95%) and Final (100%) design stages. Complexity may require more or less submissions for certain projects. The Consultant will be required to develop and maintain a detailed project schedule showing all related project tasks including design phases, submissions, review periods and timelines for required permits. The project schedule shall identify the critical path for completion for the project. A Bureau Project Coordinator will be assigned to each Work Order. The Project Coordinator may change from project to project. A Performance Review may be performed by the Project Coordinator at the completion of the Work Order and used in assigning additional projects to the Consultant.

 The Department's standard contract method is multiple prime, design-bid-build, although other nonbid construction methods, including construction by Department staff and volunteer organizations, may be used. The Consultant will be required to prepare construction documents appropriate to the construction method selected by the Department.

 The Consultant will be required to submit project data and documents in both written and electronic form. Drawings will be required to comply with the Department's computer aided drafting (CAD) standard. Three-dimensional drawings will be expected throughout the design process; and presentation renderings may be required at the completion of design.

 I-2. Qualifications. The Consultant shall have staff available to provide rapid services associated with assigned projects. The Consultant may be called upon to provide services on multiple projects at the same time. The Consultant shall have demonstrated knowledge of the building design and construction methods.

 The following minimum qualifications will be expected of all Consultants:

 • Possess current professional registrations required to perform required services.

 • Be licensed to conduct business in this Commonwealth.

 • Have sufficient staff or subconsultants experienced in the various required services.

 • Have an established quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) program for checking documents for accuracy, consistency, coordination, quality and compliance with all necessary codes and regulations.

 • Have design capabilities in digital format (AutoCAD).

 • Have the ability to produce 3-dimensional drawings in to further illustrate design intent.

 I-3. Addenda to the Request for Proposals (RFP). If the Department deems it necessary to revise any part of this RFP before the proposal response date, the Issuing Office will post an addendum to the Department web site at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Business/ConstructionBids/Pages/default.aspx. It is the Offeror's responsibility to periodically check the web site for any new information or addenda to the RFP. Answers to the questions asked during the questions and answers period also will be posted, as necessary, to the web site as an addendum to the RFP.

PART II
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

 Offerors must submit their proposals in the format, including heading descriptions, outlined as follows. To be considered, the proposal must respond to all requirements in this part of the RFP. Offerors should provide any other information thought to be relevant, but not applicable to the enumerated categories, as an appendix to the proposal.

 II-1. Requirements. Proposals shall include the following items and information:

 • Letter of Interest including the Consultant's Federal identification number and the project reference number.

 • A description of the Consultant's understanding of the Department's needs and the services required. This description shall include why and how the Consultant is qualified to provide these services.

 • A description of the Consultant's project approach and methodology, including the approach to the managerial, technical and administrative aspects of the project. Describe how the scope, schedule, budget and quality of a project are managed and controlled. Address communication and coordination strategies internal to the design team, with the client and with other outside agencies. Describe how an integrated design process is approached and has been used on past projects.

 • A description of the Consultant's sustainable design experience, including specialized knowledge and expertise in as many of the following areas of sustainable design as possible: environmentally sound site design and planning, sustainability performance standards for energy efficiency, water efficiency, environmentally sound materials, construction waste management and prevention, low maintenance design and materials. Include a description of how sustainable design is made an integral part of the Consultant's design process.

 • A detailed description of the Consultant's QC and QA program, including how subconsultants are included in this program. Describe what steps are taken to assure accurate, fully coordinated construction documents. Provide the name of the person responsible for QC and describe their qualifications to perform this task.

 • A description of the Consultant's qualifications to complete the required services. Include firm history and experience on similar projects. Describe the resources of the firm, including number/discipline of personnel, ability to respond to schedule acceleration, and the like. Describe roles and experience of proposed subconsultants.

 • Resumes of personnel who will be involved in providing the services described herein to the Department. Describe their relevant experience, years of experience, what roles they will fill in providing the required services and percent of time they will be committing to Department-assigned projects. The resumes must include their professional education and professional registrations and licenses. Provide resumes of subconsultant's personnel.

 • A description of the Consultant's ability to work on multiple projects of various sizes at the same time.

 • A list of at least three of the Consultant's most recent completed projects similar to the projects anticipated under the contract. In addition to photographs and a descriptive narrative, the list shall include the client, contact person and contact information, the completion date, the estimated or actual total construction cost, the estimated or actual construction cost of the portion of the work which the firm designed, the firm's project manager and the names of all of the firm's personnel who made contributions to the project.

 • A standard Department of General Services (DGS) Form 150-ASP indicating the individual in charge. The Form 150-ASP is available by downloading from the DGS Home Page on the Internet at https://www.dgs.pa.gov/Businesses (search for document Form 150-ASP). A sample of this form is found in Appendix A. This form should be submitted electronically on the CD or flash drive as per Part II, II-2 of the RFP. The electronic submission instructions on the DGS web site are DGS projects only. Additional information pertinent to this firm's qualifications to do the work of this contract may be included.

 II-2. Number of Copies. Offeror's Proposals must be submitted electronically on a CD or flash drive in quantity of seven each and include DGS Form 150-ASP. A Small Diverse Business (SDB) and Small Business (SB) proposal must be provided in the Excel document on the CD or flash drive. Submittals must be accompanied by the Letter of Interest and received no later than 4 p.m. on July 17, 2019. The assignment and services will be made to one or more of the firms responding to this notice. However, the Department reserves the right to reject all Letters of Interest submitted, cancel the solicitation requested under this notice, or readvertise solicitation for this service, or both.

 II-3. SDB Participation Submittal General Information. Please refer to and/or complete all four tabs on the SDBSB Participation Submittal Information Excel Spreadsheet. These tabs include SDBSB Language, Submittal, Listing, and Letter of Intent. These are also included in this RFP as Appendices B through E. The completed forms must be on the CD or flash drive per RFP instructions II-2. A model of SDBSB Subcontract is found in Appendix F.

 For credit in the RFP scoring process, a SB must complete the DGS/Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) self-certification process. Additional information on this process can be found at https://www.dgs.pa.gov/Small%20Business%20Contracting%20Program/Pages/default.aspx.

 For credit in the RFP scoring process, a SDB must complete the DGS verification process. Additional information on this process can be found at https://www.dgs.pa.gov/Small%20Diverse%20Business%20Program/Pages/default.aspx.

 The Department's directory of self-certified SB and DGS/BDISBO-verified SDB can be accessed from https://www.dgs.pa.gov/Small%20Diverse%20Business%20Program/Small-Diverse-Business-Verification/Pages/default.aspx.

 Questions regarding the SDB and SB Programs, including questions about the self-certification and verification processes, can be directed to the Department of General Services, Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities, Room 611, North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, (717) 783-3119, fax (717) 787-7052, RA-BDISBOVerification@pa.gov, www.dgs.pa.gov.

 II-4. Debriefing. The Department will not offer a debriefing session to the unsuccessful firms. The Department disclaims any liability whatsoever to its review of the proposal submitted and in formulating a recommendation for selections. Recommendations made by the Department shall be final.

PART III
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

 III-1. Selection Criteria. The engineering consulting firm will be evaluated upon, but not limited to, the following criteria:

 A. Consultant's experience on past projects of similar scope, type and size.

 B. Consultant's staff qualifications, experience and ability to perform the required services, including available manpower to perform the required services. This includes the qualifications, experience and abilities of subconsultant's staff.

 C. Consultant's understanding of the problem and the services required.

 D. Consultant's project approach and methodology.

 E. QC and QA program and procedures.

 F. Equitable distribution of contracts.

 G. SDB and SB Participation per criteria in Appendix B, Small Diverse Business (SDB) and Small Business (SB) Participation Submittal Language.

 III-2. Number of Contracts. The Department may select more than one firm.

PART IV
MAILING AND CONTACT INFORMATION

 Firms interested in performing the required services for this project are invited to submit Letters of Interest to Alfred Uzokwe, Sr., PE, Director, Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 8th Floor, 400 Market Street, P.O. Box 8451 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8451. Contact Edward Raptosh at (717) 783-3329 for general information concerning this RFP.

CINDY ADAMS DUNN, 
Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 19-861. Filed for public inspection June 7, 2019, 9:00 a.m.]

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