042026-1029_parcel_1a_tote.pdf

RFQ 042026-1029 Parcel 1A TOTE USTS Site Closure Investigation Page 1 of 23

REQUEST FOR QUALILFICATION (RFQ)

PROCUREMENT NO.: 042026-1029

PARCEL 1A TOTE USTS SITE CLOSURE

INVESTIGATION

Issued by Port of Tacoma

One Sitcum Plaza P.O. Box 1837

Tacoma, WA 98401-1837

RFQ INFORMATION

Contact: Michelle Walker, Procurement Analyst Email Addresses: procurement@portoftacoma.com Phone: (253) 888-4744 Submittal Date June 16, 2026 Questions Due Date June 9, 2026

SUBMIT ALL QUESTIONS AND SOQS VIA THE PROCUREMENT PORTAL.

(LINK LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PROCUREMENT WEB PAGE)

mailto:procurement@portoftacoma.com

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Port of Tacoma (PORT)

RFQ 042026-1029

Parcel 1A Tote USTs Site Closure Investigation

A. PURPOSE

The PORT is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from firms interested in providing Parcel 1A Tote USTs Site Closure Investigation. The PORT anticipates awarding one (1) Professional Service contract. The period of performance of the contract is three (3) years from the execution of the contract, with options for renewal at the sole discretion of the PORT, for a possible total of five (5) years. This contract will not exceed a total of $350,000.00 + any applicable Washington State Sales Tax (WSST).

The successful respondent may be precluded from competing for, or participating in, subsequent contracts that are the direct result of or primarily generated by, the work performed under the contract resulting from this procurement.

Interlocal Cooperation Act-RCW 39.34 allows cooperative purchasing between public agencies, and other political subdivisions. If a public agency files or has filed an Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the Port of Tacoma, those agencies are eligible to purchase from Contracts established by the Port. Such agencies may ask Port of Tacoma Contractors to accept orders from the agency, citing the Port of Tacoma contract as the basis for the order. The Contractor may accept or decline such orders. If the Contractor accepts an order from another public agency using the Port of Tacoma contract as the basis, the Contractor agrees to sell additional items at the contract prices, terms, and conditions. The Port of Tacoma accepts no responsibility for the payment of the purchase price by other governmental agencies.

B. BACKGROUND

Created by Pierce County citizens in 1918, the PORT is a major center for container cargo, bulk, break-bulk, autos and heavy-lift cargo. To learn more about the PORT, visit www.portoftacoma.com.

The purpose of this project is to complete environmental investigation to address outstanding Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) requirements related to over 25 former underground storage tanks at Parcel 1A. The investigation will support regulatory decision-making, advance the site toward potential closure, and reduce long-term environmental and financial risk to the Port.

Under the Port’s Legacy UST program, staff and consultants developed a closure strategy for the Tote property and are pursuing a parcel-wide No Further Action determination through Ecology’s Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP).

A Remedial Investigation and Action Plan based on 2019–2020 data was submitted in January 2021, proposing additional borings, monitoring wells, and monitored natural attenuation. In July 2021, Ecology required further site characterization. The Port responded with a focused data gap investigation, submitting a Draft Investigation Plan in June 2022 and revisions in February 2023.

http://www.portoftacoma.com/

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The investigation work plan organizes the work into three stages to improve efficiency, align with contractor availability, and allow the Port to move forward quickly. Stage 1 involves drilling borings, collecting soil and groundwater samples, and confirming removal of the former Wax Tank; Stage 2 includes additional porewater sampling and redevelopment and sampling of existing wells; and Stage 3 consists of installing new monitoring wells and collecting soil and groundwater samples. The results of this investigation may lead to either closure recommendation, long-term groundwater monitoring, or additional remedial actions at individual USTs.

The Work Plan and comments are included as Attachment C. Additional technical reports and Site information for Parcel 1A Tote can be found on Ecology’s site:

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/cleanupsearch/site/7619 The PORT’s Standard Terms and Conditions are included with the Sample Professional Services Agreement (Attachment B) to this RFQ. By submitting a SOQ, the Proposer represents that it has carefully read and agrees to be bound by the PORT’s Standard Terms and Conditions. Identify during the question submittal and response period, any sections you consider onerous, clarify why you consider these sections onerous, propose alternative language and describe why it is in the PORT’s best interests to adopt the alternative language.

SOQs submitted with altered or conditioned Terms and Conditions without prior written agreement from the PORT will be considered non-responsive and not considered for evaluation.

Proposers submit SOQs understanding all contract terms and conditions are mandatory. Response submittal is agreement to the Contract without exception.

The PORT reserves the right to negotiate changes to submitted SOQs and to change the PORT's otherwise mandatory Contract form during negotiations. If the Proposer is awarded a contract and refuses to sign the attached Contract form, the PORT may reject the Proposer from this and future solicitations for the same work.

Under no circumstances shall Proposer submit its own boilerplate of terms and conditions.

C. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The work may include, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Assist the Port with permitting actions as-needed.

2. Implement the Investigation Work Plan for former USTs at Parcel 1A.

3. Prepare and submit a report documenting investigation results and closure recommendations to Ecology for review.

4. Respond to Ecology comments and requests for additional information, if required.

5. Assist the Port with coordinating with Ecology and TPCHD to determine appropriate next actions, including potential remedial alternatives or regulatory closure pathways.

6. Other services as needed.

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/cleanupsearch/site/7619

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D. DELIVERABLES

Known and potential deliverables for this contract include:

• Investigation Data Report

• Validated Analytical Dataset and EIM Data Submittal

• Other deliverables as requested or required

E. QUALIFICATIONS

Key team personnel shall have the appropriate licenses and/or certifications for the services to be provided. Personnel shall have demonstrable knowledge and expertise with the following:

• Soil, groundwater, and porewater sampling and analysis

• Investigation of petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, metals, PCBs

• Understanding of contaminant behavior and site characterization

• Experience with UST release investigations and cleanup programs

F. SOQ ELEMENTS & EVALUATION CRITERIA

SOQs should present information in a straightforward and concise manner, while ensuring complete and detailed descriptions of the Vendor (to include the prime, key team members, and major sub-consultants) and the team’s ability to meet the requirements and provide the requested services of this RFQ. Emphasis will be on completeness of content. The written SOQs should be prepared in the same sequential order as outlined below.

SOQs are limited to 10 numbered pages (8 ½ by 11 inch) excluding the cover letter and all appendices. All pages shall be in portrait orientation with 1-inch (1”) margins. Font size shall be 10 point or larger. SOQs that do not follow this format may be rejected. Submittals need to be limited to 9 MB in total size.

The cover letter shall include the RFQ Number & Title in the subject line, and the Name, Title, Email Address, Phone Number, and current Address of the submitting team. SOQ’s that do not follow this format may be rejected. The cover letter shall include the following information (even if the answer is None):

• Describe any claim submitted by any client against the prime firm within the past two (2) years related to the professional services provided by the firm or its key personnel. For purposes of this request, claim means a sum of money in dispute in excess of 10% of the firm’s fee for the services provided.

• Any real or perceived conflicts of interest for team members, inclusive of the prime, sub-consultants, and key team members.

SOQs are to address, and will be evaluated upon, the following criteria:

INITIAL EVALUATION PHASE

1. Qualifications & Experience 50 PTS

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a) Identify the proposed team (to include working titles, degrees, certificates and licenses), demonstrate the team’s experience in performing the requested services and describe how the team meets or exceeds the required qualifications.

• Resumes of the key individuals may be included as an appendix and are not included in the total page count. Resumes are to be limited to one (1) single-sided, letter-size page. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be reviewed.

• Provide an organizational chart demonstrating the relationships and hierarchy of the team described above and availability to support PORT projects. Identify individuals by name, position, discipline and firm. Identify key back up personnel.

b) The PORT will evaluate the experience, technical competence, and qualifications of the key personnel identified, their project specific roles and responsibilities, and overall organization of the project team. Emphasis will be placed on experience and expertise in performing work of similar scope and complexity.

c) Capacity to perform the work (including any specialized services) within the time constraints identified, considering the firm’s current and planned workload.

d) d) Include a list of three (3) recent contracts/projects in the last five (5) years, to include a point of contact, contact information (phone and email), and brief description, for services relevant to the items listed in the Scope of Services as performed by the key personnel. Only projects completed by key members of the project team will be considered.

2. Project Approach Narrative 50 PTS SOQs should clearly outline the team’s recommended approach and methodology for:

a) Accomplishing the Scope of Services. Clearly describe the approaches and methods that will be used to accomplish the tasks required in the Scope of Services. Include a summary of innovative ideas and suggestions for enhancing the scope of services.

• Project Management: Describe how the team will manage and coordinate the necessary disciplines required to accomplish the services requested.

• Describe the team’s experience responding to and overall management of on-call/ task order services and describe the firm’s approach for responding to the PORT’s request(s) for services.

b) Provide approach for scheduling and sequencing of individual task orders and for providing simultaneous services on multiple task orders and facilitating efficient and consistent progress on each task order.

• Approach for managing multiple task budgets and approach for ensuring cumulative task budgets do not exceed the overall contract amount.

• General information for supporting the PORT with an overall approach to architectural services at the PORT.

c) Coordination & Communication. Provide a plan for communications and coordination between the Project Team, the PORT’s Project Manager, and the various Stakeholders.

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d) Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) program for the requested services.

e) What risks beyond your control do you see in providing this service, and how would you mitigate them?

FINAL EVALUATION PHASE (if applicable)

1. Oral Presentations (if requested) ............................................................... 100 PTS Oral Presentations will be conducted with the top-ranked SOQ. Failure to participate in the process will result in the Vendor’s disqualification from further consideration.

Oral Presentations will be conducted by online video meeting.

2. References (if requested) ........................................................................... Pass/Fail Reference checks may be performed on the selected firm, if based directly on the SOQ’s received, or on shortlisted firms if Oral Presentations are being requested. The PORT may evaluate the reference checks to assess the proposed Vendor’s overall performance and success of previous, similar work. Reference checks may also be utilized to validate information contained in the SOQ.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:

ATTACHMENT A – INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSING (ATTACHED)

ATTACHMENT B –PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TEMPLATE & TERMS

AND CONDITIONS (ATTACHED)

ATTACHMENT C – PROJECT SPECIFIC INFORMATION (SEPARATE

ATTACHMENT)

ATTACHMENT A – INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSING

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PROCUREMENT PROCESS

SOLICITATION TIMELINE:

Issuance of RFQ May 19, 2026

*Last Day To Submit Questions June 9, 2026 @ 2:00 PM (PST)

*SOQ packets due June 16, 2026 @ 2:00 PM (PST)

*Review/Shortlist* June 25, 2026

*Oral Presentations (if required)* June 29-July 2, 2026

*Final Selection July 6, 2026

*Execute Contract July 13, 2026 *Dates are tentative and may be subject to change.

All status updates on the above solicitation timeline will be announced on the PORT’s website for this solicitation.

VENDOR OBLIGATION

The Port of Tacoma’s (PORT) Request for Qualifications can be accessed on the following websites, www.portoftacoma.com (PORT) under ‘Business -> Contracting -> Procurement’.

When viewing the details page for this procurement on the PORT’s Website firms have the option of subscribing to the Holder’s List.

By subscribing to the Holder’s List, firms will automatically be notified when new documents or changes relating to this procurement occur.

*Only those who have subscribed to the Holder’s List will receive notifications throughout the procurement process, up until a firm is selected.

COMMUNICATION / INQUIRES

All communications is to be sent through Michelle Walker, the Procurement Analyst.

Proposers who, relative to this scope of services, contact any individuals or Commission members representing the PORT, other than the Procurement Representative listed on the solicitation may be disqualified from consideration.

http://www.portoftacoma.com/

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Written questions about the meaning or intent of the Solicitation Documents shall only be submitted to the Procurement Department via the Procurement Portal (Portal link is accessible via this specific procurements website. See left side of page.).

Proposers who may have questions about provisions of these documents are to submit their questions by the date listed on the solicitation. The PORT will respond to all written questions submitted by this deadline, and responses will be posted on the corresponding procurements website.

ADDENDA

The PORT may make changes to this Solicitation. Oral or other interpretations, clarifications or submittal instructions will be without legal effect. Any information modifying a solicitation will be furnished in a formal, written addendum. If at any time, the PORT changes, revises, deletes, increases, or otherwise modifies the Solicitation, the PORT will issue a written Addendum to the Solicitation. Addenda will be posted to the PORT’s web site and conveyed to those potential submitters who have requested to be placed on the Holder’s List.

SUBMITTAL PROCESS

Electronic Submittal:

SOQs must be received via the procurement portal on or before the date and time outlined on the front page of this RFQ.

Procurement Submission Portal Instructions:

Navigate to this procurements web page (referencing the number and name) via the following link Procurement | Port of Tacoma. While on the procurements page, click on the ‘Procurement Submission Portal’ link (located on the lefthand side of the page).

Full instructions on how to utilize the submission portal can be found on the PORT’s Procurement website.

Please submit SOQ, including all separate attachments and compensation in separate Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Submittals need to be limited to 9 MB in total size. It is the Consultant’s responsibility to verify the receipt of the submittal. Electronic verification will be provided.

*Late SOQs will not be accepted by the PORT. SOQs received after the stated date and time will not be reviewed and shall be deemed non-responsive.

https://www.portoftacoma.com/business/contracting/procurement

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All SOQs submitted shall be valid and binding on the submitting firm for a period of ninety (90) days following the submittal deadline and for any extension of time granted by the submitting firm.

EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

An evaluation team, using the point method of award, will review each SOQ and evaluate all responses received based upon the criteria listed herein. The PORT may request clarifications or additional information, if needed. After the evaluation team individually scores each SOQ, the scores are tallied, and the firms are ranked based on the scores.

A selection may be made based on the SOQs and initial evaluation criteria alone.

Alternatively, the evaluation team may create a short list of the top ranked firms and invite the short-listed firms in for interview and/or check references. Scores for reference checks and interviews will be tallied and added to the short-listed firm’s initial evaluation scores.

Final selection will be based on the accumulative score.

The PORT intends to select the Proposer who represents the best value to the PORT.

The PORT reserves the right to accept or reject any or all information in its entirety or in part and to waive informalities and minor irregularities and to contract as the best interest of the PORT may require. The PORT reserves the right to reject any or all SOQs submitted as non-responsive or non-responsible.

PROCEDURE WHEN ONLY ONE SOQ IS RECEIVED

In the event that a single responsive SOQ is received, the Proposer shall provide any additional data required by the PORT to analyze the SOQ. The PORT reserves the right to reject such SOQs for any reason.

GENERAL INFORMATION

News releases pertaining to this RFQ, the services, or the project to which it relates, shall not be made without prior approval by, and then only in coordination with, the PORT.

COSTS BORNE BY PROPOSERS

All costs incurred in the preparation of a SOQ and participation in this RFQ and negotiation process shall be borne by the proposing firms.

PROTEST PROCESS

A Bidder protesting for any reason the Bidding Documents, a Bidding procedure, the PORT’s objection to a Bidder or a person or entity proposed by the Bidder, including but not limited to a finding of non-Responsibility, the Award of the Contract or any other aspect arising from or relating in any way to the Bidding shall cause a written protest to be filed with the PORT within two (2) business days of the event giving rise to the protest.

(Intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are not counted as business days.)

The written protest shall include the name of the protesting Bidder, the bid solicitation number and title under which the protest is submitted, a detailed description of the specific factual and legal grounds for the protest, copies of all supporting documents, evidence that the apparent low bidder has been given notice of the protest, and the specific relief requested. The written protest shall be sent by email to procurement@portoftacoma.com.

Consideration. Upon receipt of the written protest, the PORT will consider the protest.

The PORT may, within three (3) business days of the PORT’s receipt of the protest, RFQ 042026-1029 Parcel 1A TOTE USTS Site Closure Investigation Page 10 of 23 provide any other affected Bidder(s) the opportunity to respond in writing to the protest. If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement of the protesting Bidder and the PORT, the Contracts Director of the PORT or his or her designee will review the issues and promptly furnish a final and binding written decision to the protesting Bidder and any other affected Bidder(s) within six (6) business days of the PORT’s receipt of the protest. (If more than one (1) protest is filed, the PORT’s decision will be provided within three (3), but no more than six (6) business days of the PORT’s receipt of the last protest.) If no reply is received from the PORT during the six (6) business-day period, the protest will be deemed rejected.

Waiver. Failure to comply with these protest procedures will render a protest waived.

Condition Precedent. Timely and proper compliance with and exhaustion of these protest procedures shall be a condition precedent to any otherwise permissible judicial consideration of a protest.

SMALL BUSINESS AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

The Port of Tacoma encourages participation in all its contracts by MWBE firms certified by the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE). Participation may be either on a direct basis in response to this solicitation/invitation or as a subcontractor to a Bidder/Proposer. However, unless required by federal statutes, regulations, grants, or contract terms referenced in the contract documents, no preference will be included in the evaluation of bids/submittals, no minimum level of MWBE participation shall be required as a condition for receiving an award and bids/submittals will not be rejected or considered non-responsive on that basis. Any affirmative action requirements set forth in federal regulations or statutes included or referenced in the contract documents will apply. The selected firm will be required to show evidence of outreach.

PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

SOQs submitted under this Solicitation will be considered public documents and, with limited exceptions, will become public information and may be reviewed by appointment by anyone requesting to do so following the conclusion of the evaluation, negotiation, and award process. This process is concluded when a signed contract is completed between the PORT and the selected Consultant.

If a firm considers any portion of its response to be protected under the law, the vendor shall clearly identify each such portion with words such as CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY or TRADE SECRET on each page for which the protection is sought. If a request is made for disclosure of such portion, the PORT will notify the vendor of the request and allow the vendor not less than ten (10) days to seek a protective order from the Courts or other appropriate remedy and/or waive the claimed confidentiality. Unless such protective order is obtained and provided to the PORT by the stated deadline, the PORT will release the requested portions of the SOQ. By submitting a response, the vendor assents to the procedure outlined in this paragraph and shall have no claim against the PORT on account of actions taken under such procedure.

ATTACHMENT B – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TEMPLATE & TERMS AND

CONDITIONS

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. PA000000427

TITLE: Parcel 1A Tote USTs Site Closure Investigation Consultant: [VENDOR], [VENDORADD] CONTRACT OWNER: Melisa Kegans PROJECT NO.: 102048 THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between the Port of Tacoma (hereinafter referred to as the PORT and [VENDOR] (hereinafter referred to as the Consultant) for the furnishing of Parcel 1A Tote USTs Site Closure Investigation (hereinafter referred to as the Project).

The PORT and Consultant mutually agree as follows:

SCOPE OF WORK

The work may include, but is not limited to, the following tasks:…

DELIVERABLES

Known and potential deliverables for this contract include:…

COMPENSATION

$350,000.00 + any applicable Washington State Sales Tax (WSST)…

TERM

The term of the Agreement shall be from the date of execution through…

AGREED

This agreement is expressly conditioned upon the Terms and Conditions attached …

PORT OF TACOMA [VENDOR]

By

By

Jerry Clardy Sr. Contracts Administrator

Date [VENDORSIGN]

[VENDORTITLE]

Date

ATTACHMENT B – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TEMPLATE & TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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1. Relationship of the Parties Consultant and its employees are independent Contractors. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to create a relationship of employer and employee or of principal and agent.

2. Subconsultant and Supplier Relations

a. Subconsultants at all tiers shall be approved by the Port prior to performing Services in support of this Agreement between Consultant and Port.

b. The award of a subcontract does not create a contract between the Port and the subconsultant. Subconsultants shall have no rights whatsoever against the Port by reason of their contract with the Consultant.

The foregoing provision shall apply with equal force to subconsultants, suppliers and all other persons or parties otherwise engaged by the Consultant to do any portion of the Services.

c. The Consultant shall ensure every subcontract shall bind the subconsultant to the applicable terms of the Agreement. The Consultant shall appropriately monitor the activities of the subconsultant. In no event shall the activities of the subconsultant operate to release or reduce the liability of the Consultant to the Port for any breach in the performance of the Consultant’s duties.

3. Conflicts of Interest Consultant warrants that it has no direct or indirect economic interest which conflicts in any manner with its performance of the Services required under this Agreement. Consultant warrants that it has not retained any person to solicit this Agreement and has not agreed to pay such person any compensation or other consideration contingent upon the execution of this Agreement.

4. Compliance with Laws

a. Consultant agrees to comply with all local, state, tribal, and federal laws and regulations applicable to the Services existing at the time this Agreement was executed or that became applicable subsequent to this Agreement’s execution, and those regarding employee safety, the workplace environment, and employment eligibility verifications as required by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Consultant shall obtain and maintain all professional licenses and permits required to complete the Services.

b. Consultant must comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), Department of Labor, Environmental

Protection Agency and other applicable environmental standards as prescribed by law while on or occupying Port-owned properties.

c. The Consultant is responsible for ensuring that all personnel performing Services are paid wages in accordance with federal, state and local laws when applicable.

5. Records and other Tangibles

a. a. Port Data means any data, records, or information provided by or pertaining to Port of Tacoma and Northwest Seaport Alliance, collectively referred to as the Port Entities, including but not limited to operational, financial, and personal data.

b. The PORT is a public entity and must maintain access to, and be able to provide, records per RCW 40.14, RCW 42.56, and the Secretary of State’s Local Government Common Record insurance Retention Schedule (CORE) (Current Version at time of execution). Therefore, until the expiration of six (6) years after the term of this Agreement, consultant agrees to maintain accurate records of all activities done in providing the Services and to deliver such records to the PORT upon termination of the Agreement or otherwise as requested by the PORT.

c. The PORT or its designated agent, and federal and state auditing authorities have the right to audit this Agreement and access to all records and documents, including financial data, for a period of not less than six (6) years after Completion of all projects related to this Agreement or until resolution of any litigation related to this Agreement whichever occurs last.

6. Ownership of Intellectual Property (IP)

a. The plans, specifications, models, programs, reports, and other products prepared by the Consultant in performing the Services are Instruments of Service for purposes of the copyright laws of the United States. The PORT has ownership rights to the Instruments of Service.

Consultant shall not be liable for changes made in the Instruments of Service by anyone other than the Consultant.

Consultant shall have free right to retain, copy and use any tangible materials or information produced but only for its own internal purposes. Any patentable result or materials suitable for copyright arising out of this Agreement shall be owned by and made available to the PORT for public use, unless the PORT determines it is not in the public interest that it be owned or available.

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b. The Instruments of Service shall include all calculations, notes, draft documents, reports, drawings, specifications, electronic files, including e-mails, and any other materials, information or documentation developed or prepared in the performance of the Services and shall be owned by and treated as PORT property. The Consultant shall obtain no proprietary rights or interest the Instruments of Service.

c. Any items incorporated into the Instruments of Service that were developed by the Consultant prior to the execution of this Agreement, and not paid for by the PORT, is not covered by this provision “Consultant Data.”

d. All information, materials, data and documentation furnished or made available to the Consultant by the PORT for purposes of performing services pursuant to this Agreement on this project shall remain the property of the PORT (Port Data). The Consultant shall obtain no proprietary rights or ownership interests to such Port Data. At the PORT’s written request, the Consultant shall return all such Port Data remaining in the Consultant’s possession at the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

7. Disclosure All information developed by the Consultant, all analyses or opinions reached by the Consultant (Instruments of Service) and all information made available to the Consultant by the Port Data, shall not be disclosed by the Consultant without the written consent of the PORT.

8. Compensation

a. As full compensation for the performance of its obligations of this Agreement and the Services, the PORT shall pay Consultant as specified in the Agreement.

b. Consultant is responsible for working within the agreement amount. Should the consultant incur costs beyond the agreement amount without an executed amendment to this agreement, the Consultant is solely responsible for the additional costs.

c. Consultant expenses will be reimbursed at cost with the exception of:

i. Subconsultant services will be reimbursed at cost plus negotiated markup.

ii. Services provided by a third party will be reimbursed at cost plus negotiated markup.

d. Costs marked up by a sub-tier shall be passed through to higher tiers as a direct cost. In no case shall the mark up at any tier exceed the negotiated percentage.

e. Reimbursable expenses by a sub-tier shall be passed through to higher tiers as a direct cost. In no case shall markup be applied to reimbursable expenses at any level.

f. Rates: Rates are fully burdened and will remain in effect for the contract term unless renegotiated and agreed to by both parties in a written amendment.

i. Rates may be negotiated no more than once annually. Rate adjustments will be tied to the CPI for the Seattle, Tacoma/Bremerton area.

g. Rates and Markup: are defined in the attached Rate Sheet and made a part of this contract.

h. Overtime: The Port will allow overtime rates for preapproved labor categories, as required by federal law, at 1.5 times the rate when approved in advance by the Project Manager and when required by the nature of the Services. The Consultant shall submit a list of labor classifications to which overtime rates are applicable to by law.

i. Local Travel Compensation for vehicle usage will be paid at the current Internal Revenue Service allowable mileage reimbursement rate. Out of state mileage will not be paid. Consultants who are located within 50 miles of the Project site will not be reimbursed for meals, lodging or mileage.

j. Other Travel:

i. The Port will reimburse the Consultant for all allowable travel expenses (including expenses for travel by car, air, water and rail, accommodation and meals) incurred in order to provide the Services to the Port in accordance with the following guidelines:

ii. Lodging and meal reimbursement is in accordance with the following Per Diem rates established by the IRS at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/resources/travel.

asp

iii. Amounts reimbursed will be computed at the rate for physical location to which travel is authorized by the Project Manager. Lodging, travel and local mileage must be approved in writing by the Project Manager prior to performing travel. Request for travel should include http://www.ofm.wa.gov/resources/travel.asp

RFQ 042026-1029 Parcel 1A TOTE USTS Site Closure Investigation Page 14 of 23 a breakout of costs associated with the requested travel.

iv. Airfare will be reimbursed at the lowest available commercial coach rate. Airfare will be booked at least 15 days in advance of travel. The Port will reimburse for up to a mid-size vehicle with standard equipment (this does not include GPS, video screens, etc). The Port will also reimburse for gasoline expense associated with rental vehicle with the exception of gasoline provided/billed by the rental car company. The Port will not reimburse the Consultant for mileage at the IRS rate on a rented vehicle. Receipts are required for all reimbursed expenses with the exception of meals.

Reimbursement (other than meals) will be for actual costs incurred subject to the Per Diem rates established by the IRS at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/resources/travel.

asp for the location to which travel has been authorized.

9. Invoices

a. Consultant shall submit detailed numbered invoices showing descriptions of the Services being invoiced, work order number, title of the Project, total authorized, total current invoice, balance of authorization, individual’s names and titles, hours, hourly rate, and all authorized expenses, if allowed, for the month, itemized, with backup, in accordance with the PORT’s “Guidelines for Consultant Fees and Reimbursable Items”, by the 10th of the following month to be paid by the end of the 30th, unless other terms are agreed to by the parties.

b. Consultant agrees to submit timely invoices as the Services progress. Invoices that are submitted for payment ninety (90) days or more after the Services were completed are subject to non-payment.

c. Un-invoiced Services performed through December 31 of each year shall be invoiced no later than the 7th day of January. If the Consultant is unable to provide an invoice, they shall advise the PORT in writing with a summary of the work completed and the accrual amount to be invoiced through December 31 of that year.

10. Costs and Disbursements Consultant is responsible for and shall pay all costs and disbursements required for the performance of the Services.

11. Standard of Care

a. Consultant shall perform the Services to conform to generally accepted professional standards. Consultant shall be responsible for the professional quality, technical adequacy and accuracy, timely completion and coordination of all plans, designs, drawings and specifications prepared under this Agreement. Consultant shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors or omissions in such Services.

b. The PORT’s approval of plans, drawings and specifications shall not relieve Consultant of responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy thereof. The Consultant shall remain liable for damages and costs incurred by the PORT arising from the Consultant’s errors, omissions, or negligent performance of the Services.

12. Time Time is a material consideration in the performance of the Services. The Consultant shall complete the Services within the agreed upon schedule, including any established milestones and task completion dates, and the overall period of performance. The completion dates for tasks may be modified by a written directive; however, the period of performance for the Agreement may only be modified through an amendment. The period of performance and contract milestones shall not be extended because of any unwarranted delays attributable to the Consultant. The period of performance and contract milestones may be extended in the event of a delay caused by the PORT which results in a delay in the performance of an affected task, because of unavoidable delay caused by any governmental action, or other conditions beyond the control of the Consultant, which could not reasonably be anticipated and which results in a delay in the period of performance and contract schedule. Upon mutual agreement, the period of performance may be accelerated to meet Project requirements.

13. Assignability The Consultant may not assign, transfer, or novate all or any portion of the Agreement, including but not limited to any claim or right to the Contract Sum, without the PORT’s prior written consent. If the Consultant attempts to make an assignment, transfer, or novation without the PORT’s consent, the assignment or novation, shall be of no effect, and the Consultant shall nevertheless remain legally responsible for all obligations under the Agreement.

The Consultant also shall not assign or transfer to any third party any claims it may have against the PORT arising under the Agreement or otherwise related to the Project.

14. Termination of Agreement

a. Termination for Default:

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i. The PORT may terminate this Agreement, in writing, if the Consultant substantially fails to fulfill any or all of its material obligations under this Agreement through no fault of the PORT; provided that the Consultant has been given an opportunity to cure.

1. Cure Notice: If the PORT determines that a breach of this Agreement has occurred, that is, the Consultant has failed to comply with any material terms or conditions of this Agreement or the Consultant has failed to provide in any manner the Services agreed to herein, and if the PORT deems said breach to warrant corrective action, the following sequential procedure will apply:

ii. The PORT will provide the Consultant with a written Cure Notice, notifying the Consultant of the nature of the breach.

iii. The Consultant shall respond within five

(5) calendar days of the notification. The Consultant shall submit a corrective action plan indicating the steps to be taken to correct the specified deficiencies within fifteen (15) calendar days of the notification. The corrective action plan shall specify the proposed completion date for bringing this Agreement into compliance within the number of calendar days specified by the PORT;

b. Show Cause Notice:

i. In the event that the Consultant does not respond within the appropriate time with a corrective action plan, the PORT will provide the Consultant with a written Show Cause Notice; notifying the Consultant of their requirement to notify the PORT in writing within seven (7) calendar days of any reason the PORT should not terminate this Agreement. At the expiration of the seven (7) calendar day period the PORT may commence termination of this Agreement in whole or in part.

ii. The PORT may withhold payment owed the Consultant, instruct the Consultant to stop work and to refrain from incurring additional costs until the PORT is satisfied that the breach has been corrected.

iii. No increase in total price or period of performance shall result from breach of this Agreement; and

iv. Nothing herein shall be deemed to affect or waive any other rights of the PORT.

c. Notice of Termination:

i. If the PORT terminates this Agreement for default, the PORT shall determine the amount of Services satisfactorily performed to the date of termination and the amount owing to the Consultant using the criteria set forth below;

provided, that (a) no amount shall be allowed for anticipated profit on unperformed Services or other work and

(b) any payment due to the Consultant at the time of termination may be adjusted to the extent of any additional costs the PORT incurs because of the Consultant's default. In such event, the PORT shall consider the actual costs incurred by the Consultant in performing this Agreement to the date of termination, the amount of Services originally required which was satisfactorily completed to the date of termination, whether the Services are in a form or of a type which is usable and suitable to the PORT at the date of termination, the cost to the PORT of completing the Services itself or of employing another firm to complete it and the inconvenience and time which may be required to do so, and other factors which affect the value to the PORT of the Services performed to the date of termination. Under no circumstances shall payments made under this provision exceed the Total Price set forth in this Agreement. This provision shall not preclude the PORT from filing claims and/or commencing litigation to secure compensation for damages incurred beyond that covered by withheld payments.

ii. Upon receipt of a termination notice the Consultant shall at no additional cost to the PORT:

1. Promptly discontinue all Services (unless the notice directs otherwise);

2. No later than fourteen (14) calendar days after receipt of termination, promptly deliver or otherwise make available to the PORT all Instruments of Service and Port Data including data, drawings, electronic drawing files, specifications, calculations, reports, estimates, summaries, official Project documentation and other Project documentation, such other

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3. Upon termination, the PORT may take over the Services and prosecute the same to completion by agreement with another party or otherwise.

d. Termination for Convenience:

i. The PORT may terminate this Agreement, for the convenience of the PORT. The PORT shall terminate by delivery to the Consultant a Notice of Termination specifying the termination and the effective date.

ii. If the PORT terminates this Agreement for convenience, the PORT shall pay the Consultant for the following items:

1. An amount for Direct Labor Costs and Indirect Costs in accordance with the Agreement for Services satisfactorily performed to the date of termination.

2. Reasonable invoiced Other Direct Costs as allowed by the Agreement, actually incurred before the date of termination;

or

3. Reasonable termination settlement costs the Consultant actually incurred unless the PORT determines to assume said commitments. Reasonable termination settlement costs include settlement costs for subconsultants, and reasonable accounting and clerical costs actually incurred by the Consultant.

iii. Upon receipt of a termination notice the Consultant shall at no additional cost to the PORT:

1. Promptly discontinue all Services (unless the notice directs otherwise);

2. No later than fourteen (14) calendar days after receipt of termination, promptly deliver or otherwise make available to the

PORT all Instruments of Services and Port Data including drawings, specifications, calculations, reports, estimates, summaries, official Project documentation, other Project documentation, and such other information and materials as the Consultant may have accumulated in performing this Agreement, whether completed or in progress and all equipment/materials purchased specifically for this Agreement where the PORT has reimbursed the Consultant for such costs;

3. Take any action necessary, or that the PORT may direct, for the protection and preservation of property related to this Agreement that is in the possession of the Consultant and in which the PORT has or may acquire an interest.

iv. Within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of the notice of Termination for Convenience, the Consultant shall submit to the PORT a Termination Settlement Proposal. The Termination Settlement Proposal shall include:

1. Request for Direct Labor Costs and Indirect Costs for services satisfactorily performed to the date of termination.

2. As allowed by the Agreement, Actual and reasonable Other Direct Costs incurred before the termination.

3. Documentation supporting all costs identified in the Termination Settlement Proposal; and

4. A statement certifying, under penalty of perjury, that the Termination Settlement Proposal is made in good faith, the Termination Settlement Proposal and supporting data are true and accurate to the best of the Consultant’s knowledge and belief, the Termination Settlement Proposal is fully supported by the accompanying data, and the amount requested accurately reflects the amount for which the Consultant believes the PORT is responsible.

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v. Termination settlement costs and proposals are subject to audit verification by the PORT.

vi. Upon termination, the PORT may take over the work and prosecute the same to completion by agreement with another party or otherwise.

15. Disputes If a dispute arises relating to this Agreement and cannot be settled through direct discussions, the parties agree to endeavor to settle the dispute through a mediation firm acceptable to both parties, the cost of which shall be divided equally. The PORT reserves the right to join any dispute under this Agreement with any other claim in litigation or other dispute resolution forum, and the Consultant agrees to such joinder, so that all disputes related to this Agreement may be consolidated and resolved in one forum.

16. Venue & Governing Law

Venue for any litigation shall be the Pierce County Superior Court of the State of Washington and the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs and reasonable attorney(s) fees. This Agreement shall be interpreted under the laws of the State of Washington.

17. Integration and Merger/ Extent of Agreement

a. This Agreement represents the entire and integrated understanding between the PORT and Consultant, supersedes any previous written or oral representations and may be amended only by written instrument signed by both the PORT and Consultant.

No verbal agreement or conversation between any officer, agent, associate or employee of PORT and any officer, agency, employee or associate of consultant prior to or following the execution of this Agreement shall affect or modify any of the terms or obligations contained in this Agreement.

b. Authority to sign. Every signer of this Agreement warrants that they have the authority to enter into this Agreement and to bind the entity for which they represent.

18. Non-Discrimination

a. Nondiscrimination in Employment and Provision of Services: During performance of this Agreement, the Consultant and all parties subcontracting under the authority of this Agreement agrees that it will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of the employee or applicant's age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

b. Equal Employment Opportunity Efforts: The Consultant and all parties subcontracting under the authority of this Agreement agree to undertake equal employment opportunity efforts to ensure that applicants and employees are treated, without regard to their age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

c. The Consultant and all parties subcontracting under the authority of this Agreement shall comply fully with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, executive orders and regulations that prohibit discrimination.

19. Indemnity / Hold Harmless Clause

a. The Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Port of Tacoma and the Northwest Seaport Alliance and its officers, managing members, employees and agents from and against any liability, claims, damages, losses, expenses or actions, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, arising out of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of Consultant or its officers, employees, subcontractors, or agents; or arising out of a failure to comply with any applicable state, federal, local, law, statute, rule, regulation or act by the Consultant or its officers, employees, subcontractors, or agent’s provided, however, that for any defense obligation related to a claim for which Contractor has insurance coverage under a professional liability policy, such obligation shall be limited to reimbursement by the Consultant for expenses incurred by the Port of Tacoma or the Northwest Seaport Alliance.

b. This duty to indemnify, defend…