2-1-Organization Overview_BPM006797.pdf

Acquisition Sciences, Ltd. (ASL)

Organization Overview

Acquisition Sciences, Ltd. (ASL) is a nationally recognized, woman-owned real estate consulting firm that has provided turn-key acquisition, relocation, property management, sale of excess lands, purchase of real property and related services on behalf of federal, state, and local governmental agencies for the past 30 years.

As the prime firm ASL has curated a team of Acquisition Agents, Relocation Specialists, Property Managers and Project Managers/Monitors with a proven track record of success of thousands of property acquisitions, residential and business relocations for various governmental agencies. ASL's area of expertise also includes providing comprehensive project planning and advisory services to engineering firms and agencies, acquisition and relocation cost analysis, comprehensive relocation plans in accordance with federal guidelines, property ownership and title research, property and asset management, disposition of surplus real estate, and acquisition of land rights from federal and state governmental agencies.

Local projects completed by ASL have included:

• Interstate highway and traffic interchange projects

• Valley Metro Light Rail, PHX Sky Train, and other transit system projects

• Redevelopment and urban renewal projects

• Airport noise mitigation and expansion projects

• Roadway widening, intersection improvement, and bus pullout projects.

• Water, sewer, and natural gas utility pipelines

• Power transmission and distribution lines

• Storm-drain, canal, and levee facilities

• Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) projects

• Property management services for numerous projects

• Disposal of Excess Lands and Acquisition of Affordable Housing for agencies

Since 1990 ASL’s principal Beverly Francy, and the firm’s experienced staff have worked with governmental agencies and utility companies on all types of public infrastructure projects. ASL's licensed real estate professionals have provided acquisition, relocation, and related services on behalf of clients throughout the Southwestern United States, including the Arizona Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Transportation, City of Phoenix, Valley Metro, City of Tucson, City of Las Vegas, Town of Marana, Maricopa County, Pima County, Pinal County, Clark County, Tucson Electric Power, Salt River Project, Metro Water, Jacob’s Engineering, HDR, Inc. and Southwest Gas.

Our culturally diverse team of employees is comprised of skilled communicators, some of which are fluent in both English, Spanish and German. As an industry leader, ASL provides turn- key acquisition/relocation/property management services and operates on the philosophy that it is essential to understand not only the procurement of the land rights process, but to also be familiar with various types of transactions. Our agents are proficient in the negotiation of partial acquisitions, full acquisitions, permanent and temporary easements, and rights of entry for both commercial and residential real property. Our agents have also facilitated land dedications, donations, and exchanges. What is important in this industry is not just the knowledge of the rules and regulations at different governmental levels, but the actual implementation of those in real life situations. ASL's repertoire includes negotiating with private owners, lessees, corporations, churches, homeowners’ associations, public schools, railroad companies, billboard companies, utility conglomerates and other governmental agencies.

Furthermore, our firm has extensive experience reviewing title reports and determining the severity of title encumbrances. Through experience, ASL is adept at not only analyzing title issues and finding solutions, but in conducting current and historical title research projects. Our acquisition agents have worked with the property owners to resolve a gamut of title issues, including probate of multiple deceased owners, bankruptcies, judgments, and obtaining lien releases from antiquated lien holders. We have coordinated with title examiners and escrow officers, as well as worked with other governmental agencies to obtain and to convey clear title to our clients.

Over the last several years our firm recognized the shift in public agency preference to contract for the services of experienced staffing needs would be better suited to them by contracting for services on-site so they could oversee the training, work assignments and project priorities in a continuous and consistent manner. Numerous agents and project managers have responded to the opportunities offered by public agencies such as ADOT to work as a private contractor through our firm for the benefit of the agency and their careers.

ASL has in-depth knowledge of real estate market trends and warrants that all acquisition, relocation, and related services provided to ADOT will be in accordance with all required governmental regulations and public policy. ASL has extensive experience completing projects on behalf of public agencies, utilizing both federal and municipal funds, while adhering strictly to the following regulations:

• Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970, as amended, (42

U.S.C. § 4601 et seq.)

• 49 CFR Part 24 - Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally

Assisted Programs

• Arizona Revised Statute Sections 11-961 through 974

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations, publications, policies, and procedures

• (FTA) regulations, circulars, policies Federal Transit Administration, and procedures

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, advisory circulars, policies, and procedures

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, publications, policies, and procedures

• U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) regulations, publications, policies, and procedures

In addition to providing acquisition, relocation, property management and the purchase and sale of governmental property our firm continues to provide clients with planning and design advisory services.

Samples of the services that are actively being provided to clients are demonstrated below:

• City of Phoenix/Valley Metro Light Rail - South Central Extension/Downtown Hub Light Rail Project/Northwest Extension – Phase II/Jacob’s Engineering which together these two projects have approximately 141 acquisitions and 34 business relocations as well as a comprehensive relocation plan. These projects will connect with the current light rail system in downtown Phoenix and operate south to Baseline Road and north to the Metro Center area. Our services provided planning and advisory services to the team, on title and property ownership, acquisition, relocation, business impact and community concerns. Research and compile budgeting estimates, produce scheduling and regulations guidelines and prepare a comprehensive relocation plan as required pursuant to federal regulations.

• City of Tucson - SR14 RTA Widening of Valencia Road: Kolb to Houghton Road: The City of Tucson’s Valencia Road Improvement Project involves the widening of Valencia Road to a six-lane roadway with a landscaped median. The project also includes upgrades to traffic signals and intersections at Old Vail Rd. and Nexus Rd., drainage improvements to provide all weather access during storms, an improved asphalt surface, and the addition of bicycle and ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities. Native landscaping, Dark Sky compliant roadway lighting, and integrated public art are also key elements of the project. Our services include managing the acquisitions necessary for the roadway widening and associated improvements. It should be noted that all property acquisitions for this project have been completed successfully without any condemnation.

• City of Tucson - 5th-6th Street Campbell-Alvernon Prop 407: The City of Tucson’s pedestrian safety and walkability improvement project focuses on enhancing 6th St. (from Campbell Ave. to Country Club Rd.) and 5th St. (from Country Club Rd. to Alvernon Way). Improvements include the installation of ADA compliant sidewalks and curb ramps, complete sidewalks on both sides of the street, enhanced crossings, street lighting, and landscaping for shade. The project, located near the University of Arizona, also incorporates bike lanes to support multi-use transportation. Our services include managing the project, overseeing the installation of sidewalks and bike lanes, and facilitating 63 property acquisitions with minimal condemnations required.

• Qualified Agent Availability Statement: This solicitation features several of our most highly qualified agents currently serving under Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Contract No. CTR075470. The current positions of our agents with ADOT include Right of Way Agent Intermediate, Active Licensed, Right of Way Agent Senior, Active Licensed, Right of Way Agent Technical Liaison and Unlicensed and Right of Way Agent Senior, Unlicensed. We’ve included them to highlight the wide range of skills and experience our team brings to the table, whether on-call or under active contract. Agents may become available at any time due to evolving project requirements or changes in their contractual status. Furthermore, some of our part-time staff may have increased availability, allowing us to effectively respond to new and expanded opportunities as they arise.

• Qualified On-Call Availability Statement: This solicitation also features highly qualified agents that specialize in providing our clients with on-call services for acquisition, relocation, property management and project management for any size project. This division of our firm is managed by Gena Cox-Dorman who is licensed as both a Arizona Real Estate Broker and General Appraiser. Gena heads up a staff of qualified licensed agents and unlicensed administrators, all of which have acquired knowledge and experience as former employees with different governmental agencies who have now transitioned to the on-call private sector to share their expertise as on-call agents and relocation consultants. If contracted with ADOT this staff would be available to complete any size project.

General R/W Process

R/W Planning, Scoping and Consulting Services

• Initiate Property Research and Site Inspections

• Review Preliminary Construction & R/W Plans

• Order and Review Preliminary Title Reports

• Prepare R/W Scope Schedule & Budget Sheet

• Prepare Relocation Plan (as applicable)

Prepare Offers

• Review Legal Descriptions and Title Reports

• Review Appraisals and Environmental Assessments

• Prepare Offer Package Documents

• Prepare Relocation Benefit Determinations (as applicable)

Initiate Negotiations

• Present Offers and Relocation Benefit Determinations (as applicable)

• Follow-up and Facilitate Agreements

• Open and Monitor Escrow Transactions

• Prepare Condemnation Files (when necessary)

Complete Transactions

• Coordinate Pre-Demolition Testing

• Close Escrows on Transactions

• Complete Vacate Inspections and Obtain Keys

• Process Relocation Benefit Claims (as applicable)