2026-02 On-Call Minor Bridge Inspection Program Services.pdf

BUREAU OF ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION

111 WEST CHESAPEAKE AVENUE, ROOM 205

TOWSON MD 21204

REQUEST for QUALIFICATIONS (RFQu)

Project No. 2026-02 On-Call Minor Bridge Inspection Program Services

Due Date: August 14, 2026

Due Time: 2:00 PM EDT

Electronic Submission:

dpwtpsec@baltimorecountymd.gov

Amendments to solicitations often occur prior to bid opening and sometimes within as little as 48 hours prior to RFQu due date. It is the potential firm’s responsibility to frequently visit the Design Architecture and Engineering Projects website: https://baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/public-works/engineering/pssc/projects to obtain amendments once they have downloaded a solicitation.

Request for Qualifications Checklist

_____ Have you filled out all the required forms?

_____SF255 (Signed)

_____Minority forms (As per the MBE/WBE participation summary)

_____Procurement Affidavit

_____PRIME CONTRACTOR Minority and Women Participation Affidavit (Consultant)

_____Taxpayer Identification Number (Tin and Certification)

_____ Do all applicable forms have original/electronic signatures?

_____ Have you verified the time the Request for Qualifications are due?

_____ Have you submitted the “References Submission Form”?

_____ Have you signed any Addendum Acknowledgements (if applicable)?

mailto:dpwtpsec@baltimorecountymd.gov https://baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/public-works/engineering/pssc/projects

NOTICE OF INTEREST TO ASSIGN PROJECT

NOTE: for email notification of new Baltimore County professional service projects go to https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/public-works/engineering/pssc/projects

ON-CALL MINOR BRIDGE INSPECTION PROGRAM SERVICES

BACKGROUND:

Professional services are required to perform various engineering tasks associated with the Baltimore County Minor Bridge Inspection Program. While the majority of the tasks are expected to involve inspection of minor bridge and culvert structures, the number and type of project assignments to be performed will depend solely on the County’s needs. Tasks may involve inspection and evaluation of other structure types, engineering studies and reports, concept plans, or preparation of design plans and documents intended for construction by one of the County’s on-call bridge maintenance contractors.

Baltimore County owns and maintains approximately 384 minor bridge structures located throughout the County. These structures include roadway bridges and culverts with span lengths of less than 20’, vehicular bridges over 20’ in length but not on open public roads and pedestrian bridges. Structure types and their approximate percentage of the inventory include slabs (33%), multi-beam/girder (15%), truss/arch (4%), box culvert (32%) and pipe culvert (16%). Most minor bridges are inspected either on a biennial (once every 2 years) or quadrennial (once every 4 years) cycle. Some structures are inspected on a more frequent basis due to structural condition or inadequate load capacity.

All work and personnel qualifications shall be in accordance with the latest editions of AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation, Federal Highway Administration’s National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) Office of Structures Guidelines and Procedures Memorandums (GPM’s) and Bridge Element Data Collection Manual, and the AASHTO Manual for Element Inspection. Firms should have the experience and resources necessary to complete the work as required.

SCOPE:

Submitting firms shall possess capability and project experience in the following scope of work areas:

• Routine and initial condition inspections of minor bridge structures. These inspections shall be hands-on unless directed otherwise. The work includes providing qualified staffing, planning and coordination, review of the previous inspection reports, coordination and use of necessary access and safety equipment, maintenance of traffic, use of in-stream equipment (waders, boats, etc.), confined space inspections, inspection photographs, stream soundings, and any other measures necessary to complete the work. Initial inspections for structures added to the inventory since the previous inspection cycle will require additional work including developing structure sketches and location maps, baseline condition ratings, and calculation of element-level total quantities and baseline condition states.

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/public-works/engineering/pssc/projects

• Development of comprehensive minor bridge inspection reports using Bentley’s AssetWise Inspections software (formerly “SAM”) through Maryland SHA. The work includes updating previous findings and condition ratings, updating element-level data, reviewing load rating and scour data, and preparing prioritized repair and maintenance recommendations.

• Converting obsolete SI&A data to SNBI for existing structures and performing the initial SNBI coding for new structures.

• Addressing critical findings observed during routine inspections including assessing the safety of the structure to remain open to traffic, documenting the condition, measuring the structure and defects for potential repair, providing immediate and secondary recommendations and preparing letters of concern.

• Conducting special inspections including monitor inspections, emergency inspections, damage inspections, post-flood scour inspections, confined space, and underwater inspections.

• Performing load rating calculations for the as-built or as-inspected condition of structures including new structures, existing structures added to the inventory and existing structures where deterioration or damage not accounted for in the current load ratings was observed during an inspection.

• Performing scour evaluations to determine the scour vulnerability rating for new structures and for existing structures where the conditions observed during an inspection indicate that the scour condition has changed such that the previous scour vulnerability rating is no longer valid.

• Preparation of plans, specifications and cost estimates for structural repair including in-depth inspections, design calculations, repair details, maintenance of traffic alternatives analysis, maintenance of traffic plans, maintenance of stream flow plans, and permits.

• Project management, quality assurance, and quality control for all work performed by the prime consultant and subconsultants.

Projects assigned will utilize Baltimore County funding. Therefore, MBE/WBE participation in accordance with County requirements shall apply.

Tasks will be assigned on an “as-required” or emergency basis through the utilization of an On-Call form of Contract. Multiple consultants will be selected. The initial term of the contract will be four (4) years with one (1) two-year extension for a total of six (6) years to provide services for two cycles of biennial inspections and one cycle of quadrennial inspections.

EVALUATION CRITERIA (250 Points Total)

A. Project Approach (50 Points Total):

Provide within Section 10 of Standard Form 255 the Firm’s approach to work related to the requirements and scope of this RFQu, including demonstrated ability to complete and manage tasks under this project, availability to perform the work, and the Firm’s technical approach to items in the scope of work. Section 10 is limited to ten (10 pages in length. Qualities and indicators that will receive consideration include:

1. Firm’s Understanding of the Work to be Performed: (15 Points)

Firm’s ability and approach to undertaking inventory-wide minor structure condition inspection assignments, conducting various types bridge/culvert inspections and providing relevant support services.

2. Overall Project Management: (20 Points)

Firm’s ability and approach to managing bridge condition inspection tasks including assigning appropriate staff, planning and executing the work, communicating with Baltimore County, and invoicing.

3. Schedule Management: (5 Points) Firm’s ability and approach to managing project schedules.

4. Quality Management: (5 Points) Firm’s ability and approach to managing project quality.

5. Subcontractor Utilization: (5 Points) Firm’s ability and approach to managing subcontractors including assigning appropriate and useful work, communicating with subcontractors, and reviewing subcontractors work product.

B. Staff Experience (75 Points Total):

The Firm’s Key Staff assigned to the project and support staff available to the project as defined below. Key Staff shall be the individuals in which the Firm intends to have perform the work on this project. If Key Staff are replaced at any time during the project, the Firm will be required to submit qualifications of the proposed replacement.

1. Key Staff: (60 Points; See Point Breakdown Below)

Provide within Section 7 of Standard Form 255 the Firm’s Key Staff assigned to the project Each Key Staff resume is limited to one (1) page in length. Qualities and indicators that will receive consideration include technical qualifications and experience, managerial qualifications and experience, availability to fulfill the needs of the project, and evidence that the individuals have served in a similar capacity on the specific projects listed in Part C.

Project Examples. Key Staff shall include the following assignments:

• One (1) Project Manager (15 Points)

• One (1) Quality Assurance Engineer (10 Points)

• Two (2) Inspection Team Leaders (15 Points Each)

• One (1) Load Rating Engineer (5 Points)

2. Support Staff: (15 Points)

Provide within Section 10 of Standard Form 255 the support staff available to the project.

Support staff shall be at the discretion of the Firm. There is no specific page limit for support staff; however, Section 10 is limited to ten (10) pages in length. Qualities and indicators that will receive consideration include technical qualifications and experience, ability to perform work items in the scope in support of the Key Staff, and availability to fulfill the needs of the project.

C. Project Examples (100 Points Total; 20 Points per Project):

Provide within Section 8 of Standard Form 255 five (5) project examples under which work was performed by the Prime Firm within the past eight (8) years as of the date of this RFQu. Projects that began more than eight (8) years ago but had work performed within the past eight (8) years are considered acceptable. Each project is limited to one (1) page in length. Project examples should demonstrate the Prime Firm’s expertise in performing the work items referenced in this RFQu Scope of Work:

1. Condition Inspection of Structures: (25 Points; 5 Points per Project) Firm’s experience conducting routine and initial inspections of bridges and culverts similar in size and complexity to the structures in the Baltimore County minor bridge inventory.

2. Preparation of Structure Condition Inspection Reports: (15 Points; 3 Points per Project)

Firm’s experience developing comprehensive, clear and concise structure condition inspection reports using Bentley’s AssetWise Inspections/SAM software or other formats including review and update of condition ratings and element-level notes and condition state ratings.

3. SNBI Coding and Conversion: (5 Points; 1 Point per Project)

Firm’s experience coding SNBI data and converting obsolete SI&A data to current SNBI data.

4. Critical Findings: (5 Points; 1 Point per Project) Firm’s experience responding to and addressing critical findings observed during a routine structure inspection.

5. Special Inspections: (10 Points; 2 Points per Project)

Firm’s experience conducting monitor, emergency, damage, post-flood scour, confined space and underwater inspections.

6. Load Ratings: (15 Points; 3 Points per Project)

Firm’s experience performing load rating calculations for both the as-built and as-inspected condition for structures similar in size and complexity to the structures in the Baltimore County minor bridge inventory.

7. Scour Evaluations: (10 Points; 2 Points per Project)

Firm’s experience performing scour evaluations and determination of SNBI Item B.AP.03 Scour Vulnerability rating for structures similar in size and complexity to the structures in the Baltimore County minor bridge inventory.

8. Preparation of Structure Repair Plans: (5 Points; 1 Point per Project)

Firm’s experience preparing plans, specifications and cost estimates for structural repair including in-depth inspections, design calculations, repair details, maintenance of traffic alternatives analysis, maintenance of traffic plans, maintenance of stream flow plans, and permits.

9. Timeframe of Project Examples: (10 Points; 2 Points per Project)

This criteria is used to score project examples for the period of time in which the work was performed. More recent projects will score higher than older projects.

D. Firm’s Proximity to the Project (10 Points Total):

Provide within Section 10 of Standard Form 255 discussion related to the firm’s proximity to the project and its impact on successful execution of the work. There is no specific page limit to this discussion; however, Section 10 is limited to ten (10) pages in length. Qualities and indicators that will receive consideration include the geographic location of the Firm’s office from which the project will be managed and executed and the effect of this location on the Firm’s ability to be on-site in a timely manner for emergency calls and to execute the planned work in an effective and cost-efficient manner, including any travel or communication plans which would effectively mitigate difficulties associated with the office location.

E. References (15 Points Total; 5 Points per Reference):

1. Provide relevant input from three (3) references with experience with the Firm within the past eight (8) years. If responding to this RFQu as a Joint Venture, only three (3) total references shall be submitted at the discretion of the Joint Venture. References should complete the “References Submission Form” provided within the RFQu and submit directly to Heather Panowicz by email at dpwtpsec@baltimorecountymd.gov. Include contact information for the reference as additional outreach to the reference my be completed by Baltimore County.

2. Only the reference form provided will be accepted. Other forms, letters of recommendation, or similar documents will not be considered. Please ensure your references are aware of this requirement.

3. Reference will be due no more than 2 weeks (14 calendar days) after the RFQu due date.

References are due August 28, 2026 by 2:00 p.m. EST.

Evaluation Matrix

Criteria Total Possible Points A. Project Approach -

1. Firm’s Understanding of the Work to be Performed 15

2. Overall Project Management 20

3. Schedule Management 5

4. Quality Management 5

5. Subcontractor Utilization and MBE/DBE Goal Fulfillment 5

B. Staff Experience -

1. Key Staff -

A. Project Manager 15 B. Quality Assurance Engineer 10 C. Inspection Team Leader 15 D. Inspection Team Leader 15 E. Load Rating Engineer 5

2. Support Staff 15 C. Project Examples -

1. Condition Inspection of Structures 25

2. Preparation of Structure Condition Inspection Reports 15

3. SNBI Coding and Conversion 5

4. Critical Findings 5

5. Special Inspections 10

6. Load Ratings 15

7. Scour Evaluations 10

8. Preparation of Structure Repair Plans 5

9. Timeframe of Project Examples 10

D. Firm’s Proximity to the Project -

1. Firm’s Proximity to the Project 10

E. References -

1. References 15

Maximum Possible 250

PROJECTED SCHEDULE (subject to change)

• Issue Request for Qualification (RFQu) to potential bidders – July 2026

• Proposals due from potential bidders – August 2026

• Complete Selection Process – October 2026

• Negotiate Scope/Contract – November 2026

• Council Approval of Contract – January 2027

• Award of Contract – January 2027

• Sign and Process Contract – January 2027

• Notice to Proceed – February 2027

QUESTIONS

Any questions pertaining to this RFQu should be submitted in writing to:

dpwtpsec@baltimorecountymd.gov by July 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Answers may be posted as an addendum.

COUNTY’S USE OF SELECTED FIRMS

No firm is guaranteed any amount of work. The County reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award individual jobs on a sound rotation basis, based on demonstrated areas of experience and expertise, or based on job location. The County reserves the right to interview consultants to determine the best firm to complete a designated task.

PREQUALIFICATION

Prequalification’s are no longer required. Standard Form 254 is not required for prime or subconsultants.

SAMPLE CONTRACT

A sample contract can be found online at the link below.

SUBMITTALS

Firms to be considered for award must submit one Standard Form (SF) 255 in response to the RFQu by the RFQu deadline. No other forms, including the Standard Form 330, will be accepted.

SF 255 Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5: All Sections combined are limited to one (1) page in length. Standard Form 254 is not required for prime or subconsultants.

SF 255 Section 6: All subconsultants must be clearly indicated on the form. Standard Form 254 is not required for prime or subconsultants. The entire Section is limited to one (1) page in length.

SF 255 Section 7: Limited to a maximum of one (1) page in length for each Key Staff resume.

SF 255 Section 8: Limited to a maximum of one (1) page in length for each project.

SF 255 Section 9: Can include active projects and partnership projects with other Baltimore County agencies.

SF 255 Section 10: Limited to a maximum of ten (10) pages in length and should demonstrate the Firm’s understanding of the project scope and ability to perform the work, and include information related to the project approach, support staff, the Firm’s proximity to the project and other information at the discretion of the Firm.

A prime cannot subcontract to another prime in this project.

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE REQUIREMENTS

(MBE/WBE): The resulting minority and women business participation requirement for this contract is 20%.

1. Each Prime Contractor must comply with all Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business

Enterprises (MBE/WBE) participation requirements. Included with this solicitation package are copies of the County’s MBE/WBE policy and provisions and MBE/WBE participation schedule forms. All MBE/WBE participation forms must be completed, executed, and returned with the bid, proposal or qualifications if a goal has been assigned. MBE/WBE participation forms are available online at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/budfin/purchasing/supplier-diversity/MWBE or you may contact the buyer on the solicitation.

2. The Prime Contractor shall comply with the required participation levels on a cumulative basis for the full term of the contract. The Prime Contractor shall estimate the participation level (for the full term of the contract) for each subcontractor and/or supplier listed on the participation schedule.

3. If no minimum participation level has been assigned, the Prime Contractor shall nevertheless make a genuine good faith effort to comply with the County’s MBE/WBE minimum participation goal even if the Prime Contractor has the capability to complete the work with its own workforce.

The Prime Contractor shall make a good faith effort to obtain MBE/WBE subcontractor participation. The selected MBE/WBE subcontractor(s) must perform a commercially useful function when it is responsible for execution of the work of the contract and is carrying out its responsibilities by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved.

Certified Minority-owned or Certified Women-owned Prime Contractors may count their participation for up to 50% of the solicitation goal. Certified firms must make a good faith effort to obtain MBE/WBE subcontractor participation of the remaining portion of the goal. Example: 20% MBE/WBE participation goal. Certified Minority-owned or Certified Women-owned firm bidding as the prime may count for 10% of the goal, provided they are self-performing the work. The remaining 10% must be subcontracted to an MDOT and/or City of Baltimore certified firm.

If the materials or supplies are purchased from an MBE/WBE supplier, 60% of the cost of the materials or supplies from the certified MBE/WBE supplier will be counted toward the MBE/WBE goal.

The failure of a Bidder/Offeror to properly complete and submit the appropriate MBE/WBE plan forms and, if applicable, required Good Faith Effort (GFE) documentation shall result in the bid/proposal being deemed as nonresponsive and not susceptible of being selected for award.

x.x Within 10 working days of receiving notification that the Bidder/Offeror is the apparent awardee, the Bidder/Offeror shall provide the following documentation to the Buyer:

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/budfin/purchasing/supplier-diversity/MWBE

a. BCG Form C-Subcontractor MBE-WBE SUBCONTRACTOR PARTICIPATION NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD accompanied by a fully executed copy of the subcontract for each subcontractor.

b. Any other documentation required by the Buyer to ascertain Bidder’s/Offeror’s susceptibility of being selected for award in connection with the certified MBE/WBE participation goal.

NOTE: If the apparent awardee fails to return each completed document within the required time, THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER MAY DETERMINE THAT THE APPARENT AWARDEE IS

NOT RESPONSIBLE AND THEREFORE NOT SUSCEPTIBLE FOR CONTRACT AWARD.

x.x Prospective Bidders/Offerors are advised to carefully review the Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Package regarding MBE/WBE or DBE participation.

x.x All MBE/WBE subcontractors must be MDOT or Baltimore City certified at the time of bid/proposals submission to count towards the MBE/WBE solicitation subcontract goal.

x.x If the Bidder/Offeror is a certified Minority or Women Business Enterprise, it should be so indicated with the certification number in the Bid or Technical Proposal.

4. Under circumstances where mobilization payments are issued to the Prime Contractor, the subcontractor shall be paid an amount equal to their participation percentage no later than five

(5) business days before they are required to mobilize to perform the contracted work.

The Prime Contractor shall submit proof of mobilization payment to subcontractors when the subcontractor performs their initial item of work in the MBE/WBE Compliance portal.

5. Prompt Payment

The Prime Contractor agrees to pay each subcontractor under this contract for satisfactory performance of its responsibilities under the applicable subcontract within 30 days of the subcontractor’s satisfactory completion of the work as accepted by Baltimore County, Maryland. The Prime Contractor agrees further to return retainage payments to each subcontractor within 30 days after the subcontractor’s satisfactory completion of work. Any delay or postponement of payment from the above referenced time frame may occur only for good cause following written approval of Baltimore County, Maryland.

This clause applies to both MBE/WBE and non-MBE/WBE subcontracts.

• The Prime Contractor shall report the subcontractor’s mobilization cost as the initial payment in the PRISM Compliance Portal found under Compliance Reporting for Prime and Sub- Contractors at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/budfin/purchasing/supplier-diversity/MWBE

• The Prime Contractor must include in its subcontracts language providing that the Prime Contractor and the subcontractors will use appropriate alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve payment disputes.

• The Prime Contractor will not be reimbursed for work performed by subcontractors unless and until the Prime Contractor ensures that the subcontractors are promptly paid for the work they have performed.

• Prime Contractors may be subject to liquidated damages pursuant to Maryland and/or Baltimore County law, to ensure that MBE/WBEs and other contractors are fully and promptly paid.

6. All Prime Contractors an MBE/WBE and/or DBE subcontractors are required to report monthly to the County through the online Compliance Portal (PRISM). The portal can be found under Compliance Reporting for Prime and Sub-Contractors at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/budfin/purchasing/supplier-diversity/MWBE.

Prime Contractors must provide a contact person and contact information for the MBE/WBE compliance reporting. If the Prime Contractor cannot submit its report on time, it must notify the County MBE/WBE Office and request additional time to submit the report. Failure to report in a timely manner may result in a finding of noncompliance, and may result in a finding of default under the terms of the contract. The County, in its sole discretion, may require additional reports regarding MBE/WBE. Questions regarding the use of this system can be directed to the MBE/WBE Office at mwbe@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-3407.

UTILIZATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY’S DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

Baltimore County’s First Source Hiring Agreement requires that developers, contractors, and employers utilize good faith efforts toward employing economically disadvantaged Baltimore County residents in newly created positions on applicable projects. These efforts are supported by Baltimore County’s workforce development system, a partnered network of business and economic development professionals, education and training providers, and human service agencies working together systematically to provide a ready supply of qualified workers to employers with hiring needs.

The Contractor may use Baltimore County’s Department of Economic and Workforce Development as a “First Source” for training and recruitment of employees. To utilize “First Source”, the [Contractor/vendor] may notify the Department of Economic and Workforce Development of employment opportunities to present qualified candidates to the [Contractor/vendor] for consideration.

The [Contractor/vendor] may use reasonable efforts to consider qualified Baltimore County residents who are either unemployed or under-employed for all available positions. For additional information, call (410) 887-8000 or visit:

https://baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/economic-development

CONFIDENTIALITY

Offerors must specifically identify any portions of their proposals deemed to contain confidential information, proprietary information or trade secrets. Those portions must be readily separable from the balance of the proposal. Such designations will not be conclusive, and offerors may be required to justify why such material should not, upon written request, be disclosed by the County under the Public Information Act, State Government Article, Title 10, Sub-Title 6, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended. The County may disclose such information if required by law, court order or subpoena.

SUBMITTAL DUE DATE

All required forms must be received electronically on or before, but not later than 2:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 14, 2026. Late or incomplete submittals will not be considered. Material submitted will not be returned. Do not bind or fax submittals.

To be considered, submissions shall be received by the submittal due date and time to the following email address: dpwtpsec@baltimorecountymd.gov. Submissions may not be submitted by any other means. Submissions that are mailed or otherwise delivered to the Department of Public Works and https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/budfin/purchasing/supplier-diversity/MWBE mailto:mwbe@baltimorecountymd.gov https://baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/economic-development

Transportation (including emails which indicate links to locations where the bid may be downloaded) and/or emails sent to any other Baltimore County email address will not be accepted.

Late submissions will not be accepted. Firms are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last minute to submit bids. Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted. Firms are advised that the County cannot receive email attachments greater in size than twenty-five (25) megabytes and this size limitation may be further reduced by requirements of the Firms email provider which are beyond the control of the County. Firms should consider separating any large bid attachments into multiple parts and emailing each part separately. In such case, Firms will note that each email is 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc. Multiple part submissions will not be considered unless all parts are received by the submittal due date and time.

Lauren T. Buckler, PE, Director Department of Public Works and Transportation

Architecture and Engineering Firm Reference Submission Form

On-Call Minor Bridge Inspection Program Services

Project No. 2026-02

Architect/Engineering Firm Information:

• Name of Firm:

Reference Information:

• Contact Person:

• Name of Organization:

• Position:

• Contact Information:

Instructions for Reference: Thank you for agreeing to provide a reference for the architecture and engineering firm named above. Your feedback will be instrumental in helping us evaluate their capabilities and reputation. Please provide an honest assessment based on your experience working with them. Please email the completed assessment form to Baltimore County Department of Public of Public Works and Transportation’s (DPW&T’s) procurement officer, Heather Panowicz, dpwtpsec@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Rating Scale:

• 1 = Poor

• 2 = Below Average

• 3 = Average

• 4 = Above Average

• 5 = Excellent

Evaluation Criteria:

1) Project Quality: Evaluate the overall quality of projects completed by the firm.

a) Score:

2) Technical Expertise: Assess the firm's technical proficiency in engineering and architecture.

a) Score:

3) Communication: Evaluate the firm's communication effectiveness and responsiveness.

a) Score:

4) Project Management: Assess the firm's ability to manage projects efficiently and meet budgets and deadlines.

a) Score:

5) Client Satisfaction: Rate the level of satisfaction as a client who has worked with the firm.

a) Score:

6) Does the Contact Person completing this form have experience with the firm within the last eight (8) years?

a) Response (Yes or No):

Comments: Please provide specific examples to support your ratings and any additional comments you believe are relevant.

Overall Recommendation: Based on your assessment, would you recommend this architecture and/or engineering firm for future projects?

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

USE OF MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES AND WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

IN

COUNTY CONTRACTS

MWBE Plan Package

Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion The Jefferson Building

105 West Chesapeake Avenue Towson, Maryland 21204

410-887-3407 www.baltimorecountymd.gov/go/mwbe

MWBE Plan Packet Page| 2

PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS/OFFERORS

Baltimore County Executive Order 2022-005 Use of Minority Business Enterprises and Women’s Business Enterprises states:

SECTION 6. BID REQUIREMENTS.

(A)(l) All bidders shall submit a list of all subcontractors contacted in preparation of their bid package or proposal.

(2) The list shall include the service to be performed, bid amount, and the race/ethnicity/gender of the business owner(s).

(B)(l) All bidders shall submit a list of all subcontractors to be used on a county contract in the bid package.

(2) This list shall include all subcontractors (both MWBE and non-MWBE) used, the service to be performed, the total amount to be paid, and the race/ethnicity/gender of the owner.

If the solicitation includes a MWBE subcontracting goal, you MUST demonstrate “Good Faith” effort either by:

1. Complete and sign FORM A, FORM B (to include FORM B-Prime if MWBE Prime wishes to count towards the goal) and FORM C listing all subcontractors with the initial bid submission.

a. All Forms must be completed and signed. However, FORM C MUST be completed and signed by both the prime and the MWBE subcontractor.

OR

2. If you are unable to meet any portion of the goal, you MUST do one of the following:

a. If you are requesting a partial waiver, complete and sign FORM A with initial bid submission. FORM B (to include FORM B-Prime if MWBE Prime wishes to count towards the goal) and FORM C (listing all subcontractors). In addition, complete, sign and submit FORM D and FORM E accompanied with all supporting documentation for the portion of the goal that will not be achieved as specified on

FORM A.

b. If you are requesting a full waiver, complete and sign FORM A indicating your intent to request a full waiver accompanied with a completed and signed FORM C listing all subcontractors, FORM D and FORM E accompanied with all supporting documentation. This MUST be submitted with the initial bid as specified on FORM A.

c. All Forms must be completed and signed. FORM C and FORM D MUST be completed and properly signed by both the Prime AND the MWBE subcontractor(s).

NOTE: The MWBE subcontracting goal applies to ALL prime/general contractors including certified and non-certified minority and women owned firms. However, a Minority-owned or a Women-owned prime may self-perform up to 50% of MWBE subcontracting goal set in the solicitation. The MWBE primes that wish to count towards the goal must list themselves on all appropriate forms.

12/2023

MWBE Plan Packet Page| 3

MWBE PARTICIPATION SUMMARY

Executive Order: Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts financed in whole, or in certain circumstances, in part with County funds. Accordingly, on December 6, 2022, the County Executive adopted the EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 2022- 005 addressing MWBE participation in County contracts. The December 6, 2022 Executive Order may be found on the Baltimore County website at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/go/mwbe.

Each Contract: The County shall establish a minimum MWBE participation amount for each contract, as applicable.

Bidder/Offeror Responsibility: The bidder/offeror shall ensure that MWBE participation occurs in accordance with the contract requirements and the County Executive’s Executive Order. All bidder/offerors shall ensure that MWBE have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform County contracts, as applicable. Baltimore County, Maryland, and/or its bidder/offerors and contractors shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or sex in the award and performance of any County contract.

Mobilization Payments: For subcontractors, project start-up costs can also be significant. A subcontractor that has limited resources and access to credit may find that start-up expenses inhibit its ability to bid County contracts. Under circumstances where mobilization payments are approved for the prime contractor, the subcontractor should be paid an amount equal to their participation percentage no later than five (5) business days before they are required to mobilize to perform the contracted work.

Mobilization costs represent pre-contract costs incurred by a contractor to prepare a job site before the actual commencement of the contract. These costs can include movement of personnel and equipment to the project site and for the establishment of the Contractor’s offices, buildings, and other facilities necessary to begin work.

APPROVED MWBE LISTINGS

Published compilations of approved and certified MWBE, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, etc. include:

DIRECTORY OF MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MDOT):

https://marylandmdbe.mdbecert.com

MINORITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE:

https://baltimorecity.diversitycompliance.com

BIDDER/OFFEROR’S ACTIONS

Seeking Firms:

The bidder/offeror will seek commitments by subcontract or otherwise from MWBE firms for supplies and/or services, any combined value of which equals or exceeds the required percentage of MWBE participation goal for the County contract. However a MWBE Prime that affirms its MWBE status on the Minority and/or Women Prime Participation Affidavit may count up to 50% of the goal.

Expenditures for Materials and Supplies:

A bidder/offeror may count toward its MWBE contract requirements all expenditures for materials and supplies obtained from MWBE suppliers and manufacturers, provided that the MWBE firm is furnishing and installing the materials and is certified to perform these services. If the MWBE firm is only being used as a supplier, wholesaler and/or regular dealer or is not certified to install the supplies/materials, for purposes of achieving the MWBE participation goal, you may only count sixty percent (60%) of the value of the subcontract for these supplies/products (60% Rule). To apply the 60% Rule, first divide the amount of the subcontract for these supplies/products only (not installation) by the total Contract value. Then, multiply the result by sixty percent (60%) and insert the percentage in the Percent of Total Contract field of Form B Subcontractor Participation Schedule.

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MWBE PARTICIPATION SUMMARY

Information to be supplied: All bidder/offerors shall submit the following information to the County at the time of bid submission:

1. The name of an employee designated as the bidder/offeror’s liaison to the County’s Minority Business Enterprise Office.

2. The following forms shall be completed and submitted:

• Certified MWBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit (Form A); from among those names appearing in the

Approved MWBE Listings (excepting Federal Highway Administration projects, which exclusively require DBE approved and certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation MBE Advisory Committee);

• A Subcontractor Participation Schedule (Form B) completed by the prime contractor for each MWBE listed on the Form.

• A MWBE Prime Participation Schedule (Form B-Prime) completed by a MWBE prime contractor if the firm wishes to self-perform up to 50% of the MBE/WBE goal.

• A MWBE Disclosure and Participation Statement (Form C) completed and signed by the prime contractor and MWBE firm for each MWBE listed on the Form. Form C must match what is stated on Form B.

• If applicable, MWBE Subcontractor Unavailable Certificate (Form D) completed and signed by the prime contractor and MWBE for each MWBE listed on the Form.

3. If applicable, MWBE Outreach Efforts - Compliance Statement (Form E) completed and signed by the Bidder/Offeror. The prime shall submit a list of all subcontractors.

4. For DPW contracts, if the bidder/offeror intends to fulfill the MWBE requirements by use of a joint venture, he/she must submit a Joint Venture Disclosure Affidavit (Form D-EEO-006-A and B showing the extent of MWBE participation. If a bidder/offeror intends to use a MWBE joint venture as a subcontractor to meet its MWBE requirements, the affidavit must be submitted through the bidder/offeror by the proposed subcontractors and signed by all parties.

5. If the bidder/offeror’s proposed MWBE participation does not meet the MWBE contract requirements, information sufficient to demonstrate that the bidder/offeror has made every effort to meet the requirements must be submitted. (See DETERMINATION OF BID RESPONSIVENESS hereafter)

RECORDS AND REPORTS

Returning Records: The bidder/offeror must keep such records as are necessary to determine compliance with its MWBE utilization requirements:

1. The MWBE and non-minority contractors, type of work being performed, actual values of work and services.

2. Documentation of all correspondence, contacts, telephone calls, etc., to obtain MWBE services for the contract.

3. All prime contractors and MWBE sub-contractors are required to report monthly, by the 10th of each month, to the County through an online system called PRISM. If the contractor cannot submit his/her report on time, he/she will notify the County MWBE office and request additional time to submit the report. Failure of the contractor to report in a timely manner may result in a finding of noncompliance. The County in its sole discretion and/or upon written request may require additional reports regarding MWBE. In the event you are not able to enter your payments in PRiSM, a spreadsheet is attached for your use. Please be sure to list the PO for each invoice/ payment reported and include in your submission any corresponding documentation (e.g. copies of invoices or cancelled checks).

Retaining Records: All MWBE records must be retained for 3 years following the expiration or any earlier termination of the contract and shall be available for inspection and photocopying by the County.

Investigation and Notification: Whenever the County believes the bidder/offeror, contractor, or any subcontractor may not be operating in compliance with the MWBE requirements, the County may, in its sole discretion, conduct an investigation. If the County finds the bidder/offeror, contractor, or any subcontractor is not in compliance with the MWBE requirements, the County may exercise any and all rights and remedies available to the County, under the contract, at law or equity, as deemed applicable and appropriate by the County in its sole discretion.

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MWBE PARTICIPATION SUMMARY

DETERMINATION OF BID RESPONSIVENESS

Request for Deviation: If the bidder/offeror is unable to procure from MWBE firms (by subcontract or otherwise), supplies and services, any combined value of which equals the required percentage of the total value of the contract, the bidder/ offeror may request, in writing, a deviation or waiver of the contract requirements. To obtain such a waiver, the bidder/ offeror must submit the following information at the time bids are due:

1. The request for waiver request shall include (1) a signed unavailability statement (Form D) executed by all MBEs and WBEs that the bidder/offeror solicited for participation and (2) Outreach Efforts/Compliance Statement (Form E) that demonstrates the bidder/offeror’s good faith efforts to comply with the contract requirements, including copies of solicitation documentation to all potential subcontractors:

2. Emails, letters, facsimile transmittals and confirmations containing plans, specifications, and anticipated time schedule for portions of the work to be performed and meeting notes and agendas clearly identifying the certified MBE or WBE classification and dates that the bidder/offeror contacted each MWBE; and

3. Telephone logs containing names, addresses, dates, telephone numbers, work to be performed, anticipated time schedule and classification of certified MBEs and WBEs contacted.

Bid Rejection: The failure of any bidder/offeror (including the apparent low bidder/offeror) to provide a responsive MWBE Plan as required by the solicitation may result in the bidder/offeror being deemed non-responsive and the County’s rejection of the bid.

Liquidated Damages If the County issues a notice of intent to awards contract to the apparent low bidder/offeror who provided a responsive MWBE Plan, but, if after said notice and before execution of Contract Documents, it is determined by the County that the apparent low bidder/offeror has failed to comply with the MWBE Plan, such failure may result in the recommendation by the appropriate Procurement Official to annul the award and forfeit the bidder/offeror’s Proposal Guaranty to the County, not as a penalty, but as liquidated damages, it being acknowledged that actual damages will be difficult if not impossible to accurately measure. In addition, the County may proceed as it determines to be in its best interest, including but not limited to, the Notice of Award may be made to the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder/offeror or the work may be re-advertised.

Contract Breach: If, after execution of a County contract, the contractor becomes aware it may or will fail to fulfill the applicable MWBE requirements and/or may or will deviate from the contractor’s bid response/contract terms, the contractor shall promptly advise the County of this in writing. Thereafter, the County will determine what action or remedy is appropriate on a case-by-case basis, in the County’s sole discretion.

Approval Required for Changes: Any and all changes to the MWBE subcontractors or the type or amount of work to be performed by such subcontractors during the contract term must be mutually agreeable to the County and the contractor and shall be documented via a contract amendment, executed by legally authorized representatives of the County and the contractor.

Cooperation in Reviews: The bidder/offeror will cooperate with the County in any reviews of the contractor’s procedures and practices with respect to MBE or WBE firms, which the County may from time to time conduct in its sole discretion.

Other: If the documents used to determine the contractor’s efforts, achievement of, and/or the status of an MWBE requirement or fulfillment thereof contain false, misleading or misrepresented information, the contractor may be declared in breach of the contract and the County may take any and all actions and/or remedies available to the County under the contract, at law, or in equity. If an MWBE is disqualified by any public entity, including but not limited to, Baltimore City, the State or MDOT, at any time after award or during the term of the contract, the County may, in its sole discretion, require the prime contractor to promptly submit for County approval, the contractor’s plans for fulfilling the required MWBE participation under the contract, and/or request such detail and additional information as the County, in its discretion deems appropriate.

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PRIME CONTRACTOR MINORITY AND WOMEN PARTICIPATION AFFIDAVIT

A. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

I HEREBY AFFIRM THAT:

I am the [title] and the duly authorized representative of [business]

(the “Business”) and that I possess the legal authority to make this Affidavit on behalf of myself and the Business for which I am acting.

B. AFFIRMATION REGARDING MINORITY AND WOMEN PARTICIPATION

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

I am aware that, pursuant to the December 6, 2022 Executive Order of Baltimore County, Maryland, the following words have the meanings indicated.

(A) “Minority Business Enterprise” or “MBE” means a business enterprise that is owned, operated and controlled by one or more minority group members (African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Native American) who have at least 51% ownership and in which the minority group members have operational and managerial control, interest in capital and earnings commensurate with their percentage of ownership.

(B) “Women’s Business Enterprise” or “WBE” means a business enterprise that is owned, operated and controlled by one or more women who have at least 51% ownership and in which the women have operational and managerial control, interest in capital and earnings commensurate with their percentage of ownership.

The Prime is a MBE or WBE

Maryland State Department of Transportation (MDOT) #

City of Baltimore #

Name Other Jurisdiction: #

The ownership of the Noncertified MWBE business consists of ___% minorities and % women (for a total of %), each of which has operational and managerial control, interest in capital and earnings commensurate with their percent ownership.

% African American % Hispanic American % Women % Asian American % Native American % Disadvantaged (DBE)

The MWBE prime anticipates meeting up to 50% of the stated participation goal with its own workforce.

MWBE primes percentage must be stated on the MWBE PRIME PARTICIPATION SCHEDULE (FORM B- PRIME) to count towards the goal.

The prime anticipates does not anticipate utilizing subcontractors for % of the work of the contract requirements, of which it anticipates % will be MBEs and % will be WBEs.

I DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE AND AFFIRM UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS AFFIDAVIT ARE TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION, AND

BELIEF.

Date: By:

(Authorized Representative and Affiant’s Name and Title) PB040 Revised 12/2024

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*This document must be completed and submitted with Bid/Proposal to Baltimore County.

NOTE: If you do not complete and submit this form with your bid or offer to the County, the County may, in its sole discretion, deem your bid or offer NON-RESPONSIVE and accordingly the COUNTY WILL NOT CONSIDER YOU

FOR CONTRACT AWARD.

I acknowledge the goal for solicitation # _____ is a minimum of %. This goal must be met by any combination of the MWBE subcontractors. However, for instances where the Prime is counting up to 50% of the goal, the remaining goal balance must be met by any combination of the MWBE subcontractors.

• The goal breakdown is as follows:

o % Minority/Women Prime o % for certified MBE-owned businesses and/or o % for certified WBE-owned businesses.

I have made a good-faith effort to achieve this MWBE solicitation requirement. If awarded the contract, I will comply with this MWBE contract requirement and will continue to use my best efforts to increase MWBE participation during the contract term.

PLEASE CHECK ONE BOX (EITHER 1, 2, OR 3)

1 Prime has met the MWBE contract requirements for this solicitation and contract. I submit the Subcontractor Participation Form B and Form C, along with this Affidavit, which details how the Prime will achieve the contract requirements. Submit a complete list of all additional subcontractors

Or 2 After having made a good-faith effort to achieve the MWBE requirements, the Prime can only achieve partial success. I submit the Subcontractor Participation Form B, Form C, Form D and Form E along with this Affidavit, which details how the Prime will partially achieve the contract requirements. Submit a complete list of all additional subcontractors

I request a partial waiver and will meet the following MWBE participation goals:

• Partial waiver of MWBE subcontract participation:

o % Minority/Women Prime o % for certified MBE-owned businesses and/or o % for certified WBE-owned businesses.

Or 3 After having made a good faith effort to achieve the MWBE requirements for this contract, the Prime is unable to achieve the requirements and/or sub requirements for this contract.