26-0177 Specifications Roadway SDCs.pdf

Job No. 26/0177

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SPECIFICATIONS

Request for Qualifications for Segment Design Consultant (SDC) Services for the

Roadway and Structural Segments of the Hardy Downtown Connector (HDC)

Program

I. INTRODUCTION AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) invites professional firms with experience, qualifications, capabilities, and available staff to submit qualifications to provide Professional Engineering Services for the Hardy Downtown Connector (HDC) Program. HCTRA plans to make multiple selections to award contracts to Segment Design Consultants (SDCs) based on firms’ evidence of their ability to provide complete, thorough, and comprehensive responses and information that demonstrate the most highly competent and qualified provider to develop complete Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) for the Roadway and Structural Segments of the HDC Program.

The SDC shall provide services in the following Function Codes (FC):

▪ FC 130: Right-of-Way Survey Activities

▪ FC 135: Right-of-Way Utility Activities

▪ FC 145: Project Management and Administration

▪ FC 150: Roadway Design Surveys

▪ FC 160: Roadway Design Controls

▪ FC 161: Roadway Drainage Design

▪ FC 162: Roadway Signing, Pavement Markings, and Signalization

▪ FC 163: Miscellaneous Roadway Design

▪ FC 165: Roadway Design

▪ FC 170: Roadway Bridge Design

▪ FC 200: Landscape Architecure

▪ FC 351 Construction Phase Services

A. Program Structure

The selected SDCs will be contractually managed by HCTRA, which retains responsibility for all contract approvals and payments. However, the SDCs will report directly to the HDC General Engineering Consultant (GEC) Program Manager for work assignments, technical direction, schedule adherence, and quality control.

B. Contract Time Frame

The contract will be for approximately thirty-six (36) months from the Notice to Proceed being issued. HCTRA reserves the right to extend the time and/or expand the scope of this contract.

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C. General Information

The HDC Program is a collection of projects that work towards the overall goal of providing a landscaped scenic route that will improve the mobility and vibrancy of the region.

The principal objective of the Program is to improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, improve mobility, provide reliable travel times, and allow travel choices in one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the Houston region while prioritizing community benefits, and the overall opportunities associated with the roadway corridor including social, environmental and community amenities. The Program shall improve neighborhood connections, include vibrant placemaking, activate public spaces, and include regenerative ecology to meet this objective.

Commissioners Court approved the Visioning Hardy Downtown Connector Study (Visioning Study), to outline a path forward. The Visioning Study emphasized 4 key themes for the Program:

1. Neighborhood Connections - In addition to HCTRA’s improvements to Collingsworth Street, Lorraine Street, and

Quitman Street providing grade-separated crossings at the existing railroad tracks, the proposed vision balances pedestrian and bike access along the corridor by enhancing street crossings, overall pedestrian/bicycle safety, and transit improvements that will improve the human experience and comfort. HCTRA has also committed to improvements to Hardy and Elysian streets, a trail along the corridor, and partnering with local entities for improvements along the corridor. The Program shall establish a multi-modal transit system to ensure seamless, interconnected, and safe experiences for individuals navigating diverse modes and conditions.

2. Vibrant Placemaking - Create a unique identity for the corridor through vibrant gateways, signage, and branding.

This includes engaging public art, neighborhood/community branding, and integration of nature-themed murals that tell a story of cultural, social, and ecological history and the voices of the neighborhood. The Program shall craft spaces that encourage social interactions and infuse vibrancy into communities.

3. Public Space Activation - The future corridor will create opportunities to activate currently underutilized parcels of land along the linear corridor. Public space activation creates new community resources such as parks and parklets to provide social, environmental, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Program shall recognize opportunities within public areas and initiate efforts to create an appealing and attractive public realm.

4. Regenerative Ecology - Going beyond drainage, air quality, and noise mitigation by improving urban ecology, sustainability, and social and environmental resilience along the corridor. The Program shall undertake initiatives to restore, renew, and revitalize ecosystems, aiming to enhance and improve environmental conditions.

Additionally, Commissioners Court emphasized three areas of concern:

• Increasing and preserving meaningful affordable housing in the Program area.

• Mobility options, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other dedicated public transit space.

• Comprehensive environmental mitigation strategy for the Program.

HCTRA’s additional objectives for the Program during delivery include advancing safety and security for road users and workers; minimizing disruptions to the traveling public through the appropriate traffic management; close coordination with Program stakeholders; and promoting the use of small business enterprises owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

These key themes, areas of concern, and objectives shall be incorporated into all aspects of the Program's development, management, and reporting.

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D. Our Mission

HCTRA's mission is to responsibly operate and maintain a safe, reliable, sustainable, and evolving mobility system that meets the diverse connectivity needs of all Harris County residents.

II. CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUESTION SUBMITTAL PROTOCOL

It is the responsibility of each firm to examine the entire RFQ, seek clarification in writing, and review their submittal for accuracy before submitting. Once the submission deadline has passed, all submissions will be final. Questions relating to the RFQ must be submitted in writing and through Bonfire at https://harriscountytx.bonfirehub.com/. The deadline for submission of questions relating to this RFQ is 2:00 p.m. (CDT) on July 15, 2026. All questions submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing. HCTRA will not be bound by any information conveyed verbally.

A non-mandatory pre-submittal conference will be held via Microsoft Teams. The date, time, and log-in information will be included in Event Schedule in Bonfire. Attendance is non-mandatory, but all interested parties are encouraged to attend for better understanding of the requirements of this RFQ. All persons with disabilities requiring special accommodation should contact HCTRA Procurement Specialist of record for this RFQ at least two (2) days prior to the conference.

Any and all toll/parking fees incurred by the vendor during the term of this contract shall be the responsibility of the vendor.

Due to the nature and scope of the work required, it may be necessary to increase, decrease, or otherwise modify the scope of the effort or terms of the agreement. Accordingly, Harris County may, from time to time, request revisions to adjust to its needs. Modifications require approval by Harris County.

Harris County reserves the right to terminate any agreement based upon failure to comply with usual and customary practices of the industry, breach of any laws, rules or regulations, or failure to significantly comply with or meet the performance expectations as established in subsequent contract, if any, between Harris County and a respondent.

Texas law requires all parties who enter into any contract with the County which must be approved by Commissioners

Court to disclose all interested parties. Form 1295 must be completed in its entirety at the following website:

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf info_form1295.htm prior to submitting your response. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of your response.

Vendors Owing Taxes or other debts: Pursuant to TX Local Government Code 262.0276, Harris County Commissioners

Court has adopted a policy which requires that vendors’ taxes and other Harris County debts be current as of the date bids/proposals are due. Proposers with delinquent county taxes or other county debts on the due date will not be eligible for award. Whether or not a vendor’s taxes are delinquent will be determined by an independent review of the Tax

Office records. Prior to submitting an offer, vendors are encouraged to visit the Tax Office website at www.hctax.net, set up a portfolio of their accounts and make their own initial determination of the status of their tax accounts. Vendors who believe delinquency is reflected in error must contact the Tax Office to correct any errors or discrepancies prior to submitting their offer in order to ensure that their offer will be considered. Furthermore, if, during the performance of this contract, a vendor’s taxes become delinquent or a vendor becomes otherwise indebted to Harris County, Harris

County reserves the right to provide notice to the Auditor or Treasurer pursuant to Texas Local Government Code

§154.045. This policy is effective for all bids/proposals due on or after November 1, 2009. Revised 1/18 https://harriscountytx.bonfirehub.com/ https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf%20info_form1295.htm http://www.hctax.net/

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III. SCOPE OF WORK

The SDC shall provide qualified technical and professional personnel regarding the duties and responsibilities assigned under the terms of this Agreement. Unless otherwise instructed by HCTRA, the SDC shall minimize to the greatest extent possible HCTRA’s need to apply its own resources to assignments authorized by HCTRA. HCTRA, at its option, may elect to expand, reduce, and/or delete the extent of each work element described in the Scope of Services document, provided such action does not alter the intent of this Agreement.

The Services provided under this Agreement shall be commensurate with the professional standards and quality consistent with those set forth in this Agreement.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The SDC shall provide engineering services required for the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) and related documents, for distinct segments of the Hardy Downtown Connector (HDC). These services might include preparing roadway design, bridge design, hydrologic and hydraulic design, traffic signal design, utility adjustment coordination, subsurface utility engineering, utility engineering, survey, geotechnical data collection, and if requested, provide design support, testify at right of way hearings, and construction phase services necessary to support the design process. The owner of the project is the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA). The General Engineering Consultant

(GEC) managing the program is AIG Technical Services, LLC.

1. DESIGN CRITERIA

The SDC shall verify compliance with and prepare all work in accordance with the latest version of applicable Harris

County, HCTRA, City of Houston, GEC, or Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) procedures, specifications, manuals, guidelines, standard drawings, and standard specifications or previously approved special provisions and special specifications. These include, but are not limited to:

A. PS&E Preparation Manual, published by TxDOT;

B. Roadway Design Manual, published by TxDOT;

C. Hydraulic Design Manual, published by TxDOT;

D. Bridge Design Manual-Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD), published by TxDOT;

E. Bridge Project Development Manual, published by TxDOT;

F. Geotechnical Manual - LRFD, published by TxDOT;

G. Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD), published by TxDOT;

H. Highway Illumination Manual, published by TxDOT;

I. Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Highways, Streets, and Bridges (latest Edition), published by TxDOT;

J. Traffic and Safety Analysis Procedural Manual (TASP), published by TxDOT;

K. TxDOT Survey Manual, published by TxDOT;

L. Access Management Manual, published by TxDOT

M. Other TxDOT-approved manuals and guides.

N. Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM), published by the City of Houston

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When design criteria are not identified in the above documents, or the documents provide conflicting design criteria, the SDC shall notify the HCTRA HDC GEC Program Manager, who will coordinate with HCTRA to provide guidance.

In addition to the typical design criteria for transportation systems, the GEC will provide SDCs with an Urban Design

Framework that includes design guidance on the elements listed below. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other items may also be included:

• Aesthetic Treatments to Structural Components (Columns, Bents, Girders, Retaining Walls, etc.)

• Noise Barriers

• Shared-Use Path (SUP)

• Detention Ponds & Drainage Systems

• Landscaping, including Lighting, Shade, and Streetscape Elements

• Community Context Typology

• Wayfinding and Placemaking, including Signage

• Environmental Mitigation

• Resilience and Regenerative Ecology

• Long-Term Operations and Maintenance

• Alternative Energy Sources

• Applicable Design Standards and Industry Best Practices

2. COORDINATION

The SDC shall coordinate issues and communications with HCTRA’s internal resource areas through the HDC

GEC’s Program Manager. HCTRA will communicate the resolution of issues and provide the SDC direction through the GEC’s Program Manager. The SDC shall coordinate with affected counties, cities, and all other governmental agencies only at the GEC Program Manager’s direction. The SDC shall notify the GEC and coordinate with adjacent engineers on all controls at project interfaces. The SDC shall document the coordination effort, and each engineer must provide written concurrence regarding the agreed project controls and interfaces. In the event the SDC and the other adjacent engineers are unable to reach an agreement, the

SDC shall meet with the GEC and each adjacent engineer to resolve the matter. The GEC shall have authority over these disagreements, and the GEC decision shall be final.

3. PROGRESS REPORTING AND INVOICING

The SDC shall invoice according to Function Code breakdowns shown in Attachment A – Scope of Services of this contract, and Attachment B – Compensation for Scope of Services as authorized. The SDC shall submit each invoice electronically directly to the HDC GEC using the appropriate method of payment template provided by the HDC

GEC. The SDC shall submit a monthly written progress report to the HDC GEC Program Manager regardless of whether the SDC is invoicing for that month. The SDC’s written progress report must describe activities during the reporting period; activities planned for the following period, problems encountered, and actions taken to remedy them; list of meetings attended; and overall status, including a percent complete by task.

The SDC shall prepare a design schedule using the latest version of Primavera P6. Personnel responsible for the schedule must maintain advanced proficiency in the software, with the expertise to develop logic-tied schedules, perform critical path analysis, and formally explain or defend the schedule logic and task interdependencies to GEC

Page | 6 staff. This schedule must clearly indicate tasks, subtasks, milestones, and review requirements in a format that depicts their interdependence. Milestone submittals shall be scheduled at 30%, 60%, 90%, and final completion stages. The SDC is responsible for advising the GEC in writing if any scheduled milestone review date cannot be met.

Once the project goes to letting, the SDC shall deliver all electronic files within 30 days of written request. All electronic files delivered to the HDC GEC must meet the requirements of the Computer Graphics Standards and

Electronic Documentation/Files Organization on ProjectWise.

Final payment is contingent upon HCTRA’s receipt and confirmation by the HDC GEC Program Manager that (1) the electronic files run and are formatted in accordance with Computer Graphics Standards and Electronic

Documentation/Files Organization on ProjectWise and (2) all review comments are addressed.

The SDC shall prepare a letter of transmittal to accompany each document submittal to the HDC GEC. At a minimum, the letter of transmittal must include HCTRA’s Project Number.

4. TRAFFIC CONTROL

The SDC shall provide all planning, labor, and equipment to develop and to execute each traffic control plan (TCP) needed by the Engineer to perform the authorized services. The SDC shall comply with the requirements of the most recent edition of the TMUTCD. The SDC shall submit a copy of each TCP to the HDC GEC for approval before starting work on any roadway. The SDC shall provide all signs, flags, and safety equipment needed to execute the approved TCP. The SDC shall notify the HDC GEC, Harris County, State, other controlling jurisdiction, and EMS in writing 24 hours before executing each TCP requiring a lane closure and shall have received written concurrence from same before beginning it. The SDC’s field crew must possess a copy of the approved TCP on the job site at all times and shall make the TCP available for inspection upon request. The SDC shall assign charges for any required traffic control to the applicable function code.

5. RIGHT-OF-ENTRY

The SDC shall notify the HDC GEC and secure permission utilizing the current form provided by HCTRA to enter private property to perform any surveying, environmental, engineering, or geotechnical activities needed off HCTRA right-of-way. The SDC shall not commit acts that would result in damage to private property. The SDC shall make every effort to comply with the wishes and address the concerns of affected private property owners. Prior to entering private property, the Engineer shall contact each property owner and obtain written approval from the

HDC GEC. The right of entry permission must be written and signed by the property owner. The SDC shall not distribute letters or other materials seeking the right of entry without prior approval of the HDC GEC. Letters or other materials seeking right of entry must state the kinds of activities for which right of entry is requested and indicate the impacts (if any) that might result from performance of the activities.

6. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) AND QUALITY CONTROL (QC)

The SDC shall provide the Engineer’s QA and QC manual, guide, or process to the HDC GEC. The SDC shall provide peer review at all levels. For each deliverable, the Engineer shall have some evidence of their internal review and mark-up of that deliverable as preparation for submittal. A milestone submittal is not considered complete unless the required milestone documents and associated internal red line mark-ups are submitted. The HDC GEC Program

Manager may require the Engineer to submit the Engineer’s internal mark-up (red lines), or comments developed as part the Engineer’s quality control step. When internal mark-ups are requested by the GEC in advance, the GEC may reject the actual deliverable should the Engineer fail to provide evidence of quality control. The SDC shall clearly label each document submitted for quality assurance as an internal mark-up document.

If, at any time, during the review of a submittal it becomes apparent to the HDC GEC that the submittal contains

Page | 7 errors, omissions, or inconsistencies, the HDC GEC may cease its review and immediately return the submittal to the Engineer for appropriate action by the Engineer. A submittal returned to the Engineer for this reason is not for the submission schedule.

7. USE OF TXDOT STANDARDS

The SDC shall identify and use current applicable, TxDOT standard details, Houston District standard details, and approved miscellaneous details whenever feasible instead of creating new details. The SDC shall get approval to use Houston District developed standards. The SDC shall sign, seal, and date each standard and miscellaneous detail if the standard selected has not been adopted for use in a district. The SDC shall obtain approval for use of these details during the early stages of design from the GEC Project Manager. These details must be accompanied by the appropriate general notes, special specifications, special provisions, and method of payment. The SDC is responsible for the appropriate selection of each Standard identified for use within its design.

8. ORGANIZATION OF PLAN SHEETS

The SDC shall complete and organize the PS&E package in accordance with the latest edition of the TxDOT PS&E

Preparation Manual. The SDC shall ensure that the PS&E package is suitable for the bidding and awarding of a construction contract and that the PS&E package is in accordance with the latest TxDOT policies and procedures, and HCTRA’s PS&E checklist.

9. ORGANIZATION OF DESIGN PROJECT FOLDER AND FILES (ELECTRONIC PROJECT FILES)

The SDC shall organize electronic project files in accordance with the Computer Graphics Standards and Electronic

Documentation/Files Organization on ProjectWise to be hosted by the HDC GEC. The SDC shall demonstrate a working knowledge of the ProjectWise environment, including the use of URN links for document transmittals and the maintenance of live design files within the HDC GEC’s managed workspace. Proficiency in SharePoint is required for the submission and management of all non-design project documentation, including schedules and reports.

10. UNDERGROUND EXCAVATION

If necessary, the Engineer shall contact the Texas Excavation Safety System, Inc. (DIGTESS) or call telephone number

811 to have underground utilities marked prior to digging holes for right of way monuments, utility engineering investigation, geotechnical investigation, or other purposes. The SDC shall separately contact utilities that are not a part of the DIGTESS organization. The SDC shall maintain documentation of all notification calls. The SDC shall comply with Texas’ excavation laws.

11. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

A. The SDC shall and shall require its subcontractors to

1. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their personnel.

2. Provide business vehicles for their personnel and

3. Require their personnel to use PPE while performing work on or near roadways.

B. The PPE must meet all:

1. Current standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and

2. HCTRA requirements (e.g., safety glasses, Type 3 (TY 3) pants for night work).

C. Each business vehicle must be clearly marked with the Engineer’s business name, or the name of the appropriate subcontractor, such that the name can be identified from a distance.

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12. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

A. Each key staff member of the Engineer’s project team that is performing or overseeing design or plan review tasks must complete the Environmental Management System (EMS) courses prescribed by HCTRA and the

HDC GEC prior to working on the project. The required training for key staff members on the design project team is listed on the EMS training matrix, which may be accessed at: https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot-info/env/ems/070-04-fig.pdf. The courses listed on the EMS training matrix are e-learning (online), unless otherwise noted as classroom learning. Information about these online courses may be accessed at:

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/environmental/ems-courses.html.

The SDC shall ensure that each key staff member of the Engineer’s project team that will be performing or overseeing design or plan review tasks has completed the required training listed on the EMS training matrix prior to working on the project. In addition, the Engineer shall ensure that the required training is repeated by each key staff member of the project team based on the repeat requirements stated in the EMS training matrix. The SDC shall ensure that all staff members comply with any additional environmental training requirements.

B. Deliverables for Training Requirements:

The SDC shall provide a list, signed by the Engineer’s Project Manager, that includes the following:

1. The names and titles of all key staff personnel performing or overseeing design or plan review tasks.

2. The names of the training courses completed by each person on the list.

3. The completion dates for the training courses completed by each person on the list.

The SDC shall update this list and resubmit it to the HDC GEC any time new key staff personnel are assigned to the project team, and any time training is repeated by key staff personnel on the project.

13. RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY REQUIREMENTS

Prior to entering or performing any work within the railroad right of way, The SDC shall:

A. Provide proof of appropriate insurance

B. Secure the required permit or agreement from the railroad

C. Provide contractor or worker awareness training to all of its employees, sub provider employees, and TxDOT personnel assigned to the project.

FC 130: RIGHT-OF-WAY SURVEY ACTIVITIES

1. RIGHT OF WAY MAPPING REQUIREMENTS

Traditional ROW mapping includes ground surveying and preparation of parcel maps, legal descriptions also known as metes and bounds descriptions, and ROW maps. Standards and deliverables are detailed in the TxDOT Survey

Manual and the TxDOT Surveyor’s Toolkit. The latest versions of the TxDOT Survey Manual and the TxDOT

Surveyor’s Toolkit at the time the work authorization or supplemental work authorization is executed are applicable to that work authorization and the Engineer shall comply with those versions The SDC shall provide the services of a licensed state land surveyor (LSLS) to locate the boundary of any lands controlled by the Texas General Land

Office. The SDC remains ultimately responsible and shall ensure that the work is performed as required.

The SDC shall use all standards, procedures, and equipment such that, at a minimum, the results of the survey is in compliance with the precision and accuracy requirements set forth by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) rules. By mutual agreement between the TBPELS and TxDOT, ROW maps need not be

Page | 9 signed and sealed by an RPLS.

For purposes of clarity, consistency, and ease of understanding, Harris County, as an acquiring agency of private property for public use, has adopted standards and formats for a ROW map to facilitate the processes of negotiation, appraisal, relocation assistance, and condemnation. The SDC shall adhere to these standards and formats to every extent possible.

2. RIGHT-OF-WAY MAP

The SDC shall review and evaluate the proposed or existing right-of way map to verify that all construction staging and alignment considerations have been taken into account. The SDC shall make every effort to prevent detours and utility relocations from extending beyond the proposed right-of-way lines. The SDC shall notify the HDC GEC in writing if it is necessary to obtain additional construction easements or rights-of-entry and shall provide justification for such action. The SDC shall be responsible for identifying and delineating any temporary construction easements in areas outside HCTRA's Right of Way. The HDC GEC shall secure the necessary legal instruments.

3. UTILITY LOCATIONS AND LAYOUTS

The SDC shall coordinate with the HDC GEC to determine the location of each existing and proposed utility and attend meetings with the various utility companies to discuss potential conflicts. The SDC shall identify and coordinate with each utility company for relocations required within each construction easement or right-of entry.

Existing and proposed utilities shall be represented in ORD-DU.

4. ACCESS MANAGEMENT

The SDC shall coordinate and evaluate access management within the project limits in accordance with the latest

TxDOT Access Management Manual or as directed by the HDC GEC.

FC 135: RIGHT-OF-WAY UTILITY ACTIVITIES.

The following definitions apply.

A. “Utility Coordinator” means the individual or entity performing utility-related services that are not required to be performed by a licensed professional engineer under Texas law. The SDC remains ultimately responsible and shall ensure that the work is performed as required.

B. “Utility Engineer” means the individual or entity performing utility-related services that are required to be performed by a licensed professional engineer under Texas law. The SDC remains ultimately responsible and shall ensure that the work is performed as required.

C. “Ensure” means to make certain that something has happened or will happen and includes an obligation to deploy the appropriate level of engineering or other technical expertise, consistent with the complexity, cost, and level of risk associated with a task. The term ensure does not require the completion of any task assigned to another entity by HCTRA under a separate agreement.

1. UTILITY ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS.

Utility engineering investigation includes utility investigations subsurface and above ground prepared in accordance with ASCE/CI Standard 38-02and Utility Quality Levels.

A. Utility Quality Levels (QL)

Utility Quality Levels are defined in cumulative order (least to greatest) as follows:

i. Quality Level D - Quality level value assigned to a utility segment or utility feature after a review

Page | 10 and compilation of data sources such as existing records, oral recollections, One-Call markings, and data repositories.

ii. Quality Level C - Quality level value assigned to a utility segment or utility feature after surveying aboveground (i.e., visible) utility features and using professional judgement to correlate the surveyed locations of these features with those from existing utility records.

iii. Quality Level B - Quality level value assigned to a utility segment or subsurface utility feature whose existence and position is based upon appropriate surface geophysical methods combined with professional judgment and whose location is tied to the project survey datum. Horizontal accuracy of utilities is 18” (including survey tolerances) unless otherwise indicated for a specific segment of the deliverable. Quality Level B incorporates quality levels C and D information. A composite plot is created.

iv. Quality Level A – Quality level value assigned to a portion (x, y, and z geometry) of a point of a subsurface utility feature that is directly exposed, measured, and whose location and dimensions are tied to the project survey datum. Other measurable, observable, and judged utility attributes are also recorded (per District Best Practices). The utility location must be tied to the project survey datum with an accuracy of 0.1 feet (30-mm) vertical and to 0.2 feet (60-mm) horizontal. As test holes may be requested up front or during the project, test holes done prior to completion of QL

D, C, or B deliverables must be symbolized on the QL B deliverable with a call out indicating test hole’s number. This is in addition to and not in lieu of the test hole.

B. Utility Engineering Investigation Requirements

The SDC shall:

i. Provide utility designating services. Designate means to indicate the horizontal location of underground utilities by the application and interpretation of appropriate nondestructive surface geophysical techniques and reference to established survey control. Designating

(Quality Level B) services are inclusive of Quality Levels C and D. The SDC and HCTRA acknowledge that the line sizes of designated utility facilities detailed on the deliverable will be from the best available records and that an actual line size is normally determined from a test hole vacuum excavation. A note must be placed on the deliverable that states "lines sizes are from best available records". All above-ground utility feature locations must be included in the deliverable to HCTRA. This information must be provided in the latest version of

OpenRoads civil design system used by HCTRA. The electronic file will be delivered on USB flash drive or as required by the HDC GEC. A hard copy is required and must be signed, sealed, and dated by the engineer overseeing the utility engineering (Utility Engineer). When requested by the HDC GEC, the designated utility information must be overlaid on HCTRA’s design plans.

ii. Provide utility locate (test hole) services. Locate means the process used to obtain precise horizontal and vertical position, material type, condition, size, and other data that might be obtainable about the utility facility and its surrounding environment through exposure by non-destructive excavation techniques that ensures the integrity of the utility Plot utility location position information to scale and provide a comprehensive utility plan signed and sealed by the responsible engineer. This information must be provided in the latest version of MicroStation and be fully compatible with the OpenRoads civil design system used by

HCTRA. The electronic file must be delivered on a USB flash drive or as required by the HDC

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GEC. When requested by the HDC GEC, the locate information must be overlaid on HCTRA’s design plans.

iii. Maintain a utility layout in the current approved version of OpenRoads Civil Design system used by HCTRA. This layout must include all existing utilities that are to remain in place or be abandoned, and all adjusted utilities. This layout must be utilized to monitor the necessity of relocation and evaluate alternatives.

iv. Provide utility engineering investigation information in the latest version of MicroStation

OpenRoads Designer and MicroStation Connect Edition. that are implemented at TxDOT at the time the work authorization is executed.

v. Ensure that there is no conflict between the utility management plan, utility certifications, and special provisions.

vi. The Utility Engineer’s activities must conform with those specified under Texas

Administrative Code, Title 43, Part 1, Chapter 21, Subchapter C, Section 21.37, relating to the specified utility types, eligibility requirements, agreements, and approvals.

C. Utility Adjustment Coordination Requirements

The SDC is responsible for communicating, coordinating, and conducting meetings with any one, combination, or all of the following: individual utility companies, local public agencies (LPAs), HDC GEC

Program Manager, and design engineer, The SDC’s utility coordination duties include, but are not limited to, preparation or assisting others in preparing utility agreement assemblies including utility agreements, utility reimbursable billings, joint use agreements, assisting utility companies with utility permit submittals, and assisting with documentation for advance funding agreements (AFAs).

i. The SDC shall perform utility coordination activities with involved utility owners, their consultants, and the HDC GEC to achieve timely project notifications. In conjunction with formal coordination meetings, the Engineer must create meeting minutes, create and update the utility conflict matrix, create action item log, perform document control, and assist with conflict analysis and resolution. The Utility Coordinator must act as the “Responsible Party” as indicated in TxDOT’s – Utility Cooperative Management Process and Right of Way Utility

Adjustment Subprocess (See the TxDOT ROW Utilities Manual, Chapter 2).

ii. Utility Agreement Assemblies: A packaged agreement consisting of a Utility Joint Use

Acknowledgement, Standard Utility Agreements, plans on 11x17 sheets, statement of contract work form, Affidavit form and copy of recorded easement, schedule of work, Buy

America compliance Mill Test Reports (MTR’s) or certifications, and various attachments as detailed in the Utility Accommodation Rules (UAR) (43 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 21.31-21.57) and the TxDOT ROW Utilities Manual.

iii. Utility Agreements: If a utility is located within an easement, the utility company might have a compensable interest. The Utility Coordinator must obtain a copy of applicable easements from the utility.

iv. Utility Acknowledgement: For this project, all non-reimbursable utility adjustments must be submitted with the Form 1082 Utility Installation Request (UIR) or must be submitted using the current program used by TxDOT such as Right-of-Way Utility and Leasing Information

System (RULIS). The term “permit” refers to "Form 1082". The Utility Coordinator must furnish the appropriate form to the utility company. The Utility Coordinator must obtain

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Form 1082 and adjustment plans from the utility for the Utility Coordinator and Utility

Engineer to review.

v. Escrow Agreements: If it is determined that the utility will be adjusted as part of the highway contract, the HDC GEC Program Manager must be notified immediately.

vi. The SDC shall coordinate the development of the required advance funding agreement (AFA) with the utility and HCTRA in accordance with Harris County procedures.

vii. State Utility Procedure (SUP): When applicable, the Engineer shall follow the procedures found in Chapter 8, Section 6 in the TxDOT ROW Utilities Manual.

viii. Local Utility Procedure (LUP): When applicable, the Engineer shall follow the procedures found in Chapter 8, Section 8 in the TxDOT ROW Utilities Manual.

ix. All documentation to be included in utility agreements must conform to the requirements of

23 C.F.R. subpt. 645.A.

x. For each utility, the records for all utility owners’ costs must be in accordance with the requirements of 23 C.F.R. subpt. 645.A., in a format that is compatible with the estimate attached to the utility agreement, and with sufficient detail for analysis. The totals for labor, overhead, construction costs, travel, transportation, equipment, materials, supplies, and other services must be shown in such a manner as to permit comparison with the approved estimate.

D. Utility Adjustment Monitoring and Verification Requirements

i. Utility adjustment monitoring and verification includes the utility location installation verification, compliance with UAR, monitoring, reporting, and as-built surveying as required by HCTRA for joint bid, non-joint bid, and any utility permits submitted from schematic development through construction.

ii. Notification - The Utility Engineer must notify the HDC GEC and HCTRA a minimum of 48 hours before mobilization and demobilization occurs.

iii. The SDC is not responsible for inspections related to compliance with utility codes, industry standards, and design of the utility facility.

iv. Utility adjustment monitoring and verification valuable final product - The SDC shall provide full documentation of utility accommodations that adhere to the standards for safety, the

UAR and the specific approved engineering plan to HCTRA.

FC 145: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.

The SDC shall:

A. Perform all work in accordance with HCTRA’s and TxDOT’s latest practices, criteria, specifications, policies, procedures and Standards of Uniformity (SOU). All documents must be sufficient to satisfy the current SOUs available from HCTRA.

B. Act as an agent for HCTRA when specified.

C. Produce a complete and acceptable deliverable for each service performed.

D. Notify the HDC GEC Program Manager of its schedule, in advance, for all field activities.

E. Notify the HDC GEC Program Manager in writing if at any time during this contract period The SDC

Page | 13 encounters unforeseen circumstances that may materially affect the scope, complexity or character of the work authorized by HCTRA. The notification must include a complete description of the circumstances encountered.

FC 150: ROADWAY DESIGN SURVEYS

1. GENERAL SURVEY REQUIREMENTS

A. In this attachment, the term “Surveyor” means the firm (prime provider or subprovider) that is providing the surveying services shown in the scope. The SDC remains ultimately responsible and shall ensure that the work is performed as required.

B. Survey Standards and requirements for deliverables are detailed in the TxDOT Survey Manual and the TxDOT

Surveyor’s Toolkit. The versions in existence at the time the work authorization or supplemental work authorization is executed are applicable to that work authorization and the Surveyor shall comply with those versions. The SDC shall provide the services of a certified Photogrammetrist or Mapping Scientist to perform or oversee the tasks done by aerial instrument platforms. The SDC remains ultimately responsible and shall ensure that the work is performed as required.

C. Design surveys must be performed under the supervision of a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) currently registered with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS).

2. DEFINITION

A. Design Survey - A design survey gathers data in support of transportation systems design. A design survey includes the research, field work, analysis, computation, and documentation necessary to provide detailed topographic (3-dimensional) mapping of a project site (e.g., locating existing ROW, surveying cross-sections or developing data to create cross-sections and digital terrain models, horizontal and vertical location of utilities and improvements, collecting details of bridges and other structures, review of ROW maps, and establishing control points).

3. TASKS TO BE COMPLETED

A. DESIGN SURVEYS

HCTRA will request design surveys on an as-needed basis. The Surveys shall perform tasks including, but not limited to the following:

i. Obtain or collect data to create cross-sections and digital terrain models.

ii. Locate existing utilities.

iii. Locate topographical features and existing improvements.

iv. Provide details of existing bridge structures.

v. Provide details of existing drainage features, (e.g., culverts, manholes, etc.).

vi. Locate wetlands.

vii. Establish additional and verify existing control points. Horizontal and Vertical control ties must be made and tabulated, to other control points in the vicinity, which were established by other sources such as, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS), and the Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA), and any other local entities as directed by HCTRA and the HDC

GEC.

viii. Locate existing rights-of-way.

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ix. Review right-of-way maps.

x. Locate boreholes.

xi. Perform hydrographic surveys.

xii. Update existing control data and prepare survey control data sheets, as directed by the HDC

GEC for inclusion into a construction plan set.

The SDC's Surveyors shall also prepare a Survey Control Index Sheet and a Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheet(s), signed, sealed and dated by the professional engineer in direct responsible charge of the surveying and the responsible RPLS for insertion into the plan set. The Survey Control Index Sheet shows an overall view of the project control and the relationship or primary monumentation and control used in the preparation of the project;

whereas, the Horizontal and Vertical Control sheet(s) identifies the primary survey control and the survey control monumentation used in the preparation of the project. Both the Survey Control Index Sheet and the Horizontal and

Vertical Control Sheet(s) must be used in conjunction with each other as a set. Forms for these sheets can be downloaded from the TxDOT website.

The following information shall be shown on the Survey Control Index Sheet:

i. Overall view of the project and primary control monuments set for control of the project

ii. Identification of the control points

iii. Baseline or centerline

iv. Graphic (Bar) Scale

v. North Arrow

vi. Placement of note 'The survey control information has been accepted and incorporated into this PS&E" which shall be signed, sealed and dated by a Texas Professional Engineer employed by the HDC GEC Surveyor

vii. RPLS signature, seal, and date

viii. HCTRA's title block containing County, Highway, and HCTRA Project Number

ix. The following information shall be shown on all Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheets:

x. Location for each control point, showing baseline or centerline alignment and North arrow.

xi. Station and offset (with respect to the baseline or centerline alignments) of each identified control point.

xii. Basis of Datum for horizontal control (base control monument/benchmark name, number, datum).

xiii. Basis of Datum for the vertical control (base control monument, benchmark name, number, datum).

xiv. Date of current adjustment of the datum.

xv. Monumentation set for Control (Description, District name/number and Location ties).

xvi. Surface Adjustment Factor and unit of measurement.

xvii. Coordinates (State Plan Coordinates Zone) and surface or grid.

xviii. Relevant metadata.

xix. Graphic (Bar) Scale.

xx. Placement of note "The survey control information has been accepted and incorporated into

Page | 15 this PS&E" which shall be signed, sealed and dated by a Texas Professional Engineer employed by HDC GEC Surveyor.

xxi. RPLS signature, seal and date.

xxii. HCTRA's title block containing County, Highway, and HCTRA Project Number.

4. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Design surveys and construction surveys must be performed under the supervision of a RPLS currently registered with the TBPLS.

B. Horizontal ground control used for design surveys and construction surveys, furnished to the Engineer's

Surveyor by the HDC GEC or based on acceptable methods conducted by the Engineer's Surveyor, must meet the standards of accuracy required by TxDOT. Reference may be made to standards of accuracy for horizontal control traverses, as described in the TxDOT Survey Manual, latest edition, or the TSPS Manual of

Practice for Land Surveying in the State of Texas, as may be applicable.

C. Vertical ground control used for design surveys and construction surveys, furnished to the Engineer's

Surveyor by the HDC GEC or based on acceptable methods conducted by the Engineer's Surveyor, must meet the standards of accuracy required by TxDOT. Reference may be made to standards of accuracy for vertical control traverses, as described in the TxDOT Survey Manual, latest edition, or the TSPS Manual of Practice for Land Surveying in the State of Texas, as may be applicable.

D. Side shots or short traverse procedures used to determine horizontal and vertical locations must meet the following criteria:

i. Side shots or short traverses must begin and end on horizontal and vertical ground control as described above.

ii. Standards, procedures, and equipment (maybe GPS Equipment, LiDAR, Total Stations, etc.)

used must be such that horizontal locations relative to the control may be reported within the following limits:

▪ Bridges and other roadway structures: less than 0.1of one foot.

▪ Utilities and improvements: less than 0.2 of one foot.

▪ Cross-sections and profiles: less than 1 foot.

▪ Bore holes: less than 3 feet.

iii. Standards, procedures, and equipment (maybe GPS Equipment, LiDAR, Total Stations, etc.)

used must be such that vertical locations relative to the control may be reported within the following limits:

▪ Bridges and other roadway structures: less than 0.02 of one foot.

▪ Utilities and improvements: less than 0.1 of one foot.

▪ Cross-sections and profiles: less than 0.2 of one foot.

▪ Bore holes: less than 0.5 of one foot.

5. AUTOMATION REQUIREMENTS

A. Planimetric design files (DGN) must be fully compatible with Bentley Open Roads Designer (ORD 10.12) without further modification or conversion.

Page | 16

B. Electronically collected and processed field survey data files must be fully compatible with HCTRA's computer systems without further modification or conversion. All files must incorporate only those feature codes currently being used by HCTRA

C. DTM must be fully compatible with Bentley Open Roads Designer (ORD 10.12) without further modification or conversion. All DTM must be fully edited and rectified to provide a complete digital terrain model with all necessary break lines

6. DELIVERABLES

The deliverables to be specified in individual work authorizations for design surveys and construction surveys shall be any combination of the following:

A. Digital Terrain Models (DTM) and the Triangular Irregular Network (TIN) files in a format acceptable by

HCTRA.

B. Maps, plans, or sketches prepared by the Engineer's Surveyor showing the results of field surveys.

C. Computer printouts or other tabulations summarizing the results of field surveys.

D. Digital files or media acceptable by HCTRA containing field survey data (ASCII Data files).

E. Maps, plats, plans, sketches, or other documents acquired from utility companies, private corporations, or other public agencies, the contents of which are relevant to the survey.

F. Field survey notes, as electronic and hard copies.

G. An 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch survey control data sheet for each control point which must include, but need not be limited to, a location sketch, a physical description of the point including a minimum of two reference ties, surface coordinates, a surface adjustment factor, elevation, and the horizontal and vertical datums used. A pre-formatted survey control data sheet form in Microsoft Office Word format will be provided by the HDC GEC.

H. A digital and hard copy of all computer printouts of horizontal and vertical conventional traverses, GPS analysis and results, and survey control data sheets.

I. All OpenRoads files.

J. Survey reports in a format requested by HCTRA and the HDC GEC.

FC 160 ROADWAY DESIGN CONTROLS

1. ROADWAY DESIGN CONTROLS REQUIREMENTS

The SDC shall inform the HDC GEC of changes made from previous initial meetings regarding each exception, waiver, design deviation, and variance that might affect the design. The SDC shall cease all work under the roadway design task until the exceptions, waivers, and variances have been resolved between the Engineer and the HDC GEC unless otherwise directed by the HDC GEC to proceed. The SDC shall identify, prepare exhibits, and complete all necessary forms for design exceptions and waivers within project limits prior to the 30% Submittal.