CN-550000-C9U13-00010000.pdf

DISTRICT 5

MAJOR WORK: 3.1 - Minor Highway Design MINOR WORK: 2.0 - Proj. Dev. & Environ. (PD&E) Studies

4.1.1 - Miscellaneous Structures

7.1 - Signing, Pavement Marking & Channelization

7.2 - Lighting

7.3 - Signalization

8.1 - Control Surveying

8.2 - Design, Right of Way, & Const. Surveying

9.1 - Soil Exploration

9.2 - Geotechnical Classification Lab Testing

9.4.1 - Standard Foundation Studies CONT. NUMBER: 17503 Major Project

FM NUMBER(S): 43193513201

DESCRIPTION:

SR 40 Corridor from US 441 SR 40 Corridor from US 441 to NE 8th Avenue

SEE STANDARD NOTES ABOVE: 8

SPECIAL NOTES :

<a href=http://www.cflroads.com/d5fdotdesign/>CAP</a>

ESTIMATED CONTRACT AMOUNT: $933,634

PLANNED SCHEDULE DATES/TIMES:

ADVERTISEMENT : 12SEP2016

RESPONSE DUE : 26SEP2016

LONGLIST MEETING : 12OCT2016 TIME: 01:30PM

SHORTLIST MEETING : 24OCT2016 TIME: 09:00AM

SCOPE MEETING : 31OCT2016 TIME: 10:00AM

ORAL INTERVIEWS : 30NOV2016 TIME: 08:30AM

TECH REV. COMMITTEE : 30NOV2016 TIME: 09:30AM

TECH REV. COMMITTEE : 30NOV2016 TIME: 11:30AM

TECH REV. COMMITTEE : 30NOV2016 TIME: 02:30PM

FINAL SELECTION MEETING: 19DEC2016 TIME: 09:00AM

<Scope has been set for this contract>

RESPOND TO:

d5.profserv@dot.state.fl.us ATTN: Michelle Sloan - PSU

PHON: (386)943-5528

PROCUREMENT OFFICE

Current Professional Services Advertisements

Procurement Office Home Page

Results Page

Pursuant to Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, and Rule Chapter 28-110, Florida Administrative Code, any person adversely affected by the agency decision or intended decision shall file with the agency both a notice of protest in writing and bond within 72 hours after the posting of the notice of decision or intended decision, or posting of the solicitation with respect to a protest of the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in a solicitation and will file a formal written protest within ten days after the filing of the notice of protest. The required notice of protest and bond, and formal written protest must each be timely filed with the Florida Department of Transportation, Clerk of Agency Proceedings, 605 Suwannee St, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee FL 32399-0458. Failure to file a notice of protest or formal written protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120 Florida Statutes.

IMPORTANT NOTICE !!

All Prime Consultants and all Subvendors/subconsultants/subcontractors must register with the state's web-based e-Procurement system - "MyFloridaMarketPlace." You can register on-line at http://dms.myflorida.com/mfmp Professional Services acquired in accordance with Chapter 287.055 Florida Statutes, are exempt from the 1% transaction fee. You can also sign up to attend a vendor registration training session or call 1-866-352-3776 for assistance.

District: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Turnpike Central Office

Updated: Tuesday September 27 2016

Notice to Professional Consultants State Of Florida Department Of Transportation

Notice: All Letters of Response are required to be submitted via E-mail. The size limit for Letters of Response has been increased to 1MB. Please read the Response Procedure carefully!

The Department reserves the right to reject all Proposals and/or to waive minor irregularities.

The Department of Transportation anticipates seeking professional consultant services on the projects listed in this advertisement. Consideration will be given to only those firms that are qualified pursuant to law and that have been prequalified by the Department to perform the indicated MAJOR Type(s) of Work. Prime Consultants must be prequalified in at least one or more of the MAJOR Types of Work specified in the advertisement. A prequalified subconsultant(s) may be used to meet the other Types of Work specified in the advertisement. Persons and firms used whether prime consultant or subconsultant, can only perform the work for which they are prequalified with the Department, in accordance with Rule Chapter 14-75, Florida Administrative Code. Consultants technically prequalified without unlimited overhead status, will only be considered as primes for projects identified as "Minor Projects" (projects less than $500,000). Any firm not prequalified by the Department and desiring consideration for these projects must submit a complete Request for Qualification Application to co.profserv@dot.state.fl.us by the advertised Letter of Response Deadline Date and Time. Please call 850-414-4597 if you have any questions on the prequalification process. A Department approved overhead audit is required for projects $500,000 or more. The technical work type(s) and audit must be approved by the shortlist date referenced in the advertisement in order for the responding firm to be considered responsive for shortlisting.

CONSULTANT ELIGIBILITY: It is a basic tenet of the Department's contracting program that contracts are procured in a fair, open and competitive manner. The Department requires that Consultants representing the Department must be free of conflicting professional or personal interests. In order to prevent potential conflicts of interest, the Department has established guidelines to be followed by professional services Consultants. Please familiarize yourself with the requirements of Procedure No. 375-030- 006, also known as: "Conflict of Interest Procedure for Department Contracts". By submitting a Letter of Response, the Consultant certifies that they are in compliance with Procedure No. 375-030-006. This procedure is available at the following link: Professional Services Publications Menu. In addition to the restrictions identified in Procedure No. 375- 030-006, please be advised of the following prohibition: A consultant firm or its affiliate who was the Designer or Engineer of Record is precluded from bidding on the same project as the Construction contractor, or as a member of the construction team (subcontractor).

COMPLIANCE WITH NONDISCRIMINATION STATUTES AND AUTHORITIES: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., 78 stat. 252), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin); and 49 CFR Part 21; The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, (42 U.S.C. § 4601), (prohibits unfair treatment of persons displaced or whose property has been acquired because of Federal or Federal-aid programs and projects); Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973, (23 U.S.C. § 324 et seq.), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.), as amended, (prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability); and 49 CFR Part 27; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, (42 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.), (prohibits discrimination on the basis of age); Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, (49 USC § 471, Section 47123), as amended, (prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, or sex); The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, (PL 100-209), (Broadened the scope, coverage and applicability of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, by expanding the definition of the terms “programs or activities” to include all of the programs or activities of the Federal-aid recipients, sub-recipients and contractors, whether such programs or activities are Federally funded or not); Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in the operation of public entities, public and private transportation systems, places of public accommodation, and certain testing entities (42 U.S.C. §§ 12131 -- 12189) as implemented by Department of Transportation regulations at 49 C.F.R. parts 37 and 38;

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Non-discrimination statute (49 U.S.C. § 47123) (prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and sex); Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, which ensures non-discrimination against minority populations by discouraging programs, policies, and activities with disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations; Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, and resulting agency guidance, national origin discrimination includes discrimination because of limited English proficiency (LEP). To ensure compliance with Title VI, you must take reasonable steps to ensure that LEP persons have meaningful access to your programs (70 Fed. Reg. at 74087 to 74100); Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits you from discriminating because of sex in education programs or activities (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq).

FEDERAL DEBARMENT: By submitting a Letter of Response, the consultant certifies that no principal (which includes officers, directors, or executives) is presently suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation on this transaction by any Federal Department or Agency.

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES: A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in s. 287.017 for CATEGORY TWO($35,000) for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

INSPECTOR GENERAL: The Vendor/Contractor agrees to comply with section 20.055(5), Florida Statutes, and to incorporate in all subcontracts the obligation to comply with section 20.055(5), Florida Statutes.

E-VERIFY: The Vendor/Contractor shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the Vendor/Contractor during the term of the contract and shall expressly require any subcontractors performing work or providing services pursuant to the state contract to likewise utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the subcontractor during the contract term.

SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES: Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, prohibits agencies from contracting with companies for goods or services of $1 million or more, that are on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List created pursuant to section 215.473, Florida Statutes. A company that is on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List may not bid on, submit a proposal for, or enter into a contract with an agency or local governmental entity for goods or services of $1 million or more.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: The listed projects are covered by the selection process detailed in the Rule Chapter 14-75, Florida Administrative Code. Some or all of the responding firms may be requested to provide Written Technical Proposals, Oral Presentations, Interviews, or Expanded Letters of Response, for the ranking process.

After ranking of the consultants the contract fee will be negotiated in accordance with Section 287.055 Florida Statutes. Funding on all projects is subject to legislative approval.

Registration in MyFloridaMarketPlace is required prior to contracting. Note: The shortlist and final selection meeting dates and times are provided within the advertisement. All public meetings will be held in District headquarters unless otherwise noted. Changes to meeting dates and times will be updated under the All Advertisements link. The agenda for each public meeting is as follows: a) Opening Remarks (approx. 3 minutes); b) Public Input (15 minutes); c) Department business; d) Closing. For more information, contact the designated responsible office. In order to ensure a fair, competitive and open process, once a project is advertised under Current Advertisements, all communications between interested firms and the Department must be directed to the appropriate Professional Services Office. Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

RESPONSE PROCEDURE: Qualified consultants are encouraged to submit a Letter of Response, for each project in which they are interested, to the indicated requesting unit by 5:00 PM Eastern time on the date indicated as the Response Deadline. Letters of Response will be submitted as an attachment to an E-mail, submitted electronically to the indicated response address. The Standard FDOT Professional Services Letter of Response form must be completed and submitted to the indicated response e-mail address. Consultants, be advised that you are responsible for downloading the latest version of the Letter of Response Form when responding to the advertisement. The 8/16 version must be used when responding to the advertisement. The form will be a single file not to exceed 1MB in size in Adobe PDF format (unzipped), and the form completed in its entirety will not exceed the six 8 ½ x 11 pages provided in the form unless otherwise indicated in the advertisement. The content of the Letter cannot go beyond Page 3 of the form. Pages 4, 5, and 6 of the form are reserved for the tables listing prime and subconsultants by work type. Consultants must not add additional pages to the form. Formatting requirements consist of a font size of 11, with ½ inch margins.

Please be aware that all font (including graphics, tables, and captions on photos) must be standard arial narrow, 11 point font, single line spacing with no modification of font or spacing allowed. Please retain the source document as it may be requested at a later date within the procurement process, for audit purposes. The Department reserves the right to periodically sample letters of response to ensure compliance with format submittal requirements. All other advertisement submittal requirements will be verified with each Letter submittal.

Failure to comply with the submittal requirements may cause the Letter of Response to be considered non-responsive. Consultants should receive an e-mailed Return Receipt acknowledgement within 2 hours of submittal to the indicated response address. If a Return Receipt acknowledgement is not received by the Consultant within 2 hours, or by the time and date due, please call the advertisement contact (within normal business hours) to verify the Department's receipt of your e-mailed Letter of Response. Letters of Response should not contain links to other web pages and will, at a minimum, include the following information:

a. Project Name/DOT Financial Management Number

b. Consultant's name and address

c. Proposed responsible office for consultant

d. Contact person, phone number and Internet Email Address

e. Statement regarding prequalification of consultant or proposed subconsultants in advertised type(s) of work

f. Proposed key personnel and their proposed roles (do not include resumes)

g. Subconsultant(s) that may be used for the project

h. Indication as to whether the prime firm and/or subconsultants are disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) or Small Businesses

i. Project Approach and Understanding of Critical Issues

j. Relevant project experience - Similar type of work experience

k. A Bid Opportunity List should be submitted through the Equal Opportunity

Compliance system which is available at the Equal Opportunity Office Website.

Prime Consultants can obtain access to the new EOC system by filling out the Contractors and Consultants New Users Access Form. Please complete the form and submit it to EOOHelp@dot.state.fl.us.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Pursuant to the Federal Brooks Act, and Section 287.055, Florida Statutes, price may not be an evaluation criterion during the advertisement and selection phase for professional services procurements. Consultants are prohibited from including references to their proposed professional services fees or indirect rates in Letters of Response, Written Technical Proposals, Oral Presentations, or Interviews. It is permissible to address cost savings specifically related to the construction project.

Inclusion of prohibited professional services cost data in a Letter of Response or Technical Proposal may cause the Letter of Response or Technical Proposal to be considered non-responsive.

Private attorney services may not be utilized on Department contracts without advance approval from the Attorney General’s Office. The advance approval may only be requested by Agency General Counsel (FDOT), and not the consultant firm. Since approval cannot be assumed, consultant firms shall refrain from proposing legal firms as part of the professional services consultant team in their procurement response and proposal documents. As referenced in Section 287.059(3), F.S.:

”An agency requesting approval for the use of private attorney services shall first offer to contract with the Department of Legal Affairs for such attorney services at a cost pursuant to mutual agreement. The Attorney General shall decide on a case-by-case basis to accept or decline to provide such attorney services as staffing, expertise, or other legal or economic considerations warrant. If the Attorney General declines to provide the requested attorney services, the Attorney General’s written approval shall include a statement that the private attorney services requested cannot be provided by the office of the Attorney General or that such private attorney services are cost-effective in the opinion of the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall not consider political affiliation in making such decision. The office of the Attorney General shall respond to the request of an agency for prior written approval within 10 working days after receiving such request.

The Attorney General may request additional information necessary for evaluation of a request. The Attorney General shall respond to the request within 10 working days after receipt of the requested information.”

Additionally, pursuant to Section 287.056(22), F.S., the University Master Agreement is the appropriate vehicle for contracting with Florida universities. When needed for a professional services contract, the Department’s Project Manager may procure university services by means of a task work order against a University Master Agreement. Questions regarding consultant teams should be directed to the Procurement Office coordinating the contract acquisition.

STANDARD NOTES: (Applicable to following projects where indicated)

1. This project does not fall within the FDOT Professional Services Types of Work, therefore technical prequalification of responding consultants is not mandatory. However, prime must be currently licensed as a Professional Engineering firm in the State of Florida. The Standard FDOT Letter of Qualification form must be completed and submitted to the indicated response e-mail. Consultants, be advised that you are responsible for downloading the latest version of the Letter of Qualification Form when responding to the advertisement. The 8/16 version must be used when responding to this

ad. Consultants must include the following as an attachment to the Standard FDOT Letter of Qualification form:

a. Proof of professional liability insurance (include a copy of professional liability insurance certificate with the Letter of Qualification)

b. For projects $500,000 or above, a recent overhead audit (within 6 months of the fiscal year end), prepared by an independent Certified Public Accountant or governmental agency and in conformance with the Department's current Reimbursement Rate Guidelines should be on file with the Department or a completed Request for Qualification Package, including the recent overhead audit must be submitted to the Prequalification Administrator via email to co.profserv@dot.state.fl.us, prior to the response deadline of the Letter as indicated in the advertisement. Consultants must address all items within the Standard FDOT Letter of Qualification.

The Standard FDOT Letter of Qualification form completed in its entirety will not exceed the six 8 ½ x 11 pages provided in the form unless otherwise indicated in the advertisement. The content of the Letter cannot go beyond Page 3 of the form. Pages 4, 5, and 6 of the form are reserved for the tables listing prime and subconsultants by work type. Consultants must not add additional pages to the form. The Letter of Qualification will be a single file not to exceed 1MB in size in Adobe PDF format (unzipped). Page size requirement is a font size of 11, with ½ inch margins. Failure to comply with the submittal requirements may cause the Letter of Qualification to be considered non-responsive.

2. Reserved. (Standard note not used).

3. Reserved. (Standard note not used).

4. Selection will be made directly from the Standard FDOT Expanded Letters of Response form. Consultants, be advised that you are responsible for downloading the latest version of the Expanded Letter of Response Form when responding to the advertisement. The 8/16 version must be used when responding to this ad. The completed Standard FDOT Expanded Letters of Response form completed in its entirety will not exceed the nine 8 ½ x 11 pages provided in the form. The content of the Letter cannot go beyond Page 6 of the form. Pages 7, 8, and 9 of the form are reserved for the tables listing prime and subconsultants by work type. Consultants must not add additional pages to the form.

Consultant shall also submit resumes which are restricted to 2 pages each and an organization chart or staffing chart (can be either 8-1/2x11 or 11x17, at the discretion of the Consultant). Construction Training and Qualification Program (CTQP) printouts may also be submitted. Staff hours on summary sheet (one sheet showing the hours of prime and all subs) will be submitted where applicable. All submittals except organization chart, staffing chart, other required forms, and certifications shall adhere to a font size of 11, with ½ inch margins. The Expanded Letter of Response file size is not restricted to 1MB, however Consultants are advised that the Expanded Letter of Response Form electronic submittal should not exceed FDOT’s internal server file size restriction of 15 MB. Failure to comply with the submittal requirements may cause the Letter of Response to be considered non-responsive.

5. Reserved. (Standard note not used).

6. Reserved. (Standard note not used).

7. This project has been reserved for competition among only small businesses in accordance with the Department's Business Development Initiative (BDI) Program. Letters of Response for this project will only be accepted from firms that meet the definition of a small business set forth by section 337.027, Florida Statutes. The prime consultant submitting a Letter of Response must meet the small business definition of section 337.027, Florida Statutes at the time of submittal of the Letter of Response and must maintain this status as a small business through final selection. All subconsultants utilized for the project must also be small businesses pursuant to section 337.027, Florida Statutes at the time of submittal of the Letter of Response and must also maintain this status as a small business through final selection. Note: Any professional services consultant firm prequalified under Rule 14-75, F.A.C., that is shown as a Small Business on the Professional Services Prequalified Small Business Report is not required to supply the Small Business Affidavit Certification for Prequalified Professional Services Firms form with the Letter of Response.

SMALL BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

a. The prime firm and subconsultants proposed for this project must meet the small business definition set forth by section 337.027, Florida Statutes. They are also required to submit a notarized copy of the Small Business Affidavit Certification Form with the Letter of Response. Firms who have previously submitted the Small Business Affidavit Certification Form, and appear in the Department’s Small Business listings are not required to resubmit the form. Please refer to the advertisement for other submittal requirements

b. Submitting firms that are small businesses must completely comply with the professional services prequalification process as described in the Florida Administrative Code Chapter 14-75. Additional instructions can be found in the BDI Program Guidelines.

Small Business listing for Professional Services:

http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/procurement/ProfessionalServices/lppc/listmenu.htm

8. Under-Utilization Goal for DBEs and Small Businesses - The goal of the Department’s Under-utilization strategy is to encourage and promote use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Small Businesses in areas of work where they have been under-used. Under-utilization is defined by FDOT as 25% or less utilization level in a Work Group, which may vary by district. The specific Under-utilized Work Groups are identified in the advertisement. Consultants are strongly encouraged to propose a DBE or Small Business to perform services for each under-utilized work group identified in the advertisement. DBEs or Small Businesses can be proposed at either the Prime or Sub-level for the Under-utilized Work Group(s). Use of under-utilized DBEs or Small Businesses for Consultant teaming is a shortlist consideration factor for projects referencing this Standard Note. Consultants are requested to indicate your firm's proposed use of DBEs and/or Small Business primes or subconsultants to meet under-utilization goals on the table within the Professional Services Letter of Response form (as designated in the advertisement) by checking the box under the under-utilization (UU) column. Failure to list DBEs and/or Small Business prime or subconsultants on the response form shall indicate no proposed utilization. Please refer to the advertisement for other submittal directions. Reports are available at the following locations to validate status of firms as Small Businesses and DBEs:

DBE listing for Professional Services:

http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/procurement/ProfessionalServices/lppc/listmenu.htm

Small Business listing for Professional Services:http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/procurement/ProfessionalServices/lppc/listmenu.htm

Additionally, firms will submit the Professional Services DBE or Small Business Commitment form as required by the advertisement when selecting from Expanded Letters of Response, otherwise it will be required with the Request for Proposal.

9. It is the policy of FDOT to encourage the participation of small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises ("DBE") in all facets of the business activities of FDOT, consistent with applicable laws and regulations. FDOT has established an aspiration goal of 10% DBE usage and an additional 3% non-DBE Small Business usage for the subject Project. Firms proposing for this Project shall aspire to have ten percent (10%) or more of the total contract costs performed by DBEs, and an additional three percent (3%) or more of the total contract costs performed by non-DBE small businesses.

Although not a contract requirement, FDOT believes that the aforementioned aspiration goal can realistically be achieved based on current availability of DBEs and small businesses. FDOT further believes that the 13% overall goal can be achieved through race neutral means, using standard competitive procurement processes. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 339.0805, Florida Statutes, and rule 14.78.005, Florida Administrative Code, FDOT has adopted rules to provide certified DBEs opportunities to participate in the business activities of FDOT as vendors, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants. FDOT has adopted the DBE definition set forth in Code 49 of Federal Regulations Section 26.5. The Department's DBE directory may be found at the following website:

http://www3b.dot.state.fl.us/EqualOpportunityOfficeBusinessDirectory/CustomSearch.aspx Firms agree to apply their best efforts to utilize qualified non-DBE small businesses as vendors, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants for the Project. Qualifications for small businesses may be found at the following website:

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/EqualOpportunityOffice/sizeStandards.shtm Firms will submit the Professional Services DBE or Small Business Commitment form as required by the advertisement when selecting from Expanded Letters of Response, otherwise it will be required with the Request for Proposal.

DBE listing for Professional Services:

http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/procurement/ProfessionalServices/lppc/listmenu.htm Non-DBE Small Business listing for Professional Services:

http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/procurement/ProfessionalServices/lppc/listmenu.htm

10. This contract will require field office personnel; therefore the CEI Team must utilize CEI field office rates.

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LETTER OF RESPONSE

375-030-22

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8/16

Advertisement No.: 17503 DOT FM Number: 43193513201

Submittal Date: 9/26/2016 Project Name: SR 40 Corridor from US 441 to NE 8th Avenue

Consultant’s Name: HSQ Group, Inc.

Street Address: 1489 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Ste. 340

City: Boca Raton State: FL Zip: 33486

Office Location: same Contact person: Nour Shehadeh

Phone: 561-392-0221 Contact email: nour@hsqgroup.net By submittal of this letter the Consultant certifies that all information provided in the letter is true and accurate. The Consultant further affirms that staff proposed are currently employed by the firm(s) identified, or the Consultant has provided a statement of when staff will become employed by the identified firm(s).

Please provide the following information:

Proposed approach and understanding of critical issues.

Relevant project experience – Similar type of work experience.

Other content provided by firm.

Proposed key personnel and their proposed roles (do not include resumes).

Consultants: Please be aware that all font (including in graphics, tables, and captions on photos) must be standard Arial Narrow, 11 point, single line spacing with no modification of font or spacing allowed. ½” clear margin on all sides must be maintained on all pages. It is the Consultant’s responsibility, due to font and format restrictions within this form, to work within the constraints of the form and its format. Character styling such as use of color, bold, and italics is allowed. Use of a table is recommended for text boxes. The page layout may be modified to add columns, tables, graphics, and photos. All graphics and photos must be created in a clean, blank word document and the “text wrapping square” option applied before cutting and pasting into this form. Consultants may add their logo at the top of the first page (directly underneath the header), however, the Consultant shall not extend the form beyond the pages allocated for the Letter to accommodate insertion of the logo. Consultants are not permitted to insert any other information in the header other than the logo. After pasting your letter into this form, highlight all text and ensure the font size of Arial Narrow, 11 point was retained. Once your content is inserted, delete any additional blank pages that are generated by pressing your delete key after the last word in the Letter of Response. Recreation of the form in another software application to modify the form format is not permitted. This form works best when saved with a .docx extension. *Please retain the source document as it may be requested at a later date in the procurement, to verify adherence with aforementioned restrictions. Note: You may begin typing on this page.

Dear M s . Sloan: HSQ Group, Inc. (HSQ) understands the main objectives of this project are to construct wider sidewalks and provide median enhancements on SR 40 (Silver Springs Blvd.)

from US 441 to SE 8th Ave. as per the SR 40 Concept Corridor Development Plans Study (CCDP). Lane widths will be reduced to 10 ½’ to increase the median width and provide 7 1/2’-10’ sidewalks on both sides where right of way is available by eliminating the grass strip. Our team reviewed the technical scope, LRE, record plans, R/W maps and the CCDP in order to gain a complete understanding of the project corridor's physical attributes and history. We met with the FDOT PM Mr. Gene Varano, talked to many stakeholders, and visited the site on 8/19/16.

Project Understanding and Approach to Critical Issues Our approach to this project will be focused on the main objectives as mentioned above. We will also exclude the segment from US 441 to Magnolia Ave. (MP 0 to MP 0.240) since it is already constructed based on the recommendations of SR 40 CCDP. We will coordinate the design of SR 40 with the intersection improvements at SR 40/US 441 under FPID 433661-1 so that we avoid any overlaps and coordinate the planned trail along SR 400 from Osceola Ave. to Silver Springs State Park. Coordination with the City of Ocala is very important to make sure that they will fully support the project. Pavement Design. The existing pavement is in fair condition. Two pavement designs will be required. The outside curb and gutter will be maintained while milling and resurfacing will be done to accommodate the recommendation of narrowing the travel lanes to 10 ½’ without bike lanes. The City requested stamped/patterned crosswalks and colored/stamped median to delineate the two way left turn lane between Tuscawilla Ave. and 8th Ave. JPA will be required with the City so that any additional requests above the scope of the project will be paid for by the city via Local Funded Agreement and any maintenance obligations to be done by the city must be secured via Local Maintenance Memorandum Agreement.

Access Management. SR 40 is classified as Class 7 from an

375-030-22

PROCUREMENT

access management point of view. No median closures are proposed, but raised median / traffic separators will be constructed for the length of the project as per SR 40 CCDP study.

Design Variations and Exceptions. In context of PPM Vol 1, Chp 21 Transportation Design for Livable Communities (TDLC), Design Variations will be required for the insufficient lengths and super elevation rates of the existing four horizontal curves, lane reduction widths to 10 ½’, omission of bike lanes, substandard pedestrian ramps that are to remain due to insufficient R/W to reconstruct, substandard left turn lane length, angle of deflection at the intersection of Watula Ave. / SR 40 (it is more than 12° while the maximum should be 8° or less and correcting it would require additional R/W), the existing sidewalk cross slopes that are to remain are more than 2% from MP 0.156 to MP 0.209 since the slope is controlled by the doorway thresholds, back of existing curb and building foundations. Design exceptions will be required for light pole and cantilever sign lateral offsets in addition to sidewalk widths that are to remain but are less than 4’ wide. Mr.

Shahin Shafiq, P.E. with HSQ will handle this task. He has done over 50 design variations/exceptions for FDOT projects.

Utilities. Nine utility owners were identified within the project. It is our intention to utilize the SUE that were prepared in March 2016 and supplement them as need and as detailed in the scope for this project. Patricia Dickerson with BPA will handle this task. BPA has represented the Department of Transportation for utility relocation coordination for over 20 years.

CAP / Coordination with Stakeholders. The Valerin Group, Inc.

will be responsible for CAP Level 3. The project area is primarily businesses, restaurants, several motels, and the Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services located on SR 40 just outside of the project limits. SunTran also has a route along the SR 40 corridor. We will coordinate and conduct two public meetings as well as meet with the City of Ocala and SunTran’s Operations Manager, Ms. Debbie Miller. Other face-to-face meetings with property owners, business owners, or tenants may be necessary to discuss details relating to impacts directly affecting them. We will also utilize the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership as a conduit to provide project information to its business members throughout the community. Our team has identified Ocala’s Online Calendar of Events that includes scheduled events for the City of Ocala Downtown, Ocala/Marion County events, and Feel Downtown Ocala events.

Survey. Our sub McKim & Creed (MC) has a vast understanding of this project corridor obtained through the successful completion of a recent survey which overlaps into this project. We have performed a substantial amount of research, including various construction plans and right of way maps, existing deeds, plats, and various documents obtained from The City of Ocala.

Geotechnical / Environmental. Our sub GEC recently completed the Geotechnical Investigation and Report for the adjacent SR 500 at SR 40 project (433661-1). In general, groundwater is expected to be 10’-15’ deep and the soils will be highly variable layers of sands, clayey sands and clays in the top 15 feet, followed by layers of limestone and clay below. This is typical of the Ocala area “karst” subsurface conditions. The primary geotechnical challenge for this project will be addressing the karst geologic conditions relative to proposed mast arm foundations. We performed a preliminary review of the potential contamination sites, and identified a few locations adjacent to the boundaries of the project. A Contamination Screening Evaluation Report may be required to make sure that there is no impact on this project.

Drainage Based on field observation, the existing drainage systems appear to function properly and there are no known historical or long term drainage maintenance issues. The proposed drainage work consists of adding supplemental inlets at some locations so that the spread over pavement design criteria can be met. 18 inlets/manholes will be partially reconstructed to adjust the tops to match proposed grades due to sidewalk/ramp reconstruction, maintain roof drains connections under curb and reroute the existing 18” storm drain at NE Watula Ave. to avoid the proposed mast arm foundation. Permitting. SR 40 is located with SJRWMD. Corridor improvements for the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians should be exempt from permitting, per 62- 330.051(4)(c) F.A.C. HSQ will submit a Permit Determination Memorandum to FDOT D5 staff, for internal verification of No Permits Required determination, prior to issuance of a Permits Clear memo from the District Environmental Permits Coordinator, considering the following issue: there will be more than one acre of soil disturbance and a NPDES permit will be required. The project consists of sidewalk and safety improvements within an urbanized corridor. The project is located within three National Register Sites that may require the evaluation of Architectural Historian to make sure the improvements are not going to adversely affect the attributes of these Historic Districts. Permitting will be handled by Douglas A. Skurski, with our sub JMT.

TTC Plan. This is a Level 2 TTC which will require general notes, phase typical sections and notes. Detailed plans for temporary signals and cross sections will be provided as needed along with any special details. The TTC plan will take into consideration access to businesses and residents, maintain access for emergency vehicles at all times, and minimize disruption to traffic.

Evaluating the given conditions of SR 40, we believe that construction can be accomplished in three phases. Phase I will maintain one lane of traffic open in each direction using the outside lanes while working in the median area. Phase II will be to work at the outside lanes to construct sidewalk, drainage, signals, etc. while maintaining one lane open in each direction using the inside lanes. Phase III will be to finalize the work and the signing and marking per index 600 series and/or developed details of the TTC Plans.

Sidewalk Construction. Based on our field review and the CCDP, it was very clear that this task will require meticulous details. Every block along SR 40 LT/RT will be evaluated for the sidewalk construction. In general, we will strive to maintain as much as possible of the existing sidewalk. However, areas where new ramps are required and drainage work is need or correction of sidewalk cross slopes are required, new sidewalk construction will take place. Among the many challenges for the sidewalk evaluations are: consideration of existing doorsteps and the existing back of curb which dictates the slope of the sidewalk, tie of back of sidewalk vs. available R/W, close proximity of side of buildings at the back of sidewalk, replacement of grass strip cross slopes, and existing/proposed light poles and signal mast arms.

Signing and Pavement Marking /ITS. All existing signs will be inventoried and those that don’t meet the standards or conflict with the proposed pavement markings will be replaced. SM plans will be provided to reflect the lane reductions and the new pavement markings along with required signage. Existing / modified ITS items will be shown on plan sheets of the project as needed. ITS Certificate Memo will be ready prior to production date and as per Design Memo 09-02.

Signal Design and intersection improvements. The signalization component will include the replacement of all the concrete strain poles, traffic signal loop assemblies and pedestrian features. All new poles will be mast arm poles. The traffic signals are maintained by the City of Ocala which prefers video detection when mast arm poles are utilized. Pedestrian pedestals that do not have a transformer base will be replaced per the City’s preference.

A Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between FDOT and the City of Ocala will be required for the placement of mast arms in lieu of strain pole signals at the five signalized intersections. In addition, curb ramps will be upgraded to meet ADA requirements, pedestrian signals and signage will be upgraded as necessary to accommodate the new lanes configuration, and crosswalks will be provided to minimize pedestrian exposure distances. The signalization plans shall be compatible with the City of Ocala signal systems and will include pedestrian countdown signals. Special attention will be given to the proposed addition of the pedestrian gates at the crossing with Florida Northern Railroad that runs in the middle of Osceola Ave. and intersects with SR 40.

Landscaping. Existing landscaping including irrigation and power supply will be in conflict with the proposed sidewalk. Coordination with the City will be required during design.

Lighting. Photometric analysis will be prepared to optimize light pole locations, luminaire mounting heights, wattage, and distribution type and arm lengths to supplement existing decorative lighting. The light poles will be placed so there is minimal conflict with underground utilities. We understand that the City of Ocala has a desire to keep the decorative lighting fixtures within this corridor. New light fixture types will need to be coordinated with the city of Ocala to ensure that the city will participate in the upcharge cost. At a minimum, conventional roadway lighting will be designed providing illumination levels consistent with the requirements in the PPM, for both vehicles and pedestrians. Innovative ideas include utilizing the new signal mast arms as a foundation for the roadway lighting to reduce the number of underground structural foundations, evaluating existing lights for relocation instead of replacement, and utilizing fixture angles and arm lengths to maximize photometrics.

Structural. The project includes replacing the existing strain pole signals at five intersections with a total of ten new mast arm signal structures, seven double mast arms and 3 single mast arms. We will verify that the new drilled shafts and mast arm structures do not interfere with any underground or overhead utilities.

Management Approach and QA/QC. The HSQ Team will meet all the project milestone dates while producing a quality product that avoids issues during construction and minimizes future maintenance.

Our team will be proactive in identifying issues early in the design to eliminate impacts to the schedule. A project specific QA/QC Plan utilizing FDOT checklists will be prepared. Our QC plan will identify the responsible reviewers for each discipline and will ensure that all reviews are performed in accordance with the approved QC Plan.

Relevant Experience and Proposed Key Personnel HSQ has successfully delivered projects to the FDOT similar to SR 40. We have completed the plans for SR 430 in D5 ahead of schedule with a final score of 3.8 for design and 3.5 for construction. The project included evaluation of 68 ramps. We also completed SR 933 for D6, which is under construction now and SR A1A as a sub for D4. I encourage you to contact Anson Sonnett, P.E. D4 (954) 777-4474. Mr. Jerald Marks D5 (386) 943- 5161, for the performance of HSQ Group, Inc. Unfortunately, Mr Danny Iglesias, P.E, whom we worked with in D6 has retired. The scope of work for the above projects range from milling/resurfacing to widening, drainage work, and sidewalk reconstruction. The Project Manager main point of contact for this project will be Nour Shehadeh, P.E. He has over 28 years of experience in roadway design, permitting and construction management. He will maintain a clear line of communication with the PM Mr. Gene Varano. Nour has recently served as PM for SR 430, SR 933 and sub consultant PM for high profile SR A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Nour has successfully delivered similar projects by gaining a clear understanding of project issues, defining the scope while working within the Districts’ guidelines, effectively communicating with the FDOT PM to resolve issues, monitoring project budget/schedule, and applying lessons learned. The key personnel for the project, their experience and roles are:

Key Personnel Exp. Role

Nour Shehadeh, P.E (HSQ) 28 PM

Shahin Shafiq, P.E (HSQ) 15 DV/DE, drainage Misc

Navon Wallace, P.E (HSQ) 9 SM, Misc docs

Alberto Zuniga, P.E (HSQ) 36 QA/QC

Chris Meyer, P.E (GEC) 23 Geotechnical

Richard McCormick, PG (GEC) 24 Contamination

Douglas A. Skurski, (JMT) 12 Permitting

Sergio Quevedo PE (JMT) 14 Lighting

Sara Beresheim PE (JMT) 15 Signals

Georges El-Gharib, PE (JMT) 13 Structural

Mike Thompson (TEG) 25 Structural

Valerie Ciudad- Real (Valerin) 28 CAP

Patricia Dickerson (BPA) 11 Utility coord.

Thomas Halstead, PSM (MC) 34 Survey

Kevin Maylone, PLS (MC) 44 Survey

William Wudte (MC) 24 SUE

Nour Shehadeh, P.E.

Prequalification of Prime Consultant and any proposed Subconsultants by advertised type(s) of work:

Consultant Name Project Advertised Major & Minor Work Types

2.0 3.1 4.1.1 7.1 7.2 7.3 8.1 8.2 9.1 9.2 DBE SB UU

Prime HSQ GROUP, INC.

S u b c o n s u lt a n ts

BRINDLEY PIETERS & ASSOCS. (BPA)

GEOTECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSULTANTS, INC. (GEC)

JOHNSON, MIRMIRAN & THOMPSON (JMT)

MCKIM & CREED, INC. (MC)

THOMPSON ENGINEERING GROUP INC. (TEG)

THE VALERIN GROUP (VALERIN)

SB = Small Business UU = Under-utilized work type; subconsultant is a professional services firm and is prequalified in the Under-Utilized Work Group. Refer to the advertisement for applicability.

My firm has submitted a Bid Opportunity List through the Equal Opportunity Compliance System for this project.

https://fdotwp1.dot.state.fl.us/EqualOpportunityCompliance/Account.aspx/LogIn?ReturnUrl=%2fEqualOpportunityCompliance

Prequalification of Prime Consultant and any proposed Subconsultants by advertised type(s) of work:

Consultant Name Project Advertised Major & Minor Work Types

9.4.1 DBE SB UU

Prime HSQ GROUP, INC.

S u b c o n s u lt a n ts

GEOTECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSULTANTS, INC. (GEC)

SB = Small Business UU = Under-utilized work type; subconsultant is a professional services firm and is prequalified in the Under-Utilized Work Group. Refer to the advertisement for applicability.

My firm has submitted a Bid Opportunity List through the Equal Opportunity Compliance System for this project.

https://fdotwp1.dot.state.fl.us/EqualOpportunityCompliance/Account.aspx/LogIn?ReturnUrl=%2fEqualOpportunityCompliance

Florida Department of Transportation

RICK SCOTT

GOVERNOR

719 South Woodland Boulevard DeLand, Florida 32720

JIM BOXOLD

SECRETARY

October 25, 2016 msteen@fallerdavis.com nour@hsqgroup.net bfuller@metriceng.com

Re: Request for Proposal - SR 40 from US 441 (Pine Ave) to SE 8th, Marion County

Dear Consultant:

I am pleased to advise you that your firm has been shortlisted for the SR 40 from US 441 (Pine Ave) to SE 8th, Marion County .