ESBD_434545_1752156976091_SA GEN RFP.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

STATEWIDE ARCHEOLOGICAL GENERAL

SERVICES

RFP No. 576SA001-5602 Solicitation No: 601CT0000005602

Proposal due date: Friday, August 8, 2025, 12:00 noon (Central Time in Austin, Texas)

Posting Date: Friday, July 11, 2025

DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

(Commonly used throughout the term of the contract)

1. ABL – Abilene District

2. ABS – Archeological Background Study. The ABS is a desktop based study of existing information, including the Texas Archeological Sites Atlas, topographic maps, geologic maps, soil maps, and historic maps to assess potential project impacts and what additional investigations may be required.

3. Access denied area – The portions of the APE that require survey and for which no investigation could be completed due to lack of right-of-entry or other circumstances

4. ACHP – Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

5. ACT – Antiquities Code of Texas

6. ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act

7. AGOL – ArcGIS Online

8. AMA – Amarillo District

9. AMS – Accelerator mass spectrometry

10. APE – Area of Potential Effect. The APE for any project includes the entirety of the project’s existing right-of-way, proposed new right-of-way, easements, utility relocations, and any project specific locations designated by the State. The APE also extends to the depth of impacts for the project.

11. Archeological Survey – Archeological field work, equivalent to reconnaissance survey and intensive survey in 13 TAC 26, including on-foot examination of the surface, shovel testing, auger probing, and trenching by mechanical means where appropriate, site definition, and a report on the survey for a proposed project.

12. ATL – Atlanta District

13. AU – analytical unit

14. AUS – Austin District

15. AV – audio-video

16. AVN – Aviation Division

17. bgs – below ground surface

18. BHT – backhoe trench

19. BMT – Beaumont District

20. BNSF – Burlington Northern/Santa Fe

21. BPM – Bridge Preventative Maintenance

22. BRY – Bryan District

23. Buffer Zone – Areas beyond the APE to which the results of the Technical Expert’s investigation also apply.

The Technical Expert shall define a buffer zone when project setting conditions extend beyond the AOE and when the results of the investigation (background study or survey) can be inferred to apply beyond the

APE.

24. BUS – Business highway

25. BWD – Brownwood District

26. CAD – computer-aided design

27. CADD – computer-aided design and drafting

28. CAS-TSU – Center for Archeological Studies – Texas State University

29. Cemetery Investigation – This category of work comprises the research and field work undertaken to identify whether burials occur with the project’s APE, regardless of whether burials were ultimately found.

If a project included field work to deliberately search for burials, the project meets the definition of a cemetery investigation, even if the project included other work categories.

30. CE – categorial exclusion

31. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations

32. CHS – Childress District

33. cm – centimeter

34. Completed Project – A project for which the final deliverable was accepted by the client. A project for which the client only accepted an interim report is not a completed project.

35. Continuation Study – A background study performed in response to a project design change that focuses on the changes to the project APE cause by the design change.

36. Continuation Survey – A survey conducted for the proposed project in areas that have been previously inaccessible or that have been added to the APE due to a design change.

37. CR – county road

38. CRM – Cultural Resource Management Section

39. CRP – Corpus Christi District

40. CSJ – control section job

41. CTA – Council of Texas Archeologists

42. Cultural Resource Management – Refers to the process of compliance with applicable federal and state cultural resource laws.

43. DAL – Dallas District

44. Data Recovery – Also known as archeological data recovery excavations, this category of work comprises field work, analysis, and reporting focused on a specific archeological site to mitigate the effects of ta project on that site. See also 13 TAC 26.15(3). A project conducted for the primary purpose of removing burials meets the definition of Burial Exhumation and no Data Recovery.

45. Department, State or TxDOT – Texas Department of Transportation

46. District – One of the 25 geographical districts into which TxDOT is divided

47. Division – Environmental Affairs Division of the Texas Department of Transportation

48. DOI – Digital Object Identifiers

49. DU – Dispositional Unit

50. EA – environmental assessment

51. ECOS – TxDOT’s Environmental Compliance Oversight System

52. EIS – environmental impact statement

53. Eligible Site – An archeological site that is eligible for inclusion in the NRHP according to the criteria in 36

CFR Part 60.4, or that merits formal designation as a State Antiquities Landmark according to criteria in Title 13, Part 2, Chapter 26.8 of the Texas Administrative Code

54. ELP – El Paso District

55. ENV – Environmental Affairs Division of TxDOT

56. ENV-ARCH – ENV’s Archeological Branch

57. FAA – Federal Aviation Administration

58. FCR – Fire-cracked rock

59. FHWA – Federal Highway Administration

60. Firm Experience – The projects completed under the auspices of a particular company or institute. If a firm owns a subsidiary, an entity that does business under another name, the firm can treat projects completed by the subsidiary as firm experience.

61. FM – farm-to-market road

62. FR – frontage road

63. ft – foot

64. FTA – Federal Transit Administration

65. FTW – Fort Worth District

66. FY – fiscal year

67. GC-MS – Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

68. GIS – geographic information systems

69. GPS – global positioning system

70. HOU – Houston District

71. HPALM – Hybrid Potential Archeological Liability Map

72. HSP – HUB Subcontracting Plan

73. HUB – historically underutilized business

74. IH – interstate highway

75. INAA – Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

76. Initial Survey – The first survey conducted for the proposed project

77. JCT – junction

78. LBB – Lubbock District

79. LFK – Lufkin District

80. LiDAR – light detection and ranging

81. LP – Loop

82. LRD – Laredo District

83. Mechanical Trench/Scrape – A hole dug by a mechanical excavator measuring at least three feet wide and eight feet long. The trench or scrape must be excavated to at least five feet in depth, unless bedrock or pre-cultural geological deposits are reached first, using methods and observation appropriate for identifying the presence of buried archeological material.

84. mi – miles

85. ML – main lanes

86. MNI – Minimum number of individuals

87. MOU – memorandum of understanding

88. MPO – Metropolitan Planning Organization

89. MPR – monthly progress report

90. NAGPRA – Native American Graves Projection and Repatriation Act

91. NAGPRA Compliance Assistance – A category of work comprising the development of inventories and supporting information

92. NBI – National Bridge Inventory

93. NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act

94. NHPA – National Historic Preservation Act

95. NISP – Number of identified specimens

96. NPS – National Park Service

97. NRHP – National Register of Historic Places

98. NTAS – North Texas Archeological Society

99. NTE – not to exceed

100. NTP – notice to proceed

101. ODA – Odessa District

102. OGC – Office of General Council

103. OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration

104. OSL – Optically stimulated luminescence

105. PA – Project archeologist

106. PALM – Potential Archeological Liability Map

107. PAR – Paris District

108. PHR – Pharr District

109. PI – Principal Investigator

110. PM – Project Manager

111. POC – point of contact

112. Power Auger Probe – A hole dug by mechanical auger with a minimum ten-inch diameter bit. Auger probes must be excavated to at least 120 cm below the modern ground surface, unless bedrock or pre-cultural geological deposits are reached first.

113. PPE – personal protective equipment

114. Project Area – A geographic area, including subsurface deposits, to be affected by a proposed transportation activity

115. Project Completion Date – the date by which the final deliverable was accepted by the client

116. Project Manager – The professional head of the Proposer’s staff and team. The person who serves as a

POC for work performed under a contract and oversees, scoping, scheduling, staffing, budgeting, work completion, and work quality.

117. Proposer – Any institution, firm, or individual submitting a proposal for this RFP. An institution, firm, or individual may submit a proposal on behalf of a partnership, joint venture, or other teaming arrangement in which the Proposer is the prime provider.

118. PS&E – plans, specifications, and estimate

119. Public Outreach – This category of work comprises development of products for audiences that don’t have a particular technical or topical expertise in archeology.

120. QA/QC – quality assurance/quality control

121. RCB – reinforced concrete boxes

122. RFP – Request for proposals

123. RM – ranch-to-market road

124. ROE – right-of-entry

125. ROW – right-of-way

126. RPIC – remote pilot in command

127. RR – railroad

128. RTK – Real Time Kinematics

129. SAL – State Antiquities Landmark

130. SAT – San Antonio District

131. SH – State Highway

132. Shovel Test Pit – A manually-excavated hole at least 30 cm in diameter, excavated to a depth of one meter, to bedrock, or to pre-cultural geological deposits, whichever is shallower.

133. SHPO – State Historic Preservation Office

134. SJT – San Angelo District

135. SL – state loop

136. SME – subject matter expert

137. SOP – standard operating procedures

138. SOU – Standard of Uniformity

139. SOW – scope of work

140. SP – spur

141. STA - station

142. State – Texas Department of Transportation

143. STP – shovel test pit

144. SWA – supplemental work authorization

145. TAC – Texas Administrative Code

146. TARL – Texas Archeological Research Laboratory

147. TCP – Traditional Cultural Property

148. TCP Study – This category of work comprises background research, interviews, field work, and the associated analysis and reporting to identify and evaluate potential TCPs for their eligibility for inclusion in the NRHP.

149. tDAR – the Digital Archaeological Record

150. TDS – Tripod Data System

151. Team Member – A firm, institution, or individual named as a prime Proposer or sub-provider in the proposal.

For the purposes of this RFP, a sole proprietorship is considered a firm and is subject to all requirements of a firm

152. Technical Expert – An institution, firm, or individual awarded a contract under this RFP.

153. TEKS – Texas Essential Knowledge and Standards

154. Testing – Also known as archeological test excavations, this category of work comprises field work, analysis, and reporting focused on a specific archeological site to determine the eligibility of that site for inclusion in the NRHP or formal designation as a SAL. See also 13 TAC 26.15(10),

155. THC – Texas Historical Commission

156. TL - Thermoluminescence

157. Transportation activity – A construction or other project performed by the State or under its jurisdiction

158. TSHPO – Texas State Historic Preservation Officer

159. TxDOT – Texas Department of Transportation

160. TYL – Tyler District

161. UAS – Unmanned aircraft system

162. UPRR – Union Pacific Railroad

163. US – United States highway

164. USACE – United State Army Corps of Engineers

165. USC – United State Code

166. USGS – United States Geological Survey

167. USIBWC – United State International Boundary and Water Commission

168. UV - Ultraviolet

169. VO – Visual observer

170. WA – work authorization

171. WAC – Waco District

172. WFS – Wichita Falls District

173. XAD – Experimental and Developmental

174. YKM – Yoakum District

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 1 of 19 576SA001-5602

TxDOT ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

STATEWIDE ARCHEOLOGICAL GENERAL SERVICES

RFP Number: 576SA001-5602 Solic. ID No. 601CT0000005602 Friday, July 11, 2025

TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division will receive proposals until 12:00 noon, Friday, August 8, 2025 for Statewide Archeological General Services. TxDOT will award up to five indefinite deliverable contracts for no more than $2,000,000.00 each.

Prospective Proposers who have received this document must notify TxDOT of their interest in the RFP by submitting a Letter of Interest which must contain the RFP Number, Proposer’s name, point of contact, mailing address, voice and fax numbers, and an email address. Proposers who have not notified TxDOT of their interest waive all claims to redress if they submit proposals that receive reduced scores because the proposals do not incorporate or respond to clarifications or amendments to the RFP package. Letters of Interest must be submitted via Bonfire in Messages under Vendor Discussions.

A Pre-Proposal Conference (not mandatory) is scheduled from 1:30-2:30 PM on Monday, July 21, 2025. The Pre-Proposal virtual meeting invite will be provided only upon receipt of an LOI being submitted. Throughout this solicitation process, all questions or requests for clarifications must be submitted via Bonfire. Prospective Proposers are highly encouraged to submit their questions and requests for clarifications early. The deadline to submit questions/clarification requests is 5:00 PM, Thursday, July 24, 2025. Proposers may verify, edit, or add attendees to this conference by contacting:

Point of Contact: Summer Chandler Phone No.: (512) 416-2619 E-Mail: summer.chandler@txdot.gov

A 26% HUB goal has been assigned to this solicitation. TxDOT encourages Proposers to utilize Texas Certified HUB vendors. Additional HSP guidelines may be found in Part IV of this RFP. Proposers may have HSP forms reviewed and conditionally approved prior to submission. HSP forms must be submitted to the point of contact noted in this RFP. Proposers are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible, but no later seven calendar days prior to the proposal due date.

This RFP is divided into five major parts as follows:

Part I: General Information and Proposal Guidelines Part II: Evaluation Plan Part III: Proposal Submittal Part IV: HUB Subcontracting Plan Part V: Attachments to the RFP

This RFP is issued under rules governing procurement of scientific services and other services (43 TAC §§9.80- 9.89). Contract award will be made on the basis of qualifications and costs. TxDOT reserves the right to hold discussions with qualified Proposers to obtain their best and final offers.

Because this RFP differs from previous solicitations, Prospective Proposers should familiarize themselves with the entire RFP package to maximize their potential award and successful performance, if awarded a contract.

https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/ https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/ mailto:summer.chandler@txdot.gov

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 2 of 19 576SA001-5602

PART I

GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

1. SCOPE

TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division is soliciting proposals for five indefinite deliverable contracts for the statewide archeological general services. Services include archeological related services to fulfill TxDOT’s requirements for transportation activities under federal and state statutes as set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and TxDOT, and a Programmatic Agreement among the Federal Highway Administration, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas State Historic Preservation Officer and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Regarding the Implementation of Transportation Undertakings. Services may include: Antiquities Permit Procurements, Test Excavation Fieldwork, Data Recovery Fieldwork, Cemetery Investigation, Burial Exhumation, Analytical Unit Definition, Research Design, Digital Records Preparation, Curation Preparation, all required reporting and other archeological services.

2. BACKGROUND

The State will award multiple indefinite deliverable contracts. Services will be purchased with state funds and performed under work authorizations issued by the Environmental Affairs Division. Services may be required for projects statewide and will be performed on a cost reimbursement basis limited to a cap established in each work authorization.

3. STATEMENT OF WORK

This RFP describes the services that may be requested by TxDOT. Specifications for the work to be performed are contained in the contract attached to this RFP as Attachment B.

4. IMPORTANT DATES

Pre-Proposal Conference 1:30-2:30 PM, Monday, July 21, 2025 Deadline for Questions/Requests for Clarification 5:00 PM, Thursday, July 24, 2025 Proposal Submission Date 12:00 noon, Friday, August 8, 2025 Notice of Award Upon approval of Division Director or designee Kickoff Meeting 14 calendar days or less after award of contract

5. ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL

The State reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or to waive any technicalities. Failure to comply with the requirements of this RFP will eliminate the proposal from further consideration. This RFP may be cancelled and any or all proposals may be rejected in whole or in part when it is in the best interest of the State.

6. AWARD SELECTION

The Proposers selected for the award will be chosen on the basis of the proposals deemed to provide the best value and greatest benefit for the State, not necessarily on the basis of lowest price.

7. PROPOSAL PREPARATION COSTS

The Proposer shall wholly absorb all costs incurred in the preparation and presentation of the proposal. All supporting documentation, reports, and/or manuals submitted with the proposal(s) will become the property of the State.

8. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The selected Proposers will be considered as prime contractors and shall assume the total responsibility for the services described. Proposal contents of the selected Proposers shall be considered as contractual obligations.

Proposer shall assume a contractual obligation to the State to provide the services of all institutions, firms, or individuals named in the proposal as subproviders. Failure to meet obligations may result in cancellation of the contract.

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 3 of 19 576SA001-5602

PART II

EVALUATION PLAN

1. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Proposal evaluation will be based on two sets of criteria: the Proposer’s qualifications and the cost to the State for completing the services. Each of the criteria will be scored separately. Awards will be made to the top Proposers with the highest combined scores and deemed to be the best value to the State.

• 80% Qualifications and Experience of the Proposing Firm and Team

• 5% PM Past Performance

• 15% Pricing/Cost to the State

A Proposer or team member may be listed as a team member on more than one proposal. A Proposer awarded a contract may serve as a subprovider on any of the remaining contracts.

2. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Proposers shall demonstrate that they meet the following qualifications. Failure to meet the mandatory provider requirements below shall result in disqualification of the proposal. The State reserves the right to audit Proposer and Technical Expert qualifications.

2.1 The Proposer shall be a firm regularly engaged in the business of archeological investigation. The Proposer’s firm shall have no more than two Texas Antiquities Permits that are in default status.

2.2 The Proposer’s staff shall include one Project Manager meeting the qualifications in Attachment B, Appendix-

1 Personnel Qualifications. The PM shall be employed by the Proposer and not by another team member.

The PM shall be the PM for work performed under the contract.

2.2.1 Proposer’s Qualifications and Firm Experience. Award will be based in part on the qualifications in this section. The documentation provided must:

• document the Proposer’s ability to perform the technical work identified in this RFP;

• document the depth and breadth of the Proposer’s expertise; and

• document the Proposer’s ability to meet schedules.

3. VERIFICATION OF PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS

At the State’s option, verification of Proposer qualifications may be conducted in any of the methods listed below:

3.1 Verification of successful completion and client satisfaction may be conducted via contact with the client representative listed for the project. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to provide information that clearly establishes to the Selection Committee the necessary qualifications and/or successful project completion.

3.2 The State reserves the right to limit verification of Proposer qualifications to the proposals with the highest overall scores. If verification shows that the overall score of the highest scoring proposals must be reduced below the overall scores of other proposals, then qualifications for the next highest proposal will be verified. The verification process will continue in like fashion until the State identifies the proposals for which verification does not reduce the overall score below that of all other proposals with verified or unverified qualifications. The State will be the sole judge of the acceptability of information provided for verification.

4. TIE SCORES

In the event of a tie, the managing officer will break the tie using the following method:

4.1 The first tie breaker, if needed, will be references/past performances.

4.2 The second tie breaker, if needed, will be ability to meet department scheduling requirements.

4.3 If there is still a tie, the provider will be chosen by random selection.

5. COST TO THE STATE

Cost to the State will be scored on the basis of the Proposer’s price schedule. Price will be scored from lowest to highest with the lowest price receiving the maximum score.

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 4 of 19 576SA001-5602

6. PM PAST PERFORMANCE

PM past performance will be based on evaluation information in PS-CAMS. Scoring criteria is outlined in the Attachment 7 Evaluation Matrices. No Evaluation Score Average (ESA) will be less than 20. If the prime’s project manager does not have a past performance score in PS-CAMS, the department will assign an ESA score of 3.5.

7. READABILITY

The evaluation team may consider the following while scoring:

• how well information is presented; and

• the ability to determine the adequacy of the response.

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 5 of 19 576SA001-5602

PART III

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

Environmental Affairs has opted to only accept electronic proposals submitted via Bonfire. There are specific instructions to ensure that the proposal is received and considered; however, deviations from these instructions may be grounds for disqualification. Review the instructions completely. All issues, questions or concerns with proposal submissions must be addressed no later than 72 hours prior to proposal due date. Contacts below are available for assistance Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm CST.

Samantha Serino, 512-884-7495, Samantha.Serino@txdot.gov Patricia Matull, 512-993-7957, Patricia.Matull@txdot.gov

1. PROPOSAL OUTLINE

Configurations within Bonfire will not allow submission of a proposal if all required documents are not submitted as instructed. Failure to include all mandatory documents in the prescribed formats will result in rejection.

Altering or changing any substantive language in the attachments prior to submission of proposals may result in rejection of the proposal. The Proposer must use the formats provided in the attachments to this RFP for all documentation submitted. MS Word formats of these attachments are available for download from ESBD. The tables in later pages of this RFP are for informational purposes only. Proposers must use the downloadable files. Only requested information in the formats provided will be considered.

1.1. Proposal Cover Sheet. A signed cover sheet identifying each member of the Proposer team, including institutions, firms, and unaffiliated individuals (Attachment 1).

1.2. Team Commitment Letter. Team Commitment Letters from each subcontractor submitted in the proposal (Attachment 2).

1.3. THC Release Letter (Attachment 3).

1.4. Project Manager Qualifications (Attachment 4).

1.5. Firm and Team Experience (Attachment 5).

1.6. Price Schedule/Final Cost Proposal. Instructions for the price schedule are included as Attachment 7/E.

1.7. HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Form. This form, along with any continuation sheets that may be needed, can be downloaded at the following internet link: See Part IV – HUB Subcontracting Plan.

https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf.

2. DELIVERY

The proposal must be signed and submitted via Bonfire. Proposals will be accepted until the deadline specified in this RFP. Consider submitting proposals early. Proposals received after the deadline will be rejected.

3. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposers are highly encouraged to become familiar with Bonfire and FAQs

3.2 Register as a Vendor.

3.3 Once registration is complete, review all tutorials and instructions available in the links on the left of the screen.

3.4 Complete forms and qualifications outside of Bonfire, save as pdf files (specified filename in the footer of each document), and upload documents where instructed.

3.5 Complete the Bid Table in Bonfire.

3.6 Review the uploaded files for accuracy.

3.7 Submit the proposal. If there are any errors in the upload process, Bonfire will display an error message.

When all errors are corrected, submit again.

3.8 Bonfire will send a confirmation email to the Proposer’s registered email address.

mailto:Patricia.Matull@txdot.gov https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/ https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/ https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us/categories/6796305455255

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 6 of 19 576SA001-5602

PART IV

HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

The mission of the TxDOT HUB Program Office is to encourage the good faith effort of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) in TxDOT contracts, through the administration and management of the HUB Program in accordance with Texas Government Code 2161 and Texas Administrative Code Title 34, Rule 20.10 – 20.28.

In accordance with Texas Government Code §2161.252, a proposal that does not contain a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) is non-responsive and will be rejected without further evaluation. In addition, if the Department determines that the HSP was not developed in good faith, it will reject the proposal for failing to comply with material RFP specifications. The HUB Subcontracting Plan may be found on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website at: https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf

1. INTRODUCTION

The Department is committed to promoting full and equal business opportunities for businesses in state contracting in accordance with the goals specified in the State of Texas Disparity Study. The Department encourages the use of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) through race, ethnic and gender-neutral means. Pursuant to Texas Government Code §2161.181 and §2161.182, and the Department’s HUB policy and rules, the Department is required to make a good faith effort to increase HUB participation in its contracts. The Department may accomplish the goal of increased HUB participation by contracting directly with HUBs or indirectly through subcontracting opportunities.

2. DEPARTMENT’S ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

The Department has adopted the CPA’s HUB rules as its own. The Department’s HUB rules are located in Title 43, Part 1, Chapter 9, Subchapter L of the TAC, and the CPA rules are located in Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter B. If there are any discrepancies between the Department’s administrative rules and this RFP, the rules shall take priority.

3. HUB PARTICIPATION GOAL

The CPA has established statewide HUB participation goals for different categories of contracts in past five (5) years. In order to meet or exceed the HUB participation goals, the Department encourages outreach to certified HUBs. Contractors shall make a good faith effort to include certified HUBs in the procurement process. This contract is classified as an other services contract under the CPA rule, and therefore has a HUB Annual Procurement Utilization Goal of 26% per fiscal year.

4. REQUIRED HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

In accordance with Government Code, Chapter 2161, Subchapter F, each state agency that considers entering into a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more over the life of the contract (including any renewals) shall, before the agency solicits bids, proposals, offers, or other applicable expressions of interest, determine whether subcontracting opportunities are probable under the contract. In accordance with 34 T.A.C.

§20.14(a),(1),(C) of the HUB Rules. State agencies may determine that subcontracting is probable for only a subset of the work expected to be performed or the funds to be expended under the contract. If an agency determines that subcontracting is probable on only a portion of a contract, it shall document its reasons in writing for the procurement file. The Department has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable for this RFP. As a result, the respondent must submit an HSP with its proposal. The HSP is required whether a respondent intends to subcontract or not. In the HSP, a respondent must indicate whether it is a Texas certified HUB. Being a certified HUB does not exempt a respondent from completing the HSP requirement. The Department shall review the documentation submitted by the respondent to determine if a good faith effort has been made, in accordance with solicitation and HSP requirements. During the good faith effort evaluation, the Department may, at its discretion, allow clarifications or enhancements to information submitted with the HSP.

If the Department determines that the respondent’s HSP was not developed in good faith, the HSP will be considered non-responsive and will be rejected as a material failure to comply with the advertised specifications.

The reasons for rejection shall be recorded in the procurement file.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm#2161.252 https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm#2161.181 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm#2161.182 http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=43&pt=1&ch=9&sch=L&rl=Y http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=43&pt=1&ch=9&sch=L&rl=Y http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&sch=B&rl=Y http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&sch=B&rl=Y

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 7 of 19 576SA001-5602

5. CPA’S CENTRALIZED MASTER BIDDERS LIST

Respondents may search for HUB subcontractors in the CPA’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)/HUB Directory. For this procurement, the Department has identified the following class and item codes for potential subcontracting opportunities:

NIGP Class/Item Code:

918-32 Consulting Services (Not otherwise classified) 918-43 Environmental Consulting 926-42 Environmental Services (Not otherwise classified)

Respondents are not required to use, nor limited to using, the class and item codes identified above, and may identify other areas for subcontracting. The State does not endorse, recommend nor attest to the capabilities of any company or individual listed on the CPA’s CMBL. The list of certified HUBs is subject to change, so respondents are encouraged to refer to the CMBL often to find the most current listing of HUBs.

6. HUB SUBCONTRACTING PROCEDURES

If a Respondent Intends to Subcontract An HSP must demonstrate that the respondent made a good faith effort to comply with the State’s HUB policies and procedures. The following subparts outline the items that the State will review in determining whether an HSP meets the good faith effort standard. A respondent that intends to subcontract must complete the HSP to document its good faith efforts.

6.1 Identify Subcontracting Areas and Divide Them into Reasonable Lots A respondent should first identify each area of the contract work it intends to subcontract. Then, to maximize HUB participation, it should divide the contract work into reasonable lots or portions, to the extent consistent with prudent industry practices.

6.2 Notify Potential HUB Subcontractors

The HSP must demonstrate that the respondent made a good faith effort to subcontract with HUBs. The respondent’s good faith efforts shall be shown through utilization of all methods in conformance with the development and submission of the HSP and by complying with the following steps:

6.2.1 Divide the contract work into reasonable lots or portions to the extent consistent with prudent industry practices. The respondent must determine which portions of work, including goods and services, will be subcontracted.

6.2.2 Use the appropriate method(s) to demonstrate good faith effort. The respondent can use either method(s) 1, 2, 3, or 4.

6.3 Methods to Demonstrate Good Faith Efforts

6.3.1 Method 1: Respondent Intends to Subcontract with only HUBs:

The respondent must identify in the HSP the HUBs that will be utilized and submit written documentation that confirms 100% of all available subcontracting opportunities will be performed by one or more HUBs;

or,

6.3.2 Method 2: Respondent Intends to Subcontract with HUBs and Non-HUBs (Meet or Exceed the Goal): The respondent must identify in the HSP and submit written documentation that one or more HUB subcontractors will be utilized; and that the aggregate expected percentage of subcontracts with HUBs will meet or exceed the goal specified in this solicitation. When utilizing this method, only HUB subcontractors that has existing contracts with the respondent for five years or less may be used to comply with the good faith effort requirements. When the aggregate expected percentage of subcontracts with HUBs meets or exceeds the goal specified in this solicitation, respondents may also use non-HUB subcontractors; or,

6.3.3 Method 3: Respondent Intends to Subcontract with HUBs and Non-HUBs (Does Not Meet or Exceed the Goal). The respondent must identify in the HSP and submit documentation regarding both of the following requirements:

• Written notification to minority or women trade organizations or development centers to assist in identifying potential HUBs of the subcontracting opportunities the respondent intends to subcontract.

Respondents must give minority or women trade organizations or development centers at least seven

(7) working days prior to submission of the respondent's response for dissemination of the subcontracting https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 8 of 19 576SA001-5602 opportunities to their members. A list of minority and women trade organizations is located on the CPA’s website under the Minority and Women Organization link.

• Written notification to at least three (3) HUB businesses of the subcontracting opportunities that the respondent intends to subcontract. The written notice must be sent to potential HUB subcontractors prior to submitting proposals and must include:

a description of the scope of work to be subcontracted, information regarding the location to review project plans or specifications, information about bonding and insurance requirements, required qualifications and other contract requirements, and a description of how the subcontractor can contact the respondent.

Respondents must give potential HUB subcontractors a reasonable amount of time to respond to the notice, at least seven (7) working days prior to submission of the respondent's response unless circumstances require a different time period, which is determined by the agency and documented in the contract file; Respondents must also use the CMBL, the HUB Directory, and Internet resources when searching for HUB subcontractors. Respondents may rely on the services of contractor groups; local, state and federal business assistance offices; and other organizations that provide assistance in identifying qualified applicants for the HUB program.

6.3.4 Method 4: Respondent Does Not Intend to Subcontract

When the respondent plans to complete all contract requirements with its own equipment, supplies, materials and/or employees, it is still required to complete an HSP. The respondent must complete the “Self-Performance Justification” portion of the HSP, and attest that it does not intend to subcontract for any goods or services, including the class and item codes identified in Section 5. In addition, the respondent must identify the sections of the proposal that describe how it will complete the Scope of Work using its own resources or provide a statement explaining how it will complete the Scope of Work using its own resources. The respondent must agree to comply with the following if requested by the State:

• provide evidence of sufficient respondent staffing to meet the RFP requirements,

• provide monthly payroll records showing the respondent staff fully dedicated to the contract,

• allow the State to conduct an onsite review of company headquarters or work site where services are to be performed, and,

• provide documentation proving employment of qualified personnel holding the necessary licenses and certificates required to perform the Scope of Work.

6.4 Written Justification of the Selection Process. The State will make a determination if a good faith effort was made by the respondent in the development of the required HSP. One or more of the methods identified in the previous sections may be applicable to the respondent’s good faith efforts in developing and submission of the HSP. The State may require the respondent to submit additional documentation explaining how the respondent made a good faith effort in accordance with the solicitation. A respondent must provide written justification of its selection process if it chooses a non-HUB subcontractor. The justification should demonstrate that the respondent negotiated in good faith with qualified HUB bidders, and did not reject qualified HUBs who were the best value responsive bidders.

7. POST-AWARD HSP REQUIREMENTS

The HSP shall be reviewed and evaluated prior to contract award and, if accepted, the finalized HSP will become part of the contract with the successful respondent(s). After contract award, the State will coordinate a post-award meeting with the successful respondent to discuss HSP reporting requirements. The contractor must maintain business records documenting compliance with the HSP, and must submit monthly subcontract reports to the State by completing the HUB Subcontracting Plan and Progress Compliance Forms (PAR). This monthly report is required as a condition for payment to report to the agency the identity and the amount paid to all subcontractors. As a condition of award the Contractor is required to send notification to all selected subcontractors as identified in the accepted/approved HSP. In addition, a copy of the notification must be provided to the agency’s Contract Manager and/or HUB Program Office within 10 days of the contract award.

During the term of the contract, if the parties in the contract amend the contract to include a change to the scope of work or add additional funding, the State will evaluate to determine the probability of additional subcontracting https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/resources.php

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 9 of 19 576SA001-5602 opportunities. When applicable, the Contractor must submit an HSP change request for the State’s review. The requirements for an HSP change request will be covered in the post-award meeting. When making a change to an HSP, the Contractor will obtain prior written approval from the State before making any changes to the HSP.

Proposed changes must comply with the HUB Program good faith effort requirements relating to the development and submission of a HSP. If the contractor decides to subcontract any part of the contract after the award, it must follow the good faith effort procedures outlined in Section 6 of this section (e.g., divide work into reasonable lots, notify at least three (3) vendors per subcontracted area, provide written justification of the selection process, or participate in the Mentor Protégé Program). For this reason, the State encourages respondents to identify, as part of their HSP, multiple subcontractors who are able to perform the work in each area the respondent plans to subcontract. Selecting additional subcontractors may help the selected contractor make changes to its original HSP, when needed, and will allow the State to approve any necessary changes expeditiously. Failure to meet the HSP and post-award requirements will constitute a breach of contract, and will be subject to remedial actions. The State may also report noncompliance to the CPA in accordance with the provisions of the Vendor Performance and Debarment Program (see 34 T.A.C. §20.108 relating to Debarment) and (see 34 T.A.C. §20.586 relating to Procedures for Investigations and Debarment).

http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&rl=108 https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&rl=586

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 10 of 19 576SA001-5602

PART V

ATTACHMENTS TO THE RFP

Attachment 1 Proposal Cover Sheet Attachment 2 Team Commitment Letter Attachment 3 THC Release Letter Attachment 4 Project Manager Qualifications Attachment 5 Firm and Team Experience Attachment 6 Evaluation Matrices Attachment 7 Price Schedule/Final Cost Proposal Attachment 8 Contract (for informational purposes only)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTACHMENTS 4-5

1. Attachments provided in ESBD/Bonfire must be used when submitting a response to RFP.

2. All positions shall exhibit knowledge pertaining to TxDOT standards specific to this RFP.

3. The table provided for each project and the response for each question shall not exceed two pages in length, in 12-point Arial, Franklin Gothic Book, Tahoma, or Helvetica Font. All fields in all tables must be completed.

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 11 of 19 576SA001-5602

ATTACHMENT 1

PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

(Printed on Proposer’s letterhead)

RFP # 576SA001-5602, Archeological General Services

Proposing Firm, Institution, or Individual

Proposer __________________________________________

Address __________________________________________ Telephone __________________________________________

E-mail __________________________________________

Proposer’s Project Manager

Name __________________________________________

Title __________________________________________

Subproviders for this Proposal (use additional pages, if necessary). Enter “N/A” if no subprovider is proposed.

Subprovider Service(s) to Be Provided

% of Work Address

By signing this Proposal Cover Sheet, the Proposer’s representative agrees that the Project Manager named in the proposal are currently employed by the proposing firm, that if awarded a contract pursuant to this RFP, the Project Manager will be managing the work conducted under the contract, and that the Project Manager and key staff may not be replaced without prior written consent of the State. The Proposer’s representative certifies that they have qualified staff to fill the positions listed in this RFP and contract, and that the Proposer (1) agrees to the teaming arrangement of all subproviders, (2) is aware of and agrees to the specified rate structure, and (3) is aware of and agrees to the terms of the proposed contract. The Proposer’s representative also agrees that the Proposer, Proposer’s staff, and Proposer’s subproviders (team members of the proposing firm, if applicable) have no financial, personal, or business-related conflict of interest in conducting statewide scientific services for the State of Texas.

Proposer’s Representative’s Signature Date

Proposer’s Representative’s Printed Name and Title

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 12 of 19 576SA001-5602

ATTACHMENT 2

TEAM COMMITMENT LETTER

INSTRUCTIONS

The following format must be printed on team member’s letterhead. It must be signed by an individual empowered to execute contracts for the team member. This team commitment letter must be submitted in the proposal utilizing the format requested below.

Date

Texas Department of Transportation Environmental Affairs Division 6230 E. Stassney Lane Austin, TX 78744

Ms. Summer Chandler, This letter is to certify that we as a subprovider (team member) of the prime Proposer have no conflict of interest and have agreed to provide the staff and services named in the accompanying proposal by (Proposer) for Archeological General Services. If awarded a contract, we (1) agree to the teaming arrangement with the Proposer, (2) are aware of, and agree to abide by, the specified rates structure, and (3) are aware of and agree to the terms of the proposed contract contained in the proposal. We further agree that we have no financial, personal, or business-related conflict of interest in conducting statewide scientific services for the State of Texas.

Sincerely, (Authorized Signatory for Team Member)

Subprovider Signature Date

Printed Name and Title

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 13 of 19 576SA001-5602

ATTACHMENT 3

THC RELEASE LETTER

The following format must be submitted on the Proposer’s letterhead. This release letter will explicitly authorize the Texas Historical Commission to release information on defaulted permits held by the Proposer. Authorization for release of information must be on a single letter and must be signed by an authorized representative. A letter must be submitted for the Proposer even if they have never held a Texas Antiquities Permit. The release letter must be included as part of the RFP submittal. The THC release letter must be submitted in the proposal utilizing the format requested below.

[date]

Mr. Bradford Jones Division of Archeology Texas Historical Commission P.O. Box 12276 Austin, Texas 78711

Dear Mr. Jones:

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) requests information concerning current defaulted Antiquities Permits held by [Proposer’s firm]. This letter authorizes the Texas Historical Commission (THC) to inform TxDOT of the number of current defaulted Antiquities Permits held by [Proposer’s firm]. THC is authorized to provide this information to TxDOT via letter or e-mail.

Sincerely, [Signature of Proposer’s authorized representative] Date

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 14 of 19 576SA001-5602

ATTACHMENT 4

PROJECT MANAGER QUALIFICATIONS

1. The Project Manager must be currently employed by the Proposer and not by another team member.

2. The Project Manager must have a bachelor’s degree and six years of experience managing environmental compliance projects.

3. Proposers must document the Project Manager’s qualifications, including both education and employment history and project experience using the forms in the formats below.

4. Proposers must document the Project Manager’s project experience by listing up to ten projects.

5. The listed projects must fall within one or more of the following categories:

• Testing • Public Outreach

• Data Recovery • TCP Study

• Cemetery Investigation • Burial Exhumation

• NAGPRA Compliance Assistance

6. Projects listed in support of the Project Manager’s project experience must have been completed within the last ten years prior to the date of the proposal being submitted.

7. Proposers may list projects that were not completed in compliance with any of the laws listed on the form below. Leave the boxes in the For Compliance With section unchecked.

8. Projects listed in support of the Project Manager’s project experience can have been completed while the Project Manager was employed by a different firm than the Proposer.

9. For projects that resulted in a report (e.g., testing or data recovery projects), refer to the project by the final report title. For other types of projects, use a name for the project that would be recognizable to the sponsor for whom the project was conducted.

10. The variety of regulations addressed among the documented projects, including: Section 106 of the NHPA, Antiquities Code of Texas, Health and Safety Code of Texas, and NAGPRA.

11. The variety of clients (private, local, state, federal) served among the documented projects.

12. The variety of areas investigated among the documented projects. The complexity of project experience of the Proposer’s Project Manager will be evaluated from the kinds of practical, logistic, technical, and regulatory issues addressed by this work.

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 15 of 19 576SA001-5602

ATTACHMENT 4

PROJECT MANAGER QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

NAME Proposed for: Project Manager Education (list two highest degrees):

Degree/Major University Date Degree/Major University Date Work Experience [Insert description of last ten years of employment experience, including: Employer/s, job title/s, employment dates, and project related job duties. Not to exceed 175 words per job.] PROJECT EXPERIENCE (repeat this section for each project) Project Number for this submission (i.e. 1-10):

Project Name:

Project Type (check all that apply):

☐ Testing ☐ Data Recovery ☐ Cemetery Investigation ☐ Burial Exhumation ☐ Public Outreach, TCP Study, and/or NAGPRA Compliance Assistance For Compliance With (check all that apply):

☐ Section 106 of the NHPA ☐ Antiquities Code of Texas

☐ Health and Safety Code of Texas

☐ NAGPRA

Project Manager’s Job Title (during work on the project):

Project Location:

Project Control Section Job (CSJ) Number (if applicable):

Project Completion Date:

Project Client & Contact:

Project Description:(Detailing the individual’s work on the project, including duties and responsibilities; and any complex issues addressed, whether practical, technical, or regulatory)

Scientific Services IDwWA Page 16 of 19 576SA001-5602

ATTACHMENT 5

FIRM AND TEAM EXPERIENCE

1. Firm experience refers to projects conducted under the auspices of the…