ESBD_450617_1756487215138_FINAL 576XXSD001 RFP.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR STATEWIDE

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION AND

TECHNICAL SERVICES

RFP No. 576SD001-5603 Solicitation No: 601CT0000005603

Proposal due date: Friday, October 3, 2025, 12:00 noon (Central Time in Austin, Texas)

Posting Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

(Commonly used throughout the term of the contract)

1. AASHTO – American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

2. ABL – Abilene District

3. ACEC – American Council of Engineering Companies

4. ACT – Antiquities Code of Texas

5. ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act

6. AJD – Approved Jurisdictional Determination

7. AMA – Amarillo District

8. ANSI – American National Standards Institute

9. APE – Area of Potential Effect

10. ATL – Atlanta District

11. AUS – Austin District

12. AVN – Aviation Division of TxDOT

13. BA – Biological Assessment

14. BE – Biological Evaluation

15. BGEPA – Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

16. BMT – Beaumont District

17. BO – Biological Opinion

18. BPM – Bridge Preventative Maintenance

19. BRY – Bryan District

20. BUS – Business highway

21. BWD – Brownwood District

22. CAD – computer-aided design

23. CADD– computer-aided design drafting

24. CE – categorical exclusion

25. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations

26. CHS – Childress District

27. CIA – Community Impact Assessment

28. CMBL – Certified Master Bidders List

29. CR – county road

30. CRM –Cultural Resource Management Section

31. CRP – Corpus Christi District

32. CSJ – Control Section Job

33. CWA – Clean Water Act

34. DAL – Dallas District

35. DC – delineation concurrence

36. Delineation of waters of the U.S., including wetlands (Delineation) – Demarcation of the boundaries of a

WOTUS in accordance with USACE and EPA requirements, which currently include the 1987 USACE Wetland Delineation Manual (Technical Report Y-87-1), appropriate Regional Supplements, USACE Regulatory Guidance Letters, and other published regulatory guidance (Standard Operating Procedures, templates, forms, etc.)

37. Deliverables – Reports for environmental services

38. Department – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and/or the State of Texas

39. Determination – Preliminary study to determine whether a water of the U.S. is present.

40. District – One of the 25 geographical districts into which the Texas Department of Transportation is divided

41. Division – Environmental Affairs Division of TxDOT (ENV)

42. EA – Environmental Assessment

43. ECOS – TxDOT’s Environmental Compliance Oversight System

44. EIS – Environmental Impact Statement

45. ELP – El Paso District

46. EMST – Ecological Mapping Systems of Texas

47. ENV – Environmental Affairs Division of TxDOT

48. Environmental Services – Environmental documents, studies, research, permit applications, public involvement, training and other activities for completion of an environmental document or permit

49. EOID – Element of Occurrence Identification Numbers

50. EOR – Element of Occurrence Record

51. EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency

52. ERM – Environmental Resource Management Section

53. ESA – Endangered Species Act

54. FAA – Federal Aviation Administration

55. FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency

56. FHWA – Federal Highway Administration

57. FM – farm-to-market road

58. FONSI – finding of no significant impact

59. FPPA – Farmland Protection Policy Act

60. FR – frontage road

61. FTW – Fort Worth District

62. GCD – General Council Division of TxDOT

63. GIS – Geographic Information Systems

64. GLO – General Land Office

65. GPS – Global Positioning System

66. HABS/HAER – Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record

67. HMM – Hazardous Materials Management Section

68. HOU – Houston District

69. HRSR – historic resources survey report

70. HSP – HUB Subcontracting Plan

71. HUB – Historically Underutilized Business

72. IBWC – International Boundary and Water Commission

73. ICI – Indirect and Cumulative Impact Analysis

74. IH – Interstate Highway

75. IP – Individual Permit

76. IPaC – Information, Planning, and Consultation System

77. ISA – Initial Site Assessment

78. JCT – junction

79. JD – jurisdictional determination

80. LBB – Lubbock District

81. LFK – Lufkin District

82. LiDAR – light detection and ranging

83. LP – loop

84. LPST – Leaking Petroleum Storage Tank

85. LRD – Laredo District

86. MAPO – Meeting with Affected Property Owners

87. MBTA – Migratory Bird Treaty Act

88. mi – miles

89. ML – main lanes

90. MOU – Memorandum of Understanding

91. MPR – monthly progress report

92. MSAT – Mobile Air Source Toxics

93. NBI– National Bridge Inventory

94. NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act

95. NHPA – National Historic Preservation Act

96. NMFS – National Marine Fisheries Service

97. NPS – National Park Service

98. NRHP – National Register of Historic Places

99. NRCS – Natural Resources Conservation Service

100. NRM – Natural Resource Management Section

101. NTE – not to exceed

102. NTP – notice to proceed

103. NWI – National Wetlands Inventory

104. NWP – Nationwide Permit

105. ODA – Odessa District

106. OHWM – ordinary high-water mark

107. OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration

108. PAR – Paris District

109. PD – Project Delivery Section

110. PCN – Pre-Construction Notification

111. PCR – Project Coordination Request

112. PHR – Pharr District

113. PJD – preliminary jurisdictional determination

114. PM – The Proposer’s designated Project Manager

115. POC – Point of Contact

116. PPE – personal protective equipment

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. PRM – permittee responsible mitigation

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

120. QA/QC – Quality Assurance, Quality Control

121. RCB – reinforced concrete boxes

122. RFP – Request for Proposal

123. RM – ranch to market road

124. ROD – record of decision

125. ROE – right of entry

126. ROW – right of way

127. RPIC – remote pilot in command

128. RR – railroad

129. RRS – Regulatory Request System

130. RTEST – Rare, threatened, and Endangered Species of Texas

131. SAS – Species Analysis Spreadsheet

132. SAT – San Antonio District

133. SGCN – Species of Greatest Conservation Need

134. SH – State Highway

135. SHPO – State Historic Preservation Office

136. SJT – San Angelo District

137. SL – state loop

138. SME – subject matter experts

139. SOP – Standard Operating Procedure

140. SOW – Statement/Scope of Work

141. SP (roadway facility) – spur

142. SP (permitting) – standard permit

143. SPA – USACE Albuquerque District

144. STA – station

145. State – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and/or State of Texas

146. Study Area – The geographic area to be discussed in an environmental document

147. SWA – supplemental work authorization

148. SWF – USACE Fort Worth District

149. SWG – USACE Galveston District

150. SWT – USACE Tulsa District

151. TAC – Texas Administrative Code

152. TARL – Texas Archeological Research Laboratory

153. TCEQ – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

154. TCP – traffic control plan

155. Team Member – Any institution, firm, or individual, including the Proposer, who is explicitly incorporated in the proposal to contribute staff or resources to perform work

156. Technical Expert – An institution, firm, individual, or team awarded a contract for this RFP

157. THC – Texas Historical Commission

158. TPDES – Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

159. TPWD – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

160. Transportation Activity - A construction or other project performed by the State or under its jurisdiction

161. TXNDD – Texas Natural Diversity Database

162. TXRAM – Texas Rapid Assessment Method for assessing condition of WOTUS

163. TYL – Tyler District

164. UAS – unmanned aircraft system

165. US – United States highway

166. USACE – United States Army Corp of Engineers

167. USC – United States Code

168. USCG – United States Coast Guard

169. USFWS – United States Fish and Wildlife Service

170. USGS – United States Geological Survey

171. USIBWC – United State International Boundary and Water Commission

172. VO – Visual observer

173. WA – Work Authorization

174. WAC – Waco District

175. WFS – Wichita Falls District

176. WOTUS – Waters of the U.S., jurisdictional limits of the USACE under the CWA, as defined in 22 CFR

§328

177. YKM – Yoakum District

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TxDOT ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

STATEWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

RFP Number: 576SD001-5603 Solic. No. 601CT0000005603 Issue Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division will receive proposals until 12:00 noon, Friday, October 3, 2025 for Statewide Environmental Documentation and Technical Services. TxDOT will award up to eight indefinite deliverable contracts for no more than $950,000.00 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, September 15, 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, September 18, 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 must familiarize themselves with the entire RFP package to maximize their potential award and successful performance, if awarded a contract.

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

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PART I

GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

1. SCOPE

TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division is soliciting proposals intended for indefinite deliverable contracts for performing environmental documentation and other environmental services. Services include production of environmental documentation and technical services for transportation activities identified under 23 CFR 771, 43 TAC Part 1, Chapter 2 and other regulations related to compliance with federal and state environmental standards.

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 on Monday, September 15, 2025 Deadline for Questions/Requests for Clarification 5:00 PM, Thursday, September 18, 2025 Proposal Submission Date 12:00 noon, Friday, October 3, 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.

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PART II

EVALUATION PLAN

1. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Proposal evaluation will be based on three 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.

90% Qualifications and Experience of the Proposing Firm and Team 5% PM Past Performance 5% 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 Mandatory Provider Requirements. To be considered for an award, the Proposer shall be a firm regularly engaged in the timely performance and completion of environmental services for governmental or private organizations.

2.1.1 Provider Staffing. Proposer’s staff shall include a minimum of one Project Manager meeting the minimum qualifications. The Project Manager shall be employed by the Proposer and not by another Team Member.

2.1.2 Proposer’s Qualifications. Award will be based in part on the qualifications in this section.

2.1.3 Firm Experience. To document Firm Experience, the Proposer shall discuss projects conducted within the last ten years. 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;

• document the Proposer’s ability to meet schedules; and

• document any particular technical strengths and innovative approaches of the Proposer.

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 chose 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.

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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 for reviewers to determine the adequacy of the response.

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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. Project Manager Qualifications (Attachment 3).

1.4. Lead Traffic Noise Specialist (Attachment 4).

1.5. Lead Public Involvement Specialist (Attachment 5).

1.6. Firm and Team Experience (Attachment 6).

1.7. Price Schedule/Final Cost Proposal. Instructions for the price schedule are included as Attachment 8.

1.8. 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

3.1 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 your 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 your registered email address.

mailto:Patricia.Matull@txdot.gov https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf https://teams.microsoft.com/l/message/19:19630766-4f7d-4efc-b477-c7b13f97b26d_8d44d3f8-9add-42ff-a15b-1a2c55b62735@unq.gbl.spaces/1730727697646?context=%7B%22contextType%22%3A%22chat%22%7D

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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.

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

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

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, https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp

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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 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.

https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/resources.php

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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 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

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PART V

ATTACHMENTS TO THE RFP

Attachment 1 Proposal Cover Sheet Attachment 2 Team Commitment Letter Attachment 3 Project Manager Qualifications Attachment 4 Lead Traffic Noise Specialist Attachment 5 Lead Public Involvement Specialist Attachment 6 Firm and Team Experience Attachment 7 Evaluation Matrices Attachment 8 Final Cost Proposal Attachment 9 Contract (for informational purposes only)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTACHMENTS 3-6

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.

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ATTACHMENT 1

PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

(Printed on Proposer’s letterhead)

RFP # 576SD001-5603, Environmental Documentation and Technical 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

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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 125 East 11th Street Austin, TX 78701

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 Environmental Documentation and Technical 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

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ATTACHMENT 3

PROJECT MANAGER QUALIFICATIONS

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Complete a form in the format below for the Project Manager qualifications and Project Experience as listed in Attachment B and Appendix-1 of the RFP.

2. All the Project Manager’s experience must be within the last ten years.

3. A maximum of one per person can be proposed as the Project Manager.

4. The Project Manager submitted in the RFP shall be the Project Manager of the Contract. The Contract shall have no more than one project manager.

5. The Project Manager must be employed by the Proposer and not by another Team Member.

6. The Project Managers project descriptions must demonstrate successful management and completion of five projects over the past ten years from the date of this RFP. A minimum of two of those projects must be for transportation activities identified under 23 CFR 771, 43 TAC Part 1, Chapter 2 and other regulations related to compliance with federal and state environmental standards. Clearly indicate the Project Manager’s direct control over scope, schedule, budget, and quality of work completed related to the production of environmental documentation and technical services for CE, EA with FONSI, or EIS with ROD.

7. The Project Manager must have one of the following: bachelor’s degree and six years of related transportation experience or master’s degree and four years of related transportation experience. Points will be based on the level of degree and years of experience.

8. Do not list more than the number of projects required to meet preferred qualifications.

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ATTACHMENT 3

PROJECT MANAGER QUALIFICATIONS

NAME

Education (list two highest degrees):

Degree/Major University Date

Degree/Major University Date

Work Experience [Insert description of employment experience including employer/s, job title/s, employment dates, and project related job duties.] PROJECT EXPERIENCE (repeat this section for each project) Project Number for this submission (i.e. 1-5):

Project Name:

Project Type (select only one from list below):

☐ Categorical Exclusion ☐ Environmental Impact Statement w/ROD ☐ Environmental Assessment w/FONSI Transportation Related ☐ Yes ☐ No Project Manager’s Job Title (during work on the project):

Project Location:

Project CSJ Number (if applicable):

Project Approval Date:

Project Client and Contact:

Project Description:(detailing the individual’s work on the project, including duties, responsibilities, and issues addressed.)

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ATTACHMENT 4

LEAD TRAFFIC NOISE SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS

1. Complete a form in the format below for the Lead Traffic Noise Specialist Qualifications and Project

Experience.

2. All projects submitted to demonstrate the Lead Traffic Noise Specialist’s experience must be within the last ten years.

3. A maximum of one per person can be proposed as the Lead Traffic Noise Specialist.

4. The Lead Traffic Noise Specialist submitted in the RFP shall be the Lead Traffic Noise Specialist of the

Contract.

5. The Lead Traffic Noise Specialist must have a Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years of experience in traffic noise analysis. Points will be based on the level of degree and years of experience.

6. The Lead Traffic Noise Specialist must demonstrate the completion of at least five projects involving traffic noise impacts within the last 10 years. At least two of the five projects submitted must be approved projects involving completed noise workshops or public engagement. Public engagement would include assisting a project team with conducting or preparing materials for open house meetings, public meetings, and public hearings. Project descriptions must outline the role and actions that the proposed lead took in the analysis for each project being submitted, the ability to integrate noise analysis into the broader project delivery timeline, and any other actions taken by the specialist that contributed to the successful completion of the project.

7. Do not list more than the number of projects required to meet preferred qualifications.

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ATTACHMENT 4

LEAD TRAFFIC NOISE SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS

Degree/Major University Date

Degree/Major University Date

Work Experience [Insert description of relevant employment experience performing traffic noise analysis, including employer/s, job title/s, employment dates, and project related job duties.] PROJECT EXPERIENCE (repeat this section for each project) Project Number for this submission (i.e. 1-5):

Project Name:

Was a workshop or public engagement completed? ☐ Yes ☐ No If yes, list Workshop or type of Public Outreach Event:

Lead Traffic Noise Specialist’s Job Title (during work on the project):

Project Location:

Project CSJ Number (if applicable):

Traffic Noise Analysis Approval Date:

Project Client and Contact:

Project Description (outline the role and actions that the proposed lead took in the analysis for each project being submitted, the ability to integrate noise analysis into the broader project delivery timeline, and any other actions taken by the specialist that contributed to the successful completion of the project including the completion of noise workshops or public engagement, if it applies):

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ATTACHMENT 5

LEAD PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS

1. Complete a form in the format below for the Lead Public Involvement Specialist Qualifications and Project

Experience.

2. Lead Public Involvement Specialist’s experience must be within the last ten years.

3. A maximum of one per person can be proposed as the Lead Public Involvement Specialist.

4. The Lead Public Involvement Specialist submitted in the RFP shall be the Lead Public Involvement

Specialist of the Contract.

5. The Lead Public Involvement Specialist must have one of the following: bachelor’s degree and six years of related public involvement experience or master’s degree and four years of related public involvement experience. Points will be based on the level of degree and years of experience.

6. The Lead Public Involvement Specialist must demonstrate successful management, through completion, of public outreach events for five transportation projects or non-transportation projects over the past ten years. At least two of the five public outreach events must be for transportation projects. At least two of the five public outreach events must be public hearings under 43 TAC Chapter 2 and 23 CFR §771.111(h). Planning and implementation of public meetings may be substituted for public hearings at a rate of two public meetings for one public hearing. Project descriptions must outline the type of outreach event, and the actions completed by the specialist that contributed to the successful completion of the outreach for the project.

7. Do not list more than the number of projects required to meet preferred qualifications.

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ATTACHMENT 5

LEAD PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS

Degree/Major University Date

Degree/Major University Date

Work Experience [Insert description of relevant employment experience including employer/s, job title/s, employment dates, and project related job duties.] PROJECT EXPERIENCE (repeat this section for each project) Project Number for this submission (i.e. 1-5):

Project Name:

Type of Public Outreach Event:

Transportation Related ☐ Yes ☐ No Lead Public Involvement Specialist’s Job Title (during work on the project):

Project Location:

Project CSJ Number (if applicable):

Documentation Package Approval Date:

Project Client and Contact:

Project Description (outline the type of outreach event, and the actions completed by the specialist that contributed to the successful completion of the outreach for the project):

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ATTACHMENT 6

FIRM AND TEAM EXPERIENCE

1. The Proposer shall provide firm and team experience by answering the questions.

2. If projects are mentioned as part of the firm experience, the projects must have been environmentally completed within the last ten years from the date of this RFP.

3. The same project can be discussed more than once if the project applies to various types of firm and…