mercer DC-17 Contractor_s Certificate of Compliance Items Cining Steel and Iron.pdf

County of Mercer McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad Street, P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650-0068

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR

A CONSULTING ENGINEERING FIRM TO PROVIDE

PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES

For The

REHABILITATION OF MERCER COUNTY BRIDGE #140.2

(NJDOT #1100-002) SOUTH BROAD STREET (RT 206) OVER

ASSUNPINK CREEK

Located At

CITY OF TRENTON

MERCER COUNTY

To Be Received On

November 24, 2026, at 11:30 A.M.

RFP2026-15

COUNTY OF MERCER

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST

Please initial on the lines below for each document/section attesting to the fact that you have read and/or included the documents with your response.

Required

With

Bid

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT (IF CHECKED)

Read, Signed

& Submitted

Respondent’s

Initial

A. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ANY OF THESE ITEMS IS MANDATORY CAUSE FOR REJECTION OF RFP

Statement of Ownership

Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addenda (to be completed even if no addenda are issued)

B. SUBMIT DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF RFP RESPONSE DUE DATE

Non-Collusion Affidavit

Signed Insurance and Indemnification Requirements

Proposal Page

Signed Continuity of Operation during Emergencies

Rider for Federally Funded Projects

References

Qualification Statement

Exceptions

One Original and One (1) Copies of the Complete RFP Package with USB

B.2 MUST BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO CONTRACT AWARD

New Jersey Business Registration Certificate

Required Evidence EEO/Affirmative Action Regulations Certificate or Questionnaire-

Submit Copy of State Certificate of Employee Information Report

Prohibited Russia-Belarus Activities & Iran Investment Activities

Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form

Business Designation Form

Buy American Certification Form

Contractor’s Certification of Compliance Items Containing Steel & Iron

C. READ/COMPLY ONLY

Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 Language

Part 1604 Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Sex

The following checklist is provided as assistance to the development of the RFP Response. It in no way supersedes or replaces the requirements of the RFP. Please initial on the lines below for each document/section attesting to the fact that you have read and/or included the documents with your RFP.

Name of Respondent: Date:

By Authorized Representative:

Signature:

Print Name & Title:

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Exempt Services

Proposals are being solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.3 et seq., and as such, contractors are exempt from the limitations on making political contributions under that law. Further, for that reason, as well as because of language in New Jersey's Annual Appropriations Act, refusal to disclose campaign contributions otherwise required by N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.3 et seq. and N.J.S.A 19:44A-20.25 et seq., will not adversely affect your consideration for award.

Notice is hereby given that on November 24, 2026, at 11:30 A.M. sealed proposals will be received by the Purchasing

Agent in the Mercer County McDade Administration Building, 640 South Broad Street, Room 321, Trenton, New Jersey at which time and proposals will be opened and read in public via live stream for:

RFP 2026-15

PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF MERCER COUNTY BRIDGE #140.2

(NJDOT #1100-002) SOUTH BROAD STREET (RT 206) OVER ASSUNPINK CREEK

This project is being funded through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) and administered by the

New Jersey Department of Transportation, Division of Local Aid. Please note that there are no civil rights goals for the project.

Specifications, instructions Proposal forms can be obtained at the Department of Purchasing at the Mercer County

Administration Building during office hours or on BidNet Direct following: https://www.bidnetdirect.com/new-jersey/mercercounty

NOTE:

Express and overnight mail shall be delivered to the Department of Purchasing, 640 S. Broad Street, Room 321, Trenton, New Jersey 08611.

The United States Postal Service does not deliver priority or overnight mail directly to the County of Mercer’s physical address. If a bidder chooses to use the United States Postal Service, it is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that the bid package is delivered by the bid opening date and time. Any bid document received after the deadline established by the Department of Purchasing will not be accepted, regardless of the method of delivery.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS

Respondents can mail in RFP responses in a timely manner via USPS, UPS and FedEx, etc. If they must be hand delivered, potential respondents may drop them off to the Purchasing Department at the McDade Administration Building, 640

South Broad Street, Room 321 Trenton, New Jersey 08650 between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Bid/RFP responses must be in by 11:30 A.M. the day of the opening.

Any Bid Addenda will be issued on the BidNet website https://www.bidnetdirect.com/new- jersey/mercercounty and processed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-23(c)(1). All interested bidders should check the website from now through bid opening. It is the sole responsibility of the respondent to be knowledgeable of all addenda related to this procurement.

Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A.10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27.

COUNTY OF MERCER, NEW JERSEY

Purchasing Department

609 989 6710

1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The County of Mercer seeks proposals for Professional Construction Inspection Services for Rehabilitation of Mercer

County Bridge #140.2 (NJDOT #1100-002) South Broad Street (Rt 206) over Assunpink Creek.

Mercer County is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to provide construction engineering and inspection (CEI) oversight for the rehabilitation of Bridge #140.2 (NJDOT #1100-002), carrying South Broad Street (Route 206) over

Assunpink Creek. The project is administered under the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Division of

Local Aid and Economic Development and is subject to both Local Aid and Federal-Aid requirements. Mercer County is responsible for contractor payment and will seek reimbursement from NJDOT, making full compliance with grant documentation and testing requirements essential to the project's success.

The selected consultant will provide a qualified Resident Engineer (RE), Highway Construction Inspectors (NICET Level

III minimum or Qualified Other – Highway Construction), and supporting field staff to administer construction oversight from pre-construction through project closeout. The RE will serve as the County's primary liaison with the contractor, providing full-time on-site inspection, monitoring compliance with plans, specifications, and schedule, and safeguarding against fraud, waste, and abuse throughout construction. Scope of services includes maintaining project documentation and daily records, reviewing shop drawings and payment applications, drafting change orders, coordinating and documenting project meetings, and preparing final punch lists and federal closeout deliverables.

The consultant's role is strictly administrative and inspective in nature; the RE and field staff are not authorized to direct construction means and methods, approve deviations from contract documents, or assume any contractor safety responsibilities — those functions remain the responsibility of the contractor and County Engineer.

The construction project is entitled the Rehabilitation of Mercer County Bridge #140.2 (NJDOT #1100-002) South Broad

Street (Rt 206) over Assunpink Creek. The construction contract covers demolition and partial removal of an existing bridge and culvert, followed by rehabilitation of Bridge #140.2 with a two-arch design supported on unbuilt footings.

The new cross-section will include two 12-foot travel lanes, sidewalks, shoulders, and TxDOT-standard traffic rails. Work includes structural steel shoring, temporary arch support, concrete construction (saddle, spandrel walls, slab, footings, wingwalls), and stream protection measures like turbidity barriers during removal and dewatering. Roadway work adds hot mix asphalt paving, striping, guardrail, excavation, and drainage. Construction will happen in two stages: culvert removal and electrical vault work downstream first, followed by a full vehicular detour during bridge rehabilitation and roadway construction. The construction project duration is 270 calendar days.

This project is being funded through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) and administered by the

New Jersey Department of Transportation, Division of Local Aid. As such, contractors are advised that they shall comply with all applicable reporting requirements for Federal funding. The NJDOT Job Number is 1128513.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The following items express the administrative conditions and requirements of this RFP. Together with the other RFP sections, they will apply to the RFP process, the subsequent contract, and project production. Any proposed change, modification, or exception to these conditions and requirements may be the basis for the County of Mercer, hereinafter referred to as owners, to determine the proposal as non-responsive to the RFP and will be a factor in the determination of an award of a contract. The contents of the proposal of the successful Respondent, as accepted by the owner, will become part of any contract awarded as a result of this RFP.

2.1 SCHEDULE

RELEASE: November 2, 2026

QUESTIONS: November 10, 2026, via email to imaldonado@mercercounty.org or via the BidNet Portal.

OPEN PROPOSALS: November 24, 2026, at 11:30 A.M.

2.2 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Respondents shall submit one (1) original and one (1) copy of their proposal, along with an electronic copy of the complete submission on a USB drive.

Proposals shall be delivered to the following address:

Purchasing Department

640 South Broad Street, Room 321

Trenton, New Jersey 08611

The submission package must be clearly labeled with the title of this Request for Proposals (RFP) and the name of the responding firm. The original proposal must be clearly marked “ORIGINAL,” and the copy must be marked “COPY.”

The technical proposal shall be submitted separately from the cost proposal. Cost proposals shall be submitted in a

SEPARATELY SEALED ENVELOPE.

An electronic copy of each proposal element should be submitted on separate flash drives in their respective envelopes. Technical proposals should be submitted in Adobe PDF format. Cost proposals should be in MS Excel format and enclosed within the sealed Cost Proposal envelope.

2.3 USING DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The Using Department for these services is the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Engineering Division.

2.4 COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE FOR THIS SOLICITATION

Please direct all questions in writing to:

Isamar Maldonado, QPA,RPPS

Purchasing Agent

PO Box 8068

640 S. Broad Street

Trenton, New Jersey 08611

Voice: (609) 989-6710

Fax (609) 989-6733

Questions: imaldonado@mercercounty.org

2.5 INTERPRETATIONS AND ADDENDA

Respondents are expected to examine the RFP with care and observe all its requirements. All questions about the meaning or intent of this RFP, all interpretations and clarifications considered necessary by the owner’s representative in response to such comments and questions will be issued by formal written Addenda will be binding. Oral interpretations, statements or clarifications are without legal effect.

2.6 QUANTITIES OF ESTIMATE

Wherever the estimated quantities of work to be done are shown in any section of this RFP, including the Proposal Cost

Form, they are given for use in comparing proposals. The owner especially reserves the right (except as herein otherwise specifically limited) to increase or diminish the quantities as may be deemed reasonably necessary or desirable by the owner to complete the work detailed by the contract. Such increase or diminution shall in no way violate this contract, nor shall any such increase or diminution give cause for claims or liability for damages.

2.7 COST LIABILITY AND ADDITIONAL COSTS

The owner assumes no responsibility and liability for costs incurred by the Respondents prior to the issuance of an agreement. The liability of the owner shall be limited to the terms and conditions of the contract. Respondents will assume responsibility for all costs not stated in their proposals. All unit rates either stated in the proposal or used as a basis for its pricing are required to be all-inclusive. Additional charges, unless incurred for additional work performed by request of the owner, are not to be billed and will not be paid.

2.8 STATUTORY AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

2.8.1 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

Any contract entered into between the contractor and the owner must be in accordance with and subject to compliance by both parties with the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law. The contractor must agree to comply with the non-discrimination provisions and all other laws and regulations applicable to the performance of services there under. The respondent shall sign and acknowledge such forms and certificates as may be required by this section.

2.8.2 MANDATORY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE

No firm may be issued a contract unless it complies with the Affirmative Action requirements of P. L. 1975, C. 127 as identified in the documents attached hereto. The form shall be properly executed.

2.8.3 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990

Discrimination on the basis of disability in contracting for the delivery of services is prohibited. Respondents are required to read American with Disabilities language that is part of the documents attached hereto and agree that the provisions of Title II of the Act are made part of the contract. The contractor is obligated to comply with the Act and hold the owner harmless.

2.8.5 NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

The Non-Collusion Affidavit, which is part of this RFP, shall be properly executed and submitted with the RFP response.

2.8.7 INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION

If it becomes necessary for the contractor, either as principal or by agent or employee, to enter upon the premises or property of the owner in order to construct, erect, inspect, make delivery or remove property hereunder, the contractor hereby covenants and agrees to take use, provide and make all proper, necessary and sufficient precautions, safeguards, and protection against the occurrence of happenings of any accident, injuries, damages, or hurt to person or property during the course of the work herein covered and his/her sole responsibility. The contractor further covenants and agrees to indemnify and save harmless the owner from the payment of all sums of money or any other consideration(s) by reason of any, or all, such accidents, injuries, damages, or hurt that may happen or occur upon or about such work and all fines, penalties and loss incurred for or by reason of the violation of any owner regulation, ordinance or the laws of the State, or the United States while said work is in progress. The contractor shall maintain sufficient insurance to protect against all claims under Workers Compensation, General Liability and Automobile and shall be subject to approval for adequacy of protection and certificates of such insurance shall be provided.

2.8.9 PROMPT PAYMENT OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS P.L. 2006, C. 96

In compliance with N.J.S.A. 2A:30A-1 et seq., the County of Mercer shall impose the following payment process:

The County of Mercer shall pay the submitted bill not more than 30 calendar days after the receipt of the bill and, if applicable, final title insurance policy, by the County if the vendor has performed in accordance with the contract and the work has been approved and certified by the County. The billing shall be deemed “approved” and “certified”

20 calendar days after the owner receives it, unless the County provides, before the end of the 20-day period, a written statement of the amount withheld and the reason for withholding payment.

2.8.9.2 PLAN REVIEW AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS SIGNED AND SEALED

Architects and Engineers shall forward final drawings and specifications to the respective State Agency or Municipal

Building Official for approval prior to bid. Engineers and Architects shall provide the required number of specifications and drawings for bid to the Purchasing Agent. All construction bid documents shall be signed and sealed prior to release for bid in one of two ways:

1. Sign and date the original documents, including tracings, reproducible drawings or those generated electronically, then affix the seal to opaque prints or reproductions of the originals; or

2. In lieu of signing and dating the original documents, sign, date, and seal the opaque copies of the originals.

All certifications that amend or clarify or modify construction documents prepared by the architect or engineer in responsible charge shall be dated, signed and sealed prior to forwarding to a public agency. An engineer or architect shall seal documents only with seal presses. Bidding plans and construction plans are one in the same and must be signed and sealed prior to the issuance to prospective bidders.

2.8.9.3 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications shall not reference "pre-approval" or "pre-qualification" of an equivalent product prior to the submission of bids.

Specifications for a contract item may include a specific manufacturer's brand and model number or equivalent. The product brand or brands referenced in the specifications shall be restricted to one brand produced or manufactured by a multi-brand commercial products manufacturer.

Consultants are prohibited from specifying a product line in which such consultant has an affiliation. As such, there shall be no affiliation between the consultant and product manufacturers referenced in the specifications, nor shall the consultant endorse those companies or manufacturers referenced in the specifications.

2.8.9.4 ENGINEER’S UNIT PRICE ESTIMATE

The engineer’s unit price is the cornerstone of the project estimate. The entire project is divided into small discrete work items, and a “unit price” is established for each item. The unit price is then multiplied by the required quantity to find the cost for the work item. All costs are summed to obtain the total Estimated Construction Cost. For example, the cost to erect a masonry wall can be accurately determined by finding the number of bricks required and estimating all costs related to delivering, storing, staging, cutting, installing, and cleaning the brick, along with related units of accessories, such as, reinforcing ties, weep-holes, flashings, etc. Unit Pricing Estimating within the CSI MasterFormat™ is the most accurate means of ascertaining costs based on materials and labor content.

2.8.9.5 Multiple Proposals Not Accepted

2.8.9.6 BID PROHIBITED

It is understood by the Respondent that, if awarded a contract through the request for proposal process, the Prime

Contractor and any Subcontractors utilized for these services are prohibited from bidding the resultant goods or services required to implement the project.

Awarded Contractor

If awarded a contract, your company/firm shall be required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A.10:5 -31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et. seq.

2.8.9.7 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Business Enterprise Participation

The DBE/ESBE goal is removed. Therefore, there is no subcontracting goal on this project.

2.9 FAILURE TO ENTER CONTRACT

Should the respondent, to whom the contract is awarded, fail to enter into a contract within ten (10) days, Sundays and holidays excepted, the owner may then, at its option, accept the proposal of another respondent.

2.10 COMMENCEMENT OF WORK

The contractor agrees to commence work after the date of award by the owner and upon notice from the using department.

2.11 TERMINATION OF CONTRACT

If, through any cause, the contractor shall fail to fulfill in a timely and proper manner obligations under the Contract or if the contractor violates any requirements of the Contract, the owner shall thereupon have the right to terminate the

Contract by giving written notice to the contractor of such termination at least thirty (30) days prior to the proposed effective date of the termination. Such termination shall relieve the owner of any obligation for the balances to the contractor of any sum or sums set forth in the Contract. The contractor agrees to indemnify and hold the owner harmless from any liability to subcontractors/suppliers concerning payment for work performed or goods supplied arising out of the lawful termination of the Contract by the owner under this provision. In case of default by the contractor, the owner may procure the articles or services from other sources and hold the contractor responsible for any excess cost occasioned thereby.

2.12 CHALLENGE OF SPECIFICATIONS

Any respondent who wishes to challenge a specification shall file such challenge in writing.

2.13 PAYMENT

Invoices shall specify, in detail, the period for which payment is claimed, the services performed during the prescribed period, the amount claimed and correlation between the services claimed and the Proposal Cost Form.

2.14 OWNERSHIP OF MATERIAL

The owner shall retain all of its rights and interest in any and all documents and property both hard copy and digital furnished by the owner to the contractor for the purpose of assisting the contractor in the performance of this contract.

All such items shall be returned immediately to the owner at the expiration or termination of the contract or completion of any related services, pursuant thereto, whichever comes first. None of the documents and/or property shall, without the written consent of the owner, be disclosed to others or used by the contractor or permitted by the contractor to be used by their parties at any time except in the performance of the resulting contract. Ownership of all data, materials and documentation originated and prepared for the owner pursuant to this contract shall belong exclusively to the owner. All data, reports, computerized information, programs and materials related to this project shall be delivered to and become the property of the owner upon completion of the project. The contractor shall not have the right to use, sell, or disclose the total of the interim or final work products, or make available to third parties, without the prior written consent of the owner.

2.15 RECORDS FOR THE NEW JERSEY STATE COMPTROLLER

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:15C-14(d), relevant records of private vendors or other persons entering into contracts with the

County are subject to audit or review by the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller. Therefore, the Contractor shall maintain all documentation related to products, transactions or services under this contract for a period of five years from the date of final payment. Such records shall be made available to the New Jersey Office of the State

Comptroller upon request.

2.16 DISCLOSURE OF INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES IN IRAN

P.L. 2021, c.4 prohibits State and local public contracts with persons or entities engaging in certain investment activities in energy or finance sectors of Iran.

2.18 RUSSIA/BELARUS BUSINESS PROHIBITION N.J.S.A. 52:32-55 ET SEQ.

All potential bidders/respondents must attest on the form provided, of their status of engagement in prohibited activities in Russia or Belarus. Certification requires that you review the Entity List provided by the Department of Treasury

(link provided on the form), then check off the appropriate box and complete the form.

2.19 THE WALL (WORKPLACE ACCOUNTABILITY IN LABOR LIST) N.J.S.A. 34:1A-1.16

Any business whose name appears on the WALL is prohibited from public contracting under N.J.S.A. 34:1A-1.16, the law establishing the WALL.

2.17 BUDGET SEQUESTRATION

All contracts shall include the following language with regard to automatic spending cuts to United States federal government funding:

“THE CONTRACT AWARD IS CONTINGENT UPON RECEIVING REQUISITE FEDERAL FUNDING

NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT.”

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The project is being administered and subject to the requirements of the New Jersey Department of Transportation

(NJDOT), Division of Local Aid and Economic Development (Local Aid). Under the provisions of our agreement with NJDOT, Mercer County is responsible for payment to the contractor and must ensure that grant provisions and requirements are met. Mercer County would then seek reimbursement from NJDOT. It is therefore imperative that all required documentation and testing, conform to Local Aid requirements and the Federal Aid requirements. The Project Name Rehabilitation of Mercer County Bridge #140.2 (NJDOT #1100-002) South Broad

Street (Rt 206) over Assunpink Creek shall be referenced on all project related documents and correspondence.

The Consultant shall employ a qualified Resident Engineer (RE), Highway Construction Inspectors (NICET Level III minimum or Qualified Other – Highway Construction), and other qualified field staff as necessary to inspect, prepare reports and documentation and address issues that may arise during construction. The Consultant shall also provide post-construction services including preparation of Red-Line plans, modified timing directives and prepare and attend post construction meetings, including project audits. Expectations and details concerning the specific roles and responsibilities of the RE and other members of the Consultant team are summarized below:

• Monitor and manage inherently government project activities, including activities dealing with cost.

Adherence to contract time requirements, construction quality, and scope of Federal-Aid projects.

• Review financial processes, transactions and documentation to ensure safeguards are in place to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse.

• Monitor and manage project staff, or consultant to carry out project administration and contract oversight; including proper documentation, reviews on a regular basis, qualifications, assignments and on-the-job performance of staff involved in at all stages of the project.

• Have full knowledge and understanding of the plans and specifications, current construction progress and status, and be the primary liaison between the County and Contractor. Please reference Mercer

County Policies and Procedures for Federally Funded Procedures. (Attached as Appendix.)

• Record the date of receipt of all shop drawings delivered to the site and advise the County and the contractor of the commencement of any work requiring a shop drawing if the submittal has not been approved by the Engineer.

• Review the progress schedule prepared by the contractor and consult with the County concerning acceptability.

• Attend meetings with the contractor such as preconstruction conferences, progress meetings, job conferences, and other project related meetings and prepare and circulate the minutes thereof .

• Serve as the County’s liaison with the contractor working principally with the contractor’s superintendent.

Provide guidance and assist in understanding and interpretation of the contract documents. In addition, the RE shall assist in obtaining additional details or information from the County when required for proper execution of the work.

• Record existing conditions through photographs, videos, and notes prior to the start of construction. This information shall be properly dated and shall serve as a record of conditions before construction.

• Conduct daily, full time on-site inspection of the work in progress and determine if the work is in general proceeding in accordance with the plans and specifications. If the RE believes that any work is unsatisfactory, faulty or defective or does not conform to the plans or specifications, or has been damaged, or does not meet the requirements of any inspection, test or approval required to be made, the RE shall advise the County immediately.

• Verify that tests are conducted in the presence of appropriate personnel and that the contractor maintains adequate records thereof. Report appropriate details relative to test procedures and results to the County.

• Report when clarifications and interpretations of the plans and specifications are requested by the contractor. Transmit to the contractor the clarifications and interpretations as issued by the County .

• Consider and evaluate contractor’s suggestions for modifications to the plans or specifications. Provide recommendations to the County. Transmit the decisions issued by the County to the contractor .

• Maintain orderly project files at the job site including daily inspection reports, Form DC29, for each pay item. Maintain meeting correspondence, shop drawings, reproductions of original plans and specifications including all addenda, change orders, field orders, additional plans issued subsequent to the execution of the contract, clarifications and interpretations of the plans and specifications, progress reports and other project related documents.

• Maintain a daily diary or log book, recording contractor hours on the job site, weather conditions, data relative to questions of field changes, change orders or other change conditions, list of job site visitors, daily activities, field decisions, general observations and specific observations in more detail as in the case of observing test procedures. Provide copies of the diary or field log to the Engineer and County.

Record names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all contractors, subcontractors and major suppliers of materials and equipment. The DC-2891 form is the preferred material questionnaire.

• Furnish periodic reports as required of progress of the work and of contractor’s compliance with the progress schedule and schedule of shop drawings. Advise the County in advance of scheduled major tests, inspections or start of important phases of the work. Draft proposed change orders and work changes, obtaining back-up material from the contractor, and recommend to the Engineer change orders, work changes and field orders. Report immediately to both the Engineer and County upon the occurrence of any accident.

• Review applications for payment with the contractor for compliance with the contract and forward the recommendations for payment to the Engineer.

• Submit to the contractor a list of observed items requiring completion or correction. Conduct a final inspection in the company of the County and contractor and prepare a final punch list of items to be completed or corrected. Prior to making recommendation for final payment to the County, the RE shall assure that all items on the final punch list have been completed or corrected by the contractor .

• Communication and Emergencies - The RE shall always have a cell phone in his or her possession in case the person responsible/in charge requires any communication with the site. In addition, the RE shall supply the County with a twenty-four hour phone number to be used in case of emergency. Emergencies including, but not limited to, accidents involving property damage, bodily injury, hazardous waste spills or unearthing hazardous waste, or damage to existing utility infrastructure.

• Provide Red-Lined Plans using the contract plans as a basis. Changes to the traffic signal timing plans shall also be noted.

• Upon final acceptance, provide all closeout federal compliance documents in accordance with the federal closeout checklist including the final PV.

• Please refer to https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/eng/forms/docs/construction/dc21.pdf for the

Federal Closeout Checklist.

The Consultant SHALL NOT:

• Authorize any deviation from the contract plans or specifications or substitute any materials or equipment not authorized by the County.

• Undertake any of the responsibilities of contractor, subcontractor, or contractor’s superintendent.

• Advise on, issue directions relative to or assume control of any aspect of the means, methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures of construction without prior approval of the Engineer and County Engineer.

• Advise on, issue directions regarding or assume control over safety precautions and safety programs in connection with the work.

• Accept shop drawings from anyone other than the contractor.

• Participate in specialized field or laboratory tests or inspections conducted by others.

3.1 STAFFING PLANS

Respondents must demonstrate the qualifications of their firm and of their proposed project team. Within their proposals, respondents shall provide a list of the firm’s and the project manager’s experience on similar projects that were completed in the last five (5) years or are currently 50 % completed (Federal Aid/NJDOT roadway and bridge design projects). Respondents shall submit an organization chart of the proposed staff, their roles and reporting relationships, including the staff of any subconsultants. Resumes shall also be provided for the project manager and key staff and each resume shall be limited to two (2) pages.

Include a blank form with a blank proposal, do not include man hours. References shall be included in a firm’s proposal to demonstrate the project team’s experience most relevant to this project. At least one (1) project reference contact (including name, title and phone number) should be provided. The resumes of the project manager and key staff should highlight their involvement on these projects and additional details as necessary.

A schedule shall be included in the proposal showing the proposed staffing plan showing job title. The construction project is to be completed 270 Calendar Days after issuance of Notice to Proceed.

3.2 COST PROPOSAL

All Consultant agreements for Local Public Agency projects funded through the Federal Aid Program must be Cost-

Plus Fixed Fee type agreements. Cost-Plus Fixed Fee agreements reimburse the Consultant for costs associated with salaries, overhead, direct expenses, and a negotiated fee. Please note the overhead rate used towards calculation shall be the latest approved by the NJDOT and the NJDOT approved overhead rate shall be less than 1 year. The cost proposals shall be in a separate sealed envelope and accompany the Technical Proposals. The Cost Proposal must include a price and level of effort for the Scope of Work the Consultant has described in their technical proposal.

Indirect charges, such as fringe benefit, overhead, profit, etc., must be identified, yielding a total project cost. A list of key personnel arranged by title and level with hourly rates shall be included in the cost proposal.

Each proposal shall give a breakdown of the anticipated, labor rate and shall use a multiplier to cover overhead expenses such as fringe benefits, insurance, etc. The proposal shall provide the fixed fee for the expected profit and expenses not allocated to overhead on the project and provide a total not to exceed ceiling amount for the project.

The Consultant shall identify items that should be considered for reimbursable expenses. Material testing is the responsibility of the Consultant. Each construction contract has provisions for the contractor to supply certain safety and inspection equipment. The Consultant shall review Section 155 of the New Jersey Department of

Transportation Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction for the equipment being supplied. Upon completion of the project, the items furnished under Section 155 shall be turned over to the County. The County expects the Consultant's own inspection staff to perform the concrete slump and air entrainment tests.

The County does not allow the leasing of vehicles as a reimbursable expense for this project and expects the

Consultant to have their own vehicles and other essential equipment. If the Consultant so desires to bill for vehicles, vehicle expenses are on a mileage only basis at the Consultant standard rate, provided the rate is reasonable.

The Consultant must notify the County in writing as soon as it is evident that additional or extra work may be necessary. The Consultant shall follow up the notification as to the estimated costs of the additional or extra work.

The Consultant shall not proceed with any additional or extra work unless the work has been pre-approved by the Contractor and the Consultant has been authorized to do so, in writing, by the County.

The cost proposal shall provide, at a minimum, the following information:

• Items expected to be considered for reimbursable expense.

• Material testing costs. The Consultant shall identify the types and number of material tests to be performed.

• Multiplier for overhead.

• Profit and expenses not allocated to fixed fee.

• Mileage calculations are based on, i.e. from office to jobsite or just jobsite mileage.

• Number hours and wage rate by job classification for the consultant or sub consultant(s).

• Items expected to be considered for reimbursable expense by the SBE sub consultant(s).

4.0 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals shall be submitted in paper media in sealed envelopes or packages (i) addressed to the office specified above, and (ii) showing the time and date specified for receipt, the project’s title, and the name and address of the respondent. Respondents using commercial carriers should ensure that this proposal information is marked on the outermost wrapper.

Each proposal submission shall include a cover letter identifying the document as a “Proposal for Professional

Engineering Construction Inspection Services Rehabilitation of Mercer County Bridge #140.2 (NJDOT #1100-002) South

Broad Street (Rt. 206) over Assunpink Creek in response to RFP 2026-15,” which shall be signed by the owner or chief executive officer of the firm. The letter shall identify the prime consultant (including complete contact information and the name of the project manager) and any proposed subcontract arrangements. The letter shall also include a statement from the consultant certifying its eligibility and commitment to the project.

4.1 FIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND STATEMENT

Consultant firms prequalified by the NJDOT in the following disciplines and level of service will be eligible to submit proposals for this project:

• C-6: Construction inspection – Roadway/Bridge

Only those firms who have been prequalified for the specified disciplines this project entails and submit evidence of the prequalification with the NJDOT with their proposal will be considered. Prequalification must be met by the prime consultant for Category C-6 and T-1. Acceptable evidence of prequalification by the NJDOT consists of the consultant’s profile sheet issued by the Division of Procurement, Bureau of Professional Services, which includes the effective dates and approved profile codes of the consultant’s prequalification. Prequalification is not required for subconsultants. Within their proposals, respondents shall provide a list of the firm’s and the project manager’s experience on similar projects that were complete in the last five (5) years or are currently not less than 50% completed (i.e., Federal Aid/NJDOT roadway projects, bikeway projects, trail projects, etc.). A statement is to be provided by the respondent who will serve as the primary contractor. The statement shall set forth brief details of the firm's principal activities, the number of personnel in the firm and the firm's location. References shall be included in a firm’s proposal to demonstrate the project team’s experience most relevant to this project.

Please provide a list of (3) three client references for whom similar services have been provided. Include the following in your response:

• Name of government agency.

• Contact person’s name, position, and current telephone number.

• Dates, cost and scope of service.

• Status and comments.

4.2 KEY PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The respondent shall provide the identity and the credentials of the principals and other key personnel working for the contractor and their areas of responsibility. Respondents shall submit an organization chart of the proposed staff, their roles, and reporting relationships, including the staff of any subconsultants. Resumes shall also be provided for the project manager and key staff and each resume shall be limited to two (2) pages. The resumes of the project manager and key staff should highlight their involvement on these projects and additional details as necessary. The following two schedules shall be included in the proposal to detail the proposed staffing plan:

• One master schedule for the entire project team (including subconsultants), with job titles and man-hour requirements by road segment, task and in total, shall be provided with the technical proposal, without specifying labor rates or other cost factors; and

• Another copy of the project staff schedule providing job titles and man-hour requirements by road segment, task and in total for each team member shall be provided within the separate, sealed cost proposal (see

“Budget Portion” and “Submission Requirements” sections below for additional detail requirements).Respondents shall certify that the staff proposed in their proposal will be used in the performance of the contract, and will be available for assignment to the contract as of the anticipated contract start date through its anticipated completion.

Respondents shall certify that the staff proposed in their proposal will be used in the performance of the contract and will be available for assignment to the contract as of the anticipated contract start date through its anticipated completion.

4.3 LOCATION OF SERVICING OFFICE

The proposal must list the location and address of the present, active office that will service and manage this contract.

5. EVALUATION, REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS

5.1 PROPOSALS TO REMAIN SUBJECT TO ACCEPTANCE

RFP responses shall remain open for a period of sixty (60) calendar days from the submittal date. The Owner may either award the Contract within the applicable time period or reject any or all proposals. The Owner may extend the decision to award or reject any or all proposals beyond the sixty (60) calendar days when the proposals of any respondents who consent thereto may, at the request of the Owner, be held for consideration for such longer period as may be agreed.

5.2 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS

The Owner reserves the right to reject proposals in accordance with the N.J.S.A. 40A:11 et. Seq., or to reject any proposals if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of such respondent fails to satisfy the Owner that such respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the RFP and to complete the work contemplated therein.

The Owner reserves the right to waive any minor informality in the RFP.

5.3 EVALUATION PROCESS

An evaluation team will review all proposals to determine if they satisfy the Proposal Requirements, determine if a proposal should be rejected and evaluate the proposals based upon the Evaluation Criteria. Award of contract shall be made to the most responsible and responsive proposal from a consultant firm whose proposal offers the greatest value to the project with regard to the criteria detailed and meets the specifications set forth herein. Respondents will then be recommended to the governing body for award of contract. Multiple contracts will not be awarded.

The selection process that will be utilized is a Qualifications Based Selection Process in accordance with the federal

Brooks Act. Each technical proposal received by the stipulated cut-off date, and which meets the prequalification requirements stipulated herein, will be evaluated by a consultant selection committee based on the criteria listed below. The vendors whose proposals are determined to be reasonably susceptible of being selected may be invited to present an oral presentation.

5.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Consultant selection is to be performed in compliance with the federal Brooks Act and Federal Policy Guide 23

CFR 172A procurement procedures. The criteria considered in the evaluation of each proposal follows. The arrangement of the criteria is not meant to imply order of importance in the selection process. All criteria will be used to select the successful respondent.

The desired qualifications and the evaluation factors along with their relative importance, the basis of which proposals will be scored, are as follows:

• Qualifications and Experience of Firm(s) – 30%

• Qualifications and Experience of Personnel – 30%

• Project Approach Methodology – 30%

• Quality of Proposal – 10%

5.4.1 UNDERSTANDING OF THE REQUESTED WORK

The proposals will be evaluated for general compliance with instructions and requests issued in the RFP. Non-compliance with significant instructions shall be grounds for disqualification of proposals.

5.4.2 KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE

This includes the ability of the respondent to perform all the tasks and fulfill adequately the stated requirements.

5.4.3. MANAGEMENT, EXPERIENCE AND PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

Expertise of the firm shall be demonstrated by past contract successes providing government agencies with similar services. The respondent will be evaluated on knowledge, experience, prior collaboration and successful completion of projects/services similar to that requested in this RFP. In additional to relevant experience, respondents shall provide personnel qualifications in the Proposal.

5.4.4 ABILITY TO COMPLETE THE SERVICES IN A TIMELY MANNER

This is based on the estimated duration of the tasks and the respondent’s ability to accomplish these tasks as stated.

5.4.5 COST EVALUATION

Price shall be based on rates and schedules of fees submitted with the proposal. Any services not included as part of any resulting contract scope of services must be approved and authorized by the Owner before such work is initiated.

The Owner shall pay for such approved services, at the rate or cost agreed upon between the owner and contractor, provided the respondent has provided a schedule of fees for additional services with this RFP.

5.5 PAYMENT

Payment will be made on presentation of Owner’s voucher duly signed and executed. Individual invoices must be presented for payment.

5.6 TERM OF CONTRACT

Contract Period: One Year exercised at the County’s sole option and discretion based upon fee schedule.

5.7 NOTICE OF AWARD

The successful respondent will be notified of the award of contract upon a favorable decision by the governing body and The Purchasing Agent will forward a contract and Purchase Order to the awarded contractor.

5.8 CONTRACT AWARD

If awarded a contract, your company/firm shall be required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A.10:5-31 et seq.

and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et. seq.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT OF ADDENDA

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the following Addenda:

Addendum Number Dated Acknowledge Receipt

(initial)

No Addenda were received

Acknowledged for: __________________________________________

(Name of Bidder)

By: _________________________________________

(Signature of Authorized Representative)

Name: ______________________________________

(Print or Type)

Title: ________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

PROOF OF NEW JERSEY BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, The County of Mercer (“Contracting Agency”) is prohibited from entering into a contract with an entity unless the bidder/proposer/contractor, and each subcontractor that is required by law to be named in a bid/proposal/contract has a valid Business Registration Certificate on file with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services within the Department of the Treasury.

Prior to contract award or authorization, the contractor shall provide the Contracting Agency with its proof of business registration and that of any named subcontractor(s).

Subcontractors named in a bid or other proposal shall provide proof of business registration to the bidder, who in turn, shall provide it to the Contracting Agency prior to the time a contract, purchase order, or other contracting document is awarded or authorized.

During the course of contract performance:

(1) the contractor shall not enter into a contract with a subcontractor unless the subcontractor first provides the contractor with a valid proof of business registration.

(2) the contractor shall maintain and submit to the Contracting Agency a list of subcontractors and their addresses that may be updated from time to time.

(3) the contractor and any subcontractor providing goods or performing services under the contract, and each of their affiliates, shall collect and remit to the Director of the Division of

Taxation in the Department of the Treasury, the use tax due pursuant to the Sales and Use Tax Act, (N.J.S.A. 54:32B-1 et seq.) on all sales of tangible personal property delivered into the State. Any questions in this regard can be directed to the Division of Taxation at (609)292-6400. Form NJ-REG can be filed online at www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/busregcert.shtml .

Before final payment is made under the contract, the contractor shall submit to the Contracting Agency a complete and accurate list of all subcontractors used and their addresses.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:49-4.1, a business organization that fails to provide a copy of a business registration as required, or that provides false business registration information, shall be liable for a penalty of $25 for each day of violation, not to exceed $50,000, for each proof of business registration not properly provided under a contract with a contracting agency.

Emergency Purchases or Contracts

For purchases of an emergent nature, the contractor shall provide its Business Registration Certificate within two weeks from the date of purchase or execution of the contract or prior to payment for goods or services, whichever is earlier.

SAMPLE OF THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE ACCEPTABLE BY THE COUNTY OF MERCER

EEO/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE NOTICE

N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 and N.J.A.C. 17:27

GOODS, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND GENERAL SERVICE CONTRACTS

All successful bidders are required to submit evidence of appropriate affirmative action compliance to the

County and Division of Public Contracts Equal Employment Opportunity…