PC-550000-CAY99.pdf

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LETTER OF RESPONSE

375-030-22

PROCUREMENT

04/18

Advertisement No.: 26332 DOT FM Number: 42865412204

Submittal Date: 5/19/2025 Project Name: Districtwide ETDM Consultant

Consultant’s Name: AtkinsRealis USA Inc.

(Firm must use the name shown on the Consultant’s qualification letter.)

Street Address: 3522 Thomasville Road, 5th Floor

City: Tallahassee State: Florida Zip: 32309

Office Location: Tallahassee, Florida Contact person: Wendy Lasher, AICP

Phone: 813.281.8309 Contact email: wendy.lasher@atkinsrealis.com By submittal of this letter the Consultant certifies that all information provided in the letter is true and accurate. The Consultant further certifies that staff proposed are currently employed by the firm(s) identified, or the Consultant shall provide a statement indicating when staff will become employed by the identified firm(s).

The Letter of Response should address the following information:

• Proposed approach and understanding of critical issues.

• Relevant project experience – Similar type of work experience.

• Other content provided by firm.

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

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

AtkinsRéalis has been a trusted provider of Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) support to District Three (D3) since 2008. Over the years, we have built the largest ETDM support team in the state, and we are excited to continue our collaboration through this Districtwide contract. In addition, we have experience successfully completing multiple aspects of the current contract as you will see highlighted in this letter. Our deep understanding of the District’s preferences ensures the efficient and timely completion of all assigned tasks. Additionally, our strong working relationships with FDOT’s project manager (PM), Tori White, and District support staff will provide you with the assurance of knowing work will begin immediately as tasks are assigned.

Under this new contract, we will continue to proactively identify areas of support so that District staff can focus on other priorities.

To further enhance our capabilities and provide additional resources, we have engaged key subconsultants to expand our PD&E support. We take pride in our longstanding record of dependable service to the District Environmental Management

Office and look forward to strengthening our partnership with your staff. This letter outlines the tasks identified in the Scope of Services and highlights our extensive experience in D3 and throughout the state, demonstrating our ability to successfully execute assigned responsibilities.

As the PM and ETDM task manager, Wendy Lasher, AICP, brings 28 years of PD&E experience, positioning her to lead the AtkinsRéalis team with expertise and efficiency.

She is committed to delivering timely, cost-effective support while maintaining the highest standards of quality in all task assignments.

Having served a critical role with technical management and contract administration on the current contract, Ms. Lasher has a deep understanding of the unique challenges involved and is experienced in assigning the appropriate personnel to tasks required by the District.

With extensive experience in ETDM and PD&E studies, Ms.

Lasher has been instrumental in supporting the management of the

375-030-22

PROCUREMENT

project development phase in D3, including the Pensacola Street and SR 20 PD&E projects. In addition, Ms. Lasher has a deep understanding of the ETDM process and has entered and reviewed projects in the Environmental Screening Tool (EST) across Florida.

She has also led efforts to update the ETDM Manual, facilitating collaboration within the statewide FDOT team.

ETDM activities With a support team of 17 skilled employees experienced in project screenings, AtkinsRéalis has the staffing depth to make sure your deadlines are met. This robust team is particularly valuable during high-demand periods, as in 2019, when 15 projects required screening, followed by nine projects in 2020. Having been involved with ETDM since its inception in 2004, AtkinsRéalis has screened over 275 projects statewide. Ms. Lasher’s extensive expertise in the ETDM process, EST, and NEPA—combined with her strong relationships with D3, the Office of Environmental Management (OEM), and the Environmental Technical Advisory Team (ETAT)— positions her to expertly continue to work with District staff to perform the required ETDM tasks.

To further enhance support, the addition of Allison Conner, a former FDOT PD&E Manager and ETDM Coordinator, strengthens the resources available to D3. Ms. Conner possesses expertise in the ETDM process and the EST, a highly specialized skill that is rare to find within the state of Florida. Furthermore, Ms. Lasher’s and Ms. Conner’s active participation in quarterly ETDM coordinator teleconferences and monthly EST team meetings ensures the District remains informed and ahead of ETDM updates and emerging issues. Over the last 17 years, AtkinsRéalis has successfully screened over 110 projects for D3. The table below highlights key ETDM tasks completed on select, recent D3 projects.

Completed ETDM tasks D3 ETDM experience (by #) Prepared and/or reviewed purpose and need statements, advance notification packages, and preliminary environmental discussions Uploaded projects in EST Coordinated with ETAT members throughout project screening events Provided GIS support Reviewed ETAT comments and assisted the ETDM Coordinator with developing summary degree of effects Assisted with development and publishing of planning and programming summary reports during Phase I and II Assisted with submittal of Class of Action (COA) Determinations in the EST

14388: Nine Mile Road

14404: SR 389

14408: SR 368

14410: SR 297

14414: Around the Mound 14434: SR 366 (Pensacola

St.)

14437: Transmitter Road

14443: US 98

14447: Apalachicola Bridge 14450: NW Crestview Bypass

14457: US 98

14458: US 98

14459: SR 20

14476: US 98

14477: CR 389

14495: SR 173

14497: CR 399 (Navarre

Beach Causeway)

14511: US 98

14528: SR 292

Provided AOI summaries and cost estimates

14577: SR 261 at SR 10

14594: US 98

In addition to ETDM project-related tasks, we have assisted the District with the ETDM support tasks detailed in the table below.

ETDM support task Recent D3 experience Provided hands-on and online guidance/ consultation

Provided training for ETDM process, using the EST, utilizing the Area of Interest tool, and submitting COAs.

Supported Metropolitan and Transportation Planning Organizations (MPOs/TPOs)

Provided assistance to several MPOs/TPOs in D3 developing ETDM materials and EST upload. Provided support to Emerald Coast Regional Council (ECRC) Needs Plan project prioritization using the EST.

Coordinated with

OEM

Coordinated with OEM and PDC when screening projects.

Coordinated and facilitated ETAT meetings

Coordinated with FDOT PM and ETAT members to facilitate eight annual ETAT meetings and two webinars for D3.

Assisted with the OEM statewide ETAT meeting in 2023 on behalf of D3.

Utilized the EST document review tool

Utilized this tool for D3, including responding to agencies in the EST for NEPA document review.

AtkinsRéalis is uniquely equipped to provide additional support at D3’s request, including facilitating the issue resolution process, coordinating with OEM, and offering review assistance, guidance, and training for local MPOs and TPOs. Additionally, we bring extensive hands-on experience in conducting sociocultural effects (SCE) evaluations statewide. Leveraging the latest practical application guides from OEM and the SCE handbook, the team will assist the District with these evaluations, ranging from desktop analyses to comprehensive assessments as needed.

Other areas of support. AtkinsRéalis is fully prepared to deliver all services outlined in this contract, as we are prequalified in the advertised work types. Below we highlight key areas of our expertise within the Scope of Services.

Review/comment/response tasks. With an ever-increasing volume of technical and environmental documents arriving at the District, the team has the experienced professional staff to conduct reviews of these documents on behalf of D3, thereby allowing your staff to maintain focus on other priorities. Led by Greg Vaughn and Allison Conner, our team has successfully reviewed and provided comments within ERC for over 100 documents during the current contract. Leveraging the expertise of our team of engineers, planners, archaeologists, and biologists, we will help to ensure adherence to NEPA, the PD&E Manual, and all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Also, with OEM beginning to utilize AI in document reviews and PD&E Manual updates, the AtkinsRéalis AI team stands ready to assist D3 with this new technology.

Environmental documentation. AtkinsRéalis will provide experienced staff for environmental analysis and documentation throughout the District. Our proven ability to deliver timely and cost-efficient reviews for D3 has been demonstrated in previous Districtwide contracts, where we successfully completed numerous CatEx and Non-Major State Actions. With extensive familiarity in documenting projects within the State-Wide Environmental Project Tracker (SWEPT) and maintaining schedules, we remain committed to surpassing expectations on every assignment.

Staffing chart Principal-in-charge: Greg Vaughn Project manager/ETDM lead: Wendy Lasher, AICP Assistant PM/public involvement lead: Alicia Barber QA/QC lead: Cathie Cash, AICP Support staff (scope of service responsibilities) Alicia Barber 3.1, 4.0(3), 4.0(5), 4.0(6), 4.0(7), 4.0(19) Bryant Brantley 3.1, 4.0(1), 4.0(3), 4.0 (4), 4.0(5), 4.0(6), 4.0(10), 4.0(11), 4.0(19) Allison Conner 3.1, 4.0(2), 4.0(4), 4.0(5), 4.0(6), 4.0(7), 4.0(14), 4.0(18), 4.0(19) Jordan Burnett, PE 4.0(14)

(AH)

Cathie Cash, AICP 4.0(7), 4.0(17), 4.0(19) Michael Cleland, AICP, PTP 4.0(7), 4.0(14) (Columbia) Jessica Fish, MST, RPA

4.0(9), 4.0(17) (SEARCH)

Andrea Garcia 3.1, 4.0(7), 4.0(17), 4.0(19) Greg Garrett 3.1 Marsha Hayes (Hayes) 4.0(7) Raj Krishnasamy (Tierra) 4.0(7) Wendy Lasher, AICP 3.1, 4.0(5), 4.0(7), 4.0(10), 4.0(17)

Robb McGowan 3.1, 4.0(14) Mary Noonan 3.1 Jo-Anne Peck 3.1, 4.0(9), 4.0(17), 4.0(18) Steven RabbySmith, MA, RPA

4.0(9), 4.0(17) (SEARCH)

Mary Kate Roberts 3.1, 4.0(9) Brad Rosenblatt 4.0(2), 4.0(7), 4.0(8), 4.0(12), 4.0(16), 4.0(18) Kristin Scholl 3.1, 4.0(19) Cristina Schoonard 4.0(7), 4.0(11), 4.0(13), 4.0(18) Phil Shad, AICP, PTP 3.1 Lindsay Slautterback, AICP

4.0(1) (KH)

Paul Snelgrove 4.0(15) (Snelgrove) Greg Vaughn 3.1, 4.0(3) Stacey Wallace 4.0(3) (ABC) Katelyn Widness, AICP 4.0(1)

(KH)

Amy Wiwi, GISP 4.0(3) (Metric)

Subconsultants (DBE Commitment: 11%; Non-DBE SB: 3%)

1. ABC Group (DBE/SB)

2. Alday-Howell Eng.(AH)(SB)

3. Columbia Engineering, Inc.

4. Hayes Consulting (DBE)

5. Kimley-Horn (KH)

6. Metric Engineering, Inc.

7. SEARCH

8. Snelgrove Surveying (SB)

9. Tierra South Florida (DBE)

Cultural resources, Section 106, and Section 4(f). In addition to AtkinsRéalis' experienced cultural resource staff, SEARCH is part of the team, providing specialized services related to cultural resources, Section 106, and Section 4(f). Jessica Fish, MST, RPA, leads a team of 30 professionals, leveraging their extensive experience in D3 and Florida to deliver expert support.

Scenic Highways. Kimley-Horn is part of our team, led by Lindsay Slautterback, AICP, and Katelyn Widness, AICP, who have worked closely with the District’s Scenic Highways Coordinator and representatives from Pensacola Scenic Bluffs, Big Bend Scenic Byway, and Scenic 30A. We will provide tailored support in grant writing, corridor management plan updates, and National Scenic Byway designations.

Public involvement. Since 2023, Alicia Barber has collaborated closely with the District Public Information Office (PIO) staff, reviewing public meeting materials for all PD&E studies prior to their submittal to PIO. Additionally, for over 4 years, AtkinsRéalis has led the virtual component of every PD&E public hearing in D3, ensuring a worry-free experience for the District. Our efforts have enabled the public to participate and provide comments from the comfort of their homes via GoToWebinar. Through this experience, Alicia and our team, under the leadership of Greg Vaughn, have demonstrated strong technical skills, creating a seamless experience for the Department’s PM and the public. Our team uses FDOT’s ArcGIS Online (AGOL) to improve public engagement for D3. During the pandemic, we collaborated with District PD&E and GIS staff to create Virtual Project Updates (VPUs) using existing project information without specialized software. We have since developed and maintained over 100 VPUs for PD&E and Design projects. Amy Wiwi, GISP, will continue creating interactive project webpages on nwflroads.com, allowing the public to register for meetings, review materials, and submit comments. Additionally, Stacey Wallace and ABC Group will support this contract by providing comprehensive public involvement and community engagement services. Our team is also prepared to enhance the visual impact of public meeting content by revamping PowerPoint layouts and graphics to improve clarity and accessibility.

Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC). AtkinsRéalis is committed to delivering high-quality work products to our clients, ensuring that all deliverables—whether produced by our team or subconsultants—adhere to our rigorous QA/QC program. Our comprehensive quality management process establishes high standards, requiring work products to be reviewed by qualified, independent experts and verified by a project quality manager.

AtkinsRéalis’ commitment to District Three. AtkinsRéalis proudly provides D3 with the state’s largest ETDM support team, backed by an unmatched level of experience and a proven history of successfully meeting the District’s ETDM needs. The quality of the AtkinsRéalis team is unparalleled in the number of years of experience with the ETDM process and PD&E support, strengthened further by the addition of new partners to expand our capabilities. Over the years, we have worked diligently to build a strong and successful partnership with your staff, and we look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality support services upon re-selection of this contract.

Sincerely, AtkinsRéalis

Wendy Lasher Greg Vaughn

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

Consultant Name Project Advertised Major & Minor Work Types

2.0 3.2 8.2 8.4 9.1 DBE SB UU

Prime AtkinsRealis USA Inc.

Su bc on su lta nt s

ABC Group Alday-Howell Engineering, Inc.

Columbia Engineering and Services, Inc.

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Metric Engineering, Inc.

SEARCH

Snelgrove Surveying & Mapping, Inc.

Tierra South Florida, Inc.

Hayes Consulting Services, LLC

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

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

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

DBE SB UU

Prime

Su bc on su lta nt s

SB = Small Business UU = Under-utilized work type; subconsultant is a professional services firm and is prequalified in the Under-Utilized

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

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

DBE SB UU

Prime

Su bc on su lta nt s

SB = Small Business UU = Under-utilized work type; subconsultant is a professional services firm and is prequalified in the Under-Utilized

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

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