NOTICE TO CONSULTANTS

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQ 527-261 SPOKANE RIVER CENTENNIAL STATE PARK TRAIL PHASE 2

RENOVATIONS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this Professional Services Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to select a consultant team for design and permitting for a project on the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail, a multiuse trail in Spokane County. The project will renovate and reconstruct 2.8 miles of the State Park Trail through the scenic lower Spokane River Gorge, renovate a popular trailhead (Military Cemetery Trailhead), reconstruct 430 linear feet of retaining wall supporting the trail, and complete habitat, accessibility, and viewpoint enhancements along a popular section of this 40-mile State Park Trail.

Submittal due date: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, by 1:00PM, PST

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTALS RESPONSES ONLY: Submittal responses will only be accepted electronically via Email/Email Attachment to BidBox@parks.wa.gov. (PDF scan encouraged). See

Section 4.1 – Submission of Responses for expanded details.

Procurement Coordinator: Jacob Eckmann, contracts@parks.wa.gov

Email Inquiries to: contracts@parks.wa.gov

• See also (special communication instructions) §2.1, §2.2, §2.3.

Washington State’s Official Bid Notification System: Consultants are responsible for properly registering in the Washington’s Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) system, https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/ and downloading the solicitation document and all appendices and incorporated documents related to this solicitation. WEBS Registration Information:

https://des.wa.gov/services/contracting-purchasing/doing-business-state/webs-registration-search-tips.

WEBS is the system of record for this competition. Alternatively, you can also access the RFQ documents for reference purposes at www.parks.wa.gov/contracts by clicking on the State Purchasing link. However, please note that the official channel for notifications and updates is through WEBS and any RFQ addenda, amendments or Consultants’ questions-&-answers will only be provided to those consultants who have registered with WEBS. Failure to do so may result in a Consultant having incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise inadequate information.

It is each Consultant’ responsibility to fully read and understand all provisions of this RFQ. If a Consultant does not fully understand any portion of this RFQ, the Consultant should contact the Procurement Coordinator.

It is the responsibility of each Consultant to carefully read, understand, and follow all of the instructions contained in this RFQ and all amendments hereto.

mailto:BidBox@parks.wa.gov mailto:contracts@parks.wa.gov mailto:contracts@parks.wa.gov https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/webs/ https://des.wa.gov/services/contracting-purchasing/doing-business-state/webs-registration-search-tips http://www.parks.wa.gov/contracts

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY

1.1 Acquisition Authority

1.2 Project Description

1.3 Mandatory Qualifications

2 DEADLINES, PREBID CONFERENCE, QUESTIONS AND PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

2.1 PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE

2.2 QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

2.3 Complaint Period

2.4 Procurement Schedule

3 RESPONSES - REQUIRED CONTENT

3.1 Checklist of Mandatory items

3.2 Consultant Profile – Appendix A

3.3 Certifications – Appendix B

3.4 Submittal – Appendix C

3.5 References – Appendix D

3.6 Diverse Business Inclusion Plan – Appendix E

4 RESPONSES - PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Submission of Responses

4.2 Response layout requirements

5 EVALUATION AND AWARD

5.1 Determination of Responsiveness

5.2 General Evaluation Provisions

5.3 selection process

5.4 SOQ Evaluation CRITERIA (PHASE 1)

5.5 Oral Presentations (OPTIONAL)

5.6 Oral Presentations Evaluation CRITERIA (PHASE 2) — optional

5.7 Selection of Apparent Successful Consultant

5.8 Announcement of Apparent Successful consultant

6 DEBRIEF AND PROTESTS

6.1 Debriefing of Unsuccessful consultants

6.2 Procurement Records Disclosure

6.3 Protests

6.4 Grounds for Protest

6.5 Protest Form and Content

6.6 Submitting a Protest

7 ADDITIONAL GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL CONSULTANTS

7.1 Announcement and Special Information

7.2 Contracting with Current or Former State Employees

7.3 Amendments to The RFQ

7.4 Responsiveness of Consultant’s Response

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7.5 Clarity and Clarifications

7.6 Cost of Response Preparation

7.7 Ownership of responses

7.8 Final Selection & No Obligation

7.9 Incorporation of Response in Contract

7.10 Agreement to STATE PARKS Contract Terms and Conditions

7.11 Statewide Vendor Payment Registration

7.12 Minority Women Owned and Veteran Owned Business Enterprises

7.13 SUBCONSULTANT PARTICIPATION MONITORING AND REPORTING

7.14 Public Disclosure & Proprietary Information

7.15 Civil Rights Compliance

8 APPENDICES and EXHIBITS Appendix A, Consultant Profile (Mandatory - sign and return) Appendix B, Certifications (Mandatory - sign and return) Appendix C, Submittal (Mandatory – write and return) Appendix D, References (Mandatory - complete and return – and notify References) Appendix E, Diversity Business Inclusion Plan (Mandatory - complete and return) Exhibit A. Draft/Sample Service Agreement for Apparent Successful Consultant

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1 SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY

This section describes the purpose of the Request for Qualifications and provides information about this procurement, including the potential scope of the opportunity.

1.1 ACQUISITION AUTHORITY

Under the authority granted to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks) in accordance with Chapter 39.80 RCW, the purpose of this Request for Qualifications is to select a consultant or consultant team for the professional services described herein.

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail is a 40-mile paved, multiuse trail in Spokane County that extends between the Idaho state line and Nine Mile Recreation Area in Riverside State Park. While a state park, the trail is managed in coordination with the City of Spokane, Spokane County, City of Spokane Valley, City of Liberty Lake, and Friends of Centennial Trail per an interlocal agreement.

The project will renovate and reconstruct 2.8 miles of the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail through the scenic lower Spokane River Gorge, renovate a popular trailhead (Military Cemetery Trailhead), reconstruct 430 linear feet of retaining wall supporting the trail, and complete habitat, accessibility, and viewpoint enhancements along a popular section of this 40-mile State Park Trail.

STATEMENT OF WORK

The base project includes design development, schematic design as needed, contract documents, permitting support, bidding assistance, construction contract administration and project closeout as required in order for trail renovation and construction, including a retaining wall, trailhead parking lot improvements, trail base and surfacing, and other associated improvements to be issued for public bid and construction. The preliminary program includes (please also see the attached graphic):

• Renovation of existing asphalt trail (approx. 14,000 LF 10’-12’ in width from TJ Meenach Bridge (including trail underpass) through Military Cemetery Trailhead, including crushed rock shoulders.

• Complete demolition, removal, and reconstruction of 432 LF of retaining wall and associated improvements located between TJ Meenach Bridge and Military Cemetery Trailhead.

• Demolition and reconstruction of the Military Cemetery Trailhead service road from Government Way, including grading, additional base material, and asphalt.

• Demolition and reconstruction of the Military Cemetery Trailhead, including potentially grading, additional base material, striping, fencing, and other associated improvements for a minimum of 11 parking stalls and 1 ADA parking stall.

• Construction of a new, developed, accessible viewpoint near Military Cemetery Trailhead.

• Circulation pathways from Military Cemetery Trailhead to trail, developed viewpoint, and future pollinator refuge (refuge designed and installed by volunteers).

• Construction of slope stabilization / support under TJ Meenach Bridge. This could include recommendations to address stormwater from the bridge, which could be exacerbating the erosion.

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• Investigation and design recommendations (to DD only) of trail transition from Pettit Drive across TJ Meenach Bridge to Riverside State Park to create a consistent, positive and safe experience for trail visitors. This work will require coordination with the City of Spokane.

Associated site improvements such as signage (wayfinding and interpretation) transitions to the existing trail surface to provide an uninterrupted trail experience should also be anticipated.

Construction Contract Administration and Project Closeout may also be included

Maximum Allowable Construction Cost

The Maximum Allowable Construction Cost (MACC) is defined as the total sum available to the general contractor for construction purposes, including all alternates. The MACC excludes Washington state sales tax, professional fees, project contingency funds, or other charges that may not be under the scope of the general contractor. The MACC for this project is $1,900,000.00

SCOPE OF WORK

Design Development In the Design Development Phase, the consultant shall provide those services necessary to provide drawings and other documents necessary to fix and describe the size and character of the entire project for approval by the agency. Parks will provide a schematic level sketch for the consultant to advance through the Design Development phase. Consideration shall be given to availability of materials, equipment and labor, construction sequencing and scheduling, economic analysis of construction and operations, user safety and maintenance requirements, and energy conservation. The Design Development phase includes the following:

Project Administration Services consisting of design development administrative functions including consultation, meetings and correspondence, and progress design review conferences with user agency.

Document Checking Review and coordination of documents prepared for the project.

Permitting Authority Consulting Consultations, research of critical applicable regulations, preparation of written and graphic explanatory materials. The services apply to applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and codes. Assist in obtaining approval from approving agencies as required.

Civil/Structural/Site Design Services consisting of continued development of civil/structural/site schematic design documents.

Scheduling Services consisting of reviewing and updating previously established schedules for the project.

Cost Estimating Services consisting of development of a probable construction cost from quantity surveys and unit costs of building elements for the project. Parametric costs reflect the level of design elements presented in the design development documents, plus appropriate design

RFQ 527-261 Spokane River Trail Reno Ph2 Page 6 of 33 contingencies to encompass unidentified scope ultimately included in the program. Assist Parks with analyzing scope, schedule and budget options to stay within the MACC.

Presentations Services consisting of appropriate presentation(s) of design development documents by the Consultant to Parks representatives.

Deliverables:

• One 22”x34” hard copy of the Design Development drawings.

• DD cost estimate.

• Electronic copies of all material on a CD.

Construction Documents In the Construction Documents phase, the consultant shall provide the services necessary to prepare Construction Documents consisting of drawings, specifications, and other documents describing the requirements for construction, bidding and contracting for the construction of the project for approval by Parks from the approved Design Development documents; The Construction Document phase includes the following:

Services consisting of construction documents, administrative functions (including consultation, meetings and correspondence), and progress design review conferences.

Document Checking Review and coordination of documents prepared for the project.

Permitting Authority Consulting Consultations, research of critical applicable regulations, preparation of written and graphic explanatory materials. The services apply to applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and codes. Assist in obtaining approval from approving agencies as required.

Civil/Structural/Site Design Services consisting of preparation of final civil/structural/site design drawings and specifications based on approved design development documentation required for the project.

Scheduling Services consisting of reviewing and updating previously established schedules for the project.

Cost Estimating Services consisting of development of a probable construction cost from quantity surveys and unit costs of construction elements for the project. Parametric costs reflect the level of design elements presented in the Design Development documents, plus appropriate design contingencies. Assist Parks with analyzing scope, schedule and budget options to stay within the MACC.

Deliverables:

• One 22”x34” hard copy of the drawings at 30% and 60%.

• Outline specifications at 30% and draft specifications at 60%

• One 22”x34” hard copy of the drawings at 100% stamped and signed by the Engineer of

Record.

• One hard copy of the 100% specifications stamped and signed by the Engineer of Record.

• Construction Cost Estimates at 30%, 60% and 100%

• Electronic copies of all deliverables on a CD.

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Bidding In the Bidding Phase, the consultant, following the agency's approval of the Construction Documents and the most recent statement of probable construction cost, shall provide those services necessary to assist Parks in obtaining bids and in awarding and preparing contracts for construction. The bidding phase includes the following:

Bidding Materials Services consisting of organizing, coordinating, and handling Bidding documents for reproduction, distribution and retrieval, receipt, and return of document deposits.

Addenda Services consisting of preparation and distribution of Addenda as may be required during bidding and including supplementary drawings, specifications, instructions, and notice(s) of changes in the bidding schedule and procedure.

Bidding Services consisting of participation in pre-bid conferences, responses to questions from bidders, and clarification or interpretations of the bidding documents.

Analysis of Substitutions Services consisting of consideration, analysis, comparisons, and recommendations relative to substitutions proposed by bidders prior to receipt of bids.

Bid Evaluation Services consisting of validation of bids, participation in review of bids and alternates, evaluation of bids, and recommendation on award of contract.

Deliverables:

• Respond to pre-bid questions and maintain a record of responses as directed by Parks

• Preparation of drawings details responses or other documents as required for issuance of addenda by Parks during the bidding period.

• Written documentation regarding evaluation of bids and/or bidder qualifications.

Construction Contract Administration In the Construction Contract Administration (CA) phase, the consultant shall provide services necessary for the administration of the construction contract as set forth in the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. CA shall include:

Services consisting of construction contract administrative functions including consultation, conferences, communications, and progress reports.

Document Checking Reviewing and checking of documents (required submittals) prepared for the project

Construction Administration Services consisting of processing of submittals, including receipt, review of and appropriate action on shop drawings, product data, samples, and other submittals required by the contract documents. Distribution of submittals to agency, contractor, and field representatives as required. Maintenance of master file of submittals and related communications.

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Construction Field Operation Services consisting of visits to the site at intervals appropriate to the stage of construction or as otherwise agreed to become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work and to determine in general if the work is proceeding in accordance with the contract documents and preparing related reports and communications. The consultant to chair project meetings.

Documents Services consisting of preparation, reproduction, and distribution of clarification documents and interpretations in response to requests for clarification by contractors or Parks. Preparation and distribution of weekly meeting minutes to the contractor and Parks. Maintenance of records and coordination of communications relative to requests for clarification or information (RFI).

Preparation, reproduction and distribution of drawings and specifications to describe work to be added, deleted or modified, review of proposals, review and recommend changes in time for substantial completion, assisting in the preparation of modifications of the contracts and coordination of communications, approvals, notifications, and record-keeping relative to changes in the work. Additional fees for changes to the scope of a project shall be negotiated.

Scheduling Services consisting of monitoring the progress of the contractors relative to established schedules and making status reports to the user agency.

Cost Accounting Services consisting of maintenance of records of payments on account of the contract and all changes thereto, evaluation of applications for payment and certification thereof, and review and evaluation of cost data submitted by the contractors for work performed.

Project Closeout Services initiated upon notice from the contractor that the work is sufficiently complete, in accordance with the contract documents, to permit occupancy or utilization for the use for which it is intended, and consisting of a detailed inspection for conformity of the work to the contract documents, issuance of certificate of substantial completion, issuance of a list of remaining work required (punch list), final inspections, receipt and transmittal of warranties, affidavits, receipts, releases and waivers of lien or bonds, permits, and issuance of final certificate for payment.

Deliverables:

• Contractor progress payments

• Complete records (hard copy and electronic copies) of all documentation submitted by the

Contractor

• Complete records (hard copy and electronic copies) of all documentation prepared by the consultant

PRELIMINARY PROJECT SCHEDULE

• Project Kick-Off Meeting July 16, 2026

• 30% DD Sept. 17, 2026

• 100% DD Nov. 19, 2026

• 30% CD Jan. 7, 2027

• 60% CD’s (Permit Submittal) Feb. 4, 2027

• 100% CD’s Mar. 25, 2027

• Bidding Apr. 18 through May 18, 2027

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• Contract Execution May 19 through June 9, 2027

• NTP June 14, 2027

PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS

• All project communication for Parks will be directed through Chris Carlson, CPC3, Eastern Region.

• State Parks will provide the consultant with Parks standard Division 0 specifications.

• Parks will provide the consultant with Parks standard Division 1 specifications as requested for the consultant’s use comment and coordination with the consultant’s technical sections.

• All documents will be in State Parks’ format and specifications will be in CSI format, per

State Parks’ standards.

• Contract documents will be for a competitive bid (“Design Bid Build”) project delivery.

• State Parks will coordinate and obtain archeological investigations and approvals per EO-21-

02 as required for work within park boundaries.

• Design meetings will be conducted virtually or at the consultant’s engineering offices or other mutually agreeable locations.

• Any Tribal and/or public engagement to inform design will be conducted and led by State

Parks.

• Consultant will assist in generating content for permitting applications, including SEPA, grading permit, or other permitting needs.

• Consultant will be solely responsible for obtaining topographic survey, geotechnical report, and/or other studies as may be necessary to support and inform design.

1.3 MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS

The following are mandatory qualifications that the Consultant must satisfy in order to be announced as the Apparent Successful Consultant:

• Consultant must have an active architect, engineering, landscape architect or professional surveyor’s professional license in the state of Washington.

• The Consultant must have at least five (5) years of experience in topographic survey and base mapping.

• Consultant must have at least five (5) years of experience in civil and structural engineering.

• Consultant must have at least five (5) years of experience in landscape architecture.

• Consultant must be registered to do business in the state of Washington and must hold a

Universal Business Identifier (UBI)

• Consultant is urged to sign up in Washington’s Electronic Business System (WEBS), as that is where all documents and addenda will be posted.

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2 DEADLINES, PREBID CONFERENCE, QUESTIONS AND PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

This section identifies important deadlines for this Request for Qualifications, where to direct questions regarding the Request for Qualifications, and the process for potential amendments or modifications to the Request for Qualifications.

2.1 PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE

Consultants are invited to a virtual pre-submittal conference via Microsoft Teams, where they can ask questions and request changes. Interested consultants must RSVP to contracts@parks.wa.gov by the date specified in Section 2.4 – Procurement Schedule, with the submittal identification number and "RSVP" in the subject line (e.g., "RFQ # RSVP"). A meeting link will be sent the next day. The conference date and time are also in Section 2.4.

Attendees should not display video and keep their microphones muted if not speaking. If the conference fails or you have additional questions, send them by 3 PM (PST) on the same day.

Responses will be posted on WEBS. State Parks is not responsible for technical issues or participation failures. Questions raised at the pre-submittal conference and during the Q&A period will be answered and responses posted to WEBS.

State Parks reserves the right to amend and modify this Request for Qualifications.

2.2 QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

Consultants may ask questions at any time, but responses must be posted on WEBS before the submittal’s due date to allow consultants to respond. The final day for questions to receive a formal response is in Section 2.4 – Procurement Schedule.

Send questions to contracts@parks.wa.gov with the submittal identification number and "Question" in the subject line (e.g., "RFQ # Question"). Only responses posted on WEBS are official; all other communications are unofficial and nonbinding.

2.3 COMPLAINT PERIOD

Consultants should first address concerns during the Question-and-Answer period. If a complaint is necessary, refer to Section 2.4 – Procurement Schedule for the Complaints Period. Complaints outside this period will not be considered. Send complaints to contracts@parks.wa.gov with the submittal identification number and "Complaint" in the subject line (e.g., "RFQ # Complaint").

Failure to mark correctly may result in the complaint being missed. Responses will be posted on WEBS; only these responses are official.

Consultants must follow these procedures for complaints to be considered. Complaints must be in writing, sent to the Procurement Coordinator before the deadline, to the specified email address, and with the correct subject line. The complaint must state its basis and propose a remedy Only complaints that fall into the categories below and stipulate an issue of fact shall be considered:

• The request for qualifications unnecessarily restricts competition

• The request for qualifications evaluation or scoring is unfair or flawed; or

• The request for qualifications requirements are inadequate or insufficient to prepare a response mailto:contracts@parks.wa.gov

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2.4 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

Consultants must adhere to the following schedule of activities. All times and dates are to be deemed final, unless officially amended by a written amendment posted in WEBS. State Parks requires strict adherence to this schedule:

Activity Due Dates Time

RSVP Pre-submittal Conference

05/06/2026 See additional details in Section 2.1 – Pre-submittal Conference.

COB

Pre-submittal Conference

05/07/2026 See additional details in Section 2.1 – Pre-submittal Conference

10:00AM-

10:30AM

PST

Question Period

04/24/2026 – 05/27/2026 See additional details in Section 2.2 – Question and Answer Period.

NA

Answer Period

04/30/2026 –05/29/2026, anticipated but may take longer. All Answer Responses will be posted on WEBS. See Section 2.2 – Question and Answer Period

Complaint Period

05/27/2026 – 06/01/2026 See additional details in Section 2.3 – Complaint Period.

Complaints received before or after the Complaint period will not be considered.

NA

Consultant’s Response – Deadline

06/09/2026 See also: Section 4 - Responses - Preparation and Submission Requirements. See also Section 3.1

CHECKLIST OF REQUIRED MATERIALS

1:00PM

Short-Listed firms selected and notified

If the goal of identifying the most qualified firm from the SOQ Evaluation Phase 1 is not met, the evaluation team may consider adding Phase 2:

Oral Presentations to the evaluation process. The decision to proceed with Phase 2 will be determined as needed.

Oral Presentations (if needed)

The Oral Presentation Phase 2 criteria and instructions will be provided by email to the short-listed firms. To be Determined.

Announcement of Apparent Successful Consultant

(ASC)

After the Submittal’s due date (deadline to submit submittal responses) and following the evaluation, short-listed selected or oral presentations (if needed) the state will Announce the Apparent Successful Consultant (ASC). See additional details in Section 5.8 – Announcement of Apparent Successful Consultant.

Debriefing of Consultants

The Consultant wanting a Debrief must request a Debrief within three business days following the day of the Announcement of Apparent Successful Consultant (ASC). See additional details in Section 6.1 – Debriefing of Consultants.

Protest The DEBRIEFED Consultant wanting to submit a protest must submit a Protest within five business days following the day of the Debrief. See additional details in Section 6.3 - Protests

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3 RESPONSES - REQUIRED CONTENT

This section describes the information required for the Request for Qualifications and outlines how your submittal will be scored. Additionally, consultants must review and adhere to the Request for Qualifications requirements, including those detailed in the exhibits, which specify the information that must be provided for a submittal to be considered responsive.

3.1 CHECKLIST OF MANDATORY ITEMS

The following list identifies the content that must be included in each responsible submission.

• Appendix A, Consultant Profile

• Appendix B, Certifications

• Appendix C, Submittal

• Appendix D, References

• Appendix E, Diverse Business Inclusion Plan

Any response that does not contain all of the above items will be rejected as non-responsive.

Each item is discussed in more depth in the following sections.

3.2 CONSULTANT PROFILE – APPENDIX A

Consultant Profile provides general information concerning the Consultant and/or its corporate entity. The Consultant must complete all sections and sign where indicated. Signing the Profile indicates the Consultant accepts the terms and conditions of this RFQ. Failure to address all of the elements identified in the Profile may result in disqualification.

It is important to fully read the Consultant Profile as there are additional pages that the Consultant may have to attach depending on the Consultant’s response.

Appendix A - The Consultant Profile is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

3.3 CERTIFICATIONS – APPENDIX B

The Certifications must be executed as written in Appendix B. Failure to execute the Appendix in its official form will result in the Consultant’s Proposal being disqualified.

Appendix B – Certifications is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

3.4 SUBMITTAL – APPENDIX C

The Submittal section of the response must contain information that will demonstrate to the evaluation committee the Consultant’s understanding of the types of services proposed, the firm’s ability to accomplish them, and the ability to meet tight timeframes.

3.4.1 The firm’s approach to the work (4 pages, maximum).

3.4.2 The firm’s resume (5 pages, maximum).

3.4.3 A resume for all proposed sub-consultants (2 pages, maximum, per sub-consultant).

3.4.4 A written statement of the firm’s qualifications which is responsive to the selection criteria

(10 pages, maximum, including pictures).

3.4.5 Key staff resumes, including key staff of proposed sub-consultants (2 pages maximum per staff member).

3.4.6. OMWBE Certification - Include proof of certification issued by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises if certified minority-owned firm and/or women-owned firm(s) will be participating on this project. See also Section 3.6.

Appendix C – Submittal is evaluated and scored according to the criteria laid out in Section 5.4 SOQ Evaluation Criteria.

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3.5 REFERENCES – APPENDIX D

Each Consultant must submit three (3) references using the forms provided in Appendix D. State Parks will contact each reference by email and provide them with a pre-established questionnaire (the same questionnaire will be used for all references). It is the Consultant’s obligation to provide the correct name and email address for each reference, and make sure that such reference will promptly respond to State Parks’ inquiry. The evaluation of the references will be based on the quality of the referral given, and the relative correlation between the services performed for that reference and the scope of work herein. As such, State Parks notes that references from other Washington State Agencies for similar work will be deemed as having a higher degree of relativity.

Appendix D- References are evaluated on a pass/fail basis that it is included with the submittal.

The objective of references is to gage the Responsibility of the consultant. State Parks reserves the right and may contact your reference and may contact any person, business, agency, or database system that may have information on your skills, abilities, and customer service.

3.6 DIVERSE BUSINESS INCLUSION PLAN – APPENDIX E

In accordance with RCW 39.19.010, the state of Washington encourages participation in all of its contracts by OMWBE certified firms.

In accordance with RCW 43.60A.200 and RCW 39.26.240, the state of Washington encourages participation in contracts that are exempt from competitive bidding under RCW 39.26.125 by firms certified by Department Of Veteran Affairs.

In accordance with RCW 39.26.005, the state of Washington encourages participation in all of its contracts by Washington small businesses.

All Consultants, including diverse-owned firms, will be required to submit a Diverse Business Inclusion Plan. The Inclusion Plan should demonstrate in detail the specific strategies, approaches, and steps your firm will use in seeking to help meet or exceed the state’s aspirational diverse business participation goals. Achievement of the goals is encouraged whether directly or through subconsultants.

• Ten percent (10%) Minority-Owned Businesses certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE);

• Six percent (6%) Women-Owned Businesses certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE);

• Five percent (5%) Veteran-Owned Businesses certified by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA); and

• Five percent (5%) Washington Small Businesses self-identified in the Washington Electronics’ Business Solution (WEBS) https://www.des.wa.gov/services/contracting-purchasing/doing-business-state/webs-registration-search-tips.

The Diverse Business definition includes Washington small business, micro-business, and mini business as defined in RCW 39.26.010, Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) as defined in RCW 39. 19 and WAC 326-20, and Veteran-owned businesses as defined in RCW 43.60A.010.

Appendix E – Diverse Business Inclusion Plan is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.19.010 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.60A.200 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.26.240 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.26.125 https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=39.26.005 https://omwbe.wa.gov/state-supplier-diversity-reporting/tools-equity-public-spending/subcontractor-inclusion-plans https://omwbe.wa.gov/state-supplier-diversity-reporting/tools-equity-public-spending/subcontractor-inclusion-plans https://omwbe.wa.gov/directory-certified-businesses https://omwbe.wa.gov/directory-certified-businesses https://dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veteran-owned-businesses/vob-search https://www.des.wa.gov/services/contracting-purchasing/doing-business-state/webs-registration-search-tips https://www.des.wa.gov/services/contracting-purchasing/doing-business-state/webs-registration-search-tips

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4 RESPONSES - PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

This section identifies how to prepare and submit your submittal for this Request for Qualifications. By responding to this Request for Qualifications and submitting a submittal, consultants acknowledge having read and understood the entire Request for Qualifications and accept all information contained within this Request for Qualifications.

4.1 SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES

Consultants must be complete, legible, signed, and follow all instructions stated in the Request for Qualifications (including the appendices, and exhibits). Unless otherwise specified in writing by documents included with an electronic bid must be prepared in MS Word, MS Excel, or Adobe PDF (or similar representation that maintains bookmarks and hyperlinks). Where required to do so, consultants may sign using either a physical or electronic signature.

Consultant’s electronic submittal must be emailed to the Procurement Coordinator at the following email address: BidBox@parks.wa.gov. The email subject line should include the submittal identification number, "Submittal," and your company name (e.g., "RFQ # Submittal ACME").

Ensure the email, including attachments, is less than 30MB. It's recommended to keep it under 25MB. Zipped files are not accepted. All responses and any accompanying documentation become the property of State Parks and will not be returned.

State Parks will send an automatic acknowledgment of submittal receipt. This acknowledgment does not determine the submittal’s responsiveness. If the consultant does not receive an acknowledgment within a reasonable time, it is the consultant's responsibility to contact State Parks for confirmation.

It is State Parks’ expectation that the Consultant’s submittal response email will contain an attachment with all of the required documents, including any required signatures.

Late responses will not be accepted and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration.

VERIFICATION: Consultants are welcome to contact the State Parks Contracts and Grants Program team (CGP) to see if your submittal response was received, however, this process works best if there’s enough time between the date and time submitted and the bid’s due date deadline.

Send verification requests to: contracts@parks.wa.gov The email subject line should include the bid identification number, "Verification," and your company name (e.g., "RFQ # Verification ACME") CAUTION: Submit your submittal response early as a safeguard against any technological slow-down or delays. Submittals received after the deadline for any reason, no matter the cause, regardless of responsibility, will be rejected.

--- Late submissions will be considered non-responsive and may be rejected. ---

4.2 RESPONSE LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS

All pages in each attached file must be consecutively numbered. All pages must also contain the name of the Consultant, and the respective Appendix reference letter to which it applies. The required information may be located at the top or bottom (header or footer) of each page, but the location must be consistent throughout.

NOTE: Any attachment or exhibit to a response has to be adequately labeled -- to include the category/section/question to which it corresponds. If evaluators cannot easily identify the exhibited material to the evaluation question, or to the respective Consultant, the attachment may be disregarded.

mailto:BidBox@parks.wa.gov

RFQ 527-261 Spokane River Trail Reno Ph2 Page 15 of 33

5 EVALUATION AND AWARD

This section identifies how submittals for this Request for Qualifications will be evaluated.

5.1 DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIVENESS

All Responses received by the stated deadline will first be reviewed by the Procurement Coordinator to ensure that the Responses contain all of the information required in this RFQ. Only responsive Responses that meet the requirements will be forwarded for further review. Any Response that does not contain all of the required information or any Consultant who does not meet the mandatory qualifications will be rejected as non-responsive and will be removed from further evaluation. However, the Procurement Coordinator has the right to waive, and/or seek correction of minor informalities that do not alter the content of the Response.

5.2 GENERAL EVALUATION PROVISIONS

The evaluation process is designed to award a contract to the Consultant with the best quality attributes based on the selected evaluation criteria.

Evaluations of subjective material (Appendix C) will be conducted by the evaluation team. State Parks has sole discretion over the selection of evaluators and will make such selections based on each potential evaluator’s knowledge, skills, and experience with the subject matter. Each evaluator will independently grade and score the Consultant’s material based on their own independent judgment, and in accordance with the format noted below for each respective requirement. Evaluators will only evaluate the material contained in the Responses and will not incorporate outside material into their determinations. Each evaluator has sole discretion over his or her final scores.

Consultants should take every precaution to assure that all answers are clear, complete, and directly responsive to each specific requirement.

5.3 SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process includes two potential phases. Phase 1 involves firms submitting their Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), which are scored and ranked based on the evaluation criteria specified in this RFQ. Following this, Phase 2, which is an optional Oral Presentation, may occur at the discretion of the evaluation team. If conducted, the highest-scoring firms from Phase 1, known as Finalists, will be invited to participate. In Phase 2, these Finalists are scored and ranked according to specific evaluation criteria for this phase.

The firm with the highest rank in Phase 2, if it takes place, will be chosen to enter negotiations to provide consultant services for this project. Please note that scores from Phase 1 and Phase 2 are not combined.

Should contract negotiations fail to be completed within a reasonable timeframe after initiation, State Parks may immediately cease contract negotiations and declare the firm with the next highest score as the new apparent most qualified firm and enter into contract negotiations with that firm.

RFQ 527-261 Spokane River Trail Reno Ph2 Page 16 of 33

5.4 SOQ EVALUATION CRITERIA (PHASE 1)

State Parks will use the below-noted point totals in its evaluation of the required materials.

Evaluation Criteria / Required Material Maximum Possible Point Total

Appendix A: Consultant Profile Pass/Fail Basis – no points

Appendix B: Certifications Pass/Fail Basis – no points

Appendix C: Submittal

- Project Management - Project approach and work plan is consistent with the project’s scope of work, including schedule, deliverables, and work plan.

Includes project team structure and internal controls in place for the project.

25 Points

Project Team Experience – Team member qualifications and experience that demonstrate capacity and skillsets necessary to successfully carryout the scope of work described herein.

35 Points

- Demonstrated Experience with Completion of Comparable Projects - Demonstrated experience on similar projects of scale, budget, and scope. If unique challenges were encountered, how were they successfully resolved.

35 Points

- Quality of Submittal – The submittal is well-organized, easy to read and understand.

5 points

Appendix D: References Pass/Fail Basis – no points Appendix E: Diverse Business Inclusion Plan Pass/Fail Basis – no points TOTAL: 100 Points

Points for Appendix C will be determined according to the following guidelines, and weighted appropriately:

Consultant demonstrates renowned experience (5 points)

Consultant demonstrates considerable experience (4 points)

Consultant demonstrates solid experience (3 points)

Consultant demonstrates adequate experience (2 points)

Consultant demonstrates limited experience (1 points)

Consultant demonstrates no experience (0 points)

For example, a score of 4 points under Scoring Element #1 is worth 36 out of a possible 45 points; a score of 4 points under Scoring Element #2 is worth 32 out of a possible 40 points, etc.

RFQ 527-261 Spokane River Trail Reno Ph2 Page 17 of 33

5.5 ORAL PRESENTATIONS (OPTIONAL)

Oral presentations, if considered necessary by State Parks, may be utilized in selecting the winning response. State Parks, at its sole discretion, may elect to select the top-scoring firm(s) from the written evaluation for an oral presentation and contact the top-scoring firm(s) to schedule a date, time and location for an oral presentation. Commitments made by the Consultant at the oral interview, if any, will be considered binding.

The oral presentation shall determine the apparently successful consultant.

Oral Presentations on a specified date and time, and will be formatted in two periods:

— Firm Presentation Period (Maximum: 30 Minutes)

— Question and Answer (Q&A) Period (Maximum: 20 minutes)

— Firm Closing Statements (Maximum: 5 Minutes)

5.6 ORAL PRESENTATIONS EVALUATION CRITERIA (PHASE 2) — OPTIONAL

State Parks will use the point totals noted below in its evaluation of the oral presentation.

Oral Presentation Evaluation Criteria Maximum Possible Point Total

Firm Qualifications & Capacity:

- Management Plan

- Team Member Qualifications

- Capacity/Production Capabilities

25 points

Project Management:

- Scope management

- Budgeting and Cost Control

- Project Scheduling

25 points

Project Approach

- Understanding of this project

- Challenges & Opportunities

25 Points

Experience

- Relevant Past Projects (firm)

- Relevant Past Project (key team members)

25 Points

TOTAL: 100 Points Points for Oral Presentation will be determined according to the following guidelines, and weighted appropriately:

Consultant demonstrates renowned experience (5 points)

Consultant demonstrates considerable experience (4 points)

Consultant demonstrates solid experience (3 points)

Consultant demonstrates adequate experience (2 points)

Consultant demonstrates limited experience (1 points)

Consultant demonstrates no experience (0 points)

For example, a score of 4 points under Scoring Element #1 is worth 36 out of a possible 45 points; a score of 4 points under Scoring Element #2 is worth 32 out of a possible 40 points, etc.

5.7 SELECTION OF APPARENT SUCCESSFUL CONSULTANT

Note: The Consultant meeting all responsive criteria and having the highest final cumulative score will be selected as the Apparent Successful Consultant (ASC).

State Parks will notify the Apparent Successful Consultant(s) and the non-successful Consultants via email.

RFQ 527-261 Spokane River Trail Reno Ph2 Page 18 of 33

5.8 ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPARENT SUCCESSFUL CONSULTANT

Following the announcement of the ASC, Consultants may request a Debrief conference. The Consultant will have a short period of time to request the Debrief conference. NOTE: a Debrief conference is a mandatory prerequisite for any Consultant desiring to protest the award.

6 DEBRIEF AND PROTESTS

This section identifies how debriefings and protests for this Request for Qualifications are processed.

6.1 DEBRIEFING OF UNSUCCESSFUL CONSULTANTS

Consultants who submitted a Response will be given the opportunity for a debriefing conference.

The Procurement Coordinator must receive the request for a debriefing conference within three

(3) business days after the notification of unsuccessful Consultant email is sent. The debriefing shall be held within three (3) business days of the request.

Discussion will be limited to a critique of the requesting Consultant’s Response including the factors considered in the evaluation of that Response and the Consultant’s performance with regard to the solicitation requirements. Comparisons between Responses or evaluations of the other Responses will not be allowed. Debriefing conferences may be conducted in person or on the telephone and will be scheduled for a maximum of thirty (30) minutes.

6.2 PROCUREMENT RECORDS DISCLOSURE

A consultant may request copies of the solicitation and evaluation documents or inspect them to assess the efficacy of filing a protest. Such requests must be submitted online to the State Parks Public Records Center. State Parks will respond within five business days of receiving the request.

The requested documents will either be sent to or made available to the requesting Consultant, except for any portions of the documents that have been identified as Proprietary Information.

State Parks will follow the process set forth in Section 7.14 Public Disclosure & Proprietary Information, before disclosing any portions of Responses that have been identified as Proprietary Information.

If more time is needed, State Parks will inform the requestor of the date the requested documents will be available.

6.3 PROTESTS

Consultants protesting this procurement shall follow the procedures described in below. Protests that do not follow these procedures shall not be considered. This protest procedure constitutes the sole administrative remedy available to the Consultant under this procurement. State Parks will not accept any protest before the announcement of the Apparent Successful Consultant.

The protest procedure is only available to Consultants who submitted a response to this RFQ and who have participated in a debriefing conference. State Parks must receive a protest within five

(5) business days of the debriefing.

6.4 GROUNDS FOR PROTEST

A protest may be made based only on the following grounds:

• A matter of bias, discrimination, or conflict of interest on the part of an evaluator;

• Errors in computing the scores; or

• Non-compliance with the procedures established in this Procurement document.

Protests not based on these grounds will not be considered. Protests will be rejected as without merit if they address issues such as; 1) An evaluator’s professional judgment on the quality of a Response, or 2) State Parks’ assessment of its own needs or requirements.

https://parkswa.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(qyie3nmeinckm0yveuc1uvms))/supporthome.aspx https://parkswa.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(qyie3nmeinckm0yveuc1uvms))/supporthome.aspx

RFQ 527-261 Spokane River Trail Reno Ph2 Page 19 of 33

6.5 PROTEST FORM AND CONTENT

A Protest must state all of the facts and arguments upon which the Protest is based, and the grounds for the Protest. It must be in writing, clear and concise, and signed by a person authorized to bind the Consultant to a contractual relationship. At a minimum, the Protest must include:

• The name of the protesting Consultant, mailing address and phone number, and the name of the individual responsible for submission of the Protest;

• The RFQ number and title

• A detailed and complete statement of the specific State Parks actions under Protest;

• The grounds for the Protest;

• Description of the relief or corrective action requested. Consultant may attach supporting documentation to their Protest as they deem necessary and proper.

6.6 SUBMITTING A PROTEST

Protests must be in writing, must be signed by the Consultant and must be received by the State Parks Procurement Coordinator at the address below within five (5) Business Days after the debriefing conference. All protests shall be emailed to the Procurement Coordinator as follows:

Email: contracts@parks.wa.gov The subject Line: RFQ # Protest by [Your firm’s name].

Upon State Parks’ receipt of a protest, a review and investigation will be conducted by a neutral party that had no involvement in the evaluation and award process. The reviewer will conduct an objective review of the Protest, based on the contents of the written Protest and the RFQ and any amendments, the Responses, all documents showing evaluation and scoring of the Responses record and any other pertinent information and issue a decision within ten (10) business days of receipt of the protest, unless additional time is needed. If additional time is needed, the protesting Consultant will be notified of the delay.

State Parks will make a final determination on the protest; in accordance with such findings, State Parks will:

a. Find the protest lacking in merit and uphold State Parks’ action; or

b. Find only technical or harmless errors in State Parks’ acquisition process and determine

State Parks to be in…