Scope,_Submittal,_Eval_.docx

PIERCE COUNTY

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

ON-CALL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

Pierce County is intending to hire multiple firms that are capable and qualified to provide environmental consulting services including but not limited to: biological, wetland, stream, geological, hydrogeomorphological, wildlife, hazardous material assessment, landscape architectural, air, noise, and cultural resources support to County staff with design and permitting of projects to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts and achieve surface water management, water quality, flood control, and aquatic restoration projects that protect, restore and enhance fish and wildlife, wetlands, riparian areas, and other environmentally sensitive areas.

The result of this RFQ will be the award and negotiation of a Service Agreement (SA). This SA may be utilized for specific County projects, as determined by the County on a written authorization basis. In some cases, the County may elect to assign only specific portions of a project, or in other cases, the entire project including auxiliary associated work to the Consultant. All assigned projects will be defined in writing by the County in the form of work assignments to the resulting SA.

SCOPE OF WORK

The environmental engineering and consultant services to be performed are a full range of services that may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following:

General Services

· Perform field investigation work as necessary.

· Assistance in project scoping.

· Participation in plan review, quality control, and or quality assurance procedures.

· Special assistance in planning, documentation, and agreements.

· Preparation of design documentation for review and approval.

· Preparation of exhibits.

· Managing Project Delivery facilitation services.

Environmental Documentation and Permitting Services

· Preparation of SEPA Checklists and Environmental Impact Statements per Pierce County and Washington Department of Ecology standards.

· Preparation of NEPA Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements - as well as supporting discipline reports - per Federal Highways Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, and Federal Emergency Management Agency standards. Supporting discipline reports may include but are not limited to: Agricultural Resource Analysis; Environmental Justice Analysis; Visual Impacts Assessment; Air Quality Analysis; Noise Analysis; Section 4(f) Analysis; Cultural Resources Assessment; Stream and Floodplains Analysis; Wetlands Assessment; Climate Impacts/Green House Gas Emissions Analysis; and Fish and Wildlife Assessment/Biological Assessment; Cumulative Impacts Analysis.

· Preparation of Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Applications – including drawings formatted to US Army Corps standards.

· Preparation of application documents necessary for compliance with Federal Clean Water Act Sections 401, 402, and 404; as well as Rivers and Harbor Section 10.

· Preparation of application for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System coverage under Department of Ecology’s General Construction Stormwater Permit.

· Preparation of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Hydraulic Project Approval applications.

· Preparation of Department of Natural Resource Aquatic Lands Use Authorization applications.

· Preparation of Critical Areas applications per Pierce County standards.

· Preparation of Shoreline Applications per Pierce County standards.

· Preparation of Forest Practices application per Pierce County standards.

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Services

· Perform project-level quantitative, or “hotspot,” determination for nonexempt projects within carbon monoxide (CO) or particulate matter (PM2.5 or PM10) nonattainment and maintenance areas. (Quantitative analysis using EPA’s Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) and/or Washington State Intersection Screening Tool).

· Preparation of Project-Level Greenhouse Gas Evaluations per WSDOT guidance. (Guidance on Addressing Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Energy for WSDOT Projects, April 2020).

Noise Services

· Noise impact analysis and abatement feasibility consistent with WSDOT Guidance, including but not limited to, WSDOT 2020 Traffic Noise Policy and Procedures. (Lead acoustical analyst or staff member responsible for the assessment of traffic noise impacts, traffic noise abatement, or review and approval of final noise reports shall at a minimum have completed the FHWA course "The Fundamentals and

Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise," the more current NHI Course: “142051 Highway Traffic Noise” or equivalent as determined by the WSDOT Air, Noise, and Energy Program).

Wetland Services

· Preparation of maps showing the boundaries of wetlands and locations of vegetative communities within the wetland and buffer area.

· Preparation of wetland analysis reports in accordance with the requirements of regulatory agencies, including but not limited to, Pierce County, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and Washington State Department of Ecology.

· Preparation of wetlands and wetlands buffer delineations, functional assessments, and ratings in compliance with Pierce County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Washington State Department of Ecology requirements.

· Preparation of credit-debit analysis and in-lieu fee use plans per Pierce County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Washington State Department of Ecology requirements.

· Preparation of mitigation, restoration, or enhancement plans for wetlands, fish and wildlife conservation areas and/or nearshore environments, including plans and specifications for construction, in satisfaction of local critical areas ordinance, federal, and state requirements.

· Identification and evaluation of parcels of property that may be used as wetland mitigation areas.

· Review of wetland delineation reports, wetland analysis reports, wetland and water type verifications, both non-compensatory and compensatory wetland mitigation plans and SFR wetland Certifications prepared by Pierce County qualified private wetland specialist.

Fish and Wildlife Services (Individuals performing wetlands and/or fish and wildlife delineation or mitigation must be included on a roster of currently qualified specialists as defined by PCC 18E.10.070).

· Preparation of fish and wildlife reports and assessments (including habitat assessment letters, reports and studies, biological assessments, and evaluations) in satisfaction of Local critical areas ordinance, Federal, and State requirements.

· Preparation of and documentation for compliance with the Endangered Species including Habitat Conservation Plans, Section 7 consultations, Section 10 incidental take permits.

· Preparation of and documentation for compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act including preparation Marine Mammal Monitoring Plans and marine mammal monitoring.

· Review of fish and wildlife reports and assessments (including habitat assessment letters, reports and studies, biological assessments, and evaluations) prepared by Pierce County qualified private fisheries and wildlife biologists.

Hydraulic Services

· Preparation of floodplain analysis, including but not limited to, zero rise analyses and mitigation plans.

· River geomorphologic assessments, channel migration zone analysis, reach assessments, hydrogeologic assessments, hydrology, hydraulic and/or fluvial geomorphology studies.

· Fish passage assessment and design that includes design per Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Water Crossing Design Guidelines for stream simulation or bridge design (Barnard 2013); as well as, WDFW’s guidance (potentially future requirements) for Incorporating Climate Change into the Design of Water Crossing Structures (WDFW 2017).

· Preparation of preliminary hydraulic design (PHD) reports.

· Preparation of final hydraulic design (FHD) reports.

· Ability to provide hydraulic support for PS&E and construction phases.

· Hydraulic design of large span culverts.

· Analysis of drainage basins.

· Hydraulic design of drainage facilities.

· Hydraulic analysis of bridges.

· River restoration design.

· Floodplain studies.

· Wetland hydrology study.

Cultural Resource Services

· Preparation of Cultural and Archaeological Resources Assessments, archaeological testing and monitoring in accordance with Washington State Executive Order 05-05 (05-05) and the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 (Section 106) by a qualified archaeologist.

Hazardous Materials Services

· Data collection and preparation of due diligence reports including, but not limited to, corridor-level analyses, Environmental Site Assessments Phase I, II and III; support for managing hazardous and dangerous wastes including plans and specifications, and remedial plans.

· Hazardous building materials survey (including asbestos and lead paint testing).

· Assistance with abatement procedures for demolition of structures with hazardous building materials.

· Spill cleanup assistance

· Site cleanup and remediation including soil and water sampling, data analysis, reporting, and feasibility studies

· Groundwater well installation and monitoring

Environmental Engineering and Design Services

· Preparation of preliminary (e.g. 30%, 60%, 90%) and/or ad ready contract documents, including plans, specifications, and estimates. Preparing preliminary and final construction plans per Pierce County standard plans and Washington Department of Transportation specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction.

· Drafting support using AutoCAD.

· Other Design/ PS&E related work as requested by the County.

· Other general studies and reports such as feasibility studies, watershed planning, stream/lake management planning, climate change and resiliency studies, floodplain management as requested by the County.

· Planting plans, irrigation plans, and associated specifications.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing wetland analysis reports, maps showing the boundaries of wetlands and locations of vegetative communities within the wetland and buffer areas, and mitigation, restoration, or enhancement plans.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing wetland mitigation designs using state and federal mitigation guidelines.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing fish and wildlife reports including, habitat assessments, letters, reports, and studies.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing studies and reports such as feasibility studies, watershed planning, stream/lake management planning, climate change and resiliency studies; as well as, floodplain management.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing documentation for and Compliance with the Endangered Species Act including Biological Assessments/Evaluations, Habitat Conservation Plans, Section 7 consultations, and Incidental Take permits.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing NEPA and/or SEPA documentation including Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments and Environmental Checklists.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing documentation for and in compliance with the Clean Water Act Sections 401, 402 and 404, the River and Harbors Act Section 10, SERP, including the consultation process, Washington State Hydraulic Code, Shoreline Management Act, local critical area codes.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing documentation for and in activities required by the National Historic Preservation Act and Executive Order 05-05 including Cultural Resources Assessment, archaeological field investigations and construction site monitoring.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing due diligence reports including Phase I, II and III reports, hazardous building materials survey and facilitating abatement procedures.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing or aiding in the preparation of permit applications and/or the permit acquisition process including coordination with various local, state, tribal, and federal agencies.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience assessing fish barriers and preparing hydraulic design reports for fish barrier replacement.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing air quality analysis reports.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience preparing noise analysis reports.

· Previous recent (within last five years) experience with site cleanup work.

· Specific expertise of key personnel supported by brief resumes of each.

· Firm's background and stability, and success at providing similar services to other local governmental agencies.

· Firm's project management system and internal review process for keeping projects on schedule and within budget.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Matters relating to qualifications and experience to meet the County's needs will receive highest priority in evaluation. After a firm is selected, the County expects to negotiate towards a Service Agreement. If negotiations fail for any reason, the County may choose to negotiate with others to obtain an appropriate contract for needed services.

Firms will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Submittal Presentation – The information is presented in a clear, logical manner and is well-organized. All required information was provided. (5 points possible)

2. Qualification Elements and Experience – How the qualifications and experience meet the needs of the County. (40 points possible)

3. Capacity and Availability – The firm has the size, resources, and commitment to provide timely services based on the County’s needs. (25 points possible)

4. Approach to Work – The firm’s approach to work, including compliance with requirements, innovative offerings, services offered, and other related matters. (20 points possible)

5. References – References either submitted or known to the County. (10 points possible)

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

For proposals to be considered, the following should be included in your submittal:

A letter of interest from the prime firm, signed by the principal professional intended to lead the project effort. The letter needs to include contact information, number of years the firm has been in business under current or previous names or additional assumed business names and the name and title of the person authorized to execute a contract on behalf of the firm. Provide similar information concerning each subcontracted firm.

Address how your firm is qualified to perform the items listed in the qualification elements section of this RFQ. List project(s) and provide a brief summation about each project including your firm's role in its development.

Any additional services or procedures of benefit to the County not specifically required by this Request for Qualifications, which your firm offers to provide.

By submitting a Letter of Interest and Statement of Qualifications, proposer agrees that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared pursuant to this request shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not the property of the Proposer. The Proposer shall not copyright, or cause to be copyrighted, any portion of said items submitted to the County because of this solicitation.

One (1) electronic copy, in pdf format, of the complete submittal.

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