TRFP26006507 Warren Resilience & Managed Retreat Research & Strategies.pdf

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TRFP26006507

A RHODE LESS TRAVELED: WARREN RESILIENCE AND MANAGED RETREAT

RESEARCH AND STRATEGIES

SECTION A. INTRODUCTION

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is soliciting proposals from qualified planning consultants to identify sustainable long-term transportation asset management solutions for the Market Street, Child Street (RI-103), and Metacom Avenue (RI-136) corridors in the Town of Warren that will maintain access to these critical corridors in light of the planned managed retreat by the Town of Warren.

In RIDOT’s role of moving people and goods effectively throughout Rhode Island, it must align its plans for infrastructure with the priorities of host communities. The Town of Warren is breaking ground in Rhode Island by planning a managed retreat for areas near Market Street due to fluctuations and relative sea-level elevations. This challenges RIDOT to address three State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) resurfacing projects on roads located within the area from which Warren is retreating. These routes provide access for the whole Mount Hope Peninsula to critical destinations, including homes, businesses, hospitals and other medical and emergency service facilities, major employers, intermodal facilities and nexus, utilities, and federal facilities, including the Newport Naval Station. In addition, Warren’s Market Street Corridor is a designated emergency evacuation route for the Mount Hope Peninsula’s low-lying coastal communities.

The project is located in the town of Warren and consists of three segments of Rhode Island State highway Route 136. The three (3) segments are: the Southern Segment TIP 1418, RI-136 (Kickemuit Road and the one-way pair of Arlington Avenue and Metacom Avenue), the Northern Segment TIP 1419 | RI-136 (Market Street) from Kickemuit Road/Market Street in the South to Schoolhouse Road in the North, and the Western Segment TIP 1408 | Market Street from Main Street in the West to Kickemuit Road in the East. The scope of work for these projects is for road resurfacing, sidewalk improvements, and ADA accessibility in the area. With these projects still in development, RIDOT is seeking the services of a consultant to develop alternative solutions for consideration.

Parallel to this project, the University of Rhode Island (URI) is conducting research in the impacted area using Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation Program (PROTECT) funding, to model the area with simulated storm scenarios with existing hazard data and infrastructure risks. The consultant shall work with URI on collecting/verifying consequence data and coordinate with their modeling outputs for coherent results.

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The Respondent shall carry the costs for coordination into the deliverables. RIDOT seeks to develop a plan, backed by robust data, to holistically and thoughtfully maintain this critical access considering changing natural impacts that it cannot control. RIDOT is looking for proposals to analyze the effects of continued climate risks to Warren and its evacuation routes affected, developing a long-term resilient infrastructure strategy to better protect critical roads and re-imagine the future of the peninsula, and exploring different solutions to support the current and future needs of the people living there.

All deliverables shall be completed by August 31, 2027.

SECTION B. SCOPE OF WORK

RIDOT’s objective is to procure the services of a qualified consulting firm for cost effective solutions to mitigate negative impacts of fluctuations and relative sea-level elevations. Responding firms must be prepared to allocate whatever resources are needed to meet the requirements of each anticipated task to effectively deliver the desired outcomes.

ANTICIPATED TASKS

I. Flood mitigation analysis to identify long-term transportation asset management solutions for the Market Street, Child Street (RI-103), and Metacom Avenue (RI-136) corridors.

II. Examine the feasibility of nature-based solutions to mitigate flooding and fluctuations and relative sea-level elevations in the targeted area.

III. Assess the possibility of improving culverts on two sections of Market Street and Child Street by expanding hydraulic capacity of both upstream and downstream open channel approaches.

IV. Estimate the cost of resurfacing State roadways within the project area with cost-efficient materials and innovative techniques.

V. Prioritize resilient environmentally sustainable solutions using innovative climate research.

VI. Research and design environmental restoration solutions for the areas impacted by fluctuations and relative sea-level elevations designated for a managed retreat.

VII. Prepare cost estimates for long-term treatments for transportation infrastructure to mitigate fluctuations and relative sea-level elevations and facilitate the Town’s managed retreat plan, Market to Metacom.

VIII. Develop an alternatives analysis to recommend smart investments in transportation assets throughout the study area.

IX. Collect consequence data of infrastructure-related assets of interest.

X. Validate images/data from MyCoast: Rhode Island.

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XI. Coordinate with the University of Rhode Island (URI) on their task to expand state-of-the-art storm modeling to assist RIDOT and the Town of Warren with resilience planning efforts. The URI task, which is being carried out directly with the University, will advance RI-CHAMP to incorporate flood models and build in qualitative data that address the consequences of storm impacts for this coastal community.

XII. Join the URI Steering Committee for this project to create opportunities for collaboration.

XIII. Coordinate with the URI research team on public outreach and data collection.

DELIVERABLES

The work outlined above will be expected to generate several key outputs, including but not limited to:

I. Flood mitigation analysis II. Feasibility analysis of nature-based solutions III. Assessment report on culverts IV. Cost analysis V. Environmental restoration solutions report VI. Cost Estimates for long-term treatments for transportation infrastructure to mitigate fluctuations and relative sea-level elevations and facilitate the Town’s managed retreat plan, Market to Metacom

VII. Alternative analysis and recommendations report

SECTION C. ELIGIBILITY, TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS, AND DELIVERABLES

ELIGIBILITY

There are no restrictions on who may submit a proposal in response to this RFP following a self-appraisal of qualifications to determine whether the respondent possesses the requisite capability and experience necessary to ensure successful and effective delivery of the project solicited.

RIDOT strongly encourages the submission of proposals that demonstrate cross-disciplinary collaboration and/or collaboration with under-served or non-traditional transportation stakeholders, novel and innovative approaches, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

PROJECT APPROACH AND QUALITY ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

I. Suitability to Project Scope—Respondents shall provide a general statement of the firm’s suitability to address the scope of work outlined in this RFP. The suitability statement should demonstrate the firm’s commitment to assembling a multidisciplinary team capable of delivering all required tasks and services listed in the “ANTICIPATED TASKS” and “DELIVERABLES” sections of this RFP.

II. Project Approach—Respondents must explain a general plan for achieving the project tasks listed in “ANTICIPATED TASKS” and “DELIVERABLES”.

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III. Work Plan and Project Schedule—Respondents shall discuss their firm’s ability to accommodate the typical schedule of discretionary grant applications, which typically require delivery of all items listed under “ANTICIPATED TASKS” and “DELIVERABLES”.

IV. QA/QC—Respondents shall describe the firm’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures, including a brief narrative explaining how the firm will ensure the accuracy and reliability of all work products.

V. Risk—Respondents shall identify potential risks to successfully completing tasks on-time and on-budget and describe potential mitigation strategies for minimizing risk.

TECHNICAL TOOLS AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

I. Respondents must demonstrate experience with a wide array of document preparation, technical engineering, and data management programs. At a minimum, respondents must demonstrate considerable experience with:

a. ArcGIS and other ESRI-based geospatial tools

b. AutoCAD or equivalent computer-aided design software

e. The Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.)

f. Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign and Photoshop, or other equivalent software

II. Respondents shall be responsible for all costs associated with the purchase, licensing, and maintenance of software or license agreements required to perform services requested.

SECTION D. PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

FORMAT

The Technical Proposal and the Cost Proposal shall be uploaded as separate documents to Ocean State ProcuresTM. Work Samples shall be uploaded as separate documents or provide links to websites.

Technical Proposals shall be submitted and formatted as follows:

I. The Proposal shall contain a Table of Contents that cross-references each requirement with specific pages in the technical submission.

II. There is no page limit for proposals. However, RIDOT requests that the content specifically addresses the qualifications listed herein.

ORGANIZATION

Technical Proposals shall be organized as described in this section. If sub-consultants are being utilized to complete any portion of the work listed in this RFP, respondents shall delineate the type of services they will provide and work arrangements established between the Prime and proposed Sub-Consultant firm(s).

I. SECTION I—INTRODUCTION AND FIRM QUALIFICATIONS

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a. Letter of Transmittal/Executive Summary: Respondents shall include a transmittal letter signed by an authorized agent of the firm. This person shall be the contact point for all communications from RIDOT related to this RFP. The letter shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda and identify the prime and sub-consulting firms included in their submittal.

The letter shall include an executive summary the provides an overview of the contents of the Technical Proposal including a brief statement highlighting the firm’s principal qualifications and suitability to the level of project complexity Respondents shall include a complete description of their organization and other relevant information documenting the firm’s professional practice and areas of specialization.

Organizational Chart: Respondents shall provide an organizational chart for the entire proposed team including Sub-Consultants and the services they will provide.

i. Respondents shall delineate the “chain of command” and identify the major functions to be performed and their reporting relationships in managing Tasks and Deliverables.

ii. The chart shall identify the Program Manager.

b. Staff Qualifications: Key personnel assigned shall demonstrate a minimum of three (3) years relevant experience.

i. Respondents shall include the qualifications of qualified personnel including resumes, staff assignments and concentration of effort for each staff member identified.

ii. Respondents must demonstrate adequately trained staff necessary to complete the scope of services in a timely manner. Respondents shall include any applicable certification(s) and/or professional registration(s) which are pertinent to this project initiative.

iii. Respondents must identify a Program Manager who will be available daily for the direct supervision of the staff performing the assignments and to act as the liaison between the firm and RIDOT for all Tasks and Deliverables.

II. SECTION II—PROJECT APPROACH AND TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

a. Work Plan and Project Approach: Respondents shall discuss the firm’s ability to respond in a timely manner and perform the services associated with a broad range of likely assignments as described in the Scope of Work.

i. Respondents must demonstrate the firm’s ability to meet all the requirements outlined under “PROJECT APPROACH AND QUALITY ASSURANCE.”

ii. Respondents must demonstrate the firm’s ability to complete the anticipated work types outlined under “ANTICIPATED WORK TYPES.”

iii. Respondents must demonstrate the firm’s ability to produce the Deliverables listed under Section B “DELIVERABLES.”

b. Technical Tools and Software Experience: Respondents shall include an overview of the firm’s technical tools and qualifications to use advanced engineering, mapping, and project management software.

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i. Respondents must demonstrate the firm’s ability to meet all the requirements listed under “TECHNICAL TOOLS AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS”

c. Other Requirements: Respondents shall identify in their proposals the necessary sub-consultants/sub-contractors, as well as the qualifications and resumes for these sub-consultants and sub-contractors, required to complete the scope of work.

III. SECTION III—RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, SAMPLES, AND REFERENCES

a. Relevant Experience: Respondents shall include a listing of the firm’s projects similar to the work being requested.

i. Respondents must have completed at least THREE (3) PROJECTS of similar scope with a state DOT within the last 5 YEARS.

ii. Respondents must demonstrate the firm’s ability to meet all requirements listed under

“RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.”

b. Samples of Previous Work: Submit at least three (3) samples of previous work. Samples shall be uploaded as separate documents or provide links to websites.

c. Client References: Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least TWO (2) previous clients who are familiar with the services provided by your firm shall be included. By so listing, specific permission is granted to RIDOT to contact said individuals to verify the satisfactory performance of the services provided Respondent acknowledges that RIDOT is granted specific permission to discuss past performance of Respondent and any of its proposed team members on any projects.

SECTION E. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

Technical proposals will be evaluated qualitatively based upon the evaluation criteria documented in the table below:

Evaluation Criteria Score

I. Respondent Qualifications (Section I)

• Did the respondent include all requested components in their submission, in the order requested?

• Does the proposed project team possess the credentials, expertise, and technical knowledge to complete the scope of work described in this RFP?

• Do proposed sub-consultants meet the same requirements listed above?

15 pts

II. WORK PLAN AND TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (SECTION II)

• Did the respondent successfully communicate a reliable project approach, 35 pts

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QA/QC process, and risk mitigation strategy?

• To what extent did the respondent demonstrate an ability to complete the anticipated work types listed in Section B “ANTICIPATED TASKS”?

• To what extent did the respondent demonstrate the ability to produce the Deliverables?

• Did the respondent demonstrate an ability to meet all technical requirements listed in Section C, “TECHNICAL TOOLS AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS,” including possession of or familiarity with all required technical tools and software packages?

• Is the firm well-suited to accomplish the scope of the project described in this RFP?

III. RELEVANT EXPERIENCE (SECTION III)

• Did the respondent identify THREE (3) projects of similar scope with a state DOT or municipality in the last 5 years?

• Did the respondent submit at least three (3) examples of previous work and at least TWO (2) previous client references with similar services requested?

20 pts

VI. COST PROPOSAL (Evaluated separately) 30 pts

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 100 points maximum

Technical and Cost Proposals will be evaluated separately. Cost Proposals will remain separate until the technical scoring evaluation has been completed. Technical Proposals receiving scores of less than 55 POINTS out of the 70 eligible POINTS will NOT be scored for cost and will be disqualified from further evaluation.

COST PROPOSAL

Respondents MUST submit the COST PROPOSAL provided with the solicitation and at the same time as the TECHNICAL PROPOSAL but as a separate document. Modifications to the provided form will not be accepted.

The Cost Proposals will be scored and ranked as follows:

1. The Respondent submitting the lowest Cost will be awarded the maximum of thirty (30) points.

2. The next-lowest Cost will be awarded points based on the product of the ratio of the lowest Price

Proposal divided by the next-lowest Price and multiplied by thirty (30) points.

3. The process will continue for each of the remaining Price Proposals, with points being awarded based on the product of the ratio of the lowest price divided by the respective VENDOR’s price; and

TRFP26006507 Page 8 multiplied by thirty (30) points (i.e., the points awarded for the lowest Price Proposal), with such product rounded up to the nearest one hundredth (0.01) of a point.

EXAMPLE:

PROPOSER A Cost = $100,000.00 (100,000/100,000)* 30 MAX= 30 Points

PROPOSER B Cost = $150,000.00 (100,000/150,000)* 30 MAX= 20 Points

PROPOSER C Cost = $200,000.00 (100,000/200,000)* 30 MAX= 15 Points

SECTION G. METHOD OF PAYMENT

The method of payment shall be Lump Sum, i.e., a fixed price that includes labor, overhead, non-salary direct costs and fixed fee for the performance of specific services. Reimbursable expenses shall be pre-approved and shall be reimbursed to the vendor without mark-up. No other forms of compensation will be paid unless authorized by RIDOT.

SECTION H. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

I. A Rhode Less Traveled: Coordinating Infrastructure Renewal with Managed Retreat II. Resilience Improvement Plan III. Resilience Improvement Plan Appendices IV. RIEMA Hurricane Evacuation Zone A Warren Emergency Routes V. Bicycle Mobility Plan VI. Road-Stream Crossing Design Manual VII. Market to Metacom: Climate Resilience and Economic Development Plan EC4 VIII. My Coast RI IX. Rhode Island Transit Master Plan Recommendations X. Resilient 114

XI. RI-CHAMP

https://www.dot.ri.gov/accountability/docs/GRANTS/RIDOT_2023_PROTECT_Application_A_Rhode_Less_Traveled_Narrative.pdf https://www.dot.ri.gov/rhodeworks/docs/RIDOT_Approved_RIP.pdf https://www.dot.ri.gov/rhodeworks/docs/RIDOT_Approved_RIP_%20Appendices.pdf https://riema.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur671/files/planning/evacuation/Updated_Evac_Maps/Warren_Evacuation_081213.pdf https://planning.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur826/files/documents/LRTP/Bicycle-Mobility-Plan.pdf https://www.dot.ri.gov/business/documents/Road_Stream_Crossing_Design_Manual_8_2021.pdf https://climatechange.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur481/files/2022-06/ec4-220623-pres.pdf https://mycoast.org/ri https://www.ripta.com/transit-forward-ri-program https://planning.ri.gov/planning-areas/climate-change-resilience/resilient-route-114 https://www.richamp.org/