Giles County Trail Expansion Engineering Services

Giles County, Virginia is seeking civil engineering services for a trail expansion project funded by a $500,000 Federal Lands Access Program grant. The procurement involves designing a 2.5-mile trail system connecting the Mountain Lake Trail Center to Bald Knob and the Appalachian Trail, which includes 1,200 linear feet of sidewalk, a parking area, and trail signage. The selected engineering firm must provide a Professional Engineer licensed in Virginia to serve as the Responsible Charge Engineer and will be required to conduct comprehensive design services including surveying, stormwater evaluation, pavement design, permitting, construction monitoring, and coordination with landowners and the Department of Transportation. The procurement follows a qualifications-based selection process, with proposals due by 1:30 PM on March 20, 2024. Key evaluation criteria will focus on professional competence and merit, with the county planning to conduct individual discussions with three or more qualified offerors. The procurement timeline includes interviews and technical presentations on March 27, 2024, final consultant selection on April 3, 2024, completed negotiations agreement due on April 17, 2024, and the consultant contract to be signed by April 24, 2024.

The county encourages submissions from minority-owned, women-owned, small, and disadvantaged businesses, demonstrating a commitment to diverse vendor participation. The project requires the selected consultant to utilize VDOT's GEOPAK Civil Design Software and MicroStation drafting system, adhering to VDOT's policies, procedures, and FHWA guidelines. Potential conflicts of interest are anticipated, with the selected consultant potentially being ineligible for subsequent related contracts. The total estimated project cost is $500,000, with Giles County reserving the right to accept or reject any proposals and modify the project delivery method. The procurement documents indicate that no agreement will be finalized until a formal resolution is enacted by the Board of Supervisors and a written contract is executed. While specific set-aside percentages are not detailed, the RFP emphasizes a fair and competitive selection process focused on professional qualifications and the ability to deliver a high-quality trail expansion project.