RFP for University Ave (SR26) Engineering Services (Federal Funds)

The City of Gainesville is seeking engineering services for the University Avenue (SR 26) corridor project through a Request for Proposals (RFP) targeting licensed professional consultants. The project encompasses engineering services for the road segment between NW 34th Street and SE 31st Street, with the initial phase focusing on the area from Waldo Road (SR 24) to SE 31st Street. Consultants will be responsible for comprehensive engineering services, including design and post-design implementation of a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study, with a specific emphasis on creating a complete street that prioritizes safety, movement, and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. The proposal is due on August 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM, with the project expected to commence in January 2026 and be completed by December 2028. Consultants must be pre-qualified in specific work groups such as Highway Design, Traffic Engineering, Traffic Operations Design, Surveying and Mapping, and Soil Exploration. The selection process will evaluate technical qualifications, written proposals, and potential interviews, with key criteria including the consultant's understanding of the project, key personnel qualifications, and approach to meeting project objectives.

The contract will be awarded using the Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA) process, with a maximum compensation not exceeding $3,000,000 unless approved by the City Commission. The project will be funded through federal aid, primarily from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Local Agency Program (LAP), with an estimated construction cost of $10 million, including Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI). While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the procurement appears to be open to qualified engineering consultants who meet the pre-qualification requirements. The contract will be structured as a continuing services agreement with task work orders issued as needed, subject to funding availability. The proposed improvements include mill and resurface treatments, resizing travel lanes, adding 7-foot buffered bike lanes, updating medians, and removing parking while maintaining existing infrastructure such as curb, gutter, and drainage systems. The project aims to balance infrastructure preservation with modern transportation needs, focusing on safety and mobility enhancements along the University Avenue corridor.