US 40 Shared Use Path-Aberdeen Train Station to Havre De Grace

Harford County is requesting proposals for engineering and design services to develop a shared-use path for bicycles and pedestrians along US Route 40 from Aberdeen to Havre de Grace under RFP 27-034, with technical proposals due October 16, 2026, and a pre-proposal meeting scheduled for August 4, 2026.

The scope encompasses preliminary investigation and design services for an ADA-compliant, 10-foot-wide path separated from the roadway, spanning approximately 5.1 miles along US 40 (a four-lane principal arterial with over 30,000 daily vehicles). Design is based on Westbound Option and Combined Option alignments identified in the Baltimore Metropolitan Council Concept Plan. The path will include detailed specifications for geometric layout, drainage, environmental mitigation, and constructability analysis. Key staff requirements include a Maryland-registered Project Engineer with 10 or more years of multi-use trail design experience, a Water Resources Engineer, Highway Engineer, Environmental Scientist, and Project Surveyor, each with specified minimum experience levels and appropriate credentials. The selected consultant must maintain professional liability insurance of at least $1 million, commercial general liability of $1 million, worker's compensation, and comprehensive automobile liability of $1 million.

The total funding ceiling is $700,000 with no guaranteed minimum. Funding sources include Federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant funds, State MDOT Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program grant funds, and County funds, administered through the Federal Highway Administration with Maryland State Highway Administration assistance. Contract duration will not exceed one year from Notice to Proceed, with completion anticipated within 16 weeks (8 weeks for initial submission and 8 weeks for final Preliminary Investigation Report submission).

The procurement follows qualifications-based selection under the Brooks Act, with pricing negotiated separately after technical evaluation. Evaluation criteria weight technical questions at 40 percent, key staff qualifications at 30 percent, and work plan at 30 percent. Written questions are due August 28, 2026. Disadvantaged business enterprises, women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned firms are encouraged to respond. Proposals must be submitted through the eMaryland Marketplace Advantage platform.