Advertisement Synopsis

Engineering, Environmental, and Planning Services
February 18, 2005

STATE PROJECT NO. 700-61-0113
FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. CBI-6103(501)
LA 1/I-10 CONNECTOR
WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH


Under Authority granted by Title 48 of Louisiana Revised Statutes, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) hereby issues a Request for Qualification Statements (RFQ) on Standard Form 24-102 (SF 24-102), “Professional Engineering and Related Services”, revised January 2003, from Consulting Firms (Consultant) to perform all engineering environmental, and planning services required for preparation of a study describing Engineering Feasibility, Line and Grade with Environmental Inventory and an Environmental Assessment for the proposed construction of a connector route between Louisiana Highway 1 and Interstate 10 in West Baton Rouge Parish. All requirements of Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying (LAPELS) Board must be met prior to the execution of the contract. One Prime-Consultant/Sub-Consultant(s) (Consultant/Team) will be selected for this contract. A map of the project limits for the proposed work is available upon request.

Project Managers – Ms. Leslie Mix, P.E., will be the Design Project Manager, she may be reached at (225) 379-1919. Ms. Noel Ardoin, P.E., will be the Environmental Project Manager, she may be reached at (225) 242-4504. Mr. Brian Parsons, P.E., will be the Planning Project Manager, he may be reached at (225) 379-1954.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project consists of studying and refining previously identified alternative alignments connecting LA 1 and I-10, as well as developing additional alternatives on new alignment in order to provide additional vehicular capacity across the Intracoastal Waterway and relieve traffic on LA 1. The work includes developing traffic studies, line and grade information and environmental inventories in order to determine project feasibility. The work also includes developing information to determine if a new/revised interchange can be justified. These studies will be used to produce an Environmental Assessment (EA).
SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected consultant will provide all services required to conduct Stage 0, Part I (Feasibility Study), and Part II (Environmental Inventory). Stage 1, Part II (Line and Grade Study), and Part III (Environmental Assessment), which could result in the proposed construction of a connector route between Louisiana Highway 1 and Interstate 10. The scope of services will involve, but not limited to, the following services:

Stages 0: Feasibility and Interchange Justification and, Environmental Inventory


Part I: Feasibility Study
The selected Consultant will refine alternative alignments previously identified and develop and evaluate several additional feasible and affordable alternatives for the proposed route, will provide a cost estimate for each alternative and will recommend the two preferred alternatives. Following the recommendation of the two preferred alternatives, the horizontal and vertical alignment will be more accurately defined and I-10 interchange alternates will be developed in accordance with DOTD and FHWA requirements for new/revised Interstate access for the two best alternatives. Following the recommendation of the best alternative, a draft report will be prepared and submitted for review. A separate report containing all traffic information for the recommended interchange alternative will also be developed. The specific services to be provided are described below:

Alternatives Analysis

A. Data Collection
This task shall include obtaining, organizing and reviewing the engineering data required to perform this study. It shall include but not limited to the following items:

1. Mapping: Topographic maps, parish maps, state highway maps and recent aerial photography. If current aerial photography is not available, arrangements will be made to obtain the required coverage.
2. Engineering Data: Existing traffic data, accident data, existing highway and bridge plans and data, utility information, previous studies and reports, existing survey data and unit cost data.
3. Field Reconnaissance: Field inspections of the project area will be made as required to supplement the data obtained for the study.

B. Determination of Alternative Alignments
Six alternative alignments have been identified in previous studies for this project. This task shall include refining the original alignments and developing other alternative alignments that connect I-10 west of LA 415 to LA 1 south of LA 988. This project will be coordinated with regional planning efforts to provide appropriate coordination with other potential projects. This will specifically include coordinating this project with the ongoing efforts for the North Baton Rouge Bypass project. C. Evaluation of Alternative Alignments
The alternatives will be evaluated and ranked to determine the most feasible alignments to carry forward into the environmental documentation and clearance phase. The alignments will be evaluated based on the purpose and need developed for this project along with the following additional criteria: 1. Impacts to Major Environmental Areas and Existing Development: The identifiable and known areas that would restrict or influence project development will be identified. Impacts to Major Environmental Areas are discussed in detail under Task III.
2. Regional Traffic Analyses: An analysis will be made to determine the regional traffic benefits of each alternative developed. Regional Traffic Analyses is discussed in detail under Task II.
3. Intracoastal Crossing Considerations: The project will be coordinated with the Coast Guard and Corps of Engineers to obtain the controlling navigation clearance criteria, required hydraulic data, and vessel types that utilize the Port Allen Locks. Structural criteria will be established in coordination with LA DOTD that will include geometric, foundation and any vessel impact requirements. Criteria will be developed for a high level fixed span. Task II, Line and Grade, contains a detail scope.
4. Preliminary Cost Estimates: Preliminary cost estimates will be developed for each alternative based on unit cost data. The estimates will include the costs associated with construction, right of way acquisition, utility relocation, engineering and contingencies. D. Meeting with the Department of Transportation and Development
The consultant will discuss the workability of the alternatives with the Department. The consultant will meet with the Department to eliminate, with documentation, all less desirable alternatives and recommend a maximum of two alternatives for further development.

Part II: Environmental Inventory

Introduction
The Environmental Inventory shall identify and map all major environmental concerns, issues, and sites within the corridor. The Inventory will be based on secondary data, such as limited field surveys, EPA and state databases, traffic data, accident data, National Wetland Inventory maps, infrared photography, aerial photography, cultural resources data, wildlife areas, extensive literary research, coordination and interviews with local, state and federal agencies and officials, U.S. Geological Surveys, soil surveys, census data, etc. Areas of environmental concerns will be delineated on exhibits at 1:4000. The Consultant will prepare data and map files and delineate areas of environmental concerns in GIS software, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for use by DOTD.

A report shall be prepared which summarizes the results of the Environmental Inventory along with Feasibility and Line and Grade Study and will identify all reasonable and feasible alternatives. This report shall contain exhibits depicting not only the feasible alternatives but also the findings of the Environmental Inventory. All work performed under Task I, II and III will be used as a basis for preparing the Environmental Document in Phase II.

A. Scoping (Solicitation of Views) and Inter-agency Coordination

This process inventories major issues of concern to be addressed in the environmental report. A “Solicitation of Views” packet consisting of a project description, and vicinity map (showing beginning and ending of project) will be prepared by the consultant. The format for the cover letter for the packet will be provided by the Department’s Environmental Section.

The Environmental Section maintains state and parish mailing lists for the Solicitation of Views packet. The consultant will mail the packet out to the appropriate organization, agencies, individuals, etc. The consultant is responsible for providing additional pertinent addresses such as civic associations, local elected officials, etc., if applicable.

All communications and coordination with other federal, state and local agencies will be closely coordinated with the Environmental Section and approved by the Environmental Section prior to the contact.

B. Items to be addressed in the Report

Purpose and Need for the Action
Traffic needs (existing and future demand), design considerations, etc., will be reviewed and compiled. Traffic patterns and movements in the region may need to be discussed, in order to show not only the project purpose and need, but also the effect on regional air quality, if any. The Purpose and Need for the project shall be discussed and explained in detail in the report.

Alternatives
Alternatives will be refined and developed that address the purpose and need of the project. These alternatives, including the no build alternative, will be described in the report. These alternatives will be studied in detail in the Environmental Document prepared in Phase II of the project.

Impacts
Analysis of each alternative, including the no build, will be made to the extent practicable. Items to be considered include, but are not limited to, social, economic, historic, cultural, recreational, archaeological, noise, air, wetlands, flood plains, endangered or threatened species and/or their habitat and farmland.

Potential mitigation measures will be discussed to reduce or alleviate impacts.

Wetlands
Wetlands in the corridor will be identified. Information referenced may include infrared photography, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps, quadrangle maps, soil maps, etc. An estimation of the acreage of wetlands and their values will be calculated and shown on exhibits suitable for reproduction. Wetlands will be delineated utilizing the latest appropriate Corps of Engineers guidelines during Phase II of the project.

Endangered & Threatened Species
The locations of endangered and threatened species and their habitat will be identified within the corridor. The location shall be mapped for Departmental purposes but may not be shown to the general public. The consultant will consult with the Department as to what information is to be contained in the report regarding the location of any endangered or threatened species. A complete biological survey will be required for the alignments studied in Phase II of the project.

Scenic Streams
Scenic Streams located within the corridor will be identified in the report.

Potential Environmental Hazards
While performing limited field surveys, the consultant shall record the location of any potential site of concern encountered. Photographs of each site will be taken. These sites include, but are not limited to, underground storage tanks, above ground storage tanks, solid waste sites, hazardous waste sites, oil and gas wells, tire piles, industrial locations, and areas where spillage is evident. The consultant shall document his/her findings in the report. Also, the consultant shall search federal and state databases which identify sites such as CERCLA, RCRA, TSD facilities, etc. The record search shall follow the ASTM standards for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. A complete Phase I ESA will be required in Phase II of the project.

Cultural Resources (Archaeology/Historic Properties)
After initial coordination with the State Historic Preservation Officer, further research shall be performed to determine the presence of National Register eligible archaeological sites, both historic and prehistoric, as well as any standing structures or other places or objects, including bridges that may be eligible for listing on the National Register. All coordination with the SHPO’s office will be through the Environmental Section or with the express approval of the Environmental Section.

The location of all sites will be mapped for Departmental purposes but may not be shown to the general public. The consultant shall consult with the Environmental Section before depicting the location of any archaeological sites in the report.

A Cultural Resource Survey will be required in Phase II of the project.

Socio-economic
Land use will be determined in coordination with the appropriate local authority. Social and economic data will be obtained from the local authorities as well as utilizing the most up to date available census information.

Commercial areas, residential areas, and community services, such as schools, parks, churches, and hospitals, shall be identified within the corridor. Relocation impacts shall be identified as well as other community impacts, such as community severance or disruption.

Recreational Sources
All public recreational and public park land shall be identified and delineated. Use of Land and Water Conservation Funds will be identified by the consultant.

Other
Other items that will be evaluated and coordinated with the appropriate agencies include but are not limited to farmland and 100 year flood plains. Noise receptors in the project area will need to be identified.

Public Meeting
A Public Meeting will be held in the study area to provide information to the public about the project, emphasizing the issues expected to be of the greatest concern. The meeting will be structured to obtain input from the public to identify not only concerns and interests but also information and data about the project area.

All arrangements for the public meeting, including location, time, preparation of display ad, preparation of appropriate exhibits, and handouts will be made by the consultant, after consultation with and approval by DOTD’s Environmental Engineer Administrator. The Environmental Section will place the advertisement in the newspaper. The display ad will be submitted to DOTD’s Environmental Engineer Administrator for his review at least two months prior to the anticipated public meeting date. The consultant will record and prepare a transcript of the public meeting. Thirty-five copies of the transcript, in addition to the print ready original, will be provided to the DOTD Environmental Section for distribution.

The consultant will conduct the meeting and have knowledgeable, informed staff present at the public meeting to address the queries of the public.

Stage 1: Part II, Line and Grade Study and Interchange Justification

A traffic study will be performed to estimate projected volumes and traffic impacts on surrounding roadways in the study area. The required traffic data shall be collected by the consultant to estimate existing and projected traffic conditions within the study area and on the proposed connector route. Collected data will include turning movements and Average Daily Traffic (ADT) counts and truck classifications to determine the percentage of trucks in the study area.

The traffic study shall include but not limited to the following for each interchange location studied and the adjacent interchange to the east:

a. Interchange schematic for current year showing traffic volumes for each peak period
b. Interchange schematic for implementation year showing traffic volumes for each peak period
c. Interchange schematic for design year showing traffic volumes for each peak period
d. HCS Capacity analysis for each interchange (ramp junctions, intersections and frontage road intersections) and other nearby major intersections along the connector highway corridor for the current year, the implementation year and the design year
e. Freeway analyses for the interstate (without the interchange) in the current year, the implementation year and the design year
f. Summary tables showing the level of service results from the operational analysis
g. A description of how volumes were derived, any assumptions made and the version of the software used

The line and grade study shall include but not be limited to:
Establishment of design criteria:
Design class and design speeds
Lane widths
Minimum horizontal curvature
Maximum side slopes
Horizontal and vertical clearances
Maximum roadway grade
Required lane configurations based on an acceptable level of service
Develop typical roadway and bridge sections
Develop horizontal geometry
Develop vertical geometry and set minimum roadway grade
Identify major drainage structure locations
Establish approximate required right of way limits
Develop a list of impacted improvements
Cost estimates for right of way, utility relocation and construction

Specifics

A. Horizontal Alignment
A preliminary horizontal alignment study will be prepared for two preferred alternatives. The alignment should consider major utility conflicts, major drainage structures, existing roadway/bridge geometry, superelevation, and sight distance. The final refinement to the alignment will be adjusted base on a constructability review. These reviews will assess if the proposed alignment can be constructed in accordance with Department standards (considering maintenance of traffic, etc). The location of the final alignment(s) should consider: Maintenance of existing traffic
Existing bridge
Location of utilities
Environmentally sensitive areas
Topographic features
Developed Properties
Urban constraints
Railroad crossings

A plan view of the preferred horizontal alignment will be prepared on aerial photography. The following geometric data will be displayed on the plan:

Curve Lengths (L)
Tangent Lengths (T)
Curve Radii (R)
Superelevation rates and transition lengths
Estimated construction
Control of Access limits

In addition, intersection and interchange schematics will be shown on the plans.

B. Vertical Alignment
A vertical alignment study will be prepared for the preferred alternate(s). The vertical alignment shall consider above ground and underground utility clearance, major drainage or structure locations, overpass clearances, etc.

A profile view of the proposed vertical alignments will be prepared. The following geometric data will be displayed on the profile:

Vertical Grades
P. V. I. Location
Length of Vertical Curve (V. C.)

Following the recommendation of the best alternative, a draft report will be prepared and submitted for review. A separate report containing all traffic information for the recommended interchange alternative will also be developed.

The Final Reports

The final Feasibility Study, Environmental Inventory and, Line and Grade report shall include but not be limited to:
a. Aerial photographic enlargements (at 1”= 50’) showing right of way for the two preferred alternatives.
b. Color photographs of all significant features along each preferred alternative for inclusion in the report.
c. A narrative describing and discussing the engineering advantages and disadvantages of each preferred alternative for use in the environmental documentation.
d. A plan and profile at a scale of 1” = 50’ for each preferred alternative using estimated ground elevations from USGS quad maps or other available mapping.

The report will be typed, single spaced, on 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper with inside margins of not less than 1-1/2 inches wide. All pages will be numbered. Photographs, plans, maps, drawings and text must be clear and clean with typed or mechanically lettered captions. Exhibits utilizing the 8-½ x 11 inch format are preferred; however, exhibits on 8-1/2 x 17 folded to 8-1/2 x 11 are acceptable.

The information in the Final Report will be used in the Environmental Document which will be prepared in Stage 1. The Final Report shall properly inventory environmental issues, known or ascertainable, from data sources and field surveys.

The final Interchange Justification (Traffic Information) report shall include but not be limited to:

All traffic information for the recommended interchange alternative shall be prepared in accordance with DOTD and FHWA requirements for new/revised Interstate access.

Deliverables

Draft reports – Ten copies of the draft reports/documents will be submitted to
DOTD for review and comment.
Feasibility, Line and Grade and Environmental Inventory study

Final Reports – Fifteen copies of the final reports/documents will be provided to DOTD, in addition to a print ready original.

Stage 1, Part III, Environmental Assessment

Scope of Services for Connector Route Between LA Highway 1 and I-10
This is a scope of services for the preparation of an Environmental Assessment and other related documents for a connector route between LA Highway 1 and Interstate 10 in West Baton Rouge Parish, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended, and the Federal Highway Administration’s regulations and guidelines. The Consultant shall meet with the Environmental Coordinator and Project Manager within ten days after receiving the notice to proceed.

Items to be Addressed in the Environmental Document
The Environmental Assessment (EA) shall be prepared in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Technical Advisory (TA), applicable laws, rules, guidance, and regulations. It shall also comply with DOTD policies. In addition to the format contained in the TA, the EA shall contain an environmental determination checklist and summary of mitigation and permit sheet. The EA approved for public distribution and the EA with the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), if applicable, shall also be submitted in electronic format in both MSWord and “pdf” formats in addition to the paper copies required.

The consultant will prepare justification for logical termini of the project for submission to the FHWA for approval.

The consultant will assist with the solicitation of views. The consultant will prepare and forward a brief written description of the project along with a vicinity map to the Environmental Section. The consultant will submit the names and addresses of local officials and interest groups that need to be added to the standard solicitation of views list. The Department will solicit the views and forward all responses received from the solicitation to the consultant. The consultant shall review responses for outstanding issues, and the consultant will address these issues in the EA. All communications and coordination with other federal, state and local agencies will be closely coordinated with the Environmental Section and approved by the Environmental Section prior to the contact.

Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose and need for the proposed action shall be discussed in the Environmental Assessment. The purpose and need shall be well written with meaningful supporting information.

Alternatives
All viable alternatives considered for the proposed action area shall be discussed in the environmental document. Only alternatives that meet the project’s purpose and need are considered reasonable. If any alternative is dismissed at an early stage, the reasons for dismissal shall be discussed in the environmental document. The alternatives shall address the purpose and need of the project. These alternatives, including the no build alternative, will be described and analyzed in the environmental document.

The consultant will develop typical sections and estimate the required right-of-way for the different alternatives. The estimated right-of-way takings will be used in analyzing the various impacts of the alternatives and for estimating costs. Exhibits depicting the alternatives and estimated right-of-way takings will be prepared for the document and for the Public Meeting and Hearing. Aerial photography is preferred as a basis for the exhibits. Local landmarks and major features will be labeled to assist in interpreting the exhibits.

Impacts
Analysis of each alternative, up to three alternatives including the no build, will be made. Items to consider include, but are not limited to, traffic patterns, permits, land use, community/social, economic, historic, cultural, recreational, archaeological, noise, air, wetlands, floodplains, farmland, and endangered or threatened species and/or their habitat. Some of these items may require the production of a separate document in addition to the analysis in the Environmental Assessment. Potential mitigation measures designed to reduce or alleviate impacts will be discussed in the document.

Wetlands
Wetlands in the project area will be identified and delineated utilizing the latest appropriate Corps of Engineers guidelines. Greater detail is required for the proposed action area. A Wetlands Finding, using latest FHWA criteria will be written. Information referenced may include infrared photography, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps, quadrangle maps, soil maps, etc. Referenced information will not substitute for an on-site field determination which will be made. Acreage of wetlands impacted and their value will be calculated and exhibits suitable for reproduction indicating the limits of wetlands in the area affected by the project and the areas to be impacted will be made. The consultant will design appropriate mitigation. Photographs of each soil sample with the appropriate Munsell soil chart in the same photograph will be included in the report. Each wetland area will be located on a quadrangle sheet as well as a layout map with the station numbers noted. Two copies of the draft and two copies for each revision are required. Once approved, five copies of the final will be required.

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
The consultant will coordinate with the National Resources Conservation Service to determine the location of any WRPs in the project area. If the project impacts a WRP property, the consultant will notify the Department immediately. Attempts will be made to avoid these areas. All WRPs in the area will be mapped in the EA.

Endangered & Threatened Species
During field surveys, a search will be made for those threatened or endangered species suspected to be in the area, and/or for their habitat, if applicable. A biological report will be written indicating the methods utilized in the field survey and the resulting conclusions and recommendation. All coordination with other agencies will be through the Department's Environmental Section or with their expressed approval. Coordination with knowledgeable staff from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required to determine the impacts of the project within the logical termini. The biological report shall map areas of concern, but the report shall not be distributed to the public or included in the Appendix of the EA. Attempts will be made to avoid impacting protected species and their habitats. Two copies of the draft and two copies for each revision are required. Once approved, five copies of the final will be required.

Scenic Streams
A Class B Scenic Stream permit application, if required, will be prepared for each scenic stream in the project area, by the consultant.

Other Permits
All potential permits and their requirements to implement the project will be identified. All items necessary to obtain the permits (with the concurrence of the Department) will be provided by the consultant. Those permits to be identified include but are not limited to: Water Quality Certification
Storm Water Permits
Scenic Stream Class B Permits
Coast Guard (Bridges)

In the case of waterway crossings, information concerning navigability shall be submitted to the Department so that a Section 144(h) determination can be made by FHWA and sent to the U.S. Coast Guard for their review and approval. The consultant will prepare the documentation necessary to obtain access approval from the Federal Highway Administration. This documentation will be prepared simultaneously with the environmental document.

Environmental Site Assessment
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment will be performed on the site in accordance with the latest version of ASTM Standards E 1527. The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has four components: Records Review, Site Reconnaissance, Interviews and Report. Three copies of the draft report will be submitted for review. If changes are required to the report, three copies of the revisions will be submitted for review. Once the report is approved, ten copies of the final report will be submitted. If recognized environmental conditions are found, the consultant will meet with the project team to discuss.

Noise and Air Quality
A noise study is required for alternatives where the horizontal or vertical alignment of the roadway alignment is substantially changed or where capacity is added. Noise samples will be measured and the current FHWA approved noise model (TNM 2.5) will be used. The DOTD Highway Traffic Noise Policy dated March 2004 applies. The consultant will submit a noise protocol for approval prior to initiating field measurements and modeling. Consultant will conduct a reconnaissance of the project area to confirm location of potentially impacted residents, businesses, and other receptors; perform a document search to ascertain the existence of planned, designed and programmed activities; acquire field measurements of noise levels; model the noise for each alternatives requiring modeling for existing, build and design years; determine highway traffic noise levels for each alternative for the peak-hour; determine noise impacts at sensitive receptors; including a comparison of impacts for the existing condition, build year and design year; and determine the reasonableness and feasibility of noise abatement measures in accordance with DOTD policy. A separate noise report is required. The report shall outline the methodology used and include a description of the model used. The analysis will include documentation of the input data assumptions; identification of other noise sources in corridor; discussion of modeled noise levels for each alternative, including exhibits showing receptor sites and noise contours; discussion (with a table) of traffic noise impacts resulting from existing condition, build year and design year; abatement measures considered and whether they were reasonable and feasible. The report should contain a completed copy of the Department’s worksheet as well as an Appendix with model inputs and outputs for each run. Noise abatement will be considered for the proposed action portion only at this time. If impacts are identified on any other section, the abatement measures for those sections will be considered when those sections are pursued at a later date. For review purposes, three reports will be submitted. For each revision, three copies will be required. Once the report is approved, five copies of the final will be required. The text part of the final version will be included in the Appendix of the EA. The impact on regional air quality will be discussed. Information on the existing air quality for the region can be obtained from Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Discussions concerning conformity (transportation and general) will be included in the air analysis. Project level modeling for CO is not required.

Cultural Resources - Archaeology/Historic Properties (Sections 106)
The consultant will review previous cultural resource survey reports within the logical termini on file at the Divisions of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and coordinate with the Department as to the need for additional survey work before initiating a cultural resources survey. After initial coordination with the Department and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), a survey will be made for the proposed action area to determine the presence of National Register of Historic Places eligible archaeological sites, both historic and prehistoric, as well as any standing structures or other places or objects, including bridges, eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The survey will meet the current standards of the Louisiana Division of Archaeology. All research and documentation necessary to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (i.e., Preliminary Case Reports, Documentation for a Determination of No Adverse Effect, etc) will be prepared by the consultant. All coordination with the SHPO's office will be through the Environmental Section or with the express approval of the Environmental Section. Five copies of the draft Cultural Resources Survey will be submitted to the Department, and three copies of the final Cultural Resources Survey report will be submitted to the Department upon approval of the draft. Two copies of an unbound typed updated site form for each site and two copies of unbound typed updated standing structure survey form for each standing structure will be submitted to the Environmental Section.

Socio-economic
Impacts to land uses and community services along each alternative shall be addressed in the EA along with the social and economic impacts of the proposed action to the community. Anticipated impact to community services during construction should also be discussed. The consultant will discuss impacts to any planned development for the area. Relocation impacts shall be confirmed via field surveys as well. A detailed Conceptual
Stage Relocation Plan (the Plan) shall be prepared and submitted to the Environmental
Section. The Plan will include the estimated number of persons and families to be
displaced, by race, the number of persons in each family, and the approximate income
level; the type of dwelling (mobile home, frame, brick) and the estimated value; the
location and quantity of available replacement housing; if none is available, the estimated
cost to build new housing; or whether any displacements have sufficient remainder on
which to move or build; the location and types of businesses to be displaced, the race of
the owner, estimated number of employees, by race, bypassed businesses if applicable,
and a listing of available commercial buildings and sites; the functional replacement of a
publicly-owned facility, if applicable, and the existence of publicly-owned recreation
lands; and the estimated costs of required right-of-way and relocation assistance. Three
copies of the final Conceptual Stage Relocation Plan shall be submitted. Cost
estimates for relocations, displacements, and right-of-way shall be included in the
document.

Costs Estimates
Costs estimates for design, right-of-way (acquisition and relocations); construction (all aspects), utility relocation, and mitigation are required in the EA. This information will also be used by the Environmental Section when preparing the Scope and Budget report for the project.

Recreational sources (Sections 4(f) and 6(f))
All public recreational and public park land will be identified and delineated within the logical termini. Use of Land and Water Conservation Funds will be identified by the consultant. Any wildlife refuges in the project area will also be identified.

Additional Coordination
Other items that will be evaluated and coordinated with the appropriate agencies include but are not limited to prime farmlands, sole source aquifers and 100-year floodplain.

Coordination (via meetings, e-mail, phone conversations, and letters) with local officials and resource agencies is required to determine the presence of any outstanding issues. The Environmental Section must be kept apprised of all coordination efforts prior to the consultant making the contacts. The consultant must document the coordination for the file. Items of special or local interest should be noted and evaluated within the context of the project.

Other
Other items that will need to be discussed in the analyses are traffic impacts; possible detours and their effect; sequence of construction, and other proposed projects in the area that may have an impact on the proposed action or that may be impacted by the proposed action. Existing traffic data can be obtained from the Department.

A discussion of secondary and cumulative impacts is required. The consultant will research other projects in the area and contact local officials and planning organizations in the area about their long range plans, upcoming projects or planned developments.

The consultant will maintain a contact list of all persons expressing an interest in the project

Public Meeting
All arrangements for the Public Meeting, including location, date and time, preparation of public notice, preparation of appropriate exhibits, preparation of the technical presentation, and handouts will be made by the consultant, subject to the Environmental Section's approval. The consultant will advertise the notice of the Public Meeting in the newspaper. The text of the notice including the project map will be provided to DOTD's Environmental Engineer Administrator for his review at least one month prior to the anticipated Public Meeting date. Upon approval of the public notice, the consultant will mail the notice to everyone on the contact list. The consultant will do additional outreach to the community by use of flyers, public service announcements, etc. Public Meeting exhibits and technical presentation will be supplied to DOTD's Environmental Engineer Administrator for his approval prior to his issuing approval of the Public Meeting date.

Actual conduct of the Public Meeting will be by staff from the Department's Environmental Section. The consultant will make a presentation as well as have knowledgeable informed staff present at the Public Meeting to address the queries of the public, in regard to environmental, engineering and other project related issues. The consultant will tape and prepare a verbatim transcript of the Public Meeting. Thirty-five copies of the transcript, in addition to the print ready original, will be required. The consultant will assist DOTD in the distribution of the transcripts.

Review of Draft Environmental Document
The document shall be written in accordance with FHWA’s guidelines. Ten copies of the review document will be provided to DOTD's Environmental Section for their review, comments and distribution. For each revision, an additional ten documents will be required. All comments will be addressed by the consultant prior to the Environmental Section and FHWA issuing approval to print the Environmental Document for public distribution.


Environmental Document
The document will be typed, single spaced, on 81/2 x 11 inch paper with inside margins of not less than 1 inch wide. All pages will be numbered. Photographs, plans, maps, drawings and text must be clear and clean with typed or mechanically lettered captions. Exhibits utilizing the 81/2 x 11 inch format are preferred. Fifty copies of the Environmental Document will be required. The consultant will assist DOTD with the distribution of the document. The consultant's name and logo shall not appear on the cover of the document. They can appear, however, on the inside cover sheet in a size not to exceed the Department's name and logo.

Public Hearing
After approval by the Department's Environmental Section and FHWA, the draft Environmental Document will be made available to the public and a Public Hearing will be scheduled. All arrangements for the Public Hearing, including location, time, preparation of public notice, preparation of appropriate exhibits, preparation of the technical presentation, and handouts will be made by the consultant, subject to the Environmental section's approval. The consultant will advertise the notice of the Public Hearing in the newspaper. The consultant will do additional outreach to the community by use of flyers, public service announcements, etc. The text of the notice including the project map will be provided to DOTD's Environmental Engineer Administrator for his review at least two months prior to the anticipated Public Hearing date. Public Hearing exhibits and the Public Hearing technical presentation will be supplied to DOTD's Environmental Engineer Administrator for his approval prior to his issuing approval of the Public Hearing date and authorizing the advertisement. The scale ratio of the exhibits for the Public Hearing must be approved by the Environmental Section.

Actual conduct of the Public Hearing will be by staff from the Department's Environmental Section. The consultant will make a presentation and have knowledgeable informed staff present at the Public Hearing to address the queries of the public, in regard to environmental, engineering and other project related issues, before the Hearing, at the recess, and after the Hearing. The consultant will tape and prepare a verbatim transcript of the Public Hearing. Thirty-five (35) copies of the transcript, in addition to the print ready original, will be required. The consultant will assist the Department with the distribution of the transcript.

Public Hearing & Environmental Document Comments
All comments received during the commenting period on the environmental document including those received at the Public Hearing will be addressed in the Final environmental document by the consultant. Ten copies of the final document addressing comments are required. After approval by the Department's Environmental Section of the final document and issuance by FHWA of the FONSI, fifty copies of the EA with FONSI will be required. The consultant will assist the Department with the distribution of the EA with FONSI.

Miscellaneous
The consultant shall notify the Environmental Section when fieldwork begins and ends. The consultant will also update the Environmental Section (via e-mail) weekly as to their progress in the field.

All reference material utilized will be noted and an accurate and complete bibliography supplied to the Department with the draft and final documents. Accessibility and location of all reference material utilized will be noted (i.e., library location, etc.). Utilization of unpublished material or otherwise not easily accessible material will be specifically coordinated with the Environmental Section prior to its use in the document.

On all correspondence with the Department's Environmental Section the consultant will use all applicable state project numbers (i.e., engineering and construction), along with the project name, route number, and parish, and federal aid project number.

The consultant shall provide the Environmental Section with a monthly progress report. The report will include the estimated and actual date of completion of each task to be performed. The consultant will use the Department’s standard form for invoicing.

Additional Services
Takings of threatened or endangered species or their critical habitat are not anticipated for this project. However, if upon completing the biological report, it is discovered that a threatened or endangered species or critical habitat will be taken, a Biological Assessment will be required along with Consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The contract may be supplemented to include additional work required by the consultant to assist DOTD with the Consultation and Biological Assessment.

A Section 4(f) Statement is not anticipated at this time. If use of a property covered by Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act is discovered, the contract will be supplemented, as necessary, for the preparation of a Section 4(f) Statement. Research, analysis, and documentation of compliance with Section 4(f) of the DOT Act may be done by the consultant for any Section 4(f) property affected by the proposed action.

Testing for contamination is not anticipated. However, if contamination is suspected and limiting testing is required to ascertain the impact on the project, the Department may supplement the contract.
ITEMS TO BE PROVIDED BY DOTD

DOTD will provide copies of or access to maps, surveys, plans, right-of-way information and/or any other pertinent information, in its files that may assist the Consultant Team in performing this work.
REFERENCES

All designs and engineering documents will meet the standard requirements as to format and content of the DOTD; and will be prepared in accordance with the latest applicable editions, supplements and revisions of the following:

1. AASHTO Standards, ASTM Standards or DOTD Test Procedures
2. DOTD Location and Survey Manual
3. DOTD Roadway Design Procedures and Details
4. DOTD Hydraulics Manual
5. DOTD Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges
6. Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Millennium Edition)
7. DOTD Traffic Signal Design Manual
8. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
9. National Electric Safety Code
10. DOTD Environmental Impact Procedures (Vols. I-III)
11. Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets
12. Construction Contract Administration Manual
13. Materials Sampling Manual
14. DOTD Bridge Design Manual
15. Consultant Contract Services Manual
16. Geotechnical Engineering Services Document
17. Bridge Inspectors Training Manual/90
COMPENSATION

Compensation will be a negotiated cost plus fixed fee, with a maximum limitation. The selected Consultant/Team will be required to submit a proposal within 21 calendar days following the notification of selection. All negotiations must be completed within 45 calendar days following the notification of selection.
CONTRACT TIME

The consultant will proceed with the services specified herein after the execution of this contract and upon written Notice-To-Proceed from the DOTD, and will not exceed 18 months, including review time. The delivery schedule for all project deliverables will be established by the Project Manager.
MINIMUM PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements must be met at the time of submittal:


1. At least one Principal of a firm under consideration shall be a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Louisiana.
2. At least one Principal or other Responsible Member shall be currently Registered in Louisiana as a Professional Civil Engineer, and a corresponding support staff.
3. In addition to the above, the Prime Consultant must also employ on a full-time basis, or through the use of a Sub-Consultant(s):
a. One Environmental Professional experienced in the preparation of documents in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). DOTD requires that all Project Managers performing NEPA work take the NHI Course No. 142005, “National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Transportation Decision Making”, or an equivalent course approved by the DOTD Environmental Administrator.
b. One Environmental Professional with a minimum of three years of experience with noise analysis for highway projects
c. One wetlands biologist with a degree in biology or a related field and three years experience in wetland delineations.
d. One Principal Investigator for the archaeological work must meet the Archaeological Qualifications as published in the Louisiana Register on April 20, 1994
e. Responsible member of the consultant firm must have taken the course on Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act offered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation or its equivalent training.
f. Ecological, archaeological, and other environmental professionals as required for the performance of a significant portion of this work.
g. One Registered Professional Civil Engineer, Registered in the State of Louisiana, with a minimum of five years experience in traffic analysis, and a corresponding support staff.
h. One Registered Professional Civil Engineer, Registered in the State of Louisiana, with a minimum of five years experience in highway design, and a corresponding support staff.
EVALUATION CRITERIA

The general criteria to be used by DOTD (when applicable) in evaluating responses for the selection of a Consultant to perform these services are:

1. Consultant’s firm experience on similar projects, weighting factor of 3;
2. Consultant’s personnel experience on similar projects, weighting factor of 4;
3. Consultant’s firm size as related to the estimated project cost, weighting factor of 3;
4. Consultant’s past performance on similar DOTD projects, weighting factor of 6;
5. Consultant’s current work load, weighting factor of 5;
6. Location where the work will be performed, weighting factor of 4;

Consultants will be evaluated as indicated in Items 1- 6. The evaluation will be by means of a point-based rating system. Each of the above criteria will receive a rating on a scale of 0-4. Then the rating will be multiplied by the corresponding weighting factor. The firm’s ratings in each category will then be added to arrive at the Consultant’s final rating.

If Sub-Consultants are used, each member of the Consultant/Team will be evaluated on their part of the contract proportional to the amount of their work. The individual team member ratings will then be added to arrive at the Consultant/Team rating.

The following estimates of work categories will be used in the Consultant Evaluation Process. These percentages are based on the overall project:

Environmental - 65%
Engineering and Planning Services - 35%

DOTD's Consultant Evaluation Committee will be responsible for performing the above described evaluation, and presenting a short list of the three (if three are qualified) highest rated Consultants to the Secretary of the DOTD. The Secretary will make the final selection.

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

The selected Consultant will be required to execute the contract within 10 days after receipt of the contract.

INSURANCE - During the term of this contract, the Consultant will carry professional liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. The Prime Consultant may require the Sub-consultant(s) to carry professional liability insurance. This insurance will be written on a “claims-made” basis. Prior to executing the contract, the Consultant will provide a Certificate of Insurance to DOTD showing evidence of such professional liability insurance.

AUDIT - The selected Consultant/Team will allow the DOTD Audit Section to perform an annual overhead audit of their books, or provide an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) audited overhead rate. This rate must be developed using Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and guidelines provided by the DOTD Audit Section. In addition, the Consultant/Team will submit semi-annual labor rate information, when requested by DOTD.

The selected Consultant/Team will maintain, an approved Project Cost System and segregate direct from indirect cost in their General Ledger. Pre-award and post audits, as well as interim audits, may be required. For audit purposes, the selected Consultant/Team will maintain accounting records for a minimum of five years after final contract payment.

Any Consultant currently under contract with the DOTD and who has not met all the audit requirements documented in the manual and/or notices posted on the DOTD Consultant Contract Services Website (www.dotd.louisiana.gov), will not be considered for this project.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

One original (stamped original) and four copies of the SF 24-102 must be submitted to DOTD. All submittals must be in accordance with the requirements of this advertisement and the Consultant Contract Services Manual. Any Consultant/Team failing to submit any of the information required on the SF 24-102, or provide inaccurate information on the SF 24-102, will be considered non-responsive.

Any Sub-Consultants to be used, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Sub-Consultants, in performance of this contract must also submit a SF 24-102, completely filled out and containing information pertinent to the work to be performed.

The Sub-Consultant’s SF 24-102 must be firmly bound to the Consultant’s SF 24-102. In Section 9, the Consultant’s SF 24-102 must describe the work elements to be performed by the Sub-Consultant(s), and state the approximate percentage of each work element to be subcontracted to each Sub-Consultant.

Name(s) of the Consultant/Team listed on the SF 24-102, must precisely match the name(s) filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Corporation Division, and the Louisiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

The SF 24-102 will be identified with State Project No. 700-61-0113 and will be submitted prior to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2005, by hand delivery or mail addressed to:

Department of Transportation and Development
Attn.: Dr. Babak Naghavi, P.E., P.H.
Consultant Contract Services Administrator
1201 Capitol Access Road, Room 405-T
Baton Rouge, LA 70802-4438 or
Post Office Box 94245
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9245
Telephone: (225) 379-1989

REVISIONS TO THE RFQ


DOTD reserves the right to revise any part of the RFQ by issuing an addendum to the RFQ at any time. Issuance of this RFQ in no way constitutes a commitment by DOTD to award a contract. DOTD reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or part, all Qualification Statements submitted and/or cancel this announcement if it is determined to be in DOTD’s best interest. All materials submitted in response to this announcement become the property of DOTD and selection or rejection of a submittal does not affect this right. DOTD also reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive administrative informalities contained in the RFQ.