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Publications iconKansas Register

Volume 43 - Issue 28 - July 11, 2024

State of Kansas

Department of Transportation

Request for Proposals

Notice to Consulting Firms

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is seeking a qualified consulting firm or team of firms to perform professional services for the project(s) described in Table 1 below. Interested consultants must submit a proposal as laid out herein by 12:00 p.m. (Central Time) July 31, 2024, to be considered for selection.

Consultant Prequalification

Interested consulting firms must be prequalified by KDOT or otherwise demonstrate qualification in the following category(s):

  • 201 – Location and Design Concept Studies/Corridor Studies
  • 212 – Highway Design – Minor Facility
  • 222 – Standard Span Bridge Design
  • 231 – Traffic Control Analysis and Design
  • 325 – Hydraulic and Hydrologic Studies
  • 332 – Travel Studies
  • 401 – Landscape (Seeding and Erosion Control)

If a firm is not currently prequalified by KDOT in any of the required categories, a proposal may still be submitted. Firms not prequalified must also provide documentation that demonstrates the firm is qualified for each specified category listed in this solicitation for the project. Firms must use the KDOT prequalification form to provide this documentation. KDOT 1050 Prequalification Category Definitions (Blue Book) can be found at http://www.ksdot.org/descons.asp. Consultants may create a team to meet the prequalification requirements. All firms doing business with KDOT must be registered and in good standing under the laws of the State of Kansas at the time of contracting and must comply with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Table 1: Background and Scope of Project
Project Number Background and Scope of Project
KA-7427-01 This project includes the reconstruction and addition of shoulders along US-160 from US-169 to the north approach of Big Hill Creek bridge (0063-B0066) in Montgomery County and picks up at the south approach of Big Hill Creek bridge then continues to Gartner Avenue in Altamont, Labette County. The discovery phase is expected to determine the shoulder width and type, mainline paving action, and reconstruction or extension of structures and culverts. Services associated with this Request for Proposals are for the Discovery Phase only, with an option to supplement the contract through Preliminary Design, Final Design, and Construction Phase Services.
Table 2: Project Summary
Project Number Route and Scope Length (mi) Project Termini
KA-7427-01 US-160 in Montgomery and Labette Counties

Discovery Phase: Reconstruction and shoulder widening
16.5 US-169 to the north approach of Big Hill Creek bridge (0063-B0066) and the south approach of Big Hill Creek bridge (0063-B0066) to Gartner Avenue
Project Number Structure BR#, Structure Scope, Structure Size, Type
KA-7427-01 Structural improvements, if any, will be determined during the discovery phase. Structures along this section of the corridor include the following:

  • 0050-B0059   4-10’x10’ RCB
  • 0050-B0068   3-14’x8’ RFB
  • 0050-B0043   55’, 77’, 55’RDGH
  • 0050-B0044   30’, 40’, 30’ RCSH
  • 0050-B0060   7-10’x8’ RCB
  • 0050-C0537   2-7’x7’ RCB
  • 0050-C0557   2-9’x6’ RCB
  • 0050-C0558   10’x5’ RCB
  • 0050-C0559   2-9’x5’ RCB
  • 0050-C0529   16’x16’ RFB
  • 0050-C0530   10’x4’ RCB
  • 0050-C-536   10’ RCSS
  • 0063-B0060   2-8’x4’ RCB
  • 0063-B0057   2-14’ SBMC
  • 0063-B0066   30’, 40’, 30’ RCSC
  • 0063-C0539   10’x5’ RCB

Anticipated Consultant Scope

A discovery phase summary report detailing the analysis, alternatives, costs, and recommendations is expected. Other expectations for consultant scope are shown below. A scoping meeting will take place after consultant selection is made. The scope included herein may not be all-inclusive.

KDOT anticipates the following to be included in the consultant’s scope:

  • Project Discovery:
    • Travel demand forecasting, traffic analysis, and engineering.
    • Analysis of shoulder widths and types, geometric improvements, and intersection improvements.
    • HSM quantitative safety analysis, including use of KDOT’s LWSW/PBPD tool.
    • Identify priority segments and improvements for a phased approach to construction projects along the study corridor.
  • NEPA desktop screening.
  • Supporting documentation for Railroad coordination (as necessary).
  • Structural improvement needs, if any, will be identified during the Discovery Phase.
  • 3D Electronic Deliverables Preparation.
  • Public Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Develop Stakeholder Engagement Plan:
      • Identify list of stakeholder groups. At a minimum, the stakeholder groups will include:
        • Political subdivisions including cities and counties.
        • Businesses.
        • Property owners.
      • Outline targeted outreach for each stakeholder group which may include brochures, media releases, fact sheets, presentations, and public meeting boards.
      • Outreach may also occur using technology including virtual public meetings, infographics, social media, and websites.
    • Develop and Implement Public Outreach Effort:
      • Identify appropriate opportunities to engage public and gather input.
      • Outreach efforts could include a wide range of materials including:
        • Brochures.
        • Media releases.
        • Fact sheets.
        • Presentations.
        • Public meeting boards.
    • Document all stakeholder engagement and public outreach efforts.
  • Grant Application Support:
    • Data collection and review.
    • Identify strategies for maximum points.
    • Prepare cost estimates as needed.
    • Coordinate with KDOT for required information.
    • Draft support letters for public, elected and appointed officials, stakeholders, and other relevant entities as identified by KDOT and advance the application.
    • Establish application schedule.
    • Coordinate and lead meetings.
    • Consultant shall prepare the grant application based on NOFO requirements.
    • Provide tables and graphics as necessary.
    • Provide final draft grant documents for review that will be coordinated with the Grand Lead, project team, and others that are relevant to the process.

KDOT, at the Secretary’s discretion, reserves the right to retain for subsequent phases of design and consulting services the consultant selected to provide services associated with this Request for Proposals. Scope in subsequent phases will likely include, but is not limited to, plan development through preliminary and final design as well as construction phase services.

Activities performed by KDOT include:

  • Topographic and Land Survey.
  • Development of Existing Right of Way.
  • Geotechnical Services:
    • Soil Investigations.
    • Bridge Foundation Geology.
    • Pavement Field Investigation and Design.
    • Surfacing Recommendations.
  • Environmental Services:
    • Lead Paint Testing.
    • Permit Application.
    • Permits will include NPDES – Storm Water Runoff Permit for which KDOT will need from consultant:
      • Total project site area in acres.
      • Total disturbed area in acres (from Seeding Plans).
      • Impervious area in square feet (existing and proposed).
      • Above information needs to be provided by consultant (90) days prior to letting.

Anticipated Schedule and Key Dates

  1. Proposals are due by or before 12:00 p.m. (Central Time) July 24, 2024.
  2. Ranking of proposals is expected to occur on or around August 14, 2024. Negotiations with the most highly ranked firm are expected to begin on or around August 28, 2024. An executed agreement is anticipated around August 29, 2024. KDOT anticipates giving notice to proceed on or around September 15, 2024.
  3. Discovery phase shall be complete by September 15, 2025.
  4. The program fiscal year for this project is FY2029 (July 2028–June 2029).

Instructions for Proposal

  1. No cost or pricing information shall be submitted with the proposal. Proposals including cost or pricing information will be considered non-responsive and withdrawn from further consideration.
  2. The consultant’s proposal must not exceed 4 pages total (including any cover letter, index, etc.). All pages shall be standard letter size (8.5” x 11”). Any page larger than standard letter size will be counted as two or more pages depending on size.
  3. A single PDF (10 MB maximum size) of the proposal must be uploaded to the appropriate bid form on Bid Express by the proposal due date and time.
  4. The proposal PDF file name must read:
    1. “KA-7427-01_US-160 Shldr Widening Mont.Lab Cos_FIRM NAME”
  5. The proposal must be accompanied by Special Attachments No. 8 (“Tax Clearance Certificate”), No. 10 (“Policy Regarding Sexual Harassment”), and No. 12 (“Certification of Company Not Currently Engaged in the Procurement or Obtainment of Certain Equipment, Services, or Systems”). If you need a Tax Clearance Certificate, you can request one at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxclearance.html. Allow 2-3 business days for processing. Both attachments are required for every firm involved in a multi-consultant team. Upload these files as instructed in Bid Express.
  6. The outline in Table 3 below describes the expected proposal organization and content sections.
  7. Table 4 lists the evaluation criteria and associated weights which will be used to shortlist respondents and final selection (if no interview).
Table 3: Proposal Content
Section Description of Intent Page Limit
Cover Letter 1 Page
Project Approach Demonstrate a unique approach to accomplish the design efficiently and to a high standard. Include cost-effective and optimized solutions to address the anticipated improvements in the design. Include unique qualifications or experience related to the project approach.
Approach to Schedule Describe the approach to accomplish the scope of services within the schedule requirements. Include anticipated key milestone dates and availability of staff.
Approach to Quality Control Describe methods or procedures your firm will use to provide all drawings, reports and other services with professional quality and technical accuracy.
Qualifications and Experience For key personnel to be assigned to the project provide names, office location, qualifications, education, training, and expertise. Identify their area(s) of responsibility and percent of their time dedicated to the project. List work for which you do not have in-house capability and name the firm you propose to subcontract with.
Past Performance Describe team’s past performance with respect to ability to meet project schedules; quality of work; and ability to control costs on similar transportation projects, especially those performed for KDOT. Include three references and contact information.
Familiarity with KDOT and Project Area Describe team’s familiarity with KDOT’s design process and standards. Describe familiarity with the project area and any identified special site conditions.
Table 4: Evaluation Factors
Evaluation Factor Weight
Qualifications and experience of project manager and other key project team members proposed for services 25%
Project approach 25%
Understanding of the project area 15%
Innovation/Creativity in solutions 15%
Approach and commitment to meet advertised schedule 10%
Past performance history for similar projects/services for KDOT 10%

Contract Terms and Conditions

A standard KDOT agreement for engineering and technical services will be used for professional services projects. The following special attachments will need to be provided by the selected consultant and all subconsultants with the signed work order following negotiations and will become attachments to the contract.

  • Special Attachment No. 8 (“Tax Clearance Certificate”)
  • Special Attachment No. 10 (“Policy Regarding Sexual Harassment”)
  • Special Attachment No. 12 (“Certification of Company Not Currently Engaged in the Procurement or Obtainment of Certain Equipment, Services, or Systems”)

Special Contract Conditions

This project will be managed by the IKE PMC.

Questions

All questions regarding this Request for Proposals shall be submitted via Q&A section of bid form in Bid Express.

Questions can be submitted until July 17, 2024; answers will be provided to all prequalified consultants on July 24, 2024.

Calvin Reed
Secretary
Department of Transportation

Doc. No. 052281