East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements: Recommendation for Consultant ServicesCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Action Items # 8.
Copyrighted
November 1, 2021
ITEM TITLE: East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements: Recommendation for
Professional Consultant Services - Preliminary Engineering Design and
Environmental Clearance Phase
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending approval of the selection of HDR, Inc. as
the consultant to complete the Preliminary Engineering Design and
Environmental Clearance Phase to advance the development of East-
West Corridor Capacity Improvements along University Avenue at the
intersections at Loras Boulevard, Asbury Road, and Pennsylvania
Avenue, and request authorization for the City Engineer to initiate contract
negotiations.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements Consultant City Manager Memo
Selection-MVM Memo
Staff Memo
Rating Ranking
Staff Memo
Supporting Documentation
THE CITY
DUOF
B TEE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements
Recommendation for Professional Consultant Services
Dubuque
All -America City
IN
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Preliminary Engineering Design and Environmental Clearance Phase
Iowa DOT Project No. STBG-SWAP-2100 (698)--SG-31
DATE: October 27, 2021
Four responses were received in response to a request for proposals for a professional
services consultant to complete the Preliminary Engineering Design and Environmental
Clearance Phase to advance the development of East-West Corridor Capacity
Improvements along University Avenue at the intersections at Loras Boulevard, Asbury
Road, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
The adopted East - West Corridor Connectivity Study report has acted as the City's
Master Plan for both short-term and long-term capacity improvements or corridor
modifications to support growing east -west traffic flow in the City. The study included
recommended improvements supporting complete streets concepts, multi -modal
transportation, vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational improvements.
The report included 32 proposed capacity improvement projects along the four
corridors. Capacity improvements identified include a series of intersection
realignments, intersection improvements, turn lane additions, add traffic signal
interconnect and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) improvements along each
corridor.
With funds currently programmed in FY2022, the next steps in the design development
process is to begin the preliminary engineering and environmental study phase for
intersection capacity improvements along the University Avenue, Loras Boulevard to
Pennsylvania Avenue "Overlap Section". The preliminary engineering phase is
anticipated to take approximately 12 months to complete. Once the preliminary
engineering and environmental study are completed, corridor impacts will be identified,
and property acquisition could begin which is anticipated to take approximately 2 years
to complete. Once property acquisition is completed within the Overlap Section,
construction to convert the three intersections along University Avenue to roundabouts
could take approximately 2-3 years to complete.
Assistant City Manager Bob Schiesl and the Consultant Selection Committee
recommend City Council approval of the selection of HDR, Inc. as the consultant to
complete the Preliminary Engineering Design and Environmental Clearance Phase to
advance the development of East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements along
University Avenue at the intersections at Loras Boulevard, Asbury Road, and
Pennsylvania Avenue, and request authorization for the City Engineer to initiate contract
negotiations.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
Robert Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
2
THE COF
DtUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer
FROM: Robert Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer
Dubuque
*kmerlcm Ciq
!�9N MTV 1 RN , I f:k AR.
2007*2012.2013
2017*2019
SUBJECT: East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements
Recommendation for Professional Consultant Services
Preliminary Engineering Design and Environmental Clearance Phase
Iowa DOT Project No. STBG-SWAP-2100 (698)--SG-31
DATE: October 26, 2021
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request Mayor and City Council concurrence in
the selection of HDR, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska, as the Professional Services
Consultant to complete the Preliminary Engineering Design and Environmental
Clearance Phase to advance the development of East-West Corridor Capacity
Improvements along University Avenue at the intersections at Loras Boulevard, Asbury
Road, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
BACKGROUND
The US Highway 20 corridor is the primary east -west route in the City of Dubuque and
future traffic volume projections indicate US Highway 20 alone will not provide sufficient
capacity for east -west travel in the City. Capacity along alternate east -west corridors will
need to be improved to provide connectivity between the western growth areas and the
downtown urban core.
To advance this objective, the City completed the East-West Corridor Connectivity
Study. The purpose of the study was to; analyze the east -west traffic flow in the City;
identify corridor improvements or modifications to support growing traffic demands; and
to consider transit needs, pedestrian needs, and sustainability. The four east -west
corridors identified in the study area are: Asbury Road; Pennsylvania Avenue;
University Avenue; and Loras Boulevard.
The adopted East - West Corridor Connectivity Study report has acted as the City's
Master Plan for both short-term and long-term capacity improvements or corridor
modifications to support growing east -west traffic flow in the City. The study included
recommended improvements supporting complete streets concepts, multi -modal
transportation, vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational improvements.
The report included 32 proposed capacity improvement projects along the four
corridors. Capacity improvements identified include a series of intersection
realignments, intersection improvements, turn lane additions, add traffic signal
interconnect and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) improvements along each
corridor.
In August 2017, the City Council listed
the East - West Corridor Capacity
Improvement Implementation as a "Top -
Priority" in its 2017-2019 Goals and
Priorities and directed City staff to begin
implementation plans for the
recommendations contained in the East-
West Corridor Connectivity Report.
In an effort to advance this top priority,
the City has already completed the
following improvements:
Project
Year
Cost
Property Acquisition
2016
$ 853,300
Asbury -University
Grandview - Delhi
2016
$ 827,000
Roundabout
Loras - Grandview
2017
$ 370,300
Traffic Signals
University - Grandview
2018
$1,200,000
Roundabout
Total Improvements To -Date
$3,250,300
Lju E pastf West Corridor Capacity Improvements _L
Property Acquisition
GrandviewlLdras
"r''r Gomplstetl� 2016 Traffic Signal Improvements
Completed: 2017 f.
fEr
niversity. Loras: As a` A
nsylvania Overlap Section
roposed Rounds boutsPreliminary Design!4`v ron m ertal SiLdy: 2020 _., � r
Gra Roundabout Rdundabcut 4 _
Completed: 2018 T
7A � tr
GrandwewiUelhi;Grsoe y. _ i11 �,
Roundaocu:
Gonpleted. 2016
ti
UNIVERSITY - OVERLAP SECTION IMPROVEMENTS
The section of University Avenue, from Pennsylvania Avenue to Loras Boulevard,
referred to as the "Overlap Section" was recommended for converting the three
intersections along University Avenue to roundabouts.
In January 2019, the City began the process to de -federalize the East-West Corridor
project by paying back the federal funds previously used for property acquisition. On
August 19th, 2019, the City received the FHWA final closure acceptance for the
defederalization of funds related to the East - West Corridor project.
Now that the project defederalization is completed, in December 2020, the SWAP
Funding Agreement was executed which will now allow the City to utilize both local City
funding and SWAP funding to begin the preliminary engineering and environmental
study phase for intersection capacity improvements along the University Avenue, Loras
Boulevard to Pennsylvania Avenue "Overlap Section".
With funds currently programmed in FY2022, the next steps in the design development
process is to begin the preliminary engineering and environmental study phase for
intersection capacity improvements along the University Avenue, Loras Boulevard to
Pennsylvania Avenue "Overlap Section". The preliminary engineering phase is
anticipated to take approximately 12 months to complete. Once the preliminary
engineering and environmental study are completed, corridor impacts will be identified,
and property acquisition could begin which is anticipated to take approximately 2 years
to complete. Once property acquisition is completed within the Overlap Section,
construction to convert the three intersections along University Avenue to roundabouts
could take approximately 2-3 years to complete.
CONSULTANT SELECTION COMMITTEE
The Consultant Selection Committee for the Preliminary Engineering Design and
Environmental Study Phase includes the following:
• Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer • Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Manager
• Robert Schiesl, Assistant City Engineer • Tony Breitbach, Purchasing Coordinator
• Nate Steffen, Civil Engineer • Steve Fehsal, Parks Manager
CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS
Because the Professional Consultant Services contract to complete the preliminary
engineering design phase will use SWAP funding, the RFP and consultant selection
process is being performed in accordance with the Iowa Department of Transportation
(Iowa DOT) consultant selection process. The consultant selection and ranking were
based upon the overall strength of information provided in the Consultant's response
proposal submitted, the Consultant's presentation and interviews, and the Consultant's
demonstrated competence, experience, and qualifications.
On September 20, 2021, the City issued solicitations for competitive proposals from
qualified professional consulting engineering firms or project teams to determine interest
and capabilities providing Professional Consultant Services that include preliminary
engineering design and environmental study services for intersection capacity
improvements along University Avenue from the intersections at Loras Boulevard,
Asbury Road, and at Pennsylvania Avenue, in the City of Dubuque.
On October 8, 2021, four (4) consultant response proposals were received and are
listed as follows (in alphabetical order):
• AECOM
• Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC
• HDR, Inc.
• Snyder & Associates, Inc.
The Consultant Selection Committee reviewed the proposals, conducted an initial
screening, and selected AECOM, Foth and HDR to participate in virtual presentations
and interviews on October 19t" and 20t", 2021.
Following the consultant interviews, the Consultant Selection Committee met to
evaluate and rate each of the consultants. The Committee carefully deliberated each
consultant's strengths and weaknesses. Although each of the consultants was uniquely
qualified, the Selection Committee selected HDR, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska as the first -
ranked consultant. The selection ranking was based upon the overall strength of
information provided in the Consultant's response proposal submitted, the Consultant's
presentation and interviews, and the Consultant's demonstrated competence,
experience, and qualifications. The final consultant selection evaluation and ranking
form is attached and the recommended order of preference to initiate contract
negotiations is as follows:
• No. 1 - HDR, Inc.
• No. 2 - AECOM
• No. 3 - Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC
DISCUSSION
HDR, Inc. is a nationally recognized, full -service design consultant, with a strong
emphasis in urban corridor transportation engineering solutions and innovative public
involvement and engagement strategies.
The Consultant Selection Committee felt the HDR comprehensive team members have
direct experience that will cover all necessary aspects of the Preliminary Engineering
Design and Environmental Review and Clearance Phase, which will include the
following:
• Traffic Evaluations & Design
• Roundabout Analysis & Design
• Environmental Review
• Strategic Communications / Public Engagement
• Multimodal / Complete Streets
• Innovative Survey
• Federal -Aid Swap Funding Project Development Experience
Additionally, the Consultant Selection Committee felt the HDR project team has the
qualifications, experience and a good historical knowledge of the East-West Corridor
University Overlap Section which will minimize the project team's transitional start-up
time and allow the preliminary design phase to move forward efficiently and effectively.
PROJECT TEAM
To address and take on the unique challenges and specialized needs of the East-West
Corridor University Overlap Section preliminary design phase, HDR assembled an in-
depth, multidisciplinary project team with the capability, talent, qualifications, and
experience to successfully complete the Preliminary Engineering Design and
Environmental Review and Clearance Phase.
The HDR project team includes the following sub-consultant(s):
HDR, Inc. - Lead Consultant
• MSA Professional Services, Inc.
• Iowa -Counts
• Tallgrass Archaeology, LLC
• Terracon
A principal sub -consultant on the HDR team is MSA Professional Services, Inc. with
local offices in the Dubuque area. MSA's experience includes work on hundreds of
roundabout projects across the nation, including on -call review services for several
State DOTs, including Iowa, Wisconsin, Georgia, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, Minnesota,
and Maine.
PROJECT MANAGER
An important evaluation criteria were the qualifications and experience of the lead
consultant's Project Manager. HDR has designated Senior Transportation Engineer, Mr.
Chris Malmberg, P.E. to lead the project team.
• 20+ years of professional experience in urban arterial / highway planning and
design with impressive credentials as a proven Project Manager and a solid team
leader.
• Project Manager and lead roadway designer for the original East-West
Connectivity Study.
• Project Manager for the US Highway 20 - Swiss Valley interchange NEPA &
Preliminary and Final Design.
• Project Manager on the US Highway 20 - Northwest Arterial Intersection Study,
currently underway.
DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER
To assist HDR Project Manager, Chris Malmberg, MSA Transportation Team Leader,
Ben Wilkinson, P.E., will lead the team as Deputy Project Manager. Mr. Wilkenson has
focused his professional career on roundabout design, analysis, public education, and
outreach. He has designed or reviewed more than 300 modern roundabouts, including
complex interchanges, five -legged roundabouts, and three -lane roundabouts.
• Served as Assistant Project Manager for the Grandview / Delhi roundabout, the
City of Dubuque's first modern roundabout.
• Served as Assistant Project Manager for the Grandview / University roundabout.
• Assisted City staff in developing Dubuque's roundabout project delivery and
public engagement process.
DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE REQUIREMENTS
HDR has committed to achieving the 2.5% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
goal for the Project as established in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part
26. The project team DBE firm and the estimated percent of involvement are as follows:
• Tallgrass Archaeology, LLC (2.5% of project cost)
PROJECT SCHEDULE
The anticipated remaining schedule for the East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements
Consultant scope of services, fee proposal negotiations and contract approval are as
follows:
• RFP's Released to Consultants
• Consultant Response Proposals Due
• Selection Committee Review
• Consultant(s) Invited to Interview
• Consultant Presentations / Interviews
• Recommendation to City Council
• Consultant - Notification
• Negotiate Scope of Services / Fees
• City Council Approve Contract
• Consultant - Notice to Proceed
RECOMMENDATION
September 20, 2021
✓ Completed
October 8, 2021
✓ Completed
October 14, 2021
✓ Completed
October 15, 2021
✓ Completed
October 19 - 20, 2021
✓ Completed
November 1, 2021
November 2, 2021
Nov 3 - Dec 10, 2021
December 20, 2021
December 21, 2021
Based on the extensive review of the proposals, the presentations, and interviews, the
Consultant Selection Committee recommends the selection of HDR, Inc. as the first -
ranked Consultant and that the City Engineer be authorized to negotiate a Professional
Consultant Services Agreement to complete the Preliminary Engineering Design and
Environmental Study Phase.
BUDGETIMPACT
The current available funding for the estimated professional services fee is summarized
as follows:
CIP
Funding Source
Amount
2501039
3001039
City - DMATS STBG SWAP Funds
$ 800,000
City - Local Funds
200,000
Project Funding
$ 1,000,000
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
I respectfully request Mayor and City Council concurrence in the selection of HDR, Inc.
as the first -ranked Consultant and requests authorization for the City Engineer to initiate
contract negotiations for Professional Consultant Services to complete the Preliminary
Engineering Design and Environmental Study Phase to advance the development of
East-West Corridor Capacity Improvements along University Avenue at the
intersections at Loras Boulevard, Asbury Road, and at Pennsylvania Avenue.
cc: Jenny Larson, Director of Finance and Budgel
Wally Wernimont, Planning Services Manager
Tony Breitbach, Purchasing Coordinator
Nate Steffen, Civil Engineer
Steve Fehsal, Parks Manager
Kent Ellis, Iowa DOT
FAPROJECTS\EAST-WEST CORRIDOR STUDY\2021 Consultant PE NEPA RFP
j�Ug UE Request for Proposal
Consultant Evaluation and Rating Form
East-West Corridor, University Avenue Overlap Section Intersection Capacity Improvements I Maximum
Rating
Consultant Professional Engineering Services RFP Points
1.
Key Staff, Project Team Qualification and Experience
30
Key professional personnel, who will work on the Project, include qualifications and experience with similar projects.
Technical ability and specialized expertise of the consultant's staff.
Subconsultants who will work on the Project, include qualifications and experience with similar projects. Technical ability
and specialized expertise of the subconsultant(s). Percentage of contract work that would be performed by
subconsultant(s).
2.
Scope of Services, Design Approach and Methodology
25
Consultant provided a description of the means or strategy by which the Consultant would satisfy the Scope of Services.
Consultant demonstrated public relations experience with similar projects and how public involvement techniques and
innovative strategies were implemented to communicate, inform and educate local government agencies, special interest
groups, businesses, utility companies, affected property owners and the general public, which developed and maintained
a positive relationship during the course of similar project(s).
3.
Project Management
20
Project Engineer/Manager who will direct the work for this Project, include qualifications and experience with similar
projects. Technical ability and specialized expertise of the Project Engineer/Manager.
4.
Knowledge of Federal and State Regulations and Ability to Work with Lead Agencies
10
Points awarded for experience and coordination abilities with lead agencies and knowledge of Federal and State SWAP
funded project regulations. This may include but is not limited to: Federal Highway Administration, Iowa Department of
Transportation, State Historic Preservation Office.
5.
Work Plan and Timeline
10
Points awarded based on the Consultant proposed timeline and work plan
6.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal
5
Ability of the Consultant to achieve the DBE participation goal of 2.5%. Consultant demonstrated a good faith effort to
meet this goal
Total Points Scored:
100
Ranking:
AVERAGE
CONSULTANT PROPOSAL RATING
SNYDER &
AECOM
FOTH
HDR
ASSOCIATES
27.3 25.2 28.8 21.3
23.5 21.3 23.8 17.7
19.0 17.8 19.0 15.3
9.3 9.0 9.8 6.8
9.2 8.5 10.0 9.7
4.8 4.2 5.0 3.7
93.2 1 86.0 1 96.5 1 74.5
2 1 3 1 1 1 4