SW Arterial Consultant Ph 1 Des
D~B@UE
~ck~
MEMORANDUM
September 1, 2004
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
, "
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
--:J
SUBJECT: Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial)
Consultant Selection Recommendation
Phase I - Preliminary Engineering Design Services
'.:
'.t-
Request for Proposals were issued to select a consultant for the Iowa Highway 32
(Southwest Arterial) Phase I - Preliminary Engineering Design Services.
The Project Consult Selection Committee included the following members:
Roger R. Walton, Local Systems Engineer, Iowa DOT
Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director, ECIA
Anna O'Shea, County Zoning Administrator
Bill Baum, Economic Development Director
Ken TeKippe, Finance Director
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public Works Director
Robert Schiesl, Civil Engineer
Six consultant firms submitted proposals and four were interviewed. The Selection
Committee is recommending Earth Tech, Inc. for this project. Earth Tech, Inc. has
partnered with a local firm, Durrant Architects, to assist in developing the enhancement
concepts for the project.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
fl1þL{ ~;'J/Jlc~L
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer
D~
~ck~
MEMORANDUM
August 31,2004
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public Works Director ~
TO:
SUBJECT: Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial)
Consultant Selection Recommendation
Phase I - Preliminary Engineering Design Services
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek City Council concurrence in the selection of
Earth Tech, Inc. as the Design Consultant for Preliminary Engineering Design Services
for the Improvement of Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial).
BACKGROUND
The City of Dubuque (City) in partnership with Dubuque County (County), the Dubuque
Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMA TS), the Iowa Department of
Transportation (Iowa DOT), hereinafter referred to as the Project Technical Committee,
contacted qualified Consulting Engineering Firms or project teams, hereinafter referred
to as the Consultant, to determine their interest and capabilities in providing major
highway design services for the preliminary design of the Improvement of Iowa Highway
32 (Southwest Arterial), hereinafter referred to as the Project. The preliminary design
contract will be for a proposed four-lane highway on alignment between U.S. Hwy
61/151 and U.S. Hwy 20.
The Project Technical Committee established a Project Consultant Selection
Committee, hereinafter referred to as the Selection Committee. The Selection
Committee members included: Roger R. Walton, Local Systems Engineer, Iowa DOT;
Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director, ECIA; Anna O'Shea, County Zoning
Administrator; Bill Baum, Economic Development Director; Ken TeKippe, Finance
Director; Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager; Gus Psihoyos, Acting Public
Works Director; and Robert Schiesl, Civil Engineer.
On June 18, 2004, six (6) consulting firms submitted Proposals for the Project.
The following is the list of lead Consulting Firms which submitted proposals:
. CH2Mhili
EarthTech
. HDR
Kirkham Michael
. Snyder & Associates
. WHKS & Co.
CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS
As required in the project development agreement, the Selection Committee selected a
Consultant in accordance with the Iowa Department of Transportation Consultant
Selection Process. The selection was based upon the Consultant's qualifications and
experience, and the Selection Committee's determination of the Consultant best suited
for this specific design Project.
On July 21, 2004, the Selection Committee met to evaluate and rated each of the six (6)
Consultant proposals. Based on the level of quality proposals received, the Selection
Committee decided to offer an invitation to participate in interviews for the Project to the
top four (4) ranked Consultants.
On August 11t~, Consultant Presentations and Interviews were given before the
Selection Committee. The following are the four (4) Consultants that interviewed:
. CH2Mhili
Earth Tech
HDR
. WHKS & Co.
On August 19t~, the Selection Committee met to evaluate and rated each of the four (4)
Consultants that interviewed. The Selection Committee carefully deliberated each
Consultant's strengths and weaknesses. Although each of the Selection Committee
members felt that each of the Consultants were uniquely qualified, the Selection
Committee selected Earth Tech, Inc. of Waterloo, Iowa, as the first-ranked Consultant to
provide the Preliminary Engineering Design Services for the Improvement of Iowa
Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial).
DISCUSSION
Earth Tech has completed over $250 million of roadway design projects in Iowa,
including over 35 miles of 4-lane roadway in Dubuque County. Earth Tech is a full-
service design consultant, capable of addressing any of the environmental, engineering
or project development issues that may arise. In addition, Earth Tech has a good
historical knowledge of the Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) Corridor, dating back
to the original location study in 1987. This experience will result in innovative solutions
as well as a cost-effective and attractive design for the Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest
Arterial) project, while keeping the project on track and avoiding surprises late in the
project.
PROJECT TEAM
To address and take on the unique challenges and specialized needs of the Iowa
Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) project, Earth Tech as~~mbled an in-~ept~ Project
Team with the historical knowledge of this corridor, capability, talent, qualifications and
experience to successfully complete the preliminary engineering design phase.
The Earth Tech Project Team members include the following:
Howard R. Green
Terracon Consulting Engineers
. The Durrant Group
. Tallgrass Historians, loC.
Geo Services, Inc.
Martinez Corporation
. Vernon Schaefer, Ph.D.
C.J. Moyna & Sons, Inc.
PROJECT MANAGER
An important evaluation criteria were the qualifications and experience of the
Consultant's Project Manager. Earth Tech has designated Mr. Bob Lenz, P.E. to lead
the Project Team.
. Bob Lentz has 30 years of professional experience in highway planning and
design with impressive credentials as a proven Project Manager and a solid team
leader.
. Bob Lentz was hired by the City as the Project Manager for the Northwest
Arterial Phase I, between US 20 and Asbury Road.
. Bob Lentz was the Project Manager for the US 61 / US 151 corridor relocation
project between Dubuque and Cedar Rapids which is a project with very similar
characteristics and conditions anticipated for the proposed Iowa Highway 32
project (Southwest Arterial).
. Bob Lentz has experience working with challenging environmental and
archeological sensitive areas, such as the Martin Luther Parkway project in Des
Moines.
. Bob Lentz will be located out of Earth Tech's Waterloo office, which is only 90
miles from Dubuque.
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOTECHNICHAL
Another important evaluation criteria were the qualifications, experience and
understanding of the Project Manager and the Project Team with the challenging
geological and geotechnical conditions which are present within the Project corridor.
. Bob Lentz has experience working with challenging geological and geotechnical
conditions, such as Maquoketa Shale.
. Terracon Consulting Engineers has a thorough knowledge of the Project as a
sub-consultant for the previous Location & Alignment Studies and has extensive
experience working with challenging geological and geotechnical, such as
Maquoketa Shale.
. Earth Tech will retain the professional services of Vernon Schaefer, PhD., Iowa
State University, as an independent geotechnical engineer serving as a senior
advisor to Terracon and to review the final geotechnical report.
. Vernon Schaefer, PhD., has a strong and diverse background in soil and rock
mechanics and has performed research studies for the Iowa DOT and FHWA on
construction techniques with shale slopes and failure mechanisms.
VALUE ENGINEERING APPROACH
Construction in the Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) Corridor will be challenging
and expensive. Earth Tech will provide the City with the unique opportunity for a
thorough Value Engineering and cost-reduction study. The Earth Tech Project Team
provides a blend of engineering and contractor's viewpoints to find the best Value
Engineering solutions. The Value Engineering and cost-reduction study will provide:
Earth Tech will retain John Moyna (C. J. Moyna & Sons) as an expert in Value
Engineering for grading projects and will serve as a contractor advisor to the
design team, suggesting ways to capitalize on improvements to the earthwork or
rock excavation details.
John Moyna has extensive experience throughout the state, and has completed
numerous grading and rock excavation projects in Dubuque County.
John Moyna has a proven ability to recognize cost-saving construction
techniques and to evaluate borrow site locations for cost-effective construction.
HIGHWA Y AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DESIGN
An important evaluation criteria were the qualifications, experience and understanding
of the Project Manager and the Project Team with the highway and traffic engineering
challenges associated with the southern terminus, at U.S. 61/151 and the northern
terminus, at U.S. 20, near the intersection with Seippel Road.
. Earth Tech will team with the Howard R. Green Company to assist with highway
and traffic engineering components.
. Howard R. Green Company has a thorough understanding of the DMATS traffic
model, design and traffic operations.
. Howard R. Green Company will assist in traffic engineering and traffic signal
coordination including; access management, safety, signal progression, signal
interconnect and geometric improvements,
PUBLIC RELA nONS AND INVOL VEMENT
The objective of the public relations and involvement program is to maintain a high level
of communication by informing and educating local government agencies, special
interest groups, businesses, affected property owners and the general public about the
Project, from the early development phases throughout the preliminary design period.
It is imperative that the Project Technical Committee and the Consultant gain and
maintain positive public support of the Project. Members of the public will better support
the Project if they are kept up to date on the Project status in a timely manner, have an
opportunity to contribute input, receive timely and appropriate communications and
perceive a well-executed plan for keeping them informed.
. Earth Tech will team with the Howard R. Green Company to perform the
necessary public relations functions.
. Both Earth Tech and Howard R. Green have impressive credentials and a proven
success record with public relations involvement.
LOCA TE AND SECURE ADDITIONAL FUNDS
Since this Project is not fully funded, the Consultant will work with the Project Technical
Committee to locate and secure additional funds needed for this Project. Although this
Project has received earmark funds from the federal government, the Consultant will be
encouraged to seek the additional earmarked funding and other state and federal
funding opportunities for this Project.
. Earth Tech will team with the Howard R. Green Company to work with staff in
their Washington D.C. office to locate additional funding opportunities.
. Howard R. Green has had prior success obtaining Congressional funds through
their Washington D.C. office for high profile projects in Clinton and Coralville.
LOCAL CONSUL T ANT INVOL VEMENT
Earth Tech will retain the Durrant Group to assist in developing the
architectural/enhancement concepts for the project, and will provide local coordination
from their Dubuque office. The Durrant Group has over 70 years experience in
architectural design of all types, including transportation, bridges and streetscape
projects. They have provided similar services on the US 20 Mississippi River Bridge
project in Dubuque and have been involved in other key projects throughout Dubuque.
Earth Tech has contacted several local consultants in Dubuque, and have offered them
an opportunity to assist with a variety of project components and activities. However,
each of these firms had already made other arrangements for the Consultant Proposal
selection phase for the project. However, Earth Tech is willing to involve additional local
firms as part of the Project Team during the contract negotiations.
DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE REQUIREMENTS
Earth Tech has committed to achieving the 10% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
(DBE) goal for the Project as established in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Part 26. The Project Team DBE firms and the estimated percent of involvement
are as follows:
. Tallgrass Historians, L.C. (3% of project)
. Geo Services, Inc. (5% of project)
. Martinez Corporation (3% of project)
PROJECT SCHEDULE
Earth Tech understands the importance of keeping the Project on schedule and has
committed the necessary resources to maintain the schedule outlined in the Proposal.
Based on the Preliminary Scope of Work as outlined in the Proposal, Earth Tech
estimates a 13 month schedule, with preliminary engineering design plans completed as
early as late next year.
CONSUL TANT DESIGN CONTRACT
Once the Consultant has been selected and approved, a comprehensive scope of
services will be developed jointly between the Consultant and the Project Technical
Committee which will become the foundation of the contract between the two parties. A
Consultant design contract will be negotiated after the selection process has been
completed in accordance with the Iowa Department of Transportation, Title 23, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 172 - Administration of Negotiated Contracts (23 CFR 172).
Negotiations will culminate in a standard preliminary design contract as included in the
Department's Policy #300.12.
The Project Technical Committee reserves the right if an agreement on the scope of
services and/or compensation cannot be reached, negotiations with the first-ranked
Consultant will be terminated. The Project Technical Committee will then initiate
negotiations with the second-ranked Consultant.
A pre-audit will be performed by the Iowa DOT to determine labor, overhead, and unit
rates. Yearly rate reviews may be performed at the request of either the Consultant or
the Iowa DOT. The Iowa DOT following contract completion will perform a closeout
audit.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the thorough review of the Proposals and the evaluate and rating of the
Consultant Presentations and Interviews, I recommend that the City Council concur with
the recommendation of the Selection Committee for the approval of Earth Tech for the
Preliminary Engineering Design Services of the Improvement of Iowa Highway 32
(Southwest Arterial).
BUDGET IMPACT
On July 6, City Council entered into a Federal Aid Agreement with the Iowa DOT for
funding of the Phase I - Preliminary Engineering Design Services.
The City of Dubuque (City) in partnership with Dubuque County (County), the Iowa
Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),
secured a Transportation Equity Act for the 21 st Century (TEA-21) Surface
Transportation Program (STP) Grant in the amount of $1,987,000 awarded by the
FHW A for the Preliminary Design of the Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial).
During the contract negotiations phase, the Project Technical Committee will work with
the Consultant to ensure that the comprehensive scope of services and associated
compensation package are within the grant funding available for the Preliminary Design.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
The City Council is requested to adopt the attached resolution which approves the
selection of Earth Tech, Inc. to perform the Preliminary Engineering Design Services for
the Improvement of Iowa Highway 32 (Southwest Arterial) and hereby authorizes staff
to enter into contract negotiations and develop a professional services agreement for
the Design Contract.
Prepared by Robert D. Schiesl, Civil Engineer
cc: Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Dawn Lang, Budget Director
Bill Baum, Economic Development Director
Ken TeKippe, Finance Director
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Anna O'Shea, County Zoning
Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director, ECIA
Roger R. Walton, Local Systems Engineer, Iowa DOT