Site work for a bridge / tunnel in Groton, Connecticut. Conceptual plans call for site work for a bridge / tunnel.

Statements of Qualification for the selection of a firm ("Consultant") are being solicited by the Town of Groton Public Works Department ("Department") to provide Engineering Design and Bidding Phase Services for the replacement of two (2) culverts on River Road in Groton, CT. The Town of Groton has several stream crossings that need repair due to their age, condition, and inability to safely and adequately pass flow. This Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") is to provide engineering services for the replacement of two such culverts located on River Road. One is located opposite house #901, and the other is located near the intersection of Bindloss Road. Both of these existing culverts are in a deteriorated state and have had numerous temporary repairs. Both culverts should be replaced, and as part of the design, consideration should be given to raising River Road in these low-lying areas to mitigate constant tidal flooding. The following information must be included in each submittal of qualifications: o Background statement consisting of who the firm is, discipline capabilities, principals, staff availability, location, and financial stability. o A detailed statement including the organizational structure under which the firm proposes to conduct Business. Inclusion of the firm's anticipated Project Manager for this project shall be clearly defined. o The relationship to any "parent" firm or subsidiary firm, with any of the parties concerned, must be clearly defined. In the case of multiple firms, the "firm of record" and the party responsible for coordination shall be identified. o Qualifications and position with firm(s) of those individuals that represents the knowledge base that the firm will bring to the Department. Include resumes of those personnel. o Proposed sub-consultants shall be clearly identified, with the principal contact listed. o Projects completed in the public (preferred) or private sectors that illustrate the firms technical understanding, understanding of current applicable codes and standards, including focus on sustainability and practicality of the solutions developed for clients. o The firms responding to this proposal must have or be able to procure the levels of insurance listed in this package. Proposal package shall include, at minimum, an affirming statement of the firm's ability to procure the levels needed. o Concluding statement as to why your firm is best qualified to meet the needs of the Town and why your firm should be selected. o Submittal packages shall be sealed and clearly marked with "RFQ - RIVER ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT" on the envelope or package. The Town is not seeking recommendations for the project as part of this RFQ. The qualifications furnished by firms will be evaluated for relevance to the scope of work provided in this Request for Qualifications. A Selection Committee consisting of Town staff will evaluate all submissions received, and a firm will be chosen by the Committee based on qualifications. The Consultant may wish to include information on how fees would be developed. The Town Public Works Department is responsible for capital construction within the Town of Groton and will be the lead agency for the project. The Department will assign a member of its staff to be the project manager, whose duties will be as follows: o To act as the Owner's representative; o To administer the professional contracts; o To prepare and disseminate information to the residents; o To prepare press releases and other information. The Department may engage the services of other consultants. SCOPE OF SERVICES The selected Consultant is envisioned to provide the following services in order to furnish Contract Drawings and Technical Specifications for the replacement of two culverts on River Road: Design Phase: 1. Survey and Mapping - to include topography and existing conditions of roadway, surface features, utilities, delineation of wetlands, existing culverts, and any other features necessary to prepare permitting and contract documents for replacement of both culverts. 2. Capacity Analysis - Evaluate capacity of existing culverts and roadways to handle the current and future 100-year storm events. Review the size of the culverts and the elevations of the roadways against this analysis. 3. Community Engagement - As necessary, meet with stakeholders including affected residents and the local community to gain their input and keep them apprised of the firm's recommendations and the project scope and status. 4. Preliminary Evaluation - Upon assessment of existing conditions, capacity analysis, and community input, prepare a recommendation for replacement of both culverts and modifications to roadway elevations based on current and future flood forecasts. 5. Preliminary Engineering / Design - Existing conditions assessments, meetings with Town (including kick-off and progress meetings), Basis of Design Report, preliminary (i.e. 30% Design) Contract Documents. Present report at a public meeting and/or a Town Council Meeting. Provide construction cost estimate at this phase. 6. Environmental Permitting - Provide expertise and assistance on any state and federal permits necessary for the project and prepare permit applications. The Town of Groton will pay permit fees. 7. Final Design - Prepare final bid documents (plans and specifications) and provide updated detailed cost estimate for construction. Provide a final engineering report. Bidding Phase: 1. Assist the Town with Advertisement and Bidding. 2. Assist with fielding and answering technical questions about the project to prospective bidders. 3. Prepare addenda to the contract documents as necessary during bidding period. 4. Review bids and make a written recommendation of award to the Town. Note: The Town anticipates using a Consultant for Construction Administration services but does not wish to include those services under this project scope and agreement. The scope of services necessary for Construction Administration can be evaluated once the project design is completed, and a scope and fee estimate for these services can be discussed at that time. SELECTION OF CONSULTANT The Town will use Qualification Based Selection throughout the process, using the Connecticut QBS Council Guide as a reference. The Town will review the qualifications received and may opt to interview firms who submit qualifications for this project. In that event, a panel of Town of Groton staff will select not more than five (5) of the most qualified firms to be interviewed by the panel. Interviews will be set up with the selected firms. Each firm will have 45 minutes to make a presentation to, and answer questions from, the panel. The panel will then rank the candidates and select the most qualified firm. Evaluation of firm qualifications will be based on weighted criteria with points assigned as follows: Evaluation Criteria Points Community Engagement 5 Familiarity with local area geography, construction practices 20 Evaluation of assigned personnel 25 Resource capability 20 Relevant project experience 30 TOTAL 100 Points After selecting a firm, the Town will notify the selected firm and request a full scope, fee estimate, and schedule for the project. If the Town and the firm are unable to negotiate a contract at a price that the Town determines to be fair, competitive, and reasonable, the Town reserves the right to end negotiations and proceed with the next highest qualified firm. An original and three (3) copies of your qualifications, containing the above requirements, are to be submitted to: Greg A. Hanover, P.E. Director of Public Works 134 Groton Long Point Road Groton, CT 06340 For questions, please contact Lori Hipsky, Project Management Specialist, at 860-448-4084.