Site work for a bridge / tunnel in Bellingham, Washington. Conceptual plans call for site work for a bridge / tunnel.

Whatcom County (County) solicits interest from consulting firms with expertise in Civil and Structural Engineering design, stream hydrology and hydraulics, and cultural resources. This agreement will be for approximately 26 months in duration with the option for the County to extend it for additional time and money if necessary. Consultants will be considered for the following project. The County reserves the right to amend terms of this "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) to circulate various addenda, or to withdraw the RFQ at any time, regardless of how much time and effort consultants have spent on their responses. Project Description The work being performed by the CONSULTANT consists of assessment and preliminary design of 11 fish barrier culverts throughout Whatcom County. The alternatives analysis should consider applicable roadway and/or bridge design standards, Right-of-Way, stormwater, environmental, and fish passage requirements. . The alternatives analysis should consider applicable roadway and/or bridge design standards, Right-of-Way, stormwater, environmental, and fish passage requirements. This project has a 16% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal. The major features of the project are as follows: Pre-design work including field investigations/research Geotechnical investigation Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design Stormwater/drainage analysis Environmental permitting analysis Preliminary Engineering Coordination of design with utility relocation Cultural resources survey Feasibility and Alternatives Analysis Report Prepare 30% design plans, specifications, and cost estimates Consultants shall have expertise in the following: Fish barrier removal projects Structural design for culverts and bridges WA Department of Fish and Wildlife's Water Crossing Design Guidelines WSDOT Local Programs requirements for Federally Funded projects including the Local Agency Guidelines (LAG) Manual DBE approach and commitment County, State, and Federal standards Environmental permitting requirements and thresholds of similar projects at the local, state, and federal levels Cultural resource compliance The County reserves the right to retain the services of the successful firm(s) for any subsequent phases including but not limited to detailed design including bid-ready plans, design reports, specifications, estimates, environmental/archaeological permitting, and Right-of-Way as well as construction engineering services associated with this project. Evaluation Criteria Submittals will be evaluated and ranked based on the following criteria (100% total): 1) Qualification of proposed Project Manager and key personnel; 15% 2) Qualifications/expertise of firm; 15% 3) Experience with fish barrier removal projects and standards; 15% 4) Ability to meet schedule; 10% 5) Approach to project; 20% 6) Familiarity with WSDOT/FHWA standards; 10% 7) Past performance/references; 5% 8) Approach to meet the DBE goal (DBE Participation Plan); 10% Submittal Submittals should include the following information: Firm name, phone, and fax numbers; Name of Principal-in-Charge and Project Manager; and Number of employees in each firm proposed to project. The total length of the RFQ shall not exceed 16 pages (16 single-sided or 8 (eight) pages double-sided), not including a cover page, table of contents page, resumes (limited to 1 (one) page per individual), and firm information forms attached as an appendix. Example Submittal Information Forms to obtain consultant qualifications for Prime and Subconsultants are WSDOT form 140-565 and Form 140-566, respectively. Any questions regarding this project should be directed in writing via email to Annika Fain at afain@co.whatcom.wa.us. Contract Type Contract type (method of payment) will be Negotiated Hourly Rate utilizing WSDOT's Local Agency A&E Professional Services Negotiated Hourly Rate Consultant Agreement. Submission of cost proposal or elements of cost shall not be submitted until selection of the most qualified consultant has concluded. Estimated Procurement Schedule Advertise RFQ November 6 and 13, 2024 Deadline for questions December 3, 2024 Receive SOQs December 10, 2024 Review and Rank SOQs December 2024 Consultant Selection Interviews January 2025 Consultant Selection/Award January 2025 Scoping and Contract January 2025 Begin Work February 2025 Complete Work/End Contract April 2027 Equal Opportunity Employment All prospective consultants will be held to Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements.