Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1 Project Intent Definition In select cases, a project advanced for design development may call for additional front-end effort to refine or verify essential intent (proposed action, or basic scope); that is, further analyze site conditions, assess corrective treatment options, and define which counter-measure is most cost-effective. If that initial task is required, the CONSULTANT shall perform those three primary activities and prepare associated documentation — commonly referenced by such titles as, as Project Intent Report, Engineer’s Report, Abbreviated Engineer’s Report or Engineering Assessment. The report will be written as a compilation of primarily technical engineering features of the project, describing, among other special circumstances, (a) site conditions, (b) status or level of performance for physical infrastructure or service (depending on project type), (c) problem to be addressed (need), (d) alternative solutions targeting the performance problem, (e) discussion of cost and positive effect on performance of treatment alternatives, and (f) statement suggesting the apparent most cost-effective solution. The report is typically made up of written description, and supporting tables/charts and sketch-plan engineering drawings. It represents a preliminary improvement plan, outlining primary features of the project (corrective measures), at a level of refinement suitable to enable design development to proceed. The procurement of essential data and analysis shall be limited to no more than necessary to reach an informed decision, and the associated report shall document the critical elements of this phase clearly and as concisely as practicable to serve downstream project purposes. See the INDOT “Engineering Assessment Manual” (Sept., 2018) for additional information. The report is expected to define essential engineering elements of the proposal, addressing the applicable following items: proposal’s construction limits and lengths; traffic data (typically supplied by INDOT) and traffic capacity (level-of-service, operational) analyses utilizing the Highway Capacity Manual, with emphasis on the proposed recommendation; crash data (supplied by INDOT) and analysis; applicable engineering standards and guidelines, notably design classifications and related controlling criteria; typical and special cross-sections; proposed horizontal and vertical alignments, where appropriate to convey the proposal; proposal's plan view superimposed over aerial photographic base maps, and, in select cases, over topographic mapping or other underlying image (aerial images will normally be supplied by INDOT); where relevant, the access control plan (i.e., location of interchanges, collector-distributors, grade-separations, crossroad extensions and rerouting, local service roads, route transfers); interchange and intersection configurations if applicable; multimodal elements (e.g., grade separations for railroads and pedestrian/bicyclist paths); preliminary hydraulic data and recommendations; traffic signal, sign, and lighting elements; construction, right-of-way, and design engineering cost estimates, and other features of engineering economic analysis; right-of-way limits and impacts (width, area, type, relocations, parcels, etc.); survey requirements (coverage) for subsequent design activities; construction phasing scheme if necessary; provisional strategy for maintenance of traffic during construction; compatibility with other state and local transportation projects and long-range plans; social, economic, and environmental issues apparent at the engineering assessment phase; and all other relevant civil/transportation engineering issues. The CONSULTANT shall assess hydraulic issues on applicable projects and make recommendations. The INDOT Hydraulics Section shall approve the recommendations. The CONSULTANT shall conduct this task of defining essential project intent by appropriate consultation with relevant parties or stakeholders within INDOT, and in some cases outside the agency (e.g., FHWA, MPO), including but not limited to INDOT environmental and engineering staff in district and central offices. INDOT’s project manager (PM) will instruct the CONSULTANT regarding any specific expectations relative to this task, including timelines. At any point during the process the CONSULTANT may confer with the PM or designee to determine if the task is proceeding in an acceptable direction or to discuss data, analysis, alternatives, funding, etc. When requested or as noted in schedule in this contract, interim and draft final reports shall be submitted to the PM for review. Others may be invited to review the document. An information meeting or hearing may be required. If so, the CONSULTANT may be responsible for providing the project presentation, preparing displays, if requested, and addressing questions. Deliverables: The draft report prepared by the CONSULTANT shall be submitted directly to the INDOT project manager for review. The final report will be transmitted to the INDOT project manager for approval by the project’s assigned due date. The INDOT approved report along with the appropriate number of copies (including an electronic version) will be transmitted for distribution to the INDOT project manager. Task 2 Environmental Document Preparation The CONSULTANT shall perform Environmental Services as directed by INDOT. The work may be reviewed by one or some combination of the following: the District, the Environmental Services Division and FHWA. The work will be accomplished following all of the relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations; FHWA and INDOT guidance documents; and all other pertinent and applicable federal and state requirements. The CONSULTANT shall develop the environmental analyses by coordinating with personnel responsible for the development of the project scope, as well as the INDOT project manager and the Office of Environmental Services Division. If requested by the INDOT project manager, the CONSULTANT shall attend the initial field meeting to identify potentially sensitive environmental considerations as well as any other field meetings that are necessary to conclude their work. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for activities required to successfully complete the environmental documentation required by the NEPA and other pertinent and applicable laws and regulations. If the scope of a project changes following approval of the environmental document, the CONSULTANT may be asked to assess whether the document is still valid, and prepare additional environmental documentation if needed. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for notifying landowners and obtaining access as per State laws. The CONSULTANT shall provide all necessary specialized studies required to complete the environmental document. This may include, but is not limited to, red flag investigations, historic properties and archaeological investigations, air quality modeling, traffic noise modeling and barrier feasibility analysis, wetland delineations, endangered species studies, Section 106 documentation, Section 4(f) documentation, hazardous materials investigations, environmental justice investigations, and cumulative impact studies. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for scheduling Section 106 consulting party meetings, CAC meetings, coordination meetings, and resource agency coordination meetings, as needed. The CONSULTANT will work with the District and/or Central Office staff to address INDOT’s public involvement policy. The CONSULTANT shall act as INDOT’s representative at public information meetings and public hearings. INDOT, or the CONSULTANT in coordination with INDOT, will schedule and conduct public information meetings/hearings. The CONSULTANT shall be responsible for attending and participating in the presentation of information and production of displays/materials needed for INDOT’s public information meetings/hearings. The CONSULTANT will provide other services as directed by INDOT to complete the work. Deliverables: The environmental document and/or other studies will be transmitted to INDOT electronically for review/approval. The CONSULTANT shall provide copies of all hard-copy and electronic correspondence related to the project if specifically requested to do so by INDOT. Otherwise, the CONSULTANT shall maintain a full record of such correspondence for subsequent review by INDOT at their discretion. And other associated permits. Task 3 Topographic Survey Data Collection When directed, the CONSULTANT shall survey the project location. The CONSULTANT shall obtain deeds of record, subdivision plats, survey plats, section corner location information, highway plans, and section or auditor plats for all properties within the project limits. The CONSULTANT's survey shall be in accordance with I.C. 25-21.5; 865 I.A.C. 1-12; and the INDOT Design Manual (IDM) which is available online on the INDOT website, and which is incorporated by reference. If there is any conflict between I.C. 25-21.5, 865 I.A.C. 1-12, or the INDOT Design Manual, the order of precedence shall be: 1. I.C. 25-21.5 2. 865 I.A.C. 1-12 3. INDOT Design Manual Deliverables: The CONSULTANT shall provide INDOT with all survey information relative to the project, as specified in the IDM. This includes: a certified survey field book, recorded Location Control Route Survey plat (if required), and all required electronic survey files as defined in the IDM. Deeds of Record, subdivision plats, survey plats, section corner location information and section or auditor plats for all properties within the project limits shall be submitted with Grade Review Plans or other early stage of plan development. The signature, seal, date and registration number of the land surveyor, registered in the State of Indiana, who was in responsible charge of the survey, shall be affixed to the Survey Book submitted to INDOT, along with current contact information of the surveyor. Electronic survey data submittals shall be in a format that is compatible with software requirements as per the IDM. The INDOT CAD Support Team has developed standard resource files such as design templates (seed files) and survey-data processing (.xin) files. The most current INDOT seed.dgn and survey.xin files made available through the CAD Support Team shall be used.
