DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With HDR, Inc., For Countywide At-Grade Railroad Crossing Improvement Plan, County Project 97-237
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a contract with HDR, Inc., for plan development for County Project (CP) 97-237.
SUMMARY
To provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County is proceeding with CP 97-237. CP 97-237 is the countywide development of a prioritization plan of at-grade County highway railroad crossings for replacement and/or enhancement.
Scope of Work. The scope of work includes the development of a prioritization plan by the consultant through data analysis, coordination with other programmed County highway projects, significant coordination with the respective railroads and cities, and prioritization of candidate projects to be programmed within the next five years. The consultant will be the lead coordinator with the railroad.
Consultant Selection. The Dakota County Transportation Department issued a Request For Proposal for the development of a prioritization plan. Three proposals were received and evaluated by County staff. HDR, Inc., was selected as the preferred professional consultant based on the following criteria: understanding of the scope of work, project approach, project team, and expertise of key personnel, quality control, past performance on similar projects, and best value cost proposal.
The preliminary cost estimates were evaluated based on detailed work program and hourly fee estimates. The proposals were evaluated to determine whether the proposed work plan, hours, and rate structure are reasonable. The proposal from HDR, Inc., has the best value project development costs and provides the services needed for the project. Three consultants submitted proposals as follows:
Consultant Amount Hours Cost/Hour
HDR, Inc. $94,125 508 $185.29
AECOM $172,732 864 $199.92
TKDA $49,700 306 $162.42
The HDR, Inc., proposal has a higher fee than the TKDA proposal. However, the HDR, Inc., proposal addressed the overall project tasks and deliverables significantly better. The HDR, Inc., proposal also included plan elements already completed that were identified as the primary task of the TKDA proposal. The summary detailing the proposal review process is included in Attachment: Consultant Evaluation Summary.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
The County Transportation Director recommends execution of a contract with HDR, Inc., for the professional plan development services for CP 97-237 for actual costs not to exceed $94,125.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2025-2029 Regional Railroad Authority Capital Improvement Program budget includes an annual $600,000 railroad crossing set aside for addressing, prioritizing, and coordinating existing at-grade railroad crossings of County highways in need of replacement and/or enhancement. The professional plan development services will use $94,125 of this set aside for CP 97-237.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to provide a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County is proceeding with County Project (CP) 97-237; and
WHEREAS, CP 97-237 is the At-Grade Railroad Crossing Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Department sent a Request For Proposal to three qualified professional consultants; and
WHEREAS, the proposals received were evaluated by County staff; and
WHEREAS, the proposal from HDR, Inc., was the best value project development costs and provides the services needed for the project; and
WHEREAS, the 2025-2029 Regional Railroad Authority Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget includes $600,000 to address existing at-grade railroad crossings in need of replacement and/or enhancements, of which CP 97-237 will use for actual costs not to exceed $94,125 for professional plan development services; and
WHEREAS, the County Transportation Director recommends execution of a contract with HDR, Inc., for professional plan development services for CP 97-237 for actual costs not to exceed $94,125.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority hereby authorizes its Board Chair to execute a contract with HDR, Inc., to perform professional plan development services for CP 97-237 in an amount not to exceed $94,125, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Consultant Evaluation Summary
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Laberee
Author: Scott Peters