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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #08 Approval of Award of RFP #09-001 Continuing Contracts for Geotechnical Testing Services AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: November 4, 2008 Item # ~ Contact Name: Contact Number: Joyce Tolbert 1516 Reviewed By: Department Director: City Manager: 'iH!=:: Subject: Award of RFP #09-001 Continuing Contracts forG~ote~hnicaITesting Services Background Summary: The City's continuing contracts for geotechnical testing services have either expired or are non-existent. In compliance with the policies and procedures ofthe City of Ocoee Code Chapter 21, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was advertised with the intention to award continuing contracts for geotechnical testing services to no fewer than three (3) firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to perform the required services. Firms selected by the City will provide geotechnical testing services to the City on an as needed basis, based upon task work orders to be issued by the City under the continuing contracts. The contracts shall automatically be renewed annually unless terminated by the City, for a maximum of five (5) years from the date of execution. Issue: Award Continuing Contracts for Geotechnical Testing Services to the three (3) short-listed firms recommended by the Selection Committee. Recommendations Staff recommends that the City Commission award three (3) Continuing Contracts for RFP #09-001 to Nodarse & Associates Inc., PSI, and Universal Engineering Sciences Inc., as the top three (3) short-listed firms with GF A Internationallnc.. as an alternate in the event negotiations fail with one ofthese shortlisted firms, and to authorize Staff to proceed with contract negotiations with the selected firms, and authorize the Mayor, City Clerk, and staff to execute all necessary contract documents with these firms. Attachments: 1. RFP #09-001 2. Nodarse Letter of Interest 3. PSI Letter oflnterest 4. Universal Letter of Interest 5. G F A Letter ofl nterest 6. RFP Checklist 7. RFP Shortlist Financial 1m pact: As budgeted each fiscal year. Type of Item: (please mark with an "x '') _ Public Hearing Ordinance First Reading Ordinance Second Reading Resolution X Commission Approval Discussion & Direction For Clerk's Dept Use: Consent Agenda Public Hearing - ..'.'1 Regular Agenda Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk X Original Document/Contract Held by Department for Execution Reviewed by City Attorney Reviewed by Finance Dept. Reviewed by ( ) d4tJ- N/A N/A N/A 2 City Manager Robert Frank Commissioners Gary Hood. District 1 Scott Anderson. District 2 Rustv Johnson. District 3 Joel Keller. District 4 Mayor S. Scott Vandergrift STAFF REPORT FROM: The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners Joyce Tolbert, Purchasing Ageq October 28, 2008 TO: DATE: RE: Award ofRFP #09-001 Continuing Contracts for Geotechnical Testing Services ISSUE Award Continuing Contracts for Geotechnical Testing Services to the three (3) short-listed firms recommended by the Selection Committee. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION The City's continuing contracts for geotechnical testing services have either expired or are non-existent. In compliance with the policies and procedures of the City of Ocoee Code Chapter 21, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was advertised with the intention to award continuing contracts for geotechnical testing services to no fewer than three (3) firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to perform the required services. Firms selected by the City will provide geotechnical testing services to the City on an as needed basis, based upon task work orders to be issued by the City under the continuing contracts. The contracts shall automatically be renewed annually unless terminated by the City, for a maximum of five (5) years from the date of execution. The Finance Department reviewed the proposals and all were considered responsive. Complete copies of all proposals are available in the Finance Department for your review. The nine (9) proposals were evaluated by the RFP Selection Committee, which was comprised of five (5) members: David Wheeler, City Engineer; Steve Krug, Public Works Director; Charles Smith, Utilities Director; Al Butler, CIP Manager; and Commissioner Joel Keller. Commissioner Keller did not evaluate the proposals. The public RFP selection committee meeting was held on October 23,2008, with each member of the Selection Committee evaluating and short-listing the firms on specific evaluation criteria. Please see the attached evaluation form. The selection committee recommends three (3) firms for the continuing contracts and chose an alternate in the event negotiations fail with one of these shortlisted firms. The top three (3) recommended short-listed firms and their rankings are as follows: 1. Nodarse & Associates Inc. 2. PSI 3. Universal Engineering Sciences Inc. 4. 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(X)mo N(")CD O::I:o OZO "C-~ 3:~ .- -I m en :::! z (j) (") ::I: m (") " C en -I "T1 o :::c 3: fMIIROMMEII1Al CDIISUlTIII6 6EOTtill141CAl f116111EERI~6 MATERIAlSTE$T1H6 THRESHOlD IH,;PfGlOII DRIlUI16 $E~JI(E$ & ASS 0 C I ATE 5, INC. October 6, 2008 City of Ocoee Attn: Joyce Tolbert Purchasing Agent 150 N. Lakeshore Drive Ocoee, FL 34761 Re: Request/or Proposals (RFP) #09-001, Continuing Contracts/or Geotechnical Testing Services Dear Selection Committee Members, Nodarse & Associates, Inc. (N&A) is delighted to present our qualifications to the City of Ocoee for this Continuing Contract for Geotechnical Testing Services. As a full-service construction materials testing, geotechnical, environmental, and inspection firm, we are committed to continuing our long term relationship of providing the City of Ocoee with these services and we are eager to utilize our substantial local experience to help you complete projects as efficiently and effectively as possible. N&A has worked on projects within the City for 14 years and we have provided an array of services on many of your projects through a continuing contract since 1994. N&A's strong reputation in the industry has been earned through our commitment and dedication to providing the highest level of service and engineering expertise to our clients. At Nodarse & Associates, our mission is to respond to our client's engineering needs with experience and passion, offering quality and value that will be recognized and remembered. We take pride in our ability to serve as an extension of staff for numerous public sector clients. This experience enables us to understand the unique requirements associated with a contract of this type. Additionally, we rely upon our own in-house Geotechnical, Materials Testing, Threshold Inspection, Environmental, Drilling and Laboratory capabilities. The combination of these services allows us to offer a more integrated approach to you and your individual project needs. Nodarse & Associates, Inc. has similar continuing contracts with numerous public sector entities in Florida, and locally with the City of Ocoee. We are confident our track record reflects our company's ability and dedication to provide the services required under this continuing contract. We can assure you we have the team of professionals, experience and resources needed to provide the City with all of the services desired for this contract. Sincerely, NODARSE & /} ~ Dan Dunham, P.E., S.l., EVP Contract Manager ( 1675 LEE RO"D I WitHER P"R~, FLORIDA 32739 P 407-7406110 1800457-4745 I F 407-7406112 ViVIW NODARSE COfA l.'!: ;prifonrl1ltion ~..,. .To Build On Engineering. Consulting. Testing October 7, 2008 Joyce Tolbert Purchasing Agent City of Ocoee Finance Department 150 N. Lakeshore Drive Ocoee, Florida 34761-2258 407 -905-3100, ext. 1516 (phone) Re: Request for Proposals (RFP) #09-001 Continuing Contracts for Geotechnical Testing Services Dear Ms. Tolbert and the Selection Committee: Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI) thanks you for the opportunity to submit our statement of interest and qualifications in response to your notice to professional geotechnical testing firms. PSI has reviewed the request and states that all terms and conditions of the advertisement are understood and acknowledged by the undersigned. PSI proposes to provide the City of Ocoee with the most qualified personnel to meet the needs of this continuing contract. Our staff includes many degreed and certified engineers in the disciplines required for your scope of work. The key technical personnel proposed for the project have all been working together for the past ten years at a minimum. Our geotechnical and construction services groups are extremely familiar with the City of Ocoee and have completed many projects with similar service requirements within the confines of the City. We have also completed hundreds of projects in and around Central Florida and as such, have a clear understanding of state, county, city and water management district codes, regulations, and requirements. As a result of these experiences, we will not face a learning curve and are immediately prepared to provide the City with an unparalleled commitment. The attached statement of qualifications will describe our team's qualifications, abilities and resources available to continue meeting the needs of the City. PSI is confident that, with our demonstrated expertise and experience, size and qualified professional staff, we are the best choice to provide the City of Ocoee with professional services for geotechnical and construction materials testing services. We look forward to being part of your team and eagerly await a positive response to our submission. Sincerely, ~J'".~-~t1/.~ s~~er Landis Business Development Manager ( Professional Service Industries, Inc.' 1748 33rd Street. Orlando, FL 32839 . Phone 407/304-5560 . Fax 407/304-5561 Fnninp.p.rinn r,F!rtifir."tp. nf Allthnri7"tinn :1RR4 ( \ UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES October 6, 2008 LOCATIONS' . Atlanta . Daytona Beach . Fort Myers . Fort Pierce . Gainesville Jacksonville . Leesburg . Miami . Ocala . Orange City . Orlando . Palm Coast . Panama City . Pensacola . Rockledge . Sarasota . St. Augustine . Tampa . West Palm Beach Consultants In: Geotechnical Engineering. Environmental Sciences Construction Materials Testing. Threshold Inspection. Plan Review Private Provider/Building Inspection. Geophysical Services The City of Ocoee, Florida Finance Department 150 North Lakeshore Drive Ocoee, Florida 34761 Attention: Ms. Joyce Tolbert, Purchasing Agent Subject: Letter of Interest and Technical Presentation in Response to RFP No. 09-001 "Continuing Contracts for Geotechnical Testing Services" UES Proposal No. 721906 Dear Ms. Tolbert: Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc. (Universal) is pleased to submit our Technical Presentation to provide the above referenced services to The City of Ocoee (The City). We have reviewed your RFP and are confident, by way of our extensive experience in providing the requested scope of services over the past 44 years to the entire state of Florida, as well as the southeastern United States, that we can fulfill, and even surpass, your expectations. In our enclosed response to RFP No. 09-001, we have provided the requested documentation of our qualifications. Point-of-Contact. Universal's principal point-of-contact and contract manager for this solicitation is presented below. The contract manager has the authority to bind the corporation and will be available to be contacted by telephone, or to attend meetings as may be deemed appropriate by The City. Point-of-Contact I Contract Manager Fred J. Schmalzer, P.E., S.1. Vice President Construction Services Construction Services Department Manager 3532 Maggie Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32811 Telephone: (407) 423-0504 Facsimile: (407) 423-3106 Cellular: (407) 694-6870 Email: fschmalzer@UniversaIEnqineerinq.com <, 3532 Maggie Blvd. · Orlando, Florida 32811 · (407) 423-0504 · Fax (407) 423-3106 The City of Ocoee, Florida RFP No. 09-001 "Continuing Contracts for Geotechnical Testing Services" September 16, 2008 Page 2 of 2 Our Philosophy. Our reputation and continued success as a leader in our industry centers upon our philosophy of "Owner - Project Team Partners." As a partner on your "Team," we will provide efficient, effective, and professional services to fulfill your needs by virtue of: . Our firm's extensive experience in providing the requested scope of services; . Our willingness to meet all of your time and budget requirements; . Our superior personnel and expertise, resulting in a high-quality end product; and, . Our serving as an extension of The City's own staff fostering a relationship of true partnership. Our Commitment to You. Universal prides itself on our ability to staff a wide variety of engineering and construction testing projects utilizing our large staff of highly-trained, educated and well-qualified individuals who assist our clients in achieving their work-scope goals in a timely, cost-efficient manner. If selected, Universal will playa pivotal role in assisting The City to achieve its goals. Why Select Universal? Our team of professionals has excellent credentials and confidence in our ability to assist the City of Ocoee (the City) in achieving its geotechnical testing services goals. We view the City as a neighbor, not just a client. We have worked extensively with the City during our 44+ years in business, and are intimately familiar with the policies and procedures involved in working for the City. Our staff is committed to serving our community in Orange County, and specifically, the City of Ocoee. Universal's Mission "Our mission is to provide our services with a focus on understanding your individual needs and exceeding your expectations." Universal is excited to have the opportunity to provide the City of Ocoee the same high level of quality service and responsiveness that we have been delivering to our many loyal and satisfied clients, both private sector and public/municipal agencies, for the past 44 years. Thank you for the opportunity to present our qualifications and interest in partnering with The City of Ocoee. We look forward to being a part of your project team. Sincerely, UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES, INC. n eth Denck, M.S., P.E. Senior Vice President Central Florida Regional Manager RKD:FJS:gdv Enclosure: Statement of Qualifications w The City of Ocoee, Florida CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09 - 001 October 6, 2008 Ms. Joyce Tolbert Purchasing Agent The City of Ocoee, Florida 150 N. Lakeshore Drive Ocoee, Florida 34761-2258 Dear Ms. Tolbert: GFA International is pleased to submit this package to The City of Ocoee for Geotechnical Testing Services. Our teams of Professional Engineers and Technical Specialists have been providing these services throughout the state since 1988 to both the public and private sector. By way of introduction to our capabilities and qualifications, we draw your attention to the following advantages which differentiate GFA from many of its competitors: GfIl Licensed Florida Geolo~v Business (GB #118) & Engineering Business (CA #4930) GfIl Certified Federal Small Business - NAICS Codes #541330 (Engineering), LoadTest-Boca Raton Reson&Clnb 541380 (Testing Laboratories), and 562910 (Remediation Services) GfIl Validated Testing Laboratory: US Army Corps of Engineers GI)l Certified Testing Laboratory: Florida Department of Transportation GfIl FOOT "Unlimited" Qualifications - Work Groups: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.4.1, 10.1, 10.3 GfIl CMEC Certified Laboratory GfIl Fully Owned and Maintained Modern Fleet of 100 Service Vehicles - including 12 drill rigs (1 with amphibious capabilities) GfIl McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge and Associated Builders' and Contractors 2007 Construction Industry Business of the Year Award Recipient PROJECT ApPROACH GFA fully understands and has extensive experience with the scope of work for this contract. The scope of work is similar to other contracts we are currently serving or have recently served. These contracts include school boards, municipalities, utility companies and other private clients. A representative list of contracts would be the following: MUNICIPALITIES: Municipal contracts include contracts with the County of Alachua, St. John's, Brevard Public Schools, Brevard County, South Florida Water Management District, City of Port Orange, Polk County, Osceola County Schools, and over 30 other agencies throughout the state. Most of these are continuing services contracts' providing very similar projects to what The City of Ocoee is expecting. The successful completion of these contracts and projects has brought recognition to our firm as a leader in the profession. e Celebrating 20 Years as ~.:: II: GFA INTERNATIONAL rrj Florida's Leading Engineering Source ORLANDO, FL yrn . ~ ~.., ')o~IiNA'T\O~ S.R. 408. Orange ConnlY. Florida 2 The City of Ocoee, Florida CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09 - 001 FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY: GFA is the primary geotechnical contractor for Florida Power and Light Company state-wide. We have performed geotechnical, construction materials testing, environmental and inspection services on transmission and substation sites since1988. These services are similar to the requirements of the City's scope of work. SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT: florida Power & light GFA is a continuing services consultant to the South Florida Water Management District. We perform geotechnical drilling, sampling and laboratory testing for a variety of projects including the Mercury Flux Study, The St. Lucie and Indian River Lagoon Project, the Water Conservation Area 2 Project, Lake Toho and other miscellaneous projects. Our expertise in the field of geotechnical engineering and materials testing has gained the trust of some very scientific studies on many environmentally sensitive areas. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: GFA has an extensive knowledge of local conditions and practices within the immediate service area. We have Professional Engineers and Professional Geologists that have a unique understanding of the local geology and engineering practices needed to assist Ocoee's team on future projects. Firm's Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives: GFA International's Mission Statement is to provide Ocoee with cost effective and time-efficient professional engineering consulting services that establish a standard of excellence in our industry and represent the pride of team accomplishment. It remains a longstanding goal of GFA to serve the City as we have with our past clients. It is our objective to perform our services in a professional manner - on-time and under budget. Approach: In order to provide the highest quality of work, GFA employs an experienced team of engineers, geologists, environmentalists and technical specialists. Our team is well-versed with the conditions, codes, and accepted practices within Indian River County. Our personnel are supported by the latest equipment in the field; including company owned drilling equipment, an extensive fleet of new vehicles (a comprehensive list of which can be found at the end of this section) and a state- of-the-art materials testing laboratory. GFA has the capability of performing its services in-house with its own equipment and personnel. 8' . '" ... Celebrating 20 Years as _ GFA INTERNATIONAL r)l Florida's Leading Engineering Source ORLANDO FL Y D , ~ ~ 3 ~RNAT\O~'" PreparadOD 01 Drill Rig The City of Ocoee, Florida CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09 -001 Office support includes in-house IT personnel, a multitude of computer hardware and software equipment as well as a complete array of up-to- date office machines. This dynamic work force is replicated in each of our offices. The initiation of each successful project begins with a well-conceived plan. GFA has grown to its prominence by paying special attention to detail. It will be our approach that the needs of the City's projects are well understood through informative meeting sessions prior to planning any work. We do more than just process work orders. We think out the project and suggest alternatives to save time and money. Guidinq Principles GFA On Sile Environmental Tesling GFA recognizes that The City of Ocoee requires the highest level of services and we have set the industry standard of excellence in performance of these services. Integrity is the keystone of our business relationship with all of our clients. Not only are our employees committed to fulfilling your needs, but also our "hands on" principle management team is readily available to be of service, anywhere at any time. Our standard of performance is to provide the needed service in a professional and time-efficient manner. Our principals and owners are active and visible in the daily operations and project management. This "hands on" approach is what separates us from our competition. GFA offers and is well-experienced in providing all of the services required within the scope of work for this contract. Services Offered: GFA currently offers and is well experienced in providing all of the services required within the scope of work for this contract. Geotechnical. Geophvsical. and Hvdro-qeoloClical Services: GFA's experienced geotechnical team works to provide innovative, practical solutions to site specific problems. If a project requires it, GFA uses computer design programs to engineer pile capacities, estimate foundation settlement and to portray subsurface soil conditions. GFA owns and maintains 12 drill rigs and a full range of drilling equipment to quickly respond to requests for subsurface soil sampling and installation of wells. GFA can reach sites close by or sites that are considered inaccessible. We On SlIeDensilVTesllng have completed drilling operations in the most pristine areas of the Everglades where no drilling equipment has ever been. This project was completed for the South Florida Water Management District under budget, on time, and with a minimal impact on the sensitive environment. GFA INTERNATIONAL e ORLANDO, FL yrn ~ ~ . '~FlNAT\O~ Celebrating 20 Years as Florida's Leading Engineering Source ~ The City of Ocoee, Florida CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09 - 001 Desi~!n Abilities: GFA International, Inc. (GFA) provides geotechnical engineering services and develops soil design parameters necessary for the project structural/civil engineer to design foundations, retaining structures, drainage facilities, pavements, etc. In addition, GFA provides detailed inspection and testing services during construction to verify foundations and superstructures are constructed in accordance with project plans and specifications. These services can include monitoring the installation of pile foundations, pile load tests, ground improvement procedures, and construction related vibrations, etc. GFA On site Drilling Team Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering specializing in the engineering behavior of earth and soil materials. Proper characterization of subsurface soil conditions is critical to design and performance of structures. GFA has the equipment and technical expertise to properly evaluate subsurface soil conditions with respect to new projects and any problems that may arise with existing structures. GFA owned equipment include truck-mounted drill rigs, a track-mounted amphibious drill rig, an all-terrain drill rig, and portable tri- pod drill equipment for limited access conditions. Samples of the subsurface soils are obtained in accordance with appropriate ASTM test procedures and transported to our laboratory for analyses. Laboratory testing is performed in our certified laboratory in order to properly characterize and classify the soil samples obtained in the field. The results of the field and laboratory testing are presented in a formal written report prepared by an experienced geotechnical engineer registered in the State of Florida. Each report is peer reviewed for accuracy and completeness by another engineer and geologist prior to issuance. GFA engineers individually have up to 25 years experience and combined have over 100. Project experience ranges from single family homes and small commercial structures to large commercial and industrial projects. No job is too small or too large for GFA to tackle. Manpower I Materials Allocation, Commitment & Control: GFA International intends to support this contract from its Central Florida office located in Orlando. However, as with all contracts of this nature, GFA International will commit the full resources of its entire organization on an as-needed basis. We also fully own a fleet of 100 service vehicles, maintained by GFA's in-house mechanic. These vehicles are equipped with GPS Communication systems. In addition, each employee of GFA International is equipped with cellular telephones for immediate communication. Upon award of this contract, GFA International will share these phone numbers with The City of Ocoee so that your decision makers will have the comfort of knowing that our people - from the executive level through our staff level employees - are available as needed, and according to your schedule. Upon award of this contract, personal cell numbers to our key management team will be provided to your decision makers for immediate response. Celebrating 20 Years as Florida's Leading Engineering Source ~ 5 GFA INTERNATIONAL ORLANDO, FL . ~~F#NA"f\O~~ The City of Ocoee, Florida CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09 - 001 GFA International is well known throughout the industry as being one of the most responsive and competent Engineering Consulting firms in Florida. Because we have worked hard to build this reputation over the years, we have been fortunate enough to maintain a very steady workload. We envision The City of Ocoee as a premier client, and as such, will prioritize our work and staff accordingly. Florida is our home and GFA International has anticipated committing the time and resources of its entire organization to ensuring a successful partnership with the City. Based on GFA's own in-house resources relative to dollar value and fees over time we anticipate being able to afford the City plenty of available man-hours. We are accredited with the CMEC (Construction Materials Engineering Council); the Florida Department of Transportation; and the US Army Corps of Engineers. In order to achieve these "stamps of approval", our company must meet exemplary standards of excellence and quality control. Special Qualifications Your decision-makers may be interested in the fact that GFA International is a registered Geoloqv Business in the State of Florida (GB118) - a distinction that sets us apart from many of our competitors. In July 2005, Florida Legislature enacted Section 373.1175 of the Florida Statutes authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection and the governing boards of water management districts to require signing and sealing of certain documents and reports by Professional Geologists. We are also certified with the Federal Government's Central Contracting Register as meeting the Small Business Size Standard for NAICS Codes #541330 (Engineering Services) #541380 (Testing Laboratories) and #562910 (Remediation Services). Additionally, the company is validated and/or accredited with the CMEC (Construction Materials Engineering Council); the Florida Department of Transportation; and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Value Added Processes / Applications GFA International, Inc. has never failed to meet budgetary and deadline goals of any of its clients. Historically, dollars incurred for our services under the auspices of a continuing services contract are well negotiated during the contract phase of the process. The City will be well aware prior to assigning any work, what fees will be involved for each particular service to be undertaken. Each project is reviewed when assigned and a thorough cost proposal will be issued to City decision makers. ~... ~~'Y "".~<'I~ <- .,:,,- ,. "i.. [.'~ '" GFA International, Inc. is well aware that construction projects face many challenges: budget constraints, safety issues, environmental impact, etc. It is our obligation to be cost conscious in our attempts to ensure that our client's needs are met. We are responsive to the needs of our clients without compromising the integrity of the work and have developed an effective policy in partnering with our clients throughout the term of our contracts. GFA INTERNATIONAL e ORLANDO, FL yrn ~ .,." l:RNA't\O~ ( Celebrating 20 Years as Florida's Leading Engineering Source ~ 6 r The City of Ocoee, Florida CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09- 001 By applying Value Methodology (also called value engineering, value analysis or value management) when appropriate to our contracts, GFA International, Inc. is able to save its clients significant amounts of money and time. These concepts benefit GFA clients and taxpayers by: . Reducing project costs . Reducing paperwork . Simplifying procedures . Improving project schedules . Reducing waste . Increasing efficiency . Using resources more effectively . Developing innovative solutions Value Methodoloqy Improves the Environment While the United States passes increasingly stricter environmental laws, industrial and governmental organizations face increasing pressures. They must deliver safe, effective solutions that are cost-effective as well. The value methodology (also called value engineering, value analysis or value management) can achieve those objectives. In fact, U.S. Office of Management and Budget. On Sile Drilling - DownlOwn fL Lauderdale Circular A-131 requires use of the value methodology for wastewater-treatment projects that cost more than $10 million. VM use produces the following results: . Quick, creative, effective solutions . Optimized environmental impact . Maximized resources . Optimized construction expenditures . Lower life-cycle costs . Alternative technology discoveries Collaboration Produces Results GFA delivers quality to retain certification of compliance while containing costs to ensure viability. The VM process focuses on eliminating waste, enhancing staff creativity and effectiveness, and lowering the costs of investigation, analysis, construction, operations and future maintenance - while maximizing the effectiveness of geotechnical solutions to meet the needs of the public. GFA International, Inc. applies Value Methodology (VM) wherever cost and/or performance improvement is desired. That improvement can be measured in terms of monetary aspects and/or other critical factors such as productivity, quality, time, energy, environmental impact and durability. It can beneficially be applied to virtually all areas of construction. Once awarded a project, GFA International's principle management team will meet with City representatives to identify cost estimates for the full scope of a project. Recommendations will be made at this point to manage costs before the actual work has begun, and once Celebrating 20 Years as _ Florida's Leading Engineering Source Value Methodolo~y Applicability ( GFA INTERNATIONAL ORLANDO, FL 7 The City of Ocoee, Florida , CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09 -001 cost issues have been resolved, only then does GFA commence work. At this point, we will also provide the City with a telephone number for 24- hour service. We understand that at certain times, i.e., nights, holidays and weekends, our services may be needed so as not to disrupt City functions and we are fully prepared to respond. It is our mission to communicate with our clients before and during the work to come to mutually agreeable terms. We intend to provide the City with a level of comfort knowing that GFA International views cost management as a critical concern. GFA maintains full management control over the On Site Remote locaUon Drilling scheduling and quality of our work. Should a problem arise with which the City is not comfortable, we would urge your representative to contact our Senior Management and or Principals in our firm for immediate resolution. Since the company's inception, we have made a commitment to an "open door" policy with all of our clients and employees and have found this to be a mutually beneficial course of action. Mr. Frederick G. Kaub, P.G., President and Owner of GFA International will be dedicated as Principal-in-Charge for any work our organization will be awarded through this contract. Mr. Kaub has received a host of accolades during his 20 years of leadership at GFA International. One specific example relative to this contract that may be of interest is that Mr. Kaub recently received the honor of serving as one of the South Florida Water Management District's Expert Geotechnical Professionals - an achievement that speaks as a testimony to the level of professional expertise Ocoee can expect from our GFA team. Frederick G. Kaub, P.G. PresldentGFAlnternaUonal We've Earned A Lot of Trust. In 1998, GFA International was featured as the "Small Business of the Year" by the South Florida Business Journal. We began ranking as one of the largest engineering firms by the same publication in 2005-that's a lot of growth in seven years. We're thankful that other public entities in Florida appreciate what we do and have given us a chance to prove ourselves. As of today, GFA is holding contracts with over 40 separate governmental entities including: Why GFA? Alachua County Brevard County Brevard County Schools . Osceola County Schools . St. John's County . South Florida Water Management District \ Celebrating 20 Years as Florida's Leading Engineering Source ~ GFA INTERNATIONAL ORLANDO, FL It ~RNA't\O~~ 8 The City of Oeoee, Florida CONTINUING CONTRACTS FOR GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES RFP # 09 -001 As a value added benefit, GFA International also has the ability of providing the City with tools to locate potential underground obstacles. GPR Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an electromagnetic geophysical method that detects interfaces and reflection between subsurface materials. Subsurface features which commonly cause such reflections are: 1) natural geology such as changes in sediment composition, bedding and cementation horizons, voids, and water content; or 2) unnatural changes to the subsurface such as disturbed soils, soil backfill, buried debris, tanks, pipelines, and utilities. GPR Applications Include: Delineation of Contaminated Areas Structure Scanning Utility Location & Mapping Landfill Delineation Tank & Drum Locations Sinkholes Burial Trenches Disturbed Soils Archaeological Studies Pavement Thickness Determinations GPR Unit Being UUllzed at Boca Executive Airport GFA International, Inc. agrees and/or is compliant with all regulations within this request for proposal such as; Patent Indemnity, Certification of Non-Segregated Facilities, Statement of Affirmation and Intent, Public Entity Crime Statement, and is a Drug Free Work Place. We appreciate the opportunity to present our services to you and your colleagues. We know that this decision is an important one for The City of Ocoee. GFA stands ready to exceed your expectations and looks forward to a potentially favorable reply. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 561-347-0070 if you require further information. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Respectfully Submitted, GFA International, Inc. Jull Frederick G. Kaub, P.G. President / Owner, Principal-in-Charge Celebrating 20 Years as Florida's Leading Engineering Source ~ 9 r2t-f.~~ Paul H. Danforth, P.E. Regional Vice President GFA INTERNATIONAL ORLANDO, FL 8 1Ji.~RNAT\O~"""