PARTNER CENTRAL - TRAINING
OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program Training Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- Is the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal a requirement?
- Which is more important Diversity or Economic Stimulus?
- Do we have to follow the Economic Development Plan Template?
- What about effects on the work sites of low-income and / or minority populations?
- How do you determine the Public Information (PI) Tier assessment?
- What are the guiding documents for Public Information / Involvement (PI / I)?
- How can I get electronic copies of the guiding documents and templates?
- How do I become pre-qualified?
- Do you need to be pre-qualified by OBDP to pursue design-build jobs?
- How often does OBDP update their contractor list?
- How do firms find out about RFPs?
- Are Lessons Learned posted and available on the web?
- When do we submit SHPO information?
- Do we need to submit a (Pre-Construction Assessment) PCA for no effect bridges?
- Can any Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall system be used on the program?
- Who is required to perform the pavement design?
- What is the role of the geotechnical engineer of record during construction?
- What makes a “good” PM?
- What permits are covered by the Pre-Construction Assessment (PCA)?
- Can you provide knockouts and conduits for future utilities?
- Will data submittals have to be in Geographic Information System (GIS) format?
- If there is no data shown for my bridge, am I free of environmental constraints?
- Can TransGIS be used on all projects?
- Will contractor data be added to TransGIS?
- Does the Material Purchasing Plan have to include specific items?
- What is a “pretty” bridge?
- How much are we going to spend on “pretty”?
- What is CS³?
- How does my firm become OTIA III CS³ certified?
- If a prime firm doesn’t have one of the technical leads required, how can the firm become certified?
- Can an individual be CS³ certified?
- Will the CS³ plan template be available on the website?
- What is the benefit of CS³ certification?
- Why should my firm be CS³ certified? Will I not be able to work on the project? Will I get more contracts?
- Is the bridge program on schedule?
- Are there incentive / disincentives for contractors to recycle or reuse?
- How does a firm get an audited overhead rate?
- Where can I get assistance in preparing required overhead documentation?
- As a design-builder can I start construction at a work location (bridge site) when ODOT gives me Notice to Proceed?
- Is geodetic control required for every project?
- How do I get access to the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)?
- What do I need to put in the EDMS system?
- Who can see my documents in the EDMS?
1.) Is the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal a requirement?
OBDP's aspiration for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Business (DMWESB) is 15%. The 15% is not a requirement; however, it’s an objective for ODOT and we anticipate a full faith effort to meet these targets by the design community.
2.) Which is more important Diversity or Economic Stimulus?
Both are an important part of goal #1. Sometimes they need to be balanced.
3.) Do we have to follow the Economic Development Plan Template?
No. It is a sample plan only.
4.) What about effects on the work sites of low-income and / or minority populations?
OBDP provides an analysis based on 2000 census data. It is a rough guide for identifying potential Environmental Justice (EJ) populations. In scoping, if the designer or contractor identifies other factors, such as a work site, then public involvement efforts would reflect this need.
5.) How do you determine the Public Information (PI) Tier assessment?
Use the tier assessment supplied at the training. Check with OBDP – PI Lead and Region Public Information Representative (PIR) before developing your scope of work.
6.) What are the guiding documents for Public Information / Involvement (PI / I)?
The A&E Consultant Guide book; ODOT OTIA Communication Plan; ODOT Operational Notice PD-12; PI / I SOW template, supplied ODOT templates; and Tier Assessment Guide.
7.) How can I get electronic copies of the guiding documents and templates?
You can download the A&E Consultant Guide to OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program and template files from our Design pages or contact Ed Schoaps at (503) 471-6824.
8.) How do I become pre-qualified?
Specialty firms submit qualifications to OBDP using the forms available on the OBDP.org web site.
9.) Do you need to be pre-qualified by OBDP to pursue design-build jobs?
No.
10.) How often does OBDP update their contractor list?
Specialty firms are updated quarterly or upon request on this web site.
11.) How do firms find out about RFPs?
Email notification is sent to the twenty-five Prime firms in advance of the request for a letter of interest.
12.) Are lessons learned posted and available on the web?
Current versions of the A&E Consultant Guide incorporate updates based on our experience as the project progresses. A “Lessons Learned” section is planned for the web site as the program gains more experiences during design and construction.
13.) When do we submit SHPO information?
No later than progress plan submission design.
14.) Do we need to submit a (Pre-Construction Assessment) PCA for no effect bridges?
Yes.
15.) Can any Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall system be used on the program?
No, only those pre-approved by ODOT.
16.) Who is required to perform the pavement design?
Any team member who is a licensed professional engineer in Oregon and experienced in pavement design.
17.) What is the role of the geotechnical engineer of record during construction?
To provide design support to the construction contractor and OBDP on issues concerning foundations, walls and other geotechnical issues.
18.) What makes a “good” PM?
Exceptional communication, team spirit, attention to detail, hands on management, and great control on scope, schedule and budget.
19.) What permits are covered by the Pre-Construction Assessment (PCA)?
Federal / State only, not local.
20.) Can you provide knockouts and conduits for future utilities?
The attorney general allows the placement of knockouts but not conduits.
21.) Will data submittals have to be in Geographic Information System (GIS) format?
Yes, environmental data collected in the field (e.g. wetlands, rare plants).
22.) If there is no data shown for my bridge, am I free of environmental constraints?
Not necessarily. Contractors are ultimately responsible for all information at each site. TransGIS, a compilation of environmental data, is a web based transportation system that offers access to multi-level views). It is a good start. However, not all bridges are represented.
23.) Can TransGIS be used on all projects?
Yes. Be aware, however, that the data is tailored to the bridge program.
24.) Will contractor data be added to TransGIS?
Yes, following final submittal and QC of the data by OBDP.
25.) Does the Material Purchasing Plan have to include specific items?
No. All we are looking for is how many dollars are spent in Oregon. We don’t need specific items.
26.) What is a “pretty” bridge?
The answer varies based on the individual taste. Our guidelines provide some direction on commonly held beliefs that make bridges more pleasing to the eye.
27.) How much are we going to spend on “pretty”?
A well designed aesthetic structure does not need to cost more. Form and massing can be adjusted to provide better proportions, inexpensive form liners can be incorporated to create themes and visual relief.
28.) What is CS³?
ODOT’s Context Sensitive and Sustainable Solutions (CS³) approach incorporates activities that foster workforce growth and development; reflects the community’s cultural, aesthetic, and historic interests; maintains mobility and safety; ensures sound stewardship of the natural environment; and promotes cost-effective decision-making. The desired result of the bridge program is an improved state transportation infrastructure that reduces transit-based limitations on trade and economic progress while instilling a socially and environmentally responsible culture of sustainability.
29.) How does my firm become OTIA III CS³ certified?
Prime and specialty firms will be certified by completing the required number of hours during training offered by OBDP on the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program as noted below:
| Prime Consultants | Specialty Consultants |
|---|---|
| Principal 4 Hours (General Overview) | Principal 4 Hours (General Overview) |
| Project Manager 16 Hours (primary PM for OTIA III work) | Technical Lead(s) 8 (applicable to technical area) |
| Technical Lead(s) 8 Hours (at a minimum, for each technical area i.e. Roadway, Bridge & Environmental) | Note: If the Principal is the Technical Lead, 12 Hours (4 Hrs General Overview + 8 Hrs applicable to technical area) |
30.) If a prime firm doesn’t have one of the technical leads required, how can the firm become certified?
Some firms don’t employ the technical leads needed to meet the minimum requirements. In that case, the firm will supplement the project team with a technical lead from a specialty firm that has been certified.
31.) Can an individual be CS³ certified?
No. Firms or project teams are certified. It takes a combination of individuals who have attended training to certify a firm or project team. The principal of a specialty firm who is also the technical lead is the only way an individual may be certified. In that case, it would also be considered a firm’s certification.
32.) Will the CS³ plan template be available on the web site?
Yes, the CS³ plan template is in the A&E Consultant Guidebook which is available on the web site.
33.) What is the benefit of CS³ certification?
This approach will be used on all work on the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program. CS³ certification is the process that ODOT will be using to develop all transportation projects in the future.
34.) Why should my firm be CS³ certified? Will I not be able to work on the project? Will I get more contracts?
Certification will be part of the selection criteria for the work. By the beginning of 2006 all firms working on OTIA III projects will be required to be CS³ certified or submit a plan to the OBDP Training Coordinator showing when they will be trained.
35.) Is the bridge program on schedule?
Yes, the bridge program is on schedule with completion in 2012.
36.) Are there incentive / disincentives for contractors to recycle or reuse?
A construction best practices manual is under development. It will include construction specifications for construction and demolition (C & D) waste management.
37.) How does a firm get an audited overhead rate?
Take your financial statements to an auditing firm to audit and do an overhead calculation based on Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), see below.
38.) Where can I get assistance in preparing required overhead documentation?
These references may be used to prepare the required overhead documentation:
- Standard auditing practices incorporated in the Uniform Audit and Accounting Guide prepared by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO);
- Government Auditing Standards (Yellow Book) published by the Comptroller General of the United States;
- cost principles contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (48 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 31);
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) audit guidance publications including Audits of Federal Government Consultants and Consideration of the Internal Control Structure in a Finacial Statement Audit;
- 23 CFR 172 Administration of Engineering and Design Related Service Contracts;
- Sole proprietors: ODOT Audit Guide for Consultants
39.) As a design-builder can I start construction at a work location (bridge site) when ODOT gives me Notice to Proceed?
No. Each work location requires Certification that ROW is clear. DB must receive a written acceptance of Certification, by bridge, before entry onto the site.
40.) Is geodetic control required for every project?
No. Geodetic control is required whenever right of way requisition is anticipated.
41.) How do I get access to the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)?
Provide your design coordinator with the names and email addresses for a maximum of 5 individuals for the firm. The Design Coordinator will approve the list and forward to the EDMS team for creation. After the accounts are created, the EDMS team will contact you with your login information and to set up training.
42.) What do I need to put in the EDMS system?
All project related documents. Here are five criteria for determining if a document should go into EDMS. For EDS – Prime firm submits a maximum of 3 names and email addresses to the Design Coordinator. The DC will approve and forward to the EDS System Administrator. Sys Admin will contact you with user names and passwords and set up training. Ask yourself, does the subject matter:
- Concern scope, cost or schedule?
- Is the only record that furnishes documentary evidence of the quality of an item or an activity affecting quality?
- Concern safety, security, technical, legal, or other project-related issues?
- Present policy, views, or positions that may be required for legal matters or public, state, or federal hearings?
- Include something of historical significance and may be required at a later date?
43.) Who can see my documents in the EDMS?
OBDP and BDU team members will be able to see documents submitted by you. Your firm will be able to see your docs. All others will not be able to see your docs unless granted explicit security permissions. This additional security must be approved by the design coordinator and the EDMS team. For EDS – same as above only EDS administrator rather than EDMS team.