City of Gordon – Archeological Survey for Water System Improvements

Project Description

 

The proposed City of Gordon - Water System Improvements will consist of replacing the old clarifier with new plate settlers to maintain the plant’s capacity at 0.85 MGD and allow for future expansion. It includes improvements to the water treatment plant’s plumbing, electrical, and SCADA. Improvements to the Thurber Pump Station to maintain proper pressure and volume are also proposed.

Additionally, the project replaces 9,200 feet of distribution line and installs two new 450-foot connecting bores. Existing pipes along FM-919 will be replaced with 6- or 8-inch piping to meet TCEQ pressure requirements. The waterline replacement includes new valves, pavement repair, and other appurtenances. Two 450-foot segments will be installed under Interstate Highway 20 in 14-inch casings.

The proposed line replacement along FM-919 will eliminate an old 3-inch line which goes cross-country, improving downstream pressure and reducing water loss. The line will be abandoned in place once the new pipeline is complete.

A staging area for materials will be at the Gordon Water Treatment Plant. Pipe segments will be laid along designated right-of-way, with connections made using industry-standard methods. After testing, the trench will be backfilled and areas restored to their original condition.

INTRODUCTION

JACOB | MARTIN, LLC is requesting proposals from qualified archeologist to perform an archeological survey in and around the described project as attached for the proposed water system improvements that will be impacted by the proposed project. A map of the areas to be evaluated is included with this RFP. Please give estimated cost on the alternative sites separately.

Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria:  JACOB | MARTIN, LLC will evaluate the proposals to determine which firm has the best qualifications.

Contract Terms and Negotiation Schedule: The consultant for services is expected to negotiate an agreement for services that is acceptable to JACOB | MARTIN, LLC.  If an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated, JACOB | MARTIN, LLC may formally end negotiations and begin negotiating with the next highest qualified person or firm.

This contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).  Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are expected to be funded in part by a loan from the TWDB.  Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this IFB, RFQ, or any resulting contract.  RFQ's are issued in accordance with Section 2254 of the Texas Government Code (Professional Services Act).

ARCHEOLOGICAL SERVICES

The tasks to be performed will include:

An archeological survey of proposed project area. The Texas Historical Commission requests the following: “Regarding above-ground resources, a portion of the proposed project is located in the Thurber Historic District, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1979. The Division of Architecture Review Staff, led by Katharine Sheldon, finds that the City of Gordon Water System Improvements will have no adverse effect on the Thurber Historic District. No further review for above ground properties under the Antiquities Code of Texas. The archeology division has reviewed the information provided and we recommend consulting with a professional archeologist early in the project process to perform a comprehensive records search for previously recorded historic properties to be avoided, and to identify high-probability areas for archeological survey. Federal regulations require consultation with the USACE and other appropriate agencies to determine if there are any jurisdictional lands along the route. If the project will ultimately involve a federal undertaking, compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act will be required. If any portion of the project should cross lands or waters owned or controlled by the State of Texas or any political subdivision thereof or have the potential to affect a State Antiquities Landmark, those areas will also be subject to the Antiquities Code of Texas, and a Texas Antiquities Permit will be required before conducting survey across these lands. Once the route has been finalized and all regulatory jurisdictions have been established, a qualified professional archeologist should submit a scope of work meeting all applicable state and federal requirements for our review. All related Texas Historical Commission required elements.

PROPOSAL

Proposal shall include proposed timeline for mobilization, field work and cost per each task required. Proposal shall also include at least five most recent references for archeological surveys.

SUBMISSION

Proposals for archeological services work must be received no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 30th, 2025.  Proposals shall be submitted to the following address or forwarded to the following email address:

Mailing Address: Attn: David Hudson - Jacob & Martin, LLC, 3465 Curry Lane, Abilene, Texas 79606

Email Address: dhudson@jacobmartin.com

Project Funding Requirements

This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which includes EPA-approved fair share goals toward procurement of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) businesses. EPA rules require that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to M/WBEs through demonstration of the six affirmative steps. For more details on the DBE Program and the current, applicable fair share goals, please visit www.twdb.texas.gov/dbe.

This contract is to be funded through a loan obtained from the Texas Water Development Board as part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.  There are a number of special provisions for this funding that bidders, by submitting a bid, acknowledge understanding, including the following: A contract is contingent upon release of funds from the TWDB. Any contract or contracts awarded under this Notice

to Bidders are expected to be funded in part by financial assistance from the TWDB. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be a party to this Invitation for Bids or any resulting contract.

Equal Opportunity in Employment - All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or handicap.  The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 40 CFR Part 33 in the award and administration of contracts awarded under TWDB financial assistance agreements.  Failure by the contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach, which may result in the termination of the awarded financial assistance.

The City of Gordon reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informality in the bidding.

Bids may be held by the City of Gordon for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidders' qualifications prior to the contract award.

Small and minority firms are encouraged to submit bids for this project.