REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
Professional Architectural/Engineering Services for
Clear Fork Rail Trail Ph. II
Submittal Due Date and Time:
February 14, 2025 by 4:00 p.m. (local time)
Mail or deliver documents to:
Molly Williams, Executive Director
Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority
116 North Heber Street
Beckley, WV 25801
and
Lucas Pettus, Project Manager
Region I Planning & Development Council
241 Mercer Springs Road, Suite 21
Princeton, WV 24740
The Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority (RCPRA) is soliciting qualifications for professional environmental services from qualified consulting firms (Respondents) to coordinate cleanup activities necessary to complete the cleanup and abatement activities of approximately 8.34 miles of multi-use non-motorized recreational trail, including clearing and grubbing, fabric separation, borrow material excavation or approved commercially sourced material, culvert cleanout, gravel or stone base course, capping material, landscaping erosion control, traffic control, mobilization, a new 185-foot trail bridge, renovation of a 245-foot trail trestle, earthwork around a third trestle, signage, and related appurtenances. The RCPRA plans to select the Respondent that meets the requirements outlined in this RFQ.
The RFQ is open to all qualified environmental professionals (QEPs) capable and qualified to meet the objectives and requirements described in this document. Qualified Woman-owned businesses (WBE) Minority-owned businesses (MBE) and/or Veteran-owned businesses (VBE) organizations are encouraged to respond.
Only proposals received no later than 4:00 p.m. on February 14, 2025 will be considered. Upon receipt, all RFQ submissions will be reviewed for completeness in accordance with the selection criteria contained herein. If complete, the RCPRA will assess each Respondent’s qualifications based upon the selection criteria. Once the selection committee has reviewed and ranked all Respondent submissions, the top three (3) scoring Respondents will be selected for an interview with the selection committee. Interviews will be held in February 2025 with specific date and time to be determined.
Questions must be submitted via email to Lucas Pettus, Project Manager, [email protected].
Background Information:
The RCPRA assumed ownership of the former rail line from CSX Transportation, Inc in 2022, and has been coordinating local assessment and cleanup efforts. In 2023, the RCPRA was awarded a federal Brownfields Cleanup Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform contaminated soil capping and cleanup through September 30, 2029. After these cleanup activities are completed, other architectural/engineering activities will need to take place.
Proposed activities must meet federal, state, and local requirements. Coordination among the RCPRA, the State of West Virginia, EPA, and others will be required. Proposed funding includes but is not limited to an US EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant, Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Grant, WV DEP Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization Grant, WV DOT Design Transportation Assistance Grant, WV DOT Construction Transportation Assistance Grant, and Raleigh County Commission Grant.
Cleanup and construction activities necessary to complete the project activities of approximately 8.34 miles of multi-use non-motorized recreational trail, include clearing and grubbing, fabric separation, borrow material excavation, culvert cleanout, gravel or stone base course, capping material, landscaping erosion control, traffic control, mobilization, a new 185-foot trail bridge, renovation of a 245-foot trail trestle, earthwork around a third trestle, signage, and related appurtenances. Activities are expected to begin by the summer of 2025 and be completed by the summer of 2029 to enable timely submission of final reports/documentation.
Site Description:
The Clear Fork Rail Trail Phase II project site is located in Raleigh County, West Virginia, along a former CSX rail line that follows Clear Fork Creek and Clear Fork Road (Route 1). The trail spans approximately 8.34 miles and will be developed as a multi-use, non-motorized recreational trail. The site includes several existing former railroad structures, such as trestles, which will be renovated or replaced as part of the project. The area features scenic views of the Clear Fork Valley, and the trail terminates near the community of Whitesville in Boone County.
Historically, the site served as a critical transportation corridor for coal and other freight. Over time, it became disused, leaving behind rail-related infrastructure and environmental challenges, including contamination requiring mitigation. The proposed future reuse of the site will create a recreational rail trail designed for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, providing both economic and tourism opportunities to the surrounding communities.
Contamination Type: Soil Contamination from heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, former CSX Rail Corridor
Historical rail use has left contaminants requiring mitigation, including soil capping and cleanup to ensure compliance with state and federal environmental standards. Environmental concerns include heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated primarily with creosote from railroad ties, and from herbicides used to kill unwanted weeds and vegetive growth along the rail corridor. These remediation efforts are critical for transforming the site into a safe and sustainable community asset.
Phase II construction includes a comprehensive redevelopment effort involving clearing and grubbing, fabric separation, excavation, culvert cleanout, gravel and stone base placement, and soil capping to contain contaminants. The project also features significant infrastructure enhancements, including a new 185-foot trail bridge, the renovation of a 245-foot trail trestle, and earthwork around a third trestle. Additional improvements such as erosion control measures, landscaping, traffic control, and signage ensure the site is prepared for long-term recreational use.
Once complete, the Clear Fork Rail Trail is expected to attract approximately 2,000 visitors annually based on initial pre-feasibility estimates, though post-feasibility studies project even greater usage. By reclaiming and repurposing this corridor, the project not only mitigates environmental hazards but also promotes economic growth, tourism, and outdoor recreation opportunities in the region, showcasing the vital role of WV Brownfields funding in community revitalization.
Assessment documents, maps, and other information are available to assist with proposal preparation. The documents may be obtained by contacting Lucas Pettus, Region One Planning & Development Council Project Manager, at 304-431-7225.
Scope of Services
The objective of this project is to initiate cleanup and construction activities at the Clear Fork Rail Trail, including clearing and grubbing, fabric separation, borrow material excavation, culvert cleanout, gravel or stone base course, capping material, landscaping erosion control, traffic control, mobilization, a new 185-foot trail bridge, renovation of a 245-foot trail trestle, earthwork around a third trestle, signage, and related appurtenances. The selected Respondent will be responsible for:
Construction design in accordance with all State, Federal and Local regulations that pertain to the proposed project; Preparation of bidding and contracting documents; Participation in the evaluation of bids received and (4) Monitor and inspect construction activities on a periodic basis to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
Procurement of said services shall be in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320(b)(2)(iv) and West Virginia Code Chapter 5G. Consultants interested in being considered for this project must submit a proposal detailing qualifications, technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities, and related prior experience.
• developing all required project plans and reports: Risk Assessment Report, Remedial Action Workplan, and Release of Land Use Covenant(s), Remedial Action and Remedial Action Completion Report, Final Report, and Certificate of Completion with the WV DEP Voluntary Remedial Program (VRP);
• preparing plans and specifications for cleanup activities, including contaminated soil capping and cleanup;
• construction design;
• preparation of bidding and contracting documents;
• participation in the evaluation of bids received;
• assist RCPRA with maintaining site security;
• coordinating schedule with adjacent landowners;
• providing oversight of cleanup contractor;
• performing post-cleanup sampling;
• assisting with community engagement activities; and
• Assist in coordinating with the project team and project funders.
• Provide georeferenced GIS format data of the trail centerline and its major appurtenances.
• Must be able to complete work on this project in a timely manner.
All plans and documentation will be reviewed by the RCPRA, EPA Project Manager, and other funders. The scope of services under this RFQ is preliminary; the final scope of services will be negotiated with the selected Respondent.
RFQ Submission Requirements:
Responses not received by the deadline will not be considered. Respondents must submit one (1) original and three (3) copies, and one (1) electronic copy in PDF format to RCPRA; and one (1) copy and an email submission to Region I Planning & Development Council.
The response must include the following information.
• Cover Letter signed by an individual authorized to bind the Respondent contractually. The cover letter must include the name, title, address, email address and telephone number of one or more individuals who can respond to requests for more information.
• Resumes of primary personnel assuming responsibilities for this project;
• Detailed description of the Respondent’s approach to the scope of work and relevant experience, including:
o Ability to meet all applicable local, state and federal regulations,
o Description of the history, experience, and qualifications of the Respondent including key personnel and their respective responsibilities,
o If relevant, a listing of subcontractors regularly used for activities identified in the Scope of Work along with their services they will provide and a description of Respondent’s process to select and oversee subcontractors. The use of WBE/MBE organizations are encouraged,
o Preliminary schedule,
o Experience conducting cleanup on contaminated properties and project closure work to address state and federal requirements,
o Discussion of Respondent’s Health and Safety practices/programs, and,
o List of other projects, along with references for up to three (3) cleanup projects.
o Selected Respondent will need WV DOH approved audited overhead rate.
Complete RFQ packages shall be submitted to:
Molly Williams, Executive Director
Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority
116 North Heber Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Lucas Pettus, Project Manager
Region I Planning & Development Council
241 Mercer Springs Road, Suite 21
Princeton WV 24740
Email PDF to: [email protected].
Responses not received by 4:00 p.m. on February 14, 2025, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION.
Selection Criteria
Respondents will be short-listed by a review committee based on the written proposal criteria including completeness of the response, qualifications, and project understanding. As ranked by the review committee, a minimum of three Respondents will be invited to participate in an in-person interview in mid-February 2025. Ratings will be assigned by reviewers and multiplied by the weight to determine the score. Each reviewer will complete the scoring independently. All of the scores will be combined for each Respondent to determine a total score. If determined necessary by the selection committee, the top three scoring Respondents will be invited to participate in an in-person (or virtual) interview mid-February 2025, specific date and time to be determined.
Timeline: (subject to change)