Agency TRANSPORTATION DEPT

Contractor TBE Group, Inc dba Cardno TBE

SWIFT Contract Number 3000086195 3000139014

Project Name Utilization of Highway Right of Way for Public Pri

Project Number (if applicable) 97718

Summarize purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary: Review and evaluate the current state of practice as it relates to utility accommodation given the emergence of flexible design principles, new technologies, renewable energy interests, and overall service to the public.
Provide guidance to evaluate proposals for the longitudinal accommodation, installation, operation and maintenance of public or private utilities within the highway right of way.
Develop and implement a plan for longer term, proactive modifications to the utility accommodation policy, practice and procedure, provide changes and updates to the current Policy and Manual, modify training curriculum and participate in training for up to 400 attendees.
The Department of Transportation is in need of developing guidance to evaluate proposals for the longitudinal accommodation, installation, operation, and maintenance of public and private utilities within the highway right of way. Current climate revolving around the use of highway right of way and sharing of public property with other organizations that provide a public service has elevated the need to evaluate the current state of practice. It is intended that the project will develop strategic direction and assess risk and risk management initiatives to ensure successful and appropriate use of the rights of way into the future.
Political climate and sensitivity require a look at national best practices. Based on concerns that have been raised both internally and externally, it is expected that national experts that are external to the department will bring a more balanced perspective and be positioned to assess what has been done outside of this organization, understand risks and be able to assist in the development of strategies to better position the Department externally. Rather than try to address specific issues that may arise in one functional area or another throughout the Department, a long term, strategic focus is sought that will use proactive and programmatic initiatives to assess and manage risk across the entire department.

Project Duration

Start Date Mon, 01/24/2011 - 00:00

Original end date Tue, 11/20/2012 - 00:00

Actual end date Tue, 12/31/2013 - 00:00

Did project finish on time? Yes

Total billable hours utilized (if applicable) {Empty}

Contract Amounts

Original contract: $237246.78

Amendments $167291.04

Contract total $404637.82

Did project finish within budget? Yes

What was the funding source? Trunk Highway

Is this a sole source contract? No

If this was a single source contract, explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services (if applicable) {Empty}

Evaluator Name Valerie Svensson

Evaluator Email Address Valerie.svensson@state.mn.us

Evaluate the contractor's timeliness Contractor and Team did an excellent job in setting timelines and sticking to the schedule. They were proactive in addressing necessary timeline adjustments to manage the fluid nature of the project and effectively identified mitigation strategies to keep the project moving forward.

Evaluate the contractor's quality The Contractor and Team had expert level of expertise in the subject matter for this project. They did a great job in using technical contacts known within the industry nationally and technical expertise related to the business practices. There was a significant effort put forth in making sure related issues were addressed accordingly. Team members interacted effectively to assign work to qualified staff and ensure work activities were well coordinated. Many communication touch points were used within the process leading to a high level of success.

Evaluate the contractor's cost Contractor cost was well within reason considering the scope and complexity of the project. There were a number of directional changes throughout the contract to address changing needs and ensure the end product was in conformance with new business standards.

Evaluate the contractor's overall performance Overall performance was exceptional !!

Would you engage the contractor's services again? Yes

Describe any negative action taken during the duration of this contract (i.e., termination, pursuit of suspension, etc.): {Empty}

Please rate the overall experience with the contractor 5 - very satisfied