Higher EducationNY
Posted
Nov 10, 2026
Dec 15, 2026
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) Professional Consulting Services Connecting Communities: A Multi-Modal Vision for West State Street
Introduction: Olean is a brave, can-do city that has borrowed from role models to the point where we could now become THE role model for rural revitalization and master transitioning a small city's economy from agriculture and manufacturing to knowledge and choice with a dynamic and sustainable economy. We want to undo mistakes of the past by remaking our streets in favor of residents. We recognize that our population that's been lost still lives a mile or two outside of the City limits and we need to attract them back and convince current residents to stay and invest while attracting new populations. The project should support and integrate New York State Smart Growth Principles. The City of Olean has identified a need to install enhancements to approximately 2.5-miles of Complete Street improvements on West State Street (NYS 417) between North Union Street (NYS 16) and Francis Road at St. Bonaventure University. Improvements include a two-way protected bike lane or shared-use path, bump-outs and pedestrian refuge islands, marked crosswalks, pedestrian crossing signals and ADA improvements, green infrastructure, approximately five traversable mini-roundabouts, and pedestrian and public transit amenities. The project is funded by the City of Olean and the U.S. Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2025 BUILD Program. In order to access these funding sources, the City of Olean must obtain all project permits, NEPA clearance, temporary construction easements, utility clearances, approved bidding documents, etc. for FHWA to authorize and obligate funding for construction. All work must be completed in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions Under the Fiscal Year 2025 BUILD Program: FHWA Projects (document referenced by the City). Project Background and Purpose: The City seeks a qualified consultant to advance the project from the existing 30% conceptual design to final design and PS&E (plans, specifications & estimate), complete necessary environmental documentation (NEPA) and SEQRA processes, obtain required permits and approvals, coordinate and resolve utility and right-of-way needs (including temporary and permanent easements), and provide design through construction support including construction management and inspection as described in the RFQ. The goal is to deliver a multi-modal, safe, climate-resilient complete street corridor that supports mode shift, improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, transit amenity improvements, green stormwater infrastructure, and replacement/upgrade of subsurface utilities where required. Scope Summary (Work Elements): Work Element 1 – Project Administration/Management: contract administration, invoicing, schedule/risk management, coordination and monthly progress meetings. Work Element 2 – Environmental: site investigation, environmental, social and economic analyses, NEPA and NY SEQRA work and documentation sufficient for FHWA review and approval. Work Element 3 – Roadway Design: advance roadway design from 30% to final, incorporate ADA and PROWAG compliance and multimodal elements. Work Element 4 – Landscaping/Green Practices: advance landscaping design, green stormwater infrastructure, tree canopy analysis and replacement plan, irrigation concepts and probable costs. Work Element 5 – Public Involvement: public meetings, stakeholder coordination (including St. Bonaventure University and Town of Allegany), creation/maintenance of project website, public open houses at 60% and 90% design. Work Element 6 – Traffic Design: advance traffic design from 30% to final and incorporate safety and multimodal circulation. Work Element 7 – Ingress/Egress Modifications: refine access management and limit curb cuts as appropriate. Work Element 8 – Utility Coordination and Plan Development: SUE, utility conflict matrix, coordination meetings with utility owners, relocation planning support. Work Element 9 – Drainage Design: drainage analysis, stormwater modeling, floodplain considerations where applicable. Work Element 10 – Storm Water Management Plan & SWPPP: prepare SWPPP (project disturbs >1 acre) and erosion control templates consistent with DOT requirements. Work Element 11 – Supplemental Survey and Right-of-Way: supplemental and R/W survey, define R/W, identify temporary and permanent easements, coordinate with Uniform Act requirements. Work Element 12 – Subsurface Utility Engineering: conduct SUE per ASCE CI standards and provide televising and deliverables to the City. Work Element 13 – Streetscape and Lighting Design: conceptual and final streetscape and lighting plans and probable costs. Work Element 14 – Plan Production and QA/QC: submit 60%, 90%, PS&E packages, specifications in FHWA format, engineer's estimate, and QA/QC review. Work Element 15 – Geotechnical Services and Pavement Design: geotechnical investigations and pavement design report where reconstruction required. Work Element 16 – Construction Management and Inspection Services: construction observation, contract management, materials testing and design services during construction. Work Element 17 – Project Reporting and Closeout: required reporting and project closeout documentation. Budget and Project Readiness: The RFQ materials note a project estimate of approximately $27,829,478 based on 30% design; the City received a BUILD grant award in January 2025 as Project of Merit in the amount of $25,000,000 and the City committed additional local funds. The City expects design, environmental work and engineering to be completed within 12 months of Notice to Proceed to meet the scheduled construction timeline. The RFQ references prior local projects (Walkable Olean) as precedent and describes community engagement, public support, and partner coordination (City of Olean, Town of Allegany, NYSDOT, St. Bonaventure University, FHWA) to demonstrate project readiness. Proposal and Submittal Overview (refer to RFQ for full details): This procurement is a qualifications-based process. Proposers must demonstrate experience with NYSDOT or FHWA funded projects of similar scope and scale; provide a personnel roster and resumes for key staff, references for at least three similar projects completed within the last five years, and evidence of financial and technical capability. The evaluation criteria include demonstration of understanding of project objectives (30%), qualifications of the project team (20%), experience with FHWA-funded projects (20%), project approach (15%), and organization/timeframe/scheduling (15%). The top-ranked firm will be asked to provide a Fee Proposal and may enter negotiation with the City. The City reserves rights to reject any or all proposals and to request additional information to make award decisions. Administrative and Compliance Notes: The Recipient affirms Title VI compliance and encourages DBE participation; Federal laws, FHWA and BUILD program terms apply. NYS and municipal procurement laws will be observed. The selected consultant must be familiar with federal requirements including Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, Buy America and other applicable FHWA/Federal requirements. Key Dates (as stated in the RFQ): Issue Date: 11/10/2026 Question Deadline: 12/01/2026 Final Addendum Posted: 12/08/2026 Submissions Must be Received by: 12/15/2026 by 2:00 p.m. Public Opening of Proposals: 12/15/2026 Interviews: weeks of 01/04/2027 Notice of Award: 01/13/2027 Approximate Design and Engineering Start Date: 01/25/2027 Designated Contact for Questions: Keri Kerper, kkerper@cityofolean.gov, (716) 376-5647
