HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpening of Proposals - SRTS Kennedy School Proj No 123-017 - Etica GroupCITY OF SOUTH BEND
CE SERVICES FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL AT KENNEDY ACADEMY
We are confident in our ability to provide a safe and durable solution tailored to the specific needs of the City of South Bend. We are excited to bring our expertise to the City and will demonstrate how our tailored approach for the Safe Routes to School at Kennedy Academy project will ensure we are prepared to meet the unique challenges of your infrastructure needs.
Proven Experience, Trusted Results
Our team brings over a decade of experience delivering successful pedestrian improvement projects across Indiana. We’ve managed complex projects with precision, ensuring quality, controlling costs and keeping schedules on track.
With our proactive inspection approach, we identify potential issues early and resolve them swiftly, ensuring seamless progress from start to finish.
Commitment to Safety and Accessibility
Safety drives everything we do. Our inspectors prioritize ADA compliance, ensuring pedestrian pathways, crosswalks and curb ramps meet all standards. We identify risks early and collaborate with contractors to keep construction zones safe for both workers and the public.
We understand the complexities of working in high-traffic areas and develop tailored strategies to minimize disruptions while maximizing project success.
Dedicated Team, Focused Support
Our expert inspectors provide hands-on oversight, clear communication and detailed documentation every step of the way. With extensive experience in construction inspection and project management, we proactively manage challenges to keep your project moving forward.
We are committed to delivering a safe, efficient and successful project, ensuring your community benefits from lasting improvements.
Authorized NegotiatorJessica Nickloy, President/CEOjnickloy@eticagroup.com317.908.2017
PROVEN EXPERTISE IN RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTSOur construction inspectors bring extensive experience with ADA, sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvement projects similar to yours. Over the years, we have successfully overseen the inspection of projects involving complex phasing, traffic management and adherence to strict regulatory standards. Our team’s attention to detail, thorough documentation and collaborative communication with contractors ensure a smooth project execution and delivery.
Bendix and Goodland Current Conditions
HEADQUARTERS8720 Castle Creek Pkwy E Dr, Suite 400Indianapolis, IN 46250
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FIRM IDENTIFICATION
THE ETICA GROUP (WBE/DBE)..............................................90%
APEX (MBE/DBE).......................................................................10%
Etica Group’s projects contribute to the growth and well-being of communities. Our construction inspectors, engineers, surveyors, environmental scientists and architects work hand-in-hand with clients to prioritize effective communication and collaboration to ensure your goals are our goals. We will work closely with you to understand and achieve your project objectives. As a women-owned firm, diversity is ingrained in our culture, fostering creativity and varied perspectives.
Apex Consulting and Surveying, Inc (Apex) knows it takes the right people and tools to piece together a quality service. Since 2004, Apex has helped local agencies, A/E consulting firms and contractors throughout the state of Indiana implement solutions to solve various engineering and survey challenges. With two offices in Indiana (Fort Wayne and Indianapolis), Apex specializes in serving civil/transportation engineering, survey, right-of-way engineering, stormwater quality management and construction inspection.
“For projects I have overseen with The Etica Group, their inspection services are very good and thorough. They work well as a team member reviewing the Contract Documents and Plans thoroughly prior to construction, make sure the contractor’s work meets standards and specifications, provide recommendations for changes needed, and provide thorough documentation as required by DPW.”
Sherry HopperSr. Project Manager - Engineering, City of Indianapolis DPW
The City of Westfield relies on the Etica Group for a variety of on-call engineering, surveying, and inspection services. Their responsiveness, communication, and professionalism helps ensure the work gets done quickly and correctly for our residents.”
Johnathon Nail, PECity Engineer, City of Westfield
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FIRM IDENTIFICATION
Gemma StantonERC/Project Engineer CHAD SMITH
Project Manager and Inspector
Etica Group Personnel (WBE/DBE)
Apex Personnel (MBE/DBE)
CAPACITY
The Etica Group team has the capacity necessary to complete the City of South Bend Safe Routes to School project.
CAPACITY TIMELINE
Currently, Etica Group is finishing Construction Inspection on multiple INDOT on-calls and local projects. The completion of our local projects, as well as Apex, will allow us to commit up to 2 (if needed) Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) including your Project Manager, Chad Smith.
Our combined team has the knowledge to meet or accelerate your schedule while staying in constant communication with County representatives.
TEAM ORGANIZATION
Etica Group is uniquely qualified to lead a diverse team of local professionals experienced in Construction Inspection services. Shown is the proposed team structure of key staff as well as their upcoming capacities.
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR
Availability: 100%
CODY HEPLER
Inspector
Availability: 100%
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CHAD SMITH
PROJECT MANAGER AND INSPECTOR
Chad is efficient, detail oriented and a highly organized individual who is driven to succeed. His 7 years of experience includes bridge replacements, traffic signal technician, reporting activities on highway systems, testing concrete and other building supplies to ensure quality standards are met.
AVAILABILITY: 100%
• Bridge No. 002-64-07012 Replacement over Hutton Ditch Located on SR 2 and East SR 49, LaPorte District
• Bridge No. 002-64-07575 Replacement with large culvert over W Branch Crooked Creek on SR 2 E SR 49, LaPorte District
• R-37672 Des 1401034 Colorado Street Reconstruction in City of Hobart, LaPorte District
• Bridge Deck Overlays on I-65 over 53rd and 37th Avenues*
• INDOT 2109 09 B-39491 SR 249, two bridges in Porter County, LaPorte District*
• INDOT 2109 04 B-42170 multiple bridge projects In Lake County, LaPorte District*
• INDOT 2109 05 B-40607 7 projects in Carroll, Miami and Cass Counties, LaPorte District*
• R-35140 ramp re-design, and resurfaced I-94 from LaPorte to the Michigan state line*
*Denotes work completed prior to joining Etica Group
KEY STAFF
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING• Maintenance of Traffic
• Bridge Construction and Deck Repair
• Construction Procedures 1 & 2
• Concrete Paving
• Construction Earthworks
• Hot Mix Asphalt Paving
• Fall Protection
• OSHA 10
• Traffic Signal Field Technician Level 1 & 2
• IWEA Water and Sewer Construction Observation
• Basic Materials for Highway Construction
• Bridge Management
• Bridge Plan Basics
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CODY HEPLER
INSPECTOR
Mr. Hepler has numerous years of construction inspection experience working in the transportation industry. Mr. Hepler has been working on construction inspection services for several types of transportation projects since 2014. His construction inspection responsibilities include monitoring construction activities, measuring quantities, collecting field data, performing various on- site testing, justifying payment for Contractor, preparing reports, coordination with clients, Indiana Department of Transportation and local public agency (INDOT & LPA), contractors and subcontractors during construction, as well as maintaining compliance of specifications of all materials delivered to the project site. Cody is a trusted partner in ensuring project goals and objectives are met. His past project experience includes bridge rehabilitation, overlay and construction, roadway construction, pedestrian facilities, and utility infrastructure improvements. In addition, Mr. Hepler has been involved with bridge design for several INDOT bridges.
AVAILABILITY: 100%
• Contract No. R-36337 Minnich Road/Tillman Road Roundabout Intersection, Allen County, IN
• Contract No. R-29471 Flutter Road Improvements, Allen County, IN
• Contract No. R-34237 Bethel Rd/Till Road Improvements, Allen County, IN
• Contract No. R-34514 Landin Road Improvements form parent Road to North River Road, New Haven, Allen County, IN
• Des No. 22120175 North Manchester CCMG 2022
• Country Road 15 Reconstruction, City of Garret
KEY STAFF
CERTIFICATION/TRAINING• Certified Technician
• Stormwater Management Level 1
• Guardrail
• Site Manager
• Digitial FCR
• OSHA 30
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PROJECT APPROACH
Bendix and Eclipse
Bendix
Bendix and Lincoln
LPA - CONSULTANT CONTRACTOur project approach is comprehensive from project award to project close-out. Immediately upon notification of selection, Etica Group’s Project Manager will schedule a kick-off meeting with the City of South Bend to review the project and discuss the City’s expectations for construction, schedule and budget. An all-inclusive Cost Proposal for Construction Inspection services will be prepared in accordance with INDOT’s LPA-Consultant Contract Review Checklist and submitted to the City for preliminary review.
Our goal is to simplify the contract negotiation phase for the City so staff can remain attentive to other important items, and we can focus on the project at hand.
PRECONSTRUCTION PLAN REVIEW AND SITE VISITAs we prepare for the upcoming work, our staff will perform a preconstruction plan review and compare the plans to on-site conditions. As we have already visited the site and made special note of areas of concern, this review allows our inspection team to better anticipate potential issues and begin proactive discussions with the Contractor, City and Design Engineer. We have performed this exact type of preconstruction review for the City of Indianapolis, IndyGo, Brownsburg, Avon and several other clients.
We also possess extensive curb ramp design experience. If desired, we can have our own engineering department manager, led by Jason Doan, assist in the Preconstruction Plan Review. Depending on the City’s interest, Jason’s experience and commitment to serving our Client’s needs might provide the additional set of eyes to help further anticipate construction challenges. On the City’s behalf we will work professionally with your design consultants and the contractor to help improve the construction phase for its many stakeholders.
We conduct preconstruction plan reviews because of lessons learned on past projects. The City of Indianapolis did not complete a preconstruction plan review on a school zone sign and flasher installation project and ended up relocating several speed limit flasher assemblies based upon various site characteristics after the initial installs were completed per the design plans. This resulted in additional construction costs of more than $50,000. Our approach is intended to provide added value to the City of South Bend by reducing potential rework in the field.
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PROJECT APPROACH
Lincoln and MeadeAdams and Lincoln
CONSTRUCTION PHASEChad Smith has experience in communicating with homeowners about construction schedules and public safety during the construction process all while ensuring the contractor is using “Best Management Practices” for safety, maintenance of traffic and erosion control. Etica Group knows even though pedestrian safety improvement projects are generally welcomed by the public to enhance safety, many residents or businesses prefer the construction not to be in their front yards. We will participate in these interactions and coordinate with the Contractor and the City to reduce the time City staff must invest in this important activity.
Maintenance of Traffic is an especially notable concern on this project, and Chad possesses the additional Maintenance of Traffic Certificates from the FHWA and recognized by INDOT. Chad has direct experience in dealing with maintenance of traffic (MOT) and property owners if concerns arise about signage and safety.
The safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic is a top priority; therefore, we hold the contractor accountable for proper maintenance of traffic with correct temporary traffic control signage as well as correct sidewalk closed signage.
Our team will ensure proper curb ramp and sidewalk grades during construction by checking all forms for accuracy prior to the pours, and by confirming final cross and running slopes once the curb ramps and walks are set. We will hold the contractor accountable for constructing ADA compliant curb ramps and sidewalks per the approved plans.
Your Project Manager, Chad Smith, will remain your full-time point of contact for the project as he oversees daily activities and coordinates with supporting inspectors. Our team carries experience from a wide variety of infrastructure including typical roadway and pedestrian-focused improvements. We are very familiar with the work the construction of a multiuse trail often involves.
City of South Bend | CE Services for Safe Routes to School at Kennedy Academy | Page 8
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
City of Noblesville Nickel Plate Multi-Use
Trail
The 2.7 mile multi-use trail funded with DNR Next Level Trails grant provided a new ADA accessible path beginning on the north side of 146th Street and extends north to Pleasant Street in Downtown Noblesville.
The trail crosses two bridges, one over Allisonville Road and the other over Stony Creek. Both bridges required rehabilitation and painting with additional amenities provided throughout this project including timber bridge railing, pedestrian wooden railings as required, decorative signage, mile marker posts, pavement marking medallions and benches located along the trail.
City of Indianapolis DPW Central Greens
Development Phase 4
New construction of Steeples Boulevard north of Kirkbride Way to Vermont Street. This project also included a reconstruction of Kirkbride Way west of the intersection with Steeples Boulevard and included the West Drive before new construction extended to Tibbs Avenue.
Development improvements included storm drains, hybrid ditches, subgrade treatment, full depth HMA, driveways, curb and gutter, sidewalks and ADA ramps. Other miscellaneous items include RPM’s, signage and tree plantings.
City of Indianapolis DPW Pedestrian Crash
Focus Area 5B
This project consists of curb ramp and pedestrian crosswalk improvements at (18) separate intersections along 36th Street and Meadows Parkway in Indianapolis. Project improvements included (35) ADA compliant curb ramps, sidewalks, street approaches, curb and gutter, storm sewers, asphalt, RRFBs, signage and pavement markings. Etica Group performed our detailed constructibility review for this project prior to the preconstruction meeting and found a few correctable items. The designers were able to make the needed design changes prior to the start of construction. Pedestrian Maintenance of Traffic was a major component of this project. Our team required the contractor to have all sidewalk closed, signage and walking detour established prior to breaking ground at each intersection.
This project was completed on time and under budget!
City of South Bend | CE Services for Safe Routes to School at Kennedy Academy | Page 9
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project, R-39584, Des 1601045, Town of
Brownsburg, IN
This pedestrian safety improvement project included new ADA compliant curb ramps, crosswalk markings and signage, installation of 31 solar powered school zone flasher assemblies and 10 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) assemblies.
Etica Group provided the Town a detailed review of the design plans prior to construction to confirm all elements of the project would be ADA compliant upon completion. Etica Group revised plan sheets to correct constructibility issues that arose during construction.
This project was completed on time and under budget.
Bike & Pedestrian Multi-use Paths along Henderson Street, Winslow Road and Rogers Road at Various Locations,
R-38348 Bloomington, IN
These projects were located on Rogers Road from Jackson Creek to Winding Brook Court, Winslow Road from Henderson Street to Highland Avenue, and Henderson from Black Lumber Trail to Winslow Avenue.
The projects included continuing existing trails with new HMA trails and adding pedestrian safety improvements, including pedestrian railing and retaining walls. Other attributes of the projects include drainage improvements, pavement repairs, curb ramps and pavement markings.
62nd Street Bike Trail, City of Indianapolis
DPW
This Rebuild Indy project included the construction of a multi use path along the south side of 62nd Street from Keystone Avenue to Allisonville Road. The improvements included the construction of 1.3 mi of new trails, crosswalks, 25 ADA compliant access ramps, new pedestrian signals and stormwater improvements. This increases pedestrian safety and connectivity between area businesses, neighborhoods and a nearby elementary school. The inspection responsibilities included observation of storm sewer installation, lane shifts, pavement marking, curb and ADA ramp installation, HMA and concrete path installation.
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PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Ronald Reagan Parkway Widening from
US 36 to CR 300 N, Avon, IN
This inspection project included 3 miles of newly constructed two-lane roadway (final total roadway is four-lanes), approx. 1 mi of FDR and 2 miles of two-lane resurface. Multiple turn lanes were required at several road and drive intersections.
New or revitalized signalization was required at four intersections: US 36, CR 100 N, CR 200 N and CR 300 N. A new 10’ wide pedestrian trail paralleled the project with trail safety fence as appropriate. The construction included phased MOT, curb and gutter, 16’ median, decorative lighting, pavement markings, underdrains and signage with trail safety fence as appropriate.
Ronald Reagan Parkway Trail, US 36 to 100
S, R-39597, Avon, IN
Our team completed Construction Inspection services for this 1 mile, 10’ HMA multi-use path alongside Ronald Reagan Parkway from US 36 to CR 100 S. Areas had existing shoulders removed and curb and gutter installed. Additional work items included storm drains, guardrails, handrails and HMA patching.
Flat Rock Trail and Morgan Street and 3rd Street Streetscape, R-40324 Des 1601919
and 1601921
This project consisted of the construction of a pedestrian pathway along the west side of Morgan Street from Water Street to 3rd Street and along the north side of 3rd Street from Morgan Street to SR 3. This project also included the construction of a pedestrian pathway south of Water Street with a new entrance into Riverside Park.
Other attributes of this project included construction of new sidewalks, curb ramps, storm sewers, lighting, landscaping and decorative thermoplastic markings.
Standard RFP Form Ver. 1/2023
6
(Rev. 06/27/18)
Des. #: 2100025
Affirmative Action Certification (AAC) for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)
I hereby certify that my company intends to affirmatively seek out and consider Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) certified
by the State of Indiana’s DBE Program and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) DBE Program to participate as part of this
proposal. An Agreement between INDOT and KYTC established reciprocal acceptance of certification of DBE firms in their
respective states under the Unified Certification Program (UCP) pursuant to 49 CFR §26.81(e) and (f).
I acknowledge that this certification is to be made an integral part of this proposal. I understand and agree that the submission of a
blank certification may cause the proposal to be rejected. I certify that I have consulted the following DBE websites to confirm that
the firms listed below are currently certified DBEs:
INDOT: https://entapps.indot.in.gov/DBELocator/
KYTC: https://transportation.ky.gov/Civil-Rights-and-Small-Business-Development/Pages/Certified-DBE-Directory.aspx
I certify that I have contacted the certified DBE’s listed below, and if my company becomes the CONSULTANT, these DBEs have
tentatively agreed to perform the services as indicated. I understand that neither my company nor I will be penalized for DBE
utilization that exceeds the goal. After contract award, any change to the firms listed in this Affirmative Action Certification to be
applied toward the DBE goal must have prior approval by INDOT’s Economic Opportunity Division.
I.DBE Subconsultants to be applied toward DBE goal for the RFP item:
Certified DBE Name Service Planned Estimated Percentage to
be Paid*
%
%
%
%
II.DBE Subconsultants to be utilized beyond the advertised DBE goal for the RFP item:
Certified DBE Name Service Planned Estimated Percentage to
be Paid*
%
%
%
%
Estimated Total Percentage Credited toward DBE Goal:___________
Estimated Percentage of Voluntary DBE Work Anticipated over DBE Goal:__________
Company Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: ________________________
∗ It is understood that these individual firm percentages are estimates only and that percentages paid may be greater or less as a result
of negotiation of contract scope of work. My firm will use good faith efforts to meet the overall DBE goal through the use of these
or other certified and approved DBE firms.
13.1Apex Consulting and Surveying 5
Apex Consulting and Surveying 13.1 5
5%
5%
The Etica Group, Inc.
5/21/2025