B
Proposed Organization and Project Approach
B and Project Approach
Proposed Organization
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 12 B. Proposed Organization and Project Approach
Arup routinely delivers complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure designs promptly, efficiently, accurately and we bring deep expertise in building consensus. Our project approach is based on our experience on detailed design projects of a similar scale and our knowledge of the project. This section describes our:
• Project understanding
• Project challenges, opportunities and risks
• Schedule and stakeholder engagement including Caltrans • Task outline and proposed scope of work
• Project team including organization chart, staffing plan, project management approach, and highlights of our proposed team. Staff qualifications are provided in Section C and related project experience in Section D.
B.1 Project Objectives and Understanding
The Cross Valley Corridor Project is moving forward from the planning phase to design and delivery. The overarching aim is to achieve swift, visible successes to maintain and strengthen credibility with both funders and relevant stakeholders. Preparations are well underway for the future Kings-Tulare California High Speed Rail Station (HSR). This initiative is supported by the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy that focuses not only on land use but also on long-term economic growth strategies.
Local improvements are strategically designed to promote multimodal connections and encourage transitoriented development; an approach intended to make commuting easier, more efficient, and sustainable.
At the same time, the City is confronted with a multifaceted project that involves coordination across various jurisdictions, notably Caltrans and Tulare County. The City must adhere to numerous state grant requirements, and is also actively pursuing additional funding sources, all while managing these demands with a relatively small existing staff team. The City’s challenge is more than the context sensitive detail design of the Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT; the design of the Cross Valley Corridor must also support the long-term vision for a rail service along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor.
To address these complexities, Arup has put together an exceptionally skilled and experienced team that offers robust project management, seamless coordination across different entities, high standards of design quality, and rigorous cost control. The team brings continuity from previous studies and has demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully securing $60 million in State funding for the City. Furthermore, Arup strengthens its capabilities by engaging local subconsultants who have valuable experience working with Caltrans and who contribute proven expertise to help move the project forward, delivering meaningful results to the community.
To complement Arup’s knowledge of previous studies, we have hand-selected local subconsultants with extensive Caltrans and local experience. This combination means the Arup Team brings to the City a team that has:
Knowledge of previous studies: The Arup team has been actively involved in previous studies for the Tulare County Association of Governments including the grant application. We have a solid understanding of the needs and expectations of all City and County partners. We already understand the project’s intent, priorities, goals, constraints and measures of success. We also understand the City’s processes and procedures; and how to meet the grant reporting requirements.
Local experience and Caltrans connections: We’ve brought together a team with decades of local experience, especially in working with Caltrans District 6 on traffic signal and highway design. Arup’s deep understanding | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 13 of each community and Caltrans’ processes is based on decades of experience working with Caltrans on both statewide programs and district projects. We offer dedicated Caltrans liaisons, clear communication, proactive issue management, and strong local connections to streamline reviews. Our partner Provost & Pritchard has over 50 years of experience and dozens of successful projects in this part of the Central Valley, as does our partner Blackburn (27 years), and Bess (30 years). Our insight allows us to anticipate challenges and uncover opportunities others might miss. We are currently working with Tulare County Association of Governments, conducting a brief study of the stop locations at the College of the Sequoias and the Industrial Park. This demonstrates our ability to advocate for this project, and we do not perceive any conflict of interest.
Readiness: Our team is ready and able to fully engage in this project. Our familiarity and experience with the City and this specific project site allow our team to be efficient from day one, with no ramp up time required to understand project procedures and protocols. We have already been involved in the planning phase and therefore have embedded knowledge we can leverage right away. Our Project Manager, core team, and technical leads have the availability and resources to commit to this project for its successful completion.
Cohesiveness: We hand-picked our partners to complement our team based on our past work together, and bringing local experience and skill. Arup and Provost & Pritchard have previously partnered on the UC Merced 2020 project, a large multi-disciplinary project requiring close collaboration. Arup is currently working with Blackburn Consulting and Bess Utility Solutions on Design Services for Central Valley Stations for the California High Speed Rail Authority.Through these collaborations we have built strong relationships. We know how to work together to deliver projects successfully. The team shown in the organization chart represents the group of dedicated professionals who will be responsible for delivering the project from start to finish.
The Arup team has the experience, proven on relevant recent projects of similar size and duration, such as:
• Existing transit stops in the corridors take various forms depending on the location, space available for a shelter or seating area, ridership, and age of the existing stop. Attracting more people to transit can be achieved through refreshed or new stops, as contemplated for both the Cross Valley Corridor and Mooney BRT. The Arup team has completed similar work for the Sacramento Valley Station Regional Commuter Bus Stops, developing new bus shelter/stop designs that are compatible with existing right-of-way and utility constraints and reflect input from multiple stakeholders. This project demonstrates our ability to standardize shelter designs, streamline approvals, and align civil, structural, electrical, and accessibility requirements in constrained rights‑of‑way. This experience is directly applicable to the Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT corridors.
• Both corridors provide crucial transportation connections, serving both regional travel and local access while carrying a mix of commuter, commercial, and freight traffic. In particular, improving transit service and reliability on Mooney Boulevard will improve connectivity between the two Cities, and can be leveraged to improve operations for all modes of transportation, and support future growth. Too often, Intelligent Transportation Systems are overlooked or undersized and do not provide reliable transit signal priority across agency boundaries. Transit technology will be central to demonstrate progress and attract riders.
Success prior to the HSR opening will reinforce the benefits of transit investment in the Central Valley to the community, State, and Federal funding and delivery partners. The Arup team has completed similar work for the Lower Hudson Transit Link, developing and Integrated Corridor Management system to improve travel times for both transit and general traffic along a 30-mile corridor. Bus shelter designs developed by the Arup team include features such as bike racks to support multi-modal connections, offboard payment machines, ADA-compliant boarding and alighting areas, and real-time bus arrival/information displays.
• Navigating local and State requirements will be critical, aligning expectations early of what can and cannot be achieved, how decisions will be made, and which agencies have jurisdiction over the various aspects of the project. The Arup Team’s familiarity with local and State requirements positions us to leverage these opportunities and navigate challenges efficiently. Our team has direct experience with City of Visalia, TCAG, and Caltrans procedures and approval pathways on similar roadway projects. Provost & Pritchard | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 14 has prepared plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for more than 50 traffic signal and lighting system installations and upgrades throughout California. With routine coordination with Caltrans district staff and Local Assistance, they have a proven track record delivering designs consistent with Caltrans standards, right-of-way requirements, and LAPM procedures for state- and federally funded transportation projects.
Read more about our staff qualifications in Section C and our related project experience in Section D.
We view this effort not as a handoff from planning to
design, but as a continuation of a shared delivery effort.
Our approach emphasizes early alignment on design
standards, shelter typologies, and signal prioritization strategies; proactive engagement with Caltrans and
utility providers; and disciplined project management
that reduces burden on City staff while maintaining
transparency and control. Throughout design, we will
focus on value‑based decision‑making to keep the
project within available funding, support TIRCP
performance objectives, and deliver a clear, biddable
PS&E package that sets the City up for a successful
construction phase.
B.1.1 Project Objectives
The Arup Team understands the main objectives for
successfully delivering this project. We will collaborate with the City from the start to align objectives, identify potential risks, and establish strategies for risk
management.
Translate the TIRCP vision into an implementable,
coordinated design.
Building upon our role developing the conceptual design and supporting TCAG’s successful TIRCP grant application, we will refine prior planning decisions into clear, implementable design direction that aligns with the grant commitments, Service & Operations Plan, and system maps, while remaining flexible to City and partner agency needs.
Deliver a complete Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT corridor design within funding constraints.
We will advance corridor‑wide civil, traffic, and transit improvements for both the Cross Valley Express and Mooney Boulevard BRT using disciplined value management and phased decision‑making to ensure the final PS&E package remains fully deliverable within available funding constraints.
Refine bus stop, shelter, and transfer locations to balance operations, equity, and constructability.
We understand the importance of early clarity on bus stop siting, shelter typologies, and potential transfer facilities to avoid procurement and schedule delays. Arup will lead early coordination and standardization to support timely implementation and ADA‑compliant, context‑sensitive, and cost-efficient design.
Implement reliable transit signal prioritization across City and Caltrans systems.
We will work closely with City and Caltrans signal and operations staff to design transit priority improvements, including fiber‑optic interconnects where required, ensuring compatibility with each agency’s standards, procedures, and operational constraints. Arup are currently leading development of the Caltrans District 6 Transit Plan focused on capital investments to support transit operations and connectivity. We understand the Experience with Caltrans BRT design
The Arup Team is familiar with the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
guidance on designing and integrating bus rapid
transit services and improvements on Caltrans
facilities. Caltrans BRT policy is identified in
Director’s Policy Number DP-27-R1 (2013) and
Deputy Directive DD-98-R1 (2013). In both
documents, Caltrans acknowledges federal BRT
definitions as follows:
• “BRT can best be described as a
combination of facility, systems, and vehicle
investments that convert conventional bus
services into a fixed-facility transit service,
greatly increasing their efficiency and
effectiveness to the end user,” and.
• BRT is a “flexible, rubber-tired form of
rapid-transit mode that combines stations,
vehicles, services, running ways, and
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
elements into an integrated system with a
strong positive identity.”
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 15 SR-63 rehab project on Mooney Boulevard south of SR-198 does not include intersection reconstruction or resurfacing, or any additional interconnect equipment. We will request tender or detail design drawings from Caltrans to understand what the project includes.
Coordinate effectively across multiple jurisdictions and rights‑of‑way.
Recognizing the complexity of working across multiple jurisdictions including City of Visalia, City of Tulare, City of Farmersville, and Caltrans, we will proactively align design standards, permitting requirements, and special provisions early in the process to reduce downstream conflicts and delays.
Maintain full compliance with State grant, reporting, and audit requirements.
Drawing on deep familiarity with TIRCP, CalSTA, and Caltrans requirements, we will support the City in meeting all programmatic obligations, including quarterly reporting, cost eligibility, and audit readiness, while structuring design tasks consistent with LAPM expectations where appropriate.
Advance greenhouse gas reduction and disadvantaged community benefits.
We will ensure that design decisions support the project’s GHG reduction targets and documented benefits to disadvantaged communities, integrating performance tracking and documentation consistent with TIRCP and State requirements.
Support City staff capacity through disciplined project management.
Understanding City staff workload and the scale of this effort, we will provide strong project controls, clear decision points, and proactive issue resolution to reduce administrative burden while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Deliver early, visible wins ahead of future regional rail operations.
We recognize the need for near‑term improvements that demonstrate progress and operational value prior to high‑speed rail service; we will prioritize phasing and design strategies that enable early implementation where feasible.
Prepare a clear, biddable PS&E package and support construction readiness.
We will deliver high‑quality PS&E documents, structured to accommodate potential future Federal funding asks, while supporting permitting, bidding, and optional construction services to position the City for a smooth transition from design to delivery.
B.1.2 Challenges, Opportunities, and Risk Management
We have already begun exploring some of the primary risks to successful project delivery, along with possible management strategies that will help the City and the team stay on track. We will work closely with the City at the project outset to clarify key risks, identify mitigations, and track them throughout the project life cycle to stay on schedule and within budget.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 16 No. Name Description Primary Risk(s) Potential Mitigation Strategy(s) 1 Design details to
be determined
Several design items are not yet
confirmed, e.g., EV charging
and ITS needs, exact bus stop
locations, location and concept
design of Transit Centers.
Proposed design fees
are not commensurate
to the scope
determined at the end
of the Preliminary
Engineering phase,
increasing design fees.
Consider re-scoping after
Preliminary Engineering stage to
right-size the design effort to the
agreed fee. Build contingency
budgets into the agreed fee to
manage scope changes later.
2 Escalation
impacts due to
longer delivery
schedule
Due to a longer implementation
schedule (i.e., operational by
2030/2031), the total
construction cost may not align
with available grant funding
Project may not be
fully funded
This revised scope includes a
program budgeting and
prioritization exercise to start the
project. Arup will work with the
City at the project start to update
construction budgets relative to
revised project duration and
develop a contingency plan. We
have added value engineering
and cost estimate support to
maximize project value from the
start.
3 Property
acquisition
Site mapping and preliminary
design may reveal right-of-way
(ROW) acquisition is required
ROW acquisition may
add cost and cause
delays in delivery
Remain flexible in design to
minimize footprint. Identify
acquisition potential as an early
risk for tracking.
4 Caltrans
encroachment
permits
Caltrans encroachment permit
timelines can be long.
Construction
permitting is delayed
Build contingency into the
schedule and meet early with
Caltrans for faster approvals.
5 Stakeholder
approvals
Not all stakeholder needs are
met
Construction
permitting is delayed
Meet with stakeholders early to
identify non-negotiables. Build
broad consensus by developing a
decision framework that allows
for timely progression of issues.
6 Utility
coordination
Existing utilities may
complicate design and
construction
Cost and/or schedule
impacts
Meet early and continuously with
utility owners, de-risk early with
utility surveys and potholing
where necessary to confirm
location and depth.
7 Unconfirmed
ridership
demand
Unconfirmed ridership demands
and fares
Risk of low ridership /
low revenue
Develop risk management
strategies into the ridership and
fare analysis allowing the owner
to respond to market fluctuations
and uncertainties
8 ITS
interconnection
ITS systems need to be
standardized but also meet local
jurisdictional requirements
Complex designs,
possible schedule
delays
Identify "quick wins" that bring
the most benefit to system
operations with standardization
and early implementation.
9 Procurement of
long-lead items
Confirming vehicle type and
impacts for procurement
timelines.
Project elements (e.g.,
electrical, buses) have
long lead times
Build long-lead items
procurement into the schedule.
De-risk by setting decision points
during design for timely ordering
of long-lead items.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 17 No. Name Description Primary Risk(s) Potential Mitigation Strategy(s) 10 Grant extension Approval to extend the TIRCP
grant timeline from 2028 to
2031
Project may not be
fully funded
Develop no-regrets options that
could allow some construction to
advance early if required. Work
closely with grant holder to
identify and manage risks.
B.1.3 Schedule
We have assumed a start date of early June 2026, to be agreed upon with the City of Visalia. The Arup team has been actively involved in previous studies for TCAG including the grant application. This will streamline project start-up, as the Arup team can carry forward background information from our previous investigations.
We expect the City and TCAG will provide any new information as appropriate.
Our proposed schedule enables the City to begin procurement in January 2029, to start construction in mid2029, and to complete construction by mid-2031. Key milestones are listed below and described below and in a Gantt chart provided in Appendix B.
• Notice to proceed: October 2026
• PAED:
− Scoping & Analysis Complete: February 2027
− 30% Design: November 2027, which meets the grant allocation to use PAED funding by June 30, 2028 • PS&E:
− 50% Design: March 2028
− 90% Design: October 2028
− 100% Design: December 2028
Start-up: Arup will organise a project kickoff meeting to confirm objectives, review available information, align on roles confirm City staff involvement on tasks, and identify any immediate data gaps. We anticipate that additional data, if available, may be requested from the City and Caltrans after project award. We will establish a clear framework for communication and collaboration, including setting up a Sharepoint site for easy transfer of information. At the project kickoff meeting, Arup will seek the City’s feedback on the proposed schedule and refine it in coordination with the project management tasks at the outset of the project. As the scope is further refined during the Preliminary Engineering and Alternatives Analysis phase, any material changes to scope, assumptions, or sequencing will be reflected through an updated and coordinated project schedule, developed in consultation with the City.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 18 Data collection and scoping: Once data collection is underway, we will review and document existing conditions and begin the scoping and analysis phase. The purpose of this analysis is to define scope, confirm any recommended changes to our work plan and align efforts with the project's goals and objectives right from the outset.
Technical design, permits and approvals: Following completion of the scoping and analysis phase, technical design will commence in December 2026 to document the agreed preliminary design. As the preliminary design phase progresses and bus stop locations and transfer stations become well defined, topographic survey and utility locating will begin in February 2027. These site investigations are critical to establishing a reliable understanding of existing conditions and supporting informed design decisions. We have scheduled the work this way, to focus investigations only where needed, to keep costs down and timelines tight. Upon completion of site investigations, the project will advance into the Design Development (PS&E) phase, progressing the design from 50% through 100%.
Coordination: Throughout all phases, the Arup Project Manager, supported by the Discipline Leads and Arup’s dedicated Caltrans liaisons, will actively coordinate with the City, Caltrans, utility agencies, and other stakeholders to manage interfaces, align inputs and outputs, and resolve issues efficiently. This structured and collaborative approach will ensure that design development remains coordinated, responsive, and focused on achieving project milestones and schedule objectives.
Submissions and Review: For the PAED 30% design, the schedule includes preparation of a draft submission followed by a final deliverable. We have allocated an 8-week period for stakeholder review and consolidation of comments, with a further 4-week period to resolve comments, align expectations, and confirm key decisions.
This first phase of work is important to align on how decisions are made and build momentum without compromising quality. For the PS&E 50%, 90% and 100% design stages, the schedule includes preparation of a single deliverable at each milestone, with review comments addressed and incorporated into the subsequent design phase. For example, comments on the 30% design will be incorporated into the 90% design deliverable.
Project management: Time has been included at all stages for internal project management and quality control reviews, as well as City and Caltrans review periods. We have included eight weeks for review of the draft 30% design and four weeks for review of the 50%, and 90% submissions. A range of meetings will be required to discuss comments and confirm City approval of final deliverables. Read more about our project management tasks in Section B.2.1.
The key milestone dates are illustrated in the following diagram, as well as the assumptions for the construction and procurement phase. A detailed schedule Gantt chart is provided in Appendix B.
B.1.4 Stakeholder Engagement Approach
The Cross Valley Corridor Project requires coordination across multiple agencies, jurisdictions, and stakeholder groups, reflecting its regional significance and delivery under State grant funding. Arup understands that effective stakeholder coordination is essential to maintaining schedule, achieving timely reviews and approvals, and delivering a project that meets the City’s technical, operational, and funding requirements.
Arup will implement a structured, project-managed coordination approach led by the Project Manager, supported by discipline leads and dedicated Caltrans liaisons, to serve as the primary points of contact for the City, Caltrans, and other stakeholders. Stakeholder coordination activities will be aligned with key project milestones, including Preliminary Engineering, environmental review, and design submittals, consistent with the RFP’s requirements for ongoing agency coordination and review.
While the project is currently funded through State programs, the team understands the City’s intent to maintain compliance with applicable Federal requirements to preserve eligibility for potential future federal funding. | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 19 Accordingly, coordination with the City and Caltrans will be undertaken in a manner that supports both State grant compliance and future funding flexibility, as appropriate.
Based on the RFP and discussions to date, Arup recognizes that key stakeholders are anticipated to include, but are not limited to:
• City of Visalia – Project sponsor and contract administrator, road authority including traffic signs, signals, and streetlights,
• City of Farmersville – Project partner agency and eastern-most transit center for this phase of CVX • City of Tulare – Project partner agency and southern-most transit center for the Mooney BRT route • Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) – State grant sponsor and regional coordination support • California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) – State funding oversight and policy agency associated with TIRCP grant compliance and program requirements
• Caltrans District 6 – Local Assistance, traffic operations, environmental review, and permitting, road authority for Mooney Blvd, Mineral King Ave, and Noble Ave. • Partner jurisdictions along the corridor, including the Cities of Hanford, Tulare, and Farmersville as well as unincorporated Kings and Tulare County
• Transit operators, including Visalia Transit and Tulare County Regional Transit Agency (TCRTA) • Major corridor institutions, such as College of the Sequoias and Kaweah Health • Utility owners and service providers affected by bus stop, signal, and fiber-optic improvements The stakeholder list will be confirmed and refined with the City at project kickoff. Throughout the project, the Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating stakeholder engagement, documenting decisions, managing interfaces, and timely resolution of issues to support an efficient and coordinated delivery of the Cross Valley Corridor Project.
B.1.4.1 Caltrans Approach
Caltrans is a critical stakeholder in the successful delivery of the Cross Valley Corridor Project. Effective coordination with Caltrans will be fundamental to achieving timely approvals, maintaining schedule, and managing risk. Arup supports Caltrans at both statewide program and district project scales, bringing deep technical expertise, integrated delivery, and a strong understanding of Caltrans’ policies, standards, and evolving priorities. Building on the overall stakeholder engagement approach described above, Arup recognizes that a strong, collaborative, and well-structured working relationship with Caltrans is essential to project success.
Successful delivery of the Cross Valley Corridor Project will require early, consistent, and well-coordinated engagement with Caltrans across planning, engineering, environmental, and permitting activities. Arup’s approach is centered on dedicated Caltrans liaisons, clear lines of communication, proactive issue identification, and strong local relationships to support efficient reviews, timely decision-making, and predictable approvals.
Key elements of our Caltrans coordination approach include:
• Dedicated Caltrans leadership and points of contact:
Arup has established a focused Caltrans leadership team led by Brooke DuBose and John Eddy. Together, they provide complementary experience across Caltrans engineering design and planning. Brooke, supported by our local civil engineering subconsultant Provost & Pritchard, will serve as the primary contact with the Caltrans Project Manager and/or Local Assistance Engineer. | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 20 • Leveraging local experience and established relationships:
Arup’s Caltrans coordination team is complemented by Provost & Pritchard, our local civil engineering subconsultant, who bring extensive experience working with Caltrans District 6 on similar projects.
Provost & Pritchard have established working relationships with key District 6 leadership, including Colleen Vidinoff, District Local Assistance Engineer, and Michael Navarro, District Director, providing valuable continuity and strengthening day-to-day coordination at the local level. Their familiarity with District 6 standards, processes, and expectations supports efficient communication, informed issue resolution, and timely reviews.
• Early relationship building and clear communication protocols:
From project initiation, the team will work to establish strong working relationships with Caltrans staff, confirm roles and responsibilities, and align on review expectations, submittal requirements, and approval pathways. This includes identifying the appropriate Caltrans points of contact for planning, traffic, electrical, ITS, and permitting disciplines.
• Structured coordination and risk management:
Coordination with Caltrans will be supported through regular check-ins, milestone-based meetings, and targeted technical discussions as needed. This approach allows potential issues to be identified early, supports timely resolution of comments, and reduces the risk of late-stage design revisions or permitting delays.
• Integrated team delivery:
Arup and Provost & Pritchard will operate as a single, integrated team, ensuring that planning, engineering, and permitting considerations are addressed consistently across disciplines and jurisdictions, and that Caltrans requirements are fully incorporated into project decision-making.
B.2 Tasks
The Arup Team understands that the project defined for the grant application has opportunities for improvement to optimize transit operations while supporting future development on adjacent lands. Our approach is grounded in responsiveness, technical rigor, and a clear focus on meeting the grant requirements and delivery timelines.
The successful delivery of this project will depend on integrating multiple technical areas within a strong organizational framework, following a well-defined coordination process.
The following presents our methodology for the Cross Valley Corridor Engineering Design Services including Mooney Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit. The project tasks are sequenced to support clear coordination, proactive risk management, and efficient progression toward completion of the required design and PS&E deliverables.
Based on discussions with City of Visalia staff, the scope of work has been updated. Tasks have also been reorganized to clearly show the PAED phase and PS&E phase.
B.2.1 Task 1: Project Management
This section focuses on project management tasks, including meetings, workplan and schedule, and monthly reports. Our overall approach to project management, coordination with subconsultants, communication with City of Visalia staff, monitoring progress, compilation of submittals of PS&E, review and distribution of comments from City staff to subconsultants, Quality Control and Assurance is described in Section B.3.3 Project Management Approach.
This task describes the efforts for both the PAED and PS&E phases of the project. The effort for each phase is provided separately in the revised fee estimate, with Task 1.1 for PAED and Task 1.2 for PSE&E.
Collaboration is central to our approach: our Project Manager (PM) Alex Kwok will serve as the City of Visalia’s primary point of contact for all project activities. Alex will be committed to the project for the duration of the design process and will maintain thorough technical knowledge of all work being performed, both in the office and in the field. This hands-on leadership approach ensures informed, timely decision-making and | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 21 seamless coordination across disciplines, agencies, and subconsultants. Alex will be readily available to the City and provide regular updates to discuss project progress, risks, assumptions and decisions.
Alex will be supported by Arup’s Program Management Team, providing senior oversight, technical assurance, and schedule/procurement coordination throughout delivery. Our Project Director, Margaret Parkhill, will provide executive oversight and strategic client support, leveraging her experience on recent relevant bus rapid transit projects. Our Technical Quality Reviewer, Mathew Bamm, will ensure technical rigor and consistency across deliverables, leveraging his experience working with Caltrans. Our Schedule and Procurement Specialist, Olga Gorbunova, will monitor the project schedule to align procurement readiness with the delivery requirements. Read more about the team in Section B.3.4 Proposed Team.
Project Meetings and Stakeholder Workshops
Starting a project with clarity on the key ingredients, including governance, communication lines, and assumptions, along with the desired outcome creates the best recipe for project success.
Our project initiation approach emphasizes early engagement, consensus building, and responsiveness. We will document the kick-off meeting through notes that capture key decisions, action items, and follow-up needs.
These materials will be shared promptly with the City’s project manager and incorporated into our project management plan to guide subsequent phases of work.
At our Internal Kick-Off Meeting, our Project Manager (PM) Alex Kwok will seek feedback from the City of Visalia project team on the work plan and project schedule presented in this proposal. This feedback will be foundational to confirm the recipe for success. We will also confirm the schedule for monthly progress meetings. At our External Kick-Off Meeting, we will seek to develop alignment among all stakeholders on scope, schedule, and deliverables, identify potential constraints early, and establish clear communication protocols, document control procedures, and reporting formats.
We will arrange and facilitate monthly meetings, site visits and other project-related meetings. We will prepare meeting agendas, meeting minutes, necessary supplemental materials, and meeting sign-in sheets.
Based on our experience with projects of similar scope and scale, and involving multiple stakeholders, communication is critical to keep the project moving towards the delivery requirements. We recommend the following meetings and have accounted for these in our fee proposal. The effort for meetings is included in the relevant task as described in the following narrative for each task.
Task Meeting Quantity Duration/Format Notes
1.1 Internal kick-off meeting 1 2 hours / in-person City of Visalia and consultant project team
1.2 Site visit with City staff
and project team
1 6 hours / in-person,
same day as kick-off
To visit challenging areas of the site
determined by Arup and the City and
discuss design and constructability issues
1.1 External kick-off meeting 1 2 hours / in-person
with virtual option
Key stakeholders involved
1.1 Monthly progress meetings
(PAED Phase)
12 2 hours / virtual City of Visalia and consultant project team
1.2 Monthly progress meetings
(PS&E Phase)
16 2 hours / virtual City of Visalia and consultant PM
2&8 Technical coordination
meetings with full
consultant team
15 1 hour / virtual City of Visalia and consultant project team
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 22 Task Meeting Quantity Duration/Format Notes
2&8 Key Stakeholder Group
Meetings
6 1 hour / virtual Group includes: College of the Sequoias, Kaweah Health, City Businesses, City of
Tulare City of Farmersville, Tulare
County, TCAG,
1.2 Presentations to Visalia
City Council
3 2 hours / in-person Project manager to give presentation, with guidance from City staff on key
messages and support to answer questions
8 Caltrans 8 1 hour / virtual Signal operations and design staff 8 Workshops to review
deliverable comments
4 2 hour/ virtual Meeting to discuss responses to City and stakeholder comments received on 30%,
50%, 90% and 100% submissions
6 Utility companies 9 1 hour / virtual Assume 1 group meeting to kick-off, followed by 2 individual meetings with
utility and internet providers (e.g.,
Southern California Edison, Southern
California Gas, California Water Service,
Vast Networks, Comcast). Assume no
impacts to SCE or AT&T facilities and no
coordination with CPUC or railroad
companies.
9 Permits and Approvals 8 1 hour / virtual Pre-submission meeting and comment resolution meeting to accelerate
permitting processes with Visalia,
Farmersville, Tulare, and Caltrans
Project workplan and schedule
Our proposed workplan is provided in this section and our proposed schedule is described in Section B.1.3.
After the internal kick-off meeting, we will develop and provide the City with a revised workplan and schedule, incorporating any comments received on this proposal.
We will work with the City to finalize our team’s work plan and develop a realistic, corresponding schedule that clearly outlines all “Critical Path” tasks. The work plan will incorporate any comments from the City in response to this proposal. From that point forward, we will implement our rigorous approach to schedule control, “zero-variance” scheduling. This requires the consultant and client team to meet the Project Milestone Reviews to attain the overall schedule. Earned Value Analysis is used to assess the schedule between the milestones and enable our team to address any variance prior to the milestone date.
To support schedule certainty, Arup will develop and maintain a detailed project schedule identifying critical path activities, agency review milestones, and interdependencies between disciplines. Progress will be monitored monthly, with emerging issues tracked through a Project Status list and addressed promptly through focused coordination with City staff, Caltrans, and subconsultants. Where appropriate, work will be sequenced to advance long-lead or high-risk elements early, minimizing the potential for downstream delays.
Monthly invoices and quarterly progress
Monthly invoices with an updated schedule status reports are a practical way for us to keep everyone informed and aligned throughout the project. Quarterly progress reporting to support grant procedures By clearly outlining will outline the current status of all tasks, summarizing the work completed in the previous month, and highlighting outstanding issues that need input or decisions from others, we create a transparent process that supports timely action. This approach helps us spot potential delays early and ensures that everyone knows what’s needed to keep things moving. Proven on countless other projects, the Arup approach to progress | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 23 reporting enables the project schedule and delivering projects according to the original timelines. Our aim is to give you confidence about the project process that be communicated with decision makers at all levels of government.
The monthly status reports will be provided with our invoices. Monthly progress meetings will provide the City with regular updates. We will provide monthly invoices in a timely manner with details on Contract expenditures to support City reporting and grant requirements. We will review subconsultant invoices for accuracy and completion before billing the City.
Techniques to accelerate the project schedule and align with Caltrans expectations We have included the following project management tools to shorten the overall project schedule, based on our understanding of Caltrans expectations:
• Parallel LAPM-compliant task delivery across civil, traffic, structures, utilities, and systems while maintaining required Caltrans reviews and documentation. This saves time compared to sequential handoffs.
This introduces some risk of re-work, which we will mitigate through continuous internal coordination and using cloud-based design technology to ensure the team is all working from the latest information. • Front‑loading high‑risk and long‑lead items including Caltrans encroachment permit requirements, utility agreements, signal approvals, identifying ROW constraints, and organizing relevant permits and deliverables by the authorities having jurisdiction.
• Standardization of PS&E elements and typical details consistent with Caltrans standards to minimize exceptions, rework, and review comments to minimize custom design and rework. For this project, we have also assumed a standard bus shelter design will be developed for both the Cross Valley and Mooney BRT. • Embedded, rolling QA/QC reviews consistent with Caltrans PS&E expectations integrated into production rather than end‑of‑phase checks. Read more about our approach to quality in Section B.3.3. • Active critical‑path schedule management tied to Caltrans milestone reviews with frequent monitoring and early corrective action.
At the internal kick-off meeting, we will explore the following additional ideas that have proven to accelerate the detail design of similar past projects. These ideas require buy-in or support from the City:
1. Early definition of decision authority and agency approvals consistent with Caltrans LAPM roles, including identification of responsible functional units (Design, Traffic Ops, Permits, ROW) to avoid delays at 50/60/90% milestones. It is important to identify specific people not just departments.
2. Early and focused agency and utility coordination aligned to standards, review cycles, and approval needs
3. Concurrent cost estimating and value engineering to resolve affordability issues before late‑stage redesign Deliverables
• In-person project kick-off workshop and site visit with City staff to explore design options, discuss strategies for engaging relevant stakeholders, and identify key risks or challenges for the proposed bus stop and transfer station designs and locations.
• Schedule and risk management: Project workplan and schedule updated monthly which will act as the design team’s road map for project execution
• Monthly status invoices and quarterly progress reports with current status of all tasks, summary of work completed within the prior month, and outstanding issues requiring input or direction from others • Prepare and distribute meeting agendas and minutes for all Arup-led meetings. • Communication log and decision register
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 24 B.2.2 Project Approval Environmental Documents (PAED) and Conceptual Design B.2.2.1 Task 2: Preliminary engineering and alternatives analysis The Cross Valley Corridor has progressed through planning and funding phases led by TCAG and partner agencies, resulting in a program of transit prioritization improvements along the Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT corridors. Building on this foundation, the preliminary engineering and alternatives analysis phase focuses on validating and advancing these concepts to an implementable level by confirming corridor assumptions, evaluating design alternatives, and resolving key technical, operational, and agency coordination considerations prior to detailed design.
The objectives of the preliminary engineering and alternatives analysis phase are to:
1. Perform program budgeting and prioritization exercise
2. Finalize the bus stop locations along the Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT
3. Analyze options and finalize the facilities required and location for the Transfer Stations at Visalia and Farmersville
4. Validate and finalize the ridership and fare analysis to gain approval from all agencies
5. Establish a clear architectural and structural basis of design for the bus shelter configurations and amenities
6. Develop recommended signal modifications and work with City and Caltrans staff to finalize
7. Determine fiber optic infrastructure upgrades needed for bus prioritization signal system
8. Develop conceptual 30% drawings for each bus stop and transfer station for review and approval by the City and approval authorities
9. Identify potential design challenges (i.e., grading, drainage, geotechnical and/or layout) and summarize in a short concept design memo
10. Identify preliminary bus charger specification options based on the recommended fleet
11. Develop electrical design concept for charging infrastructure
12. Initiate coordination with local electric utility to support bus charging infrastructure B.2.2.1.1 Objectives 1 & 2: Finalize bus stop locations and Transfer Stations To begin the project, we will perform a program budgeting and prioritization exercise. Our approach is to allocate the overall budget across the various design features, establishing a target unit price for various project elements such as traffic signal improvements or transit shelters. This will guide our preliminary design process.
This method also allows us to validate the previous cost estimates and quickly determine whether the overall budget is sufficient to cover all locations. This exercise will support the City in communicating any changes to the project to Caltrans in an early and proactive manner.
As part of the preliminary engineering and alternatives analysis, the design team will complete an existing condition review to support finalization of the 28 bus stop locations and four passenger transfer stations along the Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT corridors. The Cross Valley Express scope of work is between Goshen, Visalia and Farmersville. The Mooney BRT corridor is from Visalia to Tulare. At this stage it is understood the four passenger transfer stations will be at College of Sequoias, Visalia Transit Center, Industrial Park (Shirk St & Goshen Ave or Shirk St & W Doe Ave), and Tulare Transit Center. This work will include site visits to verify existing physical conditions, documentation of bus operating characteristics, and coordination with the City of Visalia and Caltrans to confirm feasible locations that balance operational needs with roadway, frontage, sidewalk, and utility constraints. Any operational gaps or site-specific constraints affecting bus stop placement or transfer station layouts will be identified and carried forward into the alternatives evaluation. As | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 25 part of this phase, the team will also investigate and confirm the facilities required at each transfer station to confirm the design intent and define how the Transfer Stations will function.
B.2.2.1.2 Objective 3: Ridership and Fare Analysis
Building on the ridership forecasts and fare assumptions developed as part of the TIRCP grant application and Service & Operations Plan, Arup will validate that the refined corridor design remains broadly consistent with the ridership and fare assumptions developed for these prior efforts, and supports projected demand and agency operational objectives. This task will focus on confirming that proposed service plans, stop spacing, and transfer locations remain aligned with projected travel demand, operational feasibility, and grant performance commitments.
We will coordinate closely with TCAG, the City of Visalia, and operating partners to review previous ridership assumptions, current ridership levels, fare policies, and transfer arrangements. We will identify any recommended updates to ridership forecasts to reflect refined corridor design, phasing strategies, or near‑term operating conditions prior to future high‑speed rail service. Where appropriate, this review will test sensitivities to service frequency, travel times, and access to key destinations such as employment centers, education, healthcare, and regional connections.
Ridership and fare considerations will be integrated with broader project objectives, including greenhouse gas reduction and benefits to disadvantaged communities, ensuring that design recommendations support equitable access, competitive travel times, and early, visible utilization of the Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT services. Findings will be documented and coordinated with partner agencies to confirm consistency with TIRCP reporting requirements and to establish a defensible basis for advancing into detailed design.
B.2.2.1.3 Objective 4: Bus Shelter
The Arup team will support the City of Visalia to select a shelter type and supplier. We recommend using offthe-shelf elements and a “kit of parts approach”. This means the shelters can be configured to suit each location, such as limited right-of-way or higher volume stops, with potentially customizable elements to reflect the surrounding land use or neighborhood. We understand the importance of meeting all Caltrans and City of Visalia standards as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We also understand that the bus stop and shelter design must consider how to respond to the needs and presence of the unhoused population while providing effective shade for waiting passengers.
"Off the shelf” options will be evaluated for construction quality, ease of installation, life cycle maintenance and passenger experience, Caltrans conformance, aesthetics, durability, ease of maintenance, equity metrics, weather protection and other design criteria to be agreed with the client.
During this phase, we will communicate design intent using sketches, conceptual renderings, diagrams, and other representational methods. We will utilize multi-criteria analysis tools to support recommendations for one selected option to be taken through documentation phases.
B.2.2.1.4 Objectives 5 & 6: Traffic signal modifications and fiber optic upgrades There are multiple streams of work related to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and traffic signals:
• ITS Existing Conditions Assessment to understand existing conditions; • ITS Concept of Operations Outline and define how ITS components within the City of Visalia jurisdiction will function as an integrated system to enable transit priority; • Traffic signal upgrades at existing signalized intersections, which will be informed by the existing condition assessment;
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 26 • Traffic signal timing updates, potentially including transit signal priority and emergency vehicle preemption.
The use of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies will support the BRT corridors in achieving the goals of providing reliable, efficient, and attractive transit service. Building on the existing transit and traffic technologies available across the CVX and BRT corridors, the applicable ITS for will be identified in the Concept of Operations Outline.
As part of Task 2, the Arup team will evaluate the ITS Existing Conditions including hardware and technology for:
• Transit vehicles and emergency vehicles,
• Transit stops, transit operations and the Visalia Emergency Operations Center, • Communication infrastructure and ITS assets, and
• Traffic signals along the two routes.
This effort will include gathering and reviewing:
• As-built plans for thirty-eight (38) traffic signals, including power, conduit, cabinet space, and right-of-way conditions at traffic signals. We will request as-built drawings for all existing traffic signals from the City, Farmersville, and Caltrans. Existing conditions may need to be confirmed through site visits, which may require support from the City or Caltrans to open the cabinet. • Details from the City of Visalia, Visalia Transit, the Emergency Operations Centerre and police/fire/ambulance, Caltrans and TCRTA on transit operations technology, communication infrastructure and ITS assets, including the City’s on-going ITS project and the SR63 technology corridor.
The above information will be documented in an ITS Existing Conditions memo.
As part of the PAED phase, we will examine conduct a Transit Corridor Progression Analysis (Time-Space Diagram Analysis). The estimated fee excludes collecting or analyzing turn movement counts. The scope is subject to change based on future scoping discussions with the City of Visalia and Caltrans. We will:
• Coordinate with the City of Visalia and Caltrans to obtain existing signal timing sheets for each signal; • Prepare corridor time-space diagrams based on timing sheets; • Prepare evaluation of bandwidth quality and progression; • Document transit schedules, stops and evaluate bus progression; • Analyze alternative speeds, dwell times and running times; and • Prepare report summarizing the investigation and recommendations for potential traffic signal timing changes.
Building on the Existing Conditions Assessment, Arup will develop an ITS Concept of Operations Outline that documents stakeholder needs and operational objectives, defines how ITS components within the City of Visalia jurisdiction will function as an integrated system. With input from the City, we will establish a recommended strategy for transit prioritization, communications reliability, and system scalability. The result will be a clear framework for system design, implementation, and long-term operations of City assets. The concept outline is an important step to describe the interconnected elements of the ITS which may include:
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 27 • Communication system to connect buses to the transit management center, runningway, roadway ITS devices, emergency services, as well as the potential for coordination with Caltrans; • Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Locator system to assist with real time monitoring and dispatch of CVX and BRT vehicles, and may include on-bus GPS antenna, Vehicle Logic Unit, and Mobile Data Terminal;
• Transit Signal Priority (TSP) to improve transit times and reliability while maintaining emergency vehicle preemption. Functionality may reside in a central system, on the transit vehicle, or in local traffic signal controllers. Operations may include TSP strategies and processing (e.g. active or passive transit signal priority), parameter setup and event logging. TSP architecture and agreements between transit agencies, the City and Caltrans and will be determined in future project agreements and detailed design. It is understood the City of Visalia has an Emergency Operations Centre but does not currently have a traffic signal central system;
• The outline may include commentary on additional on-board and off-board technology such as Automatic Passenger Counters, wi-fi systems, on-board or off-board fare collection systems, automated stop announcements and displays, public address systems, on-board or off-board security systems, real-time passenger information signs. However it is understood that these elements are not included in the capital cost for this first phase of the CVX and Mooney BRT.
The ITS Concept of Operations Outline will group recommendations based on user needs, system priorities, and the available budget. For example, there may be recommended technologies (for new or replacements), recommended technologies to be expanded (using existing technologies), or optional technologies (for future phases). The Operations Outline will define the ultimate scenario with phased deployments over time. It is understood that Farmersville and Tulare traffic signals will not be connected to Visalia or Caltrans signal systems. It is also understood that Caltrans signals and Visalia signals are not inter-connected today. The City of Visalia provides the emergency vehicle preemption hardware to Caltrans traffic signals that connect to Caltrans signal controllers.
Should the City wish to explore integrating the traffic signal systems of Caltrans and the City of Visalia, additional funding would be required to define future governance and operational roles and responsibilities for City, Caltrans, and partner agencies; system users, operational scenarios, and maintenance considerations.
B.2.2.1.5 Objective 7 & 8: Document design intent in 30% concept design drawings and memo Building on the outcomes of Objectives 1 through 6, Arup will consolidate the agreed design decisions and assumptions into a coordinated set of 30% concept design documentation for each bus stop and transfer station.
This effort represents formal documentation of the preferred alternatives established through preliminary engineering and alternatives analysis.
The task will include preparation of a draft set of horizontal-only 30% conceptual drawings for all bus stops and transfer stations, with final bus stop locations, layouts, shelter configurations and EV charging elements where appropriate. Traffic signal modifications and fiber optic infrastructure are not included in this 30% concept design stage. Traffic signal hardware modifications and fiber optic infrastructure form part of the PS&E stage. It is assumed that ADA ramp improvements are not required and there will be no surface reconstruction of the intersections (i.e. curbs or ramps). In parallel, Arup will prepare a draft concept design memorandum that identifies potential design challenges, such as drainage, utility conflicts, right-of-way constraints, and layout considerations and summarizes key risks and recommended mitigation strategies.
The draft drawings and memorandum will be issued for review by the City of Visalia and Caltrans. Following receipt of one consolidated set of review comments, with meetings to discuss the comments, Arup will incorporate comments and issue a revised 30% conceptual drawing package and final concept design | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 28 memorandum. These deliverables will document approvals, confirm feasibility, establish a clear basis of design, and provide a defined baseline for advancement into 50% design.
B.2.2.1.6 Objectives 9, 10, & 11: Preliminary Electrical Work Based on the electric bus selection by others, Arup will begin to coordinate bus charger specification options.
Connection type, orientation, geometry, charging output, and electrical properties will be considered and examined during this phase. We understand chargers are likely required at the Visalia, Farmersville, and Tulare Transit Centers. Based on conversations with Visalia Transit, we expect no electrical connection needed for stops that serve passengers. On-route charging is not being considered for this phase; bus charging would occur at Transit Centers or the Visalia Yard bus depot.
Based on preliminary charging options, Arup will develop electrical design concept for charging infrastructure.
This includes rough equipment sizing and locations for infrastructure to support charging operations at the three transit centers.
Based on the preliminary sizing exercise, the utility application can be initiated at this time. This will begin the process with the local electric utility to plan providing service to the three transit centers. We have assumed each stop will not require utility connections and shelter illumination would be solar powered.
B.2.2.1.7 Summary
This task will result in advancing all objectives of both the Cross Valley Corridor and Mooney BRT projects.
All disciplines will be involved and coordinated to set the stage for detail design.
Meetings
• See table in section B.2.1 for associated meetings
Deliverables:
• Existing Conditions Assessment
• Basis of Design memorandum including roadway design criteria, agreed design decisions and assumptions for bus stop locations and transfer stations, structural and architectural design concept for bus shelters • Ridership and Fare analysis
• Concept of Operations document to define how the ITS components will function as an integrated system a clear framework for system design, implementation, and long-term operations • 15% conceptual design for all bus stops and transfer stations (Visalia and Farmersville), 2D drawings providing conceptual limit of work, site layout and potential utility conflicts at each of the 21 bus stops and the two transfer stations
• 15% concept design memo identifying site constraints, design challenges, risks and mitigation strategies B.2.3 Plans, Specifications, & Estimate (PS&E) (50% to 100%) B.2.3.1 Task 3: Topographic & Boundary Survey & Background Map Following completion of sufficient preliminary engineering and optioneering to confirm the bus stop and transfer station locations, Arup will proceed with detailed topographic, boundary, and utility surveys to support concept development and subsequent design phases. All survey activities will be coordinated closely with the design team to ensure data collection is tailored to the needs of each project location.
Provost & Pritchard will perform all topographic and boundary survey services for the proposed bus stop and transfer station locations under the direct supervision of a California licensed Land Surveyor. It is assumed | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 29 that full site access will be provided to facilitate all required survey and utility locating activities. Bess Utility Solutions will perform all utility locating through ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
The survey strategy has been developed to expedite delivery and manage costs efficiently by aligning survey effort with the level of design progression.
The scope of services will include the following:
• Initial Desktop Assessment and Right-of-Way boundary research Desktop assessment using available record drawings and background information, allowing early design decisions to be advanced without incurring unnecessary field survey costs Research and compilation of available State and City right-of-way records, mapping, and boundary information for adjacent privately owned parcels in the vicinity of each proposed bus stop and transfer station location. • Field survey and monument recovery:
At each location, conduct field surveys to recover existing survey monuments sufficient to resolve public right-of-way limits and adjacent private property boundaries. • Topographic survey:
Perform detailed topographic surveys of all surface features, improvements, and visible utilities within the survey limits. Depths of buried utilities will be measured where discernible through manholes, valve boxes, or lids.
• Utility research and subsurface locating:
Research available public utility records for each site. Bess Utility Solutions will facilitate ASCE 38-02, Level B service locating using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys to identify the approximate horizontal location of existing subsurface utilities within each of the 28 bus platforms including the four passenger transfer stations at College of Sequoias, Visalia Transit Center, Industrial Park (to be confirmed, e.g. Shirk St & Goshen Ave or Shirk St & W Doe Ave), and Tulare Transit Center. Bess Utility Solutions will compare available utility record information with the results of the field investigation to ensure all utilities have been accounted for. Gravity lines such as sewer, storm drain, irrigation etc. typically cannot be located using the above methods due to lack of tracer wire or depth of the utility being beyond the limitations of GPR. In the event we cannot locate these utilities and precise location and depth is needed, non-destructive potholing would be proposed at an additional cost to be reviewed and approved by the City. • Limits of survey:
Survey limits will consist of an approximately 150-foot-long strip and 20-foot-wide survey centered on the proposed bus stop structure, extending generally from the face of property or right-of-way/building frontage to the edge of the first traffic lane. Equivalent limits will be applied at transfer station locations, centered on the proposed bus stop or charger area.
• CAD base mapping:
Boundary, topographic, and utility information from each site will be compiled into a CAD base drawing using Autodesk Civil 3D. Once survey and utility locating activities are complete, this information will be incorporated into the background of all plan sheets prepared for the project from 30% to 100% design.
Information available from the desktop study will be used in the 15% design.
This coordinated survey approach ensures that accurate, reliable base mapping is available to support concept validation, identification of site constraints, and efficient advancement into detailed design.
Meetings:
• See table in section B.2.1 for associated meetings
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 30 Deliverables:
• 3D DWG files with topographic survey including property ROW to be included in plans • 3D DWG files with all utilities located from GPR.
B.2.3.2 Task 4: Environmental
Environmental compliance for the Cross Valley Corridor project will be addressed in a manner that supports both State and potential Federal funding requirements, while aligning with the scope and expectations outlined in the RFP and Caltrans Local Assistance procedures.
B.2.3.2.1 CEQA
Based on information previously prepared by the Tulare County Association of Governments’ (TCAG’s) grant consultant, Arup understands that the proposed improvements are anticipated to be statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). We will prepare a Notice of Exemption Document per CEQA guidelines, route for signature and submit to County Clerk and State Clearinghouse. Filing fees to be reimbursed by City.
Meetings
• See table in section B.2.1 for associated meetings
Deliverables:
• Preliminary Environmental Study and technical environmental studies as required.
B.2.3.3 Task 5: Right of Way Activities (ROW)
Arup will aim to design the bus stops and transfer stations to avoid right-of-way impacts wherever practicable. Arup recognizes that ROW considerations will be informed by preliminary engineering, alternatives analysis, and final design decisions, particularly the selected bus stop structure types, locations, and their interface with existing frontage, sidewalks, and utilities. Given the constrained nature of many proposed locations, early coordination and careful evaluation will be used to confirm feasible solutions that minimize impacts while maintaining compliance with applicable requirements.
As the exact locations and layouts for the bus stops and transfer centers have not been finalized at this stage, the project team has assumed that all improvements can be accommodated within the existing public right-of-way and as such no allowances have been included for ROQ acquisition services. Should this assumption change as design advances, Provost & Pritchard can support coordination related to right-of-way needs. If right-of-way acquisition becomes necessary, services would be performed in accordance with Caltrans LAPM Chapter 13 and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (Uniform Act), including LAPM requirements for adjustments to existing utilities. If specialized right-of-way acquisition services are required, the team would look to engage local experts such as Hamner Jewell of Fresno, subject to City direction.
Meetings:
• See table in section B.2.1 for associated meetings
Deliverables:
• Combined with the 50% design deliverables
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 31 B.2.3.4 Task 6: Utility Coordination
The utility coordination and design will focus on establishing the required service connections for EV charging at the three transit centers. As stated in the RFP documents the bus shelters are understood to have solar power so new electrical connections are not required. Bus stops will have passenger information, be lighted, and be designed for safety and security. We have assumed the bus stop amenities will not require new utility connections.
Arup will work to optimize the location and layout of the bus platforms and shelter structures to minimize impacts on existing infrastructure, where feasible. The information gathered from surveys and existing records will support and streamline the coordination effort. Utility coordination for franchised utilities will address any existing utilities that conflict with proposed improvements and cannot be accommodated in the design without relocation.
The project team will complete the following utility coordination tasks:
• Obtain utility plats/plans in locations of new structures as part of the existing conditions assessment phase from utility companies, such as Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas, California Water Service, Vast Networks, Comcast, and from record drawings from the City and Caltrans. • Analyze utility constraints using the collected topographic and utility survey data. • Analyze existing utility easements on the survey with respect to the site plan and identify proposed utility easements, if required
• Coordinate with private utility providers to obtain any additional information needed to support the utility study, including as-builts supplied by the City and Caltrans. • Manage required utility relocations of franchised utilities in coordination with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Arup understands that in accordance with established franchise agreements for City of Visalia right-of-way, utility owners may be required to relocate their facility at no cost to the right-of-way owner. For Caltrans right-of-way, responsibility for relocation costs will depend on the results of the Caltrans Report of Investigation (ROI) process. Arup intends to avoid utility relocations where possible and will inform the City of utility relocation implications when presention options for City decision-making. • Initiate and complete electrical utility service application in support of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and support loads.
• Coordinate with local electrical utility as it relates to utility requirements of equipment and installations. • Provide drawings that show utilities on plan, identifying impacts to utility owned equipment and potential relocation or other scope required to accommodate new infrastructure. It is assumed that franchised utility companies will self-perform the relocation design and construction. • It is expected that any new infrastructure designed for this project will avoid utility relocation of public and non-franchised utilities and effort for designing public and non-franchised utilities relocations is not included.Meetings:
• See table in section B.2.1 for associated meetings
Deliverables:
• Plot all existing utilities on plans for 28 bus platforms including the three transit centres (Visalia, Tulare, Farmersville) and the Industrial Park passenger transfer location. Utility profiles and details will be provided for 50%, 90% and 100% deliverables.
• Provide Autodesk Civil 3D models of the utilities at 50%, 90%, and 100% Construction Document milestones
• Obtain approved SCE utility company plans and service packages for new EV charging locations at the three transit centers.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 32 B.2.3.5 Task 7: Subsurface Exploration
We will perform targeted subsurface exploration at representative bus stop locations to support shallow foundation design and evaluate potential utility conflicts. The goal is to characterize stratigraphy, document groundwater conditions (if encountered), and develop design parameters including allowable bearing capacity, lateral resistance, settlement estimates, and subgrade preparation recommendations. The program we recommend and have included in our fee proposal includes:
• 5 to 8 exploratory borings, typically 8 to 12 ft depth (Caltrans structures), (1 x 8 hr day drill rig) • 1 boring per transit site to 10 feet deep (1 x 8hr day drill rig) • Standard sampling (SPT, bulk samples)
• 8 x hand auger/dynamic cone penetration (DCP) tests to 5 ft deep (Assume 2 days). Hand auger/DCP through aggregate base/hardpan. Assumes no concrete or asphalt coring or very stiff-hard clay. It is assumed these would be located outside of the pavement, likely in landscape areas, and are supplemental to the exploratory borings.
• Proposed boring locations will be provided on plans for City and Caltrans review and comment prior to performing the work.
The exact bus stop and transfer station locations are not fully defined at this stage, and the presence, extent, and nature of potential underground utility conflicts are not currently known. Accordingly, non-destructive potholing is not included in the base scope, as the need for potholing and the number of locations cannot yet be reasonably determined. Where proposed shelter footings may conflict with existing underground utilities, we will coordinate non-destructive potholing to verify horizontal and vertical utility locations and reduce construction risk. Findings will be summarized in a geotechnical memorandum with logs, design parameters, and construction recommendations for inclusion in the PS&E package. Should potholing be deemed necessary as locations are refined, these services can be provided on an as-needed basis assuming approximately 6 potholes per day at an approximate cost of $18,000 per day, including backfill, restoration, and traffic control.
Findings from the subsurface exploration will be summarized in a geotechnical memorandum, including test pit logs, design parameters, and construction recommendations, for inclusion in the PS&E package Consultant will obtain and pay for encroachment permits from the City and Caltrans to perform the work. The City of Visalia, City of Farmersville and City of Tulare will provide zero cost permits. Consultant will provide traffic control to perform the work as needed. These costs are included within this scope of work.
Meetings:
• See table in section B.2.1 for associated meetings
Deliverables:
• Memorandum including exploratory bore logs, lab test results, design parameters, and construction recommendations, for inclusion in the PS&E package. Plans showing bore locations will be provided.
B.2.3.6 Task 8: Civil Engineering Design (PS&E)
The Civil Engineering Design (PS&E) phase advances the approved preliminary concepts into complete, coordinated, and constructible contract documents suitable for permitting and construction. Building on the outcomes of the preliminary engineering and alternatives analysis, this phase focuses on developing detailed civil design, integrating multidisciplinary inputs, and coordinating with the City of Visalia, Caltrans, and other | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 33 stakeholders to deliver a fully compliant PS&E package that supports efficient procurement and implementation of the Cross Valley Corridor improvements. Our PS&E scope has been split by discipline in the sections below.
B.2.3.6.1 Civil
• During this phase, the civil team will advance the approved 30% concept design through detailed PS&E drawings, suitable for permitting and construction, by completing the civil engineering tasks outlined below:
• Develop and submit two drawing packages for 50%, 90%, and 100% construction documents. The two packages will facilitate circulating the right information to the right people at the right time. Package 1 will include the Cross Valley Corridor and transfer stations. Package 2 will include the Mooney BRT • Provide design report at 50%, 90% and 100% detailing existing conditions, design basis, key decisions, risks and recommended next steps.
• Detail tie-ins to existing infrastructure including curb and gutter, grading and drainage, sidewalks and bike lanes (where appropriate). Optimize site grading at each bus stop to match existing conditions. Grading and drainage plans will be prepared using Autodesk Civil 3D. • Preparation of composite utility plans, profiles, and details for the utility services for the two transfer stations (if required). Utility profiles and details will be provided for 50%, 90% and 100% deliverables. • Address and incorporate one set of consolidated revision comments from the City and Caltrans for each stage of the design i.e., 50% and 90%. Arup assumes separate sets of comments from the City and Caltrans, which will need to be compiled and addressed. A 4-week review period has been allowed for review of each deliverable package. We have included one two-hour comments review workshop at the end of each phase. • All drawings will be on 22ʺx34ʺ plan sheets. All plans and specifications will meet Caltrans requirements for approval. All submissions will be electronically using a secure file sharing site hosted by Arup, e.g.
Sharepoint.
• Prepare state and grant compliant specifications for the 90% and 100% submittals. Grant funding language will be incorporated into the bid package, for example "This project is subject to the grant funding requirements of TIRCP Cycle 7 Grant for Regional Express Transit Services Capital Infrastructure Improvements and all construction must comply with those requirements." If there are specific provisions from the grant funding that apply to construction or construction means and methods, this may be incorporated in the Division 00 or Division 01 specifications. • Prepare Bid Item Descriptions for each Bid Item on the schedule. The City will provide their current RFB template as an example.
The following deliverables will be provided at the respective design stage. For more discipline specific information on scope and drawings please refer to the discipline sections below. For utilities, please refer to Section B.2.6.
30% 50% 90% 100%
General Deliverables
Design Report ✓
Specifications Table of
contents
✓ ✓
Structural/Architectural Sheets for new bus shelters ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Deliverables for Transfer Stations
Cover Sheet with notes, legends and abbreviations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Demolition sheets ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Plan view sheets with new improvements and topographic
survey shown
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 34 30% 50% 90% 100%
Grading and drainage plans ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Composite utility plans ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Utility profiles and details ✓ ✓ ✓
Typical cross sections (bus stops and transfer stations) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Traffic Signal Sheets showing all traffic signal modifications and new equipment for signal priority
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Communications Network Diagrams including fiber optic,
diagrams, elevations, electrical plans and panel schedules, quantity calculations
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Electrical Vehicle Charging sheets ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Striping and Signage plans (if required) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Construction Details (as necessary for the improvements) ✓ ✓ ✓ Deliverables for Bus Stops
Cover Sheet with notes, legends and abbreviations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Plan view sheets with new improvements and topographic
survey shown, including grading
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Construction Details (as necessary for the improvements) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ B.2.3.6.2 Geotechnical Engineering
Based on subsurface conditions and the selected standard shelter configuration, the geotechnical team will support the design of shallow foundations (e.g., isolated spread footings or slab thickening) to satisfy bearing, settlement, sliding, and overturning requirements under applicable code loading. We will provide allowable bearing pressures, passive resistance parameters, embedment recommendations, and subgrade preparation criteria, while coordinating closely with the civil and utility teams to avoid conflicts and minimize relocations.
Our approach will emphasize constructability and value engineering through standardized details, optimized footing dimensions, and clear foundation notes and specifications integrated into the 30%, 50%, 90%, and 100% PS&E submittals.
B.2.3.6.3 Structural & Architectural
Arup will deliver design documents and specifications for the architectural & structural elements for the 50%, 90%, and 100% PS&E submittals. The documents will be coordinated with civil, systems, traffic disciplines and compliant with City of Visalia and Caltrans standards. We anticipate approximately 8–10 sheets, including the following drawings:
• Bus shelter plans, elevations, and sections (typical as provided by supplier) • Foundation plans and details
• ADA layout and clearance diagrams for boarding and waiting areas B.2.3.6.4 Traffic Signal Plans and Fiber Optic Improvements As the bus stop locations are confirmed, transit signal priority treatments for stops that are near side versus far side of a traffic signal will be explored, as well as treatments for intersections where buses need to turn.
Understanding existing traffic operations and available right-of-way, we will develop recommended signal modifications for passive transit signal priority. Coordination with the City and Caltrans will be used to identify feasible signal modifications and fiber-optic upgrades that support proposed bus operations. If a traffic signal | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 35 has emergency vehicle preemption today, that functionality will be retained in the future condition, and any new transit signal priority would have a lower priority than emergency vehicle preemption.
Arup will prepare the following Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), traffic signal, and communications design packages in accordance with City of Visalia and Caltrans requirements. We have a deep understanding of Caltrans requirements through our ongoing development of the Caltrans District 6 Transit Plan focused on capital investments to support transit operations and connectivity. Design documentation will include:
• Traffic Signal Controller upgrades will be considered for all 38 traffic signals. New hardware may be recommended on a case-by-case basis upon one or more criteria, such as: 1) if the existing controller is determined through the ITS existing conditions assessment to be incompatible with active TSP, 2) if the existing controller is determined to be nearing the end of service life, 3) City or Caltrans directives. The exact number of controllers to upgrade may require prioritization to fit within the available capital budget. It is assumed that controller cabinet locations will not change. • Traffic Signal Hardware upgrades will be considered for all 38 signalized intersections. If a traffic signal has emergency vehicle preemption detectors today, that hardware will be maintained or replaced in the future condition. It is assumed that no changes to signal poles or conduits are required. It is assumed that new or updated vehicle detection hardware may be required to support TSP. It is noted that Visalia Transit will advise on the appropriate equipment to include on-board the buses to activate TSP. The exact number of hardware upgrades may require prioritization to fit within the available capital budget. It is assumed that queue jump lanes and dedicated transit signal phases are beyond the scope of work. • OPTIONAL SCOPE: Traffic Signal Timing Modifications can be considered for all 38 traffic signals to improve transit corridor progression. This optional scope of work is subject to change based on discussions with the City and Caltrans. This work builds on the Transit Corridor Progression Analysis included in the PAED phase and assumes that before any signal timing changes are implemented, the City and Caltrans will require traffic analysis at three daily peak hour intervals (AM, mid-day, PM). If the City provides direction to include this scope, we will:
o Coordinate with the City of Visalia and Caltrans to confirm scope and details of the investigation; o Obtain turn movement counts at three daily peak hour intervals (AM, mid-day, PM); o Prepare corridor progression time-space diagram analysis based on traffic counts and timing sheets; o Prepare detailed evaluation of bus progression based on route information and analysis from the study prepared in PAED (no TSP implementation);
o Progression analysis will include future year analysis with annual growth rates approved by the City and Caltrans;
o Prepare corridor analysis with the implementation of TSP using passive means; o Assess the effect of revised traffic signal timings on transit and traffic operations, such as v/c, queuing and Level of Service (delay) changes;
o Prepare optimization analysis for the corridor with recommended traffic signal timing changes; and o Prepare report summarizing the investigation and findings. • ITS Communications Network Fiber Optic Backbone Design: We have included design for approximately three and a half (3.5) miles of fiber optic communications infrastructure building on the existing and currently planned fiber optic network. The scope of work includes: W Goshen Ave from N Akers to N Plaza | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 36 (2.5 miles), and N Court and N Locust from Route 198 to Murray (1.0 mile) It is understood that this new fiber backbone would be connected to existing fiber network to add more redundancy and make the network more robust. The fiber network will enable traffic signals to be connected directly to ensure high-bandwidth, low-latency communications. This will also accommodate future expansion of adaptive traffic signals. The fiber network design will include redundant backbone routing where feasible, hub-and-node architecture supporting future expansion, and integration with existing City and Caltrans communications infrastructure, as applicable. Assets located outside the fiber coverage area may be connected using secure wireless 5G communications, maintaining seamless integration with the central management system.
Modifications/updates to the City of Visalia Traffic Operations Center may be required to support the expansion of the ITS network. The need for updates would be identified in the ITS Concept of Operations outline during PAED phase. Preliminary or detail design Traffic Operations Center updates is beyond the scope of this assignment.
Each submittal stage will include one formal review cycle, with comment resolution addressed in the subsequent milestone package. Arup will perform full QA/QC reviews during each review on every sheet prior to submission to ensure technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
B.2.3.6.5 Electrical
During the PS&E phase we will document the following electrical drawings below for the EV charging at the three transit centers: Visalia, Tulare, and Farmersville. • Overall plan showing scope areas.
• Site power plans delineating owner scope and utility scope. • Site lighting plans that show circuiting of light fixtures. • Power plan showing equipment connections, layout, and circuiting. • Enlarged plans that show equipment layout and dimensions. • Single line diagrams of electrical systems.
• Schedules for equipment panel calculations, light fixtures, wire schedules, etc. • Details and diagrams denoting mounting, connections, etc.
B.2.3.6.6 Cost Estimates
Arup's cost estimates will be developed in accordance with the recommended standards set by AACEi. The methodology and accuracy range will vary depending on the design phase. The following matrix outlines the methodology and expected accuracy range for different estimate levels corresponding to the design stage. | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 37 Estimate
Level
Estimate
Description
Design Phase Level of
Completion
Methodology Accuracy Range
5 Rough Order
of Magnitude
Planning
Schematic Design 0% to 5%
Parametric Models
Capacity Factored
Historical Costs
L: -20% to - 50%
H: +30% to
+100%
4 Concept
Feasibility
Planning
Schematic Design 1% to 15% Equipment FactoredParametric Models L: -15% to - 30%
H: +20% to
+50%
3 Budget
Authorization
Planning
Schematic Design
Design Documents
10% to 40% Unit Costs
Assembles
L: -10% to - 20%
H: +10% to
+40%
2 Budget
Control
Estimate
Preliminary Design
Engineering
Design Documents
Construction
Documents
30% to 70% Detailed Unit Cost
Detailed Take-Off
L: -5% to - 15%
H: +5% to +30%
1 Bid
Detailed Design
Engineering
Construction
Documents
50% to 100%
Detailed Unit Cost
Detailed Take-Off
Productivities
Subcontractor Quotes
L: -2% to - 5%
H: +3% to + 15%
The cost estimating deliverable will include a Basis of Estimate (BoE) report in PDF format, documenting a summary of the results, estimating methodology, key assumptions, and exclusions. The report will include, as an appendix, the detailed cost estimate. In addition, a comparison section will be provided, presenting a side‑by‑side analysis of the previous design‑stage cost estimate and the current estimate. This comparison will identify and explain changes in scope, quantities, and unit rates. The objective of this process is to reduce estimating risk, provide an additional level of quality review, and ensure transparency for the client regarding the drivers of cost changes between estimate iterations. The costing team will also be available to support value engineering efforts along the design development.
Cost estimates will be provided at 30%, 50%, 90% and 100% design stages.
B.2.3.6.7 Summary
This task will result in advancing all objectives of both the Cross Valley Corridor and Mooney BRT projects.
All disciplines will be involved and coordinated to develop the detail design and understand the permits and approvals required to proceed with construction.
Meetings:
• See table in section B.2.1 for associated meetings
Deliverables:
• Composite utility plans, profiles, and details for the utility services required for all 28 bus stops four passenger transfer stations at College of Sequoias, Visalia Transit Center, Industrial Park (Shirk St & Goshen Ave or Shirk St & W Doe Ave), and Tulare Transit Center (if required). Utility profiles and details will be provided for 50%, 90% and 100% deliverables.
• One final drawing package for 30%, 50%, 90%, and 100% construction documents • All drawings will be on 22”x34” plan sheets.
• Prepare state compliant specifications for the 90% and 100% submittals. | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 38 • Ensure plans and specifications meet Caltrans requirements for approval. Ensure that all TIRCP and CalSTA grant funding language and forms are included in the specifications. • Provide design report at 50%, 90% and 100% detailing existing conditions, design basis, key decisions, risks and recommended next steps.
• Electronic copies of the plans (AutoCADD), specifications (Word and PDF), and estimate (Excel and PDF) shall be provided of the final project.
B.2.3.7 Task 9: Permit Approvals
Arup will lead the permit approvals effort, with support from Provost & Pritchard, whose strong local agency relationships will assist in efficiently navigating requirements for Visalia, Farmersville, Tulare, and Caltrans.
The team will prepare and coordinate all necessary documentation to obtain the City Building Permit for the new bus shelter structure and the required Caltrans permits, working closely with agency staff throughout design and review to address comments and secure approvals in alignment with the project schedule.
As described in Section B.2.8.1, we have structured the PS&E work to develop and submit drawing packages for the two routes at 30%, 50%, 90%, and 100% milestones. Packaging the two routes will facilitate circulating the right information to the right people at the right time. • Package 1 will include the Cross Valley Corridor and Visalia and Farmersville transit centers. • Package 2 will include the Mooney BRT and Tulare transit center.
This approach will enable early permitting and supports targeted agency and stakeholder reviews based on the specific locations and impacts of each route. We will work together with City staff to refine this packaging strategy during scoping and analysis stage. We understand the drawing packages will depend on the agencies approving the plans.
B.2.3.8 Task 10: Bidding Services Assistance (Optional Time and Materials) Bidding services assistance can be provided on an optional Time and Materials basis, subject to City authorization. Services may include assisting with the pre-bid meeting, responding to bidder RFIs, preparing a bid results summary with a recommendation on the acceptability of the apparent low bidder, and preparing a conformed PS&E set for construction following bid award. We have assumed the procurement process will begin in January 2029 and the contract awarded in mid-2029.
For budgeting purposes, a suggested rough order of magnitude allowance is provided, assuming a standard public bidding process, that all work will be tendered through one process and awarded to one contractor, and a moderate level of bidder inquiries. The final level of effort and fee will be refined once the bidding approach, anticipated number of addenda, and bidder activity are better defined.
B.2.3.9 Task 11: Construction Support Services (Optional Time and Materials) Construction support services can be provided on an optional Time and Materials basis, subject to City authorization. Services may include attending the pre-construction meeting, reviewing contractor submittals, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs) during construction, reviewing change orders, and performing site inspections at key construction milestones. We have assumed construction will begin in mid-2029 and be completed by mid-2031.
For budgeting purposes, a suggested rough order of magnitude allowance is provided, based on our experience with similar projects. Construction management and/or full-time construction administration is not included in | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 39 our current proposed allowance. An estimate of the effort for the preparation of Record drawings is included.
Should the construction take longer than two years, we will adjust our fee estimate accordingly.
It is assumed that the contractor will administer RFI and Submittals, provided for design team review digitally by a common system (such as Procore, Prologue, A-site or similar). The review period for RFIs is typically five full working days (as defined below) and submittals ten full working days, with exception for hotlist items (where agreed in advance) that are essential for ongoing site works. Mark-ups of and responses to RFIs and Submittals will be provided digitally.
Attendance by the Arup team on-site for in-progress and punch list reviews is assumed and will be agreed with the contractor teams as needed. Per diem reimbursable expenses and mileage will be negotiated during the contract phase. The working week is defined as 40 hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm except for public holidays. Inspections or work requests outside of these hours will be agreed on a case-by-case basis and require a minimum of 72 hours advance notice for any overnight or weekend requests, which are at the discretion of the engineers in questions. The proposed budget assumes that there will be no requirement for co-location at an onsite Project Management Office or similar, however this can be readdressed at a later date if deemed necessary.
B.2.3.10 Assumptions and Exclusions
The following assumptions and exclusions have been developed to define the basis of the proposed scope, schedule, and fee. These items are intended to clarify expectations, identify known constraints and dependencies, and establish a common understanding of what is included and excluded from the proposed services. Any changes to these assumptions or exclusions may require adjustments to scope, schedule, or fee.
B.2.3.10.1 Project Management
• We have assembled this project team and proposal document to the best of our knowledge. However it is possible that items will arise during project delivery that could not have been foreseen by Arup, the City, TCAG or Caltrans. We are committed to working with the City’s budgets to deliver the project even if certain scope items were not originally anticipated. Open and honest conversations allow us to respect budget limitations and adjust scope to achieve project delivery. Our shared priority of delivering the design within the available budget results in our clients getting the best value for money and not being bogged down by frequent change orders.
• We understand the City is looking for a dedicated project manager and project team that will advocate for the project. We also understand the City will identify a "City Representative" who shall represent the City and who shall work with the consultant in carrying out the provisions of the RFP. We expect the City to provide timely decisions and attend the meetings outlined in Section B.2.1. In our monthly progress reports, we will identify project risks and any inputs needed from the City or others to move the project forward.
B.2.3.10.2 Preliminary Engineering and Analysis
• We have made assumptions as to the number of iterations and amount of time required for this process. • We expect there will be trade-offs required and that value engineering may occur to keep the project within the available funding envelope, given the escalation of costs over time. • Early in the study, we will work closely with the City Project Manager to define how decisions will be made in order to advance the preliminary engineering and analysis for the 28 bus stop locations and four passenger transfer stations along the Cross Valley Express and Mooney BRT corridors. • Our proposal does not currently include a design services fee contingency. However, we welcome the opportunity to work with the City to evaluate and itemize reasonable contingency budgets during fee negotiations.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 40 B.2.3.10.3 Topographic & Boundary Survey and Background Map • It is assumed that the final design solutions will be generally consistent with the approved 30% concept designs and that the required design extents will remain within the limits of the surveys completed early in the design phase.
• It is assumed that all survey work outside of Caltrans right-of-way can be completed without the need for traffic control measures and encroachment permits. Caltrans encroachment permits will be required within Caltrans right-of-way. Traffic control plans, traffic management, and related permits are excluded from the base fee for topographic survey work within City of Visalia right-of-way. Should traffic control be required in City of Visalia right-of-way, these services can be provided for an additional fee. • As the number and extent of potential utility conflicts are not known at this stage, non-destructive potholing has been excluded from the scope and fee. A rough order of magnitude daily rate has been included in the Optional / Recommended Add Services section. Once utility conflicts are better defined, the design team will prepare a potholing plan for City review and approval, including confirmation of scope and cost prior to proceeding.
• Survey work is assumed to be performed during a standard 8-hour weekday working hours. Work during nights, weekends, or public holidays is excluded.
• The use of mechanical aids for lifting manholes or utility lids (including hydraulic lifters or similar equipment) is excluded.
• Closed-circuit television (CCTV) pipeline inspection of utilities is excluded. • Removal of locate and and/or USA markings
• The scope and fee does not include relocation or adjustments to SCE or AT&T facilities. Through the detailed design, if it is determined that relocation of these facilities is required, a separate fee estimate can be provided for review and approval.
• The scope and fee does not include any coordination with CPUC or the railroad companies.
B.2.3.10.4 Environmental
• Consistent with the RFP documents, it has been assumed that no CEQA support is required from Arup as part of this scope of services.
• It is assumed that the project will proceed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Categorical Exclusion (CE) pathway, and all scope assumptions and fee allowances have been developed on this basis. • Should additional NEPA studies be required, Arup can provide a separate fee proposal for City review and approval once the specific scope and level of Caltrans-required environmental studies are known.
B.2.3.10.5 Right of Way Activities
• The scope and fee does not include relocation or adjustments to SCE or AT&T facilities. Through the detailed design, if it is determined that relocation of these facilities is required, a separate fee estimate can be provided for review and approval.
• The scope and fee does not include any coordination with CPUC or the railroad companies.
B.2.3.10.6 Utility Coordination
• Digital signage, CCTV cameras or any other amenities requiring new utility connections are not required for the bus stops. No new utility connections are included in the bus stop scope. No drainage improvements are included in the bus stop scope. Assume no public utility relocation is required at bus stops. • No new utility connections are required for the three transit centers except the connections required for EV charging. If during the preliminary design stage it is determined new utility connections are required, then a separate fee estimate can be provided for review and approval. | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 41 • Arup can submit requests for utility plats and plans to utility owners on City letterhead to avoid charges and fees for utility owners to provide information.
• Within City of Visalia right-of-way, we assume all utilities except sewer are franchised and will be relocated/adjusted by the utility agency at their own expense. Within Caltrans right-of-way, responsibility for relocation will be dependent on Caltrans ROI process. We will strive to minimize impacts to existing utilities, and will identify impacts to the utility owner as early as possible to facilitate the schedule. • No relocation or adjustments to SCE or AT&T facilities • No coordination with CPUC or the railroad companies
• The fee does not include fees by providers for non-franchised utilities B.2.3.10.7 Subsurface Exploration
• Special backfill and/or asphalt restoration requirements (CDF half-sack slurry) are excluded from our scope of services
We have assumed that:
• Encroachment Permits from City of Visalia, City of Farmersville, and City of Tulare fees will be waived • Work will be performed in an 8-hour day during daylight hours. • Restoration of surface will be Class II AB and T-Cut Hot Patch Asphalt. • Soil conditions are typical and no dewatering required.
B.2.3.10.8 Civil Engineering Design (PS&E)
Civil
• We have assumed new shelters and civil design changes at all 28 stops and four passenger transfer stations.
To provide the City with a complete fee estimate to 100%, we have included all 21 stops in our bid price.
We will be open to working with the City to reduce or structure the level of effort assumed during fee negotiations.
• It is assumed that utility record drawings provided by the City and utility owners are reasonably accurate.
Nondestructive potholing is subject to an additional add service, if required. • We assume a Caltrans Water Pollution Control Program (WPCP) will be required as part of the Caltrans Encroachment permit process and is included in the scope. Preparation or filing of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is not included in the scope of services. The civil scope includes preparation of Erosion and Sediment Control Plans as required for permitting. • Agency and utility permitting fees are excluded. Permit and utility application submittals will be provided to the City in electronic format meeting applicable agency requirements, and final documents will be issued as permit-ready.
• It is assumed that the project (Cross Valley and Mooney BRT) will be constructed in a single tender and single phase. Development of a specific construction phasing plan detailing sequencing and phasing of work is not included and would require additional fee authorization. If the City has specific performance requirements that influence the phasing, that can be included in the Division 00 or Division 01 specifications sections.
• It is assumed that all improvements can be accommodated within the existing public right-of-way. No allowance has been made for right-of-way acquisition, right-of-way engineering, or right-of-way consultant services.
• Flood analysis is assumed not to be required and is excluded. • Landscape architecture services are excluded. It assumed that any boulevard impacts would be replaced likefor-like (e.g. sod for grassed areas, asphalt for hard surfaces). The City’s Urban Forestry Department will do | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 42 tree surveys and evaluate the trees after the 30% preliminary design shows the extent to which trees may need to be removed.
• No changes to lane configurations or curb lines are assumed. The civil scope includes matching existing curb lines, driveways, accesses, and existing grades.
• Our proposal does not currently include a design services fee contingency. However, we welcome the opportunity to work with the City to evaluate and itemize reasonable contingency budgets during fee negotiations.
EV Charging / Electrical
• It is assumed that the local utility has capacity to support the new electrical services required for EV charging and electrical loads at each station.
• The RFP did not explicitly state the required quantity of EV bus chargers, but the RFP question response stated that 8 electric buses are being proposed in the short term. For the purpose of this exercise, Arup assumes that each bus will require a charging position for a total of 8. These chargers shall be distributed across the transfer stations.
• The Agency (others) will select the electric bus and provide specification of its charging requirements. Arup will coordinate with the agency to determine the appropriate electric bus charging equipment. • Arup shall coordinate and advise the Agency on time of charging use for their facilities are noted in the RFP questions response.
• Lighting is not mentioned in RFP and thus is not included in this scope. An additional add service can be provided if required.
Architectural & Structural
• Scope is limited to open-air structures (shelters and canopies) • Standardized shelter typology will be used for all locations • It is assumed that the shelter will be an off-the-shelf prefabricated structure. • Solar systems are limited to shelter-integrated components • No additional utility connections or amenities are required to the bus shelter structure other than the mentioned solar panel systems.
• No impacts to existing buildings or structures.
Traffic Signals
• No new traffic signal poles, mast arms or heads are required at existing signalized intersections and no new signalized intersections will be required. Queue jump lanes with transit priority hardware anticipated at 2 intersections.
• We have assumed creation of or connection to a central traffic or transit management system or center is outside the scope of this project. If updates to the traffic center are identified in the ITS Concept of Operations to support transit priority, we will work with the City to see if it can fit within this grant allocation, or perhaps seek alternative funding sources. • We have assumed that the project does not include on-board or off-board fare payment technology, CCTV, emergency call buttons, real-time information / digital signage.
Ridership and Fare Analysis
• Existing ridership forecasts, fare assumptions, and service plans developed for the TIRCP grant and Service & Operations Plan will serve as the baseline.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 43 • The task includes validation and refinement of previous ridership and fare assumptions for both corridors for opening day and the same horizon year as previous studies. A new or revised regional travel demand model is not required.
• Ridership review will focus on sensitivity to service frequency, travel time reliability, stop spacing, and transfer locations as the stop locations and transit priority designs are advanced, aligned with the 50% design submission.
• Fare analysis will review fare structure assumptions, transfer policies, and consistency with operator practices. The scope does not include setting new fare policy or fare structure recommendations. • Analysis will rely on available data provided by TCAG, the City, Visalia Transit, and operating partners, with no new traffic or transit data collection assumed. • Equity considerations will be assessed qualitatively using existing disadvantaged community definitions and grant documentation.
• Greenhouse gas and ridership implications will be evaluated to support TIRCP reporting and design decisions.
• Coordination and feedback will be achieved through agency review rather than formal adoption or policy approvals.
• Findings will be documented in a concise technical memorandum suitable for inclusion in the design record and grant compliance files.
Costing
The following items are proposed elements excluded from the construction cost estimate at the moment of the proposal preparation:
• Other owner’s costs, which may include but not be limited to staff time, additional consultant fees beyond the scope outlined in this document, professional liability or other insurance • Construction schedule development detailing sequencing and phasing of work • Non-construction insurance, legal, permits, surveys and site investigation fees beyond the scope outlined in this document
• Risk-based contingency
• Survey and abatement of hazardous materials, such as lead and asbestos • Schedule and cost or impact to the project resultant from latent environmental issues • Removal and disposal of hazardous materials, unless otherwise stated in the estimate • Right of way and/or land acquisition costs
• Any special procurement requirements
• Any specialized training or requirements
• Quantitative risk assessments
• Financial Costs
B.2.3.10.9 Permit Approvals
• Our proposal assumes permit fees will be paid directly by the City or others. We have not included payment of permit fees in our fee estimate.
• Assume Caltrans will coordinate internal review of bus shelter with relevant departments | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 44 B.2.3.10.10 Bidding Services Assistance
• As per the RFP documents, bidding services assistance will be provided on a Time and Materials basis. A ROM fee has been provided based on three bids received for the entire project (Cross Valley and Mooney). • The number of RFIs received is difficult to estimate at this time and may require additional effort depending on the number and type of RFIs received during the bid period.
B.2.3.10.11 Construction Support Services
• As per the RFP documents, Construction Support Services will be provided on a Time and Materials basis.
A ROM fee has been provided.
• Note that the included allowance for Construction Support Services assumes that there is no record drawing production by the design team, however record drawings can be produced if required by the City for an additional fee.
• Note that this proposal assumes no formal inspection services, and that modifications or redesign (and any subsequent review/plan check required due to said re-work) based on contractor means and methods/preferences is not included in this budget or any other budget within this RFP response. • Per diem reimbursable expenses and mileage will be negotiated during the contract phase.
B.2.3.11 Optional / Recommended Add Services
The services outlined in this section represent additional offerings that our team can provide to the City if needed. These services are not included in our current fee proposal and can be further discussed and negotiated should we be selected as the preferred team. We are committed to tailoring our approach to best support the City’s needs as the project progresses.
B.2.3.11.1 Bus Transfer Station Outbuildings to support operations for EV Charging Although not specifically called out in the RFP, it is likely small buildings will be required for the charging stations. This includes an office and restroom facilities for staff use. The scope will include Architecture, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Plumbing Engineering. If outbuildings are deemed to be required during the preliminary design phase, a separate fee estimate can be provided for review and approval for this additional scope of work.
B.2.3.11.2 Lighting Design
Street lighting is not mentioned in the RFP, but some may be required or desired at the transfer station structures or in areas of the project. Lighting design can include site lighting, specification, circuiting, and selection.
B.2.3.11.3 Community Outreach
Although Community Outreach services are not explicitly requested in the RFP, the scale, complexity and multicity nature of the project suggest there would be significant benefit in proactive stakeholder coordination.
As such, Community Outreach is presented as a value-added service for the City’s consideration. Led by Arup, the Provost & Pritchard’s Public Affairs team can support public outreach needs for the project upon request for an additional fee. P&P’s team has experience developing and implementing communications and outreach strategies and tactics, including planning and executing public workshops, designing outreach materials, developing web-related content, engaging local media, and coordinating with agencies and community organizations.
Public outreach activities for this project would focus on key stakeholders and members of the public identified in coordination with the city. The effort would engage and educate stakeholders about the project and gather feedback if necessary. Recommended activities include:
• Develop a project handout and FAQs
• Develop project exhibit posterboard(s)
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 45 • Capture project area photos for outreach materials
• Hold 2 public workshops
− Logistics planning including venue booking/coordination − Event strategy and speaker preparation, including dry run meetings and debriefings − Event promotional materials including flyer and social media graphics − PowerPoint slide preparation
− Meeting materials (e.g. agenda, sign-in sheet)
• Media engagement (press releases)
The estimated level of effort will depend upon specific scope and the City’s desired level of effort. Arup and P&P can coordinate with the City to define an appropriate level of effort and associated scope and fee for the project.
B.2.3.11.4 Non-Destructive Digging (utility locating)
If, during the preliminary or detailed design phases, non-destructive utility locating (potholing) is deemed necessary to verify horizontal and vertical utility locations, this service can be provided as an optional additional service. Potholing would be undertaken on an as-needed basis, coordinated by Bess Utility Solutions, and subject to City review and approval. The anticipated ROM cost is approximately $5,000 per day, typically accommodating up to six (6) potholes per day.
B.2.3.11.5 Enhanced visualizations & photorealistic renderings Arup is well equipped to deliver high-quality visualizations and photorealistic renderings of the Cross Valley Corridor and Mooney BRT, should the City request these services to enhance public engagement. Our team utilizes advanced 3D modeling and rendering software to create compelling, accurate visual depictions of proposed infrastructure, allowing stakeholders and community members to clearly understand the project’s scope and benefits. These visual tools can be tailored for use in public meetings, online platforms, and promotional materials to effectively communicate project concepts and foster informed community feedback.
Arup’s experience in producing visual content for major transportation projects ensures that all renderings will reflect the City’s vision and technical requirements, supporting a transparent and inclusive outreach process.
B.2.4 Work Products (Project Team and Organization)
The Request for Proposals (RFP) page 13 references “work products,” which could be interpreted as the primary heading for this section. However, upon review, the list of requirements encompasses key project team elements rather than deliverables. In response, we have structured this section to describe our proposed project team and organization. We trust that this meets the City’s expectations. | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 46 B.2.5 Organization chart
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 47 B.2.6 Staffing Plan
Our Project Manager, Alex Kwok, PE, will serve as the primary point of contact with the City of Visalia. He will monitor and manage the day-to-day progress of the project, adjusting scope and schedule as necessary. Alex will have at his disposal Arup’s formal management tools and project controls personnel, including Mathew Bamm for quality control and technical review and Project Director, Margaret Parkhill, for overall quality assurance. Read more about our approach to project management in Section B.3.4.
Working closely with Alex and overseeing the management of the engineering design will be our Design Manager, Stirling Reeve. Stirling will oversee the numerous technical disciplines, navigating the design tradespace to produce a design that best balances the technical, cost, and schedule goals of the project. Supporting the Design Manager will be our two Caltrans Liaisons. These are individuals we have been specially selected for their knowledge of Caltrans standards, procedures, and approvals processes.
Coordinated by the Design Manager are our discipline leads. As experts in their fields and drawn from all the firms on our team, they will develop the design related to their disciplines, operating within any constraints identified in through the Design Manager, and communicating any design issues back up to the Design Manager in order to seek an optimal solution that minimizes impact on other design disciplines.
Supporting the project as a whole are our delivery specialists. These include CAD lead, Permit Approvals specialist, Schedule and Procurement Specialist, and Cost Estimator. Their efforts help stitch the project together, developing tangible metrics with which to make informed decisions.
Our Project Director and Project Manager will be responsible for all matters related to Arup personnel, Subconsultants, and Consultant’s and Sub-Consultants’ operations including, but not limited to, the list of items on RFP page 11 of 46. Read more about the companies included in the Arup team in the next sections. Read more about the roles of individuals in Section C.
B.2.6.1 Staff Availability
Team Staff Role(s) Availability
Margaret Parkhill Project Director 20%
Alex Kwok, PE Project Manager 80%
Stirling Reeves Design Manager, Civil Lead 75%
Brooke DuBose Caltrans Liaison 20%
John Eddy, PE Caltrans Liaison 20%
Michelle Ramos, EIT Project Controls 30%
Mathew Bamm, PE Technical and Quality Reviewer 30%
Mahsa Jerdi, PE Geotechnical Lead 25%
Graham McLeod, PE Electrical Lead 30%
Soo Ho Park Civil Engineering and Utility Coordination 40% Michael Osborn Civil Engineering and Utility Coordination 35% Jon Cicconi, AIA Architectural Lead 30%
Jennifer Sudario, PE Structures Lead 35%
Ian Parks Traffic Signals Lead 40%
Paul Maye ITS 35%
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 48 Team Staff Role(s) Availability
Briza Sholars Environmental Lead, Permit Approvals 60%
Tim Odom Survey, Mapping, and ROW 35%
Rob Sanquist Subsurface Exploration 30%
Roy Wright Utility Locating 70%
B.2.6.2 Key Staff Replacement
Key team members will not be changed without City approval. As with any large project, should any replacement become necessary, Arup and our team have over 18,000 staff to draw from, and foresee no difficulty in identifying candidates that the City will find acceptable.
Should our Project Manager become unavailable due to forces beyond our control, the proposed project team includes several members who possess the requisite California PE and are strong project managers in their own right. We will be able to carry on the project with no discernable disruption to the City or schedule.
B.2.6.3 City staff involvement
We anticipate that the City of Visalia will entrust our team to act as a trusted advisor, relying on our expertise to independently manage and deliver the project on time and within budget. We will be available to collaborate directly with City staff as needed. We have defined a slate of meetings outlined in Section B.2.1, which we expect the City Project Manager or alternate to attend.
We are fully prepared to engage efficiently and proactively with all required City representatives, other public agencies, and relevant stakeholders to facilitate project progress. Our proven ability to work autonomously, while keeping the City well-informed and confident in our approach, reflects our understanding of the critical role of our Project Manager.
Throughout all phases, the Arup Project Manager, supported by the Discipline Leads and Arup’s dedicated Caltrans liaisons, will actively coordinate with the City, Caltrans, utility agencies, and other stakeholders to manage interfaces, align inputs and outputs, and resolve issues efficiently. This structured and collaborative approach will ensure that design development remains coordinated, responsive, and focused on achieving project milestones and schedule objectives. We expect the City will provide consolidated comments and provide direction on the priority of any conflicting comments. We have included the following review times in our proposed project schedule:
• For the 15% design: an 8-week period for stakeholder review and consolidation of comments, with a further 4-week period to resolve comments, align expectations, and confirm key decisions. • For the 30%, 50%, 90% and 100% design: a 4-week period for stakeholder review and consolidation of comments.
A range of meetings will be required to discuss comments and confirm City approval of final deliverables. Read more about our project management tasks in Section B.2.1. A detailed schedule Gantt chart is provided in Appendix B showing when the review periods will fall, to assist with scheduling of City staff time.
B.2.7 Proposed Team
With extensive experience in bus infrastructure design, Arup will serve as prime consultant for this project. We have hand-picked sub-consultants to add deep local knowledge to complement our expertise in large complex projects. We have worked together before:
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 49 • With Provost & Pritchard on UC Merced 2020
• With Blackburn and Bess on Design Services for Central Valley Stations for the California High Speed Rail Authority.
Our team includes specialist subconsultants that have been assembled to bring specific local knowledge and expertise working with Caltrans and within Caltrans right-of-way. The roles and responsibilities of the Arup team, including our subconsultants, are described here. For the number of project staff and corporate facilities available are provided in the following sections. Read more about our teams’ experience in Section C and Section D.
Arup will manage the project and provide specialist design services in the areas of:
• Project management
• Design management
• Caltrans Liaison
• Geotechnical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Architecture
• Structural engineering
• ITS
• GHG emissions tracking and reporting
• CAD
• Schedule and cost estimating
• Fare analysis and ridership
The Arup team includes subconsultants in the following roles:
Provost and Pritchard
As a local firm with 57 years of experience in transportation infrastructure, P&P brings their local understanding and relationships to fill multiple roles on our team. From their offices in Visalia and throughout California, P&P has dedicated five seasoned staff who will lead the areas of:
• Civil engineering
• Utility coordination
• Traffic signals
• Environmental
• Survey, mapping, ROW
• Permit approvals
Blackburn Consulting
Bringing over 25 years of experience throughout California, mainly in the Central Valley, Blackburn will lead:
• Subsurface exploration
Bess Utility Solutions
Established in 1995, Bess brings over 30 years of experience in utility locating. Bess utilizes state-of-the-art electromagnetic and acoustic pipe locators as well as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), vacuum excavation (potholing) equipment, CCTV pipe inspection robotic crawlers, and survey equipment to designate and map all underground utilities.
• Utility locating
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 50 General corporate information on Arup and our subconsultants is provided in Section A.
B.2.7.1 Arup
Founded in 1946, and operating in California since
1985, Arup is a recognized leader in sustainable
infrastructure planning and engineering. We have
led the design of several of the most prominent bus and EV infrastructure projects in the state. These include the Transbay Transit Center, the largest transit center west of the Mississippi and one of the largest and busiest commuter bus terminals in the US; the Sacramento Valley Station Regional Commuter Bus Stops, a particularly relevant project involving bus shelter design, ITS systems, utility coordination, and stakeholder and agency outreach; and the Lower Hudson Transit Link, a 30-mile corridor that Arup has guided from planning to engineering to procurement.
As a firm with a 40-year history in California, Arup brings expertise and insight into aligning engineering design with Caltrans standards, procedures, and approvals processes. Arup’s work within the Caltrans ROW includes the Presidio Parkway, the 1.6-mile-long access to the Golden Gate Bridge; the cable-stayed bridge and viaduct tying I-80 to the Transbay Transit Center; and the OCTA I-405 Improvement Project, which widens the I-405 as it passes through five cities.
As an infrastructure designer, Arup’s managers are well-versed in project management and delivery. Our formalized management system includes ISO 9001 quality certification, as well as ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and OSHAS 18001. Our organization includes dedicated estimators, schedulers, CAD operators, and constructability experts who understand project delivery from both an engineering and a construction perspective.
As an employee-owned company, improving the world through sustainable infrastructure is a central tenet of Arup’s philosophy—it is one of the things that most attracts our employees to work at Arup. Our staff approach public transit infrastructure projects with exceptional enthusiasm as a venue to apply our skills towards worthwhile projects with the potential to benefit our society over a generational scale.
Year established
1946 (California 1984)
Staff assigned to this project
16 Staff in California
537
Global staff
18,000+
California offices
San Francisco
Oakland
Los Angeles
Sacramento
Scope areas of expertise
Project management
Design management
Caltrans liaison
Geotechnical engineering
Electrical engineering
Civil engineering
Architecture
Structural engineering
ITS
GHG emissions tracking and
reporting
CAD
Schedule and cost estimating
Fare analysis and ridership
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 51 B.2.7.2 Provost and Pritchard
Provost & Pritchard provides integrated services
across transportation and traffic engineering, civil
engineering, environmental planning and compliance (CEQA/NEPA), land surveying and mapping, right-of-way support, utility coordination, GIS, construction management, and public outreach. This multidisciplinary structure allows the firm to support complex public infrastructure projects requiring coordination among multiple disciplines and regulatory agencies.
The firm regularly supports cities, counties, and transportation agencies with roadway improvements, traffic signal design and modifications, Caltrans signal integration, utility coordination, survey and base mapping, and environmental compliance. Provost & Pritchard has prepared plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for more than 50 traffic signal and lighting system installations and upgrades throughout California. Teams routinely coordinate with Caltrans district staff and Local Assistance, preparing documentation and designs consistent with Caltrans standards, right-of-way requirements, and LAPM procedures for state- and federally funded transportation projects.
With multiple offices in the Central Valley and long-standing relationships with local jurisdictions, Provost & Pritchard frequently supports multidisciplinary project teams by providing regional knowledge, local agency coordination, and implementation support for transportation and infrastructure improvements. The firm’s experience navigating local agency processes, Caltrans coordination, and utility and right-of-way considerations helps project teams move efficiently from planning through design and approvals.
Provost & Pritchard supports projects from early planning and feasibility through design, permitting, and implementation, including coordination for Caltrans encroachment permits and approvals where improvements interface with State right-of-way.
Year established
1968
Staff assigned to this project
5 Staff in California
319
Global staff
326
California offices
Visalia
Bakersfield
Camarillo
Chico
Clovis
Los Banos
Modesto
Riverside
Sacramento
San Luis Obispo
Sonora
Scope areas of expertise
Civil engineering
Utility coordination
Traffic signals
Environmental
Survey, mapping, and ROW
Permit approvals
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 52 B.2.7.3 Blackburn Consulting
Blackburn Consulting formed in 1998 with a
commitment to excellence. Blackburn provides
geotechnical, geo-environmental, materials testing, and construction inspection services. Blackburn has maintained a staff of 50 employees over the last five years, and currently has over 60 employees in California. We are a certified small business with offices in Fresno, West Sacramento, Auburn, Escondido, and Sausalito, California.
Blackburn is committed to public sector projects and stays current with state and local agency requirements. This translates into efficient analysis, reduced review time, and practical solutions. Blackburn specializes in roadways, public infrastructure, water/wastewater treatment plants, tanks, bridges, parks, buildings, landslide mitigation, levees, and dams. They have a strong reputation for quality because and are known for taking the time to do things right.
Year established
1998
Staff assigned to this project
1 Staff in California
60+
Global staff
60+
California offices
Fresno
West Sacramento
Auburn
Escondido
Sausalito
Scope areas of expertise
Subsurface exploration
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 53 B.2.7.4 Bess Utility Solutions
Bess is a certified union underground utility service
company established in 1995 as a privately owned CCorporation. Bess provides a complete range of underground utility designation and utility mapping services to both private and public companies throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona. Bess is committed to providing quality service that exceeds our clients’ needs and expectations, using the most advanced technologies available. Bess utilizes state-of-the-art electromagnetic and acoustic pipe locators as well as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), vacuum excavation (potholing) equipment, CCTV pipe inspection robotic crawlers, and survey equipment to designate and map all underground utilities. Bess has learned that a combination of these tools provides the best approach to solving the most challenging subsurface utility engineering projects, specializing in “hard to find” facilities and blind-search utility investigations. Bess is devoted to excellence and reliability, always performing our services in the safest way possible using well-trained and experienced professionals. Safety being our number one priority while performing our work strengthens the overall mission of our company, which is to provide quality services for our clients that protect the integrity of underground utilities and the safety of our community.
Bess’ 30+ years of public and private experience—including on-call agreements with Caltrans, BART, the City of Tulare, the City of Fremont, and PG&E, to mention a few—has given the company unique perspectives to support projects like this Cross Valley Corridor Project.
Year established
1995
Staff assigned to this project
1 Global staff
130
California offices
Fresno, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Hayward, CA
Sacramento, CA
Scope areas of expertise
Utility locating
B.2.8 Project Management Approach
Collaboration is central to our approach: our Project Manager (PM) Alex Kwok will serve as the City of Visalia’s primary point of contact for all project activities. Our Project Director (PD) Margaret Parkhill has the authority to negotiate the contract on behalf of Arup. During project delivery, both Margaret and Alex have the authority to assign Arup people and resources to deliver an integrated shovel-ready design.
This section focuses our overall approach to project management and how the team and scope of services will be managed including communication with City of Visalia staff, coordination with subconsultants, monitoring progress and cost control, change orders, quality management (Quality Control and Quality Assurance), and health and safety. Project management tasks, including meetings, workplan and schedule, and monthly reports, are described in Section B.2.1 Project Management.
Arup will provide proactive and structured project management to support efficient delivery, clear communication, and predictable outcomes throughout the design process. Our approach emphasizes disciplined project controls, transparent reporting, and continuous coordination to actively manage scope, schedule, quality, and interfaces across all agencies and teaming partners. From project initiation, Arup will work closely with the City of Visalia and participating agencies to confirm project objectives, roles, approval pathways, and expectations.
Through disciplined project management, embedded quality systems, and an integrated team approach, Arup’s methodology is designed to reduce rework, streamline agency review, and deliver high-quality PS&E | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 54 documents efficiently providing the City with transparency, predictability, and confidence throughout the design process.
Coordination with City of Visalia staff compilation of submittals of PS&E At Arup, we believe collaboration is key to project success. Unlike other consultants, we engage deeply with you from the outset, fostering a partnership built on trust and shared goals. Our multidisciplinary teams work closely with you and your stakeholders. We co-create solutions that reflect your unique vision, drawing on our diverse expertise and innovative thinking. This inclusive approach not only enhances creativity but also leads to outcomes that adapt as a project progresses from initial concept to preliminary design. Together, we navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and create lasting impact, making your success our mission.
Coordination with Subconsultants
At Arup, we believe collaboration is key to project success. Unlike other consultants, we engage deeply with you from the outset, fostering a partnership built on trust and shared goals. Our multidisciplinary teams work closely with you and your stakeholders. We co-create solutions that reflect your unique vision, drawing on our diverse expertise and innovative thinking. This inclusive approach not only enhances creativity but also leads to outcomes that adapt as a project progresses from initial concept to preliminary design. Together, we navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and create lasting impact, making your success our mission.
Importantly, all subconsultant work will be fully integrated into Arup’s QA/QC process. Subconsultant deliverables will be reviewed by Arup discipline leads for technical accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project objectives, standards, and interfaces. This integrated review process ensures that the team operates as a single, coordinated unit and that final PS&E packages are cohesive, complete, and ready for agency review.
Compilation of submittals of PS&E
At Arup, we believe collaboration is key to project success. Unlike other consultants, we engage deeply with you from the outset, fostering a partnership built on trust and shared goals. Our multidisciplinary teams work closely with you and your stakeholders. We co-create solutions that reflect your unique vision, drawing on our diverse expertise and innovative thinking. This inclusive approach not only enhances creativity but also leads to outcomes that adapt as a project progresses from initial concept to preliminary design. Together, we navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and create lasting impact, making your success our mission.
Review and distribution of comments from City staff to subconsultants At Arup, we believe collaboration is key to project success. Unlike other consultants, we engage deeply with you from the outset, fostering a partnership built on trust and shared goals. Our multidisciplinary teams work closely with you and your stakeholders. We co-create solutions that reflect your unique vision, drawing on our diverse expertise and innovative thinking. This inclusive approach not only enhances creativity but also leads to outcomes that adapt as a project progresses from initial concept to preliminary design. Together, we navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and create lasting impact, making your success our mission.
Monitoring Progress and Cost Control
We work within our client budgets to deliver the project even if certain scope items were not originally anticipated. Open and honest conversations allow us to respect budget limitations and adjust scope to achieve project delivery. Our shared priority of delivering the design within the available budget results in our clients getting the best value for money and not being bogged down by frequent change orders. • Baseline Management: We will establish
baselines for scope, schedule, and budget and
regularly compare performance against
baselines and report these in our progress
reports.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 55 • Integrated Change Control: We will put in
place a formal process to record, assess, and
agree changes to scope/time/budget.
• Issue and Risk Tracking: We will maintain a log
of project issues and risk and track their
resolution.
• Document Control: We will put in place a
robust system for storing, managing, and
retrieving project documents (using
SharePoint), along with version control.
• Quality Control Measures: We undertake
periodic quality audits on our internal processes
to ensure compliance with our procedures. Each
deliverable will be checked at least once by the
Technical Quality Reviewer, Project Manager
and/or Project Director.
• Regular Audits and Reviews: We will conduct
quarterly internal audits to check adherence to
project plans and controls.
• Knowledge Sharing: We will encourage
knowledge sharing and best practice
dissemination within the team. We will also
ensure you have easy access to the data and
insights.
Reviews are conducted in a collaborative environment that encourages constructive feedback and early issue identification, with all actions tracked and closed out prior to submission. All deliverables will be independently checked before issue to the City.
Quality assurance and quality control are integral to Arup’s project management approach and are implemented through Arup’s Management System. Our system ensures that project outputs consistently meet client requirements as well as Arup’s internal standards.
Key elements of Arup’s Management System applied to this project include structured project planning, document and change management, formal project reviews and checking, and rigorous output verification. The project work plan will be prepared at project initiation to define schedule, design objectives, applicable standards, review requirements, and approval pathways. The work plan serves as a “checks and balances” tool by clearly defining communication procedures, milestone deliverables, and responsibilities across the integrated team.
We will develop a Quality Management Plan (QMP) that is tailored for the Project and provides the framework for successful Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC). The QMP will include the activities necessary to direct, control and coordinate quality on the project. Deliverables will go through a quality review in accordance with the plan. To complement the QMP, we will develop supporting management plans to guide the delivery of the project, which will include:
• Design Management Plan
• Change Management Plan
• Document Management Plan
• Design Interface Management Plan
• Risk Management Plan
Our QA/QC team, led by Project Director, Margaret Parkhill, and supported by our Technical Quality Reviewer, Mathew Bamm, will conduct regular internal audits to ensure that these plans are being adhered to, and will have two direct reporting lines into the project management team, both the project manager and the project director, in case there is ever any need to escalate an issue. We are committed to providing our clients with standard of care that meets industry standards.
The Project Director Margaret Parkhill will also ensure that any comments, actions and instructions from City reviewers that are recorded through the Quality Review Form (QRF) process are resolved to the reviewer’s satisfaction prior to designs being given final approval. | RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 56 Upon request, we can provide our detailed QMP, and our team members’ Quality Management documents including QA/QC Plan, Arup System Management Manual, Arup Quality Policy, Arup Project Delivery Checking Procedure, and our combined proof of Certification ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015 by Bureau Veritas.
Health and Safety
At the heart of Arup’s health and safety strategy is the belief that safety is not merely a compliance requirement but a core value that underpins every aspect of its operations. The organization emphasizes that safety must be considered from the earliest stages of project planning and continue through execution, monitoring, and closure.
This proactive stance ensures that risks are identified and mitigated before they can impact project outcomes or stakeholder wellbeing.
Arup’s safety culture is built on shared responsibility. Every team member, regardless of role or seniority, is empowered and expected to contribute to a safe working environment. This inclusive approach fosters vigilance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Integration into Project Delivery
The AMS framework integrates health and safety considerations into each phase of the Project Delivery Roadmap. From initiation to handover, safety is treated as a dynamic and integral component of project management. Key stages include:
• Initiation and Planning: Risk assessments are conducted early, with input from multidisciplinary teams.
Safety objectives are defined alongside project goals, ensuring alignment from the outset. • Design and Development: Safety by design is a guiding principle. Arup encourages teams to anticipate potential hazards and incorporate mitigation strategies into design solutions. • Execution and Monitoring: During implementation, safety protocols are rigorously followed. Regular audits, site inspections, and real-time monitoring tools are employed to track compliance and identify emerging risks.
• Closure and Review: Post-project reviews include a thorough evaluation of safety performance, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvements.
This structured approach ensures that safety is not an after thought but a continuous thread woven through the entire lifecycle of a project.
Functional Ownership and Accountability
Arup assigns functional ownership of health and safety responsibilities to designated roles within the project team. This ensures clarity in decision-making and accountability. Project managers, for instance, are tasked with overseeing safety planning and execution, while technical leads contribute expertise to hazard identification and mitigation.
The AMS guidance also outlines escalation procedures for safety concerns, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly and transparently. This reinforces a culture where safety is prioritized and concerns are never ignored.
Tools and Technologies
Arup leverages a suite of digital tools to enhance its health and safety practices. The AMS platform itself serves as a centralized hub for accessing procedures, guidance documents, and real-time data. Features such as:
• Power BI dashboards for monitoring safety metrics,
• OneLake catalog for data integration,
• Real-time workload tracking, and
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 57 • Automated alerts and reporting mechanisms
These tools enable teams to make informed decisions, respond swiftly to incidents, and maintain safety across diverse project environments.
Training and Continuous Learning
Recognizing that effective safety management requires ongoing education, Arup invests in training and capacity building. The AMS framework includes modules on:
• Risk assessment methodologies,
• Incident reporting protocols,
• Emergency response planning, and
• Behavioral safety practices.
Training is tailored to different roles and project types, ensuring relevance and applicability. Moreover, Arup promotes peer learning through workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and post-project debriefs. This helps disseminate best practices and fosters a learning-oriented culture.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
Arup’s health and safety approach extends beyond internal teams to include clients, contractors, and community stakeholders. The AMS guidance emphasizes the importance of collaborative planning, transparent communication, and shared safety goals. For example, during the planning phase, Arup engages with clients to understand their safety expectations and regulatory requirements. During execution, contractors are required to adhere to Arup’s safety standards, with regular coordination meetings to ensure alignment.
This collaborative ethos not only enhances safety outcomes but also strengthens relationships and trust among stakeholders.
Innovation and Adaptability
In a rapidly changing world, Arup recognizes the need for innovation and adaptability in health and safety management. The AMS framework is designed to be flexible, allowing teams to tailor procedures to the unique demands of each project. Arup also encourages experimentation with emerging technologies such as:
• Wearable safety devices,
• AI-driven risk prediction models, and
• Virtual reality simulations for training.
These innovations are piloted and scaled based on effectiveness, contributing to a forward-looking safety strategy.
Measuring Success
To ensure accountability and drive improvement, Arup employs a range of performance metrics. These include:
• Incident frequency and severity rates,
• Compliance audit scores,
• Stakeholder satisfaction surveys, and
• Lessons learned documentation.
| RFP 25-26-24: Engineering Design Services for Cross Valley Corridor Project 58 Data is analyzed using Power BI tools, enabling real-time insights and trend analysis. This evidence-based approach supports strategic decision-making and continuous refinement of safety practices.
Conclusion
Arup’s health and safety approach, as articulated in the AMS Project Management Procedures and Guidance, exemplifies a holistic, proactive, and data-driven model. By embedding safety into every phase of project delivery, assigning clear responsibilities, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, Arup ensures that safety is not just a priority, but a foundational value.
This commitment not only protects people and assets but also enhances project outcomes, client satisfaction, and organizational resilience. As Arup continues to innovate and evolve, its health and safety strategy remains a cornerstone of its global leadership in engineering and design.
ISO certifications
Arup has the following ISO certifications:
• ISO 9001:2015
• ISO 14001:2015
• ISO 45001:2018
• ISO 19011:2018.
B.2.9 Commitment of Key Team Members
We confirm that all the named key team members named in our proposal have the requisite availability for the duration of this assignment. If unforeseen circumstances arise resulting in an individual no longer able to continue, we will consult with the City to ensure someone of equal capability and experience is identified to replace them. Our team at Arup and our partners have a depth of technical specialists at all levels and in local offices who will support the delivery of the project on time and on budget.
B.2.10 Information not included, nor requested in this RFP This information is included in Section M.