St. James Ave. Shared-Use Path and Crossing Project Design and Engineering Services

City of Goose Creek SC
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
St. James Avenue Shared-Use Path and Crossings
Project Design and Engineering Services
Issued: May 8, 2026
Pre-proposal meeting: May 18, 2026
Submittals Due: June 10, 2026, by 10:00AM EST
Contact: Sherry L. Bodden, Purchasing Coordinator
Email: sbodden@goosecreeksc.gov

The City of Goose Creek, SC is soliciting professional engineering consulting services to prepare National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental documents, preliminary plans, right of way plans, and
final construction plans for the St. James Avenue 3.28-mile shared-use path and crossings project
funded by a 2024 SS4A grant from FHWA. The City is dedicated to making this major transportation
corridor safe for all modes of transportation through the application of strategic planning that ensures
equity as more and residents and commercial businesses locate to this area.
This procurement follows a qualifications-based selection process consistent with the Brooks
Act for professional Architecture and Engineering services. Selection will be based solely on
demonstrated competence, professional qualifications, and the ability to achieve the City's
stated goals. Scope and price negotiations will occur after selection of the most qualified firm.
The requirements for submitting a qualifications-based proposal are stated with the following
Request for Qualifications (RFQ). This RFQ has been developed in accordance with the procurement
guidelines of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and those related to State and Local
Government.
All qualification proposals are due to the City of Goose Creek, 519 N. Goose Creek Boulevard,
Goose Creek, SC 29445 no later than June 10, 2026, at 10:00AM EST. One (1) signed original, one
(1) digital and three (3) printed copies should be submitted in a sealed box marked with the
following information:
St. James Avenue Shared Use Path
Attn: Sherry Bodden, Purchasing Coordinator
(Name of Company Submitting Qualifications)
Any revisions to this RFQ will be issued and distributed as an addendum. All addenda, additional
communications, responses to questions, etc. pertaining to the RFQ will be posted on the City's
website: www.goosecreeksc.gov. All Firms should consult the website for updates before
submitting qualifications proposals.
Any proposal submitted as a result of this solicitation shall be valid for ninety (90) calendar days
following the submittal date. This solicitation does not commit City of Goose Creek to award a
contract, to pay any cost incurred in the preparation of proposals, or contract for the services.
The City may award to more than one consultant whose proposals are in compliance with all
State and Federal regulations.
Proposals resulting from this solicitation are subject to the South Carolina Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA). All information that is to be treated as confidential and/or proprietary
information, in whole or in part, must be stamped and/or denoted as CONFIDENTIAL, in bold, in
a font of at least 12-point type.
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Contents
SECTION 1 - PROJECT OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.0 Project Background .............................................................................................................................. 3
SECTION 2 - PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................... 4
2.0 Project Goals and Objectives ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Collaboration and Coordination .................................................................................................... 4
2.2 NEPA .............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Design Development Focus ........................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Quality, Schedule, and Project Management ................................................................................ 5
2.5 Anticipated Technical Disciplines .................................................................................................. 5
2.6 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 5
SECTION 3 - PROPOSAL CONTENT AND OUTLINE ............................................................................................. 6
3.0 RFQ Response Timeline ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.1 Proposal Submission Requirements .............................................................................................. 6
3.2 Proposal Submission Requirements and Contact Information ..................................................... 7
SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL EVALUATION ............................................................................................................... 8
SECTION 5 - GENERAL CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................. 8
APPENDIX A - APPLICABLE FEDERAL CLAUSES
APPENDIX B - REQUIRED FORMS
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SECTION 1 - PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.0 Project Background
The City is seeking proposals from qualified engineering and planning consultants to conduct activities,
including but not limited to a NEPA study, development of preliminary (30% design) and final engineering
plans, necessary to support construction of this 3.28 mile shared-use path project following FHWA
guidelines. The City is dedicated to making this major transportation area safe for all modes of
transportation using strategic planning to ensure equity as more commercial businesses locate to this
corridor.
The project consists of a 3.28 mile landscaped, asphalt shared -use path along St. James Avenue/US 176
within the City of Goose Creek, SC. Services sought for the project include engineering and design of the
path within existing right-of-way along St. James Avenue, three (3) new crossing points, and improvements
to four (4) existing crosswalk intersections. This project is to start at North Main Street and end at Old
Mount Holly Road.
Identification of this project as a priority for the City of Goose Creek was informed through a public
engagement process during development of the City of Goose Creek Connectivity Master Plan.
Development of the Connectivity Master Plan included a hazard analysis identifying risk factors along the
corridor. Design of the project must account for any SCDOT planned countermeasures along US 176 and
must be coordinated with Berkeley County's development of plans for Old Mount Holly Road to account
for connections to planned non-motorist improvements included within that project. The project is funded
by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program and is
subject to compliance with all applicable federal requirements.
The St. James Avenue's shared-use path and crossing improvements are part of the City's broader goal to
provide a multi-modal transportation network that ensures equitable and safe access between residential
developments, services, and commercial businesses along the corridor. The St. James Avenue project will
make effective use of the existing right of way to expand multi-modal transportation options connecting
the City with unincorporated Berkeley County and the City's existing trail network. The selected firm should
have demonstrated experience in designing multi-modal facilities that serve surrounding land uses and
enhance mobility connections for a variety of users.
Respondents must demonstrate qualifications and capabilities to provide services that include, but are
not limited to: organization/facilitation of stakeholder and public meetings, developing conceptual
drawings, surveying, right of way plans, preparation of preliminary engineering plans for construction, and
final construction plans, including any necessary project management, hydrology design, geotechnical
services, subsurface utility engineering, utility coordination, right-of-way coordination, associated
permitting, and other related activities.
This procurement follows a qualifications-based selection process consistent with the Brooks Act for
professional Architecture and Engineering services. Selection will be based solely on demonstrated
competence, professional qualifications, and the ability to achieve the City's project goals. Scope and
price negotiations will occur after selection of the most qualified firm.
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SECTION 2 - PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
2.0 Project Goals and Objectives
The selected firm will work collaboratively with the City of Goose Creek, project partners, and
stakeholders to achieve the following tasks:
* Develop conceptual drawings for the shared use path, as well as improvements to
road crossings of St. James Avenue making connecting to the shared use path from
adjacent land uses.
* Facilitate a public engagement process consistent with NEPA requirements to
identify and address potential environmental and community impacts.
* Incorporate designs that improve the safety and efficiency of access for cyclists and
pedestrians consistent with the SC Strategic Highway Safety Plan and Complete
Streets policies.
* Enhance user experience through thoughtful design of path amenities, lighting,
wayfinding, and security features such as high-visibility crosswalks.
* Address stormwater, utility, and environmental considerations consistent with local,
state, and federal requirements.
* Facilitate coordination with applicable permitting authorities, utility providers, and
partner agencies.
2.1 Collaboration and Coordination
The City anticipates that the selected firm will coordinate closely with its project management team,
SCDOT, Berkeley County and any other relevant state and local agencies. For example, the City has worked
with Berkeley Electric Cooperative to add vehicle-oriented streetlighting and is currently working with
SCDOT to install a traffic light at a high-injury intersection. Successful performance will require a
proactive and responsive approach to communication, documentation, and coordination.
2.2 NEPA
The City of Goose Creek expects the selected consultant(s) to complete necessary work to meet the
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) ("NEPA"), Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C 470f) ("NHPQ) and any other applicable environmental
laws and regulations.
The City does not currently have a determination of the level of NEPA work that will be required to advance
the project. The range of determination might range from Documented Categorical Exclusion (DCE) to the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The consultant must demonstrate experience, capacity and
capability necessary to conduct required level of environmental review.
After the determination of the environmental documentation necessary for the project, the next phase of
services is intended to be a continuation of the NEPA determination work to develop a preferred alternative,
complete the alternatives analysis and the appropriate environmental document.
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2.3 Design Development Focus
The selected firm will be responsible for advancing the project from conceptual design through the NEPA
process, preliminary design engineering and final design/engineering meeting project goals and
regulatory requirements. Specific milestones and deliverables, including completion of NEPA,
Preliminary Engineering, and Final Engineering with all required permitting secured shall be
accomplished within the timeframes specified within the City of Goose Creek's Safe Streets for All (SS4A)
grant agreement with FHWA.
2.4 Quality, Schedule, and Project Management
The firm should demonstrate its ability to maintain quality control across multidisciplinary design efforts,
adhere to agreed-upon schedules, and apply sound project management practices throughout all
phases of work. Respondents should demonstrate experience and resource availability required to
prepare all required documentation and to integrate quality assurance and communication throughout
the entirety of the project's development.
2.5 Anticipated Technical Disciplines
The City anticipates that the selected firm's team may include, but not be limited to, expertise in the
following areas:
* Civil and site engineering
* Traffic and transportation planning
* Right of way identification and acquisition
* Stormwater management and drainage design
* Electrical and lighting systems
* Environmental and permitting support
* Landscape architecture and urban design
The proposer should identify how its team structure promotes integrated and collaborative design,
ensuring consistency with FHWA standards, sustainability practices, and the City's project goals.
2.6 Summary
This section is intended to communicate the overall goals and intent of the St. James Avenue Shared-use
Path and Crossings project. Respondents should focus their submittals on team qualifications,
experience with comparable FHWA-funded design projects, understanding of project objectives, and
approach to collaboration and quality management. Detailed scoping of the project and identification of
priorities will be discussed with the selected firm.
Prospective Firms are encouraged to submit written questions in advance. A summary of all questions
and answers will be posted on the internet as an addendum, located under the RFQ # being modified.
It is the Firm's responsibility to assure that all addenda have been reviewed and, if need be,
signed and returned.
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SECTION 3 - PROPOSAL CONTENT AND OUTLINE
3.0 RFQ Response Timeline
RFQ Process Date and time
RFQ posted May 8, 2026
Pre-Submittal Conference May 18, 2026 2:00 PM
Written Questions Due May 29, 2026 1:00 PM
City Responses to Questions posted as addendum June 2, 2026 5:00 PM
RFQ Response Submittals Due June 10, 2026 10:00 AM
Questions Should Be Directed to:
Sherry L. Bodden
Purchasing Coordinator
sbodden@goosecreeksc.gov
3.1 Proposal Submission Requirements
In addition to submitting Standard Federal Form 330 (Parts I and II) for the prime and all
Subconsultants, each respondent shall submit a narrative organized in the order outlined below.
This section is intended to supplement the SF330 by providing the City of Goose Creek with a clear
understanding of the Consultant Teams' qualifications, relevant experience, and overall capacity
to perform tasks that achieve the project goals in Section 2. Proposals shall include the following:
1. Cover Letter of Interest
Provide a brief signed letter on firm letterhead that includes:
* Identification of the Prime Consultant and all proposed Subconsultants
* Identification of the primary point of contact, contact information and Signature of
an authorized officer of the prime Consultant firm.
* Acknowledgement of receipt of any addenda issued for this RFQ
2. Firm Qualifications and Experience
Provide an overview of the Prime Consultant and any Subconsultants, including:
* Firm background, organizational structure, and areas of technical specialization
* Internal coordination practices
* Demonstrated experience providing conceptual design, NEPA process and
engineering services for public sector clients
3. Understanding of the Services
Provide a narrative which demonstrates the Consultant's understanding of the goals and
objectives of the project, including a description and details of three (3) relevant projects
performed within the past 5 years indicative of past performances and abilities of the
proposed team, including a key client contact person for each project with current daytime
phone number.
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4. Key Personnel and Technical Expertise
Identify key personnel who may be assigned to perform services under this contract,
including:
* Anticipated roles of primary technical leads and subject-matter experts
* Areas of specialization by other team members relevant to the project
* An organizational chart showing the structure of the proposer's team, areas of
responsibility
* SF 330s with detailed resumes, including current professional licenses (e.g. PE).
5. Capacity and Availability
Describe the firm's ability to provide timely and reliable support, including:
* Availability of staff resources, commitment level of personnel to be assigned to the
project.
* Estimated timeframes/schedule for performance of each phase of work.
* Location of the office where team members proposed for the project are based.
Note that no substitutions to the proposed project team of the selected firm(s)
can be made without the prior written approval of the City of Goose Creek.
6. Standard Federal Form 330 for the prime Consultant and all sub-Consultants.
7. A Conflict-of-Interest Statement that the business, its sub-contractors have no conflicts of
interest with the City of Goose Creek, any of the City's employees, and that no member of the
proposed business has a family member employed, elected, or appointed to any public
position with the City of Goose Creek who may have influence over this Bid or would benefit
financially by the selection of this business.
Proposals must not be more than the equivalent of 20 single-sided 8 12 by 11-inch pages in length
(not counting the front and back covers of the proposal, cover letter of interest, section dividers
that contain no information or SF 330 forms). The font size should be no smaller than 12 pt.
The City of Goose Creek encourages the use of small, disadvantaged minority and woman owned
businesses for professional services. Please identify any small, disadvantaged minority and
woman owned sub-consultants on the project team (each consultant or sub-consultant should
be identified as a registered SDMWBE with the City of Goose Creek or as a DBE with the SCDOT
as appropriate.
3.2 Proposal Submission Requirements and Contact Information
Both three (3) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy in PDF format in one file named as (company
name, RFQ, Project Name) must be received by the City on or before 10AM EST on June 8, 2026. The
City is not responsible for electronic delivery via email. Deliver proposals to the following mailing /
physical address:
DELIVERED BY US POSTAL SERVICE or OTHER SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
NON-ELECTRONIC MEANS
RFQ NO. 2026-1009 RFQ NO. 2026-1009
City of Goose Creek, Procurement City of Goose Creek, Procurement
Attn: Sherry Bodden Attn: Sherry Bodden
519 N. Goose Creek Boulevard sbodden@cityofgoosecreeksc.gov
Goose Creek, SC 29445
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SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL EVALUATION
All proposals received shall be evaluated by a Selection Committee following the format below. The
City of Goose Creek reserves the right to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part if in the
judgment of the Consultant Selection Committee, the best interest of all parties will be served.
The following criteria will be used in evaluating the proposals:
1. Relevant Project Experience: Experience and performance by the proposer on projects
of a comparable nature as demonstrated by recent projects of a similar size, scope and
complexity as the St. James Avenue Shared Path and Crossings project (25%)
2. Qualifications of Team: Experience, qualifications, and technical competence of the
proposed Project Manager and all professional personnel to be assigned to the project
team, including any subcontractors (25%)
3. Regulatory Experience: Proposing teams experience with regulatory agencies and
federally funded projects (20%)
4. Project Understanding: Demonstration of consultant's understanding and approach to
performing the work, including anticipated timeframes for each phase, (20%)
5. Availability: Estimated availability and accessibility of the proposed Project Manager and
key personnel to meet project needs (10%)
A Selection Committee will review each qualification proposal. The Selection Committee may choose
to interview the top ranked consultants.
SECTION 5 - GENERAL CONDITIONS
Preparation of Proposals: All costs associated with the preparation and delivery of a Proposal are
the sole responsibility of the applicable Consultant.
Proposal Inquiries: Communication by any Consultant with any agent or employee of the City of
Goose Creek or the BCD Council of Governments about this RFQ, or the pending process may result
in the Consultant being deemed ineligible with regard to this solicitation. All questions and requests
for clarification regarding this RFQ or this process must be submitted in writing to Sherry L. Bodden,
Purchasing Coordinator sbodden@goosecreeksc.gov. Any correction or changes to this RFQ will be
made by written addendum only and will be posted on www. goosecreeksc.gov.
Subcontracting: If subcontractors are necessary to complete any functions of this requirement, the
Consultant must list their names and business locations of any proposed subcontractors, with their
submitted Proposal Form. The City reserves the right to review and approve any subcontractors
proposed by the Respondent.
Opening of Proposals: Proposals will not be publicly opened. All Proposals and evaluations will be
kept strictly confidential throughout the evaluation, negotiation, and selection process. Only the
members of the Evaluation and Selection Committee and other City officials, employees and agents
having a legitimate interest will be provided access to the Proposals and evaluation.
Confidentiality: Upon receipt at the City, Proposals are considered a public record except for
material, which qualifies as "trade secret" information under SC FOIA. Proposers should identify any
material to be properly designated as Confidential/Trade Secrets. All unmarked pages will be subject
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to release in accordance with the guidelines set forth under Chapter 4 of Title 30 (The Freedom of
Information Act) South Carolina Code of Laws and Section 11-35-410 of the South Carolina
Consolidated Procurement Code. Privileged and confidential information is defined as "information
in specific detail not customarily released to the general public, the release of which might cause
harm to the competitive position of the part supplying the information." The examples of such
information provided in the statute includes: customer lists, design recommendations and
identification of prospective problem areas under an RFQ, design concepts to include methods and
procedures, and biographical data on key employees of the Consultant.
Reservation of Rights to Change Schedule: The City shall ultimately determine the timing and
sequence of events resulting from this RFQ. The City reserves the right to delay the closing date and
time for any phase if City staff believe that an extension will be in the best interest of the project.
Reservation of Rights to Amend RFQ: The City reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFQ at any
time during the process if it believes that doing so is in the best interests of City. Any addenda will be
posted on the City's website, and it is the responsibility of the Proposer to include any addenda with
their proposal.
Acceptance or Rejection of Bids: The owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids when such
rejections is in the interest of the owner; to reject the bid of a bidder who has previously failed to
perform properly or complete on time contracts of similar nature; and to reject the bid of a bidder
who is not, in the opinion of the Engineer or owner, in a position to perform the contract. The owner
reserves the right to waive any informalities and technicalities in bidding. The owner may also accept
or reject any of the alternates that may be set forth on the bid.
Additional Evidence of Ability: A Consultant shall be prepared to present additional evidence of its
experience, qualifications, ability, products, service facilities, and financial standing if requested by
the City of Goose Creek.
No Collusion or Conflict of Interest: By responding to this RFQ, the Consultant shall be deemed to
have represented and warranted that the Proposal is not made in connection with any competing
Consultant submitting a separate response to this RFQ and is in all respects fair and without collusion
or fraud.
Business License Requirement: It is required that each contractor and sub-contractor awarded a
contract agreement with the City of Goose Creek, either secure a business license or update their
current business license for the contract amount for the work being done inside the city limits. The
successful contractor is required to contact the Business License Office at 843-797-6220.
Withdrawal for Modification of Proposals: Consultants may change or withdraw their Proposals at
any time prior to Proposal opening; however, no oral modifications will be permitted. Any proposal or
modification received at the office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for
receipt will not be considered and will be returned to the Consultant unopened. Only letters or other
formal written requests for modifications or corrections of a previously submitted Proposal, which is
addressed in the same manner as the Proposal and received by City prior to the scheduled closing
time for receipt of Proposals, will be accepted.
Compliance with Laws: In submitting a Proposal, each Consultant agrees to make itself aware of,
and comply with, all local, state, and federal ordinances, statutes, laws, rules, and regulations
applicable to the Services covered by this RFQ. Each Consultant further agrees that it will at all times
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