Section 3: TxDOT Utility Contracts
Anchor: #i1065641Introduction
TxDOT recognizes the value and benefit of utilizing a consultant to coordinate the utility adjustment process and obtain Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) services. This is especially true in larger highway projects having numerous utility adjustments.
TxDOT is committed to the use of SUE on projects using Professional Engineering Procurement Services (PEPS) contracts. Generally, costs do not affect District project budgets, as the services are procured using the ROW Division budget.
Anchor: #i1002912Benefits of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
The use of SUE can prove to be a valuable resource to benefit TxDOT, LPAs, and utilities. An FHWA study, entitled “Cost Savings on Highway Projects Utilizing Subsurface Utility Engineering (2000),” reports a significant cost saving by more than 4:1 spent on SUE.
Using SUE early can aid in determining:
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- the accurate alignment, elevation of a utility facility Anchor: #CVIECEAA
- those facilities that may remain in place, Anchor: #ELMBEBMX
- those facilities that can be accommodated by implementation of design modifications; and Anchor: #PKPODRIC
- those facilities that will require adjustment to clear proposed construction.
TxDOT design teams should use SUE for the following reasons:
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- Use of SUE providers conserves TxDOT resources. Anchor: #WIOFXWCQ
- SUE providers are trained and equipped to determine locations and elevations of utilities. Anchor: #WFPLKCXC
- Information provided by SUE can aid in identifying utility facilities' owners. Anchor: #LPYRIEMV
- Data can be obtained and submitted in a format compatible with design data. Anchor: #OYQCREHH
- Conflicts can be avoided through design changes. Anchor: #YSVOYFWA
- Determination of adjustments will accommodate proposed designs. Anchor: #MLTFSFSS
- Locations of unmarked or unknown utilities can be identified. Anchor: #GNPYMIBJ
- Risk to TxDOT is minimized; SUE provider assumes risk.
SUE deliverables should be integrated into TxDOT’s PS&E to enable the contractor and all other pertinent parties to have maximum information on utilities within the construction area.
If the SUE data is not integrated into TxDOT’s PS&E, SUE deliverables should be shared between:
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- TxDOT designers or consultants, Anchor: #COLQDRLO
- affected utilities, Anchor: #JCWIOAGM
- District Utility Section, and Anchor: #PFEQHIID
- LPAs (optional). Anchor: #UORHGHDX
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Note: Use of TxDOT CADD standards in SUE deliverables is required.
SUE and Utility Coordination Contracts
The utility coordinator will need to understand the District’s process on the procurement of a SUE contract through the PEPS Division. Each District has a consultant contract engineer or Manager to assist you in setting up a SUE contract.
The district may request a contractor solely for SUE, utility coordination services, or a combination of the two from PEPS Division.
The SUE and utility coordination contract may include the following activities:
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- SUE; Anchor: #BLTVCREQ
- Coordination meetings; Anchor: #YQTMVSQP
- Utility conflict determination; Anchor: #YHPCLBMB
- Utility conflict resolution; Anchor: #MFITFWPP
- Preparation of utility agreement assemblies; Anchor: #NLDDDPLW
- Review of PS&E; Anchor: #UUAOAYIP
- Monitoring of progress, including inspections; and/or Anchor: #OHHHVRWH
- Preparation of Joint Use Agreements and verification of “As-Built” plans.
A SUE contract may be funded through:
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- Design Division, Anchor: #BWIVBJOW
- ROW Division, or Anchor: #QLFDOKDC
- District local contract. Anchor: #XDLGHFWG
- LPA
Utility Accommodation, Coordination, and Verification (UACV)
ROW Division, Utility Portfolio Section (UPS), has procured purchase orders through the Procurement Division to assist the districts with project delivery.
The purpose of the UACV is to provide utility coordination services (non-professional services) to TxDOT Districts.
Some of the services provided are:
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- Internal
and external communication
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- Work plans Anchor: #SKBYJXYD
- Orientation Anchor: #WKSNDHWF
- Initial meetings Anchor: #BDABLYFN
- Progress meetings
Anchor: #YRVOSOQB - Progress reporting Anchor: #KOJDARMG
- Utility agreement assembly and review Anchor: #GWGIRDSX
- AFA Review (where applicable) Anchor: #WNBTONKL
- Invoicing and payment review Anchor: #VYRBWBBG
- On-site verification of Adjustment or Relocation (Inspection) Anchor: #LSBBIIKU
- TxDOTCONNECT data entry