Three Firms To Compete to Build Dover Transit Center

Dover -- Three firms were selected from a list of 13 applicants to submit proposals to build the first phase of a new Dover Transit Center, to be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The three shortlisted firms are:

* David A. Bramble, Inc.
* George & Lynch, Inc.
* R. E. Pierson Construction Company, Inc.

This project will be built through a Design-Build procurement process. This process is being utilized to expedite design and construction, which occurs simultaneously. The Design-Build process consists of two phases:

* Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The RFQ was advertised the week of May 4, 2009. This process determined the short-list of up to three teams, based on technical and price scores.

* Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP is expected to be available in late July, after which the three teams who are short-listed may bid on the project.

Final selection and award of the contract is expected to occur in the summer of 2009.

The $5.7 million project will include a bus loop, parking areas, improved shelters and a stormwater system at Water and Queen Streets in Dover. The larger property size will also accommodate possible DART bus service expansion, taxi services, and private motor coach services. In the future, the site could serve as a home to a new Dover Train Station.

Federal spending allocation restrictions prevent DelDOT from using ARRA funds to also build a 30,000 square foot building at the site, which was part of the original $13.3 million proposal. The current project will prepare the site for a future structure to house DelDOT offices, MPO offices, local emergency service vehicles, retail and possible more amenities for transit riders. DelDOT, the City of Dover and Dover/Kent County MPO continue to explore possible funding options for a building.

DelDOT expects to begin construction in the spring of 2010 with occupancy expected by mid 2011.