Professional Engineering Consultant Services - Knox-Blount Greenway Connector Study

Agency:	Knox County
State:	Tennessee
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	541330 - Engineering Services
Posted Date:	Jul 9, 2026
Due Date:	Aug 11, 2026
Solicitation No:	3752
Original Source:	Please Login to View Page
Contact information:	Please Login to View Page
Bid Documents:	Please Login to View Page

Description

Name of Solicitation	Number	Deadline Due Date	Buyer	Attachments
Professional Engineering Consultant Services - Knox-Blount Greenway Connector Study	3752	08-11-26	Brian Hubbs (865) 215-5753	Click Here for the Solicitation

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The Procurement Division of Knox County, Tennessee will receive sealed Letters of Interest (LOI) and Request for

Qualifications (RFQ) for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES as specified herein. LOIs must be

received by 2:00 p.m. local time on August 11, 2026. Late submittals will neither be considered nor returned.

Deliver LOIs To:

Solicitation Number 3752

Knox County Procurement Division

Suite 100

1000 North Central Street

Knoxville, Tennessee 37917

The Envelope must show the Company Name, Solicitation Name, Solicitation Number & Closing Date.

SECTION I GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.1 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Knox County wants requests for additional information routed to Brian Hubbs,

Construction and Contract Specialist, at 865-215-5753. Additional information requests and questions may be

emailed to brian.hubbs@knoxcounty.org. If you have not heard from the Buyer in a reasonable amount of time,

please call for further assistance. Information about the Knox County Procurement Division may be obtained on the

internet at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement.

1.2 AUDIT HOTLINE: Knox County has established an Audit Hotline to report potential fraud and waste. To report

potential fraud, waste, or abuse, please file your report online at http://www.knoxcounty.org/audit/hotline.php.

Vendors are hereby cautioned that this Audit Hotline does not replace the Award Protest Procedures found

in Section VI, Item M of the Knox County Procurement Regulations.

1.3 BUSINESS OUTREACH PROGRAM: The purpose of this program is to increase the opportunity for companies

doing business with Knox County by encouraging participation through site visits, providing education and support

regarding policies and procedures, and actively recruiting all interested suppliers.

1.4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Vendors must have read and complied with the "Non-Conflict of Interest" statement

provided in the vendor registration process prior to the closing of this solicitation. .

1.5 COPIES: Knox County requires that LOIs being submitted be one (1) marked original and two (2) exact copies. An

electronic copy on CD/flash-drive, in one (1) complete file, is also required.

1.6 DECLARATIVE STATEMENT: Any statement or words (e.g.: must, shall, will) are declarative statements and the

vendor must comply with the condition. Failure to comply with any such condition may result in the LOI being deemed

non-responsive and disqualified.

1.7 ELECTRONICALLY SUBMIT RESPONSE: Due to the nature of this solicitation, the Knox County Procurement

Division will not accept electronically submitted responses. Email and facsimile submissions are strictly prohibited.

1.8 HOW TO DO BUSINESS: Knox County utilizes a web-based Procurement software system, “KnoxBuys.” The

system provides our clients (vendors, county departments and the citizens of Knox County) with a more enhanced

and end-user friendly means of accessing our services. The system allows for on-line vendor registration and

maintenance, electronic receipt of purchase orders, on-line retrieval and submittal of quotes, bids and proposals for

our vendor-clients and on-line requisitioning and receiving for our county departments. In order for the County to

maximize its investment and minimize the cost associated with office operations we need your help. When doing

business with Knox County we are urging you to please go to our website at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement,

to conduct your business with the County through this site. If you have any questions, please contact the

Procurement Division Representative listed in Section 1.1 of this document.

1.9 INCURRED COSTS: Knox County will not be liable in any way for costs incurred by any respondent in the

preparation and submission of its LOI in response to this solicitation, nor for the presentation of its qualifications

and/or participation in any required meetings, discussions or negotiations. If any oral presentations are required,

Knox County advises vendors to be thorough and complete in submission of information.

1.10 LOI DELIVERY: All LOIs must be submitted in hard copy to the address listed in the solicitation. Knox County

requires vendors, when hand delivering LOIs, to time and date stamp the envelope before depositing it in the bid

box. Knox County will not be responsible for any lost or misdirected mail sent by common carrier, nor will Knox

County be responsible for submittals delivered to addresses and Suites other than the delivery address and Suite

specified at the top of this solicitation. The time clock in the Procurement Division shall serve as the official record

of time.

Solicitations must be in a sealed envelope/box prior to entering the Procurement Division office.

Procurement Division personnel are not allowed to see the submittal nor assist in placing documents in an

envelope/box. Additionally, the Procurement Division is not responsible for providing materials (e.g.

envelopes, boxes, tape) for submittals.

1.11 NO CONTACT POLICY: After the date and time the firm receives this solicitation, any contact initiated by any firm

with any Knox County representative, other than the Procurement Division representative listed herein, concerning

this LOI is strictly prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the disqualification of the firm from this

process. If the firm is found in violation of this section for any reason, it could result in debarment from Knox County’s

bidders’ list for twenty-four (24) months.

1.12 NON-COLLUSION: Vendors, by submitting a signed LOI, certify that the accompanying submittal is not the result

of, or affected by, any unlawful act of collusion with any other person or company engaged in the same line of

business or commerce, or any other fraudulent act punishable under Tennessee or United States law.

1.13 OPEN RECORDS ACT: Knox County is subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act 10-7-503 et seq. Respondents

are cautioned that all documents submitted on behalf of this LOI shall be open to the public for viewingand inspection

and Knox County will comply with all legitimate requests.

1.14 RECYCLING: Knox County, in its continuing efforts to lessen the amount of landfill waste and to further recycling

efforts, request that LOIs be submitted on paper and shall:

• Be submitted on recycled paper,

• Not include pages of unnecessary advertising,

• Be made on both sides of each sheet of paper.

1.15 SIGNING OF SUBMITTALS: In order to be considered, all submittals must be signed. Please sign the original

in blue ink. By signing the response document, the respondent acknowledges and accepts the term and conditions

stated in the LOI document. It is suggested that mailed LOIs be sent by certified or registered mail with return receipt

requested or LOIs sent via common carrier include tracking and delivery confirmation.

1.16 TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT: “Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs” - “No person in the

United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the

benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

42 U.S.C. section 2000 et seq. It is the policy of Knox County Government that all its services and activities be

administered in conformance with the requirements of Title VI.

1.17 UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES: During periods of closure due to unforeseen circumstances in Knox County or

closures at the direction of the Knox County Mayor, the Procurement Division will enact the following procedures in

regards to solicitations and closures:

• If the Mayor closes the Administrative offices prior to the time set for solicitation opening of any business

day, all solicitations due that same day will be moved to the next operational business day.

• Other unforeseen circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the Procurement Director.

• Knox County shall not be liable for any commercial carrier’s decision regarding deliveries during any

unforeseen circumstances.

1.18 VENDOR REGISTRATION: Prior to the closing of this solicitation, ALL INTERESTED FIRMS must be registered

with the Procurement Division. A vendor application may be submitted online at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement.

Select the Online Vendor Registration link and complete the forms. Vendors must be registered with the

Procurement Division prior to submitting their response. Knox County shall not be responsible for technical

difficulties experienced by vendors trying to register less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the bid opening time.

1.19 WAIVING OF INFORMALITIES: Knox County reserves the right to waive minor informalities or technicalities

when it is in the best interest of Knox County.

SECTION II SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 SCOPE OF WORK: Knox County, Tennessee, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is soliciting letters of interest from

experienced and qualified professional consulting firms to prepare the Knox-Blount Greenway Connector Study

(KBGCS). Consultant teams should demonstrate experience within the past ten (10) years preparing multimodal

connectivity studies, corridor planning studies, feasibility assessments, or similar planning efforts for communities

similar in size and character to Knox County.

The purpose of the KBGCS is to identify feasible and achievable strategies for connecting existing multimodal

facilities near Lake Crossing Lane, off Lakemoor Lane, and the Knox-Blount Greenway adjacent to Maloney Road.

While portions of the existing facilities are located within the incorporated limits of the City of Knoxville, the County

seeks recommendations focused on multimodal connectivity opportunities within Knox County jurisdiction.

The straight line distance between the two termini is approximately one (1) mile.

The selected consultant shall work collaboratively with Knox County Engineering and Public Works (KCEPW) staff

to develop the overall study framework, planning objectives, and evaluation criteria. The consultant shall evaluate a

minimum of three (3) conceptual corridor alternatives and identify a preferred conceptual corridor recommendation.

The consultant shall review existing conditions and identify barriers and opportunities related to multimodal

connectivity within the study area. The consultant shall evaluate conceptual alignments for sidewalks, greenways,

and related multimodal facilities while considering topographical constraints, constructability, ADA accessibility,

utility conflicts, access considerations, and preliminary right-of-way impacts.

The consultant shall identify a preferred alternative based on feasibility, cost effectiveness, constructability, and

minimization of impacts to adjacent property owners. The final study shall include narrative findings, conceptual

exhibits, planning level cost estimates, implementation and feasibility recommendations, and future funding

considerations intended to support future project development and grant competitiveness.

The consultant shall participate in at least one public meeting and work sessions with KCEPW staff throughout the

duration of the project as necessary to support coordination and refinement of study recommendations.

All services must be performed in accordance with the latest edition of the TDOT Right of Way Manual and the latest

edition of the TDOT Local Government Guidelines for the Management of Federal and State Funded Transportation

Projects. Consultant invoicing and payment for services will be administered by Knox County in accordance with

TDOT guidelines. Knox County shall be billed on a monthly basis for work completed and accepted by the County

and Knox County Engineering and Public Works.

2.2 AWARD: Knox County intends to issue a one-time award and lump sum contract. The Knox County Procurement

Division will draft the contract. Knox County will not accept any vendor’s contract. Vendors are cautioned that the

Knox County Mayor is the only individual who can legally bind Knox County to a contractual agreement. Knox County

reserves the right to purchase these items/services from other sources if the need arises. Knox County reserves the

right to revoke the award if a pattern of unavailability arises with the vendor.

2.3 ESTIMATED SCHEDULE:

1. Question deadline: Prospective respondents may submit questions no later than July 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. local

time. All questions must be emailed to Brian Hubbs at brian.hubbs@knoxcounty.org.

2. Letters of Interest due August 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

3. Short list of three (3) firms selected by August 21, 2026.

4. Qualifications of short-listed firms due by September 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

5. Final selection of highest ranked firm by September 18, 2026.

2.4 LETTERS OF INTEREST: Firms may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest to Knox County

Procurement, 1000 N. Central St., Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37917. All letters of interest must be received by

Knox County Procurement on or before August 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. local time. The letter of interest shall

indicate the scope of services to be completed by any sub-consultants.

2.5 LETTERS OF INTEREST REQUIREMENTS/EVALUATION: Firms shall submit letters of interest with firm contact

information including name, address and email of primary contact. The letters of interest shall also include:

• Work experience in required discipline with other government agencies and projects of similar size and

scope. Details shall include context and description of contracts. (20 Points)

• Demonstrated specialized expertise related to the project. (10 Points)

• Demonstrated capabilities of firm including number of employees assigned to the project and TDOT

approval letter for projects of this nature of work. (10 Points)

• Professional licensure (10 Points)

From the letters of interest, Knox County will select a minimum of three (3) qualified firms to submit qualifications. A

Request for Qualifications document will be sent to these top three (3) qualified firms upon selection. The top ranked

consultant will be selected from this list.

2.6 PRE-QUALIFICATION: Knox County requires that all consultants being considered are pre-qualified with TDOT.

Additional TDOT pre-qualification procedures, pre-qualification forms and current “Standard Procurement Policy for

Engineering and Technical Services” are available at this website: www.tennessee.gov/tdot.

2.7 QUALIFICATIONS EVALUATION: Knox County will evaluate the top three (3) firms on the following criteria:

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Provide a description of the firm’s credentials to deliver the services needed for this project. Provide an

overview of the firm’s expertise with projects of similar type, complexity and scope. Designer Qualifications

that are submitted as a joint venture will be evaluated on the combined past experience.

(Maximum Score: 30 points)

• Provide the resumes of key personnel who shall be assigned by the firm and key personnel of consultants to

be used in this project, addressing the qualifications of the proposed team members. The resumes shall detail

each individual’s title, years with the firm, education, licensing, professional credentials, current position with

the firm or consultant, and similar project experience.

(Maximum Score: 15 Points)

• Provide information on up to five (5) projects of similar type, scope, and complexity that have been completed

within the last five (5) years. The information for each project shall include specific details on the extent of

services provided, the key personnel for the project (and consultants) and conformance with the owner’s

schedule. Include a reference (owner representative) for each project including contact name, telephone

number, and email address.

(Maximum Score: 15 points)

• Provide a matrix showing the relationship between the projects and the key personnel.

(Maximum Score: 5 points)

TECHNICAL SERVICES

• Describe the firm’s proposed approach for this project. Identify unique capabilities that the firm brings to these

projects, especially in the development of comprehensive program standards. Explain how the firm will

address the various elements (e.g.: documentation of existing conditions, programming, planning, design,

architectural and engineering, contract documents, specifications, accessibility, cost estimating, value

engineering) that will be needed to complete this project. Explain similar recent experience in

communicating with clients regarding design, design alternatives, finish selections, value engineering options,

etc. Explain how the firm will approach the overall design and materials/components selection process

including review of previously constructed projects.

(Maximum Score: 30 points)

• Provide an organizational chart for this project illustrating lines of authority and specific staff proposed for this

project. The chart shall include the key personnel (firm and consultants) with their responsibility/duties

identified in detail.

(Maximum Score: 5 points)

LITIGATION, BANKRUPTCY, AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST

• Describe any current litigation with which the firm is currently involved and list any litigation the firm has been

involved with the past five (5) years.

• Describe any bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings within the last ten (10) years.

• Describe any potential conflicts of interest of the firm, its consultants, or any individual who shall perform work

under the contract (e.g., employment by Knox County) and, if so, the nature of that conflict.

The consultant evaluation committee reserves the right to conduct interviews based on scoring.

Pre-qualification procedures, example letter of interest, list of pre-qualified firms and certified DBEs, TDOT’s

standard procurement policy, and additional information can be found at the following website:

www.tn.gov/tdot/business-redirect/consultantinfo/consultantinfo-forms.html. For information on pre-qualification,

please contact Christine Smotherman at (615)741-4460 or Christine.Smotherman@tn.gov.

Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity

and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin interested certified

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority-owned and women owned firms are

encouraged to respond to all advertisements by Knox County. For information on DBE certification, please contact

David Neese at (615)741-3681 or David.Neese@tn.gov. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found

at the following website: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/civil-rights/small-business-development-program.html.

Failure to submit any of the above information or any other information requested in this solicitation may result in

the response being disqualified.

This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.

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Professional Engineering Consultant Services - Knox-Blount Greenway Connector Study

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