RFQ-PHA-2026-WALL-02 Engineer Evaluation - Stone Retaining Wall

Request for Qualifications RFQ-PHA-2026-WALL-02

RFQ-PHA-2026-WALL-02

Engineer Evaluation – Stone Retaining Wall

Orchard Hill Property – Newtown & Maple Street

Pineville Housing Authority

D3G Project Number: 2026-0037

Issuance Date: May 26, 2026

Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026

Contact: James Crockett, Executive Director

Pineville Housing Authority

911 Alabama Avenue, Pineville, KY 40977

Email: james.crockett@pinevillehousing.com

Phone: (606) 337-2900 x12

1. Introduction

The Pineville Housing Authority (PHA) is seeking qualified licensed structural engineers to conduct a targeted evaluation of a stone retaining wall at the Orchard Hill property (part of the Newtown & Maple Street portfolio). The wall was identified in the April 2026 Draft Capital Needs Assessment (CNA), prepared by Dominion Due Diligence Group (D3G), as requiring a structural assessment due to observed bulging.

This evaluation is a Critical Repair item required to support the PHA’s RAD repositioning and ongoing property operations. The selected firm will provide an independent structural assessment and repair recommendations.

2. Project Background & Location

●      Property: Orchard Hill (Newtown & Maple Street portfolio), Pineville, Kentucky 40977

●      Specific Issue: Stone retaining wall located on the north side of the Orchard Hill property, observed to be bulging in the middle.

●      The wall supports site grading adjacent to the multifamily housing development.

History of Concern (2003–Present):

The gabion wall and slope system in this area has been monitored by Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers since December 2003. Key findings include:

●      2003–2004: Baseline established; no measurable movement during initial monitoring period.

●      2006: 0.22 ft horizontal / 0.10 ft vertical movement recorded since 2004 readings.

●      2015: Continued movement documented; Vaughn & Melton again recommended a full geotechnical investigation.

●      April 30, 2020: Most recent assessment by Vaughn & Melton (Clint R. Goodin, PE, PLS) concluded that, within the accuracy of the instruments and methods used, the wall had not moved from the 2015 measurements.

●      May 29, 2018: Only 0.07 ft horizontal / 0.03 ft vertical movement since 2015 readings (within survey margin of error).

Vaughn & Melton repeatedly recommended (2004, 2006, 2015, 2018) that the PHA engage a geotechnical engineer for drilling, testing, slope stability analysis, and remediation recommendations, noting that the wall and slope “have moved in the past and could again in the future.”

In September 2015, Terracon Consultants submitted a detailed proposal (No. PN3150059) for borings, inclinometers, piezometers, laboratory testing, and a full geotechnical report with stabilization options (estimated 2015 cost: $33,785). The proposal was not executed.

A separate gabion wall on Highland Avenue was inspected in 2015 and found to be structurally sound, with no signs of movement.

All historical reports (Vaughn & Melton letters 2003–2020 and the 2015 Terracon proposal) are on file with the PHA and will be made available to the selected firm upon request. The 2026 CNA now flags the bulging stone wall as requiring evaluation before finalizing repair costs.

3. Scope of Services

The selected engineer shall:

1. Perform a site visit and visual/structural evaluation of the stone retaining wall, including measurements, documentation of bulging/distress, assessment of underlying causes (e.g., drainage, soil, foundation), and evaluation of any immediate life-safety or stability risks.

2. Prepare a professional engineering report that includes:

○      Detailed findings and photographs.

○      Structural analysis and conclusions regarding the wall’s condition and stability.

○      Prioritized repair recommendations (including conceptual repair options, estimated costs, and construction phasing if applicable).

○      Opinion on whether the wall requires immediate stabilization or can be addressed as part of planned non-critical repairs.

3. Provide one hour of consultation (in-person or virtual) with PHA staff and/or D3G to review findings.

4. Deliver all documents in PDF format suitable for inclusion in the final CNA and RAD Financing Plan.

4. Qualifications & Requirements

●      The firm must be licensed as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky (in structural or civil engineering, with retaining-wall experience).

●      Demonstrated experience with retaining-wall evaluations, stone/masonry structures, and hillside/graded sites preferred.

●      Professional liability insurance ($1M minimum per claim).

●      Ability to complete the work within 30–45 days of notice to proceed.

5. Submission Requirements

Please submit (via email):

●      Cover letter confirming interest and availability.

●      Brief firm profile and relevant experience (1–2 pages).

●      Resume(s) of the lead engineer(s).

●      Proposed fee (lump-sum, not-to-exceed) for the full scope.

●      References from at least two similar projects completed within the last five years.

●      Proof of Kentucky P.E. licensure and insurance.

Submissions should be sent to james.crockett@pinevillehousing.com with the subject line: RFQ-WALL 2026 or delivered by hand or mail to: Pineville Housing Authority, 911 Alabama Avenue, Pineville, Kentucky 40977.

6. Evaluation Criteria

●      Qualifications and experience (40%)

●      Proposed approach and understanding of the issue (30%)

●      Responsiveness to Budget Considerations (20%)

●      References and responsiveness (10%)

7. Timeline

●      RFQ Issued: May 26, 2026

●      RFQ Submissions Due: June 30, 2026

The PHA reserves the right to reject any or all submissions and to waive any informalities.