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<br />- <br /> <br />- <br /> <br />Program Guide <br /> <br />Call of 2005 - 2006 <br /> <br />Phase III - Preliminary Engineering. <br /> <br />After execution of the project agreement, TxDOT requests approval from FHWA for . <br />obligation of federal funds for costs of preliminary engineering, including associated cost <br />such as plans, specifications and estimates (P.S. & E.). Preliminary work for property <br />acquisition and the development of environmental documentation may also be reimbursed <br />from the preliminary engineering phase funding. . . <br /> <br />The nominating entity, with TxDOT's approval, may use its own workforce to do preliminary <br />engineering work. TxDOT may also perform all or portions of the preliminary engineering. <br />When seeking federal cost reimbursement, the nominating entity may also obtain <br />consultant services after satisfying state and federal requirements for selecting consultants. <br />Agreements between the nominating entity and consultants must be approved in advance <br />by TxDOT. <br /> <br />Consultant selection must conform to federal and state requirements, including participation <br />by disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). Consultant contracts for design-related <br />services must result from negotiations that utilize qualifications-based selection procedures. <br />Qualification:-based procedures do not allow for price to be used as a factor in the selection <br />process. In accordance with applicable federal regulations, consultant fees shall not be <br />based on a percentage of construction costs. Consultant selection may occur only after <br />receipt of approval for preliminary engineering and after TxDOT has approved the <br />consultant selection process and the consultant agreement. <br /> <br />Nominating entities may desire to secure the services of design consultants, without <br />seeking federal reimbursement for their services. This process can reduce cost and time <br />required in meeting state and federal requirements for procurement of consultant services. <br /> <br />Proposed projects must obtain federal environmental clearance under NEPA and other <br />federal and state regulations. This process can be costly and take extended periods of <br />time. If the proposed project includes railroad activities, historic properties, archaeological <br />sites, parklancfsJ..endangered species, wetlands, or if a public controversy is involved, <br />additional time could be involved in the process. Coordination with TxDOT is extremely <br />important to ensure environmental clearance. <br /> <br />All projects are subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, <br />which requires environmental clearance of federal-aid projects and may take one of three <br />forms: <br /> <br />. Categorical Exclusion, <br />. Environmental Assessment, or <br />. Environmental Impact Statement. <br /> <br />Environmental clearance is required on all projects. <br /> <br />30 <br /> <br />Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program <br />