Technical Program Update: Renewal #3
Statewide Engineering
& Hygiene Services
Comprehensive Geotechnical & Environmental services supporting JMU and VASCUPP. Active Period: 6/30/2025 to 6/29/2026.
Firm Description: Froehling & Robertson, Inc.
- Legacy of Engineering Excellence: Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (F&R) is a heritage engineering firm with over 140 years of continuous operation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Established in 1881, the firm serves as a technical cornerstone for public infrastructure projects, providing the specialized geotechnical and environmental oversight required for institutional safety. Under Contract UCPJMU6376, F&R brings a century of archival site data and regional geological knowledge to James Madison University, ensuring that modern campus expansions are built on a foundation of verified technical history.
- VASCUPP Institutional Alignment: F&R is uniquely positioned as a VASCUPP-aligned consultancy, authorized to serve nine distinct geographic zones across Virginia. This collaborative framework allows F&R to leverage economies of scale for member institutions like JMU, UVA, and Virginia Tech. Their administrative maturity in navigating the complex procurement requirements of the Virginia Association of State College & University Purchasing Professionals ensures that high-stakes technical contracts are executed with full regulatory transparency and audit-readiness.
- Multidisciplinary Technical Resources: The firm’s depth of talent includes a comprehensive roster of licensed Professional Engineers (PE), Professional Geologists (PG), and Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH). This multidisciplinary staffing model allows F&R to manage the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from initial subsurface soil exploration and foundation recommendations to hazardous material abatement oversight and final building commissioning. Their internal cross-training protocols ensure that geotechnical findings are integrated seamlessly with environmental risk assessments.
- Regional Infrastructure and Mobilization: F&R maintains a robust physical presence in Virginia, with strategically located offices in Richmond, Roanoke, and other regional hubs. This physical infrastructure is supplemented by a fleet of mobile laboratory units and specialized drill rigs. Under Renewal #3, the firm has reaffirmed its ability to mobilize field teams to any VASCUPP zone within 24 to 48 hours, providing the Commonwealth with a reliable technical partner for both scheduled projects and emergency environmental responses.
- AASHTO-Accredited Laboratory Facilities: A primary technical asset of F&R is its network of state-of-the-art laboratories accredited by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). These facilities undergo regular, rigorous audits to ensure the precision of data generated for soil mechanics, concrete strength, and asphalt composition. For JMU, this means that every material used in campus buildings is verified against national safety standards using F&R's validated analytical protocols.
- Environmental Liability Mitigation Specialists: F&R is a leader in identifying and managing environmental risks associated with land acquisition and campus redevelopment. Their environmental professionals execute Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) strictly following ASTM E1527-21 standards. By pinpointing "recognized environmental conditions" before construction begins, F&R helps the University avoid millions in unforeseen remediation costs and protects the Commonwealth from long-term legal liabilities related to site contamination.
- SWaM Commitment and Economic Inclusion: F&R actively supports Virginia’s Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned (SWaM) business goals. In their project management plans, the firm details specific strategies for including SWaM-certified sub-consultants for specialized laboratory testing, land surveying, and technical drilling. This commitment ensures that project funding circulates within the local Virginia economy while maintaining the high technical oversight standards required by state-funded institutions.
- Geotechnical Innovation in Karst Topography: F&R possesses specialized expertise in managing the complex karst topography of western Virginia. Their engineers utilize advanced subsurface imaging and geophysical tools to detect underground voids and sinkholes before they impact structural integrity. This localized geological expertise is critical for JMU’s campus, where foundation stability is often challenged by the underlying limestone formations characteristic of the Shenandoah Valley.
- Comprehensive Safety and HAZWOPER Compliance: F&R operates under a zero-incident safety culture, with all field personnel receiving comprehensive training in OSHA-mandated safety protocols. For projects involving environmental remediation or hazardous materials, personnel are 40-hour HAZWOPER certified. This ensures that technical investigations on campus do not compromise the safety of students, faculty, or the surrounding Harrisonburg community, even when dealing with sensitive contaminants like petroleum or heavy metals.
- Professional Integrity and Financial Bonding: As a pre-qualified expert for the Commonwealth, F&R maintains high levels of professional liability and environmental insurance coverage. Their fiscal maturity allows them to secure bonding for multi-year infrastructure projects, providing the University with a layer of financial security. This reliability is why F&R has been selected for multiple one-year renewals, reflecting a long-term trust in their technical and administrative performance.
- Digital Transparency and GIS Integration: The firm utilizes modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital project management platforms to provide JMU with real-time access to site data. All boring logs, laboratory results, and environmental maps are delivered in digital formats that integrate directly with the University's facilities management databases. This digital transparency facilitates faster decision-making and ensures that historical project data is preserved for future campus planning.
- Sustainability and Life-Cycle Engineering: F&R advocates for sustainable engineering solutions that consider the full life-cycle of university assets. Their geotechnical recommendations often include the use of recycled materials and soil-stabilization techniques that reduce the carbon footprint of new construction. By aligning their technical strategies with the Commonwealth’s sustainability initiatives, F&R ensures that JMU’s infrastructure is both resilient and environmentally responsible.
Negotiated Labor Rates (Zone 2)
| Personnel Classification | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Principal / Vice President | $222.84 |
| Senior Consultant / Associate | $187.66 |
| Senior Project Manager | $164.20 |
| Project Manager / Sr. Hygienist | $117.29 |
| Assistant Project Manager / Project Hygienist | $93.83 |
| Staff Professional / Staff Hygienist | $82.10 |
| Clerical / Data Management | $64.51 |
| Draftsperson / GIS Operator | $82.10 |
| Asbestos / Lead Inspector | $70.37 |
| Senior Technician / Project Inspector | $58.64 |
| Field Technician / Lab Technician | $52.78 |
Daily Instrumentation
- ATP Instrumentation $234.57/day
- PID/FID Organic Vapor Meter $140.74/day
- Multi-Gas Meter (O2/LEL/H2S/CO) $117.29/day
Laboratory Fees
- PLM (Bulk Asbestos) $17.59/sample
- PCM (Air Asbestos) $21.11/sample
- TEM (Air Asbestos-24hr) $117.29/sample
Detailed Scope of Services: Technical Program
- Phase 1: Subsurface Geotechnical Exploration: F&R executes comprehensive subsurface drilling to map soil stratigraphy and identify bedrock depth. This scope involves the use of high-torque truck-mounted and track-mounted drill rigs capable of performing standard penetration tests (SPT) and continuous rock coring. These investigations provide the essential data for determining the bearing capacity of foundations and predicting potential settlement for complex academic structures.
- Phase 2: Advanced Geotechnical Engineering Analysis: Following field exploration, F&R engineers perform rigorous analysis of soil samples in AASHTO-accredited labs. This includes triaxial shear testing, consolidation analysis, and Atterberg limit determinations. The resulting Geotechnical Engineering Report provides definitive recommendations for foundation types (shallow vs. deep), pavement design, and subgrade preparation, ensuring the long-term stability of campus infrastructure.
- Phase 3: Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I & II): F&R conducts systematic investigations to identify "recognized environmental conditions" (RECs) before land acquisition or construction. The Phase I ESA involves extensive historical research and site inspections. If contamination is suspected, Phase II investigations utilize soil borings and groundwater monitoring wells to quantify levels of hazardous substances and ensure compliance with Virginia DEQ regulations.
- Phase 4: Construction Materials Testing (CMT): During active construction, F&R provides "on-site" testing of materials to verify compliance with design specifications. This scope includes concrete slump and air content testing, Proctor moisture-density testing for soil compaction, and asphalt core analysis. These services are the primary check on the quality and durability of materials used in state-funded projects.
- Phase 5: Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Management: For renovations of older university facilities, F&R performs comprehensive surveys to identify regulated materials. Their licensed inspectors ($70.37/hr) collect bulk samples and use X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology to map lead hazards. The firm develops abatement plans and provides air monitoring during removal to ensure building occupants are never exposed to toxic fibers or dust.
- Phase 6: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Industrial Hygiene: F&R assesses buildings for potential health hazards, including mold, radon, and carbon monoxide. Their industrial hygienists use real-time monitoring equipment and laboratory air cultures to diagnose IAQ issues. This scope is essential for maintaining a healthy learning environment and resolving occupant concerns related to "sick building syndrome."
- Phase 7: Special Inspections (IBC Chapter 17): As required by the International Building Code, F&R provides certified "Special Inspectors" to oversee critical structural elements. This includes verification of high-strength bolting, structural steel welding, and reinforced masonry. These independent checks ensure that the building’s primary structural systems are installed exactly as the structural engineer of record intended.
- Phase 8: Wetlands Delineation and Permitting: F&R identifies and maps jurisdictional wetlands in accordance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) protocols. This scope includes soil color analysis and vegetation mapping to determine wetland boundaries. The firm prepares permit applications and mitigation plans, ensuring that campus developments do not violate federal or state water protection laws.
- Phase 9: Stormwater Management & Infiltration Testing: To support modern low-impact development (LID) goals, F&R performs infiltration testing to determine the subsurface capacity for stormwater management. This scope is critical for the design of bioretention areas and permeable pavements, helping the University manage runoff and prevent local stream erosion.
- Phase 10: Geophysical Subsurface Imaging: F&R utilizes Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and electromagnetic induction to map underground utilities and anomalies without excavation. This "non-destructive" scope is used for utility clearance before drilling and for detecting abandoned underground storage tanks or structural voids that could pose a risk to future construction.
- Phase 11: Slope Stability and Retaining Wall Design: In the varied topography of western Virginia, F&R provides technical analysis for the stability of slopes and the design of engineered retaining structures. Using sophisticated modeling software, engineers predict the safety factor for excavations and develop reinforcement strategies to prevent landslides or structural failures during site grading.
- Phase 12: Pavement Management and Evaluation: For university roadways and parking facilities, F&R conducts pavement evaluations using falling weight deflectometer (FWD) testing. The firm develops data-driven rehabilitation plans that extend the service life of pavement assets, prioritizing repairs that offer the greatest "return on investment" for university facilities budgets.
- Phase 13: Dam Safety Inspections and Engineering: For university-owned water impoundments, F&R provides certified dam safety inspections. This scope includes identifying structural cracks, seepage issues, and spillway deficiencies. Their engineers provide the technical documentation required by Virginia’s Dam Safety program to ensure the protection of downstream life and property.
- Phase 14: Remedial Action Planning and Oversight: When soil or groundwater contamination is identified, F&R develops engineered plans for remediation. This scope includes selecting the most effective cleanup technology (e.g., excavation, soil vapor extraction) and providing technical oversight during the implementation phase to ensure that cleanup goals are met and validated.
- Phase 15: Professional Peer Review and Consulting: F&R acts as a third-party reviewer for technical designs prepared by other engineering firms. This scope provides the University with an independent check on technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that project designs are optimized for the specific geological constraints of the site.
- Phase 16: Emergency Response Technical Support: The firm provides 24/7 technical support for environmental emergencies, such as sudden spills or structural failures. Their ability to rapidly mobilize Senior Consultants ($187.66/hr) allows the University to quickly assess threats and implement mitigation measures to protect the student population and institutional assets.
Technical Evaluation & Criteria
Selection Metrics
- Methodology: Alignment with ASTM/VDOT standards.
- Personnel: PE/PG licensure and HAZWOPER status.
- SWaM Compliance: Diversity in technical sub-consulting.
- Zone Presence: Active participation in all VASCUPP zones.
Value Framework
This contract represents a technical pre-qualification. Actual value is derived through competitive task orders issued against the established 2025-2026 rate schedule. This ensures price transparency across all VASCUPP member institutions while maintaining the highest engineering standards.
Technical Callouts
VASCUPP
Virginia Association of State College & University Purchasing Professionals. A cooperative procurement body enabling shared contracts among state universities.
SWaM
Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned business program. The Commonwealth’s initiative for diverse economic participation in state procurement.
ASTM E1527-21
The primary industry standard for Phase I ESAs, establishing the baseline for identifying potential environmental liabilities at a property.
Karst Topography
Geological formations characterized by limestone and sinkholes common in the Shenandoah Valley, requiring specialized geotechnical oversight.
GAYA CAPITAL
RENEWAL NO. 3 | UCPJMU6376