Professional Consultants, Inc. › text › Highland PCI Statement of Quals.pdf · to clear the right-of-way by providing quality, professional services. Overview Highland Professional

Professional Consultants, Inc.

Acquisition Relocation Property Management Project Management Title & Closing ServicesAcquisition Relocation Property Management Project Management Title & Closing ServicesAcquisition Relocation Property Management Project Management Title & Closing Services

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Table of Contents

Section 1 – Letter of Introduction

Letter of Introduction 1 - 1

Section 2 – Company Information

Executive Summary 2 - 1

Section 3 – Services

Right of Way Services 3 - 1

QC/QA Process 3 - 8

Section 4 – Project Experience

Project Experience 4 - 1

Section 5 – Staffing

Staffing Philosophy 5 - 1

6698 Route 30, Jeannette, PA 15644Tele.: (724) 523-2845 Fax: (724) 527-1934

[email protected]

January 07, 2011

Thank you for reviewing our firm’s information booklet. Highland Professional

Consultants, Inc. (Highland) is a WBE certified eminent domain real estate consultant based in

Jeannette, Westmoreland County, PA. Our staff is currently providing right of way services on

dozens of projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Additionally, the firm’s owners have

participated in some of the largest projects in the country.

Highland specializes in providing our clients with the services they request according to

their procedures, without freelancing or argument. We sincerely wish to be our clients’

consultants of choice for quality and value of services performed.

Highland stands ready to assist your agency in achieving the goals of your work program,

on time and at budgeted costs. Our firm is staffed with right-of-way professionals cross-trained

and with experience in appraisal, acquisition/negotiations, relocation, property management, and

uniquely in-house asbestos testing for acquired structures.

As President of Highland, I encourage you to take a good look at our company,

philosophy, and the qualifications of our staff. We have included resumes of our staff, as well as a

list of project experience for your convenience. Our website is www.HighlandPCI.com.

We look forward to the possibility of providing the highest quality services to your

agency. If you have any questions or need clarification on any issue, please feel free to contact

me-or in my stead, Joseph Blair, Vice President.

Sincerely,

Faith A. Blair

President

HHH ighland Professional Consultants, Inc.

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Executive Summary

Our high quality,low maintenanceservices providesour clients with thebest possible value.

Performancestandards atHighland are notbased upon those ofother consultants.

Highland’s focus isto clear the right-of-way by providingquality, professionalservices.

Overview

Highland Professional Consultants, Inc. (Highland), a certified majority

woman-owned business (WBE), is a right-of-way consultant firm with the goal

of providing the highest quality services to our clients. Our firm was founded

and organized in 2005 due to the owners’ perception of a governmental need for

a low-maintenance, trustworthy professional consultant. Highland has its fully

functional and staffed headquarters located at 6698 Route 30, Jeannette, PA

15644.

At Highland, we rate ourselves in quality of services: Our goal is to

surpass our clients’ expectations. Our standards are not based upon those of

other consultants. We also measure our performance based on delivering our

services on time and within budget. Part of our success includes building long-

term relationships with our clients and positively contributing to their work

program.

Highland is a unique and knowledgeable resource for state and federal

governmental agencies, developers and other land managers that require

expertise in the areas of right-of-way acquisition, relocation and property

management. Our team is highly skilled and experienced in the following

disciplines:

AppraisalAcquisition/NegotiationDeclaration of Taking Requests PreparationRelocationProperty ManagementQuality Control / Quality AssuranceProject Management

Staff experience is not limited to Pennsylvania-it extends to Florida, Mississippi,New Jersey, Ohio, and New York.

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Right-of-Way Services

Highland has a clearunderstanding ofeminent domain.

Staff experience is akey to a successfulproject.

Highlandinfrastructureincludes “cuttingedge” computertechnology.

Our understanding and approach to projects are based upon years of field

experience and a clear knowledge of applicable Federal and State eminent

domain laws and procedures, particularly, the Pennsylvania Eminent Domain

Code and the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970 and

49 CFR Part 24. Highland infrastructure is designed to facilitate adherence to

organizational and procedural methods. Highland prides itself on the quality of

its agents. It is also noteworthy to state that our clients can be assured that the

staff of Highland does not take “short cuts” around procedures.

Highland is a right-of-way consulting firm offering services in the

following areas:

Project Management

Highland has on staff a project manager with over 18 years of right-of-

way experience on PennDOT projects, as well as those of various other State

transportation departments and agencies. Our philosophy is for our managers to

be intimately involved in projects with hands-on leadership, thereby providing

our clients the benefit of maximum experience applied to the project and superior

support for our agents. Our project managers lead by example gained from

experience in the right-of-way field on many diverse projects. Highland can

assist in developing project schedules and will track all facets of the project in a

multi-relational database and Microsoft Project, if requested. Reports to the

client can be industry standard or customized to client needs. Production reports

will be transmitted to the clients regularly as requested or provided electronically

within minutes of a request. All material will be available to clients on our

secure, high-speed FTP server.

Infrastructure

Highland utilizes the latest in technology to assist in production and

management. Reports can be available to the client on-line at our website by

request, with proper security access. The website address is

http://www.highlandpci.com.

All project data will be entered into Right-of-Way Office, as well as our

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Relevant and timelyreports keep teamand the Client’s staffupdated on projectstatus.

“Smart data” willincrease efficiencyand reduce time forreport review.

The Client’s staffwill be able tobrowse the Highlanddatabase at theparcel level forinformation, ifdesired.

own proprietary multi-relational database for ease of retrieval and increased

power for correlation of data. However, the importance of having a database is

how effectively one can retrieve data from the database and comparing it with

other data, providing condensed, relevant reports. Reports will be generated

with key data displayed based upon any field in the database. Our project

manager has been a Crystal Reports (utilized by Right-of-Way Office)

programmer and developer since 1993 and is thoroughly familiar with the

requirements of right-of-way reporting. These factors will allow Highland to

provide smart data to the client. Instead of providing an acquisition report for

all parcels and client staff reviewing the entire report looking for specific dates or

numbers in the report, Highland will print a report of only parcels or displacees

about which the client requested, thereby saving the client’s staff significant

effort in reviewing reports. Very effective on larger projects, any time savings to

and for our client is important-even on the smaller projects. The reports may be

printed in parcel order number, by displacee name in alphabetical order, by date

of eligibility presented, or in any fashion desired by the client. The data in the

reports will be almost “real time,” as data will be entered daily and the reports

will be automatically updated by pressing a button.

Data will be available to the client via Internet access to the Highland

server, if the client so wishes. Authorized staff will be able to view up-to-date

reports, as well as actually browse the database at the parcel level to find

information, if requested. At the successful conclusion of the project, 3 copies of

a CD or DVD of all project data, including the database, reports, forms, and other

generated files will be written and delivered to the client for its use as a reference

and resource.

Our specialists are all accessible by telephone, cellular phone, or email to

the client and property owners. Highland has established a toll-free number,

877-386-6475, for the Department and those claimants who are out of the local

area to contact their agent. We can provide electronically any documents

required by the client to be printed on client’s letterhead and signed by an

authorized individual.

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“Good faith”negotiations are thekey to a successfulacquisition project.

All contacts will bethoroughlydocumented.

The goal ofHighland is todeliver amicable titleto the client at thelowest price.

Public Information/Involvement

Seeing the growing need for community outreach and public involvement

on projects, Highland developed a philosophy for Public Information and

Involvement. Our team works on behalf of clients to successfully navigate

project-related issues and educate the public on upcoming projects and the

community impacts. We have experience holding public meetings, in designing

and sending out informational mailers, and designing and distributing door

hangers. We work in a proactive manner that can diffuse tense situations and can

often turn the public into an ally for a project rather than an obstacle. As part of

the process, we take into account the reason for the project and the climate of the

neighborhood that will be affected by construction. This information helps us

determine the key issues for the surrounding community.

Negotiations

Highland will provide professional negotiation services to our clients.

We realize that costs are kept to a minimum when parcels are settled amicably.

Our trained negotiators bring many years of experience to your projects.

Highland believes in education and training for our agents. We encourage and

support our agents in attending education courses of the International Right-of-

way Association, Community College Real Estate Programs, and other training

sponsored by the Department of Transportation or Federal Highway

Administration.

Our specialists are well trained in negotiating claims in accordance with

Pennsylvania law and the Department of Transportation’s right-of-way manual.

They understand the need to be prepared, provide “good faith” negotiations, and

the documentation of files. They also have the experience to explain right-of-

way procedures, construction plans, and to answer any technical questions by

claimants. Our specialists understand the concerns of every property owner and

take time to answer all questions. They keep the owners informed to their rights,

the process, and anticipated time lines of the project.

Highland specialists believe that frequent, documented contacts and

information helps to put the property owners at ease. We pride ourselves on the

ability to work with property owners or their attorneys to find a way to an

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DT packages will beprepared toPennDOT manualspecifications.

Highland staffmembers have agreat deal ofexperience inproviding relocationservices.

IR/WA relocationclasses have beensuccessfullycompleted by staff.

amicable settlement. Highland specialists are aware of what is reasonable and

when to recommend an administrative settlement. Our specialists will present all

justification of settlements in writing to the client, as well as a cost/benefit

analysis, to support any settlement. Highland specialists and support staff are

comfortable and can quickly adapt to the use of any agreement, deed, or

settlement documents used by the client in addition to those called for by law.

Condemnation Proceedings Services

Highland specialists understand there are times a settlement cannot be

reached. They also understand the importance of project scheduling and the need

to clear the right-of-way. When a settlement cannot be reached, our team will

review the process with the property owner and explain what steps will occur and

the notices they will receive. Highland specialist will prepare the necessary

documents in order to file for a Declaration of Taking package, or stand ready to

provide support services to the client’s right-of-way or legal staff.

We also have experience obtaining Rights of Entry for clients in many

states. Highland will process payments for appraisal, engineering or applicable

attorney fees. All documents will be submitted to the client’s review.

Relocation Services

Highland staff has extensive experience providing relocation advisory

services to all types of displacees on all types of projects. Be it residential,

business, or personal property relocation problems, our knowledgeable staff will

find the proper solution.

From the planning stages of a project through construction, our staff has

the experience necessary to ensure a successful project.

Conceptual Stage Relocation PlansNeeds Assessment Surveys (Pre-Acq Plan)Replacement Housing calculations and claimsMove cost calculations and claimsRelocation claim processingDecent, safe, and sanitary surveysClosing eligibility calculationsRelocation advisory services

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Title, an area oftenoverlooked byconsultants, will beclosely monitored byHighland staff.

Propertymanagementservices areavailable throughHighland.

Title and Settlement Services

Highland has an abstractor on staff who will perform title searches. HPCI

will contract for title review and closing services with a local attorney or title

company on a fixed fee per parcel basis. We currently use Jason Adams, Esq. to

review titles and perform closings. Through our subcontractor we will be able to

determine and satisfy or release liens, mortgages, and judgments as required,

including local liens such as City and utilities. Highland will supply copies of all

deeds and leases for affected properties when possible. In addition, we will

complete a title update at the time of payment submission and again prior to the

final recording of the deed.

Our experience extends into all areas of closing. These include but not

limited to obtaining corporate resolutions, recorded powers of attorney, death

certificates, or other documents authorizing persons to sign on behalf of the

record owner, and researching liens and encumbrances. We understand the need

for the IRS Form W-9 and can explain its importance to the property owner.

Whether Highland agents provide services on smaller projects or utilize the

services of a title company on larger projects, Highland staff will manage the

areas of title and settlement services.

Appraisal Services

Highland’s philosophy is to operate in a lean manner. We therefore team

with John D. D’Angelo, MAI to provide appraisal services. He is a Generally

Certified PA appraiser. He has a great amount of experience providing appraisal

services on PennDOT projects. Mr. D’Angelo can provide Appraisal Scopes,

Facts & Data Books, and Draft Waivers. He will also provide ROW Office entry

for appraisal logs when necessary. Highland will provide appraisal bidding

support, as we have worked with District 12-0 in developing a database tracking

system for the bidding process.

Property Management

Highland PCI has on staff Joseph L. Blair, certified Asbestos Building

Inspector/Management Planner, with many years of experience in property

management. On the Florida Department of Transportation’s 9-A project in

District Two, Mr. Blair was the Consultant Property Management Administrator

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A QA plan isnecessary to provideprofessional qualityservices.

Highland ispersonallycommitted toproviding thehighest qualityservices.

responsible for 350 parcels with over 150 demolitions. Jordan Hohn, HPCI’s

Property Management Administrator, is also a PA licensed Asbestos Building

Inspector.

Highland PCI will follow a strategy that will keep property management

costs to a minimum. This will be accomplished by testing for asbestos only

when necessary (there are certain circumstances when asbestos testing may be

avoided), using economies of scale in ordering services for property maintenance

and demolition. A brief list of our services appears below:

Property inventory

Maintenance needs

Securing properties

Site maintenance (lawn, etc)

Asbestos testing

Demolition management

Disposition of surplus property

Quality Control / Quality Assurance

Quality Control / Quality Assurance Plan: The QC/QA Plan is an integral

part of all Highland projects. Highland will submit for the client’s approval a

custom and thorough Quality Control/Quality Assurance Plan (QC/QA Plan)

specifically tailored to meet project needs. The QC/QA Plan will be prepared

and presented to the client for approval within 30 calendar days of notice to

proceed. The QC/QA Plan will establish a system of checks and cross-checks to

ensure that all tasks are fulfilled fully and accurately, complying with the policy

and procedure. Highland firmly believes in monitoring the quality of its work in

order to maintain the highest level of service. The plan will not only assist

Highland in providing a constant level of quality service, it will also allow for

feedback and improvement of services. This plan will be periodically reviewed

and improved. We use many tools to ensure a correct and documented work

product, such as peer review, QC checklists, forms packages, and regular internal

auditing of files. The QC/QA Plan will provide for a continuous flow of accurate

information and data for the client.

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Quality Assurancemeetings with staffensures quality ofservices on a project.

Feedback isimportant inimproving services.

Quality Control Checklist: The main component of the QCP will be task

checklists. Highland designs the checklist a little differently in that the tasks are

listed in the usual order of events. As a task is completed, the agent will initial

and date the checklist, enter the projected date for the next task, and enter any

comments. Copies of any documents associated with the task are added to the

working file, original given to the Highland Project Manager for review,

computer database entry, and transmittal to the lient or filed in the master file.

The Project Manager will review the task performed prior to transmittal to the

Department. These checklists are quite detailed, providing not only names of

tasks but time period and signatures.

Peer Review: A second level of will occur just prior to the production

action be undertaken. Senior Real Estate specialists will review the document

package for accuracy and content. The peer will also initial the checklist for

accountability.

Administrative Review: All files and checklists will be reviewed

quarterly by the QAR Supervisor. The Highland Project Manager will audit files

more frequently on the more active parcels and tasks. Any irregularities the QAR

Supervisor finds will be reported to the consultant Project Manager and corrected

as soon as possible. Any problem that is unable to be corrected within Client’s

policies and procedures, such as a 30 day notice missed, will be reported to the

client, not hidden. A plan of action will be suggested in such cases. A quarterly

QA report will be provided to the client outlining irregularities found, if any.

Quality Assurance Review (QAR): The final review of the file (QA) will

be performed by Joseph L. Blair prior to transmittal of the file to the Client.

With over 19 year’s experience, Joseph L. Blair, Highland’s Vice President, will

provide Quality Assurance and other support for the project. Mr. Blair is

personally committed to Highland providing the highest quality services. He will

review the checklist as well as every document in the file. Periodic field auditing

of files, weekly status reports, and Quality Assurance meetings will ensure

quality of services on this project.

Final file processing: The final and closed file will then be digitized and

written to CD-ROM in Adobe PDF format for archive by the Highland Project

Manager. Three copies of the CD-ROM will be made available to the Client, if

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requested, to reduce in-office storage space and speed document searches. The

CD-ROM will also contain all photographs and video taken of the parcel, as well

as all computer files generated by Highland, such as word processors and

spreadsheet programs. The CD-ROM will be located in a vinyl pocket attached to

the inside front cover of the parcel file.

Contract Completion: Once Highland has completed the right of way

functions and turned all necessary documentation over to client’s representative,

a notice of contract completion will be provided to the client. Highland agents

will still remain available for consultation at the client’s discretion.

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Professional Experience

HPCI staff bringswith them a wealth ofproject experience;key to a successfulproject.

Highland Professional Consultants, Inc. (Highland) is a WBE firm formed

with the goals of providing the highest quality consulting services to our clients.

The owners bring with them a wealth of right-of-way project experience from

several states. Our firm is staffed with right-of-way professionals cross-trained

in several disciplines exclusively on PennDOT projects. HPCI’s currently has

contracts in Districts 10-0, 11-0, and 12-0.

Project Description

SR 0018-20FBrowns Creek 2PennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

The project is currently in the preliminaryphase of right-of-way acquisition. Notice toProceed was granted 03/06/2009. HPCI andits sub-consultants will perform all of the pre-acquisition, acquisitions, negotiations, title,and other related services. The projectinvolves 4 parcels.

SR 0018-V10Eastview BridgePennDOT District 12 -0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI has been issued clearance 4 with thisproject to replace the SR 0018-V10 EastviewBridge. This is a bridge replacement projectutilizing the Design Build Modified TurnkeyMethod of Contracting. Three propertyowners were impacted by the replacement ofthis aging bridge structure

SR 0018-X10Browns Creek BridgePennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

The project is currently in the final phase ofright-of-way acquisition. HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform all of the pre-acquisition, acquisitions, negotiations, title,and other related services. The projectinvolves 4 parcels.

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HPCI maintainsproject schedules byutilizing advancedmanagementtechniques, a multi-relational database,and MS Projectscheduling software.

Project Description

SR 0019-A10Dunkard Creek BridgePennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

This is a bridge replacement project utilizingthe Design Build Modified Turnkey Methodof Contracting. HPCI will perform all of thepre-acquisition, acquisitions, negotiations,title, and other related services. The projectinvolves two parcels.

SR 0019-N00Washington & JeffersonPennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform allof the pre-acquisition, acquisitions,negotiations, title, and other related services.Nine property owners are impacted by theproject.

SR 0019-Z10SR 19 at Valley Brook RoadPennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

The project is currently in the negotiationphases of right-of-way acquisition. HPCI andits sub-consultants will perform all of the pre-acquisition, acquisitions, negotiations, title,and other related services. Three acquisitions(3), One (1) business relocation.

SR 0030-134Jeannette Area SAMIPennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProj. Manager Bill Oshnack

HPCI is in the intermediate stage with thisright-of-way project, which involves thereconstruction and enhancement of SR 0030for safety and congestion reasons. Thisproject will affect fifty-five property owners,with approximately twenty relocations.

SR 0040-108US 40: I-70 to PA 18PennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

HPCI has been issued final clearance 4-NTPand has completed this project, whichinvolves the reconstruction and enhancementof SR 0040. This project affected tenproperty owners.

SR 0040-129Chalk Hill ProjectPennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyContact – Dist. 12-0 R/W Unit

HPCI has been issued final clearance and hascompleted this safety-oriented project torealign SR 2010 at SR 40, causing theintersection to be moved ¼ mile westwardalong SR 40. Thirteen property owners wereaffected by this project.

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Project Description

SR 0056-N00Seward BridgePennDOT District 12Westmoreland CountyProject Manager James Sisul

HPCI and its sub-consultants performedpreliminary right of way services on thisproject. Plan review, appraisal tasks, andacquisition research were performed prior toICQ expiration. The project impacted 17property owners.

SR 0070-W20Zediker Station BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

HPCI has been issued final clearance and hascompleted this Design/Build project, whichreplaced an ageing bridge structure onInterstate 70. Three property owners areaffected by this project with one relocation.

SR 0070-Y20I-70 at 519 InterchangePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

This project has been issued a clearance 4.HPCI performed all of the pre-acquisition,acquisitions, negotiations, title, and otherrelated services. The project involved 22parcels.

SR 0079-20HSouth JunctionPennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Jerry Bendo

HPCI was recently awarded this project inWashington, PA. HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform all right of wayservices. The project impacted 16 propertyowners.

SR 0079-P10Meadowlands InterchangePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Barry Lyons

Highland provided clearance 4 criteria toDistrict 12-0 on January 7, 2011. HPCI willfollow-up for project closeout. The projectinvolves 17 parcels.

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Project Description

SR 0088-A10Point Marion Bridge ProjectPennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyContact: Dist. 12-0 R/W Unit

HPCI has been issued final clearance and hascompleted this project, which replaced anageing bridge structure over theMonongahela River. Four property ownerswere affected; with one residential relocation.

SR 0088-S10Dry Tavern BridgePennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP, finalclearance pending on this bridge replacementproject; an emergency replacement of anaging bridge structure on SR 0088. This is abridge replacement project utilizing theDesign Build Modified Turnkey Method ofContracting. Only one property owner wasimpacted by the replacement of this bridgestructure

SR 0119-A01Sony Interchange ProjectPennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProj. Manager Bill Oshnack

HPCI has been issued final clearance andcompleted this important, high-profileproject-a four lane divided highway, whichincluded a diamond interchange and a newbridge structure for the Sony Plant in Mt.Pleasant. Fifteen property owners with mixednature were affected by the project.

SR 0130-M10Brush Run, JeannettePennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

Design/Build; HPCI and its sub-consultantswill perform all of the pre-acquisition,acquisitions, negotiations, title, and other relatedservices. Five properties owners were affectedby the project. HPCI is entering thenegotiations phase.

SR 0130-S10Slate Creek BridgePennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manger – Eric Bell

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP, finalclearance requested on this bridge replacementproject; an emergency replacement of an agingbridge structure on SR 0130. This is a bridgereplacement project utilizing the Design BuildModified Turnkey Method of Contracting.Two property owners were affected by thisproject.

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Project Description

SR 0130-W10Pleasant UnityPennDOT 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Sean Sepe

HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform allof the pre-acquisition, acquisitions,negotiations, title, and other related serviceson this Design/Build project. Five propertyowners were impacted by the project.

SR 0188-A10Jefferson Road BridgePennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP, finalclearance pending with this emergency bridgereplacement project to replace the aging SR0188-A10 This is a bridge replacementproject utilizing the Design Build ModifiedTurnkey Method of Contracting. Fiveproperty owners were impacted

SR 0218-A10PA 218 over RR& Ten Mile CreekPennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Jerry Bendo

HPCI has been issued final clearance on thisbridge replacement. The project involves 18parcels and 25 claims.

SR 0331-L10Brush Run BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP, finalclearance pending on this bridge replacementproject; an emergency replacement of anaging bridge structure on SR 0331. This is abridge replacement project utilizing theDesign Build Modified Turnkey Method ofContracting. Three property owners wereimpacted, all of which have signed amicably.

SR 0519-M10Western Ave BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP, finalclearance pending with this emergency bridgereplacement project to replace the aging SR0519-M10 Western Ave Bridge. This is abridge replacement project utilizing theDesign Build Modified Turnkey Method ofContracting. Four property owners areaffected. Appraisal waivers have just beenapproved.

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Project Description

SR 0711-D00Connellsville Truck RampPennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyProject Manager Sean Sepe

HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform allof the pre-acquisition, acquisitions,negotiations, title, and other related services.Five property owners were affected by theproject, with one residential relocation.

SR 0844-Q10Chartiers Creek BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

HPCI is currently in the preliminary phase ofright-of-way acquisition on this Design/Buildproject. HPCI and its sub-consultants willperform all of the pre-acquisition,acquisitions, negotiations, title, and otherrelated services. The project involves fourparcels. HPCI is awaiting valuations.

SR 1006-A10Freeman Run BridgePennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI has achieved final clearance on thisDesign/Build project. Five property ownerswill be affected by this project.

SR 1006-D00Moons BridgePennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

This Design/Build project is currently in thenegotiations phase of right-of-wayacquisition. HPCI and its sub-consultantswill perform all of the pre-acquisition,acquisitions, negotiations, title, and otherrelated services. The project involves 4parcels.

SR 1009-140Pike/Allison Hollow Int.PennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

This is a clean-up on a design/build project.HPCI was awarded this contract to completeservices started by another consultant.

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Project Description

SR 1009-L10McPherson BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

This is a bridge replacement project utilizingthe Design Build Modified Turnkey Methodof Contracting. HPCI and its sub-consultantswill perform all of the pre-acquisition,acquisitions, negotiations, title, and otherrelated services. Five property owners areaffected by the project. HPCI is awaitingwaiver approval.

SR 1018-B10Derry RoadPennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProj. Manager Bill Oshnack

HPCI secured an Authorization to Enter onthis Design/Build project. Future right ofway services are awaiting funding. Oneproperty owner was affected by the project.

SR 1039-C10Dickerson Run BridgePennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

HPCI is currently in the preliminary phase ofright-of-way acquisition. HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform all of the pre-acquisition, acquisitions, negotiations, title,and other related services. The projectinvolves 2 parcels.

SR 1049-A10Dunbar Township GradePennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI performed right of way services on thisproject. No clearance was necessary, asPennDOT maintenance constructed thisstructure. Only one property owner wasimpacted by the replacement of this bridgestructure.

SR 2001-A10Rudolph Run BridgePennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTPissued, final clearance pending with thisproject to replace an aging bridge structure.This is a bridge replacement project utilizingthe Design Build Modified Turnkey Methodof Contracting. Two property owners wereaffected by this project.

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Project Description

SR 2018-A10Charleroi-Monessen BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Troy Pritts

HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform allof the pre-acquisition, acquisitions,negotiations, title, and other related servicesfor this Design/Build project. The projectinvolves five properties. Clearance 4-NTPhas been issued.

SR 2031-A02PennDOT District 11-0Allegheny CountyProject Manager John Petulla

HPCI as a sub-consultant for McCormickTaylor in District 11-0 performed titleresearch and other related services for thisproject.

SR 2040-A12Broughton/Baptist RoadPennDOT District 11-0Colleen Burns

Highland completed the project quicklyandaccurately to achieve right of way clearanceto ensure the District’s schedule. The projectcontained 30 parcels along a heavily travelled2-lane road.

SR 3009-B10Georges Creek BridgePennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP issued,final clearance pending with this emergencybridge replacement project; to replace an agingbridge structure in the municipality ofSpringhill Township. This is a bridgereplacement project utilizing the Design BuildModified Turnkey Method of Contracting.Three property owners were impacted by thereplacement of this aging bridge structure.

SR 3013-J10Middle Run BridgePennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyProject Manager Barry Lyons

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP onthis bridge replacement project with finalclearance pending; an emergencyreplacement of an aging bridge structure.This is a bridge replacement project utilizingthe Design Build Modified Turnkey Methodof Contracting. Two property owners wereimpacted.

SR 3037-D10Waltz Mill BridgePennDOT District 12Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform allof the pre-acquisition, acquisitions,negotiations, title, and other related serviceson this Design/Build project. Seven propertyowners were affected by the project. HPCI isawaiting R/W plans.

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SR 3071-E10Arona RoadPennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform allof the pre-acquisition, acquisitions,negotiations, title, and other related serviceson this Design/Build project. The projectinvolves three properties.

Project Description

SR 3077-A10Edna RoadPennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Sean Sepe

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTP onthis bridge replacement project with finalclearance pending. HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform all of the pre-acquisition, acquisitions, negotiations, title,and other related services on thisDesign/Build project. One property ownerwas impacted by the project.

SR 3093-A01Sony Ring Road ProjectPennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProj. Manager Bill Oshnack

HPCI was awarded this contract to follow upwith claimants for settlements and close outclaims on this project. Thirteen propertyowners were affected by this project.

SR 4003-02RPrison Road ProjectPennDOT District 12-0Fayette CountyContact – Dist. 12-0 R/W Unit

HPCI has been issued final clearance and hascompleted this safety-oriented project torealign SR 4003-02R. Four property ownerswere affected.

SR 4010-B10Coal Street BridgePennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform allof the pre-acquisition, acquisitions,negotiations, title, and other related serviceson this Design/Build project. The projectinvolves four parcels.

SR 4013-A10Burrell Hill BridgePennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyContact: Dist. 12-0 R/W Unit

HPCI has been issued final clearance and hascompleted this project, which will replace anageing bridge structure on SR 4013. Thisproject affected ten property owners; withone relocation.

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Project Description

SR 4018-A10Cross Creek BridgesPennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTPissued final clearance pending with thisproject. This is an emergency bridgereplacement project utilizing the DesignBuild Modified Turnkey Method ofContracting. Three property owners wereimpacted by the replacement of this agingbridge structure.

SR 4029-A01Patterson Mill BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

This is a bridge replacement project utilizingthe Design Build Modified Turnkey Methodof Contracting. Four property owners wereimpacted by the replacement of this agingbridge structure.

SR 4029-A02AvellaPennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager Gary Barber

HPCI has been issued clearance 4-NTPissued final clearance pending with thisproject. This is an emergency bridgereplacement project utilizing the DesignBuild Modified Turnkey Method ofContracting. Four property owners wereimpacted by the replacement of this agingbridge structure, all of which have settledtheir claims.

SR 4033-A10Swartz BridgePennDOT District 12-0Greene CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI is currently in the negotiations phase ofright-of-way acquisition. HPCI and its sub-consultants will perform all of the pre-acquisition, acquisitions, negotiations, title,and other related services. The projectinvolves two parcels.

SR 4041-E10Turtle Creek BridgePennDOT District 12-0Westmoreland CountyProject Manager Gary Ferrari

HPCI has been issued clearance 4 with thisproject; an emergency replacement of anaging bridge structure in the Municipality ofMurrysville. This is a bridge replacementproject utilizing the Design Build ModifiedTurnkey Method of Contracting. Fourproperty owners will be affected by thisproject.

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Project Description

SR 4049-C11Arden BridgePennDOT District 12-0Washington CountyProject Manager James Sisul

HPCI has been issued final clearance and hascompleted this project, which replaced anaging bridge structure on SR 4049. Thisproject affected five property owners..

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Staffing Philosophy

Proposed Highlandstaff members willbe the ones whowork on the project.

Highland agents arecross trained in thedisciplines of right-of-way.

The strength of Highland is in the dedication and experience of its staff.

Each Highland team member has proper experience, training, and certification to

complete your project-professionally and efficiently. Highland staff works with

one mission in mind: to clear your project on schedule, according to your

direction, while adhering to applicable regulations. Highland does not believe in

the “bait and switch” method - when an employee is proposed on a project, that

employee will work on the project.

At Highland, we employ a universal agent philosophy, which means that

our people have a wide variety of skills, giving them the ability to perform

multiple right-of-way services for one project. This perspective results in a cost

saving to clients because billable hours are reduced, as we staff fewer agents than

many other consulting firms-who are forced to staff additional agents that each

perform separate functions of the acquisition process.

Our commitment to maintaining quality and value of services make us the

best choice for your next endeavor, regardless of size or complexity. Our agents

practice in the government eminent domain field only, thereby providing our

clients with specialized skill and experience in relocation, acquisition, and related

services.

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Highland Staff

Faith A. Blair – President/QA-QC Supervisor/Sr. AgentMr. Blair has over twelve years experience and a background in all right-of-way disciplines: acquisition,relocation, condemnation suit preparation, property management and appraisal. She has worked oncomplex projects for various firms and consistently exceeded objectives including: The Department ofTransportation: Pennsylvania – District 2-0, 11-0 (E02012), and 12-0; New Jersey; Florida – District 4, and7. Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Florida; Rockland County Water Authority District1, New York; Brandywine Health & Wellness Foundation, Pennsylvania; Redevelopment Authority of theCity of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Her responsibilities included acquisition and relocation services. Herexperience and expertise includes the processing of relocation claims and settlement packages, relocationadvisory assistance, appraisal contracting procedures, personal property inventories, as well as thepresentation of acquisition offers and relocation eligibilities. In addition to her Right-of-Way experience,Faith is currently serving as Highland’s quality assurance/quality control agent on several PennsylvaniaDOT Projects, as well as providing administrative and business development duties. She is responsible fororganizing, coordinating, and finishing activities for the maintenance of a quality work product. Faithmaintains the quality control program, product development, and ensuring compliance with performancestandards. Performs internal audit (QAR) of Agent files and provide periodic status reports on the project tothe condition of the work and files. She also develops proposals and prepares cost estimates for projectsbased on client's requirements.

Joseph L. Blair - Vice President/Project ManagerMr. Blair has over eighteen years experience and an extensive background in all right-of-way disciplines:acquisition, appraisal, relocation, property management and condemnation suit preparation. He hasmanaged complex projects for various clients and consistently exceeded objectives including: TheDepartment of Transportation: Pennsylvania – District 2-0, 11-0 (E2012), and 12-0; New Jersey;Mississippi; Florida – District 2, 4, and 7. Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Florida;Rockland County Water Authority District 1, New York; Brandywine Health & Wellness Foundation,Pennsylvania; Redevelopment Authority of the City of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Joseph’s managementskills and experience include conducting public meetings, public speaking, and coordinating with localgovernmental agencies and private organizations. His Project Management capabilities are furtherenhanced by his extensive computer and programming skills. He has authored over a hundred database andreporting systems for R/W projects nationwide. Currently Joseph is serving as project manager on severalDistrict 12-0 Projects. Joseph is experienced in directing projects and staff in fast-paced, results-orientedenvironments. He is an articulate communicator able to elicit outstanding performance from a diverse arrayof professionals. Joseph is highly successful in developing synergistic relationships to bring projects tocompletion on time and under budget. He develops Highland’s cost estimates for projects based on client'srequirements. Joseph is a leader in staff development, building teams, and cultivating beneficial clientrelationships. He monitors the progress of consultants accountable for critical projects throughout thedesign and right-of-way acquisition phases.

Our staff has exclusively worked on PennDOT projects.

Linda Mari – Asst Project Manager/Sr. AgentMs. Richter’s right-of-way experience includes five years with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation,District 12-0 as an intern and four years with Highland Professional Consultant as a Right-of-way agent.Linda has had both formal training and hands-on experience relative to right-of-way acquisition underPennsylvania’s eminent domain laws. Currently, Linda is serving as Highland’s Assistant ProjectManager. She obtains strong leadership, organization, and communication skills. Linda possesses apositive, professional demeanor and is able to communicate at all professional levels, both internally andexternally. She uses independent judgment to plan, prioritize and organize a very diverse workload. Herresponsibilities include inputting data into right-of-way office, prepare and proof correspondence for

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content and grammatical correctness, maintain and update files used within Highland. She effectivelymanages tasks and deadlines.

Sarah Evancho – Title AbstractorMs. Evancho has experience with title searches and document preparation for the Department ofTransportation. Sarah provides research services including examining title from present ownership back topatent records. Abstract mineral reservations and provide detailed property reports, including; Deedrecords, liens, judgments, probate and Civil and District Court records. She has hands-on experience withcourthouse research, filing of documents, recordings and the use of the recorder of deeds resources. Sarah’sbackground in legal assisting has familiarized her with aspects of real estate law, and eminent domainrelatable to the right-of-way acquisition industry. She is experienced with assessment records, mapping andcourthouse protocol. Her duties include checking for zoning ordinances to make sure there are norestrictions on land use, validate titles by searching and analyzing private and public records.

Jordan Hohn – Property Management Administrator/ Right-of-Way AgentA graduate, with a business degree and partaking in real estate classes, Mr. Hohn’s law education hasfamiliarized him with aspects of real estate law, and eminent domain and real estate classes have affordedhim relatable knowledge to real estate acquisition. In addition to his education he exhibits excellentcommunication and computer skills. Jordan has gained experience in negotiation and the acquisition;meeting with property owners for negotiation; perform advisory assistance and prepared and documentedclaims for payment. Currently, he performs property management duties for Highland includinginventories, creates, updates, maintains, and monitor Property Management Production data. Jordan hasexperience and is certified and licensed to perform Asbestos building inspection in the State ofPennsylvania. He coordinates ensures security of acquired properties.

Nathan P. Thomas – Right-of-Way Agent/Appraisal Bidding CoordinatorMr. Thomas has previous experience relatable to the right-of-way industry. He is familiar with appraisalsand the valuation process. A graduate from Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology,Mr. Thomas’s education and enthusiasm is a positive addition to our project team. While working forHighland, Nathan has gained experience in all areas of right-of-way acquisition and relocation includingnegotiation, and purchase of commercial and residential properties needed for the Department ofTransportation, meeting with property owners for negotiation, interview and relocate displaced families,business, perform advisory assistance, determined eligibility, prepared, documented and approved claimsfor payment, performing decent, safe, and sanitary inspections, determining purchase additive, rentsupplement amount, maintained accurate records, attended public meetings, interview displaced families,business and farm operators, performed advisory assistance, determined eligibility, prepared, documentedand approved claims for payment. determine purchase additive and rent supplement amounts, maintainedaccurate records, prepared reports, attended public hearings and testified in condemnation proceedings.

Michelle L. Swickey – Right-of-Way AgentMs. Swickey has worked as an intern for our company for several months in which time she received bothformal and hands-on training. Michelle has gained experience with courthouse research, documentpreparation, and has gained critical communication skills. She has provided professional services related tothe acquisition and relocation for numerous PennDOT projects. Her experience and expertise includes theprocessing of claims and settlement packages, relocation advisory assistance, appraisal contractingprocedures, personal property inventories, as well as the presentation of acquisition offers and relocationeligibilities. Her relocation experience includes calculating Rent Supplements and Replacement HousingSupplement; filing claims for Down Payment Supplements; Actual Move Costs; Fixed Schedule MoveCosts; Personal Property Loss Payments; In Lieu payments; Reestablishment expenses; Search Costs; andM&E. In addition to her right of way experience, Michelle exhibits excellent interpersonal communicationskills.

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Alana E. Buljat – Right-of-Way AgentMs. Buljat’s extensive real estate experience has provided her with both formal training and hands-onexperience relative to real estate acquisition. Alana has engaged in evaluating comparable properties toprovide a market analysis for both sellers and buyers. She has extensive experience communicatingbetween buyers, sellers, agents, inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, mortgage and title companies. In additionto her right of way experience, Alana exhibits excellent interpersonal communication skills. Currently,Alana provides acquisition and relocation on several PennDOT contracts. Her experience includes theprocessing of claims and settlement packages, relocation advisory assistance, appraisal contractingprocedures, personal property inventories, as well as the presentation of acquisition offers and relocationeligibilities. Her relocation experience includes calculating Rent Supplements and Replacement HousingSupplement; filing claims for Down Payment Supplements; Actual Move Costs; Fixed Schedule MoveCosts; Personal Property Loss Payments; Reestablishment expenses; Search Costs.

Stephanie Smola – Right-of-Way AgentWhile working alongside the primary agent Ms. Smola provides professional services related to theacquisition and relocation for PennDOT projects. Her responsibilities include assisting in the processing ofclaims and settlement packages, as well as acquisition offers. In addition, Stephanie exhibits excellentinterpersonal communication skills. She has experience in meeting the public and dealing with people.Through her extensive education in business management, she possesses various qualifications that makeher an asset to our company. She is a very detail-oriented person that is flexible and adaptable tounscheduled priorities.

Tabitha Watson – Right-of-Way AgentWhile working alongside the primary agent Ms. Watson provides professional services related to theacquisition and relocation for PennDOT projects. Her responsibilities include assisting in the processing ofclaims and settlement packages, as well as acquisition offers. In addition, Tabitha exhibits excellentinterpersonal communication skills. She has experience in meeting the public and dealing with people.Through her extensive education in business management, she possesses various qualifications that makeher an asset to our company. Tabitha exhibits wonderful interpersonal communication and computer skills.She is a very detail-oriented person that is flexible and adaptable to unscheduled priorities.

Ashley L. Assenti – Office ManagerMs. Assenti performs various specific duties in her role for Highland. She is responsible for assisting withthe day-to-day Human Resource needs of the company. Her responsibilities also include: ordering suppliesfor the company, performing payroll duties, prepares invoices for accounts payable, monitors attendance,including sick, personal and vacation, and advanced office support for the high-level executives andmanagement of Highland. Ashley is a dedicated professional offering significant experience in self-directedpositions requiring effective support. She has proven interpersonal communications and multi-taskingskills. Ashley is a team player recognized for her willingness to learn and teach newly acquired skills.Originally, Ms. Assenti provided traditional duties of an office secretary and assisting agents as needed.During this time she gained a great deal of knowledge and experience working with PennDOT and theirprocedures and has shown an enthusiasm to provide the highest quality of service to the District.

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Carleen Buczynski - SecretaryMs. Buczynski has experience in the administrative field. She has provided assistance to top levelexecutives. Carleen has both formal training and hands-on experience in meeting the public and dealingwith people. She is effective when interacting with clients and claimants and posses strong communicationskills. Her extensive education in office procedures has provided her with wonderful interpersonalcommunication and computer skills. She is responsible for various duties within Highland including:typing, filing, screening telephone calls, minute taking, composing letters, reviews, maintains inventory ofoffice supplies for Administration and staff, organizes and maintains files and assisting agents withprocessing documents and forwarding them to the Department.

Appraisal Services

Highland sub-contracts appraisal services in order to provide the highest quality service at the lowest cost.These services are provided by John D. D’Angelo of KVG. John has worked successfully with Highlandsince 2006.

Professional Consultants, Inc.

Address:6698 State Route 30Jeannette, PA 15644

Tele.: (724) 523-2845 Fax: (724) 527-1934