(a)

1. (1) Throughout the RFP phase, each short-list proposer will normally propose modifications to the project scope that the short-list proposer would like the Arkansas Department of Transportation to either include in the RFP or allow the short-list proposer to include in their specific proposal.
2. (2) When these modifications are allowed by the department to be included in the specific proposal, these modifications are normally referred to as an alternative technical concept (ATC).
3. (3) The department may or may not allow the ATC process as an option in the project procurement.

(b)

1. (1) If the department allows the ATC process as part of the RFP, the review and approval/denial process must be performed by the DPT for the department in accordance with specific guidelines established for the project.
2. (2) An example of D-B ATC guidelines is included as Appendix I.

3. (3) These guidelines are summarized as follows:

   1. (A) An ATC is a confidential request by a short-list proposer to modify a DBA requirement specifically for that short-list proposer prior to the proposal submission;
   2. (B) An ATC is evaluated for approval or denial by the DPT within the deadline set forth in the RFP, which is usually set to occur several weeks before the proposal due date;
   3. (C) Unless specifically noted otherwise in the RFP, any section of the DBA can generally be subject to consideration for an ATC;
   4. (D) In order to be approved, an ATC must be deemed, in the department’s sole discretion, to provide an end product that is equal or better on an overall basis than the project would have required without the proposed ATC;
   5. (E) Concepts that simply delete scope, lower performance requirements, lower standards, or reduce contract requirements are not generally acceptable as an ATC; and
   6. (F)

(i) The department generally allows the ATC process for all D-B contracts in order to promote innovation, find the best solutions, and to maintain flexibility in the procurement process.

1. (ii) However, the allowance of the ATC process as part of the procurement is a decision for each project.

   1. (c)
2. (1) An ATC can bring new design or construction ideas that may not have been used or considered on previous department projects.
3. (2) The DPT should prearrange a group of technical resource experts within the department who could be available to review ATC proposals on short notice.
4. (3) Arranging the group in advance would assist to streamline the review and consideration of an ATC in what will need to be an accelerated review process during the proposal preparation period.

5. (4) For example, designated representatives from the technical disciplines should be available, as are necessary for the project, such as:

   1. (A) Structures;
   2. (B) Geotechnical;
   3. (C) Pavements;
   4. (D) Roadway design;
   5. (E) Drainage;
   6. (F) Traffic; and
   7. (G) Illumination.