REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) SUBMIT PROPOSAL/OFFER PRIOR TO:

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) ISSUE DATE: August 2, 2018 CONTACT: Dean Mattoon PHONE NO: FAX NO: SUBMIT PROPOSAL/OFFER PRIOR TO: SUBMIT TO: CLOSING DATE: September 21, 2018 SEE Section 6.0 CLOSING TIME: 4:00 P.M. (local time) DESCRIPTION: The City of Dubuque seeks a proposal to assist with agricultural outreach activities and the implementation of the Catfish Creek watershed management plan NAME: RECEIPT OF PROPOSAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT If you are considering a response to this RFP, please mark the box to The left, fill in the information below and return this sheet as a confirmation that you received this RFP. NO RESPONSE REPLY If you do not want to respond to this RFP at this time, please mark the box to the left, fill in the information below and return this sheet only. DATE: MAILING ADDRESS: CITY/STATE: ZIP CODE: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: PRINTED NAME: TITLE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE: PHONE:

2 CITY OF DUBUQUE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The City of Dubuque in conjunction with the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority is seeking proposals from qualified Consultants/Contractors to assist with agricultural outreach activities and the implementation of the Catfish Creek watershed management plan. The primary objectives of this project are flood mitigation and water quality improvements using targeted conservation practices models and the existing watershed management plan. City of Dubuque, Iowa August 2018 Page 2 of 7

3 Consultant / Contractor Request for Proposal INTRODUCTION The City of Dubuque was recently awarded a grant from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of their Iowa Partnerships for Conservation program. The consultant/contractor will work closely with both Catfish Creek Watershed Authority Board administrators, and the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District over the next five years on this project. The City of Dubuque is soliciting competitive proposals, from qualified contractors/consultants to assist with agricultural outreach activities and the implementation of the Catfish Creek watershed management plan. The primary objectives of this project are flood mitigation and water quality improvements, using targeted conservation practices models and the existing watershed management plan. Additionally, the consultant/contractor will create a strong educational outreach component, assist with stormwater management, lead field demonstration days, and organize a collaborative farmer-led approach in conjunction with the goals of the watershed management authority board. The consultant/contractor will have experience in watershed planning and/or project management, an ability to interpret scientific concepts clearly and proficiently, and a demonstrated capacity to work with diverse stakeholder groups, including public officials, NGOs, landowners, farmers, businesses, and the general public. SCOPE OF SERVICES The consultant/contractor will serve as the primary point of contact for the Iowa Partners for Conservation (IPC) program in Dubuque County. The multi-faceted nature of this program will require that the successful candidate have a diverse skill set and the ability to coordinate multiple activities with overlapping deadlines. The consultant/contractor should be well-versed in watershed planning and management concepts, have the technical capacity to interpret water resource data and information, and strong communication skills. Stakeholder Engagement/Farmer-Led Approach: The consultant/contractor will continue to build support from all levels of watershed stakeholders, but especially agricultural producers and participating governmental entities that make up the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (WMA). The consultant/contractor will research, plan, and implement an information and educational outreach program to raise awareness and encourage participation in Page 3 of 7

4 the implementation of proven practices. This effort should coordinate water monitoring data, information on best management practices, and utilize new and existing information available from a variety of sources. Examples of expected activities include informational meetings, field days, newsletters, website, local media coverage, workshops, demonstration days, and recognitions for active participants. Watershed Management Plan Implementation and Modeling: The consultant/contractor will assist with the implementation of the watershed management plan for the Catfish Creek watershed that meets the core objectives of water quality improvement and flood mitigation. The consultant/contractor will collaborate with partners and landowners on additional modeling that will take place in the watershed using the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) tool and other possible urban modeling tools available. Project Evaluation: The consultant/contractor will evaluate project activities on an on-going basis, working with local partners and stakeholders to prioritize current and future project activities. Use current technology and tools, such as GIS and ACPF to identify resource needs and identify innovative solutions. Utilize monitoring and measurements techniques to evaluate progress toward meeting IPC goals and the implementation of the watershed management plan. Assist the WMA in identifying prioritized and other flood reduction and water quality improvement projects and water quality funding sources and assist in applying for funds through those programs. Project Reporting and Administration: The consultant/contractor will provide administrative support and management the IPC grant and all related responsibilities associated with the grant. This includes completing and submitting all required financial progress reporting documents in accordance with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) contract requirements. The consultant/contractor will also work with the WMA directors to complete annual plans of operations and budgets for the watershed plan. Overall Project Coordination: The consultant/contractor will have multiple activities on-going throughout the five-year program. The consultant/contractor will collaborate with appropriate agencies, groups, farmers, and individuals that can affect the success of the watershed management plan. The consultant/contractor will plan and lead group meetings as well as one-on-one meetings with project sponsors, farmers, WMA members, local contractors, and various stakeholders. Page 4 of 7

5 CONSULTANT/CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS The consultant/contractor must have knowledge of ecosystem and watershed concepts, watershed planning, water resource issues, flood mitigation programs and strategies, and watershed improvement practices. Some experience with habitat restoration or agricultural conservation practices, volunteer management, community engagement, environmental education, and/or outreach is also required and knowledge of basic state and federal agricultural conservation programs is preferred. EXPECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND DELIVERABLES The following list of deliverables is included in the statement of work from the NRCS and must be completed during the five-year period: 1. Location and detail maps of each demonstration site. 2. Documentation in semi-annual project reports of participation in NRCS local and sub-area conservation planning training sessions. 3. Copy of confirmation by the NRCS Area 3 Area Resource Conservationist of attainment of NRCS Apprentice Conservation Planning. 4. Copy of soil health and conservation data used for modeling purposes provided to the District Conservationist and noted in semi-annual project reports. 5. Documentation of 425 farm and/or urban assessments in a report from the project database provided to the District Conservationist and the NRCS Liaison to this agreement, and summaries of progress on this deliverable noted in semi-annual progress reports. Report entries will include client name, location, resource concerns identified and client status. 6. Forty (40) conservation plans completed in conformance with NRCS policy and technical requirements to the stage where the CPA-52 may be reviewed and signed by the District Conservationist. Summary reports of progress included in semi-annual project reports. 7. Agendas, attendance lists and evaluation summaries for five (5) watershed conferences provided to the NRCS Liaison. 8. Copies of presentations delivered at two non-local conferences and copies of the conference agendas provided to the NRCS Liaison. 9. Agendas, attendance lists and evaluation summaries for five demonstration days provided to the NRCS Liaison. 10. Electronic copy of the publicly-accessible on-line project database, instructions and documentation provided to the NRCS Liaison. 11. Photographs and location maps of three (3) cover crop billboards provided to the NRCS Liaison. 12. Photographs and location maps of twelve (12) Edge-of-Field Practice signs provided to the NRCS Liaison. Page 5 of 7

6 13. Agendas, attendance lists and evaluation summaries for nine educational workshops provided to the NRCS Liaison. 14. Copy of the Outreach Plan for demonstration sites provided to the NRCS Liaison. 15. Written report on the use of ACPF and an additional modeling software for modeling and project plan development provided to the NRCS Liaison. 16. Copy of the educational outreach plan and progress notes provided to the NRCS Liaison. DATA TO BE FURNISHED BY PROSPECTIVE CONSULTANT/CONTRACTOR 1. An approved Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Statement or approved Affirmative Action Program. 2. A statement of corporate experience in providing agriculture outreach activities and implementation of a Watershed management plan, including addresses and phone numbers of former and current clients. 3. A resume of the consultant/contractor and any staff members of the consultant/contractor who will be providing the services outlined in this proposal. 4. A statement on the method of payment desired. 5. Two copies of the proposal. 6. Work product samples. 7. A copy of the standard agreement or contract to be used for this type of service. COMPENSATION The lowest monetary proposal will not be the primary consideration in the selection of the consultant/contractor. The City of Dubuque is not liable for any costs incurred by any firm prior to the execution of an agreement of contract. Nor shall the City of Dubuque be liable for any costs incurred by the consultant/contractor that are not specified in the agreement or contract. The yearly compensation is not to exceed $36, Mileage reimbursement is not set in this cost and is set at a maximum of $5,000 per year. PROPOSED EVALUATION CRITERION The evaluation criteria to be used in selecting the consultant/contractor will include, but will not be limited to, the following: Corporate experience and qualifications of the consultant/contractor. Page 6 of 7

7 Budget proposal. The City of Dubuque reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to negotiate changes with any proposers. This is a request for proposals only and not an offer. Award of a contract is subject to the approval of the City of Dubuque City Manager on terms and conditions acceptable to the City Manager in the City Manager s sole discretion. SUBMITTAL DEADLINE September 21, 2018, 4:00pm INQUIRIES RE: Watershed Coordinator City Hall - c/o Dean Mattoon, Engineering Technician Dmattoon@cityofdubuque.org 50 West 13 th Street Dubuque, IA Page 7 of 7