2024-21PC Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Maintenance and Monitoring RFP Document.pdf

Request for

Proposal (RFP) for

Portage County

Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank Maintenance plus Monitoring Services

Proposal #2024-21PC

Issued by:

Portage County Purchasing Department

Proposals must be submitted No later than 2:00 PM 08/01/2024 to:

Portage County Purchasing

1462 Strongs Ave Stevens Point WI 54481

LATE PROPOSALS WILL BE REJECTED

There will not be a public opening for this Proposal

For further information regarding this RFP contact Chris Schultz

At (715) 346-1393 Email: schultzc@co.portage.wi.gov

Issued: 7/11/2024

Table of Contents

1. General Information

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Definitions

1.3. Scope

1.4. Project Phases

1.5. Clarifications and/or Revisions to this RFP

1.6. Calendar of Events

2. Preparing and Submitting a Proposal

2.1. General Instructions

2.2. Incurring Costs

2.3. Submitting Proposals

2.4. Proposal Organization and Format

2.5. Multiple Proposals

2.6. Withdrawal of Proposals

3. Proposal Selection and Award Process

3.1. Evaluation Committee

3.2. Preliminary Evaluation

3.3. Right to reject proposals

3.4. Proposal Scoring

3.5. Evaluation Criteria

3.6. Interviews/Presentations and/or Site Visits

3.7. Final Evaluation

3.8. Award and Final Offers

3.9. Notification of Intent to Award

3.10. Appeals Process

3.11. Negotiate Contract Terms

4. Requirements

4.1. Mandatory Requirements

4.2. Contract Requirements

5. Proposer Information and Solutions

5.1. Organization Capabilities and Key Staff Qualifications (300 points)

5.2. Relevant Project Experience (300 points)

5.3. Project Knowledge and Proposer Solutions (300 points)

Table of Contents

5.4. Proposer References

6. Cost Proposal

6.1. General Instructions for the Cost Proposal and how it will be Scored

6.2. Format for Submitting Cost Proposal

6.3. Fixed Price Period

Attachment A- Signature and Authority Affidavit Form Attachment B- References Attachment C- Designation of Confidential & Proprietary Information Form Attachment D- Mandatory Requirements Attachment E- Cost Proposal Attachment F- Little Plover River Stream and Wetland Restoration Plan Attachment G- Compensation Site Plan

Portage County Wisconsin RFP #2024-21PC

1. General Information

1.1. Introduction

The Portage County Highway Department (County) is developing a wetland and stream mitigation bank site within the headwaters of the Little Plover River. The project has received all of the necessary agency approvals and is scheduled to be constructed in 2024. The project has been designed by Stantec and will be constructed by the Portage County Highway Department with construction oversight also completed by Stantec. The Portage County Highway Department (County) is interested in obtaining professional services to perform the maintenance and monitoring of the stream and wetland mitigation bank project to meet the requirements of the Compensation Site Plan and Mitigation Bank Instrument.

The County of Portage as represented by the Purchasing Department intends to use the results of this Request for Proposal (RFP) to award a contract or contracts for the services listed in the proposal. Retain a copy of these proposal documents for your files. Should you receive an award, these documents become your contract terms and conditions with an agreed upon scope of services related to each specific project.

The contract(s) resulting from this RFP will be administered by the Portage County Highway Department.

This proposal includes multiple work efforts. Proposers may submit for one or multiple areas depending on their expertise.

1.2. Definitions

The following definitions are used throughout the RFP:

Consultant means proposer awarded the contract.

County means the County of Portage Wisconsin.

Proposer/Vendor/Bidder means a company or individual submitting a proposal in response to this RFP.

Purchasing means the County of Portage Purchasing Department.

RFP means Request for Proposal.

State means the State of Wisconsin.

VendorNet means the State of Wisconsin’s electronic purchasing information system.

1.3. Scope

The Portage County Highway Department is seeking professional services for the following projects:

1.3.1. Project 1 - Native Vegetation Installation and Management Services

1.3.1.1. Project Description: This project will include vegetation management events for 6 years (Year 0 to Year 5) to control persistent invasive plant species. Adaptive management strategies will be used based on information gathered during the vegetation monitoring and maintenance events. Vegetation management will consist of a combination of native seeding, management mowing (ground conditions pending), selective herbicide applications and prescribed burning. Anticipated management tasks include:

1.3.1.1.1. 2024 (Year 0 – Construction Phase)

1.3.1.1.1.1. Install native seed and cover crop following construction.

Proposed seed mixes include hardwood swamp (4.95 acres), mesic prairie (30.40 acres), upland forest (5.89 acres), and wet meadow (27.94 acres). Portage County will supply the necessary seed.

1.3.1.1.2. 2025 (Year 1):

1.3.1.1.2.1. Apply for an Aquatic Plant Control Permit through the

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources if applicable.

Herbicide treatments will be conducted in compliance with the permit.

1.3.1.1.2.2. Conduct two herbicide treatments (up to 70 acres each) with backpack sprayers and a UTV-mounted spray tank. Treatment timing will be based on the phenology of the target species, which are anticipated to be reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), cattail (Typha spp.), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and other problematic, non-native invasive plant species.

1.3.1.1.2.3. Conduct one yearly herbicide treatment event in approximately April-May to target re-sprouts of invasive shrubs across the wooded portion of the Site. We anticipate re-sprout treatments to occur within 11 acres of the Site, which were cleared during Year 0. A reduced level of effort is expected after Year 1.

1.3.1.1.2.4. Advise County on timing of mowing events. Mowing to be completed by the County to reduce weed competition, invasive seed production, and to increase sunlight levels to facilitate native species establishment.

1.3.1.1.2.5. Prepare an annual report upon completion of the field activities described above.

1.3.1.1.3. 2026 (Year 2)

1.3.1.1.3.1. Apply for an Aquatic Plant Control Permit through the

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources if applicable.

Herbicide treatments will be conducted in compliance with the permit.

1.3.1.1.3.2. Conduct two herbicide treatments (up to 70 acres each) with backpack sprayers and a UTV-mounted spray tank. Treatment timing will be based on the phenology of the target species.

1.3.1.1.3.3. Conduct one yearly herbicide treatment event in approximately April-May to target re-sprouts of invasive shrubs across the wooded portion of the Site. We anticipate re-sprout treatments to occur within 11 acres of the Site. Treatment timing will be based on the phenology of the target species.

1.3.1.1.3.4. Advise County on timing of mowing events. Mowing to be completed by the County to reduce weed competition, invasive seed production, and to increase sunlight levels to facilitate native species establishment.

1.3.1.1.3.5. Prepare an annual report upon completion of the field activities described above.

1.3.1.1.4. 2026 (Year 3)

1.3.1.1.4.1. Apply for an Aquatic Plant Control Permit through the

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources if applicable.

Herbicide treatments will be conducted in compliance with the permit.

1.3.1.1.4.2. Conduct three herbicide treatments (up to 70 acres each) with backpack sprayers and a UTV-mounted spray tank. Treatment timing will be based on the phenology of the target species.

1.3.1.1.4.3. Advise County on timing of mowing events. Mowing to be completed by the County to reduce weed competition, invasive seed production, and to increase sunlight levels to facilitate native species establishment.

1.3.1.1.4.4. Conduct a prescribed burn (up to 50 acres). Prepare a burn plan and coordinate with project stakeholders. Burning may be conducted using a combination of backburning, flanking, strip firing, and head firing in order to allow fire to travel across the unit in a mosaic pattern according to natural variances in fuel, topography, and hydrology patterns.

1.3.1.1.4.5. Prepare a prescribed burn plan, install necessary fire breaks and implement a prescribed burn agreed upon by the Client and Consultant. At a minimum the burn plan will include unit descriptions and burn objectives, a preferred prescription and acceptable weather conditions to meet burn objectives, crew and equipment requirements, measures to account for public and crew safety, and contingency plans. Fire breaks will be installed at strategic locations within the Site through mowing and mechanical fuel removal to a width adequate to facilitate a safe prescribed burn. The burn will be carried out in

1.3.1.1.4.6. accordance with the burn plan as well as any local or State regulations and permits. The preferred burn window will be spring or fall 2026. If weather and/or Site conditions are not favorable to complete the burn in that target window, Consultant may attempt to complete that burn unit during the subsequent spring or fall.

1.3.1.1.4.7. Prepare an annual report upon completion of the field activities described above.

1.3.1.1.5. 2028 (Year 5)

1.3.1.1.5.1. Apply for an Aquatic Plant Control Permit through the

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources if applicable.

Herbicide treatments will be conducted in compliance with the permit.

1.3.1.1.5.2. Conduct three herbicide treatments (up to 70 acres each) with backpack sprayers and a UTV-mounted spray tank. Treatment timing will be based on the phenology of the target species.

1.3.1.1.5.3. Advise County on timing of mowing events. Mowing to be completed by the County to reduce weed competition, invasive seed production, and to increase sunlight levels to facilitate native species establishment.

1.3.1.1.5.4. Prepare an annual report upon completion of the field activities described above.

1.3.2. Project 2 – Wetland Mitigation Bank Site Monitoring

1.3.2.1. Project Description: This project will include monitoring tasks at the Little Plover River

Wetland Mitigation Bank Site, as described in the Compensation Site Plan (CSP), and detailed below, over the five year expected duration of the monitoring period. Anticipated wetland monitoring tasks include:

1.3.2.1.1. Hydrology Monitoring – Conduct Hydrology monitoring consisting of the following tasks:

1.3.2.1.1.1. Install 10 shallow groundwater PVC observation wells (less than

3 feet deep) to monitor wetland hydrology across the site (one time; Year 1).

1.3.2.1.1.2. Install a total of 11 HOBO data loggers (including one atmospheric pressure data logger) within the 10 observation wells near the start of the growing season. Locate well locations with GPS. Data loggers will record water levels at 2-hour intervals. Data will be downloaded, and manual water level measurements will be taken, a minimum of two times during the growing season. The data loggers will be removed near the end of the growing season (annually, Years 1—3). Alternate monitoring and data logging methods may be utilized to capture the necessary data.

1.3.2.1.1.3. Compile annual precipitation data obtained from a nearby weather station. An antecedent precipitation analysis will be conducted, and summary tables will be created to compare the current year’s data to long-term trends for the region (annually, Years 1—3).

1.3.2.1.1.4. Analyze groundwater level data and surface water level data at the end of the growing season. A map depicting the well locations, hydrographs depicting daily depth to groundwater averages throughout the growing season, a summary of methods, and a discussion of groundwater trends relative to precipitation will be included in the annual monitoring report (annually, Years 1—3).

1.3.2.1.1.5. Following achievement of hydrology performance standards, Consultant will remove wells and cap with bentonite (Year 4).

1.3.2.1.2. Vegetation Monitoring - Conduct vegetation monitoring of the Site during the months of June through September following qualitative and quantitative methodologies outlined in the CSP, to include: a meander survey to evaluate developing plant communities; recording lists of all plant species observed in each community, with percent cover; survey a minimum of two vegetation sample plots within each community/compensation type (following achievement of Interim 1 vegetation performance standards); map areas of invasive species for treatment, and make adaptive management recommendations; and record photos from representative vantage points across the Site (two days for two staff; annually, Years 1—5).

1.3.2.1.3. Reporting - Prepare an annual report upon completion of the field activities described above. The report will contain the following components:

1.3.2.1.3.1. Field assessment methods.

1.3.2.1.3.2. Groundwater monitoring and precipitation analysis and results

(Years 1—3).

1.3.2.1.3.3. Vegetation monitoring results including maps depicting the extent and locations of plant communities, invasive species populations, and floristic quality data.

1.3.2.1.3.4. Summary of annual vegetation management activities.

1.3.2.1.3.5. Evaluation of applicable performance standards based on annual monitoring results.

1.3.2.1.3.6. Incidental wildlife observations.

1.3.2.1.3.7. Map figures and photograph log.

1.3.2.1.4. Project Management and Agency Coordination - Coordinate with the Interagency Review Team(IRT), facilitate wetland credit releases, attend teleconferences, maintain communication via email, and participate in an annual onsite agency meeting to inspect the site.

1.3.3. Project 3 – Wetland Delineation

1.3.3.1. Project Description: As required during the final monitoring year, Consultant will complete a wetland determination and delineation using the Basic Guide to Wisconsin’s Wetlands and their Boundaries (Wisconsin Department of Administration Coastal Management Program 1995), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual, applicable Regional Supplements to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual, and subsequent guidance documents (USACE 1991, 1992, 1996, & 2015). In our experience, these manuals/documents provide similar guidance on wetland boundary determinations on undisturbed sites and meet the requirements of both the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and USACE.

1.3.3.1.1. The wetland boundary will be located with a survey equipment capable of sub-meter accuracy. A map illustrating the location of the wetland boundary on a recent aerial photograph will be produced and provided in PDF format.

1.3.3.1.2. The wetland delineation methods and results will be documented in a standard wetland delineation report. The report will contain written descriptions of the site and wetlands, surface water features, delineation methods, appropriate figures, completed survey of the wetland boundary, and USACE wetland delineation data sheets.

1.3.4. Project 4 – Stream Monitoring

1.3.4.1. Project Description: The Project proposes to re-meander and naturalize the channelized

Little Plover River to reconnect the stream channel with its historic floodplain and restore a natural hydrologic regime. The stream resolution proposes 1,522 functional feet of stream credit will be generated from realigning the existing 2,408 linear feet (LF) of ditch with a 3,096 LF materialized stream to improve multiple aquatic functions. The Consultant will conduct services necessary to complete annual performance monitoring of the Little Plover River mitigation site for five years. This project will use performance standards as outlined in the CSP to evaluate the project post-construction for crediting and functional capacity. Performance standards shall be based on measurable characteristics using approved methodology and leading scientific practices as outlined in the Minnesota Stream Quantification Tool version 2.0 (MN SQT). Anticipated stream monitoring tasks are divided in five major task with monitoring parameters described in the Compensation Site Plan. Parameters are presented in table 1.

1.3.4.1.1. The first, third, and fifth years of monitoring post-construction will include taking photos at established photo stations, conducting a pedestrian survey, reviewing monthly rainfall data, collecting longitudinal profiles and cross-section measurements, deploying and retrieving a temperature logger, and collecting and analyzing biological samples. Years two and four will not include geomorphic surveys (longitudinal profiles and cross sections) or biological sampling.

1.3.4.1.2. Following data collection each year, SQT workbooks will be created to analyze the data. Annual monitoring reports will be prepared to summarize the results.

1.4. Project Phases

Consultants may be awarded one or multiple projects depending on their qualification and schedules. The general project phasing and schedules are detailed in the prior section.

1.5. Clarifications and/or Revisions to this RFP

Portage County Purchasing is the sole point of contact for the County during the selection process. Contact with anyone else involved with this process without the prior authorization of Purchasing may result in the disqualification of your proposal. Proposers are expected to raise any questions, noted errors, discrepancies, ambiguities, exceptions, additions or deficiencies they have concerning this proposal in writing through email by end of day on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 to: Chris Schultz, Procurement Director, Email:

schultzc@co.portage.wi.gov

If a proposer discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in this proposal after the above date, they shall immediately notify the above named individual of such error and request modification or clarification of the proposal document before the proposal opening date.

If the proposer fails to notify the County prior to the proposal due date of any condition stated above that reasonably should have been known to the proposer, and if a contract is awarded to that proposer, the proposer shall not be entitled to additional compensation or time by reason of the error or its correction.

Revisions to this request for proposal or answers to questions will be made only by an official written addendum issued by Purchasing. Addenda will be posted on VendorNet and on the Portage County Website. Proposers are responsible for checking these websites for any addenda before submitting a proposal. Failure to acknowledge addenda may disqualify your proposal.

https://vendornet.wi.gov http://www.co.portage.wi.gov

1.6. Calendar of Events

Listed below are specific and estimated dates and times of actions related to this Request for Proposal. The actions with specific dates must be completed as indicated unless otherwise changed by the County. In the event that the County finds it necessary to change any of the specific dates and times, it will do so by issuing addenda to this RFP. There may or may not be a formal notification issued for changes of the estimated dates and times.

DATE EVENT

7/11/2024 RFP Issuance date 7/23/2024 Last day for submitting written questions 7/25/2024 Addenda posted to https://vendornet.wi.gov/ and http://www.co.portage.wi.gov 8/1/2024 Proposals due at or before 2:00 p.m.

Week of 8/19/24 Notification of intent to award sent to proposers (estimated) 9/17/2024 Contract award (estimated) 10/1/2024 Contract start date (estimated) mailto:schultzc@co.portage.wi.gov http://www.co.portage.wi.gov/ https://vendornet.wi.gov/ http://www.co.portage.wi.gov/

2. Preparing and Submitting a Proposal

2.1. General Instructions

The evaluation and selection of a contractor will be based on the information submitted in the proposal plus references and any required on-site visits, interviews/presentations or demonstrations. Proposers should respond clearly and completely to all requirements. Failure to respond to each of the requirements in the RFP may be the basis for rejecting a proposal.

Elaborate proposals (e.g. expensive artwork), beyond that sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal, are not necessary or desired. The County encourages all proposers to print their submission double-sided to save paper.

2.2. Incurring Costs

The County is not liable for any cost incurred by proposers in replying to this RFP.

2.3. Submitting Proposals

Proposers must submit, in a sealed package, One Original (identify) PLUS 3 identical copies of all materials required for acceptance of their proposal on or before 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024 to:

Portage County Purchasing 1462 Strongs Ave Stevens Point, WI 54481

In addition, include one electronic copy on a USB Flash Drive. All proposals must be received by the Purchasing Department by the stated time. Late proposals will not be accepted. Receipt of the proposal by the U.S. mail system does not constitute receipt of the proposal by Purchasing.

The County does not accept facsimile machine or email submitted proposals. All proposals must be packaged, sealed, and show the following information on the outside of the package:

Proposer's Name and Address Request for Proposal Title Request for Proposal Number Proposal Due Date

COST PROPOSAL: Submit Original plus one (1) copy Attachment F. Seal in an envelope and submit within the proposal package. The outside of the envelope should clearly state “Cost Proposal” and the name of the proposer. Please include electronic copies of any Cost Proposal Material on the flash drive you submit for the proposal.

2.4. Proposal Organization and Format

Proposal should be typed and submitted on 8.5 by 11-inch paper and bound securely with page numbers clearly indicated. Proposers responding to this RFP must comply with the following format requirements:

Tab 1 - COVER LETTER, RFP SIGNATURE PAGES: Include here any cover letter, Attachment A - RFP Signature and Authority Affidavit Form, any addenda signature pages, and Attachment C - Designation of Confidential

& Proprietary Information Form.

The Signature and Authority Affidavit submitted in response to this RFP must be signed by the person in the Proposer's organization who is responsible for the decision as to the prices being offered or by a person who has been authorized in writing to act as agent for the person responsible for the decision on prices and services. Failure to provide these forms/information with your bid submittal may disqualify your proposal.

Tab 2 - RESPONSE TO PROPOSER INFORMATION AND SOLUTIONS: Responses to the requirements in the proposer information and solutions must be in the same sequence and numbered as they appear in this RFP.

Include here completed Attachment B--References.

Tab 3 – MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: Include Attachment D Mandatory Requirements.

Separate Envelope - COST PROPOSAL—ATTACHMENT E: Provide cost information as detailed in Section 6 in this RFP. All costs, as requested, for furnishing the product(s) and/or service(s) must be included in this proposal. The cost proposal must NOT be listed in any other part of the proposal response. Please include electronic copies of any Cost Proposal Material on the flash drive you submit for the proposal.

2.5. Multiple Proposals

Multiple proposals from a proposer will be permissible; however, each proposal must conform fully to the requirements for proposal submission. Each such proposal must be separately submitted and labeled as Proposal #1, Proposal #2, etc. on each page included in the response

2.6. Withdrawal of Proposals

Proposals shall be irrevocable until contract award unless the proposal is withdrawn. Proposers may withdraw a proposal, in writing, at any time up to the proposal due date and time or upon expiration of 180 days after the due date and time. The written withdrawal notice must be received by Purchasing. The notice must be signed by an authorized representative of the proposer. If a previously submitted proposal is withdrawn before the proposal due date and time, the proposer may submit another proposal at any time up to the proposal due date and time.

3. Proposal Selection and Award Process

3.1. Evaluation Committee

The County’s evaluation committee will consist of members who have been selected because of their special expertise and knowledge of the service(s) and/or product(s) that are the subject of this RFP. Proposers may not contact members of the evaluation committee except at the request of the Purchasing Department.

3.2. Preliminary Evaluation

The proposals will be initially reviewed to determine if mandatory requirements are met. Failure to meet mandatory requirements shall result in the proposal being rejected. In the event that all proposers do not meet one or more of the mandatory requirements, the County reserves the right to continue the evaluation of the proposals that most closely meet the mandatory requirements of this RFP.

3.3. Right to reject proposals

The County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

3.4. Proposal Scoring

Accepted proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee and scored against the stated criteria. The committee may review references, request interviews/presentations, conduct demonstrations and/or conduct on-site visits. The resulting information will be used to score the proposals. The evaluation committee's scoring will be tabulated, and proposals ranked based on the numerical scores received.

3.5. Evaluation Criteria

The proposals will be scored using the following criteria for each specific project. Proposers shall submit one RFP and clearly detail which projects they are proposing.

Description Points Points Points Points Organization Capabilities and Key Staff Qualifications

300 300 300 300

Relevant Project Experience Project 1-Native Veg Install & Management

Project 2-Wetland Mitigation Bank Site Monitor

Project 3-Wetland Delineation

Project 4-Stream Monitoring

Project Knowledge and Proposer Solutions 300 300 300 300 Cost Proposal 100 100 100 100 TOTAL per area 1000 1000 1000 1000

3.6. Interviews/Presentations and/or Site Visits

The County does not anticipate a need for interviews or presentations for this RFP.

3.7. Final Evaluation

Upon final review of the proposals, the County's evaluation team will review their evaluations and make adjustments to the scores based on their review and possible reference checks, and any other pertinent proposer information.

3.8. Award and Final Offers

Awards will be granted in one of two ways. The award may be granted to the highest scoring responsive and responsible proposer. Alternatively, the highest proposer or proposers may be requested to submit final offers. If final offers are requested, they will be evaluated against the stated criteria, scored and ranked.

Award will then be granted to the highest scoring proposer. If Qualification Based Selection is used, cost will not be a component of requested final offers. However, a proposer should not expect that the County will request a best and final offer.

3.9. Notification of Intent to Award

All proposers who respond to this RFP will be notified in writing of the County's intent to award the contract(s) as a result of this RFP.

3.10. Appeals Process

Notices of intent to protest and protests must be made in writing. Protestors should make their protests as specific as possible and should identify Wisconsin Statutes or Portage County Ordinance provisions that are alleged to have been violated.

The written notice of intent to protest the intent to award a contract must be filed with Chris Schultz, Procurement Director, Portage County Wisconsin, 1462 Strongs Ave, Stevens Point, WI 54481, and received in his office no later than five (5) working days after the notice of intent to award is issued.

The written protest must be received in his office no later than ten (10) working days after the notice of intent to award is issued.

The decision of the Procurement Director may be appealed to the Corporation Counsel Office within (5) working days of issuance. The appeal must allege a violation of a Wisconsin Statute or a Portage County Ordinance provision.

3.11. Negotiate Contract Terms

The County reserves the right to negotiate the terms of the contract, including the award amount, with the selected proposer prior to entering into a contract. If contract negotiations cannot be concluded successfully with the highest scoring proposer, the County may negotiate a contract with the next highest scoring proposer.

4. Requirements

4.1. Mandatory Requirements

Submit response using Attachment D Mandatory Requirements under Tab 3 of proposal - see section 2.4 for proposal submittal format.

The following requirement(s) are mandatory, and the proposer must satisfy them as a pass/fail pre-screening requirement. Any proposal submitted not in compliance with mandatory requirements will be rejected and not evaluated or scored.

4.1.1. Proposer must be qualified and has completed at least 3 similar projects within the past 5 years.

4.1.2. Awarded consultant must provide Purchasing a Certificate of Insurance and maintain the minimum limits specified for the term of the contract. All policies must be issued with a 30-day cancellation notice, by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Wisconsin, with a minimum AM Best rating of A1, and signed by an authorized agent.

Maintain worker's compensation insurance as required by Wisconsin Statutes, for all employees engaged in the work.

Maintain commercial liability, bodily injury and property damage insurance against any claim(s) which might occur in carrying out this agreement/contract. Minimum coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000) liability for bodily injury and property damage including products liability and completed operations. Provide motor vehicle insurance for all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles that are used in carrying out this contract. Minimum coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence combined single limit for automobile liability and property damage.

4.2. Contract Requirements

4.2.1. The awarded consultant will need to complete all tasks associated with delivering the project including administration, survey, agency and utility coordination, municipal coordination, public involvement, environmental document, r/w plat, design reports, preliminary and final plans, and final specifications, all in conformance with County and WisDOT guidelines and applicable Wisconsin State Statutes.

4.2.2. Subcontractors

All subcontracting shall be listed in the proposal and must be pre-approved upon award by the County before any work begins. Subcontractors must abide by all terms, conditions, and specifications of the contract. The consultant shall be responsible for all subcontractor(s) work and payment.

5. Proposer Information and Solutions Submit response under Tab 2 of proposal - see section 2.4 for proposal submittal format.

5.1. Organization Capabilities and Key Staff Qualifications (300 points) For all proposals, describe the organization/company's experience and capabilities providing similar services to those required. List the key staff proposed for these projects, their educational and work experience, their proposed role, and what deliverables that the key staff was responsible in each project identified.

5.2. Relevant Project Experience (300 points)

Be specific and detail two similar projects/contracts within the past 3 years. Provide a description of work, dates, locations, challenges and results of the projects in each area.

A. Project 1 – Native Vegetation Installation and Management B. Project 2 – Wetland Mitigation Bank Site Monitoring C. Project 3 – Wetland Delineation D. Project 4 – Stream Monitoring

Successful proposals will include key staff listed in section 1 working on similar projects.

Note that Attachment D includes a list of projects that the proposer may be interested in. Proposers may be interested in one or all of the project areas. An example is if the proposer is only interested or available for project 3. They would only submit relevant project experience for Wetland Delineation. Each sub-section of relevant project experience will be rated scored separately.

5.3. Project Knowledge and Proposer Solutions (300 points)

Describe your approach and understanding of the project work for this specific project. Include detail on your understanding of the potential agency and environmental challenges of this project and how your organization would provide solutions to these challenges. Identify any design alternatives, including cost-saving measures that the County should consider. Strong consideration is given to proposals that will incorporate other stake holders such as University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and WDNR to assist in any efforts.

5.4. Proposer References

Submit response using Attachment B References under Tab 2 of proposal – see section 2.4 for proposal submittal format.

Proposer must supply references of at least three firms to which similar products/service have been provided within the past five years to a comparable sized institution or company. If contacted, all of those references must verify that a high level of satisfaction was provided.

6. Cost Proposal

6.1. General Instructions for the Cost Proposal and how it will be Scored All prices must be quoted in U.S. Dollars. The Cost Proposal shall include separate detail on the number of hours for each key staff member/position that you estimate will be needed to fulfill the contract requirements along with specific billing rates.

Purchasing will score the cost proposals by prorating with the lowest cost proposal given the highest score.

The formula is as follows: Calculation of points awarded to subsequent proposals will use the lowest dollar proposal amount as a constant numerator and the dollar amount of the firm being scored as the denominator. This number is then multiplied by the number of points given to the cost section of the RFP, resulting in the cost proposal score.

Lowest Cost Proposed Constant X Maximum Points Assigned to Cost = Score

Other Proposed Cost

6.2. Format for Submitting Cost Proposal.

Use Attachment F Cost Proposal. Submit one marked original plus one copy. Seal in an envelope and submit within the proposal package. The outside of the envelope should clearly state “Cost Proposal” and the name of proposer.

6.3. Fixed Price Period

The awarded contractor must hold the accepted prices and/or costs for the entire contract period. Any adjustment to prices and/or costs at the beginning of a contract renewal period will be negotiated between the County and the Contractor.

ATTACHMENT A

SIGNATURE AND AUTHORITY AFFIDAVIT FORM

PROPOSING COMPANY NAME: __________________________________________________________

FEIN (Federal Employer ID Number) OR Social Security # (if Sole Proprietorship)

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________ State ________ Zip + 4 _______________________

Number of years in Business _______

Name the person to contact for questions concerning this proposal.

Name ___________________________ Title _______________________________

Phone ( ) _______________________ Toll Free Phone ( ) __________________________

Fax ( ) _______________________ Email Address ____________________________

In signing this proposal, we also certify that we have not, either directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement or participated in any collusion or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competition; that no attempt has been made to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal; that this proposal has been independently arrived at without collusion with any other proposer, competitor or potential competitor; that this proposal has not been knowingly disclosed prior to the opening to any other proposer or competitor; that the above statement is accurate under penalty of perjury.

The undersigned, having familiarized themselves with the conditions affecting the cost of the work, having read completely the requirements, hereby proposes to perform everything required and to provide and furnish labor, materials, equipment, tools and all other services and supplies necessary to produce in a complete and workmanlike manner all of the materials or products described in the project relating to this proposal.

I further certify that I have carefully examined the proposal documents and all terms herein, and site where the work is to be done and have no agreements to prevent the completion of said work.

Signature Title

Name (type or print) Date

This firm herby acknowledges receipt / review of the following addendum(s) (If any)

Addendum #_____ Addendum #_____Addendum #_____Addendum #_____

ATTACHMENT B

REFERENCES

Proposer: _______________________________________________________________________

Provide company name, address, contact person, telephone number, and appropriate information on the product(s) and/or service(s) provided to customers similar to those requested in this solicitation document. Potential subcontractors cannot be references. Any subcontractor arrangement for the completion of this work shall be listed on a separate page.

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: _____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: _____________________________________________________

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: _____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: _____________________________________________________

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: _____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: _____________________________________________________

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: _____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: _____________________________________________________

ATTACHMENT C

DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The attached material submitted in response to Bid/Proposal # 2024-21PC includes proprietary and confidential information which qualifies as a trade secret, as provided in s. 19.36(5), Wis. Stats., or is otherwise material that can be kept confidential under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. As such, we ask that certain pages, as indicated below, of this bid/proposal response be treated as confidential material and not be released without our written approval.

Prices always become public information when bids/proposals are opened, and therefore cannot be kept confidential.

Other information cannot be kept confidential unless it is a trade secret. Trade secret is defined in s. 134.90(1)(c), Wis. Stats. as follows: "Trade secret" means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process to which all of the following apply:

1. The information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.

2. The information is the subject of efforts to maintain its secrecy that are reasonable under the circumstances.

We request that the following pages not be released:

Section Page # Topic

IN THE EVENT THE DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF THIS INFORMATION IS CHALLENGED, THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY AGREES TO PROVIDE LEGAL COUNSEL OR OTHER NECESSARY ASSISTANCE TO DEFEND THE DESIGNATION OF CONFIDENTIALITY AND AGREES TO HOLD THE STATE HARMLESS FOR ANY COSTS OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE COUNTY'S AGREEING TO WITHHOLD THE

MATERIALS.

Failure to include this form in the bid/proposal response may mean that all information provided as part of the bid/proposal response will be open to examination and copying. The County considers other markings of confidential in the bid/proposal document to be insufficient. The undersigned agrees to hold the County harmless for any damages arising out of the release of any materials unless they are specifically identified above.

Company Name ______________________________________________

Authorized Representative ______________________________________________ Signature

Authorized Representative ________________________________________________ Type or Print

Date ___________________________________________

ATTACHMENT D

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

4.1.1.Proposer must be qualified and has completed at least 3 similar projects within the past 5 years.

Yes______ No________

4.1.2 Awarded consultant must provide Purchasing a Certificate of Insurance and maintain the minimum limits specified for the term of the contract.

Yes______ No________

Proposer is interested in providing services for the following projects (Check all that apply)

Project 1 – Native Vegetation Installation and Management ______________

Project 2 – Wetland Mitigation Bank Site Monitoring ______________

Project 3 – Wetland Delineation ______________

Project 4 – Stream Monitoring ______________

Attachment E

COST PROPOSAL

Please only indicate a cost for Projects you intend to propose on and have indicated properly in Attachment D. You may submit this form as indicated in Section 2.4 Tab 3.

Portage County Cost Tab For Project within 2024-21PC Portage County Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank Maintenance and Monitoring Services

Project Project Description Cost of Project

1 Native Vegetation Installation and Management-Please include all cost associated with this project listed as Project 1 in Section 1.3.1 of this RFP $ -

2 Wetland Mitigation Bank Site Monitoring-Please include all cost associated with this project listed as Project 2 in Section 1.3.2 of this RFP $ -

3 Wetland Delineation-Please include all cost associated with this project listed as Project 3 in Section 1.3.3 of this RFP $ -

4 Stream Monitoring-Please include all cost associated with this project listed as Project 4 in Section 1.3.4 of this RFP $ -

*Each individual Project cost proposal shall include separate detail on the number of hours for each key staff member/position that you estimate will be needed to fulfill the contract requirements along with specific billing rates for each specific task.

**Submit original plus one copy (Submit in separate envelope within proposal package). Please include electronic copies of any Cost Proposal Material on the flash drive you submit for the proposal.

Attachment F Little Plover River Stream and Wetland Restoration Plan

Here is the FTP Link access for the Documents listed above for this Procurement

1. Click the link https://filetransfer.co.portage.wi.gov or copy/paste the link into your browser.

2. It works best with Chrome or Firefox web browser. We recommend not using Internet Explorer.

3. It will request a Username and password they are:

Username: PortagePurHwy (Case Sensitive) Password : Highway123 (Case Sensitive) https://filetransfer.co.portage.wi.gov/

Attachment G Compensation Site Plan

Here is the FTP Link access for the Documents listed above for this Procurement

1. Click the link https://filetransfer.co.portage.wi.gov or copy/paste the link into your browser.

2. It works best with Chrome or Firefox web browser. We recommend not using Internet Explorer.

3. It will request a Username and password they are:

Username: PortagePurHwy (Case Sensitive) Password : Highway123 (Case Sensitive) https://filetransfer.co.portage.wi.gov/