6-1. RFP Document Kohl Park Design .pdf

MILWAUKEE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN

OF A HABITAT RESTORATION PLAN FOR THE

KOHL PARK WILDLIFE ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT

Issued: September 16, 2025

Response Due Date: October 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM

RFP-2025-028

INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Request For Proposals Title: Professional Services for the Design of a Habitat Restoration Plan for the Kohl Park Wildlife Enhancements Project

Request For Proposals Number: RFP-2025-028

RFP Issuing Office: Department of Parks

RFP Issue Date: September 16, 2025

Pre-Proposal Meeting: September 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Pre-Proposal Meeting Location: Electronic;

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/446cfae0-d7d8-4755- 9650-4ec6ce858616@ab0c01f6-19e5-4e29-9dab-4d03f82b6495

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: October 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM

RFP Proposal Receipt Deadline: October 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM

RFP Upload Submission Location:

http://countymilwaukee.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/195455

RFP Administrator: Marina Litvinets

Department of Administrative Services Procurement Division 600 N. Plankinton Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53203

Phone: 414-223-8106 Email: Marina.Litvinets@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Except as otherwise set forth in this RFP, no one may contact any person at the County or working with the County regarding this RFP, except the RFP Administrator, without the RFP Administrator’s written consent. Any such unauthorized contact can be grounds for disqualification from consideration under this RFP.

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/446cfae0-d7d8-4755-9650-4ec6ce858616@ab0c01f6-19e5-4e29-9dab-4d03f82b6495 https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/446cfae0-d7d8-4755-9650-4ec6ce858616@ab0c01f6-19e5-4e29-9dab-4d03f82b6495 http://countymilwaukee.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/195455 mailto:Marina.Litvinets@milwaukeecountywi.gov

GENERAL INFORMATION 1.0

INTRODUCTION

Milwaukee County Parks requests proposals for professional consulting services to complete a Habitat Restoration Plan (HRP) for the Kohl Park Wildlife Enhancements Area of Concern (AOC) project.

SCOPE

I. INTRODUCTION

Milwaukee County’s Park (MCP) system has long been a source of pride for the communities of Milwaukee County in southeastern Wisconsin. With over 156 parks and parkways totaling over 15,000 acres, we offer a source of recreational enjoyment for citizens and visitors alike.

Our Park system began with the creation of the MCP Commission on August 20, 1907. Although parks had already been established within the limits of the City of Milwaukee by the City Park Commission, the visionary new County Park Commission had a much broader goal for the park system. Early Commissioners conceived of a park system that would form a “green belt” or series of scenic drives and parks encircling the County. Parks were located in outlying areas to allow for population expansion. Commissioners selected land not only for its natural beauty and interest, but also for its fitness for various forms of active and passive recreation.

II. PROJECT BACKGROUND

Overview:

The Milwaukee Estuary AOC is one of 43 sites around the Great Lakes designated for priority restoration under the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. These areas have experienced significant environmental degradation – to the point where people and wildlife are unable to fully use the resources in a safe or beneficial way. Habitat restoration for focal wildlife populations will contribute to the removal of identified impairments and help lead to the delisting of the site as an AOC. For more information on the Milwaukee Estuary AOC and other projects being managed by MCP and partners please visit:

Waterway Restoration Partnership (WRP)and WI DNR Milwaukee Estuary AOC websites.

Enhancing habitat for wildlife populations in the project area has been identified as a management action for the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife (F&W) Populations Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) by the Milwaukee Estuary AOC F&W Technical Advisory Committee (Tech Team). Kohl Park is comprised of a total of 266 acres of this 231.9 acres have the potential to be restored. The acres to be restored include

98.5 acres of natural areas and 133.4 acres of previously leased agricultural fields (to be converted to natural areas). In addition, there is approximately 50 acres of agricultural land leased to UW Extensions Community Garden Program that is excluded from this project.

Vegetative surveys conducted in 2021-2024 by MCP staff delineated the following cover types: agricultural row-crops, conifer plantation, hardwood swamp, mesic prairie (historically planted), shrub-carr, southern mesic forest (SMF), surrogate grassland, turf grass, and large areas of degraded habitat. With careful planning and proper placement, there are a number of ecological restoration actions that can be undertaken at Kohl Park such as: forest stand improvement, grassland and shrubland restoration and https://www.mkewaterwaypartners.org/ https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/GreatLakes/Milwaukee.html#:~:text=The%20Milwaukee%20Estuary%20was%20designated,the%20AOC%20and%20Lake%20Michigan.

https://www.epa.gov/great-lakes-aocs/beneficial-use-impairments-great-lakes-aocs management, intensive invasive species management, reforestation, prairie establishment, and wetland enhancements.

The project area has the potential to provide important prairie, forest, wetland and shrubland habitat for wildlife focal species, but it is currently highly degraded, threatened by a large presence of invasive plant species (e.g. Common Buckthorn, Honeysuckle), impacts from human disturbance (farming and land development) and heavy white-tailed deer browse, as well as canopy loss related to declining ash tree populations. There are twelve (12) potential ephemeral ponds that have restoration potential with 3 having been historically surveyed by MCP Natural Areas staff. Ten of the ephemeral ponds are east of 76th Street and two are located west of 76th Street. Several of the ephemeral ponds east of 76th Street are currently supporting breeding populations of semi-aquatic focal species and other ponds have the potential to be preserved and/or enhanced for additional focal species. Enhancements of the degraded forest sub-canopy and canopy, restoration of ephemeral ponds, conversion of agricultural fields to prairie, and removal of invasive species will provide valuable habitat for focal species. The successful completion of this project is crucial to meet our wildlife and fish metrics for BUI removal.

Previous Phases Planning Phase: From 2024-2025, MCP Natural Areas staff conducted detailed, baseline assessments for native, non-native, and invasive vegetation, current plant communities, degraded conditions, and forest canopy assessments. Once surveys were completed and mapped, MCP’s Natural Area Supervisor in conjunction with MCP AOC Staff, DNR, and the Tech Team, created an Ecological Restoration and Management Plan (ERMP) to showcase the current conditions of Kohl Park and suggestions for restoration actions that aim to enhance habitat for focal species. The Final ERMP is available in Attachment M: Kohl Park ERMP and includes the following deliverables:

• Baseline site assessments (e.g., inventory of native and non-native vegetative communities, resource mapping, planting/seed recommendations per community type, etc.),

• Completed focal species evaluation matrix (see details below) (Attachment M: Kohl Park ERMP),

• Suggested vegetation management actions and timelines,

• Suggested management recommendations for each habitat type with a focus on meeting requirements for focal species,

• Constraints limiting restoration actions or measures proposed to mitigate the constraints,

• Mapping/GIS data package for field work,

• Preliminary cost estimates for proposed improvement (Attachment M: Kohl Park ERMP).

Focal Species & Project Approach:

The Milwaukee Estuary AOC Tech Team has identified Focal Species Groups that have been documented at Kohl Park and/or are priority species for the AOC. Focal Species are the basis for measuring a project area’s overall improvement as it relates to the AOC; therefore, they are the targets expected to benefit from habitat restoration actions.

From 2014-2017 an assessment was completed that documented the occurrence and status of 11 focal species groups in the AOC. From the focal species groups, a project-specific list of focal species was developed, whose populations would benefit from the future work. Restoration actions for this project should focus on improving the habitat for these focal species. The identified focal species are those with habitat requirements that reflect restoration and enhancement goals for the project area.

As an AOC wildlife populations project, only actions that provide a direct benefit to project-specific focal species can be conducted. Therefore, the connection between a restoration action and the potential benefit must be verified and documented. Additional effort should be made to avoid or mitigate negative impacts to any focal species or focal species groups that are present within the project area. The following table provides a list of priority focal species groups for the Kohl Park project. The selected Consultant will be provided full lists of focal species groups (priority and non-priority) and project-specific focal species.

The current status of focal species and the BUI metrics for them are as followed:

• DO NO HARM: Two sites within Kohl Park are meeting the airspace/urban breeding bird metric and two sites are meeting the frog metric. These species cannot be harmed, reduced and/or impacted through restoration actions in order to continue to meet the metrics upon project completion.

• Improve/Add: One site within Kohl Park must support each of the following focal species groups populations in order to address the breeding bird metrics.

forest breeding birds, wetland breeding birds, shrubland/edge breeding bird, grassland breeding bird.

• Improve/Add: Two sites within Kohl Park must support snake species populations in order to address the snake metrics.

Priority Focal Species Groups for the Kohl Park Project:

Priority Focal Species Groups Breeding Birds (forest, wetland, shrubland, grassland)

Frogs Snakes

Evaluation Matrix and Narrative:

A version of the Focal Species Evaluation Matrix was completed as part of the ERMP development. This was based off the suggested management actions in the Final ERMP (Attachment M: Kohl Park ERMP) to ensure that each action would benefit focal species. The Matrix should be used as a starting point for the HRP development and updated throughout the design process as restoration actions are updated/refined.

To ensure that restoration actions proposed in the HRP provide a benefit to focal species, the Consultant must revise and update the Evaluation Matrix developed for the ERMP and provide a narrative explanation of the potential impacts the action may have on focal species. It is important that the project team (prime or sub-consultant) has wildlife expertise in the priority focal species groups listed in the table above (breeding birds, frogs, and snakes). Knowledge of the priority focal species groups for Kohl Park and knowledge of their needs is a critical component to completing the focal species matrix and for design.

The Consultant will evaluate/update/refine the management actions in the ERMP and convert those into an HRP. The Consultant will evaluate the impacts of the HRPs proposed restoration actions on focal species and other species as determined by MCP, to ensure the project is tailored to specifically improving habitat features and quality for these species. Section III. GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION details requirements of the Evaluation Matrix and Narrative for the Design (HRP) phase.

To facilitate the evaluation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in coordination with the Tech Team, created an Evaluation Matrix (Matrix) to be completed by the Consultant. The Consultant is expected to review and complete all fields of the Matrix. A Focal Species Evaluation package will be provided to the selected Consultant and will include a Matrix with the project-specific AOC focal species indicated, and GIS data for focal species documented within one mile of the project area. A template of the Matrix, including the “process” tab explaining how the Consultant will need to evaluate and update the Matrix accordingly, as it was filled out during the planning phase/ERMP development. A copy of the Matrix is included in Attachment B: Scope of Work (SOW).

III. GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Work will involve the creation of a HRP that is designed to contribute to the removal of the Degradation of F&W Populations BUI. The final ERMP (Attachment M: Kohl Park ERMP) will inform the development of the HRP. The final HRP will include restoration activities, native plant and seed lists, timelines, budget estimates, engineering design for stabilization of eroding areas/gullies, a design/restoration plan for ephemeral ponds and wetlands (if feasible, based off hydrology assessment), and best management practices, designed to enhance and expand necessary habitat for AOC wildlife focal species, as well as a Monitoring Plan and Long-Term Maintenance Plan. The HRP should clearly indicate how activities will benefit wildlife identified in the Kohl Park ERMP and in Focal Species Evaluation Matrix. The HRP will be implemented by a habitat restoration contractor selected through a competitive bid process.

A key component of the HRP is to complete a hydrology assessment and a wetland delineation. The Consultant will also undertake and complete formal wetland delineations, to be performed by an assured delineator, of the project area. Completion of baseline wetland delineation and hydrology assessment to determine:

• The mitigation alternatives of addressing runoff concerns and nutrient loading from the former agricultural fields to Trinity Creek.

• The potential to increase the depth and hydroperiods of the 4 ephemeral ponds identified within the east side of the park.

Project area hydrology requires analysis, including determination of the water source and potential hydroperiods, through the installation of shallow groundwater monitoring wells within wetland depressions. If supported by baseline hydrology data, design for wetland scrapes and drain tile mitigation will be incorporated into the HRP. The hydrology assessment and wetland delineations should be detailed in the HRP. Further details outlined below in Section IV. SCOPE OF CONSULTANT SERVICES as well as Attachment B: SOW.

The overall goals of the project are to refine recommendations and findings from assessments made in the ERMP development process into the HRP designed to contribute to the removal of the Degradation of F&W Populations BUI. In the development of the HRP, the selected Consultant is expected to use their expertise and critical thinking to successfully achieve the goals and recommendations that best suit the needs to the project.

Further details outlined below, in Section IV. SCOPE OF CONSULTANT SERVICES, and Attachment B: SOW.

Additional Metrics and Considerations

Adaptive Management: While success is achievable and goals can be met, external forces (weather patterns, storm events, seasonal restrictions of work implementation, other natural impacts such as virus/disease, etc.) can impact project areas. Planning for restoration requires adaptability and a broader spectrum of qualitative measures. With this, the goal of creating and enhancing habitat communities for focal species through the removal of invasive species, active enhancements to wildlife populations, and long-term maintenance remain a primary goal of the HRP.

Public Awareness and Learning Opportunities: MCP and Partners of the AOC understand the crucial need for public awareness efforts within the fields of conservation, restoration, and ecology. By employing different methods of public input, we can work to inform and excite the community, provide environmental learning opportunities, and gather important feedback throughout the design phase of the project. Through these efforts we will work to boost community participation/input, create a safe space to learn about the projects and build meaningful relationships, while meeting County and AOC awareness goals.

Habitat Restoration Plan (Phase 1: Design)

The Consultant will develop plans for land management activities in accordance with objectives and recommendations, made within the ERMP, to develop an HRP that will meet those objectives successfully;

including but not limited to:

• Narrative of all proposed restoration and maintenance activities and how activities are designed to improve focal species populations, methods, equipment, recommended management schedules/timelines, and opinion of probable cost/cost estimates,

• Technical specifications, including but not exclusive to specifications for management activities, equipment, and herbicide use, supporting data, GIS generated for the plan, and other information.

• Monitoring Plan outlining oversight activities and a qualitative monitoring protocol that will assess the project area during and after restoration implementation, including assessments of invasive management success and establishment of native plant species. The findings of the qualitative assessment will be used to guide adaptive restoration strategies as needed. An outline of the timeline for site visits and coordination with the restoration contractor should be provided. The Monitoring Plan is a stand-alone document to be used in the Oversight and Monitoring Phase, required as part of the HRP.

• Long-Term Maintenance Plan that can be used by County staff and volunteers for restored areas.

This should provide a detailed outline of annual activities required to manage the project area and maintain desired conditions to meet AOC, MCP, and Partner goals, including detailed information about prescribed burns and necessary requirements/conditions. The Long-Term Maintenance Plan is a stand-alone document, required as part of the HRP.

• Completion of a wetland delineation and hydrology assessment based upon assessment results.

Development of ephemeral pond restoration plan. This task is dependent upon results of hydrology assessment and wetland delineation task and is based on the potential benefits to focal species.

• Engineering design for erosion control in gullies.

• Wetland restoration activities and design; stabilization of eroded areas and gullies may include the creation of CAD/CADD files.

• OPTIONAL TASK: Cultural Resources Archaeological Assessment

Evaluation Matrix and Narrative:

In the Design Phase, completing the Matrix will include:

• Review, update, and complete all fields of the Matrix,

• Evaluation whether the proposed restoration will have a positive, negative, or neutral short-term and long-term impacts,

• Brief summaries of impacts and mitigation efforts.

The Consultant will be expected to follow the process to complete the Matrix outlined in the “Process” tab of the Matrix Excel spreadsheet. The Consultant is expected to complete/revise the Matrix over the course of the entire project, understanding that revisions and potential changes to restoration actions will be made as the work progresses.

Project Resiliency Narrative:

In the Design Phase, completing resiliency assessments and summary as deemed appropriate by DNR and MCP will include:

• Identifying project resiliency impacts, vulnerabilities, and opportunities protect the investment from future environmental impacts and ensure long-term stability,

• Creating a summary of proposed approaches and tactics,

• A narrative describing how adaptation approaches and tactics were incorporated into the restoration actions.

Deliverables and Phasing The Consultants efforts will be broken into the following deliverables, described in full detail under Section IV. SCOPE OF CONSULTAT SERVICES below, and Attachment B: SOW. There are five (5) primary deliverables: General Requirements, Existing Data Review/Site familiarization (field visits), Hydrology Assessment and Wetland Delineation, Phase 1 – Habitat Restoration Plan, and Phase 2: Habitat Restoration Oversight and Implementation of Monitoring Plan, which are further broken out into component sections and tasks. In addition, there is one optional deliverable: Cultural Resources Archeological Assessment. Deliverables will be submitted in electronic format, via email and/or a SharePoint site created by MCP.

• General Requirements.

• Existing Data Review/Site familiarization (field visits)

• Hydrology Assessment and Wetland Delineations.

• OPTIONAL TASK: Cultural Resources Archaeological Assessment

• Phase 1: Habitat Restoration Plan.

o Task 1: Development 60% draft HRP.

o Task 2: Development 90% draft HRP.

o Task 3: Complete final design development, plan sets and specifications for all elements of the project. Prepare and gain permits and approvals from local and state governments.

• Phase 2: Habitat Restoration Oversight and Implementation of Monitoring Plan (based on contract extension).

A Consultant will be hired initially to complete the scope of services through Phase 1. The County may, but will not be obligated to, extend the Consultant agreement to include Phase 2. The County, at its own discretion, reserves the right to pursue the process of hiring a different Consultant for Phase 2. If the consultant does not include a response for Phase 2, they cannot be considered for contract extension.

The scopes and fees will be reviewed and renegotiated, if necessary, at the time consideration is given to adding the next phases of work to the Consultant's contract.

This project is funded from DNR through an EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Grant - Focus Area I Toxic Substances and Areas of Concern. MCP has received initial funding which will allow completion of tasks up through Phase 1. All tasks after Phase 1 are contingent on MCP receiving additional grant funding.

The habitat restoration contractor bid documents will be prepared by MCP, in coordination with the selected Consultant. Construction and implementation shall be completed by a separate restoration contractor, utilizing the finalized HRP and bid documents. Please note that Milwaukee County is generally prohibited by state statute from entering into design-build contracts (Wis. Stat. §66.0901)

IV. SCOPE OF CONSULTANT SERVICES

The Consultant must provide all services specified below, with additional details described in Attachment

B: SOW.

General Requirements - for Phase 1

a. Quality Assurance Project Plan: Prepare and gain approval from MCP and DNR for a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). The overall purpose of the QAPP is to define the successful project outcomes based on the objectives, data inputs from available resources, and required technical skills to complete the work. The QAPP will outline the procedures used to ensure the data quality is sufficient to meet project goals. The QAPP for Kohl Park will include, but is not limited to, project background, historical/existing data review, project management activities, project tasks and timeline, data gap analysis, conducting necessary survey work/baseline assessment, a hydrology assessment, potential wetland restoration plans (i.e., HRP), design for the HRP and a monitoring and long-term maintenance plan. Templates and checklists will be provided to the selected Consultant to aid in QAPP development. The QAPP shall be submitted to MCP and DNR in electronic format for review and approval. It should be noted that the QAPP must be approved prior to any other work being conducted. The QAPP will be updated and amended as needed.

Deliverable(s):

• MCP & DNR-approved QAPP.

b. Endangered and Threatened Resources Assessment: DNR will provide an Endangered Resources Review, an Official Species List from IPaC, and will facilitate informal Section 7 consultation with federal partners. The Consultant will lead the IPac Endangered Species Act Review process and complete the required Determination Keys. Any recommended or required avoidance measures related to threatened or endangered species and habitats will be incorporated into the restoration actions. This is described further in Phase 1: Habitat Restoration Plan Development.

• Supporting Documentation for permit applications.

a. Project Meetings and Coordination: Coordinate with MCP and DNR, and identified project partners, via email, phone, and virtual/in-person meetings. The Consultant shall be prepared to participate in the following meetings, prepare agendas, take meeting minutes, and other activities identified.

Deliverables for all meetings: Agenda and meeting minutes in electronic format.

i. Project Kick-off Meeting: Within three (3) weeks of issuance of the Notice to Proceed, the Consultant will, in coordination with MCP, prepare for, and attend one (1) project kick-off meeting to be conducted at the project location, MCP Admin Building or by a virtual meeting set up by the Consultant and attended by appropriate MCP and Consultant team members. Consultant staff in attendance shall include the Project Manager, Principal in Charge, and all key personnel, including sub-Consultants. The purpose of the meeting will be for staff to meet and to discuss general topics such as project goals, procedures, issues, schedule, and information needs.

ii. Progress & Review Meetings: Regular meetings and coordination will be required throughout the project period. Consultants should prepare for and attend once monthly, one hour progress meetings for the duration of the project. In addition, one hour planning/review meetings to discuss key deliverables will be held as needed for the duration of the project. Planning/Review meetings will focus on a single topic and may require attendance of additional personnel (ex. technical experts, quality control lead, etc.). Deliverables expected to be discussed in these meetings include but are not limited to: QAPP, hydrology and wetland assessment findings, HRP revision, updates, drafts, and Final Design.

Planning/review meetings will also be held to facilitate coordination between this project and the other Kohl Park project consultants and partners.

b. Community and Stakeholder Awareness: The selected Consultant will work with MCP, DNR, and Partners to plan and prepare public informational and communications materials/content related to this project. The goal of this task is to inform, involve, and obtain feedback from project stakeholders and local communities throughout the design stage of this project, with a focus on learning opportunities for all. This mostly includes incorporating feedback received on the draft HRP as well as attending and presenting at virtual and/or in-person community input meetings and the submission of content to be posted to the WRP and MCP websites. The Consultant should prepare for and attend up to one (1) stakeholder meeting (i.e., Tech Team) AND one (1) community input meeting and/or events for HRP development. Preparation for the meetings will include providing content for and coordination on any relevant agendas, presentations, and applicable exhibits and/or handouts. The Consultant will also prepare any meeting minutes and event summaries as outlined in deliverables, when applicable.

c. Invoicing and Reporting: The Consultant will submit monthly reports and invoices to MCP through the duration of the project, in electronic format.

i. Monthly Reports and Invoices: Submit a copy of reports detailing what activities were completed during the reporting period in relation to project tasks, along with invoices. Timely submissions of monthly reports are required throughout the project. Invoices must be submitted in the appropriate format. Please see the Attachment B: SOW for full details on Invoices processes.

• Monthly Reports and Invoices.

2. Existing Data Review/Site familiarization (field visits): The Consultant will conduct a desktop review of historic data and field investigations (e.g., final ERMP, figures and tables). The Kohl Park ERMP includes detailed descriptions of habitat restoration recommendations for focal species enhancements, that can be incorporated into plan sets, as appropriate.

• Summary of key findings from existing data review with suggested further site assessments, if needed.

• Summary of site familiarization visits, including description of any noted changes to conditions and/or concerns.

2. Hydrology Assessment and Wetland Delineations: The Consultant will conduct a hydrology assessment. A key component is to identify the hydroperiod length of the ponds to ensure that it is long enough to support focal species in the project area and mitigation alternatives for addressing runoff concerns. Hydrology assessments will be required to determine water source and the potential to increase the depth/hydroperiods of the ephemeral ponds within the floodplain forest for focal species. If supported by baseline hydrology data, design for wetland scrapes and drain tile mitigation will be incorporated into the HRP. The Consultant will also undertake and complete formal wetland delineations of the project area, which will be performed by an assured delineator. The hydrology assessment and wetland delineations should be detailed in the HRP.

• Wetland Delineation report.

• Engineering design for erosion control in gullies.

• Hydrology assessment.

OPTIONAL TASK: Cultural Resources Archaeological Assessment: This task is optional. MCP is looking for a cost-efficient proposal for this task. Add a proposal response and cost estimate if interested in completing this optional task.

The Consultant will conduct Phase I Archaeological Survey & Architectural History Reconnaissance investigations of project area according to methods detailed in the Guide for Public Archeology in

Wisconsin (2012), for compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA. The project area shall include all areas that may be temporarily disturbed or permanently modified through implementation of the project.

Sampling extent for Phase 1 field methods should be based on proposed effects and on professional judgement. The Consultant shall document findings in a draft and final report per WAS guidelines. Prior to the field survey, the Consultant will secure all necessary permits and authorizations for conducting the work.

Deliverables:

• Delineate the area of potential effects (APE), map or site figure

• Identify previous archaeological surveys or documentation of historic properties (also for nearby relevant areas)

• Conduct desktop or field surveys as appropriate

• Identify any historic properties

• Identify relevant consulting parties if appropriate for the project

• Involve public – both before and after determination of effect as appropriate for the project and identify how the public was involved

• Submit report(s) of investigation along with SHPO consultation form to EPA for review

• Following EPA review, submit SHPO form and reports to SHPO (GLNPO to send letter to applicable parties/tribes

1. Phase 1: Habitat Restoration Plan: The Consultant will prepare detailed habitat restoration plans and specifications for habitat restoration, and wetland restoration, if applicable, to provide support for focal wildlife species. The ERMP includes detailed descriptions of recommendations that can be incorporated into this phase. Work will include but not exclusive to, plans of the on the ground land management activities for wildlife: invasive species control, wetland design, grading plan, erosion control plan, forest stand improvement, reforestation, revegetation, and prescribed burns (if applicable and based off the ERMP findings). The proposed restoration actions in the HRP must also be based on the Focal Species Evaluation Matrix and narrative to be completed by the Consultant and approved by MCP and DNR prior to finalization of the HRP. The design must include supporting documents suitable for bidding and implementation purposes.

Contract and bid documents should include 3-year vegetative survival and establishment performance standards and include detailed guidance for activities performed by the contractor during the three-year post-implementation maintenance period. Please note, this is referred to as the Establishment Phase by EPA. Work will include, but is not exclusive to follow-up invasive management, mowing, pruning, prescribed burns, and irrigation to ensure the desired vegetation will be alive, vigorous and healthy, and list any limitations on equipment and materials used during these activities. This is for immediately contracted work which will be overseen under Phase 2 and is separate from the Long-Term Maintenance Plan.

The Consultant will propose environmentally sensitive and aesthetically acceptable materials that provide both wildlife habitat and long-term stability. Conduct site visits to gather and/or verify design information and existing conditions. Ensure field verification of all existing utilities and other obstructions. On-site investigations should be sequenced to utilize the results from those tasks to inform the final design. In conjunction with MCP, identify any permanent and temporary property rights necessary for the project, as well as utilities that may impact the project. Propose appropriate erosion control measures consistent with all applicable municipal ordinances and state requirements. Perform an analysis of the restoration options for the improvements and evaluate potential issues for implementing the project. Develop a draft, grading plan and final materials management plan if necessary.

The deliverables for Phase 1 will be Task 1 – 60% Design, Task 2 – 90% Design, Task 3 – Final Design & Permitting, which are detailed below and in Attachment B: SOW.

Deliverable(s):

Task 1 – 60% Design Draft, the Consultant is expected to complete the following activities to achieve this deliverable:

o Review and compile existing data, o Coordination of reviews and any necessary investigations for endangered resources, o MCP expects a 60% completion of the following items, including, but not limited:

• Table of contents and appendices, organized in a manner to align with previous restoration plans utilized, and provided, by MCP.

• Restoration and maintenance activities,

• Methods and equipment recommended including technical specifications,

• Management schedules and timelines,

• Evaluation Matrix and narrative,

• Resiliency assessment and summary,

• Hydrology assessment data,

• Draft cost estimates,

• Begin preparation and due diligence pertaining to permit applications.

Consultant shall not proceed to Task 2 – 90% design until Task 1 is approved by MCP and DNR.

Task 2 – 90% Design Draft, the Consultant is expected to complete the following activities to achieve this deliverable:

o 90% HRP. Provide electronic copy with full size drawings in appropriate formats (PDF, CAD/CADD, GIS).

o Complete 90% probable cost estimate and technical specifications.

o Respond to and incorporate edits and input resulting from review by MCP, DNR, partners and the Tech Team and stakeholders.

Consultant shall not proceed to Task 3 - Final Design & Permitting until Task 2 is approved by MCP and DNR.

Task 3 – Final Design & Permitting, the Consultant is expected to complete the following activities to achieve this deliverable:

o Final HRP. Provide electronic copy with full size drawings in appropriate formats (PDF, CAD/CADD, GIS).

o Complete technical specifications and performance standards for the project manual.

o Complete final Monitoring Plan and Long-Term Maintenance Plan o Complete final probable cost estimate.

o All drawings and specifications to be included into bid documents. MCP will assemble the bidding documents.

o Finalize all applicable federal, state, and local permit applications with regulatory approval.

o Copies of all permit applications, materials, and regulatory correspondence to MCP.

o Coordinate reviews and any necessary investigations for endangered and cultural resources.

o File all necessary agency notices, such as DNR Notice of Intent, wetland concurrence etc., if applicable.

o Provide agency coordination for all plan reviews and permits required

(MCP, DNR). Investigate, develop, and incorporate into the planning and construction documents all mitigation efforts necessary to address all agency concerns.

o Coordinate and attend pre-application or regulatory review meeting(s) with the regulatory agencies.

2. Phase 2: Habitat Restoration Oversight and Implementation of Monitoring Plan: A Consultant will be hired initially to complete Phase 1. The County may, but will not be obligated to, extend the Consultant agreement to include Phase 2. The County reserves the right to pursue the process of hiring a different Consultant for Phase 2 at its discretion. If the Consultant does not include a response for Phase 2, they cannot be considered for contract extension.

• Provide coordination and support for MCP in preparation of a construction bid package, bidding, and award processes. Includes, but not exclusive to preparation a list of construction (restoration) submittals required by the contract documents and a bid form; attendance of the pre-bid meeting, project site tours, and bid opening; and preparation of memorandum outlining description of special or unique construction conditions that require special attention by the Consultant and/or construction manager.

• Oversight of the implementation of the HRP utilizing the completed Monitoring Plan. This will include but is not exclusive to:

o Formalization and finalization of the timeline for site visits and coordination with the restoration contractor, o Conducting of site surveys to ensure successful implementation of the HRP (invasive species management and native revegetation) as will be defined within the HRP Monitoring Plan.

o Identification of an oversight manager, o Review of contractor submittals and preparation of documentation or design in response to submittals, o Attendance of at least six (6) construction/restoration issue meetings, o Attendance at least one (1) substantial completion field inspections.

o Final Report/Memo and/or As-Builts that would capture and deviations from the final HRP.

• Phase 2 shall also include the following task from General Requirements:

o Project Meetings and Coordination: Monthly coordination meetings with MCP as needed through the project period.

o Community & Stakeholder Awareness: Two (2) community input or stakeholder meeting per year of the project period.

o Reporting: Monthly reports and invoices through project period

V. QUALITY CONTROL

Milwaukee County reserves the right to request partial or full reimbursement from Consultants for change orders resulting from errors and omissions in the services they are contracted to provide. Consultant is required to have a thorough understanding of each phase and scope of work so as to minimize change orders due to Consultant errors or omissions.

VI. PROJECT SCHEDULE

a. 09/16/2025 Issue Request for Proposal

b. 09/30/2025 at 10:00 AM Pre-Proposal Meeting (online)

c. 10/7/2025 at 5:00 PM Questions Due

d. 10/21/2025 at 5:00 PM Proposals Due,

e. 11/14/25 (approximate) Consultant Intent to Award,

f. Nov. ‘25* - Dec. 2025 Prepare and finalize QAPP,

g. Jan. - March 2026 Historical data review/data gap analysis

h. March 2026 – Sept. 2026 Field Season Surveys (e.g., hydrology assessment),

i. Jan – Sept. 2026 Develop HRP; secure permits and approvals,

j. Nov. ’25 – Oct. 2026 Monthly reports and invoices submitted to MCP,

k. November 2026 Project Completion and final report submission.

*start date dependent on contract finalization

VII. RELATED WORK BY OTHERS

• Kohl Park Focal Species Matrix and ERMP related files: Attachment B: SOW contains the final ERMP developed by MCP that will aid in HRP development. Please note, the ERMP and Matrix provided in the RFP package have redacted content to protect sensitive species. The full Matrix will be provided to the selected Consultant.

• Powerlines and other WE Energy easements run throughout the entirety of the property. The selected Consultant will received additional information and maps on these locations.

• Public Parkland: The project area is located on public land. Kohl Park may be occupied by the public and MCP employees during the project. The Consultant shall take precautions to prevent any impacts to the public related to the habitat restoration work. Coordinate any potentially disruptive activities with MCP. Please note that the project area currently has a forked aster trail.

o MCP will be developing an Oak Leaf Trail (OLT) at Kohl Park. OLT construction is expected to begin before October 1, 2025. A contractor has been selected, and Parks is negotiating a contract with them. A figure is provided in Attachment M: Kohl Park ERMP that shows the future location of the trail. The selected Consultant will be given OLT plans to incorporate into the HRP (i.e. revegetated areas, planted trees, benches, etc.) Caution will need to be taken if OLT construction carries over into 2026. Please note that acreage is expected to change for this AOC project once the OLT is constructed.

• MCP leases ~50 acres of land within Kohl Park to UW-Extension's Community Garden program.

These acres will remain in place, as will the program. Communication with the Urban Agriculture Program Coordinator throughout HRP development will be important.

VIII. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Consultant must:

a. Prepare and submit all preliminary documents (presentations, drafts, etc.) for final review by the

County and ensure that the County’s comments, feedback, and changes are incorporated into the final document before final presentation.

b. Provide the County with a digital copy of all materials (including the final reports and all source files and data collected during the project process) in a file type to be mutually agreed upon between the County and the Consultant.

c. Maintain a project record which includes a history of significant events (changes, comments, etc.)

which influenced the development of the analyses, recommendations, and receipt of information.

d. Attend any project-related meetings as directed by the County as outlined in Section IV SCOPE OF CONSULTANT SERVICES. Such meetings shall be scheduled at dates and times mutually agreed upon between the County and the Consultant.

e. Attend any other meetings, as directed by the County (including Milwaukee County Board Committee meetings), to assist in responding to concerns and/or questions, if needed. Such attendance may require assistance with preparation of presentations, graphics, maps, data visualizations that allow for an understanding of collected information by the public, etc.

f. Contact the County whenever discoveries have the potential to require changes in the scope.

IX. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACT

The Professional Service Agreement Contract attached as Attachment K, substantially in the form contained herein, is expected to be agreed to by the Proposer as part of contract negotiations. Exceptions must be explicitly noted in the proposal using the checklist forms provided in Attachment I of the RFP.

Lack of exceptions listed on the checklist forms shall be considered acceptance of all the terms and conditions as presented in this contract. The County may not accept any or all Proposer exceptions.

ABOUT MILWAUKEE COUNTY

Milwaukee County is governed by an elected County Executive and an 18-member elected County Board of Supervisors. Other County elected officials include a Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Comptroller, County Clerk, and Sheriff, who in conjunction with administration provide a full range of associated governmental services, including but not limited to law enforcement, in-patient mental health, highways, courts, corrections, official record keeping, parks and recreation, international airport operations, jail and juvenile detention, public assistance programs, and a world famous zoo. Milwaukee County employs approximately 5,000 employees who serve the County’s population of over 959,023 residents, with an annual budget of approximately $1.4 billion dollars. Milwaukee County currently owns $2.8 billion in property assets and has a fleet of approximately 2,000 vehicles.

RFP ADMINISTRATOR

The RFP Administrator is:

Marina Litvinets Department of Administrative Services Procurement Division

600 N. Plankinton Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53203

Phone: 414-223-8106 Email: Marina.Litvinets@milwaukeecountywi.gov

PRE – PROPOSAL MEETING

A pre-proposal conference will be held virtually at a date and time as provided on the Information Summary Sheet. Please contact the RFP Administrator via email for an invitation. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss with prospective proposers the work to be performed, and to allow them to ask questions arising from their review of the RFP. The pre-proposal meeting is for information only. Any answers furnished will not be official unless verified in writing by RFP Administrator. Answers that change or substantially clarify the RFP will be affirmed in writing and posted on the RFP’s Project Board on the Bonfire website via an addendum.

During the pre-proposal conference, attendees may request clarification of any section of the RFP and ask any other relevant questions relating to the RFP.

Proposers are encouraged to submit written questions via e-mail, for possible response at the pre-proposal conference to the RFP Administrator to enable Milwaukee County to formulate its oral response provided at the conference. No oral or written responses will be given prior to the pre-proposal mailto:Marina.Litvinets@milwaukeecountywi.gov conference. Again, any responses provided to questions during the pre-proposal conference will be considered drafts and will be non-binding.

Remarks and explanations at the conference shall not qualify the terms of the solicitation, and terms of the solicitation and specifications remain unchanged unless the solicitation is amended in writing.

Milwaukee County at its sole discretion reserves the right to answer or not answer questions that are not submitted to by the deadlines set forth in the Information Summary Sheet.

OPTIONAL PRE – PROPOSAL SITE VISIT

Addition to the pre-proposal conference, Consultants are strongly encouraged to visit the project area at a time of their choosing ahead of proposal submission. If completed, at minimum, photo verification, including date and time of the visit shall be provided in the proposal submission. Narrative, detailing familiarity with the project area within the proposal is also encouraged. The project area is surrounded by private property not owned by parks. Please stay within MCP boundaries and to avoid trespassing of any kind. The parcel boundaries are easily obtainable using Milwaukee County’s online Interactive GIS map.

Access details: Access Kohl Park by parking on W. Fairy Chasm Drive (43.185059, -88.021266) and traverse by foot via the forked aster trail.

QUESTIONS

Proposers may submit questions and requests for clarification regarding this RFP. All questions regarding this RFP shall be made in writing, citing the RFP title, RFP number, and section, and shall be submitted via e-mail to the RFP Administrator or via the RFP’s Project Board on the Bonfire website.

Questions sent to anyone other than the RFP Administrator will not be considered.

All questions must be submitted by the specified deadline as identified on the Information Summary Sheet.

Milwaukee County will not respond to any questions received after this date and time. Responses to all questions and inquiries received by Milwaukee County will be posted on the RFP’s Project Board on the Bonfire website as identified in the Information Summary Sheet. It is the responsibility of Proposers to check this website for any and all information such as questions and answers or addenda or related documents posted during the RFP process.

Communication initiated by the Proposer to any County official, employee or representative, whether or not such person is evaluating or considering the proposals, prior to the time of any award is prohibited unless at the explicit direction of the RFP Administrator and any such unauthorized communication may constitute grounds for rejection or elimination of a proposal from further consideration, in the sole discretion of the County. However, for assistance related to filling out of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise forms or the certifying of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms, proposers may contact the Certification Compliance Administrator at (414) 278-4747.

All respondents should use this written document, its attachments and any amendments as the sole basis for responding.

PROPOSER NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT AND AMENDMENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Should any Proposer discover any significant ambiguity, error, omission or other deficiency in the RFP document, they must immediately notify the RFP Administrator in writing, via email, prior to the submission of the proposal. The failure of a Proposer to notify the RFP Administrator of any such matter prior to submission of its proposal constitutes a waiver of appeal or administrative review rights based upon any such ambiguity, error, omission or other deficiency in the RFP document.

If it becomes necessary to clarify or revise any part of this RFP, amendments will be posted to the RFP’s Project Board on the Bonfire website. It is the responsibility of prospective vendors to check the website for any amendments prior to the RFP submission date. All amendments are acknowledged by your submission of Sworn Statement of Proposer form.

If the Proposer fails to monitor the web site for any changes or modifications to the RFP, such failure will not relieve the Proposer of its obligation to fulfill the requirements as posted.

FIRM COMMITMENT, AVAILABILITY, PROPOSAL VALIDITY

Proposers shall maintain their availability of service and proposed pricing as set forth in their proposals for an anticipated service starting date…