Addendum 1-Clarification.docx

This is an Addendum 1 clarification document issued by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) regarding a Request for Proposal for NEPA Assignment services. The clarification specifies that the June 26, 2026 deadline pertains exclusively to the submission of Letters of Intent, which represent the first step in a two-phase competitive selection process. The Letter of Intent must demonstrate the firm's knowledge, relevant experience with NEPA assignment work, and team qualifications as detailed in Section 3.1 of the RFP. Based on the Letters of Intent, SDDOT will select up to three firms to advance to the full proposal stage, which is due July 17, 2026. The contract scope includes preparing, facilitating, and documenting monthly meetings with the Federal Highway Administration for a minimum of 18 months; developing revised environmental processes and procedures to support NEPA Assignment; establishing Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes and training programs; conducting stakeholder coordination; and responding to FHWA comments and investigating unresolved issues. The anticipated award and contract negotiation completion date is July 24, 2026, with an expected contract term of 18 months from execution, extendable as necessary.

The RFP does not specify a fixed contract value; the total amount will be determined during negotiation against a maximum limiting amount to be confirmed. Cost proposals must itemize estimated hours per task, hourly rates for staff resources, and total project cost, with pricing valid for at least 90 days after submission. The awardee must maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence, Professional Liability Insurance of $1 million, Business Automobile Liability Insurance of $1 million per accident, and Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by South Dakota law. Evaluation criteria emphasize specialized expertise in NEPA Assignment, staff qualifications and direct FHWA experience, resource availability, past performance, project management approach, backup-staff availability, familiarity with comparable agencies or states, and ability to handle project constraints. Letters of Intent must identify key personnel, describe direct NEPA Assignment experience with FHWA, and provide project examples demonstrating experience with a State DOT on NEPA Assignment matters.