Addendum_1_RFP DES 2025-19.pdf

RESPONSE TO PROPOSAL INQUIRES - APRIL 25, 2025

RFP DES 2025-19

Cultural and Historic Resource Consulting Services for

“Restoring New Hampshire Salt Marshes Project

1. What is the anticipated maximum depth for each of the restoration projects?

ANSWER: There is no expectation of maximum depth for each of the restoration projects. Per the answer to Question 4, the project team does not expect to expend significant effort on archaeological testing.

2. Is it possible to provide a finalized list of the proposed project sites that will require Section 106 review?

ANSWER: The salt marsh restoration projects supported with funding from the “Restoring NH Salt Marshes” grant that will be the primary subject of Section 106 compliance include: Fairhill Salt Marsh at Odiorne Point State Park, Philbrick Pond Salt Marsh, and Hampton Ditch Projects (see list below and maps attached). Each project is different in terms of approach and readiness. In general, the grant funds enable subawardees to implement already permitted Demonstration Projects and to develop and implement Expansion Projects.

- Philbrick Pond Salt Marsh: The grant funds will support year 3 of an existing 2.7-acre Demonstration Project and to initiate and complete a 6.2-acre Expansion Project for a total of 9 acres restored. The 9 acres are in the southern-most portion of the Philbrick Pond Marsh Unit. The grant funding also enables the possibility for additional restoration within the 38-acre Philbrick Pond Marsh Unit.

- Fairhill Salt Marsh at Odiorne Point State Park: A preliminary restoration design has been prepared for the Fairhill Salt Marsh, which is currently estimated at 83 acres restored. Fairhill Salt Marsh is located in the eastern-most portion of the 220 acre Odiorne Point Marsh Unit.

- Hampton Ditch: The grant funds will support implementation of a 14 acre Demonstration Project, which has already been permitted. The Grant funds will also allow for the design, permitting and implementation of a 106 acre Expansion Project to occur within tidal wetlands in the Town of Hampton.

3. We note that NHDES has already informally initiated Section 106 consultation with the NH SHPO.

Is it possible to obtain a copy of any correspondence already shared with or submitted to the

NHDHR?

ANSWER: Per NH RSA 91- A (aka. NH’s Right to Know Law), it is possible to obtain a copy of NHDES correspondence with NHDHR. However, the available written record is not https://www.das.nh.gov/purchasing/docs/bids/RFP%20DES%202025-19.pdf comprehensive of NHDES’ 14-month informal consultation with Lead Federal Agency, State Historic Preservation Office, and Grantor. NHDES’ concern is that this incomplete written record could impart misunderstanding and/or misinterpretation among prospective bidders. Therefore, for the purposes of this procurement process, NHDES believes that the Request for Proposals, dated 4/4/25, is the most complete record that represents the obligations and collective interests of NHDHR, USFWS, NHDES, and

NFWF.

4. We would like to clarify that the project tasks under 'Additional Consultation Services' for this specific RFP would include phase IB and phase II investigations, and thus an estimate for these assessments is to be included within the overall $100,000 budget cap.

ANSWER: Please consider that this undertaking is unlike typical Section 106 consultation where Phase I, II, and III archaeological testing is needed. Most critical to our understanding of the cultural landscape and its features is a Phase 1a level scope;

however, full blown testing will likely not be part of this project unless something extraordinary is found during early work. We would suggest archaeological monitoring where information can be collected before and during the project to continue to inform the historic context/cultural landscape study. Because most of the restoration areas will likely be too wet for testing, the project team is looking to allocate fewer resources toward archeological testing.

5. We understand the APE is yet to be finalized - however is the best estimate for project acreage the 'target 239 acres'? Are there any maps that specifically show the target acreage or are project maps still in an early phase of development?

ANSWER: Yes, 239 acres of salt marsh restoration is the targeted outcome of the “Restoring NH Salt Marshes” grant. The exact locations of restoration areas at some sites will be determined over the course of the project. Please see response to Question 2, as well as the attached maps.

6. Is a Section 106–36 CFR 61 qualified consultant in Architectural History required for the project?

ANSWER: Yes, an architectural historian is needed. A cultural landscape report is best prepared by an interdisciplinary team including archaeologists, architectural historians, cultural geographers and others. As envisioned by the project team, the Architectural Historian is needed to read the landscape and understand man-made elements, place them in a historical context, and be able to draft the part of the document that discusses what elements are required to remain on the landscape in order for the area to be eligible for the National Register. The architectural historian should work very closely with the archaeologist so that they both have a clear understanding of the evolution of the properties.

RYE

NORTH HAMPTON

LEGEND

ATBC - Philbrick Pond Boundary Town Boundary

Atlantic Ocean

1A

0 1,000 Feet

Chapel Road

Ol d

Lo ck e Ro ad

Causeway Road

RYE

LEGEND

ATBC - Fairhill Boundary Town Boundary

¯ Atlantic Ocean

1A

0 0.5 Miles

Odiorne State Park

Br ac ke tt

Ro ad

HAMPTON

HAMPTON FALLS

SEABROOK

LEGEND

ATBC - Hampton Boundary Town Boundary

Atlantic Ocean

1A

0 1 Miles