ESBD_460771_1760112776276_Final SB RFP 10-9-25.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

STATEWIDE BIOLOGICAL SERVICES

RFP No. 576SB001-5605 Solicitation No: 601CT0000005605

Proposal due date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (Central Time in Austin, Texas)

Posting Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

(Commonly used throughout the term of the contract)

1. ABL – Abilene District

2. ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act

3. AMA – Amarillo District

4. APE – Area of Potential Effect

5. AREF – Amphibian and Reptile Exclusion Fencing

6. ARRP – Aquatic Resource Relocation Plan

7. AST – Alligator Snapping Turtle

8. ATL – Atlanta District

9. AUS – Austin District

10. AVN – Aviation Division

11. BA – Biological Assessment

12. BE – Biological Evaluation

13. BGEPA – Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

14. BMT – Beaumont District

15. BO – Biological Opinion

16. BPM – Bridge Preventive Maintenance

17. BRY – Bryan District

18. BUS – Business highway

19. BWD – Brownwood District

20. CAD – computer-aided design

21. CADD – computer-aided design and drafting

22. CE – Categorical Exclusion

23. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations

24. CHS – Childress District

25. CMBL – Certified Master Bidders List

26. CO – Conference Opinion

27. CR – County Road

28. CRP – Corpus Christi District

29. CSJ – Control Section Job

30. CWA – Clean Water Act

31. CY – Cubic Yard

32. CZP – Contributing Zone Plan

33. DAL – Dallas District

34. DBH – Diameter of breast height

35. Department, the State of Texas, or TxDOT – Texas Department of Transportation

36. District – One of the 25 geographical districts into which the Texas Department of Transportation is divided

37. Division – Environmental Affairs Division of TxDOT (ENV)

38. EA – Environmental Assessment

39. ECOS - TxDOT’s Environmental Compliance Oversight System

40. eDNA - Environmental Deoxyribonucleic acid

41. EFH – Essential Fish Habitat

42. EIS – Environmental Impact Statement

43. ELP – El Paso District

44. EMST – Ecological Mapping Systems of Texas

45. ENV – Environmental Affairs Division of TxDOT

46. Environmental Services – Environmental documents, studies, research, permit applications, public involvement, training, and other goods and services required for completion of an environmental document or permit

47. EOID – Element of Occurrence Identification Number

48. EOR – Element occurrence record

49. EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency

50. ESA – Endangered Species Act

51. FAA – Federal Aviation Administration

52. FHWA – Federal Highway Administration

53. FM – Farm-to-Market

54. FONSI – Finding of No Significant Impact

55. FR – frontage road

56. FTW – Fort Worth District

57. FY - Fiscal Year – State Fiscal Year is September 1 to August 31.

58. GA – Geologic Assessment

59. GCD – General Counsel Division

60. GCWA – Golden-cheeked Warbler

61. GIS – Geographic Information Systems

62. GLO – General Land Office

63. GPS – Global Positioning System

64. HCP – Habitat Conservation Plan

65. HOU – Houston District

66. HSP – HUB Subcontracting Plan

67. HUB – Historically Underutilized Business

68. IH -Interstate Highway

69. Imperiled species - for the purposes of this contract, imperiled include (1) all species proposed for listing by USFWS/NMFS as threatened or endangered; (2) all species that are candidates under review for listing by USFWS/NMFS as threatened or endangered, (3) species designated as SGCN by TPWD.

70. IPaC – Information, Planning, and Consultation System

71. ITD – Information technology Division of TxDOT

72. JCT - junction

73. LBB – Lubbock District

74. LFK – Lufkin District

75. LiDAR – Light detection and ranging

76. LP - loop

77. LRD – Laredo District

78. MBGF – Metal beam guard fence

79. MBTA – Migratory Bird Treaty Act

80. mi – miles

81. ML – main lanes

82. MMPA – Marine Mammal Protection Act

83. MOU – Memorandum of Understanding

84. MSA - Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

85. MSR – Monthly Status Report

86. NBI – National Bridge Inventory

87. NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act

88. NMFS – National Marine Fisheries Service

89. NRC – Natural Resources Code

90. NRCS – Natural Resources Conservation Service

91. NRM – Natural Resource Management Section of TxDOT ENV

92. NTE – Not to Exceed

93. NTP – Notice to Proceed

94. ODA – Odessa District

95. OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration

96. PAR (District) – Paris District

97. PAR (HUB) – Progress Assessment Report

98. PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction

99. PHR – Pharr District

100. PM – Project Manager

101. POC – Point of Contact

102. Proposer – Any institution, firm, or individual submitting a proposal for this RFP. An institution, firm, or individual may submit a proposal on behalf of a partnership, joint venture, or other teaming arrangement in which the Proposer is the prime provider.

103. Protected species -for the purposes of this contract, protected species include (1) all species listed by the USFWS/NMFS as threatened or endangered (2) all species that are listed as threatened or endangered by TPWD, and (3) all species protected by the MBTA.

104. PS&E – Plans, specifications, and estimates

105. QA/QC – Quality Assurance/Quality Control

106. RCB – reinforced concrete boxes

107. RFI – Request for information

108. RFP – Request for Proposal

109. RM – Ranch to Market

110. ROD – Record of Decision

111. ROE – Right of Entry

112. ROW – Right of Way

113. RPIC – Remote Pilot in Command

114. SAT – San Antonio District

115. SCUBA – self-contained underwater breathing apparatus

116. SGCN – Species of Greatest Conservation Need

117. SH – State Highway

118. SJT – San Angelo District

119. SL – state loop

120. SME – Subject Matter Expert

121. SOW – scope of work

122. SP - spur

123. STA – Station number (#)

124. State – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and/or State of Texas

125. SWA – supplemental work authorization

126. TAC – Texas Administrative Code

127. TCEQ – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

128. TCP – traffic control plan

129. Team Member – Any institution, firm, or individual, including the Proposer, who is explicitly incorporated in the proposal to contribute staff or resources to perform work.

130. Technical Expert – An institution, firm, individual, or team awarded a contract for this RFP.

131. TPWD – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

132. Transportation Activity – A construction or other project performed by the State or under its jurisdiction

133. TxDOT – Texas Department of Transportation

134. TXNDD – Texas Natural Diversity Database

135. TYL – Tyler District

136. UAS – Unmanned Aircraft System

137. US – United States highway

138. USACE – United States Army Corp of Engineers

139. USC – United States Code

140. USFWS – United States Fish and Wildlife Service

141. USGS – United States Geological Survey

142. VO - Visual Observer

143. WA – Work Authorization

144. WAC – Waco District

145. WFS – Wichita Falls District

146. YKM – Yoakum District

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 1 of 27 576SB001-5605

TxDOT ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DIVISION

STATEWIDE BIOLOGICAL SERVICES

RFP Number: 576SB001-5605 Solic. ID No. 601CT000005605 Issued: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division will receive proposals until 12:00 noon, Wednesday, November 19, 2025 for Statewide Biological Services. TxDOT will award up to six indefinite deliverable contracts for no more than $2,000,000.00 each.

Prospective Proposers who have received this document must notify TxDOT of their interest in the RFP by submitting a Letter of Interest which must contain the RFP Number, Proposer’s name, point of contact, mailing address, voice and fax numbers, and an email address. Proposers who have not notified TxDOT of their interest waive all claims to redress if they submit proposals that receive reduced scores because the proposals do not incorporate or respond to clarifications or amendments to the RFP package. Letters of Interest must be submitted in the Vendor Notifications Section of Bonfire.

A Pre-Proposal Conference (not mandatory) is scheduled from 9:00-10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The Pre-Proposal virtual meeting invite will be provided only upon receipt of an LOI being submitted. Throughout this solicitation process, all questions or requests for clarifications must be submitted in the Vendor Notifications Section of Bonfire. Prospective Proposers are highly encouraged to submit their questions and requests for clarifications early. The deadline to submit questions/clarification and ECOS requests is 5:00 PM, Monday, November 3, 2025.

Point of Contact: Laura Poldrack Phone No.: (512) 416-2614 E-Mail: laura.poldrack@txdot.gov

A 26% HUB goal has been assigned to this solicitation. TxDOT encourages Proposers to utilize Texas Certified HUB vendors. Additional HSP guidelines may be found in Part IV of this RFP. Proposers may have HSP forms reviewed and conditionally approved prior to submission. HSP forms must be submitted to the point of contact noted in this RFP. Proposers are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible, but no later seven calendar days prior to the proposal due date.

This RFP is divided into five major parts as follows:

Part I: General Information and Proposal Guidelines Part II: Evaluation Plan Part III: Proposal Submittal Part IV: HUB Subcontracting Plan Part V: Attachments to the RFP

This RFP is issued under rules governing procurement of scientific services and other services (43 TAC §9.80- 9.89). Contract award will be made on the basis of qualifications and costs. TxDOT reserves the right to hold discussions with qualified Proposers to obtain their best and final offers.

Because this RFP differs from previous solicitations, Prospective Proposers should familiarize themselves with the entire RFP package to maximize their potential award and successful performance, if awarded a contract.

https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities mailto:laura.poldrack@txdot.gov

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 2 of 27 576SB001-5605

PART I

GENERAL INFORMATION AND PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

1. SCOPE

TxDOT’s Environmental Affairs Division is requesting proposals for indefinite deliverable, scientific services contracts for performing Statewide Biological Services required for transportation activities under federal and state statutes. Services may include: surveys/assessments of protected species and/or habitat of protected species, analysis of stream modifications and associated habitats, biological analysis to support the ESA, section 7 consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, preparation of an ESA Biological Assessment or Evaluation or ESA section 10a permit, biological analysis to support impact characterization including habitat and species surveys of migratory birds; biological analysis to support Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations and assessment preparation, coordination with state and federal resource agencies, data mining from federal state or local entities, universities and/or other resources as necessary to complete the species/habitat assessment, preparation of biology related sections for environmental documents including NEPA, habitat assessments and other biological support services.

2. BACKGROUND

The State will award multiple indefinite deliverable contracts. Services will be purchased with state funds and performed under work authorizations issued by the Environmental Affairs Division. Services may be required for projects statewide and will be performed on a cost reimbursement basis limited to a cap established in each work authorization.

3. STATEMENT OF WORK

This RFP describes the services that may be requested by TxDOT. Specifications for the work to be performed are contained in the contract attached to this RFP as Attachment B.

4. IMPORTANT DATES

Pre-Proposal Conference 9:00-10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Deadline for Questions/Requests for Clarification 5:00 PM, Monday, November 3, 2025 Proposal Submission Date 12:00 noon, Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Notice of Award Upon approval of Division Director or designee Kickoff Meeting 14 calendar days or less after award of contract

5. ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL

The State reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals or to waive any technicalities. Failure to comply with the requirements of this RFP will eliminate the proposal from further consideration. This RFP may be cancelled and any or all proposals may be rejected in whole or in part when it is in the best interest of the State.

6. AWARD SELECTION

The Proposers selected for the award will be chosen on the basis of the proposals deemed to provide the best value and greatest benefit for the State, not necessarily on the basis of lowest price.

7. PROPOSAL PREPARATION COSTS

The Proposer shall wholly absorb all costs incurred in the preparation and presentation of the proposal. All supporting documentation, reports, and/or manuals submitted with the proposal(s) will become the property of the State.

8. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The selected Proposers will be considered as prime contractors and shall assume the total responsibility for the services described. Proposal contents of the selected Proposers shall be considered as contractual obligations.

Proposer shall assume a contractual obligation to the State to provide the services of all institutions, firms, or individuals named in the proposal as subproviders. Failure to meet obligations may result in cancellation of the contract.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 3 of 27 576SB001-5605

PART II

EVALUATION PLAN

1. PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Proposal evaluation will be based on three sets of criteria: the Proposer’s qualifications and the cost to the State for completing the services, and past performance. Each of the criteria will be scored separately. Awards will be made to the top Proposers with the highest combined scores and deemed to be the best value to the State.

• 90% Qualifications and Experience of the Proposing Firm/Team

• 5% PM Past Performance

• 5% Pricing/Cost to the State

A Proposer or team member may be listed as a team member on more than one proposal. A Proposer awarded a contract may serve as a subprovider on any of the remaining contracts.

2. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Proposers shall demonstrate that they meet the following qualifications. Failure to meet the mandatory provider requirements below shall result in disqualification of the proposal. The State reserves the right to audit Proposer and Technical Expert qualifications.

2.1 Mandatory Proposer Requirements. To be considered for an award, the Proposer shall be a firm regularly engaged in the timely performance and completion of environmental services for governmental or private organizations.

2.1.1 Proposer Staffing. Proposer’s staff shall include a minimum of one Project Manager meeting the minimum qualifications. The Project Manager shall be directly employed by the Proposer.

2.1.2 Proposer’s Qualifications and Firm Experience. Award will be based in part on the qualifications in this section. To document qualifications, the Proposer shall discuss projects conducted within the last ten years. The documentation provided must:

• document the Proposer’s ability to perform the technical work identified in this RFP;

• document the depth and breadth of the Proposer’s expertise with protected or imperiled species;

• document the Proposer’s ability to meet scopes, schedules, and budgets with high quality deliverables; and

• document any technical strengths and innovative approaches of the Proposer and the subprovider team.

3. VERIFICATION OF PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS

At the State’s option, verification of Proposer qualifications may be conducted in any of the methods listed below:

3.1 The State reserves the right to verify successful completion of projects and client satisfaction by contacting the client representative listed for the project. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to provide information that clearly establishes to the Selection Committee previous clients and documentation of successful project completion. Projects that cannot be verified, such as those completed for confidential clients or where no client contact information is provided may negatively impact the Proposer’s score.

3.2 Qualifications related to past work for the State must include the CSJ and a contact for the work that was responsible for review and acceptance of deliverables. The Proposer may request CSJ and any other project information from the State on or before the deadline for questions/requests for clarification stated in this RFP.

3.3 The State reserves the right to limit verification of Proposer qualifications to the proposals with the highest overall scores. If verification results in the overall score of the highest scoring proposals being reduced below the overall scores of other proposals, then qualifications for the next highest proposals will be verified. The verification process will continue in like fashion until the State identifies the proposals for which verification does not reduce the overall score below that of all other proposals with verified or unverified qualifications. The State will be the sole judge of the acceptability of information provided for verification.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 4 of 27 576SB001-5605

4. TIE SCORES

In the event of a tie, the managing officer will break the tie using the following method:

4.1 The first tie breaker, if needed, will be references/past performances.

4.2 The second tie breaker, if needed, will be ability to meet department scheduling requirements.

4.3 If there is still a tie, the provider will be chosen by random selection.

5. COST TO THE STATE

Cost to the State will be scored on the basis of the Proposer’s price schedule. Price will be scored from lowest to highest with the lowest price receiving the maximum score.

6. PM PAST PERFORMANCE

PM past performance will be based on evaluation information in PS-CAMS. Scoring criteria is outlined in the Attachment 7 Evaluation Matrices. No Evaluation Score Average (ESA) will be less than 20. If the prime’s project manager does not have a past performance score in PS-CAMS, the department will assign an ESA score of 3.5.

7. READABILITY

The evaluation team may consider the following while scoring;

• how well information is presented; and

• the ability to determine the adequacy of the response.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 5 of 27 576SB001-5605

PART III

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

Environmental Affairs has opted to only accept electronic proposals submitted via Bonfire. There are specific instructions to ensure that every proposal is received and considered; however, deviations from these instructions may be grounds for disqualification. Review the instructions completely. All issues, questions or concerns with proposal submissions must be addressed no later than 72 hours prior to proposal due date.

Contacts below are available for assistance Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm CST.

Samantha Serino, 512-884-7495, Samantha.Serino@txdot.gov Patricia Matull, 512-993-7957, Patricia.Matull@txdot.gov

1. PROPOSAL OUTLINE

Configurations within Bonfire will not allow submission of a proposal if all required documents are not submitted as instructed. Failure to include all mandatory documents in the prescribed formats will result in rejection.

Altering or changing any substantive language in the attachments prior to submission of proposals may result in rejection of the proposal. The Proposer must use the formats provided in the attachments to this RFP for all documentation submitted. MS Word formats of these attachments are available for download from Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). The tables in later pages of this RFP are for informational purposes only.

Proposers must use the downloadable files and upload in Bonfire as Adobe pdf. Only requested information in the formats provided will be considered.

1.1. Proposal Cover Sheet. A signed cover sheet identifying each member of the Proposer team, including institutions, firms, and unaffiliated individuals (Attachment 1).

1.2. Team Commitment Letter. Team Commitment Letters from each subcontractor submitted in the proposal

(Attachment 2).

1.3. Project Manager Qualifications (Attachment 3).

1.4. Senior Consultation Specialist Qualifications (Attachment 4).

1.5. Ichthyologist Qualifications (Attachment 5)

1.6. Malacologist Qualifications (Attachment 6)

1.7. Firm and Team Experience (Attachment 7)

1.8. Price Schedule/Final Cost Proposal. Instructions for the price schedule are included as Attachment 9/E.

1.9. HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) Form. This form, along with any continuation sheets that may be needed, can be downloaded at the following internet link: See Part IV – HUB Subcontracting Plan.

https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf.

2. DELIVERY

The proposal must be signed and submitted via Bonfire. Proposals will be accepted until the deadline specified in this RFP. Consider submitting proposals early. Proposals received after the deadline will be rejected.

3. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 Proposers are highly encouraged to become familiar with Bonfire and FAQs

3.2 Register as a Vendor.

3.3 Once registration is complete, review all tutorials and instructions available in the links on the left of the screen.

3.4 Complete forms and qualifications outside of Bonfire, save as pdf files (specified file name in the footer of each document), and upload documents where instructed.

3.5 Complete the Bid Table in Bonfire.

3.6 Review the uploaded files for accuracy.

3.7 Submit the proposal. If there are any errors in the upload process, Bonfire will display an error message.

When all errors are corrected, submit again.

3.8 Bonfire will send a confirmation email to the Proposer’s registered email address.

mailto:Samantha.Serino@txdot.gov mailto:Patricia.Matull@txdot.gov https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/ https://txdot.bonfirehub.com/ https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/knowledge-base/bonfire-hub

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 6 of 27 576SB001-5605

PART IV

HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

The mission of the TxDOT HUB Program Office is to encourage the good faith effort of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) in TxDOT contracts, through the administration and management of the HUB Program in accordance with Texas Government Code 2161 and Texas Administrative Code Title 34, Rule 20.10 – 20.28.

In accordance with Texas Government Code §2161.252, a proposal that does not contain a HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) is non-responsive and will be rejected without further evaluation. In addition, if the Department determines that the HSP was not developed in good faith, it will reject the proposal for failing to comply with material RFP specifications. The HUB Subcontracting Plan may be found on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website at: https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf

1. INTRODUCTION

The Department is committed to promoting full and equal business opportunities for businesses in state contracting in accordance with the goals specified in the State of Texas Disparity Study. The Department encourages the use of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) through race, ethnic and gender-neutral means. Pursuant to Texas Government Code §2161.181 and §2161.182, and the Department’s HUB policy and rules, the Department is required to make a good faith effort to increase HUB participation in its contracts. The Department may accomplish the goal of increased HUB participation by contracting directly with HUBs or indirectly through subcontracting opportunities.

2. DEPARTMENT’S ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

The Department has adopted the CPA’s HUB rules as its own. The Department’s HUB rules are located in Title 43, Part 1, Chapter 9, Subchapter L of the TAC, and the CPA rules are located in Title 34, Part 1, Chapter 20, Subchapter B. If there are any discrepancies between the Department’s administrative rules and this RFP, the rules shall take priority.

3. HUB PARTICIPATION GOAL

The CPA has established statewide HUB participation goals for different categories of contracts in past five (5) years. In order to meet or exceed the HUB participation goals, the Department encourages outreach to certified HUBs. Contractors shall make a good faith effort to include certified HUBs in the procurement process. This contract is classified as an other services contract under the CPA rule, and therefore has a HUB Annual Procurement Utilization Goal of 26% per fiscal year.

4. REQUIRED HUB SUBCONTRACTING PLAN

In accordance with Government Code, Chapter 2161, Subchapter F, each state agency that considers entering into a contract with an expected value of $100,000 or more over the life of the contract (including any renewals) shall, before the agency solicits bids, proposals, offers, or other applicable expressions of interest, determine whether subcontracting opportunities are probable under the contract. In accordance with 34 T.A.C.

§20.14(a),(1),(C) of the HUB Rules. State agencies may determine that subcontracting is probable for only a subset of the work expected to be performed or the funds to be expended under the contract. If an agency determines that subcontracting is probable on only a portion of a contract, it shall document its reasons in writing for the procurement file. The Department has determined that subcontracting opportunities are probable for this RFP. As a result, the respondent must submit an HSP with its proposal. The HSP is required whether a respondent intends to subcontract or not. In the HSP, a respondent must indicate whether it is a Texas certified HUB. Being a certified HUB does not exempt a respondent from completing the HSP requirement. The Department shall review the documentation submitted by the respondent to determine if a good faith effort has been made, in accordance with solicitation and HSP requirements. During the good faith effort evaluation, the Department may, at its discretion, allow clarifications or enhancements to information submitted with the HSP.

If the Department determines that the respondent’s HSP was not developed in good faith, the HSP will be considered non-responsive and will be rejected as a material failure to comply with the advertised specifications.

The reasons for rejection shall be recorded in the procurement file.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm#2161.252 https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/docs/hub-forms/hsp-allfms.pdf http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm#2161.181 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2161.htm#2161.182 http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=43&pt=1&ch=9&sch=L&rl=Y http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=43&pt=1&ch=9&sch=L&rl=Y http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&sch=B&rl=Y http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&sch=B&rl=Y

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 7 of 27 576SB001-5605

5. CPA’S CENTRALIZED MASTER BIDDERS LIST

Respondents may search for HUB subcontractors in the CPA’s Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)/HUB Directory. For this procurement, the Department has identified the following class and item codes for potential subcontracting opportunities:

NIGP Class/Item Code:

918-32 Consulting Services (Not otherwise classified) 918-43 Environmental Consulting 926-42 Environmental Services (Not otherwise classified)

Respondents are not required to use, nor limited to using, the class and item codes identified above, and may identify other areas for subcontracting. The State does not endorse, recommend nor attest to the capabilities of any company or individual listed on the CPA’s CMBL. The list of certified HUBs is subject to change, so respondents are encouraged to refer to the CMBL often to find the most current listing of HUBs.

6. HUB SUBCONTRACTING PROCEDURES

If a Respondent Intends to Subcontract An HSP must demonstrate that the respondent made a good faith effort to comply with the State’s HUB policies and procedures. The following subparts outline the items that the State will review in determining whether an HSP meets the good faith effort standard. A respondent that intends to subcontract must complete the HSP to document its good faith efforts.

6.1 Identify Subcontracting Areas and Divide Them into Reasonable Lots A respondent should first identify each area of the contract work it intends to subcontract. Then, to maximize HUB participation, it should divide the contract work into reasonable lots or portions, to the extent consistent with prudent industry practices.

6.2 Notify Potential HUB Subcontractors

The HSP must demonstrate that the respondent made a good faith effort to subcontract with HUBs. The respondent’s good faith efforts shall be shown through utilization of all methods in conformance with the development and submission of the HSP and by complying with the following steps:

6.2.1 Divide the contract work into reasonable lots or portions to the extent consistent with prudent industry practices. The respondent must determine which portions of work, including goods and services, will be subcontracted.

6.2.2 Use the appropriate method(s) to demonstrate good faith effort. The respondent can use either method(s) 1, 2, 3, or 4.

6.3 Methods to Demonstrate Good Faith Efforts

6.3.1 Method 1: Respondent Intends to Subcontract with only HUBs:

The respondent must identify in the HSP the HUBs that will be utilized and submit written documentation that confirms 100% of all available subcontracting opportunities will be performed by one or more HUBs;

or,

6.3.2 Method 2: Respondent Intends to Subcontract with HUBs and Non-HUBs (Meet or Exceed the Goal): The respondent must identify in the HSP and submit written documentation that one or more HUB subcontractors will be utilized; and that the aggregate expected percentage of subcontracts with HUBs will meet or exceed the goal specified in this solicitation. When utilizing this method, only HUB subcontractors that has existing contracts with the respondent for five years or less may be used to comply with the good faith effort requirements. When the aggregate expected percentage of subcontracts with HUBs meets or exceeds the goal specified in this solicitation, respondents may also use non-HUB subcontractors; or,

6.3.3 Method 3: Respondent Intends to Subcontract with HUBs and Non-HUBs (Does Not Meet or Exceed the Goal). The respondent must identify in the HSP and submit documentation regarding both of the following requirements:

• Written notification to minority or women trade organizations or development centers to assist in identifying potential HUBs of the subcontracting opportunities the respondent intends to subcontract.

Respondents must give minority or women trade organizations or development centers at least seven

(7) working days prior to submission of the respondent's response for dissemination of the subcontracting opportunities to their members. A list of minority and women trade organizations is located on the CPA’s https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/tpasscmblsearch/index.jsp

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 8 of 27 576SB001-5605 website under the Minority and Women Organization link.

• Written notification to at least three (3) HUB businesses of the subcontracting opportunities that the respondent intends to subcontract. The written notice must be sent to potential HUB subcontractors prior to submitting proposals and must include:

a description of the scope of work to be subcontracted, information regarding the location to review project plans or specifications, information about bonding and insurance requirements, required qualifications and other contract requirements, and a description of how the subcontractor can contact the respondent.

Respondents must give potential HUB subcontractors a reasonable amount of time to respond to the notice, at least seven (7) working days prior to submission of the respondent's response unless circumstances require a different time period, which is determined by the agency and documented in the contract file; Respondents must also use the CMBL, the HUB Directory, and Internet resources when searching for HUB subcontractors. Respondents may rely on the services of contractor groups; local, state and federal business assistance offices; and other organizations that provide assistance in identifying qualified applicants for the HUB program.

6.3.4 Method 4: Respondent Does Not Intend to Subcontract

When the respondent plans to complete all contract requirements with its own equipment, supplies, materials and/or employees, it is still required to complete an HSP. The respondent must complete the “Self-Performance Justification” portion of the HSP, and attest that it does not intend to subcontract for any goods or services, including the class and item codes identified in Section 5. In addition, the respondent must identify the sections of the proposal that describe how it will complete the Scope of Work using its own resources or provide a statement explaining how it will complete the Scope of Work using its own resources. The respondent must agree to comply with the following if requested by the State:

• provide evidence of sufficient respondent staffing to meet the RFP requirements,

• provide monthly payroll records showing the respondent staff fully dedicated to the contract,

• allow the State to conduct an onsite review of company headquarters or work site where services are to be performed, and,

• provide documentation proving employment of qualified personnel holding the necessary licenses and certificates required to perform the Scope of Work.

6.4 Written Justification of the Selection Process. The State will make a determination if a good faith effort was made by the respondent in the development of the required HSP. One or more of the methods identified in the previous sections may be applicable to the respondent’s good faith efforts in developing and submission of the HSP. The State may require the respondent to submit additional documentation explaining how the respondent made a good faith effort in accordance with the solicitation. A respondent must provide written justification of its selection process if it chooses a non-HUB subcontractor. The justification should demonstrate that the respondent negotiated in good faith with qualified HUB bidders, and did not reject qualified HUBs who were the best value responsive bidders.

7. POST-AWARD HSP REQUIREMENTS

The HSP shall be reviewed and evaluated prior to contract award and, if accepted, the finalized HSP will become part of the contract with the successful respondent(s). After contract award, the State will coordinate a post-award meeting with the successful respondent to discuss HSP reporting requirements. The contractor must maintain business records documenting compliance with the HSP, and must submit monthly subcontract reports to the State by completing the HUB Subcontracting Plan and Progress Compliance Forms (PAR). This monthly report is required as a condition for payment to report to the agency the identity and the amount paid to all subcontractors. As a condition of award the Contractor is required to send notification to all selected subcontractors as identified in the accepted/approved HSP. In addition, a copy of the notification must be provided to the agency’s Contract Manager and/or HUB Program Office within 10 days of the contract award.

During the term of the contract, if the parties in the contract amend the contract to include a change to the scope of work or add additional funding, the State will evaluate to determine the probability of additional subcontracting opportunities. When applicable, the Contractor must submit an HSP change request for the State’s review. The requirements for an HSP change request will be covered in the post-award meeting. When making a change to an HSP, the Contractor will obtain prior written approval from the State before making any changes to the HSP.

Proposed changes must comply with the HUB Program good faith effort requirements relating to the https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/resources.php

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 9 of 27 576SB001-5605 development and submission of a HSP. If the contractor decides to subcontract any part of the contract after the award, it must follow the good faith effort procedures outlined in Section 6 of this section (e.g., divide work into reasonable lots, notify at least three (3) vendors per subcontracted area, provide written justification of the selection process, or participate in the Mentor Protégé Program). For this reason, the State encourages respondents to identify, as part of their HSP, multiple subcontractors who are able to perform the work in each area the respondent plans to subcontract. Selecting additional subcontractors may help the selected contractor make changes to its original HSP, when needed, and will allow the State to approve any necessary changes expeditiously. Failure to meet the HSP and post-award requirements will constitute a breach of contract, and will be subject to remedial actions. The State may also report noncompliance to the CPA in accordance with the provisions of the Vendor Performance and Debarment Program (see 34 T.A.C. §20.108 relating to Debarment) and (see 34 T.A.C. §20.586 relating to Procedures for Investigations and Debarment).

http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&rl=108 https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=34&pt=1&ch=20&rl=586

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 10 of 27 576SB001-5605

PART V

ATTACHMENTS TO THE RFP

Attachment 1 Proposal Cover Sheet Attachment 2 Team Commitment Letter Attachment 3 Project Manager Qualifications Attachment 4 Senior Consultation Specialist Qualifications Attachment 5 Ichthyologist Qualifications Attachment 6 Malacologist Qualifications Attachment 7 Firm and Team Experience Attachment 8 Evaluation Matrices Attachment 9 Final Cost Proposal Attachment 10 Contract (for informational purposes only)

All responses to this RFP must be formatted in 12-point Arial, Franklin Gothic Book, Tahoma, or Helvetica Font.

All position requirements are in Attachment B, Appendix-1. All fields in all tables must be completed or marked N/A if not applicable.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTACHMENTS 3-6

All project examples must include completed deliverables that were accepted and/or approved by the client and/or a regulatory agency within the past ten years from the issue date of this RFP. No projects with ongoing work that is not part of a complete and accepted deliverable or incomplete/ongoing consultations at the issue date of this RFP will be counted. If required for a position, note that the client deliverable acceptance date is rarely the same as the regulatory agency approval/concurrence/BO date. At a minimum, all dates must include Month and Year.

All client name and contact information provided must relate to the person responsible for reviewing and accepting the project deliverables. If the project was completed for TxDOT, a CSJ must be provided. Information on TxDOT projects must be requested by emailing the CSJ and all requested information within the timeframe for questions and clarifications for this RFP. Unconfirmed dates for TxDOT projects and discrepancies in information provided will result in use of dates in ECOS. If the project was not conducted for TxDOT, the final deliverable submittal date is acceptable.

Project descriptions for all positions should document the depth and breadth of the Proposer’s biological expertise by demonstrating work in a variety of Texas ecoregions with a variety of Texas flora and fauna with respect to the life history, distribution, behavior, and habitat requirements for the species being assessed under each position. Emphasis is placed on work with protected and imperiled species native to Texas. Project descriptions provided in support of meeting these qualifications must indicate which protected or imperiled species were addressed in the project.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 11 of 27 576SB001-5605

ATTACHMENT 1

PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

(Printed on Proposer’s letterhead)

RFP # 576SB001-5605, Statewide Biological Services

Proposing Firm, Institution, or Individual

Proposer __________________________________________

Address __________________________________________ Telephone __________________________________________

E-mail __________________________________________

Proposer’s Project Manager

Name __________________________________________

Title __________________________________________

Subproviders for this Proposal (use additional pages, if necessary). Enter “N/A” if no subprovider is proposed.

Subprovider Service(s) to Be Provided

% of Work Address

By signing this Proposal Cover Sheet, the Proposer’s representative agrees that the Project Manager named in the proposal are currently employed by the proposing firm, that if awarded a contract pursuant to this RFP, the Project Manager will be managing the work conducted under the contract, and that the Project Manager and key staff may not be replaced without prior written consent of the State. The Proposer’s representative certifies that they have qualified staff to fill the positions listed in this RFP and contract, and that the Proposer (1) agrees to the teaming arrangement of all subproviders, (2) is aware of and agrees to the specified rate structure, and (3) is aware of and agrees to the terms of the proposed contract. The Proposer’s representative also agrees that the Proposer, Proposer’s staff, and Proposer’s subproviders (team members of the proposing firm, if applicable) have no financial, personal, or business-related conflict of interest in conducting statewide scientific services for the State of Texas.

Proposer’s Representative’s Signature Date

Proposer’s Representative’s Printed Name and Title

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 12 of 27 576SB001-5605

ATTACHMENT 2

TEAM COMMITMENT LETTER

INSTRUCTIONS

The following format must be printed on team member’s letterhead. It must be signed by an individual empowered to execute contracts for the team member. This team commitment letter must be submitted in the proposal utilizing the format requested below.

Date

Texas Department of Transportation Environmental Affairs Division 125 East 11th Street Austin, TX 78701

Ms. Laura Poldrack, This letter is to certify that we as a subprovider (team member) of the prime Proposer have no conflict of interest and have agreed to provide the staff and services named in the accompanying proposal by (Proposer) for Statewide Biological Services. If awarded a contract, we (1) agree to the teaming arrangement with the Proposer, (2) are aware of, and agree to abide by, the specified rates structure, and (3) are aware of and agree to the terms of the proposed contract contained in the proposal. We further agree that we have no financial, personal, or business-related conflict of interest in conducting statewide scientific services for the State of Texas.

Sincerely, (Authorized Signatory for Team Member)

Subprovider Signature Date

Printed Name and Title

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 13 of 27 576SB001-5605

ATTACHMENT 3

PROJECT MANAGER QUALIFICATIONS

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Complete a form in the format below with Project Manager qualifications and project experience as listed in Attachment B, Appendix-1 of this RFP.

2. Project descriptions must:

a. demonstrate successful management and completion of six projects by clearly describing and relating to the Project Manager’s direct control over scope, schedule, budget, and quality of work completed;

b. demonstrate a thorough understanding of managing work required for complex biological and natural resource analyses, and documentation, in compliance with applicable, with NEPA, ESA, EFH, MMPA, and other federal, state, and local regulations that apply to biological resources and protected and imperiled species;

c. If applicable, describe the Project Manager’s role in coordinating with any regulatory agency related to obtaining authorization for the project in the project description.

d. demonstrate completion of six projects in the past ten years.

• At least two of the projects submitted must be transportation projects related to or in support of NEPA clearance.

• For any TxDOT projects, the Project Manager may only claim the Project Manager role if they served as the Project Manager for the prime contractor or as a task lead for the prime or subcontractor for the work.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 14 of 27 576SB001-5605

Name Current Employer Education (list all degrees) Degree/Major University Date of completion Degree/Major University Date of completion Degree/Major University Date of completion Work Experience Years of Professional Experience Related to this Position Provide a description of relevant employment experience, including employer(s), job title(s), employment date(s), and job duties. Not to exceed 500 words.

Provide a brief statement that demonstrates your experience managing multiple, complex, biological resources related tasks/projects and completing them on schedule within a specified budget. Include a statement of work experience with government contracts. Not to exceed 300 words.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 15 of 27 576SB001-5605

Project Experience (repeat this section for each project) Project Number for this submission (1-6) PM Job Title for the Project Project Name Project Location (limits or description, City, County, State) Client Name and Contact (email/phone) Final Client Approval Date of Consultant Deliverable(s) NEPA Project Type ☐ N/A ☐ CE ☐ EA ☐ EIS ☐ Other (explain here) NEPA Clearance/FONSI/ROD Date (if applicable) Protected/Imperiled Species USFWS Consultation No. (if applicable) Date of BO, CO, or Concurrence from USFWS/NMFS (if applicable) Transportation Related ☐ Yes ☐ No CSJ (if TxDOT project) Project Description Provide a brief description of the project and a clear description of the Project Manager’s roles/responsibilities.

Not to exceed 250 words per project.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 16 of 27 576SB001-5605

ATTACHMENT 4

SENIOR CONSULTATION SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS

1. Complete a form in the format below with the Senior Consultation Specialist qualifications as listed in

Attachment B, Appendix-1 of the RFP.

2. The person proposed for the Senior Consultation Specialist may be proposed for all positions for which the qualifications are met.

3. Project descriptions must:

a. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the preparation of documents in support of consultation or conference with USFWS/NMFS under sections 7 and/or 10 of the ESA.

b. demonstrate understanding of aspects of consultation including creation of action areas, analysis of effects, and appropriate conservation measures.

c. demonstrate completion of six consultation documents in the past ten years,

• at least two documents must be prepared in support of formal consultation or conference as BAs with resulting BOs or COs (or concurrence for a BA prepared for an EIS) from USFWS/NMFS

• at least two documents must be prepared as BEs in support of informal consultation with resulting concurrence from USFWS/NMFS.

• The remaining two documents may be either formal or informal consultation or conferences resulting in BOs, COs, or written concurrence from USFWS/NMFS.

• At least two of the six consultation documents must address species endemic to Texas.

• At least two of the six projects submitted must be transportation projects related to or in support of NEPA clearance.

• Technical assistance or projects that are associated with requesting concurrence for a no effect call will not be counted as consultations.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 17 of 27 576SB001-5605

Degree/Major University Date of completion Degree/Major University Date of completion Degree/Major University Date of completion Work Experience Years of Professional Experience Related to this Position Provide a description of relevant employment experience, including employer(s), job title(s), employment date(s), and job duties. Not to exceed 500 words.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 18 of 27 576SB001-5605

Project Experience (repeat this section for each project) Project Number (1-6) Project Name Location (limits or description, City, County, State) Client Name and Contact (email/phone) Final Client Approval Date of Consultant Deliverable(s) Consultation Type (select all that apply) ☐ section 7 formal ☐ section 7 informal ☐ conference ☐ section Federal Action Agency (if section 7) Protected/Imperiled Species USFWS/NMFS Consultation No.

Date of BO, CO, or Concurrence from USFWS/NMFS Transportation Related ☐ Yes ☐ No CSJ (if TxDOT project) Project Description Provide a brief description of the project, impacts, species involved and a clear description of the Senior Consultation Specialist’s roles/responsibilities. Not to exceed 250 words per project.

Scientific IndefDelwWA Page 19 of 27 576SB001-5605

ATTACHMENT 5

ICHTHYOLOGIST QUALIFICATIONS

1. Complete a form in the format below with the Ichthyologist qualifications and project experience as listed in Attachment B Appendix-1 of the RFP.

2. Project descriptions must demonstrate completion of six habitat assessments, presence/absence surveys, relocations, or other similar actions for imperiled fish species in the past ten years. At least three surveys must have been completed for species in Texas. Surveys must have been completed according to a protocol established by NMFS, TPWD, USFWS, or other scientifically acceptable standard methods.

3. If applicable, include a copy of any permit referenced for this position after the project descriptions. The permit must list the species covered and include the name of the permittee as the person submitted for this position to receive credit for the permit. For species covered, list only the species relevant to the position (i.e., Ichthyologist – fish). If there are no species relevant to the position on the permit, do not include the permit. It will not be counted toward the position.