RFP-Bakerville Sediment and Flood Risk Reduction Analysis and Design_Final.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

Bakerville Sediment and Flood Risk Reduction Analysis and Design

Issued by the Clear Creek Watershed & Forest Health Partnership

Proposals Due By:

May 24, 2024, at 5:00pm MST

Clear Creek Watershed & Forest Health Partnership ATTN: Kerry Major

1445 10th Street Golden, CO 80401-9996

(303) 384-8182 admin@clearcreekpartnership.org mailto:admin@clearcreekpartnership.org

Introduction

The Clear Creek Watershed & Forest Health Partnership (CCWFHP) is the project management lead whose purpose is to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk, increase community awareness of fire-safe neighborhood strategies, and support safe and clean water supplies throughout the upper Clear Creek Drainage. The lead project sponsor is Coalitions and Collaboratives, Inc. (COCO). COCO was formed in 2014. COCO works nationally to increase the capacity of place-based organizations to undertake forest and watershed health and climate resilience projects, including wildfire mitigation and post-fire recovery.

The upper Clear Creek watershed drains a 400 square mile area originating in headwaters at the Continental Divide and extending eastward (downstream) to Golden. In 2019, a pre-wildfire risk evaluation study was commissioned by the Upper Clear Creek Watershed Association (UCCWA), the City of Golden, and the Standley Lake IGA Cities of Northglenn, Thornton, and Westminster.

The study report, completed in 2021, identified key needs for wildfire risk management in the basin. The study utilized existing Community Wildfire Protection Plans, stakeholder input, and engineering risk-analysis methods to identify high-risk areas and potential wildfire risk-mitigation projects. Identified projects would reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and reduce the risk of post-fire impacts like flooding, debris flows, and water quality degradation.

The Bakerville Sediment and Flood Risk Reduction Feasibility Analysis project is located in the Bakerville to Silver Plume corridor which is identified as a high-risk area for impacts from catastrophic wildfires. This project is located in the Zone Of Concern (ZOC) identified as high risk in the aforementioned 2021 Upper Clear Creek Pre-Wildfire Planning Study for water supply and is in need of buffer for existing municipal water supply diversion points, intakes, and storage reservoirs.

The project site is along the mainstem of Clear Creek in Clear Creek County, Colorado in a roughly 1-mile stretch east of Bakerville along the Colorado 1-70 corridor. The targets of concern are labeled in the study area as SP-6 and SR-2. Please see the Map of Identified Projects and Sub- Watershed Risk. These are targets for stream corridor preservation and stream channel restoration.

This stream restoration and preservation project would act as a sediment debris capture point and flood event protection for high-priority infrastructure.

Project Description Geospatial data has been compiled on historic and existing conditions and key findings observed through a Desktop Analysis of the Clear Creek mainstem along Silver Valley Road between Bakerville and Silver Plume, and along West Bakerville Road between Kearney Gulch and Bakerville. The existing channel features several beaver dams approximately 1 mile east of the project site. A Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Senior Design Challenge class was completed in November 2023. The CSM design challenge deliverable was a preliminary alternatives analysis of restoration solutions at the Bakerville project site, specifically looking at low-tech, processed-based stream restoration alternatives.

The primary goal for stream restoration at the Bakerville project site is to create refugia and floodplain connectivity to prepare for wildfire and post-fire flooding. The floodplain will be repaired and potentially increase water holding at a site identified in the South Platte Basin https://www.clearcreekpartnership.org/ https://co-co.org/about-us/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/195GpsbTVss4tb1XDoU8X10Ses2UEkpc2/view https://lre-inc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=d05f45791b0840338fc29c66d7449754 https://lre-inc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=d05f45791b0840338fc29c66d7449754 https://elephantfish.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html?appid=010d7d83833e44edbc8b36321d9df08d

Implementation Plan with a decreed water right. Ponding could also serve to mitigate the impacts of magnesium chloride roadway deicers on the Interstate 70 corridor. Initial outreach with interested stakeholders has indicated flow credits could be available to offset possible instream flow impact.

Project objectives will focus on assessments and developing a low-impact process-based restoration concept design. The overall site goal is to serve as a point of refuge and flood break in the case of a wildfire. Proposed solution alternatives will include the expansion of beaver habitat already existing east of the project area, simulated low-impact ponding structures, the introduction of anchored debris, revegetation, step-pools, or any combination of these solutions. Low impact dams and increased wetland vegetation serve to slow flow from snow and storm water runoff.

Scope of Services Pursuant to this RFP, the consulting firm will manage the studies and shall include the following components, and the successful firm shall:

● Secure any possible additional necessary agreements for access through private and/or public land to conduct environmental assessments and studies determined necessary to inform a restoration design.

o The project is located on United States Forest Service land. The Forest

Service/Clear Creek Ranger District has determined “a special use permit will not be required for these proposed assessments as this use is found to fit within 36 CFR 251.50(e)(1). Per 36 CFR 251.50 (e), For proposed uses other than a noncommercial group use, a special use authorization is not required if, based upon review of a proposal, the authorized officer determines that the proposed use has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) The proposed use will have such nominal effects on National Forest System lands, resources, or programs that it is not necessary to establish terms and conditions in a special use authorization to protect National Forest System lands and resources or to avoid conflict with National Forest System programs or operations…While the analysis of this project is believed to have nominal effects, this letter is not intended to give an indication that the project will be authorized by the Forest Service in the future. Further consideration and an application will be required prior to any potential project implementation beyond this initial feasibility analysis.”

● Conduct assessments to evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of infrastructure protection of the site stream restoration designs based on the hydraulics, geology, environmental conditions, and water rights or flow credit availability of the site.

o The overall task planning effort will make use of and leverage prior planning and environmental review documents which identified and evaluated project concepts and desktop analysis inputs.

o The CCWFHP will provide access to all information, data, and maps as currently exist in files necessary for carrying out the requested services to the Consultant(s), without charge, and cooperate in the carrying out of the work without delay. CCWFHP’s responsibility to provide access to information is limited to data of record in the format provided.

o The Consultant shall check and investigate existing information and conditions and notify CCWFHP of deficiencies that are discovered.

o CCWFHP and COCO will provide overall project management, accounting, and process invoices pursuant to the CWCB WRW grant awarded in support of this project.

● Design alternatives with probable construction costs and permitting requirements for each alternative with the intent to prepare for a USFS review.

o Address infrastructure protection, water quality, river function, stream health, and resiliency.

o Consultants are to prepare proposals and provide a Scope of Work, schedule and budgets that execute on the Scope of Work. Consultants may recommend approaches for the engineering/architectural, environmental, communications and engagement, and implementation elements that deviate from the proposed Scope of Work.

● Determine next step recommendations.

● Gather input to identify and determine stakeholder objectives.

● Reach consensus on the most acceptable restoration method and preliminary engineering design.

o Special consideration should be given to the CDOT SWEEP underway at the

Bakerville exit on I-70 and Trout Unlimited’s Greenback Cutthroat Trout reintroduction interests upstream.

● Prepare a final report, including recommended preliminary engineering design, to summarize findings from steps above, with a progress report every month from the execution of the contract to project completion.

As the scope of work may require more than one professional firm to complete, the Partnership encourages interested firms to partner with other firms or sub-consultants. The Partnership would prefer all aspects of the scope to be represented in the response. To that end, a multi-firm response is valid and acceptable.

Proposal Content

Proposals must be submitted electronically via BidNet and include, at a minimum, the following information (Each page of the proposal must be numbered, and the total number of pages may not exceed fifteen (15) standard pages (8 ½ by 11”) font size no smaller than 11. The page limit applies to all content with the following exceptions: an optional table of contents, cover page, and resumes):

1. Experience of Firm. Provide a detailed description of the firm’s experience in providing similar services. Include the type and number of clients served, as well as the size, scope, and nature of the projects involved. Specifically identify any projects or conflicts that may impact the Services.

2. Experience/Qualifications of Assigned Professional(s). Provide the qualifications for each individual who may be assigned to provide the Services, and designate the individual who would have primary responsibility for oversight of the Services.

Provide the qualifications of all sub-consultants that would provide any portion of the Services.

3. Approach and Availability. Provide a detailed description of the firm’s approach to provide the Services. Provide a statement of availability to provide the Services.

4. Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Provide a description of the firm’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion in providing the Services.

5. Proposed Fees/Expenses/Anticipated Schedule. Proposals shall clearly state all fees and expenses to be charged for the performance of the Services and the estimated timeline for each task.

a. It is anticipated that a maximum not to exceed the amount of $60,000 will be established for the Services.

b. If based on an hourly rate, provide the hourly rates (with any applicable nonprofit discounted rate) to be charged for each individual to be assigned to this engagement and a general description of how billable hours will be allocated.

c. Provide an explanation if fees will be calculated on any other basis. Itemize the type of expenses (other than fees) for which your firm would seek reimbursement.

6. Proof of Insurance. Insurance Requirements. The contractor shall obtain, and maintain at all times during the term of this Contract, insurance in the following kinds and amounts:

a. Workers’ Compensation Insurance as required by state statute, and Employer’s

Liability Insurance covering all of Contractor’s employees acting within the course and scope of their employment.

b. Commercial General Liability Insurance written on ISO occurrence form CG 00 01 10/93 or equivalent, covering premises operations, fire damage, independent contractors, products and completed operations, blanket contractual liability, personal injury, and advertising liability with minimum limits as follows:

i. $1,000,000 each occurrence;

ii. $1,000,000 general aggregate;

iii. $1,000,000 products and completed operations aggregate; and

iv. $50,000 any one fire.

(3) If any required aggregate limit is reduced below $1,000,000 because of claims made or paid, the contractor shall immediately obtain additional insurance to restore the full aggregate limit and furnish to the COCO a certificate or other document satisfactory to COCO showing compliance with this provision.

c. Automobile Liability Insurance covering any auto (including owned, hired and non-owned autos) per state of Colorado minimums as required by law.

d. Professional liability insurance with minimum limits of liability of not less than $1,000,000.

e. COCO, shall be named as additional insured on the Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability Insurance policies (leases and construction contracts will require the additional insured coverage for completed operations on endorsements CG 2010 11/85, CG 2037, or equivalent).

f. COCO requires additional environmental/pollution coverage at $1,000,000 per occurrence and additional umbrella liability at $5,000,000 per occurrence.

g. The insured must notify COCO of cancellation of nonrenewal at least 45 days from the date of the expiration of the policy by certified mail (10 days for nonpayment of premium).

h. The Contractor will require all insurance policies in any way related to the Contract and secured and maintained by the Contractor to include clauses stating that each carrier will waive all rights of recovery, under subrogation or otherwise, against COCO its officers, agents, employees and volunteers.

i. All policies evidencing the insurance coverages required hereunder shall be issued by insurance companies satisfactory to COCO’s insurers.

j. The Contractor shall provide certificates showing insurance coverage required by this contract to COCO, upon execution of this Contract. This Contract will not be deemed effective until such certificates are provided. No later than 15 days prior to the expiration date of any such coverage, the Contractor shall deliver certificates of insurance evidencing renewals thereof. At any time during the term of this Contract, COCO, may request in writing, and the Contractor shall thereupon within 10 days supply, evidence satisfactory to COCO, of compliance with the provisions of this section.

7. Conflict of Interest Statement. Identify all existing agreements and contracts or agreements where similar services are being provided and could create a conflict of interest.

Selection Criteria

Proposals submitted will be reviewed by the Partnership’s members for completeness and qualifications. Selection of a firm will be made on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Qualifications, expertise, and experience of the firm;

2. Qualifications, expertise, and experience of the individuals assigned from the firm and of any sub-consultants;

3. Approach and Availability to provide the Services;

4. Approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and

5. Responsiveness of the firm to the RFP categories.

Terms and Conditions

The following terms and conditions apply to all proposals:

1. The Partnership reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted; to select one or more responding parties; to void this RFP and the review process and/or terminate negotiations at any time; to select separate responding parties for various components of the scope of services; and to select a final party/parties from among the proposals received in response to this RFP. Additionally, any and all RFP project elements, requirements and schedules are subject to change and modification. The Partnership also reserves the unqualified right to modify, suspend, or terminate at its sole discretion any and all aspects of this RFP process, to obtain further information from any and all responding parties, and to waive any defects as to form or content of the RFP or any responses by any party.

2. This RFP does not commit the Partnership to award a contract, defray any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this RFP, or contract for any services. All submitted responses to this RFP become the property of the Partnership as public records. All proposals may be subject to public review, on request, unless exempted as discussed elsewhere in this RFP.

3. By accepting this RFP and/or submitting a proposal in response thereto, each responding party agrees for itself, its successors and assigns, to hold the Partnership and its affiliated entities and all of their various agents, commissioners, directors, consultants, attorneys, officers and staff harmless from and against any and all claims and demands of whatever nature or type, which any such responding company, its representatives, agents, contractors, successors or assigns may have against any of them as a result of issuing this RFP, revising this RFP, conducting the selection process and subsequent negotiations, making a final recommendation, selecting a responding party/parties or negotiating or executing an agreement incorporating the commitments of the selected responding party.

4. By submitting responses, each responding party acknowledges having read this RFP in its entirety and agrees to all terms and conditions set out in this RFP.

Submission of Proposals

To be considered, proposals must be received no later than May 24, 2024, at 5:00pm MST.

Proposals received after the deadline identified above will not be considered.

Schedule RFP Announcement April 23, 2024 Pre-Bid Site Visit or Meeting May 10, 2024 Questions Submitted by May 17, 2024 Questions Answered May 21, 2024 Submission of Proposals by May 24, 2024 Notice of Award June 7, 2024

Questions about this RFP should be sent by email to admin@clearcreekpartnership.org. Any answers to questions will be provided to all interested parties and released as an addendum to this RFP on the Partnership’s website, Clear Creek Watershed & Forest Health Partnership (clearcreekpartnership.org), after the date indicated above.

A short list of firms submitting proposals that are considered best suited to perform the work will be notified of the further oral interview details within ten days of the submittal closing date. A work plan and cost will be negotiated with the selected Firm. The same evaluation criteria used for the proposal evaluation process will be used to rate the firms during the interviews and proposal presentation. The determination as to the need for interviews, the location, order and schedule of the interviews is at the sole discretion of CCWFHP and COCO.

All proposals should be sent electronically via BidNet.

mailto:admin@clearcreekpartnership.org https://www.clearcreekpartnership.org/ https://www.clearcreekpartnership.org/