STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Mitigation Services

Request for Quote #: 16-2313794044

Adaptive Management Plan for Rowan Branch (#317)

Date of Issue: September 4, 2026

Quote Due Date: 10/20/2026

At 10:00 AM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFQ to:

Kristie Corson

Contracts Manager

Email: kristie.corson@deq.nc.gov

Phone: 919-707-8935

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Request for Quote #

16-2313794044

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of quotes, provide your company’s eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public. This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available for public inspection.

This page shall be filled out and returned with your quote.

Failure to do so may subject your quote to rejection.

Vendor Name

Vendor eVP#

Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered Vendor in good standing. You must enter the Vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor

Portal). If you do not have a Vendor number, register at https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Quote Number: 16-2313794044 Vendor: __________________________________________

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Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFQ to the Procurement Lead through the Message Board in the Sourcing Tool. See section 2.6 for details

Request for Quote #: 16-2313794044 Quotes will be opened: October 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Using Agency: Division of Mitigation Services Commodity No. and Description: 701617 Ecosystems Requisition No.:

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Request for Quote (RFQ), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are quoted, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

By executing this quote, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:

this quote is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54), none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.

Furthermore, by executing this quote, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor’s knowledge and belief, that:

it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of this RFQ, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.

As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned Vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any Contract arising from this solicitation.

G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public contracts; or awarding or administering public contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public contract of any gift from anyone with a contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this response to the RFQ, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your organization.

By executing this quote, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be accessed from the Ariba Sourcing Tool.

Failure to execute/sign quote prior to submittal may render quote invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late quotes shall not be accepted.

COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR:

Division of Department of Environmental Quality

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VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least sixty (60) days from date of quote opening, unless otherwise stated here: _____ days, or if extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this RFQ.

ACCEPTANCE OF QUOTES

If your quote is accepted, all provisions of this RFQ, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between the parties (“Contract”). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply. Depending upon the Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 20____, as indicated on

The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________.

(Authorized Representative of Department of Environmental Quality)

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Contents

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 REQUEST FOR QUOTE DOCUMENT

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFQ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.4 RFQ SCHEDULE

2.5 SITE VISIT or PRE-BID CONFERENCE

2.6 QUOTE QUESTIONS

2.7 QUOTE SUBMITTAL

2.8 QUOTE CONTENTS

2.9 ALTERNATE QUOTES

2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND QUOTE EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

3.3 QUOTE EVALUATION PROCESS

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRICING

4.2 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.3 REFERENCES

4.4 BACKGROUND CHECKS

4.5 PERSONNEL

4.6 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.7 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

4.9 SUBCONTRACTORS

4.10 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.3

5.2 TASKS/DELIVERABLES

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6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 CONTRACT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

6.2 INVOICES

6.3 POST AWARD BUSINESS REVIEW MEETINGS

6.4 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.5 PERIODIC REPORTS

6.6 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

6.7 FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE

6.8 TRANSITION ASSISTANCE

6.9 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.10 CONTRACT CHANGES

6.11 ATTACHMENTS

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1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The mission of NCDMS is to provide cost-effective mitigation alternatives that improve the state’s water resources.

This solicitation and any resulting procurement are in accordance with GS 143-214.11(i), and the current Department of Administration/Department of Environmental Quality (DOA-DEQ) Special Delegation Agreement for compensatory mitigation.

Rowan Branch Mitigation Site (DMS#317) is a stream and wetland preservation-only mitigation site located three miles southeast of the Town of Clinton. The site is situated south of Rowan Road (SR1924), approximately 1.7 miles east of the intersection with US 701 Business in central Sampson County. The Interagency Review Team (IRT) conducted the initial closeout site visit on 12/17/2024. The IRT considered 78.667 stream mitigation units (SMUs), 4.880 riparian and 3.880 non-riparian wetland mitigation units (WMUs) for final release. The IRT commented that the site may be closed upon resolution of the identified contingencies.

DMS is seeking a qualified firm to provide the following services described in the Scope of Work (Section 5.0):

• perform a wetland delineation

• identify and quantify the extent of invasive vegetation species

• provide recommendations for treatment of invasive vegetation species

• provide recommendations on a supplemental planting plan and monitoring plan designed to achieve success criteria for survivability

• develop an Adaptive Management Plan for approval by the IRT

The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Specific Contract.

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of three (3) years, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”).

The Vendor shall begin work under the Contract within three (3) business days of the Effective Date

At the end of the Contract’s initial term, the State shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions for up to two (2) additional one-year terms. The State will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise each option no later than ninety (90) days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term. In addition to any optional renewal terms, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the State reserves the right to extend the Contract after the last active term.

Quotes shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFQ and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 REQUEST FOR QUOTE DOCUMENT

This RFQ is comprised of the base RFQ document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are incorporated herein by reference.

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

ATTENTION: This is an NC eProcurement solicitation facilitated by the Ariba Network. The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.

General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.

What is the Ariba Network?

The Ariba Network is a web-based platform that serves as a connection point for buyers and Vendors. Vendors can log in to the Ariba Network to view purchase orders, respond to electronic requests for quotes, participate in Sourcing Events, and collaborate with buyers on contract documents.

For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site:

http://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training.

http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

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2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFQ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFQ and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Vendors are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFQ.

If Vendors have questions or issues regarding any component of this RFQ, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with the instructions in the QUOTE QUESTIONS Section. If the State determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an RFQ addendum. The State may also elect to leave open the possibility for later negotiation of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contract award.

Other than through the process of negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor’s quote or otherwise. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s quote that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the quote non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s quote shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open for the period required herein (“Validity Period” above).

The State may exercise its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this RFQ Response, the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed upon during negotiations and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s quote as nonresponsive.

2.4 RFQ SCHEDULE

The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFQ. The State will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.

[Update the table modifying Events and Responsibility as needed and including a Date and Time for each Event]

Event Responsibility Date and Time Issue RFQ State 9/4/2026 Hold Pre-Bid Site Visit State 9/30/2026 10:00 AM ET Submit Written Questions

Vendor 10/7/2026

Provide Response to Questions

State 10/20/2026 2:00 PM ET https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/253249530794148?p=SStwJUwkln9mItsDBd

Submit Quotes Vendor TBD Contract Award State TBD

2.5 SITE VISIT or PRE-BID CONFERENCE

Mandatory

Date: 9/30/2026 Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time Location: GPS COORDINATES (34.967990, -78.270012) DMS Contact: Zach Thomas 984-383-2981

Instructions: It shall be MANDATORY that a representative from each Vendor be present for a pre-bid site visit. Attendees must arrive promptly. All attendees must sign in upon arrival and clearly indicate each prospective Vendor represented on the sign in sheet. LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SIGN IN OR PARTICIPATE IN THE SITE VISIT, NOR SHALL THEIR QUOTE BE https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/253249530794148?p=SStwJUwkln9mItsDBd https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B058'04.8%22N+78%C2%B016'12.0%22W/@34.9679944,-78.2725869,679m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d34.96799!4d-78.270012?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

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CONSIDERED. Once the sign-in process is complete, all other people wishing to attend may do so to the extent that space and circumstances allow.

FAILURE TO ATTEND THE MANDATORY SITE VISIT SHALL RESULT IN VENDOR’S QUOTE BEING DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND

NOT CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

The purpose of this visit is for all prospective Vendors to apprise themselves of the conditions and requirements which will affect the performance of the work called for by this RFQ. Vendors must stay for the duration of the site visit. No allowances will be made for unreported conditions that a prudent Vendor would recognize as affecting the work called for or implied by this RFQ.

Vendors are cautioned that any information released to attendees during the site visit [or conference], other than that involving the physical aspects of the facility referenced above, and which conflicts with, supersedes, or adds to requirements in this RFQ, must be confirmed by written addendum before it can be considered to be a part of this RFQ and any resulting contract.

2.6 QUOTE QUESTIONS

Upon review of the RFQ documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the RFQ in order to submit the best quote possible. To accommodate the Quote Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the “Submit Written Questions” date and time provided in the RFQ SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.

Questions related to the content of the solicitation, or the procurement process should be directed to the person on the title page of this document via the Sourcing Tool's message board by the date and time specified in the RFQ SCHEDULE Section of this RFQ.

Vendors will enter “RFQ #16-2313794044 – Questions” as the subject of the message. Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable RFQ section. This is the only manner in which questions will be received.

Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888- 211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM ET to 5:00 PM ET.

Questions received prior to the submission deadline date, the State’s response, and any additional terms deemed necessary by the State will be posted in the Sourcing Tool in the form of an addendum and shall become an Addendum to this RFQ. No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any State personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this RFQ, shall be considered authoritative or binding. Vendors shall rely only on written material contained in the RFQ and an addendum to this RFQ.

2.7 QUOTE SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late quotes, regardless of cause, will not be opened or considered, and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. Vendor shall bear the sole risk of late submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure its quote has been received as described in this RFQ by the specified time and date of opening. Failure to submit a quote in strict accordance with instructions provided shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s quotes(s).

Vendor’s quotes for this procurement must be submitted through the Sourcing Tool. For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training

Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888- 211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.

Tips for Using the Sourcing Tool

1. Vendors should review available training and confirm that they are able to access the Sourcing Event, enter responses, and upload files well in advance of the date and time response are due to allow sufficient time to seek assistance from the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk.

2. Vendors may submit their responses early to make sure there are no issues, and then submit a revised response any time prior to the response due date and time. The State will only review the most recent response.

https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training

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3. Vendors should respond to all relevant sections of the Sourcing Event. Certain questions or items are required in order to submit a response and are denoted with an asterisk. The Sourcing Tool will not allow a response to be submitted unless all required items are completed. The Sourcing Tool will provide error messages to help identify any required information that is missing when response is submitted.

4. Simply saving your response in the Sourcing Tool is not the same as submitting your response to the State. Vendors should make sure they complete the submission process and receive a message that their response was successfully submitted.

5. Only Quotes submitted through the Content Section of the Ariba Sourcing Event will be considered. Quotes submitted through the Message Board will not be accepted or considered for award.

If confidential and proprietary information is included in the quote, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the quote. Such information may include trade secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-152 and other information exempted from the Public Records Act pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §132- 1.2. Vendor may designate information, Products, Services, or appropriate portions of its response as confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the statutes and rules set forth above. By so redacting any page, or portion of a page, the Vendor warrants that it has formed a good faith opinion, having received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisors, that the portions determined to be confidential and proprietary and redacted as such, meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. However, under no circumstances shall price information be designated as confidential.

If the Vendor does not provide a redacted version of the quote with its quote submission, the Department may release an unredacted version if a record request is received.

2.8 QUOTE CONTENTS

Vendors shall provide responses to all questions and complete all attachments for this RFQ that require the Vendor to provide information and upload them to the Sourcing Event in the Sourcing Tool. Vendor may not be able to submit its response in the Sourcing Tool unless all required items are addressed. Vendors shall provide authorized signatures where requested. Failure to provide all required items, or Vendor’s submission of incomplete items, may result in the State rejecting Vendor’s quote, in the State’s sole discretion.

Vendors shall upload the Vendor’s Response in the Sourcing Tool. The Vendor’s Response shall include:

a) Title Page: Include the company name, address, phone number and authorized representative along with the Quote Number.

b) Completed and signed version of all EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the RFQ in its entirety.

c) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this RFQ, if required to be returned.

d) Project Staffing and Organization: Response to section 4.8 VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

e) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

f) ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

g) ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA TERMS & CONDITIONS

h) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

i) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

j) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

2.9 ALTERNATE QUOTES

Unless provided otherwise in this RFQ, Vendor may submit alternate quotes for comparable Goods, various methods or levels of Service(s), or that propose different options. Alternate quote must specifically identify the RFQ requirements and advantage(s) addressed by the alternate quote. Each quote must be for a specific set of Goods and Services and must include specific pricing. If a Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, Vendor shall follow the specific instructions for uploading Alternate Quotes in the Sourcing Tool.

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2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this RFQ are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors found in the Sourcing Tool, which are incorporated herein by this reference.

The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are also relevant to this RFQ:

Conservation Easement – A restriction that landowners voluntarily place on specified uses of their property to protect its natural, productive, or cultural features. It is recorded as a written legal agreement between the landowner and the “holder” of the easement. The State of North Carolina must receive from the landowner a conservation easement as prepared and facilitated by the full delivery provider for all NC Division of Mitigation Services full delivery projects.

Credit – A unit of measure (e.g., a functional or a real measure or other suitable metric) representing the accrual or attainment of aquatic functions at a compensatory mitigation site, as approved by the regulatory agencies. The measure of aquatic functions is based on the resources restored (rehabilitated), established, enhanced, or preserved.

Department – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)

Division of Water Resources - Division in NCDEQ that is responsible for state water quality regulations.

Interagency Review Team (IRT) – A group of federal, tribal, state, and/or local regulatory and resource agency representatives that review documentation for and advises the USACE district engineer on the establishment and management of a stream and/or wetland mitigation bank or an in-lieu fee program.

Intermittent Stream – A well-defined channel that contains water for only part of the year, typically during winter and spring when the aquatic bed is below the water table. The flow may be heavily supplemented by storm water runoff. An intermittent stream should score at least 19 points using the NC Division of Water Quality Classification Manual, Version 4.11, 2010, effective September 1, 2010.

Jurisdictional Wetland - A wetland as defined in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.

Monitoring Report – A written document, supplemented with graphics due on December 1st of each year during the monitoring period following the completion of construction. This report contains results of the measured success criteria as defined in the Baseline Monitoring Document.

NCDMS – The North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services.

Non-Riparian Wetland – An area underlain with hydric soils that is NOT located in a geomorphic floodplain or natural crenulation and NOT contiguous to natural lakes greater than 20 acres in size or artificial impoundments. Non-Riparian Wetlands are typically found on flats in interstream divides (pocosins), side slopes (seeps), and in depressions surrounded by uplands (mafic depressions, lime sinks and Carolina Bays). The hydrology of non-riparian wetlands is driven by precipitation and is characterized by groundwater being at or near the surface for much of the year. Must meet US Army Corps of Engineers wetlands definition (33 CFR 328.3(b)).

Opening Date – The location, date, and time that the Vendor’s Response must be delivered to NCDMS. Offers will not be accepted by NCDMS after the opening date/time.

Perennial Stream – A well-defined channel that contains water year-round during a year of normal rainfall, with the aquatic bed located below the water table for most of the year. A perennial stream should score at least 30 points using the NC Division of Water Quality Stream Classification Manual, Version 4.11, 2010, effective September 1, 2010.

Project Area – For the purposes of this RFQ, project area is defined as the area within the conservation easement for the project.

Project Milestones – A deliverable, such as a document or completed action that signifies that the endo of a task in the Scope of Service.

Release of Credits – means a determination by the USACE district engineer in consultation with the IRT, that credits associated with an approved mitigation plan are available for sale or transfer as defined under the Federal Guidance for the Establishment, Use and Operation of Mitigation Banks (Federal Register April 10, 2008, Volume 70, Number 73, pp 19594-19705).

Riparian Wetlands – An area that is underlain with hydric soils and located within a geomorphic floodplain or natural crenulation, or contiguous with NATURAL water bodies greater than 20 acres in size.

USACE – United States Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch, Wilmington District

Wetland Preservation - means the removal of a threat to, or preventing the decline of, aquatic resources by an action in or near those aquatic resources. This term includes those activities normally associated with the protection and maintenance of aquatic

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3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND QUOTE EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the State shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all award decisions shall be in the State’s best interest.

All responsive bids will be reviewed, and award or awards will be based on the responsive bid(s) offering the lowest price that meets the specifications provided herein, to include any required verifications set out herein such as but not limited to past performance, references, and financial documents.

While the intent of this RFQ is to award a Contract(s) to a single Vendor for all line items [ OR multiple Vendors — edit as needed], the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different Vendors for one or more line items, to not award one or more line items or to cancel this RFQ in its entirety without awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.

The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in quotes received.

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this RFQ is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See Paragraph 29. of the Instructions to Vendors entitled

COMMUNICATOINS BY VENDORS

Each Vendor submitting a quote to this RFQ, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government agency office or body (including the procurement lead named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the General Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s quote or qualifications, the content of another Vendor’s proposal, another Vendor’s qualifications or ability to perform a resulting contract, and/or the transmittal of any other communication of information that could be reasonably considered to have the effect of directly or indirectly influencing the evaluation of proposals, the award of a contract, or both.

Any Vendor not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified from evaluation and award. A Vendor’s proposal may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the procurement is active (i.e., the issuance date of the procurement until the date of contract award or cancellation of the procurement). Only those discussions, communications or transmittals of information authorized or initiated by the issuing agency for this RFQ or inquiries directed to the procurement lead named in this RFQ regarding requirements of the RFQ (prior to proposal submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

3.3 QUOTE EVALUATION PROCESS

a) Quotes are requested for the items as specified, or item(s) equivalent in design, function, and performance. The State reserves the right to reject any quote on the basis of fit, form and/or function, as well as cost.

b) The State shall review the responses to this RFQ to confirm that they meet the specifications and requirements. The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality.

c) For all responses that pass the initial review process, the State will review and assess the Vendors’ pricing. The State may request additional formal responses or submissions from any or all Vendors for the purpose of clarification or to amplify the materials presented in any part of the quote. Vendors are cautioned, however, that the State is not required to request clarification, and often does not. Therefore, all quotes should be complete and reflect the most favorable terms available from the Vendor. Prices quoted cannot be altered or modified as part of a clarification.

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d) Quotes will be evaluated based on the award criteria identified in Section 3.1 METHOD OF AWARD.

Award of a Contract to one Vendor does not mean that the other quotes lacked merit, but that, all factors considered, the selected quote was deemed most advantageous and represented the best value to the State.

Vendors are cautioned that this is a request for quote, not a request or an offer to contract, and the State reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers at any time if such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the State.

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT E: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR. In addition to any other evaluation criteria identified in this RFQ, the State may also consider, for purposes of evaluating proposed or actual contract performance outside of the United States, how that performance may affect the following factors to ensure that any award will be in the best interest of the State:

a) Total cost to the State

b) Level of quality provided by the Vendor

c) Process and performance capability across multiple jurisdictions

d) Protection of the State’s information and intellectual property

e) Availability of pertinent skills

f) Ability to understand the State’s business requirements and internal operational culture

g) Particular risk factors such as the security of the State’s information technology

h) Relations with citizens and employees

i) Contract enforcement jurisdictional issues

3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This RFQ serves two functions: (1) to advise potential Vendors of the parameters of the solution being sought by the State; and (2) to provide (together with other specified documents) the terms of the Contract resulting from this procurement. The use of phrases such as “shall,” “must,” and “requirements” are intended to create enforceable contract conditions. In determining whether quotes should be evaluated or rejected, the State will take into consideration the degree to which Vendors have proposed or failed to propose solutions that will satisfy the State’s needs as described in the RFQ. Except as specifically stated in the RFQ, no one requirement shall automatically disqualify a Vendor from consideration. However, failure to comply with any single requirement may result in the State exercising its discretion to reject a quote in its entirety.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this RFQ. By submitting a quote, the Vendor agrees to meet all stated requirements in this Section as well as any other specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions stated in this RFQ. If a Vendor is unclear about a requirement or specification or believes a change to a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better quote, the Vendor is urged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question-and-answer period in accordance with the Quote Questions Section above.

4.1 PRICING

Quote price shall constitute the total cost to the State for complete performance in accordance with the requirements and specifications herein, including all applicable charges for handling, transportation, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and upload in the Sourcing Tool. The pricing provided in ATTACHMENT A, or resulting from any negotiations, is incorporated herein and shall become part of any resulting Contract.

INVOICES MAY NOT BE PAID UNTIL AN INSPECTION HAS OCCURRED AND THE GOODS OR SERVICES ACCEPTED.

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4.1.1 Import Tariff Temporary Surcharge

Pricing shall be exclusive of any pending tariffs or temporary tariff surcharge. Vendor may request a temporary tariff surcharge in ATTACHMENT A: PRICING SUBMITTAL WORKBOOK as a charge separate from the contract price. Any temporary tariff surcharge(s) associated with purchases shall be provided by way of a percentage tariff surcharge. All tariff surcharges proposed are intended to be temporary and based on current tariff implications specific to related commodities with evidence of submitted documentation of affected MSRP products. Vendor understands that the agency may request additional justification. Any temporary tariff surcharge percentage will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon. The state is not obligated to accept any proposed import tariff surcharge. Proposed tariff surcharges may be used as a factor for evaluation and award.

4.2 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Each Vendor shall certify it is financially stable by completing ATTACHMENT F: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. From the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the State within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification. The Contract Manager may require annual recertification of the Vendor’s financial stability.

4.3 REFERENCES

Vendor shall upload to the Sourcing Tool at least three (3) references, using ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which it has provided Services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. References shall not be from the same company or from the soliciting State entity. . In addition, Vendor shall provide references for and identify other government contracts it has received, for which your company has provided services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. The State may contact these users to determine whether the Services provided are substantially similar in scope to those proposed herein and whether Vendor’s performance has been satisfactory. The information obtained may be considered in the evaluation of the Quote.

4.4 BACKGROUND CHECKS

Any personnel or agent of Vendor performing Services under any Contract arising from this RFQ may be required to undergo a background check at the expense of the Vendor, if so requested by the State.

4.5 PERSONNEL

Vendor warrants that qualified personnel shall provide Services under this Contract in a professional manner. “Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry. Vendor will serve as the prime contractor under this Contract and shall be responsible for the performance and payment of all subcontractor(s) that may be approved by the State. Names of any third-party Vendors or subcontractors of Vendor may appear for purposes of convenience in Contract documents; and shall not limit Vendor’s obligations hereunder. Vendor will retain executive representation for functional and technical expertise as needed in order to incorporate any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s quote result in an award, the Vendor shall be required to agree that it will not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of the Contract without prior written approval by the Contract Lead. Vendor shall further agree that it will notify the Contract Lead of any desired substitution, including the name(s) and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The State will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The State may, in its

Ver: 07/2026 13 sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the State may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

4.6 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s quote results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter any agreement with a third party that may abridge any rights of the State under the Contract. If any Services, deliverables, functions, or responsibilities not specifically described in this solicitation are required for Vendor’s proper performance, provision and delivery of the Service and deliverables under a resulting Contract, or are an inherent part of or necessary sub-task included within such Service, they will be deemed to be implied by and included within the scope of the Contract to the same extent and in the same manner as if specifically described in the Contract.

Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Vendor will furnish all of its own necessary management, supervision, labor, facilities, furniture, computer and telecommunications equipment, software, supplies and materials necessary for the Vendor to provide and deliver the Services and/or other Deliverables.

4.7 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

A. Default Insurance Coverage from the General Terms and Conditions applicable to this Solicitation:

☐ Small Purchases

X Contract value in excess of the Small Purchase threshold, but up to $1,000,000.00

☐ Contract value in excess of $1,000,000.00

4.8 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the State. In the event that the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and experience of their proposed subcontractors. The Vendor shall, however, remain solely and fully liable and responsible for the work done by its subcontractor(s) and shall assure compliance with all the requirements and specifications of the contract.

4.9 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

Prior to entering into a contract with the State, the awarded Vendor(s) must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State.

Upon notification of award, the selected Vendor(s) must furnish evidence of filing within 10 business days. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the disqualification of the Vendor(s) bid from further consideration for the award. No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

A contract award under the above-referenced solicitation, and the resulting purchase orders, will produce repeated orders and transactions in North Carolina and will constitute “transacting business” in the State, which requires a certificate of authority from the North Carolina Secretary of State as provided in G.S. §55-15-01 (corporations) or §57D-7-01 (LLCs). Please go to: https://www.sosnc.gov/ to register.

Vendor has registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State: Yes☐ No ☐

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 OBJECTIVES

The Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS) requires the services of a VENDOR to develop an Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) for the Rowan Branch (DMS #317) compensatory mitigation site (hereinafter referred to as “PROJECT”). The Project is a preservation-only compensatory mitigation site located in Sampson County. The Project occurs within a State-owned conservation easement.

The up-to-date version of the Google Earth KML DMS project boundaries, as of April 2026, can be found at:

https://www.deq.nc.gov/mitigation-services/document-management-library/property/nc-deq-mitigation-project-boundaries-kmz https://www.sosnc.gov/ https://www.deq.nc.gov/mitigation-services/document-management-library/property/nc-deq-mitigation-project-boundaries-kmz https://www.deq.nc.gov/mitigation-services/document-management-library/property/nc-deq-mitigation-project-boundaries-kmz

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The conservation easement documents for the PROJECT are available on the DMS Property website:

(https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/MitigationServices/DocView.aspx?id=1682&dbid=0&repo=MitigationServices&cr=1)

The Interagency Review Team (IRT) conducted the initial closeout site visit on 12/17/2024. The IRT considered 78.667 stream mitigation units (SMUs), 4.880 riparian and 3.880 non-riparian wetland mitigation units (WMUs) for final release. The IRT commented that the site may be closed upon resolution of the following contingencies:

• Removal of stream credit from closeout consideration

• Invasive species must be treated in the conservation easement.

• Wetlands, riparian and non-riparian, are approved for closure at a ratio of 10:1, subject to effective invasive species treatment. Wetlands identified as seep wetlands in the baseline/closeout reports must be refined to exclude any non-wetland areas.

• All permanent structures, fences and trash located within the areas subject to the conservation easements/fee simple deed must be removed, or alternatively, the protection mechanisms must be revised to exclude these areas. Boundary sign refresh/verification is required. *DMS is responsible for this contingency item. DMS will address it separately and provide the Vendor with applicable information for inclusion in the Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) for IRT Review.

5.2 TASKS/DELIVERABLES

Documents referenced in this section are available for review and download at the following link:

https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/MitigationServices/Browse.aspx?id=1714&dbid=0&repo=MitigationServices&cr=1 Deliverables will not be approved without adherence to the current version of the DMS digital/spatial data formatting requirements (spatial data submission tool).

In addition to the requirements of the State General Terms and Conditions, all deliverables provided to DEQ shall comply with the requirements of 28 CFR Part 35, implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA.

5.2.1 Task 1 Confirmation of Wetland Boundaries

A Jurisdictional Determination (JD), dated 12/1/2009 (Expired 12/1/2014), quantified the wetland boundaries measuring 89.200 acres of wetland. The JD (pdf) and project boundary (georeferenced pdf) are available for review and download at the above link.

The VENDOR will perform a field delineation to determine existing wetland acreages and confirm the wetland boundaries as defined in the 1987 US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and USACE regional supplements. Delineations and soils report must be completed and sealed by a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS).

Wetlands, riparian and non-riparian, are approved for closure by the IRT at a ratio of 10:1, subject to effective invasive species treatment. Wetlands, identified as seep wetlands on the Rowan Branch_317_Georeferenced Closeout Map.pdf (provided at the above link), must be refined to exclude any non-wetland areas.

5.2.2 Task 2 Invasive Vegetation Management and Supplemental Planting Plan

The VENDOR will identify and quantify the extent of invasive vegetation species and provide recommendations for a treatment plan. In the areas of treatment, the vendor will provide recommendations for a supplemental planting plan, including vegetation type, size, and planting density suitable for the natural community. The plan will include soil amendments as necessary, fertilization, and monitoring designed to achieve success criteria for survivability. Standard success criteria and additional guidelines can be found throughout the following link: NC IRT 2016 Guidance. Final success criteria will be determined during project development in Task 3 and approved by the IRT in Task 4.

5.2.3 Task 3 Draft Adaptive Management Plan (AMP)

The VENDOR will develop an Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) for review and approval by the IRT including:

• Delineated wetland boundaries completed and sealed by a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) (as determined by VENDOR)

• Soils Report completed and sealed by a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) (as determined by VENDOR) https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/MitigationServices/DocView.aspx?id=1682&dbid=0&repo=MitigationServices&cr=1 https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/MitigationServices/Browse.aspx?id=1714&dbid=0&repo=MitigationServices&cr=1 https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/WaterResources/DocView.aspx?id=3344194&dbid=0&repo=WaterResources&cr=1

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• Identified and quantified extent of invasive vegetation species (as determined by the VENDOR)

• Work Plan recommendations for treatment of invasive vegetation species

• Work Plan recommendations on a supplemental planting plan and success criteria for survivability

The AMP format will include, at a minimum, the following content descriptions including supporting tables and mapping as needed:

• Project Overview and conservation easement boundaries

• Existing Conditions o Original wetland boundaries o Verified/updated wetland boundaries o Invasive species (species, density, location)

• Work Plan recommendations o Treatment of invasive vegetation species o Supplemental planting plan (in anticipated denuded areas post treatment) and success criteria for survivability

• Wetland Mitigation Quantity and Credit

The Draft AMP will be submitted to DMS for initial review. Upon review, DMS will provide comments and requested changes to the VENDOR to be incorporated into the Draft AMP before submittal to the IRT for review.

Upon IRT review and comment, all provided comments and requested changes must be incorporated into the Final AMP (Task4).

If requested, VENDOR will attend site visit or meeting with the IRT.

5.2.4 Task 4 Final Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) and Receipt of IRT Approval

The VENDOR will incorporate any DMS/IRT comments and requested changes to the Final Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) and provide to DMS for submittal to the IRT for final review and approval. DMS must receive written approval from IRT before final payment of Task 4 may be authorized.

The VENDOR will prepare draft and final versions of the AMP.

5.3 PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND DESCRIPTION OF MILESTONE

Vendor must meet the following Project Milestones and Payment Schedule:

Project Milestones and Payment Schedule…