REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Consulting Services for Building Capacity for Efficient and Effective Stream Crossing

Replacement in NH’s Coastal Watersheds

Topaz Drive stream crossing in Barrington, NH pre- and post-replacement and restoration.

May 15, 2025

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Watershed Management Bureau, Coastal Program

222 International Drive, Suite 175, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Table of Contents

A. Introduction

B. Description of Agency or Program issuing the Request for Qualifications

C. Project Scope

D. RFQ Requirements

E. Desired Qualifications

F. Selection Criteria

G. RFQ Questions

H. Timeline

I. Disclaimer

J. Interviews and Final Selection

K. Appendix

A. Introduction The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NDHES) Coastal Program (NHCP) is the recipient of the “Building Capacity for Efficient and Effective Stream Crossing Replacement in NH’s Coastal Watersheds” grant (Crossing Capacity Pilot Project) from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) 2024 grant round. As part of the non-federal match to the Crossing Capacity Pilot Project, NHCP has received additional funding through the NH Charitable Foundation Great Bay 2030 program (Great Bay 2030) as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Capacity funding to support this project.

The Crossing Capacity Pilot Project Area is within the New Hampshire (NH) portions of the HUC 8 Merrimack River and Piscataqua-Salmon Falls Watersheds (Appendix A). As detailed in the Merrimack and Coastal Watershed Conservation Plans, these fast-growing watersheds contain critical terrestrial and aquatic habitats and contribute to the larger Gulf of Maine ecosystem. These watersheds are also at extreme risk of catastrophic flooding, with the climate trend of increased overall precipitation causing culvert failure and flooding at crossings, simultaneously degrading habitat.

The Crossing Capacity Pilot Project Team (Figure 1) is comprised of:

• NHCP will be leading the project, providing project management capacity, technical expertise for all tasks, as well as grant reporting.

• The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will provide project management and technical capacity for all tasks.

• The University of New Hampshire College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (UNH CEE) will support the finalization of Crossing Prioritization Model and development of the Crossing Prioritization Planning Tools, described in Task 1 of Section 3 below.

• UNH’s Technology Transfer Center (UNH T2) will lead database management and facilitate training development and delivery, described in Task 1 of Section 3 below.

Figure 1. Project Team structure

The NHCP is seeking a qualified consultant or team of consultants to submit qualifications for the Crossing Capacity Pilot Project which aims to empower NH transportation, wildlife, and environmental stakeholders to continually create a robust, efficient and multi-benefit pipeline of crossing projects. The selected consultant or team of consultants will achieve this goal through further development of a stakeholder-informed stream crossing prioritization framework, an associated training program, and technical assistance for the new NHDES Stream Crossing Grant (SCG) program. The NHCP is seeking an interdisciplinary team to work in coordination with a key partner in this work, the NH Stream Crossing Initiative (NHSCI), to provide engineering and technical support, expertise in community engagement, as well as training development and delivery. To meet these goals, the interdisciplinary consultant team will likely need to be comprised of engineers, scientists, planners, web developers, and communications specialists well versed in flood resiliency assessment, habitat restoration, database management and integration, stream crossing management and engineering, training development and delivery, web-based GIS application production, asset management, as well as communications.

The completion date for the proposed scope of work set forth in Section 3 is December 31, 2027.

B. Description of Agency or Program issuing the Request for Qualifications The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Coastal Program (NHCP) is a program located within the Watershed Management Bureau in the Water Division of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and is supported by 10 full-time staff members. One of 34 federally approved coastal programs authorized under the Coastal Zone Management Act, NHCP protects clean water, restores coastal habitats, and helps make communities more resilient to flooding and other natural hazards by providing staff assistance and funding primarily to New Hampshire’s 17 coastal zone communities, as well as other local and regional organizations. NHCP programmatic focus areas include Coastal Resilience (technical and financial assistance), Habitat Restoration (technical and financial https://www4.des.state.nh.us/NH-Stream-Crossings/ https://www4.des.state.nh.us/NH-Stream-Crossings/ https://www.des.nh.gov/water/coastal-waters https://www.des.nh.gov/ https://www.des.nh.gov/ chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/nh-coastal-zone-map.pdf chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt341/files/documents/2020-01/nh-coastal-zone-map.pdf assistance), Federal Consistency, Ocean Planning, Shellfish, and Talent Management (i.e., recruitment and retention of employees, NOAA fellows, and volunteers).

C. Project Scope

NHCP is seeking a qualified consultant or team of consultants for engineering and technical support, community engagement, and cross-cutting project management expertise. The Project Team will be active and engaged partners across each project task throughout the duration of the project (Table 1).

Based on expertise or prior experience with similar projects, consultants may suggest changes or alternatives to the proposed Project Scope in their response to this RFQ.

All final work products must meet the applicable Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Regulations to the extent practicable and shall be guided by best practices outlined in the Revised Section 508 Standards of the Rehabilitation Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). At minimum, final work products shall include sans-serif fonts, underlined and descriptive text links, color best practices, captions for audio and video content, headers in tables, images with alt text, gender-neutral text, and consideration of the Plain Writing Act. Examples of final work products and outreach materials include, but are not limited to, project reports, press releases, newsletter articles, websites, videos and signage.

Table 1. Responsibility Matrix for Crossing Capacity Pilot Project (note: includes all tasks, including those outside of the consultant scope) Task # and Name Lead Support Anticipated Timeline 1 Develop and Implement Stream Crossing Prioritization Framework & Training Program - - - Task 1.1 Model finalization & scoring/ranking evaluation UNH CEE Consultant, NHDES Jan - Dec 2025 Task 1.2 Summary of nationwide stream crossing prioritization and replacement best practices

Consultant, TNC UNH CEE, NHDES Sept - Nov 2025

Task 1.3 Top priority stream crossing list UNH CEE, NHCP Consultant, NHDES, TNC Nov - Dec 2025 Task 1.4 Prioritization planning tools Consultant UNH T2, UNH CEE, TNC Dec 2025 - Dec 2026 Task 1.5 Training program UNH T2, Consultant NHDES, TNC July 2026 - Dec 2027 Task 1.6 Database integration and management UNH T2 NHDES July 2025 - Dec 2026 Task 1.7 Data gap investigation UNH CEE NHDES July 2025 - Dec 2027 2 Stream Crossing Grant Program Development - - - Task 2.1 Program goals, guidebook, etc. NHDES, TNC Consultant Nov - Dec 2025 Task 2.2 Application, evaluation criteria and materials development

NHDES, TNC Consultant Jan - April 2026

3 A Relationship Forward Approach: Meaningful Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance - - - Task 3.1 Staffing capacity at local planning organizations NHDES TNC July 2025 - Dec 2027 Task 3.2 Outreach plan NHDES, TNC Consultant July 2025 - Dec 2027 Task 3.3 Informational flyers, social media materials, website development, etc.

NHDES, TNC Consultant July 2025 - Dec 2027

Task 3.4 Opportunities assessment site visits, associated summaries, conceptual designs, etc.

NHDES, TNC Consultant July 2025 - Dec 2027

4 SCG Program Implementation – Pre-Proposal Application - - - Task 4.1 Pre-App release, ranking, and selection NHDES TNC May - July 2026 5 Project Management, Reporting and Evaluation NHDES TNC March 2025 - Dec 2027

ACTIVITY 1: DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT STREAM CROSSING PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK & TRAINING

PROGRAM

Task 1.1: Model finalization & scoring/ranking evaluation Background Continuing two years of preliminary development via NHDES’ American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, this task will finalize the Pilot Stream Crossing Prioritization Model developed by UNH CEE, which prioritizes crossing management at a watershed-scale considering multiple parameters such as community flood risk, wildlife conservation and restoration, public safety, environmental quality, and project cost. The goal of the Prioritization Model is to meet the needs identified by the NHSCI with streamlined data development and programing that can be maintained by NHDES staff in the long-term.

Work The consultant(s) will conduct a quality control review of the UNH CEE Pilot Prioritization Model, associated Python script and data in partnership with UNH CEE, present findings to the NHSCI Implementation Committee, and incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final Prioritization Model. To do this, Prioritization Model results will be evaluated with the traditional scoring and ranking prioritization methodology utilized in NH to-date, such as that conducted by Milone and MacBroom for the Piscataquog River Watershed in 2016 , to inform the finalized Prioritization Model, which will be summarized in a Prioritization Model Evaluation Technical Memo. The Prioritization Model will be presented and shared to the NHSCI and an iterative approach will be taken to incorporate their feedback, documented in a NHSCI Feedback Matrix and Action Plan. The Feedback Matrix and Action Plan will be document NHSCI comments and Project Team responses with action items to finalize the Prioritization Model in an Excel format. To ensure maintainability by NHDES, the consultant(s) will also create a Stream Crossing Prioritization Model Maintenance Manual describing tasks associated with running the model, any required regular updates, etc.

Anticipated Deliverables: NHSCI presentation and meeting minutes, NHSCI Feedback Matrix & Action Plan, Final Prioritization Model, Prioritization Model Evaluation Technical Memo, Stream Crossing Prioritization Model Maintenance Manual

Task 1.2: Summary of nationwide stream crossing prioritization and replacement best practices Background Building off the literature review conducted by UNH CEE during the ARPA-funded phase of this work, the consultant(s) will develop a Stream Crossing Prioritization Best Practices Summary document that will synthesize (1) how NH communities currently manage crossings, (2) how other areas in the U.S. manage crossings, (3) lessons learned from NH and U.S. crossing management, and (4) recommendations for managing crossings in NH moving forward. The goal of this document is to inform the scope of current work and future stream crossing programming in NH.

Work chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.snhpc.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif5006/f/pages/piscataquog_river_watershed_culvert_prioritization_model_report.pdf chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https:/www.snhpc.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif5006/f/pages/piscataquog_river_watershed_culvert_prioritization_model_report.pdf

The consultant, with support from TNC, will utilize the UNH CEE literature review as well as results from the UNH crossing prioritization stakeholder needs survey completed in the spring of 2024, and conduct up to 16 one-on-one informational interviews with representatives from the NHSCI, small/medium/large municipalities, as well as non-profit groups such as the Lamprey River Watershed Association and Merrimack River Watershed Council (at least two per representative group). Results from the Summary document will be presented to the NHSCI and inform deliverables throughout the Project Scope.

Anticipated Deliverables: Draft & Final Stream Crossing Prioritization Best Practices Summary; materials such as questions, notes, and transcripts from interviews; summary presentation materials

Task 1.3: Top priority stream crossing list Background The ARPA-funded pilot Crossing Prioritization Model developed by UNH CEE resulted in a Draft Prioritized Crossing List that is intended to be updated under this task in the event that the Crossing Prioritization Model is updated via Task 1.1.

Work The consultant(s) will partner with UNH CEE to develop a Final Prioritized Crossing List utilizing the finalized Crossing Prioritization Model for the Merrimack and Piscataqua-Salmon Falls Watersheds (Task 1.1), both in Excel and spatial formats.

Anticipated Deliverables: Draft & Final Prioritized Crossing List (Excel and spatial formats)

Task 1.4: Prioritization planning tools Background Although the NHSCI crossing assessment data is publicly available and accessible through the NH Statewide Asset Data Exchange System SADES database and ARM Mapper, it often takes hiring a professional consultant or partnership with a university for a community to determine “where to start” with crossing replacements depending on community priority, knowing that many crossings flood, are safety hazards due to poor condition, and/or impede habitat connectivity. Many NH communities need assistance to identify crossings that are candidates for multiple types of funding streams such as asset management, hazard mitigation, conservation, etc. as well as the resources available to them to help identify appropriate funding for specific crossings. This task will provide tools to help communities utilize the SADES data to connect projects to funding sources and incorporate multi-benefit crossing work into their ‘business as usual’. These tools will allow assessment of crossing prioritization at multiple scales, from specific sub-watersheds to specific municipalities. They will allow practitioners to connect regional priorities and prioritized projects to funding sources for implementation within their own communities.

Work The consultant(s), with support from the Project Team and in coordination with the NHSCI Implementation Committee, will create a Tool Development Work Plan to direct development of a suite of Crossing Prioritization Planning Tools (such as an online, interactive mapper and ‘how to’ guidance on incorporating crossing prioritization into existing planning processes such as Capital Improvement, Hazard Mitigation, Regional Corridor Transportation Plans, etc.). The consultant team and UNH CEE will develop the tools compatible with existing NHDES applications such as ESRI or Oracle Apex with input from existing crossing asset database managers such as the NHDES Wetlands Permitting Tool, CCM database, SADES, etc. to incorporate lessons learned from existing resources, ensure coordination, and reduce overlap. The consultant will design and hold a user workshop with stakeholders to inform online, interactive tool design, culminating in a Workshop Summary with design recommendations. The goal is to create an online prioritization tool that can be maintained by existing NHDES staff in the long-term that meets all NHDES network requirements. To support this goal, the consultant(s) will develop a Prioritization Tool Maintenance Manual describing tasks associated with maintaining the tool, any required regular updates, etc.

Anticipated Deliverables: Tool Development Work Plan; User workshop w/summary and design recommendations; Interactive prioritization tool that incorporates the Crossing Prioritization Model (Task 1.1); up to three ‘how to’ guides; Prioritization Tool Maintenance Manual

Task 1.5: Stream Crossing Prioritization Training Program Background Development and delivery of training materials is essential to educate practitioners and decision makers on how to use the Crossing Prioritization Planning Tools while simultaneously educating the users on the need for and benefits of such tools. In the face of increased flooding, continued deterioration of aging infrastructure and habitat degradation, planning ahead and marrying traditional asset management techniques with the Crossing Prioritization Planning Tools is pivotal to focus limited funding on multi-benefit crossing projects that will function for their entire lifespan. This training will help to bridge the gap between the transportation and environmental sectors, educating users on the benefits of looking beyond the culvert (in the case of the highway superintendent) or beyond the fish counts (in the case of the fisheries biologist) to incorporate nature-based solutions (NBS) into highway safety projects with methodologies such as bank stabilization, floodplain restoration, etc.

Work The consultant(s) will develop training materials to educate practitioners and decision makers on how to utilize the Crossing Prioritization Planning Tools (Task 1.4) in concert with other available resources and existing municipal planning processes such as the NHSCI protocol, CCM Program, Hazard Mitigation Planning, Capital Improvement Program planning, etc. to help ensure effective use of limited resources.

The consultant will work collaboratively with the Project Team to develop a crossing Prioritization Planning Tool Guidance Document (i.e. a manual for end-users) as well as an associated training presentation that can be delivered virtually or in-person to the public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors free of charge (four 1–2-hour live trainings hosted by UNH T2 and on-demand content will also be provided by the consultant with support from the Project Team).

Anticipated Deliverables: Training Development and Implementation Work Plan; Prioritization Planning Tool Guidance Document; training presentation and associated materials; four 1–2-hour trainings as well as on-demand recorded training

ACTIVITY 2: STREAM CROSSING GRANT (SCG) PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Task 2.1: SCG strategic planning Background Building on the success of the 2022 ARPA-funded Culvert Flood Risk Assistance Grant (CFRAG) and Coastal Flood Risk Infrastructure Grant (CFRING) programs, NHCP will develop a re-granting program, with support from the consultant(s), to advance the project development pipeline at high priority crossings (Task 1) in the Merrimack and Piscataqua-Salmon Falls Watersheds. The SCG will further reflect an emphasis on procedural and distributional efficacy, multi-benefit solutions, and NBS, reflected in a Grant Program Strategic Vision and Work Plan as well as an externally-facing Program Guidebook. Ultimately, this grant program is designed to help communities prepare projects for future funding opportunities.

Work The consultant(s) will support NHCP and TNC in developing the SCG Strategic Vision, Work Plan, and Guidebook.

Anticipated Deliverables: Assistance with grant program Strategic Vision and Work Plan; SCG Program Guidebook

Task 2.2: SCG program materials development Background This expanded grant program will incorporate 2022 lessons learned as well as the stakeholder-informed prioritization outcomes of Task 1 into application requirements and evaluation criteria. The SCG will also build upon resources created for the CFRAG program, including grant application requirements, online forms, and eligibility and evaluation criteria. The terms of the grant program will ensure that project performance considers multi-benefit solutions, best practice for crossing engineering design, NBS, and the latest flood risk science, including adherence to the NH Coastal Flood Risk Summary Guidance to ensure proposed structures are designed to accommodate increased future flows. An online webinar detailing program requirements, the application process, and timeline will be developed and presented prior to the pre-application period.

Work The consultant(s) will support NHCP and TNC in developing the grant application, applicant tracking spreadsheet database, evaluation & scoring criteria, and a grant outreach webinar.

Anticipated Deliverables: Assistance with grant application materials; evaluation & scoring criteria materials; applicant tracking database, outreach webinar materials

ACTIVITY 3: A RELATIONSHIP FORWARD APPROACH: MEANINGFUL OUTREACH, EDUCATION, AND

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Task 3.1: Outreach support Background An Outreach Plan will be developed and implemented that identifies stakeholders, clearly outlines the schedule and approach to outreach for both the roll-out of the Crossing Prioritization Planning Tools and the SCG program. The Project Team and consultant(s) will support Regional Planning Commission (RPC)

Crossing Navigators funded as part of this Crossing Capacity Pilot Project to identify, and recruit interested eligible entities from the Final Prioritized Crossing List (Task 1) to partake in prioritization planning trainings and use outcomes gained (with consultant-based technical assistance support) to apply to the SCG. Outreach materials, as determined in the Outreach Plan, such as informational fliers, social media materials, website development, etc. will be developed to support engagement for the Crossing Prioritization Planning Tools that dovetail with the SCG program materials.

Work The consultant(s) will support NHCP and TNC in developing an Outreach Plan, informational flyers, social media materials, and website development.

Anticipated Deliverables: Assistance with the Outreach Plan; outreach materials (informational flyers, social media, website development, etc.)

Task 3.2: Crossing Opportunity Assessment & Conceptual Alternatives for project pipeline development Background In order to reduce barriers to participation in crossing planning and the SCG for small NH communities and promote efficient distribution of resources, RPC Crossing Navigators, NHDES staff and TNC will be identifying potential project partners using the resources developed in Task 1 and connecting them to technical assistance to initiate multi-benefit crossing projects. The intent of the consultant-developed Opportunity Assessment is to help a potential project proponent determine what the solutions to a problem crossing may be and provide sufficient information for the property owner to decide if they would like to move forward with a project at the site.

Work The consultant team will provide outreach and limited engineering services for conceptual designs to support multi-benefit project selection and community buy-in such as Selectboard approval for grant application development (Appendix B). The consultant(s) will support NHCP and TNC in up to 24 one-on-one project pipeline development meetings with optional Opportunity Assessment site visits, summaries and conceptual designs. Potential projects eligible for Task 3.2 support will be identified and connected to the consultant by the RPC Crossing Navigators.

Anticipated Deliverables: Up to 24 one-on-one project pipeline development meetings with Crossing Opportunity Assessment & Conceptual Alternatives (estimate of 3-5 hours consultant time per stakeholder engagement)

Task 3.3: Preliminary Site Assessments Background As part of the Great Bay 2030 and NOAA CZM Capacity-funded work, which includes potential dam removal sites in addition to crossings, this task will provide consultant-led technical engineering assistance to projects that are ready to apply to grant funding. The intent of the Preliminary Site Assessment is to provide more detailed site information to refine conceptual, site-specific engineering designs in preparation for pursuit of grant funding applications for preliminary and final designs for the preferred alternative as well as construction.

Work The consultant will conduct standardized engineering assessments at six to eight stream crossing and/or dam removal sites, providing essential information for future ecological restoration planning, increased flood adaptation, and grant applications (Appendix C). Potential projects eligible for Task 3.3 support will be identified and connected to the consultant by the RPC Crossing Navigators (or in the case of dam removal projects, NHDES staff).

Anticipated Deliverables: Six to eight Preliminary Site Assessments for crossing replacement as well as dam removal projects

D. RFQ Requirements

Applicants are required to submit one electronic copy as a PDF of their qualifications package.

Submissions, including all listed components below, shall be 15 or fewer pages in length and not include a cost estimate. PDF documents can be submitted via email by 4:00 PM EST on Monday, July 7, 2025 to the following designated RFQ Points of Contact:

TO: Pauline Crocker, NHCP Watershed Management Specialist, Pauline.f.crocker@des.nh.gov.

CC: Becca Katz, NHCP Resilience Grants Specialist, rebecca.a.katz@des.nh.gov

Each consultant or team or team of consultants will submit a qualifications package that will include the following components:

1) Cover Letter: Include a primary contact for proposal and that person’s title, address, phone number and email address.

2) Project Understanding: Provide your general understanding of the project and describe any potential challenges or special concerns that may be encountered. Describe in narrative form the consultant’s approach (i.e. “philosophy”) to multi-benefit stream crossing replacement, skills and specialties for which the respondent is qualified, and a summary of directly relevant work experience of the respondent.

3) Project Plan: Provide a technical plan for accomplishing the work listed herein, listing any analytical methods and/or tools it anticipates utilizing. The consultant is encouraged to elaborate and improve on the tasks listed in the RFQ. However, the consultant shall not omit any requested scope tasks, unless explicitly noted.

4) Project Schedule: Respondents will provide a schedule to conduct and complete the project. The schedule will include project tasks, as identified in the Project Scope section and/or by the consultant. Project tasks will be laid out in a flow chart identifying the anticipated dates to complete each task and the interrelationship of conducting and completing these tasks. The project end date is December 31, 2027.

5) References (minimum 3): Include names, titles, and contact information. References are preferably to be clients for whom similar work has been performed within the past five years.

6) Firm(s) Description: detailing the firm size(s) and area(s) of specialization, location, as well as general management structure.

mailto:Pauline.f.crocker@des.nh.gov mailto:rebecca.a.katz@des.nh.gov

7) Project Team Experience: describing project team organization, team member qualifications and the anticipated level of involvement of key team members in each phase of the project as described in the Project Approach. Additionally, describe the skills and specialties for which the respondent is qualified, and a summary of directly relevant work experience of the respondent.

Responses should demonstrate and document that the individual/team has the professional experience to proceed with the work tasks as described in the Project Scope in this RFQ. A complete and timely submittal as described in this RFQ is required for the submittals to be considered.

E. Desired Qualifications Preference shall be given to those firms with experience in the following areas:

(a) Overall experience directly related to the successful implementation of similar projects that include training tool development and workshops, planning, engineering & technical assistance, outreach, and working with diverse stakeholders to achieve project goals;

(b) Experience with project development (assessment, design, permitting, construction) for multi-benefit stream crossing replacements;

(c) Demonstrated ability to complete the work within the required schedule;

(d) Experience with developing grant program materials and evaluation criteria;

(e) Demonstrated ability to effectively solicit, assess, and use comments and suggestions from stakeholders during project development;

(f) Demonstrated success in developing and implementing innovative approaches to facilitating public and project team meetings across in-person, virtual, and hybrid settings;

(g) Demonstrated ability to conduct effective public outreach/engagement and generate measurable results.

(h) Experience working in New Hampshire, including on-the ground awareness of environment, state and municipal processes, etc.

F. Selection Criteria The Project Team will jointly form a committee to review the Statements of Qualifications submitted and rank the qualified firms. The following criteria will be used in screening, ranking, and selected the successful firm:

• Understanding of the Project (25 Points) o NHCP will rate the responsiveness of the applicant’s proposal, evaluating whether all required components of the proposal are included and whether the proposal is easy to review.

o Includes clarity of proposal, comprehension of assignment, and overall suitability.

• Strength of the Project Plan (35 Points) o NHCP will rate the applicant on their descriptions of the activities, preferred approach, and technical plan required to complete the project tasks.

o Demonstrated strong understanding of the Project Scope, project schedule, and expected deliverables outlined in the RFQ.

o Demonstrated ability to complete work within the schedule.

• Qualifications: Experience of the Firm/Team (25 Points) o NHCP will rate the applicant, or team of applicants, on their experience, knowledge, and team cohesion. There will be a focus on experience with the planning, design, and implementation of multi-benefit stream crossing replacement projects, including specific experience with the type of practices detailed in the Project Scope.

o NHCP will evaluate references who can speak to the applicant’s previous experience, as well as examples of similar projects completed by the applicant.

o Familiarity and/or experience with the Merrimack and/or Piscataqua-Salmon Falls watersheds.

o Experience and knowledge of municipalities in NH and the NH Department of Environmental Services, especially related to stream crossing replacement projects and outreach.

o Overall experience directly related to the successful completion of similar projects.

• Qualifications: Experience of Personnel (15 Points) o NHCP will rate the qualifications of individuals identified by the application based on their experience and knowledge.

o Principal team members’ roles and participation levels, availability, qualifications, and experience.

o Skills and specialties described for which the respondent is qualified, and a summary of directly relevant work experience of the respondent.

G. RFQ Questions Questions concerning this RFQ must be submitted via email by 4:00 PM EST on Monday, June 2, 2025, to the following designated RFQ Points of Contact:

TO: Pauline Crocker, NHCP Watershed Management Specialist, Pauline.f.crocker@des.nh.gov.

CC: Becca Katz, NHCP Resilience Grants Specialist, rebecca.a.katz@des.nh.gov

All questions and responses will be posted to the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services Statewide Bids and Proposals Website by 4:00 PM EST on June 10, 2025.

mailto:Pauline.f.crocker@des.nh.gov mailto:rebecca.a.katz@des.nh.gov

H. Timeline

EVENT DATE LOCAL TIME

RFQ Released May 15, 2025 Deadline for Consultant Inquiries June 2, 2025 4:00 PM Responses to Consultant Inquiries Published June 10, 2025 4:00 PM Proposal Submission Deadline July 7, 2025 4:00 PM

Estimated Timeframe for Consultant Interviews (if warranted) July 23-25, 2025

Estimated Notification of Selection July 28, 2025 4:00 PM

Deadline for Cost Proposal from Consultant August 8, 2025

Estimated date for Contract Finalization August 22, 2025

Estimated Project Start Date (upon Governor & Council approval) End of September 2025

Project Kickoff Meeting End of September 2025

I. Disclaimer This RFQ does not commit NHCP to award a contract or pay any costs incurred during the preparation of any submittal. NHCP reserves the right to reject any or all of the submittals while adhering to applicable laws. NHCP also reserves the right to eliminate the need for the selected team to complete one or more tasks, pending the outcome of preceding related tasks or issues.

To participate in the project and receive payment, the selected firm will be required to enter into a contract which stipulates that the contractor is eligible to receive federal funding and certifies compliance with the State and Federal rules related to grant funded projects.

J. Interviews and Final Selection After scoring the proposals, NHCP may choose may consultants to continue through interviews. If warranted, interviews will be held during the week of July 21, 2025, and conducted remotely via an online meeting platform or in-person at NHCP offices in Portsmouth, NH. NHCP will then rank the interview candidates based on a structured review of proposals and interviews. NHCP will notify the highest-ranked consultant that NHCP intends to engage in contract negotiation.

NHCP will negotiate with the highest-ranked consultant to determine final project scope and cost based on fair and reasonable compensation for the services required. Negotiations may entail eliminating, amending or adding activities, and therefore a detailed schedule and budget that propose discrete segments of work will be favored. NHCP and the consultant will determine the most effective means of completing the project tasks given the budget, workflow and staffing conditions during final contract negotiations.

If no agreement is reached on scope of services and price, NHCP will terminate negotiations and begin negotiations with the next-highest ranked consultant until a contract has been successfully negotiated.

K. Appendices

Appendix A: Project Area Map

Appendix B: Opportunity Assessment & Conceptual Alternatives Scope

The intent of the Opportunity Assessment is to help a potential project proponent determine what the solutions to a problem crossing may be and provide sufficient information for the property owner to decide if they would like to move forward with a project at the site.

1. SADES Data Summary and/or Site Visit

2. Hydraulic Investigation

3. Environmental Permitting Needs Assessment

4. Site Opportunities and Constraints Summary

5. Conceptual Repair and Replacement Alternatives w/cost estimates and exemplary photos

a. Replace In-Kind

b. Alternative 2

c. Alternative 3

6. Potential Funding Source Summary

Appendix C: Preliminary Site Assessment Scope

The intent of the Preliminary Site Assessment is to provide more detailed site information to refined conceptual, site-specific engineering designs in preparation for pursuit of grant funding applications for preliminary and final designs for the preferred alternative as well as construction.

1. Topographic Survey

2. Wetland Delineation

3. Structure Assessment

a. H&H study + sizing

b. Field observations

4. Permit Requirements

5. Alternatives Analysis (3 site-specific conceptual design drawings (i.e. 10%):

a. Replace In-Kind

b. Alternative 2

c. Alternative 3

6. Potential Funding Source Summary