16-2142124691 2026 Catawba 03050101 Warm Stream and Riparian Wetland Full Delivery Projects

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Mitigation Services, is requesting proposals for full-delivery warm stream and riparian wetland mitigation credit projects within Cataloging Unit 03050101 of the Catawba River Basin, with proposals due February 23, 2027, and a pre-proposal conference scheduled for July 8, 2026.

Vendors must deliver 5,000 warm stream mitigation credits and 6 riparian wetland mitigation credits, with preservation credits not to exceed 50 percent of the total. Projects must combine stream and wetland credits. Proposals must comply with a 10% HUB participation goal for diverse-firm subcontractors. Vendors submit sealed technical and cost proposals separately through the North Carolina eProcurement Sourcing Tool, including signed execution pages, executive summary, project staffing and organization, vendor qualifications, technical approach, and financial certifications.

The initial contract term is ten years from the effective date, with the State holding options to renew for up to two additional one-year terms upon 60 days' written notice. Compensation is tied to project milestones, ranging from 5% for regulatory site visits to 20% for recording conservation easements and 10% for final project closeout. Financial assurance must be provided as performance bonds at 55% of contract value, letters of credit, or casualty insurance, with bonds remaining in effect through approval of the baseline monitoring report.

Award decisions are based on adjusted credit cost, calculated by dividing the credit cost by the proposal rating (technical score), with consideration given to available funds, mitigation needs, and the State's best interests. The State reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, negotiate with vendors, request best and final offers, or award to multiple vendors. Written questions are due July 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. The pre-proposal conference convenes July 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST via Microsoft Teams.