Cold Stream and Riparian Wetland Mitigation within Unit 06010105 of the French Broad River Basin

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Mitigation Services, is requesting proposals for cold stream and riparian wetland mitigation credits within Cataloguing Unit 06010105 of the French Broad River Basin across Wake County and Teachey Town, with proposals due October 6, 2026. The solicitation requires 5,500 cold stream mitigation credits and 1 riparian wetland mitigation credit; preservation credits may not exceed 10% of total credits, and wetland-only projects are prohibited.

Vendors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State and maintain financial stability certification. The scope encompasses full delivery of mitigation projects including site selection, design, permitting, construction, and long-term stewardship. The State will not accept fee simple title to property but requires long-term protection through conservation easements held by the State. Proposals may include multiple sites or options.

The contract term is ten years from the effective date of final execution, with the State retaining the option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms. Pricing constitutes the total cost for complete performance including all labor, equipment, supplies, and materials. Payment is milestone-based, ranging from 5% for regulatory site visits to 20% for recorded conservation easement submission, with final 10% payment due after monitoring report submission and project closeout. Financial assurance is required in the form of performance bonds at 55% of contract value, letters of credit, or casualty insurance to guarantee delivery of contracted credits.

Evaluation uses a best-value methodology that divides credit cost by technical proposal rating (technical score) to determine award recommendations. A virtual pre-proposal conference was held July 8, 2026; written questions were due July 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Proposals undergo public opening on October 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. Technical and cost proposals must be submitted separately and sealed.