Consultant - Historic Context for Dam Structures

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan History Center issued a Request for Proposal on August 9, 2024, for a consultant to develop a comprehensive statewide historic context for dam structures and conduct related evaluations. The primary deliverables include a statewide historic context report documenting Michigan dams constructed over the previous 200 years in compliance with Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualification Standards; National Register of Historic Places evaluations with SHPO identification forms for up to 210 DNR-managed dams; and a standalone archaeological sensitivity analyses report utilizing State Archaeological Site File data for the same dam locations. Contractors must demonstrate mandatory minimum qualifications meeting 36 CFR Part 61 standards, requiring either a graduate degree in architectural history or archaeology (or closely related fields) with specific professional experience in Michigan or the Upper Great Lakes Region, with documented expertise in above-ground history and archaeological research. The proposal evaluation will be based 50 percent on vendor questions worksheet responses and 50 percent on the statement of work, with proposals scoring 80 or more points advancing to price evaluation. Key deadlines include questions due by 3:00 p.m. EST on August 16, 2024, and proposals due by 3:00 p.m. EST on August 23, 2024, with an anticipated contract start date of September 2, 2024, and contract term through September 30, 2026, with an option for renewal for up to two additional years at the State's discretion. Contractors and subcontractors must maintain comprehensive insurance including Commercial General Liability ($2,000,000 aggregate minimum) and Professional Liability ($3,000,000 aggregate minimum), with payment made by electronic funds transfer only and all undisputed invoices payable within 45 days of receipt; liquidated damages are assessed at $5,000 for late or improper completion plus an additional $500 per day for each day the contractor fails to remedy the delay.

The RFP documents do not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular types of organizations, disadvantaged enterprises, or incumbent vendors. No current contractors or existing infrastructure requiring integration are identified in the procurement materials. The specific contract award value or budget range is not disclosed in the available documentation. Pricing must be firm for the entire contract length with adjustments permitted only based on documented changes in actual contractor costs. Qualified applicants must submit hard copies of all supporting documentation through SIGMA VSS, including completed SHPO Professional Qualification Forms (Attachment 2 for archaeologists and Attachment 3 for architectural historians), resumes for all key cultural resources personnel, work samples from past historic resource surveys or contexts, and documentation of statewide context experience in Michigan or other states. A kickoff meeting and various progress update meetings with Michigan History Center staff are required during contract performance.