DEM Dam Alternatives Analysis, Burlingame Reservoir Upper and Lower Dams

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has issued Request for Proposals (RFP25004875) seeking qualified civil engineering firms to complete an alternatives analysis for the Burlingame Reservoir Upper and Lower Dams located in Glocester, Rhode Island. The project requires a comprehensive evaluation of potential alternatives for the two dams, with specific focus on engineering and environmental considerations. Proposing firms must demonstrate expertise in civil engineering, dam infrastructure assessment, and alternative analysis methodologies. The initial contract period will span 12 months, beginning approximately March 1, 2025, with potential for a single 12-month renewal contingent upon vendor performance and funding availability. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by December 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM EST, with a vendor Q&A period running from October 29, 2024 at 2:15 PM EDT through November 29, 2024 at 4:00 PM EST. Evaluation will be conducted by a technical evaluation committee and will consider technical merit, cost proposals, and ISBE participation rates, utilizing the AIA B104-2017 Standard Abbreviated Form of Agreement between Owner and Design Agent.

The RFP strongly encourages participation from minority-owned (MBE), women-owned (WBE), and disability-owned (DisBE) businesses, with vendors receiving evaluation points based on their proposed ISBE utilization rates. Proposing firms must maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1,000,000 in general liability, $100,000 in workers compensation, $1,000,000 in automobile liability, $2,000,000 in professional liability, and $1,000,000 in environmental/pollution liability coverage. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the dam alternatives analysis suggests a significant professional services contract. Vendors must register in Ocean State Procures to submit proposals and must provide separate technical and cost proposal components. The state reserves the right to award the contract based on the most advantageous proposal, considering technical qualifications, cost-effectiveness, and commitment to inclusive business enterprise participation. Funding for the project is contingent on the availability of appropriated state funds, and the ultimate selection will prioritize thorough and innovative approaches to analyzing dam infrastructure alternatives.