Engineering and Design Services for Bear Creek Wetland Restoration, Coos County, Oregon

The Coos Soil and Water Conservation District (Coos SWCD) is seeking engineering and design services for the Bear Creek Water Quality and Fish Access Wetland Improvement Project located in the Lower Coquille Strategic Implementation Area near Bandon, Oregon. This procurement aims to restore approximately 90+ acres of riparian and wetland habitat along Bear Creek, a tributary of the Coquille River, with a focus on improving ecological conditions for endangered species including coho salmon, Chinook, steelhead, lamprey, and Western Pond turtles. The selected engineering firm will be responsible for developing comprehensive restoration designs, conducting hydrologic analysis, obtaining necessary permits, and producing construction-ready documents to support future implementation. Key project objectives include reconnecting historically modified wetland habitats, restoring riparian zones, and excluding livestock from sensitive areas to improve water quality and habitat complexity. A mandatory pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for September 16, 2025, with proposals due by October 1, 2025, and the engineering and design phase planned to occur from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027. The project will require progressive design milestones at 30%, 60%, and 90% completion, with detailed documentation addressing water temperature, E. coli contamination, and stream bank stabilization.

The project is funded through a multi-agency partnership involving the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), suggesting potential opportunities for collaboration and additional funding. While no specific set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements are explicitly mentioned, the collaborative nature of the project indicates a preference for firms with demonstrated expertise in ecological restoration, wetland engineering, and habitat conservation. The restoration efforts will be implemented on a private working ranch, which may introduce specific land use and access considerations for potential bidders. Although a precise budget range is not specified, the comprehensive scope of work—including detailed design, hydrologic analysis, permitting, and comprehensive documentation—suggests a significant professional services contract. The ultimate goal is to create a "shovel-ready" restoration design that can secure future implementation funding and effectively restore critical ecological infrastructure in the Coquille River estuary ecosystem.