Perkins County Canal Project Third-Party Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) is soliciting proposals through RFP Number NDNR25-01 for engineering design services to prepare a third-party Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Perkins County Canal Project. The primary objective is to secure South Platte River water flows at the Colorado/Nebraska state line to support Nebraska's irrigation needs, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) serving as the lead federal agency for the environmental review process. Proposing firms must be licensed to practice engineering in Nebraska and demonstrate comprehensive expertise in NEPA and USACE environmental guidelines. The evaluation process will assess bidders on a 100-point scale (potentially increasing to 120 points with oral interviews), with criteria focusing on project approach, technical expertise, understanding of river basin water systems, project team experience, and delivery capabilities. Proposals are due on July 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, requiring one original and five paper copies, plus an electronic submission. The contract will be effective from the award date through December 31, 2028, with options to renew for two additional six-month periods.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Selected consultants must sign a "Conflict of Interest" statement and are prohibited from having conflicting engineering work in Colorado or projects affecting South Platte River flows. The project will be funded through state resources, with the contract administered directly through NeDNR in coordination with USACE. While a specific budget range is not disclosed in the available documentation, the comprehensive nature of the Environmental Impact Statement and the multi-year contract suggest a significant procurement value. Potential bidders must demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of environmental review processes, water resource management, and the complex interstate water allocation dynamics between Colorado and Nebraska. The project represents a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at securing water resources for Nebraska's agricultural needs through a comprehensive environmental assessment and engineering design process.