Lower Boardman/Ottaway Downtown River Data Gathering & Site Assessment

The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottaway and Chippewa Indians (GTB), is seeking qualified firms to undertake a comprehensive river restoration project for the 1.6-mile Lower Boardman/Ottaway River in Downtown Traverse City. The procurement is a Request for Proposals (RFP) with three primary tasks: (1) data gathering and site assessments, (2) developing conceptual plans to stabilize riverbanks and improve habitat diversity, and (3) creating final engineering and site plans for potential permitting and construction. Key deliverables include conceptual plans that integrate native species plantings, green infrastructure elements, and considerations for indigenous knowledge and climate vulnerabilities. Proposals are due by September 12, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with an anticipated project start date of October 23, 2025, and a project timeline spanning 2025-2027. Evaluation criteria will focus on bidders' expertise, project understanding, cost, staff qualifications, and past project performance, with selection based on overall best value rather than price alone. Bidders must submit an electronic proposal with a comprehensive cost breakdown, including "not to exceed" project costs for each task.

The project is funded through an $11.9 million Transformational Habitat and Coastal Resilience grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), supporting one of the largest land preservation and restoration projects in the Grand Traverse Region. The total project scope encompasses acquiring, restoring, and preserving 187 acres of coastal wetland, developing green infrastructure, and supporting a bi-directional selective fish passage project. While the RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, the collaborative nature of the project between the DDA and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottaway and Chippewa Indians suggests a potential preference for inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches. The project represents a significant investment in environmental restoration and urban river management, with the potential to transform the urban landscape of Downtown Traverse City. The comprehensive nature of the project indicates a substantial budget and the need for firms with multidisciplinary expertise in environmental engineering, habitat restoration, and urban planning.