Lower esopus creek flood study

Ulster County, New York is requesting proposals from qualified engineering consulting firms to perform a comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic modeling study of the lower Esopus Creek, with proposals due October 16, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The study requires significant experience in floodplain modeling and mapping as it relates to FEMA requirements; experience with flood elevation modeling downstream of reservoirs or dams is preferred.

The scope spans approximately 32 linear stream miles extending from downstream of the Ashokan Reservoir to the confluence with the Hudson River, encompassing an estimated 230 square miles. Primary deliverables include a two-dimensional unsteady-flow HEC-RAS hydraulic model, updated Base Flood Elevation information, revised Flood Insurance Rate Map panels (up to twelve), draft FEMA database products, and a comprehensive final report documenting methodology and findings. The successful firm will manage the project, coordinate with a Technical Advisory Committee, conduct public engagement, and deliver technical products suitable for incorporation into FEMA Flood Insurance Studies and mapping.

The contract term is twelve months beginning January 2027. The study is funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection as the sponsoring agency, with results intended to support the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Resilient NY program and future FEMA map revisions. Proposals are evaluated on overall plan to provide required services (45 points), qualifications and experience (45 points), and fee/pricing proposal (10 points). Interviews with selected respondents may be conducted the week of November 10, 2026, with notice of intent to award expected the same week.

The successful firm must comply with New York State Labor Law Section 220-d prevailing wage requirements, comply with the Ulster County Living Wage Act for agreements of $50,000 or more annually, maintain specified insurance coverage, and meet all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. No incumbent has been awarded an identical or substantially similar contract within the past five years. Proposals must be submitted as one unbound original, one photocopy, and one electronic copy in MS Word and PDF format, with the cost proposal submitted separately and unbound.