Newman Branch Stream Evaluation and Debris Removal Project

Clarendon County is seeking a qualified environmental engineering or natural resource management consulting firm to execute the Newman Branch Stream Evaluation and Debris Removal Project (RFP# 2024-010). The procurement targets a comprehensive stream assessment and debris removal along approximately 3.6 miles of Newman Branch, with primary objectives of improving water flow and stream health. The selected contractor will be responsible for a turn-key project involving detailed stream assessment, cleanout planning, restoration solutions, and permit acquisition, building upon a 2023 study recommending the removal of three beaver dams. Key deliverables include evaluating additional stream obstructions such as downed trees and sediment, controlling the beaver population through licensed trapping, and establishing a long-term maintenance plan. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM on December 20, 2024, with technical questions accepted until 4:00 PM on December 10, 2024. The evaluation process will consider prior experience, project approach, key personnel, references, and proposed price, with a total possible score of 100 points. Contractors must provide evidence of appropriate licensure, environmental regulation compliance, and capability to perform the full project scope, which involves hand-based cleanout in a thickly wooded area with limited road access.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The county will utilize a negotiation process to select the highest-ranked firm and reserves the right to interview multiple candidates and potentially select only a portion of the proposed work. Payment terms are net 30, and the contractor will be required to provide payment and performance bonds covering 100% of the agreed contract amount. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the project involves comprehensive stream restoration and beaver dam removal across a 3.6-mile stretch, suggesting a potentially significant investment. The work will directly benefit Walker Gamble Elementary School and adjacent properties by addressing nuisance flooding and restoring consistent positive drainage within the Newman Branch Swamp. The project aims to potentially decrease water surface elevations by up to 2 feet in certain areas, providing immediate hydrological improvements to the local environment.