Professional Design Services for Agricultural Shoreline Stabilization Projects

The Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) is seeking professional design services for agricultural shoreline stabilization projects in Charles City County, Virginia. The procurement involves designing and constructing living shoreline projects across approximately 5,200 linear feet of shoreline on up to four properties along the James River. Required services include comprehensive site assessment, design development, bid preparation, permitting, construction observation, and project management. Firms must provide individual fee proposals for each potential project site and demonstrate capability in developing living shoreline solutions. The project is funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grant in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's Shoreline Erosion Advisory Service. Key procurement dates include a mandatory pre-bid meeting on December 18, 2024, proposal submissions due by January 6, 2025, proposal evaluations and virtual interviews from January 7-17, 2025, and contract award notification by January 24, 2025. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on technical expertise, proposed approach, project understanding, and demonstrated experience with similar agricultural shoreline stabilization projects.

The CSWCD encourages participation from disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses and requires specific insurance coverages for potential contractors, including $1 million in general liability, $1 million in automobile liability, statutory workers' compensation, and $1 million in professional liability insurance. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the project involves four distinct project sites: Byrdwood Tract (2,720 linear feet), Dancing Point Tract (4,400 linear feet), Riverside Tract (3,520 linear feet), and Renwood Tract (1,350 linear feet). Funding for the project will be collaborative, with CSWCD covering design and construction observation services through NFWF funding, while construction costs will be split between NFWF funding, the Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost Share (VACS) program, and participating landowners. The contract term is expected to extend through project completion, estimated to be December 2027. Though exact budget ranges are not specified, the multi-source funding approach suggests a significant investment in agricultural shoreline stabilization and environmental conservation.