PS RFP- Historical Archaeological Consulting Services for Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority

The Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority is requesting proposals for historical archaeological and historic architectural consulting services to support the Elba Hydroelectric Dam Removal and River Restoration Project in Coffee County, Alabama, with proposals due September 29, 2026 and questions due September 14, 2026.

The scope encompasses historic architectural survey and evaluation, archaeological investigations, Section 106 compliance support, and documentation of cultural and historic resources within the project's Area of Potential Effects. The 1922-constructed Elba Hydroelectric Dam on the Pea River will be removed to restore approximately one mile of river connectivity, improve aquatic habitat, and enhance fish passage. Consultants must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards and demonstrate experience with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) coordination, National Register evaluations, federal environmental compliance, and Alabama-specific historic preservation work. All deliverables—surveys, reports, GIS data, photographs, and field notes—become the property of the Authority upon completion.

The contract will be effective upon approval by the Chief Procurement Officer, Contract Review Committee, and Governor, and will expire six months after the Governor's signature. Dam removal must be completed by August 2027, requiring expedited completion of the Section 106 review process prior to construction activities. The project is funded through grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is subject to 2 CFR 200 compliance and Buy America Preferences for Infrastructure Projects.

Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale: experience with Section 106 compliance and similar projects (30 points), qualifications of personnel (20 points), project approach (20 points), and cost (30 points). Consultants must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity, Title VI, Americans with Disabilities Act, E-Verify requirements, and debarment and suspension certifications. Proposals must be submitted through Alabama Buys.