RFP 16-2142234941 2026 French Broad 06010105 Cold Stream and Riparian Wetland Full Delivery Projects

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Mitigation Services is soliciting proposals for full delivery projects to provide cold stream and riparian wetland mitigation credits within Cataloguing Unit 06010105 of the French Broad River Basin under RFP 16-2142234941, with proposals due October 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. A virtual pre-proposal conference is scheduled for July 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST via Microsoft Teams, with written questions due July 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.

The state seeks 5,500 cold stream mitigation credits and riparian wetland preservation credits not exceeding 10% of total credits. The scope encompasses thirteen tasks: site environmental screening, conservation easement conveyance to the State of North Carolina, mitigation plan development, permitting, construction, planting, baseline monitoring, and seven years of post-construction monitoring with annual reports due December 1st each year. Long-term protection must be provided through conservation easements held by the State of North Carolina; the state does not accept fee simple title to property.

Vendor compensation is structured as a percentage of total contract value according to a milestone-based payment schedule, with invoicing submitted following DMS approval of each task deliverable. Vendors must provide financial assurance through performance bonds (55% of contract value), letters of credit, or casualty insurance, with bonds remaining in effect until completion of the baseline monitoring report.

The initial contract term is ten years, with the state retaining the option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms. Proposals located within finalized DMS watershed planning areas that address specified needs will receive additional technical evaluation points. Vendors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State and eVP system, demonstrate financial stability, and comply with E-Verify requirements for employees. Proposals must be submitted through the Ariba Sourcing Tool. The state reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and reserves the unqualified right to negotiate terms or request best and final offers.