RFP 16-2189661730 2026 Cape Fear 03030003 Stream and Riparian Wetlands

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Mitigation Services, is requesting proposals for full-delivery compensatory mitigation projects to provide 4,000 warm stream mitigation credits and 3 riparian wetland mitigation credits within Cataloguing Unit 03030003 of the Cape Fear River Basin under RFP 16-2189661730, with proposals due October 6, 2026. Preservation credits are capped at 50% of total credits, and projects must combine both stream and wetland components.

Vendors must convey conservation easements to the State of North Carolina and comply with the 2003 USACE Stream Mitigation Guidelines and the Wilmington District Stream and Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Update. Proposals must address watershed planning goals identified in River Basin Restoration Plans and include detailed project descriptions with environmental screening. The Proposal Review Committee will conduct field reviews as part of evaluation.

The initial contract term is ten years from the effective date of final execution, with the State retaining an option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms at its sole discretion. Vendors must provide financial assurance through performance bonds at 55% of contract value, letters of credit, or casualty insurance; bonds remain in effect through approval of Task 6 (baseline monitoring report submission). Payment milestones are tied to task completion, ranging from 5% for regulatory site visits to 10% for baseline monitoring and project closeout.

Award will be determined using best value methodology calculated by dividing credit cost by proposal rating (technical score), with consideration given to adjusted credit cost, available funds, mitigation needs, and the State's best interest. The State reserves the right to negotiate with one or more vendors or reject all proposals if deemed not in the State's best interest.

A virtual pre-proposal conference is scheduled for July 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time via Microsoft Teams. Written questions are due July 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Proposals must be submitted through the electronic Ariba Sourcing Tool with sealed technical and cost proposals submitted separately; pricing is provided on Attachment A forms.