US-89 Wildlife Crossing Study

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is seeking a consultant to conduct the US-89 Wildlife Crossing Study, a comprehensive project focused on addressing wildlife movement and transportation safety in Park County. The selected consultant will be responsible for a multifaceted scope of work, including geotechnical and environmental investigations, developing detailed cost estimates, conducting public outreach, and preparing a comprehensive feasibility report for constructing two wildlife overpasses and associated fencing within the Dome Mountain priority site. The project requires advanced technical expertise in transportation engineering, wildlife habitat connectivity, and environmental assessment. Proposals must be submitted by December 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM MST, with Kelly Williams serving as the single point of contact, reachable at (406) 444-7961 or kwilliams@mt.gov. The consultant selection process is anticipated to be finalized on January 22, 2025, with the successful firm being awarded a contract on a cost-plus fixed fee basis. Potential respondents are required to provide their indirect cost rates prior to contract execution and must demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in wildlife crossing design, environmental impact analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

While no specific Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals have been established for this procurement, MDT encourages the participation of DBE firms in the proposal process. The contract will be funded by state resources, and MDT reserves the right to cancel or modify the solicitation if deemed in the state's best interest. The project does not indicate any incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requirements beyond the proposed wildlife crossing site. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed in the documentation, the complexity of the project—involving geotechnical investigations, environmental assessments, public outreach, and infrastructure design—suggests a substantial investment in addressing wildlife-transportation interactions. The procurement allows for flexible proposal submissions, with no restrictive set-asides limiting potential respondents beyond standard government contracting qualifications. Consultants will be evaluated on their technical approach, understanding of the project's ecological and transportation objectives, demonstrated experience in similar wildlife crossing projects, and their ability to deliver a comprehensive feasibility study that balances wildlife conservation with transportation infrastructure needs.