Warm Stream and Riparian Wetland Mitigation for Catawba Expanded Service Area in Catawba River Basin

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Mitigation Services is requesting proposals for warm stream and riparian wetland mitigation credits within the Catawba Expanded Service Area of the Catawba River Basin, with proposals due February 23, 2027, and a virtual pre-proposal conference scheduled for July 8, 2026.

The State is soliciting 30,000 warm stream mitigation credits and 10 riparian wetland mitigation credits, with preservation credits not to exceed 50 percent of the total credits offered. The vendor bears all costs associated with project implementation, including environmental screening, conservation easement preparation and recording, mitigation plan development, permitting, site construction and planting, baseline monitoring, and seven years of post-construction monitoring with annual reporting. The contract has an initial term of ten years from final execution, with the State holding options to renew for up to two additional one-year terms on the same terms and conditions; renewal intent notice is due no later than sixty days before the end of the current term.

All vendors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State and the electronic vendor portal (eVP). Financial assurance is required through performance bonds (55 percent of total contract value), letters of credit, or casualty insurance, with bonds remaining in effect until completion of the baseline monitoring report requirement.

The State will conduct a two-step evaluation process: technical proposals are reviewed first, and cost proposals for those deemed acceptable are opened subsequently. Award is based on adjusted credit cost, calculated by dividing credit cost by the proposal rating (technical score), along with consideration of available funds, mitigation needs, and the State's best interest. Sealed technical and cost proposals are submitted separately through the Ariba Sourcing Tool, with pricing provided on the required Attachment A pricing form. Written questions are due July 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Proposals will be publicly opened via Microsoft Teams on the due date.