Warm Stream, Riparian Wetland and Riparian Buffer Mitigation within 03020201 of the Neuse River Basin

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS) is soliciting proposals for compensatory mitigation projects within the Neuse River Basin (Cataloguing Unit 03020201), with sealed proposals due October 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST and a virtual pre-proposal conference on July 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST via Microsoft Teams.

The scope spans warm stream mitigation (11,500 credits), riparian wetland mitigation (15 credits), riparian buffer mitigation (4,500,000 linear feet), and nutrient offset-phosphorus credits (3,500 credits in the Neuse-Upper Falls Lake Watershed and 1,260 credits in the Neuse-Lower Falls Lake Watershed). Work is performed in Wake County and Teachey Town. Vendors must submit sealed cost proposals using a provided pricing form and deliver technical documentation including project maps, conceptual designs, conservation easement documentation, and financial assurance (performance bonds at 55% of contract value, letters of credit, or casualty insurance). Vendors must hold North Carolina eVP registration, provide financial stability certification, complete background checks if requested, and comply with E-Verify and fair employment requirements.

Payment is structured as a percentage of total contract value tied to project milestones: 5% for regulatory site visits and environmental screening, 10% for baseline monitoring reports and project closeout, and 2–5% increments for annual monitoring reports. The adjusted credit cost — calculated by dividing total bid cost by proposal rating from technical evaluation — serves as the primary evaluation metric for best value. Proposals addressing identified watershed planning goals and Targeted Resource Areas receive additional evaluation points.

The contract term is ten years from final execution, with options for the State to renew for up to two additional one-year terms at its sole discretion upon 60 days' written notice. The RFP encourages a 10% utilization goal for minority and women-owned business participation as subcontractors. Written questions due date is to be announced.