Wetland Mitigation Credit Availability/Cost for Lower Big Sioux GSA

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is seeking to procure wetland mitigation credits through a Request for Proposal (RFP) to satisfy United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requirements for multiple transportation projects across several South Dakota counties. The primary objective is to purchase approximately 49.18 wetland credits from a USACE-permitted commercial mitigation bank or In-Lieu-Fee (ILF) program specifically located in the Lower Big Sioux Geographic Service Area. Targeted projects include infrastructure improvements in Moody, Lake, Minnehaha, Brookings, and Lincoln Counties, all part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Evaluation criteria will encompass specialized expertise, past performance, project management techniques, credit availability, and cost per credit. The RFP has a submission deadline of July 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM CDT, with an anticipated award and contract negotiation date of July 18, 2025. Potential offerors must email inquiries to Chad Babcock at chad.babcock@state.sd.us, with all questions and responses to be posted on the state's e-procurement system.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. SDDOT anticipates purchasing credits from multiple providers to fulfill mitigation requirements and will consider proposals that meet some, but not all, of their credit needs. The total contract amount will not exceed the maximum limiting amount, with payment contingent upon satisfactory completion of services consistent with state law. Offerors must provide comprehensive documentation about their mitigation bank or In-Lieu-Fee program, including authorization details, credit release status, and documentation of previous similar service contracts. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement is structured to allow flexibility in credit acquisition, suggesting potential variability in contract value based on the number and cost of credits secured. Interested vendors must demonstrate compliance with USACE permitting requirements and have available credits within the designated geographic service area.