Chippewa River Watershed Study

The Government is issuing this Request for Information to determine a competitive basis. This is not a solicitation. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this survey. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District is conducting market research to get an idea of what industry is currently pricing for Watershed Planning Specialist services for a study on the Chippewa River Watershed located in Isabella County, Michigan. The Chippewa River Watershed Planning Specialist will be responsible for developing an EPA and EGLE approved EPA 9 Element Watershed Management Plan for the entire Chippewa River basin in a manner that is inclusive of all stakeholders. The Chippewa River Watershed Planning Specialist will work closely with federal, state and local government agencies, non-profits, and individual citizens in the community to develop the Watershed Management Plan (WMP). The Chippewa River Watershed Planning Specialist will organize and facilitate steering committee meetings, arrange logistics for public meetings, prepare draft plan documents, coordinate volunteers, and collect water samples as necessary. These services would include performance of the following tasks: 1. Identify Stakeholders, Form Committee, and Facilitate Meetings (5%) Develop Steering Committee and Facilitate Meetings: The main deliverables for this task are to form a Steering Committee, provide a mission statement, develop Steering Committee meeting minutes, and develop subcommittee meeting summaries. Develop Technical Advisory Committee: The main deliverables for this task are to provide technical guidance as needed. 2. Identify Watershed Impairments, Sources, Causes, and Critical Areas (35%) Review Existing Studies and Compile this Information with New Information: The main goal of this task is to assist in the collection and review of water quality studies to determine the existing condition of the Watershed. Develop Quality Assurance Project Plan(s) (QAPP): The main deliverable for this subtask is the development of a QAPP for monitoring procedures. Conduct a Watershed Assessment River Stability, and Sediment Supply (WARSSS): The final deliverable for this subtask will be a report of prioritized reaches of tributary streams and an understanding of the primary sources of sediment supply. Conduct Potential Conservation Assessment: The main deliverable for this subtask is a map with existing and potential conservation priority areas as identified. Develop Model(s) and Water Quality Monitoring: The main deliverable for this subtask could be land use, SWAT or HECHMS modeling , as well as the need for monitoring data for water quality impairments such as E. Coli, etc. Conduct Non-Point Source (NPS) Inventory and Prioritize Problem Sites, Sources, and Causes: The main deliverable for this subtask will be the preparation of subcommittee meeting summaries, development of policy review documents, and an implementation strategy for the WMP. Conduct Watershed Assessment of E. Coli Impairments: The main goal of this subtask is to obtain and analyze existing, and gather new data. The main deliverable for this subtask will be a document identifying concentrated reaches of river tributaries, and identify illicit discharges within the watershed. 3. Set Watershed Goals and Objectives, and Identify Systems of Best Management Practices (20%) Estimate Pollutants Loads and Reduction: The main task of the partners is to review pollutant loading and reduction calculations. The main deliverable for this subtask is the development of pollutant loading and reduction tables that will be included in the WMP. Develop Water Quality Summary: The main deliverable for this subtask is write a Water Quality Summary that will be included in the WMP. Identify Technical and Financial Assistance for Implementing the WMP The main deliverable for this subtask is providing a Best Management Practices (BMP) Implementation table in the WMP. Describe Measurable Milestones and Criteria for the WMP Monitoring and Revision Component: The main deliverable for this subtask is to develop measurable milestones, a set of criteria, and a monitoring plan. 4. Develop Information and Education (I&E) Strategy and Public Participation Program (PPP) (EPA 319 element) (20%) Develop I&E Strategy: The main deliverable of this subtask is a Social Indicators Study Report, and I&E Strategy that will be included in the WMP. Create and Distribute Printed Material: The main deliverable for this subtask is the project logo, informational brochure, news articles, and newsletter articles. Conduct Public Meeting and Watershed Tours: The main deliverables for this subtask will be the meeting agendas, handouts, and attendance sheets for the public meetings and tours. Develop a Social Indicator Study: The main deliverables for this subtask will be the establishment of social indicators for the Chippewa River Watershed. 5. Watershed Management Plan Evaluation (5%) Create and Implement Evaluation Methods and Tools: The final deliverable for this subtask will be a presentation of the evaluation results at a final public meeting. Committee Results from Evaluation Process: The main deliverable for this subtask is a presentation of the evaluation results at a final public meeting. 6. Write and Assemble WMP (10%) Assemble Draft WMP: The main deliverable for this subtask will be two copies of draft Chippewa River WMP.E. Finalize WMP: The main deliverable for this subtask will be a PDF and Word files of the final Chippewa River WMP. 7. Grant Administration Progress Reporting and Closeout by the Watershed Planner (5%) Develop and Submit Quarterly Status Reports: The main deliverables for this subtask will be to develop a schedule of appropriate conferences and workshops, and the preparation of quarterly and financial reports. Provide Draft and Final Products and Deliverables for Distribution: Electronic copy of all final products and deliverables. Develop and Submit Draft and Final Report Following USEPA and EGLE Guidelines: The main deliverable for this subtask will be a draft version of the final WMP. After comments are received and addressed, the final WMP will be produced. Submit a Draft and Final Fact Sheet: The main deliverable for this subtask will be a draft version of the Fact Sheet. After comments are received and addressed, the final Fact Sheet will be produced. Please provide: Firm name: Unique Entity Identifier (formerly known as DUNS Number): Cage Code: Total estimated cost to provide the services listed above: Any questions regarding this Request for Information must be submitted in writing to Contract Specialist Emery Moser at Emery.S.Moser@usace.army.mil and the Detroit District's Contracting email at LRE-Proposal@usace.army.mil. Responses are due by Thursday, June 18, 2020 by 2 P.M. Eastern Time and are to be submitted to the aforementioned email address.