DEM QBS for Repairs/Demolition and Replacement of 4 Bridges in Arcadia Mgt.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is soliciting proposals under solicitation number QLV26006217 for design and permitting services related to the rehabilitation and/or replacement of four bridges—White Pine, Frosty Hollow, Midway, and Lewis City—located within the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter and Richmond, Rhode Island. This solicitation, posted on December 11, 2025, invites qualified vendors to submit proposals by January 30, 2026, with a non-mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled via Teams on January 15, 2026. The procurement follows a qualification-based selection (QBS) process where technical qualifications are prioritized before cost negotiations, emphasizing professional expertise and compliance with Rhode Island's procurement regulations. The contract term spans two years, with the possibility of two one-year renewals, focusing on advancing the projects through design completion and securing all necessary permits. Vendors must submit proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures portal and comply with detailed requirements including insurance coverage (general liability, workers’ compensation, automobile, professional liability, and cyber liability for key services), adherence to Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) participation goals—set at a minimum 10%—and certifications covering conflict of interest, non-collusion, and compliance with applicable state laws. The contract mandates submission of an MBE/WBE Participation Plan and relevant documentation, with proposals evaluated primarily on technical merit and qualifications under the QBS method. No explicit pricing or contract value information is provided in the solicitation; however, an administrative fee of 0.33% on payments to the vendor will be withheld. Although no detailed inspection or acceptance criteria are specified, responsibilities for compliance, documentation, and adherence to Rhode Island procurement standards are firmly established. The solicitation emphasizes confidentiality, procedural adherence, and the importance of professional liability insurance in the execution of services required for this infrastructure-focused environmental management contract.