RFQ-01A-26052200000000000301 | Popham Peninsula Climate Resilience Planning

The State of Maine, through the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry – Bureau of Parks and Lands, is seeking proposals to develop a comprehensive Coastal Resilience Plan for the Popham Peninsula, inclusive of Popham Beach State Park and Fort Popham State Historic Site. The scope of work encompasses a detailed Coastal Vulnerability Assessment using historical and projected climate data, an Ecological and Recreational Inventory documenting sensitive habitats such as sand dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats, and rare pitch pine/dune systems, Route 209 adaptation planning, and the development and implementation of model ordinance language. The contract requires robust stakeholder engagement, including up to three public workshops, to gather community input and produce a Summary of Key Issues and Community Preferences. The successful bidder must deliver a Project Charter, updated vulnerability reports with GIS mapping, ecological sensitivity maps, public outreach materials, and support the formation of a governance body and monitoring framework. Proposals must be submitted via the Vendor Services System by June 30, 2026, and are subject to strict formatting rules, including a 15MB file limit per attachment and mandatory use of the specified appendices and submission structure. The evaluation process prioritizes best value, weighting Proposed Services at 40%, Organization Qualifications and Experience at 35%, and Cost Proposal at 25%, with the lowest bid receiving the maximum 25 points under a mathematical formula. All bidders must certify they are not debarred, have no recent terminations for cause, no criminal or civil judgments related to government fraud or theft, and are not foreign adversary entities as defined by Maine law. Financial viability is demonstrated through three years of audited balance sheets and income statements, and bidders must provide a certificate of insurance on an ACORD form covering general and professional liability. Proposals must include a detailed budget covering the initial performance period from August 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with optional one-year renewal through June 30, 2028, contingent on funding and performance. The awarded contractor will serve as an independent contractor, not an agent of the state, and must comply with the Maine Freedom of Access Act regarding public records and disclose all actual or potential conflicts of interest in writing. Payment will be made on net 30 terms upon receipt of an accurate invoice referencing the state contract number, correct pricing, and required supporting documentation, administered by a designated Contract Administrator appointed by