The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, Inc. (SMPDD) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified firms to provide professional services for a comprehensive coastal waterways inventory and dredging

The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD) is soliciting proposals from qualified multidisciplinary firms to conduct a comprehensive coastal waterways inventory and dredging needs assessment for non-federal waterways in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties, Mississippi. The project involves analyzing bathymetric data, performing hydrographic and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) assessments, and developing a geospatial inventory in ESRI-compatible GIS format. A critical component of the scope is coordinating with federal and state agencies to secure ten-year maintenance dredging permits and authorizations for at least three SAV mitigation sites. The project is funded through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources as GOMESA Project 3000044112 and requires compliance with CFR 200 and the Build America Buy America Act. The contract is divided into two primary performance timelines: the inventory, SAV assessment, and final report must be completed within 12 months of execution, while the permitting and mitigation site authorizations are expected within 24 months. Proposals are due by September 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM CST and will be evaluated using a weighted scoring system focusing on technical approach (40 points), team qualifications (25 points), relevant experience (25 points), and budget (10 points). Submissions must be limited to 25 pages and include a signed original, four copies, and a digital PDF on a USB flash drive. The SMPDD reserves the right to negotiate final fees and contract with multiple proposers.