VT Private Road Erosion Inventory Program Development

The Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) is soliciting proposals for a technical consultant to support the Vermont Private Road Erosion Inventory (REI) Program within the Lake Champlain Basin. This engagement involves participation on the Private Roads Advisory Team during Phase 1, with responsibilities including the development and implementation of criteria to prioritize private road segments for erosion inventories, reviewing and recommending updates to private road standards and the REI app, and establishing a Technical Assistance program to build local capacity for conducting inventories in sub-watersheds. The consultant's role extends into Phase 2 to provide ongoing technical support during field inventory work, with the contract period spanning from February 9, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The total budget allocated is up to $50,000 for completion of these tasks. Key deliverables include a prioritized list of 12-20 private road segments for assessment, revised private road classification standards aligned with municipal road categories, updates to the REI application incorporating additional fields such as landowner willingness and cost-effectiveness, training materials for landowners and partners, and delivery of multiple field and remote training sessions. Work must comply with applicable Vermont municipal and forestry road standards, the Better Roads Manual, and state environmental regulations, including Title VI civil rights requirements. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria emphasizing clarity, project understanding, team experience, qualifications, completeness, and quality of past work samples. Payment will be made on a progress basis tied to actual incurred costs, and the contract includes special provisions for key personnel approval, conflict of interest disclosures, confidentiality handling, and affirmative action promoting WBE/DBE participation. Proposals are due electronically by January 27, 2026, and any questions must be submitted before January 14, 2026. The project is specifically focused on improving erosion assessments and management of private roads to support water quality goals in Vermont’s Lake Champlain Basin.