Whatcom County Request for Proposals #17-18

Transcription

1 Request for Proposals #17-18 Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received by Purchasing located in the Administrative Services-Finance Office on the fifth floor of the Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 503, Bellingham, WA 98225, for the following: CONSULTING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF DEVELOPING A LOWER MAINSTEM NOOKSACK RIVER SALMON HABITAT ASSESSMENT UNTIL: 2:30 PM, Tuesday, April 25, 2017 At this time and place, proposals will be publicly opened and the names of the submitters identified. All respondents and any other interested persons are invited to be present. The Public Works Department, River and Flood Division, is seeking qualified consultants to assist the Flood Control Zone District in assessing salmonid habitats and characterizing salmonid use in the lower Nooksack River, its floodplain, and floodplain tributaries from the South Fork confluence (~RM 36.5) near Deming downstream to Bellingham Bay (~RM 0). Further information is contained in the RFP document, which can be downloaded at no charge from the Purchasing website at see Related Documents at the bottom of the RFP posting page. If you are unable to download the pdf documents from this website, contact Purchasing at FN_Purchasing@co.whatcom.wa.us (preferred), or phone (360) Late submittals will not be considered. reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularities. encourages disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned consultant firms to respond. Publication Dates: April 12 and 19, Invitation Whatcom Co

2 Sealed proposals are hereby solicited and will be received only at the office of Administrative Services- Finance/Purchasing in the Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 503, Bellingham, WA Proposals will be received at any time between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, but no later than 2:30 PM, Tuesday, April 25, 2017, for the requirements specified herein. Request for Proposals: Proposals are requested for consulting services to prepare a salmonid habitat assessment for the Lower Mainstem Nooksack River, from the South Fork confluence (~RM 36.5) downstream to Bellingham Bay (~RM 0). Purpose and Scope: The purpose of this project is to assess salmonid habitats and to characterize salmonid use in the lower Nooksack River, its floodplain, and floodplain tributaries from the South Fork confluence (~RM 36.5) near Deming downstream to Bellingham Bay, see Figure Study Area. The information produced will be used by WRIA 1 salmon recovery partners and floodplain managers to refine our understanding of what habitat factors may limit salmonids in the study area, identify and prioritize habitat protection and restoration strategies, and identify key data gaps which may require further study. The habitat assessment will incorporate relevant existing information and collect new habitat survey and fish use data where needed. The lower Nooksack River has undergone fundamental changes in form and in channel- and habitat-forming processes as land-uses have encroached on the floodplain, and the channel has been modified over the past 150 years. An understanding of the historic condition is important to defining the magnitude of historic habitat changes; this will then inform an understanding of what may currently be most limiting to Nooksack salmonids in the study area. It is recognized in recovery planning that it may not be feasible to fully turn back the clock in many sections of the four reaches that were previously defined for the Lower Nooksack River Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (1999). However it is essential to refine our understanding of what fish need, what is being currently used, and what could be used if access is provided and habitat is improved. In other words, we need to understand the critical habitat protection and restoration needs in the context of historic and potential future conditions. The scope of this habitat assessment includes the main channel of the Nooksack River channel, its active/recently active channel area, the Nooksack floodplain, and tributary habitats within the study area and all salmonid species and life stages, with a focus on ESA-listed species (Chinook, steelhead, bull trout) and rearing life stages. The assessment should: (1) characterize salmonid habitat quantity and quality relative to historic conditions; (2) characterize salmonid distribution and use through the year relative to historic conditions; (3) identify limiting habitat conditions, including access, habitat availability and quality, water quality, and flow conditions; and (4) provide specific measures by which the habitat benefits of existing or potential floodplain management strategies may be evaluated. Habitat characterization should generally quantify the large river and floodplain metrics monitored through the NOAA Puget Sound habitat status and trends program1. A geomorphic assessment is on-going and will parallel this work with a target completion date of June The assessment will provide an understanding of the geomorphic history of the lower Nooksack including historic changes to channel planform and natural and anthropogenic influences and limitations on channel forming processes. These analyses will provide a physical basis by which historic habitat changes can be interpreted and future habitat trends predicted. The scope of the geomorphic assessment is attached. Additionally, the following data is available: (1) limited spawner survey data for lower Nooksack River mainstem and tributaries; (2) fish passage barrier inventory; (3) water quality data; (4) hydraulic modeling (floodplain inundation under various flood scenarios); and a bank armor/levee system inventory. Desired Outcomes: The habitat assessment will inform: (1) identification and prioritization of habitat restoration and protection strategies for the lower Nooksack River; (2) evaluation of integrated floodplain 1 Page 1 of 7 Whatcom Co

3 management strategies; and (3) potentially, support the development of a quantitative life cycle model for Nooksack Chinook. Ultimately, it is the larger intent that the habitat and geomorphic assessments will support the on-going development of an integrated floodplain management plan that will reconcile salmon recovery, flood risk reduction, and agricultural preservation objectives and serve as the update to the Flood Control Zone District s Lower Nooksack Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plan (CFHMP) completed in Preliminary Scope of Work for the Salmonid Habitat Assessment: Similar habitat assessment and restoration planning efforts have been completed for the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Nooksack River, as well as the Nooksack Estuary. The previous assessments characterized habitat-forming processes (flow, sediment, water quality, and wood), assessed the distribution and quality of key habitats, identified the distribution of salmonid species and life-stages, drew conclusions about habitat limitations, and developed habitat management recommendations. Existing assessments should be consulted for reference and can be found at: However, the need to integrate multiple floodplain management objectives and strategies may necessitate a unique approach for the lower Nooksack River. Proposals should address the breadth of information laid out in previous analyses while supporting the integrated approach envisioned for management of the Lower Nooksack River floodplain. Required elements include: Species and lifestage distribution and habitat use within each of the four reaches defined for the Lower Nooksack River Implementation of the WRIA 1 salmonid recovery plan has placed a priority on recovery of the two natural origin populations of Nooksack early Chinook salmon with the understanding that restoration of habitat forming and maintaining processes will also benefit other natural origin salmonid populations. Species and life-stages to be considered include the following. Other key species and life-stages may be added as appropriate in consultation with the WRIA 1 Salmon Recovery Staff Team. Spring Chinook juvenile rearing and out-migrant habitats in the main river channel, side channels, floodplain, and floodplain tributaries, Steelhead and fall Chinook mainstem and floodplain tributary spawning, and Steelhead and Coho juvenile rearing and out-migrant habitats in the main river channel, side channels, floodplains, and floodplain tributaries. Specific Tasks should include: Compile and update existing information on fish distribution, life history needs and habitat use. Participate in a mapping workgroup with local experts to gather anecdotal fish distribution information. Conduct limited field verification of fish use in targeted habitats were data is lacking to provide a preliminary understanding of current habitat utilization. Prepare a technical summary of critical fish distribution and abundance and data gaps, and develop a recommended work plan and conceptual budget to fill those data gaps. Implementation of the work plan would occur outside of this project. Physical Characterization: Previous assessments incorporated geomorphology into the habitat assessment document. In this case the geomorphic work, as described above and in the Attachment, is happening concurrently so coordination of the habitat assessment work will be necessary. Compilation of existing physical habitat information and field verification to validate current habitat conditions will be needed. Information needs include the following at a minimum: Current riparian data. Page 2 of 7 Whatcom Co

4 Characterize changes in habitat quantity and quality through time and relate change to causative agents such as historic hydromodifications of riverbanks and alterations to sediment influx, hydrology, and availability and quality of riparian and instream large woody debris. Gather existing information on key water quality parameters (temperature, turbidity, etc.) and compare to possible limitations to species and life history requirements. Instream and Floodplain Habitat Condition: Existing habitat mapping information will need to be compiled and a work plan developed to (re)survey and characterize habitat units in order to describe habitat quality, quantity, and distribution. A key question to be answered for the study area is how often and for how long are existing side channel, tributary and floodplain habitats connected and inundated such that they provide functional salmonid habitats. Anticipated tasks include: Map and classify main channel and select floodplain habitat units (wetlands, tributaries, drainage ditches, etc.) including main channel edge habitat types and seasonal use areas. Update information on fish barriers including floodgates, culverts, and natural barriers to adult or juvenile salmon migration or rearing. Data Synthesis implications for salmonids and recommended actions: Past assessments have included a synthesis of what the physical and biological data tell us with respect to protection and restoration actions and priorities. We are proposing that data synthesis be done by members of the WRIA 1 Salmon Recovery Staff Team with the participation and support of the consultant conducting this project. This arrangement helps those most engaged in local salmon recovery shape recommendations that are consistent with the WRIA 1 recovery plan and with the overall intent to develop an integrated floodplain management plan. Data synthesis outcomes will be presented to the agency and stakeholder team as described under Local Process below. Anticipated tasks include: Work with the Salmon Recovery Staff Team to develop habitat management strategies including priority actions and locations. Evaluate whether potential flood management strategies, such as flood overflow corridors, types of bank armoring, alternative levee configurations, and sediment management will have impacts, either beneficial or adverse, on salmonid habitat. Technical support and work product facilitation A unique aspect of this request is that it is part of a larger effort to develop an integrated floodplain management plan. As the geomorphic, habitat and biological work progresses, additional data needs may be identified based on agency and stakeholder input. It is also recognized that stakeholder outreach and engagement are essential to creating an integrated plan and to clearly articulating what fish need in order to facilitate discovery of mutually agreeable solutions where competing needs are identified. Final Report Deliverables will include a final report and GIS work products. Local Process: Substantial interaction with local agency technical staff, agricultural landowners, diking and drainage district commissioners and others will be needed. This may occur through meetings of the Interagency Coordination Team (ICT), individual landowner, small group meetings, or presentations to the Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) Advisory Committee and FCZD Board of Supervisors. The ICT was formed to support the System-Wide Improvement Framework process that was used by to develop a plan to address deficiencies on the Nooksack River levees. The intent is to build on work done with the SWIF process to bring all parties along with an introduction to and review of habitat and geomorphic technical assessments and findings as they are developed. This is essential to ensure that all the stakeholders, even those that are not technically-oriented, develop an understanding of the geomorphic effects of past and potential future changes to the system, how this has affected habitat in the past, likely trends in habitat quality and quantity into the future, and how these all will support development of an integrated management plan that supports flood risk reduction, habitat protection and restoration, and Page 3 of 7 Whatcom Co

5 floodplain agriculture. A process facilitator has been hired under a separate contract to coordinate stakeholder involvement and it will be necessary for the consultant doing the habitat assessment work to propose key benchmarks to the project manager and facilitator where outreach to the groups will need to occur. Submittal Requirements: We are requesting that companies interested in providing these services submit a brief (up to 15 pages not including appendices) proposal outlining their approach to the salmonid habitat and habitat use assessment. The proposal should include information on qualifications of the staff that will perform the work and also include the following: Organizational chart showing the team members and their roles on the project. Concise descriptions of project experience and roles of the staff that will be leading and performing the analysis work. Complete resumes are not required, but may be included in an appendix and not count towards the page limit if included. An outline of the scope of work including key tasks, task lead, outcomes/deliverables, and proposed timelines. A list of clients that can be contacted as references. Responses must be received no later than 2:30 PM, Tuesday April 25, Submit one (1) unbound original and one (1) copy of the Statement of Proposal in a sealed opaque package, plainly marked on the outside as follows: Name of Submitter, Lower Mainstem Nooksack River Salmon Habitat Assessment Send or deliver the proposal to: Attn: Sara Winger, Purchasing Coordinator AS Finance/Purchasing Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 503 Bellingham, Washington Late submittals will not be considered. Fax or submittals will not be considered. It is the submitter's responsibility to deliver the document to the proper address by the assigned time. accepts no responsibility for misdirected or lost documents. reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularities and/or informalities. encourages disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned consultant firms to respond. Selection Process and Criteria:, with the assistance of a group of WRIA 1 salmon recovery and agricultural partners, will review submittals, select a consultant or team of consultants, and possibly perform interviews. The following criteria will be used to select the consultant: Lead and key technical staff qualifications, Experience in performing similar fish habitat and fish use assessments, and Clarity of proposal and ability to articulate not only methods to be used but how the assessment will support salmon recovery and floodplain management planning. Questions: Questions regarding this project should be directed to Paula Harris at or PHarris@co.whatcom.wa.us. Thank you for your interest in working with and the Flood Control Zone District. Page 4 of 7 Whatcom Co

6 FIGURE Study Area Page 5 of 7 Whatcom Co

7 Attachment Geomorphic Assessment Scope of Work The following is excerpted from the scope of work for the geomorphic assessment. This information is provided here to inform the scoping of habitat assessment proposals and to encourage efficient use of geomorphic data collection effort by Applied Geomorphology Inc. and its subcontractors, Elements Solutions and nhc; work began in early February Data Compilation Compile and review existing data, including GIS datasets, reports, and other relevant information. Compile the following maps and imagery into one project. Data stored in-house from the Upper Reach 4 assessment will be complimented with other datasets. The data sources will be summarized to identify timeframes for historic analyses, identify gaps in historical imagery, and fill those gaps as possible. Identify sources of potential supporting data and provide data requests to appropriate parties. The following seven timeframes, which match those of the Upper Reach 4 assessment, will be analyzed to the extent provided by the coverage: 1. Pre-1900 (1885 in Upper Reach 4) s (1933 in Upper Reach 4) s s s In addition to imagery and maps listed above, additional other relevant spatial data related to topography, physical features mapping, habitat mapping, flood mapping, hydraulic analysis, channel morphology etc. will be compiled into a single GIS project to support the Geomorphic Analysis. (Note: it is the expectation that this information will be available to those conducting the habitat assessment.) Geomorphic Analysis The geomorphic assessment of the lower Nooksack River will prepare a baseline geomorphic evaluation of the project reach. It will rely on aerial imagery, lidar, and other mapping layers to document rates and patterns of geomorphic change and result in a comprehensive review of the geomorphology of all reaches (Deming to Bellingham Bay). This will also serve as the basis by which additional geomorphic parameters can be evaluated in support of this habitat assessment. The following will be done for the baseline geomorphic evaluation. 1. Subdivide the project reach into geomorphic subreaches. 2. Summarize baseline background conditions for each reach: a. Geologic influences b. Glacial history c. Hydrologic history d. History of channel modifications (e.g., dredging, gravel mining, or channelization) e. History of levee construction f. History of bank armoring 3. For each reach, summarize the following geomorphic parameters: a. Channel and floodplain slope b. Channel pattern (braiding parameter and planform attributes) c. Channel size Page 6 of 7 Whatcom Co

8 Attachment Geomorphic Assessment Scope of Work d. Channel morphology e. Estimated age of riparian stands f. Substrate g. Bankline migration rates and patterns h. Evidence of pre-1880 s channel and floodplain condition i. Floodplain connectivity and associated geomorphic processes Use results to evaluate trends in channel form, riparian establishment/recruitment rates, avulsion history and risk. Integrate physical influences such as hydrologic history, geology, human influences, and any other relevant factors. Develop cause- and effect relationships as possible. Compile results in a technical memorandum and present to stakeholders. Evaluate Additional Geomorphic Parameters to Support Habitat Assessment In support of the habitat analysis, perform a more detailed assessment of the following: 1. Role of Large Wood a. History of wood management/removal b. Role of wood in habitat creation (association of wood with other morphologic units) c. Persistence of wood (as was done by Pittman in Lower Reach 4) 2. Riparian habitat and wood recruitment potential a. Riparian age classes b. Floodplain turnover and wood recruitment potential 3. In-stream habitat a. Morphologic habitat types Work with the SRST to identify any additional relevant parameters. Provide strategic support to the salmon habitat assessment. Data will be compiled and consistent between Reaches 1-4. Results will be presented at a stakeholder meeting when the geomorphic analysis results are also presented. Integration of Results with Flood Control Strategies Evaluate flood control strategies with regard to their influences on geomorphic processes and habitatrelated parameters. Consider anticipated geomorphic trajectories both site specifically and in a broader floodplain management context. Provide site-scale recommendations for modifying existing infrastructure to achieve ecological gain and reduce maintenance requirements while maintaining necessary function. On a broader level, provide recommendations regarding management strategies that will optimize geomorphic function, system resilience, and habitat sustenance. Provide recommendations for further steps. Deliverables Deliverables will include a technical memorandum (digital.pdf) upon completion of Task 3 and draft and final reports and supporting ARCMap geodatabase. Page 7 of 7 Whatcom Co