NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Transcription

1 NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR QUANTIFYING THE BENEFITS OF NON-REGULATORY MITIGATION December 8,

2 QUANTIFYING THE BENEFITS OF NON-REGULATORY MITIGATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS INTRODUCTION The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is requesting written proposals from private entities to gather data identifying the value of ecosystem services generated by non-regulatory mitigation for impacts from transportation projects. The data will be used in an NCTCOG-developed tool that will allow political subdivisions in the Metropolitan Planning Area to: Quantify the environmental benefits, including economic return-on-investment, of ecosystem services associated with non-regulatory mitigation of impacts generated by transportation projects and programs; Plan which non-regulatory mitigation activities are appropriate for the scope and scale of future transportation projects, including transportation-related stormwater projects; and Make better planning decisions about non-regulatory mitigation activities and locations to best protect and enhance the environment. NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS NCTCOG is a voluntary association of, by, and for local governments, and was established to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG s purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments as well as to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. BACKGROUND Since 1974, the North Central Texas Council of Governments has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for transportation in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metropolitan Area. NCTCOG s Transportation Department is responsible for regional transportation planning for all modes of transportation. The Department provides technical support and staff assistance to the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and its technical committees, which compose the MPO policy-making structure. In addition, the Department provides technical assistance to the local governments of North Central Texas in planning, programming, coordinating, and implementing transportation decisions. PURPOSE AND NEED NCTCOG is requesting consultant assistance to gather information and data on the benefits of conducting non-regulatory mitigation. NCTCOG s current long-range transportation planning document, Mobility 2040: The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for North Central Texas, seeks to preserve and enhance the natural environment, improve air quality, and promote active lifestyles. North Central Texas features diverse environmental resources that millions of people rely on for clean air, water, and recreational opportunities. These resources are key not just for supporting quality of life for humans, but also for preserving essential habitat for wildlife. How and where 2

3 the transportation system is built can negatively impact these environmental resources and the ecosystem services they provide. The region s population is projected to grow from 7.2 million residents in 2017 to 10.7 million residents in This growth could create or increase conflicts with environmental resources. The NCTCOG-developed tool will assist political subdivisions in reducing the burden that transportation-related infrastructure places on the environment. SCOPE OF WORK NCTCOG is seeking the assistance of interested private parties to compile existing information and data on the qualitative and, where it is applicable, the quantitative values of ecosystem services that may be preserved or created as a result of non-regulatory mitigation activities. NCTCOG will create a decision-making tool that incorporates the information and data generated by this Request for Proposals. As some impacts to the environment as a result of transportation projects are regulated (e.g. jurisdictional wetlands), the information and data requested will focus on mitigation activities that are not regulated. These are mitigation activities that political subdivisions can identify and prioritize using the NCTCOG tool and implement on a voluntary basis. Information and data provided shall be related to three environmental systems that transportation projects may impact: Open space/natural areas, Stormwater/water quality, and Non-jurisdictional waters. The attached appendix identifies a preliminary list of potential environmental impacts, nonregulatory mitigation activities, and ecosystem services that are associated with transportation projects and are relevant to these three environmental systems. The contracted consultant will be encouraged to coordinate with the Project Review Committee to supplement or modify the impacts, mitigation activities, and ecosystem services listed. Using this decision-making tool, political subdivisions will be able to choose an environmental impact that transportation might have on one of the 3 systems and choose a strategy that may mitigate that impact. The tool will then provide the potential qualitative or quantitative value of the ecosystems services derived from implementing the mitigation strategy. With knowledge of the value of derived ecosystem services, political subdivisions may recognize the potential positive returns of investing in environmental mitigation activities, which are often seen as a cost. For example, bioswales are a potential stormwater mitigation strategy that could reduce the volume of runoff. This investment may seem costly to cities implementing them because the benefits of bioswales may be difficult to capture. However, bioswales may provide or enhance ecosystem services including water purification and erosion control. Qualitatively, the value of these ecosystem services might include reduction in sediment in water sources and avoided cost of waste water treatment. Quantitatively, bioswales might save the city a specific dollar 3

4 amount in wastewater treatment per gallon of runoff. Knowing this information, a city may choose to implement voluntary mitigation activities. Tasks Modification to tasks and task sequencing that will improve the effectiveness of the study while containing costs is encouraged. Task 1: Project Management Conduct a kick-off meeting with NCTCOG to review the project scope, schedule, deliverables, and project objectives. The Consultant will submit a schedule of expected work and suggested times to reconvene to discuss project updates. Provide periodic briefings by phone and/or in-person as needed. Submit monthly billing and progress reports to NCTCOG in the required format. Progress reports should include work accomplished and status for each project task; estimated percentage of work completed and budget spent; work activities anticipated for the following month; and existing or anticipated problems that may affect the budget, schedule, or work projects of the study. Deliverables: Schedule of expected work List of anticipated milestones where briefing may be required Monthly billing and progress reports Task 2: Identify a List of Non-Regulatory Mitigation Activities and Corresponding Ecosystem Services Supplement, modify, and finalize the impacts and non-regulatory mitigation activities listed in Appendix A. Finalize a list of ecosystem services resulting from the non-regulatory mitigation activities identified. Deliverables: List of impacts and non-regulatory mitigation activities whose return on investment is to be determined List of corresponding ecosystem services Task 3: Estimate Value of Ecosystem Service Benefits Resulting from Non-Regulatory Mitigation Identify the qualitative values derived from preserving or creating ecosystem services listed in Task 1. Where the data is available and applicable to the Dallas-Fort Worth region, estimate the economic or quantitative value of the ecosystems services. The resulting values should be derived from existing literature/research from North Central Texas or a comparable location. An approach such as benefit transfer (estimating quantitative values by transferring available information from studies that have already been completed in 4

5 different but comparable locations and conditions) may be appropriate and therefore should not require any primary data collection or purchase. Where appropriate, provide case studies of returns on investment from non-regulatory mitigation activities. Deliverables Narrative describing methodology for estimating the qualitative and quantitative values of identified ecosystem services List of qualitative benefits of preserving or creating the identified ecosystem services For those ecosystem services that are applicable, data of quantitative benefits of preserving or creating the identified ecosystem services Where it is relevant, 1-2 page narrative case studies for return on investment of nonregulatory mitigation activities SCHEDULE AND BUDGET The data collection has a not to exceed budget of $25,000. This project is expected to start in April 2018 and the data collection is anticipated to take 3 months to complete. The following represents the schedule of events for this Request for Proposal: Issue Request for Proposals December 8, 2017 Last Day to Submit Questions December 15, 2017 NCTCOG Q&A Posted to Website December 20, 2017 RFP Closing Date January 12, 2018 NCTCOG Committee Approval February 22, 2018 Execute Contract Spring 2018 Notice to Proceed April 2018 Project Implementation 3 months CONSULTANT SELECTION CRITERIA The Consultant Selection Committee (CSC) will review all proposals and select a firm it considers qualified to undertake the project utilizing the following criteria: 1. Project Understanding 25 percent 2. Scope of Services 25 percent 3. Project Manager/Staff Qualifications 20 percent 4. Project Cost 15 percent 5. Firm Qualifications/Consultant References 10 percent 6. Project Schedule 5 percent CONTRACT AWARD PROCEDURES Following final negotiations of the work plan and costs satisfactory to NCTCOG, the proposer(s) will be asked to execute a contract with NCTCOG. The Sample Contract and corresponding 5

6 Appendices, provided with this Request for Proposal, include terms the awarded firm/individual will be asked to agree to upon award. Proposers should provide a statement affirming their ability to comply with the provisions of the Sample Contract and Appendices in their proposal response. Proposers should identify in their response any revisions to the terms or conditions they would like NCTCOG to consider. A Notice to Proceed will be issued upon execution of the contract. NCTCOG reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to contract for any or all portions of the project with the selected firm(s), or to hire multiple firms. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PARTICIPATION NCTCOG has a 25 percent Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for United States Department of Transportation funded contracting opportunities. A specific DBE participation goal for this contracting opportunity has not been established. Proposers are encouraged to identify DBE contracting opportunities for this initiative. Respondents should also include an Affirmative Action Plan in their proposal. Failure to comply with these requirements may find the proposal non-responsive. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS All questions regarding the services required shall be directed in writing by to TransRFPs@nctcog.org by the close of business on December 15, All questions and responses will be posted on NCTCOG s website at by the close of business on December 20, NCTCOG reserves the right to respond to inquiries as it deems necessary. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Complete proposals are due in hand no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Friday, January 12, Proposals may be mailed or hand-delivered. NCTCOG assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any mail service or any other factor contributing to the delay in delivery of a proposal. The proposer should submit one proposal marked ORIGINAL and six copies to: Physical Address Mailing Address Kate Zielke, Senior Transportation Planner Kate Zielke, Senior Transportation Planner Transportation Department Transportation Department NCTCOG NCTCOG 616 Six Flags Drive, Suite 200 P.O. Box 5888 Arlington, TX Arlington, TX Facsimile, electronic mail or late proposals shall not be accepted nor shall they be considered for award. Late proposals shall not be considered under any circumstances. Appendices Appendix A 6

7 Appendix A Potential Open Space/Natural Areas, Stormwater/Water Quality, and Non-Jurisdictional Water Impacts Resulting From Transportation-Related Projects, Their Mitigation Activities and Corresponding Ecosystem Services NCTCOG has developed a preliminary list of ecosystem services associated with mitigation activities. Proposers may narrow down and modify this list to only include ecosystem services most relevant to transportation impacts in the North Central Texas region. 1. Open Space/Natural Spaces IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Loss/Degradation Restoration Timber/Plant Products Carbon Storage Freshwater Consumption Air Quality Regulation Climate Regulation Water Flow Regulation Pest Regulation/Biological Control Mental/Physical Human Health Scenic/Aesthetic Value Cultural Identity/Sense of Place Pollination Property Value Wildlife Crossings Fragmentation/Isolation Corridors Direct Wildlife Mortality Wildlife Crossings Non-structural: Olfactory Repellents Ultrasound Road Lighting Population Control Driver Controls: Signs Speedbumps Traffic Controls Buffer Zones Soil Erosion Bioengineering: Vegetation Cover Carbon Storage Plant Products 7

8 IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICES Erosion Control Blankets Geotextiles Engineering Techniques: Diversion Drains Lattice See Stormwater Section Erosion Control Air Quality Regulation Water Flow-Regulation Erosion Control Water Flow-Regulation Heat Island Effect Tree/Vegetation Planting Carbon Storage Plant Products Erosion Control Air Quality Regulation Water Flow-Regulation Increased Urbanization/Development Cool Pavement Local Conservation Policy Strategies to Preserve Open Spaces/Natural Areas: Conservation Subdivisions/Developments Limited Development Deed Restrictions Conservation Easements Trail Easements Bargain Sale of Land to Preservation Group Ordinance Requiring Parkland or Trail Dedication Land Use Planning and Zoning for Conservation Purchase of Development Rights Redevelopment and Infill Policies Erosion Control Climate Regulation Timber, Plant Products Carbon Storage Freshwater Consumption Air Quality Regulation Climate Regulation Water-Flow Regulation Pest Regulation/Biological Control Cultural Identity and Heritage Mental/Physical Human Health Scenic/Aesthetic Value Cultural Identity/Sense of Place Pollination Property Value Quality of Life 2. Stormwater/Water Pollution IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICE Volume of Runoff Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention): Rain Garden 1. Water Flow Regulation 8

9 IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICE Runoff Pollutants Concentration Bioswales Grass Channel Infiltration Trenches Pervious/Permeable Pavement Detention Basins Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Refer to #1 Infiltration Trenches Refer to #2 Pervious/Permeable Pavement Refer to #3 Detention Basins Refer to #4 Sediment Collection Systems: Settling Ponds Sediment Collection Devices (Polymer Assisted, Sand Filtration) Sediment Filters: Silt fences Filter Systems Sediment Basins (Rock Filters, Floating Skimmers, Chemical Treatments Rumble Strips Sand Filter 9 Carbon Storage Aesthetic/Scenic Nutrient Cycling 2. Water Flow Regulation Nutrient Cycling 3. Water Flow Regulation Nutrient Cycling 4. Water Flow Regulation 5. Human Health 6. Human Health Soil Erosion Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Refer to #1 Infiltration Trenches Refer to #2 Pervious/Permeable Pavement Refer to #3 Detention Basins Refer to #4 Sediment Collection Systems Refer to #5 Sediment Filters Refer to #6 Rock Energy Dissipaters Earthwork Minimization Streambank Erosion Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Refer to #1 Infiltration Trenches Refer to #2 Pervious/Permeable Pavement Refer to #3 Rock Energy Dissipaters Refer to #7 7. Water Flow Regulation

10 IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICE Altered Hydrology Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Refer to #1 Infiltration Trenches Refer to #2 Pervious/Permeable Pavement Refer to #3 Detention Basins Refer to #4 Rock Energy Dissipaters Refer to #7 Aquatic Health Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Refer to #1 Infiltration Trenches Refer to #2 Pervious/Permeable Pavement Refer to #3 Detention Basins Refer to #4 Sediment Collection Systems Refer to #5 Sediment Filters Refer to #6 Vegetated Aquatic Buffer 8. Groundwater Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Refer to #1 Storage/Recharge Infiltration Trenches Refer to #2 Water Quality Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Refer to #1 Infiltration Trenches Refer to #2 Pervious/Permeable Pavement Refer to #3 Sediment Collection Systems Refer to #5 Sediment Filters Refer to #6 Vegetated Aquatic Buffer Refer to #8 3. Non-Jurisdictional Waters IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICE Streambank Erosion River Training (Structural measures taken to improved rivers and banks): Spur Dikes Rock Vanes Weirs Large Wood Live Siltation/Brush layers Meander Restoration Bank Armor and Protection (Used to protect streambanks from running water) Vegetated Rip Rap Gravel Armor Revetments Erosion Control Blankets Vegetation Live Stakes/Fascines In Stream Controls Cross Vanes Large Boulders Cross Vanes Water Flow Regulation Aesthetic/Scenic Value 2.Water Flow Regulation Scenic /Aesthetic Value 3. Water Flow Regulation

11 IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICE Large Boulders Rock Riffles Riparian Buffer: Live Gully Reforestation Slope Stabilization Slope Drain Live Pole Drain Trench Drain Slope Flattening Diversion Dike Local Policy Strategies Stream Corridor Protection Plans Impervious Cover Gap Limits Stormwater Retrofits Pollution Caps Runoff Volume Reduction Raingarden Bioswales Permeable Pavement Rainwater Catchments Retention Basins Wetland Restoration, Enhancement, and/or Creation Local Conservation Policy Strategies to Preserve Open Spaces/Natural Areas Altered Hydrology River Training Refer to #1 Bank Armor and Protection Refer to #2 In Stream Controls Refer to #3 Riparian Buffer Refer to #4 11 Scenic /Aesthetic Value 4. Water Flow Regulation Scenic /Aesthetic Value 5. Water Flow Regulation Scenic /Aesthetic Value 6. Water Flow Regulation Refer to Stormwater Table 7. Water Flow Regulation Aesthetic/Scenic Value Nutrient Cycling Refer to Open Space Table

12 IMPACT MITIGATION ECOSYSTEM SERVICE Slope Stabilization Refer to #5 Local Policy Strategies Refer to #6 Runoff Volume Reduction Refer to Stormwater Table Wetland Restoration, Enhancement, Refer to #7 and/or Creation Local Conservation Policy Strategies to Refer to Open Space Table Preserve Open Spaces/Natural Areas Water Quality Bank Armor and Protection Refer to #2 In Stream Controls Refer to #3 Riparian Buffer Refer to #4 Slope Stabilization Refer to #5 Local Policy Strategies Refer to #6 Runoff Volume Reduction Refer to Stormwater Table Wetland Restoration, Enhancement, Refer to #7 and/or Creation Runoff Pollutants Riparian Buffer Refer to #4 Concentrations Stormwater Mitigation Activities: Refer to Stormwater Table Vegetation (Biofiltration/Bioretention) Infiltration Trenches Pervious/Permeable Pavement Sediment Collection Systems Sediment Filters Chemical Treatments Aquatic Health River Training Refer to #1 Bank Armor and Protection Refer to #2 In Stream Controls Refer to #3 Riparian Buffer Refer to #4 Slope Stabilization Refer to #5 Local Policy Strategies Refer to #6 Runoff Volume Reduction Refer to Stormwater Table Wetland Restoration, Enhancement, Refer to #7 and/or Creation Local Conservation Policy Strategies to Preserve Open Spaces/Natural Areas Refer to Open Space Table 12