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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">Webber, Threemile, Three Corner Pond WBP RFQ<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">KENNEBEC COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">PROJECT MANAGEMENT & PLANNING CONSULTANT SERVICES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">FOR WEBBER POND, THREEMILE POND, THREECORNERED POND TRI-WATERSHED BASED PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District (District) is requesting Statements of Qualifications from interested and qualified Consultants for Professional Planning Consultant Services in order to assist in the development of
an impaired lake watershed-based management plan. The District has been awarded a 604(b) grant under contract with Maine DEP to develop the Webber, Threemile and Three Corner Pond Watershed-Based Management Plan. The three pond watershed is designated as a
Great Pond Class GPA, and is a three pond chain of lakes, Three Corner drains to Three Mile and then they drain into Webber Pond until flowing into the larger Kennebec River watershed. The entire Pond watershed is located in the towns of Augusta and Vassalboro
in Kennebec County. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Webber and Threemile have a history of supporting excessive amounts of algae in the late summer, due in large part to the presence and sediment accumulation of P that is prevalent in area soils. Water quality has declined in recent years
in Webber and Threemile, including cyanobacteria blooms containing microcystin toxins harmful to humans and pets. This negatively impacts recreational, rental, and residential use of the ponds. The water quality in Threecornered is considerably better than
the other two ponds but trends are difficult to identify due to lack of consistent data.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The purpose of the project is to perform water quality and sediment sampling/analysis and
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">watershed assessments for Webber Pond, Threemile Pond, and Threecornered Ponds. This information will be included in an updated nine-element Watershed-Based Plan. Watershed stakeholders, including residents, pond associations, conservation
associations, and town/city officials, will develop locally supported watershed goals, objectives, and action strategies for
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">reducing phosphorus levels and improving water quality. A breakdown of tasks includes:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1) Coordinate assay/analysis on sediment samples collected by volunteers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2) Work with DEP on a Survey Implementation Plan.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3) Manage the volunteer survey process and perform data and site reviews of high-impact sites.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4) Perform a survey review or new survey of all dirt roads leading to and around Threemile Pond and Threecornered Pond ponds and all stream crossings.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5) Analyze results and write an initial brief Direct Watershed Survey report for each pond, followed by a more complete final report once the Agriculture and Forestry surveys are finished. Final report to include a map of problem
NPS sites, as well as a list of problem sites, including location, issues, recommendations, site prioritization, and estimated costs to remediate.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">6) Perform a desk survey of land used for agriculture and forestry in the Threemile Pond and Threecornered Pond direct watersheds. This is to be followed by field surveys to ground-truth land cover and count livestock/hobby farms,
spring manure spreading, etc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">7) Consult with KCSWCD, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) on this project to get local input on actual conditions, the analysis, and reports.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">8) Incorporate the Agriculture and Forestry surveys into the Direct Watershed Survey reports for the two ponds.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">9) Analyze water sample data and prepare a written summary to review with the Technical Committee.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">10) Work closely with project partners including the District, Maine DEP, Vassalboro Conservation Commission, CRLA, the pond Associations (Webber Pond, Threemile Pond, Threecornered Pond), and other interested parties, and the public
to complete all project tasks as written in the work plan (Attachment 1).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">11) Attend four (4) steering committee meetings, as well as Technical Committee meetings.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>PROPOSAL FORMAT <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To facilitate review, submissions should conform to the following format:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. Experience of the Firm: Provide a description of your firm’s prior experience and qualifications in developing and updating watershed-based/ management plans for impaired or threatened lakes. Also, please reference the experience
of the firm in working with the State and EPA regulation and procedure, in particular those specified in the 319 program.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. Project Team (Key Staff): Identify the proposed Project Manager and key project team members and responsibilities. Provide an itemized rate per hour for identified team. Provide a brief resume for each person outlining their
credential and experience. Describe your team's experience working in the Belgrade Lakes region, and/or the North Pond watershed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. References: Provide the name and contact information for at least three (3) references familiar with the quality of work by your team of similar nature as contained in the above Scope of Work.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. Project Understanding: Provide your general understanding of the watershed, project, and issues regarding the identified project(s). Identify any potential challenges or special concerns that may be encountered.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5. Other Supporting Data: Include any other information you feel to be relevant to the selection of your firm or the makeup of the project team including sub-consultants.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The entire Statement of Qualifications shall not exceed thirty (30) pages; excluding the front and back covers, dividers, coversheet, table of contents, and letter of introduction (maximum 2 pages).
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>CRITERIA FOR REVIEW OF STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The following criteria will be used in screening, ranking and selection of the successful firm:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1. Qualifications of the Firm (20-30 points): Preference shall be given to those firms with experience in watershed management planning related to the scope of services.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2. Qualifications of the Project Team (Key Staff) (30-40 points): Preference shall be given to those with key staff experience in items listed in the above scope of services and any familiarity with the region.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">3. Experience in Working with State and EPA Regulations and 319 Project Procedures (20-30 points): Preference shall be given to project teams whose personnel have a demonstrated working relationship with the State and EPA, and
possess a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations regarding watershed management planning, particularly impaired lakes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4. Project Understanding (25-35 points): Preference shall be given to those firms which have a comprehensive understanding of the project requirements and environment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>SELECTION OF THE CONSULTANT <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is the intent of the District to appoint a committee to review the Statements of Qualifications submitted and rank the qualified firms. All unsuccessful firms will be notified in writing no later than 10 days after selection of the
Consultant. The District reserves the right to reject any and all submissions to this RFQ, request clarification, or waive informalities/technicalities, if it is deemed in the best interest of the project. The District assumes no responsibility for costs
incurred in responding to the RFQ.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS STATEMENT AND CONTACT PERSON
<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An electronic copy of Qualifications Statement must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on January 31, 2025, to
<a href="mailto:staylor@kcswcd.org">staylor@kcswcd.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For questions related to the RFQ, please contact: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stephanie Taylor <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kennebec County Soil & Water Conservation District <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2305 North Belfast Ave. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Augusta, ME 04330 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:staylor@kcswcd.org">staylor@kcswcd.org</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">(207) 480-3927<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">See Attachment A (13 pages)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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