Swinomish Eelgrass Survey

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for an eelgrass survey in and around the Swinomish Channel near La Conner, WA. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires technical services to assess the extent and abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation, specifically eelgrass (Zostera marina), which may be impacted by advance maintenance dredging and a major maintenance project on the south entrance jetties.

• Conduct an eelgrass survey to document and delineate its extent and quantify abundance.

• Provide high-quality spatial and tabular data for impact assessment and regulatory review.

• Prepare a comprehensive data report detailing survey methods, data, and findings.

• Develop and submit a Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) within 8 weeks of award.

• Collect data using video, biosonic, and/or direct visual observation methods.

• Map eelgrass meadow extent and calculate abundance.

• Submit a final eelgrass survey report within 4 months of field sampling completion.

• Contract Type: Performance-based Firm Fixed Price Contract.

• Period of Performance: Nine (9) months (270 days) from award.

• Field Survey Activities: Conducted between July 1 and August 30.

• Proposal Submission: Email quotes to della.s.overton@usace.army.mil with subject line "RFQ W912DW26QA068".

• Closing Date and Time: 24 June 2026, 1200 PST.

• Award Basis: Lowest priced quote that conforms to requirements and is determined fair and reasonable.

• Evaluation Factors: Price and Technical (demonstrated knowledge and experience in similar surveys, sonar/submersible video capabilities, and USACE eelgrass mapping protocols).

• Questions: Submit questions via email by close of business two days prior to closing date.

• Full and Open Competition.

• NAICS Code: 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services), Size Standard: $19M.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The USACE will not exercise supervision or control over the contractor's personnel.

• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) will be used for all payments.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is exempt from paying state and local taxes.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines tasks for a contractor to assess the extent and abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation, specifically eelgrass (Zostera marina), that may be impacted by advance maintenance dredging and a major maintenance project on the Swinomish Federal Navigation Channel near La Conner, Washington.

• Conduct eelgrass surveys in the Swinomish Channel and surrounding areas.

• Document and delineate the extent of eelgrass (areal coverage).

• Quantify eelgrass abundance (density of meadows).

• Provide high-quality spatial and tabular data for impact assessment, regulatory review, and mitigation planning.

• Prepare a comprehensive data report.

• Period of Performance: Nine (9) months (270 days) from award to completion.

• Field survey activities: Between July 1 and August 30.

• Place of Performance: In and around the Swinomish Channel and at the Contractor's offices.

• CLIN 1: Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) Preparation: Develop and submit an approved SAP within 8 weeks of award, detailing project execution, organization, means and methods, and quality control. Survey areas include 50 ft adjacent to the federal channel and the McGlinn Island Jetty Access Lane.

• CLIN 2: Data Collection and Processing: Collect aquatic vegetation survey data using vessels, equipment, and personnel. This includes positioning requirements (1-foot accuracy for horizontal and vertical), data collection (video, biosonic, visual observation), and processing. Environmental variables (water temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, PAR) are to be recorded. Daily progress reports are required.

• CLIN 3: Eelgrass Survey Report: Prepare and submit a report summarizing survey methodology, QA/QC, findings, and data in various formats (tables, figures, GIS shapefiles, appendices).

• The USACE will evaluate performance based on the SAP, data collection and processing, and the final eelgrass survey report.

• Specific performance objectives and thresholds are detailed in Technical Exhibit 1.

• Contract Type: Performance-based Firm Fixed Price.

• Quality Control: Contractor must develop and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP).

• Safety: Prepare a site-specific Health and Safety Plan in accordance with USACE requirements.

• Personnel: Key personnel include Contract Manager, Project Manager, and Site Safety and Health Officer. Pre-screening via E-Verify is required for key personnel.

• Government Furnished Materials: USACE will provide GIS shapefiles, hydrographic survey data, and a previous eelgrass delineation report.

• Contractor Furnished Items: Contractor must provide all necessary supplies, equipment (including sampling vessels, navigation equipment, data analysis software), and services not provided by the government.

• Submittals: Transmit submittals electronically via DoD SAFE Web application or other government-approved methods. Deliverables include SAP and Eelgrass Survey Report in specified formats and frequencies.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation factors for a solicitation concerning commercial products and commercial services, specifically related to an eelgrass survey in the Swinomish Channel. The award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors.

Offerors must demonstrate knowledge and experience in the following areas (minimum of two projects):

• Understanding the scope of performing an eelgrass survey in and around the Swinomish Channel.

• Experience with similar submerged aquatic vegetation surveys in Washington or similar areas.

• Experience with sonar/submersible video capabilities.

• Experience with similar submerged aquatic vegetation surveys in Washington or other US locations.

• Project experience on the west coast or following USACE eelgrass survey requirements.

• West Coast experience (not necessarily Puget Sound).

• Experience with USACE eelgrass mapping protocols.

• Possession of necessary equipment, staff, knowledge, dive experience, and direct experience working on dredging projects with permitting needs.

• The contract will be awarded on a lowest-priced technically acceptable basis.

• Options, if applicable, will be evaluated by adding their total price to the basic requirement's price.

• Factor 1: Price: Proposals will be evaluated for completeness and reasonableness, then ranked from lowest to highest total evaluated price.

• Factor 2: Technical: The lowest-priced offeror's technical proposal will be evaluated on a pass/fail (Acceptable/Unacceptable) basis against defined criteria. If technically acceptable, the process stops. If unacceptable, the next lowest-priced offeror's technical proposal is evaluated. This iterative process continues until a technically acceptable offer is identified.

• Experience will be evaluated as Acceptable (meets RFQ requirements and demonstrates capability) or Unacceptable (does not meet requirements or demonstrate capability).

Not specified in this document.

• Offerors are instructed to read the Performance Work Statement thoroughly.
• A written notice of award will result in a binding contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5531, Revision No. 27) for the Service Contract Act. It lists the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in Washington County of Skagit, State of Washington. This is relevant for contractors to understand labor costs associated with the opportunity.

• Lists occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes specific notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (minimum wage adjustments).
• Details required benefits such as Health & Welfare and Vacation/Holiday policies.

Bidders must use this wage determination to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these minimum wage and benefit requirements can lead to non-compliance with the Service Contract Act. The document also outlines the process for requesting additional classifications if a required occupation is not listed.