HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-11 18-239 ORDER
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STATE OF MAINE
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Quality
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed Plan Implementation
All communication regarding this RFP must be made through the RFP
RFP
Coordinator identified below.
Name: Wendy Garland Title: Environmental Specialist
Coordinator
Contact Information:wendy.garland@maine.gov
Submitted
All questions must be submitted to the RFP Coordinator identified above by:
Date: May 30, 2018, no later than 4:00 p.m., local time
Questions Due
Submission Deadline: June 15, 2018,no later than 4:00 p.m., local time
Proposal
Proposals must be submitted electronically to the following address:
Submission
Electronic (email) Submission Address: Proposals@maine.gov
State of Maine RFP#2018040701
Rev. 3/1/2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PUBLIC NOTICE3
RFP DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS 4
PART I INTRODUCTION 5
A.P URPOSEAND B ACKGROUND 5
B.G ENERAL P ROVISIONS 5
C.E LIGIBILITYTO S UBMIT B IDS 6
D.C ONTRACT T ERMS 6
E.G RANT F UNDS A VAILABLE AND N UMBEROF A WARDS 7
PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED 8
A.P
URPOSE – W ATERSHED-B ASED P LAN I MPLEMENTATION P ROJECT 8
B.P REREQUISITES 8
C.E LIGIBLE AND I NELIBLE A CTIVITIES 8
D.P ROJECT D ESIGN 9
E.N ON-FEDERAL M ATCH R EQUIREMENTS 10
F.PR OCUREMENTAND S UBGRANTS 10
G.E NVIRONMENTAL D ATA Q UALITY A SSURANCE 10
PART III KEY RFP EVENTS 11
A.Q UESTIONS 11
B.A MENDMENTS 11
C.S UBMITTINGTHE P ROPOSAL 11
PART IV PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS13
A.P ROPOSAL F ORMAT 13
B.P ROPOSAL C ONTENTS 13
PART V PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION 16
A.E VALUATION P ROCESS – G ENERAL I NFORMATION 16
B.S CORING W EIGHTSAND P ROCESS 16
C.S ELECTIONAND A WARD 18
D.A PPEALOF C ONTRACT A WARDS 19
PART VI CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS 20
A.C ONTRACT D OCUMENT 20
B.S TANDARD S TATE A GREEMENT P ROVISIONS 20
PART VII RFP APPENDICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS 22
APPENDIX A – P ROPOSAL C OVER P AGE 23
APPENDIX B – D EBARMENT, P ERFORMANCE AND N ON-C OLLUSION C ERTIFICATION 24
APPENDIX C –P ROGRESS I MPLEMENTINGA W ATERSHED-B ASED P LAN F ORM 25
APPENDIX D – W ORK P LAN F ORMAND I NSTRUCTIONS 27
APPENDIX E – C OST P ROPOSAL F ORMAND I NSTRUCTIONS 34
APPENDIX F – C ANDIDATE NPS S ITES F ORM 38
G –
APPENDIX NPS P RIORITY W ATERSHEDS WITH A CTIVE W ATERSHED 40
B ASED P LANS A CCEPTED BY DEP
APPENDIX H – M AINE B USINESS AND E CONOMIC I MPACT C ONSIDERATION F ORM 45
State of Maine RFP#2018040702
Rev. 3/1/2018
PUBLIC NOTICE
*************************************************
State of Maine
Department of Environmental Protection
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed Plan Implementation
The State of Maine is seeking proposals for projects to help communities implement a watershed-based
plan to restore nonpoint source (NPS) impaired water bodies or to protect water bodies threatened by NPS
pollution. Grants for project selected under this RFP will be funded with monies provided to the
Department by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.
A copy of the RFP, as well as the Question & Answer Summary and all amendments related to this RFP,
can be obtained at the following website: http://www.maine.gov/purchases/venbid/rfp.shtml
Proposals must be submitted to the State of Maine Division of Procurement Services, via e-mail, to the
following email address: Proposals@maine.gov. Proposal submissions must be submitted no later than
4:00 pm, local time, onJune 15, 2018, when they will be opened. Proposals will be opened at the Burton
th
M. Cross Office Building, 111 Sewall Street - 4 Floor, Augusta, Maine. Proposals not submitted to the
Division of Procurement Services’ aforementioned email address by the aforementioned deadline will not
be considered for contract award.
*************************************************
State of Maine RFP#2018040703
Rev. 3/1/2018
RFP DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS
The following terms and acronyms shall have the meaning indicated below as referenced in this RFP:
1.BMP: Best Management Practice
2.CWA: Federal Clean Water Act
3.Department or DEP: Department of Environmental Protection
4.EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
5.NPS: Nonpoint Source
6.RFP: Request for Proposals
7.State: State of Maine
8.WBP: Watershed-based Management Plan
State of Maine RFP#2018040704
Rev. 3/1/2018
State of Maine - Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Quality
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed Plan Implementation
PART I INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose and Background
As defined in this Request for Proposals (RFP) document, the Department of Environmental Protection
(Department or DEP) is seeking proposals to implement watershed projects to restore or protect
waterbodies that are impacted by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Watershed projects funded under this
RFP must be guided by Watershed-based Management Plans (WBP) accepted by the Department. WBPs
provide assessment and management information and describe actions needed for restoration and/or
protection. This document provides instructions for submitting proposals, the procedure and criteria by
which the Provider(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship
between the State of Maine (“State”) and the awarded Bidder(s).
Pursuant to Maine statutes (38 M.R.S.A. Article 1-F), the Department is charged with coordinating
Maine’s Nonpoint Source Management Program to prevent or reduce NPS water pollution so that lakes,
streams, rivers and coastal waters are protected and attain their designated water quality standards. NPS
pollution is caused when rainfall or snowmelt moves over and through the ground and picks up natural
and human-made pollutants such as sediment, fertilizer, road salt, oil and bacteria. Eventually these
contaminants end up in waterbodies, where they can threaten drinking water supplies, cause nuisance
algal blooms, diminish recreational activities, and endanger aquatic life and habitat.
TheMaine Nonpoint Source Management Program Plan 2015 - 2019 describes NPS pollution control
programs, strategies, and actions needed to make progress controlling and preventing NPS pollution.
(Available at http://www.maine.gov/dep/land/watershed/nps-program-plan.html.)DEP administers
Maine’s NPS program and awards and monitors subgrants for watershed projects in accordance with and
using funding provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Section
319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). EPA’s Nonpoint Source Program and Grants
Guidelines requires states to use at least 50% of Section 319 funds to implement watershed projects.
Grants for projects selected under this RFP will be funded with monies provided to the Department
under Section 319(h); grant awards are subject to the availability of federal funds.
Funding awarded to a grantee is considered a sub-award of federal funds. The Department will provide a
draft of the award decision and work plan proposals to EPA for review and approval, and will then
submit the proposed award decision to the State of Maine, Division of Purchases for approval. For more
information about the Department’s NPS Grants Program refer to Nonpoint Source Management
Program – Annual Report at http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319-documents/reports/.
B. General Provisions
1.From the time this RFP is issued until award notification is made, all contact with the State
regarding this RFP must be made through the aforementioned RFP Coordinator. No other person/
State employee is empowered to make binding statements regarding this RFP. Violation of this
provision may lead to disqualification from the bidding process, at the State’s discretion.
State of Maine RFP#2018040705
Rev. 3/1/2018
2.Issuance of this RFP does not commit the Department to issue an award or to pay expenses
incurred by a Bidder in the preparation of a response to this RFP. This includes attendance at
personal interviews or other meetings and software or system demonstrations, where applicable.
3.All proposals should adhere to the instructions and format requirements outlined in this RFP and
all written supplements and amendments (such as the Summary of Questions and Answers), issued
by the Department. Proposals are to follow the format and respond to all questions and
instructions specified below in the “Proposal Submission Requirements” section of this RFP.
4.Bidders shall take careful note that in evaluating a proposal submitted in response to this RFP, the
Department will consider materials provided in the proposal, information obtained through
interviews/presentations (if any), and internal Departmental information of previous contract
history with the Bidder (if any).The Department also reserves the right to consider other reliable
references and publicly available information in evaluating a Bidder’s experience and capabilities.
5.The proposal shall be signed by a person authorized to legally bind the Bidder and shall contain a
statement that the proposal and the pricing contained therein will remain valid and binding for a
period of 180 days from the date and time of the bid opening.
6.The RFP and the selected Bidder’s proposal, including all appendices or attachments, shall be the
basis for the final contract, as determined by the Department.
7.Following announcement of an award decision, all submissions in response to this RFP will be
considered public records available for public inspection pursuant to the State of Maine Freedom
of Access Act (FOAA) (1 M.R.S. §§ 401 et seq.).
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/1/title1sec401.html
8.The Department, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to recognize and waive minor
informalities and irregularities found in proposals received in response to this RFP.
9.The State of Maine Division of Procurement Services reserves the right to authorize other
Departments to use the contract(s) resulting from this RFP, if it is deemed to be beneficial for the
State to do so.
10.All applicable laws, whether or not herein contained, shall be included by this reference. It shall
be the Bidder’s responsibility to determine the applicability and requirements of any such laws and
to abide by them.
C. Eligibility to Submit Bids
Eligible recipients for Section 319 grants are public organizations such as state agencies, soil and water
conservation districts, regional planning commissions, watershed districts, municipalities, and
incorporated nonprofit organizations with federal tax exempt status \[501(c)(3)\].
D. Contract Term
The Department is seeking cost-efficient proposals to provide services, as defined in this RFP, for the
anticipated contract period defined in the table below. Please note that the dates below are estimated
and may be adjusted, as necessary, in order to comply with all procedural requirements associated with
this RFP and the contracting process. The actual contract start date will be established by a completed
and approved contract.
Estimated Project Start Date Project Completion Date
January 1, 2019 Up to 2 years from start date
Bidders may schedule work to be conducted for up to two years. The Department may set the grant
agreement expiration date for up to three years, to enable a time extension. The Department recognizes
State of Maine RFP#2018040706
Rev. 3/1/2018
that unforeseen delays or extenuating circumstances sometimes occur that require additional time to
complete a project. If this is necessary, the Department may approve a no-cost time extension for up to
one year beyond the original project completion date specified in the work plan, but for no later than the
grant agreement expiration date. Department procedures for considering a time extension are described
inNonpoint Source Grant Administrative Guidelines
(http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html).
E. Grant Funds Available and Number of Awards
The Department anticipates making multiple awards as a result of this RFP process. Funds for grants
will be from the EPA under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.
1.Approximately $900,000 will be available for implementation projects, pending EPA and State
approvals and federal budget appropriation consistent with recent years.
2.The Department expects to award grants in the range of $50,000 to $150,000. The Department
expects to award 8 to 14 grants and reserves the right to make fewer awards.
3.In accordance with the Maine NPS Management Program Plan, funds will be used for grants to
restore impaired waters or protect threatened waters:
a.At least 50% of the Section 319 funds ($450,000) will be for grants to help restore impaired
waters; and
b.No more than 50% of the Section 319 funds ($450,000) will for grants to protect unimpaired
waters.
State of Maine RFP#2018040707
Rev. 3/1/2018
PART II SCOPE OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
A.Purpose of a Watershed-based Plan Implementation Project
The Department is inviting proposals for projects to help communities implement their watershed-based
management plan (WBP) to make progress:
Restoring water bodies that are considered impaired due to NPS pollution, or
Protecting water bodies that are considered threatened by NPS pollution.
B.Prerequisites
To be eligible to apply for funding, project proposals must meet both of the following prerequisites:
1.The watershed must be on DEP’s NPS Priority Watersheds list. The purpose of the
Department’s NPS Priority Watershed Lists is to encourage NPS abatement work in watersheds
most vulnerable to NPS pollution. The list is used to help prioritize DEP NPS water pollution
control efforts and attract local communities to take action to restore or protect waters impaired
or threatened by NPS pollution.
NPS Priority Watersheds lists and information are available at:
http://www.maine.gov/dep/land/watershed/nps_priority_list/index.html
2.Implementation projects must be guided by an activewatershed-based plan (WBP) accepted by
the Department. Refer to Appendix G and http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html for
a table listing the eligible WBPs.
C.Eligible and Ineligible Activities
1.Eligible Activities. Eligible project activities may include, but are not limited to: BMP design;
BMP construction; technical assistance; cost sharing construction of BMPs; training and
technology transfer; information outreach; project management; and monitoring to evaluate the
outcome of the project. Do not assume all activities called for in a WBP are eligible for grant
funds. Proposed activities must be considered eligible under EPA Section 319(h) guidelines. For
more information regarding eligible activities refer to EPA Nonpoint Source Program and Grants
Guidelines for States and Territories, pages 37-38. http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/cwact.cfm
2.Ineligible Activities. Grant (or match) funds under this RFP may not be used:
a.To conduct erosion or storm water control work required by existing permits or orders
(Examples: Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Stormwater Permit; Site Location
1
of Development Permit; Stormwater Law Permit);
1
Note that urban stormwater activities that do not directly implement a final municipal separate storm
sewer system (MS4) NPDES permit are eligible. An approved TMDL does not affect 319 funding
eligibility for nonpoint source projects.
State of Maine RFP#2018040708
Rev. 3/1/2018
b.To replace malfunctioning septic systems. The Department’s Small Community Grant
Program offers grants to towns to help replace malfunctioning septic systems that are
polluting a water body or causing a public nuisance; or
c.To pay for materials and other costs associated with maintaining or repairing Best
Management Practices (BMPs). Note that staff services time (e.g., consultation/technical
assistance) to discuss malfunctioning, poorly-maintained, or other problematic BMPs sites is
eligible for funding.
D.Project Design
The proposed work under this grant should be designed to help make progress implementing NPS
management measures (actions) that are described in a WBP accepted by the Department. Project
design considerations include the following:
1.WBP Timeline and Phasing. Effective implementation of a WBP usually requires many years of
sustained effort. The work plan should describe and exhibit intent to make substantial progress
implementing the WBP.
2.Widespread Implementation of BMPs. A project must implement measures that prevent, control,
or abate NPS pollution. Projects should encourage, require, or achieve structural or non-
structural BMP implementation on a watershed scale to abate existing nonpoint sources and
prevent NPS pollution through improved land use management. A proposal to use most of the
grant funds for on-the-ground construction of BMPs (including design services) will be
considered more cost effective than projects that include disproportionate amounts of personnel,
overhead and grant administration costs.
3.Constructing BMPs at NPS Sites. Activities must be directed towards accomplishing on-the-
ground implementation of BMPs at NPS sites and other actions needed to effectively implement
the WBP. In some cases, a grantee provides technical assistance to help landowners install
BMPs on their properties using the landowner’s own funds. A grantee may also choose to
provide grant funding as an incentive to help ensure that landowners install BMPs at priority
NPS sites. Using this approach, a grantee typically determines NPS sites to be targeted; sets a
uniform match requirement (e.g., 50% paid by grant and 50% by owner); works with landowners
to develop BMP designs; develops a cost sharing agreement or construction plan that outlines
roles and responsibilities including match and maintenance requirements; provides technical
assistance to ensure BMPs are installed properly; and authorizes grant reimbursement following
inspection. Recipients of 319 funds agree to properly operate and maintain their BMPs for the
service life of the BMP. (Note: project funds cannot be used for maintenance and repair of
existing BMPs.) Local match is required in order to use 319 grant funds for BMP installation,
and the cost share amount of grant funds to an individual cannot exceed 75% of the total cost.
Refer to the NPS Grant Administrative Guidelines Section III.D. for more information about
planning and constructing BMPs at http://maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html.
Project funds (grant or match) may be used to help pay for construction of BMPs at road-related
NPS sites to reduce sediment delivery to surface waters. Refer to the following Department
guidance on how to evaluate eligibility: Using Project Funds for Construction of BMPs at Road-
related Sites: Guidance for NPS Watershed Projects (April 2012) available at
http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html.
State of Maine RFP#2018040709
Rev. 3/1/2018
The proposal should describe NPS sites that will be addressed by the proposed project. Refer to
PART IV. B. Section VIII. and Appendix F for more information.
4.Estimating NPS Pollutant Load Reductions. Projects must be designed to include a means to
estimate pollutant load reductions from the installed BMPs. The EPA NPS Program Guidelines
require load reduction estimates for all BMPs that are intended to control sediments (in
tons/year) and/or nutrients (phosphorus or nitrogen in pounds per year). Bidders should identify
the method/model they intend to use to estimate NPS load reductions. The Department accepts
use of the EPA Region 5 Load Estimation Model (http://it.tetratech-
ffx.com/steplweb/default.htm) or the USDA Forest Service WEPP Road model
(http://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/fswepp/). A bidder may propose use of other estimation
methods.
E.Non-federal Match Requirements
Grantees must provide non-federal match of at least 40% of the total project cost.
To determine the amount of non-federal match required, multiply the amount of grant funds requested
times 0.667. Example: if the proposal requests $81,000 of grant funds, then at least $54,027 of non-
federal match is required. ($81,000) x (0.667) = $54,027. For more information, refer to the Cost
Proposal Form (Appendix E).
F.Procurement of Services and Subgrants
1.Procurement of Services. For a project, a grantee may need to purchase goods or services to
complete project activities that are beyond the capacity of the grantee organization. Procurement
means acquisition of supplies, equipment, construction or services. Procurement with federal
funds must follow applicable requirements and restrictions. Procurement need to be a
competitive basis to ensure that fair and reasonable prices are obtained for goods and services.
Grant recipients may use their own procurement procedures provided that the procedures
conform to applicable federal requirements.
FMI: Refer to the Department’s NPS Grant Administrative Guidelines
http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html.
2.Subgrants. For a project, a grantee may plan to issue a subgrant to pass-through a portion of the
grant funds to an eligible subgrantee (also called lower tier subrecipient) if project activities are
beyond the capacity of the grantee organization, provided the work to be performed is aligned
with the public purpose or mission of the subgrantee. If the applicant plans to pass-through
funds to an eligible subgrantee to accomplish a significant part of the project, then the applicant
should identify the proposed subgrantee, their qualifications, and a brief description of the work
to be conducted. For example, a municipality (grantee) may plan to issue a subgrant to a soil and
water conservation district (subgrantee) to coordinate the project or perform certain tasks. A
subgrantee could be a Maine public organizations such as a soil and water conservation district, a
regional planning commission, watershed district, municipality, or an incorporated nonprofit
organization with federal tax exempt status \[501(c)(3)\].
G.Environmental Data Quality Assurance
Project activities will need to be conducted according to applicable quality assurance procedures for
NPS projects as described in the DEP document, Maine Section 319 Management Program Quality
Assurance Program Plan (12/20/17) http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html. If the project
includes water quality monitoring to evaluate the outcome of the project, the monitoring must be
conducted in accordance with a quality assurance project plan.
State of Maine RFP#20180407010
Rev. 3/1/2018
PART III KEY RFP EVENTS
A.Questions
1. General Instructions
a. It is the responsibility of all Bidders and other interested parties to examine the entire RFP and
to seek clarification, in writing, if they do not understand any information or instructions.
b. Questions must be submitted by e-mail and received by the RFP Coordinator, identified on the
cover page of this RFP, as soon as possible but no later than the date and time specified on the
RFP cover page.
c. Submitted Questions must include the RFP Number and Title in the subject line of the e-mail.
The Department assumes no liability for assuring accurate/complete/on time e-mail
transmission and receipt.
2. Question & Answer Summary: Responses to all questions will be compiled in writing and posted
on the following website no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to the proposal due date:
http://www.maine.gov/purchases/venbid/rfp.shtml. It is the responsibility of all interested parties
to go to this website to obtain a copy of the Question & Answer Summary. Only those answers
issued in writing on this website will be considered binding.
B.Amendments
All amendments released in regard to this RFP will also be posted on the following website:
http://www.maine.gov/purchases/venbid/rfp.shtml. It is the responsibility of all interested parties to go
to this website to obtain amendments. Only those amendments posted on this website are considered
binding.
C.Submitting the Proposal
1.Proposals Due: Proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. local time, on the date listed on
the cover page of this RFP, at which point they will be opened. Proposals received after the 4:00
p.m. deadline will be rejected without exception.
2.Delivery Instructions: Proposals are to be submitted to the State of Maine Division of
Procurement Services, via email, to the email address provided on the RFP Cover Page.
a.Only proposals received by email will be considered. The Department assumes no liability for
assuring accurate/complete e-mail transmission and receipt.
b.Bidders are to insert the following into the subject line of their email submission:
“RFP#201804070 Proposal Submission”
c.Bidder’s proposals are to be broken down into multiple files, with each file named as it is titled
in bold below, and include:
-File #1:PDF or MS Word format preferred
Proposal Cover Page (Appendix A)
Litigation, if applicable (as described in Part IV. B. 2.)
Financial Viability letter (as described in Part IV. B. 2.)
Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification (Appendix B)
State of Maine RFP#20180407011
Rev. 3/1/2018
-File #2:MS Word format preferred
Organization Qualifications and Experience
Progress Implementing Watershed-based Plan (Appendix C)
Work Plan (Appendix D)
Cost Proposal (Appendix E)
Candidate NPS Sites List (Appendix F)
-File #3:PDF or MS Word format preferred
Location Map
Attachments (if applicable)
-File #4:MS Excelformat preferred
Maine Business and Economic Impact Consideration (Appendix H)
State of Maine RFP#20180407012
Rev. 3/1/2018
PART IV PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This section contains instructions for Bidders to use in preparing their proposals. The Bidder’s proposal
must follow the outline used below, including the numbering and section and sub-section headings as they
appear here. Failure to use the outline specified in this section, or to respond to all questions and
instructions throughout this document, may result in the proposal being disqualified as non-responsive or
receiving a reduced score. The Department, and its evaluation team for this RFP, has sole discretion to
determine whether a variance from the RFP specifications should result in either disqualification or
reduction in scoring of a proposal. Rephrasing of the content provided in this RFP will, at best, be
considered minimally responsive. The Department seeks detailed yet succinct responses that demonstrate
the Bidder’s experience and ability to perform the requirements specified throughout this document.
A.Proposal Format
1.The proposal should be typed or printed. Proposals should be single-spaced with 1” margins on
white 8 ½ x 11” paper using a font no smaller than 12 point Times New Roman or similar.
2.For clarity, the Bidder’s name should appear on every page, including Attachments.
3.The Bidder is asked to be brief and concise in responding to the RFP questions and instructions.
The proposal should be limited to a maximum total of 32 pages. Additional materials not
requested will not be considered part of the proposal and will not be evaluated.
4.Include any forms provided in the submission package or reproduce those forms as closely as
possible. All information should be presented in the same order and format as described in the
RFP.
5.It is the responsibility of the Bidder to provide all information requested in the RFP package at the
time of submission. Failure to provide information requested in this RFP may, at the discretion of
the Department’s evaluation review team, result in a lower rating for the incomplete sections and
may result in the proposal being disqualified for consideration.
B.Proposal Contents
Section I Proposal Cover Page, Litigation and Financial Viability (max: 3 pages)
1.General Instructions
Bidders should complete the proposal cover page provided in Appendix A of this RFP. The
proposal cover page must be the first part of the proposal package. The proposal cover page shall
be dated and signed by a person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the Bidder.
2
2.Litigation
On the cover page, answer the question, “Is litigation information included?” If the answer is
“yes”, attach a list of all current litigation in which the Bidder is named and a list of all cases that
have closed within the past five (5) years in which Bidder paid the claimant either as part of a
settlement or by decree. For each, list the entity bringing suit, the complaint, the accusation,
amount, and outcome.
2
3.Financial Viability
Provide a letter briefly describing the financial viability of the bidder’s organization. Please
describe any relevant information such as the outcome of past audits, financial accounting
practices, etc. Letter should be signed by the organization’s accountant, bookkeeper or other
qualified individual representing the organization.
2
Section required under State of Maine RFP template 3/1/18.
State of Maine RFP#20180407013
Rev. 3/1/2018
Section II Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification Form (max: 1 page)
The Bidder should complete and submit the “Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion
Certification Form” provided in Appendix B of this RFP. Failure to provide this certification may
result in the disqualification of the Bidder’s proposal, at the discretion of the Department.
Section III Applicant Qualifications and Experience (max: 2 pages)
Present a brief summary of applicant’s qualifications to carry out the project and to manage the grant.
Summarize relevant experience, especially experience with NPS projects, and financial, administrative
and technical qualifications of the organization. Summarize relevant experience of the person to be
assigned to manage the project.
If you plan to issue a sub-grant to an eligible recipient, provide their name, qualifications and
contact information.
If you plan to acquire consultant services, list key qualifications and experience that you will
request in your solicitation for services.
Section IV Location Map (max: 1 page)
Provide a location map of the project’s watershed area on one page of 8.5" by 11" paper, clearly
showing the waterbody(s), town(s), and the watershed boundary.
Section V Progress Implementing Watershed-based Plan (max: 2 pages)
Complete the form in Appendix C of this RFP. Follow the instructions provided at the top of the form.
Section VI Work Plan (max: 9 pages)
The Bidder should complete a project work plan in a direct, concise style using the instructions here
and included in Appendix D (Work Plan Form). The work plan includes the following required
sections:
Project Title and Applicant’s Organization
Waterbody and Watershed Information
NPS Pollution Problem / Need
Purpose
Project Duration
General Project Plan
Tasks, Schedules and Estimated Costs
Deliverables
Interagency Coordination, Roles and Responsibility
Environmental Outcome
Project Coordinator
Example Work Plan
Refer to DEP’s NPS Grants webpage for examples of the typical
content and format of a work plan to develop a watershed-based plan.
http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html
State of Maine RFP#20180407014
Rev. 3/1/2018
Section VII Cost Proposal (max: 2 pages)
1.General Instructions
a.The cost proposal shall include the costs necessary for the Bidder to fully comply with the
contract terms and conditions and RFP requirements.
b.No costs related to the preparation of the proposal for this RFP or to the negotiation of the
contract with the Department may be included in the proposal. Only costs to be incurred after
the contract effective date that are specifically related to the implementation or operation of
contracted services may be included.
2.Cost Proposal Form Instructions
The Bidder should fill out Appendix E (Cost Proposal Form) following the instructions detailed
here and in the appendix. Failure to provide the requested information and to follow the required
cost proposal format provided may result in the exclusion of the proposal from consideration, at
the discretion of the Department.
Section VIII Candidate NPS Sites (max: 4 pages)
Activities must be directed towards accomplishing on-the-ground implementation of BMPs at NPS
sites, and other actions needed to effectively help implement the WBP. Describe NPS sites that will
be addressed by the proposed project
If the project involves recruiting landowners and construction at numerous NPS sites, then list
concise descriptions of NPS sites, BMPs needed to be installed and cost estimates in the Candidate
NPS Sites Form (Appendix F). Insert photos if it helps describe site conditions.
If the project will install BMPs at a few specific NPS sites, then for each site submit a sketch,
preliminary design, and cost estimates to describe site conditions and proposed BMPs to be
installed. Insert photos if it helps describe site conditions.
Section IX Attachments (max: 7 pages)
An attachment is any document included with the proposal that is not required by the RFP. If
attachments are included, list them a page labeled “Section IX Attachments”. The page count includes
the list of the attachments.
Use attachments if you want to provide additional information.
If you want to provide letters of commitment from project partners, the letters should clearly
describe the work activity, services or funds that will be committed for the project.
Section X Maine Business and Economic Impact Consideration (max: 1 page)
Using Appendix H (Maine Business and Economic Impact Consideration Form), the Bidder (Bidder
identified on the “Proposal Cover Page” of proposal submission - Appendix A) is required to describe
the Bidder’s investment in the State of Maine as reported on the most recently completed IRS form W-
2. Consideration of this information in making contract award decisions is required in accordance
with Executive Order 2017-003, which states “Evaluators of competitive bids for goods and services
shall give consideration to the investment in the State by business enterprises as a best-value
criterion.” The State reserves the right to verify this information at any time during the evaluation
process or after.
State of Maine RFP#20180407015
Rev. 3/1/2018
PART V PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION
A.Evaluation Process – General Information
Evaluation of the submitted proposals shall be accomplished as follows:
1.An evaluation team, comprised of qualified reviewers, will judge the merits of the proposals
received in accordance with the criteria defined in the RFP, and in accordance with the most
advantageous financial and economic impact considerations (where applicable) for the State.
2.Officials responsible for making decisions on the selection of a contractor shall ensure that the
selection process accords equal opportunity and appropriate consideration to all who are capable of
meeting the specifications. The goals of the evaluation process are to ensure fairness and
objectivity in review of the proposals and to ensure that the contract is awarded to the Bidder
whose proposal provides the best value to the State of Maine.
3.The Department reserves the right to communicate and/or schedule interviews/presentations with
Bidders if needed to obtain clarification of information contained in the proposals received, and the
Department may revise the scores assigned in the initial evaluation to reflect those
communications and/or interviews/presentations. Interviews/presentations are not required, and
changes to proposals will not be permitted during any interview/presentation process. Therefore,
Bidders should submit proposals that present their rates and other requested information as clearly
and completely as possible.
B.Scoring Weights and Process
1.Scoring Weights: The score will be based on a 100-point scale and will measure the degree to
which each proposal meets the following criteria.
a.Applicant Qualifications and Experience (10 points)
Consider the adequacyof applicant qualifications (relevant experience, financial,
administrative & technical qualifications, personnel and facilities) to carry out the project
within the proposed timeframe, along with any known past performance on relevant projects.
If the project plans to issue a subgrant to an eligible recipient, consider the adequacy of the
subgrantee’s qualifications and relevant past performance. If the project plans to acquire
consultant services, consider the adequacy of the qualifications and experience that will be
requested in the project’s solicitation for services.
Relevant section: Includes all elements addressed above in Part IV, B, Section I. Litigation and
Financial Viability, Section II. Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification Form
and Section III. Applicant Qualifications and Experience.
b. Relative Value of the Waterbody (10 points)
Evaluate the degree to which the public currently uses and values the waterbody. Consider the
availability (access) and extent of use. Consider uses including, but not limited to: drinking
water supply; public recreational opportunities; scenic and aesthetic benefits; aquatic and
terrestrial habitat benefits; commercial benefits; and potential for increased public use and
improved habitat.
Relevant section: Includes all elements addressed above in Part IV, B, Section VI.
Work Plan (Waterbody and Watershed Information).
State of Maine RFP#20180407016
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c. NPS Pollution Problem/Need (15 points)
Evaluate the severity of the water quality impairment of the waterbody(s); or evaluate the
severity of the threats which may cause the waterbody to not attain its water quality standards
in the future. Evaluate the extent to which the work plan exhibits an informed understanding
of the nature, extent, and severity of NPS water pollution problems and needs for that
watershed.
Relevant section: Includes all elements addressed above in Part IV, B, Section VI. Work Plan
(NPS Pollution Problem/Need)
d.Feasibility for Success (25 points)
Likelihood that the project will be successfully completed as proposed andthat the waterbody
can be successfully restored or protected. Considerations: adequate information and capacity
to determine actions needed restore or protect the waterbody; effective well-sequenced tasks;
extent to which the work plan and other efforts address the watershed’s most critical NPS
sources; contribution or participation by appropriate stakeholders and municipal government;
leveraged with other previous or concurrent efforts; extent of community support to restore or
protect the waterbody.
Relevant section: Includes all elements addressed above in Part IV, B, Section IV. Location
Map, Section V. Progress Implementing Watershed-based Plan, Section VI. Work Plan (All
Sections), Section VIII. Candidate NPS Sites and Section IX. Attachments.
e.Cost Effectiveness (25points)
Regarding the grant funds requested and the proposed work, consider the degree to which the
project represents a good return for the investment (money, time). Consider whether project
work and cost estimates (tasks & budget) are reasonable for the expected outcomes, along with
the amount and quality of proposed matching funds or services
Relevant sections: Includes all elements addressed above in Part IV, B, Section VI.
Work Plan (All Sections), Section VII. Cost Proposal, Section VIII. Candidate NPS Sites and
Section IX. Attachments.
f.Maine Business and Economic Impact Consideration (10points)
Includes all elements addressed above in PART IV, B, Section X.
Scoring the Maine Business and Economic Impact Consideration: The Maine Business and
Economic Impact Consideration for this RFP will be scored based on the information provided
by Bidders in Appendix H (Maine Business and Economic Impact Consideration Form)
compared to the point allocations below:
Maine Business Analysis Points
Average Percentage of Maine Business Impact - 1 to 74% 2 points
Average Percentage of Maine Business Impact - 75 to 100% 4 points
Maine Economic Impact Points
Sum of Maine Economic Analysis - $1 to $1,000,000 2 points
Sum of Maine Economic Analysis - $1,000,001 to $10,000,000 4 points
Sum of Maine Economic Analysis - over $10,000,000 6 points
State of Maine RFP#20180407017
Rev. 3/1/2018
g.Comprehensive Plan (5 points)
Which towns in the watershed have an adopted Comprehensive Plan that the State has
determined is consistent with Maine’s Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act?
Relevant sections: Includes all elements addressed above in Part IV, B, Section VI. Work Plan
(Waterbody and Watershed Information)
2.Scoring Process:The review team will use a consensus approach to evaluate and score the
proposals. Members of the review team will not score those sections individually but, instead, will
arrive at a consensus as to assignment of points for each scoring criteria. The Cost Effectiveness
criteria, will be scored as described below in #3. The Maine Business and Economic Impact will
be scored as described above.
3.Scoring the Cost Proposal: Regarding the grant funds requested and the proposed work, the
review team will consider the degree to which the project represents a good return for the
investment (money, time, etc.) as well as whether the project work and cost estimates (tasks &
budget) are reasonable for the expected outcomes, along with the amount and quality of proposed
matching funds or services.
No Best and Final Offer: The State of Maine will not seek a best and final offer (BAFO) from any
Bidder in this procurement process. All Bidders are expected to provide their best value pricing
with the submission of their proposal.
4.Negotiations: The Department reserves the right to negotiate with the successful Bidder to
finalize a contract at the same rate or cost of service as presented in the selected proposal. Such
negotiations may not significantly vary the content, nature or requirements of the proposal or the
Department’s Request for Proposals to an extent that may affect the price of goods or services
requested. The Department reserves the right to terminate contract negotiations with a selected
respondent who submits a proposed contract significantly different from the proposal they
submitted in response to the advertised RFP. In the event that an acceptable contract cannot be
negotiated with the highest ranked Bidder, the Department may withdraw its award and negotiate
with the next-highest ranked Bidder, and so on, until an acceptable contract has been finalized.
Alternatively, the Department may cancel the RFP, at its sole discretion.
C.Selection and Award
1.The final decision regarding the award of the contract will be made by representatives of the
Department subject to approval by the State Procurement Review Committee.
2.Notification of contractor selection or non-selection will be made in writing by the Department.
3.Issuance of this RFP in no way constitutes a commitment by the State of Maine to award a
contract, to pay costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this request, or to pay costs
incurred in procuring or contracting for services, supplies, physical space, personnel or any other
costs incurred by the Bidder.
4.The Department reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or to make multiple awards.
State of Maine RFP#20180407018
Rev. 3/1/2018
D.Appeal of Contract Awards
Any person aggrieved by the award decision that results from this RFP may appeal the decision to the
Director of the Bureau of General Services in the manner prescribed in 5 MRSA § 1825-E and 18-554
Code of Maine Rules, Chapter 120 (found here: http://www.maine.gov/purchases/policies/120.shtml).
The appeal must be in writing and filed with the Director of the Bureau of General Services, 9 State
House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0009 within 15 calendar days of receipt of notification of
contract award.
State of Maine RFP#20180407019
Rev. 3/1/2018
PART VI CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS
A.Contract Document
1.The successful Bidder will be required to execute a contract in the form of a State of Maine
Agreement to Purchase Services (BP54). A list of applicable Riders is as follows:
Rider A: Specification of Work to be Performed
Rider B: Method of Payment and Other Provisions
Rider C: Exceptions to Rider B
Rider D: Debarment for Federal Funds
Rider E: EPA Performance Partnership Grant Terms and Conditions
Rider F: Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
Rider G: Identification of Country in Which Contracted Work Will Be Performed
The complete set of standard BP54 contract documents may be found on the Division of
Procurement Services’ website at the following link:
http://www.maine.gov/purchases/info/forms/BP54.doc
Other forms and contract documents commonly used by the State can be found on the Division of
Procurement Services’ website at the following link:
http://www.maine.gov/purchases/info/forms.html
2.Allocation of funds is final upon successful negotiation and execution of the contract, subject to
the review and approval of the State Procurement Review Committee. Contracts are not
considered fully executed and valid until approved by the State Procurement Review Committee
and funds are encumbered. No contract will be approved based on an RFP which has an effective
date less than fourteen (14) calendar days after award notification to Bidders. (Referenced in the
regulations of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Chapter 110, §3(B)(i):
http://www.maine.gov/purchases/policies/110.shtml
This provision means that a contract cannot be effective until at least 14 days after award
notification.
3.The Department estimates having a contract in place by January 1, 2019. The State recognizes that
the actual contract effective date depends upon completion of the RFP process, date of formal
award notification, length of contract negotiation, and preparation and approval by the State
Procurement Review Committee. Any appeals to the Department’s award decision(s) may further
postpone the actual contract effective date, depending upon the outcome. The contract effective
date listed in this RFP may need to be adjusted, if necessary, to comply with mandated
requirements.
4.In providing services and performing under the contract, the successful Bidder(s) shall act as an
independent contractor and not as an agent of the State of Maine.
B.Standard State Agreement Provisions
1.Agreement Administration
a. Following the award, an Agreement Administrator from the Department will be appointed to
assist with the development and administration of the contract and to act as administrator
State of Maine RFP#20180407020
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during the entire contract period. Department staff will be available after the award to consult
with the successful Bidder in the finalization of the contract.
b. In the event that an acceptable contract cannot be negotiated with the highest ranked Bidder,
the Department may withdraw its award and negotiate with the next-highest ranked Bidder,
and so on, until an acceptable contract has been finalized. Alternatively, the Department may
cancel the RFP, at its sole discretion.
2. Payments and Other Provisions
The State anticipates paying the Contractor on the basis of net 30 payment terms, upon the receipt
of an accurate and acceptable invoice. An invoice will be considered accurate and acceptable if it
contains a reference to the State of Maine contract number, contains correct pricing information
relative to the contract, and provides any required supporting documents, as applicable, and any
other specific and agreed-upon requirements listed within the contract that results from this RFP.
State of Maine RFP#20180407021
Rev. 3/1/2018
PART VII LIST OF RFP APPENDICES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS
1.Appendix A – Proposal Cover Page
2.Appendix B – Debarment, Performance and Non-Collusion Certification
3.Appendix C – Progress Implementing a Watershed-based Plan Form
4.Appendix D – Work Plan Form and Instructions
5.Appendix E – Cost Proposal Form and Instructions
6.Appendix F – Candidate NPS Sites Form
7.Appendix G – NPS Priority Watersheds with Watershed-based Plans Accepted by DEP
8.Appendix H – Maine Business and Economic Impact Consideration
State of Maine RFP#20180407022
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX A
State of Maine
Department of Environmental Protection
PROPOSAL COVER PAGE
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed-Based Plan Implementation
Bidder’s Organization Name:
Chief Executive - Name/Title:
Tel:E-mail:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
(Provide information requested below if different from above)
Lead Point of Contact for Proposal - Name/Title:
Tel:E-mail:
Headquarters Street Address:
Headquarters City/State/Zip:
Is litigation information included? Yes No
This proposal and the pricing structure contained herein will remain firm for a period of 180 days
from the date and time of the bid opening.
No personnel currently employed by the Department or any other State agency participated, either
directly or indirectly, in any activities relating to the preparation of the Bidder’s proposal.
No attempt has been made, or will be made, by the Bidder to induce any other person or firm to
submit or not to submit a proposal.
The above-named organization is the legal entity entering into the resulting agreement with the
Department should they be awarded the contract.
The undersigned is authorized to enter into contractual obligations on behalf of the above-named
organization.
To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in the enclosed proposal, both programmatic and
financial, is complete and accurate at the time of submission.
Name (Print): Title:
Authorized Signature: Date:
State of Maine RFP#20180407023
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX B
State of Maine
Department of Environmental Protection
DEBARMENT, PERFORMANCE and NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATION
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed-Based Plan Implementation
Bidder’s Organization Name:
By signing this document, I certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that the
aforementioned organization, its principals and any subcontractors named in this proposal:
a.Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, and declared ineligible or
voluntarily excluded from bidding or working on contracts issued by any governmental
agency.
b.Have not within three years of submitting the proposal for this contract been convicted of or
had a civil judgment rendered against them for:
i.Fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or
performing a federal, state or local government transaction or contract.
ii.Violating Federal or State antitrust statutes or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery,
bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving
stolen property;
iii.Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a
governmental entity (Federal, State or Local) with commission of any of the offenses
enumerated in paragraph (b) of this certification; and
iv.Have not within a three (3) year period preceding this proposal had one or more federal,
state or local government transactions terminated for cause or default.
c.Have not entered into a prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation,
firm, or person submitting a response for the same materials, supplies, equipment, or
services and this proposal is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. The above-
mentioned entities understand and agree that collusive bidding is a violation of state and
federal law and can result in fines, prison sentences, and civil damage awards.
Failure to provide this certification may result in the disqualification of the Bidder’s
proposal, at the discretion of the Department.
Name (Print): Title:
Authorized Signature: Date:
State of Maine RFP#20180407024
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX C PROGRESS IMPLEMENTING WATERSHED-BASED PLAN
Title of Watershed-based Plan (WBP):
________________________________________________________ Date of WBP_______
Organization Leading WBP Implementation:____________________________________ Contact Person:___________________
Summary of Activities Completed and Proposed Work:
stnd
In the 1& 2 columns, list up to 10 of the key or primary actions called for in the WBP and page number of the WBP with that action.
rd
In the 3 column:
A. List activities completed to date to implement the key action(s) in the WBP; and
B. List proposed work to be completed under this proposal corresponding to the action. If there is no work described in this proposal
corresponding to the action, enter “not applicable”.
Key Actions in WBPA. List activities completed to date to implement the key action(s); and
Watershed-based Plan Page # B. List proposed work to be completed under this proposal corresponding to the action.
State of Maine RFP#20180407025
Rev. 3/1/2018
Key Actions in WBPA. List activities completed to date to implement the key action(s); and
Watershed-based Plan Page # B. List proposed work to be completed under this proposal corresponding to the action.
State of Maine RFP#20180407026
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX D
State of Maine
Department of Environmental Protection
WORK PLAN FORM
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed-Based Plan Implementation
Project Title and Applicant’s Organization
Project Title
Applicant’s Organization
I.Waterbody and Watershed Information
a. Background
Waterbody Name
Waterbody Size (e.g., lake acres, stream miles)
Watershed Area(acres or square miles)
Watershed Town(s)
Comprehensive Plan Adoption (List watershed
towns that have adopted consistent plans.)
b. Waterbody and Watershed Physical Characteristics
c. Description of Waterbody Uses and Value
II.NPS Pollution Problem / Need:
a.Water Quality Listing Status
Is water quality listed as impaired?
If impaired, what is the listed cause(s)
and/or impaired use?
Name and date of any DEP TMDL
report(s) for the waterbody.
b.Water Quality Overview
c.Summary of Past Watershed Assessments and Most Important Nonpoint Sources
State of Maine RFP#20180407027
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d.Description of Watershed Activities to Address NPS Sources
III.Purpose:
IV.Project Duration:
Project Start Date
Project Completion Date
V. General Project Plan
VII. Tasks, Schedules and Estimated Costs:
Task 1 – Project Administration
Task Description
Start and Completion Dates
Grant Cost: $ Match Cost: $
Total Cost: $
Breakdown of Grant by Cost Category:
Breakdown of Match by Cost Category:
Task 2 – Title
Task Description
Start and Completion Dates
Grant Cost: $ Match Cost: $
Total Cost: $
Breakdown of Grant by Cost Category:
Breakdown of Match by Cost Category:
Task 3 – Title
Task Description
Start and Completion Dates
Grant Cost: $ Match Cost: $ Total Cost: $
Breakdown of Grant by Cost Category:
Breakdown of Match by Cost Category:
Task 4 – Title
Task Description
Start and Completion Dates
Grant Cost: $ Match Cost: $ Total Cost: $
State of Maine RFP#20180407028
Rev. 3/1/2018
Breakdown of Grant Cost by Cost Category:
Breakdown of Match by Cost Category:
Task 5 – Title
Task Description
Start and Completion Dates
Grant Cost: $ Match Cost: $
Total Cost: $
Breakdown of Grant Cost by Cost Category:
Breakdown of Match by Cost Category:
(Add additional tasks as needed.)
VIII. Deliverables
1. Subagreements (if applicable), semi-annual progress reports, final project report (Task 1)
2.
3.
4.
5.
(Add additional deliverables as needed.)
IX. Interagency Coordination, Roles and Responsibility
Maine Department of Environmental Protection will administer project funding, serve as the
project advisor and provide project and technical support.
TheUS Environmental Protection Agency will provide project funding and work plan
guidance.
(Adjust above as needed, and include applicant organization and other key partners.)
X. Environmental Outcome
XI. Project Coordinator
Name
Organization
Mailing Address
Telephone Number
Email Address
State of Maine RFP#20180407029
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX D
Work Plan Form Instructions
Complete the Work Plan Form using the instructions below and in RFP Part IV, B, Section VI.
Refer to DEP’s NPS Grants webpage for examples of the typical content and format of a work
plan to develop a watershed-based plan. http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html
I.Project Title & Applicant’s Organization In the table format provided, include:
Project Title - The title should include the name of the watershed, whether it is a
protection or restoration project, and the phase of 319 implementation (e.g., Orion Pond
Watershed Protection Project, Phase II).
Applicant’s Organization - Provide the name of the grant applicant organization.
II.Waterbody and Watershed Information
a.Background Information: In the table format provided, include:
Waterbody Name – List the name of waterbody in the proposal.
Waterbody Size – Provide the approximate size of the waterbody (lake/pond in
acres, stream/river length in miles, and marine waters in acres and/or length in miles).
Watershed Area – Provide the approximate watershed size in square miles or acres.
Watershed Town(s) – List towns in the watershed.
Comprehensive Plan Adoption - List the watershed towns that have adopted a
Comprehensive Plan that the State has determined is consistent with Maine's
Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act. To find out this information,
contact towns or the Municipal Planning Assistance Program within the Maine
Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (207-287-3200).
b.Waterbody and Watershed Physical Characteristics
Provide a brief overview of the physical characteristics of the waterbody and its
watershed. Describe any major tributaries or other waterbodies located in the watershed.
Describe the land uses in the watershed. List the larger watershed(s) that the waterbody
flows into.
c. Description of Resource Uses and Value
Summarize the extent of uses of the waterbody by the public. Consider uses including,
but not limited to: drinking water supply; public recreational opportunities; scenic and
aesthetic benefits; aquatic and terrestrial habitat benefits, and commercial benefits; and
potential for increased public use and improved wildlife habitat. Describe public access
to the waterbody.
The Beginning with Habitat webpage provides several map viewers that can be used to
search for watershed resources (http://webapps2.cgis-
solutions.com/beginningwithhabitat/).
State of Maine RFP#20180407030
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III. NPS Pollution Problem / Need
a.Water Quality Status – In the table format provided, answer the following:
Is water quality listed as impaired? – Answer yes or no. Refer to the most recent
DEP Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report - Appendices
Categories 4 and 5 ((http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/monitoring/305b/index.html).
If impaired, what is the listed cause(s) and/or impaired use? – State the listed
cause(s) and/or impaired use (e.g., streams – benthic macroinvertebrates; lakes –
trophic trend; marine – elevated fecal indicators). See Integrated Report reference
above.
Name and date of any DEP TMDL report(s) for the waterbody – Approved
TMDLs are available at
http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/monitoring/tmdl/tmdl2.html.
b.Water Quality Overview
Summarize available water quality information for the waterbody. For an impaired
waterbody, describe the extent and severity of the impairment. For a threatened
waterbody, describe the water quality parameter(s) that are threatened and any indications
that water quality is under stress.
c.Summary of Past Watershed Assessments and Most Important Nonpoint Sources
Summarize any past assessments or surveys to identify NPS sources in the watershed. If
there is an approved TMDL for the waterbody, summarize any applicable information.
Considering the entire watershed, summarize the important NPS sources (critical source
areas) that need to be addressed. For impaired waters, describe the likely or known NPS
sources associated with the impairment. For threatened waters, describe NPS threats that
may cause the waterbody to not attain water quality standards in the future and the extent
to which the waterbody is threatened.
d.Description of Watershed Activities to Address NPS Sources
Include a brief description of any past or ongoing activities to address NPS sources in the
watershed. Briefly summarize any 604(b) or 319 grant-funded projects in the watershed.
If this proposal seeks to update an existing plan, summarize what was accomplished
through the previous plan. Provide background information describing why the
development and subsequent implementation of a watershed-based plan is appropriate
and likely to be successful. Comment on the potential to successfully restore the
waterbody to attain its water quality standards or substantially protect a threatened
waterbody.
IV. Purpose
In five (5) sentences or less, state the specific purpose of the project and the anticipated major
project accomplishments or outputs.
V.Project DurationIn the table format provided, include:
Project start date: month/year
Project completion date: month/year
State of Maine RFP#20180407031
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VI.General Project Plan
12
Present a concise explanation or abstract-like summary (/ to / page) of what the project will
33
do, who will do it, and how it will be conducted. This section should lend itself as a “snapshot”
overview of the key aspects of the project and include the following elements, as needed.
If a partnering entity will contribute significant services for the project, provide a brief
description of that here. You may (optional) provide letters of commitment from entities as
project attachments (Section IX, Attachments) that indicate a commitment to provide those
specific services.
If the grantee plans to purchase services as part of their project work, provide a brief
description of the service and indicate that the grantee will use appropriate competitive
procurement procedures. More information about procurement may be found in Section III
of the Department’s NPS Grant Administrative Guidelines.
If the grantee plans to pass-through funds to an eligible subgrantee to accomplish a
significant part of the project, then provide a brief description of the work and sub-grantee.
VII. Tasks, Schedules & Estimated Costs
List each major project task in numbered sequence. Generally, there should be 5 to 8 tasks.
Subtasks may be used to organize information within a task (e.g., subtasks 5a, 5b, etc.) For each
task, identify who will do the task and what will be done. Describe the work in quantifiable
terms. If a task cannot be readily quantified, then the actions should be explained in specific
enough terms so that both the work and the expected output are clear. The task description
should provide information sufficient to support the estimate of total cost for the task. For
examples of task descriptions, refer to a NPS work plan at the Department’s NPS Grants
webpage.http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html
Label Task 1 “Project Management”. Task 1 should describe work and costs for overall
administration of the project (sub-agreements or sub-contracts) and required administrative
reports (progress reports and final project report).
Label the last task “Pollutant Load Reduction Estimates” and describe the method(s) that will be
used to estimate pollutant load reductions for sites where BMPs are installed. (See PART II. D.
4. for more information.)
In the tables provided for each task, include:
Schedule (month/year) for the tsk start and completion (e.g., July 2019 -October 2020).
Estimate of the total grant, match and total cost to complete the task.
Breakdown of grant cost by budget category (e.g., $3,000 salary, $230 supplies).
Breakdown of match cost by budget category (e.g., $2,450 donated services, $250 travel).
State of Maine RFP#20180407032
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VIII. Deliverables
List 5-7 project deliverables (and associated task number). Project "deliverables" are the primary
products or outputs of the project work that must be provided to the Department for review and
approval. Semi-annual progress reports and a Final Project Report are required deliverables for
all projects. Example of deliverables listed in a work plan:
1. Sub-agreements, semi-annual progress reports, and final project report (Task 1)
2. Technical assistance visit summary table (Task 3)
3. NPS Site Reports for each site (Task 4)
4. Copies of news articles and landowner mailing (Task 5)
5. Annual Pollutants Controlled Report and NPS Sites Tracker Summary (Task 6)
IX. Interagency Coordination, Roles & Responsibilities
Briefly list the participation and commitment expected from other governmental or non-
governmental organizations (e.g., municipalities, watershed associations, interest groups, federal,
state, or regional agencies, etc.). Describe the project role of each group (e.g., project advisor,
technical assistance, engineering services, outreach, steering committee, etc.).
Example: The Green Lake Association will participate on the steering committee, advertise
project activities in their newsletter and provide $1,000 in cash match.
X. Environmental Outcome
Provide a concise statement of the expected environmental result, outcome, or end-state that this
proposed work would likely achieve. (Note that this is not the number of BMPs and NPS sites
planned through the project.) If the environmental outcome is not expected to be achieved before
this project ends, describe the progress to be made towards the outcome. Examples of
Environmental Outcome Statements:
This project will help restore the lake to attain Class GPA water quality standards. The long-
term goal is to reduce phosphorus loading to eliminate nuisance algal blooms to improve
water clarity. The in-lake phosphorus concentration goal is 15 parts per billion. The total
phosphorus load reduction needed is 450 lbs. phosphorus. The project will reduce
phosphorus loading by an estimated 45 lbs.
This project will help to maintain Class GPA standards. Preliminary estimates indicate this
project will reduce pollutant loading to the lake by 15 tons of sediment and 13 pounds of
phosphorus.
The project will reduce ambient fecal coliform bacteria levels to enable reopening of 200
acres of closed shellfish harvest area.
The project will reduce bacteria levels and beach advisories and help restore the river and
estuary so it can attain Class B and SB standards.
XI. Project Coordinator
In the table format provided, include the name, organization, mailing address, telephone number,
and email address of the contact person for the applicant.
State of Maine RFP#20180407033
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX E
State of Maine
Department of Environmental Protection
COST PROPOSAL FORM
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed-Based Plan Implementation
Bidder’s Organization Name:
Federal Funds Section 319 $
Non-Federal Match: $
Proposed Total Cost: $
Part 1. Estimated Personnel Expenses: (Grantee staff only)
HourlyNumber of Salary & Total Grantee
Position Name & Title
RateHours FringePersonnel Expenses
Totals
Part 2. Budget Estimates by Cost Category
Federal Funds Non-Federal
Cost Category Total Cost
Section 319 Match
Salary & Fringe (from Part 1)
Contractual
Subgrant
Donated Services – Labor
Travel (mileage total)
Supplies
Other (specify)
Indirect Costs
Totals
Part 2 Notes:
State of Maine RFP#20180407034
Rev. 3/1/2018
Part 3. Sources of Non-federal Match and Estimated Amounts
Sources of Non-federal Match Amount
Total
State of Maine RFP#20180407035
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX E (continued)
Cost Proposal Instructions
A.Budget Information - Provide estimated project costs in three parts:
Part 1. Estimated Personnel Expenses;
Part 2. Budget Estimates by Cost Category; and
Part 3. Sources of Non-federal Match and Estimated Amount.
Cost estimates listed in the work plan tasks should sum to the total cost in the Part 2, Budget
Estimates by Cost Category, excluding indirect costs. Under Part 2, bidders should add notes if
needed to adequately identify the basis for the budget estimates within a cost category.
B.Cost Categories - Descriptions of cost categories:
1.Salary & Fringe: Salaries and fringe benefits to be paid for work on the project by
grantee staff, as reflected in Part 1. “Totals” in Part 1 are used to complete the “Salary
and Fringe” category under Part 2. Salary & Fringe should reflect only costs for
personnel employed by the grantee.
2.Construction: Construction costs for design, materials, labor, and equipment rental for
BMPs at NPS Sites. If applicable, include the value of volunteer services associated with
construction on this line in the column for match.
3.Contractual: Cost for a contract for the purchase of services (such as engineering, water
quality, management services, etc.) that will be provided to the grant recipient. The type
of services, cost per hour, and number of hours should be described in a note under Part
2.
4.Subgrant: Costs for subgrant to pass-through a portion of the NPS grant funds to an
eligible subgrantee (also known as a lower tier subrecipient) for project work.
5.Donated Services - Labor: Value of volunteer personnel services (exclude construction)
to be used to meet match requirements. Includes the total value of labor (based on hours
of work) donated to help accomplish the project. Note: place value of volunteer labor
associated with construction in the cost category for construction.
6.Supplies: Office/field/lab supplies, data processing materials, books, paper and other
office supplies, etc. If supply costs are greater than 2% of the grant award, then the
grantee must itemize the costs in a note under Part 2.
7.Travel: Project related charges for travel activities (travel, tolls, and auto rental charges).
Vehicle costs should be shown as the number of miles times the mileage rate being
applied. Mileage rate cannot exceed the State of Maine rate in effect during the travel
(currently $0.44/mile).
8.Equipment: Any single article of nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a
useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of more than $5000.
9.Other: Any direct costs not included in one of the above categories. May include costs
for postage, publication and printing, license fees, equipment maintenance and repair,
computer software, or other eligible costs.
10.Indirect Costs: If the organization intends to claim indirect costs, specify the current
applicable indirect cost rate and the estimated total amount.
State of Maine RFP#20180407036
Rev. 3/1/2018
If your organization has a federally “Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement”
(NICRA) you must use this rate to determine indirect costs. DEP will require an
organization to verify they have an effective NICRA before execution of the contract
for the grant.
If your organization does not have a federally NICRA, the organization may use the
de minimis rate of 10% of modified direct costs.
FMI, see Code of Federal Regulation Title 2 Part §200.414 Indirect (F&A) costs, paragraph (f).
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-
idx?SID=b24c83fa40382277cf3249c3bfc718e1&mc=true&node=se2.1.200_1414&rgn=div8
C.Non-Federal Match Requirements
1.Minimum Amount. Grantees must provide Non-Federal Match of at least 25% of the
total project cost. To calculate the amount of non-federal match required, multiply the
amount of grant funds requested times 0.333. Example: if the proposal requests $32,000
of grant funds, then at least $10,656 of non-federal match is required. ($32,000) x
(0.333) = $10,656.
2.Description of Non-federal Match. Grantees are obliged to document non-federal
matching funds or services contributed to the project. Non-federal matching funds are
the portion of allowable project costs contributed to a federally-funded project that do not
come from federal sources. Non-federal match includes, but is not limited to, allowable
costs borne by the grantee and contributions of cash or services from individuals,
organizations, municipalities or non-federal public agencies. Non-federal match
contributions may include:
a.Cash contributions, and/or
b.In-kind contributions. An in-kind contribution is the value of a non-cash contribution
to meet cost sharing requirements. An in-kind contribution may consist of the value
of goods or services, property, and equipment directly benefitting the project.
3.Volunteer Services. Unpaid volunteer time/services donated to the project by individuals
as project match must be valued at rates consistent with those ordinarily paid for similar
work/services in the grantee’s organization. For example, when documenting donated
personnel time as match, use the amount you would pay the person to do the job for
which they are volunteering. Two methods for estimating the value of unpaid volunteer
services:
a.The organization “Independent Sector” provides average rates for volunteers. DEP
will accept the most recent rate applicable to Maine (make sure to use the Maine, not
the National, rate). https://www.independentsector.org/resource/the-value-of-
volunteer-time/
b.Use the appropriate occupation and Maine wage estimates provided by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics, the U. S. Department of Labor. For example, in 2014 the mean
hourly wage rate for Environmental Scientists was $34.64; and Environmental
Science Technicians, $21.82 based on “Maine May 2014 State Occupational
Employment and Wage Estimates”. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm
State of Maine RFP#20180407037
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX F CANDIDATE NPS SITES LIST
Name of Project: ___________________________________________________________________
List and describe NPS sites where best management practices (BMPs) are likely to be installed under this proposal. Describe site conditions that
cause polluted runoff to reach surface waters via an intermittent stream, ditch, channel, diversion or other form of concentrated flow. Optional: To
further describe site conditions, provide descriptive information, sketches and/or photos.
NPS Site Name & Describe the NPS Site & Conditions at the Site Causing BMPs Recommended Construction Cost
LocationPolluted Runoff to Reach Surface Waters Estimates:
Grant, Match, Total
State of Maine RFP#20180407038
Rev. 3/1/2018
NPS Site Name & Describe the NPS Site & Conditions at the Site Causing BMPs Recommended Construction Cost
LocationPolluted Runoff to Reach Surface Waters Estimates:
Grant, Match, Total
State of Maine RFP#20180407039
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX G
NPS Priority Watersheds with Active Watershed-based Plans
Accepted by Maine Department of Environmental Protection
April 25, 2018
Agency Contact: Wendy Garland wendy.garland@maine.gov Refer to http://maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.html for updates.
Table 1 - Nine-Element Watershed-based Plans
WatershedTown Plan DateExpiration Date Organization Webpage Link to Watershed-based Plan
Arctic Brook Bangor Dec 2016 Dec 2026 City of Bangor Not available online
Birch Stream Bangor Aug 2010 Aug 2020 Bangor, City of http://www.bangormaine.gov/content/2037/1885/1901
/default.aspx
Bond Brook Augusta Apr 2009 Apr 2019 Kennebec County Soil Not available online
& Water Conservation
District
Cape Neddick River York June 2014 June 2024 York, Town of http://www.yorkmaine.org/DocumentCenter/Home/Vi
ew/337
Capehart Brook Bangor Mar 2011 Mar 2021 Bangor, City of http://www.bangormaine.gov/content/2037/1885/1907
/default.aspx
Capisic Brook Portland Aug 2011 Aug 2021 Portland, City of http://www.portlandmaine.gov/548/Approved-
Watershed-Management-Plan
China Lake China May 2009 May 2019 China Region Lake Not available online
Alliance
Cochnewagon Pond Monmouth Jan 2016 Jan 2026 Cobbossee Watershed Not available online
District
Concord Gulley Brook Freeport April 2015 April 2025 Freeport, Town of Not available online
Dudley Brook Castle Hill April 2009 April 2019 Central Aroostook Not available online
County Soil & Water
Conservation District
East Pond Smithfield Feb 2018 Feb 2028 Belgrade Regional Not available online
Conservation Alliance
State of Maine RFP#20180407040
Rev. 3/1/2018
WatershedTown Plan DateExpiration Date Organization Webpage Link to Watershed-based Plan
Goodall Brook Sanford Dec 2014 Dec 2024 Sanford, Town of http://www.sanfordmaine.org/index.asp?Type=B_BA
SIC&SEC=%7BBD2508AE-1857-40DD-93D8-
9E50F3C033DF%7D&DE=%7BA697D4F6-4419-
41EF-A08D-FD836AEDE847%7D
Goosefare Brook Saco April 2016 April 2026 Saco & Old Orchard http://www.sacomaine.org/residents/news_and_agenda
Beachs/goosefare_brook.php
Great East, Wilson, Acton March 2010 March 2020 Acton Wakefield https://www.awwatersheds.org/wp-
Horne Ponds Watersheds Alliance content/uploads/2017/08/SFHLWMP-April-2010.pdf
Hart Brook Lewiston Oct 2008 Oct 2018 Lewiston, City of http://www.lewistonmaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View
/6563
Long Creek S. Portland July 2009 July 2019 Long Creek Watershed http://www.restorelongcreek.org/custom/documents
Management District
Long Pond & Great Belgrade Jan 2010 Jan 2020 Belgrade Regional Not available online
PondConservation Alliance
Meduxnekeag River Houlton March 2015 March 2025 Southern Aroostook http://www.saswcd.org/pdf/Final%20Medux%20WBP
County .pdf
Soil &Water
Conservation District
Ogunquit River Ogunquit July 2013 July 2023 Ogunquit Conservation Not available online
Commission
Pearce Brook Houlton Sept 2012 Sept 2022 Southern Aroostook http://www.maliseets.com/nr_reports/Final%20Pearce
SWCD & Houlton Band
%20Brook%20Watershed%20based%20Plan.2012.Fin
Maliseet Indians
al.pdf
Penjajawoc Stream Bangor Aug 2008 Aug 2018 Bangor, City of http://www.gulfofmaine.org/kb/files/9426/Arter_2008
_Penjajwoc%20stream%20management%20plan.pdf
Phillips Brook Scarborough Feb 2018 Feb 2028 Scarborough, Town of Not available online
Pleasant River Gray June 2011 June 2021 Cumberland County http://www.windhammaine.us/DocumentCenter/View/
Soil & Water 1630
Conservation District
Prestile Stream, Upper Presque Isle July 2009 July 2019 Central Aroostook Not available online
County Soil & Water
Conservation District
State of Maine RFP#20180407041
Rev. 3/1/2018
WatershedTown Plan DateExpiration Date Organization Webpage Link to Watershed-based Plan
Red Brook Scarborough June 2011 June 2021 Scarborough, Town of http://www.scarboroughmaine.org/departments/planni
ng-codes/planning/plans-studies/Red-Brook-
Watershed-Based-Management-
Plan.pdf?attredirects=0
Spruce Creek Kittery June 2014 June 2024 Kittery, Town of http://www.kitteryme.gov/sites/kitteryme/files/uploads
/final_sc_wbmp_june_2014.pdf
Thatcher Brook Biddeford Jan 2015 Jan 2025 Biddeford, City of http://www.biddefordmaine.org/index.asp?SEC=29A4
E3FB-FCEC-4072-B60A-976C80AD3D49
Togus Pond Augusta June 2008 June 2018 Worromontogus Lake Not available online
Association
Topsham Fair Mall Topsham April 2014 April 2024 Topsham, Town of http://www.topshammaine.com/vertical/sites/%7B95A
Stream28B10-4485-4BEC-B8FC-
5E8BF056A147%7D/uploads/Topsham_WBP_4April
2014_-_FINAL_PLAN.pdf
Trout Brook S. Portland Dec 2012 Dec 2022 South Portland, City of http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319-
documents/trout_brook_plan.pdf
Whitten Brook Skowhegan March 2011 March 2021 Skowhegan, Town of http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319-
documents/whitten-brook-wbp.pdf
Wilson Pond Monmouth June 2009 June 2019 Cobbossee Watershed Not available online
District
State of Maine RFP#20180407042
Rev. 3/1/2018
Table 2 - Lake Watershed-based Protection Plans
WatershedTown Plan Date Expiration Organization Webpage Link to Lake Watershed
Date Protection Plan
Abrams Pond Eastbrook Jan. 2017 Jan. 2027 Hancock County SWCD Not available online
Adams Pond & Boothbay May 2015 May 2025 Boothbay Region Water District Not available online
Knickerbocker
Lake
Alamoosook Orland May 2015 May 2025 Alamoosook Lake Association Not available online
Lake
Cobbossee Lake Manchester April 2015 April 2025 Cobbossee Watershed District Not available online
Cold Stream Enfield March 2016 March 2026 Coldstream Campowners Association http://www.coldstreampond.com/static/pdfs/
PondCSP_Watershed_Based_Protection_Plan.pdf
Crescent Lake Raymond June 2013 June 2023 Crescent Lake Watershed Association Not available online
Damariscotta Jefferson May 2015 May 2020 Damariscotta Lake Watershed https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/wp-
Lake Association content/uploads/2017/01/Damariscotta-
Lake-Watershed-Protection-Plan-
Appendices.pdf
Ellis Pond Roxbury Jan 2015 Jan 2026 Ellis Pond Watershed Committee Not available online
Forest Lake Windham April 2018 April 2028 Forest Lake Association Not available online
Georges Pond Franklin March 2018 March 2028 Georges Pond Association Not available online
Great Pond Franklin Feb 2016 Feb 2026 Franklin Great Pond Association Not available online
Hogan Pond & Oxford April 2018 April 2028 Hogan-Whitney Ponds Association Not available online
Whitney Pond
Lake Auburn Auburn July 2013 July 2023 Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Not available online
Commission
Little Sebago Windham June 2013 June 2018 Little Sebago Lake Association Not available online
Lake
State of Maine RFP#20180407043
Rev. 3/1/2018
WatershedTown Plan Date Expiration Organization Webpage Link to Lake Watershed
Date Protection Plan
McGrath Pond & Oakland April 2018 April 2028 McGrath Pond Salmon Lake Not available online
Salmon Lake Association
Mousam Lake Acton March 2018 March 2028 Mousam Lake Region Association Not available online
North Pond Smithfield April 2017 April 2027 North Pond Association Not available online
North Pond Norway April 2017 April 2027 Lakes Association of Norway Not available online
North Pond Buckfield April 2016 April 2026 North Pond Steering Committee Not available online
Parker Pond Chesterfield April 2018 April 2028 30 Mile River Watershed Association Not available online
Panther Pond Raymond May 2015 May 2025 Panther Pond Association Not available online
Phillips Lake Dedham April 2014 April 2024 Phillips Lake Association http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319
-documents/phillips-lake-wbp.pdf
Sebago Lake & Naples July 2015 July 2020 Portland Water District Not available online
Crooked River
Thompson Lake Oxford June 2013 June 2018 Thompson Lake Environmental Not available online
Association
Toddy Pond Orland June 2013 June 2023 Toddy Pond Association Not available online
Varnum Pond Wilton March 2018 March 2028 Wilton, Town of Not available online
Whetstone Pond Blanchard April 2018 April 2028 Whetstone Pond Association Not available online
Wilson Lake Wilton April 2017 April 2027 Wilson Lake Association Not available online
Woods Pond Bridgton May 2013 May 2023 Bridgton, Town of http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/grants/319.
html
State of Maine RFP#20180407044
Rev. 3/1/2018
APPENDIX H
State of Maine
Department of Environmental Protection
MAINE BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC IMPACT CONSIDERATION FORM
RFP#201804070
Grants for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Projects
Watershed-Based Plan Implementation
Instructions
Each Bidder is to complete the table in the excel spreadsheet below to quantify the Bidder’s investment
in the State of Maine. Consideration of this information in making contract award decisions is required
in accordance with Executive Order 2017-003, which states “Evaluators of competitive bids for goods
and services shall give consideration to the investment in the State by business enterprises as a best-
value criterion.
Maine Business
c
and Economic Impa
State of Maine RFP#20180407045
Rev. 3/1/2018
IN CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 11, 2018
CO 18-239
PASSED
brra4,- .L.)
CITY CLERK