Critical Dates: Site Tour: July 25, 2023 - 1:00 pm Request for Clarification Deadline: August 8, 2023 - COB Response to Clarification Deadline: August 15, 2023 - COB Proposal Submission Deadline: September 1, 2023 - 2:00 pm PST Tentative Award Selection (est.): September 8, 2023 Contract Award (est.): September 15, 2023 Project Initiation: September 22, 2023 Project Completion: September 20, 2024 The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Program, in collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is currently requesting proposals for the development of conceptual design and alternatives analysis for floodplain reconnection and in-stream fish and wildlife habitat enhancement within the Walla Walla River at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Wallula Unit (Attachment A). The location of the project site is 15 miles southeast of Pasco, Washington. The implementation of this project will improve floodplain, wetland and in-stream habitat for Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed and non-ESA-listed native fish and bird species, while restoring natural stream dynamics and complexity, along with river, wetland and floodplain processes. The products from this restoration effort should improve all 5 River Vision Touchstones (Jones et al. 2008) and address the management objectives in the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan (USFWS 2007): o Water quality and quantity - buffer water temperatures and provide sediment capture; o Geomorphology - restore natural river-wetland corridor complexity, including channel/floodplain forms and processes, and interactions with large and small wood, vegetation, and fish and wildlife species; o Connectivity - restore lateral connectivity with the historic floodplain, vertical connection with the alluvial aquifer; o Riparian Vegetation - protect existing riparian vegetation and enhance to improve geomorphic function and water quality; and, o Aquatic Biota - increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of habitat for resident and anadromous fish of all age classes. The Project will likely consist of a combination of floodplain, wetland, and in-stream actions to enhance fish habitat, waterfowl habitat, and riparian resources on the Walla Walla River. Design elements may include significant channel modification, floodplain/wetland excavation and expansion, creation of side channel and off-channel features, installation of habitat structures, riparian and upland planting, invasive plant removal, modification or altered use of water control structures, and public use amenities (e.g. roads, trails, parking areas, interpretive signage) within the Refuge boundary. The primary objective of the project is to enhance habitat for native fish and wildlife by enhancing ecosystem function throughout the site. Scope of the RFP This Request for Proposals ("RFP") provides the specific services to be contracted as well as information concerning the preparation and submittal of proposals, an explanation of how proposals will be evaluated, and terms and conditions of the contract that may be awarded as a result of the RFP. The products from this RFP should include topographic/bathymetric survey, hydrologic and hydraulic assessment, and development of conceptual level designs. The design must be process-based and consider all restoration possibilities within the floodplain, wetland and instream system given existing on-site climatic, hydrologic, geomorphologic, and land management constraints with respect to watershed influence. The contractor shall include representations of expected changes in habitat available to summer steelhead/rainbow trout, bull trout and Chinook salmon as well as for waterfowl and other wildlife species. The contractor will be expected to review, analyze and incorporate existing data and collect other data as necessary for describing and predicting specific hydrologic conditions related to floodplain connectivity, water quality, channel morphology, aquatic habitat, and riparian and upland vegetation. This includes, but is not limited to, specific hydrologic conditions and river-wetland function within the watershed and project area related to floodplain connectivity, water temperature, channel morphology, aquatic habitat, and riparian and upland vegetation. Proper assessment of existing and historical site conditions needs to be adequately described by the contractor to help inform the planning team in their decision making. The completed product is to include a site-specific hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphic, and biological assessment, a conceptual level design package, and facilitation of public and stakeholder engagement meetings including agendas, presentations, and meeting minutes. Questions regarding the solicitation and project must be submitted to the Technical Contact noted on page 1 by August 8, 2023, 4:00 pm. The CTUIR is not obligated to answer any questions submitted after this date/time. Responses to questions will be provided no later than August 15, 2023.