Stream and Wetland Mitigation Credits for the Tennessee Department of Transportation- UPDATED

03.05.25 RFQ

i

STATE OF TENNESSEE
CENTRAL PROCUREMENT OFFICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR
STREAM AND WETLAND MITIGATION CREDITS

RFQ # 40100 -51532

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTIONS:
1. Introduction
2. RFQ Schedule of Events
3. Response Requirements
4. General Information & Requirements
5. Procurement Process & Contract Award
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Mandatory Requirement Items
B. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – General Qualifications &
Experience Items
C. Technical Response & Evaluation Guide – Technical Qualifications,
Experience & Approach Items
D. Cost Proposal
E. Statement of Certifications & Assurances
F. Reference Questionnaire
G. Pro Forma Contract

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 2 1. INTRODUCTION

The State of Tennessee , Central Procurement Office , hereinafter referred to as “the State,”
issue s this Request for Qualifications ( “RFQ ”) to define mandatory goods or service s
requirements; solicit response s; detail response requirements; and, outline the State’s process for
evaluating response s.

Through this RFQ or any subsequent solicitation , the State seeks to buy the requested goods or
services and to give ALL qualified respondents , including those that are owned by minorities,
wome n, service -disabled veterans , persons with disabilities, and small business enterprises, the
opportunity to do business with t he state as contractors or subcontractors.

1.1. Statement of Procurement Purpose

The State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Transportation (“State”) intends to select a
single, qualified, Contractor through this RFQ process to provide stream and wetland mitigation
services inclusive of monitoring, repairs, permitting and mitigation bank PROM development. The
Contractor will be expected to perform a v ariety of tasks through various Work Orders for slope
stabilization, sediment and silt remediation, fence repair and other services needed and outlined
in the Contract attached to this RFQ. The State expects that the Maximum Liability of this
proposed Con tract will be $15,000,000.00.

1.2. Pre-Response Conference

A Pre -Response Conference will be held at the time and date detailed in the RFQ Schedule of
Events, RFQ § 2. Pre -Response Conference attendance is not mandatory, and potential
Respondent s may be limited to a maximum number of attendees depending upon overall
attendance and space limitations. Please contact the Solicitation Coordinator to RSVP for the
Pre-Response Conference. The Conference will be held at:

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1.3. Notice of Intent to Respond

Before the Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline detailed in R FQ § 2, Schedule of Events,
potential Respondents should submit to the Solicitation Coordinator a Notice of Intent to Respond
in the form of a simple e -mail or other written communication. Such notice should include the
following information: the business or individual’s name (as appropriate), a contact person’s name
and title, the contact person’s mailing address, telephone nu mber, facsimile, number, and e -mail
address. Filing a Notice of Inten t to Respond is not a prerequisite for submitting a response;
however, it is necessary to ensure receipt of notices and communications relating to this RFQ.

1.4. Definitions and Abbreviations

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 3

TERM DEFINITION
RFQ Request for Qualifications

2. RFQ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The following schedule represents the State’s best estimates for this RFQ; however, the State
reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the schedule at any time, or cancel and reissue
a similar solicitation. Nothing in this RFQ is intended by the State to create any property rights or
expectations of a property right in any Respondent.

EVENT
TIME
(Central
Time
Zone)
DATE
(all dates are State
business days)
1. RFQ Issued September 1 1, 2025
2. Disability Accommodation Request Deadline 2:00 p.m. September 1 8, 2025
3. Pre-Response Conference 10:00
a.m. September 22, 2025
4. Notice of Intent to Respond Deadline 2:00 p.m. September 24, 2025
5. Written “Questions & Comments” Deadline 2:00 p.m. September 29, 2025
6. State response to written “Questions &
Comments” October 15, 2025
7. RFQ Response Deadline 2:00 p.m. October 31, 2025
8. State Completion of Technical Response
Evaluations November 12, 2025
9. State Schedules respondent Oral
Presentations (ONLY Respondents who
qualify per Section 5.2.1.) November 17, 2025
10. Respondent Oral Presentations December 1 – 3,
2025
11. RFQ Cost Proposal Opened (ONLY for the
apparent successful Respondents)
December 8, 2025
12. RFQ Negotiations (if applicable) December 9 – 11,
2025
13. State Notice of Intent to Award Released and
RFQ Files Opened for Public Inspection December 15, 2025
14. End of Protest Period December 22, 2025
15. State sends contract to Contractor for
signature January 5, 2025
16. Contractor Signature Deadline 2:00 p.m . January 12, 2025

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 4
3. RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

3.1. Response Contents : A response to this RFQ should address the following:
3.1.1. Mandatory Requirements : This section details the mandatory technical, functional, and
experience requirements that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ in order
to be passed on to Phase II of the Technical Response evaluation. A Respondent should
duplicate and use RFQ Attachment A as a guide to organize responses for the
Mandatory Requirements of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the
page location of the information within the response in the indicated column of the table.
This section is included in the State’s evaluation as to whether or not a Respondent
meets mandatory qualifications (Phase I).
3.1.2. General Qualifications & Experience : This section is included in the State’s evaluation of
Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details general information and
qualifications that must be demonstrated in the response to this RFQ. A Respondent
should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment B as a guide to organize responses for this
portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent should reference the page location of the
information within the response in the indicated column of the table.

3.1.3. Technical Qualifications, Experience & Approach : This section is also included in the
State’s evaluation of Phase II of the Technical Response Evaluation and details technical
qualifications, experience, and approach items that must be demonstrated in the
response to this RFQ. A Respondent should duplicate and use RFQ Attachment C as a
guide to organize responses for this portion of the RFQ response. The Respondent
should reference the page location of the information within the response in the indicated
column of the table.

3.1.4. Cost Proposal :
3.1.4.1. If included as part of this solicitation, then t he Cost Proposal must be recorded on an
exact duplicate of RFQ Attachment D, Cost Proposal . Any response that does not
follow the instructions included in RFQ Attachment D may be deemed
nonresponsive .
3.1.4.2. A Respondent must only record the proposed cost exactly as required by the RFQ
Attachment D, Cost Proposal and must NOT record any other rates, amounts, or
information.
3.1.4.3. The proposed cost shall incorporate ALL costs for services under the contract for the
total contract period.
3.1.4.4. A Respondent must sign and date the Cost Proposal .
3.1.4.5. A Respondent must submit t he Cost Proposal to the State in a sealed package
separ ate from the Technical Response .

3.2. Response Delivery Location

A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a Response to this RFQ no later than the
Response Deadline time and date s detailed in the RF Q § 2, Schedule of Events. All responses
must be delivered to:
Joshua Polk
State of Tennessee, Central Procurement Office
312 Rosa L Parks Ave., 3rd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
615-360-4460

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 5 3.3. Response Format

3.3.1. A Respondent must ensure that both the original Technical Response and Cost Proposal
documents meet all form and content requirements, including all required signatures, as
detailed within this RFP, as may be amended.

3.3.2. A Respondent must submit original Technical Response and Cost Proposal documents
and copies as specified below.

3.3.2.1. One (1) original Technical Response paper document labeled:

“RFQ # 40100 -51532 TECHNICAL RESPONSE ORIGINAL”

and five (5) digital copies of the Technical Response each in the form of one
(1) digital document in “PDF” format properly recorded on its own otherwise
blank, USB flash drive labeled:

“RFQ # 40100 -51532 TECHNICAL RESPONSE COPY”

The digital copies should not include copies of sealed customer references,
however any other discrepancy between the paper Technical Response
document and any digital copies may result in the State rejecting the proposal
as non -responsive.

3.3.2.2. One (1) original Cost Proposal paper document labeled:

“RFQ # 40100 -51532 COST PROPOSAL ORIGINAL”

and one (1) copy in the form of a digital document in “PDF/XLS” format
properly recorded on separate , blank, USB flash drive labeled:

“RFQ # 40100 -51532 COST PROPOSAL COPY”

In the event of a discrepancy between the original Cost Proposal document
and the digital copy, the original, signed document will take precedence.

3.3.3. A Respondent must separate, seal, package, and label the documents and copies for
delivery as follows:

3.3.3.1. The Technical Response original document and digital copies must be placed
in a sealed package that is clearly labeled:

“DO NOT OPEN… RFQ # 40100 -51532 TECHNICAL RESPONSE FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]”

3.3.3.2. The Cost Proposal original document and digital copy must be placed in a
separate , sealed package that is clearly labeled:

“DO NOT OPEN… RFQ # 40100 -51532 COST PROPOSAL FROM
[RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]”

3.3.3.3. The separately, sealed Technical Response and Cost Proposal components
may be enclosed in a larger package for mailing or delivery, provided that the
outermost package is clearly labeled:

“RFQ # 40100 -51532 SEALED TECHNICAL RESPONSE & SEALED COST

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 6 PROPOSAL FROM [RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY NAME]”

3.3.4. A Respondent must ensure that the State receives a response no later than the
Response Deadline time and date detailed in the RFP Section 2, Schedule of Events at
the following address:

Joshua Polk
State of Tennessee, Central Procurement Office
312 Rosa L Parks Ave., 3rd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
615-360-4460

3.4. Response Prohibitions: A response to this RFQ sh all not:

3.4.1. Restrict the rights of the State or otherwise qualify the response to this RFQ;
3.4.2. Include, for consideration in this procurement process or subsequent contract
negotiations, incorrect information that the Respondent knew or should have known was
materially incorrect;
3.4.3. Include more than one response, per Respondent, to this RFQ;
3.4.4. Include any information concerning costs (in specific dollars or numbers) associated with
the Technical Response ;
3.4.5. Include the respondent’s own contract terms and conditions (unless specifically
requested by the RFQ); or
3.4.6. Include the respondent as a prime contractor while also permitting one or more other
respondents to offer the respon dent as a subcontractor in their own responses.
3.4.7. Exceed seventy five (75) pages in length (maps, graphs, and charts included as an
appendix will not count against this page limit)

3.5. Response Errors & Revisions

A Respondent is responsible for any and all errors or omissions in its response to this RFQ . A
Respondent will not be allowed to alter or revise its response after the Response Deadline time
and date s as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events, unless such is formally requested in
writing by the State (e.g., through a request for clarification, etc.) .

3.6. Response Withdrawal

A Respondent may withdraw a response at any time before the Response Deadline time and
date as detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events , by submitting a written signed request by an
authorized representative of the Respondent . After withdrawing a response, a Respondent may
submit another Response at any time before the Response Deadline time and date as detailed in
RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.

3.7. Response Preparation Costs

The State will not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submittal, or presentation of any
response . Each Respondent is solely responsible for the costs it incurs in responding to this
RFQ.

4. GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 7 4.1. Communications

4.1.1. Respondents shall reference RFQ # 40100 -51532 in all communications relating to this
solicitation, and direct any such communications to the following person designated as
the Solicitation Coordinator:

Joshua Polk
Central Procurement Office
312 Rosa L Parks Ave, 3rd Floor
615-360-4460
Joshua.Polk@tn.gov
The State will convey all official responses and communications related to this RFQ to
the potential respondents from whom the State has received a Notice of Intent to
Respond (refer to RFQ Section 1.3.).
4.1.2. Potential respondents with a handicap or disability may receive accommodation relating
to the communication of this RFQ and participating in the RFQ process. Potential
respondents may contact the RFQ Coordinator to request such reasonable
accommodation no later than the Disability Accommodation Request Deadline detailed in
RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.1.3. Unauthorized contact about this RFQ with other employees or officials of the State
of Tennessee may result in disqualification from contract award consideration .
4.1.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, potential Respondents may also contact the following as
appropriate:
4.1.4.1. Staff of the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise may be contacted for
assistance with respect to available minority -owned, woman -owned, service -disabled
veteran -owned, businesses owned by persons with disabilities and small business
enterprises as well as general public information relating to this request; or
4.1.4.2. The following individual designated by the State to coordinate compliance with the
nondiscrimination requirements of the State of Tennessee, Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and associated federal
regul ations:
Helen Crowley
Department of General Services
Central Procurement Office
William R. Snodgrass TN Tower – 3rd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Helen.Crowley@tn.gov
(615) 741 -3836

4.2. Nondiscrimination

No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise
subjected to discrimination in the performance of a contract pursuant to this solicitation or in the
employment practices of the Contractor on the grounds of handicap or disability, age, race, creed,
color, religion (subject to Tenn . Code Ann. §§ 4-21-401 and 405 ), sex, national origin, or any
other classification protected by federal, Tennessee state constitutional, or statutory law. The
Contractor pursuant to this solicitation shall post in conspicuous places, available to all
employees and applicants, notices of nondiscrimination.

4.3. Conflict of Interest

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 8 4.3.1. The State may not consider a proposal from an individual who is, or within the past six (6)
months has been, a State employee. For these purposes,
4.3.1.1. An individual shall be deemed a State employee until such time as all compensation for
salary, termination pay, and annual leave has been paid;
4.3.1.2. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other contracting entity
in which a controlling interest is held by any State employee shall be considered to be a
contract with or proposal from the employee; and
4.3.1.3. A contract with or a proposal from a company, corporation, or any other contracting entity
that employs an individual who is, or within the past six months has been, a State
employee shall not be considered a contract with or a proposal from the employee a nd
shall not constitute a prohibited conflict of interest.
4.3.2. This RFQ is also subject to Tenn . Code Ann . § 12-4-101—105.
4.4. Respondent Required Review & Waiver of Objections
4.4.1. Each potential respondent must carefully review this RFQ, including but not limited to,
attachments, the RFQ Attachment G, pro forma Contract, and any amendments for
questions, comments, defects, objections, or any other matter requiring clarification or
correction (collectively called “questions and comments”).
4.4.2. Any potential respondent having questions and comments concerning this RFQ must
provide such in writing to the State no later than the w ritten “Questions & Comments
Deadline ” detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events.
4.4.3. Protests based on any objection shall be considered waived and invalid if the objection
has not been brought to the attention of the State, in writing, by the written “Questions &
Comments Deadline. ”
4.5. Disclosure of Response Contents

4.5.1. All materials submitted to the State in response to this solicitation become property of the
State of Tennessee. Respondents are cautioned not to provide any materials in
response to this RFP that are trade secrets, as defined under Tenn. Code Ann. § 47 -25-
1702 and applicable law. By submitting a response to this RFP, the respondent
acknowledges and agrees that the S tate shall have no liability whatsoever for disclosure
of a trade secret under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as provided at Tenn. Code Ann. §
47-25-1701 -1709, or under any other applicable law. Selection for award does not affect
this r ight. By submitting a response, a Respondent acknowledges and accepts that the
full contents and associated documents submitted in response to this request will
become open to public inspection in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee .
Refer to RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events .

4.5.2. The RFQ responses will be available for public inspection only after the completion of
evaluation of the RFQ or any resulting solicitation which this RFQ becomes a part of,
whichever is later.

4.6. Notice of Professional Licensure , Insurance, and Department of Revenue Registration
Requirements
4.6.1. All persons, agencies, firms or other entities that provide legal or financial opinions, which
a Respondent provides for consideration and evaluation by the State as part of a
response to this RFQ, shall be properly licensed to render such opinions.
4.6.2. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent (and Respondent employees and subcontractors, as applicable) must hold
all necessary, appropriate business and professional licenses to provide service as
required. The State may require any Respondent to submit evidence of proper licensure.

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 9 4.6.3. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must provide a valid, Certificate of Insurance indicating current insurance
coverage meeting minimum requirements as may be specified by the RFQ.
4.6.4. Before the Contract resulting from this RFQ is signed, the apparent successful
Respondent must be registered with the Department of Revenue for the collection of
Tennessee sales and use tax. The State shall not approve a contract unless the
Respondent pro vides proof of such registration or provides documentation from the
Department of Revenue that the Contractor is exempt from this registration requirement.
The foregoing is a mandatory requirement of an award of a contract pursuant to this
solicitation. To register, please visit the Department of Revenue’s Tennessee Taxpayer
Access Point (TNTAP) website for Online Registration and the Vendor Contract
Questionnaire. These resources are available at the following:
https://tntap.tn.gov/eservices/_/#1

4.7. RFQ Amendments & Cancellation
4.7.1. The State reserves the right to amend this RFQ at any time, provided that it is amended
in writing. However, prior to any such amendment, the State will consider whether it
would negatively impact the ability of potential respondents to meet the deadlines and
revise the RFQ Schedule of Events if deemed appropriate. If a RFQ amendment is
issued, the State will convey it to potential respondents who submitted a Notice of Intent
to Respond (refer to RFQ § 1.3). A response must address the final RFQ (includi ng its
attachments) as may be amended.
4.7.2. The State reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or to cancel and reissue this
RFQ in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

4.8. State Right of Rejection
4.8.1. Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the State reserves the right to reject, at its
sole discretion, any and all proposals.
4.8.2. The State may deem as nonresponsive and reject any proposal that does not comply
with all terms, conditions, and performance requirements of this RFQ. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the State reserves the right to seek clarifications or to waive, at its sole
discretion, a response’s minor variances from full compliance with this RFQ. If the State
waives variances in a response, such waiver shall not modify the RFQ requirements or
excuse the Respondent from full compliance with such, and the State may hold any
resulting vendor to strict compliance with this RFQ.
4.8.3. The State will review the response evaluation record and any other available information
pertinent to whether or not each respondent is responsive and responsible. If the
Solicitation Coordinator identifies any respondent that appears not to meet the
responsive and responsible thresholds such that the team would not recommend the
respondent for potential contract award, this determination will be fully documented for
the record. (“Responsive” is defined as submitting a response that conforms in all
materi al respects to the RFQ. “Responsible” is defined as having the capacity in all
respects to perform fully the contract requirements, and the integrity and reliability which
will assure good faith performance. )
4.9. Assignment & Subcontracting
4.9.1. The vendor may not subcontract, transfer, or assign any portion of the Contract awarded
as a result of this RFQ without prior approval of the State. The State reserves the right to
refuse approval, at its sole discretion, of any subcontract, transfer, or assignment.
4.9.2. If a Respondent intends to use subcontractors, the response to this RFQ must
specifically identify the scope and portions of the work each subcontractor will perform
(refer to RFQ Attachment B, Item B.14.).

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 10 4.9.3. Subcontractors i dentified within a response to this RFQ will be deemed as approved by
the State unless the State expressly disapproves one or more of the proposed
subcontractors prior to signing the Contract.
4.9.4. The Contractor resulting from this RFQ may only substitute another subcontractor for a
proposed subcontractor at the discretion of the State and with the State’s prior, written
approval.
4.9.5. Notwithstanding any State approval relating to subcontracts, the Contractor resulting from
this RFQ will be the prime contractor and will be responsible for all work under the
Contract.
4.10. Next Ranked Respondent
The S tate reserves the right to initiate negotiations with th e next ranked respondent should the
State cease doing business with any respondent selected via thi s RFQ process.

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 11
5. PROCUREMENT PROCESS & CONTRACT AWARD

5.1. The complete vendor selection will be a two -part process: (1) Qualification of Technical
Responses; and (2) Review of Cost Proposal s.
5.2. Qualification of Technical Responses : Technical Responses will be short -listed for further
evaluation, analysis or negotiation if they are apparently responsive, responsible, and within the
competitive range (“Competitive Range”) . A Technical Response will be deemed within the
Competitive Range based on the following criterion:

Technical Responses that have been evaluated in Phases I and II below and have been found to
be responsive and responsible are considered to be within the Competitive Range. Respondents
will have Technical scores totaled and put in ordinal ranking. Only t he top ranked Respondent's
cost proposal will be opened upon completion of ordinal rankings. If the State fails to come to an
agreement with the Respondent, the State will move to the next ranked Respondent within the
Competitive Range. Please see RFQ Sect ions 5.3 and 5. 4. for further instructions on the
negotiation process.

Phase I : The State will evaluate the Mandatory Requirements set forth in RFQ Attachment
A on a pass/fail basis .
Phase II : Following the Phase I evaluation, the State will apply a standard equitable
evaluation model, which will represent a qualitative assessment of each
respon se. Each response will be scored by Evaluation Team members
according to the Technical Response & Evaluation Guides (See RFQ
Attachments B & C).
The Solicitation Coordinator will total the average score from the evaluation team
for each responsive and responsible R espondent’s Technical Response Points
for RFQ Attachments B & C to determine which of the Respondents are
considered Qualified and within the Competitive Range .

5.2.1. The Solicitation Coordinator will invite the top three (3) ranked Respondents to
make an Oral Presentation. The ranking will be determined after the Technical
Response score is totaled and ranked (e.g., 1 – the best evaluated ranking,
etc.). .

5.2.1.1. The Oral Presentations are mandatory. The Solicitation
Coordinator will schedule Respondent Presentations during the
period indicated by the RFQ Section 2, Schedule of Events. The
Oral Presentations will be for a duration of One (1)
Hour . Respondents should leave time for potential questions
from evaluators. T he Oral Presentations will be held
virtually. Any additional details regarding the Oral Presentation
will be provided by the Solicitation Coordinator at the time of
scheduling. The Solic itation Coordinator will make every effort to
accommodate each Respondent’s schedules. When the
Respondent Presentation schedule has been determined, the
Solicitation Coordinator will contact Respondents with the
relevant information as indicated by RFQ S ection 2, Schedule of
Events.

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 12 5.2.1.2. Respondent Presentations are only open to the invited
Respondent, Proposal Evaluation Team members, the
Solicitation Coordinator, and any technical consultants who are
selected by the State to provide assistance to the Proposal
Evaluation Team.

5.2.1.3. Oral Presentations provide an opportunity for Respondents to
explain and clarify their responses and for the State to test to
better understand the practical application of the good or service
as applicable. Respondents must not materially alter their
responses and Presentations will be limited to addressing the
items detailed in RFQ Technical Response & Evaluation Guide.
Respondent pricing shall not be discussed or provided during
Oral Presentations.

5.2.1.4. The State will maintain an accurate record of each Respondent’s
Oral Presentation session. The record of the Respondent’s Oral
Presentation shall be available for review when the State opens
the procurement files for public inspection.

5.2.1.5. Proposal Evaluation Team members will independently evaluate
each Oral Presentation in accordance with the RFQ Attachment
C., Technical Response & Evaluation Guide.

5.2.2. The Solicitation Coordinator will calculate and document the average of the
Proposal Evaluation Team member scores for RFQ Attachment C., Technical
Response & Evaluation Guide, and record that number as the score for
Respondent’s Technical Response section.

5.3. Cost Proposal s: If cost is included for this solicitation , then Cost Proposals will be opened for the
highest evaluated Respondent. If the Cost Proposal is not acceptable to the State and the
Respondent, then the State will open the Cost Proposal for the next apparent highest evaluated
Respondent. See RFQ Attachment D, Cost Proposal.

5.4. Clarification s and Negotiation s: The State reserves the right to award a contract on the basis of
initial responses received; therefore, each response should contain the respondent’s best terms
from a technical and cost standpoint. However , the State reserves the right to conduct
clarifications or negotiations with respondents. All communications, clarifications, and
negotiations shall be conducted in a manner that supports fairness in response improvement.

5.4.1. Clarification s: The State may identify areas of a response that may require further
clarification or areas in which it is apparent that there may have been miscommunications
or misunderstandings as to the State’s specifications or requirements. The State may
seek to clarify those issues identifie d during one or multiple clarification round(s). Each
clarification sought by the State may be unique to an individual respondent .

5.4.2. Negotiation s: The State may elect to negotiate with Qualified Respondents, within the
competitive range, by requesting revised responses, negotiating costs, or finalizing
contract terms and conditions. The State reserves the right to conduct multiple
negotiation rounds .

5.4.2.1 . Cost Negotiations : All responsive respondents within the competitive range will
be given equivalent information with respect to cost negotiations. All cost negotiations
will be documented for the procurement file. Additionally, the State may conduct target
pricing and other goods or services level negotiations . Target pricing may be based on

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 13 considerations such as current pricing, market considerations, benchmarks, budget
availability, or other methods that do not reveal individual respondent pricing. During
target price negotiations, respondents are not obligated to meet or beat target price s, but
will not be allowed to increase prices.

5.4.2.2. If the State determines costs and contract finalization discussions and
negotiations are not productive, the State reserves the right to bypass the
apparent best evaluated Respondent and enter into contract negotiations
with the next apparent best evaluated Respondent.

5.5. Evaluation Guide

The State will consider qualifications, experience, technical approach , and cost (if applicable) in
the evaluation of response s and award points in each of the categories detailed below . The
maximum evaluation points possible for each category are detailed below.

5.6. Contract Award

5.6.1. The Solicitation Coordinator , will determine the apparent best -evaluated response using the
scoring provided by the Proposal Evaluation Team . (To effect a contract award to a Respondent
other than the one receiving the highest evaluation score, the Solicitation Coordinator must
provide written justification and obtain written approval of the Chief Procurement Officer and the
Comptroller of the Treasury.)

5.6.2. The State reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of any response.

5.6.3. The State will issue an Evaluation Notice and make the RFQ files available for public inspection
at the time and date specified in the RFQ §2, Schedule of Events.

NOTICE: The Evaluation Notice shall not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement in either
the Respondent identified as the apparent best evaluated or any other Respondent.
5.6.4. The Respondent identified as offering the apparent best -evaluated must sign a contract drawn by
the State pursuant to this RFQ. The contract shall be substantially the same as the RFQ
Attachment G, pro forma contract. The Respondent must sign said contract no later than the
Respondent Contract Signature Deadline detailed in RFQ § 2, Schedule of Events. If the
Respondent fails to provide the signed contract by the deadline, the State may determine the
Respondent is non -responsive to this RFQ and reject th e response.

5.6.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the State may, at its sole discretion, entertain limited negotiation
prior to contract signing and, as a result, revise the pro forma contract terms and conditions or
performance requirements in the State’s best interests, PROVIDED THAT such revision of terms
and conditions or performance requirements shall NOT materially affect the basis of response Evaluation Category Maximum Points Possible
Mandatory Requirements (refer to RFQ
Attachment A) Pass/Fail
General Qualifications, Experience, Technical
Qualifications, Experience & Approach (refer to
RFQ Attachment B) 20
Technical Qualifications, Experience &
Approach (refer to RFQ Attachment C) 70
Oral Presentations (refer to RFQ Attachment C) 10

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 14 evaluation or negatively impact the competitive nature of the RFQ and contractor selection
process.

5.6.6. If the State determines that a response is nonresponsive and rejects it, the Solicitation
Coordinator will re -calculate scores to determine (or re -determine) the apparent best -evaluated
response.

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 15 ATTACHMENT A

TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
All Respondent s must address all items detailed below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation
as required (referenced with the associated item references). All Respondent s must also detail the response page
number for each item in the appropriate space below.
The Solicitation Coordinator will review all responses to determine if the Mandatory Requirement Items are
addressed as required and mark each with pass or fail. For each item that is not addressed as required, the
Solicitation Coordinator must review the responses and attach a written determination. In addition to the Mandatory
Requirement Items , the Solicitation Coordinator will review each response for compliance with all RFQ requirements.
RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responden
t completes) Item
Ref. Section A — Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
The Technical Response must be delivered to the State no later than
the Technical Response Deadlin e specified in the RFQ § 2, Schedule
of Events.
The Technical Response must not contain cost or pricing information
of any type.
The Technical Response must not contain any restrictions of the
rights of the State or other qualification of the response .
A Respondent must not submit alternate response s.
A Respondent must not submit multiple response s in differ ent forms
(as a prime and a sub contractor).
A.1. Provide the Statement of Certifications and Assurances ( RFQ
Attachment E) completed and signed by an individual empowered to
bind the Respondent to the provisions of this RFQ and any resulting
contract. The document must be signed without exception or
qualification.
A.2. Provide a statement, based upon reasonable inquiry, of whether the
Respondent or any individual who shall perform work under the
contract has a possible conflict of interest ( e.g., employment by the
State of Tennessee) and, if so, the nature of that conflict.

NOTE: Any questions of conflict of interest shall be solely within the
discretion of the State, and the State reserves the right to cancel any
award.
A.3. Provide a current bank reference indicating that the Respondent
maintains a satisfactory business relationship with the financial
institution. Such reference must be written in the form of a standard
business letter, signed, and dated within the past three (3) months.
A.4. Respondent shall provide evidence that they have experience
perform ing work similar to that request ed within the scope at

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 16 RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Responden
t completes) Item
Ref. Section A — Mandatory Requirement Items Pass/Fail
Attachment G, Pro Forma Contract. Evidence shall be provide d, from
at least two (2) State Department s of Transportation or other
governmental entity, or private entity, confirming and detailing the
specific work of the respondent that correlates to the work requested
in the State’s Pro Forma Contract via signed official letterhead of the
respective entity. This is a separate requirement from the Reference
Questionnaire requirement (Attachment F); however, the two letters
needed to meet A.4 can be provided from the same references the
Respondent uses to meet Attachment F , so long as the reference
letter meet s all requirements above.
State Use – RFQ Coordinator Signature, Printed Name & Date:

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 17 ATTACHMENT B
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
SECTION B: GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE. The Respondent must address all items detailed
below and provide, in sequence, the information and documentation as required (referenced with the associated
item references). The Respondent must also detail the response page number for each item in the appropriate
space below. Evaluation Team members will independently evaluate and assign one score for all responses to
Section B — General Qualifications & Experience Items.

RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME:
Response Page
#
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section B — General Qualifications & Experience Items
B.1. Detail the name, e -mail address, mailing address, telephone number, and
facsimile number , if applicable, of the person the State should contact regarding
the response .
B.2. Describe the Respondent’s form of business ( i.e., individual, sole proprietor,
corporation, non -profit corporation, partnership, limited liability company) and
business location (physical location or domicile).
B.3. Detail the number of years the Respondent has been in business.
B.4. Briefly describe how long the Respondent has been performing the goods or
services required by this RFQ.
B.5. Describe the Respondent’s number of employees, client base, and location of
offices.
B.6. Provide a statement of whether there have been any mergers, acquisitions, or
sales of the Respondent within the last ten (10) years. If so, include an
explanation providing relevant details.

B.7. Provide a statement of whether the Respondent or, to the Respondent's
knowledge, any of the Respondent’s employees, agents, independent contractors,
or subcontractors, proposed to provide work on a contract pursuant to this RFQ,
have been convicted of, ple d guilty to, or pled nolo contendere to any felony. If so,
include an explanation providing relevant details.

B.8. Provide a statement of whether, in the last ten (10) years, the Respondent has
filed (or had filed against it) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether
voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or
assignee for the benefit of creditors. If so, include an explanation providing
relevant details.

B.9. Provide a statement of whether there is any material, pending litigation against the
Respondent that the Respondent should reasonably believe could adversely affect
its ability to meet contract requirements pursuant to this RFQ or is likely to have a
mater ial adverse effect on the Respondent’s financial condition. If such exists, list
each separately, explain the relevant details, and attach the opinion of counsel
addressing whether and to what extent it would impair the Respondent’s
performance in a contr act pursuant to this RFQ.

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 18 RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME:
Response Page
#
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section B — General Qualifications & Experience Items
NOTE: All persons, agencies, firms, or other entities that provide legal opinions
regarding the Respondent must be properly licensed to render such opinions. The
State may require the Respondent to submit proof of such licensure detailing the
state of licensure and licensure number for each person or entity that renders such
opinions.

B.10. Provide a statement of whether there is any pending or in progress Securities
Exchange Commission investigations involving the Respondent. If such exists, list
each separately, explain the relevant details, and attach the opinion of counsel
addressing whether and to what extent it will impair the Respondent’s performance
in a contract pursuant to this RFQ.
NOTE: All persons, agencies, firms, or other entities that provide legal opinions
regarding the Respondent must be properly licensed to render such opinions. The
State may require the Respondent to submit proof of such licensure detailing the
state of licensure and licensure number for each person or entity that renders such
opinions.
B.11. Provide a brief, descriptive statement detailing evidence of the Respondent’s
ability to deliver the goods or services sought under this RFQ ( e.g., prior
experience, training, certifications, resources, program and quality management
systems, etc.).

B.12 . Provide a narrative description of the proposed contract team, its members, and
organizational structure along with an organizational chart identifying the key
people who will be assigned to provide the goods or services required by this
RFQ, illustrating the lines of authority, and designating the individual responsible
for the completion of each task and deliverable of the RFQ.

B.13. Provide a personnel roster listing the names of key people who the Respondent
will assign to perform tasks required by this RFQ along with the estimated number
of hours that each individual will devote to the required tasks . Follow the
personnel roster with a resume for each of the people listed. The resumes must
detail the individual’s title, education, current position with the Respondent, and
employment history.

B.14 . Provide a statement of whether the Respondent intends to use subcontractors to
accomplish the work required by this RFQ, and if so, detail:
(a) the names of the subcontractors along with the contact person, mailing
address, telephone number, and e -mail address for each;
(b) a description of the scope and portions of the work each subcontractor will
perform; and
(c) a statement specifying that each proposed subcontractor has expressly
assented to being proposed as a subcontractor in the Respondent ’s response to
this RFQ.
B.15. Provide a statement of whether or not the Respondent has any current contracts
with the State of Tennessee or has completed any contracts with the State of
Tennessee within the previous five-year period. If so, provide the following
information for all current and completed contracts:

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 19 RESPONDENT LEGAL
ENTITY NAME:
Response Page
#
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section B — General Qualifications & Experience Items
(a) the name , title, telephone number and e -mail address of the State contact
responsible for the contract at issue ;
(b) the name of the procuring State agency;
(c) a brief description of the contract’s specification for goods or scope of
services;
(d) the contract term; and
(e) the contract number .
B.16. Provide a statement and any relevant details addressing whether the Respondent
is any of the following:
(a) is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or
voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any federal or state
department or agency;
(b) has within the past three (3) years, been convicted of, or had a civil
judgment rendered against the contracting party from commission of
fraud, or a criminal offence in connection with obtaining, attempting to
obtain, or performing a public (federal, sta te, or local) transaction or
grant under a public transaction; violation of federal or state antitrust
statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery,
falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or
receiving stolen pr operty;
(c) is presently indicted or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a
government entity (federal, state, or local) with commission of any of
the offenses detailed above; and
▪ has within a three (3) year period preceding the contract had one or more public
transactions (federal, state, or local) terminated for cause or default.
B.17. Provide five references from three different persons in accordance with the
instructions in Attachment F.
SCORE (for all Section B —
Qualifications &
Experience Items above) :
(maximum possible score =
20)
State Use – Evaluator Identification:

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 20
ATTACHMENT C
TECHNICAL RESPONSE & EVALUATION GUIDE
SECTION C: TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & APPROACH . The Respondent should explain
its approach to p roviding goods or services to the State. The items listed below represent specific questions the
State would request you answer in your response . For ease of review, please annotate your explanation so that it
contains references to the items listed below where they are addressed. Respondent should not feel constrained
to answer only the specific questions listed below in its explanation and sho uld feel free to provide attachments if
necessary in an effort to provide a more thorough response .
The Evaluation Team, made up of three (3) or more State employees , will independently evaluate and score the
response to each item. Each evaluator will use the following whole number, raw point scale for scoring each item:
0 = little value 1 = poor 2 = fair 3 = satisfactory 4 = good 5 = excellent
The Solicitation Coordinator will multiply the Item Score by the associated Evaluation Factor (indicating the relative
emphasis of the item in the overall evaluation). The resulting product will be the item’s raw, weighted score for
purposes of calculatin g the section scores as indicated.

RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section C — Technical Qualifications,
Experience & Approach Items Item
Score Evaluation
Factor Raw
Weighted
Score
C.1. Provide a narrative that illustrates the Respondent ’s
understanding of the State’s requirements and project
schedule. 1
C.2. Provide a narrative that illustrates how the
Respondent will perform monitoring of stream and
wetland mitigation sites, per Section A.3. of the Pro
Forma Contract. Provide samples from previous work
of SQT data report -outs as well as sample monitoring
reports fro m previous work that further illustrate the
respondent’s ability to perform mitigation site
monitoring including vegetation surveys, stream
channel measurements, stream surveys, and other
related items. 5
C.3. Provide a narrative that illustrates the Respondent’s
experience collecting soil and water samples and
developing reports. Provide sample reports from
previous work that further illustrate the respondent’s
experience and abilities. Can include invertebrat e,
water quality, soil, and other related items. 1
C.4. Provide a narrative that illustrates how the
Respondent will perform corrective actions on stream
and wetland mitigation sites, per Section A.4. of the
Pro Forma Contract. Provide sample corrective
action plans from previous work that further illustrate
the respondent’s process and abilities to provide this
service. 5
C.5. Provide both sample invasive species control plans
from previous work and a narrative describing the 5

03.05.25 RFQ
RFQ # 40100 -51532 21 RESPONDENT LEGAL ENTITY
NAME:
Response
Page #
(Respondent
completes) Item
Ref. Section C — Technical Qualifications,
Experience & Approach Items Item
Score Evaluation
Factor Raw
Weighted
Score
Respondent’s process for identifying, building and
executing invasive species control plans, per Section
A.4.f and A.4.g. of the Pro Forma Contract.
C.6. Describe the Respondent’s experience for sediment &
silt remediation, slope stabilization and stream bank
stabilization. 5
C.7. Provide a narrative that illustrates the Respondent’s
ability to meet the requirements of Pro Forma
Contract Section A.5. Including development/approval
of mitigation banks, full delivery mitigation projects,
design of mitigation projects, management of
mitigation sites, providing long term
management/stewardship, and other related items. 10
C.8. Provide a narrative that illustrates the Respondent’s
process and abilities for obtaining 404/401 permits,
developing and implementing Erosion and Sediment
Control Plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention
plans per Section A.6. of the Pro Forma Contract.
Provide sample plans from previous work of each type
of plan that further illustrate the respondent’s process
and abilities. 1
The Solicitation Coordinator will use this sum and the formula below
to calculate the section score. All calculations will use and result in
numbers rounded to two (2) places to the right of the decimal point. Total Raw Weighted Score:
(sum of Raw Weighted Scores
above)
Total Raw Weighted Score X 70
(maximum possible
score) = SCORE: Maximum Possible Raw Weighted Score
(i.e., 5 x the sum of item weights above)
State Use – Evaluator Identification:
State Use – Solicitation Coordinator Signature, Printed Name & Date: