PO Box 715, East Dorset, VT 05253 (802) 362-4571 (802) 362-5156 fax

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DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS October 14, 2019

Issued by: The Town of Dorset, PO Box 715/ 112 Mad Tom Road East Dorset, VT 05253 Purpose: Complete a hydraulic study and recommend flood remediation solutions for the

area near Read Farm Lane/ Brookside Drive and Vermont Route 7A Date Issued: October 21, 2019 Questions Due: November 25, 2019 by 4:00 PM Answers Posted: December 2, 2019 – at www.dorsetvt.org by 4:00 PM Proposal Due Date: December 9, 2019 at 5:00 PM EDT Award Date: December 21, 2019 Available Funding: $63,600 Attachments: Read Farm Ln/ Brookside Drive Area Map

UVM Engineering Capstone Project

Contact: Rob Gaiotti Town Manager PO Box 715

East Dorset, VT 05253 Telephone: (802) 362-4571 ext. 3 Fax: (802) 362-5156 E-Mail: townmanager@gmail.com

I. Background The Batten Kill and Mad Tom Rivers join together in East Dorset just north of Brookside Drive & Read Farm Lane. This area is located in the far southeastern corner of Dorset. After this confluence the Batten Kill River feeds into a large Class II wetland and floodplain complex located between Vermont Route 7 (limited access highway) and Vermont Route 7A. During storms and seasonal run off events, the area around Brookside Drive & Read Farm Lane experiences frequent flooding. In the past twelve (12) months, flooding events have severely restricted access to five (5) homes on Brookside Drive and

Brookside Drive & Read Farm Lane Study RFP October 14, 2019 Page 2 of 6 caused temporary access issues for nearly twenty (20) homes on Read Farm Lane. Also located in this vicinity is a commercial property that has sustained flood damage to the building three (3) times in the last twelve (12) months. Residents have partnered with the Town of Dorset, Bennington County Regional Commission staff, and Vermont Agency of Natural Resources staff to seek short- and long-term solutions to the flooding problem. During a large storm event in April Railroad Bridge 76 and the Route 7A bridge were overtopped with floodwaters. These structures currently restrict the Batten Kill’s ability to reach the major wetland and floodplain area located between Vermont Route 7 and Vermont Route 7A. As a result, the floodwater backs up to the north, the Batten Kill breaks its banks, overtops Brookside Drive and floods the commercial property from the west and north. The assessment area, shown on the attached map in blue, would be along the Batten Kill from the confluence of Mad Tom Brook near East Dorset Village to the large Class II wetland and floodplain complex to the south. 2 – Dimensional and H&H modeling is needed to better understand existing conditions and to determine suitable alternatives to mitigate flood frequency and extents. At least four alternatives would be evaluated: 1) No action; 2) Increasing drainage structure size in the area, including the Route 7A and Rail Bridges; 3) Adding drainage structures and swales to the area to better accommodate flood water flows; 4) Relocation of Brookside Drive and floodproofing of the commercial building per NFIP guidelines; 5) Additional alternatives proposed by the consulting engineer which reduces flooding for the area; Evaluations would need to be completed of the potential impacts from these alternatives on developed and undeveloped properties, adjacent regulated wetlands, the Batten Kill, and the railroad. The deliverables will include a report discussing project feasibility and the alternatives analysis identifying needed actions within the study area, including the assessment of alternatives, identification of potential areas for acquisition of fee or easements, hydrologic and hydraulics modeling of alternatives, cost estimates for alternatives, potential funding sources for the alternatives and conceptual design plans. The report should also include a benefit-cost analysis using FEMA methodology, which would be used to apply for future implementation funds for the preferred alternative. The report will address potential design modifications to the Railroad Bridge 76, Route 7A bridge/culverts. In addition, specific parcels that should be protected or re-claimed for wetland conservation and flood storage will be identified. The Town of Dorset sponsored a University of Vermont capstone project in the spring of 2019 to study flooding issues at Brookside Drive & Route 7A. This project provided four undergraduate engineering students the opportunity to work with the Town of Dorset, the Bennington County Regional Commission and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to understand why the road periodically floods and what measures would work to mitigate the flooding problem. The students performed field survey, GIS mapping, and hydrologic/hydraulic modeling. This final report (attached) consolidated significant background information from various sources and can be used for this proposed study. The Town of Dorset and other partners will make existing information they have available as well as staff time on existing conditions and evaluation of study findings.

II. Scope of Services

Brookside Drive & Read Farm Lane Study RFP October 14, 2019 Page 3 of 6 Proposals should include:

1. A description of methods to complete the necessary assessment and to identify potential alternatives.

2. A table describing the steps or tasks, staff time, travel costs, supplies other resources needed and a time frame to complete the study. The table should also include a schedule of meetings as well as work with partner organizations.

3. Suggested modifications to the listed scope of services and deliverables with associated costs and an explanation of the benefit related to the proposed changes.

4. Brief descriptions of any similar projects that have been completed 5. Names, addresses, phone and email of three references.

Scope of Service Activities:

1. Hold meeting with stakeholders and landowners to discuss study scope 2. Collect field data necessary for developing 2-Dimensional Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H)

model and engineering designs. 3. Develop 2-D H&H model and present results to stakeholders and landowners. 4. Identify design alternatives and choose alternatives for plans. 5. Develop plans and specifications for remediation measures. 6. Complete benefit-cost analysis.

III. Deliverables The consultant will work with the Town of Dorset and other parties:

1. Participation in up to five meetings to further define the scope, information needs and other aspects of the project and discuss interim and final results

2. Report evaluating at least four alternatives: 1) No action; 2) Increasing drainage structure size in the area including the Route 7A and Rail Bridges; 3) Adding drainage structures and swales to the area to better accommodate flood water flows; 4) Relocation of Brookside Drive and floodproofing of the commercial building per NFIP guidelines; 5) Additional alternatives proposed by the consulting engineer which reduces flooding for the area; This would include evaluation of potential impacts of these alternatives on developed and undeveloped properties, adjacent regulated wetlands, the Batten Kill, and the railroad.

3. Completion of necessary 2D and hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analyses incorporating a range of flows (minimum 2 year, 5 year, 25 year, 50 year, 100 year and 200 year peak rates) to compare how water level elevations would differ with alternatives described above. H & H modeling will be in HEC-RAS (or FEMA approved equivalent software) and utilize existing

Brookside Drive & Read Farm Lane Study RFP October 14, 2019 Page 4 of 6

FEMA FIS data to tie the project into the Base Flood Elevations of the effective Digital FIRMs.

4. Draft report on project feasibility and alternatives analysis identifying needed actions within the study area, including the summary of the alternatives, identification of potential areas for acquisition of easements, H&H evaluation of alternatives, cost estimates for alternatives, and conceptual design plans (with areas and volumes of proposed impacts and earthwork). The report will address potential design modifications to the Railroad Bridge 76, Route 7A bridge/culverts, and include engineering designs for upgraded culverts, improved swale and other remediation measures sufficient for application for a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant. In addition, specific parcels that should be conserved for wetlands and flood storage will be identified. A discussion of potential funding sources for the alternatives will be outlined in the report.

5. Public meeting with Town of Dorset Selectboard (evening meeting) to discuss report and

alternatives and answer questions. 6. Complete a benefit-cost analysis using FEMA methodology and software.

7. Final report to incorporate public comments and be delivered in paper and electronic

format, all electronic files and documents (i.e. including but not limited to CADD, GIS, HEC-RAS, etc.) become the property of the Town of Dorset for their use and distribution for completion of the project.

Deliverable activity & timetable:

1. Meeting with stakeholders and landowners to inform them of study and gather information (Within 2 weeks for project start).

2. Field data on sizes of culverts and other conveyances for model and for design work (Within 5 weeks of project start).

3. 2-D model showing how water moves across and within the study area during 2, 5, 25, 50, and 100-year storm events and alternative remediation measures (Within 9 weeks of project start).

4. Final set of alternatives for stakeholders to select from (Within 12 weeks of project start). 5. Engineering designs of upgraded culverts, bridges, improved swale and other remediation

measures (Within 16 weeks of project start). 6. Benefit-cost analysis of remediation measures (Within 16 weeks of project start).

IV. Required Submission Electronic versions (Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word) of proposals from interested parties must be received at the Town of Dorset (email Rob Gaiotti at townmanager@gmail.com ) office no later than 5:00 PM on Monday December 9, 2019. Proposals should be no more than twenty-five (25) pages in length including any supplementary materials. Proposals should include the contact name, address, phone and email of the preparer and may list web sites or provide links to documents for further information.

Brookside Drive & Read Farm Lane Study RFP October 14, 2019 Page 5 of 6 Direct all inquiries and submissions to: Rob Gaiotti Town Manager PO Box 715 112 Mad Tom Road East Dorset, VT 05253 Telephone: (802) 362-4571 ext. 3 Fax: (802) 362-5156 E-Mail: townmanager@gmail.com

V. Questions? Any questions should be submitted via email by November 25, 2019 by 4:00 PM. Answers will be posted on the Town of Dorset website by December 2, 2019 at 4:00 PM. VI. Proposal Evaluation

• Clarity and organization of the proposal and its responsiveness to completing the project within the specified time frame.

• Previous experience in completing similar studies.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and coordinate activities with local officials and interested parties.

• Costs of completing the project. Proposals will be evaluated by staff from Town of Dorset, BCRC, and VT ANR and other reviewers selected by Town of Dorset.

VII. Schedule

• November 4, 2019 – RFP issued

• November 25, 2019 – 4:00 PM – Questions due

• December 2, 2019 – 4:00 PM – Answers posted at www.bcrcvt.org

• December 9, 2019 – Due date for proposals

• December 9 to 20, 2019 – Proposal review (Note, bidders may be contacted if necessary, for follow-up questions)

• December 21, 2019 – Proposal selected

• January 15, 2020 (approximate) – contract with Town of Dorset finalized

• March 15, 2020 (approximate)- initial meeting with partners including site visit

• June 15, 2020 – Any necessary field work completed

• July 15, 2020 – Draft report on alternatives

• July 30, 2020 – Review by BCRC and partners completed

• August 2020 – Final plan presented publicly and available digitally and in hard copy

Brookside Drive & Read Farm Lane Study RFP October 14, 2019 Page 6 of 6

VIII. Other Information

1. Town of Dorset may accept or reject any proposal and may cancel the project at any time. 2. Town of Dorset may modify and reissue the RFP following review of submitted proposals. 3. Town of Dorset is not responsible for any costs incurred by the vendor prior to issuing a

contract. Vendors shall bear the full cost of proposal preparation, any meetings and contract negotiations.

4. Town of Dorset may negotiate a contract with the vendor whose proposal would be the most advantageous to them, based on the selection criteria described below.

5. All proposals submitted as part of this RFP shall become the property of the Town of Dorset. As such, they are public information and may be reviewed by anyone requesting to review them.

6. Town of Dorset may request additional information as part of the proposal review. 7. Proposals should be the original work of vendors, and there should be no actions by any

vendors that would restrict or eliminate free competition. 8. All proposals will remain valid for ninety (90) days from the date of submittal. 9. The selected vendor will need to show proof of adequate insurance and required licensing,

certification and permitting.

34,338

1,744.4

East Dorset Water Study AreaVermont Agency of Natural Resources

26,011

© Vermont Agency of Natural Resources

1,321.0

1:

WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere

Meters1,321.00

NOTES

LEGEND

660.00

vermont.gov

DISCLAIMER: This map is for general reference only. Data layers that appearon this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. ANR and

the State of Vermont make no representations of any kind, including but notlimited to, the warranties of merchantability, or fitness for a particular use, nor

are any such warranties to be implied with respect to the data on this map.

October 16, 2019

THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION

1" = 2168 1cm = 260Ft. Meters

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