RFQ 26-096 Design & Permitting for Inshore Artificial Reef Project

Citrus County, Florida (“County”) is requesting qualified Engineering firms to submit a statement of qualifications for an ecologically engineered design of habitat modules for the construction of up to ten (10) inshore artificial reefs within County coastal waters to promote ecological enhancement, recreational opportunity, and economic benefit. A feasibility study was prepared on August 10, 2023 (Attachment A) to evaluate the existing conditions located in the proposed location of the Inshore Artificial Reefs.

Key tasks for this project are:

1. Design and provide a GIS footprint as well as marine engineering, environmental, and related services for construction of up to ten (10) inshore artificial reef sites
2. Obtain permitting approvals from federal and state agencies for the construction of the inshore artificial reefs, and
3. If required, develop a long-term monitoring plan to ensure compliance with environmental and navigational safety regulations.

The County has received grant funding for this project through the RESTORE Act Spill Impact Component from the Gulf Ecosystem Restoration Council, administered through The Gulf Consortium, under Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN) GNSSP25FL0068-01-00. Citrus County's Subrecipient Agreement No. 250068135.01 is attached in the Exhibits section.

In July 2012, the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act), Subtitle F of Public Law 112-141, established the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council). The RESTORE Act dedicates 80 percent of all Clean Water Act administrative and civil penalties related to the Deepwater Horizon spill to a Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund (Trust Fund) and outlines a structure by which the funds can be utilized to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast region. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) is responsible for issuing compliance and auditing procedures for the entire Act and procedures for two grant programs administered by Treasury.

The site for the Inshore Artificial Reef lies wholly within the Gulf of America, located within a 15-mile boundary from shore within the extended limits of Citrus County. The feasibility study (Attachment A) has identified twenty (20) potential inshore reef sites, of which, eleven (11) sites were deemed suitable, and three (3) sites were deemed potentially suitable.