RFQ 04-2026 SEBBINS POND WATERSHED MGMT PLAN

TOWN OF
BEDFORD
NEW HAMPSHIRE
July 6, 2026
BEDFORD DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
55 Constitution Drive, 2nd Floor
Bedford, NH 03110
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
RFQ 04-2026
SEBBINS POND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN
Clean Water State Revolving Fund Planning Project

Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
TOWN OF BEDFORD, NH
RFQ 04-2026
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
SEBBINS POND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN
July 6,2026
The Town of Bedford, New Hampshire wishes to engage the services of a qualified professional environmental
consulting, engineering, or watershed planning firm to provide technical services for the development of the
Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan.
The project will develop a watershed management plan for Sebbins Pond that follows the United States
Environmental Protection Agency's nine-element watershed-based planning framework and is consistent with
applicable New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and Clean Water State Revolving Fund
requirements. The plan should build upon prior water quality analysis, including the 2011 Sebbins Pond Total
Maximum Daily Load Report, and shall identify and prioritize locally supported actions to reduce phosphorus and
other pollutant loading within the watershed. Sandy Pond shall be referenced in context as part of the larger
watershed in which Sebbins Pond and Sandy Pond both reside; however, the Town is not seeking a separate EPA
nine-element watershed-based plan for Sandy Pond as part of this project.
The project is funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program administered by the New
Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. The Town has secured CWSRF planning funding in the amount
of $100,000 for the Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan, with up to 100% principal forgiveness subject to
continued compliance with applicable program requirements.
This procurement will follow a Qualifications-Based Selection process. No cost estimate, fee schedule, billing rates,
or other price proposal shall be included in the Statement of Qualifications. Following evaluation and ranking of
qualifications, the Town will request a scope and cost proposal from the highest-ranked qualified firm and will
negotiate a fair and reasonable scope and price.
Qualification and Experience Statements will be received at the Department of Public Works, 55 Constitution Drive,
2nd Floor, Bedford, NH 03110, until July 27, 2026. Each statement shall be submitted in a sealed envelope and
clearly marked:
Town of Bedford RFQ 04-2026, Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
The Request for Qualifications may be obtained from the Department of Public Works at the above address as well
as online at https://www.bedfordnh.gov/Bids.aspx, beginning on Monday, July 6, 2026. No RFQ documents will be
mailed. Project-related questions shall be directed in writing to bdesfosses@bedfordnh.gov
The Town of Bedford reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Qualification Statements or any part thereof,
and to waive any minor informalities as it deems to be in the best interest of the Town and consistent with
applicable CWSRF and NHDES requirements. Failure to submit all required information may result in the proposal
being deemed non-responsive and subject to disqualification.
All Request for Qualifications submission materials become the property of the Town of Bedford.
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
Contents
* Instructions to Proposers
* Project Description
* Anticipated Scope of Services
* CWSRF and NHDES Requirements
* Schedule
* General Information
* Statement Preparation
* Interview
* Proposal Evaluation and Selection
* Notification of Award
* Licenses and Permits
* Miscellaneous Information
* General Conditions
* Required Qualification Statement Checklist
* Appendix A - Certifications
* Appendix B - Indemnification Agreement
* Appendix C - Sample Owner / Consultant Agreement
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS
Through this Request for Qualifications, the Town of Bedford, New Hampshire is soliciting Statements of
Qualifications from qualified consulting firms licensed to do business in the State of New Hampshire for
professional services needed by the Town to develop the Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan.
The selected consultant will assist the Town in preparing a watershed management plan that satisfies EPA's nine-
element watershed-based planning framework, supports future implementation funding, and identifies practical
structural and non-structural actions to reduce phosphorus and other pollutant loading in the watershed.
If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFQ or otherwise provide additional information, an addendum
will be issued and posted on the Town's website. Any published addenda to the RFQ and/or response will become
part of the contract between the Town of Bedford and the successful consultant. Questions requiring clarification
shall be submitted in writing to the Town prior to the date indicated in the schedule in order to afford the Town
adequate time to respond with a correction or additional information prior to the deadline for submission of
qualifications.
The "Awarding Authority" will be the Town of Bedford, 24 North Amherst Road, Bedford, NH 03110.
All Qualification Statement submissions must be submitted to the Town in sealed envelopes and addressed to:
Town of Bedford, NH
Department of Public Works
55 Constitution Drive, 2nd Floor
Bedford, NH 03110
No later than 10:00am on Monday, July 27 , 2026.
Qualification Statement packages submitted shall contain one original and four copies and must be clearly marked
in a sealed envelope:
Town of Bedford RFQ 04-2026, Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
No reference to costs shall be included in the packages. Once a qualification-based selection is made, the highest-
ranked consultant will be requested to submit a detailed scope, standard hourly labor rates, fixed overhead rates,
any fees, and total proposed cost under separate cover. The final contract may be based on a negotiated cost-plus-
fixed-fee, lump sum, or other contract structure acceptable to the Town and NHDES, depending on final scope,
funding source, and program requirements.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Town intends to select a qualified consultant to assist with the development of the Sebbins Pond Watershed
Management Plan.
The project will result in a science-based, locally supported watershed management plan for Sebbins Pond that
meets EPA's nine-element watershed-based planning requirements. The plan will identify possible pollutant
sources, estimate pollutant loads and needed load reductions, identify and prioritize best management practices
and stormwater control measures, develop an implementation schedule, identify responsible parties and potential
funding sources, establish measurable milestones, and provide a monitoring framework for evaluating long-term
progress.
The plan should build upon the 2011 Sebbins Pond Total Maximum Daily Load Report, which identified total
phosphorus as the controlling pollutant associated with elevated chlorophyll-a and estimated that existing
phosphorus loads must be reduced by approximately 48% overall to meet the target in-lake phosphorus
concentration of 12 micrograms per liter. The TMDL identified watershed direct drainage and septic systems as the
primary modeled phosphorus sources. The Watershed Management Plan shall review the TMDL findings
considering current watershed conditions, available data, field observations, and coordination with the Town and
NHDES. The plan shall confirm, refine, or supplement the Town's understanding of pollutant sources and
implementation needs, and will use this information to develop an implementable action plan for Sebbins Pond.
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
Sandy Pond will have to be included in the plan in context, recognizing that Sandy Pond and Sebbins Pond are
within the larger watershed planning area identified by NHDES. The consultant shall consider Sandy Pond where
relevant to watershed characterization, mapping, drainage relationships, pollutant source evaluation,
implementation coordination, and broader watershed recommendations. The scope does not require a separate or
complete EPA nine-element watershed-based management plan for Sandy Pond.
The final plan should provide a practical implementation roadmap for the Town, NHDES, residents, property
owners, and other project partners. It should also support future applications for implementation funding, including
potential Clean Water Act Section 319 funding and other local, state, federal, or private funding sources.
Generally, the consultant will be expected to provide professional watershed planning, environmental, water quality,
stormwater, GIS, public outreach, and project management services including, but not limited to:
* Review of existing water quality data, prior studies, TMDL documentation, GIS data, and Town records;
* Contextual review of Sandy Pond within the larger watershed, without preparing a separate full EPA nine-
element plan for Sandy Pond;
* Watershed and subwatershed assessment;
* Pollutant source identification;
* Phosphorus and pollutant load analysis;
* Identification of load reductions needed to meet water quality goals;
* Field assessment of candidate mitigation areas;
* Identification and prioritization of structural and non-structural BMPs and stormwater control measures;
* Planning-level cost estimates;
* Public outreach and stakeholder engagement;
* Preparation of a watershed management plan consistent with EPA's nine-element framework;
* Preparation of GIS data, maps, figures, tables, and implementation tools useful to the Town;
* Coordination with NHDES and compliance with applicable CWSRF planning requirements.
ANTICIPATED SCOPE OF SERVICES
The following scope is intended to guide consultant responses. Alternative or modified approaches may be
proposed, provided the consultant clearly explains how the proposed approach will meet EPA, NHDES, CWSRF,
and Town objectives.
Task 1: Project Management, Administration, and Kick-Off
The consultant shall provide project management services throughout the project, including coordination with the
Town of Bedford, NHDES, and other project partners.
* Conduct a project kick-off meeting with the Town, NHDES, and appropriate stakeholders;
* Develop a refined project schedule and deliverables list;
* Identify roles and responsibilities for the consultant, Town staff, NHDES, and other project participants;
* Provide regular progress updates to the Town;
* Support required NHDES coordination, including a kick-off meeting, mid-level progress update meeting, wrap-
up meeting, and quarterly progress meetings or equivalent written progress updates;
* Maintain project records and documentation necessary for CWSRF compliance.
Task 2: Quality Assurance / Site-Specific Project Plan
The consultant shall prepare any required quality assurance documentation, including a Site-Specific Project Plan
or equivalent NHDES-approved quality assurance document, for data analysis, modeling, watershed assessment,
field work, and other technical components of the project.
* Coordinate with the Town and NHDES to address comments and obtain approval prior to beginning applicable
technical work.
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
Task 3: Existing Conditions, Data Review, and Watershed Assessment
The consultant shall collect, review, and analyze available data on land use, hydrology, water quality, soils,
stormwater infrastructure, drainage patterns, watershed boundaries, wetlands, impervious cover, pollutant sources,
and other relevant watershed conditions.
* Review the 2011 Sebbins Pond TMDL and related water quality findings, and review Sandy Pond information
where relevant to the larger watershed context;
* Delineate or verify the Sebbins Pond watershed and subwatersheds, and describe the larger watershed context
in which Sebbins Pond and Sandy Pond both reside;
* Assess current land use, land cover, impervious area, hydrologic connectivity, and drainage patterns;
* Review available water quality data and identify trends or data gaps;
* Review Town stormwater infrastructure, drainage complaints, known erosion areas, culverts, outfalls, catch
basins, road drainage, and other relevant stormwater features;
* Identify potential pollutant sources, including stormwater runoff, erosion, sediment, nutrients, septic systems
where applicable, road runoff, yard waste, pet waste, waterfowl, shoreline disturbance, and other nonpoint
source contributors;
* Identify critical areas where mitigation or restoration measures may be needed;
* Prepare maps and supporting GIS data documenting existing conditions, watershed boundaries,
subwatersheds, pollutant source areas, drainage features, candidate mitigation sites, and the contextual
relationship between Sebbins Pond and Sandy Pond.
Task 4: Pollutant Loading Analysis and Water Quality Goals
The consultant shall evaluate phosphorus and other relevant pollutant loading within the Sebbins Pond watershed
using appropriate methods acceptable to NHDES. The analysis will build upon the 2011 Sebbins Pond TMDL and
shall update, refine, or supplement the prior loading analysis as appropriate based on current watershed conditions
and available data. Sandy Pond shall be considered as part of the larger watershed context where relevant, but the
full pollutant loading analysis and EPA nine-element plan requirements shall apply to Sebbins Pond.
* Identify and quantify major sources of phosphorus and other relevant pollutants;
* Estimate existing pollutant loads by source area or subwatershed;
* Evaluate the pollutant-load reductions needed to meet water quality goals;
* Establish or confirm appropriate water quality goals in coordination with the Town and NHDES;
* Estimate expected pollutant load reductions for recommended structural and non-structural management
measures;
* Document assumptions, methods, limitations, and recommended future monitoring needs.
Task 5: Field Assessment and Identification of Management Measures
The consultant shall conduct targeted field assessments to identify site-specific opportunities for stormwater
treatment, erosion control, infiltration, drainage improvements, culvert upgrades, shoreline stabilization, non-
structural management, public education, and other watershed restoration or protection measures.
* For each candidate management measure, document location and ownership, existing condition, observed
issue, contributing drainage area or pollutant source, recommended BMP or SCM, estimated pollutant load
reduction, planning-level cost, operation and maintenance considerations, permitting considerations,
responsible party or potential lead entity, relative priority, photo documentation, GIS location, and mapping
information;
* Develop a prioritized BMP/SCM matrix that can be used by the Town for future grant applications, capital
planning, and implementation.
Task 6: Public Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
The consultant shall assist the Town in developing and implementing a public outreach and stakeholder
engagement process. The outreach process shall be designed to build local understanding of watershed
conditions, identify local concerns, encourage participation, and support implementation of recommended actions.
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
* Identify key stakeholders, including Town departments, boards and committees, NHDES, residents, property
owners, local organizations, and other relevant parties;
* Support at least one public meeting or outreach event;
* Prepare public-facing materials summarizing project purpose, watershed conditions, and recommended
actions;
* Present draft findings and recommendations to the Town and stakeholders;
* Incorporate appropriate feedback into the final Watershed Management Plan.
Task 7: Watershed Management Plan Development
The consultant shall prepare a Watershed Management Plan for Sebbins Pond that satisfies the EPA nine-element
watershed-based planning framework. Sandy Pond shall be referenced in the plan in context as part of the larger
watershed setting, but a separate EPA nine-element plan for Sandy Pond is not required. The Sebbins Pond plan
shall include, at minimum:
* Identification of causes and sources of pollution that need to be controlled to achieve water quality goals;
* Estimate of pollutant load reductions expected from recommended management measures;
* Description of structural and non-structural management measures needed to achieve load reductions and
identification of critical implementation areas;
* Estimate of technical and financial assistance needed, associated costs, and potential funding sources;
* Public information and education component;
* Implementation schedule for recommended management measures;
* Interim measurable milestones for determining whether management measures are being implemented;
* Criteria to determine whether load reductions are being achieved and whether progress is being made toward
water quality standards;
* Monitoring plan to evaluate effectiveness of implementation over time;
* A clear implementation matrix identifying recommended actions, priority level, estimated cost, pollutant load
reduction, lead party, potential partners, potential funding source, permitting considerations, and anticipated
implementation timeframe.
Task 8: Draft Plan, Final Plan, and Presentations
The consultant shall prepare and submit a draft Watershed Management Plan to the Town and NHDES for review.
The consultant shall address comments and prepare a final plan suitable for adoption, implementation, and use in
future grant applications.
* Project schedule;
* Meeting agendas, summaries, and presentation materials;
* Quality assurance / SSPP documentation, if required;
* Existing conditions maps and data summary;
* Pollutant loading analysis and water quality goal documentation;
* Field assessment documentation;
* Prioritized BMP/SCM implementation matrix;
* Public outreach materials;
* Draft Watershed Management Plan;
* Final Watershed Management Plan;
* GIS data and map products compatible with the Town's GIS;
* Final presentation to the Town and/or relevant boards, committees, and stakeholders.
All GIS data created for the project shall be delivered to the Town in a mutually agreed format compatible with
ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS Online. GIS deliverables should include appropriate metadata and clearly documented
fields.
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
CWSRF AND NHDES REQUIREMENTS
The selected consultant will be required to coordinate with the Town and NHDES to ensure that the project remains
eligible for CWSRF funding.
The selected consultant shall assist the Town with the following, as applicable:
* Development of a work scope acceptable to NHDES;
* Preparation of quality assurance documentation, if required;
* Participation in required NHDES meetings and progress updates;
* Submission of draft and final deliverables to NHDES;
* Documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with CWSRF planning requirements;
* Coordination with the Town regarding procurement requirements for any software, equipment, laboratory
analysis, rentals, or other eligible project expenses, if applicable.
Project work shall not begin until the required work scope and professional services contract have been approved
by NHDES, as applicable.
SCHEDULE
Date Milestone
July 6, 2026 RFQ posted on Town website
July 13, 2026 Last date for questions to be submitted to Town
July 20, 2026 Addendum posted, if necessary
July 27, 2026 Qualifications due, 10:00 am, DPW Office
July 27, 2026- August 14, 2026 Evaluation and interview period complete
No later than August 21, 2026 Anticipated consultant selection
No later than September 4, 2026 Anticipated contract negotiation
No later than September 11, 2026 Anticipated project kick-off
The Town reserves the right to modify this schedule. The Town also reserves the right to conduct interviews with
selected firms. The decision to conduct interviews may affect the specified timeline.
The project must be completed within the timeframe required by the CWSRF loan agreement and any applicable
NHDES requirements. The current loan agreement identifies a scheduled completion date of May 2, 2028, unless
otherwise modified or extended through the applicable approval process.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Town may cancel this RFQ, in whole or in part, or may reject all Qualification Statements submitted in
response, if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Town and consistent with applicable funding
requirements.
Selection by the Town does not bind the Town to enter into a contract with the selected consulting firm. Contract
award is subject to successful negotiation of scope and fee, Town approvals, NHDES approvals where applicable,
and continued availability of funding.
The Town may request that supplementary information be furnished to assure the Town that a proposer has the
technical competence, business and technical organization, and financial resources adequate to successfully
perform the necessary work.
All qualifications shall be in ink or typewritten and must be presented in an organized and clear manner.
Questions or clarifications arising from these documents shall be submitted to the Town in writing or email. They
must be submitted in accordance with the schedule noted herein.
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
Each proposer shall acknowledge receipt of any and all addenda issued to the Request for Qualifications by so
indicating in the cover letter. Failure to do so may be cause to reject the qualification as being unresponsive.
The proposer shall sign the Qualification Statement correctly in ink or, in the case of an organization, firm,
partnership, or corporation, a person having the legal authority from said organization to sign the Qualification
Statement.
Each proposer shall be presumed to have read and be thoroughly familiar with these documents. Unfamiliarity with
these documents shall in no way relieve any proposer from any obligation in respect to their qualifications.
It is understood that the proposer's Qualification Statement to the Town to provide consultant services will remain
valid for 180 days past the submission deadline.
The proposer's attention is directed to the fact that all applicable state laws, municipal ordinances, and the rules
and regulations of all authorities having jurisdiction over this procurement shall apply to the agreement throughout,
and they shall be deemed to be included in the agreement the same as though written herein in full.
It is understood that the proposer has submitted the Qualification Statement in good faith and has not colluded with
any other individuals, firms, or corporations in creating the qualification to subvert the selection process. Appendix
A must be included in the proposal.
All costs involved in preparing the Qualification Statement will be borne by the consultant. The Town will not be
liable for any costs associated with the creation of the Qualification Statement or interviews. The proposer shall be
familiar with all state, local, and other laws relating to this type of work.
STATEMENT PREPARATION
All responses are to include a statement that the Qualification Statement is in accordance with this RFQ and that
the proposer has read and understands all sections and provisions herein. Exceptions, if any, are to be clearly
stated.
Qualification Statements that are incomplete, conditional, obscure, or that include cost information may be rejected.
No award will be made to any proposer who cannot satisfy the awarding authority that they have sufficient ability
and resources to meet the requirements of these specifications. The awarding authority's decision or judgment on
these matters shall be final, conclusive, and binding.
Any Qualification Statement received after the date and time stated in this RFQ will be deemed non-responsive and
shall not be opened. Unopened qualifications will be returned to the proposer.
The evaluation of the qualifications will be conducted by a selection committee appointed by the Town. The
judgment of the evaluators will be based upon the evaluation criteria set forth in this RFQ and shall be final.
The Qualification Statements will be opened and the name of the person or organization submitting a qualification
will be recorded. The contents of all submittals will be opened privately and not be disclosed to the public or
competing proposers until the evaluation process is completed. A register of qualifications will be completed
indicating the name of the proposer. This register may be viewed upon request.
Any contract resulting from this RFQ shall be awarded to the proposer whose qualifications are deemed to be the
most highly advantageous to the Town, subject to successful negotiation of scope and fee and applicable Town
and NHDES approvals. The selection committee will be the sole judge in determining whether a proposer's
qualification satisfies the requirements of this RFQ and whether the Qualification Statement will prove
advantageous to the Town.
Response to this RFQ acknowledges the proposer's acceptance of all sections and requirements of this document.
The RFQ and selected consultant's response may be incorporated into the final contract.
The selection committee may reject Qualification Statements that do not meet the following minimum requirements:
* The submitting consulting firm must have demonstrated experience in watershed management planning, water
quality analysis, stormwater management, environmental planning, public outreach, and preparation of
watershed-based plans.
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Town of Bedford Request for Qualifications 04-2026- Sebbins Pond Watershed Management Plan
* The firm must demonstrate experience developing plans that incorporate EPA's nine elements for watershed-
based plans.
* The firm must demonstrate experience with lake or pond water quality, phosphorus loading, nonpoint source
pollution, BMP/SCM identification, and pollutant load reduction analysis.
* The firm must demonstrate experience working with municipal government, NHDES, EPA or federal funding
requirements, local residents, and other stakeholders.
* The firm must demonstrate knowledge of New Hampshire water quality standards, NHDES watershed planning
expectations, CWSRF planning requirements, and potential future Section 319 implementation funding.
* The qualifications must be from an established business, corporation, partnership, or firm that normally
furnishes such services as a principal business.
* The submittal must include client references for similar projects.
* Key staff member experience must be appropriate for the project. Consultants must be prepared to commit key
individuals identified in their qualifications to this project.
* The Qualification Statement must be signed by an agent of the company who has authority to bind the
company to services provided to the Town.
* All responses are to include a statement that the qualification is in accordance with this Request for
Qualifications and that the proposer has read and understands all sections and provisions herein. Exceptions, if
any, are to be clearly stated.
* The submittal shall not include a cost estimate, fee schedule, billing rates, or any other price proposal.
Five sets of the Qualification Statement submittal, one original and four copies, must include the following in the
specific arrangement noted below:
a. Cover letter / Letter of Interest
b. Table of Contents
c. Firm Overview
d. Project Team Description
e. Relevant Project Knowledge and Experience
f. Project Understanding and Approach
g. Proposed Project Schedule
h. Description of Anticipated Deliverables
i. Client References, including client name, project name, contact name, email, and phone number
j. Firm's Standard QA/QC Procedures
k. Conflict of Interest Statement
l. Certification from Appendix A
m. Indemnification Agreement from Appendix B
n. Appendix, including resumes of key staff
Failure to follow the above submittal format may result in rejection of the request for consideration.
The Qualification Statement submitted shall be no longer than thirty pages exclusive of front/back covers, letter of
interest, table of contents, dividers, certification, indemnification agreement, and staff resumes. Resumes of
proposed staff must be included in the appendix.
INTERVIEW
After review of firm qualifications, the selection committee may interview a selected short list of the most qualified,
responsive, and responsible proposers. Proposers whose submittals are determined to be not advantageous or that
did not meet the minimum requirements will not be interviewed.
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