Habitat Restoration on 25 Acres at the Illinois International Port District

Request for Proposal (RFP) and Specifications for Baseline Site Analysis, Design, Permitting, and Maintenance and Stewardship Planning Services

RFP Release

July 28, 2026, at 9am CDT

Revisions Incorporated to Scope: August 7, 2028 at 11:00am CDT

PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING AND SITE VISIT

August 11, 2026, at 1pm CDT

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS

August 14, 2026, at 5pm CDT

PROPOSALS DUE

September 4, 2026, at 5pm CDT

PREPARED BY

Delta Institute

35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1760

Chicago, IL 60601

Delta Institute Overview

Delta Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization. Delta Institute collaborates with communities to solve complex environmental challenges throughout the Midwest. We address Midwestern environmental, economic, and climate challenges today so that our home and region are more resilient, equitable, and innovative tomorrow.

RFP Submittal Requirements

The proposal shall be submitted in a sealed envelope with all original pages intact.

One (1) original proposal, two (2) hard copies, and one (1) digital copy must be submitted.

Proposal envelopes must be plainly marked and submitted as follows:

“SEALED PROPOSAL FOR:

Habitat Restoration on 25 Acres of Illinois International Port District (IIPD) Property at Lake Calumet”

Please have proposals addressed to: Will Kort, Specialist, Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Hard copy proposals should be submitted to Delta Institute, 35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 1760, Chicago, IL 60601.

A digital copy should be emailed to hmhardy@delta-institute.org and wkort@delta-institute.org

Both hard copy and digital proposals are required and should be received by Delta Institute by Friday, September 4, 2026, at 5pm CDT.

Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting and Mandatory Site Visit

Delta Institute will hold a pre-proposal meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 1pm CDT. The meeting will include a summary of the project, proposal process, and review of prospective proposer’s questions. Site visit participants can meet Delta Institute staff at Harborside International Golf Center, 11001 S Doty Ave, Chicago, IL 60628, located on the shoreline of Lake Calumet and on IIPD-owned land. After meeting at Harborside, the group will travel to the required in-person site visit will occur afterward at the 25-acre site located along the southwest shoreline of Lake Calumet. Those who attend the site visit will be required to sign an access/participation waiver before entering the site and must be accompanied at all times by a TWIC-credentialed staff member of IIPD for site security compliance.

Questions

For any questions regarding the RFP, please email Helen Hardy, Delta Institute at hmhardy@delta-institute.org. All questions must be received by Friday, August 14, 2026, at 5pm CDT. All questions will be answered and issued to all companies that are on the RFP holders’ list. If you are unsure if you are on the RFP holders’ list, please contact Helen Hardy, Delta Institute, Phone: 312-554-0900 ext. 11 or email: hmhardy@delta-institute.org to confirm.

Project Description

Delta Institute is restoring 25 acres of habitat around Lake Calumet, benefiting stormwater management and native habitat for wildlife. Please review the full RFP, including Appendix A for a Site Map. See Appendix B for photos of the site captured by Delta Institute in 2025.

This project’s goals (annual basis) are to capture over 4,395,073 stormwater gallons, 20 lbs. nitrogen, 38 lbs. phosphorus, and 10.65 tons of sediment annually. This will be achieved by removing invasive plant species and restoring 25 acres of semi-forested and shoreline habitat, while installing streambank restoration and a plunge pool that will dissipate energy from water flowing into Lake Calumet from S. Doty Ave.

Continuous community engagement is prioritized throughout the project, inclusive of a Community Advisory Team that is managed by Delta, to further ensure that the design and implementation efforts maximize the community benefits and project delivery goals, as well as via numerous local agency and organizational partnerships. Consistent community engagement, outreach, and transparency of the project’s scope will occur throughout all activities. Delta has already engaged residents and community groups who have contributed to the project planning. RFP respondents should expect to present drafts of design, permits, and other related planning to the Community Advisory Team in conjunction with Delta Institute staff.

The 25-acre site is located along the south shore of Lake Calumet and managed by the Illinois International Port District. This competitive process may require that Respondents provide additional information and otherwise cooperate with the IIPD. The IIPD may request a clarification, interview staff, request a presentation, or otherwise verify the contents of a Proposal, including information concerning subcontractors and suppliers.

Project Scope

The selected firm(s) (hereinafter referred to as “Contractor”) shall serve as part of the Project Team for the project and shall complete the scope of work outlined below. The selected Contractor(s) shall study the current state of the entire 25-acre project site to provide a foundational analysis to inform project implementation and monitoring. The Tasks completed by the Contractor(s) shall be based on community feedback (i.e. in close contact with the Community Advisory Team), permit requirements, and environmental compliance. An Implementation Contractor will be chosen at a later stage of the project to complete the site work as designed.

The maximum amount allocated for completing all three Design Contractor Tasks is $65,000.

The chosen Contractor(s) is/are expected to work closely with Delta Institute to ensure that the project’s scope of work is properly completed in a cost-effective, responsive, and timely manner.

Task 1: Pre-Implementation Baseline Site Analysis

The Contractor shall conduct a baseline site analysis for the 25-acre site, which will serve as a foundational analysis to inform project design, implementation, and monitoring, prior to the project implementation. Upon execution of a contract, the Contractor will review all existing surveys and conceptual project plans required for the preparation of full design and permitting plans (Task 2), such a USFWS Ecological Services list of threatened and endangered species that occur in the project location or may be affected by the project. If necessary, the Contractor is encouraged to coordinate with any pertinent consultant or contractor about relevant questions relating to the baseline site analysis.

Design work (Task 2) will commence once the baseline site analysis is complete. Task 1 is estimated to be completed no later than November 30, 2026.

Task 2: Design, Permitting, and Quality Assurance Project Plans

2.1 Design and Site Work Drawings

The Contractor shall develop detailed design specifications and site work drawings for the 25-acre site, working closely with the Project Team and Community Advisory Team to ensure their input is embedded in the design process. Delta Institute will provide opportunities for stakeholder engagement, including but not limited to public meetings and individual meetings/interviews where necessary. This integration is critical to ensuring the overall viability and long-term success of the project.

Designs shall maximize stormwater resilience, habitat restoration, and community benefits.

The Contractor shall present design and site work drawings that are 30% complete to the Project Team and Community Advisory Team by December 31, 2026, for the purpose of gathering feedback. The initial design plans and drawing shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:

1. Plan sheets of existing conditions (site boundaries, property lines, topography, vegetation, habitats, wetlands, streams, roads, trails, and other structures).
2. Typical sections, cross-sections, and details of all improvements (restoration areas, public access points from public roads and nearby infrastructure).
3. Approximate earthwork computations and grading and drainage concepts (and limits of implementation).
4. Planting and restoration concepts (zones for native species, invasive removal areas, habitat enhancement zones, and signage).
5. Location of all utilities and property lines, including names of property owners, parcel addresses, and the Book and Page numbers on which their deed is recorded.
6. Accessibility and safety considerations for ADA-compliant routes, signage orientation, and safety railings on boardwalks if elevated.
7. Preliminary implementation cost estimates.

Two rounds of feedback shall be integrated before 100% of the design and site work drawings are completed by March 31, 2027. The final design and site drawings shall include, at a minimum:

1. Full set of site work drawings, including summary of quantities, standard details, cross-sections, and planting details.
2. Vegetation clearing plan (including tree protection and invasive species management areas).
3. Hydrology, wetland/site improvement, and restoration plans and calculations (including grading and drainage plan, erosion and sediment control plan, and planting and seeding schedule).
4. Implementation details and design for the plunge pool.
5. Complete set of specifications and supporting documentation.
6. Final implementation cost estimate.

The Contractor will meet with the Project Team to discuss these design plans and any required changes. The Contractor shall prepare three (3) hard copies and one (1) digital copy of the final design, site work plans, and specifications, as well as electronic copies of all plan sheet files, all legal descriptions, exhibits, specifications, and manuals for final review and approval by the Project Team.

Task 2.1 must be completed and approved with 100% of the design and site work drawings by March 31, 2027.

2.2 Permitting Coordination

The Contractor shall oversee all permitting coordinating and approval. The Contractor will also be required to consult with agencies as necessary through the permitting process, which may include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and others.

Task 2.2 is estimated to begin when 30% of the site design is completed (see Task 2.1). Permitting coordination must be completed by March 31, 2027.

2.3 Two Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs)

The Contractor shall issue two comprehensive Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), including one focused on project implementation, and one outlining monitoring protocols to track the project’s overall effectiveness after implementation work is complete, which can be incorporated into the Maintenance and Stewardship Plan (Task 3).

QAPPs shall be completed fully within the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s parameters, and in consultation with Delta Institute staff. QAPPs will be finalized prior to March 31, 2027.

Task 2.3 must be completed by April 30, 2027.

Task 3: Maintenance and Stewardship Plan

The Contractor shall create a Maintenance and Stewardship Plan for the IIPD to help manage the project site for five+ years post project completion. Planning shall be informed by the full design engineering and monitoring documents, as well as learnings and recommendations from the community engagement.

The Plan shall highlight efforts to foster ecological sustainability, promote biodiversity, and provide accessible recreational spaces for community engagement. It shall encompass two key objectives:

1. Maintenance Goals: Ensure the ongoing functionality and upkeep of specific elements through tasks like periodic inspections and invasives removal, and replanting/reseeding as needed. This aspect focuses on maintaining the physical condition of what has been planted or built.
2. Stewardship Goals: Focus on preserving and enhancing long-term ecological health and sustainability, including strategies to protect restored lands, wildlife habitats, and surrounding area impacted by Phragmites. This aspect focuses on promoting the overall health of natural resources.

Project maintenance and stewardship planning shall be done in coordination with IIPD, as they will provide long-term stewardship, ensuring maintenance tasks, schedules, and provisions for native habitat maintenance.

Task 3 must be completed by April 30, 2027.

Project Schedule

The following is the schedule of activities, which is subject to change. This RFP for Baseline Site Analysis, Design, and Maintenance and Stewardship Planning Services focuses on the tasks and related deadlines as stated above.

The chosen Contractor must be able to commit resources to this project to ensure adherence to the proposed project schedule. Delta Institute anticipates issuing an Implementation RFP in May 2027 for implementation efforts to occur in late Summer/Fall 2027 and subsequent treatments/maintenance in Spring 2028, based upon expected completion of this Baseline Site Analysis, Design, and Maintenance and Stewardship Planning Services scope.

Requisite Experience

The chosen Contractor must be an engineering and environmental restoration firm that possess the ability, experience, and reputation for quality service necessary to produce high-quality and functional designs that prioritize stormwater management and treatment benefits and community education. Firms with staff with some of the following credentials and licenses will be considered more qualified: Professional Engineer (PE), Licensed Landscape Architect (PLA or RLA), American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and/or American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The chosen Contractor shall demonstrate:

• Expertise in green infrastructure and/or coastal and climate resilience design and feasibility.
• Technical capabilities in site design, cost estimating, and permitting (licensed landscape architect or civil/environmental engineer preferred).
• Strong communication skills, with experience presenting design concepts to community audiences.
• Familiarity with local regulatory and policy frameworks, including City of Chicago and MWRD requirements.

Proposal Checklist

All proposals must include this completed proposal checklist with the following completed components:

• Completed Non-collusion Affidavit Form.
• Completed Official Proposal Pricing Form.
• Proposal narrative (15 pages max) identifying a clear understanding of the project scope, the contractor’s approach to project management, and highlighted experience successfully integrating community feedback into designs.
• Completed References and Qualifications Form.
• No more than three 1-page informational summaries of referenced projects with pictures and graphics from those projects with name of client, location, and contact information.
• Description of key personnel with brief bios and their role on this project.
• Résumé for project manager with whom Delta will interface.
• Certificate of Insurance.
• Completed Delta Institute Signature Authorization Form.
• Completed Delta Institute Questionnaire Form.
• Completed Delta Institute Exception Form.
• Completed Delta Institute Workers’ Compensation Certificate Form.
• Completed Acknowledgement of Addendum Form for all Addendums Form.
• Drug Free workplace policies and procedures.
• Affidavit and statement regarding E-Verify compliance.
• No investment in Iranian energy sector.
  

Method and Criteria for Selection

Delta Institute will evaluate each proposal.

A Proposal Selection Committee, consisting of at least 5 members including IIPD representative(s), has been appointed by Delta Institute to review all proposals. The Committee will review each written proposal submitted to determine if they meet the requirements of this RFP. Failure to meet the essential requirements of this RFP may be cause for rejection of the proposal. The Committee will make independent random checks of the proposer’s references as well as major sub-contractors.

The following criteria will be applied by the Committee to evaluate each proposal with the relative weight to be attributed (in points) to each criterion:

Proposals will be evaluated on Bidder’s qualifications, technical approach, price, and relevant experience.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (e.g., Minority-owned business enterprises or MBEs, Women-owned business enterprises or WBEs, etc.) are encouraged to respond to this RFP.

Upon proposals being scored by the Committee, Delta Institute reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, to waive any irregularities or informalities in any proposal, and to award a contract to the Contractor that best meets the RFP’s requirements.

Relevant factors include completeness and accuracy of proposal; references from other owners, developers, or municipalities regarding past work done by the Contractor and its subs; combination of the certifications; customer service record and experience of the proposed staff; ability to complete the job at the specified time; or other considerations to the advantage of the Delta Institute.

Proposals may not be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after the date set for opening thereof, unless otherwise required by law.

The award of the contract, if awarded, will be made within sixty (60) days after opening of the Proposals. The proposer’s signature on the Proposal form shall constitute a commitment on the part of the proposer to perform the work in a workmanlike manner as set forth in the Request for Proposal. The Contractor to whom the contract is awarded shall be notified upon award of the contract by the Delta Institute. The Proposal Form, the Terms and Conditions, the Special Provisions, the Request for Proposal, together with any plans and/or attachments, shall all be considered as part of the contract between the Delta Institute and the Contractor to whom the contract is awarded.

Discussions may be conducted with responsible proposers who submit proposals determined by the Committee to be reasonably susceptible to being selected for award.

The prospective contractor is advised that, should its proposal result in award of a contract, the contract will not be in effect until it is approved and fully executed by the Delta Institute.

To access the full RFP, including the Terms and Conditions, and all required forms for submissions, click here to download the PDF.