Freshwater Mussel Survey and Aquatic Species Relocation Services

The City of Waco, Texas, is seeking a qualified vendor to provide freshwater mussel survey and aquatic species relocation services. The agency needs to determine the presence or absence of freshwater mussel species in local waterbodies and obtain population estimates if these species are present. To resolve potential environmental conflicts during projects, the agency requires assistance with permitting, approvals, and the physical relocation of aquatic species. The scope of work covers comprehensive freshwater mussel surveys, including literature and database reviews of historically documented species and identification of any state or federally listed threatened or endangered species. The selected vendor must employ appropriate sampling techniques, such as hookah and agency-approved methods, to perform presence/absence surveys, species identification, and quantification. The agency requires photo documentation of the surveys and a final report for each survey delivered in PDF format. For aquatic resource relocations, the scope includes conducting historical database reviews for specific project sites and collaborating with agency staff, design engineers, construction contractors, and stakeholders. The vendor must draft or assist agency Environmental Services staff in drafting Aquatic Resource Relocation Plans. The agency also requires assistance in drafting Applications for Permits to Introduce Fish, Shellfish, or Aquatic Plants into Public Waters. Bidders must possess the specific expertise and qualifications required to perform underwater, scientific dives to execute the survey and relocation tasks. Eligibility is restricted to onshore vendors located within the United States, and the performance of the work will occur offsite. The agency is awarding a contract with a performance period of one year. The agency is currently looking for proposals to establish the budget for these services. Bidders must submit all questions regarding this opportunity no later than July 3, 2026.