About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Dorchester County Council seeks sealed proposals from qualified consultants for a complete update of the Dorchester County Critical Area Ordinance. Required services include plan consistency analysis, potential map amendments, a resource inventory, growth allocation, element review, and GIS data deliverables. Eligibility is limited to onshore United States organizations. Bidders must submit one original and three copies of their signed proposal in a sealed envelope to the Dorchester County Council in Cambridge, Maryland, by 3:00 p.m. on December 2, 2026. Interested consultants must submit written questions via email to Cassie Hoy by 11:00 a.m. on November 25, 2026. Proposals must include a lump sum cost proposal, and County staff will evaluate submissions on qualifications, past experience, cost, and responsiveness to format requirements.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Dorchester County Council
- Solicitation No.
- 2026-18
Scope of work
- Plan consistency review and solutions for identified inconsistencies across county plans and ordinances
- Identify potential map amendments consistent with Natural Resources Article §8-1809
- Incorporate updated Resource Inventory from Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service
- Growth allocation accounting determination and incorporation into updated ordinance
- Element review covering forest/woodland protection, mineral resources, agriculture, habitat, water-dependent facilities, and renewable energy
- GIS shapefiles, metadata, and digital PDF map deliverables compatible with ESRI ArcGIS
- Draft revised Critical Area Ordinance documents, figures, and maps
- Final adopted document preparation supplying 10 paper copies and an electronic PDF version
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Scope and quality of services provided and demonstrated ability to provide all services identified, including producing update documents per State and County requirements | 30 |
| Past experience with Critical Area Ordinance updates for other Maryland counties | 20 |
| Interested Consultant's current total workload and capacity to complete the work by the stated deadline | 20 |
| The cost to complete this work | 20 |
| Responsiveness of the firm to the submittal format instructions, including number of copies, Cost Proposal, acknowledgements, and other attachments | 10 |
Minimum qualifications
- Not debarred from doing business with the State of Maryland or the Federal Government
- Not in arrears or in default to the County for any debt or contract
Documents to include with your response
- Signed proposal
- Qualifications and experience documentation
- Description of approach, proposed work plan, and schedule
- Cost Proposal form with a lump sum rate
- List of key staff to be assigned to the project
- Acknowledgement of Any Past or Present Lawsuits
- Certificate of good standing with the State of Maryland
Key dates
- Opening Date
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Questions Due By
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
- Deadline for Questions (alternate citation)
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026, 11:00 p.m.
- Closing Date / Proposals Due
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
- Proposals Opened
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
- Award Date
- Wednesday, December 16, 2026
How to submit
- Method
- Sealed hard copy
- Instructions
- Submit an original and three (3) copies in a sealed envelope marked 'Proposal for Dorchester County Critical Area Ordinance Comprehensive Update' to Dorchester County Council, 501 Court Lane, Room 108, Cambridge, MD 21613. The body of the proposal is limited to no more than 10 pages.
Contract details
- Term
- Work completed and the updated Critical Area Ordinance is effective by June 30, 2027
- Estimated value
- $25,000
- Place of performance
- Dorchester County, Maryland
- Insurance and bonding
- Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, $500,000 property damage, occurrence form, covering personal injury, discrimination, and civil rights claims. Automobile insurance on all vehicles. Workers' Compensation Insurance with employer's liability to Maryland statutory minimum. 30 days' notice of cancellation. Dorchester County named as Additional Insured.
- Funding
- State of Maryland's Critical Area Commission grant award in the amount of $25,000 (FY27 Grant Agreement #K00P7600143)