Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park
Annapolis, Maryland
Sea-level Rise Adaption Plan

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:
Adaptation and mitigation strategies, short-term and long-term planning

RFP Posting: November 1, 2023
Questions Due: November 15, 2023
Proposals Due: December 15, 2023
Selection Notification: January 15, 2024

INTRODUCTION
The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park (AMM) stands as a vital institution dedicated to preserving the rich maritime heritage of our community. Housed within the historic McNasby Oyster Company building, our institution faces the critical challenge of rising sea levels threatening our mission, infrastructure, and the irreplaceable maritime history it safeguards.

Acknowledging this pressing concern, the AMM invites qualified consultants or firms to submit proposals for adaptation and mitigation strategies for short-term immediate implementation and long-term planning. This endeavor aims to fortify our Main Campus, notably the iconic McNasby Building, against the impacts of sea-level rise, ensuring its resilience for generations to come. This planning phase will be the foundational step before the subsequent construction and implementation phase.

BACKGROUND
The AMM educates youth and adults about the area’s rich maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay through programs, exhibits, and community events. We accomplish this mission through hands-on programming at two unique locations on Back Creek and aboard its historic skipjack, the Wilma Lee. Since 1990, the AMM has been a vital link between our region’s maritime past and our present connection to the largest estuary in the nation, reaching 12,000 participants annually and attracting over 90,000 visitors.

The AMM’s Main Campus at the McNasby Oyster Company, dating back to 1918, is the last standing oyster house in the Annapolis area. The City of Annapolis acquired it after its use as a waterman’s cooperative until the 1990s. In 2006, the AMM secured a 25-year lease, making it their headquarters. The site includes a public park, a deck, three piers, and a small “barge house.”

Despite post-Hurricane Isabel reconstruction in 2003, the Museum remains vulnerable to natural hazards. Coastal flooding, sea-level rise, erosion, and strong winds pose significant risks. Severe weather events, like the 2021 flood, necessitated a month-long closure and incurred losses exceeding $150,000. Anticipating a 2-foot sea-level rise in the next 50 years (potentially 3.7 feet in 100 years) and situated at an elevation of 2.9 feet NAVD 88, the McNasby structure faces partial or complete submersion. Projections suggest collections, exhibits, and historic structures are at risk of irreversible damage.

FUNDING AND PROJECT PHASES
This project unfolds in three strategic phases:
Phase 1: Comprehensive Exploration and Short-Term Implementation Supported by two grants, Phase 1 combines in-depth exploration of short- and long-term strategies, informing our decisions. It also includes the implementation of select short-term measures for immediate relief.

Phase 2: Detailed Design and Long-Term Strategies In partnership with the City of Annapolis, Phase 2 focuses on the detailed design of chosen long-term solutions, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Phase 3: Construction of Long-Term Solutions This final phase brings envisioned flood mitigation strategies to fruition.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal consultant or firm for the AMM Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan project should have a proven track record in coastal resilience and adaptation planning, specifically demonstrating expertise in addressing sea-level impacts on historic and culturally significant properties. They should have strategies and proficiency in conducting vulnerability assessments, formulating adaptation strategies, and crafting actionable shoreline adaptation plans. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of local, state, and federal regulations governing coastal development, land use, and environmental protection in the Annapolis area is crucial. The selected consultant should showcase an ability to perform cost-benefit analyses, providing valuable insights for decision-making. They should also exhibit innovative thinking and be capable of proposing alternative adaptation planning strategies alongside conventional approaches.

Submissions should address the specific qualifications and experience of the firm and the key personnel involved in this project. Firms responding should concisely detail their firm/staff qualifications, experience with similar projects, and project approach.

ANTICIPATED WORK PRODUCTS
The anticipated work products will collectively form the Sea Level Adaptation Plan for the AMM, providing a comprehensive strategy to enhance resilience against sea level rise and safeguard the AMM’s Main Campus.

Data Compilation and Presentation:
• Compile and analyze existing data related to sea-level rise scenarios and timelines from the City of Annapolis, Army Core of Engineers, Anne Arundel County, etc.
• Develop presentation materials that clearly illustrate these scenarios and their potential impact on the AMM Main Campus.

Adaptation Plan Development:
• Design a detailed sea-level adaptation plan encompassing short-term and long-term strategies, with an integrated cost-benefit analysis for each proposed approach.
• Evaluate various conceptual alternatives, including but not limited to the abandonment of the first floor, elevation of structures, and potential relocation options. Provide an in-depth analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of each alternative.

Risk Assessment and Cost Analysis:
• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment for each conceptual alternative, considering flood vulnerability, structural integrity, and long-term viability factors. Include a detailed cost estimate for each option, encompassing construction, materials, labor, and associated expenses.

Option Ranking and Recommendations:
• Utilize the established criteria to rank the conceptual alternatives based on their performance in the cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, and overall effectiveness.
• Provide a clear recommendation on the most viable sea-level adaptation strategy for the AMM Main Campus, considering all factors.

Final Report and Presentation:
• Compile all findings, analyses, and recommendations into a comprehensive final report emphasizing the integrated cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, and overall effectiveness.
• Prepare a presentation to communicate the essential findings and proposed sea-level adaptation plan to the AMM stakeholders, highlighting the recommended strategy’s overall benefits.

Ensure that the sea-level adaptation plan adheres to all relevant local and federal regulations and consider seeking input from relevant stakeholders throughout the process. The AMM anticipates a comprehensive, actionable plan that prioritizes the safety, resilience, and long-term sustainability of the Main Campus.

QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATIONS
AMM will manage this solicitation’s questions and clarifications process. Interested parties must write their questions to AMM via e-mail at the addresses below. Questions should be submitted electronically to all individuals listed below. AMM answers will be made available to all applicants.

Contact for Questions – Send your questions to all parties identified below.
Sarah Krizek, Capital Project Manager – skrizek@amaritime.org

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS & SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Proposal Format:
• Proposals must be submitted electronically (PDF), including a cover page with the consultant or firm’s name, contact information, and project title.

2. Qualifications and Experience:
• Provide a detailed description of the consultant or firm’s qualifications, experience, and expertise in coastal resilience, adaptation planning, and related projects. Highlight relevant experience in sea level rise adaptation and historic preservation.

3. Project Approach:
• Outline the approach and methodology employed in developing the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan, emphasizing how it aligns with the specific needs of the AMM.

4. Work Plan and Timeline:
• Present a detailed work plan outlining critical tasks, milestones, and a proposed timeline for the completion of the project, including any proposed phases.

5. Cost Proposal:
• Provide a comprehensive cost proposal that includes a breakdown of anticipated expenses for each task and any optional jobs or services.

6. References:
• Include references from previous clients or projects like the AMM Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. Include contact information for verification.

7. Insurance and Certifications:
• Provide evidence of professional liability insurance, licenses, certifications, and other relevant credentials.

8. Subcontractors (if applicable):
• If subcontractors are involved in the project, provide details on their qualifications and scope of work.

9. Additional Information (Optional):
• Consultants or firms may include any additional information, such as innovative approaches, case studies, or examples of successful projects, demonstrating their suitability for this specific project.

Submittal Instructions:
• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Sarah Krizek at skrizek@amaritime.org by 11:59 PM on December 15, 2023.
• The subject line of the email should read: “Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan Proposal – [Consultant/Firm Name].”
• For questions or clarifications regarding this RFP, please contact Sarah Krizek at skrizek@amaritime.org by November 15, 2023

SELECTION PROCESS
1. Proposal Submission Review & Interviews:
• The initial stage of the selection process involves the assessment and ranking of both technical and price proposals. A Selection Committee consisting of AMM Sea-Level Rise Ad Hoc committee members will thoroughly evaluate these submissions.

2. Negotiations and Award:
• Following the evaluation phase, AMM will initiate negotiations with the highest-ranked consultant or firm. The goal will be establishing a mutually agreeable project budget and fee structure for pre-construction and construction management at-risk services. If satisfactory terms cannot be reached, AMM will conclude negotiations and proceed with discussions with the next highest-ranked candidate. A recommendation will be presented to AMM’s Board of Directors upon successful negotiations to award the services contract.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Overview: The assessment of technical proposals will consider the following factors in descending order of importance: Key Personnel, Relevant Project Experience, and Project Approach. Price proposals will assess the comprehensive cost encompassing pre-construction and construction phase fees, general conditions, bonds, insurance, overhead, and profit.

– END REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL –