Background
Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA) is seeking experienced professionals who are interested in supporting the
installation of one 430 square foot conservation landscape at West River Center located in West River, Maryland. We
hope to hire a contractor whose approach prioritizes how community members interact with new in-ground stormwater
management practices, and who would be excited to support projects that take community buy-in and long-term
maintenance into account.

This project is part of the One Water Partnership, of which WSA serves as the technical partner. WSA collaborates with
Interfaith Partners of the Chesapeake (IPC) to design and install green stormwater infrastructure projects at
congregations across Anne Arundel County. IPC serves as program manager of One Water Partnership and will participate
in project reporting, communications, and outreach for this project. This rain garden is a part of One Water Partnerships
Developing Community Partnership for Green Infrastructure and Equity Enhancement Project, and installation is being
funded through the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s 2026 Environment Anne Arundel Fund Grant.
Scope of Work

The service(s) to be provided as a part of this Agreement consists of the complete site preparation and installation of the
roughly 430 sqft conservation landscape on site at West River Center. In addition, possible support of the installation of a
deer fence around the project. Plant acquisition will be handled by WSA.

We anticipate the completion of project installation by November 16th, 2026.

Note: All landscape designs should be installed to require the minimal landscape maintenance possible once plants are
established.

Deliverables
● Attend 1 site visit with WSA and West River Center to confirm site conditions.
● Determine the best method of site preparation based on current site conditions and design plans.
● Confirm underground utilities have been located and cleared prior to beginning site preparation, including
coordinating with MISS Utility if necessary.
● Confirm access, staging, and material delivery needs prior to site preparation.
● Coordinate installation schedule with WSA and West River Center.
● Provide all necessary labor, equipment, and materials for site preparation and installation, not including plants.
● Complete necessary site preparation, plant installation, and mulching of conservation landscape.
● Possible support in installation of a deer fence around project. Please indicate whether the contractor can
provide deer fencing materials and associated installation supplies.
● Coordination with a small number of volunteers during site planting.
● Complete site cleanup and removal of excess soil, debris, and installation materials upon completion.
● Restore any areas disturbed by installation activities to pre-existing conditions.

Proposal Submissions and Requirements
● Proposals are due October 16th, 2026.
● The final proposal will be selected on or before October 23rd , 2026.
● Proposals should be submitted to Marley McKind, Community Restoration Manager, marley@aawsa.org.
● Proposals shall include a Cover Letter or Introduction, giving a brief description of the contractor’s understanding
of the proposed project.
● Proposals shall include a brief description of qualifications and relevant experience, including:
● Examples of similar projects successfully completed, including any previous experience working with
native plants, conservation landscapes, or similar stormwater BMPs.
● Working on community plantings and alongside volunteers.
● The proposal shall include a brief work plan demonstrating the overall approach to site preparation and
installation.
● Provide an anticipated project schedule and confirm availability to complete installation by November 16th,
2026.
● Provide a total cost for the proposed scope of work, including labor, equipment, site preparation, installation,
double shredded, undyed hardwood mulch, cleanup, and any other anticipated costs. Plants will be provided by
WSA.
● The vendor must provide copies demonstrating proof of insurance in their submission.
Note: WSA has not established a fixed project budget for this installation, please provide your most competitive price
based on the scope and design provided.

Proposal Review Process
The Watershed Stewards Academy will assess all proposals and make recommendations as to the best overall proposals
based on experience, quality, and proposed work plan.
Watershed Stewards Academy shall not be liable to any respondent for costs associated with responding to the RFP
Package, for the respondent’s participation in any oral interview if required, or for any costs associated with negotiations.

Evaluation Criteria
The selection team will review proposals based on the following criteria:
● Best use of funds
● Relevant experience
● Inclusion of all deliverables specified in the RFP

 

For more details, visit aawsa.org/hiring