The North Branch Chicago River Watershed Workgroup (NBWW) is seeking proposals from qualified consulting firms interested in providing technical and professional services as described in the Scope of Services.  The intent of this Request for Proposals (RFP) for NBWW Microbial Source Tracking Services is to assist the NBWW in developing a two-year monitoring strategy to identify and trace human-associated DNA markers related to elevated E. coli concentrations within the North Branch Chicago River watershed (planning area). This RFP Scope of Services also includes the proposed two-year monitoring strategy and its incorporation into an Illinois EPA Section 604(b) grant application to be submitted this year (see Scope of Services for full details).

The study area includes the North Branch Chicago River watershed planning boundary and 25 NBWW monitoring sites. In 2025, the NBWW conducted preliminary microbial source tracking investigations that indicated a need for additional monitoring and further analysis to identify sources of human-associated DNA markers in the watershed. Based on these initial findings, the NBWW is interested in pursuing Illinois EPA Section 604(b) grant funding to expand and implement a more comprehensive microbial source tracking program throughout the watershed. Additional details regarding the project objectives and required tasks are provided in the Scope of Services section.

Firms must demonstrate the capacity to meet project schedules, possess technical expertise in microbial source tracking services, and have experience preparing and submitting successful applications for Illinois EPA grant funding opportunities, including projects that have been awarded funding.