2024_IE_RFQ.pdf

State of California – A Natural Resources Agency Gavin Newsom, Governor

OFFICE OF ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE SAFETY Caroline Thomas Jacobs, Director 715 P Street, 15th Floor | Sacramento, CA 95814

916.902.6000 | www.energysafety.ca.gov

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

INDEPENDENT EVALUATOR LIST

RFQ No.: 24-033680 Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety

December 12, 2024

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). To respond to the RFQ, submit a statement of qualifications (SOQ). In the SOQ submission, you must comply with the instructions contained in this document as well as the requirements stated in the Section 3: Scope of Work. By submitting a SOQ, the Applicant agrees to the terms and conditions stated in this RFQ.

NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL OF A SOQ IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFQ IS:

January 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST

Department Contact and SOQ Submissions:

Matt Freeman Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, Procurement Division

715 P Street, 15th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814

Email: matt.freeman@energysafety.ca.gov and cc: IEinfo@energysafety.ca.gov Subject: RFQ#24-033680 (SOQs/Question/Public Comment) mailto:matt.freeman@energysafety.ca.gov i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General Information / Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Copyright

1.3 RFQ Ownership

1.4 Key Action Dates

1.5 Key Contact Information

2. Conflict of Interest Requirements

2.1 General Description

2.2 Definitions

2.3 Prohibitions and Obligations Related to Conflict of Interest

2.4 Potential Exclusion

3. Scope of Work

3.1 Task 1 – Project Team Management and Quality Control

3.2 Task 2 – Wildfire Mitigation Plan Initiative Compliance Verification: Execution of WMP Goals and Targets

3.3 Task 3 – Wildfire Mitigation Plan Initiative Funding Verification: Failure to Fund WMP Initiatives

3.4 Task 4 – Validation of Wildfire Mitigation Plan Compliance Quality Assurance/Quality Control Programs

3.5 Independent Evaluator Performance Standards

3.6 Independent Evaluator Minimum Performance Requirements

3.7 Approval Process of Final Deliverables - IE Annual Report on Compliance

4. Response Requirements for this RFQ

4.1 Statement of Qualifications

4.1.1 Minimum Qualifications

4.1.2 Extra Qualifications

4.2 Statement of Qualifications Submission

RFQ #24-033680

ii

5. Statement of Qualifications Evaluation

5.1 Evaluation and Selection Process

5.2 Evaluation and Rating

5.3 Applicant Responsibility

6. Contracting Process

6.1 Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program

7. Project Supervision

8. Withdrawal and Disposition of this RFQ

9. Audit and Inspection Rights

10. ATTACHMENT A – Transmittal letter

11. ATTACHMENT B – Independent Evaluator Qualifications

12. ATTACHMENT C – Reference Sheet

13. ATTACHMENT D – Conflict of Interest Declaration

14. ATTACHMENT E – SOQ Submittal Checklist

15. APPENDIX A – Master List of Field Verifiable Initiatives

1. General Information / Introduction The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety), in consultation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), is establishing a list of qualified Independent Evaluators (IE). This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be used to develop a list of firms qualified to conduct independent evaluations as described below. Nine electrical corporations (ECs) must enter into a contract with an IE on that list.

The purpose of this RFQ is to develop a list of IEs qualified to review and assess ECs’ compliance with their approved Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP) across both initiative targets and funding, and to evaluate ECs’ quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) programs.

The IEs should refer to the WMPs published on Energy Safety’s website (https://energysafety.ca.gov/what-we-do/electrical-infrastructure-safety/wildfire-mitigation-and-safety/wildfire-mitigation-plans/) to understand the scale and scope of these documents.

Energy Safety is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified firms interested in being on the IE list to perform the various functions outlined in the Scope of Work (SOW) below. Qualified firms must be able to demonstrate compliance with the Conflict of Interest (COI) terms, identified in Section 2 of this RFQ.

Nine ECs in the State of California will be engaging an IE. They are:

• Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. – 32-square-mile service area serving 25,000 customers

• Horizon West Transmission, LLC – transmission-only assets and no service territory / customers

• Liberty Utilities – 1,500-square-mile service area serving 48,000 customers

• LS Power Grid California – transmission-only assets and no service territory

• PacifiCorp – 11,000-square-mile service area serving 47,000 customers

• Pacific Gas and Electric Company – 70,000-square-mile service area serving 16 million customers

• Southern California Edison Company – 50,000-square-mile service area serving 15 million customers

• San Diego Gas & Electric Company – 4,100-square-mile service area serving 3.7 million customers

• Trans Bay Cable LLC – transmission-only assets and no service territory https://energysafety.ca.gov/what-we-do/electrical-infrastructure-safety/wildfire-mitigation-and-safety/wildfire-mitigation-plans/ https://energysafety.ca.gov/what-we-do/electrical-infrastructure-safety/wildfire-mitigation-and-safety/wildfire-mitigation-plans/ https://energysafety.ca.gov/what-we-do/electrical-infrastructure-safety/wildfire-mitigation-and-safety/wildfire-mitigation-plans/

1.1 Background

Pursuant to California Public Utilities Code (PUC) section 8386.3, the nine California ECs are required to engage with an IE to review and assess the ECs’ compliance with its WMP. The IE is required consult with, and operate under the direction of, the office and issue a report on July 1 of each year. The report must include an evaluation of whether the EC failed to fund any activities included in its plan.1 Energy Safety, in consultation with CAL FIRE, establishes a list of qualified IEs with experience in assessing the safe operation of electrical infrastructure.

The purpose of this solicitation is to create the list of IEs with which ECs may contract.

1.2 Copyright

By submitting a response, the Applicant agrees that Energy Safety may copy the response for purposes of facilitating evaluations or to respond to requests for public records. The Applicant represents that such copying will not violate any copyrights in the materials submitted. The Applicant understands that Energy Safety will publish company information on the Internet so that Energy Safety employees, CAL FIRE employees, the public, and ECs have access to the most accurate information.

1.3 RFQ Ownership

Energy Safety and CAL FIRE will not be responsible for any costs incurred by the Applicant or their associates in preparing, delivering, or presenting responses to this RFQ. By submitting a response to this RFQ, the Applicant accepts that Energy Safety will keep a copy of the response, and all other documentation and correspondence received from the Applicant.

Once submitted, the Applicant responses will be the property of the State of California and will not be returned. All information submitted in response to this RFQ will become public records, which are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

1.4 Key Action Dates

Listed in Table 1 are the key dates of this RFQ process. Any SOQs received after the Final Due date and time will be rejected. Key Action Dates after the “Final SOQ Due Date” are subject to change at Energy Safety’s discretion without issuing an addendum to this RFQ. If the RFQ is modified prior to the Final SOQ Due Date, Energy Safety will issue an addendum via the Cal eProcure website.

NOTE: This solicitation only establishes the list of qualified IEs. It does not address the contractual relationship between the IE and the EC.

1 See PUC section 8386.3, subdivision (c), paragraph (2).

Table 1: Key Action Dates

Key Actions Due Date

RFQ released; Posted on Cal eProcure website December 12, 2024

Deadline for submission of written questions. December 19, 2024

Responses to written questions posted on Cal eProcure. January 2, 2025

Final SOQ Submission Date. January 5, 2025

IE list published on Energy Safety’s e-Filing System under the “2025 IE” Docket # for use by ECs.

Pub. Util. Code 8386.3(c)(2)(A)

By February 28, 2025

ECs must fully execute contract with an IE. 60 days after IE list is posted

Energy Safety hosts IE kickoff meetings. Upon contract award

IEs conduct compliance evaluation and submit IE ARC. July 1, 2025

IEs submit draft IE ARCs to Energy Safety for review. June 6, 2025

Energy Safety reviews submitted draft IE ARCs; returns to IEs for final iteration.

June 20, 2025

Final IE ARCs due to Energy Safety. July 1, 2025

Contracted IEs meet with Energy Safety staff for post-IE ARC submission debrief.

July 2025

1.5 Key Contact Information

Matt Freeman

Email: matt.freeman@energysafety.ca.gov Mailing Address:

Matt Freeman Procurement Division

Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety 715 P Street, 15th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814

2. Conflict of Interest Requirements

2.1 General Description

If a firm or a team member of a firm (as defined in Section 2.2) has a conflict of interest (as mailto:matt.freeman@energysafety.ca.gov defined in Section 2.2) the firm is not qualified to perform work as an IE unless the firm submits a conflict mitigation plan, for approval by Energy Safety.

Firms must disclose actual and potential conflicts of interest when submitting the statement of qualifications in response to this RFQ. For each actual or potential conflict of interest, the disclosure must:

1. Describe in detail the nature of each actual or potential conflict which involves the following: any electrical corporation that will contract with an IE evaluator, personnel, financial advantage, possibility of future work with an IE, or any other basis for the conflict of interest.

2. Describe in detail the measures proposed to mitigate the actual or potential conflict.

3. Describe in detail the intended effect of the proposed measures on each actual or potential conflict of interest and how the proposed mitigation will mitigate the actual or potential conflict of interest.

For each actual or potential conflict of interest, provide the name, telephone number, and email address of a person authorized to discuss the conflict of interest with Energy Safety. For each actual or potential conflict of interest disclosed, Energy Safety will determine if the proposed mitigation measures mitigate the effect of the conflict of interest. If Energy Safety determines that the plan will not mitigate the effect of the conflict, the firm will be disqualified from IE enlistment.

2.2 Definitions

1. “Conflict of Interest” (COI) means a) any activity or interest prohibited by any applicable federal or state law, including the Political Reform Act, relating to conflicts of interest; b) any financial interest or relationship that may impair the ability of the IE to deliver unbiased work.

2. “Listed Independent Evaluator” means a firm(s) that has been accepted by Energy Safety to appear on the list of qualified IEs that ECs may engage in a contract to conduct the SOW identified in this RFQ. The Listed IE includes all team members.

3. “Team Member” includes a) any firm (either as a prime or sub-contractor) whether incorporated or not, including a sole proprietorship; and b) any individual, whether an employee, independent consultant or other.

2.3 Prohibitions and Obligations Related to Conflict of

Interest

1. Prohibitions

During the duration of any contract between a qualified IE and an EC the IE and any team member shall not engage in any activity that would constitute a COI.

2. Obligations

For the term of this RFQ and subsequent award of any contracts pursuant to being identified as an IE, all team members will be obligated to:

a. Comply with the requirements herein for all proposed team members unless expressly excluded.

b. Avoid any activity, agreement, business investment, or interest that leads to a COI or the perception of a COI during the terms of an EC agreement and IE enlistment period.

c. Avoid any activity, agreement, business investment, or interest that impairs their ability to act independently and serve Energy Safety pursuant to PUC section 8386 et.

seq, particularly an activity with an EC and/or an activity related to the specific project.

d. Avoid any activity that impairs their ability to provide impartial, technically sound, objective assistance, such that the team member can provide unbiased work products.

e. Avoid any activity that may provide an opportunity to benefit from having access to confidential information related to this work or use information gained during this project to provide an unfair competitive advantage to a team member.

f. Comply with notice and disclosure obligations described below, including signing COI statements at the firm and individual level.

g. Comply with any and all applicable COI laws and the COI terms of this RFQ or any resulting agreement, including maintaining COI procedures at the firm level.

2.4 Potential Exclusion

If an IE fails to (1) meet IE minimum performance requirements of Section 3.6, (2) assess an EC's compliance with the applicable WMP as written in Section 3 – Scope of Work, (3) fails to determine whether an EC funded each of the applicable WMP initiatives, or (4) fails to provide the report by the deadline, then Energy Safety is permitted to bar the IE from performing as an IE during the following year.

3. Scope of Work This section states the roles and responsibilities of the IE. Where there is disagreement with the below information and the Compliance Guidelines or the Independent Evaluator Annual Report on Compliance Outline for Wildfire Mitigation Plan Compliance Year 2024 (IE ARC Outline), the Compliance Guidelines will prevail over this document, which will prevail over the IE ARC Outline.

An IE that contracts with an EC must consult with, and operate under the direction of, Energy

Safety.2 The findings of the IE are not binding on Energy Safety in its determination of compliance.

The IE must perform administrative functions, complete a series of specific plan reviews, review data, records, and documents, conduct site-inspections, and conduct interviews, as necessary, to review EC compliance with approved WMPs in accordance with the tasks outlined in this SOW. Required IE tasks include Tasks 1-4, below.

3.1 Task 1 – Project Team Management and Quality Control

The IE must:

1. Schedule, attend, and participate in meetings as requested by Energy Safety. The majority of these meetings will be hosted via Microsoft Teams or other virtual meeting platforms.

2. Develop and share agendas with Energy Safety at least one business day prior to each meeting and circulate meeting minutes no later than one business day after each meeting with Energy Safety.

3. Designate a single project manager. The project manager will act as the point of contact for this contract and will oversee the contractor’s team and ensure execution of deliverables according to the schedule.

4. Establish a Program Management Office (PMO) and develop all standard PMO processes and procedures, including but not limited to project charter, project plans, project tracking, governance plan, communication plan, forms and templates, deliverable timelines, cost tracking, project risk analysis and other project support functions as required by Energy Safety.

5. Develop procedures required to establish the IE’s audit and field inspection program, including process for coordinating audit and field inspections with ECs, audit and inspection scheduling, auditor or inspector assignments, guidelines for performing work in the field, documentation requirements, issue escalation and other supporting processes as required by Energy Safety.

6. Supervise and manage IE’s personnel, including daily management and tracking of all IE’s personnel location and work assignments.

7. Plan, organize, review, monitor, train and provide general direction to IE staff.

8. Confirm completion of the necessary technical and safety training necessary for evaluating work associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of electrical lines and equipment in various environments.

9. Ensure IE personnel have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment required by

2 PU Code section 8386.3(b)(2)(B)(i)

ECs and Energy Safety.

10. Ensure IE personnel have the appropriate inspection tools.

11. Monitor the health and safety of personnel working in a hazardous environment.

12. Ensure that all files and documentation adhere to Energy Safety standards of the Microsoft Suite of products including Microsoft Project, and, where appropriate, established geographical information system (GIS) products.

13. Coordinate with the ECs operating the electric infrastructure being inspected, Energy Safety, and anyone else as required by Energy Safety.

3.2 Task 2 – Wildfire Mitigation Plan Initiative Compliance

Verification: Execution of WMP Goals and Targets

To satisfy the requirement of PUC section 8386.3(c)(2)(B)(i), each EC must engage an IE from the approved IE list to review and assess the ECs’ compliance with 2024 targets in the latest approved version of the 2023-25 WMP.

The IE must:

1. Use the latest approved version of the WMP to create a list of all initiatives with accompanying targets (hereinafter referred to as “Initiative List”).

2. Work with Energy Safety and use all available information, including past and present WMPs, associated filings (e.g., Quarterly Data Reports (QDRs), WMP Progress Reports, etc.), and any relevant Subject Matter Expert (SME) interviews to select 10 to 15 initiatives (hereinafter referred to as ‘Focus Initiatives’) for a more in-depth assessment. For ECs with fewer than 10 total initiatives, consider all initiatives to be Focus Initiatives. Focus Initiatives are intended to evaluate initiatives that contribute to the most risk-reduction, address the most consequential ignition risks, and/or assess initiatives with which an EC is or has been substantially non-compliant. Refer to IE ARC Outline for additional guidance on selecting Focus Initiatives. Energy Safety will have final approval over the list of Focus Initiatives.

3. Classify all other initiatives on the Initiative List as “Non-Focus Initiatives.”

4. Obtain from Energy Safety the Master List of Field Verifiable Initiatives (refer to Appendix A) and use the guidance in the second column of Table 2 to sub-divide Focus Initiatives and Non-Focus Initiatives into Field Verifiable and Non-Field Verifiable.

5. For each initiative on the Initiative List, determine sample size to verify using the simplified version of Cochran's sample size formula with a finite population correction (refer to IE ARC Outline Section 2.3 for guidance), and adjust the inputs based on the initiative segment as outlined in the IE ARC Outline, Appendix B. Energy Safety will have final approval over sample size determination and sample selection.

6. On an as-needed basis, conduct field inspections, request documentation, and conduct SME interviews to verify compliance for each initiative with targets outlined in the WMP.

7. Extrapolate verification results across the entire sample population to confirm EC adherence to the targets outlined in the WMP. Refer to the third column of Table 2 for additional verifications to be performed by the IE for each segment.

8. Report to the EC any issues that pose an imminent safety hazard in a timely manner and include documentation of any such issues and reports in the IE ARC.

9. Structure IE ARC by WMP categories and include a summary section for each WMP category to discuss the IE’s assessment and findings as detailed in the IE ARC Outline.

Table 2: WMP Initiative Segmentation and IE Verifications Required

Initiative segment

Field Verification Specific verifications to be performed by the IE

Sample size formula inputs

Focus & Field Verifiable Initiatives

Recommended

Context-dependent

Completion of installation or work

Adherence to applicable work standards and protocols

Sample proportion = sample validation rate from prior year IE ARC with minimum of 85% and maximum of 95% (90% if none provided in prior compliance year IE

ARC)

Confidence level = 95%

Margin of error = 5%

Focus & Non-Field Verifiable Initiatives

Rarely beneficial except with extenuating circumstances

Completion of installation or work

Sample proportion = sample validation rate from prior year IE ARC with minimum of 85% and maximum of 95% (90% if none provided in prior compliance year IE

ARC)

Confidence level =95%

Margin of error = 5%

Initiative segment

Field Verification Specific verifications to be performed by the IE

Sample size formula inputs

Non-Focus & Field Verifiable Initiatives

Recommended Completion of installation or work

Adherence to applicable work standards and protocols

Sample proportion = sample validation rate from prior year IE ARC with minimum of 85% and maximum of 95% (90% if none provided in prior compliance year IE

ARC)

Confidence level = 95%

Margin of error = 10%

Non-Focus & Non-Field Verifiable Initiatives

Context-dependent

Rarely beneficial except with extenuating circumstances

Completion of installation or work

Sample proportion = sample validation rate from prior year IE ARC with minimum of 85% and maximum of 95% (90% if none provided in prior compliance year IE

ARC)

Confidence level = 95%

Margin of error = 10%

3.3 Task 3 – Wildfire Mitigation Plan Initiative Funding

Verification: Failure to Fund WMP Initiatives In addition to determining whether the EC complied with its WMP goals and targets, the IE must determine whether the EC failed to fund any initiatives included in its WMP (PUC section 8386.3(c)(2)(B)(i)).

The IE must:

1. Use all available information, including approved WMPs and associated filings (e.g., QDRs, WMP Progress Reports, etc.), memorandum account information, and SME interviews to determine the EC’s budgets and expenditures for each WMP initiative.

Memorandum account information includes but is not limited to Wildfire Mitigation Plan Memorandum Account (WMPMA), Fire Risk Mitigation Memorandum Account (FRMMA), Fire Hazard Prevention Memorandum Account (FHPMA), and Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account (CEMA).

2. Document any discrepancies across filings, their causes, and conduct additional research to determine the correct values pertaining to initiative budgets and expenditures.

3. Document all instances in which WMP initiatives were funded less than 100% of the budgeted amount.

4. For all instances in which a WMP initiative’s absolute percent difference is greater than 10%, analyze the EC’s explanations with respect to initiative completion to determine why the funding discrepancy occurred and how it affected the overall risk mitigation achieved. Request additional information via data requests or SME interviews if additional rationale is needed.

5. Synthesize findings and trends regarding the EC’s budgets and expenditures as they relate to initiative progress at the WMP category level. Refer to the IE ARC Outline for additional detail.

3.4 Task 4 – Validation of Wildfire Mitigation Plan

Compliance Quality Assurance/Quality Control Programs

Energy Safety requires each IE to list, describe, and validate the EC’s QA/QC programs for ensuring WMP compliance.

The IE must:

1. Request documentation to understand existing QA/QC programs and the QA/QC policies and procedures.

2. On an as-needed basis, conduct SME interviews to validate QA/QC programs.

3. Describe the process and documentation reviewed when conducting the assessment.

4. Synthesize findings on the completeness and effectiveness of the QA/QC programs and provide recommendations for improvement using the framework provided in the IE ARC Outline Appendix E.

3.5 Independent Evaluator Performance Standards

To ensure consistent, high quality and reliable IE ARC, IEs are required to meet the performance standards prescribed below:

1. Methodology and verification:

a. Consistently and accurately implement all guidance from IE ARC Outline to prepare for IE assessment, including:

i. Selection of Focus Initiatives for deeper analysis.3

3 Focus Initiatives are defined in IE ARC Outline.

ii. Determination of which initiatives to field verify.4

iii. Calculation of sample sizes and selection of sites / samples, with Energy Safety's written approval of field plan.5

a. Verify compliance for all WMP initiatives by virtue of field inspections, desk reviews of requested documents, and/or interviews as appropriate, and conducting deeper analyses for Focus Initiatives

b. Create a complete list of initiatives from the WMP, capturing all actions the EC states it will, intends to, or plans to accomplish within the compliance period

c. Evaluate funding compliance to determine variance between budget and spend, highlight discrepancies, identify when funding and progress are not aligned, and document EC's rationale to understand drivers

d. Assess QA/QC programs via documentation and interviews to confirm alignment to industry best practices, identify areas where QA/QC program lacks maturity, and highlight opportunities for improvement

2. Overall report quality and usefulness:

a. Provide useful insights to Energy Safety on level of risk reduction achieved, year-over-year trends (if applicable), key risk areas that Energy Safety should assess further, opportunities and recommendations for ECs to improve. Share additional findings and insights on ECs or the IE Annual Cycle process in closeout debrief meeting. This will assist in continuously improving both the EC execution of its WMP but also in the IE program.

3. Report structure and content:

a. Adhere to established reporting requirements in Compliance Guidelines,6 SOW, and IE ARC Outline; ensure that IE ARC contains all required content and is structured in alignment with the specified outline and format

4. Project management:

a. Maintain effective communication and demonstrate responsiveness to questions and feedback from Energy Safety throughout the engagement

b. Ensure timely submission of the IE ARC in accordance with established deadlines and submission requirements

4 Field verifiable initiatives specified in Appendix A.

5 Sample size calculations specified in the IE ARC Outline Section 2.3 and Appendix B.

6 2024 Compliance Guidelines.

https://efiling.energysafety.ca.gov/eFiling/Getfile.aspx?fileid=57320&shareable=true.

https://efiling.energysafety.ca.gov/eFiling/Getfile.aspx?fileid=57320&shareable=true

3.6 Independent Evaluator Minimum Performance

Requirements

1. The IE must have all necessary and appropriate tools and systems to meet the requirements of performing an independent evaluation of EC compliance with its WMP.

2. IE must ensure its staff performing field inspections have all necessary and appropriate capabilities and training to perform such work safely.

3. The IE must instruct ECs to provide data request responses within three (3) business days.

4. The IE must review an EC’s work quality and adherence to applicable protocols, procedures, and EC construction standards, in addition to verification of work completion.

5. The IE must ensure the following contract provisions, or language with similar meaning, are not included in the executed agreement between the IE and EC:

a. EC has sole discretion to terminate the IE or an IE team member.

b. EC has sole discretion to change SOW.

c. EC has sole authority to approve any deliverables.

d. Energy Safety is authorized to approve invoices.

e. Drafts of IE work products are sent to EC for review.

f. The IE receives direction only from the EC.

6. Each EC is solely responsible for the costs incurred in contracting with IEs and the costs of the IE’s work.

7. IEs must provide a copy of all electronic communications containing exchanges of information or documents material to the IE’s evaluation of WMP compliance between the IE and EC to a designated Energy Safety representative and the inbox:

Compliance@energysafety.ca.gov.

8. IEs must provide a comprehensive and complete IE ARC on time and of acceptable quality for use in assessing EC compliance with its WMP.

3.7 Approval Process of Final Deliverables - IE Annual Report on Compliance

1. The IE must submit to Energy Safety the draft IE ARC for review by the date identified in Table 1. Any necessary revisions must be addressed by the IE prior to the final submittal of the IE ARC. The EC may not review the IE ARC report in its draft form prior to its submission to Energy Safety.

2. The final IE ARC must be delivered to Energy Safety by the date identified in Table 1 via mailto:Compliance@energysafety.ca.gov an agreed upon submission method. This delivery must include a copy of all documents, data, records, and other information relied upon by the IE in making its determinations.

3. Energy Safety will post the final IE ARC publicly on the applicable IE docket within the Energy Safety e-Filing System.

4. After posting of the final IE ARC, the ECs will have thirty (30) days to respond to the IE findings. Any EC responses must be submitted to the applicable IE docket within the Energy Safety e-Filing System.

5. Energy Safety must receive all draft deliverables and approve all final deliverables.

4. Response Requirements for this RFQ

4.1 Statement of Qualifications

4.1.1 Minimum Qualifications

The Applicant’s team must fulfill the following minimum qualifications and provide documentation to verify each qualification as required. Applicants that do not meet these minimum qualifications will be rejected.

Category I: Technical expertise

1. The Applicant’s team must meet the minimum licensing and certification requirements and must include a copy of the licenses and certifications with its SOQ.

a. Firm(s) or individual(s) must possess at least one (1) Electrical Engineering license issued by the State of California with verifiable knowledge and experience in electrical engineering and be fully competent and proficient in reviewing construction documents.

b. The Applicant must adhere to the State of California Professional Engineers Act (Business and Professions Code sections 6700-6799). The Professional Engineers Act includes the requirement for licensure to practice civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering (Section 6730) and requires a licensed engineer in the State of California to certify engineering work.

c. The Applicant or affiliates must include team members that have extensive experience with assessing the safe operation of electrical infrastructure, which may include team member(s) with Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW) (or equivalent) qualifications.

2. Applicant must have prior audit experience (including assessment of compliance to construction standards) and are recommended to demonstrate familiarity with applying Generally Accepted Auditing Standards/Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAAS/GAGAS).

3. The Applicant must certify all personnel meet all appropriate safety requirements for the work being performed, including adhering to all active and relevant local, state, and Federal COVID-19 protocols.

4. Firm(s) or individual(s) must have team members with prior experience relating to vegetation management for wildfire mitigation and demonstrate an understanding of vegetation management best practices and regulatory requirements or have relevant prior experience of the firm undertaking such activities and provide details including their name(s), contact details, work location(s), qualifications and prior experience (highlighting any prior experience with Energy Safety, or Electrical Corporations).

Team must include a registered Professional Forester and/or ISA Certified Arborist with Utilities Specialist certification.

5. Firm(s) or individual(s) must have prior experience in interpreting GIS data or must have completed relevant coursework in GIS data analysis.

Category II: Project management

1. The Applicant must certify they will contract with an EC only to the extent they can provide the number of personnel needed to complete the entire scope of work detailed herein for each applicable EC (via Transmittal Letter).

2. The Applicant must have a dedicated Project Management Lead. Prior experience in leading and managing projects is preferred.

3. The Applicant must identify all subcontractors proposed for participation in the SOW.

Category III: Operational

1. The Applicant will work statewide in the State of California, in coordination with various ECs and Energy Safety staff and must be available to perform timely inspection of work performed by the ECs.

2. The Applicant’s personnel performing field inspection(s) must have the skillset and ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions.

3. Applicant and all affiliates (all primary and sub-contractors) must submit COI declarations with their SOQ.

4. Applicant must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State. Applicants with no office in the State of California must submit a statement confirming the availability of local staff for necessary field inspections.

NOTE: All minimum qualifications asserted by the Applicant may be subject to verification by Energy Safety.

4.1.2 Extra Qualifications

In addition to the mandatory requirements, Energy Safety has outlined certain extra qualifications below. These qualifications are not mandatory but may help an applicant’s SOQ achieve the necessary cumulative minimum rating.

Category I: Technical expertise

1. Firm(s) or individual(s) recommended to demonstrate a high quality of report writing as evidenced by the provided work sample.

2. Firm(s) or individual(s) recommended to have an understanding of the statutory requirements pertaining to IEs as outlined in PUC section 8386.3, their roles and responsibilities, and WMPs filed pursuant to PUC section 8386 in addition to any regulatory requirements established by Energy Safety in the guidelines or SOW.

3. Firm(s) or individual(s) recommended to have prior experience with wildfire mitigation/risk reduction in wildfire-prone areas.

4. Firm(s) or individual(s) recommended to have prior experience to evaluate the effectiveness and quality of existing programs to determine if they meet required industry standards and best practices.

5. Firm(s) or individual(s) recommended to have an ISA master arborist and prior experience with utility vegetation management.

Category II: Project management

1. The Applicant is required to demonstrate, at all times, that they can and will effectively manage time and resources across multiple projects, setting work plan schedule and workflow, and respond to needs of Energy Safety or ECs in a timely and competent manner.

4.2 Statement of Qualifications Submission

A complete copy of the SOQ, which must include a wet or digital signature, must be emailed to IEinfo@energysafety.ca.gov and received no later than the date stated in Table 1.

SOQS MUST BE IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT AND CONTAIN ALL THE

INFORMATION LISTED BELOW:

Attachment A – Transmittal Letter

The transmittal letter must include the Applicant's (the primary contractor's) name and address and must be signed by the individual or individuals who are authorized to act on behalf of the Applicant during the selection process. The transmittal letter must indicate the signer is so authorized and must include their name, title, telephone number, and e-mail address. The text of the transmittal letter must be limited to two pages in length and must include:

• A summary outlining the qualifications and competencies of the Applicant (Primary Contractor) related to the services found in Section 3 (SOW).

• A brief description of the services that any subcontractor(s) will provide and a summary of their qualifications.

• A short description of team structure and the roles and responsibilities of key mailto:IEinfo@energysafety.ca.gov personnel related to the services found in Section 3 (SOW).

• The transmittal letter must also include the following statements that are provided in the template (Attachment A – Transmittal Letter). The statements must be signed by the individual(s) who is/are authorized to act on behalf of the Applicant during the selection process. If the firm does not sign the statements or adjusts the language of the statements, its SOQ will not be evaluated:

By submitting this Statement of Qualifications, the Firm, _____[Applicant Name]_____, commits that, if listed as a qualified Independent Evaluator and subsequently contracted by an electrical corporation, it will perform the assessment as outlined by the California Public Utilities Code section 8386.3, under the oversight of Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety), and in compliance with the 2024 Energy Safety Compliance Guidelines.

The Firm, _____[Applicant Name]_____, commits to conducting the assessment in alignment with the expectations set forth in the Scope of Work (Request for Qualifications, Section 3), and understands that failure to meet these expectations may result in not being selected as a qualified Independent Evaluator in future Wildfire Mitigation Plan cycles. The Firm also understands that the Statement of Qualifications is not a guarantee for placement on Energy Safety’s Independent Evaluator List or a guarantee of work, and that Energy Safety does not guarantee work as a result of listing an Applicant on the Independent Evaluator List.

The Firm, _______[Applicant Name]______, will ensure that a well-qualified project manager and supporting technical team will be available to perform work at various times during the term of the Independent Evaluator enlistment period and subsequent electrical corporation agreements, and that substitution of staff will only be done when absolutely necessary due to a change in employment status (or similar) and must be approved in advance by Energy Safety.

Attachment B - Independent Evaluator Qualifications

Using the template provided (Attachment B – Independent Evaluator Qualifications), complete each section of Independent Evaluator Qualifications following the instructions provided within. All sections of the Independent Evaluator Qualifications must be completed.

Failure to complete all sections of Independent Evaluator Qualifications may cause the Applicant’s submittal to be rejected from the evaluation process. No alternative Attachment B templates must be submitted, only the Attachment B – Independent Evaluator Qualifications will be considered.

Attachment C - Reference Sheet

Using the template provided (Attachment C – Reference Sheet), complete each section of the reference sheet. A minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) verifiable references is allowed for this RFQ. No alternative reference forms may be utilized/submitted, only the Attachment C – Reference Sheet will be considered.

Attachment D - Conflict of Interest Declaration

Using the template provided (Attachment D – Conflict of Interest Declaration), follow the instructions and complete the COI Declaration for primary and then separately for all sub-contractors. No alternative declaration templates will be utilized/submitted, only the

Attachment D – Conflict of Interest Declaration will be considered.

Attachment E - SOQ Submittal Checklist

Using the template provided (Attachment E – SOQ Submittal Checklist), complete the checklist. No alternative checklist forms may be utilized/submitted, only the Attachment E – SOQ Submittal Checklist will be considered.

5. Statement of Qualifications Evaluation

5.1 Evaluation and Selection Process

1. Submissions that are incomplete or received after the deadlines specified in Table 1: Key

Action Dates, will be deemed non-responsive and would not be evaluated.

2. No submission of rates or costs associated with the Applicant or team member’s services may be submitted with the Applicant’s response to this RFQ. Any submission of rates or costs will not be considered during the evaluation of the Applicant’s submittal.

3. Energy Safety will evaluate each Applicant’s SOQ to determine how qualified it is to perform the tasks enumerated in Section 3, as well as the requirements of PUC section 8386.3.

4. An evaluation committee comprised of Energy Safety employees and CAL FIRE employees will make the final selection of IEs in accordance with the Scoring Scale and Evaluation Criteria in Section 5.2.

5. The finalized IE list will be published to Energy Safety’s website. IEs will be notified in writing that they have been approved to participate as an IE and may be solicited by ECs for work.

5.2 Evaluation and Rating

1. Energy Safety and Cal Fire will evaluate each SOQ using the checklist below. The departments will only evaluate an SOQ that contains each of the following elements::

a. Transmittal letter (Attachment A).

b. Completed Independent Evaluator Qualifications (Attachment B) – all fields are filled.

c. Reference sheet (Attachment C) – a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) verifiable references are listed.

Note: The results of reference checks will be included in the evaluation.

d. COI declaration, signed by both the primary contractor and any subcontractors (Attachment D).

2. The Applicant’s qualifications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Criteria for evaluation of SOQ Minimum required rating

Category I: Technical expertise

The SOQ proposes at least one Licensed Electrical Engineer name(s) and provides necessary information about their background, credentials, and contact details.

The proposed Electrical Engineer holds an electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university and is licensed and in good standing with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board for Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors and Geologists, and a copy of their license and certifications is included with the SOQ.

The SOQ provides necessary information regarding the background and relevant experience for specific team member name(s) who are Qualified Electrical Workers or equivalent with prior experience and knowledge of electric utility infrastructure design, maintenance, operation and safety requirements of ECs within the State of California.

The SOQ demonstrates the firm’s or individual team member’s prior experience in supporting or performing auditing tasks including but not limited to financial, operational or construction compliance audit(s).

Recommended that the SOQ highlight, in brief examples, prior work experience demonstrating understanding or use of the GAAS/GAGAS standards.

The SOQ includes a signed statement that all personnel would meet all appropriate safety requirements for the work being performed, including adhering to all active and applicable local, state, and federal COVID-19 protocols.

The SOQ provides necessary information including name(s), background, credentials, of a team member who has prior experience in vegetation management activities as it relates to wildfire mitigation and demonstrates an understanding of vegetation management best practices and regulatory requirements.

Criteria for evaluation of SOQ Minimum required rating

The SOQ provides necessary information including name(s), background, credentials, and contact details of a team member who has relevant prior experience in interpreting and reporting findings from geospatial data OR includes course completion certificates of GIS analysis.

The SOQ includes a report example that sufficiently describes and clearly demonstrates:

• Ability to analyze and organize data,

• Writing effectively for technical and non-technical audiences,

• Clear and coherent data visualization.

The SOQ includes a detailed statement that demonstrates an understanding of Energy Safety’s statutory requirements pertaining to IEs as outlined in PUC section 8386.3, its roles and responsibilities, an understanding of WMPs filed pursuant to PUC section 8386 and ability to evaluate compliance within statutory and regulatory requirements therein.

The SOQ provides necessary information including name(s), background, credentials, and contact details of team members who have relevant prior experience, including but not limited to wildfire prevention, preparation, detection, or utility safety.

The SOQ provides necessary information including name(s), background, credentials, and contact details of team members who have relevant prior experience in QC or assessing quality of work or program.

Category II: Project Management

The SOQ proposed a team structure that demonstrates sufficient capacity and resources to complete the SOW and includes CVs of the proposed personnel.

The SOQ provides details of at least one (1) dedicated Project Manager including name, work location, and certifications (if any) for the prescribed SOW.

It is recommended that the SOQ highlight prior work experience of the proposed Project Manager in managing teams and/or programs to successful completion (if available).

The SOQ includes names and work locations of the subcontractors.

It is recommended that the SOQ specify pertinent prior experience and expertise of the subcontractors, including any previous engagements with Energy Safety and ECs.

Criteria for evaluation of SOQ Minimum required rating

The SOQ demonstrates in a statement the firm’s access to required infrastructure and additional resources that would directly support the evaluation and are sufficient to accomplish the SOW for multiple projects, if necessary.

Category III: Operational

The SOQ provides a statement committing to the requirement of working statewide in California in coordination with Energy Safety staff and ECs, being available to perform timely inspection of work, and includes a workplan specifying project plan schedule and communication plan.

It is recommended that the SOQ highlight prior experience of team members in engaging with stakeholders across public and private sectors, including regulated and non-regulated entities (if available).

The SOQ submits the certificate number for the certification that licenses the firm to practice in the State of California; and for applicants who do not have an office in California, supports the SOQ with a statement of availability of locally based staff to perform necessary field inspections

Cumulative minimum rating 15

3. The following rating scale will be used in awarding a rating for each of the above requirements:

Rating Rating definition

0 Criterion not met

1 Criterion met

2 Criterion exceeded

4. Every applicant must meet at least the minimum rating for each criterion as described in the table above.

5. Every applicant must receive a minimum cumulative rating of 15. Note that only meeting the minimum required rating for each criterion will not attain a cumulative rating of 15. It is necessary to score above the minimum required rating for at least three of the criteria.

5.3 Applicant Responsibility

Applicants are solely responsible for understanding this RFQ and all the required terms, conditions, and evaluation criteria before submitting an SOQ. If the RFQ is modified prior to the final due date, Energy Safety will issue an addendum posted on the Cal eProcure Portal.

All costs resulting from the Applicant’s participation in the RFQ process are at the Applicant’s expense. If the Applicant fails to meet any of the RFQ requirements or comply with Energy Safety requests, Energy Safety can reject, disqualify or remove the firm from the IE list consideration.

6. Contracting Process If selected for the 2024 IE list, firms are eligible to enter into an agreement directly with the EC. The EC may have additional requirements prior to executing an agreement. Agreements with ECs will be negotiated directly between IEs and ECs, but the resulting agreement must contain the elements outlined in Section 3 above.

6.1 Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise

Program

Energy Safety is committed to supporting the state’s Small Businesses (SBs) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs). For more information on how to become SB and/or DVBE certified, please contact DGS’ SB Advocate at OBASAdvocate@dgs.ca.gov.

7. Project Supervision PUC section 8386.3(c)(2)(B)(i) requires each EC to engage an IE from the list developed by Energy Safety and CAL FIRE. This statute also states that the engaged independent evaluator must consult with, and operate under the direction of, Energy Safety. Energy Safety will communicate regularly with the engaged IE regarding priorities, consistency, draft findings, deliverables and overall performance. Energy Safety may communicate with the EC and the engaged IE, or directly with the IE, as necessary. No EC may edit, redact, or otherwise restrict information requested by Energy Safety.

8. Withdrawal and Disposition of this RFQ

If Energy Safety does not receive responses that satisfy the requirements of this RFQ, or if Energy Safety does not receive responses from firms that Energy Safety determines are qualified, Energy Safety will not create a list of firms which are eligible to perform work as IEs.

Submitters are responsible for costs and expenses incurred in preparing response to this RFQ.

9. Audit and Inspection Rights Energy Safety retains the right to conduct audits of all activities, records, and documentation related to the IE’s performance of any work under its contract with an EC. Energy Safety may conduct such audits at any time during and up to three years after the term of the contract mailto:OBASAdvocate@dgs.ca.gov between the IE and EC. The IE must fully cooperate with any requests by Energy Safety and grant access to all requested materials.

10. ATTACHMENT A – Transmittal letter

11. ATTACHMENT B – Independent Evaluator Qualifications

12. ATTACHMENT C – Reference Sheet

13. ATTACHMENT D – Conflict of Interest Declaration

14. ATTACHMENT E – SOQ Submittal Checklist

15. APPENDIX A – Master List of Field Verifiable Initiatives The IE must use the following list to determine whether an initiative activity is Field Verifiable or Non-Field Verifiable. The section number covers all initiatives within that section. For example, Initiative 8.1.2.1.1 is covered under Section 8.1.2.1; Initiative 8.3.4.2 is covered under Section 8.3.4.