State Water Resources Control Board

June 26, 2026

Request for Qualifications RFQ No. 26-001-300

Prospective Bidders are invited to review and respond to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ), entitled RFQ No. 26-001-300 entitled, “California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Compliance” for the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Boards), Division of Water Rights. When preparing and submitting a solicitation, compliance with the instructions found herein is imperative.

If a discrepancy occurs between the information in the advertisement appearing in California’s Online Marketplace/Cal eProcure and the information herein, the information in this notice and in the attached RFQ shall take precedence.

Inquiries regarding the processing of this RFQ submittal should be referred to Nicola Surridge at ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov. Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum to this solicitation.

Thank you for your interest in the Water Boards’ service needs.

Sincerely, Nicola Surridge Contract Analyst mailto:ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

RFQ No.: 26-001-300

Table of Contents

A. Purpose and Description of Services

B. Time Schedule

C. Agreement Term/Period of Performance

D. Respondent’s Questions

1. What to Include in an Inquiry

2. How to Submit Questions

3. Question Deadline

E. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Requirement

F. Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Advocate

G. Request for Language Services

H. Scope of Work

I. Minimum Qualification Requirements

J. Statement of Qualifications Format and Content Requirements

1. General Instructions

2. Statement of Qualifications

K. Electronic Submission of SOQ Package

1. Submission Instructions

2. Proof of Timely Receipt

3. Firm’s Costs

L. SOQ Requirements and Information

1. Nonresponsive SOQs

2. Withdrawal and/or Resubmission of SOQs

a. Withdrawal Deadline

b. Submitting a Withdrawal Request

c. Proposal Mistakes

d. Resubmitting a SOQ Package

3. Evaluation and Selection

4. Disposition of SOQs

5. Inspecting or Obtaining Copies of SOQ Packages

a. Who can Inspect or Copy Solicitation Materials

b. What can be Inspected / Copied and When

c. Inspecting or Obtaining Copies of Solicitation Materials

6. Verification of Firm Information

7. Water Boards Rights

a. RFQ Corrections

b. Immaterial SOQ Defects

c. Correction of Clerical or Mathematical Errors

d. Right to Remedy Errors

e. No Contract Award or RFQ Cancellation

M. Contract Terms and Conditions

1. Resolution of Differences between RFQ and Contract Language

N. California Civil Rights Laws Certification

O. Health and Safety

P. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russian Sanctions

Q. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirements

R. Evaluation and Scoring Criteria....………...………………………………………

S. Solicitation Attachments …………………...………………………………………….32

T. Sample Contract Forms / Exhibits ……………...…………………………………...70

SOQ SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

A complete Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) package will consist of one (1) original SOQ package with original signatures of each item identified below. Place a check mark or “X” in the box corresponding to each item that you are submitting to the Water Board. For your SOQ package to be responsive, all required attachments must be returned. This checklist is for reference only, proposers must comply with all requirements of this solicitation. This checklist should also be returned with your SOQ package.

Attachment Attachment Name/Description

Confirmed by State Water Board

Yes No 1 Letter of Interest (must include the Legal Name and Federal Identification

Number of the firm) Yes No

Yes No 2 Licenses of all state or federal licensed professional engineers and geologists that will be part of the consultant team Yes No

Yes No 3 Federal Form 330 for the firm and any proposed subcontractors Yes

No Yes No 4 Written statement of the firm’s qualifications (SOQ) Yes

No Yes No 5 Resumes of Key Personnel Yes

No Yes No 6 Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC-04/2017). Page 1 must be signed and submitted.

Yes No

Yes No 7 California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program

Requirement (Revised 10-2021) and DVBE Declarations (STD 843) Yes No

Yes No 8 Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105) Yes

No Yes No 9 Reference Forms 1 – 3 Yes

No Yes No N/A

10 Darfur Contracting Act Yes No N/A

Yes No 11 Payee Data Record (STD. 204) Form Yes

No Yes No N/A

12 Commercially Useful Functions (CUF) Compliance Yes No N/A

Yes No 13 Business License / Business Operation Tax Certificate Yes

No Yes No N/A

Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) – Insert Std. 830 attachment, if applicable

Yes No N/A http://contacts.gsa.gov/webforms.nsf/0/21DBF5BF7E860FC185256E13005C6AA6/$file/sf330_e.pdf

Yes No 15 California Civil Rights Laws Certification Yes

No *Indicate N/A if not applicable.

The following is a Required Document AFTER Contract Award. Failure to submit insurance documents will result in cancellation of contract award.

Insurance Certificate: Please see Exhibit D for insurance certificate requirements. These must be submitted within ten (10) business days after notice of the Contract Award.

A. Purpose and Description of Services

The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights (collectively referred to as “Water Boards”), is soliciting Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) from firms that are able to provide assistance with the preparation and processing of the required environmental documents under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SOQs must address all of the services described in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) section entitled, “Scope of Work”.

The Water Boards intends to make a single contract award to the most responsive and responsible firm. A Contractor will be selected on the basis of written responses to this RFQ and an oral interview. This solicitation is open to all eligible firms and/or individuals that meet the qualification requirements.

B. Time Schedule

Below is the tentative time schedule for this solicitation. All dates after the RFQ Response Submission Due Date are approximate, and may be adjusted as conditions dictate, without addendum to this RFQ.

Event Date Time (If applicable)

RFQ Available to Prospective Firms Friday, June 26, 2026

Questions Due

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m. PST

Question/Answer Summary Posted

Friday, July 17, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. PST

RFQ Responses Due Date

Tuesday, July 28, 2026, by 4:00 p.m. PST

Interviews

To be scheduled the week of August 10, Fee Negotiations

To be scheduled the week of August 17, Proposed Start Date of Agreement

Upon Approval

C. Agreement Term/Period of Performance

The anticipated term of the resulting Agreement is expected to be sixty (60) months.

The Agreement term may change if the Water Boards make an award earlier than expected or if the Water Boards cannot execute the Agreement in a timely manner due to unforeseen delays.

The period of performance for this Agreement shall be as identified on the Agreement STD 213. “Start Date” identifies when services may begin and “Through End Date” identifies when services must be completed.

The State, at its sole discretion, may amend this Contract pursuant to the Water Boards Architectural and Engineering Regulations.

The Contractor shall not be authorized to deliver or commence the performance of services as described in this SOW until written approval has been obtained from all entities. Any delivery or performance of service that is commenced prior to the signing of this Agreement or after the term of this Agreement has passed shall be considered voluntary on the part of the Contractor and non-compensable. If performance commences before all approvals are obtained, said services may be considered to have been voluntary and the Contractor may pursue a claim for payment by filing with the DGS’ Government Claims Program.

D. Respondent’s Questions

Immediately notify the Water Boards if clarification is needed regarding the services sought or questions arise about the RFQ and/or its accompanying materials, instructions or requirements. Put the inquiry in writing and transmit it via e-mail or fax to the Water Boards as instructed below. At its discretion, the Water Boards reserves the right to contact an inquirer to seek clarification of any inquiry received.

Respondents that fail to report a known or suspected problem with this RFQ and/or its accompanying materials or fail to seek clarification and/or correction of this RFQ and/or its accompanying materials shall submit a SOQ package at their own risk. In addition, if awarded the Contract, the successful firm shall not be entitled to additional compensation for any additional work caused by such problem, including any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or error.

If an inquiry appears to be unique to a single firm or is marked “Confidential”, the Water Boards will mail, e-mail, or fax a response only to the inquirer if the Water Boards concurs with the Respondent’s claim that the inquiry is sensitive or proprietary in nature. If the Water Boards does not concur, the inquiry will be answered in the manner described herein and the firm will be so notified. At its discretion, the Water Boards may contact an inquirer to seek clarification of any question or inquiry received.

1. What to Include in an Inquiry

a. Inquirer’s name, name of firm submitting the inquiry, mailing address, e-mail address, area code and telephone number, and fax number.

b. A description of the subject or issue in question or discrepancy found.

c. RFQ section, page number or other information useful in identifying the specific problem or issue in question.

d. Remedy sought, if any.

A firm that desires clarification about specific RFQ requirements and/or whose inquiry relates to sensitive issues or proprietary aspects of a solicitation may submit individual questions that are marked “Confidential”. The firm must include with its inquiry an explanation as to why it believes questions marked “Confidential” are sensitive or surround a proprietary issue.

2. How to Submit Questions

Submit questions or inquiries using one of the following methods.

Email:

Questions RFQ 26-001-300 Division of Administrative Services Nicola Surridge, Contract Analyst

ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

Note: An autoreply will be generated from this inbox. This autoreply is proof of your question submission.

3. Question Deadline

Submit written questions and inquiries no later than the Date and Time as identified in the Time Schedule table located in Section B, “Time Schedule” of this solicitation. Questions submitted after this date will not be considered.

Notwithstanding the question submission deadline, the Water Boards will accept questions or inquiries about RFQ errors or irregularities up to the solicitation due date.

Direct all verbal requests for DVBE assistance to the Water Boards’ DVBE advocate at DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@Waterboards.ca.gov.

mailto:DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@Waterboards.ca.gov

E. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Requirement

3% DVBE participation for this solicitation is mandatory. Bidders must meet Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) requirement and submit Bidder Declaration forms (STD 843 and GSPD-05-105).

Military and Veteran Code (MVC) 999.5(d), 999.7 and Government Code (GC) 14841, and California Code of Regulations (CCR) 1896.78(e) requires all Prime Contractors that committed to having a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) perform an element of work for a contract to report DVBE subcontractor participation information and certify to the state that all DVBE subcontracting payments were made.

A completed final STD 817 must be submitted before the State Water Resources Control Board can release the final $10,000 from your final payment OR the final payment . Note: Form STD 817 is attached to the Contract as Exhibit D, Attachment I.

F. Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Advocate

For all SB and DVBE related assistance and/or questions including Prompt Payment Act issues for SBs, please contact the Water Boards’ SB/DVBE Advocate at DAS- SBDVBEAdvocate@waterboards.ca.gov.

G. Request for Language Services

With respect to this SOQ, the Water Boards shall provide interpretation and translation services in any language at no cost to you.

To request these services, please use the following link: Public Request for Language Services | California State Water Resources Control Board.

H. Scope of Work

See Exhibit A entitled, “Scope of Work” that is included in the Sample Contract Forms and Exhibits Section of this RFQ. Exhibit A contains a detailed description of the services and work to be performed as a result of this solicitation.

I. Minimum Qualification Requirements

Failure to meet the following requirements by the solicitation due date will be grounds for the Water Boards to deem a firm non-responsive. In submitting a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) package, each firm must certify that it possesses the following qualification requirements:

The respondent shall demonstrate at least five (5) years of full-time, recent experience in a lead role on projects covering the requirements listed below:

mailto:DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@waterboards.ca.gov mailto:DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@waterboards.ca.gov https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/public_participation/language-access.html https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/public_participation/language-access.html

1. Experience in preparation of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, conducting environmental assessments of potential impacts to instream flow, biological resources, hydrology, and other environmental and cultural resources.

2. Experience in conducting environmental studies in California streams and rivers.

3. Experience with relevant federal and state laws and regulations, water rights, CEQA, fisheries biology, GIS, hydrology, hydrologic modeling, water quality, ecology, hydropower projects, geomorphology, resource/wildlife management, land use and planning, crop mitigation practices, conservation biology, soils, geology, climate, air quality, agricultural resources, resource/wildlife management, resource and agricultural economics, agronomy, crop irrigation practices, recreational resources, aquatic and terrestrial resources, and wetlands.

4. Experience in preparing environmental documents analyzing potential impacts to instream resources under CEQA guidelines and regulations.

Knowledge of roles and responsibility of other environmental resources agencies (federal, state, and local) as they relate to the environmental impacts considered under CEQA.

5. Experience in regulatory/policy adoption process. Experience in establishing a public participation process, including conducting various public meetings, preparing supporting materials (newsletters, public notices, website, etc.) and providing direct support to the lead agency.

Experience facilitating contentious environmental policy development processes.

6. Experience in instream flow needs of the salmonid fisheries that inhabit California.

7. Experience with federal Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification regulations and development of CEQA documents to support certifications for various projects, including dredge and fill and hydropower projects.

8. Corporations must certify they are in good standing and qualified to conduct business in California.

J. Statement of Qualifications Format and Content Requirements

1. General Instructions

a. Each individual or firm may submit only one SOQ package. For the purposes of this paragraph, “firm” includes a parent corporation of a firm and any other subsidiary of that parent corporation. If a firm or individual submits more than one SOQ package, the Water Boards will reject all SOQ packages submitted by that firm or individual.

b. Develop SOQ package by following all RFQ instructions and instructions or clarifications in question/answer notices, clarification notices, or RFQ addenda.

c. Before preparing a SOQ package, seek timely written clarification of any requirements or instructions that are believed to be vague, unclear or that are not fully understood.

d. Arrange for timely delivery of the SOQ package to the specified address. Do not wait until shortly before the SOQ submission deadline to submit the SOQ package.

2. Statement of Qualifications

The written Statement of Qualifications must contain the following information:

a. Experience of the firm in performing services of a similar nature

• Describe the experience and background of the environmental services firm, and subcontractors (if being proposed for this project), in the preparation of CEQA documents, conducting environmental assessments of potential impacts to in-stream flow, biological resources and cultural resources, hydrology, and hydrologic modeling.

• Describe the experience of the firm and subcontractors in conducting similar environmental studies in California streams and rivers.

b. Capabilities, experience, and education of personnel assigned to the project

• Names of the principals and other individuals who will be participating in the project, their roles, office locations, and their availability for the project. Describe their individual professional experience and education, including the dates of their most recent technical degrees and professional registrations. Identify staff of subcontractors similarly but separately.

• For all personnel participating in this project, individually describe their training, skill, or experience with relevant federal and state laws and regulations, water rights, CEQA, fisheries biology, hydrology, hydrologic modeling, water quality, ecology, geomorphology, resource/wildlife management, land use and planning, crop irrigation practices, conservation biology, soils, geology, climate, air quality, agricultural resources, recreational resources, aquatic and terrestrial resources, tribal engagement, and wetlands.

c. Quality and relevance of recently completed or ongoing work

• Provide two (2) examples of work products that illustrate the nature and scope of CEQA projects completed by the firm within the past five

(5) years that cover fisheries habitat studies, instream flow evaluations, hydrologic modeling and analysis, and the water rights process.

• Provide two (2) examples of projects completed within the past five (5) years that demonstrate expertise in preparing CEQA documents. If no completed projects are available, please provide examples of ongoing projects.

• Please ensure that writing examples are included in the submitted work products.

d. Knowledge and Experience with Regulations Related to the Project

Demonstrate that the individuals (employees and subcontractors) assigned to work on this project have knowledge of and experience with the following:

• The California Water Code, California Code of Regulations, Fish and

Game Code, Public Resources Code, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, CEQA, California Water Plan, and related documents pertaining to water rights, fisheries protection, and environmental impacts considered under CEQA.

• The roles and responsibilities of other environmental and resource agencies (federal, state and local) as they relate to environmental

• CEQA environmental review, evaluation, and document preparation.

• Scheduling and conducting public meetings in compliance with CEQA requirements, including collecting and responding to oral and written comments.

e. Reliability and Availability

• Document the reliability and continuity of the firm’s employees and subcontractors.

• Document the firm’s ability to adequately plan workloads and its ability to meet schedules.

• List the locations of the firm’s office(s) for project coordination and services.

The Bid Submittal Checklist on page 1 specifies the order and content required for each SOQ package.

When completing the attachments, follow the instructions on each attachment.

Do not include supplemental information in your SOQ package or other materials that the Water Board has not requested in this solicitation.

K. Electronic Submission of SOQ Package

1. Submission Instructions

SOQs must be received by the due date and time listed in the Time Schedule table in Section B of this solicitation. SOQs received after this date and time will not be considered.

The completed SOQ shall be submitted electronically by email as follows:

E-Mail

SOQ 26-001-300

Division of Administrative Services Nicola Surridge, Contract Analyst

ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov

a. Only SOQs received in this mailbox will be considered. SOQs shall not be sent to any other mailbox. If an SOQ is inadvertently sent to an incorrect mailbox, firms must take all appropriate corrective steps.

b. Zip files are acceptable and encouraged.

c. Email SOQ submissions should clearly identify the following in the Subject

Line: SOQ No. 26-001-300 [Insert Company Name]

d. If multiple emails are required, they should be identified in the subject line as follows: 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc. i.e., SOQ No. 26-001-300 (ABC Inc.) 1 of 2

e. Emails will not be opened by the Procurement Official until the required

SOQ due date and time.

mailto:ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov

f. Once submitted, an autoreply from ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov will be received. If you do not receive the autoreply, then your email was too large and not received by the Water Boards. This autoreply shall serve as the only proof of receipt of the SOQ.

Note: Emails should not exceed one hundred fifty (150) megabytes (MB). The Water Boards mail server may automatically reject excessively large emails.

Proposers may submit multiple emails if file size exceeds the recommended one hundred fifty (150) MB. Links to files stored on the Internet (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) in lieu of attachments are not acceptable, and any documents stored at such links will not be retrieved. Zip files are acceptable and encouraged.

Hard copy SOQ’s will not be accepted for this solicitation. However, if you require any reasonable accommodations, please direct requests to our general inbox: ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov.

2. Proof of Timely Receipt

a. To be timely, the Water Boards must receive SOQ packages by the due date and time listed in the Time Schedule table in Section B of this solicitation.

b. The Water Boards will deem late SOQ packages non-responsive.

3. Firm’s Costs

Firms are responsible for all costs of developing and submitting a SOQ package.

Such costs cannot be charged to the Water Boards or included in any cost element of a firm’s price offering.

L. SOQ Requirements and Information

1. Nonresponsive SOQs

In addition to any condition previously indicated in this RFQ, the following occurrences may cause the Water Boards to deem a SOQ package non-responsive.

a. Failure of a firm to:

1) Meet DVBE participation goals (mandatory disqualification).

2) Meet SOQ format/content or submission requirements including the sealing, labeling, and/or timely and proper delivery of SOQ packages.

3) Submit all required documentation listed on the Bid Submittal Checklist.

mailto:ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov

b. If a firm submits:

1) A SOQ package that is conditional, materially incomplete or contains material alterations or irregularities of any kind.

2) False, inaccurate or misleading information or falsely certifies compliance on any SOQ attachment.

3) A SOQ containing web links. Web links will not be accepted in place of requested documents. All requested documents must be submitted.

c. If the Water Boards discovers, at any stage of the solicitation process or upon contract award, that a firm is unwilling or unable to comply with the contract terms, conditions and exhibits cited in this RFQ and/or the resulting contract.

d. Delinquent Tax Obligations (AB 1424 (Statutes of 2011) Public Contract Code 10295.4)

During the RFQ process, if a Firm appears on either list of the 500 largest tax delinquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the Firm’s submittal will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be considered.

e. If other irregularities occur in a SOQ package that are not specifically addressed herein (i.e., the firm places any conditions on performance of the scope of work, submits a counteroffer/proposal, etc.).

2. Withdrawal and/or Resubmission of SOQs

All SOQ packages are to be complete when submitted. However, an entire SOQ package may be withdrawn, and the firm may resubmit a new SOQ package.

a. Withdrawal Deadline

A firm may withdraw his/her SOQ package any time prior to the SOQ package due date.

b. Submitting a Withdrawal Request

1) Submit a written withdrawal request, signed by an authorized representative of the firm.

2) Label and submit the withdrawal request using one of the following methods.

U.S. Mail or Hand Delivery Email

Withdrawal RFQ 26-001-300 Division of Administrative Services Nicola Surridge 1001 I Street, 18th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814

Withdrawal RFQ 26-001-300 Division of Administrative Services Nicola Surridge

An originally signed withdrawal request is required before the Water Boards will return/release a SOQ package to a firm. The Water Boards may grant an exception if the firm informs the Water Boards that the firm will submit a new or replacement SOQ package immediately following the withdrawal.

c. Proposal Mistakes

If prior to proposal due date, a proposer discovers a mistake in their proposal that renders the proposer unable or unwilling to perform all scope of work services for the price/costs offered, the proposer must immediately notify the Water Boards and submit a written request to withdraw its proposal following the procedures set forth above.

d. Resubmitting a SOQ Package

After withdrawing a SOQ package, firms may resubmit a new SOQ package according to the submission instructions. Replacement SOQ packages must be received at the stated place of delivery by the due date and time.

3. Evaluation and Selection

This section describes, in general, the process that the Water Boards will use to evaluate timely SOQ packages.

a. SOQ Opening and Review

1) All SOQ packages properly received according to the RFQ instructions on or before the SOQ due date will be opened and reviewed.

2) A group of evaluators will convene to review each timely SOQ package to confirm its responsiveness to the RFQ requirements. Each SOQ package will be checked for the presence or absence of required information in conformance with the submission requirements of this RFQ.

3) If deemed necessary by the Water Boards, additional documentation may be collected to confirm the claims made by each firm and to ensure that each firm is responsive to all solicitation requirements.

4) SOQ packages that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references which do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the firm, may be rejected.

b. Selection Procedures

The SOQ packages that meet the minimum qualification requirements will be evaluated and scored according to the criteria outlined below and further defined in the Evaluation Criteria and Score Sheet (Section R).

Criteria

# Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points

1 Experience of the firm in performing services of a similar nature

2 Capabilities, experience, and education of personnel assigned to the project 40

3 Quality and relevance of recently completed or ongoing work 60

4 Knowledge and experience with regulations related to the project 80

5 Reliability and Availability 20

References 126

Maximum Points 386

At least three respondents with the highest totaled scores will be selected for the “short list”. These respondents will be invited for an interview and will be expected to provide an oral presentation regarding their firm’s services and qualifications.

Upon completion of all interviews and presentations, the respondents will be ranked in order of preference, e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc. The number one respondent will be asked to submit a Cost Proposal. The Water Boards staff will attempt to negotiate a fair and reasonable cost for services. In the event that a satisfactory cost agreement cannot be negotiated, staff will terminate negotiations with the respondent and begin negotiations with the next ranked respondent, and so on. After successful negotiations, a contract will be awarded and executed. The Water Boards reserves the right to terminate the selection proceedings at any time.

The Water Boards will mail or e-mail a written “Notice of Award” to all firms that submitted a SOQ package.

4. Disposition of SOQs

a. All materials submitted in response to this RFQ will become the property of the Water Boards and, as such, are subject to the Public Records Act (GC Section 6250, et seq.). The Water Boards will disregard any language purporting to render all or portions of any SOQ package confidential.

b. Upon making an Award, all documents submitted in response to this RFQ and all documents used in the selection process (e.g., review check lists, letters of award, etc.) will be regarded as public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and shall be subject to review by the public.

c. The Water Boards may return a SOQ package to a firm at their request and expense after the Water Boards concludes the solicitation process.

5. Inspecting or Obtaining Copies of SOQ Packages

a. Who can Inspect or Copy Solicitation Materials

Any person or member of the public can inspect or obtain copies of solicitation materials.

b. What can be Inspected / Copied and When

1) Once SOQ packages are opened, all solicitations, SOQ packages, respondents list, conference sign-in/attendance sheet, check lists and/or evaluation sheets become public records. These records shall be available for review, inspection and copying during normal business hours.

c. Inspecting or Obtaining Copies of Solicitation Materials

Persons wishing to view or inspect any solicitation related materials must identify the items they wish to inspect and must make an inspection appointment by contacting Nicola Surridge at ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

Persons wishing to obtain copies of solicitation materials may visit or mail a written request to the Water Boards office identified below. The requestor must identify the items they wish to have copied. Materials will not be released from State premises for the purpose of making copies.

Unless waived by Water Boards, a check covering copying and/or mailing costs must accompany the request. Copying costs, when applicable, are charged at a rate of ten cents per page. The Water Boards will fulfill all copy requests as promptly as possible. Submit copy requests as follows:

Request for Copies - RFQ 26-001-300 Division of Administrative Services

Nicola Surridge 1001 I Street, 18th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814

6. Verification of Firm Information

By submitting a SOQ package, respondents agree to authorize the Water Boards to:

a. Verify any and all claims made by the firm including, but not limited to verification of prior experience and the possession of other qualification requirements, and

b. Check any reference identified by a firm to confirm the firm’s business integrity and history of providing effective, efficient and timely services.

7. Water Boards Rights

In addition to the rights discussed elsewhere in this RFQ, the Water Boards reserves the following rights.

a. RFQ Corrections

1) The Water Boards reserves the right to do any of the following up to the

SOQ package submission deadline:

a) Modify any date or deadline appearing in this RFQ or the RFQ Time

Schedule.

b) Issue clarification notices, addenda, alternate RFQ instructions, forms, etc.

c) Waive any RFQ requirement or instruction for all respondents if the

Water Boards deems the requirement or instruction unnecessary, erroneous or unreasonable. If deemed necessary by the Water Boards, the Water Boards may also waive any RFQ requirement or instruction after the SOQ submission deadline.

d) Allow Respondents to submit questions about any RFQ change, correction or addenda. If the Water Boards allows such questions, specific instructions will appear in the cover letter accompanying the document.

2) If deemed necessary by the Water Boards to remedy an RFQ error or defect that is not detected in a timely manner, the Water Boards may also issue correction notices or waive any unnecessary, erroneous, or unreasonable RFQ requirement or instruction after the SOQ submission deadline.

3) If applicable, the Water Boards will post on the California’s Online Marketplace at https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx clarification notices or addenda. Be sure to check this website often.

4) The Water Boards at its sole discretion, reserves the right to collect, by mail, e-mail, fax or other method, the following omitted and/or additional information.

a) Signed copies of any form submitted without a signature.

b) Data or documentation omitted from any submitted RFQ attachment/form.

c) Information/material needed to clarify or confirm certifications or claims made by a firm.

d) Information/material or form needed to correct or remedy an immaterial defect in a SOQ package.

b. Immaterial SOQ Defects

1) The Water Boards may waive any immaterial defect in any SOQ package and allow the firm to remedy those defects. The Water Boards reserves the right to use its best judgment to determine what constitutes an immaterial deviation or defect.

2) The Water Boards’ waiver of an immaterial defect in a SOQ package shall in no way modify this RFQ or excuse a firm from full compliance with all solicitation requirements.

c. Correction of Clerical or Mathematical Errors

The Water Boards reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to overlook, correct or require a Firm to remedy any obvious clerical errors on a SOQ form.

d. Right to Remedy Errors

The Water Boards reserves the right to remedy errors caused by:

1) The Water Boards’ office equipment malfunctions or negligence by agency staff.

2) Natural disasters (i.e., floods, fires, earthquakes, etc.).

https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx

e. No Contract Award or RFQ Cancellation

The issuance of this RFQ does not constitute a commitment by the Water Boards to award a contract. The Water Boards reserves the right to reject all SOQ packages and to cancel this RFQ if it is in the best interest of the Water Boards to do so.

M. Contract Terms and Conditions

The winning firm must enter an agreement that may contain the firm’s budget, a scope of work, standard contract provisions, and one or more of the contract forms and/or exhibits in Section M. Sample Contract Forms / Exhibits. Other exhibits, not identified herein, may also appear in the resulting agreement.

The exhibits included in this RFQ contain contract terms that require strict adherence to various laws and contracting policies. A firm’s unwillingness or inability to agree to the terms and conditions shown below or contained in any exhibit identified in this RFQ will cause the Water Boards to deem a firm non-responsible and ineligible for an award.

In general, the Water Boards will not accept alterations to the General Terms and Conditions (GTC), Special Terms and Conditions, the Scope of Work or alternate contract/exhibit language submitted by a prospective contractor. The Water Boards will consider a SOQ package containing such provisions “a counter proposal” and may reject such a SOQ package.

The Contractor shall begin work when the Agreement is fully executed. Should the Contractor fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, the Water Boards, upon five (5) days written notice to the Contractor, reserves the right to terminate the Agreement.

All performance under the Agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Agreement. In addition, the Contractor shall be liable to the Water Board for the difference between Contractor's bid price and the actual cost of performing work by another Contractor.

No oral understanding or agreement shall be binding on either party.

1. Resolution of Differences between RFQ and Contract Language

If an inconsistency or conflict arises between the terms and conditions appearing in the final agreement and the proposed terms and conditions appearing in this RFQ, any inconsistency or conflict will be resolved by giving precedence to the Agreement.

N. California Civil Rights Laws Certification

Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 2010, if a bidder or proposer executes or renews a contract over $100,000 on or after January 1, 2017, the bidder or proposer hereby certifies compliance with the following:

a. CALIFORNIA CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS: For contracts over $100,000 executed or renewed after January 1, 2017, the contractor certifies compliance with the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Section 51 of the Civil Code) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Section 12960 of the Government Code); and

b. EMPLOYER DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES: For contracts over $100,000 executed or renewed after January 1, 2017, if a Contractor has an internal policy against a sovereign nation or peoples recognized by the United States government, the Contractor certifies that such policies are not used in violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Section 51 of the Civil Code) or the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Section 12960 of the Government Code).

O. Health and Safety

Contractors are required to, at their own expense, comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations. Upon notice, Contractors are also required to comply with the state agency’s specific health and safety requirements and policies.

Contractors agree to include in any subcontract related to performance of this Agreement, a requirement that the subcontractor comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations, and upon notice, the state agency’s specific health and safety requirements and policies

P. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russian Sanctions

The Contractor represents that the Contractor is not a target of economic sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine imposed by the United States government or the State of California. The Contractor is required to comply with the economic sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including with respect to, but not limited to, the federal executive orders identified in California Executive Order N-6-22, located at https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3.4.22-Russia-Ukraine-Executive-Order.pdf and the sanctions identified on the United States Department of the Treasury website (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/ukraine-russia-related-sanctions). The Contractor is required to comply with all applicable reporting requirements regarding compliance with the economic sanctions, including, but not limited to, those reporting requirements set forth in California Executive Order N-6-22 for all Contractors with one or more agreements with the State of California with an aggregated value of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) or more. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, failure to comply with the economic sanctions and all applicable reporting requirements may result in termination of this Agreement.

For Contractors with an aggregated agreement value of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) or more with the State of California, reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, information related to steps taken in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including but not limited to:

a. Desisting from making any new investments or engaging in financial transactions with Russian institutions or companies that are headquartered or have their principal place of business in Russia;

b. Not transferring technology to Russia or companies that are headquartered or have their principal place of business in Russia; and

c. Direct support to the government and people of Ukraine.

Q. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirements

The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies.

Bidder / Offeror must notify the State in writing if it: (1) intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the State; or (2), intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts: (i) functionality of a State system, (ii) risk to the State, or (iii) Contract performance. For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

Failure to report GenAI to the State may result in disqualification. The State reserves the right to seek any and all relief to which it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon notification by a Bidder / Offeror of GenAI as required, the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

Government Code 11549.64 defines “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)” as an artificial intelligence system that can generate derived synthetic content, including text, images, video, and audio that emulates the structure and characteristics of the system’s training data.

R. Evaluation and Scoring

1. Statement of Qualifications Scoring and Evaluation Criteria

Firm’s Name: _______________________________________________________

Water Boards Reviewer Name (Printed/Typed): __________________________

Date Water Boards Reviewed: _________________________________________

Selection Procedures

SOQ submittals that meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements will be evaluated and scored according to the Evaluation Criteria in the SOQ Evaluation and Scoring Table below. Packages will be reviewed by a panel of State Water Board staff.

Scoring Methodology

Panel members will review each SOQ and assign points for each Category in the SOQ Evaluation and Scoring Table below using the scoring methodology assigned to each criterion.

Category 1 will have a weight of 3.0. Categories 2, 3, and 4 will have a weight of 2.0.

Category 5 will have a weight of 1.0. The scores for each category will be multiplied by their respective weight to get a weighted score. The weighted scores will be totaled. At least three respondents with the highest totaled scores will be selected for the “short list”. These respondents will be invited for an interview and will be expected to provide an oral presentation regarding their firm’s services and qualifications.

Score Ranking Definitions are as follows:

0-1 Points: Criterion being scored is completely missing or cannot be reasonably addressed using the submitted information.

2-3 Points: Criterion being scored is only partially addressed, and more flaws or defects exist than content addressing criterion. Content addressing criteria lacks writing proficiency, is completely unreasonable, and lacks professional judgement included.

Criterion is addressed in such a limited way that it results in a complete lack of confidence in the proposal.

4-6 Points: Criterion being scored is mostly addressed, but omissions, flaws, or defects exist that limit evaluation of the criterion. Content addressing criterion is not well-written, not reasonable, and does not demonstrate professional judgement. Evaluation of content addressing criterion results in low degree of confidence in the proposal.

7-8 Points: Criterion being scored is addressed. Any flaws or defects are inconsequential and acceptable. Content addressing criteria are passably written, passably reasonable, and demonstrate passable professional judgement. Evaluation of content addressing criterion results in an acceptable degree of confidence in the proposal.

9-10 Points: Criterion being scored is fully addressed. Content(s) addressing criteria are very well-written, reasonable, and demonstrate best professional judgement.

Content exceeds in providing a superior experience, a creative approach, or an exceptional solution. Evaluation of content addressing criteria results in the highest confidence in the proposal.

SOQ Evaluation and Scoring Table

Category

Evaluation Criteria

(a)

Score (0-10)

(b)

Weight

(a) x (b) Weighted

Score

1 Experience of the Firm in Performing Services of a Similar Nature

1.1

Experience and background of the environmental services firm, and subcontractors (if being proposed for this project), in the preparation of CEQA documents, conducting environmental assessments of potential impacts to in-stream flow, biological resources, cultural resources, hydrology, and hydrologic modeling.

3.0

1.2 Experience of the firm and subcontractors in conducting similar environmental studies in California streams and rivers.

3.0

Capabilities, Experience, and Education of Personnel Assigned to the

Project

2.1 Professional experience and education, technical degrees and professional registrations.

2.0

2.2

Training, skill, or experience with relevant federal and state laws and regulations, water rights, CEQA, fisheries, biology, hydrology, hydrologic modeling, water quality, ecology, geomorphology, resource/wildlife management, land use and planning, crop irrigation practices, conservation biology, soils, geology, climate, air quality, agricultural resources, recreational resources, aquatic and terrestrial resources, tribal engagement, and wetlands.

(a) x (b) Weighted

Score

3 Quality and Relevance of Recently Completed or Ongoing Work

3.1

Two (2) example work products that illustrate the nature and scope of CEQA projects and/or environmental studies completed within the past five (5) years that cover fisheries habitat studies, instream flow evaluations, hydrologic modeling and analysis.

3.2 Two (2) examples of projects completed within the past five (5) years that demonstrate expertise in CEQA document preparation.

3.3 Writing examples 2.0

Knowledge and Experience with Regulations Related to the Project

Demonstrated that the individuals (employees and subcontractors) assigned to work on this project have knowledge of and experience with the following:

4.1

The California Water Code, California Code of Regulations, Fish and Game Code, Public Resources Code, Porter- Cologne Water Quality Control Act, CEQA, and related documents pertaining to water rights, fisheries protection, and environmental

4.2

The roles and responsibilities of other environmental and resource agencies (federal, state and local) as they relate to environmental impacts considered under

CEQA.

4.3 CEQA environmental review, evaluation, and

document preparation. 2.0

4.4 Scheduling and conducting public meetings in compliance with CEQA requirements, including collecting and responding to oral and written comments.

(a) x (b) Weighted

Reliability and Availability

5.1 Documented reliability and continuity of the

firm’s employees and subcontractors.

1.0

5.2 Documented firm’s ability to adequately plan

workloads and its ability to meet schedules.

1.0

Total

Total Possible 130 260

REFERENCES

It is the Firm’s responsibility to validate all references provided. The Water Board may contact the reference(s) and validate information submitted in Attachment 9, Reference Forms with the reference contact person listed. An SOQ that includes incomplete Reference Forms, or references that cannot validate the listed services, may be rejected in their entirety and deemed non-responsive.

Scoring Rubric Table Points

Awarded Interpretation General Basis for Point Assignment

0 Inadequate

References share events that document the firm failing to address the requirements being scored or document the firm does not have experience related to the requirements. The omissions, flaws, or defects are significant and unacceptable.

1 Adequate-low References share events that document the firm adequately meeting the requirements. Any omissions, flaws, or defects are slight and acceptable.

Low = many slight defects Medium = some slight defects High = few slight defects

2 Adequate-medium

3 Adequate-high

4 Exceptional-low References share events that document the firm fully address all requirements and describe firm’s experience that exceeds the requirements for experience and expertise. No omissions, flaws, or defects exist.

Low = few areas that exceed requirements Medium = some areas that exceed requirements High = many areas that exceed requirements

5 Exceptional-medium

6 Exceptional-high

Evaluation and Scoring Table Category

# Evaluation Criteria Points Available

Reference

Reference

Reference

1.

Did this firm maintain clear and frequent communication and engagement throughout project deadlines?

2. Were deadlines met? 6

3. Did the project stay on budget? 6

4. Did this firm produce satisfactory work products? 6

5.

Did this firm appropriately prepare for field work, meetings, interviews, and/or workshops?

6.

Did this firm complete the project within the allowed budget and estimated specific timeline provided prior to contract execution?

7. Would you hire the firm again? 6

42 ___/42 ___/42 ___/42

Reference Check Total (Maximum Points Available: 126) ______/126

2. Interview Agenda, Questions, and Scoring

Contractor Name: ________________________________________

Date of interview: ________________________________________

Total Score: (40 points possible): ________________________

Signature of Evaluator: ____________________________ Date: _______________

Printed Name of Evaluator: ________________________________

Checked by: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Interview Agenda

Water Board – Introductions; Review of format and timing 5 minutes Contractor – Presentation/Prepared Questions 25 minutes Contractor – Q&A 5 minutes Water Board – Thank you

Scoring

Please score each criterion and responses to questions in a range from 0 points (low) to 5 points (high), with 3 points being average. Please write notes to explain your scores.

1. Contractor Presentation: (5 min.)

Score the overall presentation on a range from 0 points to 5 points. The purpose of evaluating the presentation is to quantify the contractor’s skills in presenting information outside of the prepared questions, as this is a key part of the Water…