Addendum No. 1.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES KANE SPRING PROJECT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSALS PROJECT REFERENCE NO.: DB-2026-1

Addendum No. 1

ADDENDUM NO. 1

PROJECT TITLE: KANE SPRING PROJECT

LOCATION: IMPERIAL COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

REFERENCE NO.: DB-2026-1

ISSUED BY: STATE OF CALIFORNIA

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

DATE ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

The following changes are hereby made by this addendum:

1. Revised RFQ/P page numbers: Project Title Page; Table of Contents, pages {i-iii}

BIDDER'S SIGNATURE

This addendum shall be signed below in the same manner as the Statement of Qualifications and Proposal (SOQ/P):

Bidder: ________________________________________________________

By (Authorized Officer): ___________________________________________

Business Address: _______________________________________________

Dated: ________________________, 20__.

THIS ADDENDUM INCLUDES THE ENTIRE RFQ/P DOCUMENT TO PRESERVE THE EMBEDDED LINKS.

THIS ADDENDUM COMPRISES 5 ADDENDUM PAGES.

THIS COVER PAGE MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED WITH THE SOQ/P.

Addendum No. 1

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING

PROGRESSIVE DESIGN-BUILD

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSALS

KANE SPRING PROJECT

IMPERIAL COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

DATE OF ISSUANCE: August 27, 2026

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSAL DUE: December 4, 2026

PROJECT REFERENCE NO.: DB-2026-1

This page intentionally left blank i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Department Statutory Authority

1.3 Definitions

1.4 Acronyms and Abbreviations

1.5 Information Available on Cosmos and Cal eProcure

2 PROJECT AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

2.2 General Project Description

2.3 Location and Site Description

2.4 PDB Contract Reference Documents

2.5 The Department’s Preliminary Project Criteria

2.6 Coordination with Other Entities

2.7 Required Permits and Approvals

2.8 Budget and Funding

2.9 Current Project Schedule

3 DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES AND PDB CONTRACT

3.1 Department and Design-Builder’s Respective Responsibilities

3.2 Draft PDB Contract

4 PROCUREMENT PROCESS

4.1 Procurement Process Overview

4.1.1 RFQ/P and SOQ/P Process

4.1.2 One-on-One Meetings

4.2 RFQ/P Acknowledgement

4.3 Procurement Schedule

4.4 Designated Contact

4.5 Communication Protocols

4.5.1 RFQ/P Questions

4.5.2 Requested Edits to the Draft PDB Contract

4.5.3 Responses to Questions and Requested Edits to the PDB Contract

4.5.4 Rules of Contact

4.6 Site Visit

4.7 Overall SOQ/P Evaluation Process

4.7.1 Evaluation Team

4.7.2 Initial Responsiveness Evaluation

4.7.3 Pass/Fail Evaluation

ii

4.7.4 Reference Checking

4.7.5 Initial Technical Evaluation and Scoring

4.7.6 Optional Interviews

4.7.7 Department Changes to the RFQ/P During the Evaluation Period

4.7.8 Final SOQ/P Evaluation and Scoring

4.7.9 PDB Contract Award

4.7.10 Debriefing Meetings

4.8 Ineligible Firms

4.9 Obligation to Keep the Team Intact

4.10 Precontractual Expenses

5 INSTRUCTIONS TO SUBMITTERS

5.1 General Intent and Exempt Information

5.2 Contents, Quantities, Deadline (Date and Time) and Location

5.3 SOQ/P Format Requirements

5.4 Required SOQ/P Organization, Submittal Requirements, Evaluation Criteria, Page Limits, and

Weighting

6 LIMITATIONS AND OTHER PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Department Reserved Rights

6.2 Department Disclaimers

6.3 Challenges

6.4 Public Records Act

6.5 Other Project Requirements

6.5.1 Equal Employment Opportunity

6.5.2 Prevailing Wages and Other Labor Code Requirements

6.5.3 Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Participation

6.5.4 Contract Security

6.5.5 Conflicts of Interest and Disclosures

6.5.6 Construction Inspection Services

6.5.7 Form 700 Disclosures

6.5.8 Economic Sanctions Against Russia

6.5.9 In-Person Meetings Required

6.5.10 Generative AI Disclosure Obligations

6.5.11 Tribal Consultation Policy

LIST OF TABLES

0BTable 1-1. Defined Terms

Table 2-1. Current Project Schedule iii

7BTTable 3-1. Department and Design-Builder Roles and Responsibilities

Table 4-1. Procurement Schedule

Table 5-1. Detailed SOQ/P Contents Requirements, Evaluation Criteria, and Considerations

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Site location and boundary of the Kane Spring Project iv

ATTACHMENTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS

Attachment A: Forms

Form A: Cover Letter

Form B: Submitter SOQ/P Certification

Form C: Proposed Key Personnel Information

Form D-1: Project Experience Matrix

Form D-2: Project Descriptions

Form E: Non-Disclosure Agreement

Form F-1: Requested Technical Edits to the PDB Contract (including the Appendices)

Form F-2: Requested Nontechnical Edits to the Draft PDB Contract (including the Appendices)

Form F-3: Submitter Comments on the Phase 1 Scope of Work

Form G-1: PDB Price Proposal Form

Form G-2: Billing Rates Calculation

Form H: Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure

Attachment B-1: Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy for Progressive Design-Build Project Delivery

Attachment B-2: Disclosure of Potential Organizational Conflict of Interest Statement (Disclosure Statement)

Attachment C-1: Design-Builder Profile Questionnaire and Certification

Attachment C-2: Key Participant Profile Questionnaire and Certification(s)

Attachment D: Submitter’s Agreement and Certification

Attachment E: Project Site Visit Registration Form

Reference Documents Available for Download at Cosmos (https://cosmos.water.ca.gov) or are provided via link to external website if indicated below. Note that some of these documents are also listed in PDB Contract, Appendix B: Reference Documents but are listed here for convenience for the purpose of SOQ/P development.

1. Collaborative Partnering Program Field Guide for Construction Projects, California Department of Water Resources, April 2020

2. SOQ/P Initial Responsiveness Review Checklist

3. DWR Assumption of Risk and Waiver Agreement

4. Draft Progressive Design-Build Contract, including Appendices v

Appendix A: Phase 1 Scope of Work

Appendix B: Reference Documents

Appendix C: Existing Site Information

Appendix D: Department’s Project Criteria

Appendix E: Approvals and Reviews

Appendix F: Price Information

F-1: PDB Price Proposal Form (to be provided by Design-Builder in its SOQ/P)

F-2: Billing Rates Calculation (to be completed by Design-Builder and is subject to Department approval)

Appendix G: Required Insurance

Appendix H: Performance and Payment Bonds (to be completed by the Design-Builder and its surety)

Appendix I: Required Forms and Documents (to be completed by the Design-Builder)

Appendix I.1 – (Updated and Executed) Design-Builder Certifications and Declarations

Appendix I.2 – Design-Build Team

Appendix I.3 – Subcontractor List

Appendix I.4 – GenAI Disclosure

Appendix I.5 – DVBE Participation

Appendix I.6 – In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleet

Appendix I.7 – Allowance and Contingency Register

Appendix I.8 – GMP Form

Appendix I.9 – Department of Industrial Relations Registration Certification List

Appendix I.10 – Pre-Work Safety Plan

Appendix I.11 – Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Report

Appendix J: Not Used

Appendix K: Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy for Progressive Design-Build Project Delivery

Attachment 1: Disclosure of Potential Organizational Conflict of Interest Statement (Disclosure Statement)

5. California Department of Water Resources Standard Contract Provisions Regarding Political Reform Act Compliance. Link: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web- Pages/Programs/Engineering-And-Construction/Files/Collaborative-Delivery- Program/CD_Political_Reform-Act.pdf vi

6. State of California’s Salton Sea Management Program Phase I: 10- Year Plan, Clean Water Act Section 404 Letter of Permission Procedures, Riverside and Imperial Counties, California. Link:

https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Projects-Programs/Salton-Sea-Management- Plan/). This website includes links to the following Final Documents:

1. Department of Army Permit (DA Number SPL-2019-00951) - Clean Water Act Section 404 Standard Permit for SSMP 10-Year Plan.

2. Section 404 Letter of Permission (LOP) Procedures for SSMP 10-Year Plan.

3. Final Environmental Assessment/Combined Decision Document, and Appendices 1-4

7. Statewide Restoration General Order. Order for Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and Waste Discharge Requirements for Restoration Projects Statewide. Order No. WQ 2022-0048-DWQ. Adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board on August 16, 2022. Link:

https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/cwa401/generalorders.html#yr_2022

8. Restoration Management Permit (RMP) Process. Link: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Cutting- Green-Tape/RMP#624084980-background

1 OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

The Department of Water Resources (Department) is issuing this Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/P) to obtain Statements of Qualifications and Proposals (SOQ/Ps) from Submitters qualified to serve as the Design-Builder for the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) Kane Spring Project (Project) located along the southwest shore of the Salton Sea near the City of Brawley.

This Project serves to use the following potential water sources (1) existing agricultural drains, (2) groundwater wells, (3) the existing Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project, (4) the West Interception Ditch – to maximize the acreages of the following land use objectives (in order of priority):

• Create and enhance vegetated wetland for California Black Rail and Yuma Ridgway’s Rail

• Create pupfish habitat

• Improve existing wetlands by removing salt cedar and tamarisk (Tamarix) and discouraging future salt cedar and tamarisk (Tamarix) growth

• Create vegetated areas to prevent lakebed from being emissive

Failure to submit an SOQ/P in accordance with the requirements of this RFQ/P may be cause for disqualification of the Submitter. Any technical requirements described in this RFQ/P may be superseded by the requirements included in any RFQ/P Addendum.

The Department is requesting SOQ/Ps describing the Submitter’s: 1) team organization and capacity to conduct the Work; 2) project management experience and capabilities; 3) collaboration and effective use of PDB and/or CMCG/CMAR; 4) team qualifications and experience; 5) Project approach, and 6) PDB Price Proposal.

The Project is being procured using a one-step, Best Value selection method as described in Section 4.

Firms interested in providing PDB services for the Project should submit their SOQ/P according to the requirements set forth in this RFQ/P, including the format and content guidelines in Section 5. The Department intends to award a Progressive Design-Build Contract (PDB Contract) to the selected Submitter which will include a scope of work for Phase 1 Design and Preconstruction Services and may be amended for Phase 2 Work.

Further discussion of the Department’s procurement process for this Project can be found in Section 4, Procurement Process.

1.1.1 Overview of Phase 1 Design and Preconstruction and Phase 2 Construction

The Design-Builder’s work on the Project would include two phases, the Design and Preconstruction Phase (Phase 1) and the Construction Phase (Phase 2). The two phases of PDB work are outlined below:

• Phase 1: Design and Preconstruction. If the Department awards a PDB Contract to the Design- Builder, it will collaboratively provide design, site investigation, permitting, cost estimating, scheduling and sequencing, and construction planning services to the Department. Throughout the phase, the Design-Builder, and all Key Participants who intend to perform Phase 2 Work, will use an agreed-to cost model to develop open book cost estimates of the Guaranteed Maximum Price(s) (GMP) for all or portions of Phase 2 Work. Cost estimates will be progressively developed and refined, allowing the Department to modify priorities and requirements based on the overall budget. Phase 1 will include 100% complete design and may overlap with the start of Phase 2.

Multiple Work Packages, including those in support of early materials purchase or early start construction, may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the Department.

The Department intends to engage an Independent Cost Estimator (ICE) to support the Department’s review of cost estimates, schedules, risk assessments, and GMP Proposal(s) prepared by the Design-Builder at key Phase 1 milestones. If the parties cannot negotiate satisfactory terms for construction, the Department may terminate GMP negotiations and will not execute an amendment for construction.

• Phase 2: Construction. Phase 2 Work will only be completed if the Department and the Design- Builder successfully reach agreement on GMP Proposal(s) and execute Phase 2 Amendment(s) to the PDB Contract. During this phase, the Design-Builder will construct the Project, conduct commissioning and startup services, successfully complete Performance Tests to achieve Acceptance, and provide support services as defined in the PDB Contract.

1.2 Department Statutory Authority

The California Legislature authorized the Department in Public Contract Code (PCC) §§ 10215-10215.8 to procure Progressive Design-Build Contracts for designing and constructing the Project.

The Project will be procured using a Best Value selection method, then contracted and delivered using a single PDB Contract for design and construction of all Work.

1.3 Definitions

The following terms are used in this document and are defined as shown below:

0BTable 1-1. Defined Terms

Term Definition

Acceptance Formal written acceptance of the Work by the Department after completion of all Work specified in the PDB Contract to be completed by the Final Completion date to the satisfaction of the Department.

Addenda/Addendum Supplemental additions, deletions, and modifications to the provisions of the RFQ/P issued after the release of the RFQ/P.

Best Value A value the Department will determine by evaluation of objective criteria that relate to price, features, functions, lifecycle costs, experience, and past performance. A Best Value determination involves a tradeoff between price and other specified factors.

0BTable 1-1. Defined Terms

Term Definition

Commercially Useful Function

The requirements for Small Business firms set out in: Government Code § 14837 and Title 2 CCR § 1896.15 and set out for Disadvantaged Veteran Business Enterprise firms in Military and Veteran’s Code § 999(b)(5)(B) and Title 2 CCR § 1896.71.

Department The California Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Department’s Project Criteria

The criteria set out by the Department in PDB Contract, Appendix D, which may include the Department’s budget, objectives, scope, minimum technical requirements, Design Criteria, quality, workmanship, operational requirements, materials, equipment, Performance Requirements, schedule, and other requirements that describe the Department’s intent, govern the Design-Builder’s performance of the Work, and must be met by the Project delivered by the Design- Builder.

Designated Contact The Department’s sole contact person and addressee for receiving all communications about the Project during the procurement process as set forth in RFQ/P Section 4.4.

Design-Builder The entity which will enter into the PDB Contract with the Department and may also be identified as the Contractor or Design-Build Entity.

Design-Builder Fee The total percentage for Home Office Overhead and Profit for Phase 2 Work (to be stated in RFQ/P Attachment A, Form G-1: PDB Price Proposal Form.)

Design-Build Team The Design-Builder itself, the Key Personnel and Key Participants identified by the Design-Builder in its SOQ/P including the Lead Designer and Engineer of Record, and may include Subcontractors, Suppliers, vendors, and other individuals and entities performing Work.

Engineer of Record The professional engineer(s) licensed in the State of California in good standing designated by the Design-Builder and acceptable to the Department as the engineer responsible for the preparation, signing, dating, sealing and issuing of the engineering documents relating to a portion of or all of the Design-Build Work.

Evaluation Team Those assigned by the Department to review and assess SOQ/Ps using the criteria set forth in this RFQ/P.

Final Completion Completion of the Phase 2 Work as set forth in PDB Contract, Section 12.20.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

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. (See Gov. Code § 11549.64.)

Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)

The maximum payment amount agreed upon by the Department and the Design- Builder for the Design-Builder to finish all Work included in a Phase 2 Amendment.

Term Definition

Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Proposal

The Design-Builder’s proposal for Phase 2 that includes all information required by PDB Contract, Section 11.6 and PDB Contract, Appendix A: Phase 1 Scope of Work.

If the GMP Proposal is accepted by the Department and the Design-Builder, it becomes the Accepted GMP Proposal.

Home Office Overhead The indirect fixed costs necessary to operate a Design-Builder’s business that cannot be directly attributed to a single specific project. These company-wide costs are incurred for the benefit of all ongoing projects and typically include, but not limited to, executive/administrative salaries, office rent, utilities, insurance, taxes, and accountings.

The Design-Builder’s Home Office Overhead is the same rate that would be used by Design-Builder on all projects for contractor home office overhead and is an audited rate. It would not vary by project.

The Design-Builder’s Fee for Home Office Overhead and Profit, as stated in PDB Contract, Section 33.2, includes full compensation for all home office fixed or administrative costs.

Information Letter(s) A letter or other notification to prospective Submitters containing information regarding the procurement process.

Key Participants Participants (firms) fulfilling key roles for the Design-Builder that are required for the successful delivery of the Project. Key Participants include subcontractors, vendors, or other participants and associations that will be dedicated participants and are proposed as part of the Design-Build Team.

Key Participant Fee The total percentage for Home Office Overhead and Profit for Phase 2 Work for each Key Participant to be negotiated before execution of the PDB Contract.

Key Personnel Qualified personnel (individuals) proposed as part of the Design-Build Team who will fulfill key positions and have demonstrated experience, expertise, and a record of producing quality work on projects of a similar nature to the Project.

Required Key Personnel to be included in the SOQ/P submittal are identified in RFQ/P Table 5-1, Detailed SOQ/P Contents Requirements, Evaluation Criteria, and Considerations (see requirements for SOQ/P Attachment 1: Key Personnel Information).

Note: If an individual identified as a Key Personnel is not employed by the Submitter, then the Key Personnel’s firm will be considered a Key Participant.

Lead Designer The Design-Builder’s primary engineer or other design consultant who is the single point of responsibility for the design of the Project and for directing and coordinating other designers on the Project.

Performance Requirements

The Department’s requirements for the Project that must be demonstrated through Performance Testing.

Term Definition

Performance Testing The formal testing of the entire Project conducted in accordance with the Design- Builder’s Performance Testing Plan as approved by the Department. Performance Testing is intended to demonstrate that the Project can successfully meet the Performance Requirements over a range of expected conditions and over a designated time period.

Phase 1 (Design and Preconstruction Phase)

The period following the execution of the PDB Contract in which the Design-Builder completes necessary design and preconstruction tasks.

Phase 2 (Construction Phase)

The period following agreement by the Design-Builder and the Department on a Guaranteed Maximum Price Proposal and Phase 2 Amendment in which the Design-Builder completes necessary construction services. Phase 2 may be divided into multiple Work Packages.

Profit The portion of the Design-Builder's Fee, separate from Home Office Overhead, that compensates the Design-Builder for performing the Work.

Progressive Design-Build

(PDB)

A project delivery process in which the design, preconstruction services, and construction of a project are procured, in one or two steps, from a single entity that is selected through a Best Value-based selection at the earliest feasible stage of that project.

Progressive Design-Build Contract or PDB Contract

Includes: 1) the written PDB Contract, including all appendices, between the Department and the Design-Builder setting forth the obligations of the parties; 2) any amendments to add Phase 2 work, 3) all Deliverables; and 4) any other written amendments to the PDB Contract agreed to in writing by the parties.

Project The Kane Spring Project as described in RFQ/P Section 2 and in PDB Contract, Appendix D: Department’s Project Criteria.

Project Site(s) The location(s) identified and described in RFQ/P Section 2 and in PDB Contract Appendix D: Department’s Project Criteria. Collectively these Sites are referred to as Project Sites and are inclusive of all the locations in the Project. Individually these will be referred to as a “Site.”

Request for Qualifications and Proposals (or RFQ/P)

This written solicitation issued by the Department to obtain Statements of Qualifications and Proposals (SOQ/Ps) from Submitters qualified to serve as the Design-Builder for the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) Kane Spring Project (Project) located along the southwest shore of the Salton Sea near the City of Brawley.

Right of Way All estates and interests in real property, and licenses and permits authorizing occupancy and use, that are necessary for the Project.

State The State of California, including its elected officials, employees, and its authorized representatives, and each department and agency.

Term Definition

Statement of Qualifications and Proposal (or SOQ/P)

The information prepared and submitted by a Submitter in response to this RFQ/P.

Submitter The entity submitting an SOQ/P for the Project.

Submitter Representative

The Submitter’s single point of contact for all procurement-related communication with the Department, identified in the Submitter’s SOQ/P.

Work Everything required to fulfill the Design-Builder’s obligations under the PDB Contract, including any amendments thereto, to the satisfaction of the Department.

Work Package A discrete and defined portion of the Project with its own GMP.

1.4 Acronyms and Abbreviations

CDFW

CEQA

CNRA

California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Environmental Quality Act California Natural Resources Agency

COI Conflict of Interest DB Design-Build Department Department of Water Resources DIR Department of Industrial Relations DVBE Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GenAI Generative Artificial Intelligence GMP Guaranteed Maximum Price IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards IID Imperial Irrigation District NEPA National Environmental Policy Act PCC California Public Contract Code PDB Progressive Design-Build QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control RFQ/P Request for Qualifications and Proposals SB/MB Small Business/Microbusiness SCH Species Conservation Habitat SSMP Salton Sea Management Plan SSP Salton Sea Program (formerly Salton Sea Management Program) SOQ/P Statement of Qualifications and Proposal YTD Year to Date

1.5 Information Available on Cosmos and Cal eProcure

The Department has established a secure server (Cosmos) for the distribution of Information Letter(s), Addenda and, as applicable, other background documents for the Project. Documents may also be posted, at the Department’s discretion, on the Cal eProcure website.

The Department may add or delete documents, or issue addendum or Information Letters on Cosmos at any time. Each Submitter is solely responsible for ensuring that it has the appropriate software which allows the Submitter to view and download the materials from Cosmos. Access to Cosmos will enable Submitters to receive notifications of any updates or new documents uploaded to Cosmos; however, each Submitter is solely responsible for checking Cosmos frequently for the addition, deletion, or amendment of the materials.

Access to Cosmos is obtained by emailing the Department’s Designated Contact (RFQ/P Section 4.4) at:

DWR-CDP@water.ca.gov.

2 PROJECT AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Flows into the Salton Sea have declined in recent years, and the result is a shrinking, increasingly saline lake. As the Salton Sea recedes, previously submerged lakebeds are being exposed, creating dust that is of concern to local communities. The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), the California Department of Water Resources (Department) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) are implementing the Salton Sea Program (SSP), which includes a 10-year plan that aims to improve conditions by constructing 29,800 acres of habitat and dust suppression projects around the Sea.

The 10-year plan envisions a range of activities for habitat creation and dust management as the Salton Sea recedes over 2018-2028. The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), through Stipulated Order WRO 2017-0134, revising WRO 2002-0013, outlines annual and cumulative target areas for restoration through the creation of fish and wildlife habitat (habitat) and dust suppression projects to reduce the emissions of particulate matter into the air from the exposed lakebed around the Salton Sea.

The concept for the Kane Spring Project (formerly called the Trifolium Extension Multi-Benefit Project) was originally developed by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) as a part of its Salton Sea Air Quality Mitigation Program (SSAQMP), in collaboration with the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) (IID, 2023).

Since early 2023, IID and the State have discussed the potential to collaborate on Project design and ultimately for the SSP to lead construction of the Project. In the first quarter of 2024, the Kane Spring Project transitioned to the State’s Salton Sea Program and planning began. Figure 1 presents the Kane Spring Project boundary that is approximately 5,099 acres.

Figure 1. Site location and boundary of the Kane Spring Project

2.1 General Project Description

Kane Spring is a multi-benefit Project that will include water-based and vegetation-based dust control measures, additional shoreline bird habitat, improved water use efficiency within the Project Site, and wetlands enhancement. To accomplish this, the project will include the design and construction of ponds, ditches, berms, vegetation enhancement, and wetlands enhancement.

The Project design (Phase 1) will include the entire project area (5,099 acres) to elevation -247.5’. Project construction (Phase 2) may be implemented in multiple Work Packages as funding allows. As the project footprint expands toward elevation -247.5’ beyond the 3,206-acre concept, the project could incorporate larger vegetation enhancement areas, ponds, or other features that meet the Project goals. This concept is described further in PDB Contract, Appendix D.

Wetlands and open-water habitats are intended to be supported by three complementary water sources

– agricultural drains, the West Interception Ditch, and Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project pond water, providing flexibility to manage hydrology and salinity, sustain wetland vegetation, and advance habitat and dust-control objectives aligned with the Salton Sea Program. Water for the vegetation enhancement areas will be sourced from groundwater wells. Water sources are described further in PDB Contract, Appendix D.

A proposed Project concept and phased buildout is provided in the Kane Spring Conceptual Design, prepared by Tetra Tech for the Department, and included in Appendix B: Reference Documents. The proposed concept includes the following features and will be reviewed and evaluated by the selected Design-Builder during Phase 1:

• Pupfish habitat ditch: This ditch provides pupfish habitat and captures water from the existing agricultural drains. This ditch will have control structures that manage the flow to existing wetlands at the site.

• Conveyance Ditch: These direct water by gravity flow from the existing SCH West Interception Ditch to four Project ponds. Weir overflow structures will allow for flood overflow from the upstream watershed.

• Ponds: Saline ponds connected via conveyance ditches to create additional bird and fish habitat.

• Wetlands Enhancement: Maintain existing wetlands at either their current size and condition or equivalent value and enhance them by means of tamarisk removal and revegetation with native plants and seeds.

• Vegetation Enhancement Areas: Enhancement areas are located between the existing wetlands.

Irrigation system will be connected to future groundwater wells (constructed by others) to these vegetation areas.

• Berms and Open Crossings: Berms created in conjunction with ditches and ponds to provide protection from flooding.

2.2 Project Goals and Delivery Objectives

Project Goals. The fundamental goals of the Project are (1) to enhance and improve water use efficiency of drain water on the lakebed to stabilize and manage wetland habitat while avoiding and minimizing impacts on the existing biological resources at the site; and (2) to maintain and create pupfish habitat.

The multi-benefit Project will implement water-based dust control measures, which will also provide additional shoreline bird habitat and vegetation-based dust control. Water use efficiency will be improved by rerouting of relatively fresh drain water, which currently flows to the Sea, for use on both current and future exposed lakebed. Current Project objectives can be found in PDB Contract, Appendix D:

Department’s Project Criteria (provided via Cosmos).

Delivery Objectives. The Department has elected to use the Progressive Design-Build delivery method to meet the following procurement and delivery objectives:

1. Increased construction cost and schedule certainty through early alignment on scope, pricing, and Work sequencing approach—supporting delivery within agreed‑upon budget and schedule once Phase 1 is approved by all parties.

2. Flexibility to scale the Project as funding availability, site access, and priorities evolve, enabling informed decisions on expanding the Project footprint.

3. Improved constructability and value engineering by integrating contractor expertise during Phase 1 to refine design, evaluate alternatives, and optimize construction sequencing before price and schedule are finalized.

4. Selecting a Design‑Builder through a best‑value selection process that emphasizes qualifications, relevant experience, team integration, and appropriate consideration of pricing.

5. Enhanced collaboration and innovation through close coordination among the Department, the Design-Builder, and third parties—enabling more creative solutions and a stronger ability to proactively manage risk and adapt to Project challenges as they arise, compared to traditional design‑bid‑build delivery.

2.3 Location and Site Description

The Project Site is located along the southwest shore of the Salton Sea in Imperial County, approximately 17 miles northwest of the City of Brawley. A description of the Project Site can be found in the PDB Contract, Appendix C: Existing Site Information (provided via Cosmos).

2.4 PDB Contract Reference Documents

A list of Reference Documents containing information on the Project status, preliminary investigations, and/or preliminary engineering to support Project development can be found in the PDB Contract, Appendix B: Reference Documents (provided via Cosmos). The Department has distinguished between information that may be relied on and information that may not be relied upon.

2.5 The Department’s Preliminary Project Criteria

The criteria set out by the Department in PDB Contract, Appendix D: Department’s Project Criteria (provided via Cosmos) which may include the Department’s budget, objectives, scope, minimum technical requirements, Design Criteria, quality, workmanship, operational requirements, materials, equipment, Performance Requirements, schedule, and other requirements that describe the Department’s intent, govern the Design-Builder’s performance of the Work, and must be met by the Project delivered by the Design-Builder.

The Department will collaborate with the Design-Builder during Phase 1 Design and Preconstruction to finalize the Department’s Project Criteria prior to amending the PDB Contract for Phase 2 Work.

2.6 Coordination with Other Entities

Information related to the coordination with other entities can be found in PDB Contract, Appendix D:

Department’s Project Criteria (provided via Cosmos), Section 4, Coordination with other Entities.

2.7 Required Permits and Approvals

Information related to permits and approvals that will or may be required for the Project can be found in PDB Contract, Appendix E: Approvals and Reviews (provided via Cosmos). Also see Appendix E for a description of the Salton Sea Management Program Phase I: 10-Year Plan, a State of California program to deliver large-scale habitat restoration and dust suppression projects on exposed Salton Sea lakebed over approximately ten years. Under the program, Kane Spring and other eligible projects utilize a federal permitting framework approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to proceed efficiently under Clean Water Act Section 404 authorization, using streamlined Letters of Permission, while maintaining compliance with applicable environmental and cultural resource requirements.

The permits and approvals identified in Appendix E are based on information known or reasonably anticipated by the Department at the time of issuance of this RFQ/P. The final list, scope, responsibility, and applicability of permits and approvals will be refined during Phase 1 in coordination with the Department and applicable regulatory agencies, based on the more detailed Project scope and definition.

The Design-Builder will work collaboratively with the Department during Phase 1 to identify, confirm, and support the development of the final permitting and approvals list for the Project.

2.8 Estimated Cost and Funding

The Department’s preliminary estimate of the cost of design and construction for the Kane Spring Project is (in 2026 U.S. dollars) is $120M-$130M. Current funding is $65M which provides for the funding of all Phase 1 activities for the entire Kane Spring Project and a portion of estimated Phase 2 activities. The Salton Sea Program is currently seeking additional funds for the remaining Phase 2 activities.

The Kane Spring Project is currently funded by the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (also known as Proposition 4).

2.9 Current Project Schedule

The Department’s current Project schedule is summarized in Table 2-1 below. All dates are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Department.

Table 2-1. Current Project Schedule

Milestone Date

Project Schedule

Completion of CEQA Clearance July 2026

Estimated Phase 1 PDB Contract Effective Date April 2027

Kane Spring (currently funded): Estimated Phase 2 Construction Amendment Effective Date

November 2027

Kane Spring (currently funded): Phase 2 Estimated Final Completion Date

December 2029

Future (currently unfunded) Work: Estimated Phase 2 Construction Amendment Effective Date

TBD - Depending on funding

3 DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES AND PDB CONTRACT

3.1 Department and Design-Builder’s Respective Responsibilities

The Design-Builder will be responsible for furnishing all labor, material, equipment, and services for the Project, including, but not limited to, design, construction, startup and commissioning, provision of Project warranties, obtaining and/or amending certain permits and preparing environmental review documents (as specified in PDB Contract, Appendix E: Approvals and Reviews, provided via Cosmos), complying with legal requirements, safety management, and quality management. The Design-Builder will be responsible for completing the Project within the cost and time frame set forth in the PDB Contract.

The Department does not require a specific form of contractual arrangement between the Design-Build Team members, but the Design-Builder that intends to enter into the PDB Contract with the Department must be a California licensed Class A General Engineering Contractor.

The Department’s responsibilities generally include providing Department’s preliminary Project criteria, furnishing certain data and information regarding the Project, reviewing and commenting on submittals, obtaining certain permits, providing funding, providing contract oversight, and quality assurance oversight.

General responsibilities of the Department and the Design-Builder are summarized in Table 3-1 below to help clarify scope allocation for this Project. These descriptions are indicative and subject to revision by the Department.

7BTTable 3-1. Department and Design-Builder Roles and Responsibilities

General Area Department’s Responsibilities Design-Builder Responsibilities

Project Management

• Guide overall Project strategy

• Single point of responsibility for design and construction

7BTTable 3-1. Department and Design-Builder Roles and Responsibilities

General Area Department’s Responsibilities Design-Builder Responsibilities

• Provide Project funding

• Review scope, schedule, and price

• Participate in discussions with other entities and interested parties

• Provide QA/QC oversight of Design-Builder’s QA/QC plan and conformance to PDB Contract

• Identify and manage Project risks and response strategies

• Prepare and maintain overall Project schedule;

evaluate if current scope can be delivered within the constraints of the schedule

• Develop and implement all plans and protocols required for design and construction including document control, communication protocols, safety, security, quality management, and others required by the PDB Contract

• Provide QA/QC on all Work

• Support Project-related public involvement activities

• Coordination with interested parties or other entities, contractors, and utility owners (as necessary) as described in RFQ/P Section 2.6.

Design and Preconstruction

• Provide Project Criteria

• Review required design deliverables and construction planning deliverables

• Furnish existing studies and data

• Obtain Right of Way access for the Project site

• Obtain CEQA/NEPA clearance and review Design-Builder provided environmental documents

• Oversight of permitting efforts for permits which the Department is responsible as defined in the PDB contract

• Participate in the alternatives analysis process

• Design and plan Work in conformance to requirements and standards established in the PDB Contract

• Supervise the Design-Build Team and its personnel, subconsultants, subcontractors, and suppliers

• Perform preliminary engineering, such as additional surveys, site, and geotechnical investigations (geology reports) to support the Project planning and design

• Design of all Project components including internal constructability reviews

• Identify Project risks and proposed response strategies

• Prepare and maintain an open book cost model (to be used for subsequent cost estimates). Key Participants responsible for construction are also required to provide cost estimates for Work they intend to perform in an open book format.

• Provide value engineering and constructability input, identify errors, omissions, or ambiguities to improve value engineering and constructability, determine if the required tools, methods, techniques, and technology are available and sufficient to deliver the Project

• Propose alternative construction staging concepts

7BTTable 3-1. Department and Design-Builder Roles and Responsibilities

General Area Department’s Responsibilities Design-Builder Responsibilities

• Review designs and construction plans for compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements

• Develop GMP Proposals and negotiate in good faith

• Provide services required by the Phase 1 Scope of Work as well as any additional Department-requested services (see PDB Contract, Appendix A: Phase 1 Scope of Work)

• Obtain environmental clearance for construction areas or design changes outside of the Right of Way.

• Provide design specifications and design supporting documents to be included in permits and/or CEQA/NEPA environmental packages

• Obtain those permits assigned to the Design-Builder in the PDB Contract Appendix E: Approvals and Reviews.

• Obtain any temporary construction permits or approvals required for execution of the Work, including, but not limited to off-site storage, parking facilities etc.

• Coordinate with utility providers and the Department for provision of temporary construction utilities

• Plan and implement additional environmental studies required for preparation of environmental review documents or permit conditions

• Provide and coordinate site access for Department staff and other interested parties (as needed)

• Notify the Department and appropriate regulatory agency of discovery of pre-existing harmful and/or hazardous materials at the Project Site

• Utility coordination and (as required) relocation.

• Identify existing facilities, utilities and survey monuments

Construction • Conduct independent inspections and reviews

• Monitor activities for compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements

• Oversight of DB entities planning, and implementation of studies required under

• Provide and coordinate site access for Department staff and other interested parties (as needed)

• Notify the Department and appropriate regulatory agency of discovery of pre-existing harmful and/or hazardous materials at the Project Site

• Protect existing facilities, utilities, and survey monuments, as defined in Phase 1

• Protect existing wetland and habitat areas, as defined in Phase 1

3.2 Draft PDB Contract

The draft PDB Contract, including its draft Appendices, is provided via Cosmos. It sets out the requirements for both the Design-Builder and the Department. The Department understands the advantages inherent in PDB project delivery and intends to collaborate with the Design-Builder during Phase 1 of the Project to adjust the scope of construction work to reflect the Design-Builder’s optimized solutions, where it is in the Project’s best interest to do so.

Certain elements of the PDB Contract, including its appendices, will require SOQ/P-specific information to complete. Submitters must be aware that, if selected, information included in their SOQ/P may be included in the final PDB Contract. See RFQ/P Section 6.5 for additional Project requirements.

4 PROCUREMENT PROCESS

4.1 Procurement Process Overview

The purpose of the RFQ/P is to solicit SOQ/Ps from interested PDB teams. The Department will use a single-step, Best Value procurement process to select a Design-Builder to deliver the Project. The Department’s procurement process begins with the Department’s issuance of this RFQ/P to Submitters and ends with the execution of a PDB Contract with the Design-Builder whose SOQ/P is determined to have offered the Best Value to the Department.

7BTTable 3-1. Department and Design-Builder Roles and Responsibilities

General Area Department’s Responsibilities Design-Builder Responsibilities environmental review documents or permit conditions, including monitoring

• Provide engineering support during construction and as-built record drawings upon completion of the Work

• Provision of temporary works, such as temporary fencing, temporary power, temporary relocation of drainage, and temporary access

• Deliver constructed Work

• Perform environmental monitoring and reporting

• Manage self-performing and subcontracted Work

• Maintain site safety and security

• Perform commissioning and startup activities and meet all associated requirements

• Successfully complete any required Performance Testing

• Successfully meet the requirements of the Monitoring Period

• Provide Project warranties and guarantees

4.1.1 RFQ/P and SOQ/P Process

The Department’s single-step procurement process for the RFQ/P and SOQ/P evaluation step includes the following:

• Issuance of the RFQ/P, draft PDB Contract, and Project related information.

• Project site visit.

• One-on-one meetings with Submitters to discuss their potential concepts and technical and nontechnical issues related to the RFQ/P and the draft PDB Contract.

• Submission of written questions.

• Issuance of Information Letter(s) and any Addenda to the RFQ/P and to the draft PDB Contract.

• Submission of SOQ/Ps.

• Responsiveness evaluation.

• Pass/fail evaluation.

• Reference checking.

• Initial evaluation and scoring of SOQ/Ps by the Department.

• Interviews with shortlisted Submitters (at the Department’s sole discretion).

• Final scoring and determination of the highest-ranked Submitter.

• If negotiations are successful, execution of the PDB Contract with the selected Submitter.

• If the Department is not able to successfully negotiate with the highest-ranked Submitter, it may proceed to negotiate with the next highest-ranked Submitter.

4.1.2 One-on-One Meetings

Submitters will have the opportunity to conduct one-on-one meetings with the Department, as scheduled in RFQ/P Section 4.3, to discuss technical and nontechnical issues.

• Technical One-on-One Meeting. The purpose of the technical one-on-one meeting is to give each Submitter an opportunity to provide insight into their respective technical approach. The Department encourages Submitters to identify any technical issues including, but not limited to, comments on the Department’s Preliminary Project Criteria, design approach, logistics, scheduling, necessary equipment and materials, and constructability. Nontechnical issues will not be addressed during this technical one-on-one meeting.

• Nontechnical One-on-One Meeting. The purpose of the nontechnical one-on-one meeting is to give each Submitter an opportunity to discuss the draft PDB Contract and RFQ/P submittal requirements prior to submitting a SOQ/P. The Department encourages Submitters to identify any nontechnical issues including but not limited to: risk identification, allocation, and management; bonds and insurance; the Department’s estimated price and available funding; open book cost estimating, approach to GMP negotiations; and payment amounts and methods. This meeting will focus only on nontechnical issues identified by the Submitter. Technical issues will not be addressed during the nontechnical one-on-one meeting.

Submitters must provide the Department’s Designated Contact with an attendee list and an agenda containing a list of prioritized issues it would like to discuss, at least 5 days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

These one-on-one meetings will not be scored or otherwise evaluated as part of the selection process.

The Department intends to keep discussions from these meetings confidential except as provided below or if the information discussed merits changes to the RFQ/P or draft PDB Contract, in which case the Department will issue an Addendum. The Department will not disclose to other Submitters the source of the information leading to the Addendum.

Please be advised that all records submitted to the Department will become property of the Department.

Any information that is not exempt from the California Public Records Act may be publicly disclosed after execution of the PDB Contract. Information provided will not be shared with the public or other Submitters during the procurement. See RFQ/P Section 6.4 for more information.

If the Submitter desires that the Department consider any requested edits to the PDB Contract, the Submitter must transmit a completed RFQ/P Attachment A, Form F-1: Requested Technical Edits to the PDB Contract (including the Appendices) and/or RFQ/P Attachment A, Form F-2: Requested Nontechnical Edits to the Draft PDB Contract (including the Appendices) to the Department after their scheduled one-on-one meetings, via the communication protocol outlined in RFQ/P Section 4.5.

4.1.2.1 One-on-One Meeting Ground Rules

One-on-one meetings will generally be structured according to the following ground rules:

• Apart from any Project update and introductory comments to be presented by the Department and its representatives, the agenda for each meeting is at each Submitter’s discretion.

• Submitters must provide their agendas 5 days prior to their scheduled meeting date.

• No information, discussion, or comments provided by the Department or its representatives during one-on-one meetings will be binding on the Department or final. Submitters are reminded that only official, written communication included in the RFQ/P and any Addenda, and Information Letters, will contain the Department’s definitive information, requirements, and instructions.

• The Department will not discuss any information submitted by other Submitters as part of this procurement, at any time. The Department will discuss information related to a Submitter’s own submittal, as requested by the Submitter.

• Submitters may not seek to obtain an unfair competitive advantage over any other Submitter. These meetings are not intended to provide any Submitter with access to information that is not similarly available, or made available, to other Submitters. Accordingly, material information about the Project or procurement that the Department reveals or discusses in response to questions raised in a one-on-one meeting will be made available to the other Submitters unless the Department, in its sole discretion, determines that disclosure of such information:

Would impair the confidentiality of information submitted by a Submitter as part of this procurement.

Is not necessary in order to address an error in the RFQ/P.

Is not necessary for purposes of fairness and transparency.

Is not required by…