Request for Proposal

No. RFP No. PW-0302

FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FOR PUMP STATION 1 AND

SOQUEL PUMP STATION

Contact: Michael Dyer, Project Manager II

Email: mdyer@santacruzca.gov

RESPONSE DEADLINE: September 25, 2026, 5:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzca

City of Santa Cruz

Environmental Consulting for Pump Station 1 and Soquel Pump Station

I. INTRODUCTION

II. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS

III. PROCESS INSTRUCTIONS

IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA

V. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

VI. PRELIMINARY SCOPE OF WORK

VII. PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS

Attachments:

A - Sample Agreement - PS-1 and Soquel PS Environmental

B - San Lorenzo River Channel Improvement Project - As-Built Plans

C - Preliminary Hydraulic Analysis

D - Pump Station 1 Preliminary Basis of Design

E - Soquel Avenue Pump Station Preliminary Basis of Design

F - Sample_Cost_Proposal_1_-_Cost_Plus_Fixed_Fee (2)

G - Environmental BRIC Grant and Schedule

H - downtown-plan-appendix-8-south-of-laurel-area

#RFP No. PW-0302 Title: Environmental Consulting for Pump Station 1 and Soquel Pump Station

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Summary

The City is seeking experienced firms to provide CEQA, NEPA, and environmental permitting services for the Pump Station No. 1 and Soquel Pump Station project. This is a federally funded project serving a highly engaged community, and the selected firm must bring both technical depth and strong communication skills to navigate a complex environmental review process.

Qualified firms will demonstrate expertise in regulatory compliance and best management practices, familiarity with relevant case law and its potential procedural implications, and a proven track record managing sub-consulting teams through multi-step environmental reviews. Firms must also have experience with federally funded grant projects and a history of delivering high-quality work on time and to professional standards.

1.2. Background

The City of Santa Cruz was incorporated in 1866 and formed its current charter in 1948. It is governed under a Council/Manager form of government. A Mayor and six Council members set policy for the City and a City Manager serves as chief administrator of those policies. The City is located on the coast, 75 miles south of San Francisco on the northern edge of the Monterey Bay. It encompasses 15.8 square miles with cultural and ethnic diversity among its population of 65,000. Santa Cruz is part of the National

Marine Sanctuary and is a popular tourist destination owing to its beaches, surf culture, and historical landmarks.

The City provides a full range of municipal services and facilities including a recreational wharf, public golf course, over thirteen hundred acres of open space, full beach services, refuse management, law enforcement, fire protection, and water and wastewater utilities. The City is also host to University of

California Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Harbor, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park.

Pump Station No. 1 was originally constructed in 1959 as part of the San Lorenzo River levee system.

Pump Station No. 1 collects drainage from the downtown area. Recent hydraulic modeling as part of the

City’s ongoing FEMA certification effort indicated improvements to the existing downtown storm drain and pump station network may alleviate expected flooding after a major rain event. The City contracted

Balance Hydrologics to complete an in-depth hydraulic analysis of Pump Station No. 1 and its tributary storm drains. The City contracted with Schaff & Wheeler to develop a Basis of Design report based on

Balance Hydrologics’ findings. The reports indicate that:

1. The conveyance limitations of the existing storm drain network do not justify upsizing the existing

Pump Station 1 outfall pipes and levee penetrations.

2. The toe-drain which runs along the outward toe of the west levee limits the conveyance of stormwater from the north downtown region to Pump Station 1. Upsizing the toe-drain is infeasible due to recent private development adjacent to the toe-drain.

3. A new pump station located at the southwestern corner of the Soquel Ave bridge crossing would help alleviate flooding in the north downtown area.

1.3. Contact Information

Michael Dyer

Project Manager II

Email: mdyer@santacruzca.gov

Phone: (831) 420-5037

Department:

Public Works

Department Head:

Nathan Nguyen

Public Works Director

1.4. Timeline

The City will make every effort to adhere to the following tentative schedule. All dates set forth in this

RFP are subject to change at the City’s sole discretion. Any change will be set forth in an addendum. All references in this RFP to “time” are Pacific Standard Time.

Release Project Date August 24, 2026

RFP Questions and Clarification Due Date September 11, 2026, 5:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline September 25, 2026, 5:00pm mailto:mdyer@santacruzca.gov tel:(831)420-5037

2. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS

2.1. Summary Scope of Work

All applicants must provide thorough and comprehensive responses that clearly demonstrate their team’s approach to and consistency with the below-mentioned standards.

The City invites qualified firms to respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project (“Project”) titled below:

Environmental Consulting for Pump Station 1 and Soquel Pump Station

RFP No. RFP No. PW-0302

The City anticipates awarding a contract to a vendor for a one year term with the option of two-one (1) year term extensions if City so elects. The Proposer will provide the services outlined in Section

PRELIMINARY SCOPE OF WORK.

The successful Proposer shall furnish all tools, equipment, materials, tax, apparatus, facilities, labor, transportation, supervision, and management, not specifically provided by the City, to complete the work described in this RFP. The successful Proposer will provide a brief statement of services, as detailed further in Section PRELIMINARY SCOPE OF WORK.

2.2. Contact

If you have any questions concerning this solicitation, please ask questions utilizing City’s e-Procurement

Question & Answer feature. This RFP document may be downloaded from the City’s e-Procurement

Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzca/projects/256461. For technical assistance, contact OpenGov using the real-time chat feature on the Portal (located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen), or via email at procurement-support@opengov.com for support. All questions must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, September 11, 2026.

2.3. Proposal Submittal Due Date

Proposals are due no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, September 25, 2026, to guarantee review. Proposals received after the deadline will be deemed non-responsive. All proposals will be submitted via City’s e-

Procurement Portal at: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzca/projects/256461.

Proposers take full responsibility for City’s receipt of its Proposal. The City will not be liable for any expenses incurred by Proposers in responding to this solicitation, including but not limited to any costs associated with interviews.

It is the responsibility of the Proposer to ensure that electronic submittals are received by the City prior to the deadline.

2.4. Pre-Proposal Meeting

A pre-proposal meeting will not be held for this RFP.

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2.5. Responsiveness and Responsibility

When determining the Responsiveness of the proposal, the City may consider any of the following but not limited to:

A. Proposal received on time and completed per instructions.

B. Proposal contains required contents, forms and signatures submitted in accordance with RFP instructions.

C. Proposal is compliant with specifications and industry standards.

When determining the Responsibility of the Proposer, the City may consider any of the following but not limited to:

A. Possession of industry standard licensing and/or certifications.

B. Financial capacity of the Proposer.

C. Experience or past performance of the Proposer.

D. Use of Subcontractors / Subconsultants.

E. Past, Present and Pending Legal Actions.

F. Exceptions with City’s Terms and Conditions.

G. Anticipated adherence with Project delivery schedule.

H. Ability to respond to City’s inquiries for proposal clarification.

Proposers have the right to take exception to the specifications or terms and conditions of this RFP, however, such exceptions may deem the proposal non-responsible. Any exceptions taken must be explained in the proposal and submitted by the submittal due date. Any exceptions that contradict the

City’s terms and conditions or contain provisions that are not in the best interest of the City will disqualify the Proposer. If exceptions are not explained, the Proposer will comply with the specifications as stated in this RFP. Exceptions submitted after the proposal due date will not be accepted.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informality or minor defect in proposals received.

2.6. Definitions

In this RFP document:

A. “Proposer” means contractor, firm, supplier, vendor, or consultant submitting a proposal to this

RFP.

B. “Proposal” means the complete submittal of Proposer to the City in response to this RFP, including any written documentation and oral interview responses.

C. “Subcontractor” means those performing any portion of the services as subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and other business entities and individuals that is not the Proposer.

D. “Key Staff”, if required, means the employees of the Contractor or subcontractor(s) that will provide project leadership or expertise in lead technical services and are considered essential to the success of the Project.

E. “Contract” also means Purchase Order or Agreement.

3. PROCESS INSTRUCTIONS

3.1. Questions and Requests for Clarification and Addenda

Questions or concerns regarding any aspect of this RFP shall be sent via City’s e-Procurement Portal’s

Question & Answer feature and received by the date identified in Timeline in INTRODUCTION Section.

Any questions or objections not submitted within the time and manner stated above or to anyone other than the above-stated contact will be deemed waived. The City is not bound by the oral representation of any City employee or official. Answers to questions received will be sent out in the City's procurement portal.

The City may determine it is necessary to revise any part of this RFP. Revisions will be made by written addenda and it is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to comply with any addenda to this RFP. Addenda will be posted on the City’s e-Procurement Portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzca/projects/256461, under Bidding Information.

It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to comply with any addenda to this RFP in its Proposal.

3.2. Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated and ranked according to the evaluation criteria identified in the sub-sections

Responsiveness and Responsibility in GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS section, below, by an evaluation committee composed of City staff. The evaluation committee will open and review the proposals in confidence. Proposals will be available to the public after the contract award.

The total maximum score for the evaluation of Proposals is 100 percent (100%). Proposals will be evaluated by the evaluation committee as set forth in Section EVALUATION CRITERIA. Evaluation and scoring of a Proposal will be based on how likely the Proposal content meets or exceeds the performance requirements of this RFP.

After the initial proposal evaluation, the City may determine that additional information is needed to establish the final ranking of proposers. The semi-finalists will be contacted and may be asked to:

• Conduct a scenario-based demonstration of the equipment or service,

• Revise the submitted proposal for the purpose of obtaining best and final offers, and/or

• Provide additional information to assist City in determining the best value proposer.

The Evaluation Committee will use all information collected to rank the semi-finalists in order of their ability to best meet the requirements of the City. The City will begin negotiating a firm contract with the highest ranked Proposer. If no agreement can be reached, negotiations will begin with the next ranked

Proposer.

3.3. Responsiveness

Responsiveness is determined in accordance with meeting the minimum requirements in Sub-Section

Responsive and Responsibility of Section GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS to be responsive

(the submittal includes all of the required documentation).

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3.4. Responsibility

Responsiveness is determined in accordance with meeting the minimum requirements in Sub-Section

Responsive and Responsibility of Section GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PROPOSERS to be responsive

(the submittal includes all of the required documentation).

3.5. Negotiations

Upon the City’s final ranking of proposals, the Proposers shall be prepared to enter negotiations to enter into the Contract. The City will first begin negotiations with the top-ranked Proposer(s). If the City and the top-ranked Proposer(s) do not reach an agreement, then the City may negotiate with the next highest-ranked Proposer. This process will continue until the City reaches an agreement with a

Proposer(s) or terminates the procurement. The City may begin negotiating with the next highest-ranked Proposer whenever the City determines that doing so is in its best interest, and the City may negotiate with more than one Proposer at the same time.

The failure of the highest-ranked Proposer to comply with any of the requirements of this section shall constitute grounds for the City to negotiate the agreement with the next top-ranked Proposer. Upon completion of successful negotiations, the City will issue a written Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA) letter to all Proposers which lists the “Successful Proposer” that the City recommends for award of an agreement.

3.6. Collusive or Sham Proposals

No person, supplier, or corporation shall make or file or be interested in more than one proposal for the same work, except so far as alternate proposal may be called for. Nor shall any Proposer submit a collusive or sham proposal, per se, directly or indirectly, to induce any other supplier to submit such a proposal, or to refrain from responding, or seek in any way to fix the price, or any portion of the proposed price, in order to secure an advantage against the owner or any person interested in a proposed contract. However, a person, supplier, or corporation submitting a sub-proposal to a proposer or quoting prices on materials for a Proposer, is not hereby disqualified from submitting sub-proposals or quoting prices to other Proposers.

The proposer shall acknowledge that it has not directly or indirectly been collusive with any other proposer in the preparation and submission of the proposal by submitting the Non-Collusion

Declaration. If at any time it shall be found that the proposer to whom a contract has been awarded has, in presenting the proposal, colluded with any other party or parties, said proposer shall be liable to the City for all loss or damage which the City has or may suffer as the result of the collusive activity, including, but not limited to, the cost of advertising and awarding a new contract.

3.7. Public Record

Proposals received are the property of the City. All proposals, evaluation documents, and any subsequent contracts will be subject to public disclosure per the “California Public Records Act,” (CPRA)

California Government Code, sections 7920.000 – 7931.000. All documents related to this solicitation will become public records once discussions and negotiations with proposers have been fully completed and a Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA) letter to all Proposers is issued.

If Proposer’s proprietary information is contained in documents or information submitted to City, and

Proposer claims that such information falls within one or more CPRA exemptions, Proposer must clearly mark such information “Confidential and Proprietary,” and identify the specific lines containing the information. In the event of a public request for such information, City will make best efforts to provide notice to Proposer prior to such disclosure. If Proposer contends that any documents are exempt from the CPRA and wishes to prevent disclosure, it is required to obtain a protective order, injunctive relief, or other appropriate remedy from a court of law in Santa Cruz County before the City is required to respond to the CPRA request. If Proposer fails to obtain such remedy within the time the City is required to respond to the CPRA request, City may disclose the requested information without any liability to

Proposer. Proposer further agrees that it shall defend, indemnify and hold City harmless against any claim, action or litigation (including but not limited to all judgments, costs, and attorney’s fees) that may result from denial by City of a CPRA request for information arising from any representation, or any action (or inaction), by the Proposer.

3.8. Award Protests

The City desires to foster cooperative relationships with Proposers and to reach a fair agreement in a timely manner.

The City encourages Proposers to resolve issues regarding the RFP requirements or the procurement process through written correspondence and discussions at least 5 business days prior to the proposal due date. This will allow the City time to research the validity of any stated issues and either issue an addendum to the RFP, cancel the RFP, or determine the protest to be unfounded and proceed with the solicitation. In the event, the protest of specifications is denied, and the protester wishes to continue in the protest process, the protesting Proposers must still submit a proposal in accordance with the proposal submittal procedures provided in this solicitation. Questions or concerns prior to the intent to award notice will be directed to:

Hoi Yu, Associate Professional Engineer, hyu@santacruzca.gov

Any Proposer who unsuccessfully bids on a City contract or any trade association representing workers who would have potentially been employed by such contract may formally protest a contract award.

Protest letters regarding a formal contract award will be directed to:

City of Santa Cruz

City Clerk Administrator

809 Center Street, Room 9

Santa Cruz, California 95060

Protests will be filed with the City Clerk’s office no later than 5 business days after the written Notice of

Intent to Award is sent by the City. Protest letters will include:

• The name, address, and telephone number of the protester;

• The Project title, RFP Number, and RFP due date;

• Name of City employee and Department designated as the contact in the original RFP;

• A detailed statement of the legal and/or factual grounds for the protest; and

• The form of relief requested.

Throughout the protest review process, the City has no obligation to delay or otherwise postpone an award of a contract.

3.9. Debriefing

A debriefing may be held after the contract award with the City and a Proposer for the Proposer to receive information about the evaluation of their proposal. A Proposer shall submit a written request to the City for a debriefing shall within thirty (30) days after the issuance of the NOITA. The debrief conference will be allotted a maximum of thirty (30) minutes and will consist only of evaluating the requesting Proposer’s Proposal.

3.10. Contract Implementation

Upon award notification and prior to final contract approval, the successful proposer will be required to submit:

• Proof of insurance and prevailing wage compliance documentation (if applicable) as specified in

Sub-Section Insurance Requirements and Sub-Section Prevailing Wage in Section Terms and

Conditions of this RFP;

• Documentation of all credentials necessary to legally perform the Project specified;

• A completed W9 form and, if applicable, non-resident withholding exemption form, if not already on file with the City; and

• Proof of a current City of Santa Cruz business tax certificate if the proposer is located in, or performs services within, the city limits for more than 6 days annually.

• The finalized contract will be in the form included as Appendix A Sample Agreement herein, and include the RFP documents, the Proposer’s response to RFP and Proposer Questionnaire, the

Budget as described in Cost Proposal, and any negotiated modifications agreed to by the parties.

3.11. Reservation of Rights

The City, at its sole discretion, reserves the following rights:

• To reject any or all proposals or information received pursuant to this RFP;

• To waive any informality or minor defects in proposals received;

• To supplement, amend, substitute, or otherwise modify this RFP at any time by means of written addendum;

• To cancel this RFP with or without the substitution of another RFP or prequalification process;

• To cancel the scope of services awarded through this RFP process with or without the substitution of another RFP or prequalification process;

• To request additional information from a Proposer;

• To seek a separate RFP or bid separately any item or items where it is determined by the

Purchasing Manager that:

o A substantial savings in cost will result due to a large quantity purchase, or o The commodity is not appropriately classified under this specification contract.

o To verify the qualifications and experience of each Proposer;

• To require one or more Proposers to supplement, clarify, or provide additional information in order for the City to evaluate proposals submitted.

3.12. Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Living

The City of Santa Cruz has long been an advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable living.

This includes, but is not limited to, the Green Business Program, the Living Wage Ordinance, the Clean

Ocean Business Program, the Green Building Program and Climate Action Plan 2030 goals which define greenhouse gas reduction objectives to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels). In your proposal, please provide information about your company regarding any existing environmental conservation goals or guidelines, environmental or greenhouse gas emissions disclosures, Green Business certifications, existing alternative fuel service vehicles, superior employee benefit policies, or other applicable policies.

3.13. Financial Responsibility

The City accepts no financial responsibility for any costs incurred by a Proposer in responding to this

RFP. Proposers acknowledge and agree that their Proposals will become the property of the City and may be used by the City in any way deemed appropriate.

4. EVALUATION CRITERIA

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Adherence to RFP Requirements

To be considered responsive, the proposal shall include the information detailed in this section.

The proposer must provide information in the proposal in the same order as shown below. The proposal shall be separated into the subheadings referenced below. Failure to provide this information may result in a proposal being considered non-responsive to requirements.

Proposal Format

Proposals should be organized as follows:

• Cost Proposal Provide a comprehensive cost proposal uploaded separately in the

Procurement Portal.

• Written Technical Proposal

• Optional Appendices or Exhibits:

Proposers may include sample project information, sample reports, peer review reports, letters of recommendation, or other exhibits that may assist the City in favorably evaluating the proposal. Do not include generic marketing materials.

• Proposals will be deemed non-responsive and removed from further consideration if the Proposal is not received in accordance with the terms of this RFP or the Proposer does not meet the basic minimum qualifications and proposal requirements set forth in this

RFP.

Proposals shall be typed, as concisely as possible, and shall not include any unnecessary promotional material. The Proposer shall provide the information required in this Evaluation Criteria section and comply with the maximum page limitations provided for each subsection of the proposal. The RFP Required Submittal Documents do not count toward applicable section page limits.

Resumes, if requested, shall be included as a separate attachment. Number every page sequentially beginning with the cover page, including any text, charts and graphic pages, including attachments and exhibits. If used, Points Based 5 (5% of Total) narrative pages shall be used sparingly and only where required to convey related information that cannot be accommodated. The proposal shall use

Arial or a similar, easily readable font. A minimum of 11-point font size and 1.25-line spacing is required for text. Narrow or condensed fonts are not permitted. Font restrictions do not apply to attachments. Different size fonts will be allowed for headings, charts, tables, and graphics and must be easily readable.

2. Firm Background Information, Qualifications, Expertise, and Experience

This section must include the following (maximum

8 pages):

A. Legal name, addresses, telephone numbers of the principal office (national headquarters) and local office.

B. Year established and history.

C. Business entity status (i.e., partnership, corporation, LLC).

D. Indicate if Proposer has defaulted in its performance of an agreement or project during the past five (5) years which has led the other party to terminate the agreement and if so, the identity of the parties involved and the circumstances of the default or termination.

E. Respond to the following:

1. Explain any pending litigation, liens, or claims involving your organization.

2. Has your company filed for bankruptcy in the last ten (10) years?

F. Provide information about your company regarding environmental conservation practices or objectives, Green Business certifications, alternative fuel service vehicles, superior employee benefit policies, or other applicable policies that align with Sub-Section

Environmental Conservation and

Sustainable Living in Section Process

Instructions.

G. Describe the Proposer’s qualifications and experience working on similar projects that were completed, as outlined in Section Preliminary Scope of

Services.

H. Describe how the Proposer (or

Proposers if submitting a jointly

Points Based 20 (20% of Total) prepared proposal) is organized to provide the required services as outlined in Section Preliminary Scope of

Services.

I. If utilizing any subconsultants and/or subcontractors, describe their qualifications working on similar projects that were completed, as outlined in Section Preliminary Scope of

Services.

3. Team Qualifications, Expertise, and Experience of

Key Personnel

In this section (maximum 4 pages per team member, including resume), include the following:

A. Provide the names, qualifications, certifications, and relevant technical experience of personnel and subcontractors of the proposed project team who will perform the services described in Section Preliminary Scope of Services. Include details about their experience with similar projects with comparable magnitude.

B. Provide resumes for each member of the proposed project team and include the qualifications and experience suited to the proposed assignment.

C. Please provide information for Key

Personnel roles (some Key Personnel may fill more than one role – please explain expertise in the multiple areas if someone fulfills more than one role) o Project Manager o Project specialist(s)/engineer(s)/scientist(s) o Lead specialist(s)/engineer(s)/scientist(s) o Environmental Planner or equivalent

If awarded the contract, the Proposer shall make every effort to ensure that the staff resources identified in the proposal will be available for the

Project. If staff identified in the proposal are not available, the City reserves the right to review and approve alternate personnel.

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

4. Technical Approach and Work Plan

A. Technical Approach: Describe your approach to completing Section

Preliminary Scope of Services. Identify deliverables and key decision points.

B. Work Plan: Describe how the project team will fulfill the Section Preliminary

Scope of Services. Include a detailed project schedule in the Project Schedule

Document. Provide a matrix of personnel, tasks, and an estimated effort in hours.

The work plan shall include a process for delivery of the range of services outlined in Section

Preliminary Scope of Services. To the extent possible, the proposal shall reflect the roles and responsibilities of team members in the major tasks outlined in the Section Preliminary Scope of

Services and strategies to accommodate the staffing needs for each task order.

Proposers shall address all major tasks outlined in

Section Preliminary Scope of Services and as appropriate, suggest supplemental tasks/sub-tasks for incorporation into the final Section

Preliminary Scope of Services.

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

5. References

In this section (maximum 4 pages), provide the following:

A. Three (3) Client References that provide former clients and representative projects undertaken in the last five (5) years which demonstrate relevant experience with the Project.

B. For each project identified above, provide a project description, project costs, dates of engagement, project owner, and member(s) of the proposed team for this RFP that participated in the project, including any subcontractors that worked on the project.

C. For each reference, provide the name of the agency/firm, and contact person’s name, title, address, phone number, and email address. Please ensure that the contact information is accurate for each reference.

The City reserves the right to:

• Check as many references that the City deems necessary.

• Assess a Proposer’s past performance.

• Contact references that the City determines are representative projects demonstrating experience relevant to this RFP.

• Check any other reference(s) that might be indicated through the specified contacts or that result from communication with other entities involved with similar projects.

• Include other industry sources and users of similar services known to the City.

• Contact client references for only shortlisted Proposers.

It is the responsibility of the Proposer to ensure the client reference contact person is available and willing to provide a reference within the

Points Based 5 (5% of Total) timeframe stated in this section. The client reference score/weight shall have no bearing on any other evaluation criteria.

6. Cost Proposal

In this section, provide the following:

• A complete Cost Proposal as required in

Section PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS, Sub-

Section Cost Proposal, including direct labor, overhead, fringe benefits, profit, subcontractor costs, and other direct costs (ODC) such as materials, supplies, taxes, and travel (Appendix F is provided as reference).

• A breakdown of costs by task, consistent with the tasks outlined in Section

Preliminary Scope of Services.

• An hourly rate schedule for all proposed personnel and subconsultants, including the estimated number of hours per task.

Cost Proposals will be evaluated for reasonableness, completeness, and consistency with the scope and level of effort described in the

Proposer's Technical Approach and Work Plan.

The evaluation will consider whether the proposed cost reflects an appropriate level of effort for the tasks described, rather than selecting the lowest-cost proposal alone. Cost will be evaluated in relation to the other proposals received.

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5.1. Insurance Requirements

Proposer will provide Certificate of Insurance(s) for Professional Liability, Commercial General Liability, Auto Liability, and Workers’ Compensation as stated in the City’s standard Terms and Conditions. The

City reserves the right to adjust the insurance terms provided based on the type and scope of project proposed by the Proposer.

5.2. Prevailing Wages and Labor Compliance

Prevailing Wages do not apply to this contract.

5.3. Agreement (Appendix A)

The successful Proposer will be required to enter into an Agreement in the form of the Agreement attached hereto as Appendix A. The City reserves the right to adjust the terms, including insurance terms provided, based on the type and scope of the project proposed by the Proposer. If a Proposer is unable to accept City’s proposed Agreement terms substantially in the form presented, the Proposer shall include a revised copy of the Agreement with its Proposal. The revised copy must clearly mark any section to which it objects, set forth the Proposer’s proposed alternative terms, and explain the basis for each proposed change. The City reserves all rights to reject any revisions to the Agreement.

If a satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated in a reasonable time, the City in its sole discretion may terminate negotiations.

5.4. Contract Period

The term of the contract will commence upon execution of the Agreement and continue for a period of

___1_ year(s) plus any renewals agreed to by the parties and made in writing.

5.5. Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

City’s policies promote a working environment free from abusive conduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; and require equal opportunity in employment for all regardless of race, religious creed

(including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin (including language use restrictions), ancestry, religion, disability (mental and physical), medical condition, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), physical characteristics, marital status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information (including family health history and genetic test results), organizational affiliation, and military or and veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by local, State or Federal law. City requires Proposer and any subcontractor(s) to be in compliance with all applicable Federal and

State and local equal employment opportunity acts, laws, and regulations and Consultant is responsible for ensuring that effective policies and procedures concerning the prevention of abusive conduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation exist in Consultant’s business organization. The City’s current

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination policies to which this Section applies may be viewed at http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SantaCruz/?SantaCruz09/SantaCruz0983.html and http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showdocument?id=59192. Copies are available upon request from the City’s Purchasing Division.

http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SantaCruz/?SantaCruz09/SantaCruz0983.html http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showdocument?id=59192.

http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showdocument?id=59192.

5.6. Indemnification

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Proposer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the

City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers (collectively, “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liability, claim, action, loss, injury, damage, judgment, or expense, including attorneys’ fees and costs (“Losses”) caused by or resulting from the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of Proposer, Proposer’s officers, employees, agents, or subcontractors in any way related to this solicitation, including but not limited to Proposer’s Proposal. Proposer’s duty to indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitees shall not apply to the extent such Losses are caused by the sole or active negligence or willful misconduct of Indemnitees, as determined by an adjudicatory body or court of competent jurisdiction, if applicable. The obligation to defend shall arise regardless of any claim or assertion that Indemnitees caused or contributed to the Losses.

In the event this Agreement involves the performance of design professional services by Proposer, Proposer’s officers, employees, agents, or subcontractors, Proposer’s costs to defend Indemnitees shall not exceed the Proposer’s proportionate percentage of fault per Civil Code §2782.8. This section shall survive the termination or expiration of the Agreement.

5.7. Performance Bond/Payment Bond (if applicable)

Bonding requirements for federally funded contracts are subject to the following federal directives:

Proposer's security of ten percent of the bid price for all public works contracts at the time of Proposal submittal (Public Contract Code Section 20483(a)).

A. Performance bond equal to 100-percent of the contract price for all public works contracts.

B. Payment bond for all public works contracts of at least:

C. 50-percent of the contract price if the contract price does not exceed $1 million.

1. 40 percent of the contract price if the contract price exceeds $1 million but is not more than

$5 million; or

2. $2.5 million if the contract price exceeds $5 million.

Within ten (10) business days, not including legal holidays, of contract award, the successful Proposer must submit a performance bond and payment bond, executed by the Contractor and the Surety. All bonds must be issued by California admitted Sureties.

Should any surety or sureties be deemed unsatisfactory by the City, a notice will be given to the

Proposer. The Proposer shall promptly substitute a new surety or sureties satisfactory to the City. No further payment shall be deemed due or will be made under the contract until the new sureties are accepted by the City.

At its sole discretion, the City may allow the Proposer to provide bonds from multiple sureties to meet the bond requirements.

5.8. Grant Compliance

This Project is funded in part by federal funds administered through the California Governor’s Office

Emergency Services (Cal OES) under the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.

Proposers and the successful Proposer shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and grant requirements, including but not limited to:

• Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200

• 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II (Federal Contract Provisions)

• Cal OES Subrecipient Handbook

• FEMA BRIC program requirements

Collectively, the above documents are the “Grant Requirement Documents.” All Grant Requirement

Documents are provided in Attachment I. Failure to comply with all Grant Requirement Documents may result in a Proposal to be deemed incomplete or unresponsive, and termination of the Agreement and/or disallowance of costs to a successful Proposer.

5.9. Federal Access to Records

The Proposer shall permit the City of Santa Cruz, Cal OES, FEMA, the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security, the Comptroller General of the United States, and their authorized representatives access to any books, documents, papers, and records directly pertinent to this Contract for the purpose of audits, examinations, excerpts, and transcriptions.

The right to access shall be retained for seven years (7) after final payment.

5.10. Debarment and Suspension

Proposer certifies that it is not listed on the federal government’s System for Award Management

(SAM.gov) as suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funds.

5.11. Conflict of Interest

Proposer shall disclose in writing any real or apparent organizational or financial conflicts of interest in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318.(c). Failure to disclose conflicts may result in termination of the

Contract.

5.12. Prohibition on Cost-Plus-Percentage Contracts

Cost plus percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost contracts are prohibited under this

Contract pursuant to 2 CFR 200.324(c).

5.13. Affirmative Steps for Federally-Funded Procurements

If subconsultants are anticipated or used, Proposer shall take the following affirmative steps to enhance the participation of small and minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and Labor Surplus

Area (LSA) firms, collectively known as target firms –

A. Placing target firms on solicitation lists, B. Ensuring target firms are solicited whenever they are potential sources, C. Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by target firms, D. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by target firms, and

E. Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business

Administration (SBA) and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the U.S.

Department of Commerce.

5.14. Geographic Preference

The Proposer selection process shall not include statutorily or administratively imposed geographic preferences, except where permitted by applicable federal law.

5.15. Living Wage

Every contract for services to the City for $10,000 or more, is subject to City of Santa Cruz Living Wage

Ordinance number 2000-25. If applicable, Proposers agree to comply with the requirements of the Living

Wage Ordinance as provided in Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 5.10.

6. PRELIMINARY SCOPE OF WORK

6.1. Project Objectives

The City of Santa Cruz (City) Department of Public Works is soliciting Proposals from qualified consultants to provide environmental consulting services needed to rehabilitate Pump Station No. 1 and build the new Soquel Pump Station. The environmental review services will include preparing environmental review documents as may be required, such as, but not limited to, Categorical

Exemptions, Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Draft Environmental Impact Reports, and

Final Environmental Impact Reports in compliance with CEQA; and Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, Findings of No Significant Impact, and Environmental Impact Statements in compliance with NEPA. The environmental review services will also involve overseeing sub-consultants, ensuring the studies are in keeping with regulatory standards and best management practices, managing the process to keep each project on schedule, preparing environmental noticing lists and notices, presenting at public meetings or outreach events, maintaining appropriate documentation and record keeping, and providing training to staff and public bodies.

Additional services will involve environmental permitting, tracking and compliance for select projects.

Selected “qualified” proposers will evaluate the feasibility, schedule, and requirements of Project environmental permitting. The strategy will critically analyze specific projects to identify potential issues that may be encountered during environmental permitting. Project alternatives may be developed, analyzed, and documented as needed to assist in a permitting feasibility determination. Potential required permits, such as Section 404 Clean Water Act Permitting, Section 401 Clean Water Act Water

Quality Certification, California Endangered Species Act Consistency Determination or Incidental Take

Permit, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement, and Coastal Development Permitting, among others.

Compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 7 ESA Consultation/Biological

Opinions from the USFWS and NMFS, and Section 106 may also be required for issuance of federal permits.

This project is funded by a FEMA BRIC grant. The schedule in Attachment G is the approved project schedule. The Proposer shall adhere to the approved schedule. If the Proposer determines that an alternative schedule is necessary or would improve the efficiency, sequencing, or delivery of the Project, the Proposer may submit a proposed alternative schedule for the City’s review and approval. Time is of the essence.

6.2. Minimum Qualifications

• Proposer has no fewer than five years of experience in performing CEQA and NEPA environmental review and/or environmental permitting services for municipalities in California– reference checks may be used in evaluation of proposal

• Proposer has performed CEQA and NEPA review on public or private projects located in coastal, natural, and urban environments.

• Proposer has prepared permit applications for projects in Waters of the US, Waters of the State, riparian, coastal, or sensitive natural environments.

• Proposer has presented sufficient qualified personnel to carry out the project tasks in a timely fashion.

• Proposer has experience in conducting work for government institutions of similar or larger size and scope

• Present sufficient qualified personnel to carry out the project tasks in a timely fashion.

• If exceptions are not requested, the Consultant will comply with the specifications as stated in this solicitation.

6.3. Scope of Work

Proposer shall provide all services and deliverables in accordance with State laws, regulations, standards, and applicable Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant requirements, and City of Santa Cruz regulations, standards, and policies. These include, but are not limited to, the guidance provided in the:

• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Statute and Guidelines,

• Caltrans Standard Plans and Specifications,

• Caltrans Design Information Bulletins, including DIB 94

The required environmental consulting services will include, but not be limited to, the following:

environmental clearance requirements, preparation of permit applications, obtaining any required permits.

Proposer is strongly encouraged to propose and include innovative and other approaches and tasks that will benefit the project.

The Proposer will be furnished with all existing known technical information, reports, documents, etc.

that have been utilized to develop the initial conceptual exhibit of the proposed improvements for this project.

For each task, the Proposer shall define anticipated meetings, workshops, deliverables (reports and final products), timeline, and ability to meet BRIC deadlines.

The Proposer shall obtain all permits required to complete the construction of Pump Station 1 and

Soquel Pump Station, which may include the preparation of appropriate environmental documents to comply with CEQA and/or NEPA. Typical environmental factors that will need to be assessed for impacts include but are not limited to:

• Aesthetics

• Air Quality

• Climate Change/Global Warming

• Geology and Soils

• Hydrology and Water Quality

• Noise

• Mineral Resources

• Population and Housing

• Recreation

• Utilities and Service Systems

• Agricultural and Forestry Resources

• Biological Resources

• Cultural Resources

• Hazards and Hazardous Materials

• Land Use and Planning

• Energy

• Wildfire

• Tribal Cultural Resources

• Public Services

• Transportation

• Cumulative Impacts

• Environmental Justice

• Waters of the State, Waters of the US, Riparian Habitat, and Wetlands

• State and Federal Endangered and Special Status Species and Their Habitats

• Coastal Zone

The selected Proposer will evaluate the feasibility, schedule, and requirements of environmental permitting for a specific project. The strategy will critically analyze a project to identify potential issues that may be encountered during environmental permitting. Jurisdictional delineations may be required and project alternatives may be developed, analyzed, and documented as needed to assist in the permitting feasibility determination. Potential required permits, such as Section 404 Clean Water Act

Permitting, Section 401 Clean Water Act Water Quality Certification, California Endangered Species Act

Consistency Determination or Incidental Take Permit, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement, and

Coastal Development Permitting. Compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 7

ESA Consultation/Biological Opinions from the USFWS and NMFS, and Section 106 may also be required for issuance of federal permits. It is expected that environmental permitting will be completed at the conclusion of the CEQA process; however, support during early consultation with permitting agencies may be necessary. The services may also include the timely development of environmental permitting submittals and approvals necessary for Project implementation based upon the developed

Environmental Permitting Strategy. Technical resource support during agency consultations may be required.

The Consultant selected will be required to complete all the following tasks and sub-tasks:

Task 1 – Permitting

Task 1.1 – Review of Existing Information

Proposer (or subconsultant) will initiate the environmental review process for the project with the team by:

1) Collecting all relevant reports and drawings (or identifying relevant documents to be transmitted);

2) Discussing the Soquel Pump Stations Project schedule and assumptions;

3) Resolving issues regarding overall responsibilities and coordination;

4) Identifying other key contacts; and

5) Discussing overall communication protocols.

Proposer will review all available documentation related to the Soquel Pump Stations, including but not limited to preliminary plans, available technical reports, and applicable General Plan information, and will prepare and submit a request for additional information to bridge any data or information gaps.

Task 2 – CEQA EIR

Task 2.1 – Project Description

Proposer will review all relevant project description materials and will prepare a draft version of the project description to be used in the EIR. The project description will include relevant figures as well as discussions of the following:

• A description of the existing environmental setting, including the project site's regional and local locations;

• Project characteristics, including but not limited to: a description of the site plan; building…