Request for Proposal

To Provide

BUS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR 2026-2027 AND

2027-2028

Due

April 28, 2026, 2:00 pm

Issued by

WEST BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT

17140 South Avalon Boulevard, Suite 210

Carson, California 90746

Issue Date

April 9, 2026

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/westbasin https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

West Basin Municipal Water

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Bus Transportation Services for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. General Proposal Information

4. Respondents Questions, Requests for Clarification and Exceptions

5. Small and Local Business Enterprise Program

6. Selection Process

7. Evaluation Criteria

8. Sample Agreement and Insurance Requirements

9. Proposal Response Instructions

10. Proposal Response

Attachments:

A - Vendor Information Request Form

B - Sample Agreement - Form 8 - Transportation Services

1. Introduction

West Basin is a public agency that provides imported drinking water and recycled water to 17 cities and nearly one million people in the coastal Los Angeles area. West Basin is a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. West

Basin's mission is to provide a safe and reliable supply of high-quality water to its customers and communities with a commitment to water reliability, water quality, sound financial and resource management, customer service and environmental stewardship. West Basin is an internationally recognized expert in water recycling, conservation, water education and water resource management. To learn more about

West Basin please visit www.westbasinca.gov.

1.1. Summary

Proposals are being accepted by West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), a

Municipal Water District, for Bus Transportation Services for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 to support West Basin's school field trip program.

The program period is from September to June each year and will include approximately 100 bus trips each year when the program is scheduled to its maximum capacity. The required bus trip duration each day will be approximately 5-6 hours and may adjust depending on school distance from field trip destinations.

West Basin is seeking to award a two-year charter bus transportation contract from July

1, 2026 to June 30, 2028.

1.2. Background

The water recycling facility school field trip program is a 5-hour education program serving sixty to seventy 3rd-12th grade students (2 classrooms) and their adult chaperones on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the school year. A second bus may be requested to accommodate larger middle school or high school groups. Each morning, field trip activities take place at West Basin Municipal

Water District’s Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility located at 1935 S. Hughes

Way, El Segundo CA 90245 followed by transportation to the Manhattan Beach Pier for a visit to the Roundhouse Aquarium. More information for the program can be viewed by visiting the West Basin webpage: www.WestBasinCA.gov/field-trips

Schools that are served by the program are located in the West Basin service area from the cities of: Carson, Culver City, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Malibu, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho

Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates and may include surrounding cities such as Los Angeles and Torrance.

1.3. Contact Information

Gabrielle Ramos, Contracts & Procurement Specialist I

Email: gabrieller@westbasinca.gov https://www.westbasinca.gov/ https://www.westbasin.org/field-trips

Phone: (310) 660-6284

17140 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746

1.4. Timeline

Solicit Proposals: April 9, 2026

Last Day for Comments or Questions: April 21, 2026, 4:00pm

Proposal Due: April 28, 2026, 2:00pm

Candidate Interviews / Presentations: Week of May 18 and 25

Teams (Link will be sent to the shortlist of candidates)

Notice of Recommended Award: Week of June 8

Recommendation to the Board of

Directors:

June 22, 2026

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Scope of Work

1. Bus Transportation Services

Up to 100 charters will be requested for each 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school year. The respondent must have enough buses to accommodate sessions throughout the school week (Monday through Friday).

Each charter shall meet the following capabilities:

A. Vehicles with seat belts are required. All vehicles and drivers must be certified to meet California School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB) requirements.

B. Vehicle tracking procedures (live tracking link to inform tour staff and teachers of anticipated departure and arrival times) and on-call staff to answer any emergency questions (such as reasons for delays or changes in vehicles).

C. Maintain and provide documentation of driver training programs, vehicle maintenance schedules, and emergency procedures.

D. Straightforward reservation and confirmation procedures.

E. To serve two classes of middle or high school students on a field trip date, two buses may occasionally be required.

F. Maintain an approved status with Los Angeles Unified School District, Transportation Services Branch, for approved charter bus companies for the duration of the contract.

G. Provide proof of all required insurance directly to the school upon request.

2. Schedule

A. Students will be picked-up by the charter bus from their school between 8:15AM – 10:00AM and depart to the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility, 1935 S Hughes Way, El Segundo, CA 90245.

B. The students will re-board the bus and depart from Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility around 11:00AM - 12:45PM and are taken by bus to Manhattan Beach Pier to visit the Roundhouse Aquarium, 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. They have the option to eat lunch at either location.

The bus drivers shall follow specific drop-off instructions from the West Basin project manager or designated representative, that are compliant with police department requirements.

C. Not all schools will attend the aquarium program and will return to school after the program at the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility. Reasons for the shortened trip include schools that request a later morning pickup time or are on a modified schedule day, distance from the school to the facility, teacher preference and inclement weather.

D. The estimated time to leave the aquarium is between 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM.

Students must arrive back at school before the end of the day typically between 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM.

3. Eligible Schools

School District City

A Bright Beginning Inglewood Unified Inglewood

A Bright Beginning CDC Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Academies of Education and Empowerment at Carson High

Los Angeles Unified Carson

Academy of Medical Arts at Carson High Los Angeles Unified Carson

Academy of the Arts Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Adams Middle Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Aegean Academy Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Alexander Fleming Middle Los Angeles Unified Lomita

Al-huda Islamic School Hawthorne Hawthorne

Alta Vista Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Ambler Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

American Martyrs School Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Amestoy Elementary Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Andrew Carnegie Middle Los Angeles Unified Carson

Animo City of Champions Charter High Los Angeles County Office of Education

Inglewood

Animo Inglewood Charter High Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Animo Leadership High Lennox Inglewood

Animo Legacy Charter Middle Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Animo South Los Angeles Charter Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Annalee Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Arena High (Continuation) El Segundo Unified El Segundo

Argo Navis School Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Aurelia Pennekamp Elementary Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Aviation Elementary Wiseburn Unified Hawthorne

Beach Cities Learning Center-Palos Verdes Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Palos Verdes

Estates

Beach Cities Learning Manhattan Beach Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

School District City

Bennett/Kew P-8 Leadership Academy of Excellence

Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Beryl Heights Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Bethel Baptist Christian School Los Angeles Unified Carson

Beulah Payne P-8 STEAM Academy Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Billy Mitchell Elementary Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

Birney Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Bonita Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Boys Academic Leadership Academy Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Bridgeport Vocational West School Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Bridgeport West School Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Broadacres Avenue Elementary Visual & Performing Arts Magnet

Los Angeles Unified Carson

Bud Carson Middle Hawthorne Hawthorne

Buford Elementary Lennox Lennox

California Academy of Mathematics and Science

Long Beach Unified Carson

Caroldale Learning Community Los Angeles Unified Carson

Carson Senior High Los Angeles Unified Carson

Carson Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Castle Elementary School Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Catskill Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

CCDC of Little Angels Los Angeles Unified View Park-Windsor

Hills

Center Street Elementary El Segundo Unified El Segundo

Centinela TK-8 Elementary Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Centinela Valley Adult Centinela Valley Union High Lawndale

Centinela Valley Independent Study Centinela Valley Union High Lawndale

Century Community Charter Lennox Inglewood

Century Park Elementary Los Angeles Unified Inglewood

Chadwick Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Palos Verdes

Peninsula

Chapman Elementary Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Christ Lutheran Church and School Los Angeles Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Cimarron Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Hawthorne

City Honors International Preparatory High Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Coastal Academy Los Angeles Unified Lomita

CORE 4 Learning Launchpad Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Cornerstone at Pedregal Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Crestwood Street STEAM Magnet Los Angeles Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Crozier (George W.) Middle Inglewood Unified Inglewood

CTL Academy Global Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Culver City Adult Culver City Unified Culver City

School District City

Culver City High Culver City Unified Culver City

Culver City Middle Culver City Unified Culver City

Culver City Unified School District iAcademy Culver City Unified Culver City

Culver Park High Culver City Unified Culver City

Da Vinci Communications Wiseburn Unified El Segundo

Da Vinci Connect Wiseburn Unified Hawthorne

Da Vinci Design Wiseburn Unified El Segundo

Da Vinci RISE High Los Angeles County Office of Education

El Segundo

Da Vinci Science Wiseburn Unified El Segundo

Dapplegray Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Estates

Del Aire Elementary Wiseburn Unified Hawthorne

Del Amo Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Denker Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Dolores Huerta Elementary Lennox Lennox

Dolores Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Dolores T Richardson School Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Dominguez Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Eagle Tree Continuation Los Angeles Unified Carson

ECF Kayne Eras Center Culver City Unified Culver City

Echo Horizon School Culver City Unified Culver City

El Marino Elementary Culver City Unified Culver City

El Rincon Elementary Culver City Unified Culver City

El Segundo High El Segundo Unified El Segundo

El Segundo Middle El Segundo Unified El Segundo

Ellington (Duke) High (Continuation) Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Environmental Charter High - Gardena Los Angeles County Office of Education

Gardena

Environmental Charter High - Lawndale Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

Environmental Charter Middle - Inglewood Los Angeles County Office of Education

Inglewood

Ernest P. Willenberg Special Education Center

Los Angeles Unified San Pedro

Eshelman Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Lomita

Eucalyptus Hawthorne Hawthorne

F. D. Roosevelt Elementary Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

Faith Christian School PSP Los Angeles Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Family First Charter Centinela Valley Union High Hawthorne

Farragut Elementary Culver City Unified Culver City

Felton Elementary Lennox Lennox

Fifty-Fourth Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Frank D. Parent TK-8 Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Fusion Academy Los Angeles Unified Hermosa Beach

Fusion Academy - Manhattan Beach El Segundo Unified El Segundo

School District City

Fusion Academy, Palos Verdes Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Gardena Christian Academy Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Gardena Senior High Los Angeles Unified Gardena

George Washington Preparatory High Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Glenn Hammond Curtiss Middle Los Angeles Unified Carson

Goethe International Charter Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Grace Hopper STEM Academy Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Grand View Elementary Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Hawthorne Academy Los Angeles Unified Hawthorne

Hawthorne High Centinela Valley Union High Hawthorne

Hawthorne Math and Science Academy Hawthorne Hawthorne

Hawthorne Middle Hawthorne Hawthorne

Hermosa Valley Elementary Hermosa Beach City Elementary Hermosa Beach

Hermosa View Elementary Hermosa Beach City Elementary Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Vista Hermosa Beach City Elementary Hermosa Beach

Highland Elementary Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Hudnall (Claude) Elementary Inglewood Unified Inglewood

ICEF Inglewood Elementary Charter Academy

Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Inglewood Career Technical Education, Adult Education, Alternative Education

Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Inglewood Continuation High Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Inglewood High Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Jane Addams Middle Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

Jefferson Hawthorne Hawthorne

Jefferson Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Jefferson Elementary Lennox Lennox

Jennifer Kelley Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Junipero Serra High School Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Kelso (William H.) Elementary Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Kornblum Hawthorne Hawthorne

La Ballona Elementary Culver City Unified Culver City

La Tijera K-8 Academy of Excellence Charter Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Larchmont Charter Los Angeles Unified West Hollywood

Lawndale High Centinela Valley Union High Lawndale

Leapwood Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Lennox Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy

Lennox Lennox

Lennox Middle Lennox Lennox

Leuzinger High Centinela Valley Union High Lawndale

Life Grove, LLC. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

School District City

Lincoln Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Linwood E. Howe Elementary Culver City Unified Culver City

Lomita Math/Science/Technology Magnet Los Angeles Unified Lomita

Lucille J. Smith Elementary Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

Lunada Bay Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Palos Verdes

Estates

Madison Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Magnolia Science Academy 3 Los Angeles County Office of Education

Carson

Malibu Elementary Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

Malibu High Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

Malibu Middle Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

Manhattan Academy Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach Middle Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach Preschool Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Manzanita School and Institute Los Angeles Unified Topanga

Maria Regina Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Marina del Rey Middle Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Mark Twain Elementary Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

Meadows Avenue Elementary Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Meyler Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Torrance

Middle College High Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Mira Catalina Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Mira Costa High Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Miraleste Intermediate Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Moffett Elementary Lennox Lennox

Moneta Continuation Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Montemalaga Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Palos Verdes

Estates

Moore's Daycare Preparatory Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Morningside High Inglewood Unified Inglewood

New Millennium Secondary Los Angeles Unified Gardena

New Opportunities Charter Centinela Valley Union High Inglewood

Ninety-Fifth Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Nishiyamato Academy Los Angeles Unified Lomita

Oak Street Elementary Inglewood Unified Inglewood

One Hundred Fifty-Sixth Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Gardena

School District City

One Hundred Fifty-Third Street Elementary Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Opal Robinson Elementary Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary Hermosa Beach City Elementary Hermosa Beach

Our Lady of Malibu Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

Pacific Elementary Manhattan Beach Unified Manhattan Beach

Palos Verdes Adult Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Palos Verdes Distance Learning Academy Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Palos Verdes High Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Palos Verdes

Estates

Palos Verdes Intermediate Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Palos Verdes

Estates

Palos Verdes Peninsula High Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Estates

Park Century Elementary Culver City Unified Culver City

Parras (Nick G.) Middle Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Patricia Dreizler Continuation High Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Peninsula Heritage School Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Estates

Personal Coaching Systems Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Playa Vista Elementary Los Angeles Unified Playa Vista

Point Dume School Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

Point Vicente Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Prairie Vista Middle Hawthorne Hawthorne

Purche Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Gardena

PV Peninsula Montessori School Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

R. K. Lloyde High Centinela Valley Union High Lawndale

Ramona Hawthorne Hawthorne

Rancho del Mar High (Continuation) Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Rancho Vista Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Estates

Redondo Beach Learning Academy Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach Virtual Learning Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Redondo Union High Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Renaissance County Community Los Angeles County Office of Education

Hawthorne

Richmond Street Elementary El Segundo Unified El Segundo

Ridgecrest Intermediate Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

School District City

Rising Stars Academy Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Rising Stars Academy Elementary Hawthorne Hawthorne

Rising Stars Academy Elementary Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Robert E. Peary Middle Los Angeles Unified Gardena

Rolling Hills Country Day School Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rolling Hills

Estates

Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle Los Angeles Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Silver Spur Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Slauson Learning Center, No. 2 Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Soleado Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

South Bay Adult Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

South Bay Christian School Torrance Unified Torrance

South Bay Faith Academy Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

South Shores/CSUDH Visual and Performing Arts

Los Angeles Unified San Pedro

St Margaret Mary School Los Angeles Unified Lomita

St. Anthony of Padua Los Angeles Unified Gardena

St. Frances X. Cabrini Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

St. James Elementary Torrance Unified Torrance

St. John Chrysostom Inglewood Unified Inglewood

St. John Fisher School Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

St. Joseph Elementary Hawthorne Hawthorne

St. Lawrence Martyr Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

St. Mary's Academy Inglewood Unified Inglewood

St. Michael Elementary Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

St. Philomena Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

Stella High Charter Academy Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

STEM3 Academy West Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Stephen M. White Middle Los Angeles Unified Carson

Success Learning Center Wiseburn Unified Hawthorne

Sunrise West School Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Sycamore School Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

TEACH Tech Charter High Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

The Center for Early Education Los Angeles Unified West Hollywood

The Willows Community School Culver City Unified Culver City

Topanga Elementary Charter Los Angeles Unified Topanga

Towne Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Carson

TREE Academy Los Angeles Unified West Hollywood

Trinity Lutheran School Hawthorne Hawthorne

Tulita Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Turning Point School Culver City Unified Culver City

Two Hundred Thirty-Second Place Elementary

Los Angeles Unified Carson

School District City

Underrated Talent Union California Academy Los Angeles Unified Carson

Van Deene Avenue Elementary Los Angeles Unified Torrance

Victor Elementary Torrance Unified Torrance

Virtual Academy of the Arts & Entertainment Los Angeles Unified Carson

Vista Grande Elementary Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Rancho Palos

Verdes

Vistamar School Centinela Valley Union High El Segundo

Washington Hawthorne Hawthorne

Washington Elementary Redondo Beach Unified Redondo Beach

Wayfinder Family Services Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Webster Elementary Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Malibu

West Athens Elementary Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

West High Torrance Unified Torrance

West Hollywood College Preparatory School Los Angeles Unified West Hollywood

West Hollywood Elementary Los Angeles Unified West Hollywood

Westside Neighborhood School Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Wilder's Preparatory Academy Charter Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Wilder's Preparatory Academy Charter Middle

Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Will Rogers Middle Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

William Anderson Elementary Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

William Green Elementary Lawndale Elementary Lawndale

Windsor Hills Math Science Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Wiseburn Middle Wiseburn Unified Hawthorne

Woodcrest Elementary Los Angeles Unified Los Angeles

Woodworth-Monroe TK-8 Academy Inglewood Unified Inglewood

Worthington TK-6 Elementary Inglewood Unified Inglewood

York Hawthorne Hawthorne

Zela Davis Hawthorne Hawthorne

All schools within the City of Torrance are eligible for field trips. West Basin may modify the list of eligible schools at any time.

3. General Proposal Information

A. Respondents are encouraged to carefully review this RFP in its entirety prior to preparation of their Proposals.

B. All Proposals submitted will become the property of West Basin.

C. Respondent may modify or amend its Proposal only if West Basin receives the amendment prior to the deadline stated herein for receiving Proposals.

D. A Proposal may be considered non-responsive if conditional, incomplete, or if it contains alterations of form, additions not called for, or other irregularities that may constitute a material change to the Proposal.

E. Proposal Validity – Proposals must be valid for a period of at least 90 days from the closing date and time of this solicitation. Proposals may not be withdrawn after the submission date.

F. Pre-Contractual Expenses – West Basin shall not, under any circumstance, be liable for any pre-contractual expenses incurred by Respondents in the preparation of their Proposals. Respondents shall not include any such expenses as part of their Proposals. Pre-contractual expenses are defined as expenses incurred by the Respondent in preparing its Proposal in response to this solicitation; submitting that Proposal to West Basin; negotiating with West

Basin any matter related to the Proposal; and, any other expenses incurred by the Respondent prior to the date of award and execution of an Agreement.

G. Right to Audit – Following execution of an agreement and for a period of three years following the completion of the services, West Basin will have the right to audit the successful Respondent’s (Awardee’s) invoices and all supporting documentation generated in performance of services under the agreement

H. Confidentiality – Confidentiality of Proposals is subject to the following:

o West Basin is subject to the Public Records Act, California Government Code

Section 6250 et. seq. As such, all required submittal information is subject to disclosure to the general public.

o Respondent may provide supplemental information exempt from public disclosure under Gov. Code § 6254, including “trade secrets” under Evidence

Code § 1060. Such supplemental information shall not be material to the required submittal information and West Basin shall be under no obligation to consider such supplemental information in its evaluation.

o If submitting confidential, supplemental information, such information shall be clearly marked "Confidential." Upon completion of its evaluation, West Basin will delete any confidential, supplemental information submitted.

I. West Basin reserves the right to:

o Reject any or all Proposals;

o Select the Proposal most advantageous to West Basin;

o Verify all information submitted in the Proposal;

o Withdraw this solicitation at any time without prior notice and furthermore, makes no representations that any contract will be awarded to any

Respondent responding to this solicitation;

o Award its total requirements to one Respondent or to apportion those requirements among two or more Respondents as West Basin may deem to be in its best interests;

o Negotiate the final contract with any Respondent(s) as necessary to serve the best interests of West Basin;

o Amend this solicitation;

o Amend the final contract to incorporate necessary attachments and exhibits or to reflect negotiations between West Basin and the successful

Respondent.

4. Respondents Questions, Requests for Clarification and Exceptions

In the event that the Respondent has any questions or requests for clarification, the

Respondent should notify West Basin with their concerns no later than the date and time noted in the timeline. Questions and Requests for Clarification must be submitted by this date through the OpenGov Question and Answer Module.

West Basin will respond to questions and requests for clarifications and exceptions via the OpenGov Question and Answer Module.

5. Small and Local Business Enterprise Program

5.1. Small and Local Business Enterprise

The District encourages the utilization of small and local businesses. To promote the participation of Small and Local Business Enterprises in the competitive Solicitation process, the District has established a program that provides incentives to encourage small and local Vendors to participate in District Solicitations

5.2. Definition of Terms - The following definitions shall apply:

A. Local Business Enterprise (LBE) - To be considered as a local business enterprise, a firm must provide evidence, in the form of a business license, that the firm is located at a fixed commercial or residential address where administrative, clerical, professional or other productive work is performed relative to its commercial purpose. The firm must be located either within the

District’s service area or within 25 miles of the District’s Carson headquarters for a minimum of one year. Click HERE to verify your firm's Local status.

B. Small Business Enterprise (SBE) - To be considered as a Small Business

Enterprise and to encourage maximum participation, the District will accept a

Vendor that meets and is certified to the federal U.S. Small Business

Administration (SBA) size standards or the SBE standards set by the California

Department of General Services (DGS). In addition, the District will accept a

Vendor’s self-certification of any local agency within the State of California. All certifications are subject to verification.

5.3. Verification

To qualify as a Small and/or Local Business Enterprise, the Respondent must provide verification of their Business Enterprise status in the Proposal Response Section of this

RFP.

5.4. Evaluation Scoring

All Formal and Informal Proposals for Professional Services will be evaluated on a 100-point scale. A value of three (3) additional points will be added to the evaluation scores of SBE or LBE participants who propose as Prime Consultants on Professional Services

Agreements. If the participant is both a SBE and LBE, the Vendor will be awarded six

(6) points.

If a Prime Consultant includes a SBE or LBE as a Sub(s)in its Proposal, the District will award one (1) point for participation from SBE and/or LBE Sub(s) only if at least 30% of the total compensation paid by the District under the terms of the contract are allocated to and received by the SBE an/or LBE Sub(s).

In the event the proposed Services will be evaluated on a price basis only, the price

Proposals of SBE or LBE will be reduced by 3% (6% if both SBE & LBE) based on the percentage of SBE or LBE participation consistent with the policy described in the paragraph above. If, after this adjustment, the SBE or LBE is determined to be the most competitive price Proposal, the actual Contract amount will be the amount originally proposed.

6. Selection Process https://www.westbasinca.gov/about-west-basin/doing-business-with-west-basin

A selection panel comprised of West Basin staff (and an outside panelist, depending on the engagement) will review the proposals and consider the following factors to select the most qualified Respondent:

• Completeness & Quality of Proposal

• Respondent Qualifications, Capabilities, and Experience

• Professional Qualifications of Key Personnel

• Technical Approach and Methodology

• References

• Compliance with Insurance Requirements

• Willingness to Provide Financial Information

• Cost Proposal

• Acceptance

• Interview

Based on review of the proposals, a short list of Respondents may be selected to participate in an interview / presentation. Short-listed Respondents must be prepared to give their presentation as soon as five (5) business days following the request by West

Basin. The interview / presentation will afford the Respondent an opportunity to present the key personnel assigned to the engagement and discuss their qualifications. The selection panel may ask questions about the Respondent’s written Proposal and other issues regarding their proposed Scope of Services. Presentations will be evaluated and a successful Respondent will be selected for recommendation of contract award. The selection panel will recommend the firm that provides the best overall value to West

Basin. Contract award is subject to the approval of West Basin’s Board of Directors.

By submitting responses to this solicitation, respondents understand and agree that

West Basin may award a contract to a firm whose approach exceeds or varies from the requirements listed. West Basin will be the sole judge of which proposal best satisfies the needs of West Basin.

Negotiations regarding agreement terms, conditions, scope of services, and pricing may or may not be conducted with the selected Respondent. Therefore, Proposals submitted should represent the Respondent’s most favorable terms and offering, since the selection and award may be made without discussion with any Respondent. If West

Basin engages the Respondent in negotiations and satisfactory agreement provisions cannot be reached, then negotiations may be terminated. West Basin may elect to contact another firm submitting a Proposal. This sequence may continue until an agreement is reached.

7. Evaluation Criteria

7.1. Technical Criteria

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Completeness & Quality of Proposal N/A N/A

2. Respondent Qualifications, Capabilities, and Experience N/A N/A

3. Professional Qualifications of Key

Personnel N/A N/A

4. Technical Approach and Methodology N/A N/A

5. References N/A N/A

6. Cost Proposal N/A N/A

7. Small Business Enterprise Incentive

Points N/A N/A

8. Local business Enterprise Incentive

Points N/A N/A

9. Small and Local Subs Incentive Points N/A N/A

7.2. Interview Criteria

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Interview N/A N/A

8. Sample Agreement and Insurance Requirements

A Sample Agreement has been attached for your review. This agreement is representative of the agreement that will be executed upon award to the successful Respondent. Submission of your proposal in response to this solicitation constitutes your acceptance of all terms and conditions set forth in this sample agreement, provided that a proposer may state exceptions to terms and conditions with its proposal, and provided further that exceptions to terms and conditions not included with a proposal shall, at the District’s option, be deemed waived.

The successful Respondent shall procure and maintain, for the duration of the agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property arising from or in connection with the performance of the work performed. The successful Respondent shall provide the following coverage:

Commercial General Liability $5,000,000

Business Automobile Liability $5,000,000

Workers’ Compensation $1,000,000

Sexual Abuse and Molestation $1,000,000

Prior to the start of work, the successful Respondent shall provide evidence of insurance from an insurer(s) certifying to the coverage, including an endorsement naming West Basin as an additional insured. For a complete description of the insurance requirements, please see Section 12 of the

Sample Agreement.

9. Proposal Response Instructions

Proposal Instructions

A. Submittal

1. Respondent shall submit their proposal ONLINE through the e-procurement system.

2. Proposals are due BEFORE 2:00 pm, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The E-

Procurement System will block submittal attempts after the deadline. To be clear – 2:00 PM IS LATE. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.

B. Response Requirements

1. The information requested below will be used to evaluate the Respondent’s

Proposal. Respondents may be deemed non-responsive if they do not respond to all Sections, A through J (below).

2. Proposals must be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of methodology and approach to satisfy the requirements of this solicitation. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content with sufficient detail to allow for accurate evaluation and comparative analysis.

3. Respondent’s Proposal shall be clear, concise, accurate, and comprehensive. Excessive or irrelevant materials will not be favorably received.

4. The Proposals shall be organized and uploaded to the OpenGov Proposal

Response Section in the order presented below:

a. Executive Summary Letter

b. Qualifications, Capabilities, and Experience

c. Key Personnel

d. Technical Approach and Methodology

e. References

f. Price Proposal

g. Compliance with Insurance Requirements Confirmation

h. Minimum Requirements Compliance Confirmation

i. Willingness to Provide Financial Information Confirmation

j. Acceptance Confirmation

10. Proposal Response

10.1. Proposal Response*

A. Executive Summary Letter

This letter shall be a brief formal letter from Respondent that provides information regarding the firm and its ability to perform the requirements of this solicitation. This letter must include the following information: complete legal company name (as it should appear in a contract), address, contact person, telephone number, and e-mail address. This letter shall identify all materials and enclosures being forwarded in response to this solicitation. The letter must be signed by an individual authorized to bind the proposing entity or by the two corporate officers authorized to bind the proposing entity as set forth in the

California Corporations Code. A proposal submission with an unsigned

Executive Summary Letter may result in the proposal being considered non-responsive.

B. Qualifications, Capabilities, and Experience

Respondent shall provide a brief discussion of its qualifications and capabilities to perform work similar in nature to the services requested herein. Respondent shall provide a brief discussion of its previous experience with engagements that are the same or similar in nature to the services requested herein.

C. Key Personnel

Respondent shall provide the names, resumes, and a statement of qualifications of key personnel who are expected to be assigned to this project and shall identify their specific responsibilities.

In addition, Respondent shall submit a complete list of all subconsultants they intend to utilize in the provision of services requested in this solicitation. Prevailing wages shall be paid to any subconsultant who provides labor on the project for which a prevailing wage classification has been established by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations. The

District reserves the right to request copies of certified payrolls and any other documentation necessary to verify the payment of prevailing wages and fringe benefits from subconsultants of any tier in accordance with the California Labor

Code.

D. Technical Approach and Methodology

Respondent shall provide a discussion of ways to maximize benefits or services to West Basin as well as discuss objectives, recommendations and solutions. Respondent shall provide a project schedule and timeline by task illustrating key deliverables. Respondent is encouraged to identify and recommend any improvements/enhancements for the proposed service, as well as highlight any other issues Respondent deems appropriate.

E. References

Respondent’ shall provide a minimum of three (3) references from different clients for engagements performed in the last five (5) years where the services provided were the same or similar nature to the services requested herein. Respondent’s Reference Information should include:

a. Client’s name, contact person, contact person’s responsibility and relationship to the project, address, email, and telephone number.

b. A description of the type and extent of the services provided by

Respondent to the client.

c. Names of key personnel on Respondent’s team that participated in named projects and their specific responsibilities.

*Response required

10.2. Price Proposal*

Respondent shall submit a Price Proposal for the services requested in this solicitation.

The Price Proposal shall be delineated by Task as identified in the Scope of Work. West

Basin may accept and incorporate the submitted Price Proposal as part of the award/agreement process without further negotiation or, alternatively, may use it as the basis for negotiations. Consequently, Respondents are encouraged to provide their best pricing terms.

*Response required

10.3. Proposal Validity*

By clicking YES below, the Respondent agrees to the minimum proposal validity.

Responses to this RFP shall be valid for a minimum of 90 days. Submissions not valid for at least 90 daysdays will be considered non-responsive.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

10.4. Compliance with Insurance Requirements*

Insurance requirements are listed in the in the Sample Agreement. The District will request the actual Accord insurance form and associated documentation when recommendation for award is made.

By clicking YES below, the Respondent confirms their ability to provide the required insurance coverage and Accord insurance form.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

10.5. Minimum Requirement(s) Compliance*

In addition to demonstrating that it meets the minimum requirements, Respondent shall affirm that it meets the minimum requirement by confirming below to agree to the following statement:

“I certify that I meet the minimum requirements of this solicitation.”

Respondent’s Proposal may be deemed non-responsive if these minimum requirement(s) are not met. The minimum requirements are defined in the Scope of

Services.

☐ Yes

☐ No

10.6. Willingness to Provide Financial Statement *

If selected, Respondent may be requested to submit a complete financial statement for the two most recent years, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The financial statement must include a balance sheet and income statement.

By clicking Yes below, Respondent indicates that they are prepared to substantiate all information provided. Respondent must indicate herein Respondent’s willingness to provide this information.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

10.7. Small Business Enterprise Verification*

Do you qualify as Small Business Enterprise?

Small Business Enterprise (SBE): To be considered as a Small Business Enterprise and to encourage maximum participation, the District will accept a Vendor that meets and is certified to the Federal U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards, or the SBE standards set by the California Department of General

Services (DGS). In addition, the District will accept a Vendor’s self-certification of any local agency within the State of California. All certifications are subject to verification.

If yes - respondent must attach documentation of Small Business certification.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

10.7.1. Upload SBE certification.*

*Response required

10.8. Local Business Enterprise Verification*

Do you qualify as Local Business Enterprise?

Local Business Enterprise (LBE): To be considered as a Local Business Enterprise, a Vendor must provide evidence, in the form of a business license, that the Vendor is located at a fixed commercial or residential address where administrative, clerical, professional or other productive work is performed relative to its commercial purpose. The Vendor must be located either within the District’s service area or, within

25 miles of the District’s Carson headquarters for a minimum of one year.

Please click HERE to determine if your firm is considered Local, under Small and Local

Business Enterprise Program.

https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/size-standards/size-standards-tool?ms=fp https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/SCM/TOC/12/12 https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/SCM/TOC/12/12 https://www.westbasinca.gov/about-west-basin/doing-business-with-west-basin

If yes - respondent must attach current copy of the firm's business license.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

10.8.1. Upload business license.*

*Response required

10.9. Sub(s) Small and Local Business Enterprise Verification* Do you have a Sub Supplier, Subcontractor or Subconsultant that qualifies as

SBE or LBE?

Participation from either SBE or LBE Sub(s) qualify only if at least 30% of the total compensation paid by the District under the terms of the contract are allocated to and received by the SBE or LBE Sub(s).

The Prime must include the Sub(s) services and compensation in its Price Form.

If yes - the Prime (respondent) must attach current copy of the Sub(s) business license and/or SBE certification.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

10.9.1. Upload Sub(s) business license and/or SBE certification.* *Response required

10.10. Acceptance*

By clicking Yes below, I, on behalf of the Respondent submitting this Proposal, quotation, or bid acknowledge that I have read and understand the subject solicitation and all its attachments. I further acknowledge that, by submission of a proposal, quotation, or bid in response to the subject solicitation, the Respondent accepts all the terms and conditions set forth in the subject solicitation and its attachments, including, but not limited to, the Sample Agreement or the Purchase Order Standard Terms and

Conditions, except as specifically identified in an exception submitted concurrently therewith.

☐ Yes

☐ No

10.11. How did you first hear about this project?*

☐ Direct email / notification from OpenGov

☐ West Basin's Website

☐ West Basin Procurement Newsletter

☐ Industry Outreach Event

☐ West Basin's Virtual Outreach Webinar

☐ Construction Bid Platform (Ebidboard, Dodge Data, ConstructConnect, etc.)

☐ Social Media

☐ Other

*Response required

10.12. [FOR NEW VENDORS ONLY] Attach Company W-9

10.13. [For New Vendor Only] Attach New Vendor Form The New Vendor Form is located in the Attachments section, Attachment A.