COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

FINANCE DEPARTMENT – PROCUREMENT DIVISION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 2026-58

CONSTRUCTED HABITAT FEASIBILITY STUDY AND WORKPLAN

UPDATE

ISSUED: SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

1.1 Request for Proposals

1.2 Term

1.3 Schedule

1.4 Procurement Technician and Delivery Address:

SECTION 2 – INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

2.1 Obtaining RFP Documents and Addenda:

2.2 Pre-Proposal Conference:

2.3 Proposer’s Minimum Requirements:

2.4 Submission of Proposals:

SECTION 3 – CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT

3.1 Request for Clarifications/Questions:

3.2 Proposers Ethical Behavior:

3.3 Proposals to Remain Open:

3.4 Right to Accept or Reject Proposals:

3.5 Responsibility of Proposer:

3.6 Insurance:

3.7 Public Record:

3.8 Cost Related to Proposal Preparation:

3.9 Compliance with Law:

3.10 Licenses, Permits, Fees and Assessments:

3.11 Investigations:

3.12 Non-Collusion:

3.13 Signed Proposal and Exceptions:

3.14 Award of Contract:

3.15 Filing of Protests

3.16 Form of Agreement:

SECTION 4 – SCOPE OF WORK

4.1 Project Background

4.2 Project Objectives

4.3 Task 1 – Feasibility Study

4.4 Task 2 – Constructed Habitat Workplan Update

4.5 Deliverables and Deadlines

4.6 Meetings and Coordination

4.7 CVWD- Provided Information

SECTION 5 – PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION

5.1 Proposal Requirements:

5.2 Proposal Content:

5.3 Submission of Proposal:

SECTION 6 – PROPOSAL EVALUATION

6.1 Evaluation of Proposals:

6.2 Selection Process and Award of Contract:

SECTION 7 – RFP FORMS

SECTION 8 – SAMPLE AGREEMENT

SECTION 1 – NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

1.1 Request for Proposals

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD or District) is requesting proposals from qualified firms to provide the District with a Constructed Habitat Feasibility Study and Constructed Habitat Workplan Update. See Section 4 - Scope of Work for details.

1.2 Term

The term of this contract will be for one year from the date of the Notice to Proceed.

1.3 Schedule

The following is the schedule for this procurement:

Activity Due/Time Request for Proposals Issued September 18, 2026

Pre-Proposal Conference September 30, 2026

Pre-Proposal Job Walk October 1, 2026

Requests for Clarifications from Proposers are due October 8, 2026

Responses to Requests for Clarification will be posted via Addendum October 15, 2026

Proposals are Due October 29, 2026 @ 2:00 pm PST

Interviews (if Required) November 19, 2026

Recommendation/Selection (tentative) November 20, 2026

Projected Date for Award of Contract/ PO January 12, 2027

1.4 Procurement Technician and Delivery Address:

Cindy Romero, CPPB Senior Purchasing Technician

Coachella Valley Water District – Procurement Department 75515 Hovley Lane, E

Palm Desert, CA 922611 Phone: 760.398.2651

Email: cromero@cvwd.org mailto:cromero@cvwd.org

SECTION 2 – INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

2.1 Obtaining RFP Documents and Addenda:

RFP documents including Addenda can be found on PlanetBids at:

PlanetBids Vendor Portal Proposers will then need to log in and locate this RFP for all related documents. It is the Proposers responsibility to check the PlanetBids site regularly to stay current on the documents that are available as this is the primary communication site for this RFP.

2.2 Pre-Proposal Conference and Job Walk:

A. Conference: A non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Time: 10:00 am PT Location: Virtually. - Interested participants who wish to participate in the preproposal conference, by either requesting a link to attend via email to:

cromero@cvwd.org or by following the directions below:

Microsoft Teams meeting, join on your computer or mobile app:

Microsoft Teams Meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/288349076432792?p= Meeting ID: 288 349 076 432 792 Passcode: nz78fZ39

B. Job Walk: A non-mandatory job walk at the site will occur the following morning Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 am PT on site at the NW corner of 70th Ave. and Johnson St. in Mecca, CA 92254. A link to Google Maps is below.

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uCnHeS1bA8HKqdip7

C. All proposers are highly encouraged to attend the pre-proposal conference and job walk to learn more about the requirements of this solicitation.

2.3 Proposer’s Minimum Requirements:

A. Experience: The Proposing company has been in business for a minimum of five years. Proposers shall outline this experience in Section A of the proposal.

B. Experience: The Proposing company must demonstrate at least five years of relevant experience. Proposers shall outline this experience in Section A of the proposal.

2.4 Submission of Proposals:

A. Requests for Proposals will be electronically received via the online Planet Bids electronic system until the time specified in the schedule. The receiving time date stamp in Planet Bids will be the governing time for acceptability of Proposals. Paper proposals, or proposals sent by any other means will not be accepted. Late proposals will not be accepted by the Planet Bids system so please allow plenty of time to submit your proposal. Failure to register as a Proposer to this RFP process per the instructions in this Request for Proposals (under “Obtaining RFP Documents”) may result in not receiving Addenda or other important information pertaining to this https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/vendors.planetbids.com/portal/16339/portal-home___.YzJ1OmNvYWNoZWxsYXZhbGxleXdhdGVyZGlzdHJpY3Q6YzpvZmZpY2UzNjVfZW1haWxzX2F0dGFjaG1lbnQ6ZjliZGE4MzZjOGIyMjI4M2JiMTkzN2IyMjE1M2VlZDE6NzpiMTIzOmViYjQ0MzlkZWU1NmQyNWMyYzI5NmMzZjViNDc5MjAzNmFhZjYwMDg1NjcyZTQ3YTdmMDUwOWZlMDU3YzExNWE6cDpUOk4 mailto:cromero@cvwd.org https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/288349076432792?p= https://maps.app.goo.gl/uCnHeS1bA8HKqdip7 process. Failure to acknowledge Addenda may render a proposal as being non-responsive or negatively impact the evaluation of a proposal. Proposal files shall be clearly labeled per the instructions provided and submitted electronically.

SECTION 3 – CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT

3.1 Request for Clarifications/Questions:

A. Questions are to be submitted through PlanetBids vendor portal at the following link: PlanetBids Vendor Portal and then selecting the RFP.

B. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary in response to such questions will be resolved by the issuance of formal Addenda to the RFP. The deadline for all questions is as outlined in the schedule. Questions received after this date and time may not be answered. Only questions that have been resolved by formal written Addenda via the Finance Procurement Division will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal or contractual effect.

3.2 Proposers Ethical Behavior:

Proposers, their representatives, agents, or anyone else acting on their behalf are specifically directed not to contact any district employee, committee member, or other agency employee or associate for any purpose related to this RFP other than as directed below. Contact with anyone other than as directed below will be cause for rejection of a proposal.

3.3 Proposals to Remain Open:

The Proposer shall guarantee that all contents of their proposal shall be valid for a period of 120 calendar days from the due date of proposals.

3.4 Right to Accept or Reject Proposals:

The Coachella Valley Water District reserves the right to waive any informality or technical defect in a proposal and to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all proposals and to cancel all or part of this RFP and seek new proposals, as best serves the interests of the District. The District furthermore reserves the right to contract separately with others certain tasks if deemed in the best interest of the District.

3.5 Responsibility of Proposer:

All firms responding to this RFP shall be responsible. If it is found that a firm is irresponsible (e.g., has not paid taxes, is not a legal entity, submitted an RFP without an authorized signature, falsified any information in the proposal package, etc.), the proposal shall be rejected.

3.6 Insurance:

Insurance provisions are contained in the Standard Contract Services sample agreement included in the RFP. The successful Proposer will be required to comply with these provisions. It is recommended that Proposers have their insurance provider review the insurance provisions BEFORE they submit their proposal.

3.7 Public Record:

A. All documents submitted in response to this solicitation will become the property of the Coachella Valley Water District and are subject to the California Code Section 7921 et seq., commonly known as the Public Records Act. Information contained in the documents, or any other materials associated with the solicitation, may be made public after the District negotiations are completed, and staff has provided a notice of intent to recommend award to the proposers and to the District https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/vendors.planetbids.com/portal/16339/portal-home___.YzJ1OmNvYWNoZWxsYXZhbGxleXdhdGVyZGlzdHJpY3Q6YzpvZmZpY2UzNjVfZW1haWxzX2F0dGFjaG1lbnQ6ZjliZGE4MzZjOGIyMjI4M2JiMTkzN2IyMjE1M2VlZDE6NzpiMTIzOmViYjQ0MzlkZWU1NmQyNWMyYzI5NmMzZjViNDc5MjAzNmFhZjYwMDg1NjcyZTQ3YTdmMDUwOWZlMDU3YzExNWE6cDpUOk4 for the award of a contract to a specific firm, but before final action is taken by the District to award the contract.

B. Although the California Public Records Act (“CPRA”) recognizes that certain confidential trade secret information may be protected from disclosure, the District may not be in a position to establish that the information submitted in a proposal is a trade secret. If a request is made for information marked “Confidential,” “Trade Secret,” Proprietary,” or any other similar designation, the District will provide the party submitting such information with reasonable notice to allow the party to seek protection from disclosure by a court of competent jurisdiction.

C. If a submitting party contends that a portion of the proposal is confidential even under the CPRA, the party: 1) must clearly label each document and/or page deemed a confidential document 2) the legal rationale supporting such contention including specific references to applicable provisions of the Public Records laws of the State 3) must actively defend against any request for disclosure of information which the party has determined should not be released, and 4) must indemnify and hold harmless the District from any loss, claim or suit, including attorneys’ fees, brought by a person challenging the District’s refusal to release the documents. The District will not, under any circumstances, incur any expenses, or be responsible for any damages or losses incurred by a party submitting a proposal or any other person or entity, because of the release of such information.

The District will not return the original or any copies of the proposal or other information or documents submitted to the District as part of this RFP process. The District may not recognize proposals where all the information, via a blanket statement is submitted as proprietary information or a trade secret. Such proposals may be found non-responsive.

3.8 Cost Related to Proposal Preparation:

The District will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by any firm responding to this RFP in the preparation of their proposal or participation in any presentation if requested, or any other aspects of the entire RFP process.

3.9 Compliance with Law:

Proposer warrants that all Services rendered shall be performed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances lawful orders, rules, and regulations.

3.10 Licenses, Permits, Fees and Assessments:

Proposer represents and warrants to District that it will obtain all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to practice its profession and perform the Work and Services requested in this RFP. Proposer represents and warrants to District that Proposer shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect at all times during the term of the Agreement if so awarded, any license, permit, qualification, or approval that is legally required for Proposer to perform the Work and Services under the Agreement if so awarded. Proposer shall have the sole obligation to pay for any fees, assessments, and taxes, plus applicable penalties, and interest, which may be imposed by law and arise from or are necessary for the Proposer’s performance of the Work and Services required under the Agreement if so awarded. Proposer shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the District against any such fees, assessments, taxes penalties, or interest levied, assessed, or imposed against District to the fullest extent permitted by law.

3.11 Investigations:

The District reserves the right to make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability of the firms responding to this RFP to perform the Work and the firm shall furnish to the District all such information and data for this purpose as the District may request. The District reserves the right to reject any proposal if the evidence submitted by or investigation of such firm fails to satisfy the District that such firm is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Contract and to complete the Work contemplated therein.

3.12 Non-Collusion:

The undersigned, by submission of this Proposal Form, hereby declares that this Proposal is made without collusion with any other business making any other Proposal, or which otherwise would make a Proposal. Proposer must execute an Affidavit of Non-Collusion provided as Attachment “B” in the RFP and include it with their proposal.

3.13 Signed Proposal and Exceptions:

Submission of a signed proposal will be interpreted to mean that the firm responding to this RFP has hereby agreed to all the terms and conditions set forth in all of the sheets which make up this Request for Proposals, and any attached sample agreement. Exceptions to any of the language in either the RFP documents or attached sample agreement, including the insurance requirements, must be requested under the request for clarifications/questions process by the deadline for questions. Any requested changes to the contract will be considered at that time and if changes are allowed, they will be sent out through an Addendum to all proposers.

Exceptions to the District’s RFP document or standard boilerplate language, insurance requirements, terms, or conditions, etc. may only be considered during the early stage of the solicitation process; and shall not be included in the submitted proposals. The District makes no guarantee that any exceptions will be approved but will consider any requests put forward in the request for clarification/question process.

3.14 Award of Contract:

It is the District’s intent to award a contract to the firm that can provide all of the scope of work, equipment and services identified in the RFP document. However, the District reserves the right to award a contract, or to make no award, whichever is in the best interest of the District. It is anticipated that award of the contract will occur at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting after the evaluation committee has made its final selection of the firm to be recommended for award and a contract has been negotiated and agendized for consideration. The decision of the Board will be final.

3.15 Filing of Protests

A. Protest Against Solicitations

1. Any protest relating to the form or content of a solicitation must be submitted in writing to and received by CVWD’s Procurement Division and contact specified in the solicitation at least five (5) business days before the original date set for the submission of proposals or bids.

2. The protest must be made in writing (letter, e-mail, or facsimile) and must contain the following information:

a) Name, address, and phone number of the protestor.

b) The title and solicitation number of the solicitation being protested.

c) A detailed statement citing the provisions being protested, including the reason(s) for the protest.

3. Late protests shall not be considered.

4. If the protest is timely and complies with all of the above requirements, CVWD shall review the protest and all relevant information. CVWD will provide a written response to the protestor.

5. Any contractor who submits a bid or proposal without making a protest shall be deemed to have waived any objection to the form or content of the solicitation.

B. Protest After Solicitation Opening

1. Submitted bids or proposals will be made available for review in a timely manner, upon written request of any Contractor.

2. Only a Proposer who has actually submitted a proposal is eligible to protest a contract award. In order for a Proposer’s protest to be considered, the protest must comply with the following:

a) The protests must be submitted within five (5) days of the electronic notification of intent to award. The District’s Procurement Division must receive the protest by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the fifth (5th) business day following posting of notification of intent to award.

b) Clearly identify specific irregularity or accusation.

c) Clearly identify the specific District staff determination or recommendation being protested.

d) Specify, in detail, the grounds of the protest and the facts supporting the protest.

e) Include all relevant and supporting documentation with the protest at time of filing.

3. If the protest does not comply with each of these requirements, it will be rejected as invalid. If the protest is submitted in accordance with the above requirements, the District’s Procurement Division and/or Director of Engineering shall review the basis of the protest and all relevant information.

The District staff member from the Procurement Division or Engineering will provide a written decision to the protestor. The protestor may appeal the District’s decision to the District’s General Manager if the original ruling was believed to be in error.

C. Exclusive Remedy The procedure and time limits set forth in this section are mandatory and are the sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a protest. Failure to comply with these procedures shall constitute a failure to exhaust administrative remedies and a waiver of any right to further pursue the protest, including filing a Government Code Claim or legal proceedings.

D. Protests of Procurement Actions

Protesting party shall only communicate with the authorized contact listed in the solicitation while the protest is pending.

3.16 Form of Agreement:

The selected firm will be required to enter into a contractual agreement, inclusive of insurance requirements, with the Coachella Valley Water District in accordance with the standard Contract Services Agreement (see Section 8). Please note that the Exhibits are intentionally not complete in the attached sample standard document.

These exhibits will be negotiated with the selected firm and will appear in the final Contract Services Agreement executed between the parties.

Failure or refusal to enter into an Agreement as herein provided or to conform to any of the stipulated requirements in connection therewith shall be just cause for an annulment of the award. If the highest ranked Proposer refuses or fails to execute the Agreement, or negotiations are not successful, or the agreement is terminated, CVWD may, at its sole discretion, enter negotiations with and award the Contract to the second highest ranked Proposer, and so on.

SECTION 4 – SCOPE OF WORK

4.1 Project Background

A. The Consultant shall provide professional environmental, engineering, water quality, and habitat restoration services to complete a Feasibility Study and update CVWD's Constructed Habitat Workplan for submittal to and approval by the applicable Wildlife Agencies.

B. CVWD's Constructed Habitat Projects were developed to fulfill habitat commitments identified in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The August 10, 2021 Garfield Street and Johnson Street Constructed Habitats Work Plan (2021 Work Plan) was prepared as the basis for development, implementation, operation, maintenance, monitoring, and eventual transfer of the constructed habitat projects.

C. Since preparation of the 2021 Work Plan, CVWD has coordinated with the Wildlife Agencies regarding the proposed constructed habitat projects. In 2024, CVWD received additional comments and direction from the Wildlife Agencies, and development of the Work Plan was substantially advanced. Due to subsequent logistical complications and circumstances outside CVWD's control, CVWD has determined that the Project must be relocated in its entirety to the Johnson Street location.

D. CVWD's existing Johnson Street-owned parcels do not contain sufficient acreage to accommodate the entire Project. CVWD is therefore considering acquisition of the adjacent property identified as Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) 729-110-030. Prior to acquisition, CVWD desires to complete a Feasibility Study to determine whether the Project can be successfully developed and operated using CVWD-owned property in combination with the potential acquisition property.

E. The Feasibility Study will provide the technical basis for determining whether the relocated Project is feasible at the Johnson Street location and, if feasible, will inform the update to the Constructed Habitat Workplan.

4.2 Project Objectives

A. Evaluate the feasibility of developing the Project in its entirety at the Johnson Street location using available CVWD-owned parcels and, if appropriate, supplemental acreage associated with the potential acquisition of APN 729-110-030.

B. Evaluate potential water sources and water supply configurations capable of satisfying the quantity and quality requirements of the proposed habitat types.

C. Evaluate site, engineering, environmental, hydrologic, groundwater, water quality, construction, operations, maintenance, and cost considerations that could affect Project feasibility.

D. Develop a clear professional recommendation regarding whether the Project is feasible at the Johnson Street location and identify the preferred water supply and Project configuration, including significant conditions or limitations.

E. Following determination that the Project is feasible, update the existing Constructed Habitat Workplan using the 2021 Work Plan and subsequent Wildlife Agency coordination as the basis for the updated document.

F. Prepare the updated Workplan at a level suitable for CVWD review and subsequent submittal to the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC) and applicable Wildlife Agencies.

4.3 Task 1 – Feasibility Study

A. Review of Existing Information

1. The Consultant shall review available background information provided by CVWD, including, but not limited to:

a. The 2021 Garfield Street and Johnson Street Constructed Habitats Work

Plan;

b. Subsequent Wildlife Agency comments and coordination materials;

c. Existing conceptual plans, figures, maps, and site information;

d. Available topographic and LiDAR information;

e. Existing soil and geotechnical information;

f. Groundwater information;

g. Available water quantity and water quality data;

h. Existing CVWD infrastructure information;

i. Available information regarding potential acquisition APN 729-110-030;

j. Existing water demand calculations and habitat requirements; and

k. Other information reasonably necessary to evaluate Project feasibility.

2. The Consultant shall identify information that is outdated, incomplete, inconsistent, or insufficient for the Feasibility Study and recommend additional data collection or analysis as necessary.

B. Project Area and Site Feasibility

1. The Consultant shall evaluate the ability to accommodate the Project within the combined available CVWD-owned parcels and, if necessary, the potential acquisition parcel. The evaluation shall consider, at a minimum:

a. Available acreage and parcel configuration;

b. Habitat acreage requirements;

c. Existing site conditions;

d. Site elevations and slopes;

e. Topography and drainage;

f. Groundwater elevations and anticipated groundwater conditions;

g. Existing vegetation and non-native vegetation;

h. Soil characteristics and anticipated soil reclamation requirements;

i. Excavation, grading, berm, and fill requirements;

j. Access and maintenance access;

k. Existing utilities and infrastructure;

l. Electrical power availability and requirements;

m. Water conveyance and distribution infrastructure;

n. Potential conflicts with existing CVWD facilities and operations;

o. Construction access and constructability;

p. Long-term operation and maintenance requirements; and

q. Potential constraints associated with the potential acquisition parcel.

2. The Consultant shall develop or modify conceptual site layouts, as appropriate, to demonstrate whether the required habitat acreage and associated infrastructure can be accommodated.

C. Habitat Requirements

1. The Feasibility Study shall use the habitat requirements established in the existing

Work Plan and applicable CVMSHCP commitments as the basis for evaluating the relocated Project. The 2021 Work Plan identifies the following CVMSHCP commitments:

a. 66 acres of permanent California black rail and Yuma Ridgway's rail habitat;

b. At least 44 acres of permanent Sonoran cottonwood-willow riparian forest; and

c. 25 acres of permanent replacement desert pupfish habitat.

2. The Consultant shall evaluate whether these habitat commitments, together with the five-acre emergent wetlands/riparian mitigation component identified in the 2021 Work Plan, can be accommodated at the Johnson Street location, subject to applicable Wildlife Agency direction.

D. Water Supply Evaluation

1. Water supply shall be a primary component of the Feasibility Study. The Consultant shall evaluate the following potential water sources identified by CVWD:

a. Direct connection to the Coachella Canal (Colorado River water);

b. Extension of existing CVWD irrigation service (Colorado River water);

c. Shallow groundwater wells;

d. Deep groundwater wells;

e. Agricultural drain water; and

f. Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (CVSC) water.

2. The Consultant shall evaluate each source individually and, where technically appropriate, combinations or blended water supply alternatives. The evaluation shall consider:

a. Available water quantity and reliability;

b. Seasonal availability;

c. Annual and peak demand requirements;

d. Water quality;

e. Salinity;

f. Selenium;

g. Other constituents of concern;

h. Suitability for each proposed habitat type;

i. Treatment requirements;

j. Blending requirements;

k. Pumping requirements;

l. Conveyance requirements;

m. Storage requirements;

n. Gravity-flow potential;

o. Electrical requirements;

p. Infrastructure requirements;

q. Permitting and regulatory considerations;

r. Long-term reliability;

s. Construction requirements;

t. Operations and maintenance requirements; and

u. Capital and ongoing operating costs.

3. The Consultant shall confirm whether the existing demand estimates remain applicable to the relocated Project and revise the calculations as necessary based on the proposed Johnson Street configuration.

E. Water Quality Evaluation

1. The Consultant shall evaluate the water quality requirements for each proposed habitat type and compare those requirements against the characteristics of the potential water sources.

2. The evaluation shall specifically address applicable selenium and salinity requirements. CVWD's preliminary Project Matrix identifies target criteria for evaluation, including habitat-specific salinity and selenium criteria. The Consultant shall review and confirm these criteria and shall identify any changes warranted by current technical information or Wildlife Agency direction.

3. The Consultant shall identify any treatment, blending, filtration, sediment removal, salinity management, or other water quality measures necessary to meet habitat requirements.

F. Water Supply Evaluation Matrix

1. The Consultant shall prepare a comparative evaluation matrix for the potential water sources and alternatives. At a minimum, the matrix shall address:

a. Water quality;

b. Salinity;

c. Selenium;

d. Other relevant constituents;

e. Water volume available;

f. Ability to satisfy marsh habitat demands;

g. Ability to satisfy riparian habitat demands;

h. Ability to satisfy pupfish habitat demands;

i. Ability to provide gravity flow;

j. Infrastructure requirements;

k. Capital/installation cost;

l. Operations and maintenance cost;

m. Reliability;

n. Regulatory considerations;

o. Construction considerations;

p. Long-term sustainability;

q. Feasibility; and

r. Consultant's recommendation.

2. CVWD has developed a preliminary matrix identifying evaluation categories. The

Consultant shall review, validate, supplement, and refine the matrix as appropriate.

G. Engineering and Infrastructure Evaluation

1. The Consultant shall evaluate the infrastructure necessary to implement the feasible Project alternative(s), including, as applicable:

a. Wells and well facilities;

b. Water conveyance pipelines;

c. Pumps;

d. Electrical service;

e. Water treatment;

f. Settling or sedimentation facilities;

g. Storage facilities;

h. Flow control structures;

i. Distribution systems;

j. Drainage facilities;

k. Berms and containment structures;

l. Roads and maintenance access;

m. Fencing and access control; and

n. Other supporting infrastructure.

2. The Consultant shall evaluate opportunities to use gravity flow where feasible and identify locations where pumping or other mechanical systems would be required.

H. Construction and Site Development Considerations

1. The Consultant shall evaluate major construction considerations, including:

a. Site preparation;

b. Vegetation clearing;

c. Soil reclamation and leaching;

d. Excavation and grading;

e. Berm construction;

f. Imported fill requirements;

g. Groundwater impacts;

h. Drainage;

i. Construction access;

j. Utility relocation or extension;

k. Water supply infrastructure;

l. Electrical infrastructure; and

m. Anticipated construction sequencing.

2. The evaluation shall identify major constructability risks and potential mitigation measures.

I. Operations and Maintenance Considerations

1. The Consultant shall evaluate anticipated long-term operational and maintenance requirements associated with each feasible alternative. Considerations shall include, as applicable:

a. Water delivery and management;

b. Pump operation;

c. Water quality monitoring;

d. Vegetation management;

e. Non-native species control;

f. Salinity management;

g. Sediment removal;

h. Drainage maintenance;

i. Berm and bank maintenance;

j. Access requirements;

k. Electrical and mechanical equipment maintenance;

l. Monitoring requirements; and

m. Long-term operational reliability.

J. Cost Evaluation

1. The Consultant shall develop comparative planning-level costs for the feasible water supply and project alternatives. Costs should, to the extent practicable, distinguish between:

a. Capital/construction costs;

b. Initial establishment costs;

c. Water supply costs;

d. Energy costs;

e. Treatment costs;

f. Operations and maintenance costs; and

g. Other significant recurring costs.

2. The purpose of the cost evaluation is to support comparison of alternatives and the professional feasibility recommendation and is not intended to constitute final design-level construction cost estimating.

K. Feasibility Recommendation

1. The Consultant shall prepare a clear professional recommendation regarding whether development and operation of the Project at the Johnson Street location is feasible. The recommendation shall identify:

a. Preferred Project configuration;

b. Preferred water source or combination of sources;

c. Required infrastructure;

d. Significant technical assumptions;

e. Key risks and constraints;

f. Necessary additional investigations;

g. Anticipated permitting or regulatory considerations;

h. Major capital and operating cost considerations; and

i. Conditions that should be satisfied prior to Project implementation.

2. If the Project is determined not to be feasible as currently contemplated, the

Consultant shall identify the specific constraints and recommend reasonable alternatives or modifications that could improve feasibility.

4.4 Task 2 – Constructed Habitat Workplan Update

A. Workplan Content Updates

1. Following completion and CVWD review of the Feasibility Study, the Consultant shall update the existing Constructed Habitat Workplan to reflect the relocation of the Project to the Johnson Street location. The updated Workplan shall build upon the 2021 Work Plan and subsequent coordination with the Wildlife Agencies rather than developing an entirely new Workplan. The Consultant shall update, as applicable:

a. Project background and purpose;

b. CVMSHCP commitments;

c. Project objectives;

d. Site location and parcel information;

e. Habitat acreage and configuration;

f. Site constraints and opportunities;

g. Habitat descriptions;

h. Conceptual site layout;

i. Water supply;

j. Water demand;

k. Water quality;

l. Water conveyance and distribution;

m. Infrastructure;

n. Construction considerations;

o. Environmental review and permitting;

p. Implementation schedule;

q. Success criteria and performance thresholds;

r. Long-term operation and maintenance;

s. Monitoring and management;

t. Adaptive management;

u. Funding considerations;

v. Transfer strategy; and

w. Other sections affected by relocation of the Project.

2. Figures, Tables, and Exhibits

The Consultant shall revise or prepare figures, tables, maps, exhibits, and other graphics necessary to accurately depict the relocated Project.

Updates shall include, as applicable:

a. Vicinity map;

b. Project location map;

c. Parcel boundaries;

d. Habitat layout;

e. Water supply and conveyance;

f. Conceptual habitat cells;

g. Site grading and/or sections;

h. Infrastructure;

i. Water demand;

j. Implementation schedule; and

k. Other figures necessary to support the updated Workplan.

B. Feasibility Study Appendix

1. The final Feasibility Study shall be incorporated into the updated Constructed Habitat Workplan as an appendix.

2. The Workplan shall clearly identify the relationship between the Feasibility Study and the recommended Project configuration and water supply approach.

C. Wildlife Agency Coordination

1. The Consultant shall coordinate with CVWD regarding applicable Wildlife Agency comments and previous coordination and shall incorporate relevant comments into the updated Workplan.

2. The Consultant shall support CVWD in preparing the updated Workplan for submittal to the CVCC and Wildlife Agencies.

3. Any additional agency meetings, presentations, or substantial revisions beyond the level reasonably anticipated under this Agreement shall be performed only when authorized by CVWD in writing.

4.5 Deliverables and Deadlines

A. Feasibility Study – Draft: Technical evaluation of the Johnson Street site; water supply and water quality evaluation; evaluation matrix; engineering and infrastructure evaluation; construction and O&M considerations; comparative cost evaluation; and professional feasibility recommendation. This draft study is due by April 15, 2027.

B. Feasibility Study – Final: Revised based on CVWD comments and incorporating agreed-upon revisions. This final study is due by August 1, 2027.

C. Updated Constructed Habitat Workplan – Draft: Updated text, tables, figures, exhibits, and supporting information. This draft workplan is due by October 15, 2027.

D. Updated Constructed Habitat Workplan – Final: Revised based on CVWD review and applicable Wildlife Agency comments. This final workplan is due by January 15, 2028.

E. Supporting Files: Electronic copies of final figures, tables, maps, evaluation matrices, and other supporting materials in commonly used, editable formats where applicable.

These materials should be shared with CVWD’s project team as they become available throughout the project, with final materials delivered by the end of the contract term.

4.6 Meetings and Coordination

A. The Consultant shall participate in meetings and coordination activities reasonably necessary to complete the Work, including:

1. Project kickoff meeting;

2. Technical coordination meetings;

3. CVWD review meetings;

4. Water supply/engineering coordination;

5. Habitat/restoration coordination;

6. Wildlife Agency coordination, as authorized by CVWD; and

7. Review of comments and preparation of final deliverables.

4.7 CVWD- Provided Information

A. CVWD will provide available background information, including existing water quantity and water quality data, previous Work Plans, Wildlife Agency comments and coordination materials, existing conceptual information, and other available Project data. The following exhibits are available through PlanetBids.

1. Exhibit 1 - 2021 Garfield St. and Johnson St. Constructed Habitats Work Plan

2. Exhibit 2 – Johnson St. and Adjacent Parcels Map

3. Exhibit 3 – Constructed Habitat Preliminary Project Matrix

B. The Consultant shall be responsible for reviewing the information provided, determining its applicability to current Project conditions, identifying significant data gaps, and supplementing the information as necessary to support the Feasibility Study.

SECTION 5 – PROPOSAL FORMAT AND ORGANIZATION

5.1 Proposal Requirements:

The firm’s proposal should describe the methodology to be used to accomplish the project objectives. The proposal should also describe the work which shall be necessary in order to satisfactorily complete the described requirements.

Please note: this RFP cannot identify each specific, individual task required to implement this project successfully and completely. The Coachella Valley Water District relies on the professionalism and competence of the selected firm to be knowledgeable of the general areas identified in the scope of work and to include in its proposal all required tasks and subtasks, personnel commitments, man-hours, direct and indirect costs, etc. Proposal Format:

Firms are requested to format their proposals so that responses correspond directly to, and are identified with, the specific evaluation criteria stated in Section 6 below. The proposals must be in an 8 ½ X 11 format, minimum 10pt font size, minimum ¾” margins, and may be no more than a total of 50 electronic pages, including cover letters, organization charts, staff resumes, and appendices. NOTE: Front and Back Covers, Dividers, Attachment’s “A”, “B”, “C” “D” and “E” and Addenda acknowledgments, and the Cost/Rates Proposal (*in a separate electronic file) do NOT count toward the limit (everything else does).

5.2 Proposal Content:

A. Proposers must provide the information identified below. All such information shall be presented in a format that directly corresponds to the numbering scheme identified here.

B. Each Proposal Package must include two separate electronic files as follows:

Electronic File #1, clearly marked “Technical Proposal”, shall include the following items:

Technical Proposal: The Technical Proposal (Electronic File #1) shall be clearly marked as per the instructions above and shall include the Sections A, B, C, D and E below:

Section A: Firm (including any subcontractors) Qualifications and Experience including References A.1 Company Overview. Please provide a description of the services that your company has provided for other agencies, how long you have been in operation, and any unique features of the services you offer.

Please also include how you meet the minimum requirements that will be scored on a pass fail basis.

A.2 Indicate the name of any sub-contractor firms or contractors that will be utilized to make up your team. Describe each sub-contractor’s qualifications, background, and specific expertise that they bring to the Project.

A.3 References. Include a minimum of three references on the form provided of recent customers for who your firm has provided similar services as contemplated herein and include it with the forms section of your proposal. In addition to the form, in this section of your proposal please provide any additional information that would explain in more detail the work undertaken with the references provided and any other material information you would like the District to know about your work for that reference that is relevant to the work described in this RFP.

Section B: Staff, Teams (including any subcontractors) qualifications and experience B.1 Staffing. The proposers shall provide a description of how they plan to staff the project, including any local hires that they would need to make or local partnerships that they would need to establish to ensure successful program implementation.

B.2. List the name and qualifications of the key staff/team members that will be assigned to the Project. Provide detailed qualifications of the Project Manager that will be assigned to the Project.

B.3. Partners. The respondent should list any organizations they plan to partner with to implement the scope of work.

Section C: Demonstrated understanding of the overall project and requested scope of work C.1 Proposed Approach for Implementing the Scope of Work. Please describe how you would approach the Scope of Work for the Coachella Valley Water District. This would include how you would address or enhance the tasks in the Scope of Work and how you would partner with the District to implement the service.

C.2 Anything else the District should consider as part of this process.

Proposers should provide any insights or advice they feel may assist the District in implementing the Scope of Work.

C.3 Identify any “key” or “critical” issues that you believe may be encountered based on the firm’s prior experiences; and provide steps to be taken to ensure the issues identified do not affect the successful delivery of the service.

Section D: Forms: - Please include the following completed forms with your technical proposal

a. Completed Signature authorization and Addenda Acknowledgment

(see Attachment A)

b. Completed Affidavit of Non-Collusion (see Attachment B)

c. Conflict of Interest Form (Attachment C)

d. Complete the Reference form (Attachment D)

e. Complete the Executive Order N-6-22 Certification (Attachment E)

Electronic File #2, clearly marked “Cost Proposal”, shall include the following:

Section F: Cost Proposal:

Proposers must use the cost proposal form provided as Attachment “F” in this RFP. The cost proposal file shall be named “RFP 2026-58 Proposer Name Cost Proposal”. The Cost Proposal shall be based on a lumpsum for each deliverable outlined on the cost proposal form that is inclusive of all costs to perform the scope of work. Failure to use the Cost Proposal form provided by the District will be cause for rejection of a proposal. Do NOT include Sections A-E in the Cost Proposal, Electronic File #2, Cost proposals will be evaluated by utilizing the ratio of the lowest cost provider times the number of points available for this category.

5.3 Submission of Proposal:

The two electronic files shall be uploaded to the PlanetBids vendor portal at the following link: h PlanetBids Vendor Portal and then selecting the RFP.

All submissions must be time and date stamped by the system as being received by the deadline. Late submissions will be rejected.

Proposals not meeting the above criteria may be found to be non-responsive.

https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/47688/portal-home___.YzJ1OmNvYWNoZWxsYXZhbGxleXdhdGVyZGlzdHJpY3Q6YzpvZmZpY2UzNjVfZW1haWxzX2F0dGFjaG1lbnQ6ZjliZGE4MzZjOGIyMjI4M2JiMTkzN2IyMjE1M2VlZDE6NzowODlkOmNiYjJkNzg3NTEzODdjNjQ0NWVkNTNhMjY0NGYxNjc0NTRhOGIzMTYwOTUxYmEzOTQ5MThjMzhmZDgzZmQxZDc6cDpUOk4 https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r01/___https:/pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/47688/portal-home___.YzJ1OmNvYWNoZWxsYXZhbGxleXdhdGVyZGlzdHJpY3Q6YzpvZmZpY2UzNjVfZW1haWxzX2F0dGFjaG1lbnQ6ZjliZGE4MzZjOGIyMjI4M2JiMTkzN2IyMjE1M2VlZDE6NzowODlkOmNiYjJkNzg3NTEzODdjNjQ0NWVkNTNhMjY0NGYxNjc0NTRhOGIzMTYwOTUxYmEzOTQ5MThjMzhmZDgzZmQxZDc6cDpUOk4

SECTION 6 – PROPOSAL EVALUATION

6.1 Evaluation of Proposals:

This solicitation has been developed in the RFP best value format. Accordingly, firms should take note that multiple factors as identified in the RFP will be considered by the Evaluation Committee to determine which proposal best meets the requirements set forth in the RFP document. Price alone will not be the sole determining criteria. Proposal Evaluation Criteria:

An Evaluation Committee, using the following evaluation criteria for this RFP, will evaluate all responsive proposals to this RFP. Firms are requested to submit their proposals so that they correspond to and are identified with the following specific evaluation criteria (100 total points possible):

Criteria Points Minimum Requirements Pass/Fail

Firm’s (including any subcontractors) Qualifications and experience in providing similar services as defined in the RFP, including References

Staff / Team’s (including any subcontractors) Qualifications and experience in providing similar services as defined in the RFP

Demonstrated Understanding of the overall project and requested Scope of Work

Cost Proposal 25

Total Points** 100

Prior CVWD work - If your firm has prior experience working with the District do not assume this prior work is known to all members of the evaluation committee. All firms are evaluated on the information contained in their proposal, information obtained from references (including the District and past performance if applicable), and presentations if requested. All proposals should be prepared as if the evaluation committee members have no knowledge of the firm, their qualifications, or past projects.

**Interviews – The District reserves the right to interview top ranking proposers. If interviews are required, the proposers invited to interview will be notified in advance and provided a format and time for the interviews. An additional 25 points will be used to score the interview based on the same criteria listed in the RFP. The 25 points will be prorated in the same proportion as the proposal scoring listed in the table above.

Best and Final Offers – The District reserves the right to ask for Best and Final Offers where costs are over budget.

6.2 Selection Process and Award of Contract:

Selection will be made by totaling the points for the proposals and using a set ratio formula to evaluate the price category, plus the interview score (if required). The proposer with the highest number of points will be recommended for award of the contract. The District reserves the right to negotiate the terms and conditions of any resulting contract. Final contract award, if any, will be made by the District depending on value. The selected firm will be required to comply with all insurance and license requirements of CVWD.

SECTION 7 – RFP FORMS

ATTACHMENT “A”- Signature Authorization Form, including Addenda acknowledgment. *Must be completed and included with Work/Technical Proposal electronic file #1.

ATTACHMENT “B” - Non-Collusion Affidavit Form. *Must be completed and included with Work/Technical Proposal electronic file #1.

ATTACHMENT “C” – Conflict of Interest Form *Must be completed and included with Work/Technical Proposal electronic file #1.

ATTACHMENT “D” – Reference Form. *Must be completed and included with Work/Technical Proposal electronic file #1.

ATTACHMENT “E” - Executive Order N-6-22 Certification *Must be completed for state funded work and included with the Technical Proposal file #1.

ATTACHMENT “F” – Cost Proposal Form. *Must be completed and included in a separate electronic file #2 – do not include this with your Work/Technical Proposal, electronic file #1.

ATTACHMENT “A”

SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATION

REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS (RFP 2026-58)

CONSTRUCTED HABITAT FEASIBILITY STUDY AND WORKPLAN UPDATE

*THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH YOUR TECHNICAL/WORK

PROPOSAL (Electronic File #1)*

NAME OF COMPANY(PROPOSER):

BUSINESS ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ______________CELL PHONE___________ ___FAX______________

CONTACT PERSON____________________EMAIL ADDRESS____________________

A. I hereby certify that I have the authority to submit this Proposal to the Coachella Valley

Water District for the above listed individual or company. I certify that I have the authority to bind myself/this company in a contract should I be successful in my proposal.

PRINTED NAME AND TITLE

SIGNATURE AND DATE

B. The following information relates to the legal contractor listed above, whether an individual or a company. Place check marks as appropriate:

1. If successful, the contract language should refer to me/my company as:

____ An individual;

____ A partnership, Partners’ names:

____ A company;

____ A corporation If a corporation, organized in the state of: __________

2. My tax identification number is: ___________________________________

C. ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

Acknowledgment of Receipt of any Addenda issued by CVWD for this RFP is required by including the acknowledgment with your proposal. Failure to acknowledge the Addenda issued may result in your proposal being deemed non-responsive.

In the space provided below, please acknowledge receipt of each Addenda:

Addendum(s) # _______________ is/are hereby acknowledged.

ATTACHMENT “B”

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

*THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED EXECUTED BY PROPOSER AND SUBMITTED WITH

YOUR TECHNICAL/WORK PROPOSAL (Electronic File #1)* The undersigned, deposes and says that he or she is of

, the party making the foregoing Proposal. That the Proposal is not made in the interests of, or on the behalf of, any undisclosed person, partnership, company, association, organization, or corporation; that the Proposal is genuine and not collusive or sham;

that the Proposer has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other Proposer to put in a false or sham Proposal, and has not directly or indirectly colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed with any Proposer or anyone else to put in a sham Proposal, or that anyone shall refrain from Proposing; that the Proposer has not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the Proposal price of the Proposer or any other Proposer, or to fix any…