Design Engineering Services for Niland Sidewalk Improvements.pdf

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Design Engineering Services for Niland Sidewalk Improvements; County Project No.7363

Requested by:

David Dale, PE, PLS Director of Public Works

Prepared By:

Jessica Carrillo, Administrative Analyst I

Deadline for Submissions: July 30, 2026, 3:00 PM

Imperial County Department of Public Works

155 S. 11th Street El Centro, CA 92243

RFP Issued on July 15, 2026

PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON THE SPECIFIED DATE AND TIME. THE COUNTY WILL NOT CONSIDER PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE DUE DATE. AN AMENDMENT IS CONSIDERED A NEW PROPOSAL AND WILL

NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE SPECIFIED DATE AND TIME.

Table of Contents

I. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

II. PROJECT POSTING AND SCHEDULING

III. SCOPE OF WORK

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNTY

V. PROPOSAL CONTENT AND INFORMATION

General Requirements Table of Contents Summary of Qualifications and Experience

Analysis of Effort/Methodology Cost and Fees Insurance Requirements

VI. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

VII. QUESTIONS AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

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EXHIBITS

A – Location Map

B – Sample Proposal Evaluation Form

C – Sample Consultant Agreement and Insurance Requirements* *No changes shall be made to consultant agreement.

SPECIAL NOTICE No. 1

Notification of Contractor Registration Requirements (where required)

Pursuant to the requirements of California Labor Code section 1771.1, all contractors and subcontractors that wish to engage in public work through a public works contract must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Beginning March 1, 2015, no contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with DIR.

Beginning April 1, 2015, no contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the DIR, pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5

All contractors, including subcontractors listed in the proposal must be registered with the DIR at the time proposals are due, and must submit proof of registration with the proposal. Any proposals received listing unregistered contractors and/or subcontractors will be deemed non-responsive.

Application and renewal are completed online with a non-refundable fee of $300. Read the Public Works Reforms (SB 854) Fact Sheet for requirements. Instructions for completing the form and additional information can be found on the DIR website.

This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

INFORMATION WEBSITE

Department of Industrial Relations

(Public Works) http://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-

Works/PublicWorks.html

SB 854 Fact Sheet https://www.dir.ca.gov/public-works/PublicWorksSB854.html

Senate Bill 854 Important Information for Awarding Bodies http://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/SB854.html

Public Works Contractor (PWC) Registration https://www.dir.ca.gov/public-works/contractor-registration.html

Director’s General Prevailing Wage Determinations http://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/Pwd/

1 | P a g e Posted to PlanetBids Webpage July 15, 2026 Proposals Due July 30, 2026 by 3:00 P.M.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Design Engineering Services for Niland Sidewalk Improvements; County Project No. 7363

July 15, 2026

I. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The community of Niland contains significant gaps in the existing pedestrian network that limit pedestrian accessibility, connectivity, and safety. Existing gravel and unpaved areas, missing sidewalks, and deteriorated pedestrian facilities create barriers for residents traveling to schools, transit stops, employment centers, and other community destinations. The proposed project will improve pedestrian mobility and accessibility through the construction of sidewalks, curb and gutter, driveways, cross gutters, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps, in-fill pavement, and high-visibility continental crosswalks.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) has prepared the Niland Sidewalk Improvements, County Project No. 7363, to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility within the community of Niland. The project is located approximately four (4) miles north of the City of Calipatria and approximately 4.5 miles east of the Salton Sea. The project corridor is directly east adjacent to State Route 111. Proposed improvements include the construction of sidewalks, curb and gutter, driveways, ADA-compliant curb ramps, cross gutters, in-fill pavement, and high-visibility continental crosswalks along First Street (south side) from State Route 111 to International Avenue, Isis Avenue (west side) from First Street to Main Street, Isis Avenue from Third Street to Fourth Street, Third Street (north side) from State Route 111 to International Avenue, and Fourth Street (north side) from State Route 111 to Isis Avenue.

The proposed project will construct approximately 3,700 linear feet (0.70 miles) of new sidewalks where none currently exist and install thirteen (13) high-visibility continental crosswalks at five (5) intersections, including ten (10) new crosswalks and replacement of three (3) existing degraded crosswalks. The proposed improvements are consistent with the goals of the Imperial County Active Transportation Plan (2019), Imperial County Pedestrian Management Plan, and Imperial County Safe Routes to School Regional Master Plan, which identify the need to improve pedestrian conditions for people of all ages and abilities. The project will improve access to schools, transit stops, employment centers, and other community destinations by closing significant pedestrian facility gaps and enhancing pedestrian connectivity throughout the community of Niland.

Funding for construction activities will be provided through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program, with local County funds providing the required local funding match.

The estimated construction cost for the project is $1,478,626.

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to obtain professional design services ensuring that the project is designed and completed in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including those associated with CMAQ funding. An important objective is to maintain a high standard of engineering quality through documentation and cost-effective project delivery.

Qualified entities are invited to submit written proposals for project consideration in accordance with this request. These services will be conducted under a contract with the County of Imperial, hereinafter referred to as the "County," and the consultant entity, hereinafter referred to as the "Consultant." The

2 | P a g e contracts will be regulated according to the provisions of all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances that are applicable. This includes compliance with prevailing wage rates and their payment in accordance with California Labor Code, Section 1775.

II. PROJECT POSTING AND SCHEDULING

This RFP is being distributed electronically through the County of Imperial PlanetBids Procurement Portal at the following address: https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/64020/portal-home.

Consultants wishing to submit a proposal in response to this RFP must be registered on PlanetBids in order to access documents, submit questions, and upload proposals and cost estimates.

Instructions for registration are available on the portal.

All solicitation documents, addenda, and official notifications will be posted on this portal. Consultants must be registered with PlanetBids to download documents and receive notifications of updates. The portal will serve as the official medium of communication for this solicitation. Prospective firms are responsible for monitoring the portal for any addenda or amendments prior to submission.

Proposed Schedule of Events

Issue Request for Proposal

Deadline for Questions

Proposals due

Consultant Selection

County Awards Contract

Notice to Proceed

July 15, 2026

July 23, 2026

July 30 , 2026

September 2026

October 2026

October 2026

III. SCOPE OF WORK

The successful firm will provide comprehensive design engineering services, surveying, right-of-way research and coordination with property owners, Caltrans, Imperial Irrigation District, and other affected utility companies for the permitting, development of plans, specifications, and cost estimates for this project. The successful firm will comply with current Caltrans Standard Specifications and Standard Plans to be incorporated into County boilerplate special provisions and the latest California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). In addition, the successful firm shall ensure compliance with the latest edition of the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction (Greenbook) for asphalt concrete and other applicable construction materials. Work requiring coordination and permitting with the Caltrans, Imperial Irrigation District and other utility agencies shall be completed using the required standards of the respective agencies and incorporated into the County's boilerplate special provisions.

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These services will be required from the date of award of the project through completion. Consultant shall provide a dedicated full-time person or persons, as needed, to provide engineering services for this specific project. The Engineer in responsible charge shall be a California licensed Civil Engineer.

The successful firm shall coordinate utility relocation, if necessary, through applications, agreements, and permits with the Imperial Irrigation District and other affected utility companies. The successful firm shall coordinate environmental clearance and prepare any corresponding environmental documents and supporting reports required for the project.

TASK 1- Existing Documentation, Kick Off Meeting

Review existing photographs, plans, right-of-way information, utility information, project documents, and prior reports provided by the County.

Review available drainage studies, previous improvement plans, and other existing documentation applicable to the project for design reference and consideration of how proposed project improvements can be incorporated.

Compile all available utility record information, including pothole information (if available), utility as-built drawings, and records from wet and dry utility companies and agencies (i.e., Imperial Irrigation District, telecommunications providers, gas companies, and other affected utilities). Meet and coordinate with utility companies and agencies, as required, to determine project requirements.

Participate in a field review meeting with the County, if required.

Coordinate and conduct the project kick-off meeting with the County to review project goals, scope, schedule, and deliverables.

Introduce key project staff and review the responsibilities of both the County and the Consultant.

Compile available as-built plans for previous roadway and sidewalk improvements within the project area.

TASK 2- Initiate Project Design

Ongoing scheduling and project schedule monitoring.

Prepare plans and specifications for the project in compliance with the Engineering Design Guidelines Manual for the Preparation and Checking of Street Improvement, Drainage, and Grading Plans within Imperial County.

Analyze existing plans, reports, correspondence, and available project information.

Conduct an Aerial Deposited Lead (ADL) investigation in accordance with Caltrans requirements for projects involving soil disturbance within existing roadway rights-of-way. Sampling, testing, and reporting shall be incorporated into the project environmental documentation and plans, as appropriate.

Prepare all documents and supporting calculations, including but not limited to Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E); environmental permits; drainage, sedimentation, demolition, and erosion control plans; Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP); traffic control plans; contract special provisions; detailed construction schedule; detailed quantity and cost estimate; and horizontal and vertical control information for construction staking.

Prepare a drainage study and report documenting existing drainage conditions and post-construction drainage associated with the proposed curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveway, and in-fill pavement improvements. The report shall recommend any feasible improvements necessary to

4 | P a g e address drainage concerns identified during the design process.

Complete a right-of-way assessment to identify property boundaries. Prepare a summary of any private encroachments within County road rights-of-way and prepare Permit to Enter and Construct and/or Right-of-Entry documents, if required.

Plan drawings shall include, at a minimum, demolition plans, plan and profile sheets (1" = 40' maximum), sidewalk, curb and gutter, driveway, cross gutter, in-fill pavement, erosion and sedimentation control plans, survey control, traffic control plans and details, utility relocation sheets (if required), and applicable construction details.

Coordinate with utility companies and regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the project, including the Imperial Irrigation District.

Prepare all supporting reports, calculations, and project documentation.

Provide quantity calculations and detailed construction cost estimates.

Address review comments provided by the County, Imperial County Planning and Development Services, the Imperial Irrigation District, and other reviewing agencies.

Provide bid and construction support services during the advertising phase, including responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) and preparation of addenda, if required.

Coordinate meetings, prepare meeting agendas and minutes, and follow up on project action items with the County and affected agencies.

TASK 3- Permits, Utility and Right of Way Coordination

Provide the County with recommendations regarding utility conflicts and determine prior rights, where possible, using available records.

Perform potholing of existing underground utilities, if required, to verify horizontal and vertical utility locations. Findings shall be incorporated into the project design to minimize utility conflicts during construction.

Complete and submit utility applications and permits in coordination with the County.

Applications may require submission of construction plans and supporting documentation.

Obtain permits and approvals from agencies having jurisdiction over the project, including the Caltrans, Imperial Irrigation District and other affected utility agencies, as required.

TASK 4- Draft Deliverables

Submit draft documents for County review. Submittals shall include all items prepared under Task 2.

Provide three (3) hard copies and one (1) USB thumb drive containing the draft documents.

Attend meetings with the County to present draft documents and receive review comments.

Revise draft documents to incorporate County review comments and prepare subsequent draft submittals.

Draft deliverables shall consist of approximately 30 percent, 75 percent, and 95 percent design completion for three anticipated review cycles.

The 30 percent design submittal shall include available topographic information, preliminary plan sheets, identification of the proposed work limits, preliminary drainage recommendations, preliminary right-of-way assessment, and identification of utility conflicts.

Consultant shall anticipate County review comments within thirty (30) days of each draft submittal.

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TASK 5- Final Documents Deliverables -100%

Upon approval from the County and applicable reviewing agencies, the County shall notify the Consultant to prepare final project deliverables. Original documents and required copies shall be provided as identified in this Request for Proposals.

Throughout the course of the project, the Consultant shall maintain orderly project files. All tracings, plans, specifications, maps, survey notes, calculations, reports, and supporting data prepared or obtained under the Agreement shall become the property of the County and shall be made available upon request without restriction.

At the conclusion of the project, the Consultant shall submit a complete project file containing all required reports, calculations, certifications, correspondence, permits, plans, specifications, estimates, environmental documentation, and other information pertaining to the project.

The report shall be clearly labeled as follows:

County of Imperial

Department of Public Works Request for Proposals for

Design Engineering Services for Niland Sidewalk Improvements; County Project No. 7363

The project file shall serve as the official record of the project. In addition, an electronic copy of the complete project record shall be provided in Portable Document Format (PDF) on one (1) USB thumb drive. Submission of the complete project file shall be required prior to release of final payment and retention.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNTY

1. This RFP is being conducted in accordance with the “One Step RFP” as per Chapter 10, “Consultant Selection”, of the Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual.

2. The County will direct the development of the project, provide management oversight, and conduct administrative arrangements only.

3. The County will pay an agreed upon amount normally within 30 days after receipt of an invoice. County will retain 5% of each invoice until completion of project.

Completion of project is when a Notice of Completion is recorded by the County Clerk/Recorder for the construction acceptance by the County.

4. The County will not provide dedicated workspace facilities, but upon request will provide a conference room for meetings with the Department and the Contractor.

5. The County reserves the right to perform any portion of the scope of work by County personnel or other consultants should the County determine it would be in the best interest of the County to do so.

V. PROPOSAL CONTENT AND INFORMATION

Proposals should be typed, organized and concise, yet comprehensive.

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General Requirements

1. Provide a cover letter.

2. State the interpretation of the work to be performed. State a positive commitment to perform the work in the required manner and time frame; include a basic summary;

and demonstrate an understanding of the project. Provide a statement that the offer is valid for at least a ninety (90) day period.

3. Provide the name(s) of the primary and/or alternate individuals authorized to respond to this RFP. Include titles, addresses, e-mail, and phone numbers.

4. The Consultant is representing itself as a qualified professional in Civil Engineering.

Therefore, it is acceptable to submit recommendations and comments for consideration on format, process, schedule, and additional content of projects. The County will consider comments and recommendations; however, is not required to select any of the recommendations or comments.

5. Expensive bindings, colored displays, promotional materials, etc., are neither necessary nor desired. Emphasis should be concentrated on conformance to the RFP instructions, responsiveness to the RFP requirements, and on completeness and clarity of content.

6. If any subcontractors are utilized, the lead Consultant must submit a description of the firm, the portion of work to be done, and cost of each subcontractor. All subcontracts exceeding $25,000 in cost shall contain all required provisions of the prime contract.

Table of Contents

Include a table of contents with identification of each section and page number.

Summary of Qualifications and Experience

1. State whether the firm is local, regional, national or international.

2. Identify the owner(s) of the firm and legal status (sole proprietor, corporation, etc.)

3. Give the location of the office from which work is anticipated to be done and the number of employees of the company.

4. Identify the qualifications and resumes of all individuals who will be associated with this service. Include professional registrations and affiliations.

5. Summarize specific experiences and qualifications for similar and related projects, both federally funded and locally funded. Describe the services previously performed such as studies, reports, etc. List at least three (3) references with telephone numbers and email contact addresses (if available).

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Analysis of Effort/Methodology

1. Describe the approach for how the work will be performed. The proposal shall indicate any specific techniques or methodology to be utilized.

2. The proposal shall include a sample project timeline with specific tasks envisioned for this project, including staffing.

3. Indicate what participation, data and products will be requested from the County.

4. Indicate deliverables to be provided and when.

Cost and Fees

One firm will be selected for this project. Cost proposal must be submitted at the time of proposal submittal. Consultant shall upload a separate file clearly labeled “[Consultant Name] Cost Proposal for [County Project No.]”. Please note that the selected firm will need to submit invoices that are itemized and broken down by project numbers, consistent with the County’s requirement to track each project’s expenditures separately due to grant contract requirements.

The cost proposals shall take into account the following:

1. Develop costs and fees for the services requested. Submit a not to exceed fee proposal based on anticipated fully burdened hourly rates.

2. When preparing cost and fees consider the scope of work involving project kick off and review of available documentation, material submittals, project documentation and prepare a lump sum fixed fee breakdown based on anticipated staff and hours. Costs should be organized for full time hourly rates. Such hourly rates should be fully burdened or loaded, including full compensation for all overhead and profit. Billing rates shall include provision for normal office costs, including but not limited to office rental, utilities, insurance, cell phone or radio, equipment, normal supplies and materials, in-house reproduction services, and local travel costs. As much as possible, a fixed fee lump sum breakdown by phase of the construction based on billable hours is desirable for preconstruction and post construction.

3. Breakdown shall include preconstruction services and construction services (Request for information/clarification). No subcontractors shall be utilized without prior authorization by the County and modification to submitted subcontractor’s list.

4. Firm may submit their own format of the cost proposal.

Insurance Requirements

Prior to execution of the agreement with the County, the successful firm must provide evidence of insurance coverages as noted in the sample contract and insurance requirements exhibit. The

8 | P a g e successful firm will be required to maintain the required coverages, at its sole cost and expense, throughout the entire term and any subsequent modification terms of the contract.

Insurance requirements noted in sample contract and insurance exhibit are based on projected county estimates. Insurance requirements may be adjusted once the final cost and fees proposal is reviewed.

VI. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

Sample evaluation criteria for proposals are attached for your information as Exhibit B.

The County will utilize a one-step selection process as noted in Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) Chapter 10 – Consultant Selection Process.

Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee. The evaluation committee’s assessment and recommendations shall be forwarded to the Director of Public Works for review. The County reserves the right to negotiate the price with the highest ranked proposer and if agreement on the terms is not possible, the County may opt to go with the next highest ranked proposer (LAPM Chapter 10).

The Director shall provide a report of the committee’s evaluation and recommendations, along with his recommendation, for the selection of a firm to the Board of Supervisors for final review and approval to enter into negotiations for an agreement. All firms submitting a proposal will be notified of final rankings.

Please take note that the County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals submitted and/or request additional information for clarification.

VII. QUESTIONS AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

All clarification or interpretation requests regarding this RFP shall be submitted through the PlanetBids Q&A section at https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/64020/portal-home, no later than 03: 00 pm on July 23, 2026. Oral explanations or instructions shall not be considered binding on behalf of the County.

Any modification to this solicitation will be issued by the County as a written addendum through the PlanetBids portal.

Proposals must be submitted through PlanetBids by selecting the “Place eBid” button on the RFP’s posting on PlanetBids no later than Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 03:00 PM. The County will not consider proposals received after the specified time and date. Any Amendment submitted after the deadline will be treated as a new proposal and will not be accepted.

This RFP does not commit the County of Imperial to award a contract or pay any costs associated with the preparation of a proposal. The County reserves the right to cancel, in part or in its entirety, this solicitation should this be in the best interest of the County.

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Exhibit A – Location Map

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Exhibit B – Sample Proposal Evaluation Form

PROPOSAL EVALUATION FORM

DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR NILAND SIDEWALK

IMPROVEMENTS; COUNTY PROJECT NO. 7363

PREPARED JULY 15, 2026

RATING POINTS:

DATE: 5 = excellent EVALUATOR: 4 = good RESPONDENT: 3 = above average

2 = average 1 = below average 0 = unsatisfactory

CRITERIA WEIGHT FACTOR X RATING = WEIGHTED RATING

A. Technical Approach (0.35)

Responsiveness & understanding of work to be done (ie. Scope of work) (0.25) _____ _____ Specific experience with similar design services (0.10) _____ _____

B. Project Management (0.30)

Capacity to perform the scope of work And the ability to conclude in a timely manner (0.20) _____ _____

Quality of staff based on recent experience (0.10) _____ _____

C. References (0.05) _____ _____

D. Familiarity (0.25)

Familiarity and/or specific experience with Local and state project procedures (0.25) _____ _____

E. Cost Proposal (0.05)

Overall quality of proposal, including Qualifications and thoroughness (0.05) _____ _____

Total Score _____

Comments:

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Exhibit - Sample Consultant Agreement and Minimum Insurance Requirements

*No changes shall be made to consultant agreement.