RFP_2500015.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (SECONDARY METHOD)

Notice to Prospective Proposers RFP No. 2500015

April 10, 2026

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 2500015, titled, “Development of a policy brief on how California should sustainably finance a resilient Delta.” In submitting your proposal, you must comply with the instructions found herein.

This RFP is published online in the California State Contracts Register (CSCR) at https://caleprocure.ca.gov. To ensure receipt of any addenda to this RFP that may be issued, interested parties are encouraged to register online at https://caleprocure.ca.gov.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy (Conservancy) deadline for receipt of proposals is Friday, April 24, 2026, no later than 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). Neither late received, faxed, or emailed proposals are acceptable. All late, faxed, and emailed proposals will be rejected and returned to the potential Proposer. Sealed proposals must be received on or before the date and time specified above at the following location:

Mailing and Street Address:

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Attn: Chelsea Martinez 1450 Halyard Drive, Suite 6 West Sacramento, CA 95691

You are advised that you are responsible for ensuring that your proposal is received by the above listed contact person by the time and date required. Any proposal reaching the contact person after the deadline date and time will be returned unopened.

In the opinion of the Conservancy this RFP is complete and without need of explanation. However, if you have questions, notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies, or need any clarifying information, contact the person listed below. All questions must be submitted in accordance with the RFP instructions contained herein and sent via email directly to the below listed contact person and not through the Cal eProcure system.

Contact: Chelsea Martinez Phone: (916) 375-2084 Email: Contact@deltaconservancy.ca.gov

We appreciate your interest in this project and hope to receive a proposal from you if this is within your area of expertise.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

I. Purpose, Background, and Scope of Work

A. Purpose

B. Background

C. Scope of Work

II. Proposal Requirements (General) and Information

A. Key Action Dates

B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements

C. General Proposal Requirements

D. Submission of Proposals

E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals

F. Proposer Responsibilities

G. Signature

H. Disposition of Proposals

I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs

III. Proposal Requirements (Technical)

A. Proposal Requirements

B. Cost Proposal Requirements

IV. Evaluation, Selection, and Award

A. Administrative Evaluation (Phase 1)

B. Technical Evaluation (Phase 2)

C. Proposal Rejection

D. Selection

E. Notice of Proposed Award & Procedure for Protests

F. Standard Conditions of Service

G. Post Award Requirements

Attachment 1: Required Attachment Checklist

Attachment 2: Proposer References Form

Attachment 3: Payee Data Record (STD 204)

Attachment 4: California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Bid Incentive Instructions

Attachment 5: Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105)

Attachment 6: Contractor Certification Clauses

Attachment 7: Darfur Contracting Act Certification

Attachment 8: California Civil Rights Laws Certification

Attachment 9: Contractor Cost Sheet

Attachment 9A: Subcontractor Cost Sheet

Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement

Attachment 11: Commercially Useful Function Documentation

I. PURPOSE, BACKGROUND, AND SCOPE OF WORK

A. Purpose

Through this request for proposal (RFP), the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy (Conservancy) solicits competitive proposals from experienced and qualified Contractors to develop a policy brief on how California should sustainably finance a resilient Delta, based largely on existing information, to support near-term and medium-term investments in restoration, levee stability, and community development in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta).

For a detailed description of the Scope of Work, please refer to Section I.C Scope of Work.

The work of this contract is expected to require nine (9) months; no work shall begin until all required signatures and approvals are obtained, and the Conservancy project manager provides written direction to proceed. The project has a budget amount of $80,000.

Proposals exceeding this amount will be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award.

B. Background

The Delta Conservancy seeks a contractor to develop a policy brief on how California should sustainably finance a resilient Delta, based largely on existing information, to support necessary near-term and medium-term investments in restoration, levee stability, and community development in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta). While substantial analysis and planning already exist, a clear, cohesive funding strategy is needed to align economic benefits with sustainable and coordinated investment. The brief will be used to inform the public, state and federal agencies, planners, and local stakeholders and decision makers of the funding needed to ensure the Delta remains viable into the future.

While significant planning and technical analysis have been completed, there is no unified approach that connects these efforts into a clear, actionable funding framework. This strategy will serve as a roadmap for aligning restoration, levee priorities, and community development with sustainable, coordinated investment mechanisms. It should identify diverse funding sources including state, federal, local, and private.

The goal is to create a cohesive plan that not only helps to identify financial resources but also maximizes economic and ecological benefits, supports community resilience, and advances the objectives of the Delta Plan and Delta Levees Investment Strategy. This effort will synthesize existing data and plans to establish a shared funding vision and strategic direction.

The objectives of this project are to create an overarching funding strategy that:

Articulates the economic case for continued investment in Delta restoration and levee maintenance

Aligns restoration and levee priorities as identified in the Delta Plan, Delta Levee Investment Strategy, and other existing plans with appropriate funding approaches and sources

Identifies diverse funding sources and strategic pathways to sustain and grow funding over time

Incorporates stakeholder and Tribal engagement to ensure inclusive participation Defines performance measures and adaptive management processes for long-term success.

C. Scope of Work

1. Task 1: Contract Management Prepare and submit contract management documentation to meet state contracting requirements and prepare invoices following Delta Conservancy requirements (See Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement).

Prepare and submit quarterly progress reports that detail accomplishments during the reporting period including a qualitative assessment of degree of completion of each task and specific information on the progress of achieving each deliverable.

Conditions:

None

Deliverables:

a. Quarterly Reimbursement Invoices

b. Quarterly Progress Reports

2. Task 2: Project Initiation

Conduct a kickoff meeting with Conservancy staff to confirm the project scope, key objectives and schedule.

Conditions:

None

Deliverables:

a. Final workplan and schedule

3. Task 3: Synthesis of Existing Information

Review existing economic studies, funding programs, and relevant plans.

Summarize key findings related to costs, benefits, and funding challenges.

Identify overarching themes rather than conducting new detailed analysis.

Identify any gaps in information.

Conduct small number of targeted interviews with stakeholders and subject-matter experts, including reclamation districts, state agencies, tribal representatives, and individuals with expertise in Delta restoration and financing to help clarify practical constraints and opportunities for improving funding coordination.

Conditions:

None

Deliverables:

a. Summary of targeted outreach efforts including who was contacted and their affiliation

4. Task 4: Development of a Funding Framework The Framework will:

Present guiding principles and strategic opportunities for strengthening Delta investment Outline potential funding sources (e.g. public, private, leveraged) Describe how different funding sources can work together over time Emphasize sustainability, flexibility, and alignment with economic benefits.

Conditions:

None

a. Draft overarching funding framework

5. Task 5: Strategic Recommendations

Provide clear, actionable recommendations to:

Strengthen long-term funding stability Improve coordination among funders and agencies Position the Delta for future investment opportunities Define performance measures and adaptive management processes for long-term success.

Conditions:

None

a. Summary of strategic recommendations to be included in final document

6. Task 6: Final Policy Brief

Using information gathered in previous tasks, develop a concise policy brief, suitable for use by policymakers, agency leaders, funding partners and stakeholders.

Conditions:

None

a. Final policy brief document

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (GENERAL) AND INFORMATION

This section contains instructions for the submission of your proposal. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to carefully read and follow all proposal requirements within this RFP. Compliance with these proposal requirements is mandatory for your proposal to be considered for award.

Failure to comply with the RFP instructions may cause your proposal to be deemed non-compliant and non-responsive, thus, ineligible for award.

The Conservancy reserves the right to modify the RFP and/or change the date and time at its sole discretion, prior to the date fixed for submission of proposals, by the issuance of an addendum that will be posted on the California State Contracts Register (CSCR) system at https://caleprocure.ca.gov.

1. The Conservancy reserves the right to modify or cancel in whole or any part of this solicitation.

2. Clarifications to the solicitation will only be provided in the form of a written addendum posted on the CSCR.

A. Key Action Dates

Key Actions Date Time RFP available to Prospective Proposers 4/10/2026 N/A Written Questions Submittal Deadline 4/15/2026 5:00 p.m.

Questions and Answers Addendum Posted 4/20/2026 N/A Final Date for Proposal Submission/ Receipt by the Conservancy

4/24/2026 10:00 a.m.

Posting of Notice of Intent to Award (Notice is posted for five days)

5/6/2026 N/A

Contract Awarded 5/18/2026 N/A Estimated Contract Approved & Executed 6/10/2026 N/A

Key Action Dates are subject to change at the Conservancy’s sole discretion. No work shall begin until all required approvals and signatures, including the Department of General Services Office of Legal Services (DGS OLS), if applicable, are obtained.

B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements

All questions or concerns related to the RFP requirements must be directed electronically to:

Contact: Chelsea Martinez Email: Contact@deltaconservancy.ca.gov Subject: RFP 2500015 Question

Questions must be received by the date and time specified under Section II.A Key Action Dates. Answers to all questions submitted will be in the form of an addendum posted to the DGS CSCR website (https://caleprocure.ca.gov) by the date specified under Section II.A Key Action Dates. Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State. All questions must be submitted referencing the RFP number in the subject line, directly to the above listed contact person and not through the Cal eProcure system.

C. General Proposal Requirements

1. Proposals should provide straightforward and concise descriptions of the Proposer’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. The proposal must be complete and accurate. Omissions, inaccuracies, or misstatements may be sufficient cause for rejection of a proposal.

2. Proposals must be submitted for the performance of all services described herein. Any deviation from the work specifications (Section III Proposal Requirements (Technical) and Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement) may result in a negative impact on the proposal including a lower score or disqualification.

D. Submission of Proposals

1. One electronic copy of the proposal will be required. The proposal will not be considered as submitted until it is received.

Please submit an electronic copy of your proposal in a PDF format to Contact@deltaconservancy.ca.gov with the subject line of “RFP No. 2500015 – Proposer’s Name”. The electronic copy will be held, unopened until the submittal deadline.

Any extra items submitted with the proposal shall be clearly marked and identified as to the name of the Proposer and the RFP number.

2. Proposals must be received no later than the date and time indicated under Section II.A

Key Action Dates.

Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered, and will be returned, unopened.

3. Each proposal will be reviewed to determine if it meets the proposal requirements contained in Section III Proposal Requirements (Technical). Failure to meet the requirements for the RFP may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

4. A proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The State may reject any or all proposals and may waive any immaterial deviation in a proposal. The State’s waiver of immaterial defect shall in no way modify the RFP document or excuse the Proposer from full compliance with all requirements if the Proposer is awarded the Agreement.

5. The State reserves the right to reject all proposals or cancel the solicitation for any reason.

6. Proposers cannot submit more than one bid.

E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals

1. A Proposer may modify its proposal after its submission by withdrawing its original proposal and resubmitting a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline.

Proposed modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

2. A Proposer may withdraw its proposal by submitting a written withdrawal request to the

Conservancy signed by the Proposer or an agent authorized in accordance with Section II.G Signature. A Proposer may thereafter submit a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline. Proposals may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to the proposal submission deadline.

F. Proposer Responsibilities

1. The Proposer should carefully examine the entire RFP, with special attention to the tasks and deliverables found in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement. The Proposer shall investigate obstacles that might be encountered. No additions or increases to the Agreement amount will be made due to the lack of careful examination of the requirements.

2. Before submitting a response to this RFP, the Proposer should review their response, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the RFP requirements. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to complete and submit all required attachments as listed on Attachment 1: Required Attachment Checklist.

3. Costs incurred for developing proposals and in anticipation of award of the Agreement are entirely the responsibility of the Proposer and shall not be charged to the Conservancy.

4. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to promptly notify the Conservancy’s contract analyst identified in the solicitation in writing via email as detailed in Section II.B, if the Proposer believes that the solicitation is unfairly restrictive, contains errors or discrepancies, or is otherwise unclear. Notification must be done immediately upon receipt of the solicitation in order that the matter may be fully considered, and appropriate action taken by the Conservancy prior to the closing time set to receive solicitation responses. Such notification must be submitted no later than the written questions submittal deadline referenced in Section II.A Key Action Dates.

5. The Proposer is responsible to review, read, understand, and comply in full with the

State’s General Terms and Conditions along with the Contractor’s Certification Clauses (CCCs) as listed at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of- Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language.

6. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer agrees to be bound to their proposal for a period of at least 180 working days after submission deadline.

7. The Proposer must complete and submit Attachment 2: Proposer References Form.

8. The Proposer must own and operate a legitimate business. If required by law, the Proposer must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State.

9. In the event that any license(s) and/or permit(s) expire at any time during the term of this

Agreement, the Proposer agrees to provide agency a copy of the renewed license(s) and/or permit(s) within thirty (30) days following the expiration date. In the event the Proposer fails to keep in effect at all times all required license(s) and permit(s), the State may, in addition to any other remedies it may have, terminate this Agreement upon occurrence of such event.

10. It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this state to sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defined in Section 17030 of the Business and Professions Code.

11. The Proposer must complete and submit to the Conservancy Attachment 3: Payee

Data Record (STD 204). This form can be found on the Internet at https://www.dgsapps.dgs.ca.gov/osp/StatewideFormsWeb/Forms.aspx. No payment shall be made unless a completed STD 204 has been returned to the Conservancy.

12. The Proposer must complete and submit to the Conservancy Attachment 5: Bidder

Declaration (GSPD-05-105). If no subcontractors will be used, please place "N/A" on the document and submit as part of the proposal (Section III.A.8).

13. The Proposer must complete and submit to the Conservancy, page one (1) of

Attachment 6: Contractor Certification Clauses. This form can be found on the Internet at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services- Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language.

14. The Proposer must complete and submit Attachment 7: Darfur Contracting Act

Certification to the Conservancy.

15. The Proposer must sign and submit the Attachment 8: California Civil Rights Laws Certification to the Conservancy.

16. When the Contractor submits a signed Agreement to the Conservancy, the Contractor shall furnish to the Conservancy a certificate of insurance, stating that there is liability insurance presently in effect for the Contractor of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage liability combined. The certificate of insurance will include the provisions stated in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement in their entirety.

17. The Proposer must complete and submit Attachment 11: Commercially Useful Function

Documentation. If the Proposer is not a small business or disabled veteran business enterprise and is not subcontracting with one, please place "N/A" on the document and submit as part of the proposal (Section II.I.3).

G. Signature

1. All documents requiring signatures contained in the original proposal package must have original signatures.

2. Only an individual who is authorized to bind the proposing firm contractually shall sign required documents, including the required Cover Letter for the proposal. The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned proposal may be rejected.

H. Disposition of Proposals

Upon proposal opening, all documents submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of the State of California and will be regarded as public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code, Section 7920.000 et seq.) and subject to review by the public. The State cannot prevent the disclosure of public documents.

I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs

1. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive

This solicitation does not require a minimum amount of DVBE participation. However, you are strongly encouraged to either become certified, if eligible, or to subcontract a portion of the work to a certified DVBE. If a prime bidder is a certified DVBE or commits to subcontracting with DVBE(s), it may be eligible to receive a bid preference provided that the DVBE provides a commercially useful function as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 1896.61(l). For evaluation purposes only, the State shall apply an incentive to bids that propose California certified DVBE participation as identified on Attachment 5: Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105) and confirmed by the State. Proposers claiming the DVBE incentive must complete and return the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declarations form found at:

https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/pd_843.pdf.

The incentive amount varies in conjunction with the percentage of DVBE participation offered. There is no preference incentive provided for DVBE participation below 1% with a maximum of 5% DVBE participation. The incentive will be applied as defined below:

Confirmed DVBE Participation

DVBE

Incentive 1% to 1.99% inclusive 1% 2% to 2.99% inclusive 2% 3% to 3.99% inclusive 3% 4% to 4.99% inclusive 4%

5% or More 5%

2. Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness Preference (MB)

If Proposer is claiming the 5% certified SB or MB preference, or is committing to subcontract 25% or more of their bid price to one or more Certified SB or MB (Non-small business preference [NSB]), list the firm names on Attachment 5: Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105) and attach a copy of the certification.

Additional References: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD-OSDS.

Questions regarding the certification approval process or the SB Program should be directed to the Department of General Services, Procurement Division at (800) 559- 5529 or (916) 375-4400.

SB, MB, or NSB Proposers using the SB preference will have its points increased by 5% of the total points awarded to the highest scored, responsible non-small business bidder.

3. Commercially Useful Function (CUF) Documentation

All Proposers, including subcontractor(s), that are doing business with the State and are certified as a SB and/or DVBE, must perform a CUF and shall meet the CUF requirements under GC section 14837(d) (4)(A) (i-v) (for SB) and Military and Veterans Code section 999(b)(5)(B) (i) (I-V) (for DVBE). Attachment 11: Commercially Useful Function Documentation shall be completed and included in the response packet. (If the Proposer is not an SB/DVBE and is not subcontracting with an SB/DVBE, please place "N/A" on the document and submit as part of the Proposal.)

4. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)

If the estimated cost is in excess of $100,000, this solicitation provides for the optional TACPA workplace and workforce preferences. If the estimated cost of this solicitation is under $100,000, the TACPA preferences do not apply. Bidders are not required to apply for this preference. Denial of the TACPA preference request is not a basis for rejection of the bid/offer.

California-based companies seeking TACPA preferences will need to complete and submit preference request forms with the proposal. The following webpage contains required preference request forms and an interactive map to determine if a business is located within a TACPA qualified zone: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page- Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Request-Target-Area-Contract- Preference.

5. Preference and Incentive Application

a. DVBE Incentive Points are factored by multiplying a Proposer’s DVBE participation commitment percentage (%) by the total possible points that could be awarded (see Table 1 below). This amount is then added to the Proposer’s total points. In the Table 2 sample below, Proposer B received a 60-point incentive (.05% commitment x 1200 total points available) which was added to its total points resulting in its proposal ranking as the highest scored proposal. Proposer C’s 2% commitment resulted in its receiving 24 incentive points and making its proposal rank as second highest scored proposal.

b. SB Preference is calculated by multiplying 5% of the highest scoring, responsible

Proposer not receiving any small business preference points, and adding those points to SB Proposers and NSBs subcontracting 25% or more to a SB. In the Table 2 sample below, the calculation is based on Proposer B’s 1155 points x .05 resulting in 57.75 additional points added to the certified SBs (A and C).

c. Under the High Score Method, it is possible to displace a high point certified SB with the application of the DVBE Incentive.

High Score Method Sample:

Available points example using sliding scale:

Administrative: 200 points Technical: 400 points Cost: 600 points Total: 1200 points

Possible Maximum 60 points DVBE incentive calculated as follows:

Confirmed DVBE Participation Possible Points

Calculation:

1% to 1.99% inclusive 1% X 1200 = 12 2% to 2.99% inclusive 2% X 1200 = 24 3% to 3.99% inclusive 3% X 1200 = 36 4% to 4.99% inclusive 4% X 1200 = 48

5% or More 5% X 1200 = 60

High Score Method Sample Results:

Proposer A B C Responsive/Responsible Yes Yes Yes Total Points 1050 1155 1125 Eligible Preference SB None SB SB Preference Points Applied 57.75 0 57.75 Subtotal 1107.75 1155 1182.75 Rank 3 2 1

Confirmed DVBE Participation No (0%) Yes (5%) Yes (2%) Incentive Points Applied None 60 24 Adjusted Points 1107.75 1215 1206.75 New Rank 3 1 2

III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL)

A. Proposal Requirements

The proposal must contain the following components, information and documents outlined below. Each requirement’s location must be listed in the Proposal’s Table of Contents. Also see Section II.D Submission of Proposals for general submittal details.

1. Minimum Qualifications

The Proposer must provide a detailed response, outlining information as to how the Proposer meets each of the minimum qualifications listed below. Proposals that do not meet the minimum qualifications will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for award.

a. At least ten (10) high quality policy briefs that provide analysis of statewide significance to inform public, state and federal agencies, planners, and local stakeholders and decision makers.

b. At least ten (10) years of experience within the last fifteen (15) years of developing high quality policy briefs that provide analysis of statewide significance to inform public, state and federal agencies, planners, and local stakeholders and decision makers.

c. Delta-specific experience preferred but not required to meet minimum qualifications.

2. Title Page

The purpose of this page is to provide information needed by the Conservancy administrative staff. It must contain the following items:

a. The title of the proposal, which must be the same as the title of the RFP;

b. The number of the RFP, 2500015; and

c. The date of the proposal.

3. Cover Letter / Letter of Commitment

The cover letter must not be more than two (2) pages, in Arial size 12-point font or similar, and must include the following paragraph and the signature of the representative authorized to make the proposal on behalf of the firm:

“The enclosed proposal is submitted in response to the above referenced Request for Proposal 2500015, including any addenda. Through submission of this proposal, we agree to all of the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal and agree that any inconsistent provisions in our proposal may result in a negative impact on our proposal including a lower score or disqualification. We have carefully read and examined the Request for Proposal and have conducted such other investigations as were prudent and reasonable in preparing the proposal. We agree to be bound by statements and representations made in our proposal.”

The cover letter must be provided on the company’s letterhead and include the following information and statements:

a. The name and address of the company,

b. The name, title, and original signature of a company official authorized to bind the proposal, and

c. The name, email, and/or phone number for the Proposer’s contact for the

Conservancy inquiries related to the proposal.

4. Table of Contents

5. Summary

The summary shall not be longer than one (1) page. Include a brief description of the proposed project summarizing the main points of the various sections of the proposal, including the features and benefits of the proposal.

6. Required Attachment Checklist and Attachments

The Technical Proposal must include all of the completed attachments listed in Attachment 1: Required Attachment Checklist.

7. References

Each Proposer must provide at least three (3) references detailing previous experience related to the goals and objectives outlined in the RFP.

References must be provided using Attachment 2: Proposer References Form.

Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your proposal may cause your proposal to be rejected and deemed non-responsive. Attachment 2: Proposer References Form may be copied for additional references.

8. Subcontracts/Subcontractors

If subcontractors are to be used, the Proposer must include in the Technical Proposal a description of each person or firm and the work to be done by each subcontractor.

Please use Attachment 5: Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105) to list all subcontractors used for this project. All subcontracts must be approved by the Conservancy, and no work shall be subcontracted without the prior written approval of the State. The cost of the subcontract work is to be itemized in the Cost Proposal as described in Section III.B Cost Proposal Requirements and not in the Technical Proposal. If no subcontractors will be used, please place "N/A" on the document and submit it as part of the Proposal.

9. Technical Portion

The Proposer shall demonstrate their understanding of the questions, or needs, that the Conservancy is seeking to have addressed. The technical approach and work plan are considered the heart of the proposal and will receive a high level of scrutiny. This part of the proposal will be evaluated to ensure all tasks listed in the Scope of Work are included and responsive. The technical portion of the proposal must include a written response to all scoring elements listed in Section IV.B.3 Technical Proposal Evaluation Form and must include the following:

a. Management Plan

The Proposer shall provide a project management plan including the management structure and project organization. The Proposer shall designate, by name, the Project Manager to be employed. The Management Plan shall indicate how supervision and oversight will be conducted. The selected Proposer shall not cause the substitution of the Project Manager without prior written approval of the Conservancy as detailed in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement. The Management Plan shall indicate how the project will remain on schedule.

b. Methodology (Approach to Work)

The Proposer shall describe their methodology and approach to the work and identify specific techniques and methodologies that will be used and specific administrative and operational management expertise that will be employed in order to accomplish the tasks listed in this RFP under Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement. The Proposer shall indicate how skills developed in previous related work will be applied to the work described in this RFP.

The Proposer shall demonstrate their knowledge in the subject of the RFP and lay the groundwork for the actual work to be performed for this project. The Proposer shall provide a detailed description of the overall approach and methodologies utilized to accomplish the tasks listed in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement, Exhibit A. The Proposer must demonstrate their understanding of the questions, or needs, that the Conservancy is seeking to have addressed.

c. Work Plan and Work Schedule

The Proposer shall provide a Work Plan and Work Schedule for task completion. The Work Plan and Work Schedule shall identify each major task, necessary subtasks, and milestones by which progress can be measured and payments made. The Work Plan shall specify the estimated hours to accomplish each task, and the Work Schedule shall provide the responsible party for performing the tasks and anticipated dates of completion. The Work Plan and Work Schedule must reflect the total project timeline. See Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement for details on the tasks required.

A sample work schedule format is provided below:

Task

Responsible Party (Prime or Subcontractor)

Date of Completion

Task 1: Contract Management Prepare and submit contract management documentation to meet Delta Conservancy requirements. Prepare and submit quarterly progress reports.

Conditions:

• None

Deliverables:

b. Quarterly Progress Reports

Task 2: Project Initiation Conduct a kickoff meeting with Conservancy staff to confirm the project scope, key objectives and schedule.

Conditions:

• None

Task 3: Synthesis of Existing Information Review existing economic studies, funding programs, and relevant plans. Summarize key findings related to costs, benefits, and funding challenges. Identify overarching themes rather than conducting new detailed analysis. Identify any gaps in information. Conduct small number of targeted interviews with stakeholders and subject-matter experts, including reclamation districts, state agencies, tribal representatives, and individuals with expertise in Delta restoration and financing to help clarify practical constraints and opportunities for improving funding coordination.

Conditions:

None

Deliverables:

a. Summary of targeted outreach efforts including who was contacted and their affiliation

Task 4: Development of a Funding Framework The Framework will:

Present guiding principles and strategic opportunities for strengthening Delta investment Outline potential funding sources (e.g. public, private, leveraged) Describe how different funding sources can work together over time Emphasize sustainability, flexibility, and alignment with economic benefits.

Conditions:

None

a. Draft overarching funding framework

Task 5: Strategic Recommendations

Strengthen long-term funding stability Improve coordination among funders and agencies Position the Delta for future investment opportunities Define performance measures and adaptive management processes for long-term success.

Conditions:

None

Deliverables:

a. Summary of strategic recommendations to be included in final document

Task 6: Final Policy Brief Using information gathered in previous tasks, develop a concise policy brief, suitable for use by policymakers, agency leaders, funding partners and stakeholders.

a. Final policy brief document

d. Personnel / Experience

The Proposer shall describe their experience in and breadth of knowledge in performing similar work and how skill developed in previous related work will be applied to this project as outlined in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement. The Proposer shall indicate how previous experience will be applied to the development of this project.

The Proposer shall list technical staff (specify staff name; of both prime and any proposed subcontractor(s)) who will be working on the project. Include their titles, affiliations, qualifications, a summary of similar work or studies performed, a resume for each technical staff person, a statement indicating how many hours each professional will be assigned to the Agreement, their hourly rate, and what tasks each professional will perform. The selected Proposer shall not cause key members of the project team to be substituted without prior written approval of the Conservancy.

e. Page Headers and Page Numbering

All pages of the Technical Proposal, including cover pages, Table of Contents, references and resumes, shall have the following header and page numbering format in the upper right-hand corner.

Technical Proposal RFP No. 2500015 Proposer Name (Agency, Firm, Individual) Page ## of ##

B. Cost Proposal Requirements

The cost breakdown (Cost Proposal) shall be included in the Technical Proposal. Cost Proposals shall include the following required information: Budget and Preference Program Documents (See Section II.I Socio-Economic and Preference Programs) and at a minimum, all information listed in Cost Detail (below). Proposers must use the Attachment 9:

Contractor Cost Sheet.

All costs must be provided for each task. The proposed costs should be detailed in Attachment 9: Contractor Cost Sheet for the purpose of this cost proposal submittal.

The Conservancy’s budget for the proposed contract is $80,000. Any cost proposals exceeding this amount will be disqualified and ineligible for award. Proposers shall submit a cost proposal for all tasks described in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement.

1. Cost Detail

a. Itemized Tasks – Using Attachment 9: Contractor Cost Sheet provide firm, fixed costs for specific tasks listed in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement.

For all tasks, the Proposer must include all items such as labor, supplies, travel, equipment, and subcontractors, if applicable, as necessary to perform and complete the tasks on Attachment 9: Contractor Cost Sheet.

b. Subcontracts / Subcontractors – If subcontractors are to be used, the Proposer must include in the Technical Proposal, a description of each person or firm and the work to be done by each subcontractor. In addition, the Proposer must complete Attachment 9A: Subcontractor Cost Sheet for each subcontractor that is used. For all tasks that are subcontracted out, the Proposer must include all items such as labor, supplies, travel, equipment, and subcontractors, if applicable, as necessary to perform and complete the tasks on Attachment 9A: Subcontractor Cost Sheet.

Additionally, all subcontractors proposed to be used for this project must be identified on Attachment 5: Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105).

c. Indirect Cost Allocation Plan – If Indirect Costs are included in Attachment 9:

Contractor Cost Sheet, the Proposer must include an Indirect Cost Allocation Plan.

Indirect costs that do not have a specific direct relationship to the project but are a requirement for the completion of the project may be eligible for reimbursement.

Indirect costs may not be included in the hourly rate for personnel billing directly to the contract. These costs are subject to audit and must be documented by the Contractor.

The Indirect Cost Allocation Plan must describe the indirect cost rate percentage and methodology for calculating the rate, including:

Describe what expenses in Attachment 9: Contractor Cost Sheet are being used to determine Indirect Cost Rate o Indirect costs may only be applied to Labor, Supplies, and Travel cost categories.

o Indirect costs may not be applied to Subcontractor or Equipment cost categories.

Describe what expenses are included in the indirect cost pool (i.e. collection of expenses that are considered to be indirect expenses). Examples include the following:

o Administrative support (e.g., personnel time for accounting, executive, information technology, or other staff who support the implementation of the proposed project but are not directly billing their time to the project) o Office-related expenses (e.g., insurance, rent, utilities, printing/copying equipment, computer equipment, and janitorial expenses).

Describe how the indirect costs are reasonable, allocable, and applicable to the specific project in the proposal.

2. Page Headers and Page Numbering

All pages of the Cost Proposal; Attachment 5: Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105); and, if applicable, any forms pertaining to socio-economic preferences (small business, DVBE), shall have the following header and page numbering format in the upper right-hand corner.

Cost Proposal RFP No. 2500015 Proposer Name (Agency, Firm, Individual) Page # of ##

IV. EVALUATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD

A. Administrative Evaluation (Phase 1)

The Conservancy will conduct an administrative evaluation in accordance with the RFP requirements to determine a Proposer’s responsiveness and responsibility. Each proposal will be checked for completeness and/or absence of all required information and to ensure that the Proposer meets the minimum qualifications in conformance with the submission requirements. During evaluation period, if an item is unclear, or needs further clarification, Proposers may be requested to provide additional documentation.

Administrative Evaluation PROPOSAL RESPONSIVENESS Yes No

Is the total budget amount $80,000 or less?

Is the Proposer registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State, if required by law?

Does the proposal include all items as listed in Section III, Proposal Requirements (Technical)?

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Yes No At least ten (10) high quality policy briefs that provide analysis of statewide significance to inform public, state and federal agencies, planners, and local stakeholders and decision makers.

At least ten (10) years of experience within the last fifteen (15) years of developing high quality policy briefs that provide analysis of statewide significance to inform public, state and federal agencies, planners and planners, and local stakeholders and decision makers.

Delta-specific experience preferred but not required to meet minimum qualifications.

If proposal responsiveness or minimum qualifications are NOT met, STOP HERE

B. Technical Evaluation (Phase 2)

The Conservancy will also conduct an evaluation of the Technical Proposal by an evaluation panel consisting of Conservancy employees. If deemed necessary, independent technical or policy experts may be called upon to answer any specific questions regarding the responses to the RFP. These individuals will not participate in the scoring process.

1. Scoring Criterion Guidelines

NOTE: There will be no individual score sheets. There will be one final score sheet for each bidder.

The evaluation team shall determine a consensus score for each item, based on the team's verbal discussion of each Proposer's responses. To determine the consensus score, evaluators will meet either in person or by teleconference to discuss in detail the strengths, weaknesses, and ratings of each proposal to determine scores. The evaluation team will carefully review and discuss the completeness of the Proposer's response, as well as clarity of documentation presented in the proposal submitted in response to this RFP.

The evaluation team will abide by the following Scoring Criterion Guidelines for the Technical Evaluation:

Possible Points

Interpretation Explanation for Percentage Points

0-25% Inadequate

Response does not include or fails to address the requirements being scored. The omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are significant and unacceptable.

26-50% Barely Adequate

Response addresses the requirements being scored, but there are one or more omissions, flaws, or defects or the requirements are addressed in such a limited way that it results in a low degree of confidence in the proposed solution.

51-75% Good

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a good degree of confidence in the Proposer’s response or proposed solution. No identified omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s). Any identified weaknesses are minimal, inconsequential, and acceptable.

76-100% Excellent or Outstanding

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a high degree of confidence in the Proposer’s response or proposed solution.

Proposer offers one or more enhancing features, methods or approaches exceeding basic expectations.

The Technical Proposal Evaluation Form in Section IV.B.3 specifies the total number of points available for each requirement. Using the Scoring Criterion Guidelines, the evaluation team will determine the percentage of points to be awarded to each requirement and multiply that percentage by the total number of points available for that requirement to determine the score.

2. Cost Points (300 points)

Proposers may achieve a maximum of 300 cost points. This criterion allows staff to evaluate and compare the budgets of each proposal relative to those of its competitors.

The budgeted amount is the maximum allowable amount by the Conservancy for this contract (Section III.B). Any proposals submitted that are over the expected expenditure/budgeted amount will be disqualified.

The technically qualified proposal that has the lowest cost will be given a maximum score of 300 for this criterion.

All other technically qualified proposals will be calculated based on the ratio of the lowest cost proposal to the bidder’s cost, multiplied by the maximum number of cost points available (300), as shown in the example below:

Lowest Total Cost Bid X Total Cost Points Available

Bidder Total Cost

Example: To help illustrate this process, refer to the Cost Evaluation Methodology Example table below for the cost score calculation process. Cost figures in this example explain the cost calculations and have no other significance.

Cost Evaluation Methodology Example:

Bidder Grand Total Cost

Calculation Cost Points Awarded

A $120,000 $95,000/$120,000 x 300 237.5 B $114,000 $95,000/$114,000 x 300 250 C $95,000 $95,000/$95,000 x 300 300

Final Scoring Methodology Example:

Bidder Technical Score Cost Score Total Points Awarded A 510 237.5 747.5 B 560 250 810 C 620 300 920

In this case, the highest scored proposal from Bidder C would be the intended awardee.

Preferences will be applied as required to eligible proposals. Please see Section II.I Socio-Economic and Preference Programs.

3. Technical Proposal Evaluation Form

Technical Evaluation Scoring Items

1. MANAGEMENT PLAN (100 POINTS) Points Available

Points Awarded

The Proposer shall provide a project management plan including the management structure and project organization. The Proposer shall designate, by name, the Project Manager to be employed. The Management Plan shall indicate how supervision and oversight will be conducted. The selected Proposer shall not cause the substitution of the Project Manager without prior written approval of the Conservancy as detailed in Attachment 10:

Draft Standard Agreement. The Management Plan shall indicate how the project will remain on schedule.

2. METHODOLOGY (APPROACH TO WORK) (200

POINTS)

Points Available

Points Awarded

The Proposer shall describe their methodology and approach to the work and identify specific techniques and methodologies that will be used and specific administrative and operational management expertise that will be employed in order to accomplish the tasks listed in this RFP under Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement. The Proposer shall indicate how skills developed in previous related work will be applied to the work described in this RFP.

The Proposer shall demonstrate their knowledge in the subject of the RFP and lay the groundwork for the actual work to be performed for this project. The Proposer shall provide a detailed description of the overall approach and methodologies utilized to accomplish the tasks listed in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement, Exhibit A. The Proposer must demonstrate their understanding of the questions, or needs, that the Conservancy is seeking to have addressed.

3. WORK PLAN AND WORK SCHEDULE (200

POINTS)

Points Available

Points Awarded

The Proposer shall provide a Work Plan and Work Schedule for task completion. The Work Plan and Work Schedule shall identify each major task, necessary subtasks, and milestones by which progress can be measured and payments made. The Work Plan shall specify the estimated hours to accomplish each task, and the Work Schedule shall provide the responsible party for performing the tasks and anticipated dates of completion. The Work Plan and Work Schedule must reflect the total project timeline. See Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement for details on the tasks required.

4. PERSONNEL / EXPERIENCE (200 POINTS) Points Available

Points Awarded

The Proposer shall describe their experience in and breadth of knowledge in performing similar work and how skill developed in previous related work will be applied to this project as outlined in Attachment 10: Draft Standard Agreement. The Proposer shall indicate how previous experience will be applied to the development of this project.

The Proposer shall list technical staff (specify staff name; of both prime and any proposed subcontractor(s)) who will be working on the project. Include their titles, their affiliation, qualifications, a summary of similar work or studies performed, a resume for each technical staff person, a statement indicating how many hours each professional will be assigned to the Agreement, their hourly rate, and what tasks each professional will perform. The selected Proposer shall not cause key members of the project team to be substituted without prior written approval of the Conservancy.

5. COST (300 POINTS) Points

Available Points

Awarded This criterion allows staff to evaluate and compare the budgets of each proposal relative to those of its competitors.

The technically qualified proposal that has the lowest cost will be given a maximum score of 300 for this criterion.

TOTAL POINTS

Maximum Points

Available

Score

C. Proposal Rejection

1. Proposals must be submitted for the performance of all the services as described herein.

Any deviation from the RFP will not be considered and may cause a proposal to be rejected.

2. Proposals should be complete in all respects as required by the RFP. A proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The State does not accept alternate contract language from a prospective contractor. A proposal with such language will be considered a counter proposal and may be rejected.

3. The Conservancy reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or cancel the solicitation for any reason.

4. Proposals that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references that do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the proposal, may be rejected.