RFQ_10199297_-_Final.pdf

RFQ No. 10199297

Division of Engineering Architectural and Engineering Contract Program 715 P Street 4th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. RFQ No. 10199297 Northern California On-Call Environmental Services

TO ALL PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

June 28, 2024

The Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Engineering (DOE), Environmental Coordination Section (ECS) invites qualified firms to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The services to be provided will be environmental services on an as needed as directed basis in support of ECS, DOE, DWR assigned projects. Contractor will assist ECS in complying with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), environmental permitting and compliance work required by federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations for project development, construction, environmental remediation work related to contaminated sites, and habitat restoration design for various projects in Northern California under the Environmental Coordination Section purview.

The specific work and deliverables are identified in Exhibit A, Description of Services, and will support DOE’s ECS.

This package contains Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 10199297. In submitting your SOQ you will comply with the instructions found herein. The SOQ must be received by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the address indicated in Section XI, Submission of SOQs of the enclosed RFQ.

The services to be provided may require that work be done independently or partnered with other DWR employees but always at the direction of the DWR.

The estimated length of the term for this agreement is October 9, 2024 through October 9, 2027 three years) with the option of up to two one-year amendments (see Exhibit E, Multiple Years Option(s), paragraph 22).

DWR reserves the right to cancel or modify this RFQ up to the date and time the SOQ is due and to waive immaterial deviations with any of the SOQs. Additionally, DWR is not responsible for any preparation costs incurred by firms submitting an SOQ.

A copy of the State of California’s (State) General Terms and Conditions, Special Terms and Conditions for Department of Water Resources (Architectural and Engineering), and Additional Provisions (Exhibits C, D and E) are provided in this RFQ. These terms and conditions are NON-NEGOTIABLE. Any questions regarding these, or any other, terms and conditions MUST be addressed in writing during the question-and-answer period.

The Contractor Certification Clauses (available at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List- Folder/Standard-Contract-Language#@ViewBag.JumpTo), contain terms and conditions that may apply to person(s) doing business with the State, and that may apply to your agreement. If awarded the contract, you must sign and return Page One of the CCC 04/2017 prior to award.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA – CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language#@ViewBag.JumpTo https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language#@ViewBag.JumpTo

The Certification must be renewed every three years and will be updated when the State makes revisions to the clauses.

ATTENTION: SIGNIFICANT UPDATES TO THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

PROCESS ARE IDENTIFIED ON THIS COVER LETTER AND DESCRIBED FURTHER IN

THE ATTACHED RFQ. THIS RFQ CONTAINS REVISED LANGUAGE AND A NEW FORMAT.

PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY.

DUE TO NEW NEGOTIATION REQUIREMENTS, PARTICIPATION IN THIS SOLICITATION

REQUIRES MANDATORY ATTENDANCE OF THE PRE-SOQ CONFERENCE.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:

1. A mandatory virtual Pre-SOQ Conference specific to the new negotiations process will be held as stated in Section III, Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference. Also in RFQ Section III, directions are given for the Question and Answer period for non-negotiation related RFQ questions.

2. Section VII, Negotiation Process is a new section, which describes the updated negotiations process for DWR for Architectural & Engineering (A&E) contracts.

a. Negotiations will be based on a Firm’s (including subcontractor(s)) true and actual cost.

b. Negotiations will now require submission of company policies on how they compensate their employees.

3. Exhibit E, Substitution or Addition of Personnel, paragraph 13, contains revisions.

4. The following Exhibit E clauses are now published as part of the RFQ and are no longer negotiable items:

a. Exhibit E, Reimbursement Clause, paragraph 2.

b. Exhibit E, Short- term Excess Lodging, paragraph 3.

c. Exhibit, E, Profit, paragraph 19 (identifies published profit that will be calculated into fully loaded hourly rates).

d. Exhibit E, Escalation, paragraph 20 (identifies how escalation will be addressed).

e. Exhibit E, Mark-up, paragraph 21 (for subcontractor and other direct costs).

f. Exhibit E, Multiple year option(s), paragraph 22 (identifies options to amend for additional years)

5. Exhibit E, Other Contracts with Similar Services, paragraph 23.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Request for Qualifications Section I - Authority Section II – Definitions for Purposes of this Solicitation Section III - Questions and Answers/(Mandatory)Pre-SOQ Conference Section IV - Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements Section V - Selection Criteria Section VI - Evaluation Process Section VII – Negotiation Process…………………………………………………………………………...12 Section VIII – Other Conditions and Information Section IX - Submission of SOQs Section X - Time Schedule Section XI - Contract Obligations Section XII - Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Requirement Section XIII - Small Business Program Section XIV – Department of Industrial Relations Registration of Contractors and Prevailing Wage Monitoring and Enforcement…………………………………………………………………………………18

2. Payee Data Record (Std. 204)

3. SOQ Checklist

4. Potential Qualified Firms Certification Sheet

5. Explanation of Items on Potential Qualified Firms Certification Sheet

6. References

7. Sample Standard Agreement (Std. 213)

8. Exhibit A Scope of Work Attachment 1 – Sample Task Order Attachment 2 – Sample Task Order Budget Cost Detail

9. Exhibit B Budget Detail and Payment Provisions Attachment 1 – Rate Sheet Attachment 2 – Additional Payment Provisions

10. Exhibit C General Terms and Conditions

11. Exhibit D Special Terms and Conditions – Department of Water Resources Attachment 1 – Recycled Content Certification

12. Exhibit E Additional Provisions Attachment 1 – Standard Contract Provisions Regarding Political Reform Act Compliance Attachment 2 – Protection of Confidential and Sensitive Information Attachment 3 – Non-Disclosure Certificate

13. Exhibit FEMA Certificate Regarding Lobbying

I. Authority

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is authorized to contract with qualified firms, as described in Government Code Section 4525(a), for the services listed in Government Code Section 4525(d), 4525(e), and 4525(f).

A. California Public Contract Code § 6106 B. Regulations adopted pursuant to Government Code Section 4526:

C. California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 1.7, Sections 380 through 391

II. Definitions For Purposes of this Solicitation

A. “DWR” means the Department of Water Resources.

B. The term “architectural and engineering (hereafter “A&E”) services” shall include all architectural, landscape architectural, environmental, engineering, land surveying, and construction project management services, as well as incidental services that members of these professions and those in their employ may logically or justifiably perform, including permitting and environmental studies, rights-of-way services, design phase services, construction phase services, public outreach and meeting facilitation related to the foregoing. “A&E services” shall not include legal services rendered to the Department, provided that nothing in these regulations shall prevent an A&E contractor from consulting legal counsel and including the fees as part of its reasonable overhead. (23 CCR § 381)

C. “Firm” means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity permitted by law to practice the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, environmental services, land surveying, or construction project management. (23 CCR § 381)

D. For information regarding “subcontractors” or “subcontracting”, please reference Exhibit D, paragraphs 5 and 6.

E. Key Personnel are individual(s) who are expected to perform key roles to meet contract requirements, including subcontractors. The Key Personnel composition shall be representative of the categories identified in Section V, Selection Criteria. Key Personnel are expected to be utilized throughout the life of the contract(s) that result(s) from the RFQ. The Firm is required to identify the key personnel in their organization chart (see Section IV, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Requirements) with a symbol (i.e. such as a star or picture of a key).

F. Agreement also means Contract.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=4525.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PCC&sectionNum=6106.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=4526.

https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=IB819C6F05B6E11EC9451000D3A7C4BC3&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default) https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=IB819C6F05B6E11EC9451000D3A7C4BC3&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)

G. “RFQ” is an acronym for Request for Qualifications, the solicitation document used to request a Statement of Qualifications of firms that perform A&E services (23 CCR § 381).

H. “SOQ” is an acronym for Statement of Qualifications, the response to an RFQ or annual announcement submitted by firms that perform A&E services (23

CCR § 381).

III. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference:

Virtual Meeting Information Friday, July 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Microsoft Teams Meeting

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 216 791 469 920

Passcode: F9tsyh Dial in by phone

+1 916-573-2034,,299505788# United States, Sacramento Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 299 505 788# For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

Prospective firms attending this mandatory pre-SOQ conference will receive information specific to the new negotiations process. At the time of selection, the most qualified firm will be instructed to submit their financial documents and rate sheet per Section VII.

Negotiations. The negotiations process will be discussed in further detail during the pre- SOQ Submittal Conference.

In the event a prospective firm is unable to attend the mandatory negotiation question and answer meeting, an authorized representative may attend on the prospective firm’s behalf. The representative may sign-in for only one (1) firm.

https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzRmZGRkYzAtNGY0Zi00ZGJkLThiMmQtYjQ5NTg4N2IxMzJj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b71d5652-4b83-4257-afcd-7fd177884564%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22480744d5-e2d3-482a-9fb5-443249dd715f%22%7d tel:+19165732034,,299505788 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/464bff6b-35d5-4089-a809-0d998fd161ce?id=299505788 https://teams.microsoft.com/meetingOptions/?organizerId=480744d5-e2d3-482a-9fb5-443249dd715f&tenantId=b71d5652-4b83-4257-afcd-7fd177884564&threadId=19_meeting_MzRmZGRkYzAtNGY0Zi00ZGJkLThiMmQtYjQ5NTg4N2IxMzJj@thread.v2&messageId=0&language=en-US https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/usp/pstnconferencing

Two Phase Question and Answer Period

General RFQ Questions and Answers

Questions must be submitted in writing via email by 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 11, 2024, to Marissa Sharp at marissa.sharp@water.ca.gov

Answers regarding general RFQ questions will be provided via information letter/addendum on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference

There will be a mandatory, virtual, negotiation question and answer meeting held on Friday, July 12, 2024.

Negotiation follow-up questions must be submitted in writing via email by 5:00 PM on Friday, July 12, 2024 to Marissa Sharp at marissa.sharp@water.ca.gov

No SOQ will be accepted unless Firm attends the mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference meeting.

At the Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference all attendees will be required to identify their name, name of firm they represent, telephone number and email address.

Answers regarding Negotiations, Scope of Work and general RFQ questions will be provided via information letter/addendum on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Please note this mandatory pre-SOQ conference negotiation may not be recorded.

IV. Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements

A. The SOQ should contain, at a minimum, sufficient information for an objective evaluation of the Firm’s qualifications as it relates to Part IV, Selection Criteria. Please limit your SOQ to a maximum of 50 pages double sided excluding cover letters, dividers, resumes, licenses, and registrations. Materials such as SOQ Checklist, Potential Qualified Firms – Certification Sheet, References, Conflict of Interest Statement, Certification Regarding Lobbying (See Exhibit FEMA), Table of Contents, Cover Sheets, tabs and dividers do not count towards the 50 pages. SOQs must be tabbed and labeled consistent with the below sections and contain the following information:

1. Executive Summary – Include a one- or two-page overview of the entire RFQ showing the applicant’s understanding of the work to be performed, highlighting the applicant’s approach to deliver said services.

2. Introduction of Firms Team

a. Legal name and corresponding address of Firm, as written in the

Potential Qualified Firms- Certification Sheet (see page xx)

b. Firm’s Point of Contact

i. Name, Title, Name of Firm, Telephone Number and E-mail Address.

Provide contact information for a representative of the firm that DWR can contact for additional information mailto:marissa.sharp@water.ca.gov mailto:marissa.sharp@water.ca.gov

c. Complete this section for the Firm and all Subcontractors.

i. Describe the organization of the Firm’s team, including identifying the

Key Personnel and each of their roles and responsibilities as it relates to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work. Describe proposed contract organization, including identification and responsibilities of all Key Personnel. Indicate roles and responsibilities of the prime contractor and all subcontractors.

Indicate how local firms are being utilized to ensure a strong understanding of local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, requirements, permitting, etc.

ii. The applicant shall submit a summary table that is to be titled "Subcontractor Summary Data" and that contains the following data on each and every proposed subcontractor.

1. Subcontractor’s legal name and address.

2. Addresses of offices.

3. Number of years that subcontractor has maintained offices in each city.

4. Number of employees in each office.

5. Applicant shall also indicate availability of subcontractors and percentages of time to be spent on contract as well as their respective locations.

6. Business License Number.

7. Name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of subcontractor’s contact person.

8. Approximate percent participation of overall contract for each proposed subcontractor.

iii. Firm, including subcontractor(s) registration numbers with the

California Department of Industrial Relations (If applicable)

3. Qualifications of Firm’s Key Personnel (Includes Subcontractors)

a. Identify the Contractor Project Manager for this contract. Indicate all prime contractor’s and subcontractors’ Key Personnel (Project Team) to be used in the performance of these services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work, along with the type of work to be performed and percentage of their time to be spent on the contract. Furnish resumes of all Key Personnel and their respective locations. Resumes shall highlight education, licenses, relevant experience, and specific responsibilities for past services. Resumes are not to exceed 2 pages.

b. Include the following licenses and certifications:

i. California Registered Civil Engineer

ii. California Registered Landscape Architect

iii. Qualified Stormwater Practitioner and Developer

iv. International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, and/or

American Society of Consulting Arborists registered Consulting Arborist (RCA)

v. Visible Emissions Evaluation Certified Evaluator

4. Firm’s Team Project Experience

Provide example projects that best illustrate the Firm’s competencies and qualifications as they relate to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

Provide brief project descriptions and current client contact information for verification (this is in addition to references required in Section VI, Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements, References). The example projects, which best illustrate the proposed team’s competencies and qualifications for the contract, will represent services performed by individuals from the Firm, including subcontractors, available to do the work and listed on the Subcontractor Summary Data table.

Each SOQ should clearly delineate and address the firm’s relevant experience in the preparation of biological, water resource, and cultural resource evaluations; environmental permit application and document preparation; environmental permit implementation and monitoring; facilitation for environmental agency consultation and public meetings; project management. The SOQ for the firm’s project team must also clearly demonstrate experience and expertise in the potential environmental issues pertinent to the State Water Project and flood control activities that may be served by this contract.

The projects should consist of the following areas:

a. CEQA/NEPA Expertise – A thorough understanding of the California

Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act will be of critical importance in the selection of the Contractor.

b. CESA/ESA Expertise – A thorough understanding of the California

Endangered Species Act and the federal Endangered Species Act, including Habitat Conservation Plans will be of critical importance in the selection of the Contractor.

c. Environmental Compliance Document Preparation – A demonstrable knowledge and experience in the preparation of all State and federal environmental compliance documents.

d. Historic/Cultural Resource Assessment – The Contractor’s team must include cultural resource professionals (archeologist, architectural historian) who meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s standards and have demonstrable knowledge and experience in cultural resource surveys and investigations, including evaluation of architectural and historical building, structure, facility design. Knowledge of all applicable state historic preservation laws and consultation procedures will be essential to the Contractor’s team. The Contractor should have experience in pre-construction survey techniques for subsurface historic and/or archaeological resources, and construction monitoring experience.

The Contractor should be familiar with the federal Section 106 historic consultation process.

e. Natural Resource Assessment – The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in conducting habitat assessments, protocol level assessments of special status species, habitat evaluations, site assessments, wetland delineations, and California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) assessments. The Contractor’s team should have demonstrable ability to address State and federal statutory requirements and standards in preparing all environmental documentation and mitigation measures. The Contractor’s team should have knowledge and experience in the successful coordination and consultation with State and federal resource agencies to resolve environmental concerns.

f. Water Quality - The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in performing water quality studies and supporting the compliance with all State and federal regulations relating to water quality. The Contractor’s team must include Qualified Stormwater Developers and Practitioners who have demonstrable knowledge and experience in preparing, peer reviewing, and implementing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs).

g. Environmental Monitoring – The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in environmental monitoring for construction, maintenance, or emergency response projects.

h. Regulatory Compliance Support and Management – The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in developing regulatory compliance strategies and supporting multiple projects simultaneously.

i. Mitigation and Restoration Projects - The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in developing mitigation and restoration projects, supporting the creation of conservation easements, and negotiating mitigation agreements. Additionally, the Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in developing plans and specifications for restoration projects.

j. Any additional environmental issues and factors that may be of significance in the preparation of the environmental documents.

k. Availability, Schedule and Project Management –The availability of the

Contractor’s staff to begin work immediately on various contract tasks.

Clearly delineate the person(s) that will be responsible for directing the environmental services team and their relevant experience in such a role.

5. Certification Sheets

a. Provide the Potential Qualifying Firms Certification Sheet (see page XX) signed by an individual who is authorized to bind the firm contractually.

The Signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. The Certification Sheet must be returned in the SOQ package. A SOQ will be rejected if the Certification Sheet is unsigned or omitted.

b. The Certificate Regarding Lobbying (se Exhibit FEMA, page 5 of 7) must be signed by the contractor’s authorized official. The name and title of the Contractor’s authorized official signing the Certification must be identified.

The Certification must be returned in the SOQ package. An SOQ will be rejected if the Certification is unsigned or omitted.

6. References

a. Provide three references for similar types of services within the last five years. At a minimum, complete references form on page 27. At least two must be non-DWR.

7. Conflict of Interest Statement

a. The firm will identify any of the conditions listed in and state their ability to meet the terms and conditions addressed in Exhibit D – Conflict of Interest, and Exhibit E, Political Reform Act.

V. Selection Criteria

A. Each SOQ submitted to DWR for this proposed contract will be evaluated and scored in accordance with the following selection criteria; Contractor’s demonstrated competence and professional experience related to the work items listed in the Scope of Work including applicable licenses and certifications. For Selection Criteria items A.1, A.2, and A.3 please identify the team member(s) with the required background.

1. The competency and professional experience of one or more senior-level biologists and environmental scientists within the firm with background in the following:

a) Potential wetlands and jurisdictional waters, including standard wetland delineations, California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM), and familiarity with arid west protocols.

b) Water quality.

c) Sensitive and/or potentially critical habitats.

d) Environmental monitoring.

e) Site assessments, including rare plant surveys, protocol level species surveys, surface and sub-surface investigation techniques, data collection, and interpretation.

f) State and federally listed plant and animal species, and other sensitive species.

g) Other sensitive biological resources found in northern California.

h) Environmental permitting and compliance.

i) Natural resources planning and regulatory compliance.

2. The competency and professional experience of one or more cultural resources specialists within the firm with background in the following:

a) Cultural resource surveys, assessment, and monitoring.

b) Architectural and historical evaluation of buildings, structures, or facilities.

c) Prehistoric and historic archaeological resources.

3. The competency and professional experience of one or more restoration ecologists within the firm with background in the following:

a) Habitat restoration and/or enhancement.

b) Acquisition of mitigation land and bank credits.

c) Communicating with regulatory agencies.

d) Developing restoration and mitigation plans

4. The competency and professional experience of one or more project manager(s) with project management expertise within the firm.

5. Possession of relevant professional licenses or certifications in the following:

a) California Registered Civil Engineer

b) California Registered Landscape Architect

c) Qualified Stormwater Practitioner and Developer

d) International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, and/or American Society of Consulting Arborists registered Consulting Arborist (RCA).

e) Visible Emissions Evaluation Certified Evaluator

f) Qualified Archaeologist, and/or Historical Architect

6. Professional experience and training of project manager and key personnel.

7. Nature and quality of completed work.

8. Reliability of firm and continuity of proposed firm’s staff and subcontractors with firm.

9. Firm’s workload and demonstrated ability to meet DWR’s potential needs, including ability to adequately service multiple projects concurrently.

10. Office locations near the LOCATION OF WORK.

VI. Evaluation Process

A. After the SOQ submittal date and time, each SOQ will be checked for the presence or absence of required information in conformance with Section IV, Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements. If any required information is absent, the SOQ may be rejected. DWR reserves the right to cancel or modify this RFQ up to the date and time the SOQ is due and to waive immaterial deviations with any of the SOQs.

B. A panel of DWR personnel will evaluate the SOQs in accordance with the published Selection Criteria in this RFQ. All submitted SOQ’s will be scored by the panel. Separate interviews will then be held with at least three of the firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to provide the needed services or with all firms if less than three apply. If any presentations are required to be made, the presentation’s cost will be the responsibility of the Firm. No reimbursement will be made by DWR.

C. Once the most qualified has been selected by the DWR panel, DWR will notify that respective Firm.

VII. Negotiations

A. The DWR negotiation process will be based on: Firm’s actual cost with a fixed profit rate that has been established by DWR. See Exhibit E, Additional Provisions for the published profit rate, the annual escalation for the hourly billing rates, and subcontractor mark-up for this contract.

B. At time of selection, the most qualified firm will be instructed to submit their financial documents and rate sheet. The Firm’s submission must be electronic and must be submitted no later than five (5) business days after notification of selection or otherwise determined by DWR. Financial documents will include resumes for all personnel; true and actual payroll records; financial records that support fringe benefits, overhead costs, and general administration;

documentation or records that support costs incurred by utilizing subcontractors;

historical and true records of other direct cost charges; and compensation policies. Compensation policies will include shift differential policies, holiday policies, and how the Firm’s personnel and subcontractor personnel receive compensation for overtime (hours worked over an established work week). The specific financial documents and format of the rate sheet will be identified during the Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference (see Section III) and when the most qualified firm gets notified of selection. The prime Firm will be responsible for submitting the complete financial documents for their personnel, including any subcontractors. Submissions of the Firm’s rate sheet must be provided electronically to DWR on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet titled RFQ No.

10199297 followed by the name of the Firm as it appears on SOQ. Failure to submit a complete financial documents package or rate sheet may result in termination of negotiations.

C. After the financial documents and rate sheet have been received, DWR will begin to review the documentation to ensure the documents are complete and requested reimbursement is appropriate. Discussions with the most qualified applicant regarding the submitted financial documents, rate sheet, and resumes will occur after DWR’s review in order to determine a cost that is fair and reasonable to the State. Any missing documentation or comments from DWR will need to be resolved timely; see Section X, Time Schedule. If DWR is unable to successfully negotiate a cost agreement with the most qualified Firm, negotiations will begin with the next most qualified Firm, and so on. If DWR is unable to negotiate a fair and reasonable cost with any Firm, DWR may elect not to award the contract and may elect to proceed with a new solicitation.

D. Unsuccessful Firm’s will be notified by DWR following award of the contract.

E. Nothing in this RFQ shall require DWR to award a contract.

VIII. Other Conditions and Information

In addition to Section V, Selection Criteria, Section VI, Evaluation Process, and VII, Negotiations, the following conditions and information apply:

A. Firms must keep the interview selection, interview content, most-qualified selection, and contract negotiations confidential until the contract is awarded.

B. Evaluations will be available for public inspection at the conclusion of the selection and award process under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and subject to review by the public.

C. DWR considers confidential financial information provided by firms as a part of negotiations to not be subject to the Public Records Act.

D. On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22

(the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S.

government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. By submitting a bid or proposal a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), Contractor represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should the State determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Contractor’s SOQ any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the State.

IX. Submission of SOQs

A. Two (2) hard copies and one (1) text readable pdf copy on a USB Flash Drive of the SOQ must be submitted (mailed or hand delivered) to the following addresses:

Mail: Overnight or Hand Delivery:

Department of Water Resources Department of Water Resources Division of Engineering Division of Engineering Attention: Marissa Sharp Attention: Marissa Sharp P. O. Box 942836 715 P Steet, 4th Floor Sacramento, CA 94236-0001 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 642-2887 Phone: (916) 642-2887

B. The SOQs must be received by 2:00 PM on Friday, August 2, 2024. Envelopes should be clearly labeled: “Statement of Qualifications, No. 10199297. SOQs WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024.” SOQs received after the due date and time will be returned unopened to the submitting party.

C. DWR is not responsible for any costs incurred by the Firms’ for preparation of

SOQs.

D. All materials (except brochures) submitted in response to this RFQ shall become

State property and will not be returned. Brochures of non-selected Firm’s may be picked up where they were submitted after award has been made.

E. An SOQ may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any proposed alternate terms, alterations of form, or other irregularities of any kind.

The State may reject all SOQs and may cancel or modify this RFQ up to the date the SOQ is due. DWR reserves the right to reject all SOQs.

F. Before the SOQ submission deadline, an Firm may withdraw its SOQ by submitting a written withdrawal request to the State, signed by the Firm or an agent authorized in accordance with the preceding paragraph. An Firm may thereafter submit a new SOQ prior to the SOQ submission deadline. SOQs may not be revised without good cause and DWR’s consent subsequent to SOQ submission deadline.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.ca.gov%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F03%2F3.4.22-Russia-Ukraine-Executive-Order.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C28a4c28038ae446efda008da6679d6cf%7Cb71d56524b834257afcd7fd177884564%7C0%7C0%7C637934970719385209%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UrRQWpdi0r26m4VTb2rnqz66qeF%2BBB%2B4Yk3HtTmfPpY%3D&reserved=0

G. DWR may modify the RFQ prior to the date fixed for submission of SOQs by the issuance of an addendum posted to California State Contracts Register via Cal eProcure (FI$Cal).

H. Firms are cautioned not to rely on DWR, during the evaluation, to discover and report any defects and errors in the submitted documents. Firms, before submitting their documents, should carefully proof them for errors and adherence to the RFQ requirements. DWR may, but is not required to, waive minor deviations from submission requirements.

X. Time Schedule*

A. RFQ published CSCR 6-28-2024

Integrated Marketing Systems 6-28-2024

B. SOW and General RFQ Questions Deadline 7-11-2024 at 2:00 PM

C. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference 7-12-2024 at 10:00 AM

D. Answers Deadline 7-19-2024

E. SOQ Submission Deadline 8-2-2024

DWR will make every effort to commit to the dates listed below. DWR expects the same commitment from firms. If a firm is not able to meet the timelines listed below F – M, DWR may opt to begin negotiations with the next most qualified firm. DWR reserves the right to change the dates:

F. Interview Dates (estimated dates) 8-9-2024 – 8-16-2024

G. Most qualified Firm is selected and request of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet (estimated date) **Start of Negotiations 8-23-2024

H. Submission of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet Due (estimated date, 5 days after selection) 8-30-2024

I. DWR Completes Review of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet; DWR Provides Comments and Requests Missing Information (estimated date) 9-11-2024

J. Submission of resumes for all staff, if needed

(estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 9-16-2024

K. Submission of requested documentation necessary to complete negotiations (estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 9-16-2024

L. Completion date for final Rate Sheet (estimated date) 9-23-2024

M. Completion date for contract negotiations (estimated date) 9-23-2024

N. Contract approval (estimated date) 10-9-2024

**Negotiation Workshop: After the most qualified is determined and financial documentation has been received, DWR will start rate negotiations. A negotiation workshop may be held if necessary to complete the negotiation process.

XI. Contract Obligations

A. The following documents, when completed and approved, along with the resume(s) will comprise the contract (sample contract starting on page 28:

1. A Standard Agreement (STD. 213).

2. Scope of Work in Exhibit A and any corresponding attachments.

3. Budget Detail and Payment Provisions in Exhibit B and any corresponding attachments.

4. General Terms and Conditions in Exhibit C.

5. Special Terms and Conditions for the Department of Water Resources in

Exhibit D and any corresponding attachments.

6. Additional Provisions listed in Exhibit E and any corresponding attachments.

7. Required Provisions Under Code of Federal Regulations in Exhibit FEMA.

B. The following documents are not exhibits, but are required prior to award of contract:

1. Contractor Certification Clause (CCC 04/2017)

2. Payee Data Record (Std. 204)

3. Insurance certificates and endorsements as stated in Exhibit E.

XII. Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) Requirement

A. Firms are strongly encouraged to provide certification of Disabled Veterans

Business Enterprise (DVBE) status. DVBE certification may be obtained from the Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS), and should be attached to the SOQ if DVBE status is claimed. DVBE participation is not required and in no way affects the selection process criteria for this contract.

B. For additional DVBE information DWR encourages you to work with and contact Joanne Arcilla, Small Business and DVBE Program Manager at (916) 707-4593 or via email at SB.DVBE@water.ca.gov.

mailto:SB.DVBE@water.ca.gov

XIII. Small Business (SB) Program

A. In recognition of the significant economic contribution made by California’s small business sector, Government Code 14838 (a) mandates each California agency and department to meet an annual California Small Business participation goal of 25 percent of non-governmental procurements. This goal is achieved through contract awards made directly to the Small Business community or through subcontracted partnerships between Prime firms and California certified small businesses. DWR strongly encourages Prime Firms to partner with California certified Small Businesses in response to this solicitation. Firms that include California certified small businesses as an initial team member, or those which are added subsequent to contract execution through the amendment or task order process, are required to identify the Small Business firm status of each firm as appropriate and will be required to report expenditures made to these business concerns. This will allow DWR to track, tabulate and report overall expenditures made in the Small Business sector as required by the Department of General Services.

B. For questions regarding Small Business Program regulations, contact Joanne

Arcilla, Small Business and DVBE Program Manager at (916) 707-4593 or via email at SB.DVBE@water.ca.gov.

C. Government Code 14838.1 mandates that Department contracts financed with proceeds from Proposition 1E, “Disaster Preparedness and Flood Protection Act of 2006” and Proposition 84, “California Safe Drinking Water, Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006” establish a 25 percent Small Business participation 25% goal. DWR has determined that services outlined within this solicitation include opportunities for Prime Firm - Small Business partnerships.

This goal is achieved through contract awards made directly to the Small Business community or through subcontracted partnerships between Prime firms and California certified small businesses. DWR strongly encourages Prime Firms to partner with California certified Small Businesses in response to this solicitation. Firms that include California certified small businesses as an initial team member, or those which are added subsequent to contract execution through the amendment or task order process, are required to identify the Small Business firm status of each firm as appropriate and will be required to report expenditures made to these business concerns. This will allow DWR to track, tabulate and report overall expenditures made in the Small Business sector as required by the Department of General Services.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fleginfo.legislature.ca.gov%2Ffaces%2Fcodes_displaySection.xhtml%3FsectionNum%3D14838.%26lawCode%3DGOV&data=05%7C01%7C%7Ce37584d997f047245a2608db99e16991%7Cb71d56524b834257afcd7fd177884564%7C0%7C0%7C638272965640869848%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=A2acIySFo1oRvViSicW18%2B1jzyM9DBtB9qi4tMsTOIc%3D&reserved=0 mailto:SB.DVBE@water.ca.gov

XIV. Department of Industrial Relations Registration of Contractors and Prevailing

Wage Monitoring and Enforcement

A. In addition to complying with other applicable laws, effective for all submissions of Statement of Qualifications (SOQs), that include public works, received on or after March 1, 2015, each Firm submitting an SOQ for such contract work must be a Department of Industrial Relations Registered Contractor pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5 (“DIR registered contractor”). A Firm that is not a DIR registered contractor when submitting an SOQ for the contract work is deemed “not qualified.” Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5, all subcontractors performing public works shall also be DIR registered contractors.

B. Effective for contracts that include public works awarded on or after April 1, 2015, all awarded prime contractors, and all subcontractors of any tier, performing public works shall be DIR registered contractors. Also, all such contractors and subcontractors must furnish electronic certified payroll records, for work that is considered “public works” under Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq., directly to the Labor Commissioner (of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement). The contracts are subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.

SOQ CHECKLIST

Please submit the following items in your SOQ in the order listed below. Additionally, the SOQ will not be considered responsive unless the following documents are included in your SOQ Submission.

DWR reserves the right to waive immaterial deviations:

Executive Summary

Introduction of Firm’s Team

Legal name and corresponding address of Firm, as written in the Potential Qualified

Firms- Certification Sheet (see page 25)

Firm’s Point of Contact: Name, Title, Name of Firm, Telephone Number and E-mail Address. Provide contact information for a representative of the firm that DWR can contact for additional information

Complete this section for the Firm and all Subcontractors: Describe the organization of the Firm’s team, including identifying the Key Personnel and each of their roles and responsibilities as it relates to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

Describe proposed contract organization, including identification and responsibilities of all Key Personnel. Indicate roles and responsibilities of the prime contractor and all subcontractors. Indicate how local firms are being utilized to ensure a strong understanding of local laws, ordinances, regulations, policies, requirements, permitting, etc.

The applicant shall submit a summary table that is to be titled "Subcontractor

Summary Data" and that contains the following data on each and every proposed subcontractor.

1. Subcontractor’s legal name and address.

2. Addresses of offices.

3. Number of years that subcontractor has maintained offices in each city.

4. Number of employees in each office.

5. Applicant shall also indicate availability of subcontractors and percentages of time to be spent on contract as well as their respective locations.

6. Business License Number.

7. Name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of subcontractor’s contact person.

8. Approximate percent participation of overall contract for each proposed subcontractor.

9. Firm, including subcontractor(s) registration numbers with the California Department of Industrial Relations (If applicable).

Qualification of Firm’s Key Personnel (Includes Subcontractors)

Identify the Contractor Project Manager for this contract. Indicate all prime contractor’s and subcontractors’ Key Personnel (Project Team) to be used in the performance of these services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work, along with the type of work to be performed and percentage of their time to be spent on the contract. Furnish resumes of all Key Personnel and their respective locations. Resumes shall highlight education, licenses, relevant experience, and specific responsibilities for past services. Resumes are not to exceed 2 pages.

Include the following licenses and certifications:

vi.California Registered Civil Engineer vii.California Registered Landscape Architect viii.Qualified Stormwater Practitioner and Developer ix.International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, and/or American Society of

Consulting Arborists registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) x.Visible Emissions Evaluation Certified Evaluator

Firm’s Team Project Experience:

Provide example projects that best illustrate the Firm’s competencies and qualifications as they relate to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work. Provide brief project descriptions and current client contact information for verification (this is in addition to references required in Section IV, Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements, References). The example projects, which best illustrate the proposed team’s competencies and qualifications for the contract, will represent services performed by individuals from the Firm, including subcontractors, available to do the work and listed on the Subcontractor Summary Data table.

Each SOQ should clearly delineate and address the firm’s relevant experience in the preparation of biological, water resource, and cultural resource evaluations; environmental permit application and document preparation; environmental permit implementation and monitoring; facilitation for environmental agency consultation and public meetings; project management. The SOQ for the firm’s project team must also clearly demonstrate experience and expertise in the potential environmental issues pertinent to the State Water Project and flood control activities that may be served by this contract.

The projects should consist of the following areas:

a. CEQA/NEPA Expertise – A thorough understanding of the California Environmental

Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act will be of critical importance in the selection of the Contractor.

b. CESA/ESA Expertise – A thorough understanding of the California Endangered Species

Act and the federal Endangered Species Act, including Habitat Conservation Plans will be of critical importance in the selection of the Contractor.

c. Environmental Compliance Document Preparation – A demonstrable knowledge and experience in the preparation of all State and federal environmental compliance documents.

d. Historic/Cultural Resource Assessment – The Contractor’s team must include cultural resource professionals (archeologist, architectural historian) who meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s standards and have demonstrable knowledge and experience in cultural resource surveys and investigations, including evaluation of architectural and historical building, structure, facility design. Knowledge of all applicable state historic preservation laws and consultation procedures will be essential to the Contractor’s team. The Contractor should have experience in pre-construction survey techniques for subsurface historic and/or archaeological resources, and construction monitoring experience. The Contractor should be familiar with the federal Section 106 historic consultation process.

e. Natural Resource Assessment – The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in conducting habitat assessments, protocol level assessments of special status species, habitat evaluations, site assessments, wetland delineations, and California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) assessments. The Contractor’s team should have demonstrable ability to address State and federal statutory requirements and standards in preparing all environmental documentation and mitigation measures. The Contractor’s team should have knowledge and experience in the successful coordination and consultation with State and federal resource agencies to resolve environmental concerns.

f. Water Quality - The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in performing water quality studies and supporting the compliance with all State and federal regulations relating to water quality. The Contractor’s team must include Qualified Stormwater Developers and Practitioners who have demonstrable knowledge and experience in preparing, peer reviewing, and implementing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs).

g. Environmental Monitoring – The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in environmental monitoring for construction, maintenance, or emergency response projects.

h. Regulatory Compliance Support and Management – The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in developing regulatory compliance strategies and supporting multiple projects simultaneously.

i. Mitigation and Restoration Projects - The Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in developing mitigation and restoration projects, supporting the creation of conservation easements, and negotiating mitigation agreements.

Additionally, the Contractor’s team must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in developing plans and specifications for restoration projects.

j. Any additional environmental issues and factors that may be of significance in the preparation of the environmental documents.

k. Availability, Schedule and Project Management –The availability of the Contractor’s staff to begin work immediately on various contract tasks. will also be an important selection factor. DWR recommends that the SOQ clearly delineate the person(s) that will be responsible for directing the environmental services team and their relevant experience in such a role.

Certification Sheets

Potential Qualified Firms Certification Sheet…