RFQ_10200505.pdf

RFQ No. 10200505

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

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 10200505

Engineering and Environmental Services

TO ALL PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

August 2, 2024

The Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB), invites qualified firms to submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ). The services to be provided will be engineering and environmental expertise to assist with planning, regulatory operations engineering analysis, and environmental technical assistance. CVFPB will utilize contractor services to support regulatory operations, regulation updates, strategic and operational planning, public outreach and engagement, and logistics related to managing flood risk in areas of 1) preserving the integrity and function of the Adopted Plan of Flood Control, 2) integrating climate resilience, multi-benefit programs, project planning and ecosystem restoration, and groundwater recharge projects with flood-risk-reduction projects, and 3) supporting the reoccurring 5-year update to the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan. The specific work and deliverables are identified in Exhibit A, Description of Services, and will support the Central Valley Flood Protection Board.

This package contains Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 10200505. 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 30, 2024, at the address indicated in Section X, 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 term for this agreement is October 24, 2024 through October 23, 2027 (three years) with the option of up to two one-year amendments (see Exhibit E, Multiple Years Option(s), paragraph 21).

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 IV, Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference. Also in RFQ Section IV, directions are given for the Question and Answer period for non-negotiation related RFQ questions.

2. Section VIII, 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 9, 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 18 (identifies published profit that will be calculated into fully loaded hourly rates).

d. Exhibit E, Escalation, paragraph 19 (identifies how escalation will be addressed).

e. Exhibit E, Mark-up, paragraph 20 (for subcontractor and other direct costs).

f. Exhibit E, Multiple year option(s), paragraph 21 (identifies options to amend for additional years)

5. Exhibit E, Other Contracts with Similar Services, paragraph 22.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Request for Qualifications

Section I - Authority Section II – Definitions for Purposes of this Solicitation Section III – Background Section IV - Questions and Answers/(Mandatory)Pre-SOQ Conference Section V - Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements Section VI - Selection Criteria Section VII - Evaluation Process Section VIII – Negotiation Process Section IX - SOQ Conditions Section X - Submission of SOQs Section XI - Time Schedule Section XII - Contract Obligations Section XIII - Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Requirement Section XIV - Small Business Program

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 VII, 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 VI, 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. Background

The Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB), established as the Reclamation Board in 1911, is the State’s regulatory agency for facilities of the CVFPB Adopted Plan of Flood Control as defined in the California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Waters, Division 1 (Title 23), within the Central Valley, with a mission “to reduce the flood risk of catastrophic flooding to people and property within the California Central Valley.” CVFPB strives to achieve this mission through:

1. Adopting, monitoring, and overseeing the implementation of the Central Valley

Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP);

2. Encouraging continued federal interest through partnerships with the US Army

Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the CVFPB is the non-federal sponsor for existing and new state-federal flood risk reduction facilities;

3. Fulfilling the State’s obligation to USACE to operate and maintain State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC) facilities by managing and assisting maintaining agencies;

4. Evaluating and approving new flood system improvement projects;

5. Effectively exercising permitting, inspection, and enforcement authorities according to regulatory standards, procedures, and requirements;

6. Managing those State lands under the ownership of the Sacramento-San

Joaquin Drainage District; and

7. Providing a forum for public participation and inter-agency coordination on flood management matters.

CVFPB’s jurisdiction includes the entire Central Valley, including all tributaries and distributaries of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and the Tulare and Buena Vista basins. Within its jurisdictional area, CVFPB has an Adopted Plan of Flood Control (APFC) or reclamation strategy for the following areas:

1. Between or within the vicinity of any Federal project levees or channels in the

State Plan of Flood Control in the Central Valley; and

2. Within 100 feet of a non-leveed Regulated Stream listed in California Code of

Regulations, Title 23, Waters, Division 1 (Title 23), Article 8, Table 8.1; and

3. Within a Designated Floodway (DF) adopted by the Board; and

4. Within Sacramento-San Joaquin Drainage District (SSJDD) fee title lands & easements.

Any proposed work that encroaches or affects the APFC will be subject to CVFPB’s regulation, which is implemented by three regulatory programs:

permitting, enforcement, and inspection

IV. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference:

Virtual Meeting Information Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Microsoft Teams Meeting Join the meeting now

Dial in by phone

+1 916-573-2034,,786622204# United States, Sacramento Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 786 622 204#

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 VIII.

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.

Two Phase Question and Answer Period General RFQ Questions and Answers

Questions must be submitted in writing via email by 10:00 AM on August 9, 2024, to Angela Marchbanks @ Angela.Marchbanks@water.ca.gov.

Answers regarding general RFQ questions will be provided via information letter/addendum on August 15, 2024.

Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference

There will be a mandatory, virtual, negotiation question and answer meeting held on August 13, 2024 at 2:30 PM. Negotiation follow-up questions must be submitted in writing via email by 10:00 AM on August 14, 2024 to Angela Marchbanks @ Angela.Marchbanks@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 August 15, 2024.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NWZlNTAwOTAtOTYxMy00NmY4LTlkZDMtYjI3OTNmOWU5OWU2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b71d5652-4b83-4257-afcd-7fd177884564%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22eb11152c-bef7-497c-8c86-817fd6c5ca08%22%7d tel:+19165732034,,786622204 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/464bff6b-35d5-4089-a809-0d998fd161ce?id=786622204 mailto:Angela.Marchbanks@water.ca.gov

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

V. Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements

A. The SOQ should contain, at minimum, information for an objective evaluation of the Firm’s qualifications as it relates to Part VI, Selection Criteria. Please limit your SOQ to a maximum of 50 pages (excluding) cover letters, resumes, and licenses.

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. SOQ Checklist

2. Introduction of Firm’s Team

a. Legal name and corresponding address of Firm, as written in the Potential Qualified Firms - Certification Sheet (see page 27).

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.

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

i. Firm Name and address, including subcontractor(s) names and addresses. If a firm has branch offices, indicate each individual branch that will have a key role on the team.

ii. 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.

iii. Organizational Chart. The Firm is required to identify key personnel, including subcontractor(s), in their organizational chart with a symbol (e.g. such as a star or a key), folded to 8-1/2” x 11”, not to exceed 11” x 17”.

iv. Staff Availability. The Firm will provide a table or a graph (bar chart, pie chart, etc.) showing the percentage of staff availability of the team proposed to work on the contract.

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

3. Firm’s Team Project Experience

a. 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 Organizational Chart.

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

a. Describe the team’s key personnel and their competencies that clearly delineate how their experience fulfills the requirements of each item in Selection Criteria Sections A.1a-F.

a. Provide resumes of all Key Personnel on the organizational chart and others that are expected to be utilized. Resumes are not to exceed four

(4) pages. For each example project listed in the resumes, include the length of time spent on each project (month/year to month/year).

All proposed personnel to be utilized will be grouped by Firm. Personnel resumes shall be arranged by classification and numbered for each individual firm.

b. Professional experience and training of key personnel, including the following required licenses and certifications. Provide copies of current, valid licenses for the Firm and subcontractor(s). An image of the current licensee status as provided by the license lookup feature at www.bpelsg.ca.gov will suffice to meet this requirement. The key personnel and those in responsible charge of work must have California licenses. Also include copies of other pertinent certifications.

Required:

1. Professional Engineer, Registered in California

2. NASSCO Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP®)

Certification

3. Construction General Permit Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) and/or Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) Certification Desired Certifications:

1. Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)

2. Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification by the

Project Management Institute.

3. Professional Hydrologist Certification

4. Register of Professional Archeologists http://www.bpelsg.ca.gov/

5. Certification Sheets

a. Provide the Potential Qualifying Firms Certification Sheet (see page 27 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 (see 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 (3) references for similar types of services within the last five (5) years. At least one (1) of the provided references must be non-

DWR.

7. Conflict of Interest Statement

a. 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.

VI. Selection Criteria

A. Each Firm’s SOQ for this proposed contract service will be evaluated and scored in accordance with the below selection criteria. These criteria will also be used during the interview process.

1. Professional qualifications, demonstrated competence, training, education, and experience of the Firm in relation to the work to be performed, including appropriate licenses. Each SOQ should clearly delineate and address the firm’s relevant experience and how that experience fulfills the requirements of the work as described in Exhibit A, Scope of Work (SOW), specifically in the following four areas of service:

a. Planning Assistance:

i. Demonstrated experience in developing edited, grammatically correct and concise plans and project documents including relevant charts, maps, graphs, images, photos, tables, spreadsheets, dashboards, and PowerPoint presentations.

ii. Demonstrated experience in reviewing, assessing, analyzing, and providing recommendations on technical and policy documents, guidelines and guidance documents, implementation strategies, communication and engagement plans, activity tracking and reporting documents, and project management documentation.

iii. Demonstrated experience and understanding of high-level strategic and policy-oriented planning with familiarity with State and federal requirements associated with the following:

1. Water resources and watershed strategic planning;

2. Agricultural analysis, assessments, and strategy;

3. Recreation analysis, assessments, and strategy;

4. Stormwater resource planning / drainage assessments;

5. Economic and financing assessments and strategy;

6. Climate vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies;

7. Hazard mitigation planning and disaster response; and

Program/project management;

8. Equity and environmental justice analysis, assessments, and strategic planning.

iv. Demonstrated understanding of CVFPB’s regulatory programs

(permitting, enforcement, and inspection) and SSJDD Assessment District Feasibility Study effort and experience conducting assessments, engineering evaluations, and developing recommendations on implementation strategies for these programs.

v. Demonstrated understanding of policies and processes related to multi-benefit flood improvements with experience reviewing, investigating, and evaluating engineering and environmental planning, feasibility studies and design projects that support implementation of multi-benefit flood improvements that mitigate and rehabilitate flood system deficiencies or improve performance and reliability of the existing flood system.

vi. Demonstrated experience conducting planning and engineering analysis to support alignment and coordination of federal, State, and regional flood management plans and multi-benefit initiatives to improve integrated flood management.

vii. Demonstrated understanding of the USACE Section 408 permitting process and relevant federal policies and requirements and experience in conducting engineering analysis and planning required to develop a USACE section 408 multi-phased review.

viii. Demonstrated understanding of Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) policies and groundwater recharge effort, the CVFPB’s Designated Floodway program, and the strategy to integrate both efforts to help groundwater and flood risk management.

ix. Demonstrated understanding of the CVFPB’s priorities included in the CVFPB’s resolution of adoption of the 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Update and demonstrated experience providing engineering assistance and planning services in support of the implementation of those priorities, including:

1. assessing and developing procedures to State Plan of Flood Control’s (SPFC) modification, addition, removal, or repurposing;

2. evaluating and analyzing unacceptable encroachments in the SPFC, and reviewing engineering proposals to bring encroachments to compliance;

3. providing guidance and developing strategies for non-eligible LMAs to regain and maintain USACE PL 84-99 rehabilitation eligibility for all SPFC levees.

4. analyzing CVFPB’s standards and guidance documents in support of prioritizing of systemwide improvements, multi-benefit projects, and projects that consider multi-benefit features;

5. analyzing future modeled climate scenarios and understanding of how those can be integrated into existing CVFPB standards and guidance;

6. evaluating the adequacy and level of flood protection of existing flood protection facilities (levees, weirs, etc.);

7. developing hydrology based future climate scenarios to support sufficient levels of flood protection for Central Valley communities.

b. The CVFPB’s Regulatory Operations:

Demonstrated experience and knowledge of in the following areas:

i. Hydraulics: Review and assess hydraulic modeling data; evaluate project's potential impact on flood water levels, flow velocities, and scour related to flood control features; assess project's compliance with hydraulic design criteria and standards; have experience evaluating hydraulic structures to assess fish passage.

ii. Geotechnical: Review and assess geotechnical reports; evaluate the project's potential impact on the stability of levees, embankments, and other geotechnical features; assess the project's compliance with relevant geotechnical design criteria and standards.

iii. Report and Compliance Documentation: Prepare concise and informative reports summarizing the findings of the engineering analyses and environmental compliance review including graphics and maps as necessary. Experience providing technical briefings, presentations, and support for implementation of CVFPP flood system alteration projects at meetings and workshops.

iv. Encroachment Removal: Provide engineering and construction support on encroachment removal including pre-removal engineering assistance, construction consulting and monitoring, and field support.

v. Designated Floodway (DF) Program: Perform hydrological and hydraulic modeling and analysis and floodplain mapping necessary to support the Board’s designated floodway program.

vi. Compliance Inspections: develop pre-inspection planning, conduct field inspections including use of drones on project footage and use of camera for pipe video inspections in accordance with NASSCO PACP Standards, and process inspection records and reports. Provide recommendations for resolution of design and construction issues encountered in the field.

vii. Data Management and Database Application Development: develop and maintain databases, update database records, software applications, web-based software applications, and develop Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant web-based applications of the databases.

viii. Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of Title 23 regulations.

c. Technical Assistance for Environmental Services:

i. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with developing and reviewing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance documents necessary for CVFPB’s regulatory programs and programmatic flood planning.

ii. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in leading CEQA-mandated public engagement, and communications support, including workshops with interested parties and Tribes, and public notices and mailings; and development of engagement and partnership program documents.

iii. Demonstrated knowledge and experience preparing and managing all records, reports, documents, graphics, and other required documentation necessary to complete and submit regulatory compliance documents.

iv. Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting mitigation and construction monitoring for construction activities, construction sites, or project locations at or near biologically or ecologically sensitive areas, or areas with archeological or cultural resources.

v. Demonstrated knowledge and experience providing cultural resources evaluations, assessments, and reports for environmental permitting compliance, including built environment and historic structure assessments for levees and other applicable structures. Comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and CEQA, including early consultation with Native American tribes in accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 52 and the California Natural Resources Agency’s Tribal Consultation Policy (Gatto, 2014).

vi. Demonstrated knowledge and experience providing planning and technical services for the development and/or continued implementation of programmatic approaches (i.e., permit agreements, authorizations), project permitting, and agency consultations, to comply with all State and federal environmental requirements.

vii. Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting environmental mitigation and restoration planning, evaluations, design, and monitoring.

viii. Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting hazardous material environmental assessments, including performing site investigations of toxic substances; assist with determining the type and extent of contamination and actions necessary for clean-up.

ix. Demonstrated knowledge and experience performing biological resources assessments, including field surveys, and other field work;

biological analyses; and preparing biological reports, including specialized reports for special-status species, habitats, and projects.

d. Program/Project Management and Coordination Activities in support of Section 1 through 3, as described in Exhibit A, SOW:

i. Demonstrated experience developing strategic plans, implementation plans, work plans, and program management plans, for applications and programs of state agencies. Demonstrated understanding of CVFPB mission, priorities, programs, and procedures.

ii. Demonstrated experience preparing legislative briefing materials and budget status reports for flood management programs and the CVFPB.

iii. Demonstrated understanding of CVFPB partnerships, programs, and meetings. Demonstrated experience developing strategies, documents, and communications tools to effectively convey engineering, environmental, and other technical information in support of engagement with local, state, and federal agencies and increased comprehension of technical data. This may include preparation for and facilitation of public meetings, agency meetings, workshops, forums, symposia, conferences, and webinars.

iv. Demonstrated understanding of the Yolo Bypass Cache Slough (YBCS) Partnership, the CVFPB’s role in the YBCS Partnership, the YBCS Mater Plan, and the federal Yolo Bypass Comprehensive Study. Experience conducting planning, program management, project management, and implementation support inter-agency partnerships.

v. Demonstrated expertise and experience in identifying and documenting flood management program resourcing needs, tracking expenditures, and preparing accomplishment reports.

vi. Demonstrated expertise in flood management and water-related issues and experience attending and providing planning support for flood management meetings.

vii. Demonstrated experience tracking, coordinating and creating reports for flood management activities.

viii. Demonstrated experience performing project management functions for flood management programs, including development of proposals for scopes of work, schedules, and budgets.

2. Professional experience and training of key personnel, including the following required licenses and certifications.

a. Planning Assistance:

i. Demonstrates understanding of the legislative process and how to affect legislative change.

ii. Demonstrates appropriate use of terms, procedures, and documentation.

iii. Demonstrates extensive knowledge, ability, planning, and resourcefulness to achieve project goals and deliverables within a deadline.

iv. Has experience with USACE ER 500-1-1, USACE Policy for Development and Implementation of System-Wide Improvement Frameworks (SWIFs) dated November 29, 2011.

v. Demonstrates understanding of SGMA and relevant legislation, experience engaging with GSAs, experience reviewing Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSP).

b. CVFPB’s Regulatory Operations:

i. Key personnel need to have demonstrated experience of the competences shown in Section A.2 and have necessary professional licenses and certificates.

ii. For engineering activities, a registered professional engineer in the State of California shall be used.

iii. Video inspection services shall be provided by a certified NASSCO PACP contractor.

iv. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilots shall be FAA-Certified Drone Pilots in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107 and abide by all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

c. Technical Assistance for Environmental Services:

i. Provide qualifications for a professional archaeologist for archaeological, historic, pre-historic, and architectural resources. A copy of membership in the Register of Professional Archeologists is desirable.

ii. Personnel with expertise in wetland delineations familiar with United States Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency standards.

iii. Qualified botanists possessing the knowledge of and experience with California plant taxonomy and natural community ecology, aquatic and terrestrial invasive plants and treatments for invasive plants.

d. Program/Project Management and Coordination Activities in support of above Service Areas:

i. Contract Manager will have at least five (5) years cumulative experience, verifiable via submitted resumes, in the following:

1. Economics

2. Public Policy

3. Planning related to Flood Management within the jurisdiction of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Draining District or the Central Valley of California

4. Managing large, complex, multidisciplinary projects with a strong emphasis on Stakeholder engagement

5. Responsible for development of reports containing the required detail and complexity to formulate realistic recommendations.

ii. Personnel must demonstrate multiple years’ experience in applicable laws, public policy, data analysis, research, and writing reports.

iii. Demonstrated competence and relevant experience engaging with stakeholders. Highlight experience and methods used resolving complex, controversial issues verified via submitted resumes and written narratives of previous project and program work. Demonstrates understanding of key stakeholders and public policies. .

iv. Project management expertise includes developing project plans, charters, schedules, and budgets to implement program and project deliverables.

v. Demonstrated competence and relevant experience to proficiently develop the work plans and schedules - demonstrating the ability to perform the scope of Work and meet the project deliverables.

Demonstrates understanding of project management, relevant parameters, procedures, policies, and documentation of process and results. Identifies major tasks/milestones and subtasks by which progress can be measured. Includes a clear description of approach, analysis, and project design to achieve project goals and deliverables crucial to perform the required services.

3. Nature and quality of completed work that is similar to work described in Exhibit A, Scope of Work:

a. Planning Assistance: The firm must have proven success in California water and flood sector programs including feasibility, strategy and policy documents; hydraulics, and hydrology reports; mapping; project technical review documents, technical review strategic reports, development flood management plans and initiatives; implementation, resource plans and documents; program and project tracking expenditure reports and accomplishment reports; and other related documents.

b. The CVFPB’s Regulatory Operations: The firm must have demonstrable knowledge of planning, writing, and assisting in the writing of regulations to be approved by the Office of Administrative Law.

c. Technical Assistance for Environmental Services: The firm must have demonstrable knowledge and experience in the preparation and review of environmental compliance documentation and applications necessary for obtaining local, State, and federal permits.

d. Program/Project Management and Coordination Activities in support of above Service Areas:

i. The firm must demonstrate proficiencies in drafting of briefing materials;

developing communication, engagement, and outreach plans and strategic documents; Flood and water-related expertise to produce reports, presentations, and other communication documents and providing expert graphic, editorial, and report design for finalizing publications; implementation, resource plans and documents; program and project tracking expenditure reports and accomplishment reports;

and other related documents.

ii. Demonstrable knowledge and experience with the facilitation and public outreach for complex and potentially contentious public projects, programs, and topics.

iii. The firm must demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines and provide deliverables for Board-related planning and program management coordination activities including briefing materials, presentations, communication, engagement, and outreach plans and response to public comment; engagement strategic documents and plans; scopes of work, schedules, and budgets, implementation and resource plans, program development, and project tracking expenditure reports;

accomplishment reports; and other related documents.

4. Reliability of firm and continuity of proposed firm’s staff and subcontractors included in the team. The firm shall demonstrate reliability and continuity of staff and subcontractors.

5. Firm’s workload and demonstrated ability to meet the Board’s potential needs, including ability to adequately service multiple projects concurrently.

6. The firm shall demonstrate staff capacity adequately service multiple projects concurrently.

7. Location of firm office(s) for contract manager and services.

a. The firm and its contract manager will have an office in northern California, approximately within 2-hour driving distance from the City of Sacramento.

VII. 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 V, 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.

VIII. 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 IV) 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. 10200505 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 XI, 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.

IX. SOQ Conditions

In addition to Section VI, Selection Criteria and Section VII, Evaluation Process, the following SOQ conditions 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.

X. Submission of SOQs

A. One text readable pdf copy of the SOQ must be emailed to Angela Marchbanks at Angela.Marchbanks@water.ca.gov. Please be prepared to provide up to five (5) copies of the SOQ at the time of interviews. The selected firms will be notified of requested copies to be provided at the interview.

Alternative options of SOQ submission is to mail, overnight, or hand deliver (hand deliver by appointment only) the text readable pdf copy of the SOQ on a USB Flash Drive to the following addresses:

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

Mail: Overnight or Hand Delivery:

Department of Water Resources Department of Water Resources Division of Engineering Division of Engineering Attention: Angela Marchbanks Attention: Angela Marchbanks P. O. Box 942836 715 P Street, 4th Floor Sacramento, CA 94236-0001 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 803-5627 Phone: (916) 803-5627

B. The SOQs must be received by 2:00 PM on Friday, August 30, 2024. Envelopes should be clearly labeled: “Statement of Qualifications, No. 10200505. SOQs WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL Friday, August 30, 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.

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.

XI. Time Schedule*

A. RFQ published CSCR 8/2/24

Integrated Marketing Systems 8/2/24

B. SOW and General RFQ Questions Deadline 8/9/24 10:00AM

C. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference 8/13/24 2:30 PM

D. Answers Deadline 8/15/24

E. SOQ Submission Deadline 8/30/24 2:00 PM

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) 9/9/24 – 9/16/24

G. Most qualified Firm is selected and request of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet (estimated date) 9/17/24

H. Submission of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet Due **Start of Negotiations (estimated date, 5 days after selection) 9/23/24

I. DWR Completes Review of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet; DWR Provides Comments and Requests Missing Information (estimated date) 10/2/24

J. Submission of resumes for all staff, if needed

(estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 10/7/24

K. Submission of requested documentation necessary to complete negotiations (estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 10/11/24

L. Completion date for final Rate Sheet (estimated date) 10/14/14

M. Completion date for contract negotiations (estimated date) 10/14/24

N. Contract approval (estimated date) 10/24/24

**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.

XII. Contract Obligations

A. The following documents, when completed and approved, along with the resume(s) will comprise the contract (sample contract starting on page 30):

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.

XIII. Disabled Veteran 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.

XIV. Small Business (SB) Program

A. In recognition of the significant economic contribution made by California’s small business sector, Government Code 14838 (a)…