RFQ_10202199.pdf

RFQ No. 10202199

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

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. 10202199

Environmental and Engineering Services

TO ALL PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

November 6, 2024

The Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Multibenefit Initiatives, invites qualified firms to submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ). The services to be provided will be environmental and engineering support to programs and projects associated with the work of Division of Multibenefit Initiatives (DMI), including the Riverine Stewardship Program, Systemwide Flood Risk Reduction (SFRR) Program, Facilitating Improvement of Systemwide Habitat (FISH), Land Stewardship Program, and Delta Levees Program.

The specific work and deliverables are identified in Exhibit A, Description of Services, and will support the Division of Multibenefit Initiatives’ Delta Resiliency Branch.

This package contains Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 10202199. In submitting your SOQ you will comply with the instructions found herein. The SOQ must be received by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 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 term for this agreement is February 17, 2025 through February 16, 2028 (three years) with the option of up to two one-year amendments (see Exhibit E, No. 21 - Multiple Years Option(s)).

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.

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

Please see instructions in Section V of the enclosed RFQ on how to submit questions regarding services to be performed or submission requirements.

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

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

2. Section IX - 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. Section XVII – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure, which describes the new GenAI disclosure requirements when submitting a Statement of Qualifications.

4. GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet (STD 1000) is the Standard form required as a part of a

Statement of Qualifications

5. Exhibit E, No. 9 - Substitutions of Personnel, contains revisions.

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

a. Exhibit E, No. 2 - Reimbursement Clause. The process of how to request short term excess lodging is now incorporated into this clause. *NOTE: Effective October 1, 2024, the State has adopted the federal standard and non-standard reimbursement lodging rates, as well as rates for Meals and Incidental Expenses.

Please click on the link within the Reimbursement Clause to view the new Federal reimbursement rates.

b. Exhibit, E, No. 18 - Profit (identifies published profit that will be calculated into fully loaded hourly rates).

c. Exhibit E, No. 19 - Escalation (identifies how escalation will be addressed).

d. Exhibit E, No. 20 - Mark-up (for subcontractor and other direct costs).

e. Exhibit E, No. 21 - Multiple year option(s) (identifies options to amend for additional years).

7. Exhibit E, No. 22 - Other Contracts with Similar Services.

8. Exhibit E, No. 23 – Limitations of Work.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Request for Qualifications Section I - Authority Section II – Definitions for Purposes of this Solicitation Section III – Background Section IV - Purpose Section V – Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference Section VI - Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements Section VII - Selection Criteria Section VIII - Evaluation Process Section IX – Negotiation Process Section X - SOQ Conditions Section XI - Submission of SOQs Section XII - Time Schedule Section XIII - Contract Obligations Section XIV - Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Requirement Section XV - Small Business Program Section XVI – Department of Industrial Relations Registration of Contractors and Prevailing Wage Monitoring and Enforcement Section XVII – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure Payee Data Record (Std. 204)

2. SOQ Checklist

3. Potential Qualified Firms Certification Sheet

4. Explanation of Items on Potential Qualified Firms Certification Sheet

5. References

6. GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet (STD 1000)…………………………………………………………………27

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. “Submitter” means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity that submits an SOQ to DWR in response to a Request for Qualifications.

E. “Bidder/Offeror” means Submitter.

F. For information regarding “subcontractors” or “subcontracting”, please reference Exhibit D, No. 5 – Potential Subcontractors and Exhibit D, No. 6 – Subcontractors.

G. 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).

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)

H. Agreement also means Contract.

I. “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).

J. “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 California Department of Water Resources (DWR) requires the services of an environmental and engineering firm to assist in the development and implementation of numerous multibenefit projects and studies that include, flood management, habitat and floodplain restoration, groundwater recharge, and fish passage components. For the purposes of this contract, work will take place throughout the State which includes all DWR work areas and river watersheds, including tributaries.

This contract will be providing environmental and engineering support to programs and projects associated with the work of the Division of Multibenefit Initiatives (DMI), including the Riverine Stewardship Program, Systemwide Flood Risk Reduction (SFRR) Program, Facilitating Improvement of Systemwide Habitat (FISH), Land Stewardship Program, and Delta Levees Program. Support in developing and implementing fish-related improvement projects; multi-benefit flood risk reduction/ecosystem projects; riparian, floodplain, and stream channel restoration projects; and drought response and climate adaptation activities related to endangered species, habitat improvements, and infrastructure for flood-risk reduction. Part of these functions may overlap or include meeting the terms of the State and federal permits or agreements that allow the DWR State Water Project (SWP) to export water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta or other departmental obligations related to meeting restoration policies or initiatives.

Typical projects include those fishery enhancement projects required by: the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) Water Quality Control Plan, Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, species recovery and conservation strategies, specific budget items, statewide restoration initiatives (i.e., 30-by-30 Initiative), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Incidental Take Permit (ITP), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) respective Biological Opinions. Projects may require permits from CDFW, USFWS, US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), NMFS, SWRCB, Delta Stewardship Council, and other regulatory entities. Contractor will also provide hydrologic and hydraulic modeling including delta and riverine environments.

Support provided for ongoing and future projects/activities to the following projects, which will be typical of the project and program needs of this contract.

1. Shasta Juvenile Salmon Collection System Pilot Study

2. Sunset Weir Removal Fish Passage Improvement Project

3. North Fork Feather River Salmon Studies

4. Fish Passage Improvement Projects

5. Agreements to support Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (Voluntary

Agreements)

6. 30 by 30 Initiative Project Support

7. Climate Resiliency (e.g., Watershed Studies; Ecological Floodplain Inundation

Potential [EcoFIP] and Flood Managed Aquifer Recharge [FloodMAR],) and Flood Protection Studies and Projects

8. Water Rights Investigations and Project Support

9. Support Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Partnership Efforts and State contributions to the USACE Yolo Bypass Comprehensive Study for the Lower Sacramento River, Yolo Bypass, and north Delta (including but not limited to the Little Egbert Tract Multi-Benefit Project and Upper Elkhorn Basin Expansion Project)

10. Hamilton City Flood Risk Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project

11. Dos Rios Ranch Floodplain Expansion and Habitat Restoration Project

12. Yolo Bypass Multibenefit Projects

13. McCormick Williamson Tract Habitat Restoration Project

14. Grizzly Slough Floodplain Restoration Project

15. Advanced Programmatic Mitigation for the Delta Levees Program

16. Long Term Management of DWR Habitat Lands Under the Delta Levees and

Land Stewardship Programs

17. San Joaquin River Basin Multibenefit Projects (including but not limited to

Paradise Cut Multibenefit Project)

18. Sacramento River Basin Multibenefit Projects

IV. Purpose

Please see Exhibit A, Scope of Work, for a description of services.

V. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference:

Virtual Meeting Information Wednesday, November 19, 2024 At 2:00 PM

Microsoft Teams Meeting Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 240 267 682 292 Passcode: v7mMS6

Dial in by phone +1 916-573-2034,,248128256# United States, Sacramento

Find a local number https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YzVhNTIzY2MtMWMyYy00YTU4LWExNzktYWMzZDg5Y2U1NjM3%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,,248128256 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/464bff6b-35d5-4089-a809-0d998fd161ce?id=248128256

Phone conference ID: 248 128 256#

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 IX.

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 November 18, 2024, to Angela.Marchbanks@water.ca.gov.

Answers regarding general RFQ questions will be provided via information letter/addendum on November 22, 2024.

Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference

There will be a mandatory, virtual, negotiation question and answer meeting held on Wednesday, November19, 2024.

Negotiation follow-up questions must be submitted in writing via email by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2024 to Angela Marchbanks at 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 November 22, 2024

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

VI. 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 (25 sheets) double sided 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:

mailto:Angela.Marchbanks@water.ca.gov mailto:Angela.Marchbanks@water.ca.gov

1. Introduction of Firm’s Team

a. Legal name and corresponding address of Firm, as written in the Potential Qualified Firms - Certification Sheet (see page 23).

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). Limited to (# of pages) 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).

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

i. The firm and its contract manager will have an office within California with a location of firm office(s) closest to DWR’s Headquarters in Sacramento.

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

a. Describe the education and experience of the Key Personnel corresponding with Section VII, Selection Criteria, Paragraph A.

b. Provide resumes of all Key Personnel on organizational chart and expected to be utilized. List no more than three projects per resume, not to exceed two (2) 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. Resumes shall be arranged by classification and numbered for each individual firm.

i. Identify the Project Manager for this contract. The project manager will be responsible for the oversight and implementation of each Task Order and/or assist the DWR project manager with project planning and coordination. Project managers will be responsible for interfacing with team members to ensure timely completion of all deliverables. Contractor will collaborate strategically regarding the technical information that must be included to meet applicable engineering design requirements and for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)/ National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and environmental permitting applications being prepared, and other needs of the project as assigned. This will include meeting and working cooperatively with DWR staff, other consultants, technical staff, contractors, and environmental agency representatives; identifying deliverable timeframes and schedules;

and establishing template for documents with format and level of specificity needed.

c. Experience and Technical Competence

i. Each SOQ should clearly delineate and address the firm’s relevant experience in the preparation of: environmental planning and analysis, preventive and corrective project planning, environmental constraints assessment, CEQA/NEPA analysis and document development, ESA and CESA analysis and document development, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act document development, wetlands and waters permitting, cultural and tribal resource support, restoration and mitigation planning, and environmental compliance for large civil construction projects. 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 (SWP) and to programs and projects associated with the work of the Division of Multibenefit Initiatives (DMI).

ii. The engineering and environmental work tasks require specialized expertise associated with the projects for the engineering and modeling service team(s) are listed below, however, this is not meant to serve as a complete list of all the issues and factors that may be of significance in the preparation of the engineering documents for the listed projects. This list is a summary of expertise examples needed, and it is only provided as a means of assisting each potential Contractor in the formation of their respective service team(s). The list is as follows:

1. Various computer modeling, such as hydraulic modeling one-dimensional Open Channel Hydraulic Models including HEC- RAS and Geo-RAS and two-dimensional open channel hydraulic modeling including Flo-2D, RMA2/SMS, Mike-21, and TUFLOW, hydrologic modeling (HEC-HMS), alternative analysis, vegetation analysis, hydraulic elevation analysis (1957 profile), and feasibility modeling. Developing model simulations, including developing and debugging model input files; building, correcting, and modifying model grids; and diagnosing model errors. Obtaining available model input data, calibrate, and validate modeling output, conduct sensitivity analyses, conduct scenario testing to simulate proposed dynamics, determine model uncertainty and document assumptions, and study results. Providing technical guidance in interpreting models, model simulations, and model results. Simulation of proposed projects, analyze the data, and document the assumptions and study results.

2. Engineering Design/geotechnical exploration and evaluation, preparing drawings including as-built drawings.

3. Analyzing Fluvial geomorphology.

4. Mechanical engineering, design and plan preparation and on-site monitoring related to project design. Mechanical engineering design work including work affiliated with evaluating pump systems and evaluating possibilities of moving or relocating mechanical water infrastructure.

5. Electrical engineering, electrical systems design and associated construction and field monitoring on projects. Work including consideration of low or high voltage wiring needed for lighting, gates, spillways, or other elements utilized in flood control or restoration projects.

6. Structural engineering.

7. Surveying including bathymetry, floodplain topology, geologic features, vegetation cover, and land use. Work including remote sensing data collection and analyses.

8. Land surveys for jurisdictional boundaries.

d. Include the following valid professional license(s) and certifications:

i. California Licensed Professional Engineer—Civil

ii. California Licensed Professional Engineer—Geotechnical

iii. California Licensed Professional Engineer—Structural

iv. California Licensed Professional Engineer—Electrical

v. California Licensed Professional Engineer—Mechanical

vi. California Licensed Professional Land Surveyor

vii. California Registered Landscape Architect

viii. Professional Restoration Ecologist

ix. Qualified Stormwater Practitioner and Developer

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

American Society of Consulting Arborists registered Consulting Arborist (RCA).

xi. Visible Emissions Evaluation Certified Evaluator

xii. Project Management Institute, Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

3. Firm’s Team Project Experience

a. Provide three (3) 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. Certification Sheets

a. Provide the Potential Qualifying Firms Certification Sheet (see page 23) 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.

5. References

a. Provide three (3) references for similar types of services within the last five (5) years. At a minimum, complete references form on page (page number).

6. 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.

V. 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.

2. Nature and quality of applicable completed work. Experience supporting projects consistent with ongoing Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Division of Multibenefit Initiatives (DMI) programs including, but not limited to:

a) Healthy Rivers and Landscape/Voluntary Agreements

b) Central Valley Flood Protection Plan and Conservation Strategy

c) California Salmon Strategy

d) Riverine Stewardship Program (Water Code sections 7048-7049)

e) Nature Based Solutions

f) Delta Levees Program and In-Delta Investments

3. Knowledge of:

a) State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC);

b) Urban Levee Design Criteria;

c) National Levee Safety Guidelines;

d) Permitting related to riverine systems and the Sacramento-San Joaquin

Delta;

e) Fish passage design guidance;

f) Adaptive management practices including: conservation values, historical ecology, wetland and floodplain geomorphology, soil characteristics, native plant requirements, and biological invasions;

g) Principles, policies, and guidelines required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on federal projects;

h) State and federal constraints and potential requirements and procedures needed to effectively plan and implement major modifications to the

SPFC.

4. Knowledge of/experience in Environmental Science/Biology/Ecology including:

a) Site assessments, including surface and sub-surface investigation techniques, data collection, and interpretation;

b) Environmental monitoring;

c) California Fisheries expertise, especially on California salmonid species and other threatened or endangered fish species;

d) Fish barrier removal, design, and implementation in California. Fish passage design guidance, criteria, and restoration solutions;

e) Bioengineering/nature-based solutions for stream restoration;

f) Survey State and federally listed plant and animal species, and other sensitive or special-status species using established protocols;

g) Sensitive and/or potentially critical habitats and other sensitive biological resources found in California;

5. Knowledge of/experience in Engineering including:

a) Water and related resources planning focusing on flood management, water supply, and ecosystem restoration;

b) Expertise in water rights investigations;

c) Capability to incorporate geotechnical, hydraulic, and hydrologic field data and laboratory analysis into designs and existing DWR flood management data systems;

d) Strategies to address known levee surface and subsurface issues, particularly with the Sacramento and San Joaquin Flood Control Systems;

e) Completing, reviewing, and evaluating engineering design projects to mitigate levee deficiencies, remove/breach levees to allow for natural processes or improve levee existing conditions and reliability;

f) Site assessments, including surface and sub-surface investigation techniques, data collection, and interpretation;

6. Knowledge of/experience in Environmental Planning, Permitting, & Analysis including:

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

b) Natural resource planning, environmental permitting and regulatory compliance including expertise in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta;

c) Restoration ecology;

d) CEQA, NEPA, and permitting processes, regulations, and analysis in

California.

7. Knowledge of/experience in Modeling and Site Assessment including:

a) Qualifications and availability of additional resources, including engineers, hydrologists, water resources planners, and environmental scientists capable of using complex hydrologic and hydraulic, and environmental restoration models and resources forecasting techniques throughout California but also specific experience in the Central Valley and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta;

b) Using the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) and Institute of Water Resources (IWR) suite of tools, display of modeling results for broad audience, graphic user interface development, and database integration;

c) Water quality measurements and modeling including organic compounds and salinity;

d) Cultural resource surveys, assessment, and monitoring;

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

f) Prehistoric and historic archaeological resources;

g) Conducting field-based studies on, in, and near water;

8. Knowledge of/experience in management of team tasks, Technical Report Writing, and cost benefit analysis between alternatives as part of scoping or feasibility study/analysis including:

a) Management of a team working on large, multi-benefit engineering and ecosystem restoration project planning and feasibility efforts.

b) Preparation of clear and concise comprehensive technical reports;

c) Review and analysis of reports, designs, and water resources related technical and policy evaluations;

d) Project development and planning, conceptual designs, alternative analysis, and feasibility studies is also needed to inform project planning

9. Demonstrated experience in support of agency and interested party coordination and engagement activities for complex water resources programs and projects, including gathering broad public input on potential projects and working with Tribes.

10. Firm’s experience adapting to changing directives and short deadlines in response to emergency events and political forces.

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

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

13. Nature and quality of applicable completed work.

14. Location of firm office(s) closest to DWR’s Headquarters in Sacramento.

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 VI, 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 V) 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. 10202199 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 XII, 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. SOQ Conditions

In addition to Section VII, Selection Criteria and Section VIII, 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.

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

IX. Submission of SOQs

A. Five (5) 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: Angela Marchbanks Attention: Angela Marchbanks P. O. Box 942836 715 P Steet, 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 Monday, December 9, 2024.

Envelopes should be clearly labeled: “Statement of Qualifications, No.

10202199. SOQs WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL Monday, December 9, 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, a 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. A 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.

X. Time Schedule*

A. RFQ published CSCR 11/6/2024

Integrated Marketing Systems 11/6/2024

B. SOW and General RFQ Questions Deadline 11/12/2024

Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference 11/19/2024 2:00 PM

C. Answers Deadline 11/22/2024

D. SOQ Submission Deadline 12/9/2024 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) 12/31/2024 – 1/7/2025

G. Most qualified Firm is selected and request of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet (estimated date) 1/8/2025 **Start of Negotiations

H. Submission of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet Due (estimated date, 5 days after selection) 1/15/2025

I. DWR Completes Review of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet; DWR Provides Comments and Requests Missing Information (estimated date) 1/27/2025

J. Submission of resumes for all staff, if needed

(estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 1/30/2025

K. Submission of requested documentation necessary to complete negotiations (estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 1/30/2025

L. Completion date for final Rate Sheet (estimated date) 2/6/2025

M. Completion date for contract negotiations (estimated date) 2/6/2025

N. Contract approval (estimated date) 2/17/2025

**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 27):

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 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.

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 mailto:SB.DVBE@water.ca.gov 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

Services.

C. 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. 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.

XV. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure

A. The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies.

B. Submitters must notify the State in writing if their solution or service includes, or makes available, any GenAI technology, including GenAI from third parties or subcontractors.

C. The State has developed a GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet to be completed by the Submitters.

D. Failure to disclose GenAI to the State and submit the GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet will result in disqualification of the Submitter and may void any resulting contract. The State reserves its right to seek any and all relief it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure. Upon receipt of a Submitter GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet, the state reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject Submitters that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

mailto:SB.DVBE@water.ca.gov

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:

Introduction of Firm’s Team

Legal name and corresponding address of Firm

Name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of person DWR can concerning the Firm’s SOQ.

Proposed Team, including legal names, list of office address(es), description of organization of Firm’s team, Organization Chart of Firm’s team, percentage of availability, and (if applicable) DIR registration numbers.

Qualification of Firm’s Key Personnel

Education and experience of Key Personnel

Resumes of all Key Personnel

Copies of valid professional license/registration/certifications:

i. California Licensed Professional Engineer—Civil

ii. California Licensed Professional Engineer—Geotechnical

iii. California Licensed Professional…