RFQ_No._10214356.pdf

RFQ No. 10214356

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

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO.10214356

Emergency Release Facility Project Restoration

TO ALL PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

December 4, 2025

The Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Engineering, Planning, Management, and Delivery Branch, Environmental Coordination Section invites qualified firms to submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ). The services to be provided will be environmental services, and landscape architectural services, to support design and environmental restoration of small mammal habitat for the Emergency Release Facility project.

The specific work and deliverables are identified in Exhibit A, Description of Services, and will support the Division of Engineering’s Planning, Management, and Delivery Branch.

This package contains Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 10214356. In submitting your SOQ you will comply with the instructions found herein. The SOQ must be received by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday January 8, 2026, at the address indicated in Section XI, Submission of SOQs of the enclosed RFQ.

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

The estimated length of the term for this agreement is March 19, 2026 through March 18, 2033 (seven years).

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

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 services to be performed or submission requirements.

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 XVI – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure, which describes the new GenAI disclosure requirements when submitting a Statement of Qualifications.

4. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure (DWR 9834) – this is a new form required to be filled out and provided when submitting a Statement of Qualifications.

5. Exhibit D, No. 16 – Generative AI Disclosure Obligations (GenAI disclosure requirements). This is a new clause that identifies contractual requirements involving GEN AI use and reporting of such use.

6. Exhibit E, No. 8 - Substitutions of Personnel, contains revisions.

7. 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. 14 - Profit (identifies published profit that will be calculated into fully loaded hourly rates).

c. Exhibit E, No. 15 - Escalation (identifies how escalation will be addressed).

d. Exhibit E, No. 16 - Mark-up (for subcontractor and other direct costs).

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 - Questions and Answers/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 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure

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. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure (DWR 9834)

8. Sample Standard Agreement (Std. 213)

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

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

11. Exhibit C

General Terms and Conditions

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

13. 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

14. 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, 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)

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Requirements) with a symbol (i.e. such as a star or picture of a key).

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

DWR’s Perris Emergency Release Facility Project (ERF Project) is building a new levee and drainage channel downstream of Perris Dam in Riverside County that will allow DWR to safely direct water downstream to the Perris Valley Channel in the unlikely event that Lake Perris would need to be lowered during an emergency, such as an earthquake. The ERF Project is one of the projects in DWR’s Perris Dam Modernization Program aimed at addressing seismic risks that could impact water deliveries and the safety of surrounding communities. Additional information about the ERF Project and DWR’s Perris Dam Remediation Program can be found on DWR’s website here: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Engineering-And-Construction/Perris- Dam-Remediation.

As lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), DWR prepared and certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the ERF Project in May of 2018 (State Clearinghouse No. 2013091027). As a requirement mitigation measure BIO-2c of the project’s EIR’s, DWR prepared a Restoration Plan in coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that identifies restoration requirements in the ERF Project area. The main objective of the plan is to restore and revegetate small mammal habitat in the portion of the project in the Lake Perris State Recreation Area (SRA) through native seeding of the new levee slopes. Other plan aspects include roadway decommissioning, and habitat enhancement in an area outside of the SRA adjacent to Lake Perris.

Following completion of the new levee and drainage channel, DWR will begin to restore and revegetate areas impacted by the project. The main objective of the restoration and revegetation work is to establish conditions that are suitable for use by small mammals including the two species known to occur within the SRA: Stephen’s kangaroo rat and Los Angeles pocket mouse. Generally, the main area to be restored (levee slopes and decommissioned road segments) is approximately 15 acres. Main components of the restoration work include the following:

• Site preparation, including soil preparation, possible soil amendments, and non-native plant removal

• Seeding of native grass, forb, and shrub species

• Five (5) years of maintenance activities to progress the site towards performance standards, including weed control and erosion control https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Engineering-And-Construction/Perris-Dam-Remediation https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Engineering-And-Construction/Perris-Dam-Remediation

• Remedial measures to meet success standards, including additional seeding, increased treatment of non-native plant species, erosion repair, and man-made creation of small burrows.

Monitoring and reporting work will include habitat monitoring and small mammal monitoring to confirm if restored and revegetated habitat within areas impacted by the project meet or exceed the pre-project habitat values and confirm successful re-occupation within areas impacted by the project.

IV. Purpose

The Department of Water Resources, Division of Engineering (DOE), Environmental Coordination Section (ECS) requires landscape architectural services and environmental services to support the Perris Emergency Release Facility Project (ERF Project) restoration activities and compliance and implementation of the ERF Restoration Plan with professional services related to biological, archaeological, and landscape architecture for DOE activities related to restoration and revegetation of habitats in areas impacted by project construction.

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

V. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference:

Virtual Meeting Information (12/12/2025 at 10:00AM)

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Meeting ID: 286 853 238 661 95 Passcode: Em2NY99p

Dial in by phone

+1 916-573-2034,,21608289# United States, Sacramento Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 216 082 89#

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.

https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YWNhYmRiMjgtMDc4Ny00NGYyLTlkNjAtOGUzZGZmMDFkYjE5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b71d5652-4b83-4257-afcd-7fd177884564%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22dc36e982-9aa4-4d13-a920-c27d5ed67112%22%7d tel:+19165732034,,21608289 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/464bff6b-35d5-4089-a809-0d998fd161ce?id=21608289

Two Phase Question and Answer Period

General RFQ Questions and Answers

Questions must be submitted in writing via email by 2:00pm on 12/11/2025, to Sage Crews at Sage.Crews@water.ca.gov.

Answers regarding general RFQ questions will be provided via information letter/addendum on 12/17/2025.

Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference

There will be a mandatory, virtual, negotiation question and answer meeting held on 12/12/2025 at 10 AM.

Negotiation follow-up questions must be submitted in writing via email by 5:00 pm on 12/12/2025 to Sage Crews at Sage.Crews@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 12/17/2025.

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

VI. Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements

A. The SOQ should contain, at a minimum, sufficient information for an objective evaluation of the Firm’s qualifications as it relates to Part VII, Selection Criteria. Please limit your SOQ to a maximum of 22 pages excluding Executive Summary, Introduction of Firm’s Team, cover letters, dividers, licenses, and registrations. Materials such as SOQ Checklist, Potential Qualified Firms – Certification Sheet, Conflict of Interest Statement, Certification Regarding Lobbying (See Exhibit FEMA), Table of Contents, Cover Sheets, tabs and dividers do not count toward the 22 pages. SOQs must be tabbed and labeled consistent with the below sections and contain the following information.

1. Executive Summary – Include a two-page overview of the entire RFQ highlighting the applicant’s understanding of the work to be performed and the applicant’s key personnel and experience.

2. Introduction of Firm’s Team

a. Include a maximum three-page overview of the Firm’s Team with the following information:

i. Legal name and corresponding address of Firm, as written in the Potential Qualified Firms – Certification Sheet, see page 22.

ii. Firm’s Point of Contact

1. 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.

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

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

a. Subcontractor’s legal name and address.

b. Address of offices.

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

d. Number of employees in each office.

e. Business license Number.

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

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

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

a. Include a maximum 16-page description of qualifications of the firm’s key personnel (including subcontractors) with the following information.

i. Describe the Firm’s team and identify the Key Personnel and each of their roles and responsibilities as it relates to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

1. Key Personnel must be identified for each of the roles listed below. Qualification information should highlight office location, education, training, licenses, and relevant experience as it relates to services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

a. Contract Manager.

b. Project Manager.

c. Restoration Ecologist.

d. Field Biologist.

e. Avian Biologist.

f. Small Mammal Biologist.

g. California Registered Landscape Architect.

ii. As a team, the Firm’s Key Personnel (including subcontractors) shall meet or exceed the following qualifications.

1. Degree in botany, ecology, or a related field

2. Successful experience on at least three similar vegetation projects.

3. Similar projects will have the following characteristics:

a. Located in an arid environment

b. At least 2 acres of vegetation establishment from seed

c. Vegetation established on sloped terrain

4. Either the Project Manager, the Restoration Ecologist, or the California Registered Landscape Architect will have a minimum of 5 years of experience with restoration of native upland habitats in Southern California.

4. Firm’s Team Project Experience (Includes Subcontractors)

a. Include a maximum 6-page description of example projects or services that best illustrate the Firm’s knowledge, competency, qualifications, and relevant professional experience, as related to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work. Descriptions should include competencies and qualifications of subcontractors available to do the work listed on the Subcontractor Summary Data table. Information demonstrating the Firm’s competencies and qualifications should include projects the firm has worked on, brief project descriptions, office location of the Firm’s project manager for the work, identification of the Firm’s team that participated in the project, the role and responsibilities of the Firm (and individuals) on the project, duration of services, value of services, and deliverables.

5. Certification Sheets

a. Provide the Potential Qualifying Firms Certification Sheet (see page 22) 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. An SOQ will be rejected if the certification sheet is unsigned or omitted.

b. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure (STD 1000) – Provide a complete STD 1000 to notify the State in writing if the Submitter’s solution or service includes, or makes available, any GenAI technology, including GenAI from third parties or subcontractors.

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 nondisclosure. Upon receipt of a Submitter’s GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet, the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject an SOQ that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

c. 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 a minimum, complete references form on page (page number).

At least one (1) of the references provided 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.

VII. Selection Criteria

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

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

a. Individual professional qualifications of Key Personnel for each of the roles listed in Section VI, paragraph A, 3, a 1, including education, training, licenses, and relevant experience as it relates to services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

b. Collective Qualifications of Key Personnel (Includes Subcontractors).

i. As a team, the Firm’s Key Personnel (including subcontractors) shall meet or exceed the following minimum qualifications. The minimum qualifications.

1. Degree in botany, ecology, or a related field.

2. Successful experience on at least three similar vegetation restoration projects. Similar projects will have the following characteristics:

a. Located in an arid environment

b. At least 2 acres of vegetation establishment from seed

c. Vegetation established on sloped terrain

c. Either the Project Manager, the Restoration Ecologist, or the California Registered Landscape Architect will have a minimum of 5 years of experience with restoration of native upland habitats in Southern California.

2. Firm’s Team Project Experience (Includes Subcontractors)

a. The Firm’s demonstrated knowledge, competency, qualifications, and relevant professional experience, as related to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

VIII. 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.

IX. 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. 10214356 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.

X. 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. 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.

XI. Submission of SOQs

A. 4 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: Sage Crews Attention: Sage Crews P. O. Box 942836 715 P Steet, 4th Floor Sacramento, CA 94236-0001 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 803-9378 Phone: (916) 803-9378 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

B. The SOQs must be received by 2:00pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Envelopes should be clearly labeled: “Statement of Qualifications, No. 10214356. SOQs WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL January 8, 2026.” 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.

XII. Time Schedule*

A. RFQ published CSCR 12/4/2025 Integrated Marketing Systems 12/4/2025

B. SOW and General RFQ Questions Deadline 12/11/2025 at 2:00PM

C. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference 12/12/2025 at 10:00AM

D. Answers Deadline 12/17/2025

E. SOQ Submission Deadline 1/8/2026 at 2:00PM

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) 1/16/2026 – 1/23/2026

G. Most qualified Firm is selected and request of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet (estimated date) 1/24/2026 **Start of Negotiations

H. Submission of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet Due (estimated date, 5 days after selection) 1/30/2026

I. DWR Completes Review of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet; DWR Provides Comments and Requests Missing Information (estimated date) 2/10/2026

J. Submission of resumes for all staff, if needed

(estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 2/13/2026

K. Submission of requested documentation necessary to complete negotiations (estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 2/13/2026

L. Completion date for final Rate Sheet (estimated date) 2/20/2026

M. Completion date for contract negotiations (estimated date) 2/20/2026

N. Contract approval (estimated date) 3/19/2026

**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.

XIII. Contract Obligations

A. The following documents, when completed and approved, along with the resume(s) will comprise the contract (sample contract starting on page 26):

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.

XIV. 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.

XV. Small Business (SB) Program

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

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.

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 mailto:SB.DVBE@water.ca.gov

XVI. 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 it: (1) intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the State; or (2), intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties or subcontractors, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable. Such notice will be provided by submitters following Section VI – Statement of Qualification Requirements.

C. Failure to disclose GenAI to the State may 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, 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.

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:

Section 1 – Executive Summary

Two-page overview of the entire RFQ highlighting the applicant’s understanding of the work to be performed and the applicant’s key personnel and experience.

Section 2 – Introduction of Firm’s Team

Legal name and corresponding address of Firm, as written in the Potential Qualified Firms – Certification Sheet, see page 22.

Firms point of contact - Name, title, name of Firm, email address, and telephone number. Provide contact information for a representative of the firm that DWR can contact for additional information.

Complete this section for the Firm and all Subcontractors:

Subcontractor’s legal name and address.

Address of offices.

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

Number of employees in each office.

Business license Number.

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

Firm, including subcontractor(s) registration numbers with the California Department of

Industrial Relations (if applicable).

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

Maximum of Sixteen (16) pages for description of qualifications of the firm’s key personnel (including subcontractors) with the following information:

Describe the Firm’s team and identify the Key Personnel and each of their roles and responsibilities as it relates to the services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

Key Personnel should be identified for each of the roles listed in the SOQ Requirement section 3.a.i.1 a-g. Qualification information should highlight office location, education, training, licenses, and relevant experience as it relates to services found in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

As a team, the Firm’s Key Personnel (including subcontractors) shall meet or exceed the following qualifications:

Degree in botany, ecology, or a related field

Successful experience on at least three similar vegetation projects. Similar projects will have the following characteristics: Located in an arid environment, at least 2 acres of vegetation establishment from seed, and Vegetation established on sloped terrain.

Either the Project Manager, the Restoration Ecologist, or the California Registered

Landscape Architect will have a minimum of 5 years of experience with restoration of native upland habitats in Southern California.

Section 4 – Firm’s Team Project Experience (Includes Subcontractors)

Maximum of Six (6) pages for a description of example projects or services that best illustrate the Firm’s knowledge, competency, and qualifications.

Section 5 – Certification Sheets

Potential Qualified Firms Certification Sheet (signed by Firm’s authorized individual)

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure (STD 1000) (signed by Firm’s authorized individual)

Certification Regarding Lobbying (Page 5 of Exhibit FEMA) (Signed by Firm’s authorized individual)

Section 6 – References

Provide three (3) references for similar types of services within the last five (5) years.

At Least one (1) of the References provided must be Non-DWR References

Section 7 - Conflict of Interest Statement that identifies any of the conditions listed in and states the Firm will identify any of the conditions listed in and state their ability to meet the terms and conditions addressed in Exhibit D – Conflict of Interest, and Exhibit E, Political Reform Act.

Attended the Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference

Please return a completed copy of this checklist with your SOQ.

POTENTIAL QUALIFIED FIRMS - CERTIFICATION SHEET

Emergency Release Facility Project Restoration – RFQ No. 10214356

This Potential Qualification Firms – Certification Sheet must be signed and returned along with all the required documents, as indicated in Section VI, Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements. The SOQ must be transmitted in a sealed envelope in accordance with all SOQ instructions.

A. Your all-inclusive SOQ is submitted as follows:

B. All Attachments follow behind this cover letter. (See SOQ Checklist)

C. Your signature affixed hereon and dated certifies that you have complied with all the requirements of this RFQ document. Your signature authorizes the verification of this certification.

>>> AN INCOMPLETE OR UNSIGNED SOQ WILL BE CAUSE FOR REJECTION <<<

1. Company Legal Name 2. Telephone Number

2a. Fax Number

3. Address

Indicate your organization type:

4. Sole Proprietorship 5. Partnership 6. Corporation

Indicate the applicable employee and/or corporation number:

7. Federal ID No. (FEIN) 8. California Corporation No.

Indicate applicable license and/or certification information:

9. Contractors’ State License Board Number

10. PUC License Number

CAL-T-

11. Required Licenses/Certifications

12. Authorized Individual’s Name (Print) 13. Title

14. Signature 15. Date

16. Are you certified with the Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) as:

a. Small Business Enterprise Yes No If yes, enter certification number:

b. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Yes No If yes, enter your service code below:

NOTE: A copy of your Certification is required to be included if either of the above items is checked “YES.”

Date application was submitted to OSDS, if an application is pending:

(SEE NEXT PAGE FOR EXPLANATIONS ON POTENTIAL QUALIFIED FIRMS

CERTIFICATION SHEET)

EXPLANATION OF ITEMS ON POTENTIAL QUALIFIED FIRMS

CERTIFICATION SHEET

The Potential Qualified Firms – Certification Sheet on page 22 will be completed and submitted in accordance with the SOQ requirements. An authorized individual’s signature on this document certifies that the Firm complied with all the RFQ requirements.

(1), (2), (2a), and (3) are self-explanatory.

(4) A sole proprietorship is a form of business in which one person owns all the assets of the business in contrast to a partnership and corporation. The sole proprietor is solely liable for all the debts of the business.

(5) A partnership is a voluntary agreement between two or more competent persons, as co-owners, to place their money, effects, labor, and skill, or some or all of them in lawful commerce or business, with the understanding that there shall be a proportional sharing of the profits and losses between them.

(6) A corporation is an artificial person or legal entity created by or under the authority of the laws of a state or nation, composed, in some rare instances, of a single person and his successors, being the incumbents of a particular office, but ordinarily consisting of an association of numerous individuals.

(7) (If applicable) The Federal Employer Identification Number will need to be provided and will used for company identification and verification of tax compliance.

(8) (If applicable) The California Corporation Number will need to be provided and will be used to check if the corporation is in good standing with the State of California.

(9) (If applicable) A Contractors’ State License Board Number will be provided and used for verification of Contractor’s license for Public Works Agreements.

(10) (If applicable) A Public Utilities Commission (PUC) license for Public Works Agreements will be provided and used for verification.

(11) Complete by indicating the type of license and/or certification for services described.

(12), (13), (14), and (15) are self-explanatory.

(16) Identify if Firm is a certified Small Business Enterprise (a) or Disabled Veteran Business

Enterprise (b). If Firm is either a Small Business Enterprise or Disable Veteran Business Enterprise, the Firm’s certification number will need to be provided or when the application to the Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) was submitted.

REFERENCES

Provide three (3) references of similar types of services performed within the last five (5) years.

At least one (1) should be non-DWR.

Name of Firm: Telephone Number:

Name of Contact:

Street Address: City: State: Zip Code:

Year Service Performed:

Service:

RFQ No.10214356 State of California DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES California Natural Resources Agency

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure

Bidder/Offer Information Solicitation/Contract number Bidder ID/Vendor ID (optional)

Business Name Business Telephone Number

Address City/State/Zip

Description of purchase or service

Does the purchase or service include GenAI?

Yes No (if no, skip to the signature section of the form.)

GenAI Description

1. What is the application and/or product name?

2. What is the model and version of the product?

3. What is the license tier of the GenAI product, if applicable (free, enterprise, platinum, etc.)?

4. How is the GenAI solution delivered: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, or will it be deployed on-premises?

Approval

By signing this document, I have identified and reported any GenAI use in the performance of this contract.

Name Signature Date

DWR 9834 (NEW 4/25)

STATE OF CALIFORNIA RFQ No. 10214356

STANDARD AGREEMENT

STD 213 (Rev 06/03) AGREEMENT NUMBER

REGISTRATION NUMBER

1. This Agreement is entered into between the State Agency and the Contractor named below:

STATE AGENCY'S NAME

CONTRACTOR'S NAME

2. The term of this through

Agreement is:

3. The maximum amount $ of this Agreement is:

4. The parties agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the following exhibits which are by this reference made a part of the Agreement.

Exhibit A – Scope of Work pages

Exhibit B – Budget Detail and Payment Provisions pages

Exhibit C – General Terms and Conditions pages

Exhibit D – Special Terms and Conditions for DWR (Over $5,000 Standard Payable), DWR 9544 (Rev 9/06) pages

Exhibit E – Additional Provisions pages

Items shown with an Asterisk (*) are hereby incorporated by reference and made part of this agreement as if attached hereto.

These documents can be viewed at www.ols.dgs.ca.gov/Standard+Language IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto.

CONTRACTOR California Department of General Services Use Only

CONTRACTOR’S NAME (if other than an individual, state whether a corporation, partnership, etc.)

BY (Authorized Signature)

DATE SIGNED(Do not type)

PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING

ADDRESS

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

AGENCY NAME

BY (Authorized Signature)

DATE SIGNED(Do not type)

PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING

DGS Approval not required per Public

Contract Code 10335 (a)

ADDRESS

Exhibit A

ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING CONTRACTS

Department of Water Resources, Division of Engineering, Environmental Coordination Section

SCOPE OF WORK

Emergency Release Facility Project Restoration

I. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

A. The Contractor will provide on an as-needed basis, and always at the direction of the Contract Manager, landscape architectural services and environmental services to support design and environmental restoration of small mammal habitat for the ERF project. Contractor will provide such services including environmental compliance and monitoring during construction, design oversight, and environmental permitting and CEQA oversight as described below:

1) Provide conceptual landscape restoration plans, complete and accurate plans and specifications (currently CSI…