RFQ_No._10220250_-_Final.pdf

RFQ No. 10220250

Division of Engineering

Architectural and Engineering Contract Program

715 P Street 4th Floor

Sacramento, CA 95814

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NO. RFQ No. 10220250 (CalSim Model Development and Application)

TO ALL PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

August 21, 2026

The Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Modeling Support Office, invites qualified firms to submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ). Contractor will provide engineering services to develop, enhance, and apply the CalSim modeling tools, including CalSim 3, CalLite, CalSimHydro, CS3RimInflow, and the CalSim 3 Historical Hydrology Model (CS3HIST), to support simulation of CVP and SWP system operations and their service areas. This work includes improving and applying the WRIMS simulation engine, modeling water use for agriculture, urban, and refuge needs, and simulating streamflow and surface runoff from rim watersheds and valley floor areas. Contractor will also support calibration and validation of CalSim 3 surface and groundwater hydrology.

The specific work and deliverables are identified in Exhibit A, Description of Services, and will support the Modeling Support Office.

This package contains Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No.10220250. In submitting your SOQ, you will comply with the instructions found herein. The SOQ must be received by 2:00 p.m. on September 15, 2026, at the address indicated in Section X, Submission of SOQs of the enclosed RFQ.

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

The estimated length term for this agreement is December 3, 2026 through December 2, 2029 (three years) with the option of up to two one-year amendments (see Exhibit E, No. 16 - Multiple Years Option(s)). This solicitation may result in multiple awards. See Section VII, Evaluation Process and Exhibit A, Scope of Work, Section IV, Contractor Work Assignments.

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 agree ment. If awarded the contract, you must sign and return Page One of the CCC 04/2017 prior to award.

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

DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

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

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

Please see instructions in Section IV of the enclosed RFQ on how to submit questions regarding 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 IV - Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference. Also in RFQ Section IV, directions are given for the Question and Answer period for non-negotiation related RFQ questions.

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

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

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

3. Section XIV – 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. 7 - 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. 13 - Profit (identifies published profit that will be calculated into fully loaded hourly rates).

c. Exhibit E, No. 14 - Escalation (identifies how escalation will be addressed).

d. Exhibit E, No. 15 - Mark-up (for subcontractor and other direct costs).

e. Exhibit E, No. 16 - Multiple year option(s) (identifies options to amend for additional years).

f. Exhibit E, No. 17 - Other Contracts with Similar Services

g. Exhibit E, No. 18 - Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Request for Qualifications

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

Attachment 3 – Work Assignment Matrix………………………………………………………………38

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 VI, 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 V, 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. Purpose

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Modeling Support Office (MSO) and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region (Reclamation) are collaborating on developing and applying water resources planning models to support planning studies for management alternative screening and policy making for the State Water Project (SWP) and the Central Valley Project (CVP) in California. CalSim 3, CalLite CalSimHydro, CalSim 3 Rim Inflow Models (CS3RimInflow), CalSim 3 Historical Hydrology Model (CS3HIST), and California Central Valley Groundwater-Surface Water Simulation Model (C2VSimCG) simulation models are the major simulation models used by DWR and Reclamation in their long-term planning efforts. CalSim 3 and CalLite use the Water Resource Integrated Modeling System (WRIMS) while C2VSimCG uses the Integrated Water Flow Model (IWFM) simulation engines. DWR requires the services of a Contractor(s) to assist with its efforts in developing and enhancing CalSim 3, CalLite and C2VSimCG models as well as in enhancing and maintaining the WRIMS and IWFM simulation engines.

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

IV. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference:

Virtual Meeting Information August 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Microsoft Teams Meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/222397640007066?p=JVMndnB6LMAlJDss6S Meeting ID: 222 397 640 007 066

Passcode: BA6y5eM2

Need help? | System reference

Dial in by phone +1 916-573-2034,,9847727# United States, Sacramento

Find a local number Phone conference ID: 984 772 7# https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/222397640007066?p=JVMndnB6LMAlJDss6S https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDIyYjRlZDAtMDIwMy00YmVmLWE0MjEtOTMzMjhiMDk4N2U0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b71d5652-4b83-4257-afcd-7fd177884564%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22f5db1b5a-fd39-4b4b-b5e4-10c63379f7ec%22%7d tel:+19165732034,,9847727 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/464bff6b-35d5-4089-a809-0d998fd161ce?id=9847727

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

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

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

Two Phase Question and Answer Period

General RFQ Questions and Answers

Questions must be submitted in writing via email by 2:00 PM on August 26, 2026, to James Tedeschi at james.tedeschi@water.ca.gov

Answers regarding general RFQ questions will be provided via information letter/addendum on September 3, 2026.

Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference

There will be a mandatory, virtual, negotiation question and answer meeting held on August 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Negotiation follow-up questions must be submitted in writing via email by 5:00 PM on August 31, 2026 to James Tedeschi at james.tedeschi@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 September 3, 2026.

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

V. Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Requirements

A. The SOQ should contain, at minimum, information for an objective evaluation of the

Firm’s qualifications as it relates to Part VI, Selection Criteria. Please limit your SOQ to a maximum of 76 pages double sided (38 sheets), including cover letters, resumes, licenses, SOQ Checklist, Potential Qualified Firms – Certification Sheet, References, Conflict of Interest Statement, Certification Regarding Lobbying (See Exhibit FEMA), Table of Contents, Cover Sheets, and tabs and dividers. SOQs must be tabbed and labeled consistent with the below sections and contain the following information:

mailto:james.tedeschi@water.ca.gov mailto:james.tedeschi@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 22).

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 two 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. Staff capability

vi. Ability to meet schedules

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

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

b. Provide resumes of all Key Personnel on organizational chart expected to be utilized. List no fewer than three and no more than eight projects per resume, not to exceed two pages. For each example project listed in the resumes, include the length of time spent on each project (month/year to month/year).

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

3. Firm’s Team Project Experience

a. Provide no fewer than three and no more than eight 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 V, 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 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 (DWR 9834) – Provide this this signed form 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.

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.

5. References

a. Provide two references for similar types of services within the last five years.

At a minimum, complete references form on page 24. Of the provided references, none should be DWR.

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.

7. Qualifications

a. Experience related to each item as described in Selection Criteria Sections A.1.a – A.1.d. Describe the team’s key personnel and their competencies that clearly delineate how their experience fulfills the requirements of each item in Selection Criteria Sections A.1.a – A.1.d. Please also identify the Specific Areas of Development(s) which your firm are interested in being considered.

The Areas of Development are: 1) System Operation 2) CalSim Hydrology Development 3) Groundwater Model and Data Development 4) Water Resource Integrated Modeling System and Processing Tools. If this information is not provided, DWR will consider your submission for all four areas of development. Please ensure those same Areas of Development are identified in the SOQ Checklist (page 21).

VI. Selection Criteria

A. Each SOQ for this proposed contract service will be evaluated and scored in accordance with the following Selection Criteria and for each Specific Areas of Development as follows: 1) System Operation 2) CalSim Hydrology Development 3) Groundwater Model and Data Development 4) Water Resource Integrated Modeling System and Processing Tools. These criteria will also be used during the interview process. This solicitation may result in the award of up to twelve (12) contracts. See Section VII, Evaluation 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 listed below.

a. System Operation:

Have experience, skill and background with the development of hydrologic modeling platforms such as WRIMS - Water Resources Integrated Modeling System and WRESL

– Water Resources Simulation Language.

1. Required Expertise

i. Expertise in developing and enhancing large-scale water resources simulation models, including CalSim 3 and CalLite.

ii. Strong knowledge of the Water Resource Integrated Modeling System (WRIMS) and the Water Resources Simulation Language (WRESL).

iii. Understanding of CVP/SWP infrastructure operations, conveyance systems, and regulatory/operational requirements.

iv. Ability to improve model runtime, efficiency, and computational performance.

v. Proficiency in post-processing methods, QA/QC workflows, and system performance analysis tools.

2. Required Experience

i. Experience implementing new model capabilities such as new facilities, regulations, hydrologic inputs, and operational rules.

ii. Supporting planning studies (e.g., SWP Delivery Capability Report, regulatory evaluations).

iii. Debugging, testing, and refining complex model code and applications.

iv. Coding or improving WRESL code and contributing to GitHub repositories.

v. Development of WRIMS code suite (i.e. WRIMS2 – 3). Experience in interaction with WRIMS and XA, CBC and Gurobi solver, and solving solver related issues.

Willing to work on new open-source linear programming solver.

vi. Experience in developing, running, and debugging CalSim and CalLite studies using WRIMS 2 and 3. Experience in infeasibility and unconstrained solution resolution. Experience in analyzing objective functions to inform diagnosis of simulated operational decisions.

vii. Providing staff training, reviewing model implementations, resolving solver infeasibilities.

viii. Preparing technical documentation, guidance materials, scenario assumptions, and report content.

b. CalSim Hydrology Development:

i. Hydrologic model development relevant to California water systems, including CalSimHydro, CS3RimInflow, and CS3HIST.

ii. Python programming for dataset automation, spreadsheet logic replication, and time-series generation.

iii. Hydrology calibration/validation methods under varying climate and agricultural/refuge conditions.

iv. Ability to develop modules for complex hydroclimate, land use, and climate change scenarios.

v. Understanding of surface water, root zone, and groundwater hydrology.

vi. Understanding of upper watershed modules and models

i. Automating and extending inflow datasets using Python based on existing Rim

Inflow spreadsheets.

ii. Developing new inflow models and hydrology modules for future and stochastic climate scenarios.

iii. Extending modeling domains (Delta Islands, rim watersheds).

iv. Developing methods for assimilation of observational datasets.

v. Updating hydrology dataset tools for CalSim and CalLite.

vi. Producing clear documentation and providing hydrology-related staff training and knowledge transfer.

c. Groundwater Model and Data Development:

i. Advanced knowledge of Integrated Water Flow Model (IWFM) and

C2VSim/C2VSimCG groundwater–surface water modeling.

ii. GIS expertise for model grid development, spatial dataset preparation, Digital

Elevation Model (DEM) processing, land-use mapping, and watershed delineation.

iii. Hydrogeology expertise for developing aquifer frameworks, interpreting Airborne

Electromagnetic (AEM)/well data, and constructing model layers.

iv. Ability to calibrate large-scale groundwater models, including using groundwater heads, stream gage data, subsidence data, and local IWFM/GSP outputs.

i. Preparing historical hydrologic, geologic, land use, soil, ET, climate, groundwater extraction, and surface water datasets.

ii. Developing small watershed boundaries consistent with CalSim3 rim watersheds.

iii. Identifying diversions, streamflow data, boundary inflows, and bypass flows.

iv. Running scenarios evaluating impact of changes in land use, population, economic factors, climate futures, unimpaired flow, and hypothetical conditions on surface and subsurface water resources.

v. Develop reports comparing scenario results to base cases.

vi. Developing integrated hydrologic modeling codes that include simulation of surface and groundwater flow dynamics, land surface and root zone flow processes, and agricultural and urban water demands.

vii. Building DevOps workflows for model code development, versioning, automated tests, and public releases.

viii. Developing dashboards, pre/post processing utilities and visualization tools for hydrologic models, Excel Add-ins, and GIS-based builders.

d. Water Resource Integrated Modeling System and Processing Tools:

i. Modeling expertise, including hands-on development with WRIMS, WRESL+, or other tools used to simulate statewide California water resources scenarios.

ii. Expertise in agile development practices, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and roadmap development.

iii. Ability to diagnose and resolve issues in CI/CD pipelines, model dependencies, code quality, and developer documentation.

iv. Familiarity with user documentation frameworks such as Diátaxis and platforms such as ReadTheDocs.

v. Expertise in data visualization and model-analysis tools, particularly those designed for modelers without development skills (e.g., EPPT).

i. Designing and implementing post-processing tools and interfaces for models such as CalSim and CalLite to streamline scenario development, execution, and evaluation.

ii. Developing model platform features, including input data structures, visualization tools, and model validation tools.

iii. Working with data in HEC-DSS, HDF5, SQL, and other storage systems.

iv. Writing code in Java, Python, and other languages.

v. Performing model engine maintenance, including bug fixes, code quality remediation, replacement of deprecated interfaces, and dependency updates.

vi. Creating how-to, reference, and tutorial documentation for GUI-based tools, CLI-based tools, and domain-specific languages.

vii. Developing GUI-based post-processing features, including stand-alone installers, CI/CD integration, enhanced visualizations, and scenario comparison tools.

viii. Participating in planning meetings, coordination workshops, trainings, and technical presentations.

ix. Tracking and documenting work using GitHub Projects or comparable project management tools.

2. Nature and quality of applicable completed work.

3. Reliability of Firm and continuity of proposed Firm’s staff and subcontractors with Firm.

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

5. Location of Firm office(s) in relation to the work to be performed

6. Specialized experience of the firm

7. Education and experience of key personnel to be assigned

8. Staff capability

9. Workload

10. Ability to meet schedules

11. References

VII. Evaluation Process

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

B. Up to twelve (12) contracts may be awarded under this solicitation, with a maximum of three (3) contracts awarded for each of the following Specific Areas of Development: (1) System Operation; (2) CalSim Hydrology Development; (3) Groundwater Model and Data Development; and (4) Water Resource Integrated Modeling System and Processing Tools.

A DWR evaluation panel will evaluate the Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted for each Specific Area of Development and determine which firms will be invited to interview based on the total scores assigned to each SOQ under

Selection Criteria Items A.1.a through A.1.d. SOQs receiving at least 70 percent of the total possible points will be invited to interview. If fewer than three responsive SOQs are received for a Specific Area of Development, all firms that submitted responsive SOQs for that Specific Area of Development will be invited to interview.

Each firm will participate in only one interview, regardless of the number of Specific Areas of Development for which it submitted an SOQ. Interviews will be evaluated based on the published Selection Criteria Items A.1.a through A.1.d.

Following completion of the interviews, DWR may award contracts to the three firms determined to be the most qualified, second-most qualified, and third-most qualified for each Specific Area of Development. For each Specific Area of Development, the most qualified firm will be designated as the primary contractor, and the second-most and third-most qualified firms will be designated as backup contractors, if needed.

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

VIII. Negotiations

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

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

documentation or records that support costs incurred by utilizing subcontractors;

historical and true records of other direct cost charges; and compensation policies.

Compensation policies will include shift differential policies, holiday policies, and how the Firm’s personnel and subcontractor personnel receive compensation for overtime (hours worked over an established work week). The specific financial documents and format of the rate sheet will be identified during the Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference (see Section IV) and when the most qualified firm gets notified of selection. The prime Firm will be responsible for submitting the complete financial documents for their personnel, including any subcontractors. Submissions of the Firm’s rate sheet must be provided electronically to DWR on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet titled RFQ No. 10220250 followed by the name of the Firm as it appears on SOQ. Failure to submit a complete financial documents package or rate sheet may result in termination of negotiations.

C. After the financial documents and rate sheet have been received, DWR will begin to review the documentation to ensure the documents are complete and requested reimbursement is appropriate. Discussions with the most qualified applicant regarding the submitted financial documents, rate sheet, and resumes will occur after DWR’s review in order to determine a cost that is fair and reasonable to the State.

Any missing documentation or comments from DWR will need to be resolved timely;

see Section XI, Time Schedule. If DWR is unable to successfully negotiate a cost agreement with the most qualified Firm, negotiations will begin with the next most qualified Firm, and so on. If DWR is unable to negotiate a fair and reasonable cost with any Firm, DWR may elect not to award the contract and may elect to proceed with a new solicitation.

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

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

IX. SOQ Conditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

X. Submission of SOQs

A. Three (3) 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: James Tedeschi Attention: James Tedeschi P. O. Box 942836 715 P Steet, 4th Floor Sacramento, CA 94236-0001 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 803-6196 Phone: (916) 803-6196 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 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

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

10220250 SOQs WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 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.

XI. Time Schedule*

A. RFQ published CSCR 8/21/2026

Integrated Marketing Systems 8/21/2026

B. SOW and General RFQ Questions Deadline 8/26/2026

C. Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference 8/31/2026 at 10:00 AM

D. Answers Deadline 9/3/2026

E. SOQ Submission Deadline 9/15/2026 at 2:00 PM

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

DWR reserves the right to change the dates:

F. Interview Dates (estimated dates) 9/25/2026 – 10/5/2026

G. Most qualified Firm is selected and request of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet (estimated date) 10/6/2026 **Start of Negotiations

H. Submission of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet Due (estimated date, 5 days after selection) 10/13/2026

I. DWR Completes Review of Financial Documents and Rate Sheet; DWR Provides Comments and Requests Missing Information (estimated date) 10/27/2026

J. Submission of resumes for all staff, if needed (estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 10/30/2026

K. Submission of requested documentation necessary to complete negotiations (estimated date, 3 days after DWR completes review) 11/04/2026

L. Completion date for final Rate Sheet (estimated date) 11/05/2026

M. Completion date for contract negotiations (estimated date) 11/05/2026

N. Contract approval (estimated date) 12/03/2026

**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.

XII. Contract Obligations

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

XIII. Small Business, Microbusiness, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise

A. The Department encourages Submitters to consider opportunities for participation by Small Business (SB), Microbusiness (MB), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) for the services identified in Exhibit A, Scope of Work. An online, searchable database of current SB/MBs and DVBEs and their areas of expertise can be found on the California Department of General Services, Procurement Division website at www.caleprocure.ca.gov.

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

XIV. 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 V – 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.

https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov./ 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:

Section 1 – 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, DIR registration numbers, staff capability, and ability to meet schedules.

Section 2 – Qualification of Firm’s Key Personnel

Education and experience of Key Personnel

Resumes of all Key Personnel

Specific Areas of Development – Please identify which specific areas of development you are interested in below (check one or more):

System Operation CalSim Hydrology Development Groundwater Model and Data Development Water Resource Integrated Modeling System and Processing Tools

Section 3 – Firm Project Experience

At least three (3) to eight (8) projects provided to illustrate Firm’s competencies and qualifications.

Section 4 – Certification Sheets

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

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure (DWR 9834) (signed by Firm’s authorized individual)

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

Section 5 – References

Two (2) Non-DWR References within the last five (5) years.

Section 6 - Conflict of Interest Statement that identifies any of the conditions listed in and states the Firm’s ability to meet the terms and conditions addressed in Exhibit D – Conflict of Interest, and Exhibit E, Political Reform Act.

Three (3) hard copies and one (1) text readable digital (pdf) copy of the SOQ emailed, or one text readable digital (pdf) copy on a USB Flash Drive of the SOQ mailed, overnighted, or hand delivered.

Attended the Mandatory Pre-SOQ Conference.

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

POTENTIAL QUALIFIED FIRMS - CERTIFICATION SHEET

CalSim Model Development and Application Services – RFQ No. 10220250

This Potential Qualification Firms – Certification Sheet must be signed and returned along with all the required documents, as indicated in Section V, 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 two (2) references of similar types of services performed within the last five (5) years.

DWR should not be identified as a reference.

Name of Firm: Telephone Number:

Name of Contact:

Street Address: City: State: Zip Code:

Year Service Performed:

Service:

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. 10220250

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…