State Water Resources Control Board

January 2, 2026

Request for Qualifications RFQ No. 25-030-110

Prospective Proposers are invited to review and respond to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ), entitled RFQ No. 25-030-110 entitled, “Gualala TMDL Implementation Program, Phase 2” for the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Boards), North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. When preparing and submitting a solicitation, compliance with the instructions found herein is imperative.

If a discrepancy occurs between the information in the advertisement appearing in California’s Online Marketplace/Cal eProcure and the information herein, the information in this notice and in the attached RFQ shall take precedence.

Inquiries regarding the processing of this RFQ submittal should be referred to Julia Broughton at ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov. Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum to this solicitation.

Thank you for your interest in the Water Boards’ service needs.

Sincerely, Julia Broughton Contract Analyst mailto:ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

RFQ No.: 25-030-110

Table of Contents

A. Purpose and Description of Services B. Time Schedule C. Agreement Term/Period of Performance D. Respondent’s Questions

1. What to include in an inquiry

2. How to submit questions

3. Question deadline

E. Voluntary Pre-Bid Conference F. Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Advocate G. Request for Language Services H. Scope of Work I. Minimum Qualification Requirements J. Statement of Qualifications Format and Content Requirements

1. General instructions

2. Statement of Qualifications

3. Required attachments / documentation

K. Electronic Submission of SOQ Package

1. Submission instructions

2. Proof of timely receipt

3. Firm’s costs

L. SOQ Requirements and Information

1. Nonresponsive SOQs

2. Withdrawal and/or resubmission of SOQs

a. Withdrawal deadline

b. Submitting a withdrawal request

c. Proposal mistakes

d. Resubmitting a SOQ package

3. Evaluation and selection

4. Disposition of SOQs

5. Inspecting or obtaining copies of SOQ packages

a. Who can inspect or copy solicitation materials

b. What can be inspected / copied and when

c. Inspecting or obtaining copies of solicitation materials

6. Verification of firm information

7. Water Boards rights

a. RFQ corrections

b. Immaterial SOQ defects

c. Correction of clerical or mathematical errors

d. Right to remedy errors

e. No contract award or RFQ cancellation

M. Contract Terms and Conditions

1. Resolution of differences between RFQ and contract language

N. California Civil Rights Laws Certification O. Health and Safety P. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russian Sanctions Q. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirements R. Evaluation and Scoring Criteria …………..………………………..……………………….. 24

S. Required Attachments …………………..……………………..……………...…………….. 34

T. Sample Contract Forms / Exhibits ……………..……………………………………………. 60

SOQ SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

A complete Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) package will consist of one (1) original SOQ package with original signatures of each item identified below. Place a check mark or “X” in the box corresponding to each item that you are submitting to the Water Board. For your SOQ package to be responsive, all required attachments must be returned. This checklist is for reference only, proposers must comply with all requirements of this solicitation. This checklist should also be returned with your SOQ package.

Attachment Attachment Name/Description Confirmed by Water Board

Yes No 1 Letter of Interest (must include the Legal Name and Federal

Identification Number of the firm) Yes No

Yes No 2

Proof of Minimum Qualifications (MQ)

a. Secretary of State registration (if applicable for entity).

b. Firm’s office address showing MQ #2 is met.

c. Copies of degrees or certificates showing MQ #3 is met by at least one (1) member of Proposer’s team.

d. Resumes showing MQ #4 and 7 are met for Proposer’s team

e. Certificate proof that at least one (1) member of Proposer’s team is a Professional Geologist (PG), Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG), or Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of California.

f. Certificate proof that at least one (1) member of Proposer’s team is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control

(CPESC).

g. Signature in designated fields on the Minimum Qualifications Attachment certifying the following:

i. Proposer’s team members can meet the physical demands of the work as outlined in MQ #8

ii. Proposer agrees to provide their own 4-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles as needed.

h. Proof that at least one (1) member of Proposer’s team holds a current certificate in basic first aid and CPR.

Yes No

Yes No 3 Federal Form 330 for the firm and any proposed subcontractors Yes

No

Yes No 4 Written statement of the firm’s qualifications (SOQ) Yes

No Yes No 5

Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC-04/2017).

Page 1 must be signed and submitted.

Yes No

Yes No N/A

California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program Requirement (Revised 10-2021) and DVBE Declarations (STD 843) DVBE participation is not required for this RFQ, and there are no incentive points for DVBE use in this RFQ. Only complete the STD 843 if the firm plans to use a DVBE Subcontractor. Otherwise, select N/A

Yes No N/A http://contacts.gsa.gov/webforms.nsf/0/21DBF5BF7E860FC185256E13005C6AA6/$file/sf330_e.pdf

Yes No 7 Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105) Yes

No Yes No 8 References Yes

No Yes No N/A

9 Darfur Contracting Act Attachment* Yes No N/A

Yes No

10 Payee Data Record (STD. 204) Form Yes No

Yes No N/A

11 Commercially Useful Functions (CUF) Compliance* Yes No N/A

Yes No 12 Business License / Business Operation Tax Certificate Yes

No

Yes No N/A

Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) – Insert Std. 830 attachment, if applicable*

Yes No N/A

Yes No 14 California Civil Rights Laws Certification Yes

No *Indicate N/A if not applicable.

The following is a Required Document AFTER Contract Award. Failure to submit insurance documents will result in cancellation of contract award.

Insurance Certificate: Please see Exhibit D for insurance certificate requirements. These must be submitted within 10 business days after notice of the Contract Award.

A. Purpose and Description of Services

The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (North Coast Water Board), collectively referred to herein as the Water Boards, is soliciting Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) from firms that are able to implement actions to support the Water Boards with developing components of the Action Plan for the Gualala River Sediment Total Maximum Daily Load related to road maintenance and construction on private lands.

SOQs must address all of the services described in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) section entitled, “Scope of Work”.

The Water Boards intends to make a single contract award to the most responsive and responsible firm. A Contractor will be selected on the basis of written responses to this RFQ and an oral interview. This solicitation is open to all eligible firms and/or individuals that meet the qualification requirements.

B. Time Schedule

Below is the tentative time schedule for this solicitation:

Event Date Time (If applicable)

Questions Due 1/16/2026 3:00 p.m.

Voluntary Pre-Solicitation Conference (link must be requested by 1/22/2026 at 1:00 PM PST)

1/23/2026 10:00 a.m.

Question/Answer Summary Posted

1/28/2026

RFQ Responses Due Date 2/11/2026 4:00 p.m.

Interviews 2/25/2026 To be scheduled

Fee Negotiations 3/4/2026 To be scheduled

Proposed Start Date of Agreement

Upon Agreement Approval

C. Agreement Term/Period of Performance

The anticipated term of the resulting Agreement is expected to be effective from “Upon Approval” through June 30, 2028. The Agreement term may change if the Water Boards make an award earlier than expected or if the Water Boards cannot execute the Agreement in a timely manner due to unforeseen delays.

The period of performance for this Agreement shall be as identified on the Agreement STD 213. “Start Date” identifies when services may begin and “Through End Date” identifies when services must be completed.

The State, at its sole discretion, may amend this Contract pursuant to the Water Boards Architectural and Engineering Regulations.

The Contractor shall not be authorized to deliver or commence the performance of services as described in this SOW until written approval has been obtained from all entities. Any delivery or performance of service that is commenced prior to the signing of this Agreement or after the term of this Agreement has passed shall be considered voluntary on the part of the Contractor and non-compensable. If performance commences before all approvals are obtained, said services may be considered to have been voluntary and the Contractor may pursue a claim for payment by filing with the DGS’ Government Claims Program.

D. Respondent’s Questions

Immediately notify the Water Boards if clarification is needed regarding the services sought or questions arise about the RFQ and/or its accompanying materials, instructions or requirements. Put the inquiry in writing and transmit it via e-mail or fax to the Water Boards as instructed below. At its discretion, the Water Boards reserves the right to contact an inquirer to seek clarification of any inquiry received.

Respondents that fail to report a known or suspected problem with this RFQ and/or its accompanying materials or fail to seek clarification and/or correction of this RFQ and/or its accompanying materials shall submit a SOQ package at their own risk. In addition, if awarded the Contract, the successful firm shall not be entitled to additional compensation for any additional work caused by such problem, including any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or error.

If an inquiry appears to be unique to a single firm or is marked “Confidential”, the Water Boards will mail, e-mail, or fax a response only to the inquirer if the Water Boards concurs with the Respondent’s claim that the inquiry is sensitive or proprietary in nature. If the Water Boards does not concur, the inquiry will be answered in the manner described herein and the firm will be so notified. At its discretion, the Water Boards may contact an inquirer to seek clarification of any question or inquiry received.

1. What to include in an inquiry

a. Inquirer’s name, name of firm submitting the inquiry, mailing address, e-mail address, area code and telephone number, and fax number.

b. A description of the subject or issue in question or discrepancy found.

c. RFQ section, page number or other information useful in identifying the specific problem or issue in question.

d. Remedy sought, if any.

A firm that desires clarification about specific RFQ requirements and/or whose inquiry relates to sensitive issues or proprietary aspects of a solicitation may submit individual questions that are marked “Confidential”. The firm must include with its inquiry an explanation as to why it believes questions marked “Confidential” are sensitive or surround a proprietary issue.

2. How to submit questions

Submit questions or inquiries using one of the following methods.

Email:

Questions RFQ 25-030-110 Division of Administrative Services Julia Broughton

ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

Note: An autoreply will be generated from this inbox. This autoreply is proof of your question submission.

3. Question deadline

Submit written questions and inquiries no later than the Date and Time as identified in the Time Schedule table located in Section B, “Time Schedule” of this solicitation. Questions submitted after this date will not be considered.

Notwithstanding the question submission deadline, the Water Boards will accept questions or inquiries about RFQ errors or irregularities up to the solicitation due date.

Direct all verbal requests for DVBE assistance to the Water Boards’ DVBE advocate at DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@Waterboards.ca.gov.

E. Voluntary Pre-Bid Conference

The Water Boards will conduct a voluntary Conference virtually via zoom on the date and time listed in the Time Schedule in Section B. The Zoom link will be emailed upon request to Prospective Firms who express interest in attending the conference.

mailto:DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@Waterboards.ca.gov

Requests for the Zoom link must be received by the request due date as identified in the Time Schedule table located in Section B, “Time Schedule.”

Respondents who intend to submit an SOQ are encouraged to attend this Voluntary Conference. It shall be each proposer’s responsibility to attend the Conference promptly at the time specified in the Time Schedule in Section B. The Water Boards reserves the right not to repeat information for participants that join the conference after it has begun. The voluntary/mandatory Conference is a public event or meeting, and anyone may attend.

The purpose of the conference is to:

1. Allow the prospective firms to ask questions about the services or RFQ requirements and/or instructions.

2. Share the answers to general questions and inquiries received prior to and during the conference.

Spontaneous verbal remarks provided in response to questions/inquiries are unofficial and are not binding on the Water Boards unless later confirmed in writing.

Carefully review this RFQ before the conference date to become familiar with the qualification requirements, scope of work and SOQ requirements. Respondents are encouraged to have their copy of this RFQ available for viewing during the conference.

Shortly after the conference, the Water Boards will summarize all questions and issues raised and post the summary via an Addendum at the following internet address:

http://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/

F. Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Advocate

For all SB and DVBE related assistance and/or questions including Prompt Payment Act issues for SBs, please contact the Water Boards’ SB/DVBE Advocate at DAS- SBDVBEAdvocate@waterboards.ca.gov.

G. Request for Language Services

With respect to this SOQ, the Water Boards shall provide interpretation and translation services in any language at no cost to you.

To request these services, please use the following link: Public Request for Language Services | California State Water Resources Control Board.

http://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/ mailto:DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@waterboards.ca.gov mailto:DAS-SBDVBEAdvocate@waterboards.ca.gov https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/public_participation/language-access.html https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/about_us/public_participation/language-access.html

H. Scope of Work

See Exhibit A entitled, “Scope of Work” that is included in the Sample Contract Forms and Exhibits Section of this RFQ. Exhibit A contains a detailed description of the services and work to be performed as a result of this solicitation.

I. Minimum Qualification Requirements

Failure to meet the following requirements by the solicitation’s due date will be grounds for the Water Boards to deem a firm non-responsive. In submitting a SOQ package, each firm must certify that it possesses the following qualification requirements:

1. The proposer must be legally constituted and qualified to do business within the State of California (registered with the Secretary of State). With the exception of Proposers whose legal status precludes incorporation (i.e. public agencies, sole proprietorships, and partnerships), proposers that are not fully incorporated by the deadline for submitting proposals will be disqualified. Corporations must certify they are in good standing and qualified to conduct business in California.

2. The Firm’s office from which personnel working on this project will be departing must be located no more than 100 miles from the town of Gualala, CA.

3. Education: Bachelor's degree in geology, hydrology, civil engineering, or a closely related field, and/or valid certification as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control. Proposer must provide copies of degrees or certificates proving that at least one member of their team meets this minimum qualification.

4. Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in conducting road-related erosion assessments, watershed restoration, or similar environmental fieldwork. Proposer must provide resume proving that at least one

(1) member of their team meets this minimum qualification.

5. Certification: At least one (1) team member must possess a valid Professional Geologist (PG), Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG), or Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of California. The licensee’s area of expertise must include road and watercourse crossing design, and/or low-volume road engineering. Proposer must include copy of license proving that this minimum qualification is met.

6. Certification: At least one (1) team member must possess a valid certification as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). Proposer must include copy of certification proving that this minimum qualification is met.

7. Field Experience: The Proposer must designate a Project Manager who has a minimum of five (5) years of experience in conducting road erosion inventories and evaluations, including the use of clinometers, GPS devices, range finders, surveying equipment, and other relevant field equipment. Proposer must identify the Project Manager and provide a resume proving that the Project Manager meets this minimum qualification.

8. The Proposer must provide verification that team members are able to work in rugged terrain and challenging outdoor conditions for extended periods, multiple days in a row.

9. The Proposer must provide, as-needed for their own use, 4-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles, and possess the ability and proper licenses and/or certifications to operate these vehicles on unpaved roads. Proposer must sign the Minimum Qualifications attachment certifying they agree to providing their own 4-wheel drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles as needed.

10. Safety Training: At least one (1) member of the Proposer’s team must hold a current certification in basic first aid and CPR. Proposer must provide proof of this certification.

J. Statement of Qualifications Format and Content Requirements

1. General instructions

a. Each individual or firm may submit only one SOQ package. For the purposes of this paragraph, “firm” includes a parent corporation of a firm and any other subsidiary of that parent corporation. If a firm or individual submits more than one SOQ package, the Water Boards will reject all SOQ packages submitted by that firm or individual.

b. Develop SOQ package by following all RFQ instructions and instructions or clarifications in question/answer notices, clarification notices, or RFQ addenda.

c. Before preparing a SOQ package, seek timely written clarification of any requirements or instructions that are believed to be vague, unclear or that are not fully understood.

d. Arrange for timely delivery of the SOQ package to the specified address. Do not wait until shortly before the SOQ submission deadline to submit the SOQ package.

2. Statement of Qualifications

The written Statement of Qualifications must contain the following information:

a. Knowledge and experience of the Firm and Subcontractors

• Describe the Firm’s knowledge of water quality issues in the Gualala River Watershed.

• Describe the experience and background of the firm and subcontractors (if being proposed for this project), in conducting on-the-ground assessments of rural road design and engineering, watercourse crossing design and engineering, and erosion and sediment control that focuses on documenting road related sediment sources, hydrologically connected road segments, watercourse crossing function and fish passage utilizing the principles and evaluation methodologies. This includes familiarity with evaluation methodologies outlined in an appropriate technical manual, e.g the Handbook for Forest, Ranch, and Rural Roads (PWA 2015), Low Volume Road Engineering (Keller 2003). Additionally, the firm must have expertise in utilizing the necessary equipment (e.g. Bruntons, surveying equipment, laser range finders and levels, stadia rods, etc.) for conducting field assessments of rural roads

• Describe the experience of the firm in implementing road-related erosion and sediment control projects that promote implementation of TMDL goals and objectives and support beneficial uses of water in northern coastal California watersheds.

• Describe the experience of the firm in developing risk assessments and treatment prioritizations (projects) to address water quality impairments from anthropogenic sediment sources.

• Describe the experience of the firm in developing technical sediment reduction plans as part of project applications, including those as part of grant project applications.

• Describe the experience of the firm in participating in public engagement and outreach, including participating in public meetings and in the development and presentation of trainings focusing on roads, hydrologic disconnection, culvert sizing and erosion control. Firm must include examples of public meetings, presentations, and engagement activities that they have given or participated in.

b. Capabilities, experience, and education of personnel assigned to the project

• Describe the education, professional experience, and technical skills training as it relates to conducting rural road inventories and developing treatment plans, of the individual primary staff members from the Proposer’s firm who will be assigned to the project. Include their job title.

Primary staff members do not include those assigned to clerical or similar duties (e.g. accountant, fleet manager). Identify staff of subcontractors similarly but separately.

• Describe the professional certifications of the primary staff members who will be assigned to the project and detail relevant projects in which these certifications were applied.

• For all personnel participating in this project, individually describe their knowledge and familiarity with the California Water Code, California Code of Regulations, Fish and Game Code, Public Resources Code, Porter- Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and/or the California Forest Practice Rules and related documents pertaining to beneficial uses and fish passage.

• For all personnel participating in this project, individually describe their expertise using ARC-GIS, EcoAtlas, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Sharepoint or other software in the collection, analysis, and sharing of data and documents.

c. Quality and relevance of recently completed or ongoing work

• Provide up to three (3) examples of projects completed within the past five

(5) years that demonstrate expertise in conducting rural road assessments, road-related sediment source inventorying, watercourse crossing evaluation, data collection and evaluation and in preparing reports containing the results of the road assessments, and proposed sediment source treatments and watercourse crossing upgrade designs that are in conformance with California state laws and regulations.

3. Required attachments / documentation

The SOQ Submittal Checklist on page 3 specifies the order and content required for each SOQ package.

When completing the attachments, follow the instructions on each attachment.

Do not include supplemental information in your SOQ package or other materials that the Water Board has not requested in this solicitation.

K. Electronic Submission of SOQ Package

1. Submission instructions

SOQs must be received by the due date and time listed in the Time Schedule table in Section B of this solicitation. SOQs received after this date and time will not be considered.

The completed SOQ shall be submitted electronically by email as follows:

E-Mail

SOQ 25-030-110

Division of Administrative Services Julia Broughton

ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov

a. Only SOQs received in this mailbox will be considered. SOQs shall not be sent to any other mailbox. If an SOQ is inadvertently sent to an incorrect mailbox, firms must take all appropriate corrective steps.

b. Zip files are acceptable and encouraged.

c. Email SOQ submissions should clearly identify the following in the Subject Line: SOQ No. 25-030-110 [Insert Company Name]

d. If multiple emails are required, they should be identified in the subject line as follows: 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc. i.e., SOQ No. 25-030-110 (ABC Inc.) 1 of 2

e. Emails will not be opened by the Procurement Official until the required SOQ due date and time.

f. Once submitted, an autoreply from ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov will be received. If you do not receive the autoreply, then your email was too large and not received by the Water Boards. This autoreply shall serve as the only proof of receipt of the SOQ.

Note: Emails should not exceed one hundred fifty (150) megabytes (MB). The Water Boards mail server may automatically reject excessively large emails.

Proposers may submit multiple emails if file size exceeds the recommended one hundred fifty (150) MB. Links to files stored on the Internet (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) in lieu of attachments are not acceptable, and any documents stored at such links will not be retrieved. Zip files are acceptable and encouraged.

Hard copy SOQ’s will not be accepted for this solicitation. However, if you require any reasonable accommodations, please direct requests to our general inbox: ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov.

2. Proof of timely receipt

a. To be timely, the Water Boards must receive SOQ packages by the due date and time listed in the Time Schedule table in Section B of this solicitation.

b. The Water Boards will deem late SOQ packages non-responsive.

mailto:ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov mailto:ElectronicBidSubmission@waterboards.ca.gov

3. Firm’s costs

Firms are responsible for all costs of developing and submitting a SOQ package.

Such costs cannot be charged to the Water Boards or included in any cost element of a firm’s price offering.

L. SOQ Requirements and Information

1. Nonresponsive SOQs

In addition to any condition previously indicated in this RFQ, the following occurrences may cause the Water Boards to deem a SOQ package non-responsive.

a. Failure of a firm to:

1) Meet SOQ format/content or submission requirements including the sealing, labeling, and/or timely and proper delivery of SOQ packages.

2) Submit all required documentation listed on the Bid Submittal Checklist.

b. If a firm submits:

1) A SOQ package that is conditional, materially incomplete or contains material alterations or irregularities of any kind.

2) False, inaccurate or misleading information or falsely certifies compliance on any SOQ attachment.

3) A SOQ containing web links. Web links will not be accepted in place of requested documents. All requested documents must be submitted.

c. If the Water Boards discovers, at any stage of the solicitation process or upon contract award, that a firm is unwilling or unable to comply with the contract terms, conditions and exhibits cited in this RFQ and/or the resulting contract.

d. Delinquent Tax Obligations (AB 1424 (Statutes of 2011) Public Contract Code 10295.4)

During the RFQ process, if a Firm appears on either list of the 500 largest tax delinquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the Firm’s submittal will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be considered.

e. If other irregularities occur in a SOQ package that are not specifically addressed herein (i.e., the firm places any conditions on performance of the scope of work, submits a counteroffer/proposal, etc.).

2. Withdrawal and/or resubmission of SOQs

All SOQ packages are to be complete when submitted. However, an entire SOQ package may be withdrawn, and the firm may resubmit a new SOQ package.

a. Withdrawal deadline

A firm may withdraw his/her SOQ package any time prior to the SOQ package due date.

b. Submitting a withdrawal request

1) Submit a written withdrawal request, signed by an authorized representative of the firm.

2) Label and submit the withdrawal request using one of the following methods.

U.S. Mail or Hand Delivery Email

Withdrawal RFQ 25-030-110 Division of Administrative Services Julia Broughton 1001 I Street, 18th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814

Withdrawal RFQ 25-030-110 Division of Administrative Services Julia Broughton

ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

An originally signed withdrawal request is required before the Water Boards will return/release a SOQ package to a firm. The Water Boards may grant an exception if the firm informs the Water Boards that the firm will submit a new or replacement SOQ package immediately following the withdrawal.

c. Proposal mistakes

If prior to proposal due date, a proposer discovers a mistake in their proposal that renders the proposer unable or unwilling to perform all scope of work services for the price/costs offered, the proposer must immediately notify the Water Boards and submit a written request to withdraw its proposal following the procedures set forth above.

d. Resubmitting a SOQ package

After withdrawing a SOQ package, firms may resubmit a new SOQ package according to the submission instructions. Replacement SOQ packages must be received at the stated place of delivery by the due date and time.

3. Evaluation and selection

This section describes, in general, the process that the Water Boards will use to evaluate timely SOQ packages.

a. SOQ opening and review

1) All SOQ packages properly received according to the RFQ instructions on or before the SOQ due date will be opened and reviewed.

2) A group of evaluators will convene to review each timely SOQ package to confirm its responsiveness to the RFQ requirements. Each SOQ package will be checked for the presence or absence of required information in conformance with the submission requirements of this RFQ.

3) If deemed necessary by the Water Boards, additional documentation may be collected to confirm the claims made by each firm and to ensure that each firm is responsive to all solicitation requirements.

4) SOQ packages that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references which do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the firm, may be rejected.

b. Selection Procedures

The SOQ packages that meet the minimum qualification requirements will be evaluated and scored according to the criteria outlined below and further defined in the Evaluation Criteria and Score Sheet (Section R).

Criteria # Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points

1(a)-(f) Knowledge and Experience of the Firm and Subcontractors

2(a)-(d) Capabilities, Experience, and Education of Personnel Assigned to the Project 25

3(a) Quality and Relevance of Recently Completed or Ongoing Work 12

Reference Checks

Proposers will have all three (3) references contacted and scored per the scoring sheet found in section R.

Evaluation and Scoring. Each reference check has a possible 42 point.

Maximum Points 198

At least three respondents with the highest totaled scores will be selected for the “short list”. These respondents will be invited for an interview and will be expected to provide an oral presentation regarding their firm’s services and qualifications.

Upon completion of all interviews and presentations, the respondents will be ranked in order of preference, e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc. The number one respondent will be asked to submit a Cost Proposal. The Water Boards staff will attempt to negotiate a fair and reasonable cost for services. In the event that a satisfactory cost agreement cannot be negotiated, staff will terminate negotiations with the respondent and begin negotiations with the next ranked respondent, and so on. After successful negotiations, a contract will be awarded and executed. The Water Boards reserves the right to terminate the selection proceedings at any time.

The Water Boards will mail or e-mail a written “Notice of Award” to all firms that submitted a SOQ package.

4. Disposition of SOQs

a. All materials submitted in response to this RFQ will become the property of the Water Boards and, as such, are subject to the Public Records Act (GC Section 6250, et seq.). The Water Boards will disregard any language purporting to render all or portions of any SOQ package confidential.

b. Upon making an Award, all documents submitted in response to this RFQ and all documents used in the selection process (e.g., review check lists, letters of award, etc.) will be regarded as public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and shall be subject to review by the public.

c. The Water Boards may return a SOQ package to a firm at their request and expense after the Water Boards concludes the solicitation process.

5. Inspecting or obtaining copies of SOQ packages

a. Who can inspect or copy solicitation materials

Any person or member of the public can inspect or obtain copies of solicitation materials.

b. What can be inspected / copied and when

1) Once SOQ packages are opened, all solicitations, SOQ packages, respondents list, conference sign-in/attendance sheet, check lists and/or evaluation sheets become public records. These records shall be available for review, inspection and copying during normal business hours.

c. Inspecting or obtaining copies of solicitation materials

Persons wishing to view or inspect any solicitation related materials must identify the items they wish to inspect and must make an inspection appointment by contacting Julia Broughton at ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

Persons wishing to obtain copies of solicitation materials may visit or mail a written request to the Water Boards office identified below. The requestor must identify the items they wish to have copied. Materials will not be released from State premises for the purpose of making copies.

Unless waived by Water Boards, a check covering copying and/or mailing costs must accompany the request. Copying costs, when applicable, are charged at a rate of ten cents per page. The Water Boards will fulfill all copy requests as promptly as possible. Submit copy requests as follows:

Request for Copies – RFQ 25-030-110 Division of Administrative Services

Julia Broughton 1001 I Street, 18th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814

ContractBidsGeneral@waterboards.ca.gov

6. Verification of firm information

By submitting a SOQ package, respondents agree to authorize the Water Boards to:

a. Verify any and all claims made by the firm including, but not limited to verification of prior experience and the possession of other qualification requirements, and

b. Check any reference identified by a firm to confirm the firm’s business integrity and history of providing effective, efficient and timely services.

7. Water Boards rights

In addition to the rights discussed elsewhere in this RFQ, the Water Boards reserves the following rights.

a. RFQ corrections

1) The Water Boards reserves the right to do any of the following up to the SOQ package submission deadline:

a) Modify any date or deadline appearing in this RFQ or the RFQ Time Schedule.

b) Issue clarification notices, addenda, alternate RFQ instructions, forms, etc.

c) Waive any RFQ requirement or instruction for all respondents if the Water Boards deems the requirement or instruction unnecessary, erroneous or unreasonable. If deemed necessary by the Water Boards, the Water Boards may also waive any RFQ requirement or instruction after the SOQ submission deadline.

d) Allow Respondents to submit questions about any RFQ change, correction or addenda. If the Water Boards allows such questions, specific instructions will appear in the cover letter accompanying the document.

2) If deemed necessary by the Water Boards to remedy an RFQ error or defect that is not detected in a timely manner, the Water Boards may also issue correction notices or waive any unnecessary, erroneous, or unreasonable RFQ requirement or instruction after the SOQ submission deadline.

3) If applicable, the Water Boards will post on the California’s Online Marketplace at https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx clarification notices or addenda. Be sure to check this website often.

4) The Water Boards at its sole discretion, reserves the right to collect, by mail, e-mail, fax or other method, the following omitted and/or additional information.

a) Signed copies of any form submitted without a signature.

b) Data or documentation omitted from any submitted RFQ attachment/form.

c) Information/material needed to clarify or confirm certifications or claims made by a firm.

d) Information/material or form needed to correct or remedy an immaterial defect in a SOQ package.

b. Immaterial SOQ defects

1) The Water Boards may waive any immaterial defect in any SOQ package and allow the firm to remedy those defects. The Water Boards reserves the right to use its best judgment to determine what constitutes an immaterial deviation or defect.

https://www.caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx

2) The Water Boards’ waiver of an immaterial defect in a SOQ package shall in no way modify this RFQ or excuse a firm from full compliance with all solicitation requirements.

c. Correction of clerical or mathematical errors

The Water Boards reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to overlook, correct or require a Firm to remedy any obvious clerical errors on a SOQ form.

d. Right to remedy errors

The Water Boards reserves the right to remedy errors caused by:

1) The Water Boards’ office equipment malfunctions or negligence by agency staff.

2) Natural disasters (i.e., floods, fires, earthquakes, etc.).

e. No contract award or RFQ cancellation

The issuance of this RFQ does not constitute a commitment by the Water Boards to award a contract. The Water Boards reserves the right to reject all SOQ packages and to cancel this RFQ if it is in the best interest of the Water Boards to do so.

M. Contract Terms and Conditions

The winning firm must enter an agreement that may contain the firm’s budget, a scope of work, standard contract provisions, and one or more of the contract forms and/or exhibits in Section T. Sample Contract Forms / Exhibits. Other exhibits, not identified herein, may also appear in the resulting agreement.

The exhibits included in this RFQ contain contract terms that require strict adherence to various laws and contracting policies. A firm’s unwillingness or inability to agree to the terms and conditions shown below or contained in any exhibit identified in this RFQ will cause the Water Boards to deem a firm non-responsible and ineligible for an award.

In general, the Water Boards will not accept alterations to the General Terms and Conditions (GTC), Special Terms and Conditions, the Scope of Work or alternate contract/exhibit language submitted by a prospective contractor. The Water Boards will consider a SOQ package containing such provisions “a counter proposal” and may reject such a SOQ package.

The Contractor shall begin work when the Agreement is fully executed. Should the Contractor fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, the Water Boards, upon five (5) days written notice to the Contractor, reserves the right to terminate the Agreement.

All performance under the Agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Agreement. In addition, the Contractor shall be liable to the Water Board for the difference between Contractor's bid price and the actual cost of performing work by another Contractor.

No oral understanding or agreement shall be binding on either party.

1. Resolution of differences between RFQ and contract language

If an inconsistency or conflict arises between the terms and conditions appearing in the final agreement and the proposed terms and conditions appearing in this RFQ, any inconsistency or conflict will be resolved by giving precedence to the Agreement.

N. California Civil Rights Laws Certification Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 2010, if a bidder or proposer executes or renews a contract over $100,000 on or after January 1, 2017, the bidder or proposer hereby certifies compliance with the following:

a. CALIFORNIA CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS: For contracts over $100,000 executed or renewed after January 1, 2017, the contractor certifies compliance with the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Section 51 of the Civil Code) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Section 12960 of the Government Code); and

b. EMPLOYER DISCRIMINATORY POLICIES: For contracts over $100,000 executed or renewed after January 1, 2017, if a Contractor has an internal policy against a sovereign nation or peoples recognized by the United States government, the Contractor certifies that such policies are not used in violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Section 51 of the Civil Code) or the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Section 12960 of the Government Code).

O. Health and Safety

Contractors are required to, at their own expense, comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations. Upon notice, Contractors are also required to comply with the state agency’s specific health and safety requirements and policies.

Contractors agree to include in any subcontract related to performance of this Agreement, a requirement that the subcontractor comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations, and upon notice, the state agency’s specific health and safety requirements and policies

P. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russian Sanctions

The Contractor represents that the Contractor is not a target of economic sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine imposed by the United States government or the State of California. The Contractor is required to comply with the economic sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including with respect to, but not limited to, the federal executive orders identified in California Executive Order N-6-22, located at https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3.4.22-Russia-Ukraine-Executive-Order.pdf and the sanctions identified on the United States Department of the Treasury website (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/ukraine-russia-related-sanctions). The Contractor is required to comply with all applicable reporting requirements regarding compliance with the economic sanctions, including, but not limited to, those reporting requirements set forth in California Executive Order N-6-22 for all Contractors with one or more agreements with the State of California with an aggregated value of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) or more. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, failure to comply with the economic sanctions and all applicable reporting requirements may result in termination of this Agreement.

For Contractors with an aggregated agreement value of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) or more with the State of California, reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, information related to steps taken in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, including but not limited to:

a. Desisting from making any new investments or engaging in financial transactions with Russian institutions or companies that are headquartered or have their principal place of business in Russia;

b. Not transferring technology to Russia or companies that are headquartered or have their principal place of business in Russia; and

c. Direct support to the government and people of Ukraine.

Q. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirements

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.

Proposer / Bidder / Offeror 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, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts: (i) functionality of a State system, (ii) risk to the State, or (iii) Contract performance. For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

Failure to report GenAI to the State may result in disqualification. The State reserves the right to seek any and all relief to which it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon notification by a Proposer / Bidder / Offeror of GenAI as required, the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

Government Code 11549.64 defines “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)” as an artificial intelligence system that can generate derived synthetic content, including text, images, video, and audio that emulates the structure and characteristics of the system’s training data.

R. Evaluation and Scoring

1. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS SCORING AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Firm’s Name:_______________________________________________________

Water Boards Reviewer Name (Printed/Typed):__________________________

Date Water Boards Reviewed:_________________________________________

Selection Procedures SOQ submittals that meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements will be evaluated and scored according to the Evaluation Criteria in the SOQ Evaluation and Scoring Table below. Packages will be reviewed by a panel of State Water Board staff.

Scoring Methodology Panel members will review each Proposal and assign points for each Category in the SOQ Evaluation and Scoring Table below using the scoring methodology assigned to each criterion. The scores for each Category will be multiplied by their respective weight to get a weighted score. The weighted scores will be totaled for all criteria per panelist and the panelist scores will be averaged for a final total by which the SOQs will be ranked.

SOQ Evaluation and Scoring Table

Category # Evaluation Criteria (a)

Score (b)

Weight

(a) x (b) Firm’s

Weighted Score

1. Knowledge and Experience of the Firm and Subcontractors (Firm): (35 pts max)

(a)

Describe the firm’s knowledge of water quality issues in the Gualala River Watershed.

0 points = Has no knowledge

1 point = Knowledge of sediment OR temperature impairments and their impacts on fisheries

3 points = Knowledge of both sediment AND temperature impairments and their impacts on fisheries

5 points = Knowledge of sediment and temperature impairments and their impacts on

2.0 __/10

Beneficial Uses, and TMDL-identified sediment sources.

(b)

Describe the experience of the firm and subcontractors in conducting on-the-ground assessments of rural road design and engineering, watercourse crossing design and engineering, and erosion control and sediment control that focuses on documenting road-related sediment sources, hydrologically connected road segments, watercourse crossing function and fish passage utilizing the principles and evaluation methodologies. This includes familiarity with evaluation methodologies outlined in an appropriate technical manual, e.g. the Handbook for Forest, Ranch, and Rural Roads (PWA 2015), Low Volume Road Engineering (Keller 2003) and familiarity with necessary equipment.

0 points = Has not conducted any assessments

1 points = Has conducted or is conducting at least three (3) assessments in the last five (5) years

3 points = Has conducted or is conducting at least five (5) assessments in the last seven (7) years

5 points = Has conducted or is conducting seven (7) or more projects in the last ten (10) years

1.0 __/5

(c)

Describe the experience of the firm in developing and executing erosion and sediment control projects that promote implementation of TMDL goals and objectives and support beneficial uses of water in northern coastal California watersheds.

0 points = Has not conducted any projects

1 points = Has conducted or is conducting at least three (3) road-related sediment reduction projects in the last five (5) years

1.0 __/5

3 points = Has conducted or is conducting at least five (5) projects in the last seven (7) years

5 points = Has conducted or is conducting at least seven (7) projects in the last nine (9) years

(d)

Describe the experience of the firm in developing risk assessments and treatment prioritizations (projects) to address water quality impairments from anthropogenic sediment sources.

0 points = Has not conducted any projects

1 point = Has conducted at least one (1) project.

3 points = Has conducted or is conducting at least three (3) road-related risk assessment and treatment prioritization projects in the last five

(5) years

5 points = Has conducted or is conducting at least five (5) road-related risk assessment and treatment prioritization projects in the last seven

(7) years

1.0 __/5

(e)

Describe the experience of the firm in developing sediment reduction plans as part of project applications, including those as part of grant project applications.

0 points = Has not developed any plans

1 points = Has developed or is developing at least three (3) plans in the last five (5) years

3 points = Has developed or is developing at least five (5) plans in the last seven (7) years

5 points = Has developed or is conducting at least seven (7) plans in the last nine (9) years

(f)

Describe the experience of the firm in conducting public engagement and outreach, including participating in public meetings and in the development and presentation of trainings focusing on roads, hydrologic disconnection, culvert sizing and erosion control (roads trainings). Firm must include examples of public meetings, presentations, and engagement activities that they have given or participated in.

1 points = 5+ years of experience in developing and conducting public engagement and outreach and roads trainings

3 points = 10+ years of experience in developing and conducting public engagement and outreach and roads trainings

5 points = 15+ years of experience in developing and conducting public engagement and outreach and roads trainings

1.0 __/5

2. Capabilities, Experience, and Education of…