43A0496 - A&E On-call Caltrans HQ Biological Resources Support services, District 43

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Number 43A0496 for on-call Headquarters Biological Resources Support Services in District 43, seeking architectural and engineering firms to provide comprehensive environmental and biological research support. The three-year contract will focus on developing programmatic biological assessments, supporting advance mitigation programs, conducting fish and wildlife connectivity research, and providing technical environmental planning support. Consultants must demonstrate expertise in areas including NEPA, CEQA, endangered species regulations, biological survey protocols, and environmental document preparation, with required personnel including environmental scientists, biologists, GIS specialists, and principal environmental planners. The evaluation will involve an initial review of Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) followed by interviews scheduled for July 30, 2025, with contract negotiations planned for the week of September 8, 2025. Firms must submit comprehensive SOQs addressing seven specific sections, including transmittal letters, key personnel information, example projects, and organizational details, with submissions due by July 15, 2025.

The procurement includes specific set-aside and participation goals, requiring 25% small business involvement and a mandatory 5% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation. Consultants must comply with nondiscrimination requirements, California Civil Rights Laws, and provide detailed workforce analysis, particularly for firms with 50 or more employees. The contract has an estimated value ranging from $7,750,814 to $12,595,072, with task orders supporting various biological resources and environmental compliance activities. Firms must disclose any use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in their SOQs, with potential disqualification for non-compliance with new GenAI reporting guidelines effective February 20, 2025. Consultants are required to submit documentation demonstrating capability to perform architectural, engineering, environmental, and related services, with a Consultant Contract Manager needing a minimum of five years of responsible experience managing consultant teams and ten years of documented A&E Environmental Services experience.