43A0503 - On-Call A&E Independent Quality Assurance (IQA) Services for Water Quality Compliance Monitoring, District 43.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for on-call Architectural and Engineering (A&E) Independent Quality Assurance (IQA) Services focused on water quality compliance monitoring in District 43. The contract requires a qualified consultant to perform independent quality assurance reviews of construction, maintenance, and encroachment permit activities to ensure compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, stormwater management plans, and various state and federal water quality regulations. Key personnel requirements include specific qualifications for the Consultant Contract Manager, who must have a minimum of five years of responsible experience managing A&E firms for water quality services and ten years of documented water quality services work experience. Consultants will be evaluated based on technical capabilities, project understanding, team qualifications, and past performance. The SOQs are due by 10:00 a.m. on October 9, 2025, with interviews scheduled for October 24, 2025, and potential contract negotiations planned for the week of December 4, 2025. The solicitation requires comprehensive documentation, including detailed project examples, personnel resumes, and compliance with various environmental regulations.

The procurement includes specific small business and diversity goals, with a 25% Small Business (SB) participation target and a 5% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement. Consultants must submit detailed documentation demonstrating compliance with disadvantaged business enterprise guidelines, including workforce analysis and nondiscrimination plans. The contract will potentially cover work in any Caltrans district and county in California, with an estimated contract amount ranging from $3,840,000 to $6,240,000 over a three-year term. The contract structure includes a 10% fee for profit with escalation rates of 1.81% in the first year and 3.62% in subsequent years. Additionally, the solicitation includes unique requirements related to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) use, mandating that consultants disclose any intentions to use or provide GenAI technologies, with potential consequences including disqualification if not properly reported. Consultants must submit electronic qualifications through a Novell Filr account and comply with all state and federal regulations governing water quality monitoring and environmental compliance.