Constructed Habitat Feasibility Study and Workplan Update

Coachella Valley Water District is requesting proposals from qualified consulting firms to complete a Constructed Habitat Feasibility Study and Constructed Habitat Workplan Update, with proposals due October 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST via PlanetBids. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT via Microsoft Teams, and a non-mandatory job walk is scheduled for October 1, 2026 at the project site in Mecca, California.

The scope encompasses professional environmental, engineering, water quality, and habitat restoration services to evaluate the relocation of a constructed habitat project to the Johnson Street location, assess water supply alternatives, and provide engineering and cost analyses to determine feasibility. The Workplan Update will build upon the existing 2021 Work Plan and incorporate findings from the Feasibility Study. Deliverables include a draft Feasibility Study (April 15, 2027), final Feasibility Study (August 1, 2027), draft Workplan (October 15, 2027), and final Workplan (January 15, 2028). The contract term is one year from Notice to Proceed, with work culminating in January 2028. All work product becomes the property of CVWD.

Minimum qualifications are five years of business operation and five years of relevant experience. Professional liability insurance of not less than $5 million per occurrence or claim is required, potentially reducible to $2 million with written approval. General liability, business automobile, and workers' compensation coverage are also required. Prevailing wage and labor code compliance requirements apply if services qualify as public works.

Proposals are evaluated on a best-value basis across four equally weighted criteria (25 points each): firm qualifications and experience, staff and team qualifications, demonstrated understanding of project scope, and cost proposal. Interviews tentatively scheduled for November 19, 2026 may add up to 25 additional points. Questions are due October 8, 2026, with responses posted by October 15. Contract award is anticipated for January 12, 2027. Proposers must submit a technical proposal and a separate cost proposal using a lump-sum cost form for each deliverable. CVWD retains the right to negotiate contract terms, modify scope through Task Orders, and award based on best value rather than lowest cost alone.