Dam Safety Engineering Services - Southern California

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Operations and Maintenance and Dam Safety Services Branch, is soliciting Statements of Qualifications under RFQ No. 10221501 for on-call dam safety engineering services supporting the State Water Project, with SOQs due November 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The mandatory virtual pre-SOQ conference on November 2, 2026 has already passed. DWR has not designated a set-aside, though it encourages Small Business, Microbusiness, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation.

Eligibility requires Department of Industrial Relations registration and DIR-certified electronic payroll records for public works portions of the contract. Firms must submit the new Generative Artificial Intelligence Disclosure form (DWR 9834) identifying any GenAI technology in proposed solutions or services. Key personnel must hold valid professional licenses.

Scope covers as-needed, as-directed engineering during peak workload periods for review, inspection, evaluation, analysis, and oversight of structures owned or operated by DWR, including facilities within FERC Project Nos. 2426 and 2100. Exhibit A tasks include dam performance surveillance and monitoring, risk-informed decision making, project initiation and permitting, geotechnical and geologic studies, engineering design and review, program development support, training, and incidental services. Riverside County is the listed jurisdiction.

The estimated term runs March 2, 2027 through March 1, 2030, with options for up to two additional one-year renewals. Negotiations use the selected firm's true and actual cost, a fixed DWR-established profit rate, annual escalation for hourly billing rates, and subcontractor markups identified in Exhibit E. DWR General Terms and Conditions and Special Terms and Conditions (Exhibits C, D, and E) are non-negotiable. The most qualified firm must submit financial documents, payroll records, overhead and fringe benefit documentation, and compensation policies within five business days of selection.

SOQs are limited to 200 pages, excluding covers, resumes, and licenses. Required content includes organizational charts, staff availability data, key personnel qualifications, five example projects with client contact information, five references (at least two non-DWR), and signed lobbying and conflict-of-interest certifications. Interviews are estimated for January 4–8, 2027, with contract award anticipated March 2, 2027.