Environmental and Engineering Services

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Multibenefit Initiatives, is seeking qualified environmental and engineering firms through Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 10202199 to provide comprehensive support services across multiple programs. The procurement targets firms capable of delivering environmental and engineering services for initiatives including the Riverine Stewardship Program, Systemwide Flood Risk Reduction Program, Facilitating Improvement of Systemwide Habitat (FISH), Land Stewardship Program, and Delta Levees Program. Required services encompass CEQA and NEPA compliance, environmental permitting, modeling, design work, and project facilitation focusing on flood management, habitat restoration, riparian system improvements, and fish passage enhancements. Key personnel must demonstrate expertise in engineering disciplines, environmental sciences, and project management, with professional licenses and certifications mandatory. A mandatory virtual pre-SOQ conference was held on November 19, 2024, with Statement of Qualifications due by December 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The contract will span three years from February 17, 2025, through February 16, 2028, with potential for two one-year amendments.

While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly mentioned, the RFQ indicates a comprehensive evaluation process based on firm qualifications, with contract award utilizing a negotiation method based on actual costs and a fixed profit rate established by DWR. Subcontractor markup is limited to 3% for new subcontractors not originally included in the contract. The procurement covers work throughout California, with services applicable to various jurisdictions including Sacramento County and San Francisco City. Insurance requirements and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations are integral to the contract. While specific budget ranges were not detailed, the contract will operate on an on-call, as-needed basis, suggesting potential flexibility in service delivery and compensation. The RFQ attracted significant industry interest, with 31 different companies attending the mandatory pre-SOQ conference, including major firms like AECOM, Jacobs, HDR, and ICF, indicating a competitive and high-stakes procurement opportunity.