Environmental Consulting Services

The Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) is conducting a competitive solicitation (No. 2025-02) to procure on-call environmental consulting services for reviewing and analyzing potential environmental impacts of proposed privately funded energy production facilities. The procurement seeks a single contractor to provide comprehensive services including application reviews, construction and operational plan reviews, compliance monitoring, SEPA document preparation, site visit reporting, and environmental impact assessments across various energy technologies such as nuclear, thermal, wind, solar, storage, electrical transmission, geothermal, pipelines, and refineries. Key personnel requirements include positions for a Project Supervisor, Environmental Monitor, and Field Technician, with professionals needing relevant degrees and experience in environmental consulting, SEPA reviews, and environmental compliance. The evaluation process will utilize a 115-point scoring system, with 30 points allocated to non-cost factors focusing on company experience in environmental review areas like water quality, biological resources, cultural resources, and air quality, and 70 points for bid pricing. Critical dates include a virtual pre-bid conference on April 24, 2025, bid submissions due by May 30, 2025, and an anticipated contract award on July 14, 2025, with an initial contract term of 24 months from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, and potential extensions for two additional 24-month periods.

The solicitation includes provisions to support and encourage participation from diverse businesses, with opportunities for small Washington businesses, certified veteran-owned businesses, and businesses complying with Executive Order 18-03. While there are no mandatory minimum participation requirements for diverse businesses, bidders are encouraged to develop comprehensive outreach strategies engaging small, veteran, and diverse businesses registered in Washington's Electronic Business Solution (WEBS). Businesses must be certified by appropriate Washington state agencies like the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) or the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) to qualify under specific diverse business categories. Historically, EFSEC's annual environmental consulting expenses have averaged approximately $1,112,400, with increasing site applications (6 in 2022, 7 in 2023, and 8 in 2024). The previous contractor for these services was WSP USA Inc./Golder. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, including commercial general liability, workers' compensation, employer's liability, commercial automobile liability, and professional liability insurance with specified minimum coverage amounts. The contract will allow for potential economic adjustments based on the Employment Security's Occupational Employment and Wages index.