Lopez Water Project Habitat Conservation Plan Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment Services

The San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is requesting proposals for environmental consulting services to prepare a California Environmental Quality Act Environmental Impact Report and a National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement for the Lopez Water Project Habitat Conservation Plan, with proposals due November 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. A local-vendor preference applies when quality and service are equal, requiring the vendor to maintain a fully staffed office with a physical address in San Luis Obispo County for at least six months prior to the proposal deadline.

The scope encompasses preparation of both CEQA and federal NEPA compliance documents for the Habitat Conservation Plan, which addresses conservation and management of three covered species — South-Central California Coast Steelhead Distinct Population Segment, California red-legged frog, and southwestern pond turtle — within the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed. The consulting firm will work under a task order professional services agreement with a two-year term.

Proposals must be submitted as separate Adobe PDF files: technical proposal limited to 20 pages excluding appendices and resumes, and cost proposal with fixed fees detailing billing rates for key personnel, overhead rates, and ancillary costs (office, vehicle, travel, cell phone, per diem) conforming to the County's Travel Policy. Pricing remains unchanged throughout the two-year term.

The selected consultant must carry $2 million Commercial General Liability insurance, $2 million Professional Liability ($4 million aggregate), $1 million Auto Liability, and $1 million Workers Compensation and Disability Benefits. Evaluation weights understanding of scope (20 points), demonstrated expertise in similar work (30 points), qualifications and experience of key staff (30 points), and familiarity with state and federal procedures (20 points).

Questions are due November 13, 2026. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for January 4, 2027, contract negotiations for January 8, 2027, Board of Supervisors award for January 26, 2027, and Notice to Proceed for January 27, 2027. Proposals must remain firm for 120 days following the closing date.