Progressive Design-Build Project Reference No. DB-2026-01 - Kane Spring Project

The California Department of Water Resources is requesting statements of qualifications and proposals for the Progressive Design-Build Kane Spring Project (DB-2026-01), a wetland and pupfish habitat creation and dust suppression initiative spanning approximately 5,099 acres in Imperial County near Brawley, with SOQ/P submissions due December 4, 2026 at 3 p.m. Pacific Time. The Design-Builder must be a California-licensed Class A General Engineering Contractor.

The scope encompasses design, preconstruction services, and construction across two phases: Phase 1 consists of 100 percent complete design with potential Phase 1–Phase 2 overlap; Phase 2 completion is estimated for December 2029. Work includes pond, ditch, and berm construction; vegetation and wetlands enhancement; bird and pupfish habitat creation; and water-based and vegetation-based dust control measures utilizing agricultural drains, groundwater wells, and existing conservation projects.

The Department's preliminary cost estimate ranges from $120 million to $130 million in 2026 dollars. Currently, $65 million in funding under Proposition 4 (Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024) is available to cover all Phase 1 activities and a portion of Phase 2; the Salton Sea Program is pursuing additional funding for remaining Phase 2 activities. Phase 2 work is contingent on successful negotiation of a Guaranteed Maximum Price Proposal; if agreement cannot be reached, the Department may terminate negotiations without executing a Phase 2 amendment.

The Department will employ a one-step Best Value selection method emphasizing qualifications, relevant experience, team integration, and pricing. SBE and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation is required. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for October 1, 2026 (pre-registration due September 23). One-on-one meetings occur October 5–9, 2026 (nontechnical) and October 12–16, 2026 (technical). The Department anticipates ranking determination and selection for negotiations in mid-February 2027, with negotiations February through April 2027 and anticipated contract award and execution in April 2027. Prevailing wages, equal employment opportunity compliance, insurance and bond requirements, conflicts of interest disclosures, Form 700 disclosures, and Russian economic sanctions compliance apply.