Request for Proposals for Water Loss Control Program Design & Technical Services

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department issued Request for Proposals No. WT-0243 on April 3, 2026, to procure professional and technical services for updating its Water Loss Control Program. The primary objective is to evaluate the current regulatory environment and assess the feasibility of achieving California State Water Resources Control Board customized Water Loss Performance Standards by 2028, in compliance with California Water Code 10608.34, Executive Orders B-37-16 and B-40-17, and Senate Bill 555. The scope of work requires applicants to apply American Water Works Association (AWWA) M36 standards for water audits and loss control programs while integrating innovative technological approaches and data analytics. Key deliverables include regulatory compliance and planning analysis, data systems support and program development, reporting support evaluation for a new Leak Registry Program, and miscellaneous technical assistance, all to be completed within calendar year 2026. Minimum qualifications require three years of experience with water loss control programs, AWWA Certified Water Audit Validators as principal project staff, and demonstrated experience with Senate Bill 555 compliance work. The evaluation committee will score proposals based on adherence to RFP requirements (5 percent), firm background information (5 percent), qualifications and experience (20 percent), technical approach and work plan (30 percent), cost proposal (40 percent), and references (5 percent). Questions must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, with proposals due electronically by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, and a Notice of Intent to Award anticipated on May 15, 2026.

The City of Santa Cruz offers local business preferences including a 2 percent preference for businesses with an office and employee in Santa Cruz and an additional 4 percent preference for locally owned businesses with at least 50 percent ownership residing in Santa Cruz County. No incumbent vendor has been identified in the RFP documentation. Proposers must submit detailed cost proposals including direct labor, overhead, fringe benefits, profit, subcontractor costs, and other direct costs such as materials, supplies, taxes, and travel, with travel expenses reimbursed only if specifically authorized in the agreement according to General Services Administration rates. The contract term is three years with potential annual renewal options, and work plans or projects requiring continued professional and technical support may be evaluated for implementation in Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028. No specific funding amount or budget range is disclosed in the RFP documents. Proposers must complete non-collusion declarations and California Levine Act disclosure statements regarding contributions to City Officers exceeding $500, and the City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and waive minor defects.