Retainer Agreement Environmental Services

The California Department of General Services, Real Estate Services Division is soliciting qualifications for retainer agreements providing environmental services on an as-needed basis for new construction, additions, renovations, and remodel projects throughout California, with SOQ submissions due August 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The State has divided California into three geographic regions—Northern, Southern, and Coastal—and will establish a separate five-year retainer agreement for each region.

Participating firms and all subcontractors must register with the California Department of Industrial Relations as public works contractors and comply with prevailing wage requirements under Labor Code 1774. The State encourages Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation as subcontractors.

The scope encompasses environmental studies, documents, and specialized analysis required under CEQA, NEPA, and TRPA regulations, including natural resource assessments, cultural and archaeological resource surveys, historic building evaluations, air quality and noise assessments, traffic and transportation analysis, public participation and community outreach, environmental due diligence investigations, community planning, and website publishing with accessibility compliance. Firms must provide hourly rates for specific employee classifications and services during contract negotiation.

The maximum total amount per regional agreement is $6 million, though the State does not guarantee any task orders will be issued during the agreement term. New task orders may only be issued during the first thirty-six months of the five-year term, with the final twenty-four months reserved for completing outstanding work. Ten percent retention will be held on all progress payments; retained amounts exceeding $10,000 held in escrow if retention continues beyond sixty days after phased service completion.

Submissions must include current California Secretary of State registration, relevant certifications, civil rights certifications, DIR registration proof, Darfur and Iran Contracting Act certifications, and disclosure of any intended use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in deliverables or contract performance. Highest-scoring SOQ packages for each region will advance to interviews, with final selection based on written qualifications and oral presentations.