RFP - Environmental Permitting Water Infrastructure Project (Oak Glen) - Birch Creek Cutoff Walls

The San Bernardino County Flood Control District is requesting proposals for environmental consulting services to prepare environmental documentation and regulatory permit applications for the Birch Creek Cutoff Walls water infrastructure project in Oak Glen, with proposals due September 30, 2026 and a question deadline of September 23, 2026. The project is funded through EPA Community Grants Program federal funds, subjecting the award to EPA General Terms and Conditions and federal contracting requirements. This is a public works contract requiring DIR registration and prevailing wage compliance under California Labor Code provisions.

The scope includes preparation of a Jurisdictional Delineation document identifying temporary and permanent Waters of the U.S. and Waters of the State impacts; mapping of project areas; and optional preparation of draft and final permit applications for Section 404, Section 401, and California Fish and Wildlife Section 1602 streambed alteration permits. The District will prepare CEQA documentation in-house and has engaged EPA for NEPA compliance. The consultant's obligation for permit work is limited to submission of complete applications; the firm is not required to shepherd permits through issuance or respond to agency information requests. Mitigation services are restricted to representing the District in regulatory discussions and do not include identifying mitigation sites or preparing habitat plans. The District will provide existing biological and cultural resources reports and GIS shapefiles; regulatory filing fees are paid directly by the District. The consultant must maintain professional liability insurance with minimum limits of $1 million per claim and $2 million aggregate.

The contract runs October 2026 through August 31, 2027 (maximum one year), with the physical project anticipated to begin spring 2027 and require approximately 40 working days. All proposal costs must include per diem, mileage, and travel expenses. Evaluation criteria are weighted: Qualifications and Experience 40%, Technical Review 40%, References 20%, with price evaluated as a substantially weighted criterion per EPA requirements. The District has not established an estimated budget range. All proposers must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov prior to award and provide evidence of DIR registration, appropriate licenses and certifications, proof of insurance, and three references. Addendum 1 and Addendum 2 (Q&A) have been posted.