RFP for FHWA ER Programmed Storm Damage Repair Projects - Environmental Consulting Services

The County of Santa Cruz, Department of Community Development & Infrastructure is requesting proposals from qualified environmental consulting firms to prepare Batched Biological Assessments for twenty-three storm damage repair projects and assist in regulatory permitting under RFP 2026-RFP-Roads-079, with proposals due October 8, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Work is funded through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program.

The scope encompasses preparing Batched Biological Assessments for twenty-three FHWA ER programmed storm damage repair projects across Santa Cruz County and San Francisco City, along with regulatory permitting assistance. The County seeks a single consultant team and will evaluate proposals based on qualifications outlined in the RFP requirements through a Selection Committee process. Cost proposals must be submitted as separate password-protected PDFs and will remain sealed until all technical proposals have been reviewed and the most qualified consultant identified. The County will conduct negotiations with the top-ranked consultant, with fallback to subsequent ranked consultants if negotiations are unsuccessful.

The contract term runs from the date of approval through December 31, 2028. The RFP includes exhibits covering the draft independent contractor agreement, Caltrans Local Assistance Required Forms, project site tables, project PES forms, sample Batched Biological Assessments, survey and notification guidance, and Section 106 compliance documentation. Questions are due September 28, 2026. Prospective consultants must create a free OpenGov account and subscribe through https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/santacruzcounty to receive the full RFP and any addenda. The County reserves the right to reject any and all responses.