RFQ - Civil Engineering Services: Sinkhole Mit. , Stormwater, & Underground Utility Infra. & Road Wrk

The State of California, specifically the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety (Energy Safety) in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), is seeking qualified Independent Evaluators (IEs) through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to assess electrical corporations' compliance with their Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs). The primary objective is to develop a list of independent firms capable of reviewing and evaluating nine electrical corporations' compliance across initiative targets, funding, and quality control programs. Qualified firms must possess at least one California-licensed Electrical Engineering professional and demonstrate substantial audit experience in electrical infrastructure safety. The evaluation will involve field verifications, document reviews, and interviews to assess compliance with approved WMPs. Key dates include a bidders' meeting on December 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM PT, with Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) due by January 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. Evaluation criteria will require applicants to achieve a minimum cumulative rating of 15 points across technical, project management, and operational categories, with the final IE list to be published by February 28, 2025.

The procurement includes opportunities for small businesses and allows for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation, though specific set-aside percentages are not explicitly defined. Firms must complete comprehensive documentation including conflict of interest declarations, professional certifications, and detailed qualifications demonstrating expertise in areas such as GIS, vegetation management, and wildfire mitigation. No specific contract value or budget range is disclosed in the documents, and inclusion on the IE list does not guarantee work assignments. Strict conflict of interest requirements prohibit firms with recent contracts or relationships with covered electrical entities from participating. The procurement process requires extensive documentation, including engineering licenses, professional CVs, example reports, and compliance with California Professional Engineers Act regulations. Notably, pricing information is explicitly prohibited from qualification submissions, suggesting that subsequent procurements will determine specific contract values and compensation structures.