Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Department of General Services

Real Estate Services Division

Project Management and Development Branch

The Department of General Services (DGS), Real Estate Services Division (RESD), Project Management and Development Branch (PMDB), is requesting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from Architectural and Engineering firms, pursuant to Government Code §4525 et. seq.

I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
RESD-PMDB 2024-07          

LAKE NAPA UNIT HEADQUARTERS
AND GLEN ELLEN FIRE STATION: RELOCATE FACILITY
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY & FIRE PROTECTION
ELDRIDGE, SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

The project proposes to Design and Construct a new CalFire Lake Napa Unit Headquarters and Glen Ellen Fire Station. The Site comprises of an approximately 55-acre property located in a largely rural area of Sonoma County. The property is situated in the Sonoma Development Center (SDC) in the City of Eldridge, Sonoma County, California, west of Sonoma Highway 12. The headquarters will include, but is not limited to, an administration building, an EEC building, an auto shop, a service center, a training building, Captains Barracks, a training tower, a communications tower, a fire pump test pit, a generator/pump and storage building, a self-contained breathing apparatus recharge building, and a radio vault/repair building. The Fire Station will include, but is not limited to, an apparatus/barracks building, a dozer/mobile command center transport building, a fitness building, and a flammable storage building. Additionally, the scope of work includes vehicular bridges, a roadway constructed to local improvement standards with related traffic signals, interchange connection to Highway 12, helipad, site work and utilities. The project will include: the demolition of existing structures and roadways. The project will be designed and constructed for LEED Gold certification and Zero Net Energy (ZNE).

The estimated cost of construction is approximately $251,250,000.00.

The estimated duration of this contract will be five (5) years.

    II.        SCOPE OF SERVICES

The successful firm shall provide professional services and prepare environmental clearance documents and studies as required to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code (PRC) §§ 5024 and 5024.5, and all other relevant environmental laws and regulations, as an environmental consultant for the above referenced project.

The contractor will be expected to provide related support documentation for the environmental review process, assist with securing any necessary State and/or Federal project permits, and assist in preparation and implementation of the mitigation monitoring and reporting plan. The Contractor may provide additional professional environmental services normally and logically associated with, but not limited to, evaluation of applicable Management Plans in the context of how they would affect project design, assistance in coordinating and facilitating meetings, and provide environmental information and analysis. The Contractor will provide these environmental services as defined by, and in conformance with Section 4525(f) of the Government Code.

CEQA/NEPA Environmental Document Expertise.  The Contractor must demonstrate an expert knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and associated field surveys, technical memos, studies and related graphics such as maps, visual simulations, and resource mapping. Contractor must have experience preparing graphic materials for use in environmental reports and/or presentations, including site Experience in the preparation of a wide range of environmental documents, to include environmental impact reports, initial studies, and mitigated negative declarations will be a critical selection factor.

The Contractor must provide a regulatory specialist with CEQA expert testimony, witness experience and litigation support.

Contractor must have knowledge of applicable State and federal laws and permits including, but not limited to, the process for obtaining a Streambed Alteration Agreement, Section 7/10 permits, 401/404 permits, various wetland/site grading permits and other possible environmental requirements.  Contractor must have experience with the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System for municipal stormwater and urban runoff discharge

Interagency Coordination. The Contractor must demonstrate ability to work with multiple State and Federal Agencies on complex projects. Contractor must also demonstrate knowledge and experience with roadway encroachment on Caltrans right of ways. Contractor must have experience with scenic highway requirements.

Community Planning.  The Contractor must be able to offer expertise in and knowledge of community planning. This includes analysis of land-use compatibility, general and specific plan processes, evaluating project effects on community plan policies and values, public services, recreation, utilities analysis.

Cultural Resource Analysis.  The Contractor must demonstrate experience in preparation of prehistoric and historic studies for development, site selection, and restoration projects.  This includes the ability to conduct full archaeological evaluations and supporting documentation to evaluate historic structures, and to provide recordation of both prehistoric and historic materials.  The Contractor must have knowledge of relevant State and federal laws, regulations, including AB 52 requirements as identified in CEQA section 21082.3(d), and related protocols such as those for the consultation process for the State Office of Historic Preservation and federal historic preservation agencies, the Secretary of Interior Standards, Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act, and the Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record procedures.

Aesthetics – Visual Simulation.  The Contractor must demonstrate ability to conduct visual surveys and simulations to identify and assess potential changes in viewsheds.

Natural/Biological Resource Expertise.  The Contractor must demonstrate broad experience in preparation of natural resource assessments typically used in environmental documents and other baseline project studies, especially for biological resources.  Contractor must have a working knowledge of common habitat types and species that occur throughout California, and familiarity with the State and federally listed threatened and endangered species typically associated with California. Contractor must have knowledge of wetlands identification and delineation, site inventory techniques, consultation procedures with state and federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contractor must demonstrate ability to prepare restoration plans and assist with mitigation banking.

Noise.  The Contractor must be able to offer expertise in the preparation of typical acoustical analysis needed in environmental documents.  This includes assessment of existing site and community noise levels, modeling project-induced sound levels, and identification of noise mitigation techniques and measures.

Public Participation and Community Outreach.  The Contractor must demonstrate experience in the preparation of public participation materials, organizing public workshops, and providing specialized community involvement assistance and proficient in bilingual communication. The Contractor must be able to create public awareness materials as they relate to the environmental planning process and the community outreach process. Inform target audiences of projects, help the public understand construction activities and construction related impacts.

Transportation Analysis.  The Contractor must demonstrate experience in traffic and transportation studies typically used in environmental documents. This includes related expertise in trip generation rates; vehicle miles travelled (VMT), travel pattern analysis; roadway design hazard analysis; level-of-services analysis; traffic congestion planning; transportation demand management, parking analysis; traffic signal warrant analysis; transit corridor planning; peak hour traffic evaluation; and schematic design of intersection, roadway, and project entrance improvements.  Contractors must have knowledge of State and federal laws, local traffic regulations, and typical commute/transportation management plans.

A Contractor will be selected based on written responses to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and an oral interview.

   III.        MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Firms that are interested in providing professional services for this contracting opportunity shall submit the following information in 8.5” x 11” format (11-point font or greater) with each of the numbered sections collated in a separate tab. Firms shall ensure that their written responses indicate how they meet the Selection Criteria in Section V below.

Submit one (1) electronic copy as detailed below:

1. Letter of interest that includes the Federal Identification Number (FEIN) of the firm as well as the person authorized to negotiate and sign all agreements.

2. Executive Summary (2 pages maximum).

3. Federal Form SF330 (“Architect-Engineer Qualifications”) Parts I & II for your firm, and Federal Form SF330 Part II for any proposed sub-contractors. The current revision of these forms is available on the GSA Webpage for SF330.

a. For each resume, firms may supplement the Form 330 (no more than one supplemental page per person) with further information on each individual’s proposed project assignment and responsibilities, their specific professional experience related to this assignment, and their current work assignment(s) and projected completion dates.

4. Written statement of the firm’s qualifications that is responsive to the Selection Criteria. Firms shall respond in writing indicating how they believe their qualifications fulfill the requirements of these criteria. Firms must respond to each numbered criterion with complete and organized responses.

5. Additional Required Documents

a. Current Statement of Information. If operating under a fictitious business name, provide all supporting documentation (i.e. fictitious business name statement certified by the appropriate county clerk).  Website link to the California Secretary of State.

b. Verification of California license for Professional Architects and Engineers and/or Land Surveyors or Geologists can be obtained on the Department of Consumer Affairs website.

c. If applicable, proof of current certification from the DGS Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS). Website link to the DGS Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services.

d. Completed and signed California Civil Rights Laws Attachment, available on the Website link to the Civil Rights Laws Attachment.

e. Proof of current registration with the California Department of Industrial Relations as a Public Works Contractor for the firm submitting the SOQ and all proposed subcontractors. Website link to the DIR Contractor Registration Search.

f. Darfur Contracting Act Certification. Website link to the Darfur Contracting Act Certification Form.

g. Iran Contracting Act Certification. Website link to the Iran Contracting Certification Form.

h. Bidder Declaration Form (GSPD-05-105) documenting sub-contracted services.. Website link to the GSPD-05-105 Form.

i. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure & Factsheet (STD 1000). Website line to the STD 1000 Form 

The State encourages Small Businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises participation.

To locate certified firms for subcontracting purposes, start on Cal eProcure. Website link to CaleProcure. Click on “Small Business / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise,” then “Search for Certified SB/DVBE Firms.” In the Certification Type, select any combination of Micro Business (MB), Small Business (SB), or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE).

Additionally, there are fields that allow for a narrowing of the search. In the UNSPSC Classifications field, a search can be conducted in which the words “architectural” or “engineering” are used. If, for example, the UNSPSC Classification for Architectural Engineering (81101508) is selected, in addition to Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Service Area (County) Sacramento (34), a number of DVBE certified firms that associate with the Architectural Engineering category are shown.

If you feel your company or your subcontractor qualifies as either, visit the website link to DGS SB & DVBE for more information or call OSDS at (916) 375-4940 for further information.

Please note that no preference in the qualifications category can be given to Small Business firms under the contracting law set up for professional services contracts (Architectural, Engineering, Environmental Services, etc.). Procedures shall assure maximum participation of small business firms, as defined by the Director of General Services pursuant to Government Code Section 14837.

  IV.        SUBMISSION INFORMATION AND DEADLINE

SOQ hard copy documents must be submitted via mail, with postmark no later than the submission deadline, to the address below. Hand delivered or dropped off, facsimile, and e-mailed documents will NOT be accepted.

Within 24 hours of the submission deadline, one (1) electronic copy to of the SOQ shall be uploaded by the submitting firm to the following DGS Box.com site:

https://dgscloud.app.box.com/f/fc054a0a85984f4ca95b4a28663c42b5

The SOQ electronic copy shall be in PDF format and shall be identical to the hard copy documents submitted via mail. Hand delivered or dropped off, e-mailed files, and other electronic transmissions will NOT be accepted.

Submittal Deadline: Friday, October 4, 2024, at 5:00 P.M.

Address for Submission:

Department of General Services

Real Estate Services Division

Project Management & Development Branch

Attn.: Therese Dominguez, Contracts Analyst and Nora Sandstedt, Contract Technician

707 3rd Street, 4th Floor

West Sacramento, CA 95605

    V.        SELECTION CRITERIA

SOQ packages meeting the minimum requirements of Section III and submitted as described in Section IV will be evaluated and scored based on the seven (7) criteria listed below.

1.            Experience of Firm

Professional experience of the firm in relation to the work to be performed.

• List each person with their role for all staff identified as a part of this proposal.
• Experience of subcontractors in relation to the work performed.
• Nature and quality of completed work.

2.            Experience of Principals

Professional experience and licenses of the principals to be assigned to the project.

• List the Principals to be assigned to and involved with the project.

3.            Experience of Key Personnel

Professional experience and training of key personnel, including both design and field personnel.

• List staffs experience, education, licensing, certification, and training.

4.            Resource Availability

• Firm’s resource availability and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and produce timely required deliverables. SOQs should demonstrate reliability of firm and continuity of firm’s staff and sub consultants.
• Location of firm office(s) for project coordination and services.

5.            Working with Other Entities

Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work with various utilities, and governmental departments including experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

6.            Problem Solving

Demonstrated ability to provide creative and innovative solutions to solve design and engineering problems, including unexpected problems, via examples of past projects.

7.            Environmental Monitoring

Demonstrated ability of ensuring that the project remains in compliance with relevant environmental laws, regulations, and permit conditions throughout the environmental documentation and mitigation monitoring process.

Firms SOQ will respond in writing showcasing how their experience fulfills the requirements of the above criteria.

Consultant team shall be comprised of all disciplines necessary to effectively provide essential and ancillary services for the work described for the project. Team shall be experienced with designs of similar nature, size and complexity.

  VI.        CONTRACT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS

The selected firm(s) for each region will submit proposed hourly rates for specific classifications of employees, subcontractors, and/or services to be provided. The State and each firm will enter negotiations to create fixed rates applicable for the term of the contract. In the event a satisfactory agreement cannot be negotiated, the State will terminate negotiations and begin negotiations with the next ranked firm in that region, and so on until an agreement is reached. After successful negotiations, a contract will be executed for each region.

The State does not guarantee any task orders will be made under the agreements during the agreement terms. The State may utilize services from firms with agreements in other regions on an as needed basis (such as if a firm is unavailable to provide the work or if the State and the firm cannot agree on a specific project fee).

Ten percent (10%) retention will be held for all progress payments made to contractor. When the estimated amount to be retained exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), and the retention continues for a period of 60 days beyond the completion of phased services, upon written request and at the expense of the contractor, the State will pay the retentions earned directly to a state or federally chartered bank in this state, as the escrow agent. Refer to Public Contract Code § 6106.5 for further requirements and requirements pertaining to subcontractors.

 VII.        Labor Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Program - Contractor Registration

Pursuant to Labor Code § 1725.5, contractors must register with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) as a public works contractor to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal or engage in the performance of any public works contract. The application also provides agencies that administer public works programs with a searchable database of qualified contractors. Application and renewal are completed online DIR Contractor Registration Info Page. The current annual fee can be located on the DIR website. The registration period coincides with the fiscal year.

Firms submitting a SOQ must list their Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) registration number, as well as the DIR registration number for each listed subcontractor. Which subcontractor is assigned to each registration number must be clear. If a coverage determination has been provided by DIR, the coverage determination letter may be submitted in lieu of a DIR registration number.

All A&E firms and subcontractors shall be required to comply with the monitoring and enforcement program, including, but not limited to, contractor registration, submittal of electronic certified payroll reports (eCPRs) directly to the DIR as applicable and cooperation with on-site monitoring by DIR personnel if the work performed is covered by prevailing wage laws. Not all work performed by an A&E firm or its subcontractors are covered by prevailing wage laws. Refer to Labor Code § 1771.4 et seq. and the Website link to the Prevailing Wage Requirements.

 
VIII.        Prevailing Wages

Pursuant to Labor Code § 1774, the contractor and any subcontractors, regardless of tier, shall pay not less than the specified prevailing wage rates, as applicable, to all workers employed in the execution of the agreement. Website link to Labor Code § 1774.

Copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages are on file at the Department of General Services, which shall be made available to all interested parties. Additionally, prevailing wage rates are available on the DIR website. Website link to the DIR Prevailing Wage Determination page.

This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR.

VIII.        ECONOMIC SANCTIONS

Firms submitting an SOQ must be advised of Executive Order N-6-22 Russia Sanctions. On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order (EO) N-6-22 regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. By submitting a SOQ, the submitting firm represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should the State determine the submitter is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Bidder’s SOQ any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the State.   

IX.          GENAI DISCLOSURE NOTIFICATION CLAUSE

The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies. 

Bidder / Offeror / Contractor must notify the State in writing if their solution or service includes, or makes available, any GenAI, including GenAI from third parties or subcontractors. 

The State has developed a GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000) to be completed by the Bidder / Offeror / Contractor . 

Failure to submit the GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000) will result in disqualification of the Bidder / Offeror / Contractor. 

Failure to report GenAI to the State may void any resulting contract. The State reserves its right to seek any and all relief it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure. 

Upon receipt of a Bidder / Offeror / Contractor GenAI Reporting and Factsheet (STD 1000), the state reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the state. 

X.            QUESTIONS

General questions and questions regarding the submission of RFQs should be directed to Therese Dominguez, Contracts Analyst at therese.dominguez@dgs.ca.gov.

Technical and contract related questions should be directed to Terry Ash, Senior Environmental Planner, at terry.ash@dgs.ca.gov.

END OF DOCUMENT