Environmental Consulting Services

The County of Merced is seeking proposals through a Request for Qualifications to establish a list of up to ten qualified consultants to provide planning and environmental consulting services. The primary scope of work involves supporting the County in processing development applications on a case-by-case basis, with a heavy focus on CEQA and NEPA compliance. Key deliverables include the preparation of initial studies, exemptions, Negative and Mitigated Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and Environmental Impact Statements, as well as the creation of staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, and technical materials for the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Merced County Purchasing portal by December 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with a clarification deadline of November 20, 2026. Selection is based on the most responsive and qualified response rather than the lowest cost, utilizing a scoring rubric that heavily weights project experience at 40 percent, followed by the proposed approach, organization, budget, and implementation. Mandatory submission requirements include a signature page signed in blue ink, a one-page cover letter, and a detailed fee schedule. Successful consultants must maintain significant insurance coverage, including at least 2 million dollars per occurrence for both Technology Professional Liability Errors and Omissions and Cyber Liability. The contract allows for either fixed-fee or hourly-rate compensation, with payments issued within 30 days of receiving a proper invoice and a Form W-9. All work products developed under the agreement remain the exclusive property of the County, and all contracts are subject to the California Public Records Act.