ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND STEWARDSHIP SERVICES: Specialized Resource Evaluations and Planning

Zone 7 Water Agency has issued Request for Qualifications RFQu-2026-015 for Environmental Planning and Stewardship Services, specifically targeting specialized resource evaluations and planning. The agency is seeking to establish a qualified consultant list that will remain active for up to five years to support on-call services and project-specific contracts. The scope of work is divided into two primary categories: Watershed Ecology, which focuses on regional mitigation planning, stewardship, and conservation easements; and Geomorphology and Hydrology, which involves technical resource evaluations, geomorphic condition assessments, and support for regulator negotiations. Individual task orders or contracts resulting from this list are generally limited to $50,000 unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Directors. Interested consultants must submit a Statement of Qualifications through the agency's E-Procurement Portal no later than 12:00 pm on October 19, 2026. The evaluation process is based on a 100-point scoring system per category, weighted toward qualifications and approach to work (80%), overall response quality (10%), and client references (10%). Firms achieving a minimum score of 80% will be placed on the finalists list. Selected consultants will enter into professional services agreements with an anticipated initial term of three years, expiring no later than December 31, 2029, with options for two additional one-year renewals. Contractual requirements include strict adherence to California labor laws, prevailing wage compliance for public works, specific insurance coverage limits, and the maintenance of all necessary permits and licenses.