DATE: November 17, 2015
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION SELECTING AND AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS WITH GEOSYNTEC CONSULTANTS, INC., KLEINFELDER, INC. AND TETRA TECH, INC. FOR AS-NEEDED ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTIGATION SERVICES FOR AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,800,000 FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Environmental investigation services for hazardous substance releases are needed by the District to complete major maintenance, capital improvement, and environmental compliance projects and to comply with regulatory requirements. These projects can be technically demanding and are best addressed using consultants who have advanced technical skills and approaches to address these issues cost-effectively and permanently.
Pursuant to BPC Policy No. 110, on August 10, 2015, District staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking up to three qualified firms for As-Needed Environmental Investigation Services. On September 9, 2015, the District received responsive proposals from eleven firms. Based on an analysis of the proposals, eight of the eleven firms were selected as finalists and interviewed by staff. Based on the interviews, the written proposals, and a decision analysis process using the criteria stated in the RFQ, staff recommends the Board of Port Commissioners (Board) select and authorize agreements with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., Kleinfelder, Inc. and Tetra Tech, Inc. Upon Board approval, Agreements #221-2015, #223-2015, and #222-2015 (Attachments A, B, C, respectively) between the District and the three firms would be executed for a period of three years for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $1,800,000.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing agreements with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., Kleinfelder, Inc. and Tetra Tech, Inc. for As-Needed Environmental Investigation Services for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $1,800,000 for a period of three years.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the first year of expenditure, if needed, are budgeted in the FY 15/16 Environmental & Land Use Management department’s Professional Services expense account (#620100) in the amount of $45,000, and in the remediation expense account (#660140) in the amount of $75,000. Services under these agreements for the District’s major maintenance or capital improvement programs will be charged to those project budgets. Funds required for future fiscal years will be budgeted in the appropriate fiscal year and cost account, subject to Board approval upon adoption of each fiscal year’s budget.
Compass Strategic Goals:
Services under this agreement will be used to investigate, plan and implement corrective action programs to address environmental impairments related to hazardous materials in and around San Diego Bay. Resolution of these impairments is needed to maintain the vitality and economic benefit of San Diego Bay tidelands. This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port with a healthy and sustainable bay and its environment.
• A Port with a comprehensive vision for Port land and water uses integrated to regional plans.
DISCUSSION:
The District completes environmental investigations and related studies for hazardous substance releases and other environmental issues to comply with regulatory permits and environmental regulations and to implement beyond compliance environmental stewardship efforts. The environmental investigations and studies range from routine to highly technical projects that require outside consultant expertise to ensure the most current industry-accepted methods and approaches are used. These investigation services support the District’s capital improvement, major maintenance, and environmental protection programs. The Environmental & Land Use Management Department (ELUM) provides these timely environmental investigation services through as-needed agreements. These environmental investigation services include, but are not limited to:
- Baseline condition studies of properties for real estate acquisition, new leases or lease terminations.
- Investigations of public works and General Services project locations where the presence of subsurface contamination requires special conditions or alterations to projects to avoid delays and change-orders.
- Investigations or development of corrective action work plans for soil, sediment or groundwater, at areas undergoing redevelopment, or under a regulatory order.
- Storm water pollution impact and mitigation studies to address pollutant loading and water quality impairments.
- Assistance on tenant-led environmental projects.
The as-needed services agreements allow the District to obtain and rely upon a consultant’s technical expertise to assist the District in resolving complex and sometimes controversial environmental issues. Whenever possible, services under the agreements are reimbursed by cooperative arrangements with tenants and through other cost-sharing partnerships.
During the upcoming agreement period, the following projects are expected to require environmental investigation services under this agreement:
- Chula Vista Bayfront Redevelopment
- South Bay Power Plant
- Harbor Island East Basin Sediment
Pursuant to BPC Policy No. 110, District staff issued RFQ #15-28 for As-Needed Environmental Investigation Services on August 10, 2015. Electronic solicitation notifications were sent through Planet Bids to 1,354 potential service providers. An information exchange meeting was held on August 17, 2015. On September 9, 2015, the District received responsive proposals from 11 firms listed in the following table in alphabetical order:
The proposals were evaluated by a panel comprised of District staff from the ELUM, Real Estate and Procurement departments. Based on the interviews, the written proposals and a decision analysis process using the criteria stated in the RFQ, eight firms were selected for interviews, which were conducted on September 22 and 23, 2015. The interviewed firms included: Stantec Consulting, Tetra Tech, Inc., TRC Solutions, Inc., Leidos, Inc., Kleinfelder, Inc., Ninyo & Moore, Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. and Accord Engineering, Inc.
The evaluation panel analyzed the firms’ proposals, presentations and responses to the interview questions, then ranked the firms based on the criteria established in
RFQ #15-28. Based on this evaluation process, staff recommends Board approval of as-needed agreements with the three top-scoring firms: Geosyntec, Inc., Tetra Tech and Kleinfelder. The interviewed firms are discussed in the sections below.
Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
Located in San Diego, Geosyntec is a multidisciplinary engineering firm with extensive environmental investigation experience. Geosyntec has completed various projects for the District and has met or exceeded expectations in their performance. Geosyntec has previously been awarded as-needed service agreements with the District, including one on-going stormwater services agreement, with excellent results.
The proposed project manager under this agreement is Brian Hitchens. Mr. Hitchens has over 15 years of experience in site assessment and remediation. Mr. Hitchens is a California-licensed Professional Geologist and Certified Hydrogeologist. Mr. Hitchens has successfully negotiated clean-up levels with regulatory agencies and stakeholders and specializes in applied, in-situ remediation technologies, sediment remediation, bioremediation, and data management and visualization.
Geosyntec proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• TerraCosta Consulting Group, Inc., San Diego, California: geotechnical engineering and geology services
• Tierra Data Inc., Escondido, California: sediment sampling services and marine surveys
• H&P Mobile Geochemistry, Inc., Carlsbad, California: environmental analysis, soil vapor studies and direct push sampling
• Nautilus Environmental, LLC, San Diego, California: NPDES permitting and compliance
• Trevet, San Diego, California: remediation projects
• Advanced Science, Operations & Consulting and Able-Disabled Veterans Serving Our Country (ADV-SOC) Inc., San Diego, California: asbestos, lead paint and hazmat services
• Clauss Construction, Lakeside, California: demolition, remediation and hazardous material abatement
In the proposal and interview, Geosyntec demonstrated an understanding of the District’s expectations around the scope of the agreement and presented their technical expertise in the various items within the scope. They also bring a working knowledge of the subsurface and surface conditions throughout the District’s jurisdiction. Geosyntec’s proposal and presentation included a detailed project management system with various examples of successfully completed projects with a scope similar to the one outlined in the RFQ.
Tetra Tech, Inc.
Located in San Diego, Tetra Tech is a multidisciplinary engineering firm with a great deal of experience in environmental investigation. They have successfully completed various environmental investigation projects for the District.
The proposed project manager under this agreement is Steve Bradley. Mr. Bradley has 25 years of experience and is a California-licensed Professional Geologist. He has worked on many complex sites involving multiple contaminants and diverse stakeholders, and has a proven record of excellent results.
Tetra Tech proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• AMEC Foster Wheeler, San Diego, California: dredging, wetland services, eelgrass surveys, shoreline studies and NPDES permitting
• Merkel & Associates, Inc., San Diego, California: wetland and eelgrass services
• Seaventures, Inc.,San Juan Capistrano, California: boat and marine surveys
• Millennium Consulting Associates, Oakland, California: asbestos, lead and hazardous materials surveys
• Cable, Pipe & Leak Detection, Inc., El Cajon, California: utility and land survey services
• TriCounty Drilling, San Diego, California: drilling services
• H&P Mobile Geochemistry, Inc., Carlsbad, California: drilling and laboratory services
• Asset Laboratories, Cerritos, California: analytical services
• CalScience Environmental Laboratories, Garden Grove, California: analytical services
• Laboratory Data Consultants, Inc., Carlsbad, California: data validation
• Advanced Chemical Transport, Inc., San Diego, California: remediation and waste disposal
Throughout the proposal and interview process, Tetra Tech exhibited a wide range of technical expertise and experience on all aspects of the RFQ scope. Tetra Tech has completed numerous successful environmental studies on behalf of the District and has had many as-needed contracts with the District and other public agencies. They have consistently delivered projects on time and within budget. Tetra Tech’s proposal, presentation, and responses to staff questions demonstrated an understanding of, and capacity to meet the District’s environmental investigation needs.
Kleinfelder, Inc.
Located in San Diego, Kleinfelder is a professional consulting services corporation that provides engineering, planning, scientific, and management services. Kleinfelder has successfully completed various environmental investigation projects for the District.
The proposed project manager under this agreement is William Golightly. Mr. Golightly is a Professional Engineer with 27 years of experience. Mr. Golightly has a strong background in completing projects similar in scope to those listed in the RFQ.
Kleinfelder proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• Applied Earthworks, Inc., Hemet, California: historic research services
• Merkel & Associates Inc., San Diego, California: wetland and eelgrass services
• Great Ecology, La Jolla, California: eelgrass, shoreline erosion and dredging projects
• DMax Engineering, San Diego, California: NPDES permitting and compliance
• Petra Resource Management, San Diego, California: Geographic Information System and historic research services
• Geomorph Information Systems, San Diego, California: Geographic Information System services
• CoreProbe International, San Gabriel, California: drilling services and cone penetration testing
• Nautilus Environmental, San Diego, California: toxicology and water quality services
• Advanced Technology Labs, Signal Hill, California: analytical services
• EMS Laboratories, Inc., Pasadena, California: analytical services
• H&P Mobile Geochemistry, Inc., Carlsbad, California: drilling and laboratory services
• Alyson Consulting, San Diego, California: surveying services
• Ocean Blue Environmental Services, San Diego, California: trenching and waste handling services
• Co’s Traffic Control, Inc., San Diego, California: traffic control services
Throughout the proposal and interview process, Kleinfelder exhibited a wide range of technical skill and experience on all aspects of the RFQ’s scope. Their proposal, presentation and responses to staff questions demonstrated a clear understanding of the scope. Kleinfelder’s approach to the project was well defined, clear, and emphasized key steps to a successful project.
Kleinfelder’s aggregate costs were the highest of the proposals received. However, they demonstrated the most experience and expertise with larger, more complex environmental sites with multiple sources of contaminants in soil, groundwater and sediment. These sites, which were undergoing redevelopment on tight timelines, are similar to some of the District’s environmental projects. A consultant with Kleinfelder’s expertise is needed to effectively manage these projects and enable these sites to be redeveloped and returned to their highest and best use in a timely manner.
Leidos, Inc.
Located in San Diego, Leidos is an engineering and technical consulting firm with experience in environmental investigation services. The proposed project manager under this agreement is Charles Phillips. Mr. Phillips has over 30 years of experience in program management for environmental planning and permit compliance.
Leidos proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• Eurofins-Calscience, Garden Grove, California: analytical chemistry analysis
• Everest International Consultants, Inc., Long Beach, California: coastal engineering and shoreline erosion studies
• Nautilus Environmental, San Diego, California: toxicology and water quality services
• Seaventures, Inc., San Juan Capistrano, California: boat and marine surveys
• Tierra Data Inc., Escondido, California: sediment sampling services and marine surveys
• Trevet, San Diego, California: remediation projects
In the proposal and interview, Leidos demonstrated an understanding of the District’s expectations for the scope of the agreement and showed they had the experience to provide services required in the RFQ scope. Leidos had less experience than the other recommended consultants with as-needed services agreements with agencies similar in size and complexity to the District. Therefore, Leidos is not recommended by Staff for selection as an as-needed environmental investigation consultant.
Ninyo & Moore, Inc.
Located in San Diego, Ninyo & Moore is an environmental service firm with a great deal of experience in environmental investigation services. Ninyo & Moore has successfully completed various environmental investigation projects for the District.
The proposed project manager under this agreement is Steve Beck. Mr. Beck has over 36 years of experience in the environmental field and is a California-licensed Professional Geologist, Certified Hydrogeologist, and Qualified Stormwater Developer and Practitioner.
Ninyo & Moore proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• Merkel & Associates Inc., San Diego, California: biological consulting services
• Southwest Geophysics, Inc., San Diego, California: geophysical surveys
• EMSL Analytical, Inc., San Diego, California: analytical services
• Cascade Drilling, Santee, California: drilling services
• EFR Environmental Services, Inc., Alpine, California: hazardous and non-hazardous waste removal
• Seaventures, Inc., San Juan Capistrano, California: boat and marine surveys
• American Environmental Testing Laboratory, Inc., Burbank, California: environmental laboratory testing
• Orange Coast Analytical, Tustin, California: environmental laboratory testing
• Alta Land Surveying, La Mesa, California: land surveying services
• TriCounty Drilling, San Diego, California: drilling services
• H&P Mobile Geochemistry, Inc., Carlsbad, California: drilling and laboratory services
Throughout the proposal and presentation process, Ninyo & Moore exhibited a wide range of technical skill and experience on all aspects of the agreement scope. However, during the question and answer segment of the process, Ninyo & Moore did not demonstrate a clear process for defining scope, preventing change-orders and communicating with the client. Therefore, Ninyo and Moore is not recommended by staff for selection as an as-needed environmental investigation consultant.
TRC Solutions, Inc.
TRC Solutions, Inc. (TRC) is a full-service engineering firm with a large amount of experience in environmental investigation services. TRC has successfully completed various environmental investigation projects.
The proposed project manager under this agreement is Brian Kettmann. Mr. Kettmann has more than eleven years of experience conducting environmental subsurface investigations and is a California-licensed Professional Geologist.
TRC proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• Merkel & Associates Inc., San Diego, California: natural resource consulting services
• Blackhawk Environmental, Inc., San Diego, California: natural resource consulting
• Advanced Technology Labs, Signal Hill, California: analytical services
• J&H Drilling Company, Santa Ana, California: drilling services
• Ocean Blue Environmental Services, San Diego, California: trenching and waste handling services
Throughout the proposal and interview process, TRC exhibited a wide range of technical experience. However, TRC’s presentation included example projects which were limited in their technical and regulatory challenges. Therefore, TRC is not recommended by staff for selection as an as-needed environmental investigation consultant.
Stantec, Inc.
Stantec’s San Diego office has been providing environmental services since 1991. Stantec provides consulting in planning, architecture, engineering, surveying, environmental science, project management and project economics.
The proposed project manager under this agreement is Carole Farr. Ms. Farr has more than 20 years of professional environmental consulting experience and is a Principal Geologist.
Stantec proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• ABC Liovin Drilling Inc., Signal Hill, California: drilling services
• Advanced Technology Labs, Signal Hill, California: analytical services
• Alta Land Surveying, La Mesa, California: surveying services
• Fugro Pelagos, Inc., El Cajon, California: eelgrass surveys and shoreline erosion studies
• H&P Mobile Geochemistry, Inc., Carlsbad, California: drilling and laboratory services
• Nautilus Environmental, San Diego, California: toxicology and water quality services
• Sea Engineering, Inc., Santa Cruz, California: dredging project services
• Belshire Environmental, Services Inc., Foothill Ranch, California: waste hauling and disposal
• Merkel & Associates Inc., San Diego, California: wetland and eelgrass services
Throughout the proposal and interview process, Stantec exhibited a wide range of technical experience. However, they lack relevant experience pertaining to bay sediment projects and did not present a clear project management system. Therefore, Stantec is not recommended by staff for selection as an as-needed environmental investigation consultant.
Accord Engineering, Inc.
Accord is an engineering firm with experience in environmental engineering and remediation services on numerous environmental projects throughout California. Accord Engineering has completed projects for the Port of Long Beach, the US Navy and the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The proposed project manager under this agreement is Max Pan. Mr. Pan has more than 30 years of experience and is a Professional Engineer.
Accord proposes to utilize the following subconsultants under this agreement:
• Alta Land Surveying, La Mesa, California: surveying services
• Cascade Drilling, Santee, California: drilling services
• EFR Environmental Services, Inc., Alpine, California: hazardous and non-hazardous waste removal
• Environmental Resource Management, Irvine, California: sediment assessment, human health risk assessments, ecological risk assessments and eco-toxicity studies
• H&P Mobile Geochemistry, Inc., Carlsbad, California: drilling and laboratory services
• Hudson Safe-T-Lite Rentals, El Cajon, California: traffic control services
• Merkel & Associates Inc., San Diego, California: wetland and eelgrass services
• Nautilus Environmental, San Diego, California toxicology and water quality services
• Pacific Drilling Company, San Diego, California: drilling, well, installation and soil sampling services
• Patriot Environmental Laboratory Services, Inc., San Diego, California: sampling and analysis of asbestos, lead and mold services
• PTS Laboratories, Santa Fe Springs, California: geotechnical testing, core analysis, and environmental soil properties analysis
• Seaventures, Inc., San Juan Capistrano, California: boat and marine surveys
• Southwest Geophysics, Inc., San Diego, California: geophysics for pre-drill clearance and utility locating services
• TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc., Irvine, California: analysis of air, soil and water samples
Through the proposal and interview process, Accord showed limited experience with projects with a scope and complexity similar to the needs of the District as described in the RFQ. Therefore, Accord is not recommended by sStaff for selection as an as-needed environmental investigation consultant.
Conclusion
Of the firms that responded to the RFQ and were interviewed, Geosyntec, Kleinfelder and Tetra Tech demonstrated the most relevant experience and effective approach to meeting the scope of work described in the RFQ. These firms have excellent records resolving complex environmental projects similar to many of those the District is engaged in. All three firms are locally established and have the ability to respond in a timely manner. Staff recommends adopting a resolution selecting and authorizing agreements with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc., Kleinfelder, Inc., and Tetra Tech, Inc. in an aggregate amount not-to-exceed $1,800,000 for a period of three years.
General Counsel’s Comments:The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed the issues set forth in this agenda sheet and found no legal concerns as presented, and has reviewed and approved the agreements for form and legality. The agreements follow the District’s standard template which requires the service provider to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the District, its agents, officers or employees, from and against any claim, demand, action, proceeding, suit, liability, damage, cost or expense arising out of, or related to the performance of services by service provider.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it will not have a potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and is therefore not subject to CEQA. Depending on the work conducted under individual contracts, CEQA review may be required before such contract’s execution. No further action under CEQA is required.
The proposed Board action does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a CDP or exclusion is not required for the proposed Board action. Depending on the work conducted under individual contracts, processing under the District’s CDP Regulations may be required before such contract’s execution.
Equal Opportunity Program:
No SBE goal was established for this solicitation. Each of the firms have identified SBEs are part of their teams.
PREPARED BY:
Paul Brown
Program Manager
Environmental & Land Use Management
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: Draft Agreement 221-2015 with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. for As-Needed Environmental Investigation Services.
Attachment B: Draft Agreement 223-2015 with Kleinfelder, Inc. for As-Needed Environmental Investigation Services.
Attachment C: Draft Agreement 222-2015 with Tetra Tech, Inc. for As-Needed Environmental Investigation Services.