DATE: June 12, 2018
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS WITH ICF JONES & STOKES, TIERRA DATA, INC., AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE AS-NEEDED NATURAL RESOURCES SERVICES FOR A TOTAL AGGREGATE AMOUNT PAYABLE UNDER THE AGREEMENT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000 FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS BEGINNING JULY 1, 2018 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. FUNDS REQUIRED FOR FUTURE FISCAL YEARS WILL BE BUDGETED IN THE APPROPRIATE FISCAL YEAR, SUBJECT TO BOARD APPROVAL UPON ADOPTION OF EACH FISCAL YEAR’S BUDGET
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
District staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #17-81KC for As-Needed Natural Resource Services on January 18, 2018, pursuant to BPC Policy No. 110. The RFQ notification was sent to 1,724 firms via PlanetBids. The District received five responsive proposals, of which three were selected for interviews. Based on the written proposals, interviews, and a decision analysis process using the criteria stated in the RFQ, staff recommends that the Board select and authorize agreements with ICF Jones & Stokes, Tierra Data, Inc., and Environmental Science Associates (Attachments A, B and C) to provide as-needed natural resource services for a total aggregate amount payable under the agreement not to exceed $300,000 for a period of three years.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution authorizing agreements with ICF Jones & Stokes, Tierra Data, Inc., and Environmental Science Associates for on-call natural resources services for a total aggregate amount payable under the agreement not to exceed $300,000 for a period of three years beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30, 2021.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the first year of expenditure are budgeted in the FY 18/19 Environmental Conservation’s Professional Services expense account (620100) for On-Call Natural Resource Consultant in the amount of $125,000. Funds required for future fiscal years will be budgeted in the appropriate fiscal year, subject to board approval upon adoption of each fiscal year’s budget.
Compass Strategic Goals:
Authorization of the as-needed natural resource management services consultant agreements would provide assistance with the protection and management of natural resources in and around San Diego Bay.
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A vibrant waterfront destination where residents and visitors converge.
• 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.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
DISCUSSION:
Background
The District is the environmental steward for the San Diego Bay and, as such, is responsible for the management and protection of natural resources in and around tidelands. This responsibility includes the promotion of ecologically minded development decisions; the fostering and furthering of public awareness of natural resources issues; management of sensitive species and habitats; and continued support of related scientific research. Additionally, the District assists in the management of the Environmental Advisory Committee; the Environmental Fund; wildlife habitats; coordination and management of the District’s Environmental Education Program; and support for the Wildlife Advisory Group. In order to complete tasks effectively and efficiently, District staff rely on the additional expertise and assistance of qualified natural resource management consultants to assist with various tasks, including but not limited to managing endangered species and natural resources; coordinating predator control and invasive species management activities; coordinating and conducting sensitive species and habitat preservation activities; researching and assisting in the preparation of a mitigation banking plan; regulatory permit compliance; coordinating and recommending water reduction measures for tidelands; preparing grant applications to implement natural resources management plans; preparing permit applications to the Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board and State Lands Commission; National Marine Fisheries Service; coordinating project reviews with stakeholders; preparing presentations and other information documents; and other special assignments and tasks as determined on a case-by-case basis.
By Resolution #2015-89, on July 14, 2015, the Board authorized on-call natural resources agreements with ICF Jones & Stocks and Tierra Data, Inc. These existing agreements will expire on June 30, 2018. As such, the District is pursuing new three-year agreements for as-needed natural resources services which are anticipated to commence on July 1, 2018.
Request for Qualifications
On January 18, 2018, pursuant to BPC Policy No. 110, District staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #17-81KC) for As-Needed Natural Resource Services. The RFQ notification was sent to 1,724 firms via PlanetBids and the District received five responsive proposals. District Planning & Green Port staff reviewed each of the five proposals and selected three firms to interview on April 4, 2018. The firms were evaluated per their proposals and interviews using the criteria established in the RFQ, The firms to provide as-need services are:
ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc.
ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc. (ICF) has been providing consulting services in San Diego County for over 30 years and has been providing natural resource management services for the District under the current as-needed agreement. The ICF team has been working on complex coastal restoration and enhancement projects throughout Southern California for over 25 years. These projects have included design, permitting and implementation for restoration projects such as Buena Vista Lagoon, San Elijo Lagoon, Bolsa Chica Wetlands and South San Diego Bay restoration projects. ICF has experience with as-needed environmental service agreements with a variety of clients around in Southern California, including the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.
Lindsay Teunis is ICF’s proposed project director currently acts as the Project Manager for the existing District as-needed contract. Mike Ireland is the proposed project manager who will serve as the main point of contact for the District. Mr. Ireland has 15 years of experience as a biologist and project manager specializing in marine and terrestrial habitat assessments and construction compliance monitoring projects.
ICF’s team includes: Marine Taxonomic Services Ltd., who will provide marine and aquatic resource services; IO Environmental & Infrastructure, who will provide site management services; and Mission Environmental LLC, who will provide water quality and aquatic resource services as applicable.
Tierra Data, Inc.
Tierra Data, Inc. (TDI) has over 30 years of experience providing natural resource management services both in public and private conservation sectors working in Southern California marine and terrestrial environments. TDI has been working in San Diego Bay for over 20 years and has been providing natural resource management services for the District under the current as-needed agreement. TDI authored the District/Navy Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan for San Diego Bay as well as the Natural Resource Management Plan for the Chula Vista Bayfront.
Karen Green is TDI’s proposed project manager. Ms. Green has over 30 years of experience as an environmental consultant and currently acts as the Project Manager for the existing District as-needed contract.
TDI’s team includes: Everest International Consultants, Inc., who will provide coastal engineering and restoration design services; Lutsko Associates, who will provide landscape architecture and water conservation planning services; WRA Environmental Consultants, who will provide mitigation banking services; and Spindrift Archaeological Consulting, who will provide cultural resources services, as applicable.
Environmental Science Associates
Since its founding nearly 50 years ago, Environmental Science Associates (ESA) has routinely completed natural resource management projects supporting public agencies comparable in size to the District. Their full-service biology team offers qualified experts with a long history of researching, documenting, evaluating, permitting and conducting restoration efforts in San Diego.
Barbara Calantas is ESA’s proposed project manager. Ms. Calantas has 16 years of experience as an environmental consultant and wildlife biologist conducting services consistent with the scope of services outlined in the RFQ.
ESA’s team includes: Alta Environmental, who will provide permit compliance services; Blackhawk Environmental, who will provide biological resource services; D&D Wildlife Habitat, who will provide mitigation and restoration services; Great Ecology, who will provide mitigation and restoration services; Latitude Environmental, who will provide permit compliance services; and Merkel & Associates, who will provide biological and fisheries resource services.
The evaluation panel ranked ICF and TDI as the top choices, with both firms demonstrating the most relevant experience, a thorough and thoughtful approach, a good understanding of the District’s issues related to natural resource projects, and fair and reasonable cost. Although ESA was ranked lower than ICF and TDI, it was determined that the firm provided an additional value to the as-needed portfolio.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board authorize as-needed agreements with ICF Jones & Stokes, Tierra Data, Inc., and Environmental Science Associates (Attachments A, B and C) to provide as-needed natural resource services for a total aggregate amount payable under the agreement not to exceed $300,000 for a period of three years.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel reviewed this agenda and approved the proposed agreements as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action is to authorize three agreements for as-needed natural resources management services that would help the District further the goals, objectives and policy recommendations for the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). The Board Item is Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), 15306 (Information Collection), 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources) and/or Sections 3.a(12), 3.a(13), 3.d, 3.f, and 3.g of the District’s Guidelines for Compliance with CEQA. The Categorical Exemptions listed above are appropriate for the project because the project is for natural resources management services that would help the District further the goals, objectives and policy recommendations for the IRNMP and would involve no expansion of use beyond that previously existing, would not involve the removal of mature scenic trees, would not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource, and may include actions taken by regulatory agencies to assure the maintenance and enhancement of a natural resource. The District has determined none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
The project complies with Section 87 of the Port Act, which allows for the establishment and maintenance of tidal and submerged lands for open space, ecological preservation, and habitat restoration. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the project is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
In addition, the proposed Board action is considered “excluded development” pursuant to Sections 8.a(8)(13) (Existing Facilities), 8.d(1)(4) (Minor Alterations to Land), 8.e (Information Collection), 8.f (Inspections) of the District’s Coastal Development Permit Regulations; therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit is not required.
Equal Opportunity Program:
A 2% SBE goal was established for this Agreement. All three recommended firms identified SBE’s as part of their team, estimated to exceed 2% SBE participation.
PREPARED BY:
Timothy Barrett
Senior Environmental Specialist, Environmental Conservation
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: Agreement No. 88-2018KC with ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc.
Attachment B: Agreement No. 89-2018KC with Tierra Data, Inc.
Attachment C: Agreement No. 90-2018KC with Environmental Science Associates