DATE: June 14, 2022
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS WITH TIERRA DATA, INC; OKAPI ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC. DBA PANGEA BIOLOGICAL; ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATES; ICF JONES & STOKES, INC; CHAMBERS GROUP; AND DUDEK TO PROVIDE AS-NEEDED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR A TOTAL AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $300,000 FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS. 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:
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #21-31MA for As-Needed Natural Resources Management Services was sent to 2,293 vendors via PlanetBids on January 11, 2022, pursuant to BPC Policy No. 110, with submittals due February 23, 2022. The District received six responsive proposals. Based on the written proposals and a decision analysis process using the criteria stated in the RFQ, staff recommends that the Board select and authorize agreements with the following six companies: (1) Tierra Data, Inc.; (2) Okapi Environmental Group, Inc. dba Pangea Biological; (3) Environmental Science Associates; (4) ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc.; (5) Chambers Group; (6) Dudek (Attachments A - F agreements) to provide as-needed natural resources management services for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $300,000 for a period of three years.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution authorizing agreements with Tierra Data, Inc., Okapi Environmental Group, Inc. dba Pangea Biological, Environmental Science Associates, ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc., Chambers Group, and Dudek for on-call natural resources management services for a total amount not to exceed $300,000 for a period of three years.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the first year of the agreement are budgeted in the FY 2023 Environmental Conservation’s Professional Services expense account (620100) for On-Call Natural Resource Consultant. 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 resources management service agreements would provide 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
As an environmental champion for San Diego Bay, the District manages and protects natural resources in and around tidelands. This includes but is not limited to the monitoring and protection of sensitive species and habitats, promotion of sustainable development, the fostering and furthering of public awareness of natural resources issues, in water construction permit compliance and continued support of related scientific research. Additionally, staff provides assistance in the management of the Environmental Advisory Committee, the Environmental Fund, coordination and management of the Environmental Education Program, and support for the Capital Improvement Program and Major Maintenance. In order to complete tasks effectively and efficiently, District staff rely on additional expertise and assistance of qualified consultants to assist with various tasks. These tasks include, but are not limited to, management of endangered species and natural resources; coordinating predator control and invasive species management activities; coordinating preservation and enhancement of sensitive species and habitats; research and preparation specific to mitigation banking; regulatory permit compliance; wetland jurisdictional delineations, pursuit of grant funding; coordination of project reviews with stakeholders; preparation of presentations and other information documents; and additional special assignments and tasks benefitting the health of San Diego Bay, as determined on a case-by-case basis.
By Resolution #2018-0162, on June 12, 2018, the Board authorized on-call natural resources agreements with three consultant firms. These existing agreements expire June 30, 2022. District staff recommends entering new three-year agreements for as-needed natural resources management services with six consulting firms to commence on July 1, 2022.
Request for Qualifications
On January 11, 2022, pursuant to BPC Policy No. 110, the District issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #21-31MA) for As-Needed Natural Resources Management Services. The RFQ notification was sent to 2,293 vendors via PlanetBids and the District received six responsive proposals. District staff reviewed each of the six proposals and evaluated them using criteria established in the RFQ. All six proposals offered a unique skillset and as such, District staff recommends authorizing agreements with each firm. The six firms recommended to provide as-need services are:
Tierra Data, Inc.
Tierra Data, Inc. (TDI) is a women-owned firm with 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 30 years and has been providing natural resource management services for the District under the current as-needed agreement. TDI authored the Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan for San Diego Bay as well as the Chula Vista Natural Resource Management Plan. TDI has no subcontractors.
Okapi Environmental Group, Inc. dba Pangea Biological
Pangea Biological (Pangea) is a woman-owned small business that has worked on public and private environmental projects in the San Diego area since 2006. Pangea has extensive natural resource, planning and permitting expertise that will support current and future District environmental initiatives. Pangea’s team includes the following subcontractors: Eyestone Environmental; PanGIS; and MOE.
Environmental Science Associates
Environmental Science Associates (ESA) has completed extensive natural resources management projects supporting public agencies over the past 50 years, including past and current initiatives for the District under the current as-needed agreement. ESA’s full-service biology team offers qualified experts with a history of researching, documenting, evaluating, permitting and conducting restoration efforts in San Diego. ESA’s team includes the following subcontractors: Blackhawk Environmental; Great Ecology; and Merkel & Associates.
ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc.
ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc. (ICF) has provided consulting services to the District including natural resources management services under the current as-needed agreement. The ICF team has worked on complex coastal restoration and enhancement projects throughout Southern California for over 25 years including design, permitting and implementation of restoration projects. ICF’s team includes the following subcontractors: Marine Taxonomic Services Ltd.; IO Environmental & Infrastructure; and Mission Environmental LLC.
Chambers Group
Chambers Group has over 40 years of experience in the environmental sector and is currently providing the District with planning assistance for environmental documentation and biological and cultural resources. The Chambers Group includes a team of qualified biologists, botanists, engineers and regulatory specialists with several years of field and office experience. The Chambers Group team includes the following subcontractors: Blackhawk Environmental; GHD; Coastal Resources Management, Inc.; Ecomarine Consulting; Geosyntec; and Katz & Associates.
Dudek
Dudek has decades of experience working on San Diego Bay and has completed several environmental efforts with the District over the past 20 years. Dudek includes a team of scientific, regulatory and planning professionals working on a variety of complex environmental management projects. The Dudek team includes the following subcontractors: MBC Aquatic Sciences; Tierra Data, Inc.; and Collaborative Land Solutions.
The decision analysis conducted per the RFQ, determined that all six firms demonstrated the needed relevant experience, a thorough and thoughtful approach with a good understanding of the District’s issues related to natural resource projects, all with fair and reasonable costs. It was determined that each of the six firms would provide unique value to the Districts as-needed natural resources management requirements.
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, including without limitation, to authorize agreements with Tierra Data, Inc.; Okapi Environmental Group, Inc. dba Pangea Biological; Environmental Science Associates; ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc.; Chambers Group; and Dudek to provide As-Needed Natural Resources Services, does not constitute a project under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. CEQA requires that the District adequately assess the environmental impacts of projects and reasonably foreseeable activities that may result from projects prior to the approval of the same. Any project developed as a result of the proposed Board action requiring the District or the Board’s discretionary approval resulting in a physical change to the environment would be analyzed in accordance with CEQA prior to such approval. CEQA review may result in the District, in its sole and absolute discretion, requiring implementation of mitigation measures, adopting an alternative, including without limitation, a “no project alternative” or adopting a Statement of Overriding Consideration, if required. The exercise of this discretion is in no way limited by this proposed Board action. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
The proposed Board action complies with Sections 21 and 35 of the Port Act, which allow the Board to pass resolutions; and to do all acts necessary and convenient for the exercise of its powers. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed Board action is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
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 because there will not be, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required. However, development within the District requires processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. Future development would remain subject to its own independent review pursuant to the District’s certified CDP Regulations, Port Master Plan (PMP), and Chapters 3 and 8 of the Coastal Act. The exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations is in no way limited by the proposed Board action.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program:
Due to limited known sub opportunities, bonus points in DEI categories were offered. Three of the six respondents are SBEs and five of the respondents included sub participants on their team. The SBE participation for this agreement is estimated to be 47%.
PREPARED BY:
Timothy Barrett
Program Manager, Environmental Conservation
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: Agreement No. 51-2022MA with Chambers Group
Attachment B: Agreement No. 52-2022MA with Dudek
Attachment C: Agreement No. 53-2022MA with Environmental Science Associates
Attachment D: Agreement No. 54-2022MA with ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc.
Attachment E: Agreement No. 55-2022MA with Pangea Biological
Attachment F: Agreement No. 56-2022MA with Tierra Data, Inc.