TOWN OF ATHERTON
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Professional Engineering Services for
El Camino Real/Selby Lane Intersec@on Improvements
Project (56096)
Issued:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Proposals Due:
Monday, July 20, 2026, 2:00 pm
Town of Atherton
Douglas Kim, Consultant Project Manager
80 Fair Oaks Lane
Atherton Ca 94027
[email protected]
This project is par@ally funded by the San Mateo County Transporta@on Authority Highway Program
A. OVERVIEW
The Town of Atherton (Town) is solici>ng proposals from qualified Consultants or teams to provide professional engineering, permiHng, and environmental services necessary to design and implement safety and mobility improvements at the intersec>on of El Camino Real and Selby Lane. These improvements need to be made in considera>on of planned improvements along the corridor through the Grand Boulevard Ini>a>ve. They must also integrate pending designs on stormwater and drainage infrastructure at the intersec>on, which involves coordina>on with the County of San Mateo which governs the east side of El Camino Real at the intersec>on and the City of Redwood City, which governs the west side of El Camino Real north of the intersec>on.
The main components of the Project include, but is not limited to, evalua>on of feasible alterna>ves, and design services for:
• Poten>al signaliza>on of, or installa>on of high-intensity ac>vated crosswalk (HAWK) at, the intersec>on of El Camino Real at Selby Lane that could include:
o New traffic signal or HAWK beacon equipment;
o Median islands modifica>ons to provide crossing refuge(s), o Median island modifica>ons associated with HAWK beacon installa>on to restrict turn movements;
o New paved corner areas and curb ramps with detectable warning surfaces on the to establish an accessible path of travel (this could be concrete curb ramps or with asphalt);
o Civil infrastructure (e.g., upgraded pavement markings, traffic control signs, curb ramps, curb, gu[er);
o Upgrading intersec>on ligh>ng within the exis>ng right-of-way that does not conflict with future improvements;
o Coordina>ng and integra>ng stormwater runoff infrastructure from a concurrent engineering effort;
o Any needed geometric modifica>ons.
o Design and integra>on of stormwater treatment measures o Landscaping of median islands and other areas as needed. • Accommoda>on of planned and poten>al bicycle and pedestrian improvements at the intersec>on.
The scope should include the following addi>onal elements:
• Required traffic analyses to support the feasibility analysis and modeling of traffic and mobility at the intersec>on for the various alterna>ves, coordina>on and approval by Caltrans, and as needed to support the project – note that the El Camino Real Complete Streets Study included various traffic analysis for the corridor and intersec>on. • Public engagement.
• Coordina>on with other planned projects along the corridor. • Environmental review and coordina>on.
• Coordina>on with Caltrans, San Mateo County, San Mateo County Transporta>on Authority, and other related agencies.
B. BACKGROUND
The Town, incorporated in 1923, is a small, semi-rural, residen>al community, with approximately 7,000 residents. The Town extends from slightly west of the Bayshore Freeway (US 101) up to Interstate 280 (I-280) and is approximately 4.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.
Its municipal neighbors include Menlo Park to the south, Woodside to the west and Redwood City to the north, and the County of San Mateo to the east.
Within the Town, El Camino Real (Route 82) is a conven>onal State highway, under the jurisdic>on of Caltrans, that bisects the community and provides primary access for vehicles in a northwest-southeast orienta>on. El Camino Real carries approximately 3,440 vehicles in the peak morning hour and 3,420 vehicles in the peak ajernoon hour. Selby Lane carries approximately 240 and 250 vehicles in the peak A.M. and P.M. peak hours, respec>vely. 1 El
Camino Real is uncontrolled at this intersec>on and Selby Lane is stop controlled at each approach. This results in a level of service (LOS) F in the A.M. and P.M. peak periods for eastbound traffic. Westbound traffic on Selby Lane is LOS C and F in the A.M. and P.M. peak periods, respec>vely.
The uncontrolled crossing of El Camino Real at Selby Lane is a barrier to active transportation, limiting accessibility and mobility of bicycle and pedestrians at the intersection. The El Camino Real/Selby Lane intersection has a history of accidents, including 63 reported accidents involving vehicles, six involving bicycles, including one vehicle related fatality over the past ten years.2 Additionally, there was a pedestrian involved hit-and-run incident on August 8, 2025, at this intersection, which further underscores the ongoing safety challenges.
In addi>on, drainage infrastructure along El Camino Real, resul>ng in seasonal flooding that impacts roadway capacity and safety ajer storm events. The Town has contracted for the designing of drainage improvements to “dewater” the intersec>on that will need to be integrated into the project.
The Project will need to be designed in coordina>on and be consistent with other projects along the El Camino Real corridor in the area that include, but are not limited to:
• Caltrans SHOPP project - 1W130 SM 82 Bicycle Improvement Project (Brewster Avenue to Selby Lane), Currently under design – Caltrans Project • El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project (Phase 1), which will collect stormwater between Stockbridge Avenue to Selby Lane – improvements to be integrated into this project.
1 Town of Atherton, Complete Streets Corridor Study, Task Memo Appendix; August 2025. 2 Ibid.
• El Camino Real Complete Streets Planning Study (North of Selby Lane to Valparaiso Avenue), approved April 16, 2025.
• El Camino Real Grand Boulevard Ini>a>ve Ac>on Plan, adopted December 2025, sets policy and program priori>es for mul>-modal improvements to El Camino Real corridor. This project, coordinated by the SamTrans will develop Project Ini>a>on Documents (PID) for future improvement of the corridor. • San Mateo County Transporta>on Authority 2025 Highway Grant Applica>on for El Camino Real/Selby Lane Traffic Signal Safety and Mobility Improvements.
C. OBJECTIVES TO BE MET
The Project will address several mobility and safety concerns by addressing the following objectives:
• Improve mul>-modal accessibility and safety at the intersec>on. This would include feasibility analyses, review, upda>ng and finalizing conceptual design documents that build on the development work in the El Camino Real Complete Streets Corridor Study, including full traffic signaliza>on/HAWK beacon, as well as infrastructure improvements that improve bicycle and pedestrian safety paired with roadway improvements that reduce poten>al conflicts between travel modes.
• Ensure consistency with corridor and regional ini>a>ves. This would include coordina>on with future improvements to El Camino Real through the Grand Boulevard Ini>a>ve’s development of Complete Streets improvements on El Camino Real, as well as coordinating with adjacent projects including the Caltrans SHOP project in Redwood City.
• Achieve regulatory compliance and approvals. Conduct necessary studies and coordina>on to gain Caltrans approvals, likely through the Developmental Encroachment Permit (DEER) process, suitable for Caltrans approval, environmental clearance, and construc>on.
• Streamline the project design phase. Finalize the plans, specifica>ons and engineering es>mates (PS&E) for bidding for construc>on contractor. Engineering and design would be completed in early 2027 with a construc>on planned to begin in summer 2027.
• Integrate stormwater management with transporta>on improvements for the intersec>on. The project will need to accommodate stormwater and drainage infrastructure needed to manage surface water flows that and reduce flooding.
D. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS Town documents are available that contain informa>on regarding the Atherton Sta>on and Town Center project including construc>on drawings and agreements. The available documents are noted below (copies a[ached to this RFP):
• El Camino Real Complete Streets Corridor Study
(h[ps://www.athertonca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12369/1_Final-ECR-Study) • Atherton Update of El Camino Real Efforts with Caltrans (h[ps://www.athertonca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1303/Item-2?bidId=) • El Camino Real Grand Boulevard Ini>a>ve Ac>on Plan
(h[ps://www.samtrans.com/media/36139)
• El Camino Real Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project (Phase 1) • Caltrans SHOPP project 1W130 SM 82 – PID and Conceptual Design • Town of Atherton Standard Professional Services Agreement • San Mateo County Transporta>on Authority Funding Agreement E. SCOPE OF WORK The successful consultant will enter into a professional services agreement for the development of the El Camino Real and Selby Lane Intersec>on Improvements. It should include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:
• Task 1: Project Management and Mee>ngs. In an effort to expedite approval of the design, the Consultant shall plan, coordinate and a[end a kickoff mee>ng with Town staff to discuss project goals, scope and schedule, and to discuss any issues to be clarified prior to the start of work. In addi>on to the kickoff mee>ngs, periodic design mee>ngs with Town staff and stakeholders. • Task 2: Review/Collect Exis>ng Condi>ons, Documenta>on and Informa>on. The Consultant shall perform a field review at the project loca>on and secure exis>ng condi>ons informa>on (e.g., topographic, building and building condi>on, building u>lity, signing, striping, illumina>on, roadway, topographic). The Consultant shall work with Caltrans, local u>lity companies and public agencies as needed to obtain any exis>ng As-Built, or electronic base map plans. The informa>on shall be u>lized by the Consultant to develop the PS&E for the project. It is noted that the Town has limited topographic base map data. If needed, the Consultant shall complete a formal survey of the project loca>on to obtain the data and informa>on necessary to develop topographic and base maps and complete the design.
• Task 3: Finalize Conceptual Design Documents. These would build on the development work in the El Camino Real Complete Streets Corridor Study, including full traffic signaliza>on, as well as infrastructure improvements that improve bicycle and pedestrian safety paired with roadway improvements that reduce poten>al conflicts between travel modes.
• Task 4: Public Outreach and Community Engagement. Support the Town in a public outreach program to inform the community and develop consensus on intersec>on improvement alterna>ves. This would include up to two physical mee>ngs and public-facing outreach materials (e.g., exhibits, fact sheets, presenta>on boards).
• Task 5: Project Design and PermiHng. Consultant shall develop conceptual, 65%, 90% and Final PS&E, in conformance with Caltrans DEER procedures, the Building
• Task 5: Project Design and PermiHng. Consultant shall develop conceptual, 65%, 90% and Final PS&E, in conformance with Caltrans DEER procedures, the Building Code, Town Ordinances and in compliance with the Maintenance and Use Agreement. 90% plans will be used to apply for any required building permits and for final approval by Caltrans, if required. Final PS&E shall be in an editable electronic format (e.g., AutoCAD, Word, Excel), as well as pdf format and hard copies.
• Task 6: Environmental Documenta>on. The Consultant shall prepare and submit all environmental documenta>on necessary to obtain environmental clearance for the project, obtain any regulatory permits and advise poten>al contractors of any mi>ga>on requirements.
• Task 7: Coordinate with Other Jurisdic>ons: Consultant shall work with Caltrans and any other applicable jurisdic>ons to address surface transporta>on improvements This could include but not be limited to the County of San Mateo, City of Redwood City, and San Mateo County Transit District. Coordina>on with Caltrans will include, but not be limited to, the following:
i. Coordina>on with Caltrans SHOPP EA 1W130 Project. Coordina>on with the Caltrans SHOPP EA 1W130 Bicycle Improvement Project (Brewster Avenue to Selby Lane) will be required throughout project development and construc>on scheduling to avoid conflicts and maintain consistency with corridor improvements. The Town an>cipates ongoing coordina>on with Caltrans as the SHOPP project advances toward 95% PS&E during Summer 2027. The Consultant shall support coordina>on of schedules, staging, and design elements as necessary to minimize conflicts between the projects.
ii. Intersec>on Safety and Opera>onal Assessment Process (ISOAP).
Consultant shall coordinate with Caltrans Traffic Safety and complete the required ISOAP analysis. The scope of the ISOAP effort shall be incorporated into the project work plan, traffic analysis, and PS&E development tasks. The Consultant shall prepare all suppor>ng technical analyses, documenta>on, and coordina>on materials required by Caltrans to evaluate the proposed intersec>on improvements.
iii. AB 413 Dayligh>ng Compliance. The Consultant shall ensure compliance with California dayligh>ng requirements pursuant to Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), including parking setback restric>ons within 20 feet of the approach side of marked or unmarked crosswalks and intersec>ons. iv. California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). Any proposed traffic signal, pedestrian signal, or High-Intensity Ac>vated CrossWalK (HAWK) beacon improvements shall comply with the latest CA MUTCD requirements, including all associated signing, striping, and opera>onal standards.
• Task 8: Bidding Support. The Consultant shall prepare responses to ques>ons from Contractors regarding adver>sed plans and specifica>ons and shall prepare addendums as needed.
• Task 9: A[end Public Mee>ngs. In addi>on to regular project mee>ngs, the Consultant will be required to a[end public mee>ngs regarding the project including the Town Council and project stakeholders to review the conceptual and final designs. For the purpose of the proposal, assume there will be three such public mee>ngs.
F. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS Town staff will evaluate the proposals received and develop a short list of the most qualified firms. They may be invited to interview and may be asked to submit more detailed informa>on. Proposals should be concise and contain at least the following informa>on:
• Firm or Person Introduc>on: including informa>on such as form of organiza>on, length of >me in business, office loca>on(s), number of staff and a general summary of qualifica>ons documen>ng the strengths of the firm or person, areas of exper>se and licensing. Include name, email address and phone number for the firm’s contact person.
• APPROACH: the person or firm’s project management prac>ces, methodologies and processes.
• PROJECT EXPERIENCE: lis>ng specific experience that is related to the type of service required by the El Camino Real and Selby Lane Intersec>on Improvements Project. Project experience should list the type of work provided with the client contact informa>on for each project. If Sub-Consultants are proposed, include informa>on on joint work, if any, and their roles in those projects. • WORK PLAN: A descrip>on of project understanding, detailed approach, and methodology, including es>mated hours by task by job >tle for the project. • KEY STAFF: including the iden>fica>on of the Principal-in-Charge and key staff. This sec>on should iden>fy the qualifica>ons and related experience of key staff assigned to the project; and include their resume showing experience in remodeling and repurposing of relevant experience. Include an organiza>onal chart for this project.
• REFERENCES: Provide client references, for all similar projects in the past five (5) years, that have working experience with the project team and companies proposed for assignment to this project. Furnish the name, >tle, address, and telephone number of the person(s) at the client reference who is most knowledgeable about the work performed and can comment on the professional qualifica>ons/exper>se of the staff.
• PROJECT SCHEDULE – Propose a >meline for comple>on of the project, and include start date, phases, milestones, and target comple>on dates. Any assump>ons regarding turnaround >me and Town Council mee>ngs should be clearly noted.
• LITIGATION: a list of any current li>ga>on to which the firm or person are par>es by virtue of their professional service, in addi>on to a list of any such li>ga>on from the past ten years.
• DISCLOSURE: of any past, ongoing, or poten>al conflicts of interest that the firm or person may have as a result of performing the an>cipated work. Consultant shall also provide a list of any work currently being performed for any jurisdic>on or substan>al property owner/developer within a five-mile radius of the Town. • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT: Consultant will be expected to execute the Town’s Standard Professional Services Agreement and adhere to the terms of the funding agreement with the San Mateo County Transporta>on Authority, including insurance requirements. The Consultant shall list any concerns related to the Town’s standard agreement with their proposal. The Town reserves the right to reject proposals based on proposed modifica>ons to the Town’s standard agreement.
• FEE INFORMATION: Provide fee informa>on that >es tasks to specific tasks.
Provide a descrip>on of the level of effort required, lis>ng the es>mated hours required for each task in the Scope of Services, hourly rates of personnel, and expected incidental expenses such as travel, supplies, communica>ons, reproduc>on, mailing, etc. Iden>fy the fee that will be charged for addi>onal public or Town Council mee>ngs not iden>fied in the scope of services. One (1) copy of the cost proposal shall be submi[ed in a separate sealed envelope at the same >me as submi[al of the technical proposal.
G. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• The Town reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. • The Town will not be responsible for any costs incurred by respondents in the prepara>on and submi[al of a response to this request.
• The Town reserves the right to modify the scope of the project at any >me, with appropriate fee adjustments to be nego>ated.
• Documents and findings (regardless of format) that are associated with this project shall be the property of the Town.
• Proposal shall remain effec>ve for 90 days beyond the submi[ed date.
H. SUBMITTAL AND REVIEW PROCESS
• Applicant ques>ons: All ques>ons regarding the RFP shall be submi[ed in wri>ng to Douglas Kim at [email protected]. Ques>ons and responses will be posted on the Town’s website.
• Submi[al Deadline: July 20, 2026, 2 pm. Late submi[als will not be accepted.
• Format and Delivery: Submit three (3) le[er-sized copies with one (1) unbound copy of the proposal to: Town of Atherton, Office of the City Clerk; 80 Fair Oaks Lane; Atherton, CA 94027
• E-mail a PDF copy to Douglas Kim at [email protected] • Submi[als will not be returned.
• The Town reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, or to alter the selec>on process in any lawful way, to postpone the selec>on process for its own convenience at any >me, and to waive any non-substan>ve defects in this RFP or the proposals.
• The Town reserves the right to short list the most qualified firms for considera>on during the RFP process.
• The Town reserves the right to nego>ate with other qualified persons or firms, or to solicit addi>onal statements of qualifica>ons at any point in the project should it fail to nego>ate a reasonable fee with the ini>ally selected person or firm or should that firm fail to execute the Town’s Agreement.
I. EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Project Manager will be the key point of contact with City staff and will be expected to drive the project to meet schedule and budgetary goals. The Project Manager would ideally have at least five years of relevant experience.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Team’s Qualifica>ons – 10%
• Project Manager’s Technical Experience and Approach - 25% • Understanding of Project Issues – 20%
• Quality of Proposed Work Plan and Schedule – 35%
• Quality of References – 10%
J. PROPOSED TIMELINE
June 10, 2026 RFP available on Town of Atherton website June 26, 2026 Submission deadline for wri[en ques>ons
July 3, 2026 Responses to wri[en ques>ons available on Town website July 20, 2026, 2 PM Technical and Cost Proposals due
July 26, 2026 (week of) Interviews with highest ranked proposers (if necessary) September 16, 2026 Recommenda>on to Town Council