REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR
ON-CALL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
SERVICES
CITY OF SAN JACINTO REQUEST FOR
Qualifications for On-Call Environmental Review
Services
Issuance Date: June 3, 2025
Closing Date and Time: June 23, 2025, 11:00 PM (PST)
Submittal Location: PlanetBids Only
Contact Person: Travis Randel
Deputy City Manager
595 South San Jacinto Avenue
San Jacinto, CA 92583
(951) 487-7330
[email protected]
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 3
INTRODUCTION
The City of San Jacinto (City) is seeking to pre-qualify professional environmental consulting firms to provide on-call, as-needed services in support of City-initiated and privately initiated development projects requiring environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and, where applicable, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Selected Consultants will serve as an extension of City staff to prepare or peer-review environmental documents, conduct technical studies, manage environmental review processes, and provide expert guidance to ensure regulatory compliance and legal defensibility.
The City anticipates sustained development activity over the next several years, including residential master plans, commercial and industrial projects, infrastructure improvements, and long-range planning efforts. To support this activity, the City is establishing updated On-Call Environmental Consultant Lists through this RFQ process.
This RFQ will result in the formation of three (3) distinct lists:
• Private Development – Comprehensive Environmental Review • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Environmental Services • Qualified Consultants – Technical Expertise
Firms will be selected based on demonstrated qualifications, relevant experience, and ability to deliver high-quality, timely, and objective environmental services.
Consultants may be considered for one or more of these lists, depending on the scope of services offered and the qualifications demonstrated in their submittals.
The City anticipates City Council approval of the new consultant lists in July 2025. Lists will remain active for five (5) years, through June 30, 2030, with an optional two-year extension at the City’s discretion. Task orders will be issued on an as-needed basis and are not guaranteed.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 4
ABOUT THE CITY
Founded in 1870 and incorporated in 1888, the City of San Jacinto is one of Riverside County’s oldest municipalities. Once rooted in agriculture, ranching, and tourism, San Jacinto has evolved into a growing Inland Empire community of over 60,000 residents.
Its affordable land, strategic location, and community-oriented vision continue to attract significant residential, commercial, and industrial development.
San Jacinto is located in the heart of the San Jacinto Valley, framed by the San Jacinto Mountains, open space preserves, and flood-prone drainage corridors. The City’s setting introduces a diverse range of environmental considerations, including hillside development, habitat conservation requirements, tribal cultural resource sensitivity, and proximity to the urban-wildland interface. The City participates in the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and is subject to state and federal permitting requirements that affect project review and implementation.
The City’s location along the SR-79 corridor connects it to Interstate 215, State Route 60, and the larger Southern California region. Recent infrastructure investments and Specific Plan approvals have positioned San Jacinto as a hub for both residential expansion and logistics-based economic development. The City is also home to Mt.
San Jacinto College and the Soboba Casino Resort—two regional anchors that continue to drive demand for housing, services, and infrastructure.
With a broad pipeline of discretionary entitlements, capital improvement projects, and policy initiatives on the horizon, San Jacinto requires qualified, responsive, and experienced environmental consultants to support legally defensible environmental review under CEQA and, when applicable, NEPA. The City is committed to responsible growth, regulatory integrity, and maintaining a high quality of life for all residents.
PURPOSE
Consultants retained under this RFQ will provide on-call environmental services to support the City of San Jacinto across a range of development and infrastructure projects. Assignments will be made on a task-order basis and may include CEQA and NEPA document preparation, technical study preparation, third-party peer review, permitting support, and general advisory services.
Firms will be expected to augment City staff capacity and function as professional extensions of the City’s environmental team. All work must be prepared in accordance with applicable CEQA/NEPA statutes, City policies and procedures, and regional regulatory requirements.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 5 Task Order Process
When services are needed, the City will issue a task order request outlining the project scope and requested services. The selected firm will submit a detailed proposal, including a scope of work, estimated hours, and cost based on approved billing rates.
Upon acceptance and authorization, the City will issue a formal Notice to Proceed.
Most work is applicant-funded through reimbursement agreements; however, some assignments may be City-funded (e.g., Capital Improvement Program projects or long-range policy initiatives).
Service Categories
Consultants may be selected for one or more of the following categories based on demonstrated qualifications:
Private Development – Comprehensive Environmental Review. Firms in this category may serve as lead preparers or peer reviewers for CEQA/NEPA documentation associated with discretionary private development applications. Services may include:
• Preparation of Initial Studies (IS), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND), Environmental Impact Reports (EIR), Addenda, or tiered/subsequent documents • Technical studies supporting environmental review (e.g., biological, noise, air quality, cultural resources)
• Peer review of applicant-prepared CEQA/NEPA documents and technical studies
• Public scoping, response to comments, and administrative record support • Preparation and filing of required CEQA notices (NOP, NOD, NOE, etc.) • Coordination with applicants, subconsultants, and reviewing agencies • Preparation of mitigation measures and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRPs)
• Attendance at Planning Commission, City Council, and public workshops Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Environmental Services. Firms in this category will support CEQA/NEPA documentation and environmental permitting for City-led infrastructure and public works projects. Typical services may include:
• Environmental review and documentation for roadways, utilities, drainage, and public facilities
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 6 • NEPA compliance and coordination for federally funded projects (e.g., Caltrans Local Assistance)
• Technical support for agency permitting (e.g., RWQCB, USACE, SHPO, State Water Board)
• Preparation of environmental constraints analyses and design-phase evaluations • Section 106/7 consultation and documentation
• Preparation of CEQA exemptions, MNDs, and Addenda
• Review of design documents and construction plans for environmental consistency
Qualified Consultants – Technical Expertise. This category includes firms or individuals with specialized expertise that may be used independently for focused tasks or as subconsultants to larger project teams. Areas of expertise may include, but are not limited to:
• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Biological Resources and Jurisdictional Delineations
• Archaeological and Cultural Resources
• Tribal Cultural Resources (AB 52/SB 18)
• Geotechnical and Soils
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Noise and Vibration
• Transportation and VMT Analysis
• Wildfire and Urban-Wildland Interface (WUI) Risk
Deliverables must meet CEQA/NEPA standards and be formatted for direct incorporation into environmental documents. Consultants in this category must be capable of timely coordination with City staff and project teams.
Roles and Expectations
Consultants retained under this RFQ may serve in one of two primary roles depending on the nature of the assignment: as the lead preparer of CEQA or NEPA documents, or as a third-party peer reviewer of materials prepared by other consultants on behalf of a project applicant. The City will determine the appropriate role for each task order and expects firms to be flexible and professional in adapting to either assignment.
As lead preparers, consultants are responsible for managing the full environmental review process on behalf of the City. This includes preparing environmental On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 7 documents, coordinating technical subconsultants, developing mitigation measures, and representing the City in agency consultations and public hearings. Consultants must ensure that all documentation is internally consistent, technically accurate, and clearly written to support the City’s independent judgment and decision-making process. City staff will provide general oversight, but consultants are expected to operate with a high level of autonomy and accountability.
In a third-party peer review role, consultants will evaluate CEQA or NEPA documents prepared by others to confirm that the materials meet applicable regulatory requirements, reflect best practices in environmental analysis, and are consistent with the City’s policies, procedures, and adopted thresholds. Peer reviewers must approach this role with objectivity and professionalism. The goal is not to promote alternate methodologies or assert competing preferences, but to identify substantive gaps, clarify assumptions, and confirm that conclusions are legally defensible. Reviews may include written memos, line edits, participation in applicant coordination meetings, or preparation of revised sections for City adoption.
In all cases, consultants are expected to function as an extension of City staff. This means maintaining a constructive, neutral, and solutions-oriented tone in all interactions—with applicants, other consultants, agencies, and the public. The City has encountered challenges in the past where consultants assigned to peer review became adversarial or overly critical, undermining project coordination and delaying approvals. To avoid this, the City emphasizes that peer review is not an advocacy role.
Comments should be grounded in law, policy, or sound technical reasoning—not stylistic preferences or academic debate. When disagreements arise, consultants must communicate respectfully and support the City’s role as the lead agency.
Ultimately, success under this RFQ depends on a consultant’s ability to deliver highquality, timely, and defensible work while collaborating constructively with City staff, applicants, and partner agencies. Professionalism, clarity, and mutual respect are non-negotiable expectations in every assignment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for placement on one or more of the City’s On-Call Environmental Consultant Lists, firms must clearly demonstrate technical competence, public agency experience, and capacity to perform environmental services consistent with the scope outlined in this RFQ. Firms will be evaluated based on the following minimum qualifications:
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 8 Professional and Technical Experience
Firms must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience providing environmental consulting services to California public agencies, including cities, counties, or regional authorities. Experience should reflect a range of project types, including residential, commercial, industrial, capital improvement/infrastructure projects, and long-range planning efforts. Firms must demonstrate the ability to manage and prepare CEQA/NEPA documentation as the lead environmental consultant and/or provide focused technical studies as a supporting team member.
Environmental Review and Document Preparation
Firms must demonstrate extensive knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and related environmental regulations. This includes direct experience preparing Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and supporting technical studies. Firms must also be capable of providing third-party peer review services to evaluate the adequacy, consistency, and legal defensibility of environmental documents prepared by others. All work must reflect the City’s independent judgment and withstand public and legal scrutiny.
Regulatory and Policy Knowledge
Consultants must be familiar with key federal, state, regional, and local regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental compliance. This includes, but is not limited to:
• The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures
• The Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), including consistency analysis and biological compliance procedures • Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis and mitigation under Senate Bill (SB) 743 and applicable City-adopted thresholds
• AB 52 and SB 18 tribal consultation requirements, including coordination with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and other local tribal governments • Federal and state permitting procedures involving Caltrans, Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Local environmental regulations and policies within the City of San Jacinto, including implementation of General Plan policies, Specific Plans, the City’s CEQA On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 9 streamlining practices (e.g., Section 15183 determinations), and mitigation monitoring programs
• AB 52 and SB 18 tribal consultation requirements, including familiarity with the City’s procedures for notification, coordination, and response to tribal input.
Experience working with Southern California tribes, especially the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, is strongly preferred
Consultants should also demonstrate knowledge of regional agency policies such as those from WRCOG, RCTC, EMWD, and the South Coast AQMD, which may affect CEQA-related technical studies and permitting in the City.
Project Management and Communication
Firms must demonstrate strong project management capabilities, including the ability to develop clear scopes of work, manage subconsultants, coordinate with City staff and external agencies, and deliver work products on time and within budget.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to prepare professional-quality environmental documents, staff reports, public notices, and responses to comments. Consultants must also be able to present at public meetings or hearings as requested by the City.
Staffing and Continuity
Firms must identify the key personnel proposed for assignment to City projects, including their roles, qualifications, and relevant experience. The proposed team should include a designated Project Manager responsible for day-to-day coordination with City staff, as well as an alternate Project Manager with comparable qualifications who can assume responsibility if the primary lead becomes unavailable.
Key staff must be available for assignment within 90 days of submittal and committed to continuity of service throughout the term of the agreement. The firm must notify the City immediately if any key personnel become unavailable and propose a qualified substitute subject to City review and approval. The City reserves the right to reject any replacement personnel who do not meet the required qualifications or whose involvement may impact project performance.
Firms must also demonstrate sufficient staffing capacity to manage overlapping assignments, respond to time-sensitive requests, and maintain regular communication with City staff. Strong project management, internal coordination, and responsiveness will be critical to successful performance under this RFQ.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 10 Subconsultant Roles and Experience
If subconsultants are proposed, the prime firm must clearly identify each subconsultant, their area(s) of expertise, and their intended role on City assignments.
The proposal must also describe the working relationship between the firms, including prior collaboration on similar projects and how responsibilities will be coordinated.
All subconsultants must meet the same qualification standards as the prime consultant, including relevant technical expertise, public agency experience, and ability to comply with the City’s insurance, licensing, and ethical requirements.
Subconsultants must be disclosed in the Consultant Response Form. Any substitution or addition of subconsultants after list placement is subject to prior written approval by the City. The City reserves the right to reject any proposed subconsultant who does not meet the stated qualifications or who may conflict with the City's operational needs.
Firms are expected to maintain continuity in team structure throughout the duration of the agreement, and the City may consider a firm’s ability to manage subconsultant relationships as part of overall performance evaluations.
Technology Proficiency
Firms must demonstrate proficiency in digital tools and platforms relevant to environmental analysis and permitting. This may include modeling programs such as CalEEMod, AERMOD, VMT calculators, and GIS-based mapping platforms. Firms must also be able to submit electronic documents and deliverables in formats compatible with City systems. Familiarity with permitting and workflow systems such as Tyler Technologies’ EnerGov is preferred but not required.
Insurance and Business Licensing
All firms must be able to meet the City’s standard insurance requirements, including coverage for Commercial General Liability, Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions), Workers’ Compensation, and Automobile Liability. Proof of insurance will be required prior to contract execution. Firms must also obtain and maintain a valid City of San Jacinto business license for the duration of the agreement.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 11 Ethical and Legal Standing
Firms must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including relationships with City officials, employees, or their immediate families. Firms must also disclose any pending or resolved legal matters—including litigation, claims, or regulatory actions— within the past five (5) years that could affect the firm’s ability to perform under this RFQ. The City will consider such disclosures during the evaluation process; disclosure does not automatically disqualify a firm.
Consultant Response Form (Required)
All firms must complete and submit the Consultant Response Form provided by the City. This form is used to evaluate and categorize firms into one or more of the following lists:
• Private Development – Comprehensive Environmental Review • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Environmental Services • Qualified Consultants – Technical Expertise
The Consultant Response Form includes:
• A firm profile and contact information
• A self-rating matrix for environmental experience across document types and technical disciplines
• Relevant project examples supporting any “extensive experience” claims • Disclosure of legal history, conflicts of interest, and business relationships Failure to submit a completed Consultant Response Form may result in disqualification from consideration.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 12
INQUIRIES
Consultants are encouraged to carefully review this RFQ and promptly notify the City of any inconsistencies, omissions, or ambiguities that may affect the preparation of a responsive submittal. All questions must be submitted in writing via the City’s PlanetBids portal:
https://www.sanjacintoca.gov/government/bidsProposals
The deadline for submitting questions is June 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PST). Responses will be posted exclusively on PlanetBids. If a clarification results in a material change to the RFQ, the City may issue an addendum at its sole discretion. It is the responsibility of each Consultant to review all posted responses and addenda prior to submitting qualifications.
To ensure a fair and transparent process, Consultants shall not contact or attempt to influence any member of the San Jacinto City Council, City officials, City employees (except as provided below), or City agents regarding this RFQ. Any attempt to circumvent this process may result in disqualification.
Designated Contact for RFQ Administration (Non-technical inquiries only):
Travis Randel
Deputy City Manager – Development Services
City of San Jacinto
(951) 487-7330
[email protected]
For questions regarding submittal procedures, technical support, or document formatting, please refer to the Submittal Instructions section of this RFQ.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 13
SELECTION TIMELINE
The following schedule has been established for the RFQ process. The City reserves the right to adjust the schedule as necessary or extend any deadline with proper notice to all registered firms through PlanetBids.
Milestone Date
RFQ Issuance June 3, 2025
Deadline for Written Questions (via PlanetBids) June 16, 2025, by 11:00 AM (PST) RFQ Submittal Deadline June 23, 2025, by 11:00 PM (PST)* City Council Consideration of Consultant List July 15, 2025 (Tentative) Notification to Selected Firms Following City Council Approval *Please note: The RFQ submittal deadline occurs after City business hours, and the City is closed on Fridays. Respondents are strongly encouraged to submit early to allow time for any technical troubleshooting. Late submittals will not be accepted under any circumstances.
The City Council retains full discretion to approve, modify, or reject the recommended Consultant Lists. Any changes to this schedule will be issued as addenda through the City’s PlanetBids portal.
SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
All proposals must be submitted electronically via the City’s PlanetBids portal. Paper, email, or fax submittals will not be accepted under any circumstances. https://www.sanjacintoca.gov/government/bidsProposals
Submittal Deadline
Proposals must be received no later than June 23, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. (PST). The City is closed on Fridays, and the deadline occurs after normal business hours.
Consultants are strongly encouraged to upload their proposals early to avoid lastminute technical issues. Late submittals will not be accepted.
Format Requirements
Each proposal must be submitted as two (2) separate PDF files:
1. Technical Qualifications Package
2. Billing Rates Sheet
Files must be clearly labeled with the firm’s name. The Technical Qualifications Package is limited to 80 single-sided pages, excluding the cover letter, table of On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 14 contents, section dividers, resumes, and the Consultant Response Form.
Proposals must be complete, well-organized, and comply with all format requirements to be considered responsive.
Technical Support
City staff can provide only limited assistance with the PlanetBids platform. For technical support, contact:
PlanetBids Vendor Support
(818) 992-1771
Monday–Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
[email protected]
For RFQ-related questions, deadlines, or process clarifications, see the Inquiries section of this RFQ.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 15
QUALIFICATIONS PACKAGE FORMAT
To ensure consistency and facilitate an efficient review process, each responding firm must prepare and submit a qualifications package structured as outlined below. Proposals must be submitted via PlanetBids as two separate PDF files:
• Technical Qualifications Package
• Billing Rates Sheet
Each file must be clearly labeled with the firm’s name and submittal type (e.g., “FirmName_TechnicalQualifications.pdf”). Proposals that exceed formatting limits or omit required content may be considered non-responsive.
1. Technical Qualifications Package
Page Limit: 80 single-sided pages, excluding the cover letter, table of contents, section dividers, Consultant Response Form, and resumes.
This package should demonstrate the firm’s capabilities, environmental expertise, project experience, and alignment with the City’s needs. It must include the following components:
Cover Letter
A signed letter from an authorized representative summarizing the firm’s interest, areas of expertise (e.g., CEQA/NEPA document preparation, technical disciplines, or peer review), availability of key personnel, and acknowledgment of the City’s standard contract terms (or clearly stated exceptions). The letter must also include the name and contact information for the firm’s designated point of contact.
Firm Profile
Provide an overview of the firm’s structure, qualifications, and service offerings.
Include:
• Full legal name, business entity type, and year established • Office location(s) providing services to the City
• Size of firm and in-house disciplines
• General experience with California public agencies, particularly in Riverside County or the Inland Empire
• Description of any specialized services or environmental focus areas Relevant Experience and Project Examples
Include at least three (3) representative projects completed within the last five years. Each example should highlight the type of document or service provided (e.g., EIR, peer review, technical study), the project type (e.g., private development or infrastructure), geographic location, agency/client, scope of work, role of the firm, budget and schedule performance, and reference contact.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 16 Key Personnel and Staffing Plan
Identify proposed team members and describe their relevant qualifications, experience, and roles. Include:
• Organizational chart
• Brief bios highlighting certifications, disciplines, and years of experience • Resumes (limit two pages per person; excluded from page count) • Identification and role of any proposed subconsultants • Description of team capacity and availability for on-call work Consultant Response Form (Required)
Complete and include the City’s Consultant Response Form. This form is used to classify firms for placement on one or more of the City’s on-call consultant lists and includes a self-rating matrix, disclosure questions, and project references.
Project Approach and Work Plan
Firms should provide a clear, narrative description of their overall approach to delivering on-call environmental services to the City of San Jacinto. The City values consultants who can operate as an extension of staff, respond quickly to emerging project needs, and deliver environmental documentation that is technically sound, legally defensible, and contextually appropriate.
Describe your understanding of the City’s development landscape and regulatory environment, including familiarity with adopted Specific Plans, the General Plan, regional mitigation programs such as the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), and regulatory thresholds related to vehicle miles traveled (VMT) under SB 743. Your approach should demonstrate experience managing CEQA and NEPA documentation from early scoping through final adoption, including coordination with applicants, subconsultants, reviewing agencies, and the public.
The City places particular importance on tribal cultural resource considerations under AB 52 and SB 18. Describe your firm’s experience managing or supporting tribal consultation processes, especially with Southern California tribal governments.
If applicable, explain your familiarity with culturally sensitive areas in the region and your ability to coordinate respectfully and productively with tribes such as the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. Firms serving in a peer review capacity should also describe how they handle potential disagreements between tribal input, archaeological findings, and consultant interpretations while upholding the City’s Lead Agency role.
If your firm provides peer review services, explain how objectivity is maintained during third-party review assignments. The City expects such consultants to provide clear, constructive, and impartial feedback—grounded in regulatory adequacy On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 17 rather than methodological preference—and to collaborate professionally with applicant-retained consultants. Proposals should also describe your internal quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) practices, including how draft documents are reviewed, how consistency is maintained across technical disciplines, and how deliverables are finalized in accordance with the City’s standards and timelines.
Firms should explain how workload is managed to ensure capacity for concurrent projects and time-sensitive deliverables. Availability of senior-level oversight, responsiveness to City staff, and the ability to adjust staffing as priorities shift are all important factors in the City’s evaluation.
Finally, if your firm has experience addressing environmental justice (EJ) concerns or Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) implementation, you are encouraged to briefly describe that work. This may include evaluation of disproportionate impacts in disadvantaged communities, integration of EJ concerns into CEQA analysis, or project work in overburdened neighborhoods. While not required, this experience may be considered favorably for projects with equity considerations.
Exceptions to Standard Agreement (Optional)
If your firm seeks to propose exceptions to the City’s standard Professional Services Agreement, include a separate section identifying each proposed modification, the rationale, and suggested replacement language. If no exceptions are submitted, the City will assume your firm agrees to the standard terms as provided.
2. Billing Rates Sheet
Submit as a separate PDF file. The rate sheet must include:
• Hourly billing rates for all proposed personnel classifications • Hourly rates for all proposed subconsultants (if applicable) • Description of any markups on reimbursable expenses
• Optional: rate escalation methodology (e.g., annual CPI increase) Billing rates must remain fixed for the initial five-year contract term unless a clear and mutually agreed escalation provision is included and accepted at the time of contract award.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 18
SELECTION CRITERIA
All complete and responsive submittals will be evaluated by an internal City review panel based on the criteria outlined below. The evaluation process is designed to identify the most qualified firms for placement on one or more of the City’s On-Call Environmental Consultant Lists:
• Private Development – Comprehensive Environmental Review • Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Environmental Services • Qualified Consultants – Technical Expertise
The City acknowledges that firms may apply for full-service CEQA/NEPA assignments, focused technical support, or both. Scoring will be applied consistently across five categories, but expectations will be scaled appropriately based on the type of services proposed.
Full-service firms will be evaluated on their capacity to manage complete environmental reviews, lead public processes, and deliver defensible CEQA/NEPA documentation.
Specialized firms will be evaluated based on their technical qualifications, project history, and ability to support the City as a subconsultant or third-party reviewer.
The City reserves the right to request additional information, conduct interviews, or request clarification at any time during the evaluation process.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Responsiveness and Clarity of Submittal (10 points)
• Organization, clarity, and completeness of the proposal • Compliance with all formatting and submission requirements • Inclusion of all required components, including the Consultant Response Form • Demonstrated understanding of the City’s objectives and consultant expectations
2. Qualifications and Experience of Firm and Team (30 points) • Relevant experience providing environmental services to California public agencies
• Technical qualifications and certifications of proposed personnel • Experience managing or supporting CEQA/NEPA processes for private development or public infrastructure
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 19 • Familiarity with the regulatory environment in Western Riverside County and the Inland Empire
• Performance history with agencies of similar size, complexity, and environmental review needs
• Strength and alignment of proposed subconsultants (if any)
3. Relevant Project Examples and References (20 points) • Success delivering high-quality environmental documents, technical studies, or peer reviews
• Relevance of previous assignments to the types of projects anticipated by the City
• Effectiveness in meeting deadlines, budgets, and agency expectations • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with public agencies and multidisciplinary teams
• Reference feedback regarding responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality
4. Project Approach and Work Plan (25 points)
• Clarity and practicality of the proposed approach to CEQA/NEPA assignments • Familiarity with San Jacinto’s planning context, including Specific Plans, MSHCP, VMT requirements, and regional permitting protocols
• Objectivity and professionalism in third-party peer review roles • Internal QA/QC processes and staff coordination protocols • Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects and respond to urgent needs
5. Billing Rates and Overall Value (15 points)
• Competitiveness of hourly rates for both in-house and subconsultant staff • Reasonableness of any proposed markups or escalation methodology • Overall value in relation to experience, technical depth, and project delivery capacity
• Flexibility to support a wide range of project types and funding scenarios On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 20 Evaluation Outcome and List Placement
Following evaluation, firms will be categorized into one or more of the following OnCall Consultant Lists based on qualifications and demonstrated capacity:
• Private Development – Comprehensive Environmental Review. Firms capable of preparing or reviewing full CEQA/NEPA documentation and managing complex private entitlement projects.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Environmental Services. Firms with specialized expertise in CEQA/NEPA compliance for City-led infrastructure and public works projects.
• Qualified Consultants – Technical Expertise. Firms or individuals with focused expertise in environmental resource areas such as air quality, biological resources, tribal cultural resources, geotechnical analysis, and wildfire risk.
The City reserves the right to place firms on multiple lists, exclude firms from specific categories, or limit the number of firms in each group.
Inclusion on a list does not guarantee the award of work. Task orders will be issued at the City’s sole discretion based on project type, consultant expertise, past performance, availability, and other relevant factors. The maximum cumulative compensation for any individual firm under the City’s standard agreement will not exceed $1,000,000 over the five-year term, unless otherwise authorized by the City Council.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 21
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
By submitting a response to this RFQ, each Consultant acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions outlined herein and in the City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement, unless clearly stated exceptions are submitted and accepted by the City.
Standard Agreement
A sample of the City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement is provided as an exhibit to this RFQ. All selected firms must execute this agreement prior to the commencement of any work. The terms of the agreement will govern the performance of all services assigned under this RFQ, including insurance, indemnification, and invoicing requirements.
If a Consultant proposes any exceptions to the standard agreement, those must be clearly stated and explained in the submitted proposal. The City reserves the right to accept, reject, or negotiate any proposed changes at its sole discretion.
Order of Precedence
In the event of a conflict between documents, the following order of precedence shall govern:
1. Fully executed Professional Services Agreement
2. This Request for Qualifications (including any addenda issued)
3. The Consultant’s submitted proposal (including attachments and pricing) Documents Required Prior to Execution
Following City Council approval, the City will issue a Notice of Intent to Award to selected firms. Within fourteen (14) calendar days of notification, each selected firm must submit the following:
• One (1) signed copy of the Professional Services Agreement • Certificates of Insurance meeting the City's requirements, including:
o Commercial General Liability
o Automobile Liability
o Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability
o Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions)
o Endorsements naming the City of San Jacinto, its officers, employees, and agents as additional insureds (where applicable)
• Proof of a valid City of San Jacinto Business License On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 22 Failure to provide these documents within the required timeframe may result in withdrawal of the award and selection of an alternate firm from the approved list.
Commencement of Work
No Consultant shall begin work until all required documentation is received and a fully executed agreement is in place. Additionally, a written Notice to Proceed must be issued by the City for each individual task order before any billable work may commence.
CONTRACT EXECUTION, INSURANCE, AND CANCELLATION
Contract Execution and List Placement
Placement on one or more of the City’s On-Call Environmental Consultant Lists does not constitute a contract award or guarantee any assignment of work. Rather, it prequalifies a firm for consideration when a need arises.
When the City identifies a project requiring environmental services, it may:
• Select the most appropriate firm from the applicable list • Request a scope of work, cost estimate, and schedule
• Negotiate final terms
• Issue a Notice to Proceed under the executed Professional Services Agreement The City reserves the right to assign work based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, availability, responsiveness, past performance, and subject-matter expertise.
Insurance Requirements
All selected firms must maintain insurance coverage in accordance with the terms of the City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement. Insurance documentation must be submitted and approved before contract execution and maintained throughout the term of the agreement.
Required coverage includes:
• Commercial General Liability
• Automobile Liability
• Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability
• Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions)
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 23 Endorsements must name the City of San Jacinto, its officers, employees, and agents as additional insureds, where applicable. The City may request updated certificates at any time.
Business License Requirement
All firms must obtain and maintain an active City of San Jacinto Business License prior to the commencement of any services and for the duration of their participation on the on-call list.
Failure to Execute
Failure to submit a signed agreement, valid insurance documentation, or proof of business license within the required timeframe may result in cancellation of the award and removal from the consultant list.
Right to Cancel or Revise
The City retains full discretion to:
• Cancel this RFQ or its resulting consultant lists at any time • Reject any or all proposals
• Modify the composition of any consultant list
• Remove firms from a list due to non-performance, expired insurance, conflicts of interest, or other just cause
• Reassign or re-solicit task orders if necessary to meet the City’s operational needs No consultant is entitled to a guaranteed minimum amount of work. Participation in this RFQ process does not create a contractual right to any future assignment.
CLOSING STATEMENT
The City of San Jacinto appreciates your interest in providing professional environmental consulting services to support the City’s continued growth and regulatory compliance. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) represents an opportunity to partner with the City in delivering objective, high-quality, and legally defensible environmental review services for a wide range of private development, public infrastructure, and long-range planning projects.
By submitting a response, your firm affirms its understanding of the City’s needs, agrees to comply with all requirements set forth in this RFQ, and accepts the terms of the City’s Standard Professional Services Agreement unless specific exceptions are clearly stated and approved.
On-Call Environmental Services Request for Qualifications 24 Placement on any of the City’s On-Call Environmental Consultant Lists—whether for Private Development, Capital Improvement Projects, or Technical Expertise—does not guarantee the award of work. Task orders will be issued on an as-needed basis at the City’s sole discretion, based on project scope, consultant qualifications, availability, and past performance.
The City of San Jacinto reserves the right to:
• Reject any or all proposals
• Modify or cancel this RFQ process at any time
• Limit or revise the composition of any consultant list • Remove firms from a list for cause, including performance, compliance, or administrative issues
• Issue task orders only when a specific need arises
We thank you for your interest in working with the City of San Jacinto and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.