Santa Fe Springs City Council
August 22, 2024

Attachment C: Professional Services Agreement for EPD Solutions REV052024 Page 1 of 16 EPD Solutions, Inc.

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH
EPD SOLUTIONS, INC.

This Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and effective as of August 20, 2024 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Santa Fe Springs, a California municipal corporation, (“City”) and Environment Planning Development Solutions, Inc. dba EPD Solutions, Inc., a California corporation (“Consultant”). In consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. TERM
This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain and continue in effect for a term of three years, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. The term of this Agreement may be renewed for one (1) additional twoyear period upon mutual written agreement by both parties.

2. SERVICES
Consultant shall perform the services described and set forth in the City’s Request for Proposals, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and Consultant’s Proposal, attached hereto as Exhibit B, both incorporated herein as though set forth in full (“Services”) in accordance with Task Orders agreed to by both parties. To the extent that Exhibit B contains provisions inconsistent with this Agreement and/or Exhibit A, the provisions of this Agreement and Exhibit A shall govern. The Task Orders shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

3. PERFORMANCE
Consultant shall at all times faithfully, competently and to the best of Consultant’s ability, experience, and talent, perform all tasks described herein. Consultant shall employ, at a minimum, generally accepted standards and practices utilized by persons engaged in providing similar services as are required of Consultant under this Agreement.

4. CITY MANAGEMENT
The Community Development Director or designee shall represent the City in all matters pertaining to the administration of this Agreement, including review and approval of all products submitted by Consultant.

5. PAYMENT
A. City agrees to pay Consultant in accordance with the payment rates and terms as set forth in Exhibit B based upon the performance of the task orders.

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B. Consultant shall not be compensated for any services rendered in connection with its performance of this Agreement which are in addition to those set forth herein, unless such additional services are authorized in advance and in writing by the Community Development Director or designee. Consultant shall be compensated for any additional services in the amounts and in the manner as agreed to in writing by the City and Consultant at the time the City’s written authorization is given to Consultant for the performance of said services.

C. Consultant will submit invoices for actual Services performed. Consultant agrees to participate in the City’s Electronic Funds Transfer program and to receive electronic payments for the Services. Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of each invoice as to all non-disputed fees. If the City disputes any of Consultant's Services or fees, it shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth on the invoice. Any final payment under this Agreement shall be made within forty-five (45) days of receipt of an invoice therefor.

6. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT WITHOUT CAUSE
A. The City may at any time, for any reason, without cause, suspend or terminate this Agreement, or any portion hereof, by serving upon Consultant at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice. Upon receipt of said notice, Consultant shall immediately cease all Services under this Agreement, unless the notice provides otherwise. If the City suspends or terminates a portion of this Agreement, such suspension or termination shall not make void or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement.

B. In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this section, the City shall pay to Consultant the actual value of the Services performed up to the time of termination, unless the City disputes any of the Services performed or fees. Upon termination of the Agreement pursuant to this section, Consultant will submit an invoice to the City pursuant to Section 5.

7. DEFAULT OF CONSULTANT
If the City determines that Consultant is in default in the performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, the City shall serve Consultant a written notice of the default. Consultant shall have seven (7) days after service of said notice to cure the default. In the event that Consultant fails to cure the default within such period of time or fails to present the City with a written plan for the diligent cure of default if such default cannot be cured within seven days, the City shall have the right, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to terminate this Agreement without further notice and without prejudice to any other remedy to which it may be entitled at law, in equity or under this Agreement. Consultant shall be responsible for costs incurred by the City due to Consultant’s failure to comply with this section. The City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant any costs incurred by the City as a result of Consultant’s default.

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8. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
A. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to tasks, costs, expenses, receipts, and other such information required by the City that relate to the performance of Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain adequate records of Services provided in sufficient detail to permit an evaluation of Services. All such records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be clearly identified and readily accessible. Consultant shall provide free access to the representatives of the City or its designees at reasonable times to such books and records; shall give the City the right to examine and audit said books and records; shall permit the City to make transcripts or copies therefrom as necessary; and shall allow inspection of all Services, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to this Agreement. Such records, together with supporting documents, shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years after receipt of final payment.

B. Upon completion of, or in the event of termination or suspension of this Agreement, all original documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared in the course of providing the Services shall become the sole property of the City and may be used, reused, or otherwise disposed of by the City without the permission of Consultant. With respect to computer files, Consultant shall make available to the City, at the Consultant's office and upon reasonable written request by the City, the necessary computer software and hardware for purposes of accessing, compiling, transferring, copying and/or printing computer files. Consultant hereby grants to the City all right, title, and interest, including any copyright, in and to the documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared by Consultant in the course of providing the Services under this Agreement.

9. INDEMNIFICATION AND DEFENSE
A. Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and any and all of its officials, employees, agents, and/or volunteers (“Indemnified Parties”), from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with the performance of Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants (or any agency or individual that Consultant shall bear the legal liability thereof) under this Agreement, including all acts or omissions, willful misconduct, or negligent conduct, whether active or passive, on the part of Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants. Consultant’s duty to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties shall not extend to the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Parties.

B. Duty to Defend. In the event the Indemnified Parties, individually or collectively, are made a party to any claim, action, lawsuit, or other adversarial proceeding REV052024 Page 4 of 16 EPD Solutions, Inc.
arising or alleged to arise out of or is in any way connected with the performance of Consultant’s services under this Agreement, and upon demand by the City, Consultant shall immediately defend the Indemnified Parties at Consultant’s cost or at the City’s option to reimburse the City for its costs of defense, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the defense of such matters, regardless of whether or not Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants are specifically named or otherwise asserted to be liable, and regardless of whether or not there is any evidence of finding of fault or wrongdoing by Consultant, its officers, agents, employees and/or subconsultants. Payment by the City is not a condition precedent to enforcement of this provision.

C. In the event of any dispute between Consultant and the City as to whether liability arises from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City or its officials, employees, agents, and/or volunteers, Consultant will be obligated to pay for the City’s defense until such time as a final judgment has been entered adjudicating the Indemnified Parties as solely negligent or to have acted with willful misconduct.

Consultant will not be entitled in the absence of such a determination to any reimbursement of defense costs, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, expert fees, and costs of litigation.

10. INSURANCE
Consultant shall maintain prior to the beginning of and for the duration of this Agreement insurance coverage as specified in Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement.

11. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
A. Consultant is and shall at all times remain as to the City a wholly independent consultant and/or independent contractor. The personnel performing the services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Neither the City nor any of its officers, employees, or agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement.

Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that Consultant or any of Consultant’s officers, employees, or agents are in any manner officers, employees, or agents of the City. Consultant shall not incur or have the power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability whatever against the City, or bind the City in any manner.

B. No employee benefits shall be available to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Except for the fees paid to Consultant as provided in the Agreement, the City shall not pay salaries, wages, or other compensation to Consultant for performing services hereunder for the City. The City shall not be liable for compensation or indemnification to Consultant for injury or sickness arising out of performing services hereunder. Consultant shall secure, at its sole expense, and be responsible for any and all payment of Income Tax, Social REV052024 Page 5 of 16 EPD Solutions, Inc.

Security, State Disability Insurance Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and other payroll deductions for Consultant and its officers, agents, and employees, and all business licenses, if any are required, in connection with the services to be performed hereunder. Consultant shall indemnify and hold the City harmless from any and all taxes, assessments, penalties, and interest asserted against the City by reason of the independent contractor relationship created by this Agreement. Consultant further agrees to indemnify and hold the City harmless from any failure of Consultant to comply with the applicable worker’s compensation laws. The City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant under this Agreement as a result of Consultant’s failure to promptly pay to the City any reimbursement or indemnification arising under this paragraph.

C. In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subconsultant of Consultant providing Services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to be eligible for enrollment in CalPERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for CalPERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subconsultants, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of the City.

D. Notwithstanding any other agency, state or federal policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subconsultants providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by the City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in CalPERS as an employee of the City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for CalPERS benefits.

12. LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Consultant shall keep itself informed of State and Federal laws and regulations which in any manner affect those employed by it or in any way affect the performance of Services pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall at all times observe and comply with all such laws and regulations. The City and its officials, officers, employees, and agents, shall not be liable at law or in equity occasioned by failure of Consultant to comply with this Section.

13. UNDUE INFLUENCE
Consultant declares and warrants that no undue influence or pressure was used against or in concert with any officer or employee of the City in connection with the award, terms or implementation of this Agreement, including any method of coercion, confidential financial arrangement, or financial inducement. No officer or employee of the City has or REV052024 Page 6 of 16 EPD Solutions, Inc.
will receive compensation, directly or indirectly, from Consultant, or from any officer, employee or agent of Consultant, in connection with this Agreement or any Services to be conducted as a result of this Agreement. Violation of this section shall be a material breach of this Agreement entitling the City to any and all remedies at law or in equity.

14. NO BENEFIT TO ARISE TO CITY EMPLOYEES
No member, officer, or employee of the City, or their designees or agents, and no public official who exercises authority over or responsibilities with respect to the Services during his/her tenure or for one year thereafter, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any Agreement or sub-agreement, or the proceeds thereof, for Services to be performed under this Agreement.

15. RELEASE OF INFORMATION/CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A. All information gained by Consultant in performance of this Agreement shall be considered confidential and shall not be released by Consultant without the City's prior written authorization, unless the information is clearly public. Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, or subconsultants, shall not without written authorization from the City Manager or designee, or unless requested by the City’s attorney, voluntarily provide declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions, response to interrogatories, or other information concerning the Services performed under this Agreement or relating to the City. Response to a subpoena or court order shall not be considered “voluntary” provided Consultant gives the City notice of such court order or subpoena.

B. Consultant shall promptly notify the City should Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, and/or subconsultants be served with any summons, complaint, notice of deposition, request for documents, interrogatories, request for admissions, or other discovery request (“Discovery”), court order, or subpoena from any person or party regarding this Agreement and the Services performed hereunder or with respect to any project or property located within the City, unless the City is a party to any lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding connected to such Discovery, or unless Consultant is prohibited by law from informing the City of such Discovery. The City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant and/or be present at any deposition, hearing, or similar proceeding as allowed by law. Unless the City is a party to the lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding and is adverse to Consultant in such proceeding, Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with the City and to provide the opportunity to review any response to discovery requests provided by Consultant.

However, the City's right to review any such response does not imply or mean the right by the City to control, direct, or rewrite said response, or that the City has an obligation to review any such response or verifies any response it has reviewed.

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16. NOTICES
Any notices which either party may desire to give to the other party under this Agreement must be in writing and may be given either by (i) personal service, (ii) delivery by a reputable document delivery service, such as but not limited to, Federal Express, which provides a receipt showing date and time of delivery, or (iii) mail by the United States Postal Service, certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the address of the party as set forth below or at any other address as that party may later designate by notice:

To the City: City of Santa Fe Springs
11710 E. Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Attention: Community Development Director
To Consultant: EPD Solutions, Inc.
3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500
Irvine, CA 92612
Attention: Jeremy Krout

17. ASSIGNMENT
Consultant shall not assign the performance of this Agreement, nor any part thereof, nor any monies due hereunder, without prior written consent of the City. Before retaining or contracting with any subconsultant for any services under this Agreement, Consultant shall provide the City with the identity of the proposed subconsultant, a copy of the proposed written contract between Consultant and such subconsultant which shall include and indemnity provision similar to the one provided herein and identifying the City as an indemnified party, or an incorporation of the indemnity provision provided herein, and proof that such proposed subconsultant carries insurance at least equal to that required by this Agreement or obtain a written waiver from the City for such insurance.

18. LICENSES
At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall have in full force and effect all licenses required of it by law for the performance of the Services described in this Agreement.

19. GOVERNING LAW
The City and Consultant understand and agree that the laws of the State of California shall govern the rights, obligations, duties, and liabilities of the parties to this Agreement and also govern the interpretation of this Agreement. Any litigation concerning this Agreement shall take place in the municipal, superior, or federal district court with jurisdiction over the City.

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20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties relating to the obligations of the parties described in this Agreement. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, and statements, oral or written and pertaining to the subject of this Agreement or with respect to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect. Each party is entering into this Agreement based solely upon the representations set forth herein and upon each party’s own independent investigation of any and all facts such party deems material.

21. AMENDMENTS
Any amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and executed by the parties hereto, or their respective successors and assigns, in order to be valid.

22. NON-EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT
Consultant acknowledges that the City may enter into agreements with other consultants for services similar to the services that are subject to this Agreement or may have its own employees perform services similar to those services contemplated by this Agreement.

23. ATTORNEYS’ FEES
In the event that litigation is brought by any party in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the opposing party all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by the prevailing party in the exercise of any of its rights or remedies hereunder or the enforcement of any of the terms, conditions, or provisions hereof.

24. CONSTRUCTION
The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises with respect to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and in accordance with its fair meaning. There shall be no presumption or burden of proof favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

25. WAIVER
The delay or failure of any party at any time to require performance or compliance by the other of any of its obligations or agreements shall in no way be deemed a waiver of those rights to require such performance or compliance. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of the party against whom enforcement of a waiver is sought. The waiver of any right or remedy in respect to any occurrence or event shall not be deemed a waiver of any right or remedy in respect to any other occurrence or event, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

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26. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable in any circumstance, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or of the offending provision in any other circumstance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the value of this Agreement, based upon the substantial benefit of the bargain for any party, is materially impaired, which determination made by the presiding court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction shall be binding, then both parties agree to substitute such provision(s) through good faith negotiations.

27. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one agreement.

28. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT
The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties warrant and represents that they have the authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of said parties and has the authority to bind the parties to the provisions of this Agreement.

29. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
The parties acknowledge and agree that execution of this Agreement by electronic signature or electronic transmittal of signatures shall have the same effect as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.
[If Consultant is a corporation, two signatures are required: Signature 1 – the Chairperson of the Board, the President, or any Vice President; Signature 2 – the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, or any Assistant Treasurer (Corp. Code § 313).]

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS CONSULTANT
____________________________ ____________________________ Jay Sarno, Mayor Name: Jeremy Krout
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: ______________________ Date: _______________________ REV052024 Page 10 of 16 EPD Solutions, Inc.

ATTEST:
_____________________________
Fernando Muñoz, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
Ivy M. Tsai, City Attorney
Attachments: Exhibit A City’s Request for Proposals
Exhibit B Consultant’s Proposal
Exhibit C Insurance Requirements

EXHIBIT A
CITY’S REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Issued: March 12, 2024
Due: April 16, 2024

ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSULTING SERVICES

REQUEST
FOR

QUALIFICATIONS
City of Santa Fe Springs
Planning and Development Department
Attn: Cuong Nguyen, Assistant Director

1 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................2 About the City ...............................................................................................................................................2 Project Description........................................................................................................................................2 Scope of Services ..........................................................................................................................................2 Proposal Format............................................................................................................................................4 Submittal Schedule and Instructions............................................................................................................5 RFQ Inquiries.................................................................................................................................................6 Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process.....................................................................................................7 Professional Services Agreement..................................................................................................................7 Public Records...............................................................................................................................................7 2 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Introduction
The City of Santa Fe Springs Planning Department is seeking statements of qualifications from professional environmental consulting firms in order to contract for on-call environmental consulting services on an as-needed basis. The City plans to retain a limited number of firms for a contract term of three (3) years with up to one additional two-year extension.

All questions or contacts regarding this RFQ must be directed to Cuong Nguyen, Acting Director of Planning & Development, at [email protected].

About the City
Incorporated in 1957, Santa Fe Springs is approximately nine square miles and located in Los Angeles County. Santa Fe Springs is surrounded by the cities of Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada, Whittier and Pico Rivera. It is served by the 5 and 605 Freeways and Telegraph Road is the City’s main thoroughfare. Per the California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit, the City’s 2020 population consists of 18,295 residents and 5,514 housing units.

Santa Fe Springs is a largely built-out community and is mostly zoned for industrial uses.

Currently, there is zoned 3,161 acres industrial, 560 acres residential, 458 acres commercial, 147 acres mixed use, 113 acres public facilities, and 92 acres designated as parks and open space.

The vast majority of the City is designated as a disadvantaged community by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Project Description
The City of Santa Fe Springs intends to select a limited number of qualified firms who will be called upon to provide technical assistance in preparing initial studies and environmental assessments, and peer review of applicants’ environmental documents. All services shall be performed on an as-needed, project-by-project basis pursuant to a request from the City, with no guarantee that any minimum number of services will be requested. The initial contract term under this RFQ shall be three (3) years. Upon mutual agreement of the parties, the contract may be extended for two (2) years up to one (1) time, for a total of five (5) years.

Scope of Services
The selected firms will have the technical expertise and experience to be able to provide the full array of services typically involved in preparation of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, which may include Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies/Negative or Mitigated Negative Declarations, Addenda, and Notices of Exemption. The work will require familiarity with all aspects of the California Environmental Quality Act, relevant regulatory frameworks of responsible federal, state, and local agencies, and with the City of Santa Fe Springs’ General Plan, Municipal Code, and other relevant planning documents. 3 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
In addition to preparation of the CEQA documents themselves, the firm (or their subconsultants) may be asked to prepare supporting studies or technical analyses, or to peer review applicantprovided studies, in a range of areas, including but not limited to aesthetics, noise, air quality, biological and cultural resource evaluation, traffic/transportation, and geotechnical and hydrological analysis. Depending on the project, the City may also request the inclusion of a specific subconsultant(s) for inclusion on the project team.

The following is the general Scope of Work that is expected under the on-call contract. It is anticipated that a detailed scope of work will be developed for each individual project/work order, in consultation with the selected firm. When consultant services are required, staff will submit a request for services to one or more of the on-call firms, including an outline of the proposed project, and expected scope of services. The firm will then provide a proposed scope of work cost estimate and schedule, upon which basis the City will issue a Notice to Proceed/Work Authorization.

Key tasks associated with environmental review may include, but are not limited to:
• Reviewing project application materials, relevant City policy documents and regulations, related environmental documents, and applicant-prepared technical studies. • Providing input and technical advice on the preferred format, scope, and content of the CEQA document.
• Advising on the processing of CEQA documents.
• Attending in-person meetings and/or conference calls with City staff as needed to coordinate preparation of the CEQA document.
• Maintaining project schedules and budgets.
• Conducting environmental scoping, including preparation and mailing of notices, preparation for and attendance at public scoping meetings, and developing summaries of comments received.
• Completion of supporting technical analyses and/or studies, in a manner suitable for incorporation into the environmental document; and/or peer review of studies prepared by project applicant.
• Developing high quality exhibits and graphics for inclusion in the staff reports or CEQA document.
• Preparing required legal notices at the necessary junctures in the CEQA process and coordinating with City staff on posting/distribution and filing of required notices. • Preparing draft and final environmental documents, including:
o Coordinating review with City staff and any relevant outside agencies. o Coordination with City staff to develop project objectives, alternatives, and mitigation measures.
o Preparing written analysis.
o Coordinating public review of draft documents, including attendance at hearings/meetings to receive comments as needed.
o Compiling, annotating, and preparing responses to comments. 4 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
o Document printing and production, including preparation of electronic versions of public review documents for posting on the City website. • Drafting materials associated with CEQA document certification or adoption, such as preparation of any required Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Findings of Fact, and Statements of Overriding Considerations, and attending public hearings for adoption as needed.

Proposal Format
Interested firms are to provide the City of Santa Fe Springs with a thorough statement of qualifications including the following sections:

A. Cover Letter. A cover letter, not to exceed three pages in length, should summarize key elements of the statement of qualifications. An individual authorized to bind the firm must sign the letter. The letter must stipulate that the consultant fees and hourly rates will be valid for a period of at least one year. Indicate the address and telephone number of the firm’s office located nearest to Santa Fe Springs and the office from where the oncall services will be managed.

B. Background and Experience. This section should include a brief statement of your understanding of the City and the scope of services to be provided in addition to addressing the following items:

1. Describe the firm’s background, business expertise/experiences, specialties, and capabilities to perform the Scope of Services outlined above.

2. Provide a description of the firm’s local, state and/or regional experience in preparing or reviewing environmental documents.

3. Describe any characteristics of the firm that would be uniquely relevant in evaluating the experience of the firm’s ability to handle various potential environmental projects.

4. Briefly describe the legal challenges your firm’s environmental documents have been subject to and the success rate that the environmental documents prepared by your firm have held up to legal challenges.

5. Provide a description of the methods, including controls by which your firm manages projects of the type sought by this RFQ, and any other project management or implementation strategies or techniques that your firm intend to employ in carrying out the work.

6. Detailed description of efforts your firm will undertake to achieve client satisfaction and to satisfy the requirements of the Scope of Services, including the ability to be timely and responsive.

C. Staffing. Provide a list of individual(s) who would be assigned to work on projects for the City and indicated the functions that each will perform. Include a resume for each designated individual.

Include a brief description of any subconsultants with whom the firm partners and a description of the services those consultants provide (e.g., air quality, transportation, 5 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
etc.). Provide specific examples of projects completed by the firm and subconsultant as a team.

Provide information regarding your firm’s current staffing, current workload, and ability to perform the Scope of Work.

Upon award of a contract, and during the contract period, if the firm chooses to assign different personnel to a project, the firm must submit their names and qualifications including information listed above to the City for approval before they begin work.

D. Qualifications and References. The information requested in this section should describe the qualifications of the firm, key staff and sub-contractors performing projects within the past five years that are similar in size and scope to demonstrate competence to perform these services. Information shall include:

1. Names of key staff that participated in named projects and their specific responsibilities with respect to this scope of services.

2. A summary of your firm’s demonstrated capability, including the length of time that your firm has provided the services requested in this RFQ.

3. Provide at least five local references that received similar services from your firm.

The City of Santa Fe Springs reserves the right to contact any of the organizations or individuals listed. Information provided shall include:
i. Client Name and contact information
ii. Project Description
iii. Project start and end dates
iv. Client project manager name, telephone number, and e-mail address E. Fee Schedule. Provide a complete time and materials fee schedule for all services provided by the firm, including hourly rates for all proposed staff. Please include all costs that are typically billed separately as direct expenses (e.g., copy or document delivery fees). Please include any information on subconsultants typically used for specific services.

Submittal Schedule and Instructions
This Request for Qualifications will be governed by the following schedule:

Release of RFQ March 12, 2024
Deadline for Submitting Questions March 26, 2024
City Responses to Questions April 2, 2024
Qualification Statements Due April 16, 2024
Interview Dates (if needed) May 6-9, 2024
Qualification Evaluation Completed May 14, 2024
Select Qualified Firms June 2024
6 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Qualifications are due before 5:00 PM on April 16, 2024. This submittal deadline is fixed, and extensions may not be granted. All Qualifications received after the deadline shown will be rejected and will not receive further consideration.

Three (3) hard copies and one (1) electronic file shall be submitted to:

City of Santa Fe Springs
Planning and Development Department
Attn: Cuong Nguyen
11710 Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
[email protected]
Proposals may be sent by mail or hand-delivered. Proposals must be received at City Hall before the submittal deadline.

The City reserves the right to request clarifications on any aspect of a submittal. The City shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by any proposer in relation to the preparation or submittal of Qualifications. Expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses by proposer in preparing a Qualification or related information in response to this RFQ; negotiations with City on any matter related to this RFP; and costs associated with interviews, meetings, travel, or presentations.

Additionally, City shall not be liable for expenses incurred as a result of City’s rejection of any Qualifications made in response to this RFQ.

RFQ Inquiries
All requests for clarifications, changes, exceptions, deviations to the terms and conditions set forth in this RFP should be submitted in writing to: Cuong Nguyen, Acting Director of Planning and Development, [email protected].

The final day for the receipt of questions shall be before 5:00 PM on March 26, 2024 and will be answered and posted by 5:00 PM on April 2, 2024 to
https://www.santafesprings.org/cityhall/planning/econdev/current_rfps.asp.

To ensure fairness and avoid misunderstandings, all communications must be in written format and addressed only to the individual set forth above. Any verbal communications will not be considered or responded to. Written communications should be submitted via email to the address provided above. All questions received by the due date will be logged and reviewed and, if required, a response will be provided via an addendum to the RFQ. Any communications, whether written or verbal, with the Mayor, any City Councilmember, or City staff, other than the individual indicated above (specific to this Request for Proposals), prior to award of a contract, is strictly prohibited and the proposer shall be disqualified from consideration. 7 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process
Although not necessarily exhaustive of the criteria to be utilized, the City intends to use the following evaluation criteria in selecting firm(s):
• Responsiveness to the RFQ: Compliance with RFQ requirements, understanding of the scope, and breadth and depth of response.
• Firm Experience: Demonstrates adequate and relevant experience conducting similar work for other public agencies.
• Project Team and Subconsultants: Has provided all team member resumes with appropriate information, project experience noted, and qualifications noted. • Client Reference Checks: Satisfaction of prior/current clients, professional reputation of the firm, experience working with cities.

After evaluating all statements of qualifications received, discussions with prospective firms may or may not be required. If scheduled, the oral interview will be a question/answer format for the purpose of clarifying the intent of any portions of the RFQ. The individual from your firm that will be directly responsible for carrying out a contract, if awarded, should be present at the oral interview.

Professional Services Agreement
A selected firm will be required to enter into an agreement with the City based on the template attached to this RFQ. Revisions to the agreement provisions will not be accepted.

Public Records
All statements of qualifications submitted in response to this RFQ become the property of the City and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act (Government Code §7920.000 et seq.).

EXHIBIT B
CONSULTANT’S PROPOSAL

City of Santa Fe Springs – Planning and Development Department Attn: Cuong Nguyen
11710 Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Dear Mr. Nguyen,
EPD Solutions, Inc. (EPD) is pleased to present this Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in response to the City of Santa Fe Springs’ Request for Qualifications for On-Call Professional Environmental Consulting Services.

Included consultant fees and hourly rates will be valid for one year.

EPD is a full-service environmental consulting firm with extensive experience developing planning documents for compliance with CEQA and NEPA, and has collaborated with the City of Santa Fe Springs on many projects.

The EPD team has unique experience with a wide range of planning, development, and infrastructure projects, from residential infill projects to master-planned communities. Our experience includes programlevel, tiered, and project-specific documentation.

We view this opportunity as a partnership in which we are an extension of City staff as they manage development projects through the environmental documentation process. We believe we are the right firm to support the City of Santa Fe Springs for the following reasons, as shown further throughout this SOQ:
 EPD has a proven track record as a leader in environmental documentation experience. EPD’s team has completed numerous projects in compliance with CEQA and NEPA, including various types of Exemptions, Mitigated Negative Declarations, EIRs, and Addendums for a wide array of projects, such as residential and mixed-use developments, small- and large-scale commercial and industrial facilities, master plans, Specific Plans, Housing Elements, and General Plans. With this experience, EPD is able to produce CEQA documents of the highest quality for any type of project.  EPD offers a wide range of in-house capabilities. EPD will prepare or peer-review any required air quality/greenhouse gas analyses, energy analyses, traffic analyses, and shade and shadow studies, and contracts with experts in other disciplines to provide full environmental planning services.  EPD understands what it takes to implement complex, multi-faceted projects. We fulfill the complete range of activities required to successfully comply with CEQA/NEPA, including preparation of technical studies and noticing, consultations with other agencies, and coordination of scoping meetings. Our staff functions as an extension of City staff, managing as much or as little as requested for each project.  EPD recognizes that availability and responsiveness are a top priority. Projects will be managed by senior-level staff, who will be available as required to attend in-person meetings or conference calls with City staff to ensure information exchange is smooth and issues are resolved quickly.

EPD’s office is located in Southern California at: 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 We hope you find our qualifications compelling, and we look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further. I am authorized to make legally binding commitments for EPD Solutions, Inc. Please contact me, the Principal Agent/Project Manager, at 949-794-1183 or [email protected] with any questions on this SOQ or our expertise.

Respectfully submitted,
EPD Solutions, Inc.

Konnie Dobreva, JD, Vice President of Environmental Planning EPD Solutions, Inc. Page i of i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Background and Experience ...............................................................................................................1 Understanding of Scope of Work ...........................................................................................................1 Overview of Firm....................................................................................................................................2 Environmental Planning...................................................................................................................2 Technical Services ............................................................................................................................2 Due Diligence Analysis.....................................................................................................................2 Entitlements, Development, and Construction Management .........................................................3 Policy Planning.................................................................................................................................3 Relevant Experience...............................................................................................................................3 EPD’s Approach to CEQA/NEPA Projects..............................................................................................12 Team Organization ........................................................................................................................12 Project Management, Support, and Staff Meetings......................................................................12 Public Participation and Community Outreach..............................................................................12 Project Controls and Quality Assurance.........................................................................................12 Project Process...............................................................................................................................13 Other Services ................................................................................................................................14 Staffing............................................................................................................................................15 EPD Staff...............................................................................................................................................15 Subconsultants.....................................................................................................................................17 Qualifications and References..........................................................................................................19 Fee Schedule....................................................................................................................................22 EPD Solutions, Inc.................................................................................................................................22 Subconsultant Rates.............................................................................................................................22 Appendix A: Resumes
EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 1 of 25

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

UNDERSTANDING OF SCOPE OF WORK
The City of Santa Fe Springs is seeking firms with technical expertise and experience to provide the full array of services typically involved in the preparation of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, which may include Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies/Negative or Mitigated Negative Declarations, Addenda, and Notices of Exemption, on an on-call basis. The work will require familiarity with all aspects of CEQA, regulatory frameworks of responsible federal, state, and local agencies, and with the City of Santa Fe Springs’ General Plan, Municipal Code, and other relevant planning documents.

In addition to preparation of CEQA documents, the firm may be asked to peer review applicant-provided studies and to prepare supporting studies or technical analyses, including but not limited to aesthetics, noise, air quality, biological and cultural resource evaluation, traffic/transportation, and geotechnical and hydrological analysis.

Key tasks associated with environmental review may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 Reviewing project application materials, relevant City policy documents and regulations, related environmental documents, and applicant-prepared technical studies.  Providing input and technical advice on the preferred format, scope, and content of the CEQA document.
 Advising on the processing of CEQA documents.
 Attending in-person meetings and/or conference calls with City staff as needed to coordinate preparation of the CEQA document.
 Maintaining project schedules and budgets.
 Conducting environmental scoping, including preparation and mailing of notices, preparation for and attendance at public scoping meetings, and developing summaries of comments received.  Completion of supporting technical analyses and/or studies, in a manner suitable for incorporation into the environmental document; and/or peer review of studies prepared by project applicant.  Developing high quality exhibits and graphics for inclusion in the staff reports or CEQA document.  Preparing required legal notices at the necessary junctures in the CEQA process and coordinating with City staff on posting/distribution and filing of required notices.  Preparing draft and final environmental documents, including:
o Coordinating review with City staff and any relevant outside agencies. o Coordination with City staff to develop project objectives, alternatives, and mitigation measures. o Preparing written analysis.
o Coordinating public review of draft documents, including attendance at hearings/meetings to receive comments as needed.
o Compiling, annotating, and preparing responses to comments. o Document printing and production, including preparation of electronic versions of public review documents for posting on the City website.
 Drafting materials associated with CEQA document certification or adoption, such as preparation of any required Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Findings of Fact, and Statements of Overriding Considerations, and attending public hearings for adoption as needed.

EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 2 of 25

OVERVIEW OF FIRM
EPD Solutions, Inc. (EPD) is a full-service environmental consulting firm dedicated to providing environmental and planning services of distinction, quality, and legal merit that optimize value, are environmentally responsible, and enhance the communities in which the services are provided. EPD believes that by strengthening the underlying fabric of a city and better understanding the potential opportunities it may face, a city can improve its development ability and the quality of life for its residents.

EPD is a corporation formed in 2013, and since then EPD has developed a unique breadth of experience in the preparation of environmental documentation and project management that is unlike any other firm. The EPD team manages hundreds of projects a year and our senior project managers have up to 25 years of experience. Working extensively in Southern California, our firm is uniquely positioned to leverage our resources, as well as our extensive environmental, planning, engineering, and regulatory experience, to the benefit of the City of Santa Fe Springs.

The following sections provide a summary of EPD’s main service categories, which include Environmental Planning; Technical Services; Due Diligence Analysis; Entitlements, Development, and Construction Management; and Policy Planning. Our integration of environmental planning, technical analyses, and development services provides our clients with a value-added approach that can help guide projects through the entire planning, analysis, and development process.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
Our team’s decades of experience in implementing all aspects of the environmental process and understanding the myriad of federal, state, and local regulations enables EPD to create defensible documents and avoid delays. EPD’s comprehensive environmental services enable us to balance environmental protection with the successful implementation of efficient, beneficial, and cost-effective approaches to the CEQA process. EPD’s in-house experts have a deep understanding of environmental compliance and extensive project development and permit processing experience, as well as combined experience in reviewing and commenting on CEQA and NEPA documents, conducting scoping meetings, and providing community outreach informing stakeholders of the project’s environmental analysis compliance. Working as a team with our clients, EPD strategizes the environmental process from the initial planning stages to ensure compliance and streamline timelines.

TECHNICAL SERVICES
EPD’s Technical Services team has robust knowledge in traffic studies and transportation planning, air quality, GHG, and energy analyses, and health risk assessments. We recognize the pivotal role that trafficrelated matters play in a community and understand the risks to a project presented by transportation and vehicle miles traveled impacts. Air quality, GHG emissions, and health risks have also become focal points on every project, which demand expert knowledge to prepare clear and concise analyses and, where necessary, implementable mitigation measures. With EPD’s all-encompassing approach, clients can rest assured that every facet of the project is meticulously considered.

DUE DILIGENCE ANALYSIS
Understanding a property’s viability, opportunities, and constraints in obtaining certain financial and design goals is a critical first step that must be taken economically with accuracy and clarity. EPD first EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 3 of 25
seeks to understand our client’s goals before embarking on due diligence activities so we can constantly measure a property’s potential in achieving these goals. Through rigorous and tested means, we analyze issues such as physical obstacles to development, including but not limited to existing and planned infrastructure locations and capacities, biological, cultural and site constructability concerns, planning and development policies that would affect a project design or entitlement process, entitlement processing schedules, fee estimating, and political considerations. EPD’s due diligence analysis spans many industries, from industrial to infill and master plan residential and solar energy generation. We provide thorough and robust analysis in support of entitlement strategy-setting and financing packages, creating confidence in project viability.

ENTITLEMENTS, DEVELOPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
EPD’s proactive and unique approach has resulted in the approval of successful entitlements for residential, industrial, commercial, and retail developments. We work with our clients to establish a strategy that maximizes future entitlement rights and reduces approval processing timelines, as well as with stakeholders and staff to reduce the risk of denial and provide the best solution to achieve the goals of our clients. This includes extensive community outreach and engagement, and established relationships that provide effective negotiations with local governments across California. Through the hundreds of projects we have worked on, EPD has become a trusted name in many city halls, county buildings, and other agency facilities. EPDs clients not only work with us to facilitate and expedite all types of entitlement permits, but our clients also keep us on the project team after entitlements are complete to assist in conditions of approval and mitigation measure compliance, and securing construction permits for grading, infrastructure, and building.

POLICY PLANNING
EPD’s policy planning is based on quantitative and qualitative data, applying advanced modeling tools and closely working with communities and stakeholders to understand the influences on development on regional and localized scales. We work for municipal and private clients to manage any size or type of project to be both cost and time efficient and to navigate the entire development cycle. EPD’s team has decades of experience and understands the historical and current regulatory requirements. Through this knowledge we create thoughtful, defensible and practical plans that enhance the environmental and economic sustainability of the community. Examples of services provided under this category include General Plans and General Plan Amendments, Master Plans, Specific Plans and Specific Plan Amendments, Area Plans, Planned Unit Developments, Zoning Codes, and Zone Changes.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
The EPD team has extensive experience providing on-call environmental planning and permitting services, including the preparation of CEQA and NEPA documents, to many jurisdictions throughout Southern California. Examples of EPD’s recent on-call experience are provided below:
 City of Chino Hills
 City of Covina
 City of Cypress
 San Diego Unified Port District
 County of Los Angeles Dept. of Public Works
 City of Fontana
 City of Garden Grove
 City of Menifee
 City of Panorama City
 City of Norco
 City of Rancho Cucamonga
 City of Redlands
 City of Riverside
 County of Riverside
 City of San Clemente
 City of San Jacinto
 City of Tustin
 City of Westminster
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The following table provides a brief snapshot of some of the CEQA-related projects EPD has worked on in the last five years, showcasing EPD’s diverse project experience. Following the table are summaries of select projects.

Project Name Project
Type
Year
Complete Location
Services Provided
Environmental
Entitlement and
Permitting
Due Diligence
Technical
Services
Bloomfield Avenue Development Industrial 2022 Santa Fe Springs   Lakeland Road Development Project Industrial 2022 Santa Fe Springs   Florence Avenue Townhomes Residential 2022 Santa Fe Springs   8717 Pioneer Boulevard Electronic Billboard Commercial 2022 Santa Fe Springs 
Pioneer Building Development Industrial 2020 Santa Fe Springs    ATEP Planning and CEQA Institutional Ongoing Tustin   Wood and Lurin Residential EIR Residential 2023 City of Riverside   Signal Hill Self Storage COA
Amendment CEQA Exemption Commercial 2023 Signal Hill 
Chase Road Residential Residential 2023 Fontana  
Gierson Ranch Residential Project Residential 2023 Murrieta  Waterford Mixed-Use Project Mixed Use 2023 Rancho
Cucamonga  
South Poplar Distribution Center Industrial 2023 Fontana   Mesa Linda Warehouse Industrial 2023 Hesperia  
Griswold Residential Project Residential 2023 County of Los Angeles   
Cottonwood Collection Residential 2023 Moreno Valley    Arrow Route Industrial Project Industrial 2023 San Bernardino County   
Mission Trail Lake Elsinore Residential 2023 Lake Elsinore   Kings CSG 3 Solar Project Energy 2023 Kings County    Kirby Street Warehouse Industrial 2023 Hemet   
Ethanac and Barnett Warehouse Industrial 2023 Menifee   Water Street and Harvill Ave Industrial 2023 Riverside County    Slater Avenue Mixed-Use Project Mixed Use 2022 Fountain Valley   Arrow Rochester Warehouse Industrial 2022 Rancho
Cucamonga 
Transit Villages Specific Plan EIR Government 2022 Redlands   Tustin Housing Element and MND Government 2022 Tustin  State Street Village SCEA Mixed Use 2022 Rancho
Cucamonga 
Covina Recreation Village CEQA &
NEPA Recreation 2022 Covina 
Well 28 Installation Public Works 2021 City of Orange   City Center Redlands Mixed Use 2022 Redlands  
Holly Triangle Townhomes Residential 2022 Huntington
Beach 
EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 5 of 25
Project Name Project
Type
Year
Complete Location
Services Provided
Environmental
Entitlement and
Permitting
Due Diligence
Technical
Services
Garry Avenue Business Park Industrial 2022 Santa Ana   Village at 707 N Barranca Mixed Use 2022 Covina  
Visalia CSG Solar Energy 2022 Tulare County  
Norco Housing Element Residential 2021 Norco 
Covina Bowl Residential 2021 Covina 
PreZero Redevelopment Industrial 2020 Jurupa Valley   Carden School Residential Residential 2020 Whittier   North Coast Highway Solar Energy 2020 Humboldt County   The Bowery Commercial 2020 Santa Ana   
Kia Dealership Commercial 2020 Moreno Valley  
Palomino Business Park Commercial 2020 Norco  
Cantu Galleano Gas Station Commercial 2020 Jurupa Valley   Twelve Oaks Winery Resort Commercial 2020 Riverside County   Residential Silverstrand Grid Energy Storage Energy 2020 Camarillo   The following project summaries exhibit EPD’s wide range of experience with varying project types, locations, and CEQA documents from the most recent few years.

Bloomfield Avenue Development – City of Santa Fe Springs Scope of Work: IS/MND and technical studies. | Started: 2021 | Completed: 2022 Project Description: The proposed project included demolishing the existing five buildings onsite (66,536 SF) and constructing an approximately 109,570-SF two-unit industrial warehouse building and associated parking lot, landscaping, and infrastructure. EPD prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, as well as technical studies including air quality, energy, and GHG analysis, and trip generation and VMT screening analysis.

Lakeland Road Development Project – City of Santa Fe Springs Scope of Work: IS/MND, Trip Generation & VMT Screening Analysis. | Started: 2021 | Completed: 2022 Project Description: The project site comprised 8.45 acres and was developed with 67,540 SF of industrial structures for a steel fabricator. The proposed project involved demolishing the four existing structures and constructing a 185,294-SF industrial warehouse building with associated parking lot, landscaping, and infrastructure, and assuming 10 percent cold storage. EPD prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project as well as the trip generation and VMT screening analysis. EPD coordinated preparation of other necessary technical studies including air quality, energy, and GHG analysis, noise and vibration, and cultural resources.

EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 6 of 25
Florence Avenue Townhomes – City of Santa Fe Springs
Scope of Work: IS/MND, technical studies.

Started: 2021 | Completed: 2022
Project Description: The project would redevelop the 3-acre project site with 54 attached multifamily residential townhomes and open space and recreational areas. The project included a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Development Plan
Approval, Modification permit, and Tentative Tract Map. EPD prepared the IS/MND, air quality, GHG, and energy impact analysis, trip generation and LOS analysis, and VMT analysis for the project. 8717 Pioneer Boulevard Electronic Billboard – City of Santa Fe Springs Scope of Work: IS/ND. | Started: 2021 | Completed: 2022 Project Description: EPD prepared the Initial Study/Negative Declaration and lighting analysis for this project, which consisted of the installation and operation of two electronic billboards. Each billboard would contain two electronic screens directed towards freeway travelers, and construction would require two-three days over a two-week period.

Pioneer Building Development – City of Santa Fe Springs Scope of Work: Entitlement management; CEQA analysis; technical studies.

Started: 2018 | Completed: 2021
Project Description: EPD managed the entitlements and prepared the IS/MND and traffic analysis for this project, which consisted of three tilt-up industrial buildings. At 103,939 SF, Building 1 would also feature a 4,000 SF office at the southwest corner of the building. Building 2 would approximately be 28,146 SF, including 2,500 SF office space, and Building 3 would be 31,422 SF with 2,500 SF of office space. Technical studies EPD prepared and coordinated included the air quality and GHG report; geotechnical report; Phase I and II environmental site assessment; and trip generation and traffic analysis. In 2021, EPD prepared an addendum to the IS/MND in 2021 to accommodate minor revisions to the approved site plan as well as subdivide one of the parcels for condominium purposes.

Advanced Technology & Education Park – South Orange County Community College District Scope of Work: Various environmental, planning documents.

Started: 2022 | Completed: Ongoing
Project Description: The EPD team has been working with the South Orange County Community College District to prepare environmental documentation and permitting for various projects within ATEP, a new 60-acre technology and occupational training community college campus located on the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. EPD is responsible for coordination of technical studies and project management of short- and long-range plans for site facility development. To date, EPD has prepared short- and long-range plans for site facility development, water quality management plans, stormwater pollution prevention plans, and CEQA documentation including an MND, EIR addenda, and others. EPD has also provided demolition, utility, grading, and drainage plans, and construction oversight.

EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 7 of 25
Waterford Mixed-Use Project – City of Rancho Cucamonga
Scope of Work: 15183 Checklist peer review; technical studies. | Started: 2022 | Completed: 2023 Project Description: EPD peer reviewed a 15183 Streamlining Checklist for a mixed-use development which included 367 multi-family dwelling units and approximately 12,600 SF of amenity space, as well as approximately 4,200 SF of ground floor commercial retail space. EPD also prepared traffic, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions studies for the Project.

Wood and Lurin Residential EIR – City of Riverside
Scope of Work: EIR and VMT analysis.

Started: 2022 | Completed: 2023
Project Description: EPD prepared an EIR for the City of Riverside for a residential development consisting of 96 single family residential units on an 18.92-acre lot. EPD prepared associated technical studies including air quality, GHG, noise, biological, and cultural resources and also helped the City conduct AB 52 consultations. In addition, EPD prepared the VMT Analysis for the Project’s significant and unavoidable VMT impacts. Although the full impact could not be mitigated, EPD created a residential-based commute trip reduction program for implementation by the project homeowner’s association. The CTR provided resources and transportation alternatives to project residents as well as provided long-term funding for a bus pass program. EPD worked closely with City of Riverside transportation staff while drafting the details and ongoing operations of the CTR program. The mitigation measure was the first residential VMT mitigation program in the City and will be used as a model for future residential VMT mitigation measures.

Chase Road Residential – City of Fontana
Scope of Work: 15183 checklist, traffic studies, peer reviews. | Started: 2022 | Completed: 2023 Project Description: EPD prepared a 15183 Streamlining Checklist for a residential development consisting of 48 single family residential units, four of which would be affordable units set aside for very-low-income households. EPD also peer reviewed the associated technical studies and prepared both the Traffic Safety Memo and VMT Screening Analysis Memo.

Gierson Ranch Residential Project – City of Murrieta
Scope of Work: 15183 Checklist.

Started: 2021 | Completed: 2023
Project Description: The Gierson Ranch Residential Project proposes subdividing a 21-acre site and redeveloping it with 107 single-family residences with 78 attached junior accessory dwelling units. The project includes parking, landscaping, recreation areas, and associated infrastructure. Meeting the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 including consistency with development density established by existing zoning and plans for which an EIR was certified, the project qualified for a CEQA Exemption. EPD prepared the Exemption Checklist for the Project, for which the Notice of Exemption was finalized and filed in December 2023.

EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 8 of 25
Griswold Residential Project – County of Los Angeles
Scope of Work: Streamlined EIR with VMT focus.

Started: 2020 | Completed: 2023
Project Description: The project involved demolishing the existing vacant school buildings on the site and redeveloping the site with 68 detached residential condominiums. EPD completed an Initial Study which scoped out the majority of environmental topics except for transportation. The EIR evaluated in depth the project’s transportation impacts, including significant and unavoidable VMT impacts with mitigation applied. The Notice of Determination for the project was filed in September 2023.

Slater Avenue Mixed-Use Project – City of Fountain Valley Scope of Work: Entitlement management; preparation of IS/MND and associated technical studies.

Started: 2020 | Completed: 2022
Project Description: The proposed project involved demolishing three existing buildings and constructing one mixed-use multi-family residential building with 270 residential units, a restaurant with 5,000 SF of indoor dining space and 2,000 SF of outdoor dining space, a 1,660 SF art gallery, a parking garage, and amenities. The project included a Development Code Amendment to create a new mixed-use zone, a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation of the site, and a Zoning Change to change the site’s zoning from Local Business to Mixed Use. The project included a density bonus for provision of affordable housing. EPD prepared the IS/MND for the project, as well as technical studies including air quality and GHG analysis, energy analysis, noise impact analysis, and cultural and paleontological resources assessment, and conducted entitlement management.

Arrow Rochester Warehouse – City of Rancho Cucamonga
Scope of Work: Preparation of Class 32 CEQA Exemption and technical studies.

Started: 2021 | Completed: 2022
Project Description: The project involved construction of a 49,745 SF industrial/warehouse building on a vacant 2.43-acre parcel at the corner of Rochester Avenue and Arrow Route, within the Neo-Industrial (NI) District. EPD worked closely with the City and applicant to ensure the warehouse use would be compatible with the adjacent recreational uses.

State Street Village SCEA – City of Redlands
Scope of Work: Preparation of SCEA; peer review of CEQA related technical studies.

Started: 2021 | Completed: 2022
Project Description: EPD prepared the Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment (SCEA) and provided CEQA peer review for the technical studies for the State Street Village Project. The Project proposed to demolish the existing buildings and develop six 3- to 4-story mixed-use buildings consisting of 700 multifamily dwelling units, 71,778 SF of ground-floor retail, 12,328 SF of office space, amenity areas, community building, a 1,721 SF rooftop restaurant space, and a 14,500 SF drugstore with drive through and surface parking lot. The Project also included construction of an approximately 460-foot extension of West State Street to connect to a new 545-foot extension of Third Street through the Project site. The SCEA tiered from the SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) and provided CEQA clearance for this high-priority project for the City of Redlands.

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Transit Villages Specific Plan EIR – City of Redlands
Scope of Work: EIR, technical studies. | Started: 2019 | Completed: 2022 Project Description: EPD prepared an EIR for the Transit Villages Specific Plan (TVSP). The 947-acre Project area is divided into three planning areas (“transit villages”), generally surrounding three new San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Arrow Passenger Rail line stations in the city. The TVSP sets regulations for the community’s long-term vision for compact, efficient, and environmentally sustainable development. As a form-based code, the TVSP emphasizes building form, mixed uses, pedestrian and transit-oriented development, and public realm improvements and amenities. Technical studies EPD prepared included an air quality/GHG report; cultural
/paleontological resources report; energy analysis; noise impact analysis; VMT screening; and water supply assessment.

Tustin Housing Element and MND – City of Tustin
Project: Housing Element and CEQA analysis. | Started: 2021 | Completed: 2022 Project Description: EPD assisted with the preparation of the City of Tustin’s Housing Element 6th Cycle Update and prepared the supporting Initial Study and Negative Declaration. The Housing Element Update provided a plan to meet anticipated population growth and housing needs, including incorporation of an additional 6,782 housing units to meet Regional Housing Needs Allocation accommodating varying income distributions. EPD also assisted the City with preparation and distribution of SB 18 and AB 52 tribal consultation letters. EPD worked with the City to meet an aggressive schedule and obtain certification of the Housing Element on time. In addition, EPD is currently drafting three EIRs to implement required RHNA rezoning outlined in this Housing Element.

Covina Recreation Village – City of Covina
Scope of Work: CEQA and NEPA analysis. | Started: 2019 | Completed: 2022 Project Description: The EPD team prepared the CEQA and NEPA analyses for the Covina Recreation Village project. The project proposed the adaptive reuse of two existing warehouse buildings on a 2.5- acre site with a recreation village which included interior and exterior improvements such as a dog park, pocket park, library, City Parks & Recreation offices, and an indoor recreation complex. The project was funded by Community Project Funding Grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and involved a NEPA Categorical Exclusion and Environmental Assessment. Additionally, the project was a qualified infill development where EPD prepared a Class 32 CEQA Exemption.

Covina Bowl Mixed-Use Project – City of Covina
Scope of Work: EIR, technical studies. | Started: 2019 | Completed: 2021 Project Description: EPD prepared the EIR and supporting technical studies for the Covina Bowl Specific Plan, which establishes a land use, development, and implementation framework for the enhancement and redevelopment of a 7.5-acre site. The project consisted of the implementation of a Specific Plan to establish a master-planned, mixed-use development that includes a high-density residential community, as well as the adaptive reuse of a historic bowling alley into commercial uses. In addition, applications for a Tentative Tract Map and a site Plan Review were filed with the City to develop a 5.75- acre portion of the subject property with 113 residential units and 12,000 SF of commercial space.

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Well 28 Installation – City of Orange
Scope of Work: CEQA analysis; technical studies. | Started: 2019 | Completed: 2021 Project Description: This City of Orange Public Works project involved the construction of a new water well with a pumping station, utility building, Southern California Edison (SCE) transformer, and a passive mini park on a 0.36-acre project site. The project site was located in the Old Towne Orange Historic District and across the street from sensitive historic residential structures. The well needed to be drilled to a depth of 1,000 linear feet, which required drilling activity to occur 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for three weeks. Once operational, the well was expected to produce 3,000 gallons of water per minute.

EPD prepared the CEQA documentation and oversaw the technical studies, with particular emphasis on noise and vibration which required a temporary 24-foot-high sound wall to be installed during drilling operations to reduce construction noise. Other technical studies included air quality/GHG, cultural/paleontological resources, energy, trip generation, and geotechnical analyses, as well as the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and well design report.

Carden School Residential – Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning Scope of Work: Preparation of IS/MND; technical studies. | Started: 2019 | Completed: 2020 Project Description: EPD prepared the IS/MND and managed the community outreach effort for subdivision of a 5.8-acre site with an existing private school in the City of Whittier into 31 separate lots for the development of 29 single-family homes, two open space lots, and a new public road. EPD also prepared the traffic study and coordinated the tree survey, cultural and paleontological resources assessment, geotechnical due diligence and infiltration study, hydrology study, noise impact analysis, and Phase I environmental site assessment.

Palomino Business Park – City of Norco
Scope of Work: EIR. | Started: 2019 | Completed: 2020
Project Description: EPD prepared the EIR for the Palomino Business Park project, which included the redevelopment of an egg processing plant, Hidden Villa Ranch, on approximately 110 acres of land within the City of Norco for a new business park providing a mix of industrial, commercial, and office uses. The business park would include 35 light industrial buildings and three commercial buildings with commercial and office uses and would total approximately 2,050,000 SF of new building space.

Pre-Zero Redevelopment – City of Jurupa Valley
Scope of Work: Entitlement management; CEQA analysis; technical studies.

Started: 2019 | Completed: 2020
Project Description: EPD managed the entitlements and CEQA documentation, including three conditional use permits, for the construction of industrial buildings for food waste recycling with a total of 327,080 SF for office, warehousing, and manufacturing purposes. EPD also prepared the CEQA documentation and managed the technical studies for the project including the geotechnical investigation, infiltration study, hydrology and hydraulics report, noise study, traffic impact analysis, structural pavement investigation report, and specific water quality management plan.

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Cantu Galleano Gas Station – City of Jurupa Valley
Scope of Work: Entitlement management; MND; technical studies.

Started: 2017 | Completed: 2020
Project Description: EPD managed the entitlements prepared the MND for a proposed new gas station, convenience store with alcohol sales, a casual restaurant/fast service/fast food, and an automated car wash on 2 acres of unimproved land. The project included a zone change from Industrial Park to General Commercial. Technical studies EPD prepared and coordinated included the air quality and GHG report; biological site assessment; geotechnical report; noise impact analysis; traffic impact analysis; and water quality management plan.

Twelve Oaks Winery Resort – Riverside County
Scope of Work: Entitlement management; MND; peer review of traffic study.

Started: 2017 | Completed: 2020
Project Description: EPD processed a Conditional Use Permit for a 286-key winery resort and a Tentative Tract Map for 96 residential units; the project area encompassed 1,100 acres. The residential component included 21 estate lots of 10-acre minimum size and 75 clustered lots ranging from 1-5 acres each. EPD prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration and peer-reviewed the traffic study.

Kia Dealership – City of Moreno Valley
Scope of Work: Preparation of MND and technical studies.

Started: 2019 | Completed: 2020
Project Description: EPD prepared the MND and supporting technical studies for a 24,661-square-foot, two-story building for Kia vehicle sales and services. In addition to preparation of the MND, EPD assisted with the day-to-day management of the application processing, conditions of approval, and mitigation measures. EPD also coordinated construction permit management including but not limited to substantial conformance, building permit process, and utility coordination.

Silverstrand Solar – City of Camarillo
Scope of Work: Entitlement management and CEQA Notice of Exemption.

Started: 2019 | Completed: 2020
Project Description: EPD Staff helped manage the entitlements and prepared the CEQA Notice of Exemption for an 11-megawatt, 44 megawatt-hour energy storage facility located on 0.04-acre portion of a 161-acre parcel. The project included construction of 4,107 SF of concrete pads with inverters and transformers to support Tesla Megapack battery and ancillary electrical equipment.

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EPD’S APPROACH TO CEQA/NEPA PROJECTS

TEAM ORGANIZATION
EPD organizes teams for each project to have at least three staff on hand, including senior personnel, the Project Manager, and a Project Coordinator, such that staff with project knowledge is always available.

The Environmental Planning group is divided into “pods” and project teams often include two technical services staff and three CEQA staff to support cross-team functionality and thus a smooth exchange of project information. This helps ensure that each team member has in-depth knowledge of assigned projects, leading to the preparation of stronger environmental documents.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, SUPPORT, AND STAFF MEETINGS
EPD recognizes that availability and responsiveness are a top priority. The Project Manager’s role is to ensure adequate exchange of information for the duration of the project. This includes notifying City staff of issues as they are encountered and working judiciously to resolve them. The Project Manager will maintain the agendas and meeting minutes, monitor the project schedule, oversee the budget, and coordinate with City staff, subconsultants, and stakeholders.

Realizing face-to-face interaction can be necessary to achieve the collaboration required to complete a complicated task, EPD staff can meet in person or via video conference with City staff to discuss projects.

Projects will be managed by principal- and senior-level staff, who are available to attend in-person meetings or conference calls with City staff to ensure information exchange is smooth and issues are quickly resolved. Staff is also available for evening or weekend public meetings/hearings where necessary.

EPD has the flexibility to work with the City on a project-specific basis to adjust to varying staff or project requirements.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The EPD team has significant expertise in public participation and community outreach activities. Beyond the public participation required by law (such as CEQA noticing), EPD can lead public workshops, charrettes, scoping meetings, and other outreach activities in order to maximize useful public input into a project. EPD will coordinate and be available to participate in public scoping meetings, public workshops, and/or public hearings as necessary for projects. EPD will be available to consult with all applicable federal, State, and local agencies, stakeholders, and the public as requested by the City.

PROJECT CONTROLS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
Quality control and assurance is integrated in EPD’s project processes. EPD conducts weekly team meetings to stay up to date on projects and ensure that support is provided where needed. Each project has project information and shareable, living schedules organized in Smartsheet where teams can stay up to date on project tasks and deadlines. In addition to upfront coordination with team members, timesheets are submitted weekly for Project Managers to review hours spent on projects to monitor costs.

A cloud-based time and expense tracking system allows for a real-time review of each project’s budget status so that project managers can quickly identify any areas of concern and take corrective action to avoid budget overages. As project documentation is finalized, it is supported by internal peer and Project Manager, technical editing, and senior level review to ensure accuracy, completion, and organization of information prior to sending to clients. EPD also encourages regular status updates with clients for project and schedule updates and information needs, to ensure that projects remain on schedule.

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PROJECT PROCESS
When assigned a project from this RFP, EPD will develop a project strategy in close coordination with City staff. EPD will identify project stakeholders and critical issues of concern, and work with the City to the understand project objectives. Services for CEQA and NEPA compliance may include, but are not limited to, the distribution and filing of environmental noticing, and preparation of reports such as the following:
 Initial Study
 Notice of Preparation
 Notice of Availability
 Notice of Determination
 Categorical Exemption
 Negative Declaration
 Mitigative Negative Declaration
 Environmental Impact Report
 EIR Addendum, Supplemental
EIR, Subsequent EIR
 Mitigation & Monitoring Program
 Responses to Comments
 Statement of Overriding
Considerations
 NEPA compliance documents
EPD’s approach to environmental analysis and regulation compliance is to assess projects early and often against environmental requirements and be an active participant in concert with the City as projects are proposed, considered by City decision makers, and implemented. Our desire to be involved is with the intention of streamlining the environmental review process by guiding and informing the design, approval, and construction processes to avoid significant environmental effects to extent feasible, limit project delays, reduce costs, and prevent unforeseen issues from arising related to environmental compliance.

Our general approach to CEQA and NEPA projects follows these steps:

Task 1. Project Initiation.

EPD will respond to requests for services based on the on-call contract or with a project-specific Scope of Work and Cost Estimate. When assigned a project pursuant to this RFQ, EPD will develop a project environmental compliance strategy in close coordination with the City. This will come from an early and thorough assessment of the environmental and regulatory conditions in which the project will be considered, reviewing project application materials, relevant City policy documents and applicantprepared technical studies. EPD will review project plans and site conditions for CEQA streamlining opportunities and coordinate with City staff to establish roles and protocols to guide communication between staff, EPD and applicant teams, if necessary.

In addition, EPD has extensive experience in conducting tribal consultations and can assist the City with organizing and facilitating any required tribal consultations under SB 18 and AB 52.

Task 2. Preparation and Peer Review of Technical Studies.

EPD provides in-house services, as well as contracts with technical consultants, to provide regulatory compliance support for peer reviews to meet compensatory mitigation requirements and to prepare supporting documents, as required. These technical studies and reviews will be provided to complete the environmental review or for City and development projects as needed, including but not limited to:
 Air Quality Study
 Biological Assessments
 Cultural Resource Study
 Environmental Site Assessments
 Economic/Market Study
 Geological/Soil Study
 Greenhouse Gas Assessment
 Health Risk Assessment
 Historical Resources
 Hydrology/Water Quality Study
 Noise Impact Study
 Parking Study
 Water Supply Assessment
 Utility/Sewer Study
 Traffic Study
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Task 3. Initial Study.

Concurrent to identifying technical experts responsible for the preparation of necessary studies, EPD will prepare or review the Initial Study checklist to determine the appropriate CEQA documentation for the project. Our research conducted as part of this task, in close collaboration with our technical team, will assure a comprehensive analysis is conducted, and potential issues are identified upfront, as well as opportunities to avoid such issues through project design refinements. EPD will advise the City early on if the project involves a Federal nexus and requires NEPA documentation, in which case, an Environmental Assessment will be prepared.

Task 4. Administrative and Public Review Draft ND, MND, or EIR.

EPD will initiate preparation of the draft CEQA documentation upon completion of the Draft Initial Study.

EPD will prescribe avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures as needed that are effective and feasible. To expedite the process, we prepare a complete administrative draft document for review and comment, which is more efficient than submittal of selected sections on an incremental basis. Adequate time will be provided in the project schedule for the City’s review of the administrative and public review drafts of the documents. Additionally, EPD will prepare and distribute all required public notices and mailings including, but not limited to, the NOC, NOA (for EIRs), and the NOI to Adopt a Negative Declaration. If the project requires NEPA, EPD will prepare and distribute the finding of no significant impact (FONSI) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as needed. EPD will also upload the CEQA documents and notices to the State Clearinghouse on behalf of the City.

Task 5. Response to Comments, Final MND or EIR, and MMRP.

Following the close of a public comment period, EPD will review any comments regarding the contents of the environmental document. A strategy meeting will be held with the City, and applicant team as necessary, to discuss the comments, the preferred format for responses, and to identify data needs. If necessary, the draft environmental document will be revised to reflect any substantial changes made in Response to Comments. If the project requires an EIS, Response to Comments/Final EIS will be prepared.

A Record of Decision will be filed as well. EPD can coordinate all required EPA filings, Federal Register notices, and agency and public review processes. A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) will be prepared identifying any significant impacts that would result from the project, mitigation measures for each impact, the time at which each measure will need to be conducted, the entity responsible for implementing the mitigation, and the department/agency responsible for monitoring the mitigation effort and ensuring its success.

Task 6. Findings and Statement of Overriding Consideration.

For adoption of CEQA documentation, EPD will prepare all necessary CEQA findings of fact and as necessary, statement of overriding considerations. A strategy meeting will be held with the City to discuss the findings, the City’s preferred format, and to identify data needs.

Task 7. Noticing.

EPD will initiate preparation of all appropriate and required notices such as public notices, Scoping Meetings, NOP, NOC, NOI, and NOD. EPD will also upload to the State Clearinghouse on behalf of the City.

OTHER SERVICES
In addition to CEQA and NEPA documentation and technical services, EPD can assist the City with Findings, Staff Reports, Resolutions, high quality exhibits and graphics and other similar tasks as they relate to EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 15 of 25
environmental documentation, as well as planning-related tasks such as, but not limited to, conducting research on various land use and planning issues. Additionally, EPD’s project director, Konnie Dobreva, is a frequent lecturer for AEP CEQA Workshops, which provide training to developers, planners, and attorneys. She brings diverse planning and legal experience and can provide in-house CEQA trainings for City staff if desired.

STAFFING

EPD STAFF
Key personnel for EPD’s CEQA related services include the following team members. Staffing levels vary per project to ensure effective coverage and even distribution of work.  Konnie Dobreva, JD, Vice President of Environmental Planning (Project Manager/Lead)  Jeremy Krout, CEO (Client services)
 Meghan Macias, Director of Technical Services (Team lead for air quality, GHG, energy, transportation)  Alex Garber, Senior Technical Planner (Air quality, GHG, and energy analysis)  Abby Pal, Senior Transportation Planner (Transportation analysis)  Meaghan Truman, Associate Environmental Planner III (CEQA/NEPA project management)  Danielle Thayer, Associate Environmental Planner II (CEQA/NEPA project management) Konnie Dobreva leads EPD’s environmental planning team and will serve as the designated Project Manager and the primary project contact. Summaries for each person are provided below. Detailed resumes for all CEQA team members are provided in Appendix A.

Konnie Dobreva, JD, Vice President of Environmental Planning Konnie has 25 years of public- and private-sector planning and legal experience, including the preparation of environmental documents for a wide range of projects such as General Plan and Housing Element updates, small-scale residential, large master planned communities, commercial office, industrial, solar, and mixed-use. Her extensive experience has made her a keen strategist and an effective writer of legally defensible environmental documents, and she has prepared or peer-reviewed hundreds of documents in compliance with CEQA.

Konnie received her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law; a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Analysis and Design from University of California, Irvine; and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute. She is a frequent lecturer on CEQA for the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Advanced CEQA Workshop and CEQA Basics Workshop; has been a Board Member for the Orange County Chapter of AEP for many years; has co-chaired the AEP State Conference three times; and is currently the Executive Vice President for California AEP.

Jeremy Krout, AICP, LEED GA, CEO
Jeremy, the founder of EPD, has experience in both the public and private sectors, which has allowed him opportunities to prepare and manage various types of environmental documents and project entitlements. Jeremy’s experience spans a diverse range of uniquely complex land use planning and entitlement projects, due diligence studies, general plan amendments, zone changes, EIRs, development agreements, and construction projects. His clients have entrusted him with these responsibilities based EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 16 of 25
on his problem-solving approach and extensive real-world experience in creating CEQA documents based on sound research, well-articulated strategies, and many successes on exigent projects.

Jeremy is a Certified AICP Planner and LEED Green Associate and received a Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, as well as dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a member of California AEP, the Building Industry Association, the American Planning Association (APA), and the Urban Land Institute.

Meghan Macias, Director of Technical Services
Meghan leads EPD’s Technical Services team, preparing analyses and planning documents related to transportation, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy. She has a proven track record of managing complicated and controversial projects to achieve defensible and implementable solutions to technical issues, obtained from over 20 years of experience in the transportation planning field, and has worked on hundreds of projects throughout California including land development, infrastructure, active transportation, and Master, Specific, and General Plans.

Meghan is a licensed California Traffic Engineer (#2697). She has overseen all types of traffic analysis services, including preparing TIAs and parking analyses; forecasting future traffic generation using average daily trips (ADT), level of service (LOS), and vehicle miles traveled (VMT); developing traffic mitigation measure recommendations and fair share calculations; and coordinating preparation of intersection design plans, traffic signal design plans, and other related services. She has a deep understanding of the regulations and methodologies used by local and regional agencies throughout California, including application of local traffic study guidelines, CMPs, and CEQA requirements.

She received a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from California State University, Fullerton.

Alex Garber, Senior Technical Planner
Alex has extensive experience in the areas of environmental and traffic planning and analysis and air quality, energy, and greenhouse gas analysis. In addition to developing the transportation skills of new hires, Alex was responsible for starting the air quality, energy, greenhouse gas, and HRA disciplines for the Technical Services team at EPD. Alex works on a variety of projects including residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, solar utility, mixed-use development, and specific plans, providing expertise in the aforementioned technical disciplines as well as with CEQA and GIS spatial analyses.

Alex has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and an Environmental Management Certification from the University of California, Irvine. He is currently a Board Member for AEP and is a member of the Golden Key Society.

Abby Pal, Senior Transportation Planner
Abby is a transportation planner with over 6 years of experience preparing and reviewing analyses and planning documents related to transportation safety, vehicle miles traveled, and traffic impact assessments (TIA). Her broad range of experience includes collision analysis, transportation safety infrastructure, signing and striping plans, traffic estimation, and impact assessment for proposed developments, traffic calming, and transit-oriented development. Abby works on a variety of projects including residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, solar utility, mixed-use development, and specific plans. She also routinely provides civil engineering teams with guidance on site circulation and EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 17 of 25
traffic design to keep projects on schedule avoiding major future design setbacks. Abby’s past experience includes working with multinational companies and non-profit organizations in the fields of urban design, campus sustainability, and community outreach.

Abby has a Master of Urban Design from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Pune University. She is a current member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Orange County Traffic Engineering Council.

Meaghan Truman, Associate Environmental Planner III
Meaghan has experience in the areas of environmental planning, entitlements, and policy planning, and is an expert in CEQA. She has worked on a wide variety of projects and environmental documents including Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, Exemptions, and Addendums. Meaghan brings a unique perspective and skill set to the EPD team with previous experience working for the City of Manhattan Beach Community Development Department.

Meaghan has provided her technical expertise on a wide variety of development and utility projects for both public and private sector clients. Meaghan has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Loyola Marymount University and is on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Association of Environmental Professionals.

Danielle Thayer, Associate Environmental Planner II
Danielle has over six years of experience practicing environmental planning and policy analysis, including with the preparation of environmental assessment documents and technical studies in compliance with CEQA and NEPA. She has provided her technical expertise on a wide variety of transportation, utility, and development projects for both public and private sector clients, and has an educational background in urban planning, stormwater management, and environmental law and economics.

Danielle holds a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and is a member of California AEP. During graduate school, Danielle worked with the Army Corps of Engineers as a biologist doing stormwater management planning for various army basis, and has experience writing many water quality reports for various roadway improvement projects.

SUBCONSULTANTS
EPD regularly collaborates with other experts in order to provide full, comprehensive environmental consulting services. By maintaining longstanding relationships and partnering with other firms, we are able to avoid bottlenecks on availability that can occur from solely relying in-house services, leading to more efficiently completed projects and connections throughout the industry that enhance the services we can provide for our clients. The following is a list of some of the firms that EPD frequently collaborates with on projects throughout Southern California as their quality of work meets EPD’s exacting standards to successfully guide projects through the environmental clearance process.

BFSA Environmental Services – Cultural and Paleontological Resources BFSA Environmental Services, a division of Perennial Environmental Services, is an esteemed environmental services management firm that has been operating since 1977. BFSA specializes in offering a comprehensive range of consulting services, including archaeology, historic preservation, paleontology, and biology, to both public agencies and private sector EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 18 of 25
clients across the western United States. BFSA is committed to excellence in conducting environmental studies and impact assessments, evaluating natural and cultural resources, and providing mitigation solutions. BFSA is widely recognized for providing streamlined solutions to complex problems throughout Southern California and works closely with EPD on a variety of projects.

Examples of Projects with EPD (projects listed in Relevant Experience section of this SOQ): Bloomfield Avenue Development; Lakeland Road Development Project; Advanced Technology & Education Park; Waterford Mixed-Use Project; Chase Road Residential; Kia Dealership.

Hernandez Environmental Services – Biological Resources, Regulatory Compliance The Hernandez Environmental Services team has over three decades of experience in environmental planning, biological studies, and regulatory permitting services, with expertise in developing dynamic solutions to navigate complex biological and regulatory compliance requirements. EPD has partnered with Hernandez Environmental for several years in the preparation of biological studies, focused surveys for sensitive species, jurisdictional/wetland delineations, regulatory permitting and compliance, habitat conservation plan compliance, biological monitoring during construction, habitat mitigation and monitoring plans, and mitigation/conservation planning.

Examples of Projects with EPD (projects listed in Relevant Experience section of this SOQ): Advanced Technology & Education Park; Waterford Mixed-Use Project; Wood and Lurin Residential EIR; Chase Road Residential.

LSA – Noise and Vibration
LSA’s team of noise and vibration experts provide the comprehensive acoustical assessment services necessary to comply with CEQA and NEPA, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration, and local requirements for environmental compliance. Services include postconstruction interior noise assessments, construction monitoring, and preparation of technical studies or environmental sections for transportation and development projects. LSA’s studies analyze a variety of noise sources including stationary equipment and transportation related impacts from automobiles, aircraft, and trains. LSA provides noise impact assessments and assistance with response to comments, attendance at public hearings, and can provide specialized training.

Examples of Projects with EPD (projects listed in Relevant Experience section of this SOQ): Advanced Technology & Education Park; Lakeland Road Development Project; Chase Road Residential.

Material Culture Consulting, Inc. (MCC) – Cultural and Paleontological Resources MCC offers services in archaeology, ethnography, Native American consultation, traditional land use studies, AB 52/SB 18 consultation assistance, paleontology, and agency consultation to accomplish regulatory compliance under CEQA, NEPA, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and other historic preservation statutes and implementing regulations. Their qualified cultural resource professionals have expertise in historic archaeology, history, architectural history, ethnography, regulatory compliance, architectural history, historic preservation, and GIS data management, and all staff meet the professional Secretary of Interior Qualifications for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

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Examples of Projects with EPD (projects listed in Relevant Experience section of this SOQ): Advanced Technology & Education Park; Florence Avenue Townhomes; Transit Villages Specific Plan EIR; State Street Village SCEA; Slater Avenue Mixed-Use Project.

Urban Crossroads, Inc. – Air Quality, GHG, Noise, Transportation Urban Crossroads provides air quality, greenhouse gas, health risk assessment, and noise analysis services to meet national, state and local compliance requirements. Urban Crossroads staff has extensive experience using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Air Dispersion models, including ISCST3 and AERMOD, and air quality models accepted for use in California including CalEEMod, EMFAC, CALINE4 and CAL3QHC. In addition, Urban Crossroads’ noise group maintains a strong technical background in preliminary noise studies and the application and development of noise prediction models. EPD has worked with Urban Crossroads on air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and traffic analyses for over 100 different projects over the past 8+ years.

Examples of Projects with EPD (projects listed in Relevant Experience section of this SOQ): Bloomfield Avenue Development; Advanced Technology & Education Park; Griswold Residential Project; State Street Village SCEA; Transit Villages Specific Plan EIR; Covina Recreation Village; Covina Bowl Mixed-Use Project; Well 28 Installation; Pioneer Building Development; Palomino Business Park; Cantu Galleano Gas Station; Twelve Oaks Winery Resort; Kia Dealership.

Vista Environmental – Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Energy, Noise Vista Environmental specializes in air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, health risk assessments, and noise impact analyses for governmental agencies and the business community and has completed many complex studies for both CEQA and NEPA compliance. Vista has a thorough understanding of federal, State, and local regulatory requirements and expertise with various air and energy modeling software and noise impact assessment methodology. Vista is a certified Women Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise.

Examples of Projects with EPD (projects listed in Relevant Experience section of this SOQ): Advanced Technology & Education Park; Griswold Residential Project; Slater Avenue Mixed-Use Project; Florence Avenue Townhomes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REFERENCES
Please see the Staffing section above for names of EPD’s key CEQA staff and their role in many projects with EPD, as well as resumes for more detailed qualifications and project examples. Please see the Relevant Experience section above for examples of the EPD team’s diverse CEQA-related project experience. EPD has been providing CEQA consulting services since 2013.

The following is a list of references for which EPD has performed similar environmental consulting services, including a description of the services provided.

Reference 1: South Orange County Community College District Facilities Planning Contact:

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Medhanie Ephrem, Executive Director, Facilities Planning [email protected]
949-582-4531
3rd Floor, HS Building, Saddleback College
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28000 Marguerite Pkwy
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Project: Advanced Tech & Education Park Planning and CEQA Compliance Services Timeline: 2014 – Ongoing
Description of Services: The EPD team has been working with the South Orange County Community College District to prepare environmental documentation and permitting for various projects within ATEP, a new 60-acre technology and occupational training community college campus located on the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. EPD is responsible for coordination of technical studies and project management of short- and long-range plans for site facility development. To date, EPD has prepared short- and long-range plans for site facility development, water quality management plans, stormwater pollution prevention plans, and CEQA documentation including an MND, EIR addenda, and others. EPD has also provided demolition, utility, grading, and drainage plans, and construction oversight. EPD continues to work with the District to complete project planning and environmental documentation on an ongoing basis while meeting expedited project schedules.

Reference 2: City of Tustin Community Development Department Contact:

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Justina Willkom, Community Development Director
[email protected]
714-573-3115
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
Project: Tustin Housing Element and MND | Timeline: 2021 – 2022 Description of Services: EPD provided Housing Element advisory services and assisted with the preparation of the City of Tustin’s Housing Element 6th Cycle Update and prepared the supporting Initial Study and Negative Declaration. The Housing Element Update provided a plan to meet anticipated population growth and housing needs, including incorporation of an additional 6,782 housing units to meet Regional Housing Needs Allocation accommodating varying income distributions. EPD also assisted the City with preparation and distribution of SB 18 and AB 52 tribal consultation letters. EPD worked with the City to meet an aggressive schedule and obtain certification of the Housing Element on time. In addition, EPD is currently drafting three EIRs to implement required RHNA rezoning outlined in this Housing Element.

Reference 3: City of Redlands Planning Division
Contact:

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Brian Desatnik, Director of Community Development
[email protected]
909-798-7555
35 Cajon St, Suite 20
Redlands, CA 92373
Project: Transit Villages Specific Plan EIR | Timeline: 2019 – 2022 Description of Services: EPD prepared an EIR for the Transit Villages Specific Plan (TVSP). The 947-acre Project area is divided into three planning areas (“transit villages”), generally surrounding three new San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Arrow Passenger Rail line stations in the city. The TVSP sets regulations for the community’s long-term vision for compact, efficient, and EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 21 of 25
environmentally sustainable development. As a form-based code, the TVSP emphasizes building form, mixed uses, strong pedestrian and transit-oriented development, and public realm improvements and amenities. Technical studies EPD prepared included an air quality and GHG report; cultural and paleontological resources report; energy analysis; noise impact analysis; VMT screening; and water supply assessment. EPD worked with the City to maintain an efficient schedule and budget through project completion.

Reference 4: City of Santa Ana Planning Division
Contact:

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Ali Pezeshkpour, Planning Manager
[email protected]
714-647-5882
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Project: Bowery Mixed-Use Project | Timeline: 2019 – 2020 Description of Services: EPD prepared an EIR for the Bowery Mixed-Use Project, which proposed redevelopment of a 14.58-acre infill, urban site in the city of Santa Ana with new mixed uses including retail, restaurant, and multi-family residential. The Project required a General Plan amendment and a zoning amendment. The multi-family residential component consisted of 1,150 units in three multistory buildings with adjacent parking structures, 80,000 SF of retail and restaurant commercial space, and approximately 183,000 SF of open space in courtyards, common area amenities, a roof deck, and perimeter plazas. The Bowery Mixed Use Project was a highly controversial project that required extensive coordination and communication with City departments, the City of Tustin, ALUC, and other agencies.

Reference 5: City of Norco
Contact:

Email:

Phone:

Address:

Alma Robles, Planning Director
[email protected]
951-270-5682
2870 Clark Avenue
Norco, CA 92860
Project: Norco Housing Element | Timeline: 2020 – 2022
Description of Services: EPD prepared an updated Housing Element for the City of Norco for the 2021- 2029 planning period as well as the supporting Initial Study/Negative Declaration analyzing potential environmental impacts. The Housing Element focuses on six vacant and underutilized sites to implement the City’s RHNA allocation of 454 residential units as well as includes the City’s Quantified Objectives for housing. The Housing Element was successfully approved and the Notice of Determination for the IS/ND filed in 2022.

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FEE SCHEDULE
EPD SOLUTIONS, INC.

Position Hourly Rate
President/Principal $400 - $450
Vice President of: Planning; Environmental Planning; Development; Transportation Planning; Construction Management; Engineering; Principal Planner $350 - $425
Senior Director of: Planning; Environmental Planning; Development; Transportation Planning; Construction Management; Engineering
$320 - $360
Director of: Planning; Environmental Planning; Development; Transportation Planning; Construction Management; Engineering
Environmental Planning Manager
$290 - $330
Senior: Project Manager; Planner; Transportation Planner; Engineer; Associate $250 - $300 Project Manager; Associate Engineer; Senior Environmental Planner; Senior Technical Planner
$195 - $250
Associate: Planner; Environmental Planner; Transportation Planner; Technical Editor $185 - $225 Assistant: Project Manager; Environmental Planner I - III; Transportation Planner; Project Planner; Engineer
Senior Project Coordinator
$150 - $195
Project Coordinator; GIS Analyst; Drafter $135 - $150
Support Staff $85 - $150
Accommodations including all out-of-pocket costs such as travel expenses, permit fees, governmental fees, blueprinting costs, delivery charges, etc., will be invoiced at cost plus 15%. These fees and costs are not included in our rate sheet or within any estimates, quotations, or contracts. For subconsultants, EPD’s markup is 25%.

SUBCONSULTANT RATES

BFSA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

TITLE HOURLY RATE
Principal Consultant $230.00
Project Manager III $175.00
Project Manager II $150.00
Project Manager I $125.00
Project Coordinator $110.00
Senior Historian $120.00
Historian $100.00
Research Assistant $95.00
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BFSA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

TITLE HOURLY RATE
Senior Archaeologist $150.00
Project Archaeologist $110.00
Archaeological Field Technician II $100.00
Archaeological Field Technician I $85.00
Laboratory Supervisor $120.00
Laboratory Technician II $95.00
Laboratory Technician I $85.00
Senior Paleontologist $140.00
Paleontologist II $110.00
Paleontologist I $95.00
Archaeological/Paleontological Field Monitor II $95.00
Archaeological/Paleontological Field Monitor I $85.00
Native American Monitor Varies
GIS/GPS Mapping Services, Production/Implementation $95.00 Graphics Artist/Draftsperson $80.00
Word Processor/Editor $65.00
Senior Editor $85.00
Reimbursable Items: Copy Charges (B/W- $0.08/copy; Color $0.90/copy); mileage (IRS Rate); postage/delivery charges; and any scanning/binding of documents will be charged at the clerical support rate.

Per Diem: Per diem charges will coincide with federal allowances for the specific projects engaged.

HERNANDEZ ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

TITLE HOURLY RATE MONITORING HOURLY RATE
Principal Biologist $125 $105
Principal Regulatory Specialist $125 $105
Assistant Project Manager/Associate Biologist $105 $85
Associate Biologist $95 $85
Hernandez Environmental Services will charge $85 an hour and $0.58 a mile for all biological monitoring activities including driving to and from the project site, no matter who from Hernandez Environmental Services is performing the biological monitoring. Should any consulting need to be done or biological reports need to be written the hourly rates will change based off the chart above.

EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 24 of 25
LSA
EPD Solutions, Inc. Page 25 of 25

MATERIAL CULTURE CONSULTING (MCC)

TITLE HOURLY RATE
Project Director $180.00
Principal Archaeologist & Paleontologist $160.00
Senior Archaeologist & Paleontologist $140.00
Associate Archaeologist & Paleontologist $120.00
Staff Archaeologist & Paleontologist $100.00
Senior Project Coordinator $120.00
Associate Project Coordinator $100.00
Staff Project Coordinator $80.00
GIS Specialist $120.00
GIS Technician $100.00
Technical Editor $100.00
Contract Manager $140.00
Project Accountant $100.00
Administrative & Clerical $80.00

1. The schedule above applies to work performed for the calendar year 2024. 2. Direct costs will be billed at cost, with no additional markup, unless otherwise agreed. 3. Negotiation of final rates will be based on contract specifications. 4. Rates shown are based on regular time. Overtime will be billed per current labor codes. 5. All rates are subject to change.

URBAN CROSSROADS

TITLE HOURLY RATE
Principal $225-295
Senior Associate $175-235
Associate $150-195
Senior Analyst/Engineer $120-155
Analyst/Engineer $90-135
Assistant Analyst $80-125
Administrative Support $75-110
General: (1) Reimbursable direct costs, such as reproduction, supplies, and messenger service will be billed at cost. (2) Hourly rates apply to work time, travel time, and time spent at public hearings and meetings. For overtime work, the above rates may be increased 50 percent. (3) Monthly billing statements are due within thirty (30) days of receipt.

VISTA ENVIRONMENTAL

TITLE HOURLY RATE
Senior Analyst $140
Reimbursable Expenses. Travel: Private vehicles @ $0.65 per mile. Commercial travel and related expenses at cost. Taxes: Any tax and/or fees imposed by a taxing authority based upon gross revenues or sales shall be reimbursable in addition to the fee stated in this Agreement. Other Project Expenses: Cost.

If Project expenses other than those mentioned above are necessary, Vista Environmental will obtain prior approval from the client and will charge the client at cost for the expense.

Appendix A:

Resumes
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Konstanza Dobreva, JD
Vice President of Environmental Planning

EDUCATION PROFILE
Juris Doctor
Pepperdine University
School of Law
Bachelor of Arts, cum
laude, Environmental
Analysis & Design,
Minor in Urban &
Regional Planning
University of California,
Irvine
Certificate in
Alternative Dispute
Resolution
Straus Institute

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Board of Directors,
Orange County
Association of
Environmental
Professionals
Co-chair, Association
of Environmental
Professionals State
Conference
(2005 and 2014)

PROFILE
Konnie’s more than 17 years of public and private sector planning and legal experience have made her an expert in entitlements, environmental and policy planning, a keen analyst and an effective writer of environmental documents. She has managed and prepared environmental documents for a diverse range of projects and clients: small-scale residential and large planned communities, commercial office, industrial, mixed-use, and schools. In law school, Konnie specialized in alternative dispute resolution. She clerked for two private law firms and the Thousand Oaks City Attorney’s Office. She was also a full-time extern for the Honorable Warren J. Ferguson, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Konnie has been a planner with the City of Lake Forest and a planning consultant for the cities of Irvine, Anaheim, and Rancho Santa Margarita. Her duties included project management, evaluating development proposals, presenting staff reports and resolutions before the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission, evaluating grading and building plans, and environmental review and documentation. Konnie’s diverse planning and legal experience provides her with a unique understanding of planning and zoning law, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). She is a frequent lecturer on CEQA for the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Advanced CEQA Workshop and CEQA Basics Workshop, which
provides training to many of the area developers, agency planners and attorneys.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan & Program EIR, City of Tustin Rider Commerce Center MND, Riverside County
Saddleback Stadium EIR Addendum, City of Mission Viejo
Twelve Oaks Winery Resort MND, Riverside County
Metroplitan State Hospital Modernization MND, City of Norwalk 901 E. South Street Inf ll Environmental Checklist, City of Anaheim Colony Commerce Center East EIR, City of Ontario
Claremont General Plan Housing Element EIR Addendum, City of Claremont Chino Francis Estates MND, City of Chino
Brodiaea Business Center MND Addendum, City of Moreno Valley Village 605 EIR Addendum, City of Los Alamitos
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 7

EDUCATION PROFILE
Master of City and
Regional Planning
California Polytechnic
State University, San
Luis Obispo
Dual Bachelor of Arts
Degrees, Geography
and Environmental
Studies,
University of California,
Santa Barbara

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
American Planning
Association (APA)
Building Industry
Association (BIA)
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Assoc. of Environmental
Professionals (AEP)
Certified Green
Building Professional,
Build It Green
Board of Directors,
Wooden Floor

PROFILE
Jeremy is the founder of EPD Solutions, Inc., and has over 20 years of experience in urban, environmental and policy planning; project management; and real estate entitlement and development, in both the public and private sectors. Over this period, he has successfully managed many regionally significant and complex projects in these fields, which drew on his knowledge of federal, state and local government regulations, natural interpersonal and negotiation skills, public presentation strengths, detail-oriented approach to project design oversight, and team leadership abilities. His wide-ranging and multifaceted experience on infill residential, master planned communities, affordable housing, education, public and private redevelopment, transportation, mining, solar, recreation, hospitality and industrial projects has developed and honed his skills in entitlement strategy and implementation and environmental compliance. It is because of his successes and dedication that he has earned the conviction and reliance of project proponents and opponents, stakeholdersthe conviction and reliance of project proponents and opponents, stakeholders and his clients.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Twelve Oaks Winery Resort, Riverside County, 286 keys and 96 lots Gemini Solar, Clark County, NV, 690 MW solar photovoltaic power plant Los Olivos, Riverside County, 48 homes
Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan & Program EIR, City of Tustin 901 E. South Street Infill Environmental Checklist, City of Anaheim, 546 homes Colony Commerce Center Easter, City of Ontario, 1.9 million SF industrial Claremont General Plan Housing Element EIR Addendum, City of Claremont Centennial Park Solar & Sherwood Park Solar, City of Paso Robles, canopy solar PV Advanced Technology & Education Park, City of Tustin, new community college Brodiaea Business Center, City of Moreno Valley, 100,000 SF industrial Harvill Industrial Center, Riverside County, 424,000 SF industrial Simon Ranch Reservoir MND, City of Tustin, 1 million gallon reservoir Village 605, City of Los Alamitos, 114,000 SF commercial Encanto, City of Lake Forest, 52 homes
Artisan Alley, City of Lake Elsinore, 130 keys and 95,000 SF commercial Jeremy Krout, AICP, LEED, GA
President/CEO
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Meghan Macias, TE
Director of Technical Services

EDUCATION PROFILE
Master of Urban and
Regional Planning
University of
California, Irvine
Bachelor of Arts in
Geography
California State
University, Fullerton

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Treasurer, Orange
County Association
of Environmental
Professionals
Institute of Transportation
Engineers (ITE)
Member of San Diego
Section SB7 43
Subcommittee
Orange County Traffic
Engineering Council
(OCTEC)

CERTIFICATION
California Traffic
Engineer 2697

PROFILE
Meghan’s primary responsibilities include preparation of technical analyses of land development projects, including comprehensive transportation impact analyses, traffic operations analyses, and parking studies.

Meghan has worked on numerous and varied projects through California including land development, infrastructure, active transportation and Master/ Specific/ General Plans. Meghan has a proven track record of managing complicated and controversial projects to achieve defensible and implementable solutions to technical issues. Her expertise in traffic engineering and operations analysis methodologies is complemented by her knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING EXPERTISE
Meghan has over 20 years of experience in the transportation planning field and has worked on hundreds of projects throughout California. She has a deep understanding of the regulations and methodologies used by local and regional agencies including application of local traffic study guidelines, CMP, CEQA requirements, Mitigation Fee Act, SB7 43, and the implementation of VMT analyses. Meghan uses her experience to provide strategic transportation planning services to public- and private- sector clients. Her work is focused on providing implementable solutions that satisfy various stakeholders including developers, local agencies, and affected citizens.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
THE BOWERY City of Santa Ana, 1,150
DU and 80,000 sf retail/ restaurant

BLOOMINGTON BUSINESS PARK
San Bernardino County, Approx
2 Million sf Industrial

PIONEER BOULEVARD
BUSINESS PARK City of Santa Fe
Springs, 163,518 sf Industrial

ALTA VISTA SPECIFIC PLAN
AMENDMENT City of Placentia, 54 DU
and 10,500 sf restaurant

SADDLEBACK STADIUM EIR
ADDENDUM City of Mission Viejo,
8,000-seat stadium
VINTAGE LOFTS City of Tustin,
140 condos

LAVERNE ELEMENTARY
PREP ACADEMY City of Hesperia,
charter school

GEMINI SOLAR PROJECT
Clark County, NV, 690-MW
solar power plant

CITY OF REDLANDS VMT

SCREENING THRESHOLDS

CHINO FRANCIS ESTATES
City of Chino, 43 homes
HIGHWAY 46 LOGISTICS CENTER,
Kern County, 2 million SF industrial

METROPOLITAN STATE

HOSPITAL MODERNIZATION
City of Norwalk, state hospital
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING Alex Garber | www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Alex Garber
Sr. Technical Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
University of California, Santa Cruz
Environmental Management Certification
University of California, Irvine

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Board Member: Association of Environmental Professionals Orange County Traffic Engineering Council (OCTEC)
Golden Key Society

PROFILE
Alex has over 5 years of experience in the areas of environmental and traffic planning and analysis, and three years of air quality, energy, and greenhouse gas analysis. Alex has worked on traffic projects ranging from focused access studies to large mixed-use projects analyzing over 50 intersections, roadway segment analyses, and parking analyses. Additionally, Alex has experience writing and completing air quality, energy, greenhouse gas, and health risk assessment analyses, spatial analyses using GIS software, as well as writing CEQA documents.

The types of projects Alex has worked on include residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, solar utility, and mixed use at a development level, and specific plans at a planning level. Alex has also showed valuable leadership at EPD Solutions by starting the air quality, energy, GHG, and HRA discipline, as well as developing the transportation skills of new hires.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Rio Vista Specific Plan Traffic Impact
Analysis, City of Jurupa Valley
Sunnymead Marijuana Dispensary
CEQA Exemption, City of Moreno Valley
5770 Industrial Parkway AQ,
Energy, GHG Report and Health Risk
Assessment, City of San Bernardino
CSG Solar Projects Traffic Analysis and
Air Quality and GHG Report,
Kings County and Tulare County
Pacifica Alessandro Traffic Analysis
and Air Quality, Energy, GHG Report,
City of Moreno Valley
Santa Ana/Live Oak Warehouse Traffic
Analysis and Air Quality, Energy,
GHG Report, City of Fontana
Temecula Valley Charter School Traffic
Impact Analysis, County of Riverside
The Bowery Traffic Impact Analysis,
City of Santa Ana
Bloomington Business Park Specific
Plan Traffic Impact Analysis and EIR,
County of San Bernardino
Kia Dealership MND,
City of Moreno Valley
Pavilion Plaza Traffic Impact Analysis,
City of Garden Grove
Gemini Solar Due Diligence,
Clark County Nevada
Worlds Gym Shared Parking Study,
City of Costa Mesa
Virgo Solar Feasibility Due Diligence,
Nye County Nevada
Cornerstone Bible Church Traffic
Analysis, City of Glendora
Temecula Winery Air Quality, Energy,
GHG Report, County of Riverside
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Abby Pal
Senior Transportation Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Masters in Urban Design, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Bachelors of Arts in Architecture, Pune University, Pune

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Institute of Transportation, Engineers (ITE) Member
OCTEC, Member

PROFILE
Abby is a transportation planner with over six years of experience preparing and reviewing analyses and planning documents related to transportation safety, vehicle miles traveled, and traffic impact assessments (TIA). Her broad range of experience includes collision analysis, transportation safety infrastructure, signing and striping plans, traffic estimation, and impact assessment for proposed developments, traffic calming, and transit-oriented development.

Abby works on a variety of projects including residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, solar utility, mixed-use development, and specific plans. With her experience in transportation design, Abby peer reviewes TIA reports, and. she routinely provides civil engineering teams with guidance on site circulation and traffic design to keep projects on schedule, avoiding major future design setbacks.

Guiding her team through the successful completion and timely delivery of projects, Abby maintains project schedules, oversees budgets, and coordinates with the city staff, subconsultants, and stakeholders. Her experiences includes expeditiously working with multinational companies and non-profit organizations in the fields of urban design, campus sustainability, and community outreach.

With her creative approach to problem solving and strategic thinking, Abby Pal continues to make valuable contributions to the field of planning and to the success of EPD and its clients.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Vineyard Specific Plan,
City of Murrieta
Verano Residential,
City of Cathedral City
Great Scott,
City of Lake Forest
Kirby Industrial,
City of Hemet
Simpson Industrial,
City of Hemet
Lux View Residential Peer Review,
City of Redlands
Mission Trail Residential,
City of Lake Elsinore
Lakeshore Drive Residential,
City of Lake Elsinore
Ramona and Webster Industrial,
City of Perris
Granite Bay Senior Assisted Living,
County of Placer
Wildomar Crossroads Mixed-Use,
City of Wildomar
Trumark Homes at La Puerta,
City of Claremont
Advanced Technology and Education
Park (ATEP),
City of Tustin
Via Oro Industrial,
City of Long Beach
Discovery Residential,
City of Moreno Valley
5705 Industrial,
City of San Bernardino
Slover Alder Industrial,
County of San Bernardino
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Meaghan Truman
Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Bachelor of Arts,
Environmental Studies
Loyola Marymount University

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Board of Directors,
Orange County Association of
Environmental Professionals

PROFILE
Meaghan has experience in the areas of environmental planning, entitlements, and policy planning. As a young professional, she has had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects with a range of environmental documents, including Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, Exemptions, and Addendums. Meaghan brings a unique perspective and skill set to the EPD team with previous experience working in the City of Manhattan Beach Community Development Department. Meaghan has provided her technical expertise on a wide variety of development and utility projects for both public and private sector clients. Her educational background is in environmental policy, urban planning, and environmental law.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Seaton & Cajalco IS/MND, County of Riverside
Bloomington Business Park Specific Plan, County of Riverside Transit Villages Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, City of Redlands Well 28 IS/MND, City of Orange
Parkridge Avenue Business Park Class 32 Exemption, City of Norco Covina Bowl Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report, City of Covina State Street Village Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment, City of Redlands
VitaPakt 707 N. Barranca Avenue CEQA Exemption, City of Covina The Grand Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment, City of Redlands Addendum to the Red Hill Specific Plan for the Red Hill Mixed-Use Project, City of Tustin
5770 Industrial Parkway IS/MND, City of San Bernardino
PreZero Supplemental MND, City of Jurupa Valley
2700 California Street Project Class 1 Exemption, City of Torrance CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Danielle Thayer
Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Masters of Science,
Natural Resources &
Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois,
Champaign
Bachelors of Arts,
Urban & Regional
Planning
University of Illinois,
Champaign

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Association of Environmental
Professionals

PROFILE
Danielle has over 6 years of experience practicing environmental planning and policy analysis. Professional experience includes preparation of environmental assessment documents and technical studies, in compliance with CEQA and NEPA. Ms. Thayer has provided her technical expertise on a wide variety of transportation, utility, and development projects for both public and private sector clients. Her educational background is in urban planning, stormwater management, and environmental law and economics.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
6th Cycle Housing Element, City of Norco
Wood & Lurin Initial Study/MND, County of Riverside
Sanderson Ranch Initial Study/MND, City of San Jacinto
Rancho De Alamo Initial Study/MND, City of San Jacinto
Valley & Whitney Initial Study/MND, City of Moreno Valley Bradbury Road Widening Initial Study/MND, City of Bradbury 5770 Industrial Parkway Initial Study/MND, County of San Bernardino 6th Cycle Housing Element Initial Study/MND, City of Norco 9930 Pioneer Blvd Addendum, City of Santa Fe Springs
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Brady Connolly
Assistant Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Bachelor of Arts,
Environmental Studies
UC Santa Barbara
Minor, Philosophy
UC Santa Barbara

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
LEED Green Associate
U.S. Green Building Council

PROFILE
Brady Connolly is an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Environmental Planner and LEED Green Associate who brings a wealth of skills and experiences to his role. With over a year of experience in coordinating environmental projects at EPD, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and precision. Brady has successfully coordinated and overseen a variety of environmental projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of urban planning, sustainable energy, and housing initiatives. With valuable organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit, Brady strives to create innovative solutions that balance environmental considerations with practical project goals.

Brady began his career as a Project Scientist where he honed his skills in developing digital elevation models and profiles for sediment transport tracking and included valuable experiences in land surveys, machine learning, and collaboration within dynamic, multidisciplinary teams. He has held roles as a Remote Research Intern and Jr.

Environment Restoration Planner at Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration. Brady has accumulated a diverse skill set encompassing data analysis, native plant identification, ecological monitoring, and property maintenance. This unique blend of skills positions Brady Connolly as a versatile and impactful professional in the environmental sector.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Forrest Home Christian Conference Center, Addendum, County of San Bernardino 205th Street Warehouse, IS/MND, City of Torrance
Hidden Canyon Parking Lot, Addendum, County of Riverside Simpson Road Warehouse Project, EIR, City of Hemet
One Stop Landscape, Class 1 Exemption, City of Redlands Related Bristol Specific Plan, EIR, City of Santa Ana
Due Diligence | Entitlement | Environmental Planning | Development & Construction Management | Policy Planning | Technical Services Jazmin Rodriguez | www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Jazmin Rodriguez
Assistant Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Masters of Science
Environmental Studies
California State University,
Fullerton
Sustainability Certification
University of California, Los
Angeles, Extension
Bachelor of Arts, English
cum laude
University of California,
Riverside

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Association of Environmental
Professionals

PROFILE
Jazmin is a proficient Project Coordinator within the environmental planning team, with expertise in the realms of environmental compliance documentation, project management, and research.

Her professional tenure at EPD underscores her proficiency in the preparation of Initial Studies, 15183 Streamlining Documents, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports, all meticulously crafted in strict adherence to CEQA regulations.

Jazmin’s extensive professional background spans over seven years in the residential solar sector. She also played a pivotal role in facilitating the execution of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments at a prominent Phase I company and contributed significantly as an intern with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery, conducting comprehensive research to advance the agency’s objectives.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
5705 Industrial Parkway, Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration,
City of San Bernardino
Wood and Lurin Planned Residential
Development, Environmental
Impact Report,
City of Riverside
KISS Logistics Center,
Environmental Impact Report,
City of Hesperia
Poplar Avenue Distribution Center,
Environmental Impact Report,
City of Fontana
Mesa Linda Logistics Center,
Environmental Impact Report,
City of Hesperia
Oakmont Mountain Gate Assisted
Living, Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration,
City of Corona
Chase Road Residential, 15183
Streamlining Checklist,
City of Fontana
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Megan Rupard
Assistant Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Bachelor of Science,
City & Regional Planning
California Polytechnic
State University, San Luis
Obispo

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Association of
Environmental
Professionals

PROFILE
Megan is an assistant environmental planner that has experience working on environmental compliance documents, project
management, and urban policy planning. Her professional experience includes preparation of Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, Exemptions, and Addendums in compliance with CEQA as well as Environmental Assessments in compliance with NEPA. Ms. Rupard has provided her technical expertise on a wide variety of residential, industrial, and solar development projects for both public and private sector clients.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Kings CSG Solar, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, Kings County Harvill Avenue and Cajalco Road Warehouse, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, County of Riverside
9th and Tippecanoe Warehouse, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, City of San Bernardino
17802 Irvine Boulevard, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, City of Tustin
Gierson Ranch, 15183 Exemption, City of Murrieta
Ceres Avenue and Merrill Avenue Industrial Project, 15183 Exemption, City of Fontana
2727 East Imperial Highway Warehouse, Addendum, City of Brea The Heights at Southridge, Addendum, City of Fontana
627 Bon View Warehouse, Addendum, Ontario
KISS Logistics Center, Environmental Impact Report, City of Hesperia Poplar Avenue Distribution Center, Environmental Impact Report, City of Fontana CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING Sam Kelley | www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Sam Kelley
Assistant Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Bachelor of Science,
Environmental Management
and Protection
California Polytechnic
State University,
San Luis Obispo
Bachelor of Science, Forestry
and Natural Resources
California Polytechnic
State University,
San Luis Obispo

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Association of Environmental
Professionals

PROFILE
Sam has experience in environmental planning and policy analysis.

His professional journey has been marked by a focus on the preparation of comprehensive environmental assessment documents, consistently adhering to the stringent requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Sam’s expertise encompasses the meticulous crafting of Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), and Exemptions, all in alignment with the regulatory framework of CEQA.

Throughout his career, Mr. Kelley has been a contributor in numerous industrial and residential development projects, offering his technical proficiency to a diverse clientele spanning both the public and private sectors. Sam’s educational background reflects his commitment to a comprehensive understanding of the field, with a foundation in Environmental Management, Environmental Policy Analysis/ Compliance, and Forestry.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Chase Road 15183 Streamlining Checklist, City of Fontana Mesa Linda Street Development EIR, City of Hesperia
Poplar South Distribution Center EIR, City of Fontana
Ethanac and Barnett Development MND, City of Menifee
1600 E Francis Redevelopment Addendum, City of Ontario
Hardt and Brier Business Park MND, City of San Bernardino KISS Logistics Center EIR, City of Hesperia
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Tatiana Torres
Associate Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
Bachelor of Arts in
Environmental Science and
Policy
California State University,
Long Beach
Master of Liberal Arts,
Sustainability (in progress)
Harvard Extention School

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
Inland Empire Environmental
Leadership Academy,
California State University San
Marcos

PROFILE
Tatiana is an environmental planner with experience in the areas of environmental compliance documents and project management.

Her professional experience includes preparation of a variety of both California and Federal environmental documents and technical studies including Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, Exemptions and Addendums, and Environmental Assessments, Findings of No Significant Impact, and categorical exclusions. Tatiana brings a unique perspective and skill set to the EPD team with previous experience working in Caltrans. Tatiana has provided her technical expertise on a variety of transportation, development, and rehabilitation projects. Her educational background is in environmental science and policy.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Coachella I-10 Pavement Rehabilitation Project Initial Study/MND and Environmental Assessment/FONSI, Caltrans
Blythe I-10 Pavement Rehabilitation Project Initial Study/MND and Environmental Assessment/FONSI, Caltrans
Perris Valley Pipeline, Exemption and Encroachment Permit, Caltrans I-215/Keller Road Interchange Project Community Impacts Assessment and Growth Study, Caltrans
CEQA/NEPA COMPLIANCE • ENTITLEMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • URBAN & POLICY PLANNING www.epdsolutions.com | 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949-794-1180 Page 1 of 1 Tiffany Dang
Assistant Environmental Planner

EDUCATION PROFILE
B.S. in Environmental Earth
and Soil Sciences
California Polytechnic State
University, San Luis Obispo, CA

PROFILE
Tiffany is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in environmental research and project coordination and has played a crucial role in the execution of environmental due diligence for commercial real estate projects. Her responsibilities included meticulously verifying proposals, acting as a liaison between project stakeholders, and ensuring seamless data and report submissions.

Tiffany has contributed as a GIS Researcher and demonstrated her expertise in identifying potential blockages in gas pipelines, creating detailed GIS maps for field inspections, and meticulously crossreferencing engineering plans to validate the accuracy of the SAP database. Tiffany’s keen attention to detail and proficiency in GIS technologies have been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of the field inspection process. With a background in environmental research, including roles as a Research Assistant at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an Intern at Sound Agriculture, Tiffany has honed her skills in soil analysis, data extraction, and mapping, further enriching her capabilities in the environmental sector. Tiffany’s passion for environmental science, coupled with her technical expertise, make her a valuable team member focused on sustainable solutions and project management.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
Collins Logistics Center, IS/MND, City of Orange
Arrow Point Industrial Project, 15183 Exemption, County of San Bernardino Perris DC 11 Project, Environmental Impact Report, City of Perris John S. Gibson Truck & Chassis Parking Lot Project,
Environmental Impact Report, Port of Los Angeles

EXHIBIT C

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Without limiting Consultant’s indemnification of the City, and prior to commencement of Services, Consultant shall obtain, provide, and maintain at its own expense during the term of this Agreement, policies of insurance of the type and amounts described below and in a form satisfactory to the City. If Consultant maintains higher limits than the minimum limits shown below, the City requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the Consultant. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.

General liability insurance. Consultant shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00 01, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. The policy must include contractual liability that has not been amended. Any endorsement restricting standard ISO “insured contract” language will not be accepted.

Automobile liability insurance. Consultant shall maintain automobile insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 00 01 covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with Services to be performed under this Agreement, including coverage for any owned, hired, non-owned or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for each accident.

Professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance. Consultant shall maintain professional liability insurance that covers the Services to be performed in connection with this Agreement, in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate. Any policy inception date, continuity date, or retroactive date must be before the effective date of this Agreement and Consultant agrees to maintain continuous coverage through a period no less than three (3) years after completion of the services required by this Agreement.

Workers’ compensation insurance. Consultant shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Statutory Limits) and Employer’s Liability Insurance (with limits of at least $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease).

Consultant shall submit to the City, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement in favor of the City, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers.

Other provisions or requirements
Proof of insurance. Consultant shall provide certificates of insurance to the City as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein, along with a waiver of subrogation endorsement for workers’ compensation. Insurance certificates and endorsements must be approved by the City’s Risk Manager prior to commencement of performance. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with the City at all times during the term of this Agreement. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies at any time.

Duration of coverage. Consultant shall procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Services hereunder by Consultant, or Consultant’s agents, representatives, employees or subconsultants.

Primary/noncontributing. Coverage provided by Consultant shall be primary and any insurance or self-insurance procured or maintained by the City shall not be required to contribute with it. The limits of insurance required herein may be satisfied by a combination of primary and umbrella or excess insurance. Any umbrella or excess insurance shall contain or be endorsed to contain a provision that such coverage shall also apply on a primary and non-contributory basis for the benefit of the City before the City’s own insurance or self-insurance shall be called upon to protect it as a named insured.

The City’s rights of enforcement. In the event any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, the City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by the City will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or the City will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, the City may immediately terminate this Agreement.

Acceptable insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to transact business of insurance or is on the List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders’ Rating of A- (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VI (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the City’s Risk Manager.

Waiver of subrogation. All insurance coverage maintained or procured pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed to waive subrogation against the City, its elected or appointed officers, agents, officials, employees and volunteers or shall specifically allow Consultant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Consultant hereby waives its own right of recovery against the City, and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants.

Enforcement of Agreement provisions (non estoppel). Consultant acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to inform Consultant of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligations on the City nor does it waive any rights hereunder.

Requirements not limiting. Requirements of specific coverage features or limits contained in this Agreement are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits or other requirements, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. Specific reference to a given coverage feature is for purposes of clarification only as it pertains to a given issue and is not intended by any party or insured to be all inclusive, or to the exclusion of other coverage, or a waiver of any type.

Notice of cancellation. Consultant agrees to oblige its insurance agent or broker and insurers to provide to the City with a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (except for nonpayment for which a ten (10) day notice is required) or nonrenewal of coverage for each required coverage.

Additional insured status. General liability policies shall provide or be endorsed to provide that the City and its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds under such policies. This provision shall also apply to any excess/umbrella liability policies.

Prohibition of undisclosed coverage limitations. None of the coverages required herein will be in compliance with these requirements if they include any limiting endorsement of any kind that has not been first submitted to the City and approved of in writing.

Separation of insureds. A severability of interests provision must apply for all additional insureds ensuring that Consultant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the insurer’s limits of liability. The policy(ies) shall not contain any cross-liability exclusions.

Pass through clause. Consultant agrees to ensure that its subconsultants, subcontractors, and any other party involved with the Services who is brought onto or involved in the Services by Consultant, provide the same minimum insurance coverage and endorsements required of Consultant. Consultant agrees to monitor and review all such coverage and assumes all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in conformity with the requirements of this section. Consultant agrees that upon request, all agreements with consultants, subconsultants, and others engaged in the Services will be submitted to the City for review.

The City’s right to revise specifications. The City reserves the right at any time during the term of the Agreement to change the amounts and types of insurance required by giving Consultant ninety (90) days advance written notice of such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to Consultant, City and Consultant may renegotiate Consultant’s compensation or come to some other agreement to address the additional cost.

Self-insured retentions. Any self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City reserves the right to require that self-insured retentions be eliminated, lowered, or replaced by a deductible. Self-insurance will not be considered to comply with these specifications unless approved by the City.

Timely notice of claims. Consultant shall give the City prompt and timely notice of claims made or suits instituted that arise out of or result from Consultant’s performance under this Agreement, and that involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability policies.

Additional insurance. Consultant shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary for its proper protection and prosecution of the Services.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT – MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2024 On-Call Professional Environmental Consulting Services – Award of Contract

Attachment D: Professional Services Agreement for Sagecrest Planning+Environmental
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CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH

SAGECREST PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
This Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and effective as of August 20, 2024 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Santa Fe Springs, a California municipal corporation, (“City”) and Sagecrest Planning and Environmental, a California corporation (“Consultant”). In consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. TERM
This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain and continue in effect for a term of three years, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. The term of this Agreement may be renewed for one (1) additional twoyear period upon mutual written agreement by both parties.

2. SERVICES
Consultant shall perform the services described and set forth in the City’s Request for Proposals, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and Consultant’s Proposal, attached hereto as Exhibit B, both incorporated herein as though set forth in full (“Services”) in accordance with Task Orders agreed to by both parties. To the extent that Exhibit B contains provisions inconsistent with this Agreement and/or Exhibit A, the provisions of this Agreement and Exhibit A shall govern. The Task Orders shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

3. PERFORMANCE
Consultant shall at all times faithfully, competently and to the best of Consultant’s ability, experience, and talent, perform all tasks described herein. Consultant shall employ, at a minimum, generally accepted standards and practices utilized by persons engaged in providing similar services as are required of Consultant under this Agreement.

4. CITY MANAGEMENT
The Community Development Director or designee shall represent the City in all matters pertaining to the administration of this Agreement, including review and approval of all products submitted by Consultant.

5. PAYMENT
A. City agrees to pay Consultant in accordance with the payment rates and terms as set forth in Exhibit B based upon the performance of the task orders.

REV052024 Page 2 of 16 Sagecrest Planning and Environmental B. Consultant shall not be compensated for any services rendered in connection with its performance of this Agreement which are in addition to those set forth herein, unless such additional services are authorized in advance and in writing by the Community Development Director or designee. Consultant shall be compensated for any additional services in the amounts and in the manner as agreed to in writing by the City and Consultant at the time the City’s written authorization is given to Consultant for the performance of said services.

C. Consultant will submit invoices for actual Services performed. Consultant agrees to participate in the City’s Electronic Funds Transfer program and to receive electronic payments for the Services. Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of each invoice as to all non-disputed fees. If the City disputes any of Consultant's Services or fees, it shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth on the invoice. Any final payment under this Agreement shall be made within forty-five (45) days of receipt of an invoice therefor.

6. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT WITHOUT CAUSE
A. The City may at any time, for any reason, without cause, suspend or terminate this Agreement, or any portion hereof, by serving upon Consultant at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice. Upon receipt of said notice, Consultant shall immediately cease all Services under this Agreement, unless the notice provides otherwise. If the City suspends or terminates a portion of this Agreement, such suspension or termination shall not make void or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement.

B. In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this section, the City shall pay to Consultant the actual value of the Services performed up to the time of termination, unless the City disputes any of the Services performed or fees. Upon termination of the Agreement pursuant to this section, Consultant will submit an invoice to the City pursuant to Section 5.

7. DEFAULT OF CONSULTANT
If the City determines that Consultant is in default in the performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, the City shall serve Consultant a written notice of the default. Consultant shall have seven (7) days after service of said notice to cure the default. In the event that Consultant fails to cure the default within such period of time or fails to present the City with a written plan for the diligent cure of default if such default cannot be cured within seven days, the City shall have the right, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to terminate this Agreement without further notice and without prejudice to any other remedy to which it may be entitled at law, in equity or under this Agreement. Consultant shall be responsible for costs incurred by the City due to Consultant’s failure to comply with this section. The City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant any costs incurred by the City as a result of Consultant’s default.

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8. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
A. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to tasks, costs, expenses, receipts, and other such information required by the City that relate to the performance of Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain adequate records of Services provided in sufficient detail to permit an evaluation of Services. All such records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be clearly identified and readily accessible. Consultant shall provide free access to the representatives of the City or its designees at reasonable times to such books and records; shall give the City the right to examine and audit said books and records; shall permit the City to make transcripts or copies therefrom as necessary; and shall allow inspection of all Services, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to this Agreement. Such records, together with supporting documents, shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years after receipt of final payment.

B. Upon completion of, or in the event of termination or suspension of this Agreement, all original documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared in the course of providing the Services shall become the sole property of the City and may be used, reused, or otherwise disposed of by the City without the permission of Consultant. With respect to computer files, Consultant shall make available to the City, at the Consultant's office and upon reasonable written request by the City, the necessary computer software and hardware for purposes of accessing, compiling, transferring, copying and/or printing computer files. Consultant hereby grants to the City all right, title, and interest, including any copyright, in and to the documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared by Consultant in the course of providing the Services under this Agreement.

9. INDEMNIFICATION AND DEFENSE
A. Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and any and all of its officials, employees, agents, and/or volunteers (“Indemnified Parties”), from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with the performance of Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants (or any agency or individual that Consultant shall bear the legal liability thereof) under this Agreement, including all acts or omissions, willful misconduct, or negligent conduct, whether active or passive, on the part of Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants. Consultant’s duty to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties shall not extend to the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Parties.

B. Duty to Defend. In the event the Indemnified Parties, individually or collectively, are made a party to any claim, action, lawsuit, or other adversarial proceeding REV052024 Page 4 of 16 Sagecrest Planning and Environmental arising or alleged to arise out of or is in any way connected with the performance of Consultant’s services under this Agreement, and upon demand by the City, Consultant shall immediately defend the Indemnified Parties at Consultant’s cost or at the City’s option to reimburse the City for its costs of defense, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the defense of such matters, regardless of whether or not Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants are specifically named or otherwise asserted to be liable, and regardless of whether or not there is any evidence of finding of fault or wrongdoing by Consultant, its officers, agents, employees and/or subconsultants. Payment by the City is not a condition precedent to enforcement of this provision.

C. In the event of any dispute between Consultant and the City as to whether liability arises from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City or its officials, employees, agents, and/or volunteers, Consultant will be obligated to pay for the City’s defense until such time as a final judgment has been entered adjudicating the Indemnified Parties as solely negligent or to have acted with willful misconduct.

Consultant will not be entitled in the absence of such a determination to any reimbursement of defense costs, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, expert fees, and costs of litigation.

10. INSURANCE
Consultant shall maintain prior to the beginning of and for the duration of this Agreement insurance coverage as specified in Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement.

11. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
A. Consultant is and shall at all times remain as to the City a wholly independent consultant and/or independent contractor. The personnel performing the services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Neither the City nor any of its officers, employees, or agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement.

Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that Consultant or any of Consultant’s officers, employees, or agents are in any manner officers, employees, or agents of the City. Consultant shall not incur or have the power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability whatever against the City, or bind the City in any manner.

B. No employee benefits shall be available to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Except for the fees paid to Consultant as provided in the Agreement, the City shall not pay salaries, wages, or other compensation to Consultant for performing services hereunder for the City. The City shall not be liable for compensation or indemnification to Consultant for injury or sickness arising out of performing services hereunder. Consultant shall secure, at its sole expense, and be responsible for any and all payment of Income Tax, Social REV052024 Page 5 of 16 Sagecrest Planning and Environmental Security, State Disability Insurance Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and other payroll deductions for Consultant and its officers, agents, and employees, and all business licenses, if any are required, in connection with the services to be performed hereunder. Consultant shall indemnify and hold the City harmless from any and all taxes, assessments, penalties, and interest asserted against the City by reason of the independent contractor relationship created by this Agreement. Consultant further agrees to indemnify and hold the City harmless from any failure of Consultant to comply with the applicable worker’s compensation laws. The City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant under this Agreement as a result of Consultant’s failure to promptly pay to the City any reimbursement or indemnification arising under this paragraph.

C. In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subconsultant of Consultant providing Services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to be eligible for enrollment in CalPERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for CalPERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subconsultants, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of the City.

D. Notwithstanding any other agency, state or federal policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subconsultants providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by the City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in CalPERS as an employee of the City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for CalPERS benefits.

12. LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Consultant shall keep itself informed of State and Federal laws and regulations which in any manner affect those employed by it or in any way affect the performance of Services pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall at all times observe and comply with all such laws and regulations. The City and its officials, officers, employees, and agents, shall not be liable at law or in equity occasioned by failure of Consultant to comply with this Section.

13. UNDUE INFLUENCE
Consultant declares and warrants that no undue influence or pressure was used against or in concert with any officer or employee of the City in connection with the award, terms or implementation of this Agreement, including any method of coercion, confidential financial arrangement, or financial inducement. No officer or employee of the City has or REV052024 Page 6 of 16 Sagecrest Planning and Environmental will receive compensation, directly or indirectly, from Consultant, or from any officer, employee or agent of Consultant, in connection with this Agreement or any Services to be conducted as a result of this Agreement. Violation of this section shall be a material breach of this Agreement entitling the City to any and all remedies at law or in equity.

14. NO BENEFIT TO ARISE TO CITY EMPLOYEES
No member, officer, or employee of the City, or their designees or agents, and no public official who exercises authority over or responsibilities with respect to the Services during his/her tenure or for one year thereafter, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any Agreement or sub-agreement, or the proceeds thereof, for Services to be performed under this Agreement.

15. RELEASE OF INFORMATION/CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A. All information gained by Consultant in performance of this Agreement shall be considered confidential and shall not be released by Consultant without the City's prior written authorization, unless the information is clearly public. Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, or subconsultants, shall not without written authorization from the City Manager or designee, or unless requested by the City’s attorney, voluntarily provide declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions, response to interrogatories, or other information concerning the Services performed under this Agreement or relating to the City. Response to a subpoena or court order shall not be considered “voluntary” provided Consultant gives the City notice of such court order or subpoena.

B. Consultant shall promptly notify the City should Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, and/or subconsultants be served with any summons, complaint, notice of deposition, request for documents, interrogatories, request for admissions, or other discovery request (“Discovery”), court order, or subpoena from any person or party regarding this Agreement and the Services performed hereunder or with respect to any project or property located within the City, unless the City is a party to any lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding connected to such Discovery, or unless Consultant is prohibited by law from informing the City of such Discovery. The City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant and/or be present at any deposition, hearing, or similar proceeding as allowed by law. Unless the City is a party to the lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding and is adverse to Consultant in such proceeding, Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with the City and to provide the opportunity to review any response to discovery requests provided by Consultant.

However, the City's right to review any such response does not imply or mean the right by the City to control, direct, or rewrite said response, or that the City has an obligation to review any such response or verifies any response it has reviewed.

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16. NOTICES
Any notices which either party may desire to give to the other party under this Agreement must be in writing and may be given either by (i) personal service, (ii) delivery by a reputable document delivery service, such as but not limited to, Federal Express, which provides a receipt showing date and time of delivery, or (iii) mail by the United States Postal Service, certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the address of the party as set forth below or at any other address as that party may later designate by notice:

To the City: City of Santa Fe Springs
11710 E. Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Attention: Community Development Director
To Consultant: Sagecrest Planning and Environmental
27128 Paseo Espada, Suite 1524
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Attention: Amy Vazquez

17. ASSIGNMENT
Consultant shall not assign the performance of this Agreement, nor any part thereof, nor any monies due hereunder, without prior written consent of the City. Before retaining or contracting with any subconsultant for any services under this Agreement, Consultant shall provide the City with the identity of the proposed subconsultant, a copy of the proposed written contract between Consultant and such subconsultant which shall include and indemnity provision similar to the one provided herein and identifying the City as an indemnified party, or an incorporation of the indemnity provision provided herein, and proof that such proposed subconsultant carries insurance at least equal to that required by this Agreement or obtain a written waiver from the City for such insurance.

18. LICENSES
At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall have in full force and effect all licenses required of it by law for the performance of the Services described in this Agreement.

19. GOVERNING LAW
The City and Consultant understand and agree that the laws of the State of California shall govern the rights, obligations, duties, and liabilities of the parties to this Agreement and also govern the interpretation of this Agreement. Any litigation concerning this Agreement shall take place in the municipal, superior, or federal district court with jurisdiction over the City.

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20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties relating to the obligations of the parties described in this Agreement. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, and statements, oral or written and pertaining to the subject of this Agreement or with respect to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect. Each party is entering into this Agreement based solely upon the representations set forth herein and upon each party’s own independent investigation of any and all facts such party deems material.

21. AMENDMENTS
Any amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and executed by the parties hereto, or their respective successors and assigns, in order to be valid.

22. NON-EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT
Consultant acknowledges that the City may enter into agreements with other consultants for services similar to the services that are subject to this Agreement or may have its own employees perform services similar to those services contemplated by this Agreement.

23. ATTORNEYS’ FEES
In the event that litigation is brought by any party in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the opposing party all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by the prevailing party in the exercise of any of its rights or remedies hereunder or the enforcement of any of the terms, conditions, or provisions hereof.

24. CONSTRUCTION
The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises with respect to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and in accordance with its fair meaning. There shall be no presumption or burden of proof favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

25. WAIVER
The delay or failure of any party at any time to require performance or compliance by the other of any of its obligations or agreements shall in no way be deemed a waiver of those rights to require such performance or compliance. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of the party against whom enforcement of a waiver is sought. The waiver of any right or remedy in respect to any occurrence or event shall not be deemed a waiver of any right or remedy in respect to any other occurrence or event, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

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26. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable in any circumstance, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or of the offending provision in any other circumstance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the value of this Agreement, based upon the substantial benefit of the bargain for any party, is materially impaired, which determination made by the presiding court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction shall be binding, then both parties agree to substitute such provision(s) through good faith negotiations.

27. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one agreement.

28. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT
The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties warrant and represents that they have the authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of said parties and has the authority to bind the parties to the provisions of this Agreement.

29. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
The parties acknowledge and agree that execution of this Agreement by electronic signature or electronic transmittal of signatures shall have the same effect as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.
[If Consultant is a corporation, two signatures are required: Signature 1 – the Chairperson of the Board, the President, or any Vice President; Signature 2 – the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, or any Assistant Treasurer (Corp. Code § 313).]

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS CONSULTANT
____________________________ ____________________________ Jay Sarno, Mayor Name: Amy Vazquez
Title: President
Date: ______________________ Date: _______________________ REV052024 Page 10 of 16 Sagecrest Planning and Environmental ATTEST:
_____________________________
Fernando Muñoz, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
Ivy M. Tsai, City Attorney
Attachments: Exhibit A City’s Request for Proposals
Exhibit B Consultant’s Proposal
Exhibit C Insurance Requirements

EXHIBIT A
CITY’S REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Issued: March 12, 2024
Due: April 16, 2024

ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSULTING SERVICES

REQUEST
FOR

QUALIFICATIONS
City of Santa Fe Springs
Planning and Development Department
Attn: Cuong Nguyen, Assistant Director

1 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................2 About the City ...............................................................................................................................................2 Project Description........................................................................................................................................2 Scope of Services ..........................................................................................................................................2 Proposal Format............................................................................................................................................4 Submittal Schedule and Instructions............................................................................................................5 RFQ Inquiries.................................................................................................................................................6 Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process.....................................................................................................7 Professional Services Agreement..................................................................................................................7 Public Records...............................................................................................................................................7 2 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Introduction
The City of Santa Fe Springs Planning Department is seeking statements of qualifications from professional environmental consulting firms in order to contract for on-call environmental consulting services on an as-needed basis. The City plans to retain a limited number of firms for a contract term of three (3) years with up to one additional two-year extension.

All questions or contacts regarding this RFQ must be directed to Cuong Nguyen, Acting Director of Planning & Development, at [email protected].

About the City
Incorporated in 1957, Santa Fe Springs is approximately nine square miles and located in Los Angeles County. Santa Fe Springs is surrounded by the cities of Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada, Whittier and Pico Rivera. It is served by the 5 and 605 Freeways and Telegraph Road is the City’s main thoroughfare. Per the California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit, the City’s 2020 population consists of 18,295 residents and 5,514 housing units.

Santa Fe Springs is a largely built-out community and is mostly zoned for industrial uses.

Currently, there is zoned 3,161 acres industrial, 560 acres residential, 458 acres commercial, 147 acres mixed use, 113 acres public facilities, and 92 acres designated as parks and open space.

The vast majority of the City is designated as a disadvantaged community by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Project Description
The City of Santa Fe Springs intends to select a limited number of qualified firms who will be called upon to provide technical assistance in preparing initial studies and environmental assessments, and peer review of applicants’ environmental documents. All services shall be performed on an as-needed, project-by-project basis pursuant to a request from the City, with no guarantee that any minimum number of services will be requested. The initial contract term under this RFQ shall be three (3) years. Upon mutual agreement of the parties, the contract may be extended for two (2) years up to one (1) time, for a total of five (5) years.

Scope of Services
The selected firms will have the technical expertise and experience to be able to provide the full array of services typically involved in preparation of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, which may include Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies/Negative or Mitigated Negative Declarations, Addenda, and Notices of Exemption. The work will require familiarity with all aspects of the California Environmental Quality Act, relevant regulatory frameworks of responsible federal, state, and local agencies, and with the City of Santa Fe Springs’ General Plan, Municipal Code, and other relevant planning documents. 3 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
In addition to preparation of the CEQA documents themselves, the firm (or their subconsultants) may be asked to prepare supporting studies or technical analyses, or to peer review applicantprovided studies, in a range of areas, including but not limited to aesthetics, noise, air quality, biological and cultural resource evaluation, traffic/transportation, and geotechnical and hydrological analysis. Depending on the project, the City may also request the inclusion of a specific subconsultant(s) for inclusion on the project team.

The following is the general Scope of Work that is expected under the on-call contract. It is anticipated that a detailed scope of work will be developed for each individual project/work order, in consultation with the selected firm. When consultant services are required, staff will submit a request for services to one or more of the on-call firms, including an outline of the proposed project, and expected scope of services. The firm will then provide a proposed scope of work cost estimate and schedule, upon which basis the City will issue a Notice to Proceed/Work Authorization.

Key tasks associated with environmental review may include, but are not limited to:
• Reviewing project application materials, relevant City policy documents and regulations, related environmental documents, and applicant-prepared technical studies. • Providing input and technical advice on the preferred format, scope, and content of the CEQA document.
• Advising on the processing of CEQA documents.
• Attending in-person meetings and/or conference calls with City staff as needed to coordinate preparation of the CEQA document.
• Maintaining project schedules and budgets.
• Conducting environmental scoping, including preparation and mailing of notices, preparation for and attendance at public scoping meetings, and developing summaries of comments received.
• Completion of supporting technical analyses and/or studies, in a manner suitable for incorporation into the environmental document; and/or peer review of studies prepared by project applicant.
• Developing high quality exhibits and graphics for inclusion in the staff reports or CEQA document.
• Preparing required legal notices at the necessary junctures in the CEQA process and coordinating with City staff on posting/distribution and filing of required notices. • Preparing draft and final environmental documents, including:
o Coordinating review with City staff and any relevant outside agencies. o Coordination with City staff to develop project objectives, alternatives, and mitigation measures.
o Preparing written analysis.
o Coordinating public review of draft documents, including attendance at hearings/meetings to receive comments as needed.
o Compiling, annotating, and preparing responses to comments. 4 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
o Document printing and production, including preparation of electronic versions of public review documents for posting on the City website. • Drafting materials associated with CEQA document certification or adoption, such as preparation of any required Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Findings of Fact, and Statements of Overriding Considerations, and attending public hearings for adoption as needed.

Proposal Format
Interested firms are to provide the City of Santa Fe Springs with a thorough statement of qualifications including the following sections:

A. Cover Letter. A cover letter, not to exceed three pages in length, should summarize key elements of the statement of qualifications. An individual authorized to bind the firm must sign the letter. The letter must stipulate that the consultant fees and hourly rates will be valid for a period of at least one year. Indicate the address and telephone number of the firm’s office located nearest to Santa Fe Springs and the office from where the oncall services will be managed.

B. Background and Experience. This section should include a brief statement of your understanding of the City and the scope of services to be provided in addition to addressing the following items:

1. Describe the firm’s background, business expertise/experiences, specialties, and capabilities to perform the Scope of Services outlined above.

2. Provide a description of the firm’s local, state and/or regional experience in preparing or reviewing environmental documents.

3. Describe any characteristics of the firm that would be uniquely relevant in evaluating the experience of the firm’s ability to handle various potential environmental projects.

4. Briefly describe the legal challenges your firm’s environmental documents have been subject to and the success rate that the environmental documents prepared by your firm have held up to legal challenges.

5. Provide a description of the methods, including controls by which your firm manages projects of the type sought by this RFQ, and any other project management or implementation strategies or techniques that your firm intend to employ in carrying out the work.

6. Detailed description of efforts your firm will undertake to achieve client satisfaction and to satisfy the requirements of the Scope of Services, including the ability to be timely and responsive.

C. Staffing. Provide a list of individual(s) who would be assigned to work on projects for the City and indicated the functions that each will perform. Include a resume for each designated individual.

Include a brief description of any subconsultants with whom the firm partners and a description of the services those consultants provide (e.g., air quality, transportation, 5 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
etc.). Provide specific examples of projects completed by the firm and subconsultant as a team.

Provide information regarding your firm’s current staffing, current workload, and ability to perform the Scope of Work.

Upon award of a contract, and during the contract period, if the firm chooses to assign different personnel to a project, the firm must submit their names and qualifications including information listed above to the City for approval before they begin work.

D. Qualifications and References. The information requested in this section should describe the qualifications of the firm, key staff and sub-contractors performing projects within the past five years that are similar in size and scope to demonstrate competence to perform these services. Information shall include:

1. Names of key staff that participated in named projects and their specific responsibilities with respect to this scope of services.

2. A summary of your firm’s demonstrated capability, including the length of time that your firm has provided the services requested in this RFQ.

3. Provide at least five local references that received similar services from your firm.

The City of Santa Fe Springs reserves the right to contact any of the organizations or individuals listed. Information provided shall include:
i. Client Name and contact information
ii. Project Description
iii. Project start and end dates
iv. Client project manager name, telephone number, and e-mail address E. Fee Schedule. Provide a complete time and materials fee schedule for all services provided by the firm, including hourly rates for all proposed staff. Please include all costs that are typically billed separately as direct expenses (e.g., copy or document delivery fees). Please include any information on subconsultants typically used for specific services.

Submittal Schedule and Instructions
This Request for Qualifications will be governed by the following schedule:

Release of RFQ March 12, 2024
Deadline for Submitting Questions March 26, 2024
City Responses to Questions April 2, 2024
Qualification Statements Due April 16, 2024
Interview Dates (if needed) May 6-9, 2024
Qualification Evaluation Completed May 14, 2024
Select Qualified Firms June 2024
6 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Qualifications are due before 5:00 PM on April 16, 2024. This submittal deadline is fixed, and extensions may not be granted. All Qualifications received after the deadline shown will be rejected and will not receive further consideration.

Three (3) hard copies and one (1) electronic file shall be submitted to:

City of Santa Fe Springs
Planning and Development Department
Attn: Cuong Nguyen
11710 Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
[email protected]
Proposals may be sent by mail or hand-delivered. Proposals must be received at City Hall before the submittal deadline.

The City reserves the right to request clarifications on any aspect of a submittal. The City shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by any proposer in relation to the preparation or submittal of Qualifications. Expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses by proposer in preparing a Qualification or related information in response to this RFQ; negotiations with City on any matter related to this RFP; and costs associated with interviews, meetings, travel, or presentations.

Additionally, City shall not be liable for expenses incurred as a result of City’s rejection of any Qualifications made in response to this RFQ.

RFQ Inquiries
All requests for clarifications, changes, exceptions, deviations to the terms and conditions set forth in this RFP should be submitted in writing to: Cuong Nguyen, Acting Director of Planning and Development, [email protected].

The final day for the receipt of questions shall be before 5:00 PM on March 26, 2024 and will be answered and posted by 5:00 PM on April 2, 2024 to
https://www.santafesprings.org/cityhall/planning/econdev/current_rfps.asp.

To ensure fairness and avoid misunderstandings, all communications must be in written format and addressed only to the individual set forth above. Any verbal communications will not be considered or responded to. Written communications should be submitted via email to the address provided above. All questions received by the due date will be logged and reviewed and, if required, a response will be provided via an addendum to the RFQ. Any communications, whether written or verbal, with the Mayor, any City Councilmember, or City staff, other than the individual indicated above (specific to this Request for Proposals), prior to award of a contract, is strictly prohibited and the proposer shall be disqualified from consideration. 7 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process
Although not necessarily exhaustive of the criteria to be utilized, the City intends to use the following evaluation criteria in selecting firm(s):
• Responsiveness to the RFQ: Compliance with RFQ requirements, understanding of the scope, and breadth and depth of response.
• Firm Experience: Demonstrates adequate and relevant experience conducting similar work for other public agencies.
• Project Team and Subconsultants: Has provided all team member resumes with appropriate information, project experience noted, and qualifications noted. • Client Reference Checks: Satisfaction of prior/current clients, professional reputation of the firm, experience working with cities.

After evaluating all statements of qualifications received, discussions with prospective firms may or may not be required. If scheduled, the oral interview will be a question/answer format for the purpose of clarifying the intent of any portions of the RFQ. The individual from your firm that will be directly responsible for carrying out a contract, if awarded, should be present at the oral interview.

Professional Services Agreement
A selected firm will be required to enter into an agreement with the City based on the template attached to this RFQ. Revisions to the agreement provisions will not be accepted.

Public Records
All statements of qualifications submitted in response to this RFQ become the property of the City and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act (Government Code §7920.000 et seq.).

EXHIBIT B
CONSULTANT’S PROPOSAL

ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS

PREPARED BY
Amy Vazquez, President
[email protected]
949.996.SAGE (7243)
www.sagecrestplanning.com
27128 Paseo Espada, Suite 1524, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 City of Santa Fe Springs – On-Call Professional Environmental Consulting Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE...........................................................................................4 SERVICES PROVIDED...........................................................................................................................4 FIRM AND TEAM EXPERIENCE ............................................................................................................5 STAFFING ...................................................................................................................................6 SUBCONSULTANTS.............................................................................................................................8 South Environmental, LLC .......................................................................................................8 Ganddini Group, Inc................................................................................................................9 Partner Engineering................................................................................................................10 PROJECT CONTROLS.........................................................................................................................10 QUALIFICATIONS AND REFERENCES .....................................................................................11 FEE SCHEDULE.........................................................................................................................13 APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................................15 RESUMES .........................................................................................................................................15 2 | Page
April 15, 2024
City of Santa Fe Springs
Planning and Development Department
Attn: Cuong Nguyen
11710 Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90680
SUBJECT: STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR ON-CALL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING

SERVICES
Sagecrest Planning + Environmental (Sagecrest) is pleased to submit this statement of qualifications to the City of Santa Fe Springs (City) for On-Call Professional Environmental Consulting Services. The team at Sagecrest provides professional planning and environmental review services to jurisdictions throughout California.

Sagecrest is a local Southern California-based firm with corporate offices in San Juan Capistrano. Sagecrest specializes in the preparation of environmental documents for private development and public agency projects in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Sagecrest environmental planning team, together with our subconsultant technical experts, perform professional consulting services for the analysis of discretionary projects for private development and public agency-initiated capital improvement projects, plans, and programs. The Sagecrest team has prepared and peer reviewed numerous CEQA documents on behalf of our Lead Agency clients.

Sagecrest is an S-Corporation, in the state of California, solely owned by Amy Vazquez.

Sagecrest would manage projects from our San Juan Capistrano office located at:
27128 Paseo Espada, Suite 1524
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
949.996.SAGE (7243)
As outlined in this proposal, Sagecrest will perform the services and adhere to the requirements described in the RFQ. The consultant fees and hourly rates contained herein shall be valid for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of closing of the RFQ issued by the City. I, Amy Vazquez, President, am authorized to bind Sagecrest in a contract under the terms and conditions prescribed by this proposal. Furthermore, I 3 | Page
hereby certify that Sagecrest complies with all nondiscrimination requirements of the State and Federal Government.

Sagecrest looks forward to your favorable review of our team’s qualifications and scope of work. If you require additional information or would like to further discuss our qualifications, please contact me directly by phone or email at 714.914.5605 or [email protected].

Respectfully,
Amy Vazquez, President
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BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Founded in 2017, the Sagecrest management team has over 80 years of combined experience in a broad range of land use planning, development activities, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. The Sagecrest team is comprised of a diverse group of planners and other professionals with expertise in urban planning and design, environmental planning, public policy, and project management.

Our team is recognized for our collaborative and insightful approach that results in high quality work and proven results.

Sagecrest has served local public agencies on development projects in communities across Southern California in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. The Environmental Services Team also has extensive experience working as municipal agency staff, which gives us insight into the interdisciplinary coordination required to deliver environmental review that other consulting firms may not have. Sagecrest is uniquely positioned to integrate management of the environmental review process with the Applicant, their architect, civil engineer, technical consultants, and City staff. Sagecrest has a strong working relationship with professionals from a wide range of technical disciplines that comprise our subconsultant team.

Sagecrest’s environmental documents have not been subject to legal challenges.

SERVICES PROVIDED
Sagecrest is qualified to prepare CEQA documents, including initial studies, exemptions, negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, environmental impact reports, associated technical studies (i.e. air quality, biology, cultural resources, noise), and all related notices and filings. Our subconsultant team offers industry experts in their respective fields to prepare and peer review technical studies: Ganddini Group (Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Impacts, Health Risk Assessments, Energy, Noise Impact Analysis, and Traffic Impact Analysis), South Environmental (Cultural and Biological Resources), and Partner Engineering (Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments).

Sagecrest provides the following environmental consulting services for our clients:
• Management of Environmental Review as an extension of Lead Agency Staff • Environmental Impact Reports (EIR)
• Initial Studies/ Mitigated Negative Declarations (IS/MND) • Addenda to EIRs and IS/MNDs
• Checklists to support the use of a previously certified EIR or previously approved IS/MND
• Checklists to Support Categorical Exemptions, Class 32 Infill Exemptions, or any Streamlining Exemptions pursuant to 15182-15183.3 of the CEQA Guidelines • Technical Studies in support of EIRs, IS/MNDs, and Exemptions • Health Risk Assessments and Noise Analysis of the surrounding environment’s impact on a proposed project, not otherwise required by CEQA • Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs
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• Public Notices
• Peer Reviews of Environmental Documents from outside agencies and technical studies from applicants
• Provision of expert technical testimony before decision making bodies In providing services to the City, Sagecrest would assist City staff in managing the environmental processing for development projects and City initiated projects, including preparation of environmental documents, attendance at public meetings, regular interface with City staff and other City consultants, and attendance at regularly scheduled coordination meetings as necessary when work is in progress.

The foundational component of successful project management of CEQA documents is a comprehensive scope of work that includes all tasks, roles, and deliverables. For each development project Sagecrest manages, a scope of work would be prepared that includes all tasks, subtasks, and deliverables, which would be paired with a project schedule that would demonstrate interdependent tasks and timelines. Sagecrest keeps an open line of communication between the City, the Applicant, and all technical subconsultants. We proactively manage the interaction with all parties involved so that everyone has the information they need to perform their work. Sagecrest also strives to reduce redundancy and revisions by establishing a stable project description prior to each technical discipline launching their respective studies.

FIRM AND TEAM EXPERIENCE
Lindsay Ortega, AICP, Vice President, would serve as the supervising Project Manager for the City of Santa Fe Springs. Lindsay would review and approve all work products prior to submittal to the City. She would also oversee the subconsultant team through regular communication to ensure deadlines and deliverables are met. Requested oncall CEQA services may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Assist the City in implementing and complying with the provisions of NEPA, CEQA and the local guidelines.
• Analyze, critique and comment on preliminary plan proposals, development applications, proposed land use policies, ordinances, general plan amendments, programs, studies, technical drawings and schematics.
• Prepare accurate, clear, concise, and legally defensible environmental documents in accordance with CEQA, such as initial studies, mitigated/negative declarations, environmental impact reports, addenda to prior environmental documents, subsequent/supplemental EIRs, responses to comments/Final EIRs, mitigation measures, mitigation monitoring and reporting programs, notices and exemptions.
• Complete all tasks associated with preparation of environmental documents including preparation, circulation, and filing/recordation of documents and notices in accordance with CEQA and within specified timelines. • Meet and/or communicate with the City’s staff and the applicant regarding environmental review procedures and environmental issues related to the project.
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• Conduct Site inspections for compliance with CEQA.
• Peer review studies or CEQA documents prepared by others. • Provide advice and technical assistance pertaining to compliance with State and Federal Regulations.

As part of preparing CEQA and NEPA documents, Sagecrest works with a variety of consulting firms that prepare required environmental technical studies (e.g. biological resources, air quality, greenhouse gas, transportation/traffic analysis, cultural and historic resources). Sagecrest would include the subconsultant firm(s) that would prepare the environmental technical studies with each specific proposal for environmental documents.

STAFFING
Resumes for key personnel are included as Appendix A.

AMY VAZQUEZ, PRESIDENT
Amy has been a professional planner since 1999 and is the Owner and President of Sagecrest Planning +
Environmental. She is a practiced planner who has
experience successfully managing large and controversial planning projects for the Cities of Anaheim and San
Clemente. Amy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Environmental Analysis and Design with a minor in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine. Amy would serve as the responsible representative for all contract matters and negotiations through project
completion.

LINDSAY ORTEGA, AICP, VICE PRESIDENT
Lindsay is a certified planner and has worked in the areas of planning, development, marketing, and community
outreach since 2006. Lindsay has extensive project
management experience and leads a team of
experienced project planners responsible for managing and processing a variety of advanced planning projects,
environmental documents, and project entitlements. She
has a degree in Political Science and Public Affairs from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine.
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DAVID BLUMENTHAL, AICP, PRINCIPAL
David has worked as a professional planner since 1998, with experience in cities throughout Orange and Los Angeles
counties. He has managed complex projects including
Specific Plans, Comprehensive Zoning Code updates,
General Plan updates, and ordinance preparation required to comply with State law changes. He is skilled at code analysis and the preparation draft code for a variety of agency needs. David has a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine.

KELLY RIBUFFO, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Kelly has worked in the areas of current planning and
historic preservation since 2011. As a public sector planner in Florida and California, she has extensive experience
processing a variety of complex entitlement and
environmental projects. Kelly also specializes in historic preservation design review for 19th and 20th century historic resources. She has a Master of Science in Historic
Preservation from the University of Oregon. She also meets the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification
Standards in the disciplines of History and Architectural History.

SIMIN ZAKAVAND, AICP, PROJECT MANAGER
Simin has worked in the areas of planning, development, and engineering since 2015. Simin has strong graphic and software skills including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and InDesign that makes her an asset when coordinating with other
technical disciplines on a project team. Simin is adept at analyzing complex technical studies and is a strong
environmental writer. Simin’s technical skills support the Sagecrest Advanced Planning and Environmental teams.

Simin would provide research, review, and editing support to the Consultant Team. She has a Bachelor of Urban
Development Engineering from Imam Khomeini
International University and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine.
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SUBCONSULTANTS
South Environmental, LLC
South Environmental LLC is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), WomanOwned Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) specializing in natural and cultural resources consulting in Southern California. We provide architectural history, archaeology, biology, arboricultural, and paleontological resources consulting services. Our in-house team of specialists provides the full suite of cultural, paleontological, and natural resources compliance services. We help our clients navigate federal, state, and local regulatory and permitting processes, from small-scale private development projects to large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. We provide technical studies and compliance documentation to satisfy the regulatory requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and work closely with federal and state permitting agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).

South Environmental uses the latest technologies and best science available to further the conservation and preservation of natural, cultural, and paleontological resources in California while helping our clients obtain their project goals and objectives. Our firm assists with the planning and implementation of projects dedicated to the preservation and conservation of California’s natural areas and rare species. We offer the following major service categories:

Cultural Resources Services including architectural history and historic built environment resource significance evaluations, historic preservation, stakeholder engagement, historic context statements, intensive-level archaeological surveys and technical reports, and tribal cultural resources services.

Natural Resources Services include preparation of biological resource assessments and impacts analyses, wetland delineations, special-status species surveys, and conservation planning. We also offer arborist services including tree inventories, surveys, risk assessments, and tree permitting services.

Paleontological Resources Services include paleontological resource assessments, surveys, and construction monitoring, as well as fossil salvage, identification, preparation, and curation.

GIS and Data Science Services include database construction and management, mobile data collection, mapping, web applications, and spatial data creation and analysis.
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South Environmental’s team of qualified cultural and biological resources specialists bring extensive experience working in cities throughout southern California providing cultural and biological resources technical reports for projects subject to CEQA.

Ganddini Group, Inc.

Ganddini Group, Inc. is a technical consulting services firm dedicated to helping our clients succeed through a context-sensitive and cost-effective approach to every project. Our team consists of licensed engineers and highly qualified environmental specialists offering expertise in traffic engineering/transportation planning, acoustical engineering and vibration, and air quality/greenhouse gas and energy sciences, with an emphasis in the preparation of technical studies for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation and local development review.

Ganddini Group has serviced over 600 projects since its founding in 2018. Ganddini Group has provided technical services in support of environmental review (either as prime or sub-consultant) for the Cities of Newport Beach, Menifee, Loma Linda, San Juan Capistrano, Downey, Artesia, and Commerce and was recently selected as a sub-consultant for the City of Irvine On-Call Program. Proudly serving California with headquarters in the City of Santa Ana, we strive to continue building on trusted working relationships by applying our professional expertise with integrity and with every effort to make a positive contribution to the projects and communities in which we are involved.

Ganddini Group has the requisite expertise, technical capabilities, and licensing to provide the requested services in a professional and timely manner. Our senior personnel have over 100 years of combined experience supporting a range of projects at various stages of development, from early planning/due diligence through entitlements to operational review.

Our transportation team consists of licensed engineers and experienced transportation planners highly knowledgeable of industry standards such as the Highway Capacity Manual, Caltrans Highway Design Manual, AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD), ITE Trip Generation and Parking Generation Manuals, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Shared Parking method. Our technical knowledge is supplemented with the latest software applications for traffic and parking analysis, such as Vistro, Synchro/SimTraffic, Highway Capacity Software, and the ULI Shared Parking Model.

Our noise and air quality team consists of highly educated environmental analysts with a successful history of preparing a comprehensive range of technical analyses, including acoustical modeling, regulatory review and impact assessment, emissions inventories, greenhouse gas/climate change analysis, air dispersion modeling, and energy consumption. Our staff is proficient in state-of-the-art software programs for noise, air quality, and related analyses, including Sound32, TNM, SoundPLAN, RCNM, FHWA Traffic Noise Prediction Model, CalEEMod, AERMOD, EMFAC, and CALINE. 10 | Page
Partner Engineering
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. is truly an expert in the field of environmental consulting, with extensive experience providing the full scope of environmental consulting services to developers, investors, and lenders nationwide. Throughout the life of a property, environmental issues can arise that require the help of an experienced environmental consultant, from evaluating environmental liability during a property transaction to the remediation and redevelopment of a brownfield site. Partner has the expertise needed to understand, prevent, monitor, and remediate any environmental concerns affecting real estate interests and operations. Our large staff of qualified environmental professionals includes licensed civil and environmental engineers; LEED professionals; Professional Geologists (PG); soil scientists; hydrogeologists; energy specialists; industrial hygienists; and toxicologists. Partner’s professional staff possesses the regulatory knowledge, technical skills, and project management expertise required to identify and minimize environmental risks during real estate transactions and property ownership/operations, and to help our clients select effective solutions to any environmental issues they face.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I ESA) are an integral tool for managing risk during commercial real estate transactions. As the market-leading expert in Phase I ESAs, Partner fully understands how Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Reports are used by the commercial and multi-family real estate industry. With a global footprint, Partner provides Phase I ESA reports throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe for U.S.-based commercial real estate lenders, and those based outside of the U.S. Partner’s environmental reports are trusted and accepted by the most scrutinizing parties including lenders, investors, corporations, attorneys, and other stakeholders. We provide a full suite of solutions because we know that our job isn’t over when we find a problem – it’s when we solve it.

Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. provides Phase II ESAs to test soil, soil gas, and/or groundwater for possible contamination. The purpose of a Phase II Environmental Report is to determine the presence, or absence of, petroleum products or hazardous waste in the subsurface of the site. Our staff of geologists and engineers possess expertise in Phase II Environmental project design. Our Phase II Environmental projects can be done according to the ASTM E1903-11 Standard Guide for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process standard or to meet a client’s specific needs.

PROJECT CONTROLS
The Sagecrest team utilizes a project management application called Asana for task management, deadline tracking, and internal team collaboration. Time is tracked using TSheets software, which synchronizes with Sagecrest invoicing software for seamless project invoicing.

Sagecrest manages documents through a series of folders that correspond to task deliverables for technical studies, Screencheck, Proofcheck, Print Check, and Public 11 | Page
Review versions, as well as all required notices. Sagecrest shares draft documents with the City through a dedicated Dropbox link and tracks changes in Microsoft Word. The Environmental Services team meets twice weekly to track progress on work products and resolve potential issues as they arise.

The Project Manager manages the subconsultant team through regular communication to ensure deadlines and deliverables are met. All work product from the subconsultants is reviewed by the Project Manager or technical editor prior to City submittal.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REFERENCES
The team at Sagecrest includes a collaboration of managing principals and staff who have extensive experience in performing work of a similar nature to that solicited in this request for qualifications. The following is a list of relevant projects completed within the last 5 years.

Lead Agency: Orange County Water District
Contact: Shawn Nevill, Principal Planner
Address: 18700 Ward Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone: 714-378-3256
Email: [email protected]
Projects: Ball Road Basin General Plan Amendment and Zone Change EIR (2012-2019), Santiago Basin Saddle Repair Project IS/MND (2018-2019), Smith Basin IS/MND (2019- 2020)
Lead Agency: City of Lake Elsinore
Contact: Damaris Abraham, Senior Planner
Address: 130 S Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Phone: 951-674-3124 x 913
Email: [email protected]
Projects: Kassab Travel Center IS/MND (2017-2020), Lake Street Storage Facility IS/MND (2019-2020)
Lead Agency: County of San Bernardino
Contact: Steven Valdez, Senior Planner
Address: 385 N. Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA, 92415 Phone: 909-387-4421
Email: [email protected]
Project: Alder Industrial Project IS/MND (April – December 2019) Lead Agency: City of Santa Ana
Contact: Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Address: 20 Civic Center Plaza, M-20, Santa Ana, A 92701 Phone: 714-667-5882
Email: [email protected]
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Project: N Euclid Street Fueling Station and Convenience Store Project (June 2019-April 2020)
Lead Agency: City of Riverside
Contact: Brian Norton, Senior Planner
Address: 3900 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Riverside, CA 92503 Phone: 951-826-2308
Email: [email protected]
Project: Magnolia Flats Appendix N Streamlining Checklist, Marriott AC/Residence Inn Hotel (October 2019-November 2021)
Lead Agency: City of Perris
Contact: Patricia Brenes, Planning Manager
Address: 135 N. D Street, Perris, CA 92570
Phone: 951-943-5003
Email: [email protected]
Project: City of Perris General Plan Housing Element Implementation Mitigated Negative Declaration (August 2023 - Current)
Lead Agency: City of Westminster
Contact: Steve Ratkay, AICP, Planning Manager
Address: 8200 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683
Phone: 714-898-3311
Email: [email protected]
Project: 13930 Monroe Street General Plan and Zone Map Amendments Environmental Impact Report (August 2023 - Current)
The following is a partial list of on-call environmental contracts Sagecrest currently maintains in other jurisdictions in Southern California.

Current On-Call Environmental Services Contracts

TERM LEAD AGENCY CONTACT PROJECT DESCRIPTION
November
2017 -
Current
City of Santa
Ana
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Planning Manager
(714) 667-5882
[email protected]
On-call environmental
services
November
2016 -
Current
City of San
Clemente
Jonathan Lightfoot, Economic
Development Officer
(949) 361-8254
[email protected]
On-call environmental
services
June 2017 -
Current
Orange
County Water
District
Shawn Nevill, Principal Planner
(714) 378-3256
[email protected]
On-call environmental
services
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TERM LEAD AGENCY CONTACT PROJECT DESCRIPTION
August 2019
- Current
City of
Riverside
Matthew Taylor, Principal
Planner
(951) 826-5944
[email protected]
On-call environmental
services
January
2019 –
Current
City of
Huntington
Beach
Jennifer Villasenor, Deputy
Director
(714) 374-1661
[email protected]
On-call environmental
services
March 2018
- Current
City of Lake
Elsinore
Damaris Abraham, Planning
Manager
(951) 674-3124 x 913
[email protected]
On-call environmental
services
May 2021 –
Current
City of
Orange
Anna Pehoushek, AICP,
Assistant Community
Development Director
(714) 744-7228
[email protected]
On-call environmental
services

FEE SCHEDULE
Sagecrest acknowledges that no specific project is included in this scope of work.

Actual project costs will be dependent on the scope of the project. Sagecrest, South Environmental, Ganddini Group, and Partner Engineering will perform consulting services based on the following breakdown of classification of hourly rates for key personnel, including subcontractors, as identified below:

Sagecrest Planning + Environmental

POSITION HOURLY RATE
President $250.00
Vice President $220.00
Principal $210.00
Senior Project Manager $200.00
Project Manager $180.00
Senior Environmental Planner $170.00
Associate Environmental Planner $150.00
Assistant Environmental Planner $130.00
Administrative Support-Technical Editor $90.00
South Environmental

POSITION HOURLY RATE
Principal Biologist $200.00
Senior Biologist $180.00
14 | Page
Biologist $160.00
Biological Field Technician $110.00
Principal Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist $200.00 Senior Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist $170.00 Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist 2 $150.00 Architectural Historian/Archaeologist/Paleontologist 1 $135.00 Archaeological/Paleontological Field Technician $110.00 GIS Specialist $160.00
Ganddini Group

POSITION HOURLY RATE
Principal $200.00
Director/Vice President $185.00
Senior Engineer/Planner $165.00
Engineer/Planner $130.00
Junior Engineer/Planner $95.00
Senior Technician $90.00
Technician $60.00
Administrative Assistant $60.00
Partner Engineering

POSITION HOURLY RATE
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Depends on Project Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Depends on Project Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Peer Review $750.00 Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment Peer Review $1,250.00 Reimbursable Expenses: Expenses incurred will be billed at actual costs plus an hourly rate, if applicable. Reimbursable expenses include, but are not limited to, reprographics, postage, certified mailings, office supplies such as flash drives, and application filing fees. Approval for necessary expenditures shall be requested in advance from the City’s designated Contract Officer.
15 | Page

APPENDIX A

RESUMES
• American Planning
Associate (APA) Member
• Section Director of
Orange Section APA
• 2018 Emerging Planning
and Design Firm
• 2019 Award of Excellence
for Grassroots Initiative
• Adobe Acrobat
• Communication
• Microsoft Office
• Public Speaking

EXPERIENCE
Sagecrest Planning + Environmental
President | February 2017 – Present
• Manages a team of approximately 30 professionals including professional planners, code enforcement officers, building and safety personnel, contractors and other staff who provide services to client cities throughout Southern California. • Preparation and oversight of multiple professional planning contracts throughout Southern California.
• Business development, diversification, client relations and staff recruitment, retention and discipline.
• Maintains successful relationships with current clients and employees/contractors.

City of San Clemente
Principal Planner | March 2017 – June 2018
• Primarily conducted high level current and advance planning projects through project management implementing the goals, objectives, policies and priorities of the City.
• Contract planner responsible for the Marblehead Coastal Specific plan.
• Managed the entitlements for the Outlets at San Clemente and the construction activities of the Sea Summit residential development.

City of Anaheim
Contract Planner| May 2014 – March 2017
• Responsible for project management of expedited entitlements and complex development applications.
• Reviewed and processed general plan amendments,
re-classifications, subdivisions, annexations, conditional use permits and variances.
• Performed field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
• Scheduled and conducted meetings with other city
departments and elected officials.
• Presented reports and other findings to staff, Planning Commission, and City Council.

Lilley Planning Group
Principal | January 2015 – April 2017
• Managed a team of over a dozen planners assigned
throughout Southern California.
• Principal in charge of marketing and networking, client relations and staff retention.

Amy Vazquez
President

CERTIFICATIONS
+ SKILLS
B.A. Environmental
Analysis and
Design | Minor, Urban
and Regional Planning
University of California,
Irvine

EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE CONTINUED
City of Anaheim
Associate Planner | June 2001 – November 2006
• Reviewed and processed complex general plan amendments, zoning code amendments, reclassifications, subdivisions, conditional use permits and variances. • Processed entitlement requests and development agreements for mixed-use projects within the Platinum Triangle that included various planning studies and development applications. • Prepared and reviewed proposal requests for consultant contracts for environmental studies and managed the entire CEQA review process.
• Performed field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans. • Scheduled and conducted meetings with other city departments, applicants and consultants. • Prepared and presented staff reports that included project analysis, project findings, and project recommendations for the City Council and Planning Commission • Practiced excellent customer service at the public zoning counter. • Supervised and mentored several Planning Aides, Assistant Planners and Planning Interns.

City of Huntington Beach
Planning Technician | June 1998 – June 2001
• Provided customer service to residents, business owners and developers at the public counter with new development projects residential, commercial and industrial alterations. • Analyzed, evaluated, and performed technical review of site and architectural plans to verify conformance with appropriate zoning and building regulations. • Conducted records requests for residents, business owner and developers. • American Institute of
Certified Planners (AICP)
• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Photoshop
• Bluebeam
• Microsoft Office
• Geographic Information
Systems (GIS)

EXPERIENCE
Sagecrest Planning + Environmental
Vice President | 2017 – Present
• Manages team of land use and environmental planners.
• Provides technical assistance to contract staff placed in jurisdictions.
• Responsible for marketing and outreach to existing and prospective clients.
• Responds to RFPs and prepares written proposals.

Lilley Planning Group
Consultant Planner| 2016 – 2017
Planning Services: Cities of Anaheim & San Juan Capistrano • Responsible for managing and processing a variety of project entitlement applications for compliance with local, state, and federal regulations..

City of Brea
Planning Specialist | 2016
• Assisted customer at public counter and over the telephone; answered questions; explained procedures, assisted the public in completing forms and applications; received forms and applications; handled complaints and resolved problems.

Core Development Services
Zoning Manager | 2014 – 2016
Responsible for securing all necessary governmental zoning approvals and entitlements for existing and new wireless facility modifications and renewals throughout Southern California, with an average project load of 100 sites from various carriers Community Action Partnership
Planner | 2011 – 2014
• Researched and prepared grant proposals for the
development of programs in high-need areas of Orange
County.

Davies Public Affairs
Project Assistant | 2006-2009
• Assisted with day-to-day implementation of project tasks for large scale land-use and entitlement campaigns.

Lindsay Ortega, AICP
Vice President

CERTIFICATIONS
+ SKILLS
Master of Urban and
Regional Planning
University of California,
Irvine
B.A. Political Science,
Minor Public Affairs
University of California,
Los Angeles

EDUCATION
• American Institute of
Certified Planners (AICP)
• American Planning
Associate (APA) Member
• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Photoshop
• ArcGIS
• Certificate in
Environmental
Compliance
• Communication
• Microsoft Office
• Public Speaking

EXPERIENCE
Sagecrest Planning + Environmental
Principal | 2019 – Present
• Prepares General Plan amendments, Zoning Code
amendments, and specific plans to facilitate site development and ensure compliance with State regulations.
• Manages complex current planning project entitlement on behalf of jurisdictions. This includes analyzing projects for compliance with current code, coordinates interdepartmental review, ensure compliance with CEQA, prepares and presents staff reports to Planning Commission and City Council.

City of Downey
City Planner – Principal Planner – Senior Planner – Building and Safety Supervisor | 2006 – 2019
• Managed Planning Division within Community Development Department. The division has an annual budget of $1.5 million. • Managed complex projects, such as Specific Plans, Zoning Code rewrites, General Plan updates, Site Plan Reviews, Conditional Use Permits, and similar applications.
• Prepared public notices, CEQA documentation, and staff reports.

City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Associate Planner | 2002 – 2006
• Reviewed and processed current planning applications for residential and commercial projects.
• Performed analysis for compliance with city codes and potential view impacts.
• Reviewed projects for compliance with CEQA, prepared and presented staff reports to Planning Commission and City Council.

City of Garden Grove
Associate Planner – Assistant Planner | 1999 – 2002
• Reviewed and processed current planning applications for residential commercial and industrial projects.
• .

City of Fountain Valley
Planning Intern | 1998 – 1999
• Assisted planning, housing, and code enforcement staff with project research, filing and preparation of correspondence.

David Blumenthal, AICP
Principal

CERTIFICATIONS
+ SKILLS
B.A. Environmental
Analysis and Design
University of California,
Irvine

EDUCATION
• Associate of
Environmental
Professional (AEP)
Member
• Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft Office
• Granicus/Legistar
• Superion TrackIt
• Architectural Plan Review
• Archeological and
Environmental Technical
Review

EXPERIENCE
Sagecrest Planning + Environmental
Senior Project Manager | 2022 – Present
• Provides staff support services to the cities of Avalon and Newport Beach, including review of entitlement applications and long-range planning services.
• Prepares California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
documents for private and public sector clients, including Initial Studies, Mitigation Negative Declarations (MNDs), and
Appendix N and Class 32 streamlining checklists.
• Manages preparation of technical studies to support CEQA review, including Air Quality, Biological, Cultural, Geotechnical, Greenhouse Gas, Historic, Hydrology, Noise, Phase I/II, Traffic, and WQMP.
• Coordinates with clients, City staff, subconsultant teams to facilitate processing of complex development projects.
• Provides peer review of CEQA documents and associated technical studies.
• Manages complex entitlement applications for private sector clients.

City of Orange
Associate Planner, Historic Preservation | 2014 – 2022
• Reviewed development applications throughout the city, including multifamily residential, commercial infill, conditional use permits, variances, zone changes, site plan reviews, and administrative design reviews.
• Provided specialized design review of historically designated properties for compliance with the City’s historic preservation design standards, with properties ranging from the late 19th to mid-20th century period.
• Coordinated development project review with other City departments through the internal staff review committee. • Prepared staff reports, including recommendations and resolutions/ordinances, for presentation before the Design Review Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council. • Reviewed historic, archaeological, and environmental
technical reports and performed cultural resources survey work as needed.
• Designated staff planner responsible for processing all development applications related to Chapman University, located within the Old Towne National Historic District. • Administered the City’s Mills Act Tax Exemption program for qualified historic properties.

Kelly Ribuffo
Senior Project Manager

CERTIFICATIONS
+ SKILLS
M.S. Historic
Preservation
University of Oregon
B.A. Anthropology
B.A. Asian Studies
University of Florida

EDUCATION
• American Institute of
Certified Planners (AICP)
• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• AutoCAD
• SketchUp
• GIS
• Microsoft Office
• MURP Impact Award, UC
Irvine
• Academic Excellence
Award, International
University of Qazvin
• Persian - fluent

EXPERIENCE
Sagecrest Planning + Environmental
Project Manager – Assistant Planner | 2021 – Present
• Manage complex development projects through the City’s entitlement process, including the coordination of multiple technical consultants, assembling land use applications, and organizing changes as requested.
• Prepares California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents for private and public sector clients, including Mitigation Negative Declarations (MNDs) and Class 32 streamlining
checklists.
• Provides staff support services to the city of Downey, including review of entitlement applications.
• Prepared ADU Design Guidelines for City of Monrovia.

Team Fishel Company
Engineering Supervisor – Designer/AutoCAD Drafter | 2016 – 2021 • Maintained contact with clients and prepared multiple reports for them and office staff.
• Fielded and surveyed job sites to collect data for the engineering drawings.
• Designed construction plans and underground conduit for fiber optic cable using AutoCAD.
• Designed inside and outside plant for telecom industry in public right-of-way and private property.
• Prepared construction and permit packages for encroachment permits, Traffic Control and specialty permits (e.g., UPRR, Caltrans, etc.), to the various city, county, state, and local municipalities.

UCI Capstone Project – Client: PlaceWorks
Researcher | 2019 – 2020
• Project addressed the question of how planning and design influence walkability in suburbs.

City of Mohammadiyeh, Qazvin, Iran
City Planning Intern | 2013 – 2014
• Updated current AutoCAD maps of the City.
• Assisted with fielding and collecting data for GIS database. • Prepared codes, digits, and geographic features into the GIS database.
• Prepared and exported required maps for a comprehensive plan of Mohammadiyeh.

Simin Zakavand, AICP
Project Manager

CERTIFICATIONS
+ SKILLS
B.S. Urban Development
Engineering
International University of
Qazvin, Iran
Master of Urban and
Regional Planning
University of California,
Irvine

EDUCATION

EXHIBIT C

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Without limiting Consultant’s indemnification of the City, and prior to commencement of Services, Consultant shall obtain, provide, and maintain at its own expense during the term of this Agreement, policies of insurance of the type and amounts described below and in a form satisfactory to the City. If Consultant maintains higher limits than the minimum limits shown below, the City requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the Consultant. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the City.

General liability insurance. Consultant shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00 01, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. The policy must include contractual liability that has not been amended. Any endorsement restricting standard ISO “insured contract” language will not be accepted.

Automobile liability insurance. Consultant shall maintain automobile insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 00 01 covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with Services to be performed under this Agreement, including coverage for any owned, hired, non-owned or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for each accident.

Professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance. Consultant shall maintain professional liability insurance that covers the Services to be performed in connection with this Agreement, in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per claim and in the aggregate. Any policy inception date, continuity date, or retroactive date must be before the effective date of this Agreement and Consultant agrees to maintain continuous coverage through a period no less than three (3) years after completion of the services required by this Agreement.

Workers’ compensation insurance. Consultant shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Statutory Limits) and Employer’s Liability Insurance (with limits of at least $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease).

Consultant shall submit to the City, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement in favor of the City, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers.

Other provisions or requirements
Proof of insurance. Consultant shall provide certificates of insurance to the City as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein, along with a waiver of subrogation endorsement for workers’ compensation. Insurance certificates and endorsements must be approved by the City’s Risk Manager prior to commencement of performance. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with the City at all times during the term of this Agreement. The City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies at any time.

Duration of coverage. Consultant shall procure and maintain for the duration of the Agreement insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Services hereunder by Consultant, or Consultant’s agents, representatives, employees or subconsultants.

Primary/noncontributing. Coverage provided by Consultant shall be primary and any insurance or self-insurance procured or maintained by the City shall not be required to contribute with it. The limits of insurance required herein may be satisfied by a combination of primary and umbrella or excess insurance. Any umbrella or excess insurance shall contain or be endorsed to contain a provision that such coverage shall also apply on a primary and non-contributory basis for the benefit of the City before the City’s own insurance or self-insurance shall be called upon to protect it as a named insured.

The City’s rights of enforcement. In the event any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, the City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by the City will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or the City will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, the City may immediately terminate this Agreement.

Acceptable insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to transact business of insurance or is on the List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders’ Rating of A- (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VI (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the City’s Risk Manager.

Waiver of subrogation. All insurance coverage maintained or procured pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed to waive subrogation against the City, its elected or appointed officers, agents, officials, employees and volunteers or shall specifically allow Consultant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Consultant hereby waives its own right of recovery against the City, and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants.

Enforcement of Agreement provisions (non estoppel). Consultant acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to inform Consultant of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligations on the City nor does it waive any rights hereunder.

Requirements not limiting. Requirements of specific coverage features or limits contained in this Agreement are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits or other requirements, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. Specific reference to a given coverage feature is for purposes of clarification only as it pertains to a given issue and is not intended by any party or insured to be all inclusive, or to the exclusion of other coverage, or a waiver of any type.

Notice of cancellation. Consultant agrees to oblige its insurance agent or broker and insurers to provide to the City with a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (except for nonpayment for which a ten (10) day notice is required) or nonrenewal of coverage for each required coverage.

Additional insured status. General liability policies shall provide or be endorsed to provide that the City and its officers, officials, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds under such policies. This provision shall also apply to any excess/umbrella liability policies.

Prohibition of undisclosed coverage limitations. None of the coverages required herein will be in compliance with these requirements if they include any limiting endorsement of any kind that has not been first submitted to the City and approved of in writing.

Separation of insureds. A severability of interests provision must apply for all additional insureds ensuring that Consultant’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the insurer’s limits of liability. The policy(ies) shall not contain any cross-liability exclusions.

Pass through clause. Consultant agrees to ensure that its subconsultants, subcontractors, and any other party involved with the Services who is brought onto or involved in the Services by Consultant, provide the same minimum insurance coverage and endorsements required of Consultant. Consultant agrees to monitor and review all such coverage and assumes all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in conformity with the requirements of this section. Consultant agrees that upon request, all agreements with consultants, subconsultants, and others engaged in the Services will be submitted to the City for review.

The City’s right to revise specifications. The City reserves the right at any time during the term of the Agreement to change the amounts and types of insurance required by giving Consultant ninety (90) days advance written notice of such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to Consultant, City and Consultant may renegotiate Consultant’s compensation or come to some other agreement to address the additional cost.

Self-insured retentions. Any self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the City. The City reserves the right to require that self-insured retentions be eliminated, lowered, or replaced by a deductible. Self-insurance will not be considered to comply with these specifications unless approved by the City.

Timely notice of claims. Consultant shall give the City prompt and timely notice of claims made or suits instituted that arise out of or result from Consultant’s performance under this Agreement, and that involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability policies.

Additional insurance. Consultant shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary for its proper protection and prosecution of the Services.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT – MEETING OF AUGUST 22, 2024 On-Call Professional Environmental Consulting Services – Award of Contract

Attachment E: Professional Services Agreement for T&B Planning REV052024 Page 1 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH
T&B PLANNING, INC.

This Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is made and effective as of August 20, 2024 (“Effective Date”), by and between the City of Santa Fe Springs, a California municipal corporation, (“City”) and T&B Planning, Inc., a California corporation (“Consultant”). In consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. TERM
This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain and continue in effect for a term of three years, unless sooner terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. The term of this Agreement may be renewed for one (1) additional twoyear period upon mutual written agreement by both parties.

2. SERVICES
Consultant shall perform the services described and set forth in the City’s Request for Proposals, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and Consultant’s Proposal, attached hereto as Exhibit B, both incorporated herein as though set forth in full (“Services”) in accordance with Task Orders agreed to by both parties. To the extent that Exhibit B contains provisions inconsistent with this Agreement and/or Exhibit A, the provisions of this Agreement and Exhibit A shall govern. The Task Orders shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

3. PERFORMANCE
Consultant shall at all times faithfully, competently and to the best of Consultant’s ability, experience, and talent, perform all tasks described herein. Consultant shall employ, at a minimum, generally accepted standards and practices utilized by persons engaged in providing similar services as are required of Consultant under this Agreement.

4. CITY MANAGEMENT
The Community Development Director or designee shall represent the City in all matters pertaining to the administration of this Agreement, including review and approval of all products submitted by Consultant.

5. PAYMENT
A. City agrees to pay Consultant in accordance with the payment rates and terms as set forth in Exhibit B based upon the performance of the task orders.

REV052024 Page 2 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

B. Consultant shall not be compensated for any services rendered in connection with its performance of this Agreement which are in addition to those set forth herein, unless such additional services are authorized in advance and in writing by the Community Development Director or designee. Consultant shall be compensated for any additional services in the amounts and in the manner as agreed to in writing by the City and Consultant at the time the City’s written authorization is given to Consultant for the performance of said services.

C. Consultant will submit invoices for actual Services performed. Consultant agrees to participate in the City’s Electronic Funds Transfer program and to receive electronic payments for the Services. Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of each invoice as to all non-disputed fees. If the City disputes any of Consultant's Services or fees, it shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth on the invoice. Any final payment under this Agreement shall be made within forty-five (45) days of receipt of an invoice therefor.

6. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT WITHOUT CAUSE
A. The City may at any time, for any reason, without cause, suspend or terminate this Agreement, or any portion hereof, by serving upon Consultant at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice. Upon receipt of said notice, Consultant shall immediately cease all Services under this Agreement, unless the notice provides otherwise. If the City suspends or terminates a portion of this Agreement, such suspension or termination shall not make void or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement.

B. In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this section, the City shall pay to Consultant the actual value of the Services performed up to the time of termination, unless the City disputes any of the Services performed or fees. Upon termination of the Agreement pursuant to this section, Consultant will submit an invoice to the City pursuant to Section 5.

7. DEFAULT OF CONSULTANT
If the City determines that Consultant is in default in the performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement, the City shall serve Consultant a written notice of the default. Consultant shall have seven (7) days after service of said notice to cure the default. In the event that Consultant fails to cure the default within such period of time or fails to present the City with a written plan for the diligent cure of default if such default cannot be cured within seven days, the City shall have the right, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to terminate this Agreement without further notice and without prejudice to any other remedy to which it may be entitled at law, in equity or under this Agreement. Consultant shall be responsible for costs incurred by the City due to Consultant’s failure to comply with this section. The City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant any costs incurred by the City as a result of Consultant’s default.

REV052024 Page 3 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

8. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS
A. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to tasks, costs, expenses, receipts, and other such information required by the City that relate to the performance of Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain adequate records of Services provided in sufficient detail to permit an evaluation of Services. All such records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be clearly identified and readily accessible. Consultant shall provide free access to the representatives of the City or its designees at reasonable times to such books and records; shall give the City the right to examine and audit said books and records; shall permit the City to make transcripts or copies therefrom as necessary; and shall allow inspection of all Services, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to this Agreement. Such records, together with supporting documents, shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years after receipt of final payment.

B. Upon completion of, or in the event of termination or suspension of this Agreement, all original documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared in the course of providing the Services shall become the sole property of the City and may be used, reused, or otherwise disposed of by the City without the permission of Consultant. With respect to computer files, Consultant shall make available to the City, at the Consultant's office and upon reasonable written request by the City, the necessary computer software and hardware for purposes of accessing, compiling, transferring, copying and/or printing computer files. Consultant hereby grants to the City all right, title, and interest, including any copyright, in and to the documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared by Consultant in the course of providing the Services under this Agreement.

9. INDEMNIFICATION AND DEFENSE
A. Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and any and all of its officials, employees, agents, and/or volunteers (“Indemnified Parties”), from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with the performance of Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants (or any agency or individual that Consultant shall bear the legal liability thereof) under this Agreement, including all acts or omissions, willful misconduct, or negligent conduct, whether active or passive, on the part of Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants. Consultant’s duty to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties shall not extend to the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Parties.

B. Duty to Defend. In the event the Indemnified Parties, individually or collectively, are made a party to any claim, action, lawsuit, or other adversarial proceeding REV052024 Page 4 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.
arising or alleged to arise out of or is in any way connected with the performance of Consultant’s services under this Agreement, and upon demand by the City, Consultant shall immediately defend the Indemnified Parties at Consultant’s cost or at the City’s option to reimburse the City for its costs of defense, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the defense of such matters, regardless of whether or not Consultant, its officers, agents, employees, and/or subconsultants are specifically named or otherwise asserted to be liable, and regardless of whether or not there is any evidence of finding of fault or wrongdoing by Consultant, its officers, agents, employees and/or subconsultants. Payment by the City is not a condition precedent to enforcement of this provision.

C. In the event of any dispute between Consultant and the City as to whether liability arises from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City or its officials, employees, agents, and/or volunteers, Consultant will be obligated to pay for the City’s defense until such time as a final judgment has been entered adjudicating the Indemnified Parties as solely negligent or to have acted with willful misconduct.

Consultant will not be entitled in the absence of such a determination to any reimbursement of defense costs, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, expert fees, and costs of litigation.

10. INSURANCE
Consultant shall maintain prior to the beginning of and for the duration of this Agreement insurance coverage as specified in Exhibit C attached hereto and made a part of this Agreement.

11. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
A. Consultant is and shall at all times remain as to the City a wholly independent consultant and/or independent contractor. The personnel performing the services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Neither the City nor any of its officers, employees, or agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement.

Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that Consultant or any of Consultant’s officers, employees, or agents are in any manner officers, employees, or agents of the City. Consultant shall not incur or have the power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability whatever against the City, or bind the City in any manner.

B. No employee benefits shall be available to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Except for the fees paid to Consultant as provided in the Agreement, the City shall not pay salaries, wages, or other compensation to Consultant for performing services hereunder for the City. The City shall not be liable for compensation or indemnification to Consultant for injury or sickness arising out of performing services hereunder. Consultant shall secure, at its sole expense, and be responsible for any and all payment of Income Tax, Social REV052024 Page 5 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

Security, State Disability Insurance Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and other payroll deductions for Consultant and its officers, agents, and employees, and all business licenses, if any are required, in connection with the services to be performed hereunder. Consultant shall indemnify and hold the City harmless from any and all taxes, assessments, penalties, and interest asserted against the City by reason of the independent contractor relationship created by this Agreement. Consultant further agrees to indemnify and hold the City harmless from any failure of Consultant to comply with the applicable worker’s compensation laws. The City shall have the right to offset against the amount of any fees due to Consultant under this Agreement as a result of Consultant’s failure to promptly pay to the City any reimbursement or indemnification arising under this paragraph.

C. In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subconsultant of Consultant providing Services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to be eligible for enrollment in CalPERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for CalPERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subconsultants, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of the City.

D. Notwithstanding any other agency, state or federal policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subconsultants providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by the City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in CalPERS as an employee of the City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for CalPERS benefits.

12. LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Consultant shall keep itself informed of State and Federal laws and regulations which in any manner affect those employed by it or in any way affect the performance of Services pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall at all times observe and comply with all such laws and regulations. The City and its officials, officers, employees, and agents, shall not be liable at law or in equity occasioned by failure of Consultant to comply with this Section.

13. UNDUE INFLUENCE
Consultant declares and warrants that no undue influence or pressure was used against or in concert with any officer or employee of the City in connection with the award, terms or implementation of this Agreement, including any method of coercion, confidential financial arrangement, or financial inducement. No officer or employee of the City has or REV052024 Page 6 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.
will receive compensation, directly or indirectly, from Consultant, or from any officer, employee or agent of Consultant, in connection with this Agreement or any Services to be conducted as a result of this Agreement. Violation of this section shall be a material breach of this Agreement entitling the City to any and all remedies at law or in equity.

14. NO BENEFIT TO ARISE TO CITY EMPLOYEES
No member, officer, or employee of the City, or their designees or agents, and no public official who exercises authority over or responsibilities with respect to the Services during his/her tenure or for one year thereafter, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any Agreement or sub-agreement, or the proceeds thereof, for Services to be performed under this Agreement.

15. RELEASE OF INFORMATION/CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A. All information gained by Consultant in performance of this Agreement shall be considered confidential and shall not be released by Consultant without the City's prior written authorization, unless the information is clearly public. Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, or subconsultants, shall not without written authorization from the City Manager or designee, or unless requested by the City’s attorney, voluntarily provide declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions, response to interrogatories, or other information concerning the Services performed under this Agreement or relating to the City. Response to a subpoena or court order shall not be considered “voluntary” provided Consultant gives the City notice of such court order or subpoena.

B. Consultant shall promptly notify the City should Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, and/or subconsultants be served with any summons, complaint, notice of deposition, request for documents, interrogatories, request for admissions, or other discovery request (“Discovery”), court order, or subpoena from any person or party regarding this Agreement and the Services performed hereunder or with respect to any project or property located within the City, unless the City is a party to any lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding connected to such Discovery, or unless Consultant is prohibited by law from informing the City of such Discovery. The City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant and/or be present at any deposition, hearing, or similar proceeding as allowed by law. Unless the City is a party to the lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding and is adverse to Consultant in such proceeding, Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with the City and to provide the opportunity to review any response to discovery requests provided by Consultant.

However, the City's right to review any such response does not imply or mean the right by the City to control, direct, or rewrite said response, or that the City has an obligation to review any such response or verifies any response it has reviewed.

REV052024 Page 7 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

16. NOTICES
Any notices which either party may desire to give to the other party under this Agreement must be in writing and may be given either by (i) personal service, (ii) delivery by a reputable document delivery service, such as but not limited to, Federal Express, which provides a receipt showing date and time of delivery, or (iii) mail by the United States Postal Service, certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the address of the party as set forth below or at any other address as that party may later designate by notice:

To the City: City of Santa Fe Springs
11710 E. Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Attention: Community Development Director
To Consultant: T&B Planning, Inc.
3200 El Camino Real, Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92602
Attention: Tracy Zinn

17. ASSIGNMENT
Consultant shall not assign the performance of this Agreement, nor any part thereof, nor any monies due hereunder, without prior written consent of the City. Before retaining or contracting with any subconsultant for any services under this Agreement, Consultant shall provide the City with the identity of the proposed subconsultant, a copy of the proposed written contract between Consultant and such subconsultant which shall include and indemnity provision similar to the one provided herein and identifying the City as an indemnified party, or an incorporation of the indemnity provision provided herein, and proof that such proposed subconsultant carries insurance at least equal to that required by this Agreement or obtain a written waiver from the City for such insurance.

18. LICENSES
At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall have in full force and effect all licenses required of it by law for the performance of the Services described in this Agreement.

19. GOVERNING LAW
The City and Consultant understand and agree that the laws of the State of California shall govern the rights, obligations, duties, and liabilities of the parties to this Agreement and also govern the interpretation of this Agreement. Any litigation concerning this Agreement shall take place in the municipal, superior, or federal district court with jurisdiction over the City.

REV052024 Page 8 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties relating to the obligations of the parties described in this Agreement. All prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, and statements, oral or written and pertaining to the subject of this Agreement or with respect to the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be of no further force or effect. Each party is entering into this Agreement based solely upon the representations set forth herein and upon each party’s own independent investigation of any and all facts such party deems material.

21. AMENDMENTS
Any amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and executed by the parties hereto, or their respective successors and assigns, in order to be valid.

22. NON-EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT
Consultant acknowledges that the City may enter into agreements with other consultants for services similar to the services that are subject to this Agreement or may have its own employees perform services similar to those services contemplated by this Agreement.

23. ATTORNEYS’ FEES
In the event that litigation is brought by any party in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the opposing party all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by the prevailing party in the exercise of any of its rights or remedies hereunder or the enforcement of any of the terms, conditions, or provisions hereof.

24. CONSTRUCTION
The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises with respect to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and in accordance with its fair meaning. There shall be no presumption or burden of proof favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

25. WAIVER
The delay or failure of any party at any time to require performance or compliance by the other of any of its obligations or agreements shall in no way be deemed a waiver of those rights to require such performance or compliance. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized representative of the party against whom enforcement of a waiver is sought. The waiver of any right or remedy in respect to any occurrence or event shall not be deemed a waiver of any right or remedy in respect to any other occurrence or event, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

REV052024 Page 9 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

26. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable in any circumstance, such determination shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or of the offending provision in any other circumstance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the value of this Agreement, based upon the substantial benefit of the bargain for any party, is materially impaired, which determination made by the presiding court or arbitrator of competent jurisdiction shall be binding, then both parties agree to substitute such provision(s) through good faith negotiations.

27. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. All counterparts shall be construed together and shall constitute one agreement.

28. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT
The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties warrant and represents that they have the authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of said parties and has the authority to bind the parties to the provisions of this Agreement.

29. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
The parties acknowledge and agree that execution of this Agreement by electronic signature or electronic transmittal of signatures shall have the same effect as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.
[If Consultant is a corporation, two signatures are required: Signature 1 – the Chairperson of the Board, the President, or any Vice President; Signature 2 – the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, or any Assistant Treasurer (Corp. Code § 313).]

CITY OF SANTA FE SPRINGS CONSULTANT
____________________________ ____________________________ Jay Sarno, Mayor Name: Nicole Morse
Title: Principal/Vice President
Date: ______________________ Date: _______________________ REV052024 Page 10 of 16 T&B Planning, Inc.

ATTEST: CONSULTANT
_____________________________ ____________________________ Fernando Muñoz, Deputy City Clerk Name: Nicole Morse, Secretary/ Vice President
Date: _______________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
Ivy M. Tsai, City Attorney
Attachments: Exhibit A City’s Request for Proposals
Exhibit B Consultant’s Proposal
Exhibit C Insurance Requirements

EXHIBIT A
CITY’S REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Issued: March 12, 2024
Due: April 16, 2024

ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSULTING SERVICES

REQUEST
FOR

QUALIFICATIONS
City of Santa Fe Springs
Planning and Development Department
Attn: Cuong Nguyen, Assistant Director

1 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................2 About the City ...............................................................................................................................................2 Project Description........................................................................................................................................2 Scope of Services ..........................................................................................................................................2 Proposal Format............................................................................................................................................4 Submittal Schedule and Instructions............................................................................................................5 RFQ Inquiries.................................................................................................................................................6 Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process.....................................................................................................7 Professional Services Agreement..................................................................................................................7 Public Records...............................................................................................................................................7 2 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Introduction
The City of Santa Fe Springs Planning Department is seeking statements of qualifications from professional environmental consulting firms in order to contract for on-call environmental consulting services on an as-needed basis. The City plans to retain a limited number of firms for a contract term of three (3) years with up to one additional two-year extension.

All questions or contacts regarding this RFQ must be directed to Cuong Nguyen, Acting Director of Planning & Development, at [email protected].

About the City
Incorporated in 1957, Santa Fe Springs is approximately nine square miles and located in Los Angeles County. Santa Fe Springs is surrounded by the cities of Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada, Whittier and Pico Rivera. It is served by the 5 and 605 Freeways and Telegraph Road is the City’s main thoroughfare. Per the California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit, the City’s 2020 population consists of 18,295 residents and 5,514 housing units.

Santa Fe Springs is a largely built-out community and is mostly zoned for industrial uses.

Currently, there is zoned 3,161 acres industrial, 560 acres residential, 458 acres commercial, 147 acres mixed use, 113 acres public facilities, and 92 acres designated as parks and open space.

The vast majority of the City is designated as a disadvantaged community by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Project Description
The City of Santa Fe Springs intends to select a limited number of qualified firms who will be called upon to provide technical assistance in preparing initial studies and environmental assessments, and peer review of applicants’ environmental documents. All services shall be performed on an as-needed, project-by-project basis pursuant to a request from the City, with no guarantee that any minimum number of services will be requested. The initial contract term under this RFQ shall be three (3) years. Upon mutual agreement of the parties, the contract may be extended for two (2) years up to one (1) time, for a total of five (5) years.

Scope of Services
The selected firms will have the technical expertise and experience to be able to provide the full array of services typically involved in preparation of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, which may include Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies/Negative or Mitigated Negative Declarations, Addenda, and Notices of Exemption. The work will require familiarity with all aspects of the California Environmental Quality Act, relevant regulatory frameworks of responsible federal, state, and local agencies, and with the City of Santa Fe Springs’ General Plan, Municipal Code, and other relevant planning documents. 3 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
In addition to preparation of the CEQA documents themselves, the firm (or their subconsultants) may be asked to prepare supporting studies or technical analyses, or to peer review applicantprovided studies, in a range of areas, including but not limited to aesthetics, noise, air quality, biological and cultural resource evaluation, traffic/transportation, and geotechnical and hydrological analysis. Depending on the project, the City may also request the inclusion of a specific subconsultant(s) for inclusion on the project team.

The following is the general Scope of Work that is expected under the on-call contract. It is anticipated that a detailed scope of work will be developed for each individual project/work order, in consultation with the selected firm. When consultant services are required, staff will submit a request for services to one or more of the on-call firms, including an outline of the proposed project, and expected scope of services. The firm will then provide a proposed scope of work cost estimate and schedule, upon which basis the City will issue a Notice to Proceed/Work Authorization.

Key tasks associated with environmental review may include, but are not limited to:
• Reviewing project application materials, relevant City policy documents and regulations, related environmental documents, and applicant-prepared technical studies. • Providing input and technical advice on the preferred format, scope, and content of the CEQA document.
• Advising on the processing of CEQA documents.
• Attending in-person meetings and/or conference calls with City staff as needed to coordinate preparation of the CEQA document.
• Maintaining project schedules and budgets.
• Conducting environmental scoping, including preparation and mailing of notices, preparation for and attendance at public scoping meetings, and developing summaries of comments received.
• Completion of supporting technical analyses and/or studies, in a manner suitable for incorporation into the environmental document; and/or peer review of studies prepared by project applicant.
• Developing high quality exhibits and graphics for inclusion in the staff reports or CEQA document.
• Preparing required legal notices at the necessary junctures in the CEQA process and coordinating with City staff on posting/distribution and filing of required notices. • Preparing draft and final environmental documents, including:
o Coordinating review with City staff and any relevant outside agencies. o Coordination with City staff to develop project objectives, alternatives, and mitigation measures.
o Preparing written analysis.
o Coordinating public review of draft documents, including attendance at hearings/meetings to receive comments as needed.
o Compiling, annotating, and preparing responses to comments. 4 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
o Document printing and production, including preparation of electronic versions of public review documents for posting on the City website. • Drafting materials associated with CEQA document certification or adoption, such as preparation of any required Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Findings of Fact, and Statements of Overriding Considerations, and attending public hearings for adoption as needed.

Proposal Format
Interested firms are to provide the City of Santa Fe Springs with a thorough statement of qualifications including the following sections:

A. Cover Letter. A cover letter, not to exceed three pages in length, should summarize key elements of the statement of qualifications. An individual authorized to bind the firm must sign the letter. The letter must stipulate that the consultant fees and hourly rates will be valid for a period of at least one year. Indicate the address and telephone number of the firm’s office located nearest to Santa Fe Springs and the office from where the oncall services will be managed.

B. Background and Experience. This section should include a brief statement of your understanding of the City and the scope of services to be provided in addition to addressing the following items:

1. Describe the firm’s background, business expertise/experiences, specialties, and capabilities to perform the Scope of Services outlined above.

2. Provide a description of the firm’s local, state and/or regional experience in preparing or reviewing environmental documents.

3. Describe any characteristics of the firm that would be uniquely relevant in evaluating the experience of the firm’s ability to handle various potential environmental projects.

4. Briefly describe the legal challenges your firm’s environmental documents have been subject to and the success rate that the environmental documents prepared by your firm have held up to legal challenges.

5. Provide a description of the methods, including controls by which your firm manages projects of the type sought by this RFQ, and any other project management or implementation strategies or techniques that your firm intend to employ in carrying out the work.

6. Detailed description of efforts your firm will undertake to achieve client satisfaction and to satisfy the requirements of the Scope of Services, including the ability to be timely and responsive.

C. Staffing. Provide a list of individual(s) who would be assigned to work on projects for the City and indicated the functions that each will perform. Include a resume for each designated individual.

Include a brief description of any subconsultants with whom the firm partners and a description of the services those consultants provide (e.g., air quality, transportation, 5 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
etc.). Provide specific examples of projects completed by the firm and subconsultant as a team.

Provide information regarding your firm’s current staffing, current workload, and ability to perform the Scope of Work.

Upon award of a contract, and during the contract period, if the firm chooses to assign different personnel to a project, the firm must submit their names and qualifications including information listed above to the City for approval before they begin work.

D. Qualifications and References. The information requested in this section should describe the qualifications of the firm, key staff and sub-contractors performing projects within the past five years that are similar in size and scope to demonstrate competence to perform these services. Information shall include:

1. Names of key staff that participated in named projects and their specific responsibilities with respect to this scope of services.

2. A summary of your firm’s demonstrated capability, including the length of time that your firm has provided the services requested in this RFQ.

3. Provide at least five local references that received similar services from your firm.

The City of Santa Fe Springs reserves the right to contact any of the organizations or individuals listed. Information provided shall include:
i. Client Name and contact information
ii. Project Description
iii. Project start and end dates
iv. Client project manager name, telephone number, and e-mail address E. Fee Schedule. Provide a complete time and materials fee schedule for all services provided by the firm, including hourly rates for all proposed staff. Please include all costs that are typically billed separately as direct expenses (e.g., copy or document delivery fees). Please include any information on subconsultants typically used for specific services.

Submittal Schedule and Instructions
This Request for Qualifications will be governed by the following schedule:

Release of RFQ March 12, 2024
Deadline for Submitting Questions March 26, 2024
City Responses to Questions April 2, 2024
Qualification Statements Due April 16, 2024
Interview Dates (if needed) May 6-9, 2024
Qualification Evaluation Completed May 14, 2024
Select Qualified Firms June 2024
6 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Qualifications are due before 5:00 PM on April 16, 2024. This submittal deadline is fixed, and extensions may not be granted. All Qualifications received after the deadline shown will be rejected and will not receive further consideration.

Three (3) hard copies and one (1) electronic file shall be submitted to:

City of Santa Fe Springs
Planning and Development Department
Attn: Cuong Nguyen
11710 Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
[email protected]
Proposals may be sent by mail or hand-delivered. Proposals must be received at City Hall before the submittal deadline.

The City reserves the right to request clarifications on any aspect of a submittal. The City shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by any proposer in relation to the preparation or submittal of Qualifications. Expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses by proposer in preparing a Qualification or related information in response to this RFQ; negotiations with City on any matter related to this RFP; and costs associated with interviews, meetings, travel, or presentations.

Additionally, City shall not be liable for expenses incurred as a result of City’s rejection of any Qualifications made in response to this RFQ.

RFQ Inquiries
All requests for clarifications, changes, exceptions, deviations to the terms and conditions set forth in this RFP should be submitted in writing to: Cuong Nguyen, Acting Director of Planning and Development, [email protected].

The final day for the receipt of questions shall be before 5:00 PM on March 26, 2024 and will be answered and posted by 5:00 PM on April 2, 2024 to
https://www.santafesprings.org/cityhall/planning/econdev/current_rfps.asp.

To ensure fairness and avoid misunderstandings, all communications must be in written format and addressed only to the individual set forth above. Any verbal communications will not be considered or responded to. Written communications should be submitted via email to the address provided above. All questions received by the due date will be logged and reviewed and, if required, a response will be provided via an addendum to the RFQ. Any communications, whether written or verbal, with the Mayor, any City Councilmember, or City staff, other than the individual indicated above (specific to this Request for Proposals), prior to award of a contract, is strictly prohibited and the proposer shall be disqualified from consideration. 7 RFQ
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process
Although not necessarily exhaustive of the criteria to be utilized, the City intends to use the following evaluation criteria in selecting firm(s):
• Responsiveness to the RFQ: Compliance with RFQ requirements, understanding of the scope, and breadth and depth of response.
• Firm Experience: Demonstrates adequate and relevant experience conducting similar work for other public agencies.
• Project Team and Subconsultants: Has provided all team member resumes with appropriate information, project experience noted, and qualifications noted. • Client Reference Checks: Satisfaction of prior/current clients, professional reputation of the firm, experience working with cities.

After evaluating all statements of qualifications received, discussions with prospective firms may or may not be required. If scheduled, the oral interview will be a question/answer format for the purpose of clarifying the intent of any portions of the RFQ. The individual from your firm that will be directly responsible for carrying out a contract, if awarded, should be present at the oral interview.

Professional Services Agreement
A selected firm will be required to enter into an agreement with the City based on the template attached to this RFQ. Revisions to the agreement provisions will not be accepted.

Public Records
All statements of qualifications submitted in response to this RFQ become the property of the City and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act (Government Code §7920.000 et seq.).

EXHIBIT B
CONSULTANT’S PROPOSAL

T&B Planning, Inc. RFQ – On-Call Professional Environmental Consul�ng Services Table of Contents
T&B Planning, Inc. RFQ – On-Call Professional Environmental Consul�ng Services Table of Contents
SECTION A: COVER LETTER……………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 SECTION B: BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE………………………………………………………………………………..4 SECTION C: STAFFING………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 SECTION D: QUALIFICATIONS & REFERENCES.…………………………………………………………………………19 SECTION E: FEE SCHEDULE………………………………………………………………………………………………………24 T&B Planning, Inc. RFQ – On-Call Professional Environmental Consul�ng Services