CITY OF LAKEPORT

LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE POLICY

Adopted February 16, 2010
In recognition of the financial advantages accruing to the City by the award of contracts to local vendors, the City of Lakeport hereby establishes a local vendor preference. 1. 2. City personnel are directed to use their best efforts to purchase goods, services, and supplies from local vendors whenever possible and consistent with the terms of this policy. All informal and formal invitations to bid are to be evaluated with a ten percent (10%) preference for local vendors. A bid/proposal received from a local vendor will be tabulated as if it were ten percent (10%) higher than the figure actually set forth in the bid/proposal. The vendor must claim local vendor preference to be considered. Local vendor will be approved as such when: a. It conducts business in an office with a physical location within the City of Lakeport or within the sphere of influence of the City of Lakeport; b. Holds a valid business license issued by the City of Lakeport; and c. The business has been conducted in such a manner for not less than twelve (12) months prior to being able to receive the preference. Said vendor will be asked to verify the local business address and how many years the business has been operated at that location. 4. For purposes of contracts for professional services and Request for Proposals, the City shall award a contract to the most qualified responsible and responsive proposer, after considering the demonstrated competence and professional qualifications of all proposers. The dollar amount of the proposal shall be considered but the award need not be made to the lowest dollar proposal. Unless otherwise specified by law ten (10) additional points shall be awarded to the proposer who submits the lowest estimated project cost and ten (10) additional points for any local vendor as defined above. The following are exempt from this local vendor policy a. Those contracts which State Law or other law or regulation precludes this local preference. b. Public Works Construction projects.

Policy No. 2010-01

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To qualify as a local vendor the vendor shall submit with its bid/proposal or have on file with the City Clerk a completed City of Lakeport affidavit that documents the following: the business has a facility with a City of Lakeport address, the business will attribute any sales tax from the sale to the City of Lakeport, and the business has had a City of Lakeport business license for at least one year prior to the opening of the bid/proposal.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN OF A WATER MAIN EXTENSION ON PARALLEL DRIVE IN LAKEPORT, CALIFORNIA
BACKGROUND Mendocino College recently acquired property on Parallel Drive for the construction of a new Lake Center. Construction of the new campus will require the installation of additional infrastructure to provide water beyond the limits of the current city facilities. The improvements will consist of construction of a new water main in Parallel Drive to the southern limits of 2565 Parallel Drive, the future site of the Mendocino College Lake Center. This main line extension should be consistent with the 2008 Water Master Plan with the understanding that the City wishes to continue to use a 14 diameter pipe along the route versus the 12 diameter pipe indicated in the Water Master Plan. For design purposes, field survey work will be required. The City maintains an extensive GIS database of our existing utilities which will be available for consultant use. Environmental clearance for the project will be obtained by City Community Development Department staff. The environmental document is anticipated to be a Categorical Exclusion. Funding for this project is currently 50% City of Lakeport funding and 50% funding from the College. A copy of the design memorandum prepared by City staff is attached as Exhibit B.

SCOPE OF WORK AND SCHEDULE The Lakeport Department of Public Works is seeking the services of a qualified engineering consultant to complete the following scope of work tasks: 1. Perform field surveys and mapping. Prepare final construction plans and specifications to be ready for advertising for bid. May provide construction support services during the construction phase; these services may include testing and inspection. Contract administration will be provided by the City. The fee estimate for these services should be separate from the design tasks in the cost proposal. Provide coordination with utility companies for facility adjustment and relocation. Determine right-of-way requirements, if any, and prepare legal descriptions and exhibit maps for right-of-way acquisitions. The City will assist in obtaining right-of-way, rights-of-entry and temporary construction easements. Provide a detailed cost estimate at the completion of the design. Provide assistance to the City with the bidding process by answering questions, prepare any addenda, etc. The bid advertisement and bid opening will be conducted by the City.

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Provide one set of reproducible contract documents and one set of contract documents in digital format. Provide one set of reproducible record drawings after completion of the project construction. The schedule for completing the plans, specifications, estimates and other contract documents shall be no longer than 60 calendar days from the date of the execution of the consultant agreement.

8. 9.

CONTACT PERSON Scott Harter, City Engineer at phone (707) 263-5614 or fax (707) 263-8584. PROPOSAL CONTENTS Proposals shall be limited to 40 pages and shall adhere to the following organization and content requirements: Project Understanding and Approach. Provide an overview of your understanding of the services to be provided and your approach to the work. Describe in general terms, your firms approach to contracting for your services for this work. Firm Qualifications & Client References. Provide a general description of the firms services, and qualifications, including a minimum of three projects of similar scope and complexity. These reference projects must be itemized by name, type, location, date of work, approximate dollar value of construction, approximate dollar value of services rendered, and client name and telephone number. Staffing Organization and Qualifications. Provide a staffing organization chart showing the names and roles of staff members (only those members that will be working directly or on a day to day basis with the Department), and provide a one page summary of the qualifications and experience for each staff member. Proposals that do not furnish information organized according to the format and including the content specified in this RFP may be rejected as non-responsive. The cost of developing the proposal, attending an interview, or any other related costs are entirely the responsibility of proposers, and shall not be reimbursed in any manner. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS The consultant selected to perform the work shall furnish insurance as outlined on the attached Exhibit C. Please refer to the attached insurance requirements. INDEMNIFICATION Consultant shall indemnify and defend the City of Lakeport and its officers, employees, and agents against and hold them harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, and liability for damages, including attorneys fees and other costs of defense incurred by City, whether for damage to or loss of property, or injury to or death of person, including properties of City and injury to or death of City officials, employees or agents, arising out of, or alleged to arise out of, or connection with Consultants operations hereunder or the performance of the work described herein, unless such damage, loss, injury or death is caused solely for the negligence of City. CONSULTANT AGREEMENT The City has a standard consultant agreement with certain conditions required of prospective consultants. In particular, the City requires $2,000,000.00 of public liability insurance, and $1,000,000.00 professional liability insurance in addition to the standard coverages of workers compensation and automobile insurance. Furthermore, other statutory requirements will be incorporated. These are outlined as follows:

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 PREVAILING WAGE Prevailing wage laws of the State of California apply to certain work performed on this public works construction project. Construction includes work performed during the design and preconstruction phases of construction including, but not limited to, inspection (soils and materials testing) and land surveying work. Pursuant to Section 1773 of the Labor Code, the general prevailing wage rates in the county, in which the work is to be done have been determined by the Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations. These wages are set forth in the General Prevailing Wage Rates for this project, available at the Department of Public Works, City of Lakeport and available from the California Department of Industrial Relations Internet web site at http://www.dir.ca.gov. Future effective general prevailing wage rates, which have been predetermined and are on file with the California Department of Industrial Relations are referenced but not printed in the general prevailing wage rates. SUBCONTRACTING Pursuant to the provisions in Section 1777.1 of the Labor Code, the Labor Commissioner publishes and distributes a list of contractors ineligible to perform work as a subcontractor on a public works project. This list of debarred contractors is available from the Department of Industrial Relations web site at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dir/Labor_law/DLSE/Debar.html. PROMPT PROGRESS PAYMENT TO SUBCONTRACTORS Attention is directed to the provisions in Sections 10262 and 10262.5 of the Public Contract Code and Section 7108.5 of the Business and Professions Code concerning prompt payment to subcontractors. PROMPT PAYMENT OF WITHHELD FUNDS TO SUBCONTRACTORS The Contractor shall return all moneys withheld in retention from the subcontractor within 30 days after receiving payment for work satisfactorily completed, even if the other contract work is not completed and has not been accepted. This requirement shall not be construed to limit or impair any contractual, administrative, or judicial remedies otherwise available to the Contractor or subcontractor in the event of a dispute involving late payment or nonpayment by the Contractor or deficient subcontract performance or noncompliance by a subcontractor.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE A pre-proposal conference will not be held for this project. Consultants with questions regarding specific details of the project should submit them in writing to the City Engineer no later than 5 business days prior to the due date of the proposals to allow adequate time for a written response to be generated and distributed to all proposers.

LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE POLICY The City of Lakeport has a local vendor preference policy which provides a 10% preference to local vendors as defined within the policy when funding sources do not prohibit such a practice. This project currently has no such prohibitions and therefore is subject to the provisions contained within the policy. Attached as Exhibit D is a copy of the current policy.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. This Request for Proposals does not obligate the City to award a contract nor does it commit the City to pay any costs associated with the preparation and submittal of a proposal. Requests for additional information required by a firm wishing to make a proposal to the City relative to this RFP shall be made in writing prior to the pre-proposal conference or in

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person at the pre-proposal conference. All proposals and accompanying materials shall become the property of the City of Lakeport upon submittal. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS Proposals shall be received by the City no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. Five copies of the proposal shall be submitted to Scott Harter, City Engineer, City of Lakeport, 225 Park Street, Lakeport, California, 95453. A cost proposal for the consultants services shall be provided in a separate sealed envelope with the consultants name on the outside; only one copy is required. The cost proposal should use the same format the consultant proposes to use for billing invoices. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS TO ARRIVE AT A SELECTION General A. The City of Lakeport Public Works Department complies with the Citys requirements concerning consultant selection as outlined in the Citys Consultant Selection Board Policy. Department staff will follow this set procedure in determining the best qualified consultant to perform the work solicited. The items listed below are assigned relative weights which will be used to evaluate the written proposals and to arrive at a selection. At the option of the City, interviews may be used as a part of the selection process. The preliminary selection will be made by a Consultant Selection Board. The City will enter into negotiations with the firm receiving the highest rating following the selection. If such negotiations are not successful, negotiations will then be entered into with the firm receiving the next highest rating. Criteria for the Evaluation of Written Proposals B. The following evaluation criteria and weight of importance will be used in evaluating and selecting a consultant: Percentage Evaluation Criteria Points 1. Candidates specialized experience and technical competence as applicable to the services required. Resumes must be furnished for the key team members ......................................................................27% Candidates past record of performance, including control of costs, quality of work, completion in a timely manner ...........................................18% Candidates capacity to perform the work in a timely fashion. A proposed work plan should be included .............................................................27% Candidates familiarity with the type of problems applicable to the project ..............................................................................................................18% Candidates proposed fees .................................................................................... 10%

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Interviews C. If necessary the Department will hold interviews with the three firms receiving the three highest ratings. The interviews will be conducted with the Consultant Selection Board (CSB). The format of the interview will be a ten minute period for the firm to present their objectives for the project and to introduce their staff. The opening presentation is expected to be informal and attended by those staff members that will be directly involved in the project. The interview process is to allow a two way communication for the firms approach to the project and any clarifications required by the CSB.

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EXHIBITS A. B. C. D. VICINITY MAP & PROJECT DETAIL MAPS DESIGN MEMORANDUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE POLICY

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EXHIBIT A

VICINITY MAPS

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EXHIBIT B

DESIGN MEMORANDUM

City of Lakeport

Public Works Department

DESIGN MEMORANDUM
PROJECT: PROJECT LIMITS: Parallel Drive Water Main Extension. Construct approximately 5600 of water main line extension from the southern limits of the existing water system adjacent to 1464 Parallel Drive to the southern property line of 2565 Parallel Drive.

PROPOSED FUNDING: 1. 2. The Project is evenly funded by Mendocino College bond revenues for construction of the new Lakeport Facility and City of Lakeport funding. The construction contingencies. funding is estimated at $550,000 including

DESIGN STANDARDS: 1. Water line design and construction shall comply with California Department of Public Health regulations, AWWA standards, and City of Lakeport Standards 2. Construction of trenching, backfill, minor concrete and AC paving work shall conform to the State of California Department of Transportation Standard Specifications dated May 2006 including subsequent updates and revisions, DESIGN INFORMATION: Utilities: 1. Existing a. Electrical PG&E overhead on west side of Parallel for the majority of the project. It crosses to the east side then back to the west side at the northern end of the project. b. Telephone AT&T overhead follows the existing PG&E utilities. c. CATV Mediacom follows the existing electrical and telephone overhead utilities. d. Water Existing water main is a 14 ductile iron pipe which terminates in Parallel Drive at 1464 Parallel Drive. e. Sewer Sewer exists in Parallel Drive running the length of the project down the west side of the southbound lane. 1

City of Lakeport

Public Works Department

Storm Drain Facilities Storm drain facilities are limited to six existing cross culverts within the limits of the project. Four of these are relatively minor crossings and two are major box culvert structures crossing both Parallel drive and State Highway 29. 2. Design a. Electrical, Telephone, Cable These utilities are proposed to remain overhead and in their current locations. b. Water This project will facilitate the extension of the 14 water main to the southern parcel line of 2565 Parallel Drive. Design will include installation of fire hydrants along the length of the new main line as well as all other standard ancillary features such as air relief valves, intermediate valves, tees and stubbed extensions at intersections, etc. c. Sewer No interaction with existing sewer facilities is anticipated and no new facilities are planned. d. Storm Drain No significant changes to the storm drain facilities are anticipated, however minor modifications may be necessary to accommodate the new water facility. Drainage: 1. No changes to existing drainage patterns are anticipated as a result of this project.

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Right-of-Way: 1. Existing right-of-way will be used.

Traffic Controls: 1. Traffic control will be needed during construction.

Agency Reviews: 1. 2. 3. 4. City Manager and City Council. Mendocino College Planning CEQA compliance. All affected utilities. A. PG&E B. AT&T C. Mediacom D. City of Lakeport

EXHIBIT C

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

EXHIBIT D

LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE POLICY

CITY OF LAKEPORT
LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE POLICY
Policy No. 2010-01
Adopted February 16, 2010
In recognition of the financial advantages accruing to the City by the award of contracts to local vendors, the City of Lakeport hereby establishes a local vendor preference. 1. 2. City personnel are directed to use their best efforts to purchase goods, services, and supplies from local vendors whenever possible and consistent with the terms of this policy. All informal and formal invitations to bid are to be evaluated with a ten percent (10%) preference for local vendors. A bid/proposal received from a local vendor will be tabulated as if it were ten percent (10%) higher than the figure actually set forth in the bid/proposal. The vendor must claim local vendor preference to be considered. Local vendor will be approved as such when: a. It conducts business in an office with a physical location within the City of Lakeport or within the sphere of influence of the City of Lakeport; b. Holds a valid business license issued by the City of Lakeport; and c. The business has been conducted in such a manner for not less than twelve (12) months prior to being able to receive the preference. Said vendor will be asked to verify the local business address and how many years the business has been operated at that location. 4. For purposes of contracts for professional services and Request for Proposals, the City shall award a contract to the most qualified responsible and responsive proposer, after considering the demonstrated competence and professional qualifications of all proposers. The dollar amount of the proposal shall be considered but the award need not be made to the lowest dollar proposal. Unless otherwise specified by law ten (10) additional points shall be awarded to the proposer who submits the lowest estimated project cost and ten (10) additional points for any local vendor as defined above. The following are exempt from this local vendor policy a. Those contracts which State Law or other law or regulation precludes this local preference. b. Public Works Construction projects.

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To qualify as a local vendor the vendor shall submit with its bid/proposal or have on file with the City Clerk a completed City of Lakeport affidavit that documents the following: the business has a facility with a City of Lakeport address, the business will attribute any sales tax from the sale to the City of Lakeport, and the business has had a City of Lakeport business license for at least one year prior to the opening of the bid/proposal.

CONSULTANT SELECTION GUIDEBOOK

Procedures for Selecting Consultants for FHWA Federal-Aid Projects and State Funded Projects

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Department of Transportation Division of Local Assistance Office of Procedures Development January 2002 (revised)

For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document can be made available in Braille, large print, on audiocassette, or computer disk. To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats, please call or write to: Caltrans Division of Local Assistance Attn: ADA Coordinator, Division of Local Assistance 1120 N Street, Room 2400, Mail Station 1 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-6552 Voice CRS: 1-800-735-2929

STATE OF CALIFORNIA---BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY -

GRAY DAVIS, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF LOCAL ASSISTANCE 1120 N STREET P. O. BOX 942874 MS 1 SACRAMENTO, CA 94274-0001 PHONE (916) 653-1776 FAX (916) 654-3048

May 2001 Representatives of California Local Government: This Guidebook provides an overview of procedures for consultant selection. The local agencies that intend to request federal and state funds for reimbursement of consultant services shall follow specific selection and contracting procedures. These procedures ensure that the consultants professional qualifications meet the needs of the services to be performed, the payment method is appropriate, and the cost is fair and reasonable to the public agency. Please note also that local agencies cannot be reimbursed with federal or state funds for consultant selection costs incurred prior to an authorization to proceed. More comprehensive and detailed explanations of consultant selection and contracting procedures are provided in the Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 10, available on the Internet at the following website: www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/. For further assistance, contact your Caltrans District Local Assistance Engineer listed on page 29 of this Guidebook. Sincerely,

TERRY L. ABBOTT Acting Chief Division of Local Assistance

CONTENTS

Introduction Purpose Section 1 Getting Started Section 2 Determine Method of Consultant Selection Section 3 Selecting Consultants: One-Step, RFP Method (Request for Proposal, followed by Negotiation) Flow Chart Selecting Consultants Section 4 Selecting Consultants: One-Step, RFQ Method (Request for Qualifications, followed by Interviews and Negotiation) Section 5 Selecting Consultants: Two-Step, RFQ/RFP Method (Request for Qualifications, followed by Request for Proposal and Negotiation) Section 6 Completing the Project Section 7 For Consultants: Preparing an Appropriate Proposal Attachment A District Map District Local Assistance Engineers

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Purpose A city, county, or other local public agency may engage consultants to perform architectural, engineering, and related services needed to develop federal funded and/or state funded transportation projects. This guide summarizes the consultant selection procedures to be followed by local agencies that intend to qualify for federal and/or state reimbursement of consultant services costs. Legislative Requirements The Code of Federal Regulations requires that a local public agency shall provide for a fair, open, and competitive process based on demonstrated competence and professional qualifications in selecting consultants, if the consultant costs are to be eligible for federal reimbursement. Qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) consultants must be given the same opportunity to be considered for selection. California law requires that selection by a local public agency of private architectural, engineering, environmental, land surveying, or construction project management services shall be on the basis of demonstrated competence and on the professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required. Local agencies shall not request a cost proposal until after the final rank has been determined. Contracts shall be negotiated with the most qualified firm, at a price determined to be fair and reasonable to the local agency. Consultants for services other than architectural, engineering, environmental, land surveying, or construction project management services may be selected on the basis of qualifications and cost, with cost being the major criterion. Local Assistance Local agencies intending to request federal and/or state funds for Procedures reimbursement of consultant services must follow the selection and Manual contracting procedures detailed in Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual. Such procedures must ensure that the consultants professional qualifications are adequate for the specific services to be performed, that the payment method is appropriate, and that the cost is fair and reasonable to the public agency. A local agency that wants to qualify for federal and/or state reimbursement, and also wants to use a selection process different than that described in the Local Assistance Procedures Manual must obtain advance approval of its process from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and/or Caltrans before it solicits consultant services.

INTRODUCTION

Architectural and Architectural and Engineering (A&E) consultants are those private Engineering Consultants consulting firms providing architectural, landscape architectural, Defined engineering, environmental, land surveying, or construction project management services. Pre-award Audits Federal regulations require a pre-award audit when the consultant agreement is over $250,000. This requirement applies to amendments that are greater than $250,000 and amendments that, in the aggregate, increase the original agreement amount to over $250,000. The purposes of a pre-award audit are (1) to ensure the A&E consultant has a satisfactory accounting system for tracking costs to be charged to the local agency, (2) to provide the local agency with professional advice on accounting and financial matters, and (3) to assist in the award and administration of proposed consultant contracts. Objectives of the pre-award audit are to evaluate the consultants proposed cost accounting system, estimating system, administrative system, cost proposal, contract provisions, and appropriate financial condition including cash flow. Any problems identified in the pre-award audit must be resolved before negotiations are concluded and the consultant contract executed. The pre-award audit may be performed by the local agency, or a Certified Public Accountant hired by the local agency. The local agency may request Caltrans Audits and Investigations to perform the pre-award audit. If Caltrans performs the pre-award audit, it will be completed at no cost to the local agency and within approximately 30 calendar days as workload permits and depending on the complexity of the contract. Disadvantaged Business The Code of Federal Regulations requires that a local agency receiving Enterprise (DBE) federal funds must encourage DBE participation in all consultant contracts. Requirements These regulations require that the local agency must have an approved DBE Program and an annual goal. The DBE Program and annual goal must be established before Caltrans will give authorization to proceed with any phase of the project. The consultant must meet the DBE goal specified in the consultant contract or make a good faith effort in attempting to meet the goal. Any DBE subconsultant must be replaced with another DBE subconsultant or the consultant must make a good faith effort in finding a substitute DBE subconsultant, to the extent needed to meet the goal. In addition, there is certain DBE language that must be included in the agreement. DBE goals are not required by state law for state or locally only funded contracts.

INTRODUCTION

For additional DBE information, refer to the Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 9, or to the Local Assistance website at www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/. Enhanced Services Timely use of funds and project delivery along with efficient expenditure of funds were emphasized with the passage of SB 45 and AB 1012. As a result, Caltrans adopted an Enhanced Services Program. This Program provides limited resources for Caltrans to assist the local agency in evaluating and selecting the consultant. Local agencies desiring this service should contact their District Local Assistance Engineer. The following services that may be provided are: Review and guidance of the consultant selection process Review of advertisements prepared by the local agency Assist the local agency with DBE requirements Participation in selecting the consultant Help with contract negotiations

Authorization to Proceed Before commencing on a phase of a project, including selecting a consultant, for which the local agency wishes to be reimbursed, the respective phase must be authorized, in advance, by Caltrans. This authorization may involve either federal or state funding, or both, depending on the type of project financing. Any expenses incurred by the local agency prior to authorization by Caltrans will not be reimbursed. Federal phases requiring advance authorization are: Preliminary Engineering (including Environmental) Utilities (if involved) Right of Way (if involved) Construction and Construction Engineering

State phases requiring advance authorization for the State Transportation Improvement Program projects are: Environmental and Permits Design (or Preliminary Engineering) Right of Way (if involved) Construction and Construction Engineering

In addition, any expenses incurred by the consultant prior to execution of the consultant agreement will not be reimbursed.

INTRODUCTION

1 GETTING STARTED

Select the Project Local agencies are responsible for selecting and initiating federal-aid and state funded transportation projects. Project phase selection will be influenced by a projects need, personnel, workload, acceptability, and the timing of studies, financing, and construction. The local agency should identify the objectives which the project is to attain, including the general level of improvement or service, operating standards, and the target date for project completion. Identify Need The need for consultants will be identified by comparing the project for Consultants objectives and schedule with the local agencys capabilities, its staff availability, and its funding resources. Appoint the Contract The Contract Administrator will be named in the consultant agreement, Administrator will be responsible for the quality of contract products or services, and should be involved throughout the development of the contract provisions. The Contract Administrators duties include but are not limited to: Providing direction to ensure that the contract is advertised properly, that the Scope of Work and Request for Qualifications (RFQ), or Request for Proposal (RFP) (if used) are prepared and distributed, and that the draft contract is correct and complete. Arranging for preparation of a confidential estimate of the cost of the work, and an analysis of the selected consultants cost proposal; and serving as the successful consultants primary contact person. Reviewing, or coordinating review of the consultants work and providing direction. Approving the consultants progress payments. Tracking agreement costs, DBE usage, expiration date, and need for amendments.

Determine the A schedule of the time for performance of all work and completion of the Project Schedule project should be developed. It should include sufficient time at the beginning to allow for selecting consultants and developing consultant contracts.

1 GETTING STARTED

Segment Consultant Work Consultant services are most effective when consultant work is segmented appropriately. The extent of segmenting will depend upon the type and complexity of the work. The following illustration shows several satisfactory ways to segment consultant activities. WellStructured Projects With Simple Right of Way Requirements Preliminary Engineering Environmental Analysis Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) Right of Way Activities Utilities Construction Engineering It is best to combine preliminary engineering tasks with preparation of the required environmental analysis. Preparing an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is more than simply writing a report. It includes preliminary engineering needed for analyzing project alternatives and producing an engineering and planning assessment. It is necessary to perform only as much traffic and engineering analysis of alternatives as is needed to produce a sound environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Production of plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) must be delayed until environmental clearance has been received if federal and/or state reimbursement is desired. WellStructured Projects With Complex Right of Way Requirements

More Difficult Projects

Very Complex Projects

1 GETTING STARTED

Specify Products The Contract Administrator should identify the products and services to be Delivered which are to be delivered as a result of contract work. These will vary depending upon the type of project and/or phase being contracted out. Define Scope of The scope of work, which must be included in the contract, is a detailed Consultant Work description of the products or services to be provided by the consultant. Sufficient detail should be provided so consultants responding to a project advertisement can determine the types of personnel required for the work and the time needed, and develop a cost proposal or technical proposal and person-hour estimate for the contract. Establish DBE Local agencies receiving federal funds must take affirmative steps to Participation assure that DBE consultants are given opportunity to participate. Such steps include soliciting DBE firms and, when feasible, organizing the project schedule and task requirements to encourage participation by DBE firms. In addition, DBE goals must be established for the consultant agreement. Estimate Cost of An independent local agency cost estimate is needed to ensure that Consultant Work consultant services are obtained at a price that is fair and reasonable. It must be prepared in advance so the local agencys negotiating team has a detailed cost analysis of the project to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the consultants cost proposal. A good cost estimate can be prepared only if the scope of work is defined clearly. The scope of work must include a list of the products or services which the consultant will be required to deliver, and a schedule of when they must be delivered. The local agency estimate, which is to be kept confidential (to the extent permitted by law), must include a breakdown of direct labor cost, indirect labor cost (fringe benefits), indirect cost, general and administrative costs, other direct costs, subconsultant costs, and fee. If the contract involves several milestones/projects, a separate estimate should be prepared for each milestone/project, together with a summary of the total estimated cost of the services to be provided by the contract. Determine The contract must specify how the consultant is to be paid. Four methods Type of Contract of payment are permitted on consultant contracts: Actual Cost plus Fixed Fee Cost per Unit of Work Specific Rates of Compensation Lump Sum

1 GETTING STARTED

Actual Cost Plus This is the most common method of payment. The consultant is reimbursed Fixed Fee for actual costs incurred plus an additional predetermined amount as a fixed fee. The fixed fee is not adjustable for the life of the contract except where there is a material change in the scope of the work, in which case the fee may be re-negotiated. This method of payment is appropriate when the extent, scope, complexity, character, or duration of work are indeterminable at the time of negotiation. It also is appropriate when the work is such that the agency lacks the experience or knowledge needed to evaluate the consultants proposal and support a lump-sum amount. Cost Per Unit of Work The consultant is paid based on the work to complete a unit of work (such as per plan sheet, per report, etc.). This method of payment is appropriate to use when the cost per unit of work can be determined with reasonable accuracy in advance. Contract payment provisions are to specify what is included in the price to be paid for each item. Specific Rates of The consultant is paid an agreed and supported specific fixed hourly, Compensation daily, or monthly rate for each class of employee or piece of equipment used directly in the work. Such rates of compensation include the consultants estimated costs and fixed fee. The specific rates of compensation are to include an hourly breakdown, direct salary costs, salary additives, indirect costs, and fixed fee. Other direct costs may be set forth as an element of the specific rate or may be included as independent cost items. This method of payment is used for on-call contracts (time and materials contracts), but should be considered for other contracts only when none of the other three methods of payment can be used. It should be considered only for items of work that are relatively minor. Construction inspection contracts and equipment used on consultant contracts should use this method of payment. Lump Sum The consultant performs the services stated in the agreement for an agreed amount as compensation. It is appropriate only if the extent, scope, complexity, character, and duration of the work have been defined enough to permit just compensation to be determined and evaluated by all parties during negotiations.

10

2 DETERMINE METHOD OF CONSULTANT SELECTION

Consultant Contracts Service Agreements and other consultant agreements costing, in the under $100,000 aggregate, no more than $100,000 per project, may be obtained through a relatively simple and informal method of procurement. This informal method must be sound and appropriate for procurement of consulting services, and justification for the selection must be documented and supported. The method of procurement must be an open and competitive process in selecting consultants and should consider a minimum of three different consultants. Qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) must be considered for selection on federal-aid contracts. Consultant Contracts over One of three methods is used normally in selecting a consultant. The $100,000 method used will depend upon the scope of work, the services required, the projects complexity, and the time available for consultant selection. One-Step, RFP The One-Step, RFP method may be used when the consultant service is (Request for Proposal, highly specialized and there are few qualified consultants. This method followed by Negotiations) also may be used when a local agency has a modest number of projects per year and the expected number of proposals is small. In this method, consultants simultaneously submit a Technical Proposal and Statement of Qualifications. Proposals by all consultants are evaluated based upon criteria outlined in the RFP, and a short list of qualified consultants is developed. A final ranking of qualified consultants is developed, and negotiation begins with the most qualified consultant after a cost proposal has been received. One-Step, RFQ (Request for Qualifications, followed by Interviews and Negotiations) The most common selection process is the One-Step, RFQ method, which is used when typical services (such as preparation of PS&E) are required and there are many consultants. It also is used when a local agency produces many projects and there are numerous consultants who wish to participate. The consultant submits a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in response to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The responding consultants are ranked by a Consultant Selection Committee which develops a short list of qualified consultants who are invited for interviews. The final ranking of consultants is based on the interviews, and negotiation begins after the most qualified consultant has provided a cost proposal.

11

2 DETERMINE METHOD OF CONSULTANT SELECTION

Two-Step, RFQ/RFP (Request for Qualifications, followed by Request for Proposal and Negotiations)

The Two-Step, RFQ/RFP method may be used when the scope of work is complex or unusual. It also may be preferred by local agencies that are apprehensive about negotiations and procedures for establishing compensation. However, it requires substantially more work and time than the other two methods described above. In the Two-Step process, the consultant submits a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in response to a RFQ. Responding consultants are ranked by a Consultant Selection Committee, and the short-listed consultants receive a Request for Proposal (RFP) and respond with a Technical Proposal. The most qualified consultants are placed in a final ranking, and negotiation begins after the most qualified consultant has provided a cost proposal.

Noncompetitive A noncompetitive, negotiated contract may be developed when special Negotiated Agreements conditions arise. Conditions under which noncompetitive negotiated (Sole Source Agreements) contracts may be acceptable include: Only one organization is qualified to do the required work. An emergency of such magnitude exists that delay cannot be permitted. The federal grantor agency authorizes noncompetitive negotiation. Competition is determined to be inadequate after solicitation of a number of sources.

The local agency shall: Follow its defined process for noncompetitive agreement. Develop an adequate scope of work, evaluation factors and cost estimate. Conduct negotiations to ensure a fair and reasonable cost.

Details of the special conditions must be documented carefully, and written approval must be obtained from FHWA and Caltrans prior to contract execution to obtain federal and/or state reimbursement.

12

3 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFP METHOD (Request for Proposal, followed by Negotiation)

Appoint Consultant A Consultant Selection Committee is appointed at the beginning of the Selection Committee consultant selection process. The committee reviews materials submitted by consultants, develops a short list of qualified consultants, and develops a final ranking of most qualified consultants. Selected members of the Selection Committee negotiate costs with the consultant. Develop Technical The Contract Administrator is responsible for developing the technical Criteria for Evaluation of criteria, and their relative weight, which will be used to evaluate and rank Proposal consultant proposals. Develop Schedule for Before the contract is advertised, the Contract Administrator is to Consultant Selection complete a contract schedule, including key dates for consultant selection activities. Target dates must be confirmed with all members of the Selection Committee before completing the schedule. Prepare Request for Information required in a Request for Proposal includes: Proposal (RFP) Description of Project Scope of Work Schedule of Work Proposal Format Method and Criteria for Selection Contract DBE Goals for Federal-aid Contracts The RFP should specify the content of the proposal to be submitted, the number of copies required, and the due date. Four weeks are usually allowed between the time the RFP is mailed and the time that proposals must be submitted. More time may be required for very complex contracts or projects. Items typically required in a technical proposal are: Work Plan (Specify what is to be covered in the discussion of approach. In some instances, it may be desirable to limit the description or approach.) Organization chart Schedule Staffing plan Staff resumes Names of the consultants Project Manager and the individual authorized to negotiate the contract on behalf of the consulting firm References Information about the consultants use of Disadvantaged Business

13

3 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFP METHOD (Request for Proposal, followed by Negotiation)

Enterprises for federal-aid contracts The RFP shall specify the evaluation procedures and criteria to be used in selecting consultants. It also must indicate where technical proposals are to be delivered, and should describe the anticipated schedule of activities related to the RFP. The RFP must state if it is for more than one project. Advertise for Consultants The local agency advertises the availability of the RFP in a major newspaper of general circulation and/or technical publication of widespread circulation. RFPs also shall be sent to organizations known to be qualified to do the specified work, to professional societies, and to recognized DBE organizations. In some cases, it may be desirable to advertise nationwide for a particular project or service. The DBE Goal must be stated in the solitation or advertisement package. Issue Request for The local agency shall issue the RFP to all consultants responding to the Proposal (RFP) advertisement. Conduct Proposers The local agency may allow for clarification of the RFP by inviting Conference or Answer submittal of written questions or by conducting a proposers conference, Written Questions or by doing both. Responses to written questions are to be mailed to all consultants receiving an RFP. No response should be given to verbal questions. If a proposers conference is to be held, the exact time and place must be specified in the RFP. Attendance at a proposers conference normally is not mandatory. In order to avoid confusion, meeting notes will not be sent to consultants who do not attend the proposers conference. Receive and Evaluate Technical Proposals and Statement of Qualifications The Contract Administrator is to determine that each proposal contains all the information required by the RFP. Proposals may be considered nonresponsive and rejected without evaluation if all required information is not provided. For example, late submittals, submittals to the wrong location, and submittals with inadequate copies are non-responsive and shall be rejected, and submittal of additional information after the due date shall not be allowed.

14

3 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFP METHOD (Request for Proposal, followed by Negotiation)

The members of the Consultant Selection Committee must evaluate each proposal in terms of the technical criteria which were listed in the RFP, and must evaluate reference checks and other information that is gathered independently. Develop Final Ranking of The Selection Committee should discuss and document the strengths and Consultants weaknesses of each consultant and develop a final ranking of the most qualified consultants. Notify Consultants All consultants that submitted proposals must be informed of the final of Results ranking of consultants. It is important that all competing consultants receive the same information. Negotiate Contract The top-ranked consultant is asked to submit a cost proposal, and the local with Top-Ranked agency proceeds to negotiate a contract with that consultant. The goal of Consultant negotiations is to agree on a final contract that will deliver the services or products at a fair and reasonable cost to the local agency. The independent cost estimate developed previously by the local agency is an important basis for negotiation. Negotiations should not be completed until a preaward audit report is received and any issues resolved. Items negotiated typically include: Work plan Schedule Hours Quantities Products to be delivered Classification and experience level of personnel to be assigned Cost items, payments and fee

For a federal-aid contract, a consultant will be awarded the contract only if it has either met the DBE contract goal or demonstrated a good-faith effort to do so. Negotiations are to be terminated if the local agency fails to conclude an agreement with the top-ranked consultant; new negotiations are then started with the consultant ranked next-highest. The process is repeated until a contract is negotiated successfully.

15

3 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFP METHOD (Request for Proposal, followed by Negotiation)

16

FLOW CHART SELECTING CONSULTANTS

SELECTING CONSULTANTS
Initiate Project
Complete First Steps Select Project Set Project Objectives Appoint Contract Administrator

Select Consultants
Appoint Consultant Selection Committee and Develop Schedule for Selection Develop Technical Criteria for Evaluation of Proposals Prepare Request for Proposal (RFP) Advertise for Consultants Issue Request for Proposal Evaluate Reference Checks & Other Information Gathered Independently

Negotiate Contract with Next-Highest Ranked Consultant until Successful Develop Contract Initiate Pre-Award Audit

Complete Project

Identify Need for Consultant

Segment Project Work

Conduct Proposers Conference or Answer Written Questions

Receive and Evaluate Technical Proposals

Develop Final Ranking of Consultants

Notify Consultants of Results

Request & Receive Cost Proposal Negotiate Contract with Top-Ranked Consultant

Specify Products to be Delivered

One-Step, RFP Method: Request for Proposal, followed by Negotiation (Use when there are few consultants) Appoint Consultant Selection Committee and Develop Schedule for Selection Advertise for Consultants (RFQ) Receive Statements of Qualifications Evaluate Statements of Qualifications & Develop Short List Notify Consultants of Short List Negotiate Contract with Next-Highest Ranked Consultant until Successful Develop Contract Interview Short Listed Consultants Initiate Pre-Award Audit

Define Scope of Consultant Work

Establish DBE Goals

Evaluate Reference Checks & Other Information Gathered Independently

Estimate Cost of Consultant Work

Determine Method of Consultant Selection

One-Step, RFQ Method: Request for Qualifications, followed by Interviews and Negotiation (Use when there are many consultants) Determine Type of Contract Lump Sum Cost Plus Fixed Fee Cost Per Unit of Work Specific Rates of

Develop Final Ranking of Consultants

Notify Consultants of Results

Request & Receive Cost Proposal Negotiate Contract with Top-Ranked Consultant

Develop Final Contract

Appoint Consultant Selection Committee and Develop Schedule for Selection

Same as One-Step RFQ Method

Issue Request for Proposal (RFP)

Same as One-Step RFP Method

Evaluate Reference Checks & Other Information Gathered Independently

Negotiate Contract with Next-Highest Ranked Consultant until Successful Develop Contract Initiate Pre-Award Audit

Execute Contract

Advertise for Consultants (RFQ)

Receive Statements of Qualifications

Evaluate Statements of Qualifications & Develop Short List

Notify Consultants of Short List

Conduct Proposers Conference or Answer Written Questions

Receive and Evaluate Technical Proposals

Develop Final Rankings of Consultants

Notify Consultants of Results

Request & Receive Cost Proposal Negotiate Contract with Top-Ranked Consultant

Issue Notice to Proceed to Consultant

Two-Step, RFQ/RFP Method: Request for Qualifications, followed by Request for Proposal and Negotiation (Use when scope of work is complex or unusual)

Administer Contract

17

Th is pa ge int en tio na lly lef tb lan k

18

4 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFQ METHOD (Request for Qualifications, followed by Interviews and Negotiation)

Appoint Consultant A Consultant Selection Committee is appointed at the beginning of the Selection Committee consultant selection process. The committee reviews materials submitted by consultants, develops a short list of qualified consultants, and develops a final ranking of most qualified consultants. Selected members of the Selection Committee negotiate costs with the consultant. Develop Schedule for The Contract Administrator is to complete a contract schedule, including Consultant Selection key dates for consultant selection activities, before the contract is advertised. Advertise for Consultants Advertisements may take one of two forms. The most common form of advertisement is publication of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The RFQ shall contain enough information so that interested consultants can submit an appropriate Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The advertisement must state if the RFQ is for more than one project. The local agency advertises the availability of the RFQ in a major newspaper of general circulation and/or technical publication of widespread circulation. RFQs also shall be sent to organizations known to be qualified to do the specified work, to professional societies, and to recognized DBE organizations. In some cases, it may be desirable to advertise nationwide for a particular project or service. The DBE Goal must be stated in the solitation or advertisement package. Receive and Evaluate Statements of Qualifications and Develop Short List The first step in the evaluation process is to determine that each submittal contains all information required by the RFQ. Submittals may be considered non-responsive and rejected without evaluation if all required information is not provided. Late submittals, submittals to the wrong location, and submittals with inadequate copies are non-responsive and shall be rejected, and submittal of additional information after the due date shall not be allowed. The Consultant Selection Committee reviews the submitted Statements of Qualifications according to the published evaluation criteria and weighting factors. The committee establishes a short list of consultants who are best qualified to perform the contract work. The short list should include enough qualified consultants to ensure that at least three candidates will be interviewed.

19

4 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFQ METHOD (Request for Qualifications, followed by Interviews and Negotiation)

Notify Consultants All consultants that submitted Statements of Qualifications must be of Short List informed which consultants are to be invited for an interview. The notification is to identify only those consultants that will be requested to attend interviews, but shall be sent to all consultants that submitted Statements of Qualifications. Evaluate Reference Checks and Other Information Gathered Independently An important part of the evaluation process is obtaining information about each prospective consultants performance on other contract work. The agency should conduct a random check of one or more of the references provided by each consultant. Reference checks on major subcontractors also are advisable if a significant portion of the work is being subcontracted.

Interview Top-Ranked Interview all firms on the short list. Interviews are to be structured and Consultants conducted in a formal manner. Each consultant shall be allowed the opportunity to make a presentation, if it desires; however, a time limit should be specified. Questions to be asked during the interview should be prepared in advance. Two sets of questions may be asked: Those questions that will be asked of all competing consultants. Questions relating to each specific consultant based upon the reference checks and the strengths and weaknesses identified during evaluation of the Statement of Qualifications.

The agency may request candidates to bring additional information or examples of their work to the interviews, if that is necessary or desirable in order to facilitate the interview or evaluation process. Additional information should be kept to the minimum that is required to select the most qualified consultant. The consultants Project Manager and major subcontractors must attend the interviews. Develop Final Ranking of Immediately after the interviews, the selection committee should discuss Consultants and document the strengths and weaknesses of each consultant and develop a final ranking of the most qualified consultants. The selection committee should take notes for debriefing the consultants at a later date.

20

4 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFQ METHOD (Request for Qualifications, followed by Interviews and Negotiation)

Notify Consultants All consultants that were interviewed must be informed of the final ranking of Results of consultants. It is important that all competing consultants receive the same information. Conduct Scoping Meeting The Contract Administrator should meet with the selected consultants Project Manager and/or other consultant/subconsultant personnel to review the project to ensure that the consultant has a complete understanding of the work that is required. The consultant should be given as much material as is available regarding the project, and any technical questions regarding the project should be answered completely. This should be done before requesting the initial cost proposal. Request The top-ranked consultant is asked to provide a cost proposal to perform Cost Proposal the work described in the draft contract and discussed at the scoping meeting. If the contract involves more than one project, or milestone, a separate cost proposal for each project or milestone shall be requested in addition to a summary cost proposal for the total contract. If portions of the contract are to be subcontracted, a separate cost proposal for each subcontractor shall be requested in addition to a summary cost proposal for the total contract. Negotiate Contract The local agency, after receipt of a cost proposal from the top-ranked with Top-Ranked consultant, negotiates a contract with that consultant. The goal of Consultant negotiations is to agree on a final contract that will deliver the services or products at a fair and reasonable cost to the local agency. The independent cost estimate developed previously by the local agency is an important basis for negotiation. Negotiations shall not be completed until a preaward audit report, if required or requested, is received and any issues resolved. Items negotiated typically include: Workplan Schedule Hours Quantities Products to be delivered Classification and experience level of personnel to be assigned Cost items, payments, and fee

For a federal-aid contract, a consultant will be awarded the contract only

21

4 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: ONE-STEP, RFQ METHOD (Request for Qualifications, followed by Interviews and Negotiation)

if it has either met the DBE contract goal or demonstrated a good-faith effort to do so. Negotiations are to be terminated if the local agency fails to conclude an agreement with the top-ranked consultant; new negotiations are then started with the consultant ranked next-highest. The process is repeated until a contract is successfully negotiated.

22

5 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: TWO-STEP, RFQ/RFP METHOD (Request for Qualifications, followed by Request for Proposal and Negotiation)

Selecting consultants using the Two-Step, RFQ/RFP method requires combining certain steps from each of the other two methods described previously. The combination of these steps are indicated on the flow chart on page 17. Initial steps in this method are the same as the initial steps followed when using the One-Step, RFQ method to develop a short list of the most highly qualified consultants. Later steps are the same as the steps followed in the One-Step, RFP method using the firms from the short list of the most highly qualified consultants. Because it is a combination of the One-Step, RFQ and the One-Step, RFP methods, this method of consultant selection requires more work and time than the other two methods. Consequently, it is recommended for use only when the scope of work is very complex or unusual.

23

5 SELECTING CONSULTANTS: TWO-STEP, RFQ/RFP METHOD (Request for Qualifications, followed by Request for Proposal and Negotiation)

24

6 COMPLETING THE PROJECT

Submit Final Cost After negotiations are completed, the consultant submits a final cost Proposal proposal based on final negotiations and contract requirements. This final cost proposal is attached to and made a part of the consultant agreement. Develop the The Contract Administrator is responsible for processing the final Final Contract negotiated contract by ensuring that the contract is complete and determining that all required back-up documents have been provided. The appropriate numbers of copies of the contract are sent to the consultant for signature. The final contract should identify the local agencys Contract Administrator who will be responsible for project management activities (especially product delivery) and the consultants Project Manager or contact person. Execute Contract and The Contract Administrator sends an original signature copy of the fully Issue Notice to Proceed executed contract and issues a notice to proceed after an authorization to to Consultant proceed has been issued by Caltrans if federal or state reimburesment will be requested. Federal and/or state funds may not be used to reimburse consultants for costs incurred before the authorization to proceed is issued. Administer Project work begins immediately after the notice to proceed is issued to the Contract the consultant. Thereafter, the local agency manages and administers the contract to ensure that a complete and acceptable product is received on time, within standards, and within budget. Contract administration activities ensure that contractual obligations are completed satisfactorily. Generally, these activities include: Monitoring project progress and compliance with contract requirements Reviewing invoices and approving payments after making a determination that amounts billed are reasonable in relationship to the work performed Record keeping and reporting Cost control Identifying changes to the scope of work and preparing amendments Monitoring consultant DBE utilization, if federal-aid contract Monitoring contract expiration date and issuing amendments for time extensions

Contract Amendments A contract amendment is required for any change in the terms of the contract. Amendments are not required for changes in personnel or subconsultants mentioned in the cost proposal; however, to be considered eligible for reimbursement prior approval by Caltrans for such changes must be in writing.

25

6 COMPLETING THE PROJECT

All amendments, including amendments to extend the expiration date must be fully executed by the local agency and consultant before the contract expires. An amendment, or change to the contract must be within the original scope of the consultant selection contract. Changes that are outside the scope of the contract are considered sole source agreements and must have sole source justification. In addition, services of DBE subcontractors should be considered if the original amount of the contract is increased. Close Out Project Projects should be closed out promptly after contract services are completed. Local agencies are encouraged to complete these steps quickly. Performance The consultants performance should be evaluated by the Contract Evaluation Administrator after the consultants final report has been submitted and the Contract Administrator has conducted a detailed evaluation of the project with the consultants Project Manager. Final Payments The local agency completes final payment of consultant invoices, submits a final invoice to Caltrans to complete federal and/or state reimbursement, and closes out the contract. Project Records Project records and documentation must be kept for three years after payment of the final voucher.

Minor Revision: 01-14-02

26

7 FOR CONSULTANTS: PREPARING AN APPROPRIATE PROPOSAL

Introduction It is in the interest of both public agencies and private consultants that proposers submit documents which are well-structured and can be evaluated easily. The following suggestions offer guidance regarding preparation of proposals having those characteristics. Elements of a A good proposal is directed specifically at the particular project for Good Proposal which consultant services are being solicited. Therefore, the entire content of the proposal should support the consultants perspective on the project and the consultants ability to produce and deliver the services and products sought by a local agency. Materials which are general in nature, and which do not address the specific program and concerns of the local agency, are not helpful to the local agency nor to the consultants prospects for being awarded a contract. A good proposal emphasizes the following four elements: 1. 2. 3. 4. Approach and methodology Work plan Schedule of product deliveries Experience and qualifications

Approach and A consultant should first indicate that it understands the specific project Methodology and what the local agency is seeking in services and product. The consultants approach may suggest ideas for useful techniques and methodologies that, from the consultants experience, could be very helpful to the local agencys perspective on the project. While some projects may be very straightforward, others often include aspects about which the local agency may be unsure and may welcome specific advice. The consultant should define specific techniques and experiences clearly in its proposal, and should relate them directly to the particular project being considered. Work Plan The consultant should outline a work plan that identifies the major tasks needed to accomplish project objectives efficiently and expeditiously. The work plan should distinguish between technical tasks, such as design and production steps, and such administrative tasks as coordination meetings and product review periods, and it should indicate the completion date for each task. It should be integrated with the schedule of product deliveries to help the local agency understand the commitments it must make in resources and personnel to achieve project objectives.

27

7 FOR CONSULTANTS: PREPARING AN APPROPRIATE PROPOSAL

Schedule of Local agency officials usually have specific deadlines by which a project Product Deliveries must be completed. Such deadlines may be determined by financial considerations, by linkages with other public or private projects, by the availability of local agency personnel, etc. The consultant should recognize the validity of those deadlines and develop a schedule of product deliveries that will achieve the local agencys objectives. It often is helpful to the local agency for the consultant to point out features of the schedule which may be problematic, which may require the local agency to provide special input or resources, or which otherwise require special attention. Experience and Each consultant should present its experience with projects of a similar Qualifications type or situation and size and the qualifications of the personnel that they would assign to the project. Each consultant also should identify the Project Manager. Consultant experience and qualifications should be directed specifically to the local agencys project. Local agency officials need to be assured that the consultant does, in fact, have the judgment and capabilities needed to successfully complete the project. Proposal Format Consultants generally should submit their proposals in a format that is consistent with the sequence of informational items requested by a local agency. A proposal submitted in a format consistent with the RFP or RFQ is easy for local agency officials to review. For examples, see Chapter 10 of the Local Assistance Procedures Manual. Proposal Style Consultants should take care to present their proposals in a style that is distinctive, attractive, and easy to review. Text should be presented simply and clearly. Complex ideas and concepts can be communicated easily by using correct grammar and punctuation, simple sentence structure, minimal jargon, short sentences, and brief paragraphs. Graphic formats and images can be combined with generous amounts of white space to highlight text elements, improve readability, and ensure that key information can be found readily.

28

ATTACHMENT A DISTRICT MAP DISTRICT LOCAL ASSISTANCE ENGINEERS

STATE OF CALIFORNIA Business, Transportation and Housing Agency Department of Transportation

District Local Assistance Engineers

DEL NORTE

SISKIYOU

MODOC

HUMBOLDT SHASTA

2
TRINITY LASSEN

District 1 1656 Union Street P.O. Box 3700 Eureka, CA 95502-3770 Phone: (707) 445-6399

District 4 111 Grand Avenue P.O. Box 23660 Oakland, CA 94623-0660 Phone: (510) 286-5226

District 8 464 West Fourth Street P.O. Box 231 San Bernardino, CA 92402 Phone: (909) 383-4030

EUREKA

REDDING

1
MENDOCINO

TEHAMA PLUMAS BUTTE

District 2 1657 Riverside Drive P.O. Box 496073 Redding, CA 96049-6073 Phone: (530) 225-3484 District 3 703 B Street P.O. Box 911 Marysville, CA 95901 Phone: (530) 741-5450

District 5 50 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-5415 Phone: (805) 549-4606 District 6 1352 West Olive Avenue P.O. Box 12616 Fresno, CA 93778-2616 Phone: (559) 488-4105 District 7 700 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Phone: (213) 620-6544

District 9 500 South Main Street

Bishop,(760) 872-0681 Phone: CA Select

District 10 1976 East Charter Way P.O. Box 2048 Stockton, CA 95201 Phone: (209) 948-3689 District 11 2829 Juan Street P.O. Box 85406 San Diego, CA 92186-5406 Phone: (619) 688-6778

GLENN

3
COLUSA LAKE SUTTER YOLO SONOMA NAPA

SIERRA YUBA NEVADA

MARYSVILLE
PLACER EL SACRAMENTO AMADOR DORADO ALPINE CALAVERAS

4
MARIN

SOLANO CONTRA COSTA ALAMEDA

STOCKTON
SAN JOAQUIN STANISLAUS

TUOLUMNE

OAKLAND
SAN FRANCISCO

10
MARIPOSA MERCED MADERA

MONO

SAN MATEO

SANTA CLARA

District 12 3347 Michelson Dr., Ste. CN380 Irvine, CA 92612 Phone: (949) 756-7805

BISHOP

SANTA CRUZ SAN BENITO MONTEREY KINGS

FRESNO
FRESNO TULARE

9
INYO

5
SAN LUIS OBISPO

6
KERN

SAN LUIS OBISPO

SAN BERNARDINO SANTA BARBARA VENTURA

LOS ANGELES

8
SAN BERNARDINO
RIVERSIDE

7
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND MAILING ADDRESSES
4/2001

LOS ANGELES
ORANGE

SANTA ANA

12
SAN DIEGO

11

IMPERIAL

SAN DIEGO

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EXHIBIT A DISTRICT MAP: DISTRICT LOCAL ASSISTANCE ENGINEERS

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