SLED Opportunity · CALIFORNIA · ORANGE COUNTY - CALIFORNIA
AI Summary
County of Orange seeks qualified firms for environmental monitoring and biological sampling services in the Newport Bay Watershed. Proposals must be submitted electronically by March 17, 2026.
The County of Orange, OC Public Works (hereinafter referred to as “County”), is soliciting proposals from qualified firms (hereinafter referred to as “Respondents”) for Environmental Monitoring and Biological Sampling Services for the Newport Bay Watershed. Respondents must meet the minimum qualifications and requirements as set forth within the RFP and be capable of providing services identified in the Scope of Work herein.
The proposed schedule below is subject to change. Any changes to the schedule for the RFP process will be issued to all Respondents via addenda on the County's eProcurement Portal.
This is a fully electronic Request for Proposals (RFP). Respondents must submit their proposals online via the County’s online bidding system. Only electronic proposals will be accepted. Facsimile and e-mail proposals will NOT be allowed. For assistance on uploading proposals via County’s eProcurement Portal, please contact procurement-support@opengov.com or https://help.procurement.opengov.com/en/.
All questions or requests for interpretations must be received within this solicitation by Tuesday, March 3, 2026, before 2:00 pm as specified in the solicitation. Respondents are not to contact other County personnel with any questions or clarifications concerning this solicitation. Verbal clarifications or responses will not be considered binding.
The County of Orange, through OC Public Works, conducts ongoing environmental monitoring within the Newport Bay watershed to support compliance with state and federal water quality regulations, including Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements for selenium and organochlorine compounds. These regulatory programs require periodic biological tissue sampling and habitat assessments to evaluate the presence, distribution, and bioaccumulation of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems.
The Newport Bay watershed includes a mix of urbanized drainage systems, constructed wetlands, natural channels, and ecological reserves that provide habitat for a variety of freshwater and estuarine fish and bird species. Monitoring of fish tissue, bird eggs, and fish community structure is necessary to assess ecological conditions, track trends over time, and evaluate compliance with regulatory objectives established by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The County requires qualified environmental professionals with appropriate regulatory permits and technical expertise to conduct biological sampling, habitat and community surveys, quality-assured data collection, laboratory coordination, and reporting in accordance with approved Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and applicable monitoring protocols, including California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) guidelines and California Environmental Data Exchange Network (CEDEN) reporting requirements.
These services are professional environmental monitoring and scientific support services and do not involve architectural design, engineering design, or construction-related activities. The selected Contractor will provide field sampling, data analysis support, and regulatory reporting services to assist the County in meeting ongoing environmental compliance and watershed management objectives.
This scope of work will provide a Vendor with experienced biologists and appropriate state and federal permits to collect fish and bird egg samples and to conduct fish community/habitat surveys principally in the Newport Bay watershed (Watershed), County of Orange, California. This scope of work is part of a watershed-wide environmental assessment for selenium and other bio accumulative contaminants, most notably organochlorine compounds.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum. Revised OCLSB and DVBE sections.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum. Protest section.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.
*Note: Respondents submitting exceptions to the County Model Contract of this RFP, will receive a score of “0” for this criterion.
County reserves the right to conduct, or to not conduct, oral interviews and/or presentations with the highest-scored Respondent(s). The decision whether to conduct oral interviews/presentations rests solely with County and the decision of the DPA is final. Respondents shall be ready to attend interview within fifteen (15) calendar days of notification. Any inquiry to determine the responsibility of a Respondent to this RFP may be conducted. Respondent agrees that the submission of a Response is permission by Respondent for County to verify all information contained therein. If County believes it necessary, additional information may be requested from Respondent. The County may also send written questions and ask for written responses within five (5) business days. Failure to comply with any such request may disqualify a Respondent from further consideration. Respondents must be prepared to discuss all aspects of their Response in detail, including technical questions. Respondents will not be allowed to alter or amend their Response through the use of the presentation process.
NOTE: If interview/presentations are not conducted, the Written Response shall account for 900 total points of the scoring.
*NOTE: DVBE PREFERENCE IS NOT APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC WORKS OR A-E CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
Respondent shall upload the Cost Proposal for both Respondent and, if applicable, any subcontractors. The Cost Proposal will be evaluated as follows:
Some *required questions might not be applicable to your company. Do not leave any required fields blank. Please indicate "N/A" when necessary. A required field that is left blank will prohibit your response from being submitted.
*indicates that it is required.
All Responses must be accompanied by a cover letter of introduction and executive summary of the Response. The cover letter must be signed by person(s) with authority to bind the Respondent.
If the Respondent is a corporation, two (2) signatures are required: one (1) signature by the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President; and one (1) signature by the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer. The signature of one person alone is sufficient to bind a corporation, as long as he or she holds corporate offices in each of the two categories described above. For County purposes, proof of such dual office holding will be satisfied by having the individual sign the instrument twice, each time indicating his or her office that qualifies under the above-described provision. In the alternative, a single corporate signature is acceptable when accompanied by a corporate resolution demonstrating the legal authority of the signatory to bind the corporation.
An unsigned or improperly signed Response submission is grounds for rejection of the Response and disqualification from further participation in this RFP process. All Responses shall include this Cover Page with appropriate signatures as required.
The County requires that all response be valid for at least three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days. Submissions not valid for at least three hundred sixty-five (365) days will be considered nonresponsive. The Respondent shall state the length of time for which the submitted response shall remain valid below:
Please state 365 calendar Days if your response will be valid for that period of time. If your response will be valid for a different period of time please list the appropriate number of calendar days.
The County assumes no responsibility for any understanding or representation made by any of its officers, employees or agents during or prior to the execution of any Contract resulting from this solicitation unless:
Representations made but not expressly stated and for which liability is not expressly assumed by the County in the Contract shall be deemed only for the information of the Respondent.
Respondent certifies that such understanding has been considered in this response.
The Respondent certifies that it has thoroughly examined the County’s requirements and meets all minimum qualifications and requirements set forth in this RFP.
Proposer understands and agrees that upon recommendation of contract award, CMARE will be required to submit the following documents within ten (10) days of notification by County, unless otherwise specified in the RFP:
The Respondent shall certify its willingness and ability to provide the required insurance coverage and certificates as set forth in the Model Contract.
All Contractors will be required to submit to County a federal Form W-9, or form W-8 for foreign vendors. County will inform Contractor, at the time of award, if the Form W-9 or W-8 will be required.
In order to comply with this County requirement, within ten (10) days of notification of selection of award of Contract but prior to official award of Contract, the selected Contractor agrees to furnish to the agency Deputy Procurement Agent (DPA) the required W-9 or W-8.
You may upload the appropriate form here or comply within the ten (10) days as described above.
Does the Respondent have an existing relationship with the County, past or current, for any financial or business reasons, or any other reason?
An answer of "NO" shall be considered as Respondent certifying that no relationship exists or has existed as outlined below. An answer of "YES" will allow you to disclose the necessary information to the County.
Respondent with an existing or past relationship with the County, for any reason, shall answer "YES" to this question and disclose:
Disclose any financial, business or other relationship with the County, any other entity that the County Board of Supervisors governs, or any County Board member, officer or employee, which may have an impact, affect or influence on the outcome of the services you propose to provide. Provide a list of current clients, employees, principals or shareholders (including family members) who may have a financial interest in the outcome of services you propose to provide.
Disclose any financial, business or other relationship within the last three (3) years with any firm or member of any firm who may have a financial interest in the outcome of the work.
By confirming here, Respondent certifies an enforceable commitment to the County of Orange to meet the requirements of PCC 22164 (c).
By confirming below, Respondent provides an enforceable commitment that it and its subcontracts at every tier will use a skilled and trained workforce to perform all work on the Project that falls within an apprenticeable occupation in the building and constructions trades as required by Public Contract Code 22185.3(b). Respondent understands that it will not be evaluated for selection unless this commitment is provided.
Respondent provides an enforceable commitment that it and its subcontracts at every tier will use a skilled and trained workforce to perform all work on the Project that falls within an apprenticable occupation in the building and constructions trades as required by Public Contract Code 20146(c). Respondent understands its response shall not be considered unless this commitment is given.
State YES or NO that you are aware of and agree to the Liquidated Damages Clause below, which will be a part of an ensuing contract.
In accordance with Government Code Section 53069.85, CMARE agrees to forfeit and pay to County the sum of TBD per day for each calendar day that completion of all the work required by the Contract Documents is delayed beyond the Contract Time, or specified portion of work if designated in a GMP, as may be adjusted by Change Order. County may deduct such sum from any payments due to or to become due to CMARE.
If the Liquidated Damages exceed the unpaid balance of the Contract Price otherwise owed to CMARE, then CMARE shall immediately pay County the difference.
A statement of compliance with all parts of this RFP or a listing of exceptions and suggested changes must be submitted in response to this RFP.
Note: Respondents submitting exceptions to the County Model Contract listed in this RFP will receive a score of “0” for that criteria.
Each Respondent must execute the Non-Collusion Declaration contained in the RFP and submit it with the Response.
The County of Orange may require that the Respondent, before awarding any subcontract, secure Non-Collusion Declarations from proposed Subcontractors. The County of Orange does not conduct business with Respondents who engage in the act of Collusion.
Has your firm ever initiated discussions with competing consulting firms about the payment structure of an existing or potential future contract with the County of Orange? Respondent must select one (1).
If Respondent selects Yes answer, Respondent must provide a brief explanation below. A “Yes” answer may preclude you from moving forward in the RFP Process. Respondent must certify both questions below:
If not, has your firm participated in any discussions with competing firms in an effort to influence the payment structure for existing or potential County contracts? Respondent must select one (1). A “Yes” answer may preclude you from moving forward in the RFP Process.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Respondent must certify either Yes or No:
(Yes) Respondent certifies current/past litigation as follows:
Respondent shall provide detailed information regarding litigation (court and case number), liens, or claims involving Respondent, or any company that holds a controlling interest in Respondent, against County of Orange in the past seven (7) years.
Respondent must certify either Yes or No below:
(Yes) Respondent certifies past company name changes and/or ownership changes, for Respondent’s firm and any proposed subcontractor firm, as follows:
Respondent shall provide detailed information regarding any company name changes (including legal business names) in the past seven (7) years.
(No) Respondent certifies that Respondent or any proposed subcontractors have not had any company name change or ownership changes in the past seven (7) years.
The Levine Act compliance is a minimum submittal requirement of this solicitation.
Please complete and sign the County of Orange Campaign Contribution Disclosure Form attached hereto. A proposer’s failure to provide a completed and signed copy will render its proposal as incomplete and nonresponsive.
Check the box to confirm - If subject to the Political Reform Act, Respondent shall conform to all requirements of the Act.
Failure to do so shall constitute a material breach and is grounds for immediate termination of the Contract by County. Respondent shall indemnify and hold harmless County for any and all claims for damages resulting from Respondent’s violation of this Section.
Orange County Local Small Business (OCLSB) or a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
To participate as an OCLSB and/or DVBE, the requirements in the OCLSB AND DVBE PREFERENCE POLICIES CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS must be met
Instructions are located here: https://cpo.ocgov.com/doing-business-oc/preference-policies
Required for projects exceeding $5 million
Contractor shall comply with County’s Safety and Loss Prevention Policy and Procedure #306 (“Contractor Safety Responsibilities”) and submit a copy of its Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and Contractor Safety-Activity Checklist to the designated County Procurement staff as part of the solicitation and/or contract process. Contractor will notify County Project Manager of any revisions to the Safety-Activity Checklist and will provide a new Safety-Activity Checklist upon County request. The IIPP shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1509 or 3203 (whichever applies). Contractor shall submit other safety programs that pertain to the type of job that will be performed on site. County reserves the right to conduct inspections and audits as necessary for the purpose of evaluating any aspect of safety performance under this Contract.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Contractor is required to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliant with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5194, for each hazardous substance that is provided, used or created as part of the goods or services provided by Contractor to County. The SDS for each substance must be sent to either the County Project Manager, as specified in the “Notices” provision of this Contract, or to the place of shipment or provision of goods/services.
Upon recommendation of contract award, Respondent will be required to submit the Signed Contract within ten (10) days of County notification, unless otherwise specified in the RFP.
Selected Respondent will be required to sign a contract upon award. If selected Respondent is a corporation, signature will be provided in accordance with the corporation’s code as specified in this solicitation.
Some *required questions might not be applicable to your company. Do not leave any required fields blank. Please indicate "N/A" when necessary. A required field that is left blank will prohibit your response from being submitted.
*indicates that it is required.
Enter License Number
Please enter your DIR (Department of Industrial Relations) Public Works Registration Number.
To be certified as a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise by the County of Orange, a business shall meet (1) and (2) below:
Must be certified as a DVBE by the State of California Department of General Services (DGS); and,
DGS DVBE requirements must be valid at the time of bid/proposal submittal.
Enter certification number
Please upload a printout from SAM.gov to confirm that your company currently has no active exclusions. The printout must be no greater than seven (7) calendar days prior to the due date of this bid.
What is the address of the company's corporate office? Please provide the full street/mailing address.
Please provide the local business address for the company named above. If there are multiple local addresses then please provide all.
If incorporated, please provide the name, contact number, and email of the person who would provide this signature authority. The Executive Signer Authority comes from the President, Vice-President, or Chairperson of the Board.
If incorporated, please provide the name, contact number, and email of the person who would provide this signature authority. The Financial Signer Authority comes from the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, or Treasurer.
If not incorporated, please provide the name, contact number, and email of the person who has the binding and signature authority of this contract.
The County requires a valid UEI number and complete registration. Your company may obtain one at no cost at https://sam.gov/entity-registration.
Please provide your company's DUNS number.
The County requires a valid D-U-N-S number prior to Contract Award. If needed, your company may obtain one at no cost at www.dnb.com. If you are unable to provide/obtain a D-U-N-S number, please indicate so in lieu of the number.
Please include the following information in this response and note that this person is responsible for monitoring and responding to all communications for this solicitation:
Please include the following information in this response:
Please include the following information in this response:
State the following for the emergency contact person in reference to this services:
Respondent must demonstrate successful prior performance of comparable services in the public sector arena and provide a minimum five (5) references with three (3) references from public sector entities and clients that are comparable to the County of Orange for which these types of services have been performed within the past five (5) years. References cannot be from one of the County of Orange departments or from more than one of the same entity.
Please provide the following information for each of the five references:
State the number of projects the Prime has completed in Orange County.
This section shall not exceed the page limit. No Exceptions.
Note: Responses that exceed the page limit noted above will be disqualified from further consideration.
1. Firm Background, Qualifications, and Relevant Experience
Scoring Method: Points Based
Weight: 175 Points (35%)
Company Background and Qualifications
Provide an overview of the firm and a brief description of its history, including:
Provide the following firm information:
County Experience
List any previous or current contracts with the County of Orange within the last five (5) years, including:
Financial Stability
Provide a general description of the firm’s financial condition and identify any circumstances (e.g., bankruptcy, pending litigation, planned office closures, or mergers/acquisitions) that may impair the Respondent’s ability to perform the required services.
2. Key Personnel and Proposed Staffing
Scoring Method: Points Based
Weight: 150 Points (30%)
Assigned personnel must have demonstrated experience in environmental monitoring and biological field studies, preferably in public-sector regulatory programs.
Provide the following:
3. Quality and Effectiveness of Work Plan and Project Approach
Scoring Method: Points Based
Weight: 125 Points (25%)
Respondents shall demonstrate a clear understanding of the Scope of Work and regulatory context.
Provide the following:
4. Organization and Completeness of Response
Scoring Method: Points Based
Weight: 25 Points (5%)
Evaluation will consider:
5. Compliance with County Model Contract
Scoring Method: Points Based
Weight: 25 Points (5%)
Respondents must review and accept the County Model Contract.
Note: Respondents submitting exceptions to the County Model Contract will receive a score of zero (0) for this criterion.
This section of the Proposal will establish the ability of Respondent company or team to satisfactorily perform the required work by reasons of experience in performing services of a similar nature, demonstrated competence in the services to be provided, strength and stability of the team, staffing capability, workload, record of meeting schedules on similar projects, and supportive client references. As part of its response to the following, Respondent should justify how the minimum qualifications/requirements specified below have been satisfied.
This Statement will be completed by the Respondent using as much detail as possible. In addition to providing various development statistics, the Respondent is encouraged to provide a paragraph description of the design highlights. The narrative should stress those elements that exceed minimum standards required in the related RFQ and those found in this RFP.
Respondent shall describe relevant information concerning the services offered in this RFP that it considers important in evaluating its services.
Respondent shall provide a proposed design and construction critical path schedule showing proposed progress from award, including design and start of construction through completion, including significant milestones, such as site work, utilities, foundation, structure, and landscaping.
Respondent shall use County form provided, otherwise all other pages used for this section will be counted against Respondent’s page limit.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
NOTE: If you are choosing to use no subcontractors and entirely self perform then please note such on the attached form and upload it as part of your proposal.
CMARE understands that the personnel represented as assigned to the Contract must remain working on the Contract throughout the duration of the Contract unless otherwise requested or approved by the County. Substitution or addition of CMARE’s key personnel in any given category or classification shall be allowed only with written approval of the County’s Project Manager. Note: The written approval of substituted CMARE Key Personnel is for the departmental use only and shall not be used for auditing purposes outside OC Public Works.
CMARE may reserve the right to involve other CMARE personnel, as their services are required. The specific individuals will be assigned based on the need and timing of the services/classification required. Assignment of additional key personnel shall be subject to County Project Manager written approval. Note: the written approval of additional CMARE Key Personnel is for departmental use only and shall not be used for auditing purposes outside OC Public Works. County reserves the right to have any CMARE personnel removed from providing services to County under this Contract. County is not required to provide any reason for the request for removal of any CMARE personnel.
Respondent shall provide a brief narrative that addresses the services noted in the Scope of Work and demonstrates the Respondent’s understanding of County’s needs and requirements.
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
Any pages provided in this section will be counted against the Respondents page limit.
Respondent may provide any additional information or documentation that demonstrates their ability to perform services. Please do not upload any information already provided in any previous responses.
Please select the type of RFP you are wanting for your solicitation.
Insert Project Address(es) here:
Please enter the Liquidated Damages amount (highlighted section below for reference)
"In accordance with Government Code Section 53069.85, CMARE agrees to forfeit and pay to County the sum of <insert amount> per day (“Liquidated Damages”) for each calendar day that completion of all the work required by the Contract Documents is delayed beyond the Contract Time, or specified portion of work if designated in a GMP, as may be adjusted by Change Order. County may deduct such sum from any payments due to or to become due to CMARE."
What is the firm name of the Architect-Engineering firm providing bridging documents, requirements and other related supporting technical documents for this project?
What is the street/office address of the above named A-E for this project?
Only the street/office address should be given here, you will be asked to provide the City, State, and ZIP Code in the next question.
For the above noted A-E Address, what are the City, State, and ZIP Code?
This RFP states:
When the project award is brought to the Board of Supervisors for approval, staff will request the Board to approve a stipend in the amount of $<0> to each Respondent not awarded the Contract.
What is the stipend amount that you wish to state? Please state only the numeric value without using a dollar sign. If there is no stipend amount, you may skip this question and it will default to $0.
EXAMPLE (if $1,000)
1,000.00
Provide the full RFQ # that occurred prior to this RFP?
EXAMPLE:
017-FF#-XXX
Please provide a brief description of services being requested for your solicitation.
Please enter the license(s) requirement for this project.
Do you want vendors to submit a staffing plan for this project?
Enter the maximum # of pages allowed for the respondent's proposal.
Q (No subject): Please confirm that securing a laboratory and determining the costs of analytical chemistry will be part of the Vendors job under the contract and does not need to be determined at this time. If analytical chemistry costs are needed at this time, please provide a comprehensive list of analytes and approved methods.
A: Thank you for your question. The County currently contracts directly with a laboratory for analytical services. As such, analytical laboratory services and associated costs are not included in the Vendor’s scope of work under this contract. The selected Vendor will be responsible for sample collection, handling, and submittal to the County-designated laboratory, as well as data analysis, data quality review, and preparation of reports based on the laboratory results. Vendors are not required to secure a laboratory or include analytical chemistry costs in their proposal.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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