RFP - 5 YEAR SANITARY SEWER RATE STUDY

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Consultant Services For
Sewer Rate Study
City of Half Moon Bay
Issue Date: July 22, 2026
Statement of Proposals (SOPs) Due Date:
August 7, 2026 at 4:00PM PST
City of Half Moon Bay Sharif Etman
501 Main Street Project Manager
Half Moon Bay, CA 94403 Krisch & Company
www.hmbcity.com Sharife@krischcpas.com

City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
Table of Contents
1 RFP OVERVIEW ...........................................................................................................................5
1.1 PURPOSE OF RFP .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 RFP TIMELINE ................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 RFP QUESTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.4 RFP AMENDMENT AND CANCELLATION ................................................................................................. 5
1.5 SOP SUBMITTAL ............................................................................................................................... 6
2 CITY INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................7
2.1 CITY OVERVIEW..........................................................................................................................................7
2.2 CITY BACKGROUND...................................................................................................................................7
SCOPE OF SERVICES ....................................................................................................................8
4 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................8
5 GENERAL PROVISIONS AND REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................9
6 SOP FORMAT AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................9
6.1 SOP FORMAT ................................................................................................................................... 9
6.2 COVER LETTER .................................................................................................................................. 9
6.3 OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 10
6.4 FIRM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.............................................................................................. 10
6.5 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE ............................................................................................ 11
6.6 SIMILAR PROJECTS ........................................................................................................................... 11
6.7 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 11
6.8 COST PROPOSAL .............................................................................................................................. 11
7 FIRM SELECTION ....................................................................................................................... 11
7.1 SOP EVALUATION............................................................................................................................ 11
7.2 AWARD OF CONTRACT...................................................................................................................... 12
7.3 BUSINESS LICENSE ........................................................................................................................... 12
7.4 NEGATIVE HISTORY .......................................................................................................................... 12
7.5 BACKGROUND CHECK ....................................................................................................................... 13
8 PROTEST TO SPECIFICATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 13
9 RFP TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................................................................................... 13
9.1 REVIEW OF RFP .............................................................................................................................. 13
9.2 UNDUE INFLUENCE .......................................................................................................................... 13
9.3 NONDISCRIMINATION ....................................................................................................................... 13
9.4 SOP PREPARATION COSTS ................................................................................................................ 14
9.5 SOP WITHDRAWALS ........................................................................................................................ 14
9.6 SOP ERRORS .................................................................................................................................. 14
9.7 INCORRECT SOP INFORMATION ......................................................................................................... 14
9.8 PROHIBITION OF PROPOSER TERMS AND CONDITIONS ........................................................................... 14
9.9 RIGHT TO REFUSE PERSONNEL ........................................................................................................... 14
9.10 PROPOSAL OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES .................................................................................................. 15
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
9.11 LICENSURE ...................................................................................................................................... 15
9.12 CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND SOP RESTRICTIONS ................................................................................... 15
9.13 CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS ................................................................................................................ 15
9.14 RIGHT OF REJECTIONS ...................................................................................................................... 15
9.15 DISCLOSURE OF SOQ CONTENTS ........................................................................................................ 16
9.16 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION ............................................................................................................. 16
9.17 SEVERABILITY .................................................................................................................................. 16
9.18 SOP AMENDMENT .......................................................................................................................... 16
9.19 SOP ABANDONMENT ....................................................................................................................... 16
9.20 RIGHTS OF THE CITY ......................................................................................................................... 16
10 ATTACHMENT ........................................................................................................................... 17
10.1 EXAMPLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
1 RFP Overview
1.1 Purpose of RFP
This Request for Proposals ("RFP") is issued by the City of Half Moon Bay ("City"). The City seeks
Statements of Proposals from entities ("Proposer(s)") with demonstrated experience and
qualifications in providing a Comprehensive 5-year Sewer Rate Study.
1.2 RFP Timeline
Table 1 identifies the RFP schedule.
Table 1 - RFP Schedule of Events
Activity Date
City Issues RFP July 22, 2026
Deadline for Proposer Questions July 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST
City Provides Responses to Questions August 3, 2026
Deadline for SOP Submissions August 7, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST
City Completes Evaluations August 14, 2026
Finalist Notified and Contract Negotiations August 17 - August 24, 2026
City Council Approval September 1,2026
Work Begins September 2, 2026
The City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the RFP schedule as it deems
necessary. Notification of any adjustment to the RFP Schedule of Events will be provided to all
Proposers.
1.3 RFP Questions
All questions, technical or otherwise, pertaining to this RFP must be submitted via email to:
Sharif Etman
Advisory Services Manager / Project Manager
Krisch & Company
Email: Sharife@krischcpas.com
The deadline to receive all questions is July 29, 2026 at 4:00PM PST. Questions received after
this date may not be answered. Proposer questions should clearly identify the relevant
section(s) of the RFP and page number(s) related to the question being asked.
1.4 RFP Amendment and Cancellation
The City reserves the right to amend this RFP in writing at any time. The City also reserves the
right to cancel or reissue the RFP at its sole discretion. If amendment(s) are issued, notification
shall be provided to all Proposers. Amendment(s) will also be posted on the City's website:
http://www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/287/Bid-RFP-Center.
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
1.5 SOP Submittal
SOPs must be received by the City no later than the date and time indicated in Section 1.2.
Proposers assume the risk of the method of delivery chosen. The City assumes no responsibility
for delays caused by any delivery service. Postmarks will not be accepted as proof of receipt.
Failure to submit a SOPs as required before the deadline may cause the SOPs to be disqualified.
SOPs packages must be emailed to Sharif Etman, Project Manager (a single .pdf file containing
all submitted material) at Sharife@krischcpas.com.
The email should be clearly labeled as follows:
Statement of Proposals for Sewer Rate Study
Due Date: August 7, 2026 at 4:00PM PST
Attn: Sharif Etman, Project Manager
Name of Proposing Firm
Proposer's Address
Proposer's Contact Person
Proposer's Telephone Number
All proposers are expected to make all necessary inquiries and examinations to ascertain all
conditions and requirements affecting the full performance of the contract and to verify any
representations made by the City. If the Proposer receives an award as a result of its SOPs
submission, failure to have made such investigations and examinations will in no way relieve
the firm from its obligation to comply in every detail with all provisions and requirements of
the contract, nor will a plea of ignorance of such conditions and requirements be accepted as
a basis for any claim whatsoever by the firm for additional compensation.
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
2.1 City Overview
Incorporated in 1959, the City of Half Moon Bay has
a population of about 12,600 and encompasses
approximately 6.5 square miles. The City is a
general law entity, governed by a council-manager
form of government. The City employs 36 full-time
employees. Half Moon Bay is nestled on the
peninsula between forested hills and the scenic
coastlines of San Mateo County, located 28 miles
south of San Francisco and 40 miles north of San
Jose.
The City's Historic downtown is home to numerous
shops, art galleries, restaurants, bed and
breakfasts, and other businesses, and its
celebrated beaches and parks are wonders of
nature, accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, and
equestrians. With its many activities and events,
beautiful natural scenery, old-town charm, and
abundance of retail and commercial services, Half
Moon Bay is a regional destination. Growth in the
number of households is expected to be 0.1
percent per year over the next 10 years.
2.2 Background
The City of Half Moon Bay operates its collection system and pays its proportional share of treatment
costs through its sewer enterprise fund. The sewer enterprise fund is supported by sewer service
charges imposed upon users of the City's sewer system. Sewer Service Charges are intended to
recover revenues sufficient to adequately fund sewer utility operations, maintenance, and capital
replacement expenditures, while maintaining prudent levels of reserves. The City's Sewer Service
charges address not only the operation and maintenance of the City collection system, but also the
proportional costs of the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) operations of the treatment plant
and intertie pipeline system.
The Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) Joint Powers Authority is comprised of the City of Half
Moon Bay, the Granada Community Services District, and the Montara Water and Sanitary District.
Representatives of the member agencies form the governing body for SAM, which provides
wastewater treatment and collection services for these Coastside communities.
The last rate study was completed in 2020 and covered a 5-year period.
Last August, Judge Julia Alloggiamento of the Santa Clara County Superior Court ruled in favor of
Granada Community Services District and Montara Water and Sanitary District in the longstanding
dispute regarding responsibility for the more than $25 million cost to replace an intertie pipeline
system. The pipeline system transports wastewater from Granada and Montara to the Sewer
Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) treatment plant in Half Moon Bay.
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
On December 30, 2025, Judge Alloggiamento entered the Final Judgment in the matter, which
stated, among other things, that the intertie pipeline system constitutes maintenance under the
SAM Joint Powers Agreement, rather than a capital expense that benefits only the other two
members of SAM.
The impact of the ruling means the City of Half Moon Bay is responsible for approximately 60
percent of the replacement cost, which will ultimately be paid by City ratepayers.
www.halfmoonbay.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7395/News-Release---SAM-Press-Release-
2025?bidId=
3 Scope of Services
The scope of this Study is to prepare a 5-year financial plan, review the City's existing rate structure,
and propose a 5-year rate program. The primary objectives of this Study are to:
* Develop a 5-year financial management plan that integrates the City's operational and
capital project funding needs that documents the current and proposed sewer rate and capacity
charge and all methodology, supporting analysis, rate comparisons, revenue projections, and
recommendations
* Identify future rate adjustments to sewer rates to help ensure adequate revenues to meet the
City's ongoing financial obligations;
* Determine the cost of providing sewer service to customer classes using industry-accepted
methodologies; and recommend specific modifications to the City's existing rate structures in
order to ensure that the City is equitably recovering the cost of service and comporting with
industry standards and California's legal requirements:
* Evaluate and document applicable requirements under Assembly Bill 2257, including optional
procedures related to written objections, agency responses, public noticing, and the
administrative record for any proposed new, increased, or extended sewer rates.
* Preparation of documents for City Council approval: Draft of Proposition 218 notification letter
* Ordinance language amending City Municipal Code and the associated Council staff report and
resolution
* A PowerPoint presentation of the aforementioned report's results for presentation at one (1)
City Council meeting, with consultant staff present to answer City Council questions
* Confirm and include a draft rate study timeline for completion by March 31st, for presentation
to the City Council and community in support of July 1st implementation
The Proposal shall also include a contingency and/or optional task for public outreach, which the
City may choose exercise as needed to advance project goals.
4 Minimum Qualifications
The Minimum Qualifications under this RFP are as follows:
1. Relevant Experience preparing similar Sewer Rate Studies.
2. Knowledge of and utilize all applicable Local, County, State, and Federal laws, guidelines,
procedures, templates, rules, and resources in the development of this study including but not
limited to Proposition 218 and its requirements.
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
5 General Provisions and Requirements
In addition to the above requirements, the following work standards are required under this RFP:
1. In case of conflict, ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, or omissions the Consultant shall submit
the matter to the City for clarification. Any work affected by such conflicts, ambiguities,
discrepancies, errors or omissions which are performed by the Consultant shall be at the
Consultant's risk and expense including any consultant work to remedy such shortcomings.
2. Deliverables shall be prepared in English units and in conformances with the latest editions of
applicable standards.
3. The Consultant shall make use of additional reference material as appropriate. The Consultant
shall also be responsible for ensuring the most recent versions of all reference materials are
used.
6 SOP Format and Submission Requirements
Proposers should display their expertise. However, it should be noted that this Request for Proposals
may not have identified each specific, individual task required to successfully and completely provide
this service. The City relies on the professionalism and competence of the Proposer to be
knowledgeable of the general areas identified in the Scope of Work and of adequate competence to
include all required tasks and subtasks, personnel commitments, man hours, direct and indirect
costs, etc. in its SOPs. The City will not approve addenda to the Proposer's agreement which do not
involve a substantial change from the general Scope of Work identified in this Request for
Qualifications.
6.1 SOP Format
SOPs should not exceed ten (10) pages (sheets of paper), double sided (8.5" x 11"), excluding
table of contents and attachments. SOPs should include page numbers. Proposers are
forewarned that small font sizes and uninformative boilerplate on the firm will not be helpful
to reviewers in scoring response. Any additional information, appendices or unrelated pages
not requested or sanctioned by this RFP will not necessarily be reviewed by the selection
panel.
SOPs should follow the structure below:
* Transmittal Letter
* Title Page
* Table of Contents
* Cover Letter
* Overview and Summary
* Technical SOPs
* Similar Projects
* References
* Cost Proposal
6.2 Cover Letter
* Name, address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable), and email address of
proposer's key contact person.
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City of Half Moon Bay RFP: Sewer Rate Study
* Description of the size, years in business, and type (e.g. corporation, partnership) of
organization submitting the SOPs.
* Name of the entity that will sign the agreement, in the event one is awarded.
* A written statement warranting that the requirements as written in the RFQ, its
enclosures, and all addenda (listed by addenda and dates received), have been
thoroughly reviewed and the Proposer has conducted all due diligence necessary to
confirm material facts upon which the SOPs is based.
* A written statement acknowledging that the Proposer will not receive any additional
compensation that is not included in the Proposer's Cost Schedules.
* A written statement acknowledging the validity of the SOPs contents including
proposed Cost Proposal for a period of ninety (90) days.
* A written statement that subconsultants will not be used to fulfill this contract.
* A written statement that the Proposer or any individual who will perform work for
the Proposer is free of any conflict of interest (e.g., employment by the City).
* A written statement of acknowledgement that the City's legal documents have been
reviewed and accepted with or without exception. If exceptions are involved, those
items requiring adjustment or modification must be identified and listed along with
suggested modifications to the contract. If no exceptions are noted, the City will
assume that the Proposer can perform all tasks and services without reservation or
qualification to the contract.
* Disclosure of Negative History (see Section 7.5)
* Signature of a company officer empowered to bind the Proposer to the provisions of
this RFP and any contract awarded pursuant to it.
6.3 Overview and Summary
This section should consist of an executive summary not exceeding one page. The
introductory section should indicate the type of service that will be provided and briefly
describe the service provider's capabilities.
6.4 Firm Qualifications and Experience
Proposer's must demonstrate their understanding of the services requested in the Scope of
Work and provide their approach to accomplish the services described in this RFP.
SOPs should summarize the company's qualifications and experience that display the
following:
* Provide a description and qualifications of the firm related to the desired work, and
an organization chart for the Project.
* Type of ownership and number of years in business providing the services requested
in RFP.
* Discussion of ongoing contracts/projects with their current status and projected
termination dates.
* Discussion of any pending litigation against the firm or individual.
SOPs must also address the company's approach to confidentiality and describe how the
company will manage its staff to ensure the integrity of the City is maintained.
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