RFQ 2026-05 As-Needed Environmental Consulting Services

CITY OF DEL MAR
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
No. 2026-05
AS-NEEDED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES
I. INTRODUCTION
A. General Information
The City of Del Mar (City) is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ/proposals) from
qualified professional consulting firms (Consultants) to provide on-call, as-needed
environmental consulting services related to public and private development ("Current
Planning"), policy and code development ("Long-Range Planning"), and technical
assistance/peer review.
Examples of Current Planning projects may include, but are not limited to, multiple-dwelling unit
development, single-family development, commercial development, public infrastructure,
subdivisions, environmental restoration, and related code documents such as Specific Plans.
Examples of Long-Range Planning projects may include, but are not limited to, Community
(General) Plan amendments, Local Coastal Program amendments, rezones, and
implementation programs associated with a Housing Element and Local Coastal Program.
Examples of technical assistance/peer review include, but are not limited to, review of outside
public agency environmental documents (draft and final) technical studies, administrative and
final draft Environmental Impact Reports, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental
Impact Statements.
The purpose of this RFQ is to solicit qualifications and select firm(s) to provide consultant
services related to: 1) California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); 2) National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA); and 3) as-needed technical studies, peer reviews, and general technical
assistance on a variety of environmental topics.
Under the direction of the Planning and Community Development Director, the selected
consultant(s) may serve in the capacity as an advisor, coordinator, and/or preparer and will
provide a range of expertise necessary to carry out the normal functions related to all applicable
areas of environmental review.
The selected consultant(s) may be responsible for the preparation of Environmental Impact
Reports (EIR), Negative/Mitigated Negative Declarations (ND/MND), Addenda, including
sufficient documentation necessary to comply with CEQA and NEPA, and as-needed technical
studies, peer reviews, and other environmental studies, documents, and technical assistance
as needed.
The City will, based on the qualifications presented in the response to this RFQ, select firm(s)
best able to provide environmental consulting services to meet the City's needs.
All services provided by the selected consultant(s) shall be performed by individuals who meet
the qualifications, education, and certification/licensing requirements required to complete the

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identified work assignment(s). The selected consultant(s) shall also have the resources
necessary to provide cost-effective and timely services, including providing customer service
delivery and quality control to the City.
The selected consultant(s) shall stay abreast of all current legislation and relevant case law
related to CEQA/NEPA and ensure documents prepared for the City are up to date with current
practices and analysis requirements.
The City intends to enter into a three-year agreement with the selected Consultant(s), with the
option of extending the agreement for an additional two-year period. A copy of the City's
standard agreement is included with this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) as Attachment A.
B. About the City
Incorporated in 1959, the City of Del Mar is a Charter Law City with a Council-Manager form of
government. The Del Mar City Council consists of five members, one of whom is chosen on a
rotating basis for a one-year term as mayor. Del Mar is located just 20 minutes north of
downtown San Diego on the southern California coast. Approximately 3,900 residents call this
2.2 square mile city their home. The famed horse racing and annual County Fair that take place
at the State-owned Del Mar Fairgrounds and over two miles of white sandy beaches make Del
Mar an inviting tourist destination. Residents and visitors enjoy excellent weather and a variety
of outdoor activities at the City's parks and Downtown Village.
C. Inquiries
Questions and inquiries regarding this RFQ must be received by 5:30 p.m. PST on Thursday,
July 23, 2026, and directed in writing by email to Nestor Machado, Associate Management
Analyst at nmachado@delmar.ca.us. All inquiries must reference "RFQ 2026-05 [As-Needed
Environmental Consulting Services] in the title or subject line. Questions and inquiries submitted
over the telephone will not be accepted.
D. Submittal Requirements
Proposals are due on or before Friday, August 14, 2026, no later than 4:30 p.m. PST and
should be submitted via ShareFile hyperlink: https://tinyurl.com/3y5nmvhe. The submittal must
reference "RFQ 2026-05 [As-Needed Environmental Consulting Services]" in the title or subject
line. Facsimile submittals will not be accepted.
II. ANTICIPATED TIMELINE
Anticipated timeline for RFQ process is outlined below and is subject to change without notice:
Action Tentative Timeline/Deadline
Notice of RFQ July 15, 2026
Questions Due Thursday, July 23, 2026, by 5:30pm (PST)
Responses to Questions Posted Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Deadline to Submit Proposals Friday, August 14, 2026, by 4:30pm (PST)
City Staff Review of Proposals August 17 - August 21, 2026
Selected Firm Notified August 26, 2026
Council Consideration of Agreement for Services September 22, 2026
Agreement Start Date October 1, 2026
III. SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUIRED
In accordance with CEQA, the City follows CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations - Title
14, Chapter 3) as its procedures for the review of development projects and other activities to ensure
that the environment is protected and enhanced.

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The City also follows its locally adopted Supplemental Regulations
(www.delmar.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/247/California-Enviornmental-Quality-Act-
guidelines?bidId=) which includes recently adopted guidelines for Transportation Impact Analysis /
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
(www.delmar.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/6851/Combined-Transportation-Guidelines).
The selected consultant(s) may be asked to provide a variety of professional services and prepare
EIRs, ND/MNDs, Addenda, including sufficient documentation necessary to comply with CEQA and
NEPA, and as-needed technical studies, peer reviews, and other environmental studies, documents,
and technical assistance as needed.
As part of the proposal, firms are requested to: 1) indicate their ability to perform services on the
following environmental topics; and 2) clarify if the services would be performed in-house or by
subconsultant(s). All proposed subconsultants shall be described in the proposal. The City reserves
the right to require the use of approved subconsultants and not permit the use of subconsultants that
have not been approved.
Environmental Topics:
1. Aesthetics
2. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
3. Air Quality
4. Biological Resources
5. Cultural Resources
6. Energy
7. Geology and Soils
8. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
9. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
10. Hydrology and Water Quality
11. Land Use and Planning
12. Mineral Resources
13. Noise
14. Population and Housing
15. Public Services
16. Recreation
17. Transportation
18. Tribal Cultural Resources
19. Utilities and Service Systems
20. Wildfire
Additional Environmental Topics:
21. Lighting
22. Cellular
23. Sea Level Rise
24. FEMA/Floodplain
25. Other related environmental topics as needed
Further, firms must be prepared to effectively address the following as part of their proposal. Include
subconsultants if proposed.
A. Demonstrate expertise to provide consulting services related to the above-referenced
environmental topics. Firms are encouraged to emphasize their experience as they further relate
to both Project-level and Program-level environmental documents.

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B. Demonstrate experience in providing consulting services related to a range of Current and Long-
Range Planning projects such as: multiple-dwelling unit development; single-family development;
commercial development; public infrastructure; subdivisions; environmental restoration; Specific
Plans; Community (General) Plan amendments; Local Coastal Program amendments; rezones
including those associated with Housing Element Programs; and implementation programs
associated with a Housing Element and Local Coastal Program.
C. Emphasize the firm's ability to manage complex and/or multiple projects and competing priorities
while maintaining: 1) quality control within an environmental document; 2) meeting schedules; and
3) staying within budget.
D. Ability to assist City staff in managing the environmental processing for public and private
development projects and City-initiated projects, including preparation of environmental documents,
attendance at public meetings, regular interface with City staff and other City consultants, and
attendance at regularly scheduled coordination meetings as necessary when work is in progress.
E. Provide all necessary documentation and filings to the County, State and/or Federal agencies as
appropriate.
F. Communicate and cooperate as a team with City staff and other City consultants as necessary.
While it is intended that the scope of work described above include all elements essential to the required
services, it describes the minimum baseline level of services required under this RFQ. Consultants are
welcome to expand and submit cost-effective proposals that exceed the minimum levels of service.
IV. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, proposals/SOQs submitted in response to this RFQ need to include the following
content:
1. Title Page
The title page must show the RFQ number and subject, name of the firm, local address,
telephone number; name, title, and email address of contact person; and date of proposal
submission.
2. Table of Contents
Include a clear and complete identification of the materials submitted by section and page
number.
3. Qualifications and Experience
The following information must be included to demonstrate qualifications and experience:
o An understanding of the work to be performed and why the firm believes itself to be
the best qualified to perform the services requested.
o Number of years the firm has been in business.
o Description of the firm's experience providing the services listed above, examples of
municipal projects that the firm worked on, and the outcomes of these
projects/services.
o Anticipated organizational structure, core team that will be performing services, and
brief summary of the qualifications and experience of each team member, including
length of service with the company and resume. Also include an organization chart of
senior and middle management.
o Provide name of contact person for the project, phone number and email address.
o Provide name, title, and contact information for the authorized contract signer.

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4. Service Delivery and Quality Control
Describe the following components of service delivery:
o Technical review process.
o Approach to completing the project successfully; methodologies and technologies
you would employ; key milestones and processes you would employ.
o Information you would expect the City to supply.
o Consultant's policies and procedures for assuring high quality work.
o Methods of communication with the City.
5. Conflict of Interest
Consultant is required to issue a brief statement disclosing potentially conflicting interests,
including any litigation involving the Consultant or Consultant's personnel which is adverse to
the City; and the listing of services currently being provided or provided within the last four years
to any person, corporation, partnership, or other entity that made application to the City for a
discretionary land use entitlement or City project.
6. Client References
List a minimum of three (3) references from California municipalities or other public sector
clients for services provided by your firm. For each reference listed provide the name of the
organization, dates for which the service(s) are being provided, type of service(s) being
provided and the name, email, and telephone number of the responsible person within the
reference's organization. The City reserves the right to contact any or all the listed references
regarding the services performed.
7. Cost and Fee Structure
Provide a detailed cost description and fee schedule for all applicable services, including all
anticipated reimbursement costs.
Consultants shall expressly state the proposed fees are valid for the entire initial agreement
term, or specify the requested fee increases for the term of the agreement. Typically, the City
will not consider annual increases of more than 3% or the San Diego Area Consumer Price
Index (CPI), whichever is lower.
8. Acceptance of or Requested Changes to the City's Standard Agreement
Proposing firm must acknowledge review of the City's standard agreement (Attachment A)
and either expressly state their acceptance of the terms of the agreement or include requested
changes to the agreement as part of their submittal. If changes to the agreement are
requested, proposing firms must provide an explanation for each change. Requested changes
after the close of the RFQ solicitation period will not be considered.
The City will not agree to make any modifications to the indemnity and insurance requirements
sections, or to other non-substantive requests. Generally, the City will only consider changes
that would be legally required for the City's agreement to be in compliance with federal, state,
or local laws and regulations.
9. Acceptance of RFQ Addendums
Proposing firm must expressly acknowledge review and acceptance of all addendums to the
RFQ if any are issued before the close of the RFQ solicitation period.
10. Other Information
Respondents are invited to submit other optional information believed to be relevant to the
selection process.

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V. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Selection of the successful proposal shall be generally based on the information provided by the
Consultant in response to the RFQ and any subsequent interviews that may be conducted. Respondent
interviews will be held solely at the option and discretion of the City. At a minimum, proposals and firm
selection will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
A. Experience and history of the firm in providing the services identified in this RFQ.
B. The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the proposing
firm and assigned staff members.
C. The quality of performance on previous contracts or services.
D. Experience in meeting the needs of other governmental organizations or any organization
that utilizes similar services.
E. The ability, capacity, skills, and financial resources to perform the work or provide the required
service promptly or within the time specified, without delay or interference.
F. The degree of completeness of response to the specific requirements of this RFQ.
G. The cost of the services to be provided.
H. Other evaluation criteria described or included by reference in the solicitation.
VI. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Reserved Rights by the City
The rights reserved by the Cities include, but are not limited to, the following:
The City reserves the right to select, and subsequently recommend for award the firm(s)
that best meets the needs of the City.
The City reserves the right to require further documentation or information prior to
entering into an agreement for services.
The City reserves the right to conduct interviews or require oral presentations of any
selected or all Consultants. The City does not guarantee that an interview or an
opportunity to demonstrate services will take place.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all submittals. The City further reserves the
right to waive technicality and formalities in submittals, as well as to accept in whole or
part such submittals where it is deemed in the best interest of the City.
The City reserves the right to amend, alter, or revoke this RFQ at or before the due date
and time of proposal. Any modifications, clarification, or additions will be posted on the
City's website as an addendum.
Under the City's best value evaluation method, the Respondent with the lowest rates
may not necessarily be awarded this contract.
B. Proposal Withdrawal
Respondents may modify or withdraw their proposal, either personally or by written request, at
any time prior to the scheduled closing time of proposals. Such requests should be directed to
Nestor Machado at nmachado@delmar.ca.us.
C. Business License
Prior to the start of the Agreement, the selected firm shall obtain a City of Del Mar Business
License.
D. Incurred Costs
The City of Del Mar is not liable for any costs incurred by a respondent in the preparation and/or
presentation of their proposals.
E. Equal Opportunity

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The City of Del Mar requires all proposers to comply with equal opportunity policies. Del Mar's
programs, services, employment opportunities, and volunteer positions and contracts are open
to all persons without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation,
marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic disability, military or veteran status, or political
affiliation.
F. Public Information
All materials received relative to this RFQ will become public information and be available for
public inspection. Any information deemed confidential or proprietary should be clearly identified
by the Consultant as such. The City reserves the right to retain all proposals submitted, whether
or not the proposal was selected or judged to be responsive. Companies submitting proposals
which contain information deemed to be proprietary, may submit that information separately
under closed cover so designated and clearly identified. Pricing information may not be so
submitted and is non-privileged.
G. Inaccuracies or Misinterpretations
If, in the course of the RFQ process or in the administration of a resulting contract, the City
determines that a Respondent has made a material misstatement or misrepresentation or that
materially inaccurate information has been provided to the City, the Respondent may be
terminated from the RFQ process or in the event a contract has been awarded, the contract
may be immediately terminated.
H. Assignment of Rights or Obligations
Except as noted hereunder, Successful Respondent may not assign, transfer or sell any rights
or obligations resulting from this solicitation without first obtaining the specific written consent
of each City.
I. Representations
No representations or guarantees of any kind, made orally, expressed or implied, are made with
regard to the matters contained in this document, including any attachments, letters of
transmittal, or any other related documents including addendums. Respondents must rely solely
on their own independent assessment as the basis for the submission of any offer made.
J. ADA and WCAG Compliance
If awarded the contract/agreement, the selected firm shall ensure that all digital documents, web
content, applications, and other deliverables created, provided, or delivered under this
Agreement comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
VII. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Standard Professional Services Agreement

Attachment A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DEL MAR AND [NAME OF CONSULTANT]
FOR [NATURE OF SERVICES]
This Professional Services Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this _____
day of ____________, 202X by and between the City of Del Mar, a Charter City and a municipal
corporation ("City"), and [Name of Consultant] ("Consultant") (collectively "Parties").
WHEREAS, the City desires to employ a consultant to provide [detailed description of
the nature of the services] ("Consulting Services"). Said work is to be performed in accordance
with the terms and conditions set forth below and as described in the scope of services,
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein; and
WHEREAS, the City has initially determined that Consultant is qualified by experience
and ability to perform the services desired by City, and Consultant is willing to perform such
services; and
WHEREAS, Consultant will conduct all the work as described and detailed in this
Agreement to be provided to the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto mutually covenant and agree with each other as
follows:
1. CONSULTING SERVICES.
1.1 Scope of Services. The Consultant shall perform the Consulting
Services as set forth in the written Scope of Services, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein. Such services shall be provided at the direction of the City.
1.2. Designated Point of Contact. City shall provide Consultant access to
appropriate staff and resources for the coordination and provision of services. Prior to the start
of services, each Party shall identify for the other a designated point of contact (Project
Coordinator) for administration and oversight of the services to be provided under this
Agreement, with notification of any change to the point of contact within thirty (30) days.
1.3. City Modification of Scope of Services. City may order changes to the
Scope of Services within the general scope of this Agreement consisting of additions, deletions,
or other revisions. If such changes cause a change in the Consultant's cost of, or time required
for, completion of the Scope of Services, an equitable adjustment to Consultant's compensation
and/or contract time shall be made, subject to the City's approval. All such changes shall be
authorized in writing, executed by Consultant and City. If such a change results in an extension
of the term of this Agreement or increases the maximum amount to be paid under this
Agreement, no such change shall have any force or effect unless an amendment to this
Agreement is approved by the City Council.
2. DURATION OF AGREEMENT.
2.1 Term, Time for Performance. This Agreement shall be effective for a
period of three (3) years beginning on XX and ending on XX. The agreement may be extended
for an additional two (2) year period, upon written approval of both parties. Time is of the
essence for this Agreement and each provision of this Agreement, unless otherwise specified in
this Agreement.

Attachment A
Professional Services Agreement
For [Nature of Services]
Page 2 of 9
2.2 Delay. Any delay occasioned by causes beyond the control of Consultant
may merit an extension of time for the completion of the Scope of Services. When such delay
occurs, Consultant shall immediately notify the Project Coordinator in writing of the cause and
the extent of the delay, whereupon the Project Coordinator shall ascertain the facts and the
extent of the delay and grant an extension of time for the completion of the Consulting Services
when justified by the circumstances provided that no extension of time shall be granted which
would extend the time for performance beyond the date specified in section 2.1 above.
2.3 City's Right to Terminate for Default. Should Consultant be in default of
any covenant or condition hereof, City may immediately terminate this Agreement for cause if
Consultant fails to cure the default within ten (10) calendar days of receiving written notice of the
default.
2.4 City's Right to Terminate without Cause. Without limiting its rights in
the event of Consultant's default, City may terminate this Agreement, without cause, by giving
written notice to Consultant. Such termination shall be effective upon receipt of the written
notice. Consultant shall be compensated for all effort and material expended on behalf of City
under the terms of this Agreement, up to the effective date of termination. All personal property
remaining in City facilities or on City property thirty (30) days after the expiration or termination
of this Agreement shall be, at City's election, considered the property of City.
3. PERFORMANCE AFTER TERMINATION. Upon termination of this Agreement
as provided herein, Consultant shall, within such reasonable time period as may be directed by
City Manager, complete those items of work which are in various stages of completion and
which City Manager determines are necessary to be completed by Consultant to allow the
project to be completed in a timely, logical, and orderly manner. Upon termination, all finished
or unfinished documents, data, studies, surveys, drawings, models, photographs, reports, and
other materials prepared by Consultant shall be delivered to the City Manager, upon his
request, as property of City.
4. COMPENSATION.
4.1 Total Amount. Compensation to Consultant shall be provided in
accordance with the rates described in the Scope of Services contained in Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein. Consultant shall bill the City for work provided and shall present a written
request for such payment monthly. City shall pay all invoices in arrears and shall in no event be
required to pay for any services provided by Consultant in advance. Consultant acknowledges
that it is not guaranteed any particular amount of work.
4.2 Additional Services. City may, as the need arises or in the event of an
emergency, request additional services of Consultant. Should such additional services be
required, Compensation therefore shall be paid to the Consultant in accordance with Scope of
Services contained in Exhibit "A." City and Consultant shall agree to the costs prior to
commencement of such work.
5. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Consultant is, for all purposes arising out of
this Agreement, an independent contractor. The Consultant has and shall retain the right to
exercise full control and supervision of all persons assisting the Consultant in the performance
of said services hereunder, the City only being concerned with the finished results of the work
being performed. Neither Consultant nor Consultant's employees shall in any event be entitled
to any benefits to which City employees are entitled, including, but not limited to, overtime, any
retirement benefits, workers' compensation benefits, any injury leave or other leave benefits,

Attachment A
Professional Services Agreement
For [Nature of Services]
Page 3 of 9
Consultant being solely responsible for all such matters, as well as, compliance with social
security and income tax withholding and all other regulations and laws governing such matters.
6. STATEMENT OF EXPERIENCE. Consultant agrees that it has the financial
resources, service experience, completion ability, personnel, and experience in dealing with
public agencies necessary for performing the Scope of Services and that such performance
shall be in accordance with the standards customarily adhered to by an experienced and
competent Consultant using the degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised by reputable
Consultants practicing in the same field of service in the State of California. By executing this
Agreement, Consultant represents that it has demonstrated trustworthiness and possesses the
quality, fitness, and capacity to perform the Agreement in a manner satisfactory to City.
Additionally, Consultant and all of Consultant's employees or agents shall secure and maintain
in force such permits and licenses as are required by law in connection with the furnishing of
services pursuant to this Agreement.
7. AUDIT OF RECORDS.
7.1 At any time during normal business hours and as often as may be
deemed necessary, the Consultant shall make available to a representative of City for
examination all of its records with respect to all matters covered by this Agreement and shall
permit City to audit, examine, and/or reproduce such records. Consultant shall retain such
financial and program service records for at least four (4) years after termination or final
payment under this Agreement.
7.2 The Consultant shall include the City's right to audit under this section in
any and all of their subcontracts, and shall ensure that these sections are binding upon all
subcontractors.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY. All Consulting services performed by Consultant, including,
but not limited to, all drafts, data, correspondence, proposals, reports, research and estimates
compiled or composed by Consultant, pursuant to this Agreement, are for the sole use of the
City, its agents and employees. Neither the documents nor their contents shall be released to
any third party without the prior written consent of the City. This provision does not apply to
information that (a) was publicly known, or otherwise known to Consultant, at the time that it
was disclosed to Consultant by the City, (b) subsequently becomes publicly known through no
act or omission of Consultant or (c) otherwise becomes known to Consultant other than through
disclosure by the City. Except for any subcontractors that may be allowed upon prior
agreement, neither the documents nor their contents shall be released to any third party without
the prior written consent of the City. The sole purpose of this section is to prevent disclosure of
City's confidential and proprietary information by Consultant or subcontractors.
9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
9.1 Consultant shall at all times comply with all federal, state and local conflict
of interest laws, regulations, and policies applicable to public contracts and procurement
practices, including, but not limited to, California Government Code 81000 et seq. (Political
Reform Act) and 1090 et seq. Consultant shall immediately disqualify itself and shall not use
its official position to influence in any way any matter coming before the City in which the
Consultant has a financial interest as defined in Government Code 87103. Consultant
represents that it has no knowledge of any financial interests, which would require it to disqualify
itself from any matter on which it might perform services for the City.