May 27, 1999

The Honorable Board of Supervisors
County of Los Angeles
383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012

Dear Supervisors:

REQUEST AWARD OF CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR A SIGNIFICANT ECOLOGICAL AREAS STUDY AS A COMPONENT OF THE
UPDATE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY GENERAL PLAN AND APPROVAL
OF AN APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,000 TO FUND STUDY (ALL DISTRICTS)(3-VOTE)

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD:

PURPOSE OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

In November of 1980, the Board adopted the Los Angeles County General Plan, which provides guidelines for decisions regarding new development, pursuant to a mandate bythe State of California.

The General Plan designates Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) as "ecologically important or fragile land and water areas, valuable as plant and animal communities." The existing Conservation/Open Space and Land Use elements of the General Plan provide policies, review procedures and development standards for the protection and preservation of SEAs.

The Conservation/Open Space and Land Use elements have not been updated since the adoption of the General Plan; in order for it to be effective, it is necessary to reassess the procedures and standards for changes that have occurred since 1980. The Regional Planning Department requires the services of PCR Services Corporation because the department does not have sufficient staff expertise and resources to conduct a study of this magnitude.

JUSTIFICATION

There are currently 41 SEAs within the jurisdiction of unincorporated Los Angeles County. A complete analysis of these areas has not been conducted since a comprehensive study in 1976, and a limited study in 1991. The proposed study will provide the following:

FISCAL IMPACT

The department has adequate funding in the Fiscal Year 1998-99 budget to cover costs of the SEA Study agreement.

FINANCING

The attached appropriation adjustment in the amount of $275,000 transfer appropriation in the department's Fiscal Year 1998-99 budget to services and supplies to fund the SEA Study agreement.

FACTS AND PROVISIONS/LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to Section 44.7 of the Los Angeles County Charter as implemented by Los Angeles County Code Sections 2.121.250, et seq., the County is permitted to contract with private businesses to perform services when it is more economical or feasible to do so. PCR Services Corporation has the necessary expertise, manpower and technical resources to conduct a thorough analysis of the SEAs and develop mitigation measures, policies and analytical tools that will be used by the department in future planning. The contract will enable the department to adhere to its schedule update of the Los Angeles County General Plan of July, 2001.

CONTRACTING PROCESS

The department solicited Request For Proposals (RFPs) from 37 consulting firms. The RFP was listed on the County Office of Small Business Web Site, as well as the department's own Web Site, as part of the procurement process.

Six firms submitted proposals, which were evaluated by a committee comprised of department planning staff, department biologist and a non-department expert on biotic assessment. The evaluation was a two-step process in which the committee conducted an initial rating based on weighted criteria outlined in the RFP. The four top scoring proposers were then interviewed and the department checked the references listed in their respective proposals. Based upon the committee's evaluation of the proposals, interviews and reference checks, it selected the highest scoring proposer, PCR Services. This firm surpassed the other proposers in the areas of overall work program, staff qualifications, subcontractors, field evaluation techniques and proposed map products.

IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES (OR PROJECTS)

The proposed contract will update the Conservation/Open Space Element of the Los Angeles County General Plan, making it a more effective guideline. It will provide the department with new mitigation measures, policies and analytical tools that will allow for more effective planning. The department does not have the staff expertise and resources to conduct the study; the contract will provide the necessary expertise in research, field survey, biotic analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. The contract will allow the department to complete the Los Angeles County General Plan update within its established schedule.

CONCLUSION

1. Return one `adopt stamped letter', one copy of the fully-executed agreement, and one certified copy of minute order to the Director of Planning; and

2. Forward one signed, original fully-executed agreement to: PCR Services Corporation, ATTN: Steven Nelson, One Venture, Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618-3328.

Respectfully submitted,

DEPARTMENT OF REGIONAL PLANNING

James E. Hartl, AICP
Director of Planning

Attachments (3):
SEA Study Agreement (2 originals for signature, 11 copies)
List of Solicited Consultants (11 copies)
Request for Appropriation Adjustment (original and 11 copies)

c: Chief Administrative Officer

JEH:RJF:rjf

Significant Ecological Areas Study
Consultant Distribution List
January 12, 1999

The following firms were mailed a copy of the Request for Proposal for the Significant Ecological Areas Study:

Agresearch Inc
Rudolf Mattoni, PhD
9620 Heather Road
Beverly Hills CA 90210

BioDiversity Associates
Richard Dean Friesen, PhD
144 Briarwood
Irvine CA 92714-3751

BonTerra Consulting
Thomas E Smith Jr
151 Kalmus Dr Suite E-200
Costa Mesa CA 92626

Michael Brandman Associates
Greg Miller
15901 Red Hill Ave Suite 200
Tustin CA 92780-7318

David Carroll and Associates
David Carroll
21271 Entrada Road
Topanga CA 90290

Chambers Group Inc
Kathy Kondor
17671 Cowan Ave Suite 100
Irvine CA 92614

EIP Associates
Patricia Hughes
11601 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1440
Los Angeles CA 90025

Entrix Inc
Valerie E Clark
3416 American River Dr Ste A
Sacramento CA 95864

Envicom Corp
Joseph G Johns
28328 Agoura Road
Agoura Hills CA 91301

ESA
Wendy Lockwood
4221 Wilshire Blvd Suite 480
Los Angeles CA 90010

Fugro West Inc
5855 Olivas Park Dr
Ventura CA 93003-7672

Gateway Science & Engineering
Serge Matlovsky
10701 Riverside Dr
North Hollywood CA 91602

Frank Hovore & Associates
Frank Hovore
14734 Sundance Place
Santa Clarita CA 91351-1542

Impact Sciences
Tom Worthington
30343 Canwood St Suite 210
Agoura Hills CA 91301

Independent Environ Consultants
James Hendrickson, PhD
Department of Biology
Cal State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles CA 90032

Jones & Stokes Associates Inc
John F Westermeier
2151 Michelson Drive Suite 236
Irvine CA 92612-1312

KEA Environmental Inc
Michelle Schroeder
1420 Kettner Blvd Suite 620
San Diego CA 92101

L&L Environmental Inc
Thomas Leslie
5455 Morgan Avenue
Riverside CA 92509

Harding Lawson Associates
Tim Laughlin
PO Box 6107
Novato CA 94948

LSA Associates
Art Homrighausen
One Park Plaza Suite 500
Irvine CA 92714

Lilburn Corp
John Wear
784 North D Street
San Bernardino CA 92401

Ogden Environmental & Energy Services
Stephen B Lacy
5510 Morehouse Dr
San Diego CA 92121

P&D Consultants
Jo-Ann Hidalgo
999 Town & Country Rd 4th Flr
Orange CA 92868

Pac Southwest Biological Serv Inc
R Mitchel Beauchamp
PO Box 985
National City CA 91951-0985

Padre Associates Inc
Matt Ingamells
5450 Telegraph Rd Suite 101
Ventura CA 93003

Parsons Engineering Science Inc
Jeffrey C Galizio
199 S Los Robles Ave
Pasadena CA 91101

PCR
Steve Nelson
One Venture Suite 150
Irvine CA 92618

PDSWEST
Robert A Lacoss
31271 Paseo Sereno
San Juan Capistrano CA 92675
Psomas
Gina Brekke
3420 Ocean Park Blvd Suite 1040
Santa Monica CA 90405

RECON
Sandra Fayette
4241 Jutland Dr Suite 201
San Diego CA 92117-3653

Rincon Consultants Inc
Michael Gialketsis
790 E Santa Clara St
Ventura CA 93001

Sapphos Environmental
Marie C Campbell
PO Box 50241
Pasadena CA 91115-0241

Tetra Tech Inc
Don Mitchell
348 W Hospitality Ln Suite 300
San Bernardino CA 92408-3216

Rachel Tierney Botanical Consulting
Rachel Tierney
PO Box 1113
Santa Barbara CA 93102

Tierra Madre Consultants Inc
Michael Pantoja
1159 Iowa Ave Suites E & F
Riverside CA 92507

U2
Carlene Bashevitch
359 San Miguel Suite 105
Newport Beach CA 92660

URS Greiner Woodward Clyde
Shannon M Campbell
2020 East 1st St Suite 400
Santa Ana CA 92704

AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACTOR SERVICES

This Agreement is made and entered into this day of , 1999,

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1.0 Contractor's Services

2.0 Term

3.0 Administration

4.0 Fiscal Accountability

5.0 Contract Sum

6.0 Invoices and Payment

7.0 County Responsibility

8.0 Evaluation of Contract

9.0 Equipment and Other Personal Property

10.0 Termination for Convenience of the County

11.0 Limitation of County's Obligation Due To Non-Appropriation of Funds

12.0 Independent Contractor Status

This Agreement is by and between the County of Los Angeles and Contractor and is not intended and shall not be construed to create a relationship of agent, servant, employee, partnership, joint venture, or association as between County and Contractor. Contractor understands and agrees that all persons furnishing services to County pursuant to this Agreement are, for purposes of Workers Compensation liability, employees solely of Contractor and not employees of County. Contractor shall bear the sole responsibility and liability for furnishing Workers' Compensation Benefits to any person for injuries arising from or connected with services performed on behalf of Contractor pursuant to this Agreement.

13.0 Indemnification and Insurance

Contractor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless County and its Special Districts, elected and appointed officers, employees and agents from and against any and all liability and expense, including defense costs and legal fees, arising from or connected with claims and lawsuits for damages or workers' compensation benefits relating to Contractor's operations or its services, which result from bodily injury, death, personal injury, or property damage (including damage to Contractor's property). Contractor shall not be obligated to indemnify for liability and expense arising from active negligence of the County.

Without limiting Contractor's indemnification of County and during the term of this Agreement, Contractor shall provide and maintain at its own expense the following programs of insurance. Such programs and evidence of insurance shall be satisfactory to County and primary to and not contributing with any other insurance maintained by the County. Certificate(s) or other evidence of coverage and certified copy(ies) of additional insured endorsement(s) shall be delivered to

14.0 Covenant Against Contingent Fees

Contractor warrants that no person or selling agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure this Agreement upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee. For breach or violation of this warranty, the County shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and, in its sole discretion, to deduct from the Agreement price or consideration, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage or contingent fee.

15.0 Governing Laws

16.0 Compliance With Laws

17.0 Termination For Default of Contractor

18.0 Changes and Amendments of Terms

19.0 Delegation and Assignment

20.0 Subcontracting

21.0 Lobbying

22.0 Termination For Improper Consideration

23.0 Record Retention and Inspection

24.0 Settlement Clause

25.0 Disclosure of Information

26.0 Notice of Delays

27.0 Proprietary Considerations and Digital Map File Data Security

28.0 Warranties

29.0 Validity

30.0 Waiver

31.0 Default for Insolvency

32.0 Conflict of Interest

33.0 Non-discrimination in Employment

34.0 Assurance of Compliance With Civil Rights Laws

35.0 Assurance of Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

36.0 Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

37.0 County's Child Support Compliance Program

38.0 Consideration of Gain Program Participants

39.0 Wage Disclosure

40.0 Confidentiality

41.0 Authorization Warranty

42.0 Merger

43.0 Notices

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IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles has caused this Agreement to be subscribed by the Chairman, and the seal of said Board to be hereto affixed and attest by the Executive Officer and Clerk thereof, and Contractor has executed this Agreement, the day, month and year first above mentioned.

Attest: Joanne Sturges,
Executive Officer-Clerk of
the Board of Supervisors

By

APPROVED AS TO FORM
COUNTY COUNSEL:

Lloyd W. Pellman

By

Exhibit A

Significant Ecological Areas Study

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Scope of Services
and
Schedule

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF SERVICES AND SCHEDULE

Exhibit A consists of two parts: A statement of the Scope of Services and a Schedule portraying the timing and duration of the work program as divided into distinguishable work tasks.

1.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.1 Objectives of Work Program

1.2 Geographic Coverage of Study

SEAs Wholly within Unincorporated Jurisdiction: (19 sites)

SEAs Partially within a City and County Jurisdiction: (30 sites)

31. Rolling Hills Canyons

Potential SEA Candidates

1.3 Work Tasks

Task 1 - Organization/Orientation

Task 2 - SEA Study Agency Contacts

Meetings

The Contractor will conduct two types of meetings: a) internal meetings devoted to organization of the overall project, and monthly status briefings to discuss progress on work tasks; and 2) public meetings involving acquisition of information from other agencies (scoping meetings), public workshops (to inform the public of progress on the study); and participation in public hearings before the regional planning commission and board of supervisors (to make presentations on the study and respond to questions from decision-makers).

1.4 Summary of Report Product Deliverables

1.5 Summary of Map Product Deliverables

Vegetation maps 1 set Task 6

Exhibit B

Significant Ecological Areas Study

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Contractor
Project Organization

(No electronic copy available)

Exhibit C

Significant Ecological Areas Study

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Contractor
Budget

(No electronic copy available)

Exhibit D

Significant Ecological Areas Study

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Quality Assurance
Surveillance Plan

EXHIBIT D

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

1.0 Quality Control Plan

2.0 DRP/Project Team Interface and Coordination

2.1 Progress Review Briefings

2.2 Monthly Reports

3.0 Project Team Individual Task Management

4. Quality Assurance and Control

5.0 Product Review Program

6.0 Payment Schedule

Task 1 Initiate Project and Establish Lines of Communication

Task 2 Establish Communications with Key Shareholders

Task 3 Review of Existing Resource Documentation

Task 4 Determine Ownership Patterns

Task 5 Obtain Aerial Photographs

Task 6 Map Vegetation and Compile Species Compendia

Task 7 Analyze Existing and Potential Candidate SEAs

Task 8 Map SEA Boundaries

Task 9A Prepare Draft Report on Findings for Each SEA

Task 9B Prepare SEA Base Maps and Polygon Attributes Table

Task 10 Prepare Final Report

Task 11 Create GIS-Formatted Data Base

Meetings and Public Hearings

Public Workshop Meeting #1 5%

NOTE: Determination of the percentage completion for the GIS map products will be provided in an Adobe PDF file for review and approval. SEA areas may be individual or combined based on location and size.

* * SEAs marked with an * were included in the 1991 SEA Study (Phase 1) prepared by Michael Brandman Associates. These SEAs need only to be analyzed if changes such as new species, a need for a boundary change, or significant development, etc., have occurred. SEAs locatedcompletely within the boundaries of incorporated cities are not a part of this study.

* * SEAs marked with an * were included in the 1991 SEA Study (Phase 1) prepared by Michael Brandman Associates. These SEAs need only to be analyzed if changes such as new species, a need for a boundary change, or significant development, etc., have occurred. SEAs located completely within the boundaries of incorporated cities are not a part of this study.

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