QSP #2026-12

The Housing Authority of the County of Merced (Authority) is soliciting quotes from interested, qualified, insured, registered, and appropriately licensed Consulting Structural Engineers specializing in water-retaining structures (Ponds, Tanks, Reservoirs) to evaluate the Authority's Migrant Center Pond system as described in the following Scope of Work (SOW). Contractors must be registered in the State of California and hold a valid Civil Engineer license and/or a specialized Structural Engineer license. Qualified contractors will provide all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to complete the required work as detailed within the SOW. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to examine and inspect the site in its entirety to provide a complete and accurate quote for requested work.

Due to the estimated cost of this procurement falling under the Small Purchase Threshold of $250,000.00, the Authority is procuring these services using a non-formal Quote for Small Purchase (QSP) process. This informal QSP process means formal Request for Proposals (RFP) requirements and formal protest procedures do not apply (i.e., bid bonds, public bid opening, etc.). The Authority reserves the right to issue modifications to this QSP at any time through addendums, reject all submittals, and/or ask for any clarifications or verifications from respondents at any time.

This QSP is being issued, as well any addenda, by the Authority. The Authority intends to receive quote submittals now, through and up to Thursday, June 11, 2026, by 4:00 P.M. The contact person for the Authority is:

Evelyn Chavira, Director of Procurement
405 U Street, Merced, CA. 95341
Telephone: (209) 386-4147
Email: evelync@merced-pha.com

Submittals may be mailed or hand-delivered to the main office at: 405 U Street, Merced, CA. 95341, sent via Fax to (209) 722-0106 or emailed to evelync@merced-pha.com.

It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to see that their quote is received to the Authority by the date and time mentioned above. Incomplete submittals are received as non-responsive and will not be considered. All submittals will become the property of the Authority.

The Authority will hold an in-person pre-submittal meeting or walkthrough on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at the location 2753 N. Santa Fe Drive. This walkthrough is mandatory.

NOTE: Please Do Not Visit any Property Without Prior Authorization From Authority Staff.

Request for interpretations must be received no later than Wednesday, June 3, 2026 by 4:00 PM. All requests will be answered in a posted addendum for fairness to all interested parties. Email all questions to: evelync@merced-pha.com

1. REFER TO SCOPE OF WORK, Attachment 1: Pond Evaluation for Compliance and Emergency Preparedness: 2753 Santa Fe Drive, Merced, Merced Migrant Center.
2. Services will be provided/performed during normal business hours from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Thursday and alternating Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., not to exceed an eight (8) hour workday.
3. All work shall be inspected and signed off by the Authority Authorized Representative (such as “Housing Program Director”, “Asset Manager”, or “Maintenance Manager”) before the work is deemed complete. No payment will be made until all work is completed to the satisfaction of the Authority’s Authorized Representative and is deemed complete.

Contractor shall complete, including notarization, a “Form of Non-Collusive Affidavit” (Attachment 4) as proof that they have not entered into any collusion with any person in respect to this solicitation or any other solicitation effecting the outcome of this award, and/or the submitting of quotes for the contract for which this quote is submitted.

The work to be performed under this contract is on projects assisted under a program receiving direct Federal financial assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is subject to the requirement of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 which requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training and employment will be given to residents of the area of the Section 3 covered project (Attachment 6 — Section 3 Business Preference Form and Explanation).

1. Company Standards: Contractor shall possess the appropriate state license for all work performed. All work must conform with all applicable codes and regulations.
2. Personnel Standards: Trained and qualified personnel, visible identification, neat appearance, professional conduct.
3. Supervision: Necessary qualified supervision required.
4. Equipment:
   1. Furnish all equipment, no hazard or danger.
   2. Safety signage measures required.
5. Property Damages: Contractor responsible for repair/replacement of any damages.
6. Industry Standards and Compliance: All work per industry standards.

The Authority retains the right to contract with any contractor as a result of this QSP. Respondents will be notified of results at earliest practical date, no later than 30 days after due date.

1. Subject to Other Documents: The contract is subject to the terms and conditions of the State of California as they exist at the time the agreement is signed.
2. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor warrants that it presently has no interest and will not acquire any interest direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services under this contract.
3. Rejection of Submittals: The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Submittals which are determined to be non-responsive.

1. The Authority will not execute a contract on the Contractor’s form. Contract will only be executed on an Authority form and by submitting a proposal, the Contractor agrees to do so. However, the Authority may consider any contract clauses that the Contractor wishes to include therein and requests in writing for the Authority to do so; but the failure of Authority to include such clauses does not give the Contractor the right to refuse to execute the Authority’s contract form.
2. Prior to submitting a proposal, it is the responsibility of each prospective contractor to notify the Authority in writing of any contract clause that contractor is not willing to include in the final executed contract and abide by. The Authority will consider and respond to such written correspondence, and if the prospective contractor is not willing to abide by the Authority’s response, then that prospective contractor shall be deemed ineligible to submit a proposal.
3. Contract Conditions: The following provisions are considered mandatory conditions of any contract award made by the Authority pursuant to this QSP:
   1. Assignment of Personnel: The Authority shall retain the right to demand and receive a change in personnel assigned to the work if the Authority believes that such change is in the best interest of the Authority and the completion of the contracted work.
   2. Labor Costs: Quotes will be inclusive billing rates for California State prevailing wage rates.
   3. Unauthorized Sub-Contracting Prohibited: The Contractor shall not assign any right, nor delegate any duty for the work proposed pursuant to this QSP without the prior written consent of the Authority.
   4. Right to Negotiate Final Fees: The Authority shall retain the right to negotiate the amount of fees that are paid to the Contractor. If negotiations are not successfully concluded within five (5) business days, the Authority shall retain the right to end such negotiations and begin negotiations with the next-highest-rated Contractor.
   5. Licensing and Insurance Requirements: Prior to award the Contractor will be required to provide proof of:
      1. Licensing: Cost of all licenses needed are the sole responsibility of the Contractor and should not be billed to the Authority. Contractor must hold a valid California Contractor’s License for the appropriate trade listed in this QSP.
      2. Permits: The Contractor is required and solely responsible to confirm if permits are required for their work. If needed, the contractor will pull the permit and the Housing Authority will reimburse the contractor for the associated fee after completion and submittal of the original receipt.
      3. Insurance: Contractor shall procure and maintain throughout the duration of any Contract insurance against claims for injuries to person or damages to property, at a minimum as shown on the attached Authority’s “Insurance Requirements for Consultants” (Attachment 9).

1. The Authority is requiring licensed Consulting Structural Engineers specializing in water-retaining structures (Ponds, Tanks, Reservoirs) to evaluate the Authority’s Migrant Center Pond system as described herein.
2. Contractor must maintain records of reports for no less than 5 years. Copies of reports shall be submitted to the Authority and easily accessed for no less than 5 years.

The Authority shall not pay contractor, nor reimburse contractor, for any travel, meals, lodging, or incidental expenses incurred in the performance of the project or related to the awarded contract. All such costs are deemed included in the submitted, fixed, quote price.

All work provided by any Contractor pursuant to any contract that ensues from this QSP shall be guaranteed by that Contractor for a period of time of not less than 365 days.

As may apply by statute, regulation or law, if, at any time during the ensuing contract period(s), the Authority needs the successful Contractor to provide services that require payment of Davis-Bacon and Related Acts or California State Prevailing Wage Rates for a specific task order, the Authority shall pay the difference through the agreed upon contract amount. Applicable wage rates can be found at:

• Department of Industrial Relations: https://www.dir.ca.gov/oprl/2026-1/PWD/Determinations/Northern/NC-063-3-9.pdf (opens in new tab)
• Davis-Bacon and Related Acts: Not applicable to Migrant Center Projects.

The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act was enacted on November 15, 2021, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. No. 117-58) also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. BABA establishes a domestic content procurement preference known as the “Buy America Preference” (BAP) for Federal infrastructure spending. The BAP requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects funded with Federal financial assistance must be produced in the United States, per the Community and Development Notice: CPD-2023-12. In accordance with these guidelines, the Authority must comply with the requirements of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, 41 USC 8301 note, and all applicable rules and notices, as may be amended, and as applicable to this project. Pursuant to Title 2, CFR Chapter 1, Part 184, materials used are subject to BABA requirements, unless exempted by a waiver. Contractor must make every effort to ensure any applicable material used for this project is produced in the United States according to the BABA guidelines.

All respondents shall return required documents noted with (*) along with the “Merced Migrant Center Pond Evaluation Submittal Form.”

• Attachment 1: Scope of Work
• Attachment 2: Map of Merced Migrant Center
• Attachment 3: * Pond Evaluation Additional Cost Item and Addendum/Addenda Acknowledgement Form
• Attachment 4: * Form of Non-Collusive Affidavit (Must Be Notarized)
• Attachment 5: * Profile of Firm Form
• Attachment 6: * Authority Section 3 Business Preference Form and Explanation
• Attachment 7: * Authority Contractor/Sub-Contractor Information Form
• Attachment 8: Form HUD-5370-EZ: General Contract Conditions for Small Construction/Development Contracts
• Attachment 9: Authority Insurance Requirements for Consultants

The Authority is requesting the following page (9) along with above noted (*) attachments be submitted by the due date. By submitting a quote response, the Contractor agrees to abide by all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.

The Housing Authority is soliciting quotes from interested, qualified, insured, registered, and appropriately licensed Consulting Structural Engineers specializing in water-retaining structures (Ponds, Tanks, Reservoirs) to evaluate the Authority’s Migrant Center Pond system.

The awarded contractor will be responsible for providing all labor, tools, materials, equipment, and services required to perform and complete all work to assess the existing ponds. Contractor will also determine what upgrades will be needed for continued compliance and emergency preparedness. Contractor will create and submit a report on all found issues to the Authority, with recommendations on what is needed to bring the issues up to code to increase ability for ponds to run from existing 6-month usage to a year-round continuing usage. In addition, the contractor will adhere to general industry accepted practices and comply with all federal, state, and local building codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances that bear on the performance of the work. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to examine and inspect the wastewater pond in its entirety to provide a complete and accurate proposal for necessary repairs to ensure compliance with current regulations and to support emergency use of the center in case of natural disasters.

The SOW is not all-inclusive. All phases of work, descriptions, and/or specifications not listed below, but necessary, will be the contractor’s responsibility to include in their proposal. Change orders must be pre-approved by the Authority and will be limited to work that is added by the Authority to the project.

I. Description of Properties

1. The Merced Migrant Center is comprised of forty-nine (49) residential rental units, two (2) staff units, one (1) daycare center and an on-site Laundry facility. The Center operates for approximately one hundred and eighty (180) days out of the year. Additionally, the Center has one (1) fully operable pond and two/three (2/3) non-operating ponds. See map attachment 2.

II. Scope of Work

In general, the Contractor will conduct detailed site visits at the Migrant Center site and inspect the existing wastewater pond system.

1. On-site evaluation of existing pond system:
   1. Contractor will conduct a detailed site visit and inspection of ponds on site, focusing on physical integrity, signs of wear or damage, and capacity capability. This will include any ponds not currently in use.
   2. Review of the Migrant Center’s wastewater pond system, including any ponds not currently in use. Contractor will analyze with consideration of what requirements are needed for compliance with:
      1. Existing codes, or
      2. Maintaining compliance, and
      3. Evaluating whether ponds are flood resilient and overall pond resilience for emergency situations with a report, and
      4. Creating a detailed report that will allow the Authority to create a scope of work that will include all work, material, supporting components, etc., that will be needed in order to put into operation a second, fully operable and compliant pond at the Merced Migrant Center.
   3. Identify and rank potential risks, including structural integrity concerns, safety hazards, etc., providing a prioritized list of improvements to mitigate these risks. This will include any ponds not currently in use.
   4. Other related and/or miscellaneous work, as needed.
2. Plant assessment monitoring, including but not limited to:
   1. Assess common issues, e.g., overflow risk, algae, debris buildup, pest issues, fencing/signage, and damage caused by local or foreign animals.
   2. Contractor will create a maintenance plan for future monitoring of the pond system plant environment.
   3. Analyze and evaluate the pond’s performance in handling nutrient levels, oxygen depletion, and other wastewater-related risks.
3. Recommendations for required monitoring and/or other reports to the regulating agency/agencies:
   1. Review and assess compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations regarding wastewater management, safety standards, and operational requirements.
   2. Contractor will provide a prioritized list of improvements for both immediate and long-term solutions. Improvement list shall include recommendations for enhancing flood protections, optimizing nutrient management, and improving overall pond resilience to emergencies.
   3. Evaluate maintenance practices, including debris control and erosion damage.
   4. Assess and/or recommend influent flow meter calibration practices, create a plan as-needed.
   5. Contractor will create a maintenance plan for future monitoring of the pond system.
   6. Analyze the pond’s design and operational efficiency, considering factors such as current inflow, outflow, treatment capacity, and seasonal changes.
   7. Provide a sample of a monthly monitoring analysis of each system to the Authority.
4. Estimated Costs Reports:
   1. The contractor will provide a detailed cost estimate for each Migrant center. Cost estimate will include:
      1. Recommended improvements, urgency
      2. Recommended improvements, safety
      3. Recommended improvements, pond performance
      4. Recommended improvements, design evaluation
   2. Contractor will submit a finalized report including a comprehensive report of all of the above-mentioned items, including background information, existing conditions, design evaluations, recommended improvements, and costs.

III. General Specifications

1. Generally accepted industry standards must be adhered to and in a workmanlike manner.
2. Contractor will be required and responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and paying for all city and/or county business licenses and related fees. Copies of licenses must be submitted to the Authority prior to issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
3. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to obtain permits as needed. If Contractor is unsure if permits are needed, the Contractor MUST visit the County of Merced Building and Safety Division office at 2222 M Street, Merced, CA., or call (209) 385-7477.
4. Contractor will be required and responsible for paying any and all related and required fees and costs, including but not limited to, impact fees, architectural and/or engineering costs, environmental testing costs, etc., associated with the work.
5. All work must be performed according to industry standards, procedures, and methods normally accepted in the industry and in compliance with all current federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations. Additional costs by the Contractor cannot be assumed and must be pre-approved by the Authority prior to performance of work.
6. Any removal of material not approved by the Authority will be at the Contractor’s sole cost for its lawful disposal, replacement, labor to install, as well as any design costs, fees, and charges related to its approval.
7. Contractor will be responsible for the repair and/or replacement of any damaged areas made in the course of the work being performed. All repairs and/or patches must match existing materials and must meet industry standards.
8. Contractor is solely responsible for calling 811 before performing any digging on Authority property. Any disasters or damage to property as a result of the contractor’s failure to call 811 shall be considered a breach of contract.
9. Contractor shall minimize dust from any construction activities and conform to the requirements of San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.
10. The Contractor must comply with all laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations applicable to the work. The Contractor will provide adequate protection for all persons within the working area and will furnish and erect temporary barricades where necessary.
11. Contractor will supply all safety or warning signs, equipment, plastic covers, barricades, and any other specialty items that may be required.
12. Contractor’s employees shall wear identification (uniform, shirt, caps, etc.) while performing duties.
13. All work shall be inspected and signed off by the Authority’s Authorized Representative before the work is deemed complete. No payment will be made until all work is completed to the satisfaction of the Authority and is deemed complete.

IV. Travel Costs/Expenses

The Authority shall not pay contractor nor reimburse contractor for any travel, meals, lodging, or incidental expenses incurred in the performance of the project or related to the awarded contract. All such costs are deemed included in the submitted fixed contract price.

V. Build America, Buy America Requirements

The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act was enacted on November 15, 2021, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. No. 117-58). BABA establishes a domestic content procurement preference known as the “Buy America Preference” (BAP) for Federal infrastructure spending. The BAP requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects funded with Federal financial assistance must be produced in the United States, per the Community and Development Notice: CPD-2023-12. Contractor shall make every effort to ensure any applicable material used for this project is produced in the United States according to the BABA guidelines and requirements.

VI. Drug-Free Workplace

The Authority maintains a drug-free workplace, which applies to contracted work on all Authority properties. Contractors, Subcontractors, and/or their employees shall not engage in the use of illegal drugs, including the illegal use of prescription drugs, and/or alcoholic beverages on the job, at the workplace, on Authority properties, or reporting to work for Authority under the influence of any of the above.

1. Medical Marijuana: The use and/or possession of medical marijuana is strictly prohibited on Authority property and will result in termination of the contract. Federal law supersedes State laws that legalize medical marijuana related conduct.

VII. Smoke-Free Workplace

Authority maintains a smoke-free workplace, which applies to contracted work on all Authority properties. Contractors, Subcontractors, and/or their employees shall not smoke on any Authority property. Smoking is prohibited within twenty-five feet (25’) of buildings and outdoor areas, including but not limited to residential buildings, entry ways, walkways, grassed areas, play areas, parking lots, and private vehicles parked on Authority property.

VIII. Prevailing Wage Determination: California State Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)

The Authority maintains four Migrant Centers which are regulated by the State, as such any project or individual work performed for the Migrant Centers at an amount of $2,000.00 or more is subject to and requires compliance with the General prevailing wage determinations made by the director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Pursuant to California Labor Code Part 7, Chapter 1, Article 2, Sections 1770, 1773, and 1773.1. DIR wage determination: Northern California basic trade journeyman rates; Determination Craft: Building/Construction Inspector and Field Soils and Material Tester, Determination #: NC-63-3-9-2025-1, Group 2 Construction Inspector; Issue Date: August 22, 2025. You may obtain a current wage determination by visiting: https://www.dir.ca.gov/oprl/2025-2/PWD/Determinations/Northern/NC-063-3-9.pdf (opens in new tab)

Wage shall be locked in upon award of the contract.