Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board consider the following for the El Dorado Drainage Improvement Project, Capital Improvement Program number 36106004:
1) Make findings pursuant to Section 3.13.030 (B) of the County Ordinance Chapter 13.3, Contracting Out, that the work requires specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications;
2) Award Request for Proposal 2025-0171 to Domenichelli & Associates, Inc.;
3) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement for Services 10312 with Domenichelli & Associates, Inc. to provide the drainage study and analysis for the project in the amount of $145,353.56, for a term beginning upon execution and expiring three (3) years thereafter; and
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any necessary amendments to Agreement for Services 10312, excluding term extensions and increases to the total compensation amount, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Human Resources.
(District 3)
FUNDING: Funding: Regional Surface Transportation Program Funds - Caltrans Local Assistance. (Federal Funds)
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Department of Transportation (Transportation) is currently in the environmental planning and design phase for the El Dorado Drainage Improvement Project (Project). Transportation staff have conducted a map and record search, utility coordination, preliminary watershed analysis, and alternative studies. The El Dorado County Water Agency (EDWA) is partnering with Transportation to produce the Drainage Study for the Slate Creek watershed and drainage infrastructure in the town of El Dorado to improve drainage in the area. This Drainage Study evaluating the town of El Dorado will be split into two (2) phases of work:
• Phase 1: Focuses on the overall Slate Creek watershed; and
• Phase 2: Focuses on infrastructure within Pleasant Valley Road in County right-of-way and the town of El Dorado.
On November 5, 2025, at the request of the Department of Transportation (Transportation), the Procurement and Contracts Division of the Chief Administrative Office issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) 2025-0171 for the drainage study and analysis for the Project. Transportation received seven (7) proposals. A panel evaluated and ranked the proposals based on the thoroughness, clarity, and quality of the material presented, past performance and related experience, expertise, and project approach. The top-ranked proposer was determined to be Domenichelli & Associates, Inc. (Domenichelli). Agreement for Services 10312 (Agreement) has been developed for this study and analysis with Domenichelli.
Transportation recommends the Board make findings in accordance with County Ordinance Code Chapter 3.13, Contracting Out, Section 3.13.030 (B), to engage an independent contractor for the drainage study and analysis for the Project because there are specialty skills and qualifications required for the work to be performed under this Agreement. There are specialty skills required for much of the work, including strong technical skills in the understanding of hydrology principles (runoff, infiltration, precipitation analysis, watershed processes); open-channel and closed conduit hydraulics; ability to develop and interpret floodplain models; and understanding of stormwater management systems and detention/retention facility design. Field experience with stream/culvert assessments, flow measurements, or stormwater infrastructure inspections are also required. The work to be performed is not sufficient to warrant the addition of permanent staff.
ALTERNATIVES
1) Direct Transportation to make changes to the proposed Agreement and return to the Board at a later date. Transportation's ability to move forward on the Project would be delayed.
2) Direct Transportation to complete the requested services through an alternate agreement. This option would also result in delayed completion of the Project and potential additional costs.
3) Transportation could attempt to hire additional staff for a short period of time (part time, limited term). However, it is not likely that someone with the necessary drainage analysis expertise would be willing to work part time in a limited term capacity.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On November 8, 2022, Legistar 22-1882, the Board accepted the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds for the Project.
On June 24, 2025, Legistar 25-0903, the Board executed Reimbursement Memorandum of Understanding with the EDWA to assist with the Project.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Chief Administrative Office, Procurement and Contracts Division, County Counsel, Human Resources, and Risk Management have reviewed and approved the Agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to net County cost associated with this item. The funding for the Agreement is included in Transportation’s 2026 CIP, which was approved by the Board on June 16, 2026, Legistar file 26-0116. Transportation is currently seeking construction grant funds for $1,698,747.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on one (1) original of the Agreement.
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) fully executed copy of the Agreement to the County’s Chief Administrative Office, Procurement and Contracts, for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Priority: N/A
Action Item: N/A
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation