Title
Development Services Department recommending the Board review the revised scope of work for the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan and provide direction to staff to conclude contract negotiations with Science Applications International Corporation and return to the Board for contract approval of same.
Body
Discussion
The attached revised scope of services, budget, and work schedule for the INRMP prepared by SAIC is submitted for your consideration. The revised scope was prepared in accordance with General Plan Policy 7.4.2.8 and in response to the direction provided by your Board on April 30, 2007.
In follow-up to the discussion with the Board on April 30, 2007, SAIC submitted a "not to exceed" cost proposal to assist the County of El Dorado with development of an INRMP as required by Policy 7.4.2.8 of the General Plan. The proposed scope of work, schedule, and cost estimate are based on the Board's previous guidance to focus the INRMP on meeting General Plan policy requirements. The proposal could be amended in the future to address any additional State or Federal regulatory requirements should the Board so direct. The work schedule projects completion of a public review draft INRMP by the end of 2008. The proposed budget is a not to exceed cost of $1,397,255. The previous cost estimate for preparing the INRMP to meet State and Federal regulatory requirements was $2,022,238 (including optional wetlands permitting tasks). Highlights of the revised proposal include reliance on existing available data/mapping resources to the extent feasible; extensive public outreach and involvement; numerous opportunities for meetings with the Board, Commissions and other committees; assistance in establishing the Plant and Wildlife Technical Advisory Committee; and completion of environmental review for the INRMP. As directed by your Board, rare plant issues are addressed in a separate scope of work that is planned to be coordinated with preparation of the INRMP and discussed further in a separate, accompanying agenda item. Representatives from SAIC and Development Services will present the proposed scope, schedule and budget to the Board and respond to questions.
On a related matter, the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) approved the County's ESA Section 6 grant application for the approximate amount of $604,000. At issue is if the grant funding remains available to the County under the revised scope of work for the INRMP. Representatives from Development Services, SAIC and outside counsel are in consulting with FWS to determine if the approved funds will remain available. Further information on those discussions will be provided to your Board at your July 10 meeting. At this point, funding for the INRMP work effort is assumed to be from the County's general fund and is addressed (for the upcoming fiscal year) in the Development Services Department budget.
cc: Paul Cylinder, SAIC
Marc Ebbins, Ebbins+Moser
Larry Appel
Paula Frantz
Contact: Gregory L. Fuz (5445)
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Options for Compliance with State and Federal Laws Regarding Eight Plant Species
Attachment 2 - Power Point Presentation Summarizing INRMP Options
Attachment 3 - List of Acronyms
Attachment 4 - Proposal to Prepare INRMP, SAIC, June 13, 2007 (July 10, 2007)