REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: SOPHIA PAGOULATOS, Planning Manager
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Consultant Services Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. for environmental consulting services for the General Plan Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) in an amount not to exceed $450,000, for a term through December 31, 2026, with two optional one-year extensions (Bid File 12600114)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval to enter into a Consultant Services Agreement with LSA Associates, Inc. for environmental consulting services for the General Plan Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) Update in an amount not to exceed $450,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno is currently undertaking an update to the General Plan including new requirements related to Climate Adaptation and Environmental Justice. The proposed scope of work will perform environmental analysis of the amendments to General Plan at a programmatic level. Having a PEIR will allow the City to utilize streamlining for projects consistent with the General Plan.
BACKGROUND
The General Plan PEIR is the foundation for environmental review of all developments that occur under the General Plan and is key in streamlining future project-level compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Major components of the scope of work include the following:
• Analyze the Climate Adaptation Plan and Environmental Justice General Plan amendment, including updated goals, objectives, and policies to reflect recent legislative requirements such as SB 1000 and SB 379.
• Create a new CEQA baseline to comply with CEQA standards, address the impacts of the proposed amendments, and assess the continued implementation of the current General Plan.
• Prepare a new PEIR and GHG Reduction Plan, including updated GHG reduction measures and VMT analysis based on new state laws and local programs, such as the City’s Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction Program.
Successful completion of this scope of work requires multiple technical specialties including traffic engineering, biology, geology, hazardous materials, noise and air quality modelling, and utilities. Therefore, the services of an environmental consultant with all of the necessary technical experience and specializations was sought through the process outlined below.
Procurement Process
The City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 12600114 on July 16, 2025. The RFQ was posted on Planet Bids, noticed in the Business Journal, and distributed to known consultants in the Planning and Development Department.
• Initial Posting: RFQ 12502365 was issued on May 9, 2025, and closed on May 23, 2025, resulting in a 14-day solicitation period. Two Statements of Qualifications were received in response. It was determined that the statement of work required clarification, so a new posting was created.
• Second Posting: RFQ 1260114 was issued on July 16, 2025, and closed on August 18, 2025, resulting in a 33-day solicitation period. One Statement of Qualifications was received.
• Extension: RFQ 1260014 was extended on August 18, 2025, and closed on September 3, 2025, resulting in a 16-day solicitation period. No additional Statements of Qualifications were received.
After a thorough review and evaluation process conducted by a panel of City staff, LSA Associates, Inc. was selected to move forward based on their demonstrated expertise, responsiveness to the scope, and overall value to the City. Their qualifications align with the project’s technical requirements and strategic objectives, making them the most suitable firm for this engagement.
LSA is well qualified to lead the PEIR Update, with more than 49 years of experience providing environmental planning services. LSA is recognized and trusted to produce high-quality environmental documents and provide effective and implementable solutions to resolve CEQA issues. In addition to their expertise in preparing analyses required by CEQA, the firm has in-house experts in the fields of environmental planning, air quality, GHG emissions, noise, agricultural land use, transportation, water quality, and public outreach.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This approval of this contract does not qualify as a project for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Although this type of contract is not subject to strict local preference policies, the project will be managed out of a local qualifying office. LSA Environmental Consultants serves the Fresno/Clovis area at 2565 Alluvial Ave in Clovis.).
FISCAL IMPACT
$450,000 was appropriated in FY26 for this purpose.
Attachments:
Consultant Services Agreement