HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/02/1997, C-9 - RFP FOR OUTREACH PROGRAM TO LOCAL SCHOOLS - EFFICIENT WATER USE EDUCATION MATERIALS AND RESOURCES council °de
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C I T Y OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: John Moss,Utilities Director 4"
Prepared by: Sue Baasch,Administrative Analyst*
SUBJECT: RFP FOR OUTREACH PROGRAM TO LOCAL SCHOOLS - Efficient
Water Use Education Materials and Resources
CAO RECOMMENDATION
By motion, (1) approve Specification No. 98-73, RFP for Outreach to Local Schools (Efficient
Water Use Education Materials and Resources); (2) authorize soliciting of proposals; and (3)
authorize contract award by the CAO, if the selected proposal is within the approved project
budget.
DISCUSSION
The Utilities Department is requesting approval to seek professional assistance with an outreach
program to local schools. Funding for this two-year outreach program was approved in the 1997-
99 Financial Plan. The focus of this program is to enhance and augment water use efficiency
awareness in elementary and junior high grades. Establishing this partnership is increasingly
looked to as one of the best steps water agencies can take in promoting wise use of water.
This outreach is the next step in our community outreach program which began two years ago. We
are proposing to use a credentialed professional to prepare an appropriate plan of curriculum and
resource enhancements that will be presented to and approved by the local schools, following an
assessment of curriculum needs identified by the teachers. Teaching efficient use of water,
including the use of recycled water, is vital as the City plans for the future. A large component of
this is to ensure community familiarity and comfort with using recycled water for irrigation of
parks and playgrounds.
In looking at how other water agencies have structured this type of outreach, Utilities staff recently
attended a joint Santa Barbara County Water Agency / Santa Barbara County Educators strategy
meeting. This meeting was to share information, review and rate water curriculum materials and to
share resources. They discussed forming an ongoing water education consortium to continue this
effort. This alliance is allowing Santa Barbara County schools and students to participate in
meaningful projects, such as data collection and sharing (via the intemet) for ongoing federal water
research projects. This type of alliance in our City will certainly lead to similarly valuable water
education and research activities.
The importance of this type of outreach is well summarized in the preface to the Santa Barbara
County Water Agency's Resource Guide:
Now is the time to concentrate on helping students of all ages become aware of this
important resource and the necessity of using it wisely. This generation of educated
and environmentally aware students will one day become the leaders of our society,
and will be required to make informed decisions on the use of resources such as
water.
G /
Council Agenda Report-RFP for Water Education Outreach Program to Local Schools
Page 2
RFP Scope of Work
The scope of work includes an initial survey to determine local curriculum needs as they relate to
water, and the additional need for materials and resources. This will be followed by a report on
water curriculum and materials currently available through State, Federal and water trade
associations. Then the consultant will prepare an implementation plan for working with the school
district on incorporating appropriate curriculum and resource changes. This plan must be presented
to and approved by the local schools.
The consultant will prepare monthly progress reports to document progress toward program
milestones. At the conclusion of this two year project,the consultant will prepare a detailed written
report of the program findings and accomplishments.
Evaluation and Selection Process
The proposal closing date is scheduled for September 30, 1997. After a "desk top" review of the
proposals based on the evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP, finalists will be invited for a follow-
up presentation/mterview before a review committee composed of representatives from the Utilities
Department.
Based on the results of the written proposal, oral presentation, and reference checks, the review
committee will make its recommendation for selection to the CAO. It is anticipated that contract
award will be made by October 17, 1997.
Prospective Bidders
In addition to publishing a formal notice requesting proposals, the RFP will be mailed to a limited
number of individuals specializing in this type of service who have indicated their interest in
performing this work. A list of prospective bidders is attached.
FISCAL EMPACT
The projected cost for this two year project is $30,000, or$15,000 annually. The annual budget of
$15,000 would fund consultant services (about $12,000) and printing and purchase of resource
materials ($3,000). Funding has already been appropriated by the Council for these services (1997-
99 Financial Plan,Water Administration Budget,page D-47.
ATTACHMENT
Bidder's List
ON FILE IN THE COUNCIL OFFICE
Request for Proposals, Specification No. 98-73
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A1TAC>IlsIENT
BIDDERS LIST
OUTREACH TO LOCAL SCHOOLS(Efficient Water Use)-SPECIFICATION NO.98-73
Contact name Tisha Smith Contact name Mike di Milo
Address 273 Chorro Address 424 Jaycee Drive
City San Luis Obispo,CA 93405 City San Luis Obispo,CA 93405
Contact name Michelle Roest
Address PO Box 15016
City San Luis Obispo,CA 93406