Site work and paving for a road / highway in Independence, California. Conceptual plans call for site work for a road / highway; and for paving for a road / highway.

The County of Inyo Department of Public Works ("County") is hereby soliciting proposals from qualified firms (Respondents) who can provide the County with the following service: Design, Engineering and Environmental Services . Background Inyo County is a land of magnificent natural diversity and unique splendor. Considered a "Frontier County," Inyo is the 2nd largest in California. The 10,227 square miles which comprise the jurisdiction stretch the wide distance from the California/Nevada state line near Death Valley National Park all the way to the spine of the Sierra Nevada. The Owens Valley forms the main north-south corridor along the west side of the County with Highway 395 stretching alongside it. This region is known as the Payahuunadi, or the Land of the Flowing Water, and is home to the Paiute-Shoshone people. Today, a significant portion of the water utilized by the residents in the City of Los Angeles originates from Inyo County and the Owens Valley. Conveniently located about four hours from the metropolises of Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Reno, the region is easily accessed via Highway 395 as well as through commercial flights into Bishop Airport. Despite the proximity to major cities, only about 19,000 people call Inyo County home on a year-round basis. Inyo County and the Eastern Sierra region offer a full spectrum of adventure as well as the opportunity to get away from it all. The striking landscape is truly unique. To the west, along the crest of the Sierra Nevada, Mount Whitney towers over the small community of Lone Pine. At 14,505 feet, it is recognized as the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Just a short distance away is Death Valley National Park, which, among other things, is home to Badwater--the lowest point in the U.S. at -282 feet below sea level. The White Mountains are home to the oldest known life forms in the world--the Great Basin Bristlecone Pines--and there are millions of acres of congressionally designated Wilderness, including protected critical habitat in various locations throughout the County, which is 98% public land. The County is dotted with historic towns providing professional services and the equipment needed for excursions in this recreation mecca. Whether one is seeking out opportunities for hiking, skiing, climbing, biking, fishing, horse packing, hang gliding, photography, or just sightseeing, the experience will be world-class. Inyo County was established on March 22, 1866--formed out of the territory of the unorganized Coso County, which had been created on April 4, 1864, from parts of Mono and Tulare counties. It acquired more territory from Mono County in 1870 and Kern County and San Bernardino County in 1872. Named for the "dwelling place of the great spirit" in the Mono language, Inyo County has been the historic homeland for thousands of years of the Mono Tribe, Coso people, Timbisha, and Kawaiisu Native Americans. Inyo County has a rich indigenous history, as well as a legacy that also traces its roots to pioneering, mining, railroading, ranching, and farming. Much of this history is not only on display today in museums and cultural centers throughout the County, but in the culture, livelihoods, and family trees of those who call Inyo County home. Horseshoe Meadows Road is located in the rural, remote, and rugged granitic terrain of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range near Independence, CA. Elevation ranges from 6500-9000 feet above mean sea level. The road provides access to the Inyo National Forest and John Muir Wilderness and is popular with outdoor recreationists of all types. Question Submission Deadline: November 18, 2025, 5:00pm Question Response Deadline: November 21, 2025, 5:00pm Anticipated Staff Evaluation of Responses (subject to change): Between 12/08/2025 and 12/19/2025 Anticipated Contract Award Date (subject to change): By 01/27/2026 Project Description Design the Horseshoe Meadows Slide Repair, which includes approximately 436 feet of damaged road above the lower gate, cause by a landslide, along with slope protection on the lower slope of the slide area. The design concept for the project shall be sufficiently developed prior to environmental document finalization to ensure proper scoping of the environmental document. Right-of-way is not anticipated to become involved in this project. The underlying land owner for the portion of Horseshoe Meadows Road involved in this project is the US Forest Service and consultation will be required. The environmental consultant should be able to anticipate level of effort needed for CEQA and should highlight any expected permits or studies that would be required for environmental compliance. Engineering, Design and Environmental o Design Phase Project Management - A County Engineer, in responsible charge, will serve as the contract manager. The consultant shall be responsible for project management activities throughout the life of the contract and the scope of activities includes but is not limited to, coordinating and being responsible for scheduling meetings, managing the project schedule, preparing and distributing minutes, field reviews, tracking action items for the County and consultant sub-contractors, and preparing submissions to the County. Any modifications proposed to this solicitation are welcome provided they are innovative, advanced, and well thought out methodologies and shall be identified as optional and priced out separately in the sealed fee proposal. o Scoping/Preliminary Engineering Studies - This task should be used for developing the design concepts and related activities needed to establish the parameters for final design and to ensure proper environmental scoping. o Surveys and Mapping - The County shall provide survey data. The County will file the CEQA Exemption and no NEPA filing is expected. o Design - Design the improvements and prepare the plans, specifications, and estimates in accordance with Caltrans Standards and AASHTO Geometric Design guidelines to achieve project objectives. Participate in coordination meetings for ROW and USFS consultation as necessary. ROW issues are not expected. Consultant shall examine and present project alternatives, as necessary, which complete project goals within construction budget and schedule. Include any necessary erosion control and traffic control in the plans and specifications. Public safety during the work is not anticipated to be a concern, as the intent is to preform construction prior to re-opening the road after the 25/26 winter closure. PS&E shall be submitted to the County at 60%, 90%, and final contract documents. o Services during Construction (CE funded, optional task) - The Consultant shall be available, if requested by the County, to assist in responding to Request for Information (RFI) and preparing and/or reviewing change orders if design related issues arise during construction. Revisions to the plans caused by a need for clarification or adjustments due to field conditions differing from plans shall be performed by the Consultant as part of the fixed fee.