Climate Adaptation Strategy
Tulare County Association of Governments
Visalia, CA
The Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) is leading a collaborative effort on behalf of all eight San Joaquin Valley Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to conduct the Valley Transport Resiliency Advancement for Neighborhoods Sustainable Freight Movement (VTRANSFRM) Study. We are looking for qualified consultants to help us assess climate change vulnerabilities and identify solutions that will strengthen the resilience of our transportation infrastructure. The San Joaquin Valley is a vital region in California, known for its significant contributions to agriculture, goods movement, and economic development. Despite its importance, the Valley is also one of the most economically disadvantaged regions in the state, with many communities facing high levels of poverty. Stretching approximately 250 miles from San Joaquin County in the north to Kern County in the south, the Valley is home to over 4.3 million residents and serves as a key connection between Northern and Southern California. The region’s extensive transportation network includes major highways such as Interstate 5 and State Route 99, as well as critical rail corridors operated by Union Pacific (UP) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). These corridors support some of the highest freight volumes in the state, playing a crucial role in statewide and national supply chains. However, this reliance on transportation infrastructure also makes the region highly susceptible to climate-related disruptions, including extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires.
The study will analyze the vulnerabilities of I-5, SR-99, and their key connectors, including parallel routes that support freight movement and regional connectivity, identifying infrastructure deficiencies and prioritizing climate adaptation strategies.
This effort will focus on three key areas:
- Vulnerability, Risk, and Resilience Assessment – Identifying and understanding climaterelated risks that threaten the region’s transportation systems.
- Adaptation Actions and Co-Benefit Analysis – Evaluating and proposing measures that mitigate these risks while maximizing economic, social, and environmental advantages.
- Expediting Implementation – Prioritizing the most impactful resiliency projects and accelerating their execution to protect infrastructure and communities.
Funded through a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning (Climate Adaptation) grant, this study brings together local communities, freight industry stakeholders, and agencies including Caltrans Districts 6, 9, and 10. By working together, we aim to create a more resilient freight corridor that protects public safety, supports economic stability, and reduces the risks posed by extreme weather events. The participating MPOs include Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG), Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG), Kings County Association of Governments (KCAG), Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC), Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG), San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG), and Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG). TCAG is taking the lead to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to tackling these challenges. This effort will provide a roadmap for future projects that improve infrastructure resilience while directly addressing the persistent economic hardships faced by Valley residents. Ensuring equitable solutions for disadvantaged communities is a key priority, as these populations are disproportionately affected by climate-related disruptions and infrastructure deficiencies.
Prospective consultants should demonstrate their ability to:
- Assess climate change vulnerabilities affecting transportation infrastructure, including extreme weather, wildfires, flooding, and heat stress.
- Develop climate adaptation strategies aligned with state and federal guidelines, integrating best practices for resilience planning and infrastructure protection.
- Evaluate multimodal connectivity and freight resilience, ensuring system efficiency while mitigating climate risks.
- Address environmental justice considerations by identifying and responding to the needs of underserved and disadvantaged communities.
- Leverage data-driven methodologies, such as climate risk modeling, geospatial analysis, and scenario planning, to support informed decision-making.
- Align with Caltrans’ mission of ensuring a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system while advancing the state's climate adaptation goals.
Key Data Sources
Consultants should identify the critical data sources and resources necessary to complete the V-TRANSFRM scope of services, including:
- Climate vulnerability assessments and transportation network stressors
- Infrastructure risk and exposure analyses
- Freight movement patterns and supply chain disruptions due to extreme weather events
- Demographic and socioeconomic data for equity-driven transportation planning
- Existing and planned transportation adaptation projects
- Funding and policy opportunities for climate resilience implementation
Multi-Agency Approach
This study follows a multi-agency approach, recognizing that while all eight Valley MPOs are part of the San Joaquin Valley, each has distinct priorities, political climates, and goals for the V-TRANSFRM study. For instance, Kern COG is particularly interested in comparing big data sources with its classification counts and Caltrans data, as well as using anticipated savings on the assessment phase in Kern County to advance a local project with conceptual engineering plans. Other MPOs may have similar needs, while some may prioritize purchasing big data, enhancing or developing truck models, or exploring other transportation and climate resiliency solutions.
Given these varied priorities, the selected consultant must work closely with each MPO to understand and address their specific needs. The consultant will have flexibility in adjusting cost and schedule for specific tasks, as outlined in the cost and schedule table. This ensures that each MPO can collaborate with the consultant to refine deliverables while maintaining consistency with the broader grant objectives. During the assessment phase, the consultant will engage directly with each MPO to refine their priorities within applicable tasks. Any adjustments to cost or schedule must be coordinated with the TCAG project manager to ensure alignment with the overall budget, timeline, and grant requirements.
Encouraging Innovation
We encourage consultants to propose innovative approaches that address regional challenges, integrate emerging technologies, and align with state and local planning priorities. Proposals should focus on identifying impactful projects and best practices that promote long-term community benefits.
Consultant Expectations
Consultants will be expected to:
- Conduct research and analysis to determine high-priority needs.
- Propose creative solutions and best practices tailored to regional characteristics.
- Identify potential funding opportunities and cost-effective strategies.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure practical and feasible recommendations.
We welcome diverse perspectives and expertise to help shape the future of our region. Proposals should highlight experience in innovative project development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Proposal Submittal
Proposals must be received electronically no later than 5:00 PM PDT, on April 8, 2025. It is recommended that a submittal email is sent without an attachment, as attachments may be too large, and access be granted for TCAG to download your document. This could be done via FTP, Dropbox, Hightail, or another service provided by prospective consultants. A flash drive may also be delivered to the TCAG office before the deadline. These items will not be returned. Please submit to Kasia Poleszczuk at kpoleszczuk@tularecag.ca.gov.
Questions
Questions should be directed to Kasia Poleszczuk at kpoleszczuk@tularecag.ca.gov. All questions must be submitted in writing by 5:00 p.m. on March 17, 2025.
TCAG and Valley MPO scoring committee will host a Q&A session via teleconference to address inquiries related to this RFP (tentatively March 18th).
All questions and responses, including from the Q&A session, will be posted in writing on the TCAG website. Please check www.tularecog.org/tcag/rfps-contracts/rfps regularly for amendments or additional information on this RFP. Consultants that are considering responding to this RFP are forbidden from contacting members of the Tulare County Association of Governments to discuss their proposal. Failure to comply with this requirement may cause your proposal to be denied without review.
Consultants considering responding to this RFP are strictly prohibited from contacting members of the TCAG or any Valley MPO staff to discuss their proposal. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification without review.
Scope of Services
Attachment A of the RFP identifies the Scope of Services as described in the grant application.
Selection Timeline
February 20, 2025 Distribution of Request for Proposals
March 17, 2025 Deadline for Written inquiries/questions
March 18, 2025 Q&A session (estimated; call instruction will be posted on TCAG website)
April 8, 2025 Proposals Due to TCAG by 5:00 PM
April 29, 2025 Interviews (estimated)
May 19, 2025 Consultant selection by TCAG Board (estimated)
May 31, 2025 Finalize Contract (estimated)
June 16, 2025 Work begins (estimated)
Budget & Consultant Administration Responsibilities
- Working Meetings: Schedule and coordinate all necessary working meetings with TCAG project manager and project staff (Vally MPO Working Group). Virtual meetings are permitted as necessary.
- Budget and Schedule: The project is budgeted for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025, 2025/2026, 2026/2027. The total budgeted amount is $3 million. 5 percent (5%) retention will be held for the preparation of the reports and released at contract completion. Project completion date is June 30, 2027.
- Invoices and Progress Reports: Invoices and accompanying progress reports shall be submitted monthly. All invoices shall include a description of work completed, including the percentage completed for each project task, and the hourly rate and expenditures for each employee or subcontractor. Direct expenses shall include receipts or an acceptable form of backup.