To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation and Development
Report Title: Contract with Environmental Science Associates for Development of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a contract with Environmental Science Associates in an amount not to exceed $607,300 to provide technical services for the development of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan, for the period November 18, 2025, through December 31, 2027. (100% State Funds)
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan, including Environmental Science Associate’s assistance with developing the Plan, is funded through a $1,499,285 grant from the Ocean Protection Council.
BACKGROUND:
On May 14, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 2024-167, authorizing the Director of Conservation and Development, or designee, to apply for and, if awarded, accept a grant from the California Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) Senate Bill 1 Grant Program for the preparation of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan (Plan). The contract with the State took effect on May 6, 2025.
Staff conducted a competitive solicitation for a technical consultant to assist with the development of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan. Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is the firm selected for this role. Staff is seeking approval and authorization from the Board of Supervisors for the Director of the Department of Conservation and Development to execute this contract.
The main activities that will be funded through this grant include:
• Strategic update of existing vulnerability assessments of the Contra Costa County shoreline into a single vulnerability assessment that aligns with OPC’s Phase 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Criteria and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission’s (BCDC) Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan (RSAP) Guidance. ESA will be conducting the technical work associated with updating the existing vulnerability assessments.
• A participatory community engagement process focused on a series of workshops in communities along the county’s shoreline to establish a community vision for the shoreline and provide input on various aspects of the draft Plan. ESA will be supporting these workshops that will be led by the County’s community engagement consultant.
• Development of the Contra Costa Resilient Shoreline Plan, including development of adaptation strategy alternatives, adaptation pathways, a governance and implementation framework, and the Plan itself. The Plan will align with BCDC’s RSAP Guidance. ESA will develop the actual Plan and conduct associated technical work.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to authorize approval of this contract would lead to the County being unable to meet its obligations under the terms of the grant agreement.