HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposal - OnCall Traffic and Transportation Engineering ServicesCity of Diamond Bar
Proposal for: Professional On-Call Traffic and Transportaion Engineering Services
March 17, 2026
Submitted to
Attention: Christian Malpica
Associate Engineer/Project Manager
City of Diamond Bar
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, California 91765
Submitted by
RKA Consulting Group
398 Lemon Creek Drive, Suite E
Walnut, CA 91789
www.rkagroup.com
(909) 594-9702
06 References & RFP Statements 14
05 Experience 12
04 Approach and Methodology 10
03 Team Qualifications 3
02 Company Qualifications 1
01 Cover Letter
Table of Contents
07 Addendum Acknowledgement 15
08 Cost Proposal * Submitted Separately
01 Cover Letter
COVER LETTER
March 17, 2026
City of Diamond Bar
Attn: Christian Malpica
Associate Engineer/Project Manager
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Re: Proposal for Professional On-Call Traffic and Transportaion Engineering Services
Dear Mr. Malpica,
RKA Consulting Group (RKA) is pleased to submit our proposal to provide Professional On-Call Traffic and Transportation Engineering Services to the City of Diamond Bar. We understand the City intends for these agreements to commence on July 1, 2026, for an initial three-year term, with the option, at the City’s sole discretion, to extend the term for up to two additional years.
We are a Certified CA Corporation (License: #C1155995) and registered as a Small Business (License: #53690) firm, located in Walnut, CA. RKA is owned and led by three principals, David Gilbertson, P.E., T.E., P.L.S. (President), Cody Howing, P.E. (Vice President), and Raymond Tao, P.E. (Director of Building and Safety), who collectively bring decades of expertise and experience serving municipal clients, remaining accessible, and committed to setting high standards across every project. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals with substantial local experience, and we are confident that our knowledge, responsive approach, and thorough understanding of the City’s unique needs make us a reliable resource to your Department.
As Principal-in-Charge, I, Cody Howing, P.E., am authorized to negotiate and execute any contracts on behalf of the firm. I will also provide ongoing quality oversight and strategic advisement throughout projects to ensure we meet and exceed the City's expectations. I am committed to maintaining a strong relationship with the City and can be reached at chowing@rkagroup.com or (909) 594-9702 for any coordination or project-related discussions.
Trusted Planning Partner. As a trusted planning partner, we are known for integrating reliable engineering principles with proactive, forward-thinking solutions. Our track record reflects a commitment to enhancing public safety, ensuring long-term durability, and promoting sustainable outcomes in every project we support. We work collaboratively to identify cost-effective solutions and optimize funding opportunities, helping the City achieve its objectives without compromising quality or compliance. We have the capacity and dedication to react swiftly to Task Orders, delivering high-quality work on time and within budget.
Proven Expertise in Similar Projects. With over 45 years serving Southern California municipalities, our team has successfully delivered civil engineering services to more than 65 local agencies. We are industry experts, capable of providing civil engineering, traffic engineering, preparation of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), bid documents, design support during bidding and construction, and comprehensive project management services. We specialize in developing infrastructure solutions, ranging from street rehabilitation, complete streets and water design, traffic signal design, PCC curb, gutter, sidewalk ADA enhancements, and storm drain/sewer improvements.
On behalf of RKA, thank you for this opportunity to submit our qualifications. We hope to become a valuable, long-term partner to the City of Diamond Bar.
Sincerely,
RKA Consulting Group
Cody Howing, P.E.
Principal-in-Charge/Owner
398 Lemon Creek Drive, Suite EWalnut, California 91789www.rkagroup.comoffice: (909) 594-9702 | Fax: (909) 594-2658
RFP Required Statement:
Addenda acknowledged: 1
We have reviewed the RFP and submit this propos-al in full compliance, without conditions or excep-tions to the City's standard professional service agreement.
02 Company Qualifications
About Us
Founded in 1981, RKA Consulting Group (RKA), is a California- based, small business multidisciplinary civil engineering and municipal services firm. We have proudly provided services to more than 65 cities and public agencies throughout Southern California. With 40 professionals on staff, we specialize in a diverse range of services including street rehabilitation, transportation engineering, capital improvement planning, traffic design, sewer, water, storm-water, municipal infrastructure, and construction management. Additionally, RKA provides comprehensive Building & Safety services, including plan check, permit review, and building inspection.
Our team has supported many Southern California cities delivering a diverse range of capital improvement projects. We have long-standing clients to whom we provide municipal engineering services, including Duarte, Bradbury, Walnut, La Verne, San Dimas, Norco and Covina. These partnerships demonstrate our ability to consistently deliver responsive, high-quality support under on-call arrangements.
RKA is prepared to partner with the City of Diamond Bar and move forward quickly. Through our previous experience working with both the City’s Engineering Department and Building Department, we are familiar with the City’s processes, expectations, and standards. We will build on that knowledge through a focused kickoff and clear communication to deliver practical engineering solutions that enhance infrastructure, improve public safety, and support accessibility and mobility throughout the community
Core Services
We specialize in a wide range of municipal civil engineering services, including:
●City Engineering
●Capital Improvement Projects
●Roadway and Complete Streets Design
●ADA Compliance & Accessibility Improvements
●Plans, Specifications, & Estimates (PS&E)
●Traffic Engineering & Signal Improvements
●Water, Storm Drain, Sewer Infrastructure
●Utility Coordination
●Plan Check, Permitting & Construction Support
●Land Development
●Regulatory Compliance
●Federally Funded Project Management
Ownership & Leadership
RKA is owned and led by three principals, David Gilbertson, P.E., T.E., P.L.S. (President - 50% ownership), Cody Howing, P.E. (Vice President - 25% ownership), and Raymond Tao, P.E., CBO, CASp (Director of Building and Safety - 25% ownership), who remain actively involved in day-to-day project oversight. They collectively bring decades of expertise and experience serving municipal clients, remaining accessible, and committed to setting high standards across every project.
Firm at a Glance:
●Legal Name: RKA Consulting Group
●Headquarters: 398 Lemon Creek Dr., Ste E, Walnut, CA, 91789
●Contact: (909) 594-9702
●Email: chowing@rkagroup.com
●Website: www.rkagroup.com
●Founded: 1981
●Employees: 40
●Cities Served: 65+
●Certified CA Corp. License: #C1155995
●Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN): 95-3759733
●Small Business License: #53690
RKA Mission
RKA’s mission is to exceed client expectations by delivering reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions rooted in technical expertise.
RKA Core Values
●Quality and Integrity
●Client-Focused Services
●Innovation and Sustainability
●Collaborative Partnerships
Our Commitment to Excellence
We are dedicated to exceptional customer service and responsiveness, ensuring the City’s needs are met through clear communication, timely action, and customized solutions for each project. As a smaller, locally rooted firm, we work respectfully and collaboratively with City staff, residents, and stakeholders, bringing a solutions- oriented approach that builds trust and fosters strong relationships. We manage projects with professionalism, proactive communication, and genuine care for the communities we serve.
COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS
1
Our Services
Our professional services are rooted in civil engineering, with specialized expertise across core disciplines that support infrastructure and development projects. These include:
Municipal Engineering
●Capital Improvement Planning
●Contract City Engineering
●Development Review
●Public Works Administration
Construction Administration
●Bid and Contract Support
●Submittal and RFI Review
●Change Order Evaluation
●Project Coordination
●Utility Coordination
Street/Roadway Improvements
●Pavement Rehabilitation & Resurfacing
●Complete Streets Design
●ADA Upgrades & Safety
●Curb, Gutter & Sidewalk Design
Traffic Engineering
●Intersection Design
●Signal Design & Timing Optimization
●Traffic Calming Measures
●Traffic Studies & Analysis
Stormwater & Environmental Compliance
●NPDES Compliance & Reporting
●Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
●Low Impact Development (LID)
Water, Sewer, and Storm Drain Infrastructure
●Hydrology and Hydraulic Studies
●Sewer Main Improvements
●Water Pipeline Replacements
Land Development
●Site Grading & Drainage Design
●Land Surveying & Mapping
●Tentative & Final Tract Maps
●Parcel Maps & Lot Line Adjustments
Regulatory Compliance
●Grant Administration
●CEQA/NEPA
●Federal Grant Compliance- FHWA & Caltrans Processes
●Documentation & Reporting
Public Facilities and Parks
●ADA Upgrades
●Community Infrastructure
●Parking Lot Expansions
●Park Renovations and Upgrades
RKA Organization
We take pride in maintaining a well-balanced and agile organization structure that supports responsiveness and quality at every level. The below structure outlines our core departments, leadership team and staffing resources. Our team of approximately forty (40) professionals are primarily based at our main headquarters located in Walnut, California, with additional team members, supporting full-time roles and dedicated hours at our client agencies.
Department Key Roles Staff Count
Principals/Owners Executive Leadership, Professional Engineers, Department Directors 3
Administrative Office Operations, HR, Finance, Marketing 4
Engineering Professional Engineers, Project Managers, Designers, Construction Managers, Public Works Inspectors, Technicians 18
Building and Safety Plan Check Engineers, Plans Examiners,Building Inspectors, Permit Technicians, Technicians 12
COMPANY QUALIFICATIONS
2
03 Team Qualifications
Organization Chart
RKA's Engineering team, outlined below, regularly collaborate on a diverse range of project types for multiple municipalities and is accustomed to adjusting staffing and resources as needed to meet project demands and deadlines. With consistent guidance from our experienced leadership team, the RKA team bring strategy, flexibility, technical skills, and commitment to ensure efficient and high quality project delivery. Resumes for key personnel are provided following this page.
RKA ENGINEERING TEAM
PROJECT MANAGERS
Cesar Ortiz, PE, TE, QSD
(Director of Engineering)
Primary Contact
Bobby Lin, PE, QSD
(Senior Project Manager I)
Michael Lee, PE, QSD
(Municipal Services Manager)
TECHNICAL/QUALITY CONTROL
John Leveillee, PE, TE, PLS, QSD(Municipal Services Director)
Cody Howing, PE, QSD
(Principal Engineer)
Cesar Ortiz, PE, TE, QSD
(Director of Engineering)
PRINCIPALS-IN-CHARGE
Cody Howing, PE, QSD
(Authorized Signatory/
Principal Engineer)
David Gilbertson, PE, TE, PLS
(Principal Engineer)
PROJECT ENGINEERS
Andrea Hernandez, EIT
(Assistant Engineer III)
Saul Gonzalez
(Assistant Engineer III)
Diego Diego, EIT
(Assistant Engineer II)
Javier Valle Avila, EIT
(Assistant Engineer II)
Samuel Kala, EIT
(Assistant Engineer I)
Dhruv Patel
(Assistant Engineer I)
PUBLIC WORKS INSPECTORS
Walt Pruszynski
(Senior Public Works Inspector I)
Tony Estes
(Public Works Inspector II)
Mark Soloman
(Public Works Inspector I)
Rene Ruiz
(Public Works Inspector I)
CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS
Michael Lee, PE, QSD
(Municipal Services Manager)
Juan Salazar, PE, QSD
(Project Manager I)
Miguel Cuyugan
(Assistant Engineer II)
Andrea Hernandez, EIT
(Assistant Engineer III)
Transition Plan (Key Personnel Changes)
RKA agrees that the key personnel identified in this proposal will remain available for Task Orders under the resulting agreement. If a change becomes necessary due to circumstances outside RKA’s control or at the City’s request, RKA will notify the City promptly, propose a replacement with equal or greater qualifications and relevant experience, and obtain the City’s concurrence before making the change. RKA will maintain continuity through knowledge transfer, transition overlap as needed, and preservation of project history, communications, and deliverables. Any transition will be managed to avoid disruption to schedule, responsiveness, or quality, and will be completed at no additional cost to the City unless otherwise authorized in writing.
SUBCONSULTANTS
Kittelson & Associates Transportation Engineering ServicesKelsoe & Associates Land Surveying ServicesConverse Consultants Geotechnical Services
TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
3
Project Team
Our project team is composed of seasoned professionals who bring decades of municipal engineering experience, many whom have spent the majority of their careers with the firm. Unique-ly, this team includes two of the firm's owners, ensuring the City benefits from both senior-level technical expertise and leadership-level account-ability. This continuity and direct involvement from ownership provide the City with a team that is both highly qualified and deeply invested in the success of each task order.
Key Personnel
David Gilbertson, PE, TE, PLS - Owner/PresidentAs President, Dave provides hands-on leader-ship and oversight, applying 39+ years of civil engineering experience and technical expertise to guide projects and build trusted client relation-ships and deliver solutions that are practical and sustainable. Dave is one of the owners of RKA and serves as Contract City/Traffic Engineer for sever-al municipal clients. For this contract, he will pro-vide executive support to the Principal-in-Charge, offering depth of expertise in CIP projects, survey-ing, traffic engineering and infrastructure project delivery.
Cody Howing, PE Owner/ Principal-in- Charge As one of the owners, Cody will provide executive-level oversight to ensure all deliverables meet Diamond Bar's design intent, schedule, and budget objectives. With over 18+ years of experience delivering a diverse range of civil engineering projects including roadway rehabilitation, median, and corridor improvement projects for Southern California municipalities, Cody offers a steady hand in guiding project direction. Cody directs the engineering department and provides technical direction, strategic oversight and support for the team throughout the project lifecycle. He will review all major milestones through our internal QA/QC process, ensuring plans are accurate, constructible, and cost-effective before submission to the City.
John Leveilee, PE, TE, PLS, QSDMunicipal Services DirectorJohn has over 35 years of experience in municipal administration, civil engineering, land development, plan checking, and traffic design, including 9 years serving as the City Engineer for the City of Hesperia. As Director of Municipal Services, he provides City Engineer and City Traffic Engineer support services and engineering plan checking reviews for Southern California municipalities.
Bobby Lin, PE, QSD - Senior Project ManagerWith over 15+ years of experience, Bobby specializes in high-visibility, multi-faceted corridor improvement projects, including raised medians, gateway features, and multimodal enhancements. Bobby is skilled at navigating design challenges, building strong partnerships with agency staff, and delivering solutions that align with the City’s mobility, safety, and beautification goal.
Michael Lee, PE, QSDMunicipal Services ManagerMichael has been with RKA for 13+ years, and he currently manages design development, plan preparation, and cost estimating for many of our city clients, while also providing in-office hours several times a week to closely partner with municipal staff. His portfolio includes large-scale, complex projects such as street rehabilitation, bicycle lane enhancements, and pedestrian crossing improvements and most recently, roundabouts. Known for his proactive, solutions-focused approach, Michael delivers strategic, cost-effective design solutions to challenging conditions, including utility conflicts and traffic signal integration, ensuring project goals are met without compromising efficiency or safety. He brings specialized expertise in federal and state compliance, including Caltrans LAPM processes, HSIP programs, labor compliance, and grant management, positioning him as a trusted partner in achieving regulatory alignment and maximizing funding opportunities.
Cesar Ortiz, PE, TEDirector of Engineering (Primary Contact)Cesar Ortiz, P.E., T.E., brings over 10 years of civil engineering experience with strong emphasis in traffic engineering, roadway operations, and municipal infrastructure delivery. He has led traffic-related improvement projects involving signing and striping, traffic signal upgrades, traffic control design, intersection enhancements, ADA improvements, and corridor rehabilitation intended to improve safety, mobility, and overall traffic operations. His experience is further strengthened by his service as Principal Engineer for the City of Buena Park, where he managed the City’s Capital Improvement Program, and his current role as Deputy City Engineer for the City of Baldwin Park. He also serves on the City of Walnut Traffic Safety Committee, providing direct involvement in municipal traffic and safety matters. This combination of consultant and agency-side experience gives Cesar a practical understanding of traffic engineering issues, City review processes, and delivery of transportation improvements from planning through implementation.
TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
4
TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
5
David Gilbertson, P.E., T.E., P.L.S.
President and Principal-in-Charge
Professional Summary
David Gilbertson, P.E., T.E., P.L.S., is a seasoned professional engineer, traffic engineer, and licensed land surveyor with over 39 years of experience in municipal engineering and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) management. As Owner, President and Principal-In-Charge at RKA Consulting Group, Dave leads the company and supervises the engineering department, prioritizing quality control and strategic advice to ensure client satisfaction and support overall project success. Dave brings a valued combination of technical expertise, leadership, and a practical, solutions-focused approach to infrastructure projects. He delivers consistently ensuring client satisfaction, community safety, and high standards of quality and performance. Dave currently holds leadership roles such as City Engineer, City Surveyor and Traffic Engineer for several Southern California cities, including Bradbury, Norco, San Dimas and Walnut. Additionally, his expertise includes roadway improvements, traffic signal design, grading, land development, assessment districts and managing capital budgets and planning for multiple agencies.
Experience
●City and Traffic Engineer, City of Walnut: Responsible for the City’s Capital Improvement Program, which includes the design and implementation of all capital projects. Supervises the review and plan checking of all subdivisions and development projects. Responsible for the analysis and implementation of traffic systems, signal timing, and roadway improvements to enhance public safety and optimize traffic flow. Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for city staff and project stakeholders.
●City Engineer, Cities of Bradbury, Norco, San Dimas: Leads the design and management of all Capital Improvement Programs, conducts surveys and data analysis for planning and construction of projects, and directs the review and plan checking of subdivisions and development projects. As City Engineer, serves as technical advisor to city leadership, attends council and public meetings, and takes a proactive approach to addressing resident concerns.
●Contract Engineer, City of Covina: Provides development review and plan checking services for subdivisions and private development projects in the City of Covina, ensuring compliance with municipal codes and regulations.
●HSIP In-Pavement Flashing Crosswalk Project, City of Covina: Oversaw delivery of a federally funded pedestrian safety improvement project and coordinated directly with the City to advance design, bid support, and construction phase services. Improvements included solar-powered in-roadway warning lights, LED-enhanced pedestrian crossing signs, push-button activation systems, high-visibility thermoplastic ladder crosswalks, and ADA-compliant curb ramps at three uncontrolled crosswalk locations.
39 +
Years of Experience
39+ Years at RKA
Qualifications B.S.C.E. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona , CA
P.E. - Registered Civil Engineer, CA RCE 46624
T.E. - Traffic Engineer, CA TE2365
P.L.S. - Professional Land Surveyor, CA 6941
Specialized Disciplines: Traffic Signal Design, Traffic Operations & Data Analysis, Land Development, Grading and Drainage System Design, Infrastructure Design, Roadway Improvements, ADA Compliance, Right-of-Way Engineering, City Engineering, Capital Improvement Program Management, City Surveyor, Quality Control, Assessment Districts Engineering
TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
6
Cody Howing, P.E., QSD
Vice President and Principal-in-Charge
Professional Summary
Cody Howing, P.E., QSD, is a licensed civil engineer with over 18 years of experience in municipal engineering, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) management, NPDES compliance and storm-water management. As Vice President and Principal at RKA Consulting Group, Cody manages the team, advises on project strategies, and provides guidance to ensure the successful delivery of all projects. Cody currently holds leadership roles as City Engineer for the cities of Duarte and La Verne, managing capital budgets, infrastructure design, construction, assessment districts and development reviews. Additionally, his expertise includes roadway improvements, traffic signal design, grading, and land development. Cody brings an extensive background in federal and state funding compliance, effectively managing project scopes to meet regulatory requirements. Cody is a trusted partner and experienced resource for developing and implementing infrastructure solutions to support city goals, surpass community expectations and adhere to all regulatory standards.
Experience
●City Engineer, Cites of Duarte and La Verne: Responsible for the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including the design, infrastructure planning, budgeting, and implementation of all capital projects. Responsible for coordination with developers, reviews plans for municipal compliance, and serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for stakeholders and staff. As City Engineer, he serves as technical advisor to city leadership, attends council and public meetings, and takes a proactive approach to addressing resident concerns.
●Major Street Rehabilitation – 2015 Metro Call Project, City of Pomona: Oversaw delivery of a major corridor rehabilitation project aimed at improving traffic circulation, roadway safety, and multimodal access along heavily traveled arterial and collector streets. Coordinated traffic-related improvements including signage and striping design, ADA curb ramp upgrades, and a Class IV cycle track, while working closely with the City, Caltrans, and Cal Poly Pomona to enhance corridor operations and overall safety.
●HSIP Traffic Signal Project, City of Monrovia: Managed delivery of a Highway Safety Improvement Project involving traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian warning devices, ADA curb ramp improvements, and related street enhancements at three intersections. Directed design engineering, environmental documentation, right-of-way certification, and PS&E preparation to secure Caltrans authorization and maintain federal funding compliance.
●Traffic Signal Improvements – Barranca Avenue & Covina Boulevard, City of Covina: Oversaw delivery of intersection traffic signal improvements to enhance traffic flow, operational efficiency, and safety through the implementation of protected left-turn phasing on all approaches. Led coordination with the City and utility stakeholders and guided signal design, striping modifications, bid support, and construction-phase services to support intersection operations and improved traffic control.
18 +
Years of Experience
18+ Years at RKA
Qualifications B.S.C.E. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona , CA
REA - Caltrans Resident Engineer Academy Cert. of Completion
P.E. - Registered Civil Engineer, CA RCE 86054
QSD - Qualified SWPPP Developer, CA C86054
Specialized Disciplines: Roadway Improvements, Right-of-Way Engineering, ADA Compliance, Infrastructure Design, Federal and State Funding Compliance, NPDES Compliance & Storm-water Management, Grading and Drainage System Design, Right-of-Way Engineering, City Engineering, Capital Improvement Program Management, Construction Management, Quality Control, Assessment Districts Engineering
TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
7
John Leveillee, P.E., T.E., P.L.S., QSD
Director of Municipal Services
Professional Summary
John Leveillee, P.E., T.E., P.L.S., QSD, has over 35 years of experience in municipal administration, civil engineering, land development, plan checking, and traffic design. As Director of Municipal Services at RKA Consulting Group, he provides City Engineer and City Traffic Engineer support services and engineering plan checking reviews for Southern California communities. Registered as a Professional Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor, and Certified Stormwater Developer, he brings a multidisciplinary skill set to the planning and execution of municipal capital improvement projects. His expertise spans the design, review, and delivery of infrastructure systems including traffic operations, wastewater facilities, potable and recycled water systems, and stormwater management. His comprehensive understanding of municipal engineering and commitment to high-quality outcomes make him a valued partner for local governments and private sector clients.
Experience
●Plan Check Engineer, Cities of Claremont, Bradbury, San Dimas, Norco, Chino, Covina, La Verne, San Gabriel and Walnut: Provides engineering plan review services for land development projects across multiple Southern California jurisdictions. Responsibilities include evaluating civil design plans for compliance with local codes, standards, and best practices; assessing constructability and technical accuracy; and facilitating coordination between city staff, developers, and design teams to resolve issues efficiently. Known for delivering timely, solutions-oriented feedback that supports project approvals and maintains public infrastructure integrity.
●Land Development Projects, Various Clients/Municipalities: Review and prepare tract maps, final maps, and tentative parcel maps (TPMs) in compliance with local agency standards and Subdivision Map Act requirements. Coordinate with planning departments, surveyors, and developers to ensure accurate mapping and timely approvals. Provide engineer support for entitlement processes, including zone compliance and public hearing preparation.
●Traffic Engineering Support, Various Municipal Projects: Conduct speed surveys in compliance with California MUTCD and local agency standards to support safe and enforceable speed limits. Provide traffic engineering support including signal timing analysis, signage and striping plans, and intersection safety evaluations. Assist in preparing traffic impact studies and mitigation strategies for land development and public infrastructure projects.
●City Engineer, City of Hesperia: Assisted in the City’s Capital Improvement budget, design and implementation of all capital projects, including street infrastructure, traffic issues, wastewater collection system, potable water distribution system, recycled water distribution system, and stormwater facilities, review and plan checking of all subdivisions and development projects, and assessment engineering.
35 +
Years of Experience
9+ Years at RKA
Qualifications B.S.C.E. University of Rhode Island, RI
P.E. - Registered Civil Engineer, CA - RCE 61904
T.E. - Registered Traffic Engineer, CA - TE 2670
P.L.S - Land Surveyor California - PLS 8804
QSD - Qualified SWPPP Developer, CA C21018
Specialized Disciplines: Plan Check Engineering, Traffic Signal Design, Traffic Operations & Data Analysis, Land Development, Grading and Drainage System Design, Stormwater Infrastructure Design, City Engineering, Capital Improvement Program Management, City Surveyor, Quality Control
TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
8
Cesar Ortiz, P.E., T.E.
Director of Engineering
Professional Summary
Cesar Ortiz, P.E., T.E., has over 10 years of experience in civil engineering, managing public infrastructure design projects throughout Southern California. As Director of Engineering at RKA, he has led a wide range of roadway improvement efforts, including pavement rehabilitation, signing and striping improvements, ADA compliance upgrades, and intersection enhancements. Cesar's expertise spans to storm drain systems, water and sewer infrastructure, grading design, and traffic signal enhancements including traffic control design.
Previously, as Principal Engineer for the City of Buena Park, Cesar managed the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Currently, Cesar serves as the Deputy City Engineer for the City of Baldwin Park, with a primary focus on land development and municipal engineering services, and also serves on the City of Walnut Traffic Safety Committee.. Serving as a key resource for quality assurance and control, Cesar provides technical advisement and strategic direction to address project challenges, implement best practices and guide subconsultants, with a focus on aligning outcomes with the City's goals and ensuring project success.
Experience
●Deputy City Engineer, City of Baldwin Park: Contract Deputy City Engineer, supervising all land development review, issues grading permits, and administering subdivision reviews to ensure compliance and smooth coordination between multiple stakeholders including developers, planning, building and public works departments. Attends the City Council meetings and provides reporting and analysis to management.
●Garey Avenue Rehabilitation Project, City of Pomona: Provided strategic oversight for the design and delivery of more than two miles of corridor improvements focused on enhancing traffic operations, roadway safety, and multimodal mobility. Directed improvements including median enhancements, lighting upgrades, rehabilitation of eight traffic signals, and implementation of Class II bike lanes, while coordinating with Caltrans on work within the right-of-way to support efficient corridor management and improved intersection performance.
●Battery Backup Installation Project, City of Covina: Oversaw delivery of a traffic signal improvement project focused on enhancing intersection safety and operational reliability through installation of battery backup systems at 16 signalized intersections. Managed field investigation, as-built review, construction document development, cost estimating, and bid and construction support to help maintain signal operations during power outages and improve overall traffic operations.
Awards
ASCE: 2025- Los Angeles Section - Outstanding Civil Engineer in Private Sector
APWA: 2024- Southern California Chapter - Emerging Leader of the Year
11 +
Years of Experience
7+ Years at RKA
Qualifications B.S.C.E. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona , CA
P.E. - Registered Civil Engineer, CA -RCE 92742
T.E. - Traffic Engineer, CA, TE- 3131
QSD - Qualified SWPPP Developer, CA C92742
Certifications: Water Treatment Operator (T2 45748), Water Distribution Operator (D3 56149)
Specialized Disciplines: Active Transportation Design, ADA Compliance, City Engineering, Land Development, Traffic Engineering, Construction Management, Quality Control
Subconsultants
We partner closely with trusted the below subconsultants to support specialty services required for project specific needs.
Converse Consultants Contact Information: Siva Sivathasan, Project Manager
Geotechnical Subsconsultant 626) 930-1200 | ksivathasan@converseconsultants.com
Converse Consultants is a geotechnical engineering firm with a history of nearly 80 years serving cities, counties, and public agencies in Southern California.
Services include: Geotechnical investigation , geotechnical observation and testing , special inspection , and materials testing
Siva K. Sivathasan, PhD, PE, GE, DGE, QSD, F.ASCE, Project Manager: Dr. Sivathasan is a California-registered civil and geotechnical engineer with 30 years of experience. He is an expert in analyzing complex geotechnical problems and has extensive knowledge of construction projects from managing geotechnical observation, special inspection, and Caltrans source inspections. His project experience includes roadway widening and rehabilitation , community parks , civic centers , water main replacements , and large-scale county facilities like the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice and Men’s Central Jail.
Kelsoe & Associates Contact Information: Robert Kelsoe, President
Land Survey Subsconsultant (951) 736-0755 | bobk@team-kelsoe.com
Kelsoe & Associates., is a full-service land surveying firm serving private and public sector clients throughout the Western United States with licenses in California, Nevada, and Utah. Founded in 1994, their team provide comprehensive surveying services with approximately 25 professionals and 8 survey crews dedicated to meet the needs of clients.
Services include: Boundary surveys, topographic surveys, as-built surveys, construction staking/layout, research and analysis, construction planning, preparing maps, aerial topographic surveys
Robert Kelsoe, PLS, President: 30+ years of land surveying experience including substantial experience with public agency surveys. A trusted partner to RKA, consistently providing priority response and attentive management of project deliverables.
Kittelson & Associates Contact Information: Fernando Sotelo, Principal Engineer
Transportation Subsconsultant (714) 468-1180 | fsotelo@kittleson.com
Kittelson & Associates is a nationally recognized transportation engineering, planning, and research firm serving public agency and private sector clients across the country. Their team provides comprehensive transportation services that support multimodal mobility, safety, accessibility, and efficient system operations for communities of all sizes.
Services include: Transportation planning, traffic engineering, transportation policy, corridor studies, traffic impact analysis, multimodal planning, roadway operations, parking analysis, active transportation planning, and transportation design support.
Fernando Sotelo, Principal Engineer: 25+ years of transportation planning and traffic engineering experience supporting public agency and private development projects. His background includes CEQA transportation analyses, traffic impact studies, parking and multimodal planning, general plan and specific plan updates, TOD planning, school circulation and safety studies, and land development analyses involving access, queuing, circulation, and VMT.
RESUMES AND QUALIFICATIONS
9
Approach & Methodology04
APPROACH & METHODOLOGY
10
SCOPE OF WORK
Categories Proposed: A. Traffic Engineering/Studies, B. Design/PS&E/Plan Checking, C. Construction Support, and F. Meetings/Other Services
Work will be performed on an as-needed basis through written task orders. The City may assign tasks based on best fit, availability, and workload, and may issue task orders to one or more selected firms.
RKA’s project approach outlined below is intended to highlight the practical and proven controls we use to deliver timely and consistent work products for municipal agencies, while remaining flexible to match the City’s priorities for each assignment.
Primary Contact: Cesar Ortiz will serve as RKA’s primary point of contact for task order intake, scheduling, coordination, and day-to-day communication.
Category A: Traffic Engineering / Studies
RKA will provide traffic engineering and study services on an as-needed basis to support the City’s needs. Services may include review of traffic impact studies and traffic sections of environmental documents, speed surveys and speed limit determinations, school safety evaluations, citizen complaint investigations, intersection operations/LOS analysis, traffic control device evaluations, and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis. Kittelson & Associates will support these efforts with expertise in traffic studies and data collection.
For each assignment, RKA will confirm the purpose, study area, applicable standards, and required deliverable, then review available background information such as prior studies, traffic counts, collision history, roadway characteristics, environmental documents, and other relevant City records. Based on the assignment, we will perform the appropriate traffic engineering analysis using accepted methods and sound engineering judgment.
When needed, RKA will conduct field reviews to verify existing conditions and better understand roadway, intersection, pedestrian, and school-area operations. Deliverables may include technical memoranda, comment letters, exhibits, calculations, or formal study documentation, depending on the assignment. Before submittal, RKA will complete an internal technical review to confirm the analysis and recommendations
are consistent, well-supported, and clearly presented, and our team will remain available to respond to City comments and keep assignments moving.
Category B: Design / PS&E / Plan Checking
RKA will support the City with traffic and transportation engineering design and review services, including geometric/traffic design elements, plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E), and plan checking/document review associated with the City’s needs under Category B.
Project Kickoff, Research, and Project Management
Under general direction of the City, RKA’s team shall be responsible for coordinating and conducting a task kickoff to confirm scope, schedule, and deliverables. In addition, the following key items will be addressed at the outset of each task:
●The schedule will be discussed to identify critical path items and required review milestones. ●Record documents and prior studies (as applicable) will be reviewed to confirm the design basis and constraints. ●The format of deliverables and the City’s preferred submittal method will be confirmed to reduce revisions.
Design / PS&E Development (As Assigned by Task Order)
RKA will complete design and PS&E tasks using a practical, phased workflow sized to the complexity of the assignment:
●Existing Conditions / Basis of Design: Confirm constraints, limits of improvements, and interfaces affecting constructability. ●Design Development: Prepare assignment-specific design documents, which may include striping plans, traffic signal plans, traffic control plans, signing plans, roadway improvement plans, profiles, and construction details, as needed, to support a complete and coordinated PS&E package. ●Internal Review: Prior to submittal, RKA will complete a technical QC review to confirm consistency across plan notes, quantities/estimates, and constructability assumptions. ●Final Submittal: Deliver a clean, biddable package when the assignment is intended for bidding, or a complete design package suitable for construction support when that is the intent of the task order.
APPROACH & METHODOLOGY
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Plan Checking / Document Review
RKA will provide plan checking/document review for items assigned by the City under Category B, including review of development-related traffic engineering documents and traffic control plans tied to encroachment permits.
●Target Turnaround: RKA will meet the City’s target turnaround of ten (10) working days for complete submittals, unless otherwise directed by the City. ●Completeness Screen: If a submittal is not review-ready, RKA will promptly notify the City with a concise missing-items list so time is not wasted in partial review cycles. ●Consolidated Comments: Comments will be issued as a single coordinated set, focused on clear direction and decision-making. ●Re-Check Support: Revised submittals will be reviewed based on the scope of changes and the City’s priorities for that assignment.
Category C: Construction Support
RKA will provide construction administration/inspection support services requested by the City under Category C, including bid support services, pre-construction coordination, and response to RFIs, submittals, and addenda as needed.
Pre-Construction Coordination
Under general direction of the City, RKA will support pre-construction activities as assigned, which may include:
●Review of approved plans/specifications to confirm intent and identify known constraints. ●Participation in pre-construction meetings when requested to answer any questins related to design documents. ●Confirmation of RFI/submittal routing and response timelines to keep construction moving.
Construction Phase Support
During construction, RKA will provide support appropriate to the task order, which may include field support/inspection coordination, issue resolution, and document tracking:
●Support timely responses to RFIs and review of submittals affecting traffic improvements and design features. ●Provide concise written recommendations for field changes so the City has a clear basis for decisions. ●Maintain practical tracking logs (RFI/submittal/field issue/action item) to keep items from slipping.
Closeout Support
At closeout, RKA will work with the contractor to identify all changes made in the field and prepare as-builts to reflect actual field conditions.
Category F: Meetings / Other Services
RKA will attend and support meetings as requested by the City under Category F, including City Council, Traffic and Transportation Commission, community meetings and other City meetings, and provide other related services as directed.
Meeting Preparation and Follow-Through
Under general direction of the City, RKA will support meetings as assigned, which may include:
●Pre-Meeting: Coordinate with City staff regarding the objective, desired outcome, and required exhibits/figures. ●During Meeting: Provide clear, direct technical support and respond to questions with clear technical justification related to the project. ●Post-Meeting: Distribute meeting notes/action items and incorporate City direction into the next deliverable.
Task Order Responsiveness and Availability
RKA understands work will be assigned via written task orders and may be distributed based on best fit, availability, and workload. RKA will confirm staff availability at the time of each task request and will provide realistic schedules aligned with the City’s priorities.
Experience05
City of Duarte Duarte Active Transportation Safety Improvements Project
Project ReferenceStephanie Sandoval, Public Works Manager | ssandoval@accessduarte.com | (626) 357-7931
Project Team
Project Manager: Michael Lee, PE, QSD
mlee@rkagroup.com | (909) 594-9702
Assistant Engineer: Diego Diego, E.I.T.
Quality Control: Cody Howing. P.E.
Construction Start Date: November 2023
Construction Completion Date: March 2025
Design Cost: $229,000
Construction Cost: $2.5 million
RKA delivered comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements along Central Avenue, Evergreen Street, and key freeway underpasses for the City of Duarte. This Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 4 project included construction of new sidewalks to meet all ADA-compliance requirements, new signing and striping to increase safety for pedestrian and bicyclists, improvements to pedestrian corridors with the widening of pathways and installation of pedestrian-scale lighting for improved safety. A critical scope of the project included the reconstruction of the pedestrian and bicyclist connection corridor south of the 210 Freeway, which included installation of a new 10' concrete masonary unit block wall and lighting to increase visibility and security. We successfully administered the project’s state and federal ATP funding, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements through the project lifecycle.
EXPERIENCE
City of Monterey Park Metro MAT Cycle I
Project Reference
Ziad Mazboudi, Interim City Engineer Managerzmazboudi@montereypark.ca.gov | (626) 307-1330
Project Team
Project Manager: Bobby Lin, PE, QSD
blin@rkagroup.com | (909) 594-9702
Assistant Engineer: Javier Avila, EIT
Quality Control: Cody Howing, PE, QSD
Design Start Date: March 2025
Design Completion Date: August 2025
Design Cost: $314,000
Construction Cost: $6.4 million
RKA provided design engineering services for this multi-jurisdictional project, establishing a comprehensive active transportation corridor along First Street, Riggin Street, Potrero Grande, and Rush Street that enhances bicycle and pedestrian connectivity across the cities of Monterey Park, Montebello, Rosemead, and unincorporated Los Angeles County. The scope included full corridor design for new Class II, Class III, and Class IV bicycle facilities, pavement rehabilitation, concrete flatwork repairs, and upgrades to city amenities, including bus stop infrastructure. Roadway widening was implemented along Potrero Grande Drive, incorporating new street lighting and landscaped center medians. The design also included intersection improvements, such as upgrades to pedestrian countdown heads, installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push buttons, and reconstruction of non-compliant ADA curb ramps. In addition to project design, RKA played a key role in supporting the City’s public outreach efforts and coordinating with Metro to ensure compliance with applicable funding requirements.12
City of Pomona Garey Avenue Rehabilitation - Aliso Street to Monterey Avenue
Project Reference:
Matt Pilarz, P.E., Principal Civil Engineer
matt.pilarz@pomonaca.gov | (909) 620-2281
Project Team
Project Manager: Cesar Ortiz, PE, TE, QSD
cortiz@rkagroup.com | (909) 594-9702
Assistant Engineer: Saul Gonzalez
Public Works Inspector: Tony Estes
Quality Control: Cody Howing, PE, QSD
Construction Start Date: October 2024
Construction Completion Date: On-Going
Design Cost: $1.7 million
Construction Cost: $8.3 million
Our team provided comprehensive design engineering services for the Garey Avenue Rehabilitation
project, helping the City of Pomona achieve its goals for mobility, beautification, and infrastructure
reliability. The project improved roadway conditions, enhanced pedestrian access and routes,
and incorporated corridor beautification elements that created a more functional and attractive
streetscape. The team developed the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) to convert
the roadway into a four-lane divided street, including new landscaped medians with irrigation
improvements. In coordination with the project traffic study, the design also supported removal of
on-street parking to accommodate Class II bike lanes and other multimodal corridor enhancements.
The project further included upgrades to eight traffic signals to improve corridor operations and
safety. As the lead consultant, we supported the urgent project requirements and funding deadlines
to support the project funding compliance and reimbursements. By managing the project through
design, compliance, and coordination with all stakeholders, including subconsultants, we delivered
constructible, cost-efficient solutions which supported timely delivery and long-term community
benefit.
EXPERIENCE
City of Monrovia Monrovia HSIP Traffic Signal Project
Project Reference
Alex Tachiki, Director of Public Works
atachiki@ci.monrovia.ca.us | (626) 932-5553
Project Team
Project Manager: Cody Howing, PE, QSD
chowing@rkagroup.com | (909) 594-9702
Construction Manager: Miguel Cuyugan
Public Works Inspector: Mark Soloman
Quality Control: Michael Lee, PE, QSD
Construction Cost: $1.9 million
RKA provided design engineering and federal funding compliance services for the City of Monrovia’s Highway Safety Improvement Project at three locations: Huntington Drive & 5th Avenue, Foothill Boulevard & Sunset Place, and Foothill Boulevard & California Avenue. Work included traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian warning devices, ADA curb ramp improvements, and related street enhancements. RKA also managed environmental documentation, right-of-way certification, and preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates to secure Caltrans authorization and federal funding approval.
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References06
Client References
RKA proudly partners with local agencies, offering services from on -call civil engineering, project-specific, to full-service municipal engineering. Our team provides roadway design and rehabilitation, ADA compliance improvements, traffic signal and lighting upgrades, storm drain and utility systems, site development, regulatory compliance, and construction support. Our clients trust us to deliver high-quality, tailored solutions across design, construction management, inspection and specialized disciplines, ensuring communities prosper.
City Services Provided Contact Information
City of Walnut
1981- Current
(44 Years)
City Engineering
Full-Service Municipal Engineering
Melissa Barcelo, Director of Public Works
mbarcelo@ci.walnut.ca.us | (909)595-5605
21201 La Puente Road, Walnut, CA 91789
City of La Verne
1988-Current
(37 Years)
City Engineering
Full-Service Municipal Engineering
Danny Wu, Director of Public Works
dwu@laverneca.gov | (909) 596-8726
3660 “D” Street, La Verne, CA 91750
City of Duarte
1999-Current
(26 Years)
City Engineering
Full-Service Municipal Engineering
Stephanie Sandoval, Public Works Manager
ssandoval@accessduarte.com | (626) 357-7931
1600 Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA 91010
City of San Dimas
2006-Current
(23 Years)
City Engineering
Full-Service Municipal Engineering
Shari Garwick, Public Works Director
sgarwick@sandimasca.gov | (909)394-6260
245 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773
City of Norco
2004-Current
(21 Years)
City Engineering
Full-Service Municipal Engineering
Sam Nelson, Public Works Director
snelson@ci.norco.ca.us | (951) 270-5607
2870 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA 92860
City of Covina
2015-Current
(10 Years)
City Engineering
Full-Service Municipal Engineering
Rafael Fajardo, City Engineer/Public Works Director
rfajardo@covinaca.gov | (626) 384-5400
125 E. College Street, Covina, CA 91723
Required Statements
Acceptance of Agreement Terms
RKA has reviewed the City of Diamond Bar’s Consulting Services Agreement included in the RFP and confirms that all terms and conditions outlined therein are acceptable.
Availability of Staff
RKA confirms that qualified staff are available to provide the required on-call traffic and transportation engineering services and can respond to assignments on an as-needed basis throughout the term of the agreement. Our team has the capacity to support the City with timely, reliable service across the requested scope of work, based on project needs, staff availability, and workload demands.
REFERENCES & RFP STATEMENTS
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Addendum Acknowledgement07
ADDENDUM NO.1
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Submitted toAttention: Christian MalpicaAssociate Engineer/Project ManagerCity of Diamond Bar21810 Copley DriveDiamond Bar, California 91765
Contact Information Cody Howing, PE, QSDOwner, Principal-in-ChargeRKA Consulting Group398 Lemon Creek Drive, Suite E Walnut, CA 91789www.rkagroup.com (909) 594-9702
Thank you for the opportunity to submt this proposal.
We look forward to the possibility of partnering with the City to deliver
strategic, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure solutions.