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BACKGROUND The Alameda County Surplus Property Authority (ACSPA) applied for an amendment to the Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan regarding the development and land uses of the 124- acre property known as Staples Ranch. The amendment to the Specific Plan included the following land use designations: Auto Mall, Retail Commercial, Continuing Care Community, Neighborhood Park, and Community Park. On February 24, 2009, the City Council certified the Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan Amendment/Staples Ranch EIR. In response to a lawsuit challenging this approval, a draft Supplement to the Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan Amendment/Staples Ranch EIR was released to address concerns and the potential short-term configuration of Stoneridge Drive over the Arroyo bridges. Subsequent to revisions following the public comment period, the City Council determined the Final Supplement to the EIR (SEIR) was adequate and certified the document on August 24, 2010. The approximately 46-acre property for the Continuing Care Community and the approximately 5-acre Neighborhood Park has since been developed. The Auto Mall site, Retail Commercial Site, and Community Park site are vacant. A developer is expected to submit a formal application to develop a portion of the Auto Mall within the next month and would like to complete an addendum to the Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan Amendment/Staples Ranch EIR for the subject project. DISCUSSION In October 2012, the Planning Division sent a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to three consulting firms: FirstCarbon Solutions—Michael Brandman Associates of San Ramon, CA; David J. Powers and Associates of San Jose, CA; and PBS&J/EIP Associates of Sacramento, CA. Only First Solutions—Michael Brandman submitted a response to the RFQ. And on January 15, 2013, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with FirstCarbon Solutions—Michael Brandman to prepare the Addendum for four of the nine rezoned housing sites: California Center (formerly CarrAmerica), Anton Hacienda Apartments (formerly Nearon), Vintage (Auf der Maur/Rickenbach), and the Commons at Gateway (Pleasanton Gateway). A fifth contract for the Summerhill Homes site was approved on September 3, 2013. Staff now desires to utilize the services of FirstCarbon Solutions—Michael Brandman as a sole source provider to prepare the Addendums to the Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan Amendment/Staples Ranch EIR or expanded initial studies for up to five development projects within Staples Ranch (up to five developments are included in anticipation of future interest in the remainder of the Auto Mall site and the Retail Commercial site). Staff believes that securing the services of FirstCarbon Solutions—Michael Brandman for this project would be to the City's advantage in that this firm is already familiar with the tasks required to prepare this document and has successfully provided quality output in the Addendums to the Supplemental EIR for the four aforementioned housing sites. Staff, therefore, recommends that the City utilize the services of FirstCarbon Solutions- Michael Brandman Associates. Attachment 1 is a copy of the firm's profile and its Page 2 of 3