REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF BOARD GOVERNED COUNTY SERVICE AREAS
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 3, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Construction Contract for the County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree - Phase II Desert View Conservation Area Recreational Trails Project
End
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree:
1. Approve a 2026-27 budget increase of $707,000, from $2,000,000 to $2,707,000, for the County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree - Phase II Desert View Conservation Area Recreational Trails Project.
2. Approve Addendum No. 1, issued on June 10, 2026, to the bid documents for the County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree - Phase II Desert View Conservation Area Recreational Trails Project.
3. Award Construction Contract to Deark E&C Inc., in the amount of $1,982,000, for the County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree - Phase II Desert View Conservation Area Recreational Trails Project, with a construction duration of 160 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.
4. Authorize a contingency fund of $127,500 for the County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree - Phase II Desert View Conservation Area Recreational Trails Project.
5. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to order any necessary changes or additions in the work being performed under the construction contract with Deark E&C Inc., for a total amount not-to-exceed $76,250 of the $127,500 contingency fund, pursuant to Public Contract Code section 20142.
6. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to accept the work when 100% complete, and to execute and file the Notice of Completion.
7. Authorize the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector to post budget adjustments in the amount of $707,000, as detailed in the Financial Impact section (Four votes required).
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree (District) - Phase II Desert View Conservation Area (DVCA) Recreational Trails Project (Project) is wholly funded by Grant Agreement No. 23-1127 with the Wildlife Conservation Board, approved by the Board of Supervisors (Board) on October 24, 2023 (Item No. 75). The proposed construction contract amount is $1,982,000. An additional contingency fund of $127,500 would result in a total construction contract and contingency amount of $2,109,500.
The following 2026-27 budget adjustments are requested to proceed with the project:
|
Fund Center |
Commitment Item |
Description |
Action |
Amount |
|
2000001312 |
54104010 |
Improvements to Land |
Increase |
$ 707,000 |
|
2000001312 |
40408955 |
State - Grants |
Increase |
$ 707,000 |
Sufficient appropriation and revenues will be included in future recommended budgets as needed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project is the next step in enhancing the visitor experience and recreational opportunities within the DVCA trail system. Phase I established foundational improvements and prepared key trail segments for future enhancements. Building on that progress, Phase II focuses on comprehensive upgrades that improve trail usability, comfort, and educational value for the community.
Phase II includes trail rehabilitation to repair worn or eroded trail sections and improve long‑term sustainability. The project also provides new shade structures at designated rest areas, an overlook platform for safe scenic viewing, and multiple trail kiosks to support visitor orientation. Additional improvements include wayfinding markers and interpretive panels, which will offer insight into local natural features, cultural history, and conservation education aimed at promoting responsible use and stewardship of DVCA’s resources. Together, these elements enrich the recreational experience while encouraging visitors to better understand and care for the surrounding environment.
On May 9, 2023 (Item No. 59), the Board authorized the submission of a Wildlife Conservation Board grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation requesting an amount not-to-exceed $2,000,000.
On October 24, 2023 (Item No. 75), the Board approved the Capital Improvement Program Project - CSA 20 District Project in the amount of $2,000,000, accepted the grant award, and approved Grant Agreement No. 23-1127 with the Wildlife Conservation Board, for the CSA 20 District Project, in the amount of $2,000,000, effective upon the date approved by the Wildlife Conservation Board through March 31, 2027.
On April 21, 2026 (Item No. 53), the Board approved the Project’s plans and specifications and adopted the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Project, finding that it was completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and that the Project’s potential impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels through the adopted mitigation measures. No timely challenges were filed.
Due to construction bids exceeding the original grant award of $2,000,000, an additional $707,000 in grant funding was identified to support the Project. The Department will seek Board approval of Amendment No. 1 to Grant Agreement No. 23-1127, to increase the grant award by $707,000, from $2,000,000 to $2,707,000, and extend the grant agreement term through June 30, 2027, under a separate future agenda item, in accordance with applicable County policies and procedures.
This item seeks Board approval of the bid addendum, award of the construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, authorization of a construction contingency and limited delegated authority for contract administration, and authorization for the Director of Public Works to accept the completed work and execute and file the Notice of Completion. Approval of these actions will allow the Department to move forward with construction of the Project.
PROCUREMENT
The Project was advertised in the Hi-Desert Star and San Bernardino County Sun on May 6, 2026, and May 13, 2026 and released on the County Electronic Procurement Network (ePro) Bid SPD126-SPDAD-6398 on May 6, 2026, in accordance with Public Contract Code section 22037.
During the bidding process, the following addendum was issued:
Addendum No. 1: Revised bid opening date and answered submitted questions.
On June 17, 2026, the following four bids were received:
|
Contractor Name |
Location |
Total Bid Amount |
|
Deark E&C Inc. |
Fullerton, CA |
$1,982,000 |
|
Three Peaks Corp. |
Yucaipa, CA |
$2,648,100 |
|
Van Engineering |
Wildomar, CA |
$3,120,000 |
|
MWC Group Inc. |
Adelanto, CA |
$3,240,000 |
The lowest bidder was determined pursuant to Public Contract Code section 20103.8(b), under which the Department specified in the bid documents that the lowest bidder would be determined on the basis of the total of the Base Bid and Bid Additive No. 1. Deark E&C Inc.’s Base Bid was $1,905,000, and with Bid Additive No. 1, totaled $1,982,000.
The Department reviewed the Project bids received and recommends that the construction contract be awarded to Deark E&C Inc., as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The Notice of Award letters were issued on October 6, 2026. No appeal/protest letters were received.
Following Board approval of this item, construction is anticipated to commence Fall 2026 and be completed prior to June 30, 2027 grant deadline.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie A. Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 30, 2026; Purchasing (Michael Reyna, Buyer, 387-2233) on October 8, 2026; Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (Charlene Huang, Auditor-Controller Manager, 382-7022) on October 13, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Scott Bruckner, Administrative Analyst, 387-5005) on October 15, 2026.