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Exhibit A <br />Sc-opt--, of Services <br />PLACEWORKS APPROACH <br />The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is law and consistent statewide for all lead agencies. The same can be said <br />for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the environmental process for each federal agency. However, the <br />application of CEQA and NEPA is nuanced by a variety of aspects, including the type of project, geographical area, and lead <br />agency. <br />PlaceWorks understands each project Is unique and has the experience and skills to Identify when projects may be subject <br />to CEQA and/or NEPA. We know the right questions to ask to move towards the right CEQA, NEPA or joint CEQA/NEPA <br />documentation and process. Our first course of action Is always to determine whether any categorical exclusions (NEPA) or <br />categorical exemptions (CEQA) apply to the project, Taking advantage of exclusions and exemptions will help us optimize <br />efficiencies and reduce redundancies while still ensuring legal defensibility for all our documents. If no exclusions or <br />exemptions apply to projects, we will take our next steps In determining whether an Individual or joint CEQA/NEPA <br />document would be required. If a joint document is required, we have the experience to know how to scope our work for <br />technical studies/analyses that will provide the required analysis under both CEQA and NEPA without overkill or <br />redundancies. <br />PlaceWorks has over 37 years of experience preparing CEQA and NEPA documents for various jurisdictions and federal <br />agencies. Environmental analysis Is not simply the accounting of Impacts, but should address serious environmental <br />concerns, including those from local opposition groups, and find opportunities to solve problems while achieving overall <br />project objectives (i.e., schedule, budget and legal defensibility). <br />PlaceWorks' approach to all projects focuses on collaboration. Our CEQA/NEPA practitioners confer with our policy <br />planners and designers and technical specialists to create responsive and site -sensitive plans and environmental documents <br />that satisfy regulatory demands. Whether It's managing public outreach, analyzing environmental Impacts, or crafting <br />practical, cost-effective mitigation, we serve as Integral partners in a host of environmental and planning processes. Overall, <br />our approach to CEQA/NEPA environmental documents combines problem solving, accuracy, and attention to detail. Each <br />project requires unique solutions, Even projects that share common elements benefit from a fresh evaluation. We consider <br />each project objectively and use our experience and Imagination to formulate workable plans and programs. <br />LEGAL DEFENSIBILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION <br />PlaceWorks has prepared hundreds of CEQA and/or NEPA documents during its many years in business. During this time <br />there have been more than one dozen challenged projects, Including the San Bernardino General Plan EIR, The Block at <br />Orange EIR, and three school projects within and prepared for the Los Angeles Unified School District. All of these projects <br />were confirmed by the Court, with the exception of the Segerstrom Home Ranch EIR (City of Costa Mesa), which was <br />overturned on the basis that the General Plan (not prepared by PlaceWorks) was inadequate. PlaceWorks later prepared <br />the Program/Project EIR, which was again challenged but upheld by the court. <br />SKILLED PROJECT MANAGEMENT <br />Serving as Principal -In -Charge and Project Manager, JoAnn Hadfield will be responsible for individual project oversight, <br />quality control, and CEQA/NEPA defensibility. Our team comprises senior staff with vast experience In specific issues of <br />concern to the City of Santa Ana. The environmental team will be responsible for document preparation, review of <br />technical studies, participation in or facilitation of meetings as needed, and subconsultant management. Our team will also <br />collaborate with our in-house technical team to prepare associated environmental analyses. This team structure allows <br />PlaceWorks to maintain a consistent core of individuals who are directly knowledgeable of the institutional and substantive <br />issues pertinent to the City. <br />SCOPE OF SERVICES <br />PlaceWorks provides comprehensive CEQA/NEPA environmental services, technical studies, and staffing services as listed In <br />Section III — Scope of Services of the RFP, <br />PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING SERVICES I PLACEWORKS 9 <br />