About Us

Brian F. Smith & Associates (BFSA) was founded in 1977 and initially focused consulting services strictly upon cultural resources, developing specialized services in the environmental compliance industry encompassing all aspects of local, state, and federal regulations regarding cultural resources. The combined experience of the principal consultants and associates represents more than 100 years of involvement in the study of the history and prehistory of this region.

We at BFSA are dedicated to the study of the cultural heritage of the southwest. We are committed to excellence in conducting environmental studies and evaluating cultural resources in order that such resources may be correctly identified and professionally and accurately analyzed for significance. Our firm has a long record of interaction with governmental agencies at all levels, as well as experience in public hearings, which has resulted in wide recognition of the firm in the field of cultural resource management.

 

SERVICES OVERVIEW

BFSA can provide a full spectrum of services regarding compliance issues for cultural resources, including studies of prehistoric sites, historic sites and buildings, historic districts, paleontological resources and biological assessments. We routinely participate in collaborative efforts to produce Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), initial studies, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), mitigation programs, preservation plans, and structure rehabilitation. The services we commonly provide are:

• Cultural resource survey reports for California Enviornmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance and local agency guidelines.
• Cultural resource significance reports and constraints analysis for CEQA compliance.
• Conformance studies for National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Sections 106 and 110 and evaluations for National Register eligibility.
• Research designs for sampling and data recovery mitigation programs. Statistical analysis and computer applications.
• Historical properties analysis, architectural review, and preservation plans.
• Complete paleontological services, including construction monitoring.
• Biological assessments and habitat evaluations.

 

The capabilities of the firm include a wide range of professional abilities and company assets, including the following:

 

• Field archaeological teams consisting of supervisors and trained crews, equipped with all appropriate field tools and instruments, including two- and four-wheel drive vehicles, surveying equipment, excavation screens, and radio communications.
• Modern Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and up-to-date software for precise, informative and visually appealing maps and graphics for site location data.
• Knowledge of procedures and equipment necessary to complete extensive excavations at sites in any terrain, including experience in hydro-screening.
• The expertise to conduct architectural and historical evaluations of historic structures for both CEQA and NHPA Section 106 conformance.
• Fully functional laboratory facilities that assist in the recording and analysis of recovered artifacts and ecofacts, with the ability to curate all recovered samples. Laboratory equipment includes: electronic scales, microscopes, computers, light tables, measuring and recording equipment, photographic equipment (digital cameras, photocubes), flotation machines, wetscreening equipment, historic and prehistoric comparative collections, archival materials, and an extensive reference library.
• Technical report production includes the use of state-of-the-art computers and software, scanners and plotters, laser printers and copiers, graphics equipment and software, and digital photography. Our production staff has over 30 years of combined experience in the word processing, editing, and graphics production preparation for technical reports, and every completed report is hand-bound to ensure the highest quality and proper care.

Brian F. Smith & Associates is located in Poway, California.

Poway (858) 484-0915

San Diego (858) 679-8218

Riverside (951) 681-9950

www.bfsa-ca.com