2024-54North-ODF_ITB_FINAL.pdf

S-62900-00009755 Page 0

Level 3 - Restricted

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

Procurement Unit

2600 State Street, Building E Salem, Oregon 97310

ISSUES THIS INVITATION TO BID (ITB)

FOR THE PURCHASE OF SERVICES

Oregon Department of Forestry

54 North Integrated Vegetation Management Project Survey, Analysis, and Documentation Necessary for Environmental Assessment, Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Determination for the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Project

Umatilla National Forest, Oregon

OregonBuys Opportunity No. S-62900-00009755

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.2 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

1.3 DEFINITIONS

1.4 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT

1.5 OREGON BUYS

2. SOLICITATION PROCESS

2.1 QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

2.2 BID SUBMISSION

2.3 BID MODIFICATIONS OR WITHDRAWALS PRIOR TO CLOSING

2.4 BID OPENING

2.5 ACCEPTANCE OF BID

2.6 CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION AND REJECTION OF BIDS; DELAY OR

SUSPENSION OF SOLICITATION

3. SPECIFICATIONS

4. BID PREPARATION

4.1 FORMAT AND CONTENT OF BID

4.2 BID REQUIREMENTS

5. EVALUATION OF BIDS

5.1 BID DETERMINATION

5.2 RESPONSIVENESS

5.3 PRICING

6. AWARD PROCESS

6.1 INTENT TO AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

6.2 PROTEST OF INTENT TO AWARD

6.3 CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

6.4 FINALIZATION OF AWARD AND COMMENCEMENT OF WORK

6.5 REVIEW OF AWARDED BID FILES

ATTACHMENTS:

ATTACHMENT 1 – SIGNATURE OF BIDDER’S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FORM

ATTACHMENT 2 – PRICING SUBMITTAL FORM

ATTACHMENT 3 – SAMPLE CONTRACT FORM

EXHIBITS:

EXHIBIT A – STATEMENT OF WORK (SERVICES)

EXHIBIT B – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

EXHIBIT C – INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

Purpose of Solicitation: The purpose of this Invitation to Bid (ITB) is to establish a Contract to perform data collection, analysis, and documentation services necessary for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the 54 North Fuels Reduction and Huckleberry Restoration Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Project on the North Fork John Day Ranger District on the Umatilla National Forest (hereinafter referred to as “the project”). ODF and the U.S. Forest Service (“Forest Service” or “USFS”) anticipate that an Environmental Assessment, will be prepared for this project as described in 36

CFR 220.7.

The project includes but is not limited to development and producing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Decision Notice (DN) in accordance with such requirements. All work must be completed on this project prior to June 30, 2025.

Background and Project Overview:

The Forest Service proposes to treat up to 40,565 acres utilizing (1) Large diameter thinning for 9 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and over; (2) Small diameter thinning up to 9 inches DBH; (3) Underburning treatment types. Thinning prescriptions are to be designed to improve and/or maintain stand health, density, and diversity while also contributing to meeting the timber harvest and production goals and objectives of the Umatilla National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP).

The project was selected for analysis to reduce surface and ladder fuel loadings, enhance forest structure, return project area to a low to moderate severity surface fire to the landscape, and improve habitat for native plant species. The project is adjacent to the Umatilla Indian Reservation and is within the Ceded Territory of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation (CTUIR). It has been identified as a priority area to help enhance first foods habitat, specifically to address declining huckleberry habitat conditions and improve Big Game forage and habitat needs. The project is about 7 miles northeast of Ukiah in Umatilla and Union Counties.

An Environmental Assessment will be prepared to “facilitate planning, decision making, and public disclosure” in accordance with 36 CFR 220.7.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (“Agency”), is seeking contractors to review resource conditions in the project area, perform required resource analysis, and document that analysis in a draft Environmental Assessment and project file for the 54 North Fuels Reduction and Huckleberry Restoration GNA Project.

Work will include contact with Forest Service and Agency personnel, data collection, public involvement support, analysis of relevant environmental effects, maintenance of the project record, and preparation and submittal of the draft DN and FONSI. A variety of fieldwork will be necessary to support the environmental analysis. Contractor shall perform all services as described in Exhibit A of Attachment 3, Statement of Work for the 54 North Fuels Reduction and Huckleberry Restoration GNA Project.

The Agency will hold the contract and be responsible for payment, and USFS staff will act as Agency representatives, local contacts and contract field inspectors reporting to the Agency on contract implementation and accepting completed work. The Contractor will contact USFS staff for issues and questions regarding policy, analysis, format requirements or Statement of Work (SOW) tasks. The Contractor will contact the ODF Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead or designated representative for questions regarding contract specifications, contract-related issues, and contract payments.

As a result of this solicitation process, the Agency intends to award a single Contract for the Services described in this Solicitation Document. The form of the resulting Contract and applicable general provisions are included in Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form). Additional services may be added to or subtracted from the contract via amendment. The cost of those amendments will be determined using the rate per acre or hourly rate schedule entered by the successful Bidder in Attachment 2 (Pricing Submittal Form) to this ITB. The parties may need to modify selected terms, conditions, price(s) and types of work under circumstances related to the following illustrative, although not exhaustive, categories of amendments:

(a) Amendments to extend the term of the Contract for additional periods;

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(b) Amendments to increase or decrease the quantity of Work;

(c) Amendments to add new Work within the scope of the Solicitation, if any, at the prices specified within the Solicitation responses or at a discount to these prices, or if no Solicitation, within the scope of the Statement of Work;

(d) Amendments to increase the maximum, not-to-exceed compensation payable to Contractor to cover new Work or additional quantity of Work added to the Contract;

(e) Amendments to delete Work;

(f) Amendments to decrease the maximum, not-to-exceed compensation payable to Contractor; and

(g) Amendments to change or add additional specifications.

The term of the awarded Contract is intended to be in effect until June 30, 2025, but may be amended for additional time.

Unless otherwise specified, the selected Contractor shall be required to meet the highest standards prevalent in the industry or business most closely involved in providing the appropriate Services when performing under the Contract resulting from this Solicitation Document.

Procurement Authority and Method:

The Agency is conducting this bid pursuant to its authority under Good Neighbor Authority. The Agency is conducting this Procurement in accordance with OAR 125-247-0255 Competitive Sealed Bidding and DAS Delegation Agreement REQ-DASOBO-00065874.

1.2 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

The anticipated procurement schedule is listed below. All dates are estimates and all times are Pacific Time. The Agency may modify the schedule at its sole discretion.

Solicitation Issued/Posted on OregonBuys: .............................................. March 14, 2024

Deadline for Inquiries (Requests for Clarification): ................................... March 27, 2024

Deadline for Responses (Answers to Inquiries): ...................................... April 3, 2024

ITB Protest Period Ends: ............................................................................. April 8, 2024

Closing/Bids Due/Bid Opening: ............................................................... April 15, 2024 2:00 PM PT Issuance of Notice of Intent to Award: ........................................................ April 24, 2024 (approximate)

Award Protest Period Ends: ........................................................................ Seven (7) calendar days after

Notice of Intent to Award

1.3 DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms in this Solicitation Document have the meaning set forth below, and if not defined below, the meaning set forth in the DAS Public Contracting Rules (OAR Chapter 125), and if not defined there, the meaning set forth in the Public Contracting Code (ORS Chapters 279A, 279B and 279C). Other capitalized terms may be defined in the section in which they appear.

“Addendum” or “Addenda” means an addition to, deletion from, a material change in, or general interest explanation of this Solicitation Document.

“Agency” means the State Agency subject to Department of Administrative Services (DAS) purchasing authority pursuant to ORS 279A.050 and ORS 279A.140. For the purposes of this Solicitation Document, the Agency is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

“Bid” or “Offer” means the Bidder’s Written Offer submitted in response to this Invitation to Bid, including all necessary attachments.

“Bidder” or “Offeror” means a Person that submits a Bid in response to this Invitation to Bid.

“Closing” means the date and time specified in this Solicitation Document as the deadline for submitting Bids.

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“Contract” means the entire agreement between the parties, including but not limited to these Standard Terms and Conditions, any Special Terms and Conditions and other provisions of this Solicitation Document, the Offer, any purchase order, work order, or price agreement document, and any terms and conditions contained in any exhibits, schedules, and other attachments to and amendments and restatements of any of the above.

“Contractor” means the person or organization with whom the Agency enters into a Contract setting prices, terms, and conditions for the Services to be performed under the Contract.

“ITB” means this Invitation to Bid.

“ODF” means Oregon Department of Forestry.

“OregonBuys” means the Oregon Procurement Information Network, which is the State of Oregon’s automated procurement system. OregonBuys is the official publication forum for State procurement notices and advertisements by all agencies subject to DAS procurement authority.

“Person” means any of the following with legal capacity to enter into a contract: individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, Limited Liability Company, association, joint venture, governmental agency, public corporation or any other legal or commercial entity.

“Responsible” means a Person who meets the standards of responsibility as described in ORS 279B.110.

“Responsive” means having the characteristic of substantial compliance in all material respects with applicable requirements of this Solicitation Document.

“Services” means all work required to be performed under the Contract resulting from this Solicitation Document.

“Solicitation Document” or “Invitation to Bid (ITB)” means this document, including all parts, sections, exhibits, attachments, and Addendums, which is issued to invite Offers from prospective Contractors pursuant to ORS Chapter 279B.

“State” means the State of Oregon.

“Written” or “Writing” means conventional paper documents, whether handwritten, manuscript or printed, in contrast to spoken words. It also includes facsimile documents or electronic transmissions to the extent permitted by this Solicitation Document or the Contract.

1.4 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT

Bidders shall address ALL INQUIRIES related to this Solicitation Document to the individual identified below by any of the following methods:

NAME: Katrina Chinn EMAIL: katrina.chinn@odf.oregon.gov

PHONE: 971-345-7823

1.5 OregonBuys

This Solicitation Document, including attachments and any Addenda issued, is published on OregonBuys at https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml. Bidders should check OregonBuys regularly up until Closing for any changes made to the Solicitation Document. Agency is not responsible for any errors or omissions from downloading the Solicitation Documents, attachments, and any Addenda issued.

OregonBuys Usage:

Bidders unfamiliar with the OregonBuys system may contact the OregonBuys Help Desk located at:

DAS Procurement Services Office 1225 Ferry Street SE U140 Salem, OR 97301-4285 Phone: (503) 378-4642 Email: support.oregonbuys@das.oregon.gov.

mailto:katrina.chinn@odf.oregon.gov https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml mailto:support.oregonbuys@das.oregon.gov

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Bidders may also look for updates on the following website:

https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml.

Solicitations:

Solicitations, including all Addenda and attachments, are posted on OregonBuys, in accordance with OAR 125-246-0500, as part of the Solicitation Document. Bidders who do not have access to OregonBuys may request to review or receive copies from the Single Point of Contact listed in Section 1.4.

Addenda:

Changes to the Solicitation Document will be made only by Written Addenda issued by the Agency and posted on OregonBuys. Addenda are incorporated with the original Solicitation Document and can be viewed and downloaded by registered Bidders. Bidders should consult OregonBuys system regularly until Closing to avoid missing Addenda.

2. SOLICITATION PROCESS

The Agency will conduct this Solicitation in accordance with Competitive Sealed Bidding requirements set forth in ORS Chapters 279A and 279B, and OAR Chapter 125, Divisions 246 and 247.

2.1 QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

Questions and Requests for Clarifications:

Bidders may submit requests for clarification and questions regarding this Solicitation Document. Such requests must:

(a) Identify the Bidder’s name;

(b) Clearly reference this ITB’s OregonBuys Opportunity number;

(c) Be in Writing and submitted to the Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4; and

(d) Be received by the Single Point of Contact by the deadline specified in Section 1.2 Procurement Schedule “Deadline for Inquiries” unless deadline changed by Addenda in accordance with Section

1.5 above.

The Agency is not responsible for the successful transmission of faxed or electronic requests. Late requests will NOT be accepted. The Agency, at its sole discretion, will respond to such requests received by direct response to the requestor and may issue clarification(s) in the form of questions and answers posted on OregonBuys. The Agency’s clarification to a request, whether orally or in Writing, does not change this Solicitation Document and is not binding on the Agency unless the Solicitation Document is amended by Addendum in accordance with Section 1.5 above.

Protests:

Any prospective Bidder who believes that this procurement process is contrary to law or that this Solicitation Document is unnecessarily restrictive or is legally flawed may submit a protest. The protest must:

(a) Identify the Bidder’s name and be signed by the Bidder’s authorized representative (electronic signature is acceptable);

(b) Clearly reference this ITB’s OregonBuys Opportunity number;

(c) Contain the information required under ORS 279B.405(4) and OAR 125-247-0730;

(d) Be emailed to the Single Point of Contact listed in Section 1.4 and received by the deadline specified in Section 1.2 Procurement Schedule “Deadline for Inquiries” unless deadline changed by Addenda in accordance with Section 1.5 above. The Agency is not responsible for the successful transmission of electronic requests. Late requests will NOT be accepted.

This is the Bidder’s only opportunity to protest or request a change to any requirements of this Solicitation Document, including but not limited to the Solicitation process, Bid requirements and Contract terms and conditions. Bids that take exception to the requirements of this Solicitation Document, including but not limited to the Solicitation process, Bid requirements and Contract terms and conditions will be deemed non-Responsive and will be rejected.

Response to Solicitation Protests:

https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml

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If the protest is timely filed and meets the requirements of ORS 279B.405(4) and OAR 125-247-0730, then the Agency will consider the protest and issue a Written disposition of the protest no less than four

(4) business days before Bids are due, unless a Written determination is made that circumstances exist that require a shorter time limit. Otherwise, the Agency will promptly notify the prospective Bidder that the protest is untimely or that the protest failed to meet the requirements of ORS 279B.405(4) or OAR 125- 247-0730 and will provide reasons for the failure. If the Agency upholds the protest, in whole or in part, the Agency may in its sole discretion either issue an Addendum reflecting its disposition of the protest or cancel the Solicitation.

Protest of Addenda:

Unless a different deadline is set forth in the Addendum, prospective Bidders may submit a protest of the Addendum by the close of the Agency’s next business day after the issuance of the Addendum, or up to the last day allowed to submit a Solicitation protest under OAR 125-247-0730, whichever is later. The Addendum protest must be submitted in the same manner as if the Addendum protest were a Solicitation protest under this Section 2.1, and the Agency will respond to the Addendum protest in the same manner as if the Addendum protest were a Solicitation protest under this Section 2.1.

2.2 BID SUBMISSION

Bids must be emailed to the Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4. ALL BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL AS ONE PDF ATTACHMENT. Please include the Invitation to Bid number in the subject line of the email. If Bidder is unable to submit a Bid via email, Bidder must contact ODF’s Single Point of Contact within a reasonable time period (as determined by ODF) prior to the submission deadline to make arrangements for alternate delivery or an alternate format. ODF is not responsible for incomplete bids or bids that were not correctly addressed to email of Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4. Only approved alternative delivery or formats may be accepted.

Bids must be received by the Agency before the scheduled Solicitation Document Closing date and time, found in Section 1.2. Late Bids will not be considered.

All costs associated with preparation, submission, modification and withdrawal of a Bid are the sole responsibility of the Bidder and will not be borne by Agency. The Agency will not accept Bids that require payment by the State.

Trade Secrets:

Any information Bidder submits in response to this Solicitation Document that Bidder considers a trade secret under ORS 192.501(2) or confidential proprietary information, and that Bidder wishes to protect from public disclosure, must be clearly labeled by the Bidder with the following: "This information constitutes a trade secret under ORS 192.501(2) or confidential proprietary information, and is not to be disclosed except in accordance with the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS Chapter” 192." Bidders are cautioned that the entire Bid or price information submitted in response to this Solicitation Document is generally not considered a trade secret under the Oregon Public Records Law. Further, information submitted by Bidder that is already in the public domain is not protected. Bidders must label the specific Bid pages that are considered a trade secret. Bidder agrees to not hold the State or the Agency liable for disclosure or release of information submitted by Bidder when such release is authorized or required by law or is pursuant to a court or administrative order. Bidder also agrees that the State and the Agency will be immune from liability for disclosure or release of information submitted by Bidder under the circumstances set out in ORS 646.473(3).

2.3 BID MODIFICATIONS OR WITHDRAWALS PRIOR TO CLOSING

Bid Modification:

A Bid submitted in response to this Solicitation Document may be modified, in Writing, by the Bidder prior to Closing. Bid modifications submitted must be clearly marked as such and must comply with all Bid Submission requirements in Section 2.2. Bidder shall prepare modifications on Bidder’s letterhead. Each Bid modification must be signed by Bidder’s authorized representative and state that the modifications amend and supersede the identified portions of the Bid.

Bid Withdrawal:

A Bid submitted in response to this Solicitation Document may be withdrawn by the Bidder prior to Closing. Bid Withdrawals must be submitted electronically (via email) as a PDF document. To withdraw a Bid, Bidder must submit a written notice on Bidder’s company letterhead signed by Bidder’s authorized

S-62900-00009755 Page 7 representative. Bid withdrawals must be clearly marked as such and must comply with all Bid Submission requirements in Section 2.2.

If Bidder is unable to submit a Bid Modification or Bid Withdrawal via email, Bidder must contact ODF’s Single Point of Contact to make arrangements for an alternate format prior to the submission deadline.

2.4 BID OPENING

A public bid opening will be held “by appointment only”. Bidders who wish to attend a public opening of the bid must notify the Single Point of Contact at least 48 hours prior to bid closing, to allow time for planning. Bids received in response to this Solicitation Document will be opened during the scheduled Closing date and time designated in Section 1.2 Procurement Schedule or as changed by Addendum.

However, the date and time of the public opening may be held at a later date and time, due to safety concerns. Public opening may occur via Zoom video conference, if ODF believes it is in the best interests of ODF staff and bidders to do so. If ODF decides to hold a Zoom conference for the bid opening, bidders will be sent instructions on how to join the meeting. The Bidders who choose to attend (in-person, or via Zoom) will be informed only of the names of Bidders submitting Bids.

Duration of Bid:

Bids must be signed by an official Person authorized to bind the Bidder to its provisions. The Bid must remain valid for at least sixty (60) calendar days after Closing.

2.5 ACCEPTANCE OF BID

The contents of this Solicitation Document and the Bid of the successful Bidder will become part of the Contract. The Bidder will be held to the terms submitted in its Bid. Failure to meet these obligations will result in rejection.

Disqualification of Bids:

Any attempt by a Bidder to improperly influence the evaluation process will result in the disqualification of that Bidder’s Bid from consideration.

Administrative Review:

Bids will be evaluated for compliance with the Bid requirements identified in Section 4 below. Bids deemed non-Responsive will be rejected. Bids deemed Responsive will be further evaluated as described in Section 5.2 below.

2.6 CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION AND REJECTION OF BIDS; DELAY OR SUSPENSION OF

SOLICITATION

In accordance with ORS 279B.100, OAR 125-247-0640 and OAR 125-247-0650, the Agency may cancel this Solicitation, or reject any or all Bids in whole or in part, when the Agency determines that such cancellation or rejection is in the Agency’s best interest. The Agency may delay or suspend this Solicitation when the Agency determines that such a delay or suspension is in the Agency’s best interest.

3. SPECIFICATIONS – As Described in Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form), Exhibit A (Statement of Work)

4. BID PREPARATION:

4.1 FORMAT AND CONTENT OF BID

This section will be scored on a Pass or Fail basis by the Agency. Failure to meet the minimum Bid submission requirements may result in the Bid being deemed non-Responsive. Only those Bids determined as being Responsive to the minimum Bid submission requirements listed below will be considered for further evaluation.

Bid Format:

Bids must be submitted on the forms and in the format required by this Solicitation Document. Any specific forms required for Bid submittal are included as attachments to this Solicitation Document.

Bid Content:

To be considered for Contract award, Bids submitted in response to this Solicitation Document must be complete in all respects, including necessary signatures, certifications, documentation, and responses to

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4.2 BID REQUIREMENTS

Contractual Acceptance Form:

The Bid must contain a completed Contractual Acceptance Form (Attachment 1) including an original signature of the Bidder or a representative of the Bidder who is authorized to commit the Bidder to legal contracts. The person signing the Bid shall initial any alterations or erasures in ink. By submitting its Bid, a Bidder agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions contained in this Solicitation Document.

A Bidder shall not make a Bid conditional upon the Agency’s acceptance of terms or conditions that conflict with or are in addition to those contained in this Solicitation Document.

Pricing Submittal:

The Bid must contain a completed Pricing Submittal Form (Attachment 2). All Pricing Submittals must be valid for sixty (60) calendar days from Closing.

Minimum Requirements:

The Bid must comply with all minimum requirements and specifications described below.

(a) Bidder Requirements:

The Bidder must demonstrate knowledge, experience, and training in:

• NEPA and ESA analysis and writing and editing of NEPA and ESA documents

• Planning and implementation of forest restoration, commercial thinning, and hazardous fuels reduction projects

• Pacific Northwest ecosystems

• Collection and analysis of various types of natural resource data

• Public engagement and content analysis of public comments

(b) Statement of Qualifications:

Bidders must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their bid which will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. The SOQ must address the requirements outlined below. Bidders that do not demonstrate that they meet these minimum qualifications will not be considered for award. Each Bidder shall:

• Describe the knowledge, experience, and training of the Proposer and Key Personnel who will provide services under the Contract, in accordance with below Section 3

• Explain how the Key Personnel meet the minimum Personnel requirements listed below and provide resumes for the Key Personnel

• Include a project organization chart or list detailing the Key Personnel

• Include a Management Plan for the project.

(c) Key Personnel Requirements:

A team of specialists will be needed to provide the services required by this contract (e.g., writer/editor, wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, botanist, archeologist, soils specialist, GIS specialist, etc.). Proposers must provide an organizational chart or list demonstrating their team includes all necessary specialists and for each specialist role describe how the Key Person meets or exceeds the minimum requirements listed below.

Bidder must provide resumes for Key Persons, detailing their background, experience, education, accomplishments, and expertise related to the specific work. If Proposer intends to utilize subcontractors to accomplish work under a resulting Contract, the Proposer must include a list of all subcontractors and include resumes for all subcontractor personnel who will provide services under the subcontract. Agency shall determine in its sole discretion if relevant experience may be substituted for degree requirements.

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Writer/editor

• An undergraduate degree in a field requiring technical writing or editing, or equivalent education and experience.

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing NEPA-compliant documents.

Wildlife Biologist

• An undergraduate degree in wildlife biology, or equivalent education and experience (e.g.

number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing biological evaluations or assessments.

Botanist

• An undergraduate degree in botany, ecology, environmental science, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• Experience with taxonomic classification and identification of both vascular and non-vascular plants of the inland Pacific Northwest are required. Orienteering and photo interpretation skills preferred.

• Experience in identification of Pacific Northwest bryophytes and lichens east of the Cascades.

Fisheries Biologist/Aquatic Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in fish or aquatic biology, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing biological evaluations or assessments.

• Ability to write a Biological Assessment like the example provided.

Hydrologist

• An undergraduate degree in Hydrology.

• At least 2-4 years of experience in preparing hydrological evaluations or assessments, including sediment and water yield modeling.

Archaeologist The Principal Investigator must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards as outlined in 36 CFR 61, which includes:

• A graduate degree in archeology, anthropology, or closely related field.

• At least 1 year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, administration, or management.

• At least 4 months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archeology and demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

• At least 6 months experience in archaeological survey or excavation within Oregon.

• Demonstrated competence in collecting, handling, analyzing, evaluating, and reporting archaeological data.

• Ability to obtain or already have a valid Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) permit from the National Forest.

• Meets the Oregon Qualified Archaeologist under ORS 390.

The Crew Chief of each survey crew must have the following minimum qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in anthropology, specializing in archaeology, or equivalent archaeological experience (e.g. number of years worked).

• Completion of an archeological field school.

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• Minimum of 6 months general archaeological field experience.

• Minimum of 3 months previous field archaeological experience in a supervisory capacity conducting similar work with demonstrated ability to plan, equip, staff, organize, and supervise a cultural resources survey.

• Demonstrated ability to accurately plot archaeological site locations on topographic maps and map sites using GPS.

• Demonstrated competence in identifying and describing pre-contact artifacts using the lithic artifact classification system identified in Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis (Andrefsky, 2005).

• Must be listed as a crew chief on the Principal Investigator’s valid Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) permit for the National Forest.

Each crew member must have the following minimum qualifications:

• At least 24 semester hours of credit in archaeology, anthropology, and/or history courses.

Courses must include information on the conduct and theory of archaeological survey and excavation.

• Completion of an archeological field school.

• At least 3 months field experience in archaeological survey. Crew members must always work under the direct field supervision of a Crew Chief or Principal Investigator.

Forester

• An undergraduate degree in forestry, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• Understanding of local forest types and the management techniques specific to them.

• Demonstrated experience in translating forestry prescriptions into on-the-ground operations.

Socioeconomic Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in recreation-related field, economics, or social sciences.

• At least 2 years of experience related to NEPA analysis of content related to recreation, cultural resources, socioeconomics, and environmental justice.

Soil Scientist

• Demonstrated experience in soil survey work is required.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in computer science, geography, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing geodatabases and maps.

• At least 2 years of experience in analyzing line, polygon and raster data sets.

(d) Management Plan

The bid shall provide a plan that identifies the managerial effort, supporting staff, equipment, resources, and space that shall be committed to the timely and successful completion of the project.

5. BIDS

5.1 BID DETERMINATION

Bids received by Closing will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation process described below and pursuant to OAR 125-247-0600, and any other applicable rules and statutes. Bids will be evaluated to make

S-62900-00009755 Page 11 a determination of the number of Bidders, if any, to be awarded the Contract. This Solicitation Document does not obligate Agency to award a Contract.

Substantial Compliance Required:

Incomplete Bids (e.g. Bids not in substantial compliance with the Solicitation Document requirements) cannot be considered and cannot be supplemented by submissions delivered after the Solicitation Document Closing date and time. However, the Agency may waive minor deviations from the requirements of this Solicitation Document, and may seek clarification of any response that, in its sole discretion, it deems necessary or advisable.

Bidder Availability Clarification of Bids:

During the evaluation process, the Agency may request clarification from Bidder regarding any portion of their Bid. Bidders must remain available during the evaluation period to respond to any requests for clarification that may be needed to complete the evaluation process.

If Bidder receives a request for clarification regarding their Bid, Bidder should respond to the requests in the format required by the Agency within 3 business days. If the Agency is unable to contact or receive a requested clarification from a Bidder in a timely manner, it may result in a determination that the Bidder’s Bid is non- Responsive, and the Bid may be rejected.

5.2 RESPONSIVENESS

Bids received in response to this Solicitation Document will be evaluated for compliance to determine the responsiveness to the minimum Bid submission requirements of this Solicitation Document. Bids deemed Responsive to this Solicitation Document will be further evaluated for cost. Bids deemed non-Responsive to the minimum Bid submission requirements of this Solicitation Document will not be further evaluated and will be rejected.

5.3 PRICING

For all Responsive Bids, pricing submitted in accordance with the requirements described in Section 4.2.B Pricing Submittal, will be evaluated to determine the Bidders providing the lowest cost.

Applicable Preferences:

In accordance with ORS 279A.120 and OAR 125-246-0310, the Agency must:

(a) Give preference to goods or services that have been manufactured or produced in Oregon if price, fitness, availability and quality are otherwise equal;

(b) Add a percent increase to the Bid of a non-resident Bidder equal to the percent, if any, of the preference given to the Bidder in the state in which the Bidder resides; and

(c) Give preference to the procurement of goods manufactured from recycled materials.

For purposes of applying (a) and (b) above, Bidder must identify on Attachment 1 whether Bidder is a “Resident Bidder” as defined in ORS 279A.120(1)(b).

6. AWARD PROCESS

Method of Award:

ODF shall award the Price Agreement on an “All or None” basis to the responsible Bidder submitting the lowest responsive Bid, based upon the following method of calculation: All selected line items will be totaled for a final Bid price. The State reserves the right to withdraw any or all line items from award consideration.

6.1 INTENT TO AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

Agency will notify all Bidders via Notice on OREGONBUYS of its Intent to Award Contract(s) to selected Bidder(s). This announcement will serve as Notice to all Bidders that the Agency intends to award Contract(s) to the selected Bidder(s) subject to the successful negotiation of any negotiable provisions.

6.2 PROTESTS OF INTENT TO AWARD

In accordance with ORS 279B.410 and OAR 125-247-0740, a Bidder may protest the Agency’s Intent to Award a Contract if the Bidder is adversely affected because the Bidder would be eligible to be awarded the Contract in the event that the protest was successful and the reason for the protest is that:

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(a) All lower Bids are non-Responsive;

(b) The Agency has failed to conduct the evaluation of Bids in accordance with the criteria or processes described in this Solicitation Document;

(c) The Agency has abused its discretion in rejecting the protestor’s Bid as non-Responsive; or

(d) The Agency’s evaluation of Bids or its subsequent determination of award is otherwise in violation of ORS Chapter 279A or 279B.

Protest Submission:

Adversely affected Bidders have within seven (7) calendar days from the Agency’s notice of the Intent to Award a Contract to submit a Written protest via email to Single Point of Contact. Late protests will not be considered. Protests must be submitted in Writing via email to the Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4. Protests must be identified as protest and identify the ITB number and specify the reason for the protest.

Response to Protest:

The Agency will consider any protest received by the deadline and respond to it in Writing via email in a timely manner.

6.3 CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Contract Form:

The Bid is an Offer to enter into a contract that, if accepted for award, binds the Bidder to a contract and the terms and conditions contained in this Solicitation Document.

The selected Bidder will be asked to sign a contract substantially in the form that is included as Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form) to this Solicitation Document.

Bidder shall not make a Bid contingent upon the Agency’s acceptance of terms or conditions that conflict with or are in addition to those contained in this Solicitation Document. The process for requesting changes to the Contract terms and conditions is described in Section 2.1 of this Solicitation Document.

Recyclable Products:

Contractor(s) shall use recyclable products to the maximum extent economically feasible in the performance of the contract work set forth in this document.

Insurance:

Bidders are encouraged to consult with their insurance agent(s) prior to Bid submission about the insurance requirements contained in this Solicitation Document. Prior to execution of the Contract, the selected Bidder shall provide the Agency certificates and additional insured endorsements of the insurance coverages identified in Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form) Exhibit B (Insurance Requirements) or as otherwise specified in this Solicitation Document.

6.4 FINALIZATION OF AWARD AND COMMENCEMENT OF WORK

After submission of the required information and insurances identified in the Solicitation Document by the awardee and obtaining all requisite approvals required by the Agency, the Agency may proceed with the final award.

Contractor shall not commence work under the Contract until the Contract has been executed and the Agency has provided the Contractor with the Notice to Proceed.

6.5 REVIEW OF AWARDED BID FILES

Most information contained in Bid files are public records and available for review at the Agency office address indicated in Section 1.4 by appointment after the Intent to Award has been issued.

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ATTACHMENT 1

SIGNATURE OF BIDDER’S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FORM

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH BID

**This form shall be signed in ink by an authorized representative of Bidder. Any alterations or erasures shall be initialed in ink by the undersigned authorized representative.**

CONTRACTOR DATA

Bidder shall provide the information requested below, as applicable, including Bidder’s federal tax ID number. Tax information is requested pursuant to ORS 305.385 and will be used for the administration of state, federal and local tax laws. ODF may report the information provided to the Internal Revenue Service under the name and taxpayer identification number provided.

Bidder’s Legal Name (tax filing):

Mailing Address:

Citizenship (if applicable): Non-resident alien [ ] Yes [ ] No

Business Designation (check one):

[ ] Corporation [ ] Professional Corporation [ ] Partnership [ ] Limited Partnership

[ ] Limited Liability Company [ ] Limited Liability Partnership [ ] Sole Proprietorship

[ ] Other

Federal Tax ID:

Bidder’s Contact Information:

Authorized Representative

Phone Fax

E-mail

RESIDENCY INFORMATION

In determining the lowest responsible bidder, and for the purpose of awarding a contract, Oregon law requires a public contracting Agency to add a percentage increase on the bid of a nonresident bidder equal to the percent, if any, of the preference given to that bidder in the state in which the bidder resides.

ORS 279A.120.

“Resident bidder” means a bidder that has paid unemployment taxes or income taxes in this state during the twelve (12) calendar months immediately preceding submission of the bid, has a business address in this state and has stated in the bid whether the bidder is a resident bidder. ORS 279A.120(1)(b).

A “Non-resident” bidder means a bidder who is not a “resident bidder” as defined above. ORS 279A.120(1)(a).

a. Check one: Bidder is a ( ) RESIDENT bidder ( ) NON-RESIDENT bidder.

b. If resident bidder, enter your Oregon business address: (physical and mailing address)

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c. If a non-resident bidder, enter state of residency:

d. If a non-resident bidder, do you or your firm receive, or are you or your firm eligible for, any preference in award of contracts with your state’s government or with other governmental bodies in your state?

CHECK ONE: ( ) YES ( ) NO

If yes, state the preference percentage: %

If yes, but not a percentage of bid price, describe the preference:

If yes, state the law or regulation that allows the preference described (legal citation):

The individual signing on behalf of Bidder hereby acknowledges, attests and certifies individually and on behalf of the Bidder that:

• He/she is a duly authorized representative of Bidder, has been authorized by Bidder to make all representations, attestations and certifications contained in this Bid and all addenda, if any, issued, and to execute this Bid on behalf of Bidder;

• The information supplied by Bidder in this Bid is true and accurate;

• Bidder, acting through its authorized representatives, has completely read and understands all the provisions of the Solicitation, including all attachments and addenda, if any, issued;

• The Bid was prepared independently from all other Bidders, and without collusion, fraud, or other dishonesty;

• Bidder is bound by and will comply with all the provisions, requirements, specifications, and terms and conditions contained in the Invitation to Bid and Bid, including all attachments and addenda, if any, issued;

• Bidder agrees to provide all services required to be provided under the Contract in accordance with specifications and requirements, and will comply in all respects with the terms of the resulting Price Agreement upon award;

• Bidder has the available resources, including staffing if applicable, to provide the services in a reasonable timeframe to pursue ODF’s objectives;

• Bidder has not discriminated and will not discriminate against a subcontractor in awarding a subcontract because the subcontractor is a minority, women or emerging small business enterprise certified under ORS 200.055 or against a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by or that employs a disabled veteran, as defined in ORS 408.225; and

• Bidder has a written policy and practice that meets the requirements described in HB 3060 (2017) Oregon Laws, chapter 212, of preventing sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination against employees who are members of a protected class.

• To the best of his other knowledge, Bidder is not in violation of any Oregon Tax Laws. For purposes of this certification, "Oregon Tax Laws" are those tax laws listed in ORS 305.380(4), namely ORS Chapters 118, 314, 316, 317, 318, 320, 321 and 323 and Sections 10 to 20, Chapter 533, Oregon Laws 1981, as amended by Chapter 16, Oregon Laws 1982 (first special session); the elderly rental assistance program under ORS 310.630 to 310.706; and any local tax laws administered by the Oregon Department of Revenue under ORS 305.620.

Signature of Bidder’s Authorized Representative Date

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ATTACHMENT 2

PRICING SUBMITTAL FORM

The undersigned submits the following bid for furnishing all equipment, travel and labor to perform survey, analysis and documentation services necessary for NEPA compliance for the 54 North Fuels Reduction and Huckleberry Restoration GNA Project for the Oregon Department of Forestry beginning May1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. This form must be completed and returned or the bid may be rejected.

PRICING

1. Pre-work Meeting = $

2. Progress Review Meetings

For pricing purposes, assume one in-person meeting and 14 one-hour calls are needed throughout the length of the contract; however, the actual number of meetings may vary.

3. Public Meeting Participation

For pricing purposes, assume the meeting will be held in Ukiah, OR will last two hours, and will be followed by a 3-hour field trip to the project area.

4. Scoping Document

5. Content Analysis Report

For pricing purposes, assume 15 letters, with 10 substantive comments, though the actual numbers may vary.

6. Silviculture Analysis

7. Silviculture Treatment Description/Prescription

8. Wildlife BE/BA

9. Botany Survey and Report, BE/BA

10. Aquatic Report and Fisheries Biological Assessment (BA)

11. Hydrology Analysis

12. Heritage Survey and Report

For pricing associated with tribal consultation, assume two hours per tribe for the three tribes, equaling a total of eight hours of consultation assistance, though the actual numbers may vary.

13. Soils Survey and Report

14. Socioeconomic and Recreation Analysis

15. Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

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16. Decision Notice

17. Project Record

TOTAL PRICE

Bidder may add lines to this Bid Form or attach a detailed budget as a separate hourly rate schedule as necessary to show additional staff. These rates may not be used for the purposes of award, but may be used to determine the cost of amendments to add or subtract work.

DATE SIGNATURE____________________________________

NAME (Please print)______________________________ _________

TELEPHONE NO. ( ) TITLE___________________________

Email_______________________________

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ATTACHMENT 3

SAMPLE CONTRACT FORM

STATE OF OREGON PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT

CONTRACTOR: DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

Administrator:

Title:

Address:

Administrator:

Title:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Federal ID #:

Phone:

Email:

This Contract is between the State of Oregon, acting by and through its Department of Forestry, hereafter called “Agency”, and Name of Company, hereafter called “Contractor”. Agency and Contractor shall collectively be referred to as the “Parties”.

The Agency issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. S-62900-00009755 seeking Bids from qualified and responsible Bidders to provide the Services described in this Contract. Contractor submitted a Bid in response to the ITB offering to provide the Services pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

The Agency desires to award the Contract to Contractor.

1. Contract.

a. Term. This Contract shall become effective on the date this Contract has been fully executed by every party and, when required, approved by the Department of Justice. Unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, this Contract shall terminate when Agency accepts Contractor's completed performance or on June 30, 2025, whichever date occurs last. Contract termination shall not extinguish or prejudice Agency’s right to enforce this Contract with respect to any default by Contractor that has not been cured.

b. Authority. Agency is authorized to enter into this type of contract under the authority granted in ORS 526.274 and DAS Delegation Agreement REQ-DASOBO-00065874.

2. Statement of Work. Contractor shall perform the work (the “Work” or “Services”) as set forth in the

Statement of Work, which includes the delivery schedule for such Work, and that is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Contractor shall perform the Work in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Contract.

3. Consideration

a. The maximum, not-to-exceed compensation payable to Contractor under this Contract, which includes any allowable expenses, is $ . Agency will not pay Contractor any amount in excess of the not-to-exceed compensation of this Contract for completing the Work and will not pay for Work performed before the date this Contract becomes effective or after the termination of this Contract. If the maximum compensation is increased by amendment of this Contract, the amendment must be fully effective before Contractor performs Work subject to the amendment.

b. Interim payments to Contractor shall be subject to ORS 293.462, and shall be made in accordance with the payment schedule and requirements in Exhibit A.

c. Agency will pay only for completed Work that is accepted by Agency.

4. Contract Documents.

This Contract consists of the following documents, which are listed in descending order of precedence:

this Contract less all exhibits, attached Exhibit A (the Statement of Work), Exhibit B (Required Insurance), and Exhibit C (Independent Contractor Certification Statement). Exhibit A includes Appendix A (Project Description), Appendix B (NEPA and EADM Guidelines for Concise Documents), Appendix C (Project Record Guidance and Checklist), and…