Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) RFQQ No. 26-00012

Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) No. 26-00012

Samish River Unit Tree and Shrub Planting Project

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) issues this RFQQ (a.k.a. Solicitation) under the authority of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 39.26. WDFW reserves the right to change portions of this RFQQ, including modifying the dates and times set forth immediately below. Any changes will be sent electronically as Amendments to all users of Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) who downloaded this RFQQ.

EXPECTED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR CONTRACT:

September 2027 through September 2030

ESTIMATED INITIAL CONTRACT VOLUME: $227,000 over a three (3) year period

ESTIMATED PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE:

All times given are for local Olympia, Washington time. This schedule is subject to change at any time with no notice.

RFQQ Release: September 15, 2026

Bidder Walk-Through (Optional) September 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Optional Pre-Bid Conference October 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Bidder Questions from Bidders Due (email only) October 9, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.

WDFW Answers Questions Posted to WEBS (amendment) October 13, 2026

Bidder Proposals Due (email only) October 30, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.

Evaluation of Bidder Proposals Completed November 3, 2026

Apparent Successful Bidder(s) Announced November 4, 2026

Contract Negotiation/Finalize Contracting Process November 12, 2026

BIDDER ELIGIBILITY: This procurement is open to those bidders who satisfy the minimum qualifications stated herein and are available for work in Washington State. Disadvantaged, Minority and Women

Owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply.

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY: Department of Enterprise Services (DES) policy number POL-DES-090-06 (Supplier Diversity), section C.4. does not apply to this solicitation.

The Procurement Coordinator is the sole point of contact in WDFW for this procurement. All communication between Bidders and WDFW upon receipt of this RFQQ shall be with:

Name: Deanna Luque, Contracts Consultant Office: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Phone: 360-902-8358 Email: Deanna.luque@dfw.wa.gov http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=39.26 mailto:Deanna.luque@dfw.wa.gov

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) RFQQ No. 26-00012

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Section 1 Summary of Opportunity Section 2 RFQQ Overview Section 3 Preparation of Bids Section 4 Preparation of Bids Section 5 Submittals, Evaluation and Award Section 6 Contact Information Section 7 Appendices

Appendixes:

1. Appendix A – Competitive Procurement Standards

2. Appendix B – Questionnaire

3. Appendix C – Cost Components Pricing Sheet

4. Appendix D – Bidder Profile/References

5. Appendix E – Complaint, Debrief, and Protest Procedure

6. Appendix F – Map of WDFW Regions

7. Appendix G – Certifications and Assurances

8. Appendix H – Certification of Workers’ Rights

9. Appendix I – SAMPLE Contract

10. Appendix J – NRCS Practice Standards 612 (Tree/Shrub Establishment WA State 2025)

1. SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY

1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, hereafter called "WDFW,” is initiating this Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) to solicit proposals from firms and/or individuals, hereinafter referred to as Bidders, interested in establishing native trees, shrubs, and willow whips; mosaic communities within the designated planting areas to meet WRP easement objectives for restoring the site to a native condition. The contractor will need to procure (purchase and supply) the native trees, shrubs and willow whips described below in the tables for each planting area from local tree and plant nurseries. Please see the attached planting plan schedules for species composition, plant quantities, and spacings Appendix C. Please also see the attached map for locations of planting areas Appendix C and Appendix F (attachments). After consulting the state NRCS forester, 450 - 500 stems per acre (depending on planting area) was decided an adequate stocking rate and 70% survival rate given the climatic change of our drier summer seasons is reasonable. Prior to the planting project, WDFW staff will do the site preparation within the 17-acre planting area on the Samish River Unit. The initial period of performance of any contract resulting from this RFQQ is tentatively scheduled as indicated on page one (1) of this RFQQ. Any resulting contract may be offered for renewed/extended for a period not to exceed two (2) additional years at WDFW’s sole discretion.

1.2 LOCATION:

The Samish River Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area is in northern Skagit County at the mouth of the Samish River, about 1 mile southwest of the community of Edison. There is a parking lot and field access gate at the northwest corner of the property and two field-access ramps and gates on the west side of the property. The tree and shrub planting project totals 17 acres spread across multiple areas of the Samish River Unit (see map in Appendix C and attached Appendix F). The Samish River Unit is in Township 35, Range 03, Section 05.

1.3 SPECIAL TERMS AND COMPLIANCES:

Seasonal conditions could affect access to the planting areas. Please anticipate seasonally poor access in your plan, and the associated costs in your bid. Access can be challenging due to the wetness of the ground during certain times of the year or following large rain events. Driving in these areas that leave ruts is not allowed. An off-road capable vehicle likely will be required to reach all the planting areas.

OPTIONAL BIDDER WALK-THROUGH

FOR QUESTIONS CALL GREG MEIS (360) 333-8125

A Bidder walk-through at the work site is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 10 A.M. at address (Bayview Edison Road and Bent Needle Lane, Parking lot on the south side of Bayview Edison Road), site listed in 1.2 Location above. Any oral responses given by WDFW at the optional site walk-through shall be considered unofficial unless published in an amendment to this RFQQ.

1.3.01 PREVAILING WAGE REQUIREMENTS

This contract is subject to Washington State Prevailing Wage requirements under RCW 39.12. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable prevailing wage laws and regulations, including but not limited to payment of prevailing wages to all workers performing work under this contract. The contractor is responsible for submitting all required intent to Pay Prevailing Wages and Affidavit of Wages Paid forms to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and provide copies to WDFW upon request. Labor & Industries (L&I): https://www.lni.wa.gov.

Failure to comply with prevailing wage requirements may result in contract termination or other remedies as allowed by law.

1.3.02 The Contractor shall comply with NRCS Practice Standards 612 (Tree/Shrub Establishment), Washington State version (2025), attached as Appendix J.

2. RFQQ OVERVIEW

2.1 ANNOUNCEMENT AND SPECIAL INFORMATION

The RFQQ, its appendices, attachments, amendments and any incorporated documents will comprise the entire RFQQ.

By responding to this RFQQ, a Bidder acknowledges having read and understood the entire RFQQ and accepts all information contained within the RFQQ without modification.

NOTE: The Competitive Procurement Standards is an Appendix A to this RFQQ which consists of general provisions and terms for Solicitations issued by WDFW. Should a term within the Competitive

Procurement Standards conflict with a term elsewhere in the RFQQ, the latter will prevail.

2.2 COMPLAINT, DEBRIEF, AND PROTEST (GENERAL INFORMATION)

NOTE: See also, Appendix E - Complaint, Debrief, and Protest Procedure located in the Appendices section below. This document contains important additional and expanded details, such as rules, timing, criteria, form, etc.

Complaint: This solicitation offers a Complaint period for Bidders wishing to voice objections to this solicitation. The Complaint period ends five business days before the bid deadline. The Complaint period is an opportunity for the Bidder to voice objections, raise concerns or suggest changes. Failure by the Bidder to raise a complaint at this stage may waive its right for later consideration. WDFW will consider all complaints but is not required to adopt complaint, in part of full. If Bidder complaints result in changes to the RFQQ, written amendments will be issued and posted on WEBS.

Complaints must be sent to the Procurement Coordinator located on the face page of this document.

Debrief: Debrief meetings are an opportunity for the Bidder and the Procurement Coordinator to meet and discuss the Bidders bid. A Debrief is a required prerequisite for a Bidder wishing to https://www.lni.wa.gov/ lodge a Protest. Following the evaluation of the bids, WDFW will issue an Announcement of the

Apparent Successful Bidder (ASB). That announcement may be made by any means, but WDFW will likely use email to the Bidder’s email address provided in the Bidder’s bid. Bidders will have three business days to request a Debrief meeting. Once a Debrief meeting is requested, WDFW will offer the requesting Bidder one meeting opportunity and notify the Bidder of the Debrief meeting place, date and time. Please note, because the Debrief process must occur before making an award, WDFW will likely schedule the Debrief meeting shortly following the Announcement of the ASB and the

Bidder’s request for a Debrief meeting. WDFW will not allow the Debrief process to delay the award or be used as a delaying tactic. Therefore, Bidders should plan for contingencies and alternate representatives and Bidders unwilling or unable to attend the Debrief meeting will lose its opportunity to Protest.

Protest: Bidders wishing to protest must do so in conformity with Appendix E - Complaint, Debrief, and

Protest Procedure located in the Appendices section below.

2.3 WASHINGTON’S ELECTRONIC BUSINESS SOLUTION (WEBS)

Bidders are solely responsible for:

− Properly registering with Washington’s Electronic Business Solution (WEBS) at www.des.wa.gov/sell/how-work-state, and maintaining an accurate Vendor profile in WEBS.

− Downloading the RFQQ packet consisting of the RFQQ, all Appendices, and incorporated documents related to the RFQQ for which you are interested in Bidding.

− Downloading all current and subsequent Amendments to the RFQQ to ensure receipt of all

RFQQ documents.

Notification of Amendments to the RFQQ will only be provided to those vendors who have registered with WEBS and have downloaded the RFQQ from WEBS. Failure to do so may result in a Bidder having incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise inadequate information and Bid.

2.4 RFQQ AMENDMENTS

Prior to the Bid due date and time, WDFW reserves the right to change portions of this RFQQ. All changes will be issued in writing by WDFW as an Amendment and incorporated into the RFQQ. If there is any conflict between Amendments, or between an Amendment and the RFQQ, the document issued last in time will be controlling. Only Bidders who have properly registered and downloaded the original

RFQQ directly via WEBS will receive notification of Amendments and other correspondence pertinent to the procurement.

2.5 VENDOR QUESTIONS AND PRE-BID CONFERENCE

Questions concerning this RFQQ must be submitted via email to the RFQQ Coordinator at the email address specified on page one (1) of this RFQQ. Only responses received as an amendment to this RFQQ in WEBS will be considered official and binding.

There will be two (2) opportunities to ask questions.

http://www.des.wa.gov/sell/how-work-state

1. Questions must be received by email only to the RFQQ Coordinator no later than the date and time specified in the Procurement Schedule on page one (1).

o Responses to those questions will be posted to WEBS on, or about, the date specified in the Procurement Schedule on page one (1).

2. Optional Pre-Bid Conference on the date and time specified in the Procurement Schedule on page one (1).

Bidders wishing to submit a proposal for this procurement may attend an optional Pre-Bid Conference on the date and time listed in the procurement schedule on page one (1). This conference will be held virtually via a Microsoft Teams meeting; the link to this meeting is below:

Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27581953479348?p=B4PTNFkRa0LE4smBpF Meeting ID: 275 819 534 793 48 Passcode: CX6KS3RE

Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone +1 564-999-2000,,316918004# United States, Olympia

(833) 322-1218,,316918004# United States (Toll-free) Find a local number Phone conference ID: 316 918 004#

Specific questions concerning the procurement should be submitted in writing to the Procurement

Coordinator not later than date and time listed in the procurement schedule on page one (1), so that representatives of WDFW may prepare preliminary answers in advance of the conference.

Additional questions will be entertained at the conference; however, responses may be deferred and provided later. Any oral answer given at the conference is to be considered as tentative. All questions submitted prior to or discussed during the conference will be researched and the official answers published to the WEBS as an amendment to this procurement on the date and time listed in the procurement schedule on page one (1). This will ensure accurate and consistent responses to all Bidders.

Only the written answers will be considered official.

2.6 BIDDER COMMUNICATION RESPONSIBILITIES

During the RFQQ process, all Bidder communications concerning this RFQQ must be directed to the

Procurement Coordinator. Unauthorized contact regarding this RFQQ with other state employees involved with the RFQQ may result in disqualification. All oral and written communications will be considered unofficial and non-binding on WDFW. Bidders should rely only on written Amendments issued by the Procurement Coordinator.

Bidders are encouraged to make any inquiry as early in the process as possible to allow WDFW to consider and respond; however, no response is required from the Procurement Coordinator.

Additionally, if a Bidder does not notify WDFW of an issue, exception, addition, or omission, WDFW may consider the matter waived by the Bidder for protest purposes.

If Bidder inquiries result in changes to the RFQQ, written amendments will be issued and posted on

WEBS.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/27581953479348?p=B4PTNFkRa0LE4smBpF https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NzEyYjNlNDctZGNiYS00YjIxLTlkOTYtOTZkZDllMmY4M2Ew%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2211d0e217-264e-400a-8ba0-57dcc127d72d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b857210a-7ca6-4845-b239-b20d5f88f394%22%7d tel:+15649992000,,316918004 tel:8333221218,,316918004 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/811a9140-4f87-4b3b-b4e5-c0df12d33f3f?id=316918004

2.7 BIDDER RESPONSIVENESS

Bidders are to respond to each question/requirement contained in this RFQQ. Failure to comply with any applicable item may result in disqualification for non-responsiveness.

WDFW reserves the right to determine the actual level of Bidders’ compliance with the requirements specified in this RFQQ and to waive informalities in a Bid. An informality is an immaterial variation from the exact requirements of the competitive RFQQ, having no effect or merely a minor or negligible effect on quality, quantity, or delivery of the supplies or performance of the services being procured, and the correction or waiver of which would not affect the relative standing of, or be otherwise prejudicial to

Bidders.

2.8 PRICING

Bid prices must include all cost components needed for the delivery of the goods and/or services as described in this RFQQ. Failure to identify all costs in a manner consistent with the instructions in this

RFQQ is sufficient grounds for disqualification.

2.9 NON-ENDORSEMENT & PUBLICITY

In selecting a Bidder to supply goods and services specified herein, WDFW is not endorsing the Bidder’s goods and purchased services, nor suggesting that they are the best or only solution to their needs.

2.10 NO COSTS, CHARGES, OR PAYMENTS IN ADVANCE

WDFW will not be liable for any costs or liabilities incurred by the Bidder associated with the preparation of the response to this RFQQ.

Costs or charges under the proposed Contract incurred before a Contract is fully executed will be the sole responsibility of the Bidder.

The Constitution of the State of Washington prohibits payments in advance or anticipation of receipt of goods or services. Contractors are paid after good are delivered and accepted and/or services rendered.

2.11 NO MANDATORY BEST AND FINAL OFFER

WDFW reserves the right to make an Award without further discussion of the Bid submitted.

Therefore, the Bid should be submitted on the most favorable terms that a Bidder intends to offer.

2.12 ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS

In support of the state’s economic and environmental goals, although not an Award factor (unless otherwise specified herein), Bidders are encouraged to consider the following in responding to this RFQQ:

− Support for a diverse supplier pool, including Washington small, minority and women-owned business enterprises. Bidders may contact the Office of Minority and Women’s Business

Enterprise to obtain information on certified firms or to become certified.

− Use of environmentally preferable goods and services to include post-consumer waste and recycled content.

3. PREPARATION OF BIDS

3.1 INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS

All required documents must be submitted to the RFQQ Coordinator by email by the times and dates in this RFQQ. Bidders are responsible for the means of delivery of all documents to ensure receipt by the RFQQ Coordinator by the required dates and times.

3.2 BID SUBMITTALS (CHECKLIST)

The following checklist identifies the submittals which will comprise a Bid. Any Bid received without a

REQUIRED submittal listed below may be rejected as being non-responsive. Please identify each page of the submittals, as well as any supplemental materials with your company name or other identifiable company mark.

Appendix B: Bidder’s Questionnaire: Complete and return.

Appendix C: Bidder’s Cost Components: (Includes the Cost Components Pricing Sheet, planting area map, and associated instructions required for pricing): Complete and return.

Appendix D: Bidder’s Profile/References: Complete and return.

Appendix G: Certifications and Assurances: Complete, sign, and return.

Appendix H: Certification of Workers’ Rights: Complete, sign, and return.

3.3 FORMAT

Bids must be legible in a common easily readable format, such as Microsoft Word or Portable Document

Format (PDF), and properly signed by an authorized representative of the Bidder. Unsigned Bids will be rejected unless satisfactory evidence was submitted clearly establishing the Bidder’s desire and intent to be bound by the Bid, such as a signed cover letter. Incomplete or illegible Bids may be rejected.

3.4 ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS

Each Bidder may submit only one (1) proposal. If you include alternatives within your proposal, or send multiple proposals, WDFW will reject all your proposals as non-responsive.

3.5 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Clearly mark any portion(s) of your proposal which contains proprietary information. You may not mark the entire proposal as proprietary. If your proposal is successful, and WDFW receives a request to view or copy your proposal, WDFW shall respond according to public disclosure procedures described in this

RFQQ. However, if any information in your proposal is marked as proprietary, WDFW shall not make that portion available without giving you an opportunity to seek a court order preventing disclosure.

3.6 DUE DATE AND TIME

The completed Bid must be sent to the Procurement Coordinator at the email address specified on page one (1) of this RFQQ.

Bids must be received by the Procurement Coordinator by the date and time listed on page one

(1) of this RFQQ. Late bids will not be accepted and shall automatically be disqualified from further consideration.

WDFW assumes no responsibility for delay in transmission of proposals. WDFW will use the

“time stamp” on the email as the official time of receipt. Time extensions will not be granted. Bid documents must meet the standards set forth in 3.2 Format.

SUBMITTALS, EVALUATION AND AWARD

3.7 GENERAL PROVISIONS

− Bidder Responsiveness and Responsibility will be evaluated based on the Evaluation Process described in this section.

− Contract Award will be based on the Evaluation and Award criteria established herein and will be subject to consideration of the criteria identified in the RFQQ.

− Bidders whose bids are determined to be non-responsive will be rejected and will be notified of the reasons for such rejection.

− To aid in the evaluation process, after the bid due date and time, WDFW may require individual Bidders to appear at a date, time and place determined by WDFW for the purpose of conducting discussions to determine whether both parties have a full and complete understanding of the nature of Contractual requirements. In no manner shall such action be construed as negotiations or an indication of WDFW’s intention to Award.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this RFQQ, WDFW reserves the right to:

(1) waive any informality in the solicitation documents or process;

(2) contact any Bidder for clarification of its bid;

(3) reject any or all bids, or portions thereof;

(4) accept any portion of the items bid unless the Bidder stipulates all or nothing in their bid;

(5) cancel all or any portion of the RFQQ;

(6) request best and final offers from highest scoring Responsive and Responsible Bidder(s);

(7) award to the highest scoring responsive and responsible Bidder, taking into consideration:

a. References: WDFW reserves the right to use references to confirm satisfactory customer service, performance, satisfaction with service/product, knowledge of products/ service/ industry and timeliness; any negative or unsatisfactory response may be an adequate reason for rejecting a Bidder as non-responsible and unable to suit the needs of the state. WDFW reserves the right to check references other than those the Bidder submitted. WDFW reserves the right to waive the reference check. Bidders deemed non-responsible may be rejected.

3.8 EVALUATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

Evaluation Team

A team will be formed to evaluate proposals. The team will be composed of individuals with technical and/or financial backgrounds. WDFW will evaluate the proposals for compliance with procedural requirements. Contract award shall be made to the highest scoring Responsive and Responsible Bidder for each category based on the evaluation and award criteria established herein and subject to consideration of all factors identified in RCW 39.26.060.

For the purposes of this RFQQ, the Proposer who meets all of the RFQQ requirements and receives the highest number of total points will be determined as the Responsive and Responsible Bidder, declared the Apparent Successful Bidder and awarded the contract.

The evaluations will be conducted as a five (5) step process as follows:

(1) Initial Determination of Responsiveness – The Procurement Coordinator will determine initial responsiveness of all Bids submitted. If a Bid is deemed non-compliant to the initial responsiveness requirements, it will not further be evaluated.

(2) Review of Mandatory Requirements/Qualification Points. The evaluation team will determine whether Bidders’ responses to the mandatory requirements are adequate. A response to all questions in the Bidder Profile / References, Appendix D, is required. Non-responsive Questionnaires and Quotations will be eliminated from further evaluation. The raw score for the Qualifications is based on a point system that will be scored by the evaluation team.

(3) Non-Cost Scoring – The Evaluation Team evaluates and scores each Bid in accordance with Section 3.11.1 to determine the Non-Cost Score for each Bid. The Procurement Coordinator will receive and calculate all scores.

(4) Cost Scoring – The Procurement Coordinator will calculate the Cost Score for each Proposal. If a Bid is deemed non-compliant to cost presentation and/or requirements, the evaluation of the Bid will not proceed to Step 5.

Pricing Responses have a maximum total of 70 Points and will be evaluated as such:

• The bid with the lowest price will receive total points available.

o WDFW will only evaluate the Total Cost Bid Price under the Cost Components

Pricing Sheet Appendix C. Pricing in the other tables is provided only to visually represent how a bidder got the Total Cost Bid Price and to provide a per-project not-to-exceed cost and will not be used for evaluation purposes. If after submission, Bidder finds a mistake in those tables, the Total Cost Bid Price prevails.

• Other bids are evaluated relative to the lowest bid by pro-rating.

The formula is: Lowest percentage bid divided by percentage bid times maximum points.

Submission Price Bid Allocation Formula

Proportion of Points allocated

Points Formula Cost Points

Awarded [full formula]

Bid 1 10% =10÷10 100% =(100%) x Point total 70 =10÷10x70

Bid 2 12% =10÷12 83% =(83%) x Point total

50 =10÷12x70

Bid 3 15% =10÷15 67% =(67%) x Point total

40 =10÷15x70

(5) Total Points – The Procurement Coordinator determines the Total Points for each Bid per category by aggregating the Non-Cost Score 30 points and Cost Score70 points for each Bid in accordance with Section 4.5.

EXAMPLE COST EVALUATION

3.9 DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIVENESSS

Bids will be reviewed initially on a pass/fail basis to determine compliance with the administrative requirements as specified herein.

WDFW reserves the right to determine at its sole discretion whether a Bidder’s response to a minimum

RFQQ requirement is sufficient to pass. However, if all Bidders fail to meet any single RFQQ requirement, WDFW may reject all Bids and cancel the RFQQ or waive the requirement from the

RFQQ’s requirements for responsiveness.

Responsive Bids will be further evaluated based on the requirements in this RFQQ.

3.10 DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITY

During evaluation, WDFW reserves the right to make reasonable inquiry to determine the responsibility of any Bidder. Requests may include, but are not limited to, financial statements, credit ratings, references, record of past performance, clarification of Bidder’s offer, and on-site inspection of Bidder's or Bidder's Subcontractor's facilities. Failure to respond to said request(s) may result in a Bid being rejected as non-responsive.

3.11 ALLOCATION OF POINTS

THE FOLLOWING TABLE OUTLINES THE SCORING COMPONENTS AND POINTS ALLOCATION THAT WILL

BE USED BY WDFW TO CALCULATE EACH BIDDER’S TOTAL SCORE:

Mandatory Requirements Pass/Fail

Reference Checks Submitted

Bidders can meet following guidelines for all planting specifications in Appendix C- Statement of Work and Costs Components Pricing Sheet

Licensed to do business in Washington State.

Scored Points Points

Available

Price 70

Experience / Qualifications

Total Possible Points Available: 100

3.11.1 BID RESPONSE EVALUATION POINT STRUCTURE (APPENDIX B)

Responses will be evaluated on a points structure of 0-6:

0 = no response, does not meet the criteria 1 = minimal response, just meets the criteria 3 = good response, meets the criteria

6 = Great response, exceeds the criteria

3.12 SELECTION OF APPARENT SUCCESSFUL BIDDER

The responsive and responsible Bidder who meets the RFQQ requirements and has the highest score will be the Apparent Successful Bidder.

Prior to the Award, WDFW may negotiate with an Apparent Successful Bidder to determine if a Bid can be improved.

Designation as an Apparent Successful Bidder does not imply that WDFW will issue an Award to your firm. It merely suggests that at this moment in time, WDFW believes your bid to be responsive. This designation allows WDFW to perform a responsibility analysis and ask for additional documentation.

WDFW is also at liberty to re-review and determine whether the bid is truly responsive as initially believed. The Bidder must not construe this as an Award, impending Award, attempt to negotiate, etc. If you act or fail to act in reliance of this notification, you do so at your own risk and expense.

3.13 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE APPARENT SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS (ASB)

The announcement of the Apparent Successful Bidder will be made through WEBS.

Following the Announcement of the Apparent Successful Bidder, Bidders may request a Debrief conference. The Bidder will have a short period of time to request the Debrief conference and a Debrief conference is a required prerequisite for any Bidder desiring to protest the award. See also Solicitation section 2.2 – Complaints, Debriefs, and Protests (General Information) and Appendix E – Complaint, Debrief, and Protest Procedures. These have expanded details regarding timing, form, and contact information. Failure to follow applicable instructions could result in your claim being denied.

3.14 AWARD

WDFW reserves the right to Award on an All or Nothing consolidated basis. Following the Award, all

Bidders will receive a Notice of Award through a WEBS notification.

3.15 BID INFORMATION AVAILABILITY AFTER ANNOUNCEMENT OF APPARENT SUCCESSFUL

BIDDER(ASB)

RCW 39.26.030(2) exempts bid submissions and bid evaluations from disclosure until after the agency announces the apparent successful bidder (ASB). After the Announcement of the ASB, information regarding results of the RFQQ may be obtained by contacting the Procurement Coordinator. Bidders may also schedule an appointment to review the bidding process.

3.16 RECEIPT OF INSUFFICIENT COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS

If WDFW receives only one responsive proposal that is insufficient to meet WDFW’s needs, WDFW reserves the right to select any contractor that best meets WDFW’s needs.

4 CONTRACT INFORMATION

4.1 THE CONTRACT

A Bid submitted to this RFQQ is an offer to Contract with WDFW.

The documents listed below are, by this reference, incorporated into a Contract resulting from this RFQQ as though fully set forth herein. No other statements or representations, written or oral, shall be deemed a part of the Contract.

a. The RFQQ.

b. The awarded portions of the Bidder/Contractor’s Bid.

c. All Appendices.

d. RFQQ Amendments (if any).

e. Award Letter (if any).

4.2 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE, CONFLICT AND CONFORMITY

In the event of a conflict in such terms, or between the terms and any applicable statute or rule, the inconsistency will be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

a. Applicable Federal and state of Washington statutes and regulations.

b. Mutually agreed written Amendments to the resulting Contract.

c. The Contract, including all documents incorporated in the subsection immediately above.

Conflict: To the extent possible, the terms of the Contract shall be read consistently.

Conformity: If any provision of the Contract violates any Federal or state of Washington statute or rule of law, it is considered modified to conform to that statute or rule of law.

4.3 AUTHORITY TO BIND

The signatories to this Contract represent that they have the authority to bind their respective organizations to this Contract.

4.4 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

Since expenses related to day-to-day Contract performance (including but not limited to, travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals) will not be reimbursed to the Contractor, rates proposed by the Bidder must include these costs.

5 APPENDICES

Reminder: By responding to this RFQQ, a Bidder acknowledges reading, understanding, and accepting all information contained within the entire RFQQ without modification.

The appendices listed below are found as separate attachments in the WEBS posting and must be downloaded separately.

Appendix A – Competitive Procurement Standards Appendix B – Questionnaire Appendix C – Statement of Work/Cost Components Pricing Sheet Appendix D – Bidder Profile/Reference Appendix E – Complaint, Debrief, and Protest Procedure Appendix F – Map of WDFW Regions Appendix G –Certifications and Assurances Appendix H –Certification of Workers’ Rights Appendix I – SAMPLE Contract Appendix J - NRCS Practice Standards 612 (Tree/Shrub Establishment WA State 2025)