Bid Notice-Daughtery Hill Wildlife Area - Yuba Narrows Unit Permit for Excess Vegetation Control.pdf

State of California -The Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MEGHAN HERTEL, Director North Central Region 1701 Nimbus Road Suite A Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 www.wildlife.ca.gov

(Rev. 8/20/2025) Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870 Page 1

June 8, 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area – Yuba Narrows Unit Permit for Excess Vegetation

Control P2026202

Legal Basis of Authority

Pursuant to Fish and Game Code Sections 1010 and 1745.1(a), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), serving as an agent of the State of California (STATE), offers this Request for Proposal (RFP) to issue a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing). The proposed vegetation disposal activity will be conducted with non-exclusive rights on approximately 613 acres of real property known as the Yuba Narrows Unit, referred to as the Premises, on the Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area (DHWA), in the Counties of Yuba and Nevada of California.

A successful proposal will convey flexibility, innovative ideas, and an understanding of the unique aspects of operating on a publicly owned property with the overall goals of conserving biodiversity, protecting water quality of the Yuba River Watershed, improving habitat and recreational linkage in the region, and improving public recreational opportunities and access to the Yuba River. The CDFW is requesting proposals from livestock owners and operators who have experience working on public or conservation easement protected lands and can address the specific wildlife habitat goals found within this RFP, stated generally on page iii and more specifically in Exhibit B, the Site Operation Plan. One candidate will be selected to enter into a four-year, seven-month and 15-day Permit agreement.

Proposals must be received no later than July 24, 2026, at 3:30pm. A minimum of one original and one copy of the proposal must be submitted.

In the opinion of the CDFW, this RFP is complete and without need of explanation.

However, if you have questions, or need clarifying information, you may submit your inquiry in writing to the following Administrative Contact person. You may also ask questions at the site inspection.

CDFW Administrative Contact: CDFW Site Manager:

Name: Gail Turner Name: Dustin Wallis Title: Contract Analyst Title: Environmental Scientist Address: 1701 Nimbus Rd.

Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 Address: 1701 Nimbus Rd.

Phone: (916) 358-1075 Phone: (916) 282-8977

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Request for Proposal – P2026202

Email: Gail.Turner@widlife.ca.gov Email: Dustin.Wallis@wildlife.ca.gov

Site Inspection Location 10091 Mooney Flat Road Smartsville, CA 95977

It is mandatory that you inspect the site before submitting a proposal. Site inspection(s) will be held on June 26, 2026, at 10:00am.

NOTE: No verbal information given will be binding upon the STATE or the CDFW, unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

A. Objectives for Permit…………………………………………………………..………5

B. Property Description and Vegetation Disposal Overview

C. Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications……………………………….......……………….6

D. Proposals……………………………………………………………………...…………6

E. Permit Term and Fee………………………………….........................................…..7

F. Proposal Requirements and Information……………………………………...…...8

Key Action Dates Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Inspection Questions and Answers Proposal Format Requirements Submission of Proposal Evaluation and Ranking Interviews (If Needed) Basis of Award Disposition of Proposal Protest Finalization of Site Operation Plan (Exhibit B) Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Award Permit Execution and Performance Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirement ………………..………..22 Exhibit A: Map .................................................................................................... i Exhibit A-1: Legal Description of Site ................................................................. ii Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan ........................................................................... iii

G. Required Attachments………………………………………………………………xii

Attachment 1 – Required Attachment Check List .............................................xii Attachment 2 – Transmittal Letter .................................................................... xiii Attachment 3 – Statement of Qualifications .....................................................xiv Attachment 4 – Description of Personnel and Organizational Structure ........... xv Attachment 5 – Proposal for Goals 1-6 ............................................................xvi Attachment 6 – Disclosure Statements ........................................................... xvii Attachment 7 – Fee Proposal Form ............................................................... xviii Attachment 8 – Bidder References and Reference Letters ..............................xix Attachment 9 – Site Inspection Certification ..................................................... xx

Attachment 10 – Proposal Certification Sheet ..................................................xxi Attachment 11 – Authorization Document ...................................................... xxiii

A. Objectives for Permit

The CDFW seeks a Permittee who can conduct a vegetation disposal operation on the Premises that will be consistent with the overall goals of using cattle for fuel reduction purposes while simultaneously enhancing wildlife habitat and improving public use and access. Vegetation disposal on the Premises will be expected to follow the general guidelines described in the Grazing Plan for the Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area (DHWA) which can be provided upon request. A long-term objective of the CDFW is to use vegetation disposal activities to encourage and support wildlife habitat and forage on the DHWA, specifically, reduction of non-native grasses and fuel loads will help protect wildlife habitat from damaging high-intensity wildfires.

B. Property Description and Vegetation Disposal Overview

The Yuba Narrows Unit of the Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area (DHWA) is located within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, north of highway 20 and west of Mooney Flat Road, near the historic community of Smartsville (Exhibit A) and is part of the CDFW North Central Region. It is composed of approximately 702 acres. The landscape is shaped by the Yuba River, which runs along the northern part of the Premises. Riparian habitats along the banks of the river quickly give way to mixed oak woodlands and rocky outcrops before leveling out to annual and perennial grasslands at higher elevations. The southern portion of the Premises along Mooney Flat Road was heavily degraded by hydraulic mining and features dramatic cliffs and large ponds. The Black Swan Trail, which starts near the ponds, provides access for a variety of users who are interested in the cultural history of the area, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.

The grazing opportunities outlined in this RFP include the 613-acre portion south of the Yuba River, known as the Yuba Narrows Unit, referred to as the Premises. The Premises is accessible via interior dirt roads and gates off Dutch Flat Road and Mooney Flat Road. There are perennial water sources, intermittent streams, and a well that may be developed in coordination with the CDFW (Exhibit A). The Premises perimeter has an incomplete fence, with the newest section along the western border completed in the early spring of 2022, and any unfenced sections posing as natural barriers to livestock movement.

There are several seasonal streams on the Premises, and the Black Swan ponds provide a perennial water source, however, the CDFW cannot guarantee the presence of accessible water due to fluctuations, such as drought.

The desired Animal Units (AU) quota for this permit is a total of 20 AUs per month.

This capacity is intended to achieve a target of 1,000 lbs./acre of Residual Dry Matter (RDM) by the end of each annual grazing period. The annual grazing period will be five months and 15 days, from December 15 to May 31 each year of the permit term.

Utilization monitoring by the CDFW will occur periodically throughout the annual grazing period, or at least once annually after the cattle have been removed. The CDFW must be notified, in writing, of brands which identify the cattle. The CDFW must also be contacted to schedule turn-in dates and times. CDFW staff may be present at turnout to count the number of animals entering the Premises, and to verify brands. In the occurrence that water is unavailable on the Premises, the Permittee will be responsible for bringing in water. Troughs and/or infrastructure will be placed in coordination with the CDFW Site Manager.

C. Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications

Bidders will be required to submit a statement of qualifications that describes how they meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

1. Two references and reference letters in the past five years or one reference and reference letter in the past two years that can attest to the potential Permittee’s experience and ability to perform in the implementation of a vegetation disposal agreement performed on public or conservation easement protected lands;

2. Five or more years of experience of wildlife-friendly grazing practices (preferably focused on habitat restoration);

3. Ability to respond to emergencies on Premises within one hour during the vegetation disposal period; and

4. Bidders must be in possession of the appropriate number of livestock needed to accomplish the objectives of the Permit.

D. Proposals

All proposals must conform to the following parameters:

1. Vegetation disposal activities may not begin prior to November 15, 2026, and may not continue past June 30, 2031.

2. A maximum of 20 AUs per month.

3. Only cattle may be grazed.

4. An average of 1,000 lbs./acre of RDM will remain on the Premises at the end of the annual grazing period.

Proposal packages must be prepared in accordance with the Proposal Format Requirements identified in Section F-4 of this RFP. Written proposals must contain sufficient information for the CDFW to determine which potential Permittee will be the best suited to enter into a Permit agreement with the CDFW on terms most advantageous to the CDFW. Proposals may include information that is not specifically requested in this RFP if such information is pertinent to the proposal.

In ranking proposals, the CDFW will consider how the proposed activities may further or conflict with the CDFW goals for DHWA.

E. Permit Term and Fee

If awarded, the term of this Permit shall be two years commencing November 15, 2026, or upon approval of the STATE, whichever is later (Commencement Date) and terminating on June 30, 2031, with such rights of termination as are set forth in the Permit. The STATE shall have the right to delay the Commencement Date if the STATE determines that the condition of the Premises warrant such a delay.

The annual grazing period will be five months and 15 days, starting December 15 and ending May 31.

The annual Permit fee will be calculated as the product of the proposed fee amount per AUs per month multiplied by the number of AUs per month, multiplied by the number of months in the annual grazing period. (Example: $35.00 per AU X 20 AUs per month X 5.5 months = $3,850.00 per year).

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

No. PAYMENT DUE AMOUNT PERIOD COVERED 1 December 1, 2026, or upon Permit execution, whichever is later

Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2026-February 28, 2027

2 March 1, 2027 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2027-May 31, 2027

3 December 1, 2027 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2027-February 28, 2028

4 March 1, 2028 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2028-May 31, 2028

5 December 1, 2028 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2028-February 28, 2029

6 March 1, 2029 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2029-May 31, 2029

7 December 1, 2029 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2029-February 28, 2030

8 March 1, 2030 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2030-May 31, 2030

9 December 1, 2030 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2030-February 28, 2031

10 March 1, 2031 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2031-May 31, 2031

No credit against the fee or any other sums payable under the Permit shall be provided to Permittee for any contributions (including, without limitation, work done or materials or supplies furnished) by Permittee.

F. Proposal Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates

EVENT DATE

RFP Available June 8, 2026 – July 20, 2026 Mandatory Site Inspection June 26, 2026, at 10:00am Proposal Submission Deadline July 24, 2026, at 3:30pm Proposal Evaluation and Ranking August 3, 2026 Interviews, If Necessary August 3, 2026 Final Selection/Notice of Intent to Award August 6, 2026 Proposed Award Date August 11, 2026 Finalize Exhibit B August 20, 2026 Proposed Commencement Date November 15, 2026

2. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Inspection

a. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled at 10:00 am on June 26, 2026, at 10091 Mooney Flat Road Smartsville, CA 95977 for the purpose of discussing questions regarding this RFP and touring the site. No verbal information given will be binding upon the STATE unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum, so the site inspection questions and original or corrected answers will be compiled and posted either separately, or in combination with the questions and answers addressed in Section 3, below.

b. In the event a bidder is unable to attend the mandatory pre-proposal site inspection, an authorized representative may attend in their behalf. The representative may only sign in for one bidder. No proposal will be accepted unless the bidder or bidder’s authorized representative was in attendance.

c. For bidders who need assistance due to a disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided by the CDFW upon request for the mandatory site inspection. The bidder must contact the CDFW Administrative Contact person listed on page 1 no later than the fifth working day prior to the scheduled date and time of the site inspection to arrange for a reasonable accommodation.

3. Questions and Answers

Bidders requiring clarification of the intent or content of this RFP, or on procedural matters regarding the competitive Proposal process, may request clarification by submitting questions in an email, or envelope clearly marked, "Questions Relating to RFP P2026202 to the CDFW Administrative Contact person listed on page 1. To ensure a response, questions must be received by the CDFW no less than seven business days prior to the proposal submission deadline. At the sole discretion of the CDFW, questions may be paraphrased by the CDFW for clarity.

Written responses to all questions will be collectively compiled and posted on caleprocure.ca.gov no later than five days prior to the submission deadline. It is the responsibility of the bidder to check for the list of questions and answers associated with this RFP.

4. Proposal Format Requirements

For each of the required items listed below, the bidder’s name and page number should be placed in the upper right corner of each page. All written responses must be submitted on 8.5 x 11-inch paper using ¾” margins, 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and avoid non-standard abbreviations. Each attachment shall not exceed two single-sided 8.5”x11” pages. Hand-written attachments are not prohibited but must be legible or they will be rejected. A minimum of one original and one copy of the proposal must be submitted. Proposals should be organized as follows:

Attachment 1 – Required Attachment Checklist Form provided in this RFP. A checklist to be included with the submission of proposals to ensure that the proposal is complete.

Attachment 2 – Transmittal Letter

1. List the bidder’s name, mailing address, phone, and e-mail. The bidder must sign the transmittal letter in ink and be authorized to bind the proposing firm.

The name and title of the person signing the proposal must be typed below the signature.

2. The transmittal letter must state whether the bidder, or any individual who will perform work under the Permit, has a possible conflict of interest (e.g., employment by the CDFW) and, if so, the nature of that conflict. The CDFW reserves the right to cancel an award if any interest disclosed from any source could either give the appearance of a conflict of interest, or cause speculation as to the objectivity of the bidder. Such determination regarding any questions of conflict of interest shall be solely within the discretion of the

CDFW.

Attachment 3 – Statement of Qualifications The statement of qualifications will describe the knowledge, education, experience, and abilities leading to the bidder in meeting or exceeding each of the minimum qualifications. The statement of qualifications will also include the number of reference letters required in Section C, minimum qualifications, above.

Attachment 4 – Description of Personnel and Organizational Structure

1. List all personnel who will be working on the Permit and their titles;

2. Brief, descriptive statement indicating the bidder’s credentials to perform the activities sought under this RFP;

3. Brief description of the bidder’s background, organizational history, and years in business;

4. Brief statement of how long the bidder has been performing the activities required by this RFP;

5. Location of office(s).

Attachment 5 – Proposals for Each Goal (1-6) Provide one written proposal of how you or your firm would operate to accomplish each of the six goals listed below. Each proposal must be submitted on separate sheet(s) of paper. Proposals must contain enough detail for the CDFW to score each proposal according to the established criteria. A sample proposal evaluation and scoring sheet is included herein.

Permit Goals:

1. By May 15 of each year through the term, there will be a minimum of 1,000 lbs. per acre of RDM remaining and evenly distributed on the Premises. Explain the knowledge you possess and the techniques you will use to accomplish this.

2. Describe a plan in which you use grazing to improve wildlife habitat on the Premises. Explain how your plan will reduce noxious weeds on the Premises, and how your plan will promote desirable vegetation on the Premises, including the encouragement of oak establishment

3. Ponds present on the Premises may experience heavy use by cattle during warmer temperature days. Explain your experience in reducing impacts to riparian areas and wetlands, and how you would apply this experience to reduce or prevent impacts to riparian areas and wetlands on the Premises.

4. During the Permit term, the CDFW may determine that conditions warrant a change in the annual grazing period, which would result in a reduction in AUs and/or rapid removal of livestock from an area to protect rare, threatened, and endangered species. Describe your contingency plan to deal with such an event, including resources you have available to respond to the change within the given timelines in the Minimum Qualifications.

5. The Premises is frequently used by members of the public as a popular outdoor recreation area. Describe your experience in grazing on lands that are open to the public. Explain how you would use your prior experience and knowledge to interact with members of the public present while conducting normal day to day tasks of a cattle ranching operation while on the Premises.

6. The Premises lacks interior fencing, and is grazed as one large pasture.

Explain how you will ensure that cattle will graze the Premises evenly.

Additionally, explain how you will avoid causing damage to the Premises from trailing and overutilization of meadows on the Premises.

Attachment 6 – Disclosure Statements

1. Description of any/all claims or legal actions that have been asserted or prosecuted against the bidder within the last five years arising out of acts or omissions of the bidder in connection with Permits OR grazing operations or agreements otherwise similar to those proposed under this RFP. State the status of each claim and legal action. Claims should be fully disclosed regardless of whether they involved litigation, arbitration, or other formal or informal dispute resolution processes. The disclosures required under this provision also apply to any of the individuals who will be a part of the agreement.

2. A statement as to whether, in the last ten years, the bidder has filed (or had filed against him/her/them) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or assignee for the benefit of creditors; and if so, an explanation providing relevant details.

Attachment 7 – Fee Proposal Form Form provided in this RFP. Provide a proposed fee per AUs per month. All costs associated with the proposed performance of the wildlife friendly grazing and complying with the provisions of the Permit should be considered by the bidder when submitting this fee proposal.

Attachment 8 – Bidder References and Reference Letters Form provided in this RFP. Provide the applicable references and reference letters as detailed in the Minimum Qualifications section.

Attachment 9 – Site Inspection Certification Form provided in this RFP. This form must be signed by the bidder, or an authorized representative, and co-signed by the Site Manager on the day of the mandatory site inspection to certify attendance.

Attachment 10 – Proposal Certification Form Form provided in this RFP. (Instructions on page 2 of this form).

Attachment 11 – Authorization Document Attach the appropriate document to the provided check-form as described. See page xxiii below.

5. Submission of Proposal

a. All proposals must be submitted under sealed cover and received by the CDFW at the location indicated below on or before the date and time identified above in Section F, Proposal Requirements and Information, Item (1) Key Action Dates. The sealed cover must be plainly marked with the RFP number and title, must show the complete bidder name and address, and must be marked with "DO NOT OPEN," as shown in the following example:

Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area- Yuba Narrows Unit Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal P2026202 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Bidder Name Bidder Address Bidder City, State Zip

DO NOT OPEN

Proposals not submitted under sealed cover will be rejected and returned unopened to the bidder.

Any proposal received at the above address after the proposal submission date and time specified in Section F-1 (Key Action Dates) will NOT be considered. It is the CDFW's policy to make every effort to ensure that all proposals have been received and properly time stamped; however, bidders are ultimately responsible for ensuring timely receipt of their proposal.

Bidders may verify receipt of their proposal by contacting the Administrative Contact identified in this RFP prior to the proposal evaluation and ranking.

A minimum of one original and one copy of the proposal must be submitted.

b. Bidders assume the risk of the method of dispatch chosen. The CDFW assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any delivery service.

Postmarking by the due date shall not substitute for actual proposal receipt by the CDFW. The time of delivery will be determined by the clock in the

CDFW’s office. Late proposals will not be accepted, and no additional time will be granted to any bidder. Proposals may not be delivered orally, by facsimile transmission, or by other telecommunication, or electronic means.

c. All proposals shall include the documents identified in Section G-4, Required Attachment Checklist (Attachment 1). Proposals not including the proper required attachments shall be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive proposal is one that does not meet the basic proposal requirements.

d. All documents requiring a signature must bear an original signature of a person authorized to bind the bidder.

e. Mail or deliver proposals to the following address:

Name

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Bidder Name 1701 Nimbus Rd

DO NOT OPEN

f. A proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The CDFW may reject any or all proposals and may waive an immaterial deviation in a proposal. The CDFW's waiver of an immaterial deviation shall in no way modify this RFP or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements, if awarded the Permit.

g. Costs incurred by the bidder for developing proposals, participation in mandatory site inspection and/or interviews, and any other costs incurred in connection with this RFP, and in anticipation of a Permit award, are entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be charged to the STATE or the

h. An individual who is authorized to bind the bidder shall sign the Proposal

Certification Form. If the bidder is a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, the signature should indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the entity. Any unsigned proposal will be rejected.

i. A bidder may modify a proposal after its submission only by withdrawing the original proposal and resubmitting a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline. Bidder modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

j. A bidder may withdraw a proposal by submitting a written withdrawal request to the CDFW, signed by the bidder or an authorized agent. A bidder may thereafter submit a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline. Proposals may not be withdrawn without cause after the proposal submission deadline.

k. The CDFW may modify this RFP prior to the time fixed for submission of proposals by issuing an addendum to all parties who received a proposal package.

l. The CDFW reserves the right to reject all proposals. The CDFW is not required to award a Permit.

m. Before submitting a response to this solicitation, bidders should review the response, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the RFP requirements.

n. The bidder is required only upon the date and time specified for the site inspection identified in this RFP to inspect the Premises and investigate the conditions, character, and quality of the site. The Premises will be made available in As-Is condition. The CDFW makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the Premises, including its fitness or suitability for bidders’ purposes; the condition or quality of soils; organic certification of any pasture or field; existence, adequacy, or condition of fencing; or availability of water or electric power, none of which are guaranteed. No changes to the fee amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of the site.

o. Questions on this RFP must be presented in writing to the Administrative

Contact no later than seven business days before the proposal submission deadline.

p. The Permit will be an agreement between the CDFW and only one

Permittee, which must be an individual or a legal entity, such as a corporation or partnership. Proposals submitted by any informal association of persons or entities will be rejected. If the bidder is a partnership (General Partnership or Limited Partnership), a copy of the partnership agreement must be provided. The date of such an agreement must pre-date the proposal submission deadline date.

q. The provisions of the CDFW’s Permit are not negotiable.

r. No oral understanding or agreement shall be binding on either party.

s. By submitting a proposal, the bidder acknowledges that the bidder has read and understands this RFP and is in agreement to the provisions of the sample Permit included as part of this RFP package.

t. If any provision of this RFP is declared by a court to be illegal or in conflict with any law, the validity of the remaining terms and provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the CDFW and the bidder shall be construed and enforced as if this RFP did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid.

6. Evaluation and Ranking

a. All proposals received by the submission deadline will be reviewed by the

CDFW to determine compliance with mandatory proposal requirements as specified in this RFP. If the CDFW determines that a proposal is not considered fully responsive and it is material to the RFP requirements, the proposal may be rejected.

b. Proposals accepted under the terms of this RFP will be evaluated and ranked by an evaluation team which may consist of, but is not limited to a CDFW Wildlife Area Manager or regional CDFW representative.

Composition of the evaluation team is subject to change at the sole discretion of the CDFW.

c. At least two references are required. The CDFW will review each reference letter and attempt to contact each reference by phone. References will be asked to describe the prior vegetation disposal agreement transaction they had with the bidder, and to answer the following questions:

1. Did the firm/individual satisfactorily complete the obligations within the terms of the agreement? (Yes or No)

2. Did the firm/individual pay the fee(s) on time? (Yes or No)

3. Was the firm/individual knowledgeable in best farming practices to avoid negative impacts to the premises? (Yes or No)

If any reference provided by the bidder answers “No” to any of the questions, the proposal will be disqualified on the grounds that the bidder did not meet the minimum qualifications, and the proposal is therefore non-responsive.

d. Proposals that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references that do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the bidder, may be rejected.

e. The CDFW reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to request clarifications of proposals or to conduct discussions for the purpose of clarification with any or all bidders. The purpose of any such discussions shall be to ensure full understanding of the proposal. If clarifications are made as a result of such discussion, the bidder shall put such clarifications in writing. Bidders may not submit supplemental information without the approval of the

f. The evaluation team may consider information that is pertinent to the bidders’ qualifications, regardless of whether such information is specifically requested or included in the criteria listed in this RFP.

g. Proposals will be ranked based on the criteria set forth below:

Rating/Scoring Criteria Points Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Pass/Fail Transmittal Letter Pass/Fail Reference Check Pass/Fail Disclosure Statement Pass/Fail Knowledge, Experience, Organization Information 10 points Ability to Respond to Emergencies 10 points Proposal for Goal 1 15 points Proposal for Goal 2 15 points Proposal for Goal 3 15 points Proposal for Goal 4 15 points Proposal for Goal 5 15 points Proposal for Goal 6 15 points Cost 40 points

Total Possible Points: 150 Points

The method of evaluation and scoring is as follows:

Statement of Qualifications

Pass Meets minimum qualifications.

Fail Did not provide a SOQ; or did not meet minimum qualifications.

Transmittal Letter

Pass Meets minimum Qualifications.

Fail Did not provide a Transmittal Letter.

Reference Check

Pass Reference provided a “Yes” response to each question.

Fail A “No” response to any question will be grounds to deem proposal non-responsive.

Disclosure Statement

Pass The bidder did not disclose any claims of legal actions within the last five years or bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings within the past ten years.

Fail The bidder did disclose claims of legal actions within the last five years or bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings within the past ten years.

Knowledge, Experience, and Organization Information

1-10 Scored based upon the bidder’s knowledge and experience to benefit the Premises

Ability to Respond to Emergencies

1-10 Scored based upon the bidders ability to respond to emergencies in a timely manner on the premises

Goal 1

By May 15 of each year through the term, there will be a minimum of 1,000 lbs. per acre of RDM remaining and evenly distributed on the Premises. Explain the knowledge you possess and the techniques you will use to accomplish this.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 2

Describe a plan in which you use grazing to improve wildlife habitat on the Premises. Explain how your plan will reduce noxious weeds on the Premises, and how your plan will promote desirable vegetation on the Premises, including the encouragement of oak establishment

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 3

Ponds present on the Premises may experience heavy use by cattle during warmer temperature days. Explain your experience in reducing impacts to riparian areas and wetlands, and how you would apply this experience to reduce or prevent impacts to riparian areas and wetlands on the Premises.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 4

During the Permit term, the CDFW may determine that conditions warrant a change in the annual grazing period, which would result in a reduction in AUs and/or rapid removal of livestock from an area to protect rare, threatened, and endangered species. Describe your contingency plan to deal with such an event, including resources you have available to respond to the change within the given timelines in the Minimum Qualifications

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 5

The Premises is frequently used by members of the public as a popular outdoor recreation area. Describe your experience in grazing on lands that are open to the public. Explain how you would use your prior experience and knowledge to interact with members of the public present while conducting normal day to day tasks of a cattle ranching operation while on the Premises.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 6

The Premises lacks interior fencing, and is grazed as one large pasture. Explain how you will ensure that cattle will graze the Premises evenly. Additionally, explain how you will avoid causing damage to the Premises from trailing and overutilization of meadows on the Premises.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Cost (40 points possible):

The highest price offered receives the maximum of 10 points. All other proposals will receive a score based on the following formula:

Cost proposal divided by the highest cost proposal x 10 points = Score

Example:

Highest bid is $40.00/AUM……………………………….…………...40 points Next highest bid is $35.00/AUM…($35.00 divided by $40.00) times 10 = 35 points Next bid is $25.00/AUM……($25.00 divided by $40.00) times 40 = 25 points

= TOTAL POINTS SCORED TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 150

7. Interviews (If Needed)

At the CDFW’s discretion, interviews may be held with bidders that ranked closely in the evaluation scoring, if any clarifications in the proposals are needed or as the method to break a tie. The interviews will be conducted by the evaluation team.

8. Basis of Award

The Permit award, if made, will be to the responsive, responsible bidder with the highest ranking based upon the evaluation criteria (and any interview results). The evaluation process is designed to award the Permit not necessarily to the bidder offering the highest fee, but rather to the bidder with the best combination of attributes based upon the evaluation criteria and that which presents the most advantageous proposal to the CDFW.

Proposal responses must comply with all RFP requirements. Failure to do so will disqualify the proposal. If it is determined not to be in the best interest of the STATE, the CDFW reserves the right to not award a Permit in response to this

RFP.

9. Disposition of Proposal

a. Upon proposal opening, all documents submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of the STATE. Selection or rejection of a proposal does not affect its ownership by the CDFW.

b. All proposal information, including detailed price and cost information, shall be held in confidence during the evaluation process. Upon the completion of the evaluation of proposal, indicated by a notice of intent to award the Permit, the proposals and associated materials shall be open for review by the public to the extent allowed by the California Public Records Act (Government Code sections 6250-6270 and 6275-6276.48). By submitting a proposal, the bidder acknowledges and accepts that the contents of the proposal and associated documents shall become open to public inspection. The guidelines for making CDFW-related Public Records Act requests are available on the CDFW/Fish and Game Commission Guidelines for Public Records Act Requests internet page, here:

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/General-Counsel/Public-Records-Requests

10. Protest

a. In Accordance with Public Contract Code Section 10345, if any bidder, prior to the award of an agreement, files a written protest with the Department of General Services (DGS) – Office of Legal Services and CDFW on the grounds that the (protesting) bidder is the lowest responsive responsible bidder, the agreement will not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or the DGS has decided the matter. The protest must be sent to:

Department of General Services Office of Legal Services

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Attn: Bid Protest Coordinator Attn: State Owned Properties Management Unit

Address: 707 3rd Street, 7th Floor, Suite 7-330 West Sacramento, CA 95605

Address: P.O. Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244-

Email: OLSProtests@dgs.ca.g ov

Email: BMBstateownedproperti es@wildlife.ca.gov

Within five days after filing the initial protest, the protesting bidder must file with the DGS and the CDFW a detailed written statement specifying the grounds for the protest. Protests may be submitted by regular mail, courier, or personal delivery.

11. Finalization of Site Operation Plan (Exhibit B)

The CDFW, in agreement with the awardee, may include the awardee’s proposals as addenda to the Site Operation Plan – Exhibit B. The CDFW reserves the option to strike-out or modify any portion of the winning proposal that conflicts with the Permit and/or Site Operations Plan. Revision to the standard language of the Permit is prohibited.

If the CDFW and the awardee initially selected by the CDFW are unable to agree on the provisions of the Site Operation Plan within a reasonable time, the Permit will be offered to the bidder ranked second by the evaluation team.

The negotiation process described in Sections F-6 through F-9 and F-11 will be repeated until an agreement is executed.

12. Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Award

a. Following the award, the CDFW will request insurance documentation from the awardee that will comply with Section 21 of this Agreement. These documents must be provided on or before the requested date. STATE execution of the Permit is contingent upon the verification of the insurance by the DGS – Office of Risk and Insurance Management. (The awardee should provide the Sample Permit and the “Land Use Agreements: Guide to Insurance Documentation Requirements” to their insurance broker when requesting the coverage and required documents.)

b. The awardee will be required to provide a completed Payee Data Record form (STD. 204) with the documents described above.

c. The CDFW reserves the right to rescind the award if any requested documentation is not provided by the awardee on or before the requested due date. The awardee is solely responsible for ensuring timely responses by any individual or firm they choose to create and provide the requested documents.

d. The CDFW reserves the right to offer the award to the next responsive, highest scoring bidder, or to issue a new RFP if the award is rescinded.

e. Upon receipt, the awardee will sign the original copy of the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal, provided by CDFW electronically within ten business days after receipt from the CDFW.

f. This RFP and the Permittee selection processes do not obligate the CDFW and do not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement in the apparent best evaluated potential Permittee or any vendor.

13. Permit Execution and Performance

a. Activities (including any pre-season preparation work) shall start no sooner than the Commencement Date indicated upon the Permit or upon delivery of a fully signed and executed Permit to the Permittee and the CDFW receipt of the first Fee, whichever occurs later.

b. All activities and obligations under the Permit shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Permit.

14. Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

This RFP includes, as a separate document, a sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Sample DFW 587) for review. The sample DFW 587 contains language that the CDFW expects to utilize for this Permit. Following award of the Permit, the CDFW will prepare a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal, including exhibits for execution. By submitting a proposal, the successful bidder acknowledges that they have read and understand the provisions of the Permit and agree to sign and return the DFW 587 within ten business days of receipt if awarded.

15. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirements

The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies.

Bidder / Offeror must notify the State in writing if it: (1) intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the State; or (2), intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts: (i) functionality of a State system, (ii) risk to the State, or (iii) Contract performance. For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

Failure to report GenAI to the State may result in disqualification. The State reserves the right to seek any and all relief to which it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon notification by a Bidder / Offeror of GenAI as required, the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

Government Code 11549.64 defines “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)” as an artificial intelligence system that can generate derived synthetic content, including text, images, video, and audio that emulates the structure and characteristics of the system’s training data.

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16. Exhibit A: Map ii

17. Exhibit A-1: Legal Description of Site iii

18. Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan

The proposed grazing activity will be conducted with non-exclusive rights on approximately 613 acres of real property known as the Yuba Narrows Unit, referred to as the Premises, in Yuba and Nevada County, California.

Location: The Premises is a 613-acre unit located within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, north of highway 20, and west of Mooney Flat Road near the historic community of Smartsville (Exhibit A). A 613-acre portion of the unit south of the Yuba River will be available for grazing. The Premises is managed by the CDFW North Central Region as a unit of the Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area

(DHWA).

Long Term Management Goals for the Premises

1. Conserve biodiversity found on or near the Premises, with an emphasis on threatened species and species of special concern.

2. Protect water quality of the Yuba River Watershed.

3. Improve habitat and recreational linkage between the DHWA; University of California Foothill Research Station on the north; CDFW Spenceville Wildlife Area; and the Beale Air Force Base on the south.

4. Improve and enhance public recreational opportunities and access to the

Yuba River for angling, hiking, and other recreational and scenic activities.

5. Align management of the landscape with California’s climate goals.

Topography: The landscape has been shaped by the Yuba River, which has cut a deep valley along the north side of the premises. This left steep slopes with tall vertical cliffs, and slopes with 50 to 75% grades. The banks of the rivers and streams are generally rocky, with large boulders lining the shore.

Many seasonal streams have cut shallow valleys through the landscape, but the steep slopes quickly give way to gentler slopes at higher elevations, covered by meadows and mixed oak woodlands. The shallow bedrock is exposed in many areas, and large rock outcrops are common throughout the Premises.

The southern portion of the Premises along Mooney Flat Road was heavily degraded by hydraulic mining and features dramatic cliffs and large ponds. The largest cliffs are visible from the ponds but there are multiple ravines with dense brush to the north of the ponds along the fence line that parallels Dutch Flat Road. The Black Swan Trail, which starts near the ponds, provides access for a variety of users interested in the cultural history of the area, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.

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Soil: Soils in the Premises are primarily composed of gravelly loam with some sections of exposed rock outcrops, river wash, and historic mine tailings. The soil compaction rating for all soil types on the Premises is medium, which means there is a significant potential for soil compaction. Soil classification and characteristics are from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Web Soil Survey (accessed 3/2021).

Water: The Premises includes frontage along the Yuba River, Deer Creek, Black Swan Ponds, and several intermittent streams (Exhibit A). Deer Creek runs along the bottom of a steep ravine with 10 to 30 ft rock walls and is unlikely to be accessible to cattle. Several sections along the Yuba River have a sandy, level bank but cattle most likely won’t be able to access it as a regular water source since slopes leading down to the bank are steep (between 50 to 75%) and rocky.

The Black Swan Ponds are a perennial water source and will be available for cattle use. In the future, fencing may be constructed around sections of the ponds to exclude cattle from sensitive areas.

Several intermittent streams pass through the Premises but the presence of water in these streams during the annual grazing period is not guaranteed.

There is a developed well in the center of the Premises near the Dutch Flat Road gate (Exhibit A). The CDFW developed this well to provide water for wildlife, as well as to provide water for livestock at the higher elevation portion of the Premises during dry parts of the annual grazing period to discourage cattle from loafing at the ponds at the lower elevations. The CDFW has historically maintained this well development, but the CDFW makes no guarantees of the availability of the well for livestock water. Any watering facilities for livestock brought onto the Premises by the permittee shall be placed in coordination with the CDFW Site Manager.

Wildlife: Maintenance and enhancement of oak woodlands and other native wildlife communities and habitats is the primary management goal for the Premises. The habitat types support several game species, including mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), American black bear (Ursus americanus), mountain lions (Puma concolor), California quail (Callipepla californica), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata), and a variety of waterfowl species. Raptors commonly nest and congregate around the Yuba Narrows cliffs and sightings of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are common. Since the Premises is managed to support wildlife, conflict with predators is possible, and must be considered a business risk.

The Premises also contains suitable habitat for special status species including long-eared owl (Asio otus), western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), western red v bat (Lasiurus blossevillii), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), California black rail(Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus), Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis), and foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii).