CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

Request for Proposals (Primary)

Weed Abatement Services

RFP No.: C26554002

November 2026

State of California - The Resources Agency Department of Parks and Recreation

Oceano Dunes District

California Department of Parks and Recreation RFP No.: C26554002

Page i of iii Weed Abatement Services

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1.0 PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW OF RFP

1.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.2 DEFINITIONS

1.3 ACRONYMS

2.0 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE AND PROCESS

2.1 AUTHORITY’S DESIGNATED POINT OF CONTACT

2.2 ADDENDA TO THE RFP

2.3 NON-COMMITMENT OF PARKS

2.4 PROPERTY RIGHTS

2.5 IMPROPER COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTACTS

2.6 CONFIDENTIALITY

2.7 UNRUH CIVIL RIGHTS ACT AND THE FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING ACT

3.0 SUBMITTAL OF THE PROPOSALS

3.1 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INFORMATION

3.2 LATE SUBMITTALS

3.3 MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

4.0 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.2 TRANSMITTAL LETTER

4.2.1 Proposal Minimum Requirements

4.3 CONTENTS OF THE PROPOSAL

4.3.1 Past Performance and Experience

4.3.2 Small Business Participation and Preference

4.3.3 Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Requirement and Incentive

4.4 Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)

4.5 Cost Proposal………………………………………………………………………...18

5.0 EVALUATION

5.1 PROPOSAL REVIEW

5.2 PROPOSER EVALUATION

5.2.1 Cost Proposal Evaluation

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5.3 NOTICE OF PROPOSED AWARD

5.4 EXECUTION AND AWARD PROCESS

5.5 NO AGREEMENT UNTIL SIGNED AND APPROVED

6.0 PROTEST PROCEDURES

List of Figures

Figure 1: RFP Section Map

List of Tables

Table 1: Key RFP Dates:

List of Attachments

Attachment A: Minimum Requirements Checklist

Attachment B: Criteria for Determining Minimum Qualifications

Attachment C: References Form Attachment D: Cost Breakdown Form

Attachment E: Sample Agreement, including Exhibit A (Scope of Work) through Exhibit D

California Department of Parks and Recreation RFP No.: C26554002

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Table of Contents

List of Forms and Certifications

Form A: Bidder Declaration (GSPD 05-105)

Form B: Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declaration (DGS PD 843)

Cert. 1: CCC-04/2017 and STD 204

Cert. 2: Iran Contracting Certification

Cert. 3: Darfur Contracting Act Certification

Cert. 4: Major Participant Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibilty, and Voluntary Exclusion Certification

Cert. 5: Subcontractor Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Volunatry Exclusion Certification

Cert. 6: Non-Collusion Certification

Cert. 7: California Civil Rights Laws Certification

Cert. 8: Executive Order N-6-22: Russia Sanction

Cert. 9: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure Form (DPR

Cert 10: CUF Bidder Certification (DPR 87)

1.0 Purpose and Overview of RFP

The following list provides a general overview of information related to the subject of this Request for Proposals (RFP):

1. The Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks), Oceano Dunes District is issuing this RFP-Primary to receive Proposals from qualified firms (Proposers) to provide Weed Abatement Services.

2. This award will be determined through the Request for Proposal (RFP): Primary Method where proposers submit their cost detail/bid form “separately” from other proposal documentation and labeled “Sealed: Cost Proposal”. All proposals are evaluated on a “pass/fail” basis to determine if the minimum qualifications and requirements are met; all proposals that meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will then have cost details/bids opened and reviewed. Note: Firms that demonstrate they exceed the minimum qualifications or requirements will not receive higher scores or points. The contract shall be awarded to the responsible and qualified proposer offering the lowest cost for its services.

3. The Agreement period will start upon DGS approval of the Agreement and will extend 36 months (3 years). The Work will start with an Authorization to Commence Work Notice and will be managed through agreed on Workplan. No Work may begin prior to the receipt of an Authorization to Commence Work Notice.

4. The total dollar value for the Agreement resulting from this RFP is not to exceed $280,000.00.

5. This RFP will be available in electronic format on the State’s Contract Register at caleprocure.ca.gov which is the official site.

All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to the email address of the individual identified in Section 2.1 of this RFP by the date and time listed in Section 3.0, Table 1. All such questions shall use the subject line: C26554002 – Weed Abatement Services. Responses to questions submitted will be posted on the State’s Contract Register and a courtesy copy will be sent to those who submitted questions.

1.1 Brief Description of Services

Please see: Sample Agreement, Attachment E, Exhibit A, Attachment II for the complete Scope of Work Detail.

The objective of this contract is to restore the ecological integrity and function of the native habitat through the eradication and/or control of several exotic invasive plant/weed species that have established within the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

(ODSVRA) and Pismo State Beach (PSB) located in San Luis Obispo County with the Oceano Dunes District (ODD).

Contractor shall be responsible for completing all work identified in the specifications and in the time identified despite the variability of weather or accessibility at the site.

Contractor shall not be eligible for reimbursement for delays caused by weather events, difficult terrain, or unusual site conditions.

The State has strategically chosen the following five (5) Treatment Areas:

Area A – Dune Preserve Area B – Maidenform Peninsula, Maidenform South/Oso Flaco Overlook Area, “40 Acre”

Restoration, and Oso Flaco Service Road Area C – Maidenform Cascades Area D – Phillips 66 Lease (Jack Lake Ridge, Jack Lake Valley and Walter’s Valley) Area E – South Oso Flaco

For maps of treatment areas, see Sample Agreement, Attachement E, Exhibit A, EXHIBIT A, ATTACHMENT IV - TREATMENT MAPS

The three (3) targeted plants scheduled for spraying during the thirty-six-month duration of the Weed Contract are: European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria), ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis and Carpobrotus chilensis), and perennial veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina).

See Sample Agreement, Attachement E, Exhibit A, Attachment III for complete Treatment Areas and Herbicide Formulas.

Please note ODSVRA, PSB, and OFL contain numerous sensitive habitats and are home to several threatened and endangered plants and animals. In addition, there are several extremely sensitive cultural sites that cannot be disturbed. Park staff will mark these cultural and listed species sites prior to commencement of weed work. These sites are considered confidential and the Contractor shall keep the confidentiality of these locations. The Contractor shall exhibit the utmost care in working in the dune systems to avoid sensitive plants, animals, habitats, and cultural resources.

See Sample Agreement, Attachment E, Exhibit A, Attachment I for complete General Work Conditions and Requirements.

Figure 1 provides the geographic area where the work will take place.

Figure 1: Map of Oceano Dunes District Geographic Location

1.2 Definitions

Whenever used in this RFP, the following terms have the definitions indicated:

Agreement – The contract between the Authority and the successful Proposer executed as a result of this procurement.

Business day – Monday through Friday, except for federal or State holidays, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time. Lists of federal and State holidays can be found at www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays

Commercially Useful Function – The Parks will uniformly apply CUF Best Practices standards in collective consideration of CUF standards set forth by 49 CFR Part 26.55 (c)-(d), Government Code section 14837, California Code of Regulations section 1896.4(h), and Military and Veteran

Code section 999(b) (5). A SB, DVBE, and MB is deemed to perform a CUF if the business meets the following CUF standards:

1. Performs a CUF when a SB/MB/DVBE is responsible for the execution of a distinct element of work of the Agreement and is carrying out its responsibilities by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved.

2. Performs work that is normal for its business services and functions.

3. Be responsible, with respect, to materials and supplies used on the Agreement, for negotiating price, determining quality and quantity, ordering the material, and installing and paying for the material itself.

4. A SB/MB/DVBE does not perform a CUF if its role is limited to that of an extra participant in a transaction, contract, or project through which funds are passed in order to obtain the appearance of SB/MB/DVBE participation.

5. A SB/MB/DVBE does not perform a CUF if it subcontracts a greater portion of the work than would be expected by normal industry practices.

Contractor – The successful Proposer that executes the Agreement with the Authority as a result of this RFP.

Day – Calendar Day, unless otherwise noted.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise – A for-profit business concern that meets the certification requirements set forth in California Military and Veterans Code section 999(b)(7), including but not limited to at least 51 percent owned by a veteran of the United States Military who has at least a 10 percent service-connected disability. To be counted towards meeting the goals of the Small Business Program, a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise must be certified by the California Department of General Services.

Key Personnel – Those individuals identified in the Proposer’s Proposal to fill the roles specified in Section Error! Reference source not found..

Microbusiness – A for-profit small business concern that meets the certification requirements set forth in California Government Code section 14837(d) and California Code of Regulations sections 1896.4 (Definitions) and 2894.12 (Eligibility) including but not limited to its principal office is located in California, its owners reside in California, it not be dominant in its field and it have an average gross annual revenue of $3.5 million or less over the previous three tax years. To be counted towards meeting the goals of the Small Business Program, the Microbusiness must be certified by the California Department of General Services.

Open Government Laws – Collectively, the California Public Records Act (Government Code section 6250, et seq.), the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Gov. Code section 11120, et seq.), and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. section 552, as amended by Public Law No. 104- 231, 110 Stat. 3048) and other applicable State and federal open records laws.

Person – Any individual, corporation, company, joint venture, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, or governmental agency including the Authority.

Proposer – A Person that submits a Proposal in response to this Request for Proposals.

Proposer Team – Collectively, the Proposer and its members and Subcontractors.

Public Records Act – The California Public Records Act, Government Code section 6250 et seq.

Small Business – A for-profit business concern that meets the certification requirements set forth in California Government Code section 14837(d) and California Code of Regulations sections

1896.4 (Definitions) and 2894.12 (Eligibility) including but not limited to that its principal office is located in California, its owners reside in California, it not be dominant in its field and it have average gross annual revenue of $14 million or less over the previous three tax years. To be counted towards meeting the goals of the Small Business Program, a Small Business must be certified by the California Department of General Services.

State – The State of California.

Subcontractor – Defined as follows:

a. Prior to award of any Agreement resulting from this RFP, any Person with whom the Proposer proposes to enter into a subcontract for any part of the Work, or that will enter into a subcontract for any part of the Work, at any tier; or

b. After award of any Agreement resulting from this RFP, any Person with whom the Proposer has entered into a subcontract for any part of the Work, or with whom any Subcontractor has further subcontracted any part of the Work, at all tiers.

Work – All of the tasks required under the Agreement resulting from this RFP.

1.3 Acronyms

CNRA California Natural Resources Agency CUF Commercially Useful Function DGS California Department of General Services DVBE Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise FOIA Freedom of Information Act MB Microbusiness RFP Request for Proposals SB Small Business

2.0 Procurement Schedule and Process

Table 1: Key RFP Dates:

Key Dates Activity Description 11/06/2026 RFP advertised.

11/20/2026 Last day to submit written questions 11/25/2026 Responses posted to bidder submitted questions.

12/04/2026 2:00pm

Proposals due by 2:00 PM Pacific Time.*

12/09/2026 Notice of Intent to Award released by 5:00 PM Pacific Time *

12/16/2026 Award * *All dates subsequent to the Proposal deadline may be modified at the discretion of Parks without issuing a formal addendum to this RFP.

2.1 Authority’s Designated Point of Contact

The Authority’s Designated Point of Contact for communications concerning the Project or this RFP shall be as follows:

Kayla Houser, Contract Analyst California Department of Parks and Recreation

Oceano Dunes District 340 James Way, Suite 270 Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Phone: 805-773-7170 Email: od.billing@parks.ca.gov

Persons intending to submit Proposals in response to this RFP shall not contact or discuss any items related to this process with any Parks staff other than the Point of Contact listed above.

Failure to comply with this communication prohibition may result in disqualification.

2.2 Addenda to the RFP

Parks reserves the right to amend this RFP by addendum before the final date of Proposal submission. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to check the State’s Contract Register for all addenda.

2.3 Non-Commitment of Parks

This RFP does not commit Parks to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a Proposal, or to procure or contract for services or supplies. Parks reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals received as a result of this RFP, or to modify or cancel in part or in its entirety the RFP if it is in the best interests of Parks to do so.

2.4 Property Rights

Proposals received within the prescribed deadline become the property of Parks and all rights to the contents therein become those of Parks. All material developed and produced for Parks under any Agreement resulting from this RFP shall belong exclusively to the State of California. All products used or developed in the execution of any Agreement resulting from this RFP will be governed in accordance with the Intellectual Property section in Attachment E, Sample Agreement.

2.5 Improper Communications and Contacts

The following rules of contact shall apply during this procurement that began upon the date of issuance of this RFP and will be completed with either the execution of any Agreement resulting from this procurement or the cancellation of the procurement. These rules are designed to promote a fair and unbiased procurement process. Contact includes, but is not limited to, face-to-face, telephone, facsimile, e-mail, or formal written communication.

The specific rules of contact are as follows:

1. After submittal of Proposals, no Proposer or any of its team members may communicate with another Proposer or its team members with regard to the RFP or any other team’s Proposal with the exception of Subcontractors that are shared between two or more Proposer Teams.

In such cases, those Subcontractors may communicate with their respective team members so long as those Proposers establish a protocol to ensure that the Subcontractor will not act as a conduit of information between the teams (contact among Proposer organizations is allowed during Parks sponsored informational meetings). Protocols established to ensure that Subcontractors do not act as conduits of information between teams are subject to Parks review and approval, at Parks’ discretion.

2. Proposers shall correspond with Parks regarding the RFP only through the Designated Point of Contact (see Section 2.1 of this RFP).

3. Proposers shall not contact the entities listed below regarding this procurement, including any employees, representatives, and members regarding this RFP:

1. California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA)

2. California Department of General Services (DGS), except to file a Protest as outlined in Section 7.0 of this RFP.

3. California Department of Parks and Recreation (except as provided in this RFP)

4. The foregoing restriction shall not, however, preclude or restrict communications with regard to matters unrelated to the RFP or the procurement or from participating in public meetings of the Authority or any Authority workshop related to this RFP.

5. Any communication determined to be improper, at the sole discretion of Parks, may result in disqualification.

6. Parks will not be responsible for any oral exchange or any other information or exchange that occurs outside the official RFP process.

2.6 Confidentiality

Proposers shall not submit confidential information in their Proposals. Any information submitted during the procurement process will be discoverable under a California Public Records Act request after the procurement is complete.

All written correspondence, exhibits, photographs, reports, printed material, tapes, electronic disks, and other graphic and visual aids submitted to the Authority during this procurement process, including as part of a response to this RFP are, upon their receipt by Parks, the property of Parks and are subject to the Open Government Laws. None of the aforementioned materials will be returned to the submitting parties. Proposers should familiarize themselves with the Open Government Laws, including the Public Records Act.

If a Proposer has special concerns about information that it desires to make available to Parks but which it believes constitutes a trade secret, proprietary information, or other information exempt from disclosure, such Proposer should specifically and conspicuously designate that information as “TRADE SECRET” or “CONFIDENTIAL” in its filed response to this RFP. Blanket, all-inclusive identifications by designation of whole pages or sections as containing proprietary information, trade secrets, or confidential commercial or financial information shall not be permitted and shall be deemed invalid. The specific proprietary information, trade secrets, or confidential commercial and financial information must be clearly identified as such. Under no circumstances, however, will Parks be responsible or liable to the Proposer or any other party for the disclosure of any such labeled materials, whether the disclosure is deemed required by law, by an order of court, or occurs through inadvertence, mistake, or negligence on the part of the Authority or its officers, employees, contractors, or consultants.

2.7 Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act

Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 2010, the Proposer has a completed Cert. 11: California Civil Rights Laws Certification, certifying compliance with the following:

1. California Civil Rights Laws: For contracts over $100,000 executed or renewed after January 1, 2017, the Proposer certifies compliance with the Unruh Civil Rights Act (section 51 of the Civil Code) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (section 12960 of the Government Code); and

2. Employer Discrimination Policies: For contracts over $100,000 executed or renewed after January 1, 2017, if a Proposer has an internal policy against a sovereign nation or peoples recognized by the United States government, the Proposer certifies that such policies are not used in violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act (section 51 of the Civil Code) or the Fair Employment and Housing Act (section 12960 of the Government Code).

3.0 Submittal of the Proposals

3.1 Proposal Submittal Information

For RFPs determined by the Primary Method, Proposers must submit their cost breakdown/bid form separately from other proposal documentation, including documentation to demonstrate the proposer’s minimum qualifications.

If submitted electronically via email:

The cost proposal and all cost information must be attached as a separate file from the rest of the proposal documentation. The cost proposal file attachment name must include “Sealed: Cost Proposal”. The cost proposal must not be included within any other bid materials attachments. Proposers may submit all attachments within one

(1) email.

Electronically submitted Bid Proposal attachments must be in Portable Document Format (PDF) to submitted to od.billing@parks.ca.gov by dates and times shown in Key Action Dates. Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered.

Submissions with attached PDF documents in excess of 10 Megabytes in size risk being rejected and may be deemed unresponsive. DPR will provide an electronic email response confirming receipt of each submission received. If a confirmation receipt is not received within 30-minutes of submission, please contact Od.billing@parks.ca.gov to confirm your bid (proposal) was received. Confirmation receipt is not a representation by DPR that the submitted bid is responsive and complete.

Proposers are responsible for ensuring that the electronic submission contains the attachment(s), is fully responsive and lacks any deficiency prior to submitting to the email address above. Failure by the proposer to submit bids as directed risks their proposal being deemed unresponsive and rejected. Proposers are advised to submit their proposals at least an hour in advance of the bid submission deadline to allow for confirmation of bid submission.

The proposal emails shall contain the RFP Number “C26554002”, RFP Title "Weed Abatement Services", and the words “Bid Proposal” in the subject line. If the proposal is made under a fictitious name or business title, the legal name of proposer must be provided.

All proposals shall include the documents identified in Attachment A Checklist.

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. E-Mail proposals to: od.billing@parks.ca.gov.

If submitted by mail or in-person:

Each proposer must submit their proposal package with the cost proposal and all cost information in a separate, sealed envelope from the rest of the proposal;

labeled “Sealed: Cost Proposal.”

Proposers shall include one original and 2 hard copies in separate 3-ring binders in its submittal containing both its Technical Proposal and its Cost Proposal in a sealed package or package.

The Cost proposal shall be separately seal from other proposal materials. The original must be clearly marked “Original” on its face and spine, and each must be marked with the Proposer’s name and numbered 1 through [5] on their spines. Each Proposer shall include one electronic version of its Proposal in a printable and searchable .pdf format on a CD or DVD. The .pdf should not be protected by password. Proposals must be received in the specified location no later than the date and time listed in Table 1, addressed in accordance with Section 3.1.

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall be mailed or hand delivered to:

If hand-delivered: *

Attention: Kayla Houser California Department of Parks and Recreation Oceano Dunes District 340 James Way, Suite 270 Pismo Beach, CA 93449

If delivered by mail:

Attention: Kayla Houser California Department of Parks and Recreation Oceano Dunes District 340 James Way, Suite 270 Pismo Beach, CA 93449

The following information must be placed on the lower left corner of the submittal shipping packages:

RFP No.: C26554002 California Department of Parks and Recreation Oceano Dunes District Weed Abatement Services Proposal

*Due to building access restrictions, Proposers who will hand deliver their Proposals are requested to notify the Designated Point of Contact identified in Section 3.1 at least 24 hours before their anticipated arrival time.

3.2 Late Submittals

In accordance with California Public Contract Code section 10344, Proposals received after the specified date and time are considered late and will not be accepted. There are no exceptions to this law. Postmark dates of mailing, e-mail and facsimile (fax) transmissions are not accepted under any circumstances and are not acceptable toward meeting the submission deadline for Proposal delivery. A Proposal is late if received any time after the date and time listed in Table 1.

Proposer:

Proposals received after the specified time will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the Proposer. Proposers are responsible for requesting a receipt or delivery confirmation for delivery of their proposal packages.

3.3 Modification or Withdrawal of Proposals

Any Proposal received may be withdrawn or modified before the Proposal submittal date by written request, signed by the Proposer or an authorized agent. A Proposer may thereafter submit a new Proposal prior to the Proposal Due Date. The only method for a Proposer to modify its Proposal is by withdrawing its submission in its entirety prior to the Proposal deadline, by written notification to Parks. A complete, corrected submission package may be resubmitted prior to the Proposal deadline. Modifications offered in any other manner will not be considered.

4.0 Proposal Requirements

The following summarizes the content and organization of the Proposal. In addition to the information described below, ODD may require confirmation or clarification of information furnished by a Proposer. Omissions, inaccuracies, or misstatements will be sufficient cause for rejection of a Proposal.

4.1 General Requirements

The Proposal shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Documents should be prepared in single-spaced type, 12 point font, on 8-1/2” x 11” sheets. A page is considered a single side of an 8-1/2” x 11” sheet.

2. Pages should be numbered to show the page numbers and total number of pages in response;

(e.g., Page 1 of 20, Page 2 of 20, etc.). Page numbers should be numbered at the bottom of the page.

1. The Proposal shall be no more than five (5) pages in length, excluding the: Transmittal Letter, submission of required licencure described in Attachment E: Exhibit A- Attachment I: General Work Conditions and Requirements, Section A, reference form, cost detail/ bid sheet, and the Forms and Certifications, which are not included in the page count.

3. Brochures, extraneous publications such as published articles, directories, lengthy client lists, and other miscellaneous materials not specifically requested will not be evaluated.

4. If submitting as a team, note which entity is the prime Proposer or lead joint venture partner (if applicable).

5. Note the individual who will be the point of contact authorized to bind the Proposer.

6. All names and applicable titles shall be typed or printed below the signatures.

7. Submission of all required Forms and Certifications must be signed and included. If erasures or other changes appear on the forms, each erasure or change shall be initialed and dated by the person signing the response.

8. The Proposal Package shall be divided into sections as described below:

a. At a minimum, the items described in Section 4.0 shall be addressed.

b. Sections in the Bid Proposal are as follows:

i) Transmittal Letter

ii) Transmittal Letter Attachments

(1) Licenses

(2) Required Forms and Certifications

iii) Proposal – Past Performances and Experience

iv) Reference Form

9. The Cost Proposal shall be attached separately from the rest of the Proposal Package and labeled/named “Sealed: Cost Proposal.” Proposers shall complete Cost Breakdown Form (2 pages) in Attachment C, as the cost proposal.

4.2 Transmittal Letter

The Proposal shall be transmitted with a letter that must be signed by an official authorized to bind the Proposer contractually and shall contain a statement that indicates the Proposal is complete and accurate.

The Transmittal Letter shall include the following:

1. The names, titles, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of individuals authorized to negotiate and contractually bind the Proposer. All Forms and Certifications shall be signed and included as attachments in the Transmittal Letter section. Proposers shall affirm in the Transmittal Letter that the Minimum Requirements of Section 4.0 are met.

2. The Proposer must hold valid and appropriate licenses to do business in the State of California. The Proposer must affirm in the Transmittal Letter that it has or is able to obtain the required insurance, specified in Attachment E, Sample Agreement, Exhibit E of this RFP. Certificates of insurance are due from the successful Proposer before execution of the Agreement resulting from this RFP.

3. The Proposer must hold valid and appropriate licenses as described in Attachment E: Exhibit A-Attachment I: General Work Conditions and Requirements, Section A.

Proposers shall attach copies of current licenses to the Transmittal Letter to demonstrate meeting these minimum requirements.

4. The Proposer must identify the Proposer’s Contract Manager assigned to manage any Agreement awarded pursuant to this RFP, including their contact information within the Transmittal Letter.

5. If applicable, the Proposer must provide all necessary information and forms required showing proof of small business participation consistent with Section 4.3.2. All SB/DBE/DVBE forms and certifications provided with the Proposal shall be valid at the time of Proposal submittal.

All known Subcontractors shall be identified on Form A. The successful Proposer will be permitted to add additional Subcontractors as allowed by the Agreement during the term of the Agreement, but such additional Subcontractors will not count towards the SB goal for purposes of Proposal evaluation.

6. The Proposer must provide the Transmittal Letter with all required Forms and Certifications.

7. The Proposer must affirm in the Transmittal Letter that it has not been terminated from another contract for default or has not received a civil judgment or criminal conviction against the Proposer in the past five years.

8. The Proposer shall attach to the Transmittal Letter a letter of commitment from each identified Subcontractor, including any relevant licenses and positions in which the Subcontractor is anticipated to work.

4.2.1 Proposal Minimum Requirements

Proposers must satisfy all the Minimum Requirements listed below. Failure to satisfy all of the Minimum Requirements at the time of Proposal submission, unless otherwise specified, will result in the immediate rejection of the submission. The successful Proposer must continue to satisfy all of the Minimum Requirements throughout the term of any Agreement resulting from this RFP.

The Minimum Requirements for this RFP are:

1. The Proposer shall satisfy the requirements of Section 4.0 of this RFP.

2. The Proposal shall satisfy all requirements listed on Exhibit A- Attachment I: General Work Conditions and Requirements, as summarized below:

a. Proposers shall submit documentation to demonstrate satisfying the following

Qualified Applicator License minimum requirements: Contractor must hold a

California pest control business license, which requires that at least one individual employed by the business be in possession of a Qualified Applicator License (QAL, as defined by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.)

The Contractor’s staff providing services on-site at ODD shall collectively hold QAL’s in each of the following pest control categories, and furnish copies of valid licenses with bid submissions:

Category A - Residential, Industrial, and Institutional Pest Control Applicable, areas within ODD include: non-landscaped staff housing, parking lots and storage yards.

Category B - Landscape Maintenance Pest Control; Applicable areas within ODD include: campgrounds, gardens and other landscaped areas.

Category C - Right-of-Way Pest Control; Applicable areas within the ODD include:

roads and landscaping associated with rights-of-way.

Category D - Agricultural Pest Control [Plant]; Applicable areas within ODD include: non-crop wildland areas.

Category F - Aquatic Pest Control; Applicable areas within ODD include: creek channels and other aquatic areas.

All licenses must be issued by the State of California, be registered in San Luis Obispo County, and be of current status.

b. Experience: The Contractor shall provide evidence of a minimum of five (5) years’ experience successfully working to control invasive exotic plant species in sensitive habitats within the Guadalupe - Nipomo Dune Complex or a similar dune ecosystem within the State of California.

c. The contractor shall complete provide Reference Form (Attachment C) by providing three (3) professional references, (including name, contact information, and a brief description of the scope of work) for similar weed abatement projects (within the last 5 years) that supports the Contractor meeting the minimum requirements.

See Exhibit A- Attachment I: General Work Conditions and Requirements, for complete description of requirements.

4.3 Contents of the Proposal

Proposers shall provide straightforward and concise descriptions of the Proposer’s ability to provide the services requested in this RFP. This section contains the Minimum Proposal requirements of this RFP.

NOTE: Because this RFP will be awarded using the Primary Method, proposers are not required to submit a project work-plan or personnel plan. Firms demonstrating that they exceed the minimum requirements or provide supplemental information that are is required, will not receive higher scores or points. All firms whose qualifications and proposal submissions meet the minimum qualifications will then be evaluated for lowest cost to provide services.

This RFP will be awarded to a qualified and responsive firm with the lowest cost proposal.

4.3.1 Past Performance and Experience

The Proposal shall provide evidence of minimum five (5) years’ experience that demonstrates the contractor’s ability to:

1. Identify native dune flora and fauna, including the following designated Federally endangered and State threatened plants, which are located within the ODSVRA and PSB:

a. Nipomo Mesa lupine (Lupinus nipomensis) listed as Federally Endangered.

b. Surf thistle (Cirsium rhothophilum), listed as State Threatened.

c. Beach spectaclepod (Dithyrea maritima), listed as State Threatened.

2. Conduct herbicide treatment that limits the impact on native dune species and dune habitats, and within occupied habitat of the designated Federally endangered and State threatened plants, which are located within the ODSVRA and PSB listed in Exhibit A- Attachment I: General Work Conditions and Requirements, Section B, Article 1a, subparagraph i-iii).

3. At a minimum, evidence must include description of projects and services provided in relation to the minimum experience requirements, the firm/entity receiving services, dates of project, and estimated total project costs.

4.3.2 Small Business Participation and Preference (If applicable)

Parks is not a certifying agency for Small and Disabled Veteran Businesses. The qualifying certifications can be obtained through DGS (SB, MB, DVBE).

The Proposer is expected to present within the Technical Proposal a narrative detailing how it will utilize SB/MB/DVBEs throughout the life of the Agreement. The Proposer shall identify firms being utilized to meet the SB goals, including the estimated contract values and scopes of work that will be used to meet these goals.

Each listed certified SB, MB, and DVBE must perform a Commercially Useful Function in the performance of the Agreement as defined in Government Code section 14837(d)(4).

4.3.2.1 Small Business Preference Program

In accordance with Government Code section 14838, a certified SB/MB is entitled to claim a 5% preference in Proposing on this RFP.

In order to receive the SB Preference, SB/MB Proposers must provide proof of current certification.

In the event of a precise tie between the Final Proposal Score of a certified SB and the Final Proposal Score of a certified DVBE that is also a SB, the contract must be awarded to the DVBE owned SB.

4.3.2.2 Non-Small Business Preference

In accordance with Government Code section 14838, a non-small business may receive a 5% preference in Proposing on this RFP if the business commits to subcontract at least 25% of contract amount awarded by this RFP.

In order to receive the non-Small Business Preference, Proposers must complete DPR 85 – Small Business Preference, demonstrating at least 25% participation from certified SB/MB subcontractors.

4.3.2.3 Application of Small Business Preference

Preference points will be added to the Combined Proposal Score of all certified SB/MB Proposals using the following formula:

[Highest Combined Proposal Score] x .05 = SB Preference Amount

[SB/MB Proposer’s Combined Proposal Score] + [SB Preference Amount] = Final Proposal Score

4.3.3 Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Requirement and Incentive

The California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program requires that agencies meet or exceed a DVBE participation goal of 3% of the agency’s overall contract dollars. All contracts, regardless of amount, are subject to the DVBE requirement in order to meet this goal. Agencies may waive this requirement for individual contracts, however this waiver must be noted in the solicitation.

4.3.3.1 DVBE Participation Requirement

DVBE participation for this solicitation has been waived, there is no minimum DVBE participation required, however the DVBE Incentive still applies.

4.3.3.2 DVBE Participation Incentive

The DVBE Incentive Program was established by statute and applies to contracts solely financed by State funds. This program is separate from the DVBE Participation Program and is designed to encourage Proposers to partner with DVBE subcontractors.

The incentive may be combined with other incentives and preferences

Any Proposer who has attained more than the minimum required participation, if applicable, is eligible to receive the incentive.

4.3.3.3 Application of DVBE Incentive

Incentive points will be added to the Combined Proposal Score of all Proposals meeting established levels of confirmed participation using the following formula:

Confirmed DVBE Participation of DVBE Incentive Amount

10% or more 5% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

9% - 9.99% 4% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

8% - 8.99% 3% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

7% - 7.99% 2% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

6.01% - 6.99% 1% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

Confirmed DVBE Participation of DVBE Incentive Amount

5% or more 5% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

4% - 4.99% 4% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

3% - 3.99% 3% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

2% - 2.99% 2% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

.01% - 1.99% 1% of highest responsive and responsible Proposal

[Highest Combined Proposal Score] x [DVBE Incentive Amount] = DVBE Incentive Earned

[DVBE Proposer’s Combined Proposal Score] + [DVBE Incentive Earned] = Final Proposal Score

4.3.3.4 DVBE Participation Reporting

If for this Contract, the Contractor made a commitment to achieve the DVBE participation goal, Parks will withhold $10,000 from the final payment, or the full final payment if less than $10,000, until the Contractor complies with the certification requirements of Military and Veterans Code Section 999.5. The awarded Contractor will be required to utilize form DGS-PD 810 P, which will be provided by the Point of Contact at the completion of the contract term, to report the following:

The total amount the Prime contractor received under the contract;

The name and address of the DVBE(s) that participated in the performance of the contract;

The amount each DVBE received from the Prime contractor;

Attestation that all payments under the contract have been made to DVBE(s);

The actual percentage of DVBE participation that was achieved.

A Contractor that fails to comply with the certification requirement shall, after notice, be allowed to cure the defect. Notwithstanding any other law, if, after at least 15 calendar days but not more than 30 calendar days from the date of notice, the prime contractor refuses to comply with the certification requirements, the department shall permanently deduct $10,000 from the final payment, or the full payment if less than $10,000. The Contractor shall provide proof of payment for the work performed by the DVBE subcontractor(s) upon Parks’ request.

4.4 Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)

TACPA will be granted to California-based firms in accordance with Government Code §4530 whenever contracts for goods or services are in excess of $100,000 and the bidder meets certain requirements as defined in the California Administrative Code (Title 2, §1896.30 et seq.)

regarding labor needed to produce the goods or provide the services being procured. The TACPA is optional on the part of the bidder (not mandatory), is for bidder evaluation purposes only, and does not alter the amount of the awarded Contract.

Bidders seeking to take advantage of this preference will need to review the website below and submit the appropriate response forms with their bid. The bidder may omit these forms if there is no intention to claim this preference.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List- Folder/Request-a-Target-Area-Contract-Preference

Please carefully review the forms and requirements. Bidders are not required to apply for these preferences. Denial of the TACPA preference request is not a basis for rejection of a bid.

The required applications/forms are as follows:

TACPA Preference Request for Goods and Services Solicitations (STD 830): http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std830.pdf

Manufacturer’s Summary of Contract Activities and Labor Hours (DGS/PD 525): https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0525.pdf

Bidder’s Summary of Contract Activities and Labor Hours (DGS/PD 526): https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0526.pdf

Bidder questions regarding this preference are to be directed to the Department of General Services, Procurement Division, Dispute Resolution Unit, 707 Third Street, Second Floor, West

Sacramento, CA 95605 or contact the TACPA Preference Program via email at TACPA@dgs.ca.gov to determine if the worksite(s) is eligible.

Contracts awarded with applied preferences will be monitored throughout the life of the contract for compliance with statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. The State will take appropriate corrective action and apply sanctions as necessary to enforce preference programs.

4.5 References

Proposers shall complete the provided References Form (Attachment C) by providing names, addresses and telephone numbers for at least three clients for whom the Proposer (i.e., the prime Proposer submitting a Proposal, the joint venture submitting a Proposal, or each individual prime member of the joint venture) has performed work that is similar to the scope and requirements described in Exhibit A, Attachments I-IV of the Sample Contract, as required in this RFP. Reference form should be attached to the Transmittal Letter.

References shall be for:

1. If a single entity is the prime contractor submitting the proposal, the references shall be submitted for the prime.

2. If the Proposal is submitted by a joint venture that has worked together in the past, the references shall be for the joint venture as a whole.

3. If the proposal is submitted by a joint venture that has not worked together in the past, references shall be included for each prime member of the joint venture.

For each reference identified, provide the following information:

1. The name of the client;

2. The title of the project or assignment;

3. Current contact phone numbers and email addresses for the client;

4. The scope of the assignment;

5. The name of each proposed service team member working on the account; and

6. The date of service of the contract.

7. Description of how the past projects identified provide the minimum experience required for this RFP.

4.6 Cost Proposal

Parks shall compensate the successful Proposer for actual hours worked. Proposers shall submit all rate information on Attachment D: Exhibit B, Attachment I, Cost Breakdown Form.

All Cost Proposals must include anticipated reimbursable expenses, including rates that shall serve as rate caps that shall remain binding for the term of the Agreement. The rates listed on the Cost Proposal Worksheet shall be fully loaded and include all direct and indirect costs, including overhead and taxes incidental to the specified rates. The information provided on the Cost Proposal Worksheet shall become part of the final Agreement. Under no circumstances will the amount paid under any Agreement resulting from this RFP be more than $280,000.00.

The successful Proposer shall provide all labor, materials, licenses, permits, and transportation necessary to perform all services required in the Scope of Work. The cost of such items shall be included in the rates provided on the Cost Proposal Worksheet. The purchase of equipment is not allowed under this Agreement. The successful Proposal is expected to provide all necessary equipment to perform the Scope of Work.

The estimated number of transactions and hours indicated on the Cost Proposal Worksheet will be used solely for computing the cost to determine the lowest Cost Proposal and shall not be binding on Parks; this RFP includes no guarantee of work.

In the event of a computational error, unit prices will prevail over extended totals. The Authority will check Proposal calculations and recalculate Proposal totals. A zero-dollar ($0.00) amount listed for any and all items will be interpreted and understood by the Authority to mean that the Proposer shall perform such services at no cost to ODD. Lines left blank shall be considered to be a zero-dollar amount.

The Cost Proposal shall be submitted separately from other proposal materials and labeled “Sealed: Cost Proposal”.

5.0 Evaluation

Proposals received shall be evaluated and awarded in accordance with Public Contract Code section 10344(c) and (d).

Parks may reject any Proposal if it is conditional, incomplete, or contains irregularities. Parks may waive an immaterial deviation in a Proposal. Waiver of an immaterial deviation shall in no way modify the Proposal documents or excuse the Proposer from full compliance with the Agreement requirements if the Proposer is awarded the Agreement. The following summarizes the Proposal Review and Evaluation processes.

5.1 Proposal Review

Parks shall review and evaluate each Proposal to determine if it meets the requirements contained in Section 4.0 and Attachments A through D. Failure to meet the requirements of this RFP may result in the rejection of the Proposal. Proposals that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references which do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the Proposer, may be rejected.

The Proposer must submit all the required information as described in Attachment A, Minimum Requirements Checklist. All the information identified must be included for the Proposal to be considered responsive. Proposals with missing or incomplete information may be rejected. If a Proposer passes this phase, its Technical Proposal will be evaluated and scored.

5.2 Proposer Evaluation

The Minimum Requirements and Qualifications shall be evaluated by an Evaluation/Selection Committee on a consensus basis. Parks shall evaluate whether a Proposer meets the Minimum Requirements and Qualifications on a “pass/fail” basis, using the attached evaluation form in Attachment B.

All proposals submitted from firms that meet the minimum qualification will move onto the cost proposal evaluation phase.

Firms that exceed the minimum qualifications shall not receive additional points or be scored higher than those who meet the minimum qualifications.

5.2.1 Cost Proposal Evaluation

Parks will then open “sealed” cost proposals of all proposers that were determined to “pass,” meeting all Minimum Requirements and qualifications. The contract will be awarded to the lowest-cost responsible proposer.

5.3 Notice of Proposed Award

After the lowest-cost responsible proposer is determined, the Notice of Intent to Award will be posted in Parks’ Oceano Dunes District office lobby.

The successful Proposer(s) must complete and submit to the Authority the Payee Data Record (STD 204) before the execution of any Agreement resulting from this RFP, to determine if the Proposer is subject to State income tax withholding pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code section 18662. This form can be found at:

www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std204.pdf.

No payment shall be made unless a complete STD 204 has been returned to Parks.

5.4 Execution and Award Process

The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest-cost responsible proposer.

Parks will not consider any changes to the Terms and conditions contained in this RFP or Agreement awarded from this RFP. If, for any reason, a successful Proposer does not sign the Agreement documents within a reasonable time, Parks may eliminate that Proposer from its award list and select the next lowest-cost responsible bidder.

If Parks cannot reach an agreement with the lowest-cost responsible bidder r, the Agreement may be offered to the next lowest-cost responsible bidder, and so on, until the Agreement is executed.

5.5 No Agreement Until Signed and Approved

No Agreement between Parks and the successful Proposer is in effect until the Agreement is signed by the Contractor, signed by Parks,…