Fall_2026_Herbicide_Release.pdf

Fall 2026 Herbicide Release

Request For Proposal (RFP #RFP-2025-0147)

Tuolumne County

County Administration Office

Issued: Thursday, September 10, 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP No. RFP-

2025-0147)

FALL 2026 HERBICIDE RELEASE

Deadline for Submission of Proposals: Wednesday, September

23, 2026

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/tuolumnecountyca

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Services

3. Minimum Qualifications

4. Pricing Proposal

5. Proposal Package Requirements

6. Evaluation of Proposals

7. RFP Process

8. Contract Information

Attachments:

A - RIM_BMP_Checklist

B - Alt 3 Density Diagram 4x4

C - AppendixG_GuidelinesforOperations

D - Appendix_H_-Fire_Plan_for_Construction_and_Service_Agreements

E - Spill_Prevention_and_Reporting_Procedures

F - Employment-Outcome-Reporting-Form

G - Unit List

H - Maps

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

The County of Tuolumne is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to conduct chemical herbicide release work related to the Master Stewardship Agreement the County has with the

USDA, Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest, on behalf of the Yosemite Stanislaus

Solutions (YSS) Collaborative.

The County intends to select Contractors that meet the specifications of this Solicitation based on best value.

The Fall 2026 Herbicide Release Project consists of chemical herbicide release work to be conducted in accordance with the specifications and alternatives approved in the Rim Fire

Restoration and Reforestation Record of Decisions (ROD). The work will be conducted on approximately 973 acres within the Rim Fire burn scar in Tuolumne County and will not exceed the maximum gallons of herbicide.

The units included in this project consist of planted seedlings that, at the time of planting Spring

2025 and 2026, did not have sufficient competing vegetation or targeted species present to warrant release treatment. As a result, release work was not necessary or appropriate at that time.

These units have since developed sufficient competing vegetation and/or targeted species around the planted seedlings and now require release treatment to reduce competition and support the establishment and growth of the planted seedlings.

Herbicide application shall commence no later than the date of contract execution and shall be completed no later than October 31, 2026, or upon the occurrence of the first significant rain event that prevents further application, or upon senescence of deciduous vegetation, whichever occurs first.

1.2. Background

In January 2018, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors approved a Master Stewardship

Agreement with the USDA, Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest on behalf of the YSS

Collaborative, giving the County authority over the next 10 years to work with the Forest Service to conduct landscape restoration activities on the Stanislaus National Forest within the boundaries of Tuolumne County. In July 2024, this agreement was extended an additional 10 years until 2038.

The Supplemental Project Agreements developed under the Master Stewardship Agreement are for the purpose of protecting, enhancing and restoring forest and watershed health and bringing economic opportunities to the local area. Tuolumne County is using the collaborative group YSS and its sub-partners inside YSS to assist with Forest Health Projects.

It is the County's intent to subcontract out program administration and project management.

Yosemite River's Alliance (YRA), formerly Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), has been sub-contracted by the County for program administration and project management. YRA will supervise Contractors and oversee the work being done on the projects issued to any Contractor.

1.3. Contact Information

Caitlin Henry

Senior Management Analyst

2 South Green Street

Sonora, CA 95370

Email: chenry@co.tuolumne.ca.us

Phone: (209) 533-5511

Department:

County Administration Office

Department Head:

Roger Root

County Administrative Officer

1.4. Timeline

Release of published RFP September 10, 2026

Deadline for receiving all questions September 16, 2026, 5:00pm

Deadline for RFP responses to be received by County

September 23, 2026, 12:00pm

Notice of contract award (Tentative) September 24, 2026

Deadline for protests/appeals

(Tentative)

October 1, 2026

Contract executed (Tentative) October 2, 2026 mailto:chenry@co.tuolumne.ca.us tel:(209)533-5511

2. Scope of Services

It is the intent of these specifications, terms, and conditions to describe the services Tuolumne

County is seeking. The County intends to award a contract to the Proposer(s) who best meets the

County’s requirements based on best value.

This project lies entirely in Stanislaus National Forest Lands within the County of Tuolumne.

The County is implementing this project under a Supplemental Project Agreement (“SPA”) pursuant to Stewardship Agreement #18-SA-11051600-007 between the County (“Partner’) and the Forest Service. Contractors will perform chemical herbicide release work post planting of

Spring 2025/2026 reforestation projects. Specifications for project implementation and various treatment actions are detailed below.

The Fall 2026 Herbicide Release Project consists of chemical herbicide release work to be conducted in accordance with the specifications and alternatives approved in the Rim Fire

Restoration and Reforestation Record of Decisions (ROD). The work will be conducted on approximately 973 acres within the Rim Fire burn scar in Tuolumne County and will not exceed the maximum gallons of herbicide.

The units included in this project consist of planted seedlings that, at the time of planting Spring

2025 and 2026, did not have sufficient competing vegetation or targeted species present to warrant release treatment. As a result, release work was not necessary or appropriate at that time.

These units have since developed sufficient competing vegetation and/or targeted species around the planted seedlings and now require release treatment to reduce competition and support the establishment and growth of the planted seedlings.

Herbicide application shall commence no later than the date of contract execution and shall be completed no later than October 31, 2026, or upon the occurrence of the first significant rain event that prevents further application, or upon senescence of deciduous vegetation, whichever occurs first.

The County reserves the right to prioritize the order in which units are treated. Project managers will determine priority and/or appropriateness of release of units depending on competing or lack of competing vegetation. The County reserves the right to modify the scope of work, including the right to increase or decrease the quantity of any item or portion of the work, or to entirely delete any item or portion of any work, or to require extra work as deemed necessary or advisable by the Project Manager, the Forest Service, or Registered Professional Forester. Any such changes to increase the quantity of work will be set forth in a Contract Change Order, which will not become effective until approved by the County; decreases may be documented via

MSA inspection reports or other written communication methods.

The contractor shall track and document all work performed, including the number of trees released and the quantities of herbicide applied.

For a comprehensive unit list and maps showing all site-prepped units and previously planted

(interplanting) acres for planting and release, please see Attachment G, Unit List and maps in

Attachments H, Maps.

2.1. Beginning Work Operations

The Contractor shall attend an in-person pre-work kickoff meeting and an in-field kickoff meeting with the County prior to beginning work and must notify the Project Manager of the anticipated start date before commencing operations.

2.2. Reforestation-- Release - Chemical Herbicide Application

The goal of this item is to control woody shrubs in order to provide a suitable environment for the survival and growth of planted conifers, utilizing broadcast and direct spray application of herbicides according to the below specifications.

Technical Specifications:

• The Contractor shall apply the herbicide mixture to all woody shrubs in each stand

(e.g., deer brush, buck brush, mountain white thorn, manzanita, bear clover, toyon, and yerba santa).

• The Contractor shall spray to cover, but not to runoff, the leaves and outer stems over the entire plant for all the vegetation to be treated. Interior surfaces of large, dense target species vegetation shall be sprayed.

• The application rate and coverage shall be uniform throughout each unit although the amount of mix applied per acre will vary with plant density and size.

• Application rate shall not exceed 60 gallons per acre and shall be no less than 30 gallons per acre.

• Crop trees in all units shall be protected from herbicide mixture in the following manner:

o Seedlings up to 2 feet in height shall be shielded to protect the entire plant from herbicide spray (i.e., cones, shields, etc.).

o Protective equipment shall not damage seedlings.

o Seedlings taller than 2 feet will be protected by directed spray application.

• No application of herbicide will be allowed within Exclusion Zones (See section 2.5.

General Conditions) .

• Exclusion Zones are considered protected areas, some are mapped and some are not.

Knowledge of stream types and features is mandatory.

• Do not apply herbicide within 10 feet of Obligate Riparian Vegetation (e.g., willows, alder, aspen, dogwood), especially within Riparian Conservation Areas.

• Do not apply herbicide within 20 feet of oaks unless needed to control invasive species.

• Non-target species shall not be sprayed in any units.

• There shall be at least one clean (i.e. triple rinsed) back-pack sprayer available per crew that is full of wash down solution. Crop trees and non-target plants shall be completely rinsed of herbicide immediately. Individual spray bottles are allowed. Eyewash bottles are not a suitable substitute for individual spray bottles and shall not be used for this purpose.

o The Contractor will be charged $5.00 per tree for each tree sprayed, as documented by the Project Manager.

• The Contractor shall flag each corner of sprayed areas within units daily to prevent gaps or overspray.

• The following criteria shall be used to determine when application operations shall cease:

o Sustained winds in excess of 5 mph o Precipitation, or a 70% or greater chance of precipitation, predicted within 24 hours o Foggy weather o Excessive dew on target plants o Temperatures at or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit o Temperature inversions that could lead to off-site movement of the herbicide mixture

Personnel Equipment

• The Contractor shall keep equipment in good operating condition maintaining flow rate and nozzle pressure. Application of herbicide mixture will be made with a nozzle pressure of 15 psi. The spray tip will be kept from 12 to 24 inches from the target vegetation during application.

• To avoid damaging nozzles the Contractor shall use a soft material such as natural or nylon bristle to clean the nozzles. Wire or other hard material that can enlarge the nozzle orifice, or otherwise damage the nozzle. Damaged nozzles shall not be used.

• The Contractor shall be responsible for washing and cleaning out all equipment at the end of each work day. The exact location for cleanup shall be selected by the Project

Manager.

• Under no circumstances shall sprayers, containers, clothing, personnel or other contaminated materials be washed within 50 feet of any running or dry stream course, lake, reservoir, wet meadow, or other wet area.

• Contracted employees must maintain proper and clean Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE).

Batching of Herbicide Mix:

Contractor shall do all batching of herbicide mix and conform to label instructions and safety requirements.

A graduated container of at least one-half gallon in size shall be used to measure chemicals and surfactants during the batching operation.

All batching of herbicide mix will be done in the presence of the Project Manager or their representative at the work site. The Contractor shall only use water sources approved by the

Project Manager.

Glyphosate Rodeo herbicide Mix for 100 gallons of 2% herbicide mix:

• 2 gallons of Glyphosate

• ¼ gallon of SLY-Tac Surfactant

• ¼ gallon of Highlight Blue dye

• Sufficient water to equal 100 gallons of mix

• A no-foam agent as needed upon approval by Project Manager

Batching sequence is as follows:

• One half of the water for the mix shall be put in the batch tank

• The herbicide and colorant shall be put in the batch tank next

• Begin agitation

• Add the remaining water in the batch tank while continuing agitation

• The last ingredient to be added to the tank will be the surfactant

• A no-foam agent as needed upon approval by Project Manager

The herbicide mix shall be under constant agitation in the batch tank to prevent separation. All mix shall be sprayed out. The mix shall not sit overnight in the batch tank or other equipment.

Storing and Transporting Herbicides

• All unattended herbicide concentrate shall be stored under lock and key in its original container

• The Contractor shall work with the Project Manager to ensure a minimal amount of herbicide mix is moved between units

Disposal of Containers

• The Contractor shall dispose of empty herbicide containers according to guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency's

Department of Pesticide Regulation, and any other applicable laws or regulations at the state, federal, or local level.

Herbicide Spills

If a spill occurs, the Contractor shall:

• Take action immediately to contain the spill.

• Notify the on site Project Manager or their Representative.

• Be under the control of the Project Manager during the spill clean-up.

• Be liable for all costs of damages, clean-up, and decontamination.

Equipment Requirements

The Contractor shall provide the following: herbicides, adjuvants, and dye.

• 53.8% active ingredient glyphosate herbicide formulation without an integrated surfactant

• SYL-TAC (CA Reg. No 2935-50167)

• Colorfast brand or equivalent Blue dye

• No-foam agent

All herbicides and adjuvants shall be provided in factory sealed containers no larger than 2.5 gallons each. Equivalent herbicides, adjuvants, and dye may be substituted only as approved.

Contractor shall provide clean water for the wash down packs.

All required chemicals shall be provided in sufficient quantities to complete the job.

Licenses & Insurance

The contractor shall obtain the insurance and licenses listed here and in Section 8.3 Insurance:

MSPA Card (Form WH510):This project requires the contractor to be registered with the US

Department of Labor as a Farm Labor Contractor. The Contractor shall provide a current Form

WH510 or legible copy.

Licensing and Safety Requirements:

The Contractor shall have a current State of California Agriculture Pest Control Operator

License including Category "E" (Forest), and Pest Control Business License, prior to the award of contract. The Contractor shall register this State License with the County Agriculture

Commissioner prior to beginning herbicide work.

The Contractor shall be required to provide the following:

A. Required permits

B. Complete and file all reports, with a copy to the County

C. Complete any other incidental requirements

The Contractor's authorized representative(s) on site must, at a minimum, be a State of California

Applicator Certificate (QAC).

The Contractor shall comply with the State of California Safety Orders found under the

California Administrative Code and with the requirements of the Federal Worker Protection

Standards (40 CFR, part 170). For further information regarding licensing requirements contact the California Department of Pesticide Regulation at (916) 445-4038, or online at www.cdpr.ca.gov.

2.3. General Conditions

General Conditions

• The Contractor and Contractor's employees shall take reasonable action to prevent and suppress forest fire. Contractor and their employees shall take immediate and independent action to prevent and suppress forest fires in the Contract Area. Contractor shall follow all applicable state fire regulations. Contractor shall follow all of the requirements laid out in Attachment [D] Appendix_H_-

Fire_Plan_for_Construction_and_Service_Agreements.

• Furthermore, the Contractor, in all phases of operations, shall protect insofar as practicable: all land survey corners, telephone lines, ditches, fences, and other improvements. If the Contractor's operations damage such improvements under this contract, the Contractor, at its own expense, shall restore these improvements immediately to the condition existing immediately prior to operations.

• The Contractor shall comply with the rules and regulations governing operations on premises that are occupied, and the Contractor shall perform the contract in a manner that will not interrupt or interfere with the conduct of Forest Service business.

• If Contractor needs to check out Forest Service keys, Contractor must return all such keys given to the Contractor by the Forest Service at the end of operations, field season, or at the County’s request. Payment will be withheld until keys are returned.

• The contractor shall abide by the standards provided in Attachment [C], Appendix

G_Guidelines for Operations when applicable to this project.

Definitions

Live Seedling – Any seedling planted through this contract with at least one (1) green needle.

https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/

Mineral Soil – State of soil, generally below where humus and large organic matter is present, absence of combustible material.

Scalp - Area cleared of all organic material including live vegetation, leaf litter, and woody debris down to bare mineral soil surrounding a planted seedling.

Controlled Area - Area within contract boundaries designated to be protected from all Contractor operations, these areas will be flagged on the ground and avoided during all operations.

Locations of known areas needing special measures for the protection of plants, animals, cultural resources, and/or cave resources etc. are shown on the maps and/or identified on the ground.

Unless otherwise agreed, no operations shall occur within controlled areas.

Flagging Code

• For purposes of this project, restricted or limited treatments areas (Control Areas) will be identified on the ground by the Forest Service using flagging to delineate specified areas.

• It is the Contractor’s responsibility to know, understand, and adhere to the intent of all contract flagging. The presence or absence of any flagging does not relieve the contractor from the responsibility to comply with the restrictions set forth in this and other contract documents and by reference.

• Do not masticate or cut vegetation on which flagging is hung.

CA1 and CA2 Additional Protections

• Unless otherwise agreed, no operations shall occur within CA1s and CA2s flagged with orange/white stripped flagging hung with blue/black stripped flagging.

• The Forest Service may unilaterally modify or cancel all or portions of this agreement to protect an area, object of antiquity, artifact, or similar object which is or may be entitled to protection under the American Antiquities Act of 1906 (54 USC 320301-03 ), National

Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 USC 302101-303903 ), and implementing regulations (36 CFR 800), the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, and the

Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (PL 96-95 and 36 CFR 261.9, 296.1-

296.21) regardless of when the area, object or artifact is discovered or identified.

Discovery of such areas or objects by either party shall be promptly reported to the other party.

• The Contractor shall protect Control Areas 1 and 2 (CA-1 and CA-2) identified on the

Map by avoidance unless treatment is otherwise agreed to. Contractor shall protect all known and identified or discovered historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archaeology and culture against destruction, obliteration, removal, or damage during the Contractor's operations.

• The Contractor shall immediately halt operations and notify the County if damage occurs to any CA-1 and CA-2 resources. Operations shall cease in the vicinity of the resource where damage occurred until the County - after consultation with the Forest Service -authorizes the Contractor to proceed.

• If damage is caused by the Contractor's operations, the Contractor shall bear costs of investigation and restoration in accordance with 36 CFR 296.14(c), provided that such payment shall not relieve the Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

• Forest Service roads that are also CA-2 sites are not fully flagged. Ingress and egress locations shall be approved by the Project Manager after consultation with a Forest

Service archaeologist prior to use by Contractor.

• Equipment tracks, including UTVs, shall be excluded within 20 feet of Forest Service roads that are also CA-2 sites. Equipment working towards Forest Service roads that are also CA-2 sites shall stop no less than 20 feet from the edge of the roadbed and shall utilize a masticator attachment on an articulated arm to treat remaining roadside fuels, if fuels are being treated.

• Equipment utilizing Forest Service roads that are also CA-2 sites shall drive down the road centerline to avoid impacts to road morphology. If traffic approaches, only pre-approved pullout locations can be utilized.

• Forest Service roads that are also CA-2 sites shall not be widened. If equipment is wider than the roadbed, Contractor shall work with the Project Manager to identify alternative access.

• Where flagging is unclear, Contractor shall contact the Project Manager who will consult with a Forest Service archaeologist to fix the flagging.

• The Contractor shall immediately halt operations and notify the County if damage occurs to any CA-1 and CA-2 resources. Operations shall cease in the vicinity of the resource where damage occurred until the County - after consultation with the Forest Service -authorizes the Contractor to proceed.

• If damage is caused by the Contractor's operations, the Contractor shall bear costs of investigation and restoration in accordance with 36 CFR 296.14(c), provided that such payment shall not relieve the Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

• Forest Service roads that are also CA-2 sites are not fully flagged. Ingress and egress locations shall be approved by the Project Manager after consultation with a Forest

Service archaeologist prior to use by Contractor.

Noxious Weeds

• All equipment must be free of soil, mud (wet or dried), seeds, vegetative matter or other debris that could contain seeds in order to prevent new infestations of noxious weeds in the project area. Dust or very light dirt which would not contain weed seed is not a concern. Unless otherwise agreed, no operations shall occur within controlled areas flagged orange/black stripped flagging, or orange “Noxious Weeds” flagging.

Limited Operating Periods (LOPs)

• Limited Operating Periods (LOPs) exist within the landscape. Some of these areas will overlap; each LOP boundary must be adhered to. They may be added, lifted or altered at the discretion of the Forest Service. If the LOP is recreational, that may be lifted by the

County.

• LOPs are shown on the contract map and apply every year the contract is operating except as described below.

o The following LOPs apply and exclude all work during the following dates (see map for location of LOPs)

▪ California Spotted Owl –

• Item 1: Units FF010 and GG035 - March 1 through August 31

• All other Units - March 1 through July 9

▪ Great Gray Owl – March 1 through August 15

▪ Goshawk – February 15 through September 15

▪ Fisher – March 1 through June 30

Exclusion Zones

• Areas of inoperability near watershed features including regulations around Special

Aquatic Features (SAFs), perennial, intermittent, ephemeral waterways.

o The Exclusion Zone for perennial/intermittent streams begins at:

▪ The edge of the active channel where slopes rise uniformly from the stream, or at the outer edge of the following features, whichever is the furthest from the stream.

▪ The first slope-break adjacent to the stream (e.g., stream bank, inner gorge).

▪ Flat or nearly flat ground adjacent to the channel (e.g., floodplain or terrace).

▪ Obligate riparian shrub and/or tree communities associated with any of the above.

o The Exclusion Zone for ephemeral streams begins at:

▪ Apparent bank or scour line when present.

▪ From the centerline when not present.

o The Exclusion Zone for SAFs begins at:

▪ The outer edge of obligate trees, shrubs or herbaceous plants in wet meadows, bogs, fens and springs, or the high-water line of lakes and vernal pools.

▪ The top of the first slope-break immediately adjacent to the special aquatic feature if further than the obligate vegetation or high-water line.

Riparian Conservation Areas

• Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) – Near stream areas with specific management objectives and some limitations on activities.

o Retain Obligate Riparian Vegetation - Trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants that are sustained by wetland conditions along stream courses and in and around meadows and other wetlands. Trees and shrubs are usually deciduous species such as alder, aspen, big leaf maple, and cottonwoods. Shrubs include willows and dogwoods.

Herbaceous plants include sedges, rushes and other grasslike plants.

▪ Do not plant within 20 feet of Obligate Riparian Vegetation.

▪ Do not apply herbicide within 10 feet of any Obligate Riparian Vegetation.

Accessibility

• Most work areas are accessible by standard pickup. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be beneficial in improving the access points of any given treatment unit. Some work areas may only be accessible by UTV or by walking short distances.

• It is the contractor's responsibility to reach the work site when it is ready for treatment, including conducting any clearing of National Forest System roads.

• Equipment shall be furnished on a fully operational basis, of modern design, and in good operating condition, with a competent, fully qualified operator.

• The project manager will determine the access routes to be used by vehicles. These routes may not necessarily be the shortest distance between units.

• Contractor shall access work areas using only those routes designated on the final contract map as approved access routes.

• Contractor shall be responsible to coordinate with the County to gain access to roads and/or gates as necessary.

• All roads leading into each project area are to be kept open and free of any debris that may occur as a result of the work.

Protection of Roads and Road Features

• The contractor shall keep all roads and trails needed for fire protection or other purposes and designated on the Map free of equipment and products, or anything resulting from the contractor’s operations.

• The contractor is responsible for mitigating damage to system roads and restoring system roads damaged by the contract operations to the state they were in before operations began.

• Rehabilitate temporary staging, parking, and refueling/servicing areas immediately following use.

Protection of Streamcourses

• Temporary refueling and servicing shall only be allowed at approved sites located outside of

RCAs.

• Temporary wash sites shall only be installed in areas where the water and residue can be adequately collected and either filtered on site or conveyed to an appropriate wastewater treatment facility.

• If contractor maintains storage facilities for oil or oil products on Project Area, contractor shall take appropriate preventative measures to ensure that any spill of such oil or oil products does not enter any stream or other waters.

• Refer to attached documents - Best Management Practices (BMP) Checklist (Attachment [A] -

RIM_BMP_Checklist and Attachment [E] - Spill_Prevention_and_Reporting_Procedures).

2.4. Schedules and Reports

Pursuant to contract requirements, the following submittals are required within 10 days after issuance of a Notice to Proceed for review and/or approval, unless stated elsewhere in the specifications or otherwise mutually agreed:

• Proposed progress schedule showing starting and completion dates of various phases of the work.

• List of proposed sub-contractors and their intended work. Sub-contractors must have the

County’s written approval prior to starting work on the project.

• Designation of Contractor personnel describing responsibilities and authorities.

• Attachment [F] - Employment-Outcome-Reporting-Form. This report needs to be filled out only when work is being charged to CalFire. This does not apply to the entire project.

This includes reporting project work by an employee or (sub)contractor, and project-supported training resulting in a formal credential, occurring during the reporting period

(October 1 through March 31 or April 1 through September 30th). It includes the number of jobs, hourly wage, job education required, and whether the position includes health insurance, paid leave, and a retirement plan.

All schedules and reports shall be submitted to the County prior to contract operations and updated if any changes occur during operations.

3. Minimum Qualifications

Proposer, Proposer’s principal, or Proposer’s staff, including sub-contractors, shall have been regularly engaged in the items contained in Section Two: Scope of Services within forested environments for at least 3 years.

Proposer shall possess all permits, licenses, and professional credentials necessary to perform services as specified under this RFP. For herbicide application, proposal must possess a pest control business license from the Department of Pesticide Regulation. Additionally, the winning proposer must register with the Tuolumne County Agricultural Commissioner's Office prior to herbicide application.

Proposer shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies and incidentals to perform all necessary work.

The selected contractor must be registered with the Secretary of State and hold authorization to conduct business within the state of California, with all necessary filings being current and up to date.

At least one foreman must speak fluent English.

The contractor shall obtain the licenses listed here.

MSPA Card (Form WH510):This project does require the contractor to be registered with the

US Department of Labor as a Farm Labor Contractor. The Contractor shall provide a current

Form WH510 or legible copy.

Licensing and Safety Requirements:

The Contractor shall have a current State of California Agriculture Pest Control Operator

License including Category "E" (Forest), and Pest Control Business License, prior to the award of contract. The Contractor shall register this State License with the County Agriculture

Commissioner prior to beginning herbicide work.

The Contractor shall be required to provide the following:

A. Required permits.

B. Complete and file all reports, with a copy to the County.

C. Complete any other incidental requirements.

4. Pricing Proposal

CHEMICAL RELEASE TREATMENTS COST PER GALLON

Record of

Decision Total Unit Acres Minimum

Gallons Maximum

Gallons Cost per

Gallon Total

1 218.2 6,545.13 13090.26

4 66.6 1,997.61 3995.22

5 364.1 10,923.12 21846.24

NR 324.9 9,745.8 19491.6

TOTAL

5. Proposal Package Requirements

Proposals are to be straightforward, clear, concise and responsive to the information requested.

In order for proposals to be considered complete, proposers must provide all requested information.

Each proposer must submit their response online via the County’s e-Procurement platform, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/tuolumnecountyca.

**All proposals must be submitted in PDF format. Proposals submitted in any other format will not be considered. Please ensure that your PDF file is compatible with standard PDF readers to avoid any compatibility issues.**

• File Name Convention: Please use the following naming convention for your proposal file: [CompanyName]_Proposal_[ProjectName].pdf.

1. Proposal Elements*

A. Statement of Understanding and Approach o This section must demonstrate an understanding of the Services. It should describe the general approach, organization and staffing required for the Services requested that will meet the County’s deadline of project completion of October 31st, 2026.

Herbicide application shall commence no later than the date of contract execution and shall be completed no later than October 31, 2026, or upon the occurrence of the first significant rain event that prevents further application, or upon senescence of deciduous vegetation, whichever occurs first.

o This section should include the following:

▪ An implementation plan that describes in detail (i) the methods, including controls by which your firm or entity manages projects of the type sought by this RFP; (ii) methodology for soliciting and documenting views of internal and external stakeholders; (iii) and any other project management or implementation strategies or techniques that the respondent intends to employ in carrying out the work.

▪ Detailed description of efforts your firm or entity will undertake to achieve client satisfaction and to satisfy the requirements of the "Scope of Work" section.

▪ Detailed project schedule, identifying all tasks and deliverables to be performed meeting completion dates listed above, durations for each task, and overall time of completion, including a complete transition plan. Include your plan to deal with fluctuation in service needs and any associated price adjustments. Include an implementation plan as well as a schedule with an expected completion date of the project. Additionally, describe how you will communicate with the County regarding project progress, issues that may arise or other necessary communication.

▪ Detailed description of specific tasks you will require from County staff. Explain what the respective roles of County staff and your staff would be to complete the tasks specified in the Scope of Work.

▪ Proposers are encouraged to provide additional innovative and/or creative approaches for providing the service that will maximize efficient, cost-effective operations or increased performance capabilities. In addition, the County will consider proposals that offer alternative service delivery means and methods for the services desired.

▪ Proposers are also requested to identify any County owned facilities or property which Proposer would propose to use or lease, purchase, or rent from the County in connection with the services to be performed, including information about the terms of any proposed lease, purchase or use of such equipment and facilities, and how this proposed structure affects the overall cost proposal to the County, if applicable.

B. Company Information o This section shall include contact person information, address and telephone number of the company main office and branch offices. Each Company shall identify itself as to the type of organizational entity (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, etc.). Any supplemental information that Company believes may be pertinent to the selection process may be provided.

o The Proposal shall identify any litigation, mediation, or arbitration, regarding the performance of any services similar to the Services, in which the Company has been involved in the past five (5) years. If the Services require a license or certification, the

Proposal shall include any claims or disciplinary action taken against Company or any of Company’s key personnel within the past five years.

o The selected contractor must be registered with the Secretary of State and hold authorization to conduct business within the state of California, with all necessary filings being current and up to date.

C. Company Personnel o This section shall contain names, contact numbers and description of experience, including licenses and/or certifications, of all key personnel who would be assigned to perform the Services. Members of the Company’s professional team (managers, contact person, etc.) should be identified by name, title, phone number, and description of the portion of work they will be assigned to perform under this

Agreement. Also include major subcontractors (if any) and their degree of involvement in this program. If the Company is including any subcontractors, the

Company shall identify how long the Company has worked with the subcontractor.

o An affirmative statement should be included that the proposer and all assigned key professional staff are properly licensed to practice in California.

D. Disclosure o Please disclose any and all past or current business and personal relationships with any current elected official, appointed official, County employee, or family member of any current Banning elected official, appointed official, or County employee. Any past or current business relationship may not disqualify the firm from consideration.

E. Experience and References o The Proposal must demonstrate that the Company, or its key personnel, meets the minimum experience requirement in in the Minimum Qualifications Section with a legally registered business name, that provides services of a similar type and scope as described in the Scope of Services. A Company shall not have filed for bankruptcy under any business name over the past five (5) years.

o Company shall provide at least 3 references, within the past 5 years, of clients for whom services have been performed that are comparable in quality and scope to that specified in this RFP. The references shall include client names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of the clients for whom prior work was performed and include an explanation of the services provided along with project start and end dates.

*Response required

6. Evaluation of Proposals

The objective is to perform a thorough and fair evaluation of submitted proposals and facilitate the selection of a contractor/consultant that best satisfies the County’s requirements. The following describes the evaluation process and associated components.

A. Selection Process:

1. The County shall name, for the purpose of evaluating the proposals for this RFP, a

Review Committee composed of representatives from the County. The County may also elect to include as part of the Review Committee qualified representatives from other agencies or entities.

2. Proposal documentation requirements set forth in this RFP are designed to provide guidance to proposers concerning the type of information that will be used by the

Review Committee. Proposers shall be prepared to respond to requests by the Review

Committee for additional items deemed necessary to assist in the evaluation process.

B. Evaluation Criteria & Scoring:

1. The Review Committee shall be responsible for performing the evaluations of each proposal. Each member of the Committee shall rate the proposers separately. The scores of each of the Committee members shall then be averaged to provide a total score for each of the proposers. The proposals shall be evaluated on the following categories and the maximum weight possible for each category is listed below.

C. Award:

Award will be made to the qualified proposer whose proposal will be most advantageous to the

County, with price and all other factors considered. The County will negotiate with the highest ranked proposer to develop the scope of work and contract for mutual satisfaction.

If the County cannot successfully negotiate a contract with the highest ranked proposer, the

County will terminate negotiations and begin negotiations with the next highest ranked proposer.

Proposers will receive e-mailed Award/Non-Award notification(s), which will include the name of the proposer to be awarded this contract.

Proposers are advised County reserves the following prerogatives:

• To reject any or all proposals;

• To consider historic information and fact, whether gained from the proposer’s proposal or any other source, in the evaluation process; and

• The proposer is cautioned that it is the proposer’s sole responsibility to submit information related to the evaluation categories and the County is under no obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the proposal. Failure of the individual or firm to submit such information may cause an adverse impact on the evaluation of the proposal.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Qualifications/Experience

Extensive relevant experience on similar projects with highly qualified personnel and strong demonstrated capability. Minimum qualifications are met. Strong references demonstrating successful completion of similar projects on time and within scope. Proposal is complete, organized, compliant, and includes all required disclosures, licensing, and company information.

0-100 Points 30 (30% of Total)

2. Service Delivery/Methodology

Demonstrates exceptional understanding of project goals, constraints, and required services with a clear, organized, and comprehensive approach. Detailed and well-structured implementation plan with strong project controls, communication methods, quality assurance, stakeholder coordination, and innovative strategies. Clearly identifies detailed unit sequencing, prioritization rationale, staffing, and equipment assignments.

Comprehensive schedule with tasks, deliverables, milestone dates, staffing approach, mobilization plan, and demonstrates ability to meet all required deadlines. Equipment clearly meets or exceeds all specifications and demonstrates strong operational capability.

Provides innovative, efficient, or cost-effective approaches that significantly enhance project delivery. Clearly defines County support needs and roles/responsibilities with strong coordination strategy.

0-100 Points 30 (30% of Total)

3. Reasonable Cost of Service

Pricing is clear, competitive, and demonstrates strong overall value to the County considering experience, staffing, equipment, schedule, and project approach.

0-100 Points 40 (40% of Total)

7. RFP Process

7.1. Submittal of Proposals

Sealed proposals must be received at the online, NO LATER THAN 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

**All proposals must be submitted in PDF format. Proposals submitted in any other format will not be considered. Please ensure that your PDF file is compatible with standard PDF readers to avoid any compatibility issues.**

• File Name Convention: Please use the following naming convention for your proposal file: [CompanyName]_Proposal_[ProjectName].pdf.

Proposals are to be submitted electronically using the County’s e-Procurement platform, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/tuolumnecountyca. Proposals will be received only as instructed above, and must be received before 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Proposals shall not be submitted via hard copy, (hand delivered or mailed), facsimile, nor via email. It is the sole responsibility of the proposer to properly upload its proposal so that it is received by the time and date required. Any proposal received after said time and/or date or in any other format other than as instructed herein, cannot be considered and will not be accepted.

The County’s e-Procurement Platform records the time stamp for every proposal submitted properly in the system. Once a proposal is submitted in the e-procurement platform, the Proposer will receive an email confirmation, and the proposal status will also show as “submitted.”

7.2. Submitter's Questions

Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted exclusively in writing to the County by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 via the County’s e-Procurement platform, in the Q&A tab.

Except for questions that might render the award of this contract invalid, the County will not respond to any questions submitted after this time. The County will use an addendum to the RFP to post any questions received, along with written responses, on the County e-Procurement platform, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/tuolumnecountyca. It is the responsibility of the proposers to check the County website to review the questions and responses. Any oral responses to questions are not binding on the County.

7.3. Cost of Developing the Proposal

All costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal are the responsibility of each proposer and will not be reimbursed by the County.

7.4. Proposal Terms and Conditions

It is the responsibility of each proposer to be familiar with all of the specifications, terms and conditions of the RFP. By the submission of a proposal, the proposer certifies that if awarded a contract, proposer will make no claim against the County based upon ignorance of or misunderstanding of the specifications.

Each proposer shall submit its proposal with the understanding that the proposal will become a part of the official file on this matter and shall be subject to disclosure, if requested by a member of the public, following the completion of negotiations.

By submitting a proposal, each proposer certifies that all statements in this proposal are true.

This constitutes a warranty, the falsity of which shall include the right, at the County’s option, of declaring any contract made, as a result thereof, null and void. Proposals shall be completed, executed, and submitted in accordance with the instructions of this RFP. If a proposal is not submitted in the format specified in this RFP, it may be rejected, unless the County determines that the nonconformity is either a minor irregularity or that the defect or variation in the proposal is immaterial or inconsequential. The County may give the proposer an opportunity to cure any deficiency resulting from a minor irregularity or an immaterial or inconsequential defect, or

County may waive such deficiency, whichever is most advantageous to the County.

The County cannot accept proposals from any individual who is currently employed with the

County of Tuolumne (California Government Code §29708).

7.5. Successful Proposal as Part of Contract Services

Proposals received in response to this solicitation, at the County’s discretion, may be incorporated into the awarded contract and may serve as basic terms and conditions for the ultimate contract. Therefore, proposers are advised that, if successful, they will be held responsible for levels of services proposed at the funding levels quoted. The County reserves the right to negotiate modifications or revisions to any awarded contract.

7.6. Evaluation of Proposals

See #Evaluation of Proposals.

7.7. Other Requirements

In order to contract with the County of Tuolumne, a proposer must meet the following requirements:

• Make available to the County its federal Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Social

Security Number (SSN).

• Comply with all Federal, State and local rules, regulations and policies, including but not limited to:

o Standard contract language of the County; and, o Insurance coverage to include worker’s compensation, general liability, auto liability and professional liability, unless waived by the County.

• Meet the requirements for audit of its expenditures if required in the above documents.

https://secure.procurenow.com/portaluolumnecountyca/projects/29156?section=235608

• The selected contractor must be registered with the Secretary of State and hold authorization to conduct business within the state of California, with all necessary filings being current and up to date.

7.8. Non-Discrimination

Non-Discrimination: The Contractor selected through this RFP shall provide services without discrimination based on race, creed, color, ethnic or linguistic identification, gender or sexual preference, disability or handicap or any other basis prohibited by law.

7.9. Protest/Appeal Process

The following procedure is provided in the event that a proposer wishes to protest the RFP process or appeal the recommendation to award a contract for Rim Reforestation Phase IV

Reforestation and Release once the Notices of Award/Non-Award have been issued.

Any protest must be submitted in writing to County Administration Office, 2 South Green Street, Sonora, CA 95370, Attention: Caitlin Henry

The protest must be submitted before 5pm of the tenth (10th) business day following the date of the Notice of Award.

The protest must contain a complete statement of the basis for the protest. The protest must include the name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of the person representing the protesting party.

The procedure and time limits are mandatory and are the proposer’s sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a bid protest.

Proposer’s failure to comply with these procedures shall constitute a waiver of any right to further pursue the protest, including filing a Government Code claim or legal proceedings.

Upon receipt of written protest/appeal, the County Administrative Officer will review and provide an opportunity to settle the protest/appeal by mutual agreement, will schedule a meeting to discuss or issue a written response to advise of an appeal/protest decision within five (5) business days of receipt of the appeal/protest.

7.10. Public Records Access

Proposers should be aware that submitted proposals are subject to the California Public Records

Act and may be disclosed to members of the public upon request. It is the responsibility of the proposers to clearly identify information in their proposals that they consider to be confidential under the California Public Records Act. To the extent that the County agrees with that designation, such information will be held in confidence whenever possible. All other information will be considered public.

All information regarding the proposals will be held as confidential until such time as the

Review Committee has completed its evaluation and, or if, contract negotiations are complete.

8. Contract Information

8.1. Term/Termination

The term of the initial contract awarded under this RFP will be from the date of the execution of the contract through December 31st, 2026.