HSR26-05

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Notice to Prospective Bidders

June 18, 2026

You are invited to review and respond to this Invitation for Bids (IFB) entitled HSR26-05 As-Needed Goat Grazing Services in Madera, Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties. This IFB is advertised in the California State Contracts Register through Cal eProcure at:

http://www.caleprocure.ca.gov

Please note that you must register with Cal eProcure in order to download IFB packages and any other provided documents from the Cal eProcure website.

Bidders are advised to check the Cal eProcure website for addendums, modifications, and updates to the bid documents. The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority and/or State) is not responsible for failure of the prospective bidder to check for any bid document updates, changes, or answers to questions posted on Cal eProcure. Failure to periodically check the website will be at the bidder's sole risk.

In submitting your bid, you must comply with the instructions found herein.

Note that this agreement will include the State of California General Terms and Conditions (GTCs 02/2025) and Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) that may be viewed and downloaded at Internet site:

http://www.dgs.ca.gov

The contact person for this IFB is:

Lorraine Delfin-Carpio California High-Speed Rail Authority

Phone: (916) 908-1113 Email: L.DelfinCarpio@hsr.ca.gov and contracts@hsr.ca.gov

Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum.

Lorraine Delfin-Carpio Contract Analyst

IFB HSR26-05

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION

BIDDER REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

1. Purpose and Description of Services

2. Bidder Qualifications

3. Schedule of Events

4. Written Questions

5. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

6. Executive Order N-12-23 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

7. Submission of Bid

8. Bid Opening

9. Disposition of Bids

10. Evaluation and Selection

11. Notice of Intent to Award Contract

12. Protest

13. Notice of Contract Award

14. Standard Conditions of Service

15. Required Documents (Awarded Contractor)

16. Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Goals

17. Bid Preference(s)

18. Bid Incentive(s)

STANDARD AGREEMENT FORM (SAMPLE)

EXHIBIT A – Scope of Work

EXHIBIT B – Budget Detail and Payment Provisions

EXHIBIT C – General Terms and Conditions

EXHIBIT D – Special Terms and Conditions

EXHIBIT E – Additional Provisions

REQUIRED BID DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT 1 – Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet

ATTACHMENT 2 – Cost Sheet

ATTACHMENT 3 – Payee Data Record

ATTACHMENT 4 – Bidder Declaration & Subcontractor/Supplier List

ATTACHMENT 5 – Darfur Contracting Act

ATTACHMENT 6 – California Civil Rights Laws Certification

ATTACHMENT 7 – California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Participation Requirement and Incentive

ATTACHMENT 8 – Contractor Certification Clauses

ATTACHMENT 9 – Organizational Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement

BUSINESS

LICENSE

– Copy of a current, valid city or county business license or equivalent

MOTOR CARRIER

PERMIT

– Copy of a current and valid Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) issued by the

California Department of Motor Vehicles

The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

1. Purpose and Description of Services

A. The prospective bidder (Bidder) awarded an Agreement under this IFB shall provide all labor (including administrative costs for all personnel), materials, tools, equipment, travel, provide applicable planning, protective measures, and reporting; pay all taxes, insurance, license and permit fees, disposal fees, supervision necessary, and other cost incidentals necessary to provide goat grazing services on an as-needed basis to the California High-Speed Rail Authority owned properties located in the counties of Madera, Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare. Term: August 1, 2026, or upon approval by the Department of General Services (DGS), whichever occurs later, through July 31, 2028, with an Authority option to extend for an additional twelve (12) months. See Exhibit A, Scope of Work, for a complete description of services.

2. Bidder Qualifications

A. The bidder shall be an individual or firm qualified to do business in California and shall obtain at its expense all license(s) and permit(s) required by law for accomplishing any work required in connection with this Agreement.

B. The bidder and/or livestock transporter, shall possess a valid Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to transport livestock, and MCP-required filings (MC 65 M; CA#). The Contractor’s MCP shall be current and active from the time of the bid opening.

3. Schedule of Events

Event Date Time

A. IFB available to prospective bidders: June 18, 2026 N/A

B. Written questions regarding IFB are due by:

(Note: See additional info in Section 4.)

June 24, 2026 3:00 PM

C. Written responses to questions released by: June 29, 2026 5:00 PM

D. Final date for bid submission:

(Note: See additional info in Section 7.)

July 8, 2026 3:00 PM

E. Date of bid opening:

(Note: See additional info in Section 8.)

July 8, 2026 3:00 PM

F. Proposed start date of agreement: August 1, 2026 Or upon DGS approval

N/A

4. Written Questions

A. Submit all written questions via email to the contact person indicated on the cover page of this IFB package no later than the date and time specified in Section 3, Schedule of Events. Written responses to IFB questions will be released by the date and time specified in the Schedule of Events and viewable in the online project advertisement in Cal eProcure at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx.

5. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

A. On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals.

“Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. By submitting a bid or proposal, Contractor represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should the State determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Contractor’s bid/proposal any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the State.

6. Executive Order N-12-23 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

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

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

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

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

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

7. Submission of Bid

A. Bids must be submitted via mail no later than the date and time specified in Section 3, Schedule of Events.

(1). Bids submitted via mail must be enclosed in an envelope or under sealed cover.

The exterior of the envelope or sealed cover must be clearly marked with all of the following information:

a. BIDDER’S NAME

b. BIDDER’S ADDRESS

c. BID PROPOSAL # HSR26-05, DO NOT OPEN UNTIL JULY 8, 2026, AT 3 PM, ATTN: LORRAINE DELFIN-CARPIO.

(2). Bids shall be mailed to the following address:

California High-Speed Rail Authority Contracts and Procurement Branch Attn: LORRAINE DELFIN-CARPIO 770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 2 Sacramento, CA 95814

(3). Mailed bids not enclosed in an envelope or under sealed cover shall be rejected.

B. Bids must be received by the Authority no later than the date and time specified in Section 3, Schedule of Events. Any bid received after the specified due date and time shall remain unopened and will be returned to the bidder.

C. Bids shall include all required bid documents identified in the Required Bid Documents Checklist. Only submit the required bid documents with your bid, not the entire IFB package. In addition, do not submit bid documents within a binder or folder.

Bids not including the required bid documents shall be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive bid is one that does not meet the bid requirements.

D. All required bid documents submitted must be printed single-sided. Bids that include required bid documents that are printed double-sided shall be deemed non-responsive.

E. All documents requiring a signature must bear an original or electronic signature of a person authorized to bind the bidding firm.

F. Bids must be submitted for the performance of all the services described herein. Any deviation from the work specifications shall not be considered and shall cause a bid to be rejected.

G. Costs for developing bids in anticipation of award of the agreement are entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be charged to the Authority.

H. An individual who is authorized to bind the bidding company/firm contractually shall sign the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet (Attachment 1). The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned bid may be rejected.

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

J. A bidder may withdraw their bid by submitting a written withdrawal request to the Authority, signed by the bidder or an authorized agent. A bidder may thereafter submit a new bid prior to the bid submission deadline. Bids may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to the bid submission deadline.

K. The Authority may modify this IFB prior to the date fixed for submission of bids by the issuance of an addendum.

L. Bidders are cautioned not to rely on the Authority during the evaluation to discover and report to the bidder any defects and errors in the submitted documents. Bidders, before submitting their documents, should carefully proofread them for errors and adherence to the IFB requirements.

M. All documents submitted in response to this solicitation will become the property of the State of California and may be subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code section 7920 et seq.). This includes any contact information within the documents, including that of references. Additionally, to the extent that a bidder believes its bid contains trade secret or proprietary information intended to be confidential, it is the bidder’s responsibility to identify and redact such information. A separate redacted copy of the bid must be submitted along with the original unredacted bid, and it will be the bidder’s responsibility to defend any redactions should a requester dispute them under the Public Records Act. In the absence of a pre-redacted bid, the Authority will treat the entire bid as a public record, except for any information the Authority is required to redact under California law.

8. Bid Opening

A. For security reasons, if you plan to attend the public bid opening, you must email the contact person indicated on the cover page of this IFB no less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the bid opening date and time so that arrangements can be made for entrance into the Authority building.

B. The bid opening shall be held at: Authority Headquarters 770 L Street, Suite 620, Sacramento, CA 95814. At the sole discretion of the Authority, this bid opening may be held virtually.

9. Disposition of Bids

A. All documents submitted in response to this IFB shall become the property of the State of California and shall be regarded as public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 7920 et seq.). However, the contents of all proposals, draft bids, correspondence, agenda, memoranda, working papers, or any other medium that discloses any aspect of a bidder's bid shall be held in the strictest confidence until notice of award is released. The content of all working papers and discussions relating to a bid shall be held in confidence indefinitely, unless the public's interest is best served by an item’s disclosure because of its direct pertinence to a decision, agreement, or evaluation of a bid.

10. Evaluation and Selection

A. Each bid shall be checked for the presence or absence of required information in conformance with the submission requirements of this IFB.

B. The Authority shall put each bid through a process of evaluation to determine its responsiveness to the Authority's needs.

C. Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 1103, a bidder may be deemed not responsible, and their bid may be rejected if they have previously been terminated for cause/breach for the same or similar services at the location designated in this IFB.

D. All bids may be rejected whenever the Authority determines that the cost is not reasonable or otherwise in the best interest of the Authority. There is no requirement to award an agreement if, in the opinion of the Authority, no bids were received containing a reasonable contract price or if there is another business-based reason not to make an award.

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

F. A bid may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete. The Authority may reject any or all bids. At the Authority’s sole discretion, it may seek clarification regarding bid documents or information and may waive any immaterial deviation in a bid. The Authority's waiver of immaterial deviation shall in no way modify the IFB document or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements if awarded the agreement.

The Authority will not waive material deviations in a bid, which include but are not limited to deviations that affect the total price of the bid or give a bidder an advantage over other bidders.

G. A bid may be rejected if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The Authority does not accept alternate contract language from prospective contractors. Bids with such language shall be considered a counter proposal and shall be rejected. The State’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC) are not negotiable. The GTC may be viewed on the internet at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page- Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language

H. The final selection shall be made on the basis of the lowest responsible responsive bid.

In the event there is a tie, each of the tied bidders shall be contacted by the contact person indicated on the cover page of this IFB regarding a date and time for a flip of a coin. The bidder whose bid was received first shall make the call. Bidders or their authorized representative(s) are allowed to be present for the flip of the coin.

11. Notice of Intent to Award Contract

A. Upon written request by any bidder via email, regular mail, or personal delivery prior to award of the agreement, the Authority shall email bidders and post in a publicly accessible place a written notice of intent to award the agreement no less than five (5) business days prior to awarding the agreement. All written requests must be submitted to and received by the contact person indicated on the cover page of this IFB prior to award of the agreement.

B. Whenever an agreement is awarded under a procedure that provides for competitive bidding, but the agreement is not to be awarded to the lowest bidder, the Authority shall:

(1). Notify the lowest bidder in writing by email, overnight courier, or personal delivery no less than five (5) business days prior to the award of the agreement.

12. Protest

A. If any bidder, prior to the award of the agreement, files an initial protest with the Authority and the Department of General Services (DGS) on the grounds that the protesting bidder is the lowest responsive responsible bidder, the agreement shall not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or DGS has decided the matter.

B. Within five (5) calendar days after filing an initial protest with the Authority and DGS, the protesting bidder shall file a full and complete written statement with the Authority and DGS specifying the grounds for the protest, including: the IFB number, the name of the State agency involved, and the agency contract person.

C. A written protest must be sent by email to DGS, Office of Legal Services (OLS) at OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov, as well as the Contract Analyst listed on the cover letter of this IFB.

13. Notice of Contract Award

A. The Authority shall email or mail bidding contractors a written notice of contract award.

14. Standard Conditions of Service

A. Following the release of the written notice of contract award, the Authority shall email or mail the awarded contractor a prepared contract for signature that includes a cover letter instructing the awarded contractor on how to proceed. The cover letter may request that additional information and/or required documents be provided by the awarded contractor before the agreement can be fully executed.

B. Services shall be available on the expressed date set by the Authority after all approvals have been obtained and the agreement is fully executed.

C. All performance under the agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the contract.

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

15. Required Documents (Awarded Contractor)

A. Prior to approval of the agreement, the awarded contractor shall provide the Authority with all of the following required documents within ten (10) calendar days after the contract has been forwarded to the awarded contractor for signature. If the awarded contractor fails to provide the Authority with all of the following required documents within the above specified number of calendar days after the contract has been forwarded to the awarded contractor for signature, the Authority, at its sole discretion, may deem the awarded contractor as non-responsive and may rescind the contract award:

(1). Contractor Certification Clauses

a. The awarded contractor shall sign and submit to the Authority, page one

(1) of the Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) which can be found on the Internet at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page- Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard- Contract-Language.

(2). Insurance Requirements

a. The awarded contractor shall provide the Authority with all of the following certificate(s) of insurance (Note: The Authority shall not be responsible for any premiums or assessments on insurance policies):

1. Commercial General Liability

A. Coverage shall provide limits of not less than $2 million per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage liability combined. The policy shall include coverage for liabilities arising out of premises operations, independent contractors, products/completed operations, personal and advertising injury, and liability assumed under an insured contract. This insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom a claim is made, or suit is brought, subject to the Contractor’s limit of liability.

B. The insurance policy shall include the following additional insured endorsement that shall be supplied under a form acceptable to DGS, Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM):

(1). The State of California, its officers, agents, and employees are included as additional insured, but only with respect to work performed for the State of California.

2. Livestock Transit/Cargo Coverage

A. Coverage shall provide limits of not less than $100,000 per occurrence and must include, at a minimum: Death or humane destruction, crippling, injury, bruising, escape, theft, and loading/unloading incidents. Optional supplemental extensions may include salvage/recovery, debris removal, substitute vehicle, vehicle breakdown, and freight charges.

3. Animal Mortality/Livestock Coverage

A. The Contractor shall maintain animal mortality insurance covering transit-related causes (accident, disease, injury, etc.), which may be provided under: A dedicated livestock mortality policy, or an endorsement on a broader policy with scheduled or per-head limits, aligned with transit coverage.

4. Automobile Liability

A. Coverage shall provide limits of not less than $1 million combined single limit per accident. Such insurance shall cover liability arising out of a motor vehicle owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles, trailers, and combos used for transporting livestock, grazing equipment, or supplies.

(1). The insurance policy shall include the following additional insured endorsement that shall be supplied under a form acceptable to DGS, ORIM:

a. The State of California, its officers, agents, and employees are included as additional insured, but only with respect to work performed for the State of California.

5. Worker’s Compensation

A. Employer liability limits of not less than $1 million are required if the awarded contractor employs any person, in any manner, who is subject to the Workers' Compensation Laws of California. The awarded contractor shall maintain statutory workers' compensation and employer’s liability coverage for all of its employees who will be engaged in the performance of the agreement. If the awarded contractor does not employ any person, in any manner, so as to not become subject to the Workers’ Compensation laws of California, the awarded contractor shall contact the Authority Contract Analyst to request a Workers’ Compensation Exemption Certification form. This form shall be completed by the awarded contractor and submitted to the Authority prior to approval of the agreement.

B. The awarded contractor’s workers compensation insurance policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the State of California in the event the awarded contractor employs any person, in any manner, that is subject to the Workers Compensation Laws of California.

16. Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Goals

A. This IFB incorporates by reference the Authority’s revised SB/DVBE Program, which establishes a twenty-five (25%) percent SB utilization goal, inclusive of a three percent (3%) goal for Microbusinesses (MB). Additionally, the SB/DVBE Program sets a three percent (3%) DVBE participation goal.

(1). Small Business Goal

a. The Contractor shall commit to meet or exceed the overall twenty-five percent (25%) SB utilization goal, inclusive of a three percent (3%) goal for Microbusinesses (MB) for this Agreement as established by the SB Program.

1. SB means a business certified by the California Department of General Services (DGS)/ Office of SB and DVBE Services (OSDS) in accordance with GC § 14837 (d)(1) and 2 CCR 1896.12(a).

2. Microbusiness means an SB certified by the Department of General Services/OSDS in accordance with GC § 14837 (d)(2) and 2 CCR 1896.12(b).

(2). Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Goal

a. The Contractor shall commit to meet or exceed the overall three percent (3%) goal for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise for this Agreement as established by the SB Program.

1. Only State of California OSDS-certified DVBEs who will perform a Commercially Useful Function shall be used to satisfy the DVBE requirement. The term “DVBE contractor, subcontractor or supplier” means any Person that satisfies the ownership (or management) and control requirements of CCR Title 2 § 1896.81, is certified in accordance with CCR Title 2 § 1896.84, and provides services or goods that contribute to the fulfillment of the contract requirements by performing a CUF as required in MVC § 999(B).

17. Bid Preference(s)

A. The following preferences are applicable to this IFB:

(1). Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness (MB) Preference

a. Government Code section 14835 et seq. requires that a five percent (5%) preference be given to contractors who qualify as a certified SB or MB.

b. To claim the SB preference, your company/firm must have its principal place of business located in California and be certified by the California Department of General Services (DGS). If the prospective Contractor is claiming the five percent (5%) SB preference, complete section 15 of Attachment 1 – Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet.

c. This preference shall not be awarded to a noncompliant bidder and shall not be used to achieve any applicable minimum requirements.

d. A certified SB bidder(s) shall have precedence over non-SB bidder(s) in the application of the SB preference.

e. SB Preference information can be found at the following website:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro- Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=OSDS.

(2). Non-Small Business (Non-SB) Preference

a. Non-SB preference information can be found at the following website:

http://www.dgs.ca.gov (Note: Non-SB Preference cannot displace a direct award to a California-certified Small Business or a California-certified Micro Business).

(3). Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) (Only applicable if the lowest bid received exceeds $100,000.00.)

a. TACPA preference information can be found at the following website:

http://www.dgs.ca.gov (Note: Only California-certified Small Business bidders and California-certified Micro Business bidders can use a TACPA preference to displace another California-certified Small Business bidder or California-certified Micro Business bidder).

18. Bid Incentive(s)

A. The following incentive applies to this IFB:

(1). Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Participation Incentive

a. Per Military and Veterans Code section 999.5 and California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 2, Division 2, Chapter 3, Subchapter 10.6, Sections 1896.99.100 and 1896.99.120, an incentive between three percent (3%) and five percent (5%) is included in this solicitation. The DVBE incentive will be applied during the evaluation process for responsive bids offering DVBE participation.

b. If the prospective Contractor intends to claim the preference, the Contractor must identify the DVBE firm and percentage of bid price by completing Attachment 4 – Bidder Declaration & Subcontractor/Supplier List.

c. See Attachment 7 for DVBE Participation Incentive information (Note:

DVBE Participation Incentive cannot displace a direct award to a California-certified Small Business or a California-certified Micro Business).

DO NOT COMPLETE OR SUBMIT WITH YOUR BID!

SAMPLE

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF WORK

1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A. The California High-Speed Rail Authority is responsible for planning, designing, building, and operating the first high-speed rail system in the state. California high-speed rail will connect the mega-regions of the state, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, create jobs, and preserve agricultural and protected lands.

B. The California High-Speed Rail Authority may enter into agreements with private and public entities for design, construction, and operation of high-speed rail trains, including all tasks and segments thereof pursuant to California Public Utilities Code section 185036. Additional authority for a State agency to enter into this Agreement (Agreement) includes Public Contract Code section 10335, et seq.

C. This Agreement is between the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority and/or

State), an agency of the State of California, and [Contractor Name], a [form of entity] (Contractor). The Authority and Contractor are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties,” or individually as “Party.” The purpose of this Agreement is for the Contractor to provide services, as described in Section 2, Scope of Work, of this Exhibit A, to the Authority.

D. All inquiries during the term of this Agreement will be directed to the Contract Managers identified below:

AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR

Contract Manager: TBD Contract Manager: TBD Address: TBD

Address: TBD

Phone: TBD Phone: TBD Email: TBD Email: TBD

E. The Contract Managers may be changed without amendment as specified in Exhibit D, Special Terms and Conditions, Section 2, Contract Management, of this Agreement.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

A. The Contractor agrees to provide the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) with services related to goat grazing services on an as-needed basis, which includes livestock (mix of goats and/or sheep), fencing, transportation, hydration, all labor, tools, materials, equipment, and travel necessary to perform the these services at Authority-owned properties located in the counties of Madera, Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare for the term of this Agreement.

B. The services shall be performed in:

(1). Madera County: 141 acres

(2). Fresno County: 216 acres

(3). Kings County: 246 acres

(4). Tulare County: 312 acres

(5). Kern County: 415 acres

C. Commencement of Work

(1). The Contractor shall commence work under this Agreement on the specified start date provided by the Authority Contract Manager (ACM) following the execution of this Agreement by the State. The ACM shall provide the Contractor with written notification of the start date prior to the Contractor commencing work under this Agreement.

D. The services shall be performed on an as-needed basis and may occur at any time, twenty-four (24) hours, seven (7) days a week, unless otherwise approved by the ACM.

All work dates and times outside of the approved schedule must be approved by the ACM before work is performed.

E. Detailed description of work to be performed and duties of all parties:

(1). General

a. Scope of Work

1. The Contractor shall provide goats and/or sheep, herein after known as “livestock”, for the grazing of weeds (annual grasses, herbs and forbs, shrubs and subshrubs) at various locations in Madera, Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties. The Contractor shall also provide all necessary tools and equipment. Depending on how many acres are serviced and the total amount of livestock used, the average time to clear an area may take from one (1) day to two (2) weeks at each location.

(2). Responsibilities of the Contractor

a. The Contractor must be able to provide enough livestock to have two (2) separate locations grazed at the same time, should multiple services be required.

b. The Contractor shall be responsible for the transportation of livestock to and from each location. The livestock transporter shall possess a valid Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to transport livestock, and MCP-required filings (MC 65 M;

CA#).

c. All livestock shall have an identifiable tag that clearly indicates ownership by the Contractor. The Contractor is solely responsible for tagging, maintaining, and ensuring the legibility of all identification tags.

d. The Contractor shall provide a Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian verifying that all livestock are free from parasites and diseases. This certificate shall be submitted annually and prior to each grazing session. The Contractor is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required veterinary documentation.

e. The Contractor shall provide portable electric fencing, water troughs, and water for the livestock. The Contractor may be required to double portable electrical fencing for some locations as determined by the ACM or designee (to protect permanent, shared fencing). The Authority is not responsible for the actions or protection of the livestock.

1. The Contractor’s name and contact information will be posted on all four (4) sides of the enclosure, should the Contractor need to be contacted at any given time.

2. The Contractor will remove any vegetation directly touching and within two (2) feet of the electrified fence line to ensure no fire starts because of their fence line or structure.

f. The Contractor shall ensure that adequate fire-suppression equipment is present on site at all times. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide a round-point forty-six (46) inch shovel, a ten (10) pound dry chemical fire extinguisher, a personal flotation device when operating near water, and an approved plan or method for contacting 911 and the ACM in the event of a fire.

g. The Contractor’s herdsman shall protect all native plant species and other desirable plants identified by the ACM or designee by not allowing livestock to graze on these plants.

h. Within authorized grazing areas, the Contractor shall achieve grazing of eighty-five percent (85%) of vegetation up to five (5) feet in height, unless otherwise directed in writing by the ACM or Authority designee to avoid over-grazing. The Contractor shall ensure that sufficient vegetation remains to prevent soil erosion.

i. Grazing shall continue until all areas identified by the Contract Manager, or Authority designee, have been grazed. The ACM, or Authority designee, will notify the Contractor to determine the date, time, and locations of the areas to be grazed. The ACM will provide maps of each location to be grazed, with the Task Order, and the contractor shall report to the job location within one (1) week of notification by the ACM.

j. In the event the Contractor employs canines for predator protection, the Contractor shall furnish the ACM with veterinary records for each canine, including up-to-date vaccination records, including rabies.

k. Should any of the Contractor’s animals escape confinement, the Contractor shall be fully and solely responsible for their timely retrieval.

The Authority is not liable for the actions, protection, or recovery of any livestock or herding animals utilized by the Contractor.

l. Any livestock that perishes during grazing shall be promptly removed and properly disposed of by the Contractor, at the Contractor’s sole responsibility and expense, in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

m. The Contractor shall be responsible for the transportation, trailer, or other housing and incidentals of herdsmen. Should the Contractor opt to stay on site with the livestock, the Contractor will be fully responsible for their living quarters, and they must be fully self-contained (bathroom facility and water). Living quarters will be placed within previously established roadways, staging areas, and parking areas that are outside of sensitive habitats. The Contractor shall:

1. Be limited to a small self-contained pull-behind trailer (less than 3,500 lbs.).

2. Remove all garbage from the site when work is complete.

3. Ensure that no human waste or septic tank contents are disposed of at the site.

4. Ensure that all fuels will be kept in secondary containment.

n. When the Contractor is on-site, a high-visibility vest and appropriate leather boots shall be worn.

o. If the Contractor encounters any hazardous plants that may endanger the Contractor’s staff or livestock, the Contractor shall notify the ACM and may remove the hazardous plant only upon receiving approval. The Contractor is responsible for identifying, reporting, and safely removing such vegetation once approved.

p. Upon award of the contract, the Contractor shall submit its Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to the ACM for review and approval.

The Contractor is solely responsible for maintaining and implementing these programs.

q. Transportation, livestock, herdsmen, tools, and equipment are included in the unit price rate per acre, as outlined in the Bid Proposal (Attachment 2), incorporated into this Agreement as Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions, Section 2.A.(1) – (4). No additional compensation will be provided.

(3). Responsibilities of the Authority

a. The ACM will notify the Contractor to establish the date, time, and locations for the grazing activities. The Contractor is responsible for coordinating and preparing for grazing based on this notification.

b. The ACM and the Contractor will jointly determine the appropriate ratio of livestock for each grazing location. The Contractor is responsible for implementing and maintaining the agreed-upon livestock ratios.

c. The ACM will provide the Contractor with access to each grazing location as required. The Contractor is responsible for coordinating entry and carrying out grazing activities once access is granted.

d. The ACM will inform the Contractor of any rare or endangered plants or species of special concern, prior to each grazing session. The Contractor is responsible for conducting grazing activities in accordance with this information.

(4). Deliverables

a. The Contractor will monitor the work sites/grazing livestock daily and provide a log to the ACM by email weekly by close of business Fridays, with the following information:

1. Sites visited

2. Amount of grazing time

3. List of personnel working

(a). Duties performed

(b). Number of hours spent performing those duties

4. Livestock headcount

5. General health and well-being of livestock

6. Condition of fencing/containment unit

7. Condition of herbaceous forage not to be reduced below four inches (4”) to six inches (6 “) in height

(5). Service Calls

a. Upon notification from the Authority, the Contractor shall respond to grazing-related service calls, including issues involving livestock, fencing, access, or site conditions. For calls placed during regular Authority business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays), the Contractor shall begin responding within four (4) business hours. For calls placed outside of regular business hours, including weekends and State holidays, the Contractor shall begin responding within four (4) hours. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring a timely response and addressing all grazing-related concerns identified by the Authority.

(6). Meetings and Authority Safety Program Division’s Training

a. The ACM and the Contractor shall attend a virtual “kick-off” meeting on a mutually agreed-upon date and time within one (1) week after the execution of the Agreement. Additional meetings may be scheduled at the request of either the ACM or the Contractor. Should either party request a meeting, the other party shall respond within forty-eight (48) hours of an agreed-upon day and time, to take place within one (1) week.

b. The ACM and the Contractor or Contractor’s designated employee shall attend an approximately one (1) hour long in person or virtual small business “kick-off” meeting, on a mutually agreed upon day and time, within one (1) week after the execution of the Agreement.

c. The general kick-off meeting and the small business kick-off meeting described above may be held concurrently at the Authority’s discretion.

d. Additional meetings may be scheduled at the request of either the ACM or the Contractor. Should either party request a meeting, the other party shall respond in writing via email within forty-eight (48) hours with a mutually agreed upon day and time, to take place within one (1) week.

e. The Contractor shall ensure that only qualified employee(s) who undergo the Authority Safety Program Division’s safety training, which will be administered prior to the start of the Work, are permitted on the property locations and that the Work shall be safely performed to the highest industry standards.

1. The safety training will be approximately one (1) hour long and will be administered online via Microsoft Teams. The Contractor shall take all the necessary precautions provided in the Authority Safety Program Division’s safety training to prevent hazards, injuries, and/or damages to Authority property, any adjacent property, Authority staff, invitee(s), property owner(s),) property occupant(s), and/or the general public.

2. Virtual training platform: Microsoft Teams

(7). Safety

a. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing safety barriers, signs, and any necessary controls to protect all persons and the Authority’s property.

(8). Noise Abatement

a. The Contractor shall ensure that all services are performed in compliance with all city and county noise abatement laws, ordinances, and regulations.

(9). Waste Transportation and/or Disposal

a. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for the proper transportation and disposal of all waste generated by the herd or the herdsman’s trailer, in compliance with all applicable local, county, state, and federal laws. The Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the State and its officers, agents, and employees from any claims or damages arising from improper waste handling.

(10). Loss/Damage

a. The Authority shall bear no responsibility or liability for loss, injury, or damage involving the Contractor’s livestock. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for all risks of loss, injury, or damage caused by livestock that escape from their enclosure or fail to remain within the designated grazing areas. This includes all costs associated with locating, recovering, and securing the livestock, as well as any property damage or claims arising from the escape.

EXHIBIT B

BUDGET DETAIL AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS

1. Budget Contingency Clause

A. It is mutually agreed that this Agreement shall be of no further force and effect if the Budget Act of the current year and/or any subsequent years, if applicable, covered under this Agreement, does not appropriate sufficient funds for the Work identified in Exhibit A, Scope of Work. In this event, the Authority shall have no liability to pay any funds whatsoever to the Contractor or to furnish any other considerations under this Agreement, and the Contractor shall not be obligated to perform any provision of this Agreement.

B. After execution or commencement of this Agreement, if the funding for any fiscal year is reduced or deleted by the Budget Act for purposes of this Project, the Authority shall have the option to either: 1) cancel this Agreement with no further liability occurring to the Authority; or 2) offer an amendment to the Agreement to reflect the reduced amount.

C. This Agreement is valid and enforceable only if sufficient funds are made available to the State by the United States Government or the California State Legislature for the purpose of this Authority program. In addition, this Agreement is subject to any additional restrictions, limitations, conditions, or any statute enacted by the United States of America or the California State Legislature during the Agreement term that affects the provisions, terms, or funding of this Agreement in any manner.

2. Invoice and Payment

A. For services satisfactorily rendered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and upon receipt and approval of the invoices by the ACM, the Authority agrees to compensate the Contractor for actual hours worked in accordance with Table (1).

Service Rates, below, through Table (4). Grand Total.

(1). Table 1, Service Rates

*Note: Rate should include all herdsmen, goats, labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, transportation, and incidentals necessary to provide on-call, on site goat grazing services.

Item

Location Estimated Quantity of Acres

X *Rate

Per Acre X

Estimated Occurrence

X Number of Years

Estimated Total Cost of Service

A Madera County

141 X $ TBD X 2 X 2 = $ TBD

B Fresno County

216 X $ TBD X 2 X 2 = $ TBD

C Kings County 246 X $ TBD X 2 X 2 = $ TBD

D Tulare County

312 X $ TBD X 2 X 2 = $ TBD

E Kern County 415 X $ TBD X 2 X 2 = $ TBD

F SUB TOTAL COST [A+B+C+D+E] $ TBD

(2). Table 2, Required Meetings

(3). Table 3, Authority Safety Program Division’s Safety Training

(4). Table 4, Grand Total

Grand Total = Estimated Grand Total Cost of Services

TOTAL COST SUM OF (Table 1, Item F) + (Table 2, Item C) + (Table 3, Item A)

= $_________TBD__________

(Basis of Award)

B. The Contractor agrees to compensate all subcontractors with the same payment structure.

C. No payment shall be made in advance of services rendered.

D. If requested by the Authority, the Contractor shall provide payroll verification for any individual within thirty (30) days of the Authority’s request.

E. The total amount payable by the Authority for this Agreement shall not exceed the amount on the STD 213. It is understood and agreed that this total is the maximum amount payable to the Contractor and that the actual amount of Work requested by the Authority, and payment, therefore, may be less.

F. The Contractor shall provide one (1) electronic original copy of the invoice for payment.

Invoices shall be submitted no more than monthly in arrears and no later than thirty (30) days after completion of each billing period or upon completion of a task to:

Item # Service Description Hourly Rate

X Estimated

Hours X

Estimated Employees (Not to exceed two (2) employees.)

Estimated

Total Cost of Service

A One-Time “Kick-Off” Meeting

$ TBD X 1 X 2 = $ TBD

B One-Time Small Business Meeting

$ TBD X 1 X 2 = $ TBD

C Sub Total Cost [A + B] = $ TBD

Item

Service Description Hourly Rate

X Estimated

Hours X

Estimated Employees

(Not to exceed five

(5) employees.)

Estimated

Total Cost of Service

A. Safety Training $ TBD X 1 X 5 = $ TBD

Financial Office California High-Speed Rail Authority

770 L Street, Suite 620 MS 3 Sacramento, CA 95814 accountspayable@hsr.ca.gov

AND

G. The Contractor shall also electronically submit one (1) additional courtesy copy of the invoice and supporting documentation to the ACM or designee at the email address identified in Exhibit A, Scope of Work, Section 1, Background and Purpose, Subsection D.

H. If requested by Authority, Contractor shall provide paper copies of the invoice for payment, receipts, and other documentation identified in Section 3, Invoice Content, of this Exhibit B.

I. The date of invoice delivery shall be the date the Authority receives the electronic original copy to the Financial Office at the email address listed in Section 2, Invoice and Payment, Subsection F, of this Exhibit B.

3. Invoice Content

A. An invoice shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:

(1). Agreement number, date prepared, Task Order, billing period, grazing location, service start and end dates.

(2). The Contractor’s rates by services rendered, as identified on Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions, Section 2, Invoice and Payment, Subsection A.(1). Table 1, Service Rates, through Subsection A.(3). Table 3, Authority Safety Program Division’s Safety Training. Each invoice shall include actual hours incurred, cumulative hours incurred to date, and budgeted hours per individual by workplan category or task (as specified in Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions, Section 2, Invoice and Payment, Subsection A.(1). Table 1, Service Rates, through Subsection A.(3). Table 3, Authority Safety Program Division’s Safety Training (and by reference to Task Orders, as applicable) during the billing period.

(3). If applicable, an indication of whether the Contractor is certified as a California Certified Small Business (SB), Microbusiness (MB), Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB-PW), or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Subcontractor and vendor invoices shall also indicate whether a subcontractor or vendor is an SB, MB, SB-PW, or DVBE.

(4). The Contractor shall retain supporting documentation of amounts invoiced for audit purposes available to the Authority upon request. The Contractor shall include appropriate provisions in each of its subcontracts/subagreements to secure adequate supporting documentation to verify all subcontractor services and expenses invoiced for payment under this Agreement.

(5). Subcontractors’ and vendors’ invoices.

(6). The Postconsumer-Content Certification Form, CalRecycle Form 74.

(7). The Contractor shall report in its invoice to the Authority on a monthly basis the percentages of recycled products used for reportable purchases under the State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC) pursuant to California Public Contract Code sections 12200 through 12217.

4. Prompt Payment Clause

A. Payment will be made in accordance with, and within the time specified in, Government Code section 927, et seq. The date of invoice delivery shall be the date the Authority receives the electronic original at the email address listed in Section 2, Invoice and Payment, Subsection F, of this Exhibit B.

5. Excise Tax

A. The State of California is exempt from federal excise taxes, and no payment will be made for any federal excise taxes levied on the Contractor. The Authority will only pay for any State or local sales or use taxes on the services rendered to the Authority pursuant to this Agreement. For clarification on excise tax exemptions, refer to the State Administrative Manual section 3585.

6. Invoice Disputes

A. Payments shall be made to the Contractor for undisputed invoices. An undisputed invoice is an invoice submitted by the Contractor for services rendered and for which additional evidence is not required to determine its validity. The invoice will be disputed if all deliverables due for the billing period have not been received and approved, if the invoice is inaccurate, or if it does not comply with the terms of the Agreement.