HSR26-31

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Notice to Prospective Bidders

September 23, 2026

You are invited to review and respond to this Invitation for Bids (IFB) entitled HSR26-31 – Tree Removal and Disposal Services. 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:

Valerie Flurry California High-Speed Rail Authority

Phone: (916) 908-0924 Email: Valerie.Flurry@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.

Valerie Flurry Contract Analyst

IFB/Agreement # HSR26-31

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION

BIDDER REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION

1. Purpose and Description of Services

2. Bidder Qualifications

3. Bidder Security

4. Prevailing Wage

5. Employment of Undocumented Aliens

6. Antitrust Claims

7. Schedule of Events

8. Written Questions

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

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

11. Submission of Bid

12. Bid Opening

13. Disposition of Bids

14. Evaluation and Selection

15. Notice of Intent to Award Contract

16. Notice of Contract Award

17. Standard Conditions of Service

18. Required Documents (Awarded Contractor)

19. Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Goals

20. Bid Preference(s)

21. 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

EXHIBIT F – Non-collusion Declaration

EXHIBIT G – Standard California Nondiscrimination Construction Contract

EXHIBIT H – Parcels Slated for Tree Removal and Disposal

EXHIBIT I – Maps of Parcels Slated for Tree Removal and Disposal

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

HSR26-31

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 – Bidder’s Bond

ATTACHMENT 10 – Organizational Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement (to be completed by Prime Contractor)

– Organizational Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement (to be completed by each Subcontractor)

DIR Registration – Copy of Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Registration for the Bidder and all subcontractors the Bidder intends to utilize to perform Work under the Agreement

C-49 License – Copy of valid C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor license issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.

1. Purpose and Description of Services

A. Tree removal and disposal services in the counties of Fresno and Kings, California, provided to the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Term: November 1, 2026 or upon contract approval, whichever occurs later, through October 31, 2027, with an Authority option to extend for twelve (12) additional months. See Exhibit A, Scope of Work, for a complete description of services.

2. Bidder Qualifications

A. The Bidder shall submit with their bid a valid (expiration date has not elapsed throughout the term of this Agreement) C-49 – Tree and Palm Contractor license issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board (CSLB). All subcontractors that the bidder intends to utilize to perform work under the Agreement shall possess all applicable Contractor licenses for the work they shall perform under the Agreement. The Bidder’s Contractor license number shall be indicated on the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet (Attachment 1). The names of all subcontractors that the Bidder intends to utilize and their Contractor license number (if applicable) shall be indicated on the Bidder Declaration & Subcontractor/Supplier list (Attachment 4). All Bidder and subcontractor Contractor licenses shall be current and active from the time of the bid opening through the term of the Agreement.

3. Bidder Security

A. Bidder shall submit one of the following forms of bidder security (equal to 10% of the total bid amount) at the time of bid submittal if the total bid amount exceeds $461,000.00:

(1). Bid bond executed by an admitted surety insurer and made payable to the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Utilize the Bidder’s Bond form in Attachment 9.

(2). Cash

(3). Cashier’s check

(4). Certified check.

4. Prevailing Wage

A. In accordance with the provisions of Labor Code Sections 1720, the bidder and their proposed subcontractor(s) shall adhere to the payment of prevailing wages as determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The prevailing wage rate determinations can be downloaded from the DIR’s internet website at:

http://www.dir.ca.gov. Copies of the DIR’s downloadable prevailing wage rate determinations are also on file at Authority Headquarters and are available to any interested party on request. Additional questions regarding prevailing wage determinations shall be referred to the DIR’s Division of Labor Statistics and Research, Prevailing Wage Unit, at: http://www.dir.ca.gov.

B. In the event the bidder’s total bid amount exceeds $25,000.00, the bidder and all subcontractors that the bidder intends to utilize to perform work under the agreement shall be a registered public works contractor with the DIR. The bidder shall provide proof of DIR registration for the bidder and all subcontractors that the bidder intends to utilize to perform work under the agreement with their bid. All bidder and subcontractor public works contractor registrations with the DIR shall be active from the time of the bid opening through the term of the agreement, and shall remain active following the term of the agreement until all certified payroll records in connection with the agreement have been submitted to the DIR Labor Commissioner.

5. Employment of Undocumented Aliens

A. No State agency or department, as defined in PCC § 10335.7, that is subject to this code, shall award a public works contract to a bidder or contractor, nor shall a bidder or contractor be eligible to bid for or receive a public works contract, who has, in the preceding five (5) years, been convicted of violating a State or Federal law regarding the employment of undocumented aliens PCC § 6101.

6. Antitrust Claims

A. The contractor offers and agrees and will require all of his other subcontractors and suppliers to agree to assign to the awarding body all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action they may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 USC § 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 [commencing with section 16700] of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code) arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the public works contract or subcontract. The State Contracting Manual – Volume I 167 assignment made by the contractor and all additional assignments made by the subcontractors and suppliers shall be deemed to have been made and will become effective at the time the awarding body tenders final payment to the contractor without further acknowledgment or the necessity of tendering to the awarding body any written assignments.

B. If an awarding body receives, either through judgment or settlement, a monetary recovery for a cause of action assigned under GC §§ 4550 – 4554, the assignor shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for actual legal costs incurred and may, on demand, recover from the public body any portion of the recovery, including treble damages, and attributable overcharges that were paid by the assignor but were not paid by the public body as a part of the bid price, less the expenses incurred in obtaining that portion of the recovery. On demand in writing by the assignor, the assignee shall, within one year from such demand, reassign the cause of action assigned under GC §§ 4550 – 4554 if the assignor has been or may have been injured by the violation of law for which the cause of action arose and (a) the assignee has not been injured thereby, or (b) the assignee declines to file a court action for the cause of action.

7. Schedule of Events

Event Date Time

(1). IFB available to prospective bidders: Wednesday, September 23, N/A

(2). Written questions regarding IFB are due by:

(Note: See additional info in Section 8.)

Wednesday, September 30, 5:00 PM

(PST)

(3). Written responses to questions released by: Friday, October 2, 5:00 PM

(PST)

(4). Final date for bid submission:

(Note: See additional info in Section 11.)

Friday, October 9, 2:00 PM

(PST)

(5). Date of bid opening:

(Note: See additional info in Section 12.)

Friday, October 9, 2:00 PM

(PST)

(6). Proposed start date of agreement: November 1, N/A

8. 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 7, 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Submission of Bid

A. Bids must be submitted via mail or hand delivery no later than the date and time specified in Section 7, Schedule of Events.

(1). Bids submitted 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 # HSR26-31, DO NOT OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 9, 2026 AT 2:00 PM, ATTN: VALERIE FLURRY

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

California High-Speed Rail Authority Contracts and Procurement Section Attn: VALERIE FLURRY 770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 7 Sacramento, CA 95814

(3). Any bid that is not submitted in a sealed envelope or sealed package shall be rejected.

B. Bids must be received by the Authority no later than the date and time specified in Section 7, 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.

12. Bid Opening

A. For security reasons, if you plan to attend the public bid opening, you must call 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 virtually on Microsoft Teams. To request an invitation to the virtual bid opening, please send an email to Valerie Flurry at Valerie.Flurry@hsr.ca.gov at least one (1) hour prior to the bid submission date and time specified in Section 7, Schedule of Events.

13. 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.

14. 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 may be rejected. If, in the opinion of the Authority, such information was intended to mislead the Authority in its evaluation of the bid, and the attribute, condition, or capability is a requirement of this IFB, it shall be the basis for rejection of the bid.

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.

15. 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.

16. Notice of Contract Award

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

17. 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.

18. 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 $1 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. 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, including owned, hired, and non-owned motor vehicles.

(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.

3. 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.

(3). Payment Bond

a. Per Public Contract Code Section 7103, the awarded contractor shall provide a payment bond equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the total amount payable under the contract if the awarded contractor’s total bid amount exceeds $25,000.00. The payment bond must be printed on Standard Form 807 (STD 807) and must include the contract number and the description of work to be performed under the contract. The payment bond must be executed by the Contractor and a corporate surety authorized to transact a general surety business in the State of California

(4). Performance Bond

a. The awarded contractor shall provide a performance bond equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the total amount payable under the contract, guaranteeing faithful performance of the work if the awarded contractor’s total bid amount exceeds $10,000.00. The performance bond must be issued by a corporate surety authorized to transact a general surety business in the State of California.

19. 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 percent (25%) 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).

20. 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).

21. Bid Incentive(s)

A. The following incentive is applicable to this IFB:

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

a. Per Military and Veterans Code section 999.5, Title 2 CCR 1896.99.100, and Title 2 CCR 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 AUTHORITY CONTRACTOR

Contract Manager: TBD Task Manager: TBD Contract Manager: TBD Address: TBD

Address: TBD Address: TBD

Phone: TBD Phone: TBD Phone: TBD Email: 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) all labor (including administrative costs for all personnel), materials, equipment, travel, personal safety gear, possible disking, and supervision; provide applicable planning, protective measures, and reporting; pay all taxes, insurance bonds, license and permit fees, disposal fees, and other costs necessary to perform all duties associated with tree removal and disposal services for Authority-owned parcels of 43.04 estimated acres of peach trees, pistachio trees, and pomegranate trees in the counties of Fresno and Kings.

B. The services shall be performed at:

(1). Corner of E. Elkhorn Avenue and S. Fowler Avenue, Fresno, CA 93662

(2). Corner of 4 ½ Avenue and Whitley Avenue, Corcoran, CA 93212

(3). 8455 Kansas Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230

C. Commencement of Work

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

(2). The services shall be performed from Monday through Friday during the normal business hours of 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding state holidays as identified on the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) internet website:

https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/state-holidays.aspx

(3). Scheduling of each parcel will be based on environmental survey inspections conducted by the Authority Environmental Branch, which includes the assessment of impacts for certain projects on the environment and to living species. Environmental survey inspections may require partial work to be conducted, or potential stop and recommencement after an environmental survey inspection has concluded.

(4). The Authority’s Environmental Branch will complete environmental survey inspections for each property within a thirty (30) day timeframe of the expected tree removal and disposal services. The Authority Environmental Branch shall assess and approve either a full stump tree removal method with possible disking or a flush cut tree removal method, which will be communicated to the Contractor by the Authority Property Manager.

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

(1). Responsibilities of the Contractor

a. The Contractor will assume full responsibility for the removal and disposal of all trees at the specified Authority locations.

b. The Contractor may conduct tree removal and disposal services in the following methods of removal upon approval from the Authority Property Manager after an environmental survey inspection:

1. Full stump and root ball removal and possible disking with off-site grinding and legal disposal of the trees (with an option for on-site grinding and debris clean-up).

2. Flush cutting with off-site grinding and legal disposal of the trees (with an option for on-site grinding and debris clean-up).

c. The Contractor shall be responsible for proper clean-up for on-site and/or off-site disposal of all debris generated by the tree removal process. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for adhering to any and all local, city, county, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the proper transportation and/or disposal of all waste products while performing services under this Agreement. The Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the state, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims, injuries, suits, damages, and losses arising out of or in connection with the improper transportation and/or disposal of all waste products.

d. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all on-site orchard hardware including, but not limited to, wires, posts, and irrigation hardware.

e. The Contractor shall leave the property in a neat, clean, and safe condition after every service in such a manner as to avoid damage to Authority properties or any adjacent properties.

f. The Contractor must be able to adjust their schedule as mutually agreed upon, as adjustments may be required based on the results of the environmental survey inspection. The Contractor will be expected to work cooperatively with the Authority Contract Manager and will adapt to developing circumstances (i.e., the discovery of burrowing and/or nesting living species) should they arise, which will be identified with the environmental survey inspection.

g. The Contractor shall utilize its own equipment for the services required herein and be responsible for all equipment repairs and services.

Servicing, fueling, and pre-operation checks of the equipment shall be done on the Contractor’s time before or after the work hours stated in Section 2, Scope of Work, Subsection C, Commencement of Work, of this Exhibit A. The Contractor must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Authority that the equipment to be used to perform the services is in good working condition and suitable for performing the Work required.

h. The Contractor shall operate all work equipment in a safe manner, so as not to create hazards, injuries, and/or damages to the Authority property, any adjacent property, Authority staff, invitee(s), property owner(s) and property occupant(s), and/or the general public. If any property is damaged by reason of the Contractor’s operation, such property shall be restored at the Contractor’s sole expense and to the satisfaction of the Authority and/or the property owner. The Contractor shall notify the Authority Property Manager immediately of any damages caused.

i. 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 parcel location and that the work shall be safely performed by the highest industry standards. The safety training will be approximately one (1) hour long and can be administered in-person or 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) and property occupant(s), and/or the general public.

j. In the event the Contractor’s operation creates a condition hazardous to Authority property, any adjacent property, Authority staff, invitee(s), property owner(s) and property occupant(s), and/or the general public, the Contractor shall provide warning signs alerting to any dangerous conditions at the Contractor’s own expense and without cost to the Authority. The Contractor shall not leave any hazardous conditions on the property unattended. The services are to be performed by the Contractor’s tree workers who, through related training and on-the-job experience, are familiar with the techniques involved with the hazards of this work including, but not limited to, tree trimming, tree removal, and operation of all equipment used for tree removal and disposal services.

(2). Responsibilities of the Authority

a. The Authority Environmental Branch shall conduct an environmental survey inspection prior to the start of Work. After the environmental survey inspection has concluded, the Authority Property Manager will provide the Contractor with the details of the planned work involved, including, but not limited to, expected tree removal and disposal dates and times.

(3). Notice to Proceed

a. The Authority Contract Manager will issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to the Contractor to commence work after the conclusion of the environmental survey inspections as specified in Section 2, Scope of Work, Subsection C, Commencement of Work, of this Exhibit A.

(4). Debris and Waste Transportation and/or Disposal

a. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for adhering to any and all local, city, county, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the proper transportation and/or disposal of all debris and waste products while performing services under this Agreement. The Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the state, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims, injuries, suits, damages, and losses arising out of or in connection with the improper transportation and/or disposal of all waste products.

(5). Meetings

a. The Authority Contract Manager and the Contractor shall attend a Kick-Off Meeting at the Authority office, on a mutually agreed upon day and time, within one (1) week after the execution of the Agreement. Additional meetings may be scheduled at the request of either the Authority Contract Manager or the Contractor. Should either party request a meeting, the other party shall respond within forty-eight (48) hours with an agreed-upon day and time, to take place within one (1) week.

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. 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 Authority Contract Manager, the Authority agrees to compensate the Contractor for actual hours worked in accordance with Exhibit B, Attachment 1 – Rate Sheet. Rates shall not exceed the rates identified in Exhibit B, Attachment 1 – Rate Sheet.

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, therefor, 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:

Financial Office California High-Speed Rail Authority

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

G. The Contractor shall also electronically submit one (1) additional courtesy copy of the invoice and supporting documentation to the Authority’s Contract Manager or designee at the email address identified in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

H. If requested by the 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 at the Financial Office at the email address listed in Section F of this Exhibit B.

3. Invoice Content

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

(1). Agreement number, parcel number, location address, tree type, type of tree removal process of either full stump removal with possible disking or flush cut removal, date prepared, and billing period.

(2). The Contractor’s service rates by parcel as identified on Exhibit B, Attachment 1

– Rate Sheet. Each invoice shall include the rate per trees removed through full stump removal with possible disking or flush cut removal per acreage (as specified in Exhibit B, Attachment 1 – Rate Sheet) 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 E, 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. If the invoice is disputed, the Contractor will be notified via a Dispute Notification Form, or with other written notification within fifteen (15) Working Days of receipt of the invoice;

the Contractor will be paid the undisputed portion of the invoice.

EXHIBIT C

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

GTC 02/2025

Under the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s standardized agreement process, a hard copy of Exhibit C, GTC 02/2025, is not included in the Agreement but is incorporated herein by reference. As indicated on the STD 213, a copy of Exhibit C can be found at the Department of General Services State Contract Language Page.

If you do not have internet access, or otherwise cannot access the GTC 02/2025, please contact the Contracts and Procurement Section below to receive a copy:

Contracts and Procurement Branch

(916) 324-1541

770 L Street, Suite 620 MS 7 Sacramento, California 95814 contracts@hsr.ca.gov

EXHIBIT D

SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Term

A. The term of this Agreement is as identified in Section 2 of the Standard Agreement

(STD 213).

2. Contract Management

A. The Contractor’s Contract Manager is responsible for the day-to-day Work status, decisions, and communications with the Authority’s Contract Manager.