CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR

California Department of Transportation

ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION OF PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTS

1727 30th STREET, MS 65

SACRAMENTO, CA 95816-7006

PHONE (916) 227-6000

TTY 711

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/

August 28, 2026

Invitation for Bid (IFB)

IFB # 03A4123

Notice to Prospective Bidders

You are invited to review and respond to this IFB 03A4123, titled Cosumnes Ecological Reserve Oak Woodland Restoration Project – Sacramento County. In submitting your bid, you shall comply with the instructions found herein. In addition to those programs and preferences that are specified in this solicitation, Prospective Contractors are encouraged to consider programs and preferences that are available, such as those for the use of small businesses, disadvantaged businesses, disabled veteran businesses, and other businesses covered by State and Federal programs and preferences.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals do not apply to this IFB.

This Agreement requires Prevailing Wages if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000. If the total bid amount is under $15,000, then Prevailing Wage language will be removed prior to award. Refer to Attachment 3, Proposed Form of Agreement for requirement details.

The designated contact person for this IFB is:

Laura Heberle California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Email address: laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov Phone: (279) 234-2526

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

*Technical questions regarding this solicitation will be addressed in writing and/or at a mandatory site inspection to be held on September 8, 2026. See Section C, Time Schedule for more details.

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE EITHER ATTACHED (ATTACHMENT 1, 3 and 4) OR THE

DOCUMENT LINK IS PROVIDED ON ATTACHMENT 2, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

Sincerely, Laura Heberle Contract Analyst https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/ mailto:laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov

Invitation for Bid IFB Number 03A4123

A) Purpose and Description of Services

1. Contractor agrees to provide all labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, and incidentals necessary to provide mowing, weeding, plant protection, tree marker and cage removal services for the Cosumnes Ecological Reserve Oak Woodland Restoration Project to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

2. The services shall be performed at the 8-acre oak woodland restoration site located within the Dillard Unit of the Cosumnes Ecological Reserve in Sacramento County, along State Route 99 (SR 99) at Post Mile (PM) 7.3.

3. Refer to the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A, which is attached to this IFB, for a more complete description of services.

B) Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications

1. Prime Bidder shall have at time of submittal, for a minimum of four (4) years prior to the bid submittal date, and for the duration of this Agreement, a current and valid C-27 (Landscape Contractor) license issued by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB).

2. Prime Bidder or Subcontractor shall possess at the time of bid submittal, continuously thereafter, and for the duration of this Agreement, a valid and current Pest Control Business license issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) for the type of work to be performed.

Bidder shall have a Qualified Person with a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) issued by CDPR. Bidder shall include a copy of their Pest Control Business license and QAL with their bid submittal, or their bid may be deemed non-responsive.

3. Prime Bidder and Subcontractor(s) shall possess at the time of bid submittal, continuously thereafter, and for the duration of this Agreement, a valid and current registration with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Caltrans will verify bidder’s DIR registration; it is not necessary to provide a copy.

4. Prime Bidder shall possess, at time of bid submittal, a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field of California Native Wetland, Riparian, or Oak Woodland Restoration and Mitigation Planting projects with over 3,000 plants and a three (3) year plant establishment period. Bidder shall complete and return Attachment 3 (Prime Contractor Experience Letter and References) to document their attainment of this minimum qualification.

5. Prime Bidder shall provide a minimum of three (3) references from successful California native Wetland, Riparian, or Oak woodland Restoration and Mitigation Planting contracts with over 1,000 plants and a three (3) year plant establishment period, that included invasive weed management and herbivory management. Bidder must provide contact information, including current phone numbers, for all references. Bidder shall complete and return Attachment 3 (Prime Contractor Experience Letter and References) to document their attainment of this minimum qualification.

6. Prime Bidder shall employ or subcontract a Restoration Specialist to be on-site to direct all mowing, weeding, plant protection, tree marker and cage removal services tasks. Bidder’s Restoration Specialist shall possess the following:

A. Experience with identification of Inland Northern California Valley Wetland, Riparian and Oak

Woodland plant species, including native plants as well as non-native weeds listed in Attachment C, Target Weeds and Other Non-Native Plants in Attachment 5, Proposed Form of Agreement.

B. A Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, botany, biology, restoration ecology, forestry or environmental studies.

C. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working in the California habitat restoration industry, or five (5) years’ experience working with California Wetland, Riparian or Oak Woodland Mitigation implementation oversight.

D. Restoration Specialist shall attend weekly planning meetings, and be on-site to direct all mowing, weeding, plant protection, tree marker and cage removal tasks.

E. Bidder shall provide a copy of the Restoration Specialist resume with their bid submittal.

F. If Restoration Specialist position is subcontracted Bidder shall submit a copy of the contract/agreement with the Restoration Specialist with their bid submittal.

G. Bidder shall complete and return Attachment 4 (Restoration Specialist Experience Letter) and documents identified within Attachment 4 (Restoration Specialist Experience Letter) to document their attainment of this minimum qualification.

7. By submitting its bid, Bidder certifies, under penalty of perjury, that its Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license is in a classification appropriate to the work to be undertaken as identified in the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A. This requirement has also been added in the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit E. Refer to Section C, Bid Requirements and Information, Contractor’s License, for submittal requirements. Caltrans will verify bidder’s Contractor License so it is not necessary to provide a copy.

8. Failure of Bidder to sufficiently meet any or all the minimum qualifications, in the opinion of Caltrans, will result in the Bidder’s bid deemed non-responsive.

C) Bid Requirements and Information

1. Time Schedule

It is recognized that time is of the essence. All bidders are hereby advised of the following schedule and will be expected to adhere to the required dates and times.

Event Date Time (Pacific Time)

IFB available to prospective bidders 08/28/2026 Mandatory Site Inspection 09/08/2026 9:30 a.m.

Written Question Submittal 09/09/2026 5:00 p.m.

Final Date and Time for Bid Submission 09/17/2026 2:00 p.m.

Bid Opening 09/17/2026 2:30 p.m.

Proposed Award Date (estimate) 09/29/2026

2. Site Inspection A. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 09/08/2026, for the purpose of discussing concerns regarding this IFB. Bidders shall meet the Caltrans Contract Manager at the gate off Dillard Road (38.348898 latitude, -121.328275 longitude) (See Attachment 5, Proposed Form of Agreement, Attachment A, Project Vicinity Map). Bidders shall require a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive the dirt road to the project site, and shall be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

B. If the site inspection is mandatory, bidders must sign-in (on the sheet provided) upon arrival and sign out upon completion of the walk-through activities. Failure to comply with these provisions will result in the rejection of your bid. Caltrans will conduct the site inspection of the facilities and disseminate any additional information to participants if necessary.

Bidders should bring any questions they have to the site inspection.

C. In the event a potential contractor is unavailable to attend a mandatory site inspection, an authorized representative may attend on its behalf. The representative may only sign in for one (1) company. Subcontractors may not represent a potential prime contractor at a mandatory site Inspection.

3. Reasonable Accommodation For bidders who have and need assistance due to a physical impairment, a reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request for the site inspection. The bidder must call the designated Contract Analyst contact no later than the fifth (5th) working day prior to the scheduled date and time of the site inspection to arrange for a reasonable accommodation.

4. Questions and Answers A. Questions regarding this IFB must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on 09/09/2026. Bidders must submit their questions via e-mail to laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov.

B. Written questions must include: the individual's name, firm name, e-mail address and must reference IFB No. 03A4123.

C. Written responses to all questions will be collectively compiled and posted, as an Addendum, to the Cal eProcure website (https://caleprocure.com/pages/index.aspx). It is the responsibility of the bidder to access the Cal eProcure website for any changes or addenda that may be posted. Refer to this Section C, Time Schedule for the schedule of events and dates/times.

Bidder can contact the Contract Analyst named above.

5. Costs Included in Bid Rates Bid prices/rates shall include the cost of employer payments to or on behalf of employees, subsistence, travel, compensation insurance premiums, unemployment contributions, social security taxes, contract bond premiums, and any other taxes or assessments, including but not limited to, sales and use taxes required by law or otherwise and no additional allowance will be paid unless separate payment provisions in the Agreement should specifically provide otherwise.

6. State General Prevailing Wage Rates State General Prevailing Wage Rates will apply for the County of Sacramento as described in the attached Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit B. The predetermined general prevailing wage rates published by the Director of Industrial Relations may be obtained via the Internet at:

https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/DPreWageDetermination.htm. It is the bidder's responsibility to use the correct classification determination published by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

By signing the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, the Bidder acknowledges this is a public works contract subject to Labor Code Sections 1720-1861, and that if awarded this Agreement, it will be the Bidder’s responsibility to ensure that all prevailing requirements are met, including but not limited to the payment of appropriate prevailing wages rates to all employees who participate and perform services under this Agreement, Department of Industrial Relations registration, submittal of weekly certified payroll records, and employment of apprentices throughout the duration of the Agreement.

7. Federal Prevailing Wage Rates Federal Prevailing Wages apply to this Agreement and are attached to the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit B.

8. Mandatory Organic Waste Recycling Contractor generating organic waste or commercial solid waste shall comply with SB 1383; also Contractor will arrange for the recycling services required by this section in a manner that is consistent with State and local laws and requirements, including a local ordinance or local jurisdiction’s franchise agreement, applicable to the collection, handling, or recycling of organic waste and commercial solid waste. This requirement does not modify, limit, or abrogate mailto:laura.heberle@dot.ca.gov https://caleprocure.com/pages/index.aspx https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/DPreWageDetermination.htm

Contractor’s right to sell or donate its recyclable organic waste materials consistent with the requirements of Public Resources Code Sections 42649.8 et seq. When applicable, Contractor must comply with these provisions.

9. Motor Carrier Permit Requirements A. Contractor is responsible for determining whether California Vehicle Code Sections 34601 and

34620 require Contractor to have a valid Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order for Contractor to lawfully perform any part or aspect of the work described in Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A and, if California Vehicle Code Sections 34601 and 34620 do require same for any part or aspect of such work, Contractor must have a valid MCP(s) issued from the DMV for its services as a Motor Carrier of Property under this Agreement. Contractor shall pay any required fees necessary to obtain and maintain in good standing during the entire term of this Agreement the any such required MCP(s).

B. The MCP(s), if any, required for Contractor’s Motor Carriers of Property under California Vehicle Code Sections 34601 and 34620 shall be on file with Contractor for the duration of this Agreement. Upon request of Caltrans Contract Manager or their designee, Contractor must immediately provide to Caltrans a copy of the required MCP(s), if any.

10. Contractor Registration Program A. No Contractor or Subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a contract with prevailing wages unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5 with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code Section 1771.1(a).

B. No Contractor or Subcontractor may be awarded an agreement with prevailing wages unless registered with DIR pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5.

C. Caltrans will verify each of the registration numbers provided by the bidder prior to Agreement award. Bidders that do not possess the required DIR registration will be deemed non-responsive and rejected from further consideration in the solicitation process.

D. If Contractor lists Subcontractor who is believed to be performing work that is not subject to the registration requirements, written confirmation from DIR should be obtained and submitted to Caltrans.

11. Contractor’s License Bidder must have, at time of agreement award and for the duration of the agreement, a valid, current C-27 (Landscaping Contractor) license issued by the CSLB, for the type of work to be performed. Bidder shall obtain, pay for, and maintain in good standing, all necessary licenses and permits to accomplish the work. Bidders will be considered non-responsive unless proper licensing requirements are met. An invalid license will result in cancellation of the award. Caltrans will verify a valid license issued by the CSLB (reference Public Contract Code Section 10164).

12. Subcontractors Bidder may subcontract portions of the work as defined in the attached Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A. If a subcontractor(s) is/are used, complete the Subcontracting Provisions/List (DOT ADM-1511). Bidder must ensure that the subcontractor(s) will have all necessary licenses, permits, and/or certifications to accomplish its portion of the work. Failure of a subcontractor(s) to have the proper licenses, permits, and/or certifications, shall be cause for rejection of bid.

13. Standard Title VI/Nondiscrimination Assurances (DOT Order No. 1050.2A) Caltrans, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Statute 252, 42 USC Sections 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any Agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

14. Insurance A. The bidder who receives the Agreement award, will be requested to provide a Certificate of

Insurance providing proof of insurance to the Division of Procurement and Contracts within 10 working days after the date of notification of award. The State’s Office of Risk and Insurance Management will review insurance certificates and/or proof of self-insurance documentation before execution of the Agreement. Refer to the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit E, for the applicable and specific Insurance requirements and coverage limits.

B. The insurance carrier shall provide an endorsement for the additional insured statement as follows:

Caltrans, State of California, its officers, agents, and employees shall be included as additional insured, but only with respect to work performed for the State of California under this Agreement.

C. The additional insured endorsement must accompany the certificate of insurance.

D. Satisfying a Self-Insured Retention (SIR)

All insurance required by this Agreement must allow, but not require, the State to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR. The choice to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR is at the State’s discretion. If the State chooses to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR, Contractor shall reimburse the State for the same.

E. Available Coverages/Limits In the event the insurance coverages obtained by Contractor is broader in scope than, and/or the limits are higher than, those required under the Agreement, all such broader coverage and/or higher limits available to Contractor shall also be available and applicable to the State.

15. California Civil Rights Laws Any person that submits a bid or proposal to, or otherwise proposes to enter into or renew an Agreement with, a State agency with respect to any Agreement in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more shall certify, under penalty of perjury, at the time the bid or proposal is submitted or the Agreement is renewed, that they satisfy all of the conditions set forth in California Public Contract Code Section 2010 and they shall execute the California Civil Rights Laws Certification (DOT ADM-0076), provided as a link in Attachment 2, Required Documents, completed, signed, and returned with its bid or proposal.

16. Darfur Contracting Act A. The Darfur Contracting Act, Public Contract Code Section 10475-10481, applies to any company that currently or within the previous three (3) years has had business activities or other operations outside of the United States. The Act was passed by the California Legislature and signed into law by the Governor to preclude State agencies generally from contracting with “scrutinized” companies that do business in the African nation of Sudan (of which the Darfur region is a part), for the reasons described in Public Contract Code Section

10475. All bidders shall complete the Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DOT ADM-0077), provided as a link in Attachment 2, Required Documents, and submit with the proposal.

B. If your company has not, within the previous three (3) years, had any business activities or other operations outside of the United States, complete Option 1 on Darfur Contracting Act Certification.

C. A scrutinized company is a company doing business in Sudan as defined in Public Contract Code Section 10476. Scrutinized companies are ineligible to, and cannot bid on, or submit a bid or proposal for an Agreement with a State agency for goods or services. (Pub. Cont. Code Section 10477(a)).

D. Therefore, Public Contract Code Section 10478(a) requires a company that currently has (or within the previous three (3) years has had business activities or other operations outside of the United States to certify that it is not a “scrutinized” company when it submits a bid or proposal to a State agency.

E. A scrutinized company may still, however, submit a bid or proposal for an Agreement with a State agency for goods or services if the company first obtains permission from the Department of General Services according to the criteria set forth in Public Contract Code Section 10477(b).

17. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions 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 unless the contract has been Federalized (i.e.

there is federal participation in any phase). 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.

18. Executive Order N-12-23 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Technology Use and Reporting 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. Bidder / Offeror must notify the State in writing if it:

1) Intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the State; or

2) Intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts:

a. Functionality of a State system,

b. Risk to the State, or

c. Contract performance.

Note: For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

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

https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3.4.22-Russia-Ukraine-Executive-Order.pdf

C. 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.

D. 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.

19. Bid Submittal A. All bids must be mailed or hand-delivered and received by Caltrans Division of Procurement and Contracts, Bid Unit, by dates and times shown in Section C, Bid Requirements and Information.

B. The mailing package/envelope should be labeled as follows:

Note: All packages not clearly or properly labeled as indicated below, including overnight mail and hand delivered packages, may be rejected.

YOUR RETURN ADDRESS Agreement No. 03A4123 Bid Due Date: 09/17/2026 Bid Due Time: 2:00 p.m.

Bid Opening Date: 09/17/2026

Bid Opening: 2:30 p.m.

Attention: Laura Heberle

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts ATTN: Bid Unit 1727 30th Street, 4th Floor, MS 65 Sacramento, CA 95816-7006

BID SUBMITTAL DO NOT OPEN

C. Late bids will not be considered.

D. Bids received in electronic format will not be accepted.

E. All bids shall include the documents identified on the IFB’s Required Documents, Attachment 2, located at the end of the solicitation. Bids not including the required documents may be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive bid is one that does not meet the basic bid requirements.

F. Only an individual who is legally authorized to bind the proposing firm contractually shall sign all documents requiring a signature, and each document must bear a signature.

G. If your bid is hand delivered, you must date and time stamp the sealed envelope/package immediately upon arrival. The date/time stamp machine is located in the lobby on the first floor to the right of the security guard station at the address noted above. After date/time stamping, the bid should be placed in the locked bid cabinet located below the time stamp. If the bid package is too large to be electronically stamped, date/time stamp one (1) of the labels provided and attach it to the proposal package. When the bid package is too large for the locked bid cabinet, ask the security guard to call the Division of Procurement and Contracts reception desk at (916) 227-6000 to have your bid package picked up.

H. Bid opening will be held via teleconference on the date and time specified in Section C, Bid Requirements and Information. Bidders may participate via teleconference by calling 1-866- 700-7952 and entering the pass code 7089821#. Calls will be accepted beginning at 2:20 p.m.

until the conclusion of the bid opening. Bids will be read in Agreement numeric order;

questions will not be allowed; and information will not be repeated. Initial bid opening results will be posted online on the Division of Procurement and Contracts website at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results by 3:00 p.m. on the day following the bid opening. The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder meeting the requirements outlined in the IFB after verification and applicable incentives are applied.

I. Bids must include the performance of all the services described herein. Any attempt to modify the bid document to deviate from the work specifications will not be considered and will cause a bid to be rejected.

J. A bid may be rejected if it is conditional, incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. Caltrans may reject any bid on the basis that it is not responsive or from a non-responsible bidder and may waive any immaterial deviation in a bid.

Caltrans waiver of an immaterial defect shall in no way modify the IFB document or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements if awarded the Agreement.

K. Costs for developing bids and in anticipation of award of an agreement is entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be charged to the State.

L. Only an individual who is authorized to bind the bidding firm contractually shall sign the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet. The signature must also indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. A bid with an unsigned Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet may be rejected.

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

N. A bidder may withdraw a bid by, prior to bid opening, submitting a written withdrawal request to Caltrans, at DPAC.BidUnit@dot.ca.gov, signed by the bidder or an agent authorized to contractually bind the bidding firm. A bidder may thereafter submit a new bid prior to the bid submittal deadline. Bids may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to bid submittal deadline. Please contact the Caltrans analyst located in this IFB with any questions.

O. Caltrans may modify the IFB prior to the date fixed for submission of bids by the issuance of an addendum sent to all parties who received a bid package.

P. Caltrans reserves the right to reject all bids for reasonable cause.

Q. Bidders are cautioned not to rely on Caltrans during its evaluation process to discover and report to the bidder any defects and/or errors in the submitted documents. Before submitting their documents, bidders should carefully proof them for errors and full adherence to the IFB requirements.

R. Where applicable, the bidder should carefully examine work sites and specifications. Bidder shall investigate conditions, character, and quality of surface or subsurface materials or obstacles that might be encountered. No additions or increases to the Agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of work sites and specifications.

S. Caltrans does not accept alternate agreement language from a bidder. A bid with such language will be considered a counter proposal and will be rejected. The State’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC) are not negotiable. Also, the winning bidder(s) must complete, sign, and submit all pages of the Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) as part of the https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results mailto:DPAC.BidUnit@dot.ca.gov

Agreement award process. Both the GTC 02/2025 and CCC 04/2017 may be viewed at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources- List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language.

20. Evaluation and Selection A. At the time of bid opening, each bid proposal’s total and any small business and/or micro business information (if applicable) will be read aloud. Bids are considered preliminary pending review and verification of applicable bid requirements such as: small business preference, incentives, DVBE, licensing, bonding, qualifications, or other requirements as stated in the IFB. Agreements will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

B. Caltrans will check the bid submittal package to verify it received all required documents.

Positive verification of required documents will be performed to determine its responsiveness to the State's needs.

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

D. The Agreement, if awarded, shall be awarded to the responsible bidder who submits the lowest bid and meets all the specifications. A bid meets the specifications if it complies with all the requirements in this solicitation. In the event of a tie bid, Caltrans will draw lots to determine the successful bidder. Only one (1) bid may be submitted by an entity: individual, firm, partnership, corporation, joint venture, or combination thereof. Receipt of more than one

(1) bid from an entity will result in all bids from that entity being rejected and returned to the bidder.

21. Award A. Preliminary bid results may be viewed on the internet after 3:00 p.m. on the first (1st) business day following the bid due date at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results.

B. Whenever an Agreement is awarded under a procedure that provides for competitive bidding, but the Agreement is not to be awarded to the low bidder, the low bidder shall be given notice five (5) working days prior to the award of the Agreement by email.

C. Upon written request by any bidder, the Notice of the Intent to Award shall be posted in a public place in the office of the awarding agency, as well as online at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/notices-of-intent-to-award, for at least five (5) working days prior to awarding the Agreement. This information can also be obtained by contacting the Contract Analyst directly.

D. Upon award of the Agreement, Contractor shall complete and submit to Caltrans, the Payee Data Record (STD 204), to determine if Contractor is subject to State income tax withholding pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 18662 et seq. This form can be found on the Internet at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD under the heading Forms. No payment shall be made unless a completed STD 204 has been returned to Caltrans.

22. Protest Bidders have the right to protest the award of Caltrans Agreements subject to the following processes and procedures.

A. Filing a Protest: The initial protest must be submitted to Caltrans, Protest Unit prior to the award of the Agreement. When a protest has been submitted, the Agreement shall not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or Caltrans has decided the matter. The written protest must be sent, either via e-mail or regular mail, to the address below:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/notices-of-intent-to-award https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts

Attention: Bid, Protest, and Dispute Branch Chief 1727 30th Street, MS 65 Sacramento, CA 95816

Email: DPAC.Protest.Disputes.Terminations@dot.ca.gov Phone Number: (916) 639-6322

B. Within five (5) days after filing the initial protest, the protesting bidder shall file with Caltrans, Protest Unit a full and complete written statement specifying the grounds for the protest. The full written protest statement must be sent to the same addresses above.

Note: Email is the preferred method of Protest delivery, but if a Protest is being submitted by mail it is suggested that you send by certified or registered mail.

23. Standard Conditions of Service A. Service shall not begin prior to the express date set by Caltrans Contract Manager and

Contractor, after all approvals have been obtained, and the Agreement is fully executed.

Should Contractor fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, Caltrans Contract Manager, upon five (5) days written notice to Contractor, reserves the right to terminate the Agreement. In addition, Contractor shall be liable to Caltrans for the difference between Contractor's bid price and the actual cost of performing work by the second lowest bidder or by another Contractor.

B. All performance under the Agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Agreement.

C. Antitrust Provisions

1) In submitting a bid to a public purchasing body, the bidder offers and agrees that if the bid is accepted, it will assign to the purchasing body all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 USC Section 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, materials, or services by the bidder for sale to the purchasing body pursuant to the bid. Such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing body tenders final payment to the bidder (Gov. Code Section 4552).

2) If the awarding body or public purchasing body receives, either through judgment or settlement, a monetary recovery for a cause of action assigned under this chapter, the assignor shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for actual legal costs incurred and may, upon demand, recover from the public body any portion of the recovery, including treble damages, attributable to overcharges that were paid.

3) Upon demand in writing by the assignor, the assignee shall, within one (1) year from such demand, reassign the cause of action assigned under this part 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 (Gov. Code Section 4554).

D. If the bidder is awarded the Agreement and refuses to sign the Agreement presented for signature within the time and manner required, the bidder will be liable to Caltrans for actual damages resulting to Caltrans therefrom or 10 percent (10%) of the amount bid, whichever is less.

mailto:DPAC.Protest.Disputes.Terminations@dot.ca.gov

E. Loss Leader usage is prohibited in this solicitation: It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this State to sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defined in California Business and Professions Code Section 17030. “Loss Leader” means any article or product sold at less than cost: a) where the purpose is to induce, promote or encourage the purchase of other merchandise; or b) where the effect is a tendency or capacity to mislead or deceive purchasers of prospective purchasers; or c) where the effect is to divert trade from or otherwise injure competitors.

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

D) Special Programs

The following Special Programs are applicable to this IFB.

1. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

A. On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S.DOT) issued an interim final rule (IFR) which, among other things, implemented changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program via modifications to 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part

26. (Docket Number DOT-OST-2025-0897.) The IFR was published in the Federal Register on October 3, 2025, and took immediate effect. (90 FR 47969 (Oct. 3, 2025). In the event of any ambiguity or discrepancy between the existing law, including the IFR, guidance, including U.S. DOT IFR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and this Contract, existing law controls.

• Interim Final Rule in Federal Register: Federal Register :: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions Program Implementation Modifications

• U.S. DOT DBE Interim Final Rule Guidance: DBE IFR Guidance.9-30-2025.pdf

• DBE IFR FAQ US DOT

B. This solicitation is subject to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26 (49 CFR 26) titled

“Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs”.. Information about the Federal DBE Program is available at:

https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise or https://dot.ca.gov/programs/business-and-economic-opportunity

C. There is no specific contract goal for DBE participation in this Agreement.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/03/2025-19460/disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-and-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-in-airport#addresses https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/03/2025-19460/disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-and-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-in-airport#addresses https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/03/2025-19460/disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-and-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-in-airport#addresses https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2025-09/DBE%20IFR%20Guidance.9-30-2025.pdf https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=b7211213aec6bbb52030b7b5abbd12916873336c466c70c690b35a455eebadfbJmltdHM9MTc2MTYwOTYwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=2b4fe1a9-3c25-66ec-1ae6-f2383da16757&psq=us+dot+dbe+faq+ifr&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudHJhbnNwb3J0YXRpb24uZ292L3NpdGVzL2RvdC5nb3YvZmlsZXMvREJFX0lGUl9GQVFzLnBkZg https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise https://dot.ca.gov/programs/business-and-economic-opportunity

STATE OF CALIFORNIA ∙ DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Agreement Number 03A4123 BID PROPOSAL Page 1 of 1 ADM-1412 (REV. 9/2025) Attachment 1

Contractor’s Name (Please Print):

Item Number

Estimated Quantity

Unit of Measure Item

Unit Price (Price Per

Unit of Measure)

Total (Estimated Quantity X Unit Price)

1 306 Each All labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, and incidentals necessary to replace one (1) tree shelter, in accordance with STD 213, Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

2 306 Each All labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, and incidentals necessary to remove and dispose of one (1) tree guard, in accordance with STD 213, Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

3 306 Each All labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, and incidentals necessary to provide and construct one (1) tree marker, in accordance with STD 213, Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

4 10 8 Acres All labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, and incidentals necessary to provide weed mowing services, in accordance with STD 213, Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

5 10 0.5 Acre All labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, and incidentals necessary to provide target weed removal, in accordance with STD 213, Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

1) The above quantities are estimates only and are given as a basis for comparison of bids. No guarantee is made or implied as to the exact quantity that will be needed.

2) In case of discrepancy between the unit price and the total set forth for a unit basis item, the unit price shall prevail.

3) Do not alter, modify, or change this bid proposal sheet. Any alterations, modifications, or changes to this bid proposal sheet will be grounds to reject the bid.

4) Each line item must be bid. Do not leave any unit price column blank or this bid proposal sheet will be deemed non-responsive.

Total This Proposal $

Attachment 2

Required Documents

The following documents should be submitted, or your bid may be considered non-responsive.

Do not submit this checklist, the Proposed Form of Agreement, company advertisements, brochures, informational pamphlets, or any other document unless specifically noted in the IFB Requirements and/or as listed below.

☐ Attachment 1 - Bid Proposal (ADM-1412)

☐ Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet (DOT ADM-1416) Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet

☐ Subcontracting Provision/List (DOT ADM-1511) Subcontracting Provisions/List

☐ California Civil Rights Laws Certification (DOT ADM-0076) California Civil Rights Laws Certification

☐ Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DOT ADM-0077) Darfur Contracting Act Certification

☐ Attachment 3 - Prime Contractor Experience Letter and References

☐ Attachment 4 - Restoration Specialist Experience Letter

☐ Copy of Pest Control Business license and Qualified Applicator License (QAL)

☐ DIR Verification that subcontractor is exempt from DIR registration (if applicable)

The following documents will be requested of the WINNING BIDDER at time of contract award;

they are NOT required at time of bid submittal:

Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) Contractor Certification Clauses

Insurance (Requirements outlined in Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit E, Items 1 & 2)

Payee Data Record (STD 204) Payee Data Record https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTADM1416 https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTADM1511 https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTADM0076 https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTADM0076 https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTADM0077 https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/OLS/Resources/CCC-042017.pdf?la=en&hash=4DE3E4DC414511AE378794200BA43EBF91C758EE https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std204.pdf

Attachment 3 Prime Contractor Experience Letter and References

Bidder Company Name: _____________________________________________________ Bidder: Complete the following form to document your attainment of IFB 03A4123, Section B (Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications), Item 4. Bidder must possess the following:

1. A minimum of five (5) years’ restoration and maintenance experience of California native wetland, riparian, or oak woodland habitats.

2. Minimum of three (3) references of successful California native wetland, riparian, and/or oak woodland restoration and mitigation planting projects with over 3,000 plants and a minimum three (3) year (36-months) plant establishment period that included invasive weed management and installation/maintenance of plant protection to prevent herbivory of plantings.

EXPERIENCE

Bidder: Provide the requested information below to demonstrate the mandatory experience required by IFB, Section B (Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications), Item 5. You may provide as many pages as necessary to substantiate the required experience. The dates provided below will be calculated to confirm the required number of years of experience. Overlapping dates of service will only be counted once towards the required five (5) years’ experience.

Reference: _____ of ____ Services Provided To (Company Name): ____________________________________________________________ Contact Name & Title: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: __________________________________ Dates Services Provided: (Begin Date) ___________________ (End Date) ____________________

MM/DD/YYYY MM/DD/YYYY

Habitat Classification(s)(check all that apply):

California Wetland California Riparian California Oak Woodland Number of Plants (by Habitat): __________________ ________________ __________________ Minimum three (3) year plant establishment period: Yes No Detailed Description of Services Performed (include information pertaining to mowing in rural wildland environment, invasive weed management including herbicides and installation and maintenance of plant protection to prevent herbivory of plantings): ____________________________________________________________________________

Attachment 4 Restoration Specialist Experience Letter

Bidder Company Name: _____________________________________________________ Bidder: Complete the following form to document your attainment of IFB 03A4123, Section B (Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications), Item 6. Bidder must possess the following:

1. Experience with the identification of Inland Northern California Valley Wetland, Riparian and Oak Woodland plant species, including native plants as well as non-native weeds listed in Attachment C (Target Weeds and Other Non-Native Plants) to the Proposed Form of Agreement (Attachment 5)

2. A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, botany, biology, restoration ecology, forestry, or environmental studies

3. Minimum of Five (5) years’ experience working in the California habitat restoration industry, or five (5) years’ experience working with California Wetland, Riparian or Oak Woodland Mitigation Implementation oversight

EXPERIENCE

Bidder: Provide the requested information below to demonstrate the mandatory experience required by IFB, Section B (Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications), Item 6. You may provide as many pages as necessary to substantiate the required experience. The dates provided below will be calculated to confirm the required number of years of experience. Overlapping dates of service will only be counted once towards the required five (5) years’ experience.

Note: only experience listed on these experience letters will be considered, do not send separate document (ex.

Resumes).

Name of Restoration Specialist: ___________________________________________________________________ Named Restoration Specialist possesses, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in the following discipline:

Botany Biology Restoration Ecology Environmental Studies Agriculture Forestry

Bidder must include a copy of the Named Restoration Specialist’s Degree to validate attainment of this minimum qualification.

Services Provided by Restoration Specialist to (Company Name): ______________________________________ Reference Contact Name & Title: __________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: __________________________________ Dates Services Provided: (Begin Date) ______/___/__________ (End Date) ______/___/___________

MM/DD/YYYY MM/DD/YYYY

Detailed Description of Services Performed (include information pertaining to experience with identification of Inland Northern California Valley wetland, riparian, or oak woodland plant species, including California native plants as well as non-native plant species, experience working on California Wetland, Riparian or Oak Woodland habitat restoration projects and/or restoration implementation oversight):

Attachment 5

Proposed Form of Agreement

Note to Bidders: The following pages represent a sample of the Agreement that will be awarded, if any, from this IFB. Please review it carefully and present any questions in writing to the contact identified for this IFB. Do not return this Attachment with your bid.

2. The term of this Agreement is:

Contractor’s Name TBD Agreement Number 03A4123

Exhibit A

Commercial Services Agreement–Federal

Scope of Work

1. Contractor agrees to provide all labor, tools, equipment, materials, supplies, travel, and incidentals necessary to provide mowing, weeding, plant protection, tree marker and cage removal services for the Cosumnes Ecological Reserve Oak Woodland Restoration Project to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) as described herein.

2. The services shall be performed at the 8-acre Oak Woodland Restoration Site located within the Dillard Unit of the Cosumnes Ecological Reserve in Sacramento County, California along State Route 99 (SR 99) at Post Mile (PM) 7.3, see Attachment A, Project Vicinity Map and Attachment B, Map of Oak Woodland Restoration Site.

3. Any reference to Caltrans Contract Manager shall also include his/her designee.

4. This Agreement will commence on October 20, 2026 (estimate), or upon approval by

Caltrans, whichever is later, and no work shall begin before that time. This Agreement is of no effect unless approved by Caltrans. Contractor shall not receive payment for work performed prior to approval of the Agreement and before receipt of notice to proceed by Caltrans Contract Manager. This Agreement will expire on November 19, 2031 (estimate).

The services…