OC Parks - Weed Abatement _ Fuel Modification Services.pdf

County of Orange, OC Community Resources

Invitation for Bid for OC Parks - Weed Abatement & Fuel Modification Services

IFB # 012-3132403-EB

For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/ocgov

COUNTY OF ORANGE

OC Community Resources

PROCUREMENT SERVICES

601 N Ross Street

Santa Ana, CA

92701

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026

INVITATION FOR BIDS

FOR: OC PARKS - WEED ABATEMENT & FUEL MODIFICATION SERVICES

BID MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE:

October 22, 2026 / 2:00 pm

IFB # 012-3132403-EB

Procurement Services Regular Office Hours:

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Monday through Friday

The office is closed between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM

Table Of Contents

1. General Information

2. General Instructions

3. Protest Procedures

4. Scope of Work

5. OCLSB and DVBE Preference Policies Certification Requirements

6. Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)

7. Pricing

8. Supplier Responses

Attachments:

A - Model Contract-Weed Abatement & Fuel Modification-012-3132403-EB

County of Orange IFB

OC Community Resources - OC Parks - Weed Abatement & Fuel Modification Services, 012-3132403-EB

SECTION 1. General Information

1.1 BACKGROUND

The purpose is to provide a reasonable degree of fire safety and abate potential fire hazards by removing flammable materials.

1.2 IMPORTANT NOTICE

The County has attempted to provide all information available. It is the responsibility of each Bidder to review, evaluate, and, where necessary, request any clarification prior to submission of a bid. If any person contemplating submitting a bid in response to this IFB is in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the solicitation documents attached hereto or finds discrepancies in or omissions from the specifications, they must submit a written request for clarification/interpretation to the County Deputy Procurement Agent

(DPA), Erin Barnes, via the County’s online biding system.

1.3 CLARIFICATION/INTERPRETATION

If clarification or interpretation of this solicitation is considered necessary by County, a written addendum shall be issued and the information will be posted on County’s online bid system. Any interpretation of, or correction to, this solicitation will be made only by addendum issued by the County DPA. All addenda will be submitted and posted on the County’s online bidding system. It is the responsibility of each Bidder to periodically check the County’s online biding system to ensure that they have received and reviewed any and all addenda to this solicitation. The County will not be responsible for any other explanations, corrections to, or interpretations of the documents, including any verbal information.

All questions or requests for interpretation must be received within this solicitation's Question &

Answer section by Thursday, October 8, 2026 before 2:00 pm.

1.4 COMMUNICATION

Bidders are not to contact other County personnel with any questions or clarifications concerning this solicitation. All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via the Question & Answer section of this solicitation within the County’s eProcurement Portal at:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/ocgov. Any County response relevant to this solicitation other than through or approved by County is unauthorized and will be considered invalid.

County's Deputy Procurement Agent, Erin Barnes, erin.barnes@occr.oc.gov, will provide all official communication concerning this solicitation.

1.5 BID VALIDITY

Bids will be valid for a period of 365 days after IFB closing date.

1.6 LOBBYISTS

County of Orange does not require and neither encourages or discourages the use of lobbyists or other consultants for the purpose of securing business.

ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

AND COUNTY AGENCY OFFICERS

Board of Supervisors

Janet Nguyen, First District Vicente Sarmiento, Second District Donald P. Wagner, Third District

Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Katrina Foley, Fifth District

County Agency Officers

Claude Parrish, Assessor Hugh Nguyen, Clerk-Recorder

Todd Spitzer, District Attorney-Public Administrator Don Barnes, Sheriff-Coroner

Shari L. Freidenrich, Treasurer-Tax Collector Andrew Hamilton, Auditor-Controller

SECTION 2. General Instructions

2.1 REVIEW

Before submitting a bid, Bidders shall carefully review the General Instructions and examine the solicitation contents, including the Model Contract Terms, Conditions and Scope of Work. Bidders shall include in their bid response a monetary sum to cover the cost of all items included in the Contract. The Model

Contract contained in this solicitation is the Contract proposed for execution. Upon award, awarded Bidder will be required to sign and submit Contract for execution.

2.2 RESPONSIVENESS

Responsive bids shall include completed submittals/attachments provided in the Supplier Responses.

2.3 BID SUBMISSION

Electronic Bids shall be submitted via the County’s online bidding system via the following link https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/ocgov. All required sections of the IFB as listed above, must be submitted via the County’s eProurement Portal. Bidder is solely responsible for “on time” submission of their electronic bid. The County will not accept late bids and no exceptions shall be made. County will only receive those bids that were transmitted successfully.

Note: Electronic Bids cannot be viewed by County until after the solicitation deadline. If you encounter any problems with your registration, system, bid submission, or other system issues, please contact OpenGov’s support staff via the live chat option or via email at procurement-support@opengov.com.

2.4 PRICING

A. Bid Prices: The bid prices quoted on this solicitation shall be firm for the entire contract term of the awarded Contract.

B. Addenda: Bid prices offered shall reflect all addenda issued by County.

mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com

C. Scope of Work: Bids shall be submitted only for the items and/or services as stated in the Scope of

Work, Attachment A of Model Contract; bids for other than the items and/or services listed will not be considered.

D. Firm Prices: The County will only consider firm price bids.

E. Profit: The net amount of profit will remain firm for the entire term of the Contract. Contract adjustments which increase Contractor’s profit will not be allowed.

F. Price Decreases: All price/rate decreases will automatically be extended to the County. Please reference Paragraph – Price Increase/Decrease provision for additional information.

G. Acceptance: Bids must be provided for each item separately, “all-or-none” bids will not be accepted unless in the best interest of the County.

2.5 SUBSTITUTIONS

Bids offering equivalent items meeting the standards of quality specified in the solicitation may be considered, unless otherwise specified, providing the bid clearly describes the article offered and how it differs from the specified brand. Unless Bidder specifies otherwise, it is understood that the Bidder is offering the brand item as specified in the solicitation. If Bidder bids an “equal,” Bidder must state the brand name and must submit complete specifications and/or provide samples with the bid. Determination of equality shall be at the sole discretion of the County. If it has been justified and accepted by the requesting agency/department and/or a County standards committee that only one brand can meet the

County’s requirements, “no exceptions” shall be noted in the specifications. All requests for substitutions must be submitted within the Question and Answer period and upon approval by the County, the bidder shall include the approved substitution in the Pricing table for the item(s).

2.6 DISCREPANCIES

Bidder shall take all responsibility for any errors or omissions in their bids. Any discrepancies in numbers or calculations shall be interpreted to reflect the lowest price to the County.

If prior to contract award, a Bidder discovers a mistake in their bid which renders the Bidder unwilling to perform under any resulting contract, the Bidder must immediately notify the buyer and request to withdraw the bid. It shall be solely within the County's discretion as to whether withdrawal will be permitted. If the solicitation contemplated evaluation and award of "all or none" of the items, then any withdrawal must be for the entire bid.

If the solicitation provided for evaluation and award on a line item or combination of items basis, the County may consider permitting withdrawal of specific line item(s) or combination of items.

2.7 BID EXPENSES

The County shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by potential Contractors in the preparation or submission of their bids. Pre-contractual expenses are not to be included in the Contractor’s Pricing Sheet. Pre-contractual expenses are defined as, including but not limited to, expenses incurred by Bidder in:

A. Preparing its bid in response to this IFB.

B. Submitting that bid to the County.

C. Negotiating with the County any matter related to the bid; and, D. Any other expenses incurred by the Bidder prior to the date of the award and execution, if any, of the

Contract.

2.8 AWARD

Upon recommendation of Contract award, Bidder will be required to submit the following documents within seven (7) days of County notification, unless otherwise specified in the solicitation:

A. Insurance: Certificate(s) of Insurance, including additional Insured Endorsement(s); refer to Model

Contract, Article-Insurance

B. W-9 Form: Current signed W-9 (Taxpayer ID No & Certification), which includes Contractor’s

Legal Business Name(s). Out of State Suppliers are required to submit a 587/590 Form.

2.9 ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION/AWARD

A. Bids submitted in response to this IFB may become subject to public disclosure under the California

Public Records Act, and other applicable law. The County shall not be liable in any way for disclosure of any such records. Additionally, all bids shall become the property of the County.

B. The lowest responsive, responsible Bidder will be recommended for contract award.

C. Bids will be reviewed by the County for responsiveness to all requirements. The County has the right to reject any bid deemed unresponsive or lacking the resources or experience to adequately perform the services described herein.

D. Only those responsible, responsive bids meeting all solicitation requirements and specifications shall be further reviewed for consideration for award. Award shall be based on the lowest, responsive, responsible bid.

E. Please take notice, non-acceptance of the County of Orange terms and conditions, incorporated in model contract, may deem a bid non-responsive. County may not accept any other terms, conditions, or provisions contrary to those contained within this solicitation.

F. Final award determination shall be based upon the lowest responsive, responsible bid, and may also include a review of Bidder’s ability to meet the requirements and perform the services specified in this solicitation; Bidder’s references and past performance; and Bidder’s acceptance of County of Orange terms and conditions.

G. By submitting a response to this solicitation, Bidders agree to accept the decision of the County DPA as final.

H. Awarded Bidder will be required to sign a contract upon award. If Bidder is a corporation, signature will be provided in accordance with the corporation’s code as specified in this solicitation.

2.10 RIGHTS RESERVED TO COUNTY

The County reserves the right to:

A. Request a sample for determining equality with the specified brand.

B. Waive, at its discretion, any non-material defects, irregularity, or informality, which County deems correctable or otherwise not warranting rejection of the bid that do not result in any unfair competitive advantage.

C. Verify and validate any information prior to Contract Award and during the entire term of the

D. Make multiple awards to Bidders for services requested in this solicitation, at its sole discretion, to serve the best interests of the County

E. Accept or reject in whole or in part any or all bids received as a result of this solicitation at its sole discretion and to solicit for new bids, as the best interest of the County may require.

F. Negotiate the final Contract with the lowest, responsive and responsible Bidder or Bidders as necessary to serve the best interests of the County.

G. Withdraw or cancel in part or in its entirety this solicitation at any time without prior notice and furthermore makes no representation that any contract will be awarded to any Bidder responding to this solicitation.

H. Award its total requirements to one Bidder or to apportion those requirements among two or more

Bidders as the County may deem to be in its best interests; therefore, bids must be provided for each item separately; “all-or-none” bids will not be accepted unless in the best interest of the

County.

I. Defer award of this Contract for a period of 180 days after the Bid opening. During this period, Bidders shall guarantee the prices quoted in their Bids. County and the lowest responsive, responsible Bidder may mutually agree in writing to extend this deferral period.

2.11 JOINT BIDS

Where two or more Bidders desire to submit a single bid in response to a solicitation, they must do so on a prime/subcontractor basis rather than as a joint venture. The County intends to contract with a single firm or multiple firms, but not with multiple firms doing business as a joint venture.

2.12 UNFAIR PRACTICES AND OTHER LAWS

Bidder warrants that its bid complies with the Unfair Practices Act (Business and Professions Code Section

17000 et seq.) and all applicable County, State and Federal laws and regulations.

2.13 INDEPENDENCE OF BID

By submitting a bid, Bidder swears under penalty of perjury that it did not conspire with any other supplier to set prices in violation of anti-trust laws.

2.14 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)

To comply with the non-discrimination requirements of the ADA, it is the policy of the County to make every effort to ensure that its programs, activities and services are available to all persons, including persons with disabilities. For persons with a disability needing a reasonable modification to participate in the procurement process, or for persons having questions regarding reasonable modifications for the procurement process, you must contact the buyer listed in the solicitation.

2.15 SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS)

The Contractor is required to provide a completed Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each hazardous substance provided to the County under the Contractor’s Contract with the County. This includes hazardous substances that are not directly included in the Contract, but are included in the goods or services provided by the Contractor to the County. The provision of the SDSs must be in accordance with the requirements of California Labor Code Sections 6380 through 6399, General Industry Safety Order Section 5194, and

Title 8, California Code of Regulations. The SDSs for each substance must be sent to the place of shipment or provision of goods/service.

2.16 CONTRACTOR SAFETY

Contractor shall comply with the County’s Safety and Loss Prevention Policy and Procedure#306

(“Contractor Safety Responsibilities”) and submit a copy of their Injury and Illness Prevention Program

(IIPP) and Contractor Safety-Activity Checklist to the County’s Project Manager prior to the start of any work performed under the Contract. Contractor will notify County Project Manager of any revisions to the

Safety-Activity Checklist and will provide a new Safety-Activity Checklist upon County request. The IIPP shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1509 or 3203(whichever applies).

Contractor shall submit other safety programs that pertain to the type of job that will be performed on site.

County reserves the right to conduct inspections and audits as necessary for the purpose of evaluating any aspect of safety performance under this Contract.

2.17 DUNS NUMBER

The County requires a valid D-U-N-S number prior to Contract Award. If needed, your company may obtain one at no cost at www.dnb.com. If you are unable to provide/obtain a D-U-N-S number, please indicate so in your bid submission response.

2.18 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER NUMBER (UEI)

The County requires a valid UEI number prior to Contract Award. If needed, your company may obtain one at no cost at www.usfcr.com. If you are unable to provide/obtain a UEI number, please indicate so in your bid submission response.

SECTION 3. Protest Procedures

Any actual or prospective bidder or respondent who alleges an error or impropriety in the solicitation or award of a contract may submit a grievance or protest to Erin Barnes at erin.barnes@occr.oc.gov, as set forth herein.

PROTEST PROCEDURES

All protests shall be typed under the protestor’s letterhead and submitted in accordance with the provisions stated herein. All protests shall include at a minimum the following information:

A. The name, address, and telephone number of the protestor;

B. The signature of the protestor or the protestor’s representative;

C. The solicitation or contract number;

D. A detailed statement of the legal and/or factual grounds for the protest; and, E. The form of relief requested.

Protest of Solicitation Specifications:

A. All protests related to solicitation specifications must be submitted to the Deputy Procurement

Agent (DPA), Erin Barnes at erin.barnes@occr.oc.gov, no later than five (5) business days prior to the Closing Date of the solicitation. Protests received after the five (5) business-day deadline will not be considered by the County.

B. In the event the protest of specifications is denied, and the protestor wishes to continue in the solicitation process, the protestor must still submit a bid/response prior to the close of the solicitation in accordance with the solicitation submittal procedures provided in this solicitation.

Protest of Award of Contract:

A. Protests related to the award of a contract must be submitted to the Deputy Procurement

Agent, Erin Barnes at erin.barnes@occr.oc.gov, no later than five (5) business days after the

Notice of Solicitation Results is provided by the DPA.

B. Protests relating to a proposed contract award received after the five (5) business day deadline will not be considered by the County.

C. If the five (5) business day period expires without the receipt of a protest, the department may move forward with the contract award or if necessary, file the item for approval by the Board of

Supervisors.

Protest Process

A. In the event of a timely protest, the County shall not proceed with the solicitation or award of the contract until the DPA issues a decision on the protest.

B. Upon receipt of a timely protest, the DPA will, within ten (10) business days of receipt of the protest, issue a decision in writing which shall state the reasons for the actions taken.

C. The County may, after providing written justification, make the determination that an immediate award of the contract is necessary to protect the substantial interests of the County. The award of a contract shall in no way compromise the protester’s right to the protest procedures outlined herein.

D. If the protestor disagrees with the decision of the DPA, the protestor may submit a written appeal to the County Procurement Officer requesting an appeal to the Procurement Appeals Board, in accordance with the process stated below.

APPEALS PROCESS

A. If the protestor wishes to appeal the protest decision of the Deputy Procurement Agent, the protestor must submit, within three (3) business days from receipt of the Deputy Procurement

Agent’s decision, a written appeal to the Office of the County Procurement Officer.

Written appeals must be sent by mail to the address below with a courtesy copy by email;

County of Orange/County Executive Office

County Procurement Office

400 W. Civic Center Drive, 5th Floor

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Attn: County Procurement Officer

CPOAppeals@ceo.oc.gov

B. Within fifteen (15) business days, the County Procurement Officer will review all materials in connection with the appeal, assess the merits of the protest and provide a written determination that shall contain his or her decision on whether the appeal shall be forwarded to the Procurement

Appeals Board.

C. The decision of the County Procurement Officer on whether to allow the appeal to go forward will be final and there shall be no right to any administrative appeals of this decision.

SECTION 4. Scope of Work

4.1 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Contractor shall furnish all necessary equipment, supervision, labor, materials, equipment and tools, to cut and remove all new growth and dead vegetation and debris from slopes and flat parcels on various County properties. Work to be done consists of mowing, disking, flailing, or weed whipping by hand for weed abatement and fuel modification. Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State, County and local regulations. Locations will be countywide in areas of Orange County/OC Parks. County shall not be responsible or liable for any equipment or possessions that are lost, stolen, or damaged. Scheduling of work shall be authorized and directed by County staff for OC Parks.

The purpose is to provide a reasonable degree of fire safety and abate potential fire hazards by removing flammable materials.

4.2 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

Contractor must be able to provide the minimum required equipment and manpower listed below.

A. One (1) “track loader tractor” or “rubber track tractor” equipped with dirt type pads and grousers worn not to exceed manufacture’s specifications.

B. One (1) truck transport with tilt trailer.

C. One (1) rubber tire tractor.

D. Two (2) high side hydraulic dump trucks equipped with rear flashing lights and traffic control cones, all equipment shall have fire extinguisher capabilities.

E. Contractor will have sufficient resources available to respond to work requirements as required by

Orange County Parks. All transportation of equipment and personnel to and from the job site will be arranged by the Contractor, at his expense.

mailto:CPOAppeals@ocgov.com

F. Contractor shall be responsible for making available sanitary facilities for all his personnel.

Aforementioned sanitary facilities shall meet the standards of State and local laws.

G. Contractor shall maintain adequate resources and equipment to complete all weed abatement services in accordance with all applicable State and local government weed abatement standards, requirements, and deadlines.

H. Contractor shall maintain adequate resources and equipment to complete all weed abatement services covering not less than 230 acres annually, between April 1 and June 30 of each year, or as otherwise directed by the OC Parks Representative.

I. Contractor shall maintain the ability and resources to utilize only non-sparking, non-ferrous cutting equipment and blades for all weed abatement services at the request of OC Parks

Representative.

4.3 WORKING HOURS

Contractor shall conduct all operations between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the normal work week, Monday through Friday, in all parks. If Contractor desires to work hours or days other than as provided, Contractor may request schedule change with facility supervisor or designee.

4.4 SOUND CONTROL

Contractor shall comply with all County and local sound control and noise level rules, regulations, and ordinances, which apply to any work performed pursuant to the Contract, and will make every effort to control any undue noise resulting from its operation.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of sound control will be considered as included in the various items of work involved and no additional compensation will be allowed thereafter.

4.5 DUST CONTROL

Contractor will perform his operations in such a manner as to limit dust. Contractor will not create dust in such a quantity as to violate the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) regulations.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of dust control will be considered as included in the

4.6 DEBRIS REMOVAL

All trash and debris must be removed from the work area by the end of each working day. At other times during the progress of work, when required, Contractor will remove all surplus materials, rubbish, and debris resulting from the work. Work area will be left in a neat, clean and acceptable condition as approved by County staff. No stockpile of debris will be allowed at the site. Please note the possibility of poison oak in certain areas.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of debris removal will be considered as included in the

4.7 WATER

Contractor shall furnish all water required for performance of this work; Contractor will make all arrangements for obtaining all water with the governing water district and will comply with all requirements set forth by the governing water district.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of water will be considered as included in the various items of work involved and no additional compensation will be allowed thereafter.

4.8 UTILITIES

Underground main distribution conduits such as water, gas, sewer, electrical power, telephone, or cable television may not be affected by the work indicated in the work packages since only surface excavation is required. Contractor shall assume that every property parcel will be served by a service connection for each type of utility and will protect all such service connections.

Contractor must contact UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT (USA) at (800)422-4133 for all subsurface excavations and will contact utility companies to mark locations if necessary.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of utilities will be considered as included in the various items of work involved and no additional compensation will be allowed thereafter.

4.9 PARKING CONTROL

Parked cars may interfere with the work to be performed. Therefore, Contractor shall be required to post, maintain, and subsequently remove temporary "Tow Away No Parking" signs along the streets, work is to be performed with no less than 72 hours prior to the start of said work. Contractor will furnish signs. A sample will be provided by County upon request of the Contractor if needed. Contractor shall fill in day and date and time for scheduled work. Contractor shall be responsible for replacing any signs which are damaged or removed in order to maintain notice to the public. Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all temporary "Tow Away No Parking" signs upon completion of the work in posted area.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of parking control will be considered as included in the

4.10 TRAFFIC CONTROL

Contractor shall conduct its operations in a manner which will minimize traffic congestion during A.M. and

P.M. peak-hour traffic. This may require beginning work after the A. M. peak-hour traffic and ending work before the

P. M. peak-hour traffic.

Contractor shall maintain access to schools and commercial areas at all times during project operation.

Spillage resulting from hauling operations along or across any public traveled way will be removed immediately by Contractor, at his expense.

When entering or leaving roadways carrying public traffic, Contractor’s equipment, whether empty or loaded, shall in all cases yield to public traffic.

Special emphasis will be placed on the use of construction zone ahead (C18R) signs at the beginning, end and all access and/or intersecting streets with roads under construction. In addition to construction zone signs, rough road signs (W33) will be used on all roads with a posted or marked bicycle trail.

Contractor shall provide and maintain all signs, barricades, pedestals, flashers, delineators and other necessary facilities for the protection of the motoring public within the limits of the construction area and all its approaches, including advanced signing and barricades. Contractor shall also post proper signs to notify public regarding condition of roadway, all in accordance with provisions of the Vehicle Code and

"Manual of Traffic Controls", as published by the State of California, Department of Transportation, latest edition.

Flashing arrow signs, of the appropriate type per the "Manual of Traffic of Traffic Controls", latest edition, shall be provided for all lane closures on all arterial highways and collector street.

Portable delineators, either conical (traffic cone) or tubular shaped plastic devices, with a minimum height of 28 inches will be used for delineation of the travel way.

If the traffic cones or portable delineators are damaged, displaced or unacceptable for any reason by County staff or are not in an upright position from any cause, said cones or portable delineators will immediately be replaced or restored to their original location, in an upright position, by Contractor.

Contractor shall maintain 11’ lanes of traffic in each direction at all times.

Contractor shall furnish such flagmen as are necessary to give adequate warning to traffic or to the public of any dangerous conditions to be encountered. Flagmen, while on duty and assigned to give warning to the public that the street is under construction and of any dangerous conditions to be encountered as a result thereof, will perform their duties and will be provided with the necessary equipment in accordance with the current "Instructions to Flaggers", by the State of California, Department of Transportation. The equipment shall be furnished and kept clean and in good repair by the Contractor, at its expense.

Should Contractor appear to be neglectful or negligent in furnishing warning and protective measures as provided, County staff may direct attention to the existence of a hazard and necessary warning and protective measures will be furnished and installed by Contractor, at its expense. Should County staff point out the inadequacy of warning and protective measures, such action on the part of County staff will not relieve Contractor from responsibility for public safety or abrogate its obligation to furnish and pay for these devices.

Contractor shall maintain safe working conditions at each work location.

At the end of each day, all equipment and other obstructions will be removed from the roadway.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of traffic control will be considered as included in the

4.11 PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF EXISTING AREAS

Contractor shall protect all furnishings and improvements from damage by its operations. All damage shall be repaired or replaced, at the option of County, at Contractor’s expense within three (3) days after notification of such damage to County staff or representative. Repairs and/or replacements shall be equal to original in all aspects.

4.12 SAFETY

Contractor shall perform all work outlined in this Contract in such a manner as to meet all accepted standards for safe practices during all operations and to maintain safe conditions of premises and right of ways at all times, including safely stored equipment, machines and materials. This includes compliance with local County, State or other legal intents and terms of the applicable OSHA and CAL/OSHA Safety orders at all times so as to protect all persons, including Contractor’s employees and Agency against injury or damage to their property. http://www.casqa.org/.

4.13 NPDES REQUIREMENTS

Pollution Controls: The County of Orange is subject to two Municipal National Pollutant Discharge

Elimination System (NPDES) Permits which authorize the discharge of storm water from its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). The requirements differ depending on the geographic location of the project. The two governing permits are the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Order number R8-2009-0030 NPDES No. CAS618030 and the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control

Board Order number 2009-0002, NPDES No. CAS0108740. Copies of the RWQCB Permits are available for review.

The County implements procedures to assess potential water quality impacts to receiving water bodies and ensure that flood management processes and projects do not contribute pollutants to receiving waters to the maximum extent practicable.

Per the subject permits the County is required to prepare and update a Storm water Program Local

Implementation Plan (LIP) which details how compliance with requirements of the MS4 Permits will be maintained. Model maintenance procedures relevant to the County’s municipal facilities and field programs.

Procedures apply to any party conducting municipal activities and must contain pollution prevention and source control techniques to minimize the impact of those activities upon dry weather urban runoff, storm water runoff, and receiving water quality.

Work performed under this Contract shall conform to the Permit requirements, the LIP and the Model Maintenance Procedures. The Contractor shall fully understand the Model Maintenance Procedures applicable to activities that are being conducted under this Contract prior to conducting them and maintain copies of the Model Maintenance Procedures throughout the Contract duration.

The applicable Model Maintenance Procedures are available at:

https://media.ocgov.com/gov/pw/watersheds/documents/damp/lip.asp

Contractor must comply with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation New Restrictions to

Protect Water Quality in Urban Areas posted at: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pressrls/2012/120718.htm

4.14 LOCATION OF WORK

Work locations for this Contract will include various OC Park facilities. This Contract does not include work on any interstate freeway or highway, State highway, State maintained highway, or Private Street, in

County or contracted cities. County Staff will be contacted when jurisdiction of a street or highway is in question.

http://www.casqa.org/ https://media.ocgov.com/gov/pw/watersheds/documents/damp/lip.asp http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pressrls/2012/120718.htm

4.15 IDENTIFICATION AND SCHEDULING OF WORK

Routine Work

1. Contractor shall provide County a written quote for work that is within the parameters of the

a. Quote shall contain all required line items, line-item price, and number of work units, line item total and job total.

b. Contractor will start work within five working days upon written or verbal notification from County staff.

1. County shall provide Contractor a work order with authorization to proceed.

a. The work order shall include a detailed explanation of work requested, location, County Contact information, and any special instructions or alerts.

b. Upon receipt of authorization to proceed and work order, Contractor shall coordinate with

County on anticipated start date.

c. Additional or add on work shall not be performed without new and/or an updated quote and approval in writing by County.

Delays:

A. Contractor is responsible for notifying County if weather or other conditions exist that precludes starting or continuing with any work.

Access Gates:

A. Contractor shall be provided with keys to the access gates upon request. Contractor shall return all keys upon completion of work and prior to request for payment. For each key not returned, the sum of One Hundred dollars ($100.00) will be deducted and forfeited from any payment due to

Contractor.

B. Contractor shall keep all access gates closed except when entering and leaving the worksite.

Contractor shall close and lock all access gates at the end of each working day. In the event that

County is called out to a gate left open by Contractor, the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty dollars

($250.00) based on minimum call back payments, will be deducted and forfeited from any payment due to Contractor.

4.16 NOTIFICATION OF WORK

Contractor shall notify County staff at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of commencement of work.

4.17 APPROVAL OF WORK

Contractor will provide County staff with a list of project locations requiring final inspection within two working days of completion. The list may be verbal or emailed to County staff. County staff will notify

Contractor of any deficiencies within three (3) business days. Correction of work is required within seven

(7) calendar days of receipt of the notification by County staff. Should work not be corrected within the seven (7) days, Contractor will be subject to a $250.00 per day late penalty fee until the work is corrected. All work at a location must be satisfactorily completed and approved by County staff prior to final approval for payment of that location. Payment will be made only for the actual work done and actual area worked upon any property as determined by measurements made by County Staff.

4.18 DEFICIENT PERFORMANCE

Liquidated Damages shall be applied to deficient performance and/or late completion. Parties hereto agree that it is impracticable or extremely difficult to determine actual damages the County shall sustain by reason of delay in performance. Therefore, Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) will be deducted and withheld from payments due or to become due to Contractor for each calendar day work is incomplete beyond the scheduled day. Contractor shall be granted extension of time and shall not be assessed Liquidated Damages for delays caused by acts of God.

4.19 WORKSITE LIMITS

All operations will be restricted to County OC Parks right-of-way.

Contractor shall not enter upon any adjacent property for the purpose of conducting any operations required under this Contract unless Contractor has obtained written permission from affected property owner.

4.20 EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

Contractor shall furnish all hand tools, power equipment, fire extinguishers and safety equipment necessary to accomplish specified work. Contractor shall provide portable water readily available at all times for each crew.

Contractor shall conform to all AQMD regulations, which may apply to the types of equipment utilized under this Contract. All internal combustion equipment must be equipped with an approved spark arrester and sufficient noise control devices when not equipped with a turbo charger; included but not limited to tractors, weed eaters, chain saws.

All tractors will be equipped with an approved spark arrestor when not equipped with turbo charger, 2-gallon pressurized water type fire extinguisher, and a shovel of a type and size suitable for putting out fires.

Hand tools will include gas powered string trimmers, chain saws, shovels, hoes, rakes, trash cans and/or tarps and other tools and equipment as required for the removal of weeds, debris, and vegetative growth.

Contractor shall be required to use commercial grade battery powered backpack leaf blowers for all areas that a gas-powered unit would normally be required to complete work within this contract. Handheld and backpack gas powered leaf blowers shall not be permitted for use in any capacity following this change after this date.

To assist with invasive species control, all hand, power, and driven equipment including vehicles shall be cleaned to remove vegetation before entering and leaving all work sites.

4.21 REQUIRED HAULING EQUIPMENT

Suitable flatbed hydraulic dump trucks with high sides for hauling are to be provided throughout handwork operations. All equipment shall be kept in good repair and conform to all State and local laws. All trucks shall be equipped with rear flashing lights and traffic control cones.

Full compensation for conforming to requirements of required hauling equipment will be considered as included in various items of work involved and no additional compensation will be allowed thereafter.

4.22 TRAVEL TIME

All costs for travel time between parcels and/or to and from refuse disposal sites will be considered as included in various items of work involved and no additional compensation shall be allowed thereafter.

4.23 DISPOSAL FEES

All costs for refuse disposal will be considered as included in various items of work involved and no additional compensation will be allowed thereafter. Contractor will be responsible for all dump/disposal fees in all unit prices quoted. No disposal of any kind will be permitted on OC Parks property.

4.24 WEED ABATEMENT

Cut weeds and leave clippings and/or cut and remove all vegetation, regardless of condition, which is combustible in nature, such as weeds, brush, shrubs and grasses per County staff direction.

Vegetation will be cut to 3” above ground maximum height unless otherwise directed by County staff. Removal shall include all rubbish, litter, and poison oak.

No materials are to be left on a location to stockpile for later pickup.

4.25 FUEL MODIFICATION

Reduction (thinning and removal) of natural vegetation, such as chaparral, trees, litter, scrub oak or similar non-cultivated vegetative growth by 30 to 50 percent as required by the County staff. Vegetation roots shall be removed below ground and grasses at ground level. Contractor shall remove all rubbish and/or litter at the end of each day.

4.26 MOWING

Mowing equipment shall be of a commercial variety with a minimum cutting width of 4 feet in a single pass. It shall leave a finished product of all vegetation not exceeding 2” in height and 2” in length on the entire parcel. Mowing of the parcel shall also include removal of any trash or debris which may be on the site.

Contractor shall mow those parcels indicated, to include flat and slope areas including assigned parkways between curb and sidewalk. Mowing of slope areas shall be accomplished by mechanical equipment such as an arm mower attached to a motorized tractor.

Mowers must be equipped with safety guards to prevent or reduce throwing of rocks or other material that could result in injury or damage to persons or private property. Equipment must be approved by County staff prior to starting any work.

This item of work also includes such hand work as is necessary, to cut vegetation on parkways, along fence lines, structures, V-ditches, and other obstructions that cannot be cut by mowing.

4.27 HAND CLEANING AND HAULING

Whenever it is impractical by reason of topography, location of trees, shrubbery, buildings, fences or type of vegetative cover to disc and when authorized by the County staff, the vegetation shall be removed or thinned by hand labor using hand labor type tools. The degree of hand labor to be accomplished on any parcel will be specified by County staff. All hand labor to remove the vegetation shall be completed at the time of disking. This shall be included in the unit rate for disking a lot.

Hand cleaning charges on parcels to be cleaned will include the loading and hauling of vegetative materials and/or rubbish that are to be removed to the nearest approved dump site, and all dump/disposal fees.

Travel time between properties and/or to and from the dump shall not be charged. This charge is to be included in the unit rate. The Contractor’s charge for the truck and loader if used shall also be included as part of the unit rate.

All prices quoted shall include all dump/disposal fees, which are to be paid directly to the landfill site by the Contractor.

4.28 TRAIL BRUSHING

To ensure proper clearance for bikers and equestrian trail users and service vehicles, trails are to be trimmed and brushed per the following:

• Vertical height - clearance to 12 feet.

• Width (single and double track) – All vegetation shall be cleared a minimum of 3 feet on each side of trail.

• Tree branches – No limb over 4 inches in diameter shall be trimmed unless directed by OC County staff.

4.29 FIRE ROAD TRIMMING

To ensure proper clearance for service and emergency vehicles, trails are to be trimmed and brushed per the following:

• Vertical Height – Fire Roads shall be maintained with a continuous 13 foot – 6-inch vegetation height clearance.

• Width – Fire Roads shall be maintained to provide a 28-foot-wide vegetation clearance.

SECTION 5. OCLSB and DVBE Preference Policies Certification Requirements

County of Orange Local Small Business (OCLSB) Preference and Disabled Veteran Business

Enterprise (DVBE) Preference Policies Certification Requirements

5.1 OCLSB:

Effective January 1, 2020, County of Orange Board of Supervisors adopted the OCLSB Preference policy. Implementation of the OCLSB Preference policy supports local businesses, the local economy and the development of the County’s tax base.

To be certified as a Local Small Business by the County of Orange, a business shall meet (1) and (2) below:

A. Local Business Requirements:

1. Maintains their principal center of operations (i.e. headquarters) within Orange County, and:

2. Has:

a. A business address located in the County of Orange that is not a post office box, or

b. A valid business license or certificate of occupancy issued by the County of Orange or by an Orange County city, or other documentation acceptable to the County of Orange.

B. Small Business Requirements:

1. Must be certified as a Small Business by the State of California Department of General

Services (DGS); and, C. Above requirements must be valid at the time of proposal submittal through the time of award of the contract. The terms and conditions of the contract shall additionally require the contractor to remain in compliance with the Local Business requirements (pursuant to subsection (a) above) through the term of the contract, including any extensions or renewals, and shall provide that contractor’s failure to comply may be construed by County as a material breach of the contract.

5.2 DVBE:

Effective January 1, 2021, County of Orange Board of Supervisors adopted the DVBE Preference policy.

The DVBE Preference policy supports local business opportunity, economy and the development of

County’s tax base, and in addition recognizes the service and sacrifice given by the men and women of our

Armed Forces.

To be certified as a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise by the County of Orange, a business shall meet

(A) and (B) below:

A. Must be certified as a DVBE by the State of California Department of General Services (DGS);

and, B. DGS DVBE requirements must be valid at the time of bid/proposal submittal through the time of award of the contract. The terms and conditions of the contract shall additionally require the contractor to remain in compliance with the DVBE requirements (pursuant to subsection (a) above) through the term of the contract, including any extensions or renewals, and shall provide that the contractor’s failure to comply may be construed by the County as a material breach of the contract.

To participate as an OCLSB and/or DVBE please read and follow the process outlined in COUNTY OF

ORANGE LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS (OCLSB) AND DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS

ENTERPRISE (DVBE) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS in the SUPPLIER RESPONSES.

*NOTE: DVBE PREFERENCE IS NOT APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC WORKS OR A-E

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

5.3 OCLSB/DVBE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

County Of Orange Local Small Business (OCLSB) Preference And Disabled Veteran Business

Enterprise (DVBE) Certification Requirements

A. To participate as an OCLSB and/or DVBE the following requirements must be met:

1. Must be certified with State of California the Department of General Services (DGS) as a

Small Business.

2. Must be certified with DGS as an OCLSB and/or DVBE.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/PublicSearch/supplier-search.aspx?psNewWin=true https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/PublicSearch/supplier-search.aspx?psNewWin=true https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/PublicSearch/supplier-search.aspx?psNewWin=true https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/PublicSearch/supplier-search.aspx?psNewWin=true https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/PublicSearch/supplier-search.aspx?psNewWin=true

3. Maintains their principal center of operations (i.e. headquarters) within Orange County.

4. Certification must be valid at the date/time solicitation is closed, and it shall remain in effect at the time of contract award and through the term of the contract. County reserves the right to verify and/or reject incomplete documents.

5. Complete and sign the Affirmation form attached herein. The signed Affirmation form and the OCLSB Certificate are required and must be returned with the solicitation response.

Verify with County: Once a firm becomes certified by the DGS as a small business, the firm shall access the County’s OCLSB verification portal to search for their company legal name in the OCLSB verification database.

B. OCLSB or DVBE Preference provides for the following:

1. Invitation for Bid – IFB

A five percent (5%) deduction in the original bid price shall be applied to all confirmed

OCLSB or DVBE bidders for evaluation purposes. If the lowest bidder is a certified OCLSB or DVBE bidder, the contract will be awarded at the certified OCLSB or DVBE’s original bid price. The maximum allowable preference deduction is $100,000.

2. Request for Proposal - RFP

a. No Cost - Any Request for Proposals that does not include cost as a scoring criteria shall instead apply the five percent (5%) or eight percent (8%) preference percentage pursuant to the eligibility requirements above to a scoring criteria in the RFP that makes up no more than twenty percent (20%) of the total RFP.

b. With Cost - An additional five percent (5%) shall be applied to the total cost of each certified OCLSB or DVBE to obtain their final score. If the final score of any OCLSB or

DVBE matches the final score of a respondent who is not an OCLSB or DVBE, preference shall be given to the certified OCLSB or DVBE. If two or more OCLSBs and/or DVBEs have the same final score, the County shall determine the contract award based on the County’s best interests. Notwithstanding these preference procedures, the

Orange County Board of Supervisors reserves the right to award contracts in any other permissible manner in consideration of the County’s best interests.

C. Dual OCLSB and DVBE Preference provides for the following:

1. Business Certified as OCLSB and DVBE

If a State-certified OCLSB is also a State-certified DVBE, the preference given to that business shall be 8% instead of 5%.

D. Subcontractors

If bidder is submitting subcontractors to qualify for the OCLSB or DVBE preference, bidder must demonstrate through the Staffing Plan that 20% of the total bid amount is allocated to the OCLSB and/or DVBE subcontractor(s).

http://www.oclsbverify.com/

*NOTE: DVBE PREFERENCE IS NOT APPLICABLE TO…