ODF GNA Hootnanny ITB_FINAL.pdf

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OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

Procurement Unit

2600 State Street, Building E Salem, Oregon 97310

ISSUES THIS INVITATION TO BID (ITB)

FOR THE PURCHASE OF SERVICES

Oregon Department of Forestry

Hootnanny Analysis and Documentation Necessary for Categorical Exclusion (CE) Determination under the Good Neighbor Authority

(GNA)

Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

OregonBuys Opportunity No. S-62900-00012935

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.2 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

1.3 DEFINITIONS

1.4 SINGLE POINT OF NTACT

1.5 OREGON BUYS

2. SOLICITATION PROCESS

2.1 QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

2.2 BID SUBMISSION

2.3 BID MODIFICATIONS OR WITHDRAWALS PRIOR TO CLOSING

2.4 BID OPENING

2.5 ACCEPTANCE OF BID

2.6 CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION AND REJECTION OF BIDS; DELAY OR

SUSPENSION OF SOLICITATION

3. SPECIFICATIONS

4. BID PREPARATION

4.1 FORMAT AND CONTENT OF BID

4.2 BID REQUIREMENTS

5. EVALUATION OF BIDS

5.1 BID DETERMINATION

5.2 RESPONSIVENESS

5.3 PRICING

6. AWARD PROCESS

6.1 INTENT TO AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

6.2 PROTEST OF INTENT TO AWARD

6.3 CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

6.4 FINALIZATION OF AWARD AND COMMENCEMENT OF WORK

6.5 REVIEW OF AWARDED BID FILES

ATTACHMENTS:

ATTACHMENT 1 – SIGNATURE OF BIDDER’S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FORM

ATTACHMENT 2 – PRICING SUBMITTAL FORM

ATTACHMENT 3 – SAMPLE CONTRACT FORM

EXHIBITS:

EXHIBIT A – STATEMENT OF WORK (SERVICES)

EXHIBIT B – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

EXHIBIT C – INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

Purpose of Solicitation: The purpose of this Invitation to Bid (ITB) is to establish a Contract to perform analysis and provide documentation services necessary for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal laws for the Hootnanny Good Neighbor Authority Project on the Barlow Ranger District on the Mt. Hood National Forest (hereinafter referred to as “the project”). ODF and the U.S. Forest Service (“Forest Service” or “USFS”) anticipate that the project will be “categorically excluded” from an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement, but this determination requires evaluation and preparation of a Decision Memo (DM), and project file as described at 36 CFR 220.6(e).

The work includes but is not limited to development and producing a DM in accordance with such requirements. All work must be completed on this project prior to September 30, 2025.

Background and Project Overview:

The 2014 Farm Bill established a categorical exclusion for qualifying insect and disease projects in designated areas on National Forest System lands. These projects are designed to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase the resilience to, insect or disease infestations in areas that meet specific forest health criteria and are designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Hootnanny project area falls within an Insect and Disease area designated by the Secretary of Agriculture in 2014 after consultation with the state of Oregon.

The Forest Service proposes to improve resource conditions and increase the forest resilience to insect and disease infestation, within the Hootnanny project area, on up to 3,000 acres of Forest Service land.

Treatments would emphasize understory tree thinning, and prescribed fire. Actions proposed include:

commercial sale of merchantable forest products, small tree thinning, and prescribed fire (underburning in conifer stands). Connected actions would include road maintenance and use, and road closure following use.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (“Agency” or “ODF”), is seeking contractors to review resource conditions in the project area, perform required resource analysis, and document that analysis in a draft Decision Memo and project file for the Hootnanny GNA Project. Work will include contact with Forest Service and Agency personnel, analysis of scoping comments, analysis of relevant environmental effects, maintenance of the project record, and preparation of the Decision Memo. No field work will be necessary under this contract; all necessary surveys and data will be provided by Forest Service to the Contractor for interpretation. Contractor shall perform all services as described in the Statement of Work for the Hootnanny GNA Project.

The Agency will hold the contract and be responsible for payment, and USFS staff will act as Agency representatives, local contacts and contract field inspectors reporting to the Agency on contract implementation and accepting completed work. The Contractor shall contact USFS staff for issues and questions regarding policy, analysis, format requirements or Statement of Work (SOW) tasks. The Contractor shall contact the ODF Federal Forest Restoration Program Lead or designated representative for questions regarding contract specifications, contract-related issues, and contract payments.

As a result of this solicitation process, the Agency intends to award a single Contract for the Services described in this Solicitation Document. The form of the resulting Contract and applicable general provisions are included in Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form). Additional services may be added to or subtracted from the contract via amendment. The cost of those amendments will be determined using the rate per acre or hourly rate schedule entered by the successful Bidder in Attachment 2 (Pricing Submittal Form) to this ITB. The parties may need to modify selected terms, conditions, price(s) and types of work under circumstances related to the following illustrative, although not exhaustive, categories of amendments:

(a) Amendments to extend the term of the Contract for additional periods;

(b) Amendments to increase or decrease the quantity of Work;

(c) Amendments to add new Work within the scope of the Solicitation, if any, at the prices specified within the Solicitation responses or at a discount to these prices, or if no Solicitation, within the scope of the Statement of Work;

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(d) Amendments to increase the maximum, not-to-exceed compensation payable to Contractor to cover new Work or additional quantity of Work added to the Contract;

(e) Amendments to delete Work;

(f) Amendments to decrease the maximum, not-to-exceed compensation payable to Contractor; and

(g) Amendments to change or add additional specifications.

The term of the awarded Contract is intended to be in effect until September 30, 2025, but may be amended for additional time.

Unless otherwise specified, the selected Contractor shall be required to meet the highest standards prevalent in the industry or business most closely involved in providing the appropriate Services when performing under the Contract resulting from this Solicitation Document.

Procurement Authority and Method:

The Agency is conducting this bid pursuant to its authority under Good Neighbor Authority in ORS

526.274. The Agency is conducting this Procurement in accordance with OAR 125-247-0255 Competitive Sealed Bidding and DAS Delegation Agreement DASOBO-00021313.

1.2 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

VIRTUAL PRE BID MEETING INFORMATION-There will be a voluntary virtual Pre-Bid Meeting with the ODF contract administrator, Mount Hood National Forest Project Manager (MTH-PM), and Forest Service staff at the Microsoft Teams Link below. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please contact Kyle Sullivan-Astor for meeting details at Email: kyle.m.sullivan-astor@odf.oregon.gov

Hootnanny Virtual Pre-Bid Meeting Date and Time March 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT

The anticipated procurement schedule is listed below. All dates are estimates and all times are Pacific Time. The Agency may modify the schedule at its sole discretion.

Solicitation Issued/Posted on OregonBuys: .............................................. February 25, 2025

Pre-bid meeting (Voluntary): ....................................................................... March 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT

Deadline for Inquiries (Requests for Clarification): ................................... March 18,2025

Deadline for Responses (Answers to Inquiries): ...................................... March 20, 2025 (estimated)

ITB Protest Period Ends: ............................................................................. March 21, 2025

Closing/Bids Due/Bid Opening: ............................................................... April 1, 2025 2:00 PM PT Issuance of Notice of Intent to Award: ........................................................ April 8, 2025 (estimated)

Award Protest Period Ends: ........................................................................ April 15, 2025 (estimated)

1.3 DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms in this Solicitation Document have the meaning set forth below, and if not defined below, the meaning set forth in the DAS Public Contracting Rules (OAR Chapter 125), and if not defined there, the meaning set forth in the Public Contracting Code (ORS Chapters 279A, 279B and 279C). Other capitalized terms may be defined in the section in which they appear.

“Addendum” or “Addenda” means an addition to, deletion from, a material change in, or general interest explanation of this Solicitation Document.

“Agency” means the State Agency subject to Department of Administrative Services (DAS) purchasing authority pursuant to ORS 279A.050 and ORS 279A.140. For the purposes of this Solicitation Document, the Agency is the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF).

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“Bid” or “Offer” means the Bidder’s Written Offer submitted in response to this Invitation to Bid, including all necessary attachments.

“Bidder” or “Offeror” means a Person that submits a Bid in response to this Invitation to Bid.

“Closing” means the date and time specified in this Solicitation Document as the deadline for submitting Bids.

“Contract” means the entire agreement between the parties, including but not limited to these Standard Terms and Conditions, any Special Terms and Conditions and other provisions of this Solicitation Document, the Offer, any purchase order, work order, or price agreement document, and any terms and conditions contained in any exhibits, schedules, and other attachments to and amendments and restatements of any of the above.

“Contractor” means the person or organization with whom the Agency enters into a Contract setting prices, terms, and conditions for the Services to be performed under the Contract.

“ITB” means this Invitation to Bid.

“ODF” means Oregon Department of Forestry.

“OregonBuys” means the Oregon Procurement Information Network, which is the State of Oregon’s automated procurement system. OregonBuys is the official publication forum for State procurement notices and advertisements by all agencies subject to DAS procurement authority.

“Person” means any of the following with legal capacity to enter into a contract: individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, Limited Liability Company, association, joint venture, governmental agency, public corporation or any other legal or commercial entity.

“Responsible” means a Person who meets the standards of responsibility as described in ORS 279B.110.

“Responsive” means having the characteristic of substantial compliance in all material respects with applicable requirements of this Solicitation Document.

“Services” means all work required to be performed under the Contract resulting from this Solicitation Document.

“Solicitation Document” or “Invitation to Bid (ITB)” means this document, including all parts, sections, exhibits, attachments, and Addendums, which is issued to invite Offers from prospective Contractors pursuant to ORS Chapter 279B.

“State” means the State of Oregon.

“Written” or “Writing” means conventional paper documents, whether handwritten, manuscript or printed, in contrast to spoken words. It also includes facsimile documents or electronic transmissions to the extent permitted by this Solicitation Document or the Contract.

1.4 SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT

Bidders shall address ALL INQUIRIES related to this Solicitation Document to the individual identified below by any of the following methods:

NAME: Burke Mayer EMAIL: burke.mayer@odf.oregon.gov

PHONE: 971-301-0510

1.5 OregonBuys

This Solicitation Document, including attachments and any Addenda issued, is published on OregonBuys at https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml. Bidders should check OregonBuys regularly up until mailto:burke.mayer@odf.oregon.gov https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml

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Closing for any changes made to the Solicitation Document. Agency is not responsible for any errors or omissions from downloading the Solicitation Documents, attachments, and any Addenda issued.

OregonBuys Usage:

Bidders unfamiliar with the OregonBuys system may contact the OregonBuys Help Desk located at:

DAS Procurement Services Office 1225 Ferry Street SE U140 Salem, OR 97301-4285 Phone: (503) 378-4642 Email: support.oregonbuys@das.oregon.gov.

Bidders may also look for updates on the following website:

https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml.

Solicitations:

Solicitations, including all Addenda and attachments, are posted on OregonBuys, in accordance with OAR 125-246-0500, as part of the Solicitation Document. Bidders who do not have access to OregonBuys may request to review or receive copies from the Single Point of Contact listed in Section 1.4.

Addenda:

Changes to the Solicitation Document will be made only by Written Addenda issued by the Agency and posted on OregonBuys. Addenda are incorporated with the original Solicitation Document and can be viewed and downloaded by registered Bidders. Bidders should consult OregonBuys system regularly until Closing to avoid missing Addenda.

1.6 VIRTUAL PRE BID MEETING INFORMATION-There will be a voluntary virtual Pre-Bid Meeting with the ODF contract administrator, Mount Hood National Forest Project Manager (MTH-PM), and Forest Service staff at the Microsoft Teams Link below. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please contact Kyle Sullivan-Astor for meeting details at Email: kyle.m.sullivan-astor@odf.oregon.gov

Hootnanny Virtual Pre-Bid Meeting Date and Time March 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM PT

2. SOLICITATION PROCESS

The Agency will conduct this Solicitation in accordance with Competitive Sealed Bidding requirements set forth in ORS Chapters 279A and 279B, and OAR Chapter 125, Divisions 246 and 247.

2.1 QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATIONS

Questions and Requests for Clarifications:

Bidders may submit requests for clarification and questions regarding this Solicitation Document. Such requests must:

(a) Identify the Bidder’s name;

(b) Clearly reference this ITB’s OregonBuys Opportunity number;

(c) Be in Writing and submitted to the Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4; and

(d) Be received by the Single Point of Contact by the deadline specified in Section 1.2 Procurement Schedule “Deadline for Inquiries” unless deadline changed by Addenda in accordance with Section

1.5 above.

The Agency is not responsible for the successful transmission of faxed or electronic requests. Late requests will NOT be accepted. The Agency, at its sole discretion, will respond to such requests received mailto:support.oregonbuys@das.oregon.gov https://oregonbuys.gov/bso/view/login/login.xhtml

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Protests:

Any prospective Bidder who believes that this procurement process is contrary to law or that this Solicitation Document is unnecessarily restrictive or is legally flawed may submit a protest. The protest must:

(a) Identify the Bidder’s name and be signed by the Bidder’s authorized representative (electronic signature is acceptable);

(b) Clearly reference this ITB’s OregonBuys Opportunity number;

(c) Contain the information required under ORS 279B.405(4) and OAR 137-047-0730;

(d) Be emailed to the Single Point of Contact listed in Section 1.4 and received by the deadline specified in Section 1.2 Procurement Schedule “Deadline for Inquiries” unless deadline changed by Addenda in accordance with Section 1.5 above. The Agency is not responsible for the successful transmission of electronic requests. Late requests will NOT be accepted.

This is the Bidder’s only opportunity to protest or request a change to any requirements of this Solicitation Document, including but not limited to the Solicitation process, Bid requirements and Contract terms and conditions. Bids that take exception to the requirements of this Solicitation Document, including but not limited to the Solicitation process, Bid requirements and Contract terms and conditions will be deemed non-Responsive and will be rejected.

Response to Solicitation Protests:

If the protest is timely filed and meets the requirements of ORS 279B.405(4) and OAR 137-047-0730, then the Agency will consider the protest and issue a Written disposition of the protest no less than four

(4) business days before Bids are due, unless a Written determination is made that circumstances exist that require a shorter time limit. Otherwise, the Agency will promptly notify the prospective Bidder that the protest is untimely or that the protest failed to meet the requirements of ORS 279B.405(4) or OAR 137- 047-0730 and will provide reasons for the failure. If the Agency upholds the protest, in whole or in part, the Agency may in its sole discretion either issue an Addendum reflecting its disposition of the protest or cancel the Solicitation.

Protest of Addenda:

Unless a different deadline is set forth in the Addendum, prospective Bidders may submit a protest of the Addendum by the close of the Agency’s next business day after the issuance of the Addendum, or up to the last day allowed to submit a Solicitation protest under OAR 137-047-0730, whichever is later. The Addendum protest must be submitted in the same manner as if the Addendum protest were a Solicitation protest under this Section 2.1, and the Agency will respond to the Addendum protest in the same manner as if the Addendum protest were a Solicitation protest under this Section 2.1.

2.2 BID SUBMISSION

Bids must be emailed to the Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4. ALL BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL AS ONE PDF ATTACHMENT. Please include the Invitation to Bid number in the subject line of the email. If Bidder is unable to submit a Bid via email, Bidder must contact ODF’s Single Point of Contact within a reasonable time period (as determined by ODF) prior to the submission deadline to make arrangements for alternate delivery or an alternate format. ODF is not responsible for incomplete bids or bids that were not correctly addressed to email of Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4. Only approved alternative delivery or formats may be accepted.

Bids must be received by the Agency before the scheduled Solicitation Document Closing date and time, found in Section 1.2. Late Bids will not be considered.

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All costs associated with preparation, submission, modification and withdrawal of a Bid are the sole responsibility of the Bidder and will not be borne by Agency. The Agency will not accept Bids that require payment by the State.

Trade Secrets:

Any information Bidder submits in response to this Solicitation Document that Bidder considers a trade secret under ORS 192.501(2) or confidential proprietary information, and that Bidder wishes to protect from public disclosure, must be clearly labeled by the Bidder with the following: "This information constitutes a trade secret under ORS 192.501(2) or confidential proprietary information, and is not to be disclosed except in accordance with the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS Chapter” 192." Bidders are cautioned that the entire Bid or price information submitted in response to this Solicitation Document is generally not considered a trade secret under the Oregon Public Records Law. Further, information submitted by Bidder that is already in the public domain is not protected. Bidders must label the specific Bid pages that are considered a trade secret. Bidder agrees to not hold the State or the Agency liable for disclosure or release of information submitted by Bidder when such release is authorized or required by law or is pursuant to a court or administrative order. Bidder also agrees that the State and the Agency will be immune from liability for disclosure or release of information submitted by Bidder under the circumstances set out in ORS 646.473(3).

2.3 BID MODIFICATIONS OR WITHDRAWALS PRIOR TO CLOSING

Bid Modification:

A Bid submitted in response to this Solicitation Document may be modified, in Writing, by the Bidder prior to Closing. Bid modifications submitted must be clearly marked as such and must comply with all Bid Submission requirements in Section 2.2. Bidder shall prepare modifications on Bidder’s letterhead. Each Bid modification must be signed by Bidder’s authorized representative and state that the modifications amend and supersede the identified portions of the Bid.

Bid Withdrawal:

A Bid submitted in response to this Solicitation Document may be withdrawn by the Bidder prior to Closing. Bid Withdrawals must be submitted electronically (via email) as a PDF document. To withdraw a Bid, Bidder must submit a written notice on Bidder’s company letterhead signed by Bidder’s authorized representative. Bid withdrawals must be clearly marked as such and must comply with all Bid Submission requirements in Section 2.2.

If Bidder is unable to submit a Bid Modification or Bid Withdrawal via email, Bidder must contact ODF’s Single Point of Contact to make arrangements for an alternate format prior to the submission deadline.

2.4 BID OPENING

A public bid opening will be held “by appointment only”. Bidders who wish to attend a public opening of the bid must notify the Single Point of Contact at least 48 hours prior to bid closing, to allow time for planning. Bids received in response to this Solicitation Document will be opened during the scheduled Closing date and time designated in Section 1.2 Procurement Schedule or as changed by Addendum.

However, the date and time of the public opening may be held at a later date and time, due to safety concerns. Public opening may occur via Zoom video conference, if ODF believes it is in the best interests of ODF staff and bidders to do so. If ODF decides to hold a Zoom conference for the bid opening, bidders will be sent instructions on how to join the meeting. The Bidders who choose to attend (in-person, or via Zoom) will be informed only of the names of Bidders submitting Bids.

Duration of Bid:

Bids must be signed by an official Person authorized to bind the Bidder to its provisions. The Bid must remain valid for at least sixty (60) calendar days after Closing.

2.5 ACCEPTANCE OF BID

The contents of this Solicitation Document and the Bid of the successful Bidder will become part of the Contract. The Bidder will be held to the terms submitted in its Bid. Failure to meet these obligations will result in rejection.

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Disqualification of Bids:

Any attempt by a Bidder to improperly influence the evaluation process will result in the disqualification of that Bidder’s Bid from consideration.

Administrative Review:

Bids will be evaluated for compliance with the Bid requirements identified in Section 4 below. Bids deemed non-Responsive will be rejected. Bids deemed Responsive will be further evaluated as described in Section 5.2 below.

2.6 CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION AND REJECTION OF BIDS; DELAY OR SUSPENSION OF

SOLICITATION

In accordance with ORS 279B.100, OAR 125-247-0640 and OAR 125-247-0650, the Agency may cancel this Solicitation, or reject any or all Bids in whole or in part, when the Agency determines that such cancellation or rejection is in the Agency’s best interest. The Agency may delay or suspend this Solicitation when the Agency determines that such a delay or suspension is in the Agency’s best interest.

3. SPECIFICATIONS – As Described in Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form), Exhibit A (Statement of Work)

4. BID PREPARATION:

4.1 FORMAT AND CONTENT OF BID

This section will be scored on a Pass or Fail basis by the Agency. Failure to meet the minimum Bid submission requirements may result in the Bid being deemed non-Responsive. Only those Bids determined as being Responsive to the minimum Bid submission requirements listed below will be considered for further evaluation.

Bid Format:

Bids must be submitted on the forms and in the format required by this Solicitation Document. Any specific forms required for Bid submittal are included as attachments to this Solicitation Document.

Bid Content:

To be considered for Contract award, Bids submitted in response to this Solicitation Document must be complete in all respects, including necessary signatures, certifications, documentation, and responses to any other information required by this Solicitation Document, including but not limited to Section 4.2 below.

4.2 BID REQUIREMENTS

Contractual Acceptance Form:

The Bid must contain a completed Contractual Acceptance Form (Attachment 1) including an original signature of the Bidder or a representative of the Bidder who is authorized to commit the Bidder to legal contracts. The person signing the Bid shall initial any alterations or erasures in ink. By submitting its Bid, a Bidder agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions contained in this Solicitation Document.

A Bidder shall not make a Bid conditional upon the Agency’s acceptance of terms or conditions that conflict with or are in addition to those contained in this Solicitation Document.

Pricing Submittal:

The Bid must contain a completed Pricing Submittal Form (Attachment 2). All Pricing Submittals must be valid for sixty (60) calendar days from Closing.

Minimum Requirements:

The Bid must comply with all minimum requirements and specifications described below.

(a) Bidder Requirements:

Bidders must submit documentation to demonstrate knowledge, experience, and training in:

• NEPA (CE) and ESA analysis and writing and editing of NEPA and ESA documents

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• Planning and implementation of forest restoration, timber harvest, and hazardous fuels reduction projects under the Northwest Forest Plan

• Region 6 - Pacific Northwest ecosystems

• Analysis of various types of natural resource data

• Public engagement and content analysis of public comments

(b) Statement of Qualifications:

Bidders must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their bid which will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. The SOQ must address the requirements outlined below. Bidders that do not demonstrate that they meet these minimum qualifications will not be considered for award. Each Bidder shall:

• Describe the knowledge, experience, and training of the Proposer and Key Personnel who will provide services under the Contract, in accordance with below Section (c)

• Explain how the Key Personnel meet the minimum Personnel requirements listed below and provide resumes for the Key Personnel

• Include a project organization chart or list detailing the Key Personnel

• Include a Management Plan for the project.

(c) Key Personnel Requirements:

A team of specialists will be needed to provide the services required by this contract (e.g., writer/editor, wildlife biologist, fisheries biologist, botanist, archeologist, soils specialist, GIS specialist, etc.). Proposers must provide an organizational chart or list demonstrating their team includes all necessary specialists and for each specialist role describe how the Key Person meets or exceeds the minimum requirements listed below.

Bidder must provide resumes for all Key Persons/Personnel, detailing their background, experience, education, accomplishments, and expertise related to the specific work. Bidder must provide government or contact information associated with previous work experience. If Proposer intends to utilize subcontractors to accomplish work under a resulting Contract, the Proposer must include a list of all subcontractors and include resumes for all subcontractor personnel who will provide services under the subcontract. Agency shall determine in its sole discretion if relevant experience may be substituted for degree requirements.

Writer/editor

• An undergraduate degree in a field requiring technical writing or editing, or equivalent education and experience.

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing NEPA-compliant documents.

Wildlife Biologist

• An undergraduate degree in wildlife biology, or equivalent education and experience (e.g.

number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing biological evaluations or assessments.

Botanist

• An undergraduate degree in botany, ecology, environmental science, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• Experience with taxonomic classification and identification of both vascular and non-vascular plants of the inland Pacific Northwest are required. Orienteering and photo interpretation skills preferred.

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Aquatic Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in fish or aquatic biology, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing Biological Evaluations or Assessments.

• Ability to write a biological evaluation of potential project impacts on aquatic habitat and biota like the examples provided.

Hydrologist

• An undergraduate degree in Hydrology.

• At least 2-4 years of experience in preparing hydrological evaluations or assessments, including sediment and water yield modeling.

• Conducted at least two hydrology resource analyses for a NEPA project on Forest Service System Lands.

Archaeologist The Archaeologist must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards as outlined in 36 CFR 61, which includes:

• A graduate degree in archeology, anthropology, or closely related field.

• At least 1 year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, administration, or management.

• At least 4 months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archeology and demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

• At least 6 months experience in archaeological survey or excavation within Oregon.

• Demonstrated competence in collecting, handling, analyzing, evaluating, and reporting archaeological data.

• Ability to obtain or already have a valid Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA) permit from the National Forest.

• Meets the Oregon Qualified Archaeologist under ORS 390.

Transportation Planner

• A technical degree in forest or civil engineering, or a comparable level of education and experience.

• Proven expertise in forest transportation systems as well as in their maintenance and reconstruction.

Forester / Fuels Planner

• An undergraduate degree in forestry, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• Understanding of local forest types and the management techniques specific to them.

• Demonstrated experience in fuels planning and with modeling fire behavior.

• Demonstrated experience in translating fuel prescriptions into on-the-ground operations.

Recreation Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in recreation-related field

• At least 2 years of experience related to NEPA analysis of content related to recreation and visual analysis.

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Visuals Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in landscape architecture-related field

• At least 2 years of experience related to NEPA analysis of content related to visual analysis.

Soil Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in soil science or closely related field

• Understanding of the role of compaction, erosion, and nutrient cycling in forest productivity.

• Understanding of Forest Plan standards and guides related to soil resource protection.

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing geodatabases, maps, and in analyzing line, polygon, and raster data sets.

• Conducted at least two soil resource analyses for a NEPA project on Forest Service System Lands

• Understanding of soil surveys or soil resource inventories, knowledge of acquiring pertinent tabular and spatial information from them and interpreting it.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist

• An undergraduate degree in computer science, geography, or equivalent education and experience (e.g. number of years worked, certifications, etc.).

• At least 2 years of experience in preparing geodatabases, maps, and analyzing line, polygon and raster data.

(d) Management Plan

The bid shall provide a plan that identifies the managerial effort, supporting staff, equipment, resources, and space that shall be committed to the timely and successful completion of the project. Also, the bid shall include a timeline and plan of action for each task within this contract.

5. BIDS

5.1 BID DETERMINATION

Bids received by Closing will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation process described below and pursuant to OAR 125-247-0600, and any other applicable rules and statutes. This Solicitation Document does not obligate Agency to award a Contract.

Substantial Compliance Required:

Incomplete Bids (e.g. Bids not in substantial compliance with the Solicitation Document requirements) cannot be considered and cannot be supplemented by submissions delivered after the Solicitation Document Closing date and time. However, the Agency may waive minor deviations from the requirements of this Solicitation Document, and may seek clarification of any response that, in its sole discretion, it deems necessary or advisable.

Bidder Availability Clarification of Bids:

During the evaluation process, the Agency may request clarification from Bidder regarding any portion of their Bid. Bidders must remain available during the evaluation period to respond to any requests for clarification that may be needed to complete the evaluation process.

If Bidder receives a request for clarification regarding their Bid, Bidder should respond to the requests in the format required by the Agency within 3 business days. If the Agency is unable to contact or receive a requested clarification from a Bidder in a timely manner, it may result in a determination that the Bidder’s Bid is non- Responsive, and the Bid may be rejected.

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5.2 RESPONSIVENESS

Bids received in response to this Solicitation Document will be evaluated for compliance to determine the responsiveness to the minimum Bid submission requirements of this Solicitation Document. Bids deemed Responsive to this Solicitation Document will be further evaluated for cost. Bids deemed non-Responsive to the minimum Bid submission requirements of this Solicitation Document will not be further evaluated and will be rejected.

5.3 PRICING

For all Responsive Bids, pricing submitted in accordance with the requirements described in Section 4.2 and Attachment 2 (Pricing Submittal), will be evaluated to determine the Bidders providing the lowest cost.

Applicable Preferences:

In accordance with ORS 279A.120 and OAR 125-246-0310, the Agency must:

(a) Give preference to goods or services that have been manufactured or produced in Oregon if price, fitness, availability and quality are otherwise equal;

(b) Add a percent increase to the Bid of a non-resident Bidder equal to the percent, if any, of the preference given to the Bidder in the state in which the Bidder resides; and

(c) Give preference to the procurement of goods manufactured from recycled materials.

For purposes of applying (a) and (b) above, Bidder must identify on Attachment 1 whether Bidder is a “Resident Bidder” as defined in ORS 279A.120(1)(b).

6. AWARD PROCESS

Method of Award:

ODF shall award the Contract on an “All or None” basis to the responsible Bidder submitting the lowest responsive Bid, based upon the following method of calculation: All selected line items will be totaled for a final Bid price. The State reserves the right to withdraw any or all line items from award consideration.

6.1 INTENT TO AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

Agency will notify all Bidders via Notice on OREGONBUYS of its Intent to Award Contract(s) to selected Bidder(s). This announcement will serve as Notice to all Bidders that the Agency intends to award Contract(s) to the selected Bidder(s) subject to the successful negotiation of any negotiable provisions.

6.2 PROTESTS OF INTENT TO AWARD

In accordance with ORS 279B.410 and OAR 125-247-0740, a Bidder may protest the Agency’s Intent to Award a Contract if the Bidder is adversely affected because the Bidder would be eligible to be awarded the Contract in the event that the protest was successful and the reason for the protest is that:

(a) All lower Bids are non-Responsive;

(b) The Agency has failed to conduct the evaluation of Bids in accordance with the criteria or processes described in this Solicitation Document;

(c) The Agency has abused its discretion in rejecting the protestor’s Bid as non-Responsive; or

(d) The Agency’s evaluation of Bids or its subsequent determination of award is otherwise in violation of ORS Chapter 279A or 279B.

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Protest Submission:

Adversely affected Bidders have within seven (7) calendar days from the Agency’s notice of the Intent to Award a Contract to submit a Written protest via email to Single Point of Contact. Late protests will not be considered. Protests must be submitted in Writing via email to the Single Point of Contact identified in Section 1.4. Protests must be identified as protest and identify the ITB number and specify the reason for the protest.

Response to Protest:

The Agency will consider any protest received by the deadline and respond to it in Writing via email in a timely manner.

6.3 CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Contract Form:

The Bid is an Offer to enter into a contract that, if accepted for award, binds the Bidder to a contract and the terms and conditions contained in this Solicitation Document.

The selected Bidder will be asked to sign a contract substantially in the form that is included as Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form) to this Solicitation Document.

Bidder shall not make a Bid contingent upon the Agency’s acceptance of terms or conditions that conflict with or are in addition to those contained in this Solicitation Document. The process for requesting changes to the Contract terms and conditions is described in Section 2.1 of this Solicitation Document.

Recyclable Products:

Contractor(s) shall use recyclable products to the maximum extent economically feasible in the performance of the contract work set forth in this document.

Insurance:

Bidders are encouraged to consult with their insurance agent(s) prior to Bid submission about the insurance requirements contained in this Solicitation Document. Prior to execution of the Contract, the selected Bidder shall provide the Agency certificates and additional insured endorsements of the insurance coverages identified in Attachment 3 (Sample Contract Form) Exhibit B (Insurance Requirements) or as otherwise specified in this Solicitation Document.

6.4 FINALIZATION OF AWARD AND COMMENCEMENT OF WORK

After submission of the required information and insurances identified in the Solicitation Document by the awardee and obtaining all requisite approvals required by the Agency, the Agency may proceed with the final award.

Contractor shall not commence work under the Contract until the Contract has been executed and the Agency has provided the Contractor with the Notice to Proceed.

6.5 REVIEW OF AWARDED BID FILES

Most information contained in Bid files are public records and available for review at the Agency office address indicated in Section 1.4 by appointment after the Intent to Award has been issued.

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ATTACHMENT 1

SIGNATURE OF BIDDER’S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FORM

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH BID

**This form shall be signed in ink by an authorized representative of Bidder. Any alterations or erasures shall be initialed in ink by the undersigned authorized representative.**

CONTRACTOR DATA

Bidder shall provide the information requested below, as applicable, including Bidder’s federal tax ID number. Tax information is requested pursuant to ORS 305.385 and will be used for the administration of state, federal and local tax laws. ODF may report the information provided to the Internal Revenue Service under the name and taxpayer identification number provided.

Bidder’s Legal Name (tax filing):

Mailing Address:

Citizenship (if applicable): Non-resident alien [ ] Yes [ ] No

Business Designation (check one):

[ ] Corporation [ ] Professional Corporation [ ] Partnership [ ] Limited Partnership

[ ] Limited Liability Company [ ] Limited Liability Partnership [ ] Sole Proprietorship

[ ] Other

Federal Tax ID:

Bidder’s Contact Information:

Authorized Representative

Phone Fax

E-mail

RESIDENCY INFORMATION

In determining the lowest responsible bidder, and for the purpose of awarding a contract, Oregon law requires a public contracting Agency to add a percentage increase on the bid of a nonresident bidder equal to the percent, if any, of the preference given to that bidder in the state in which the bidder resides.

ORS 279A.120.

“Resident bidder” means a bidder that has paid unemployment taxes or income taxes in this state during the twelve (12) calendar months immediately preceding submission of the bid, has a business address in this state and has stated in the bid whether the bidder is a resident bidder. ORS 279A.120(1)(b).

A “Non-resident” bidder means a bidder who is not a “resident bidder” as defined above. ORS 279A.120(1)(a).

a. Check one: Bidder is a ( ) RESIDENT bidder ( ) NON-RESIDENT bidder.

b. If resident bidder, enter your Oregon business address: (physical and mailing address)

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c. If a non-resident bidder, enter state of residency:

d. If a non-resident bidder, do you or your firm receive, or are you or your firm eligible for, any preference in award of contracts with your state’s government or with other governmental bodies in your state?

CHECK ONE: ( ) YES ( ) NO

If yes, state the preference percentage: %

If yes, but not a percentage of bid price, describe the preference:

If yes, state the law or regulation that allows the preference described (legal citation):

The individual signing on behalf of Bidder hereby acknowledges, attests and certifies individually and on behalf of the Bidder that:

• He/she is a duly authorized representative of Bidder, has been authorized by Bidder to make all representations, attestations and certifications contained in this Bid and all addenda, if any, issued, and to execute this Bid on behalf of Bidder;

• The information supplied by Bidder in this Bid is true and accurate;

• Bidder, acting through its authorized representatives, has completely read and understands all the provisions of the Solicitation, including all attachments and addenda, if any, issued;

• The Bid was prepared independently from all other Bidders, and without collusion, fraud, or other dishonesty;

• Bidder is bound by and will comply with all the provisions, requirements, specifications, and terms and conditions contained in the Invitation to Bid and Bid, including all attachments and addenda, if any, issued;

• Bidder agrees to provide all services required to be provided under the Contract in accordance with specifications and requirements, and will comply in all respects with the terms of the resulting Price Agreement upon award;

• Bidder has the available resources, including staffing if applicable, to provide the services in a reasonable timeframe to pursue ODF’s objectives;

• Bidder has not discriminated and will not discriminate against a subcontractor in awarding a subcontract because the subcontractor is a minority, women or emerging small business enterprise certified under ORS 200.055 or against a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by or that employs a disabled veteran, as defined in ORS 408.225; and

• Bidder has a written policy and practice that meets the requirements described in HB 3060 (2017) Oregon Laws, chapter 212, of preventing sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination against employees who are members of a protected class.

• To the best of his other knowledge, Bidder is not in violation of any Oregon Tax Laws. For purposes of this certification, "Oregon Tax Laws" are those tax laws listed in ORS 305.380(4), namely ORS Chapters 118, 314, 316, 317, 318, 320, 321 and 323 and Sections 10 to 20, Chapter 533, Oregon Laws 1981, as amended by Chapter 16, Oregon Laws 1982 (first special session); the elderly rental assistance program under ORS 310.630 to 310.706; and any local tax laws administered by the Oregon Department of Revenue under ORS 305.620.

Signature of Bidder’s Authorized Representative Date

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ATTACHMENT 2

PRICING SUBMITTAL FORM

The undersigned submits the following bid for furnishing all equipment, travel and labor to perform survey, analysis and documentation services necessary for NEPA compliance for the Hootnanny GNA Project for the Oregon Department of Forestry beginning March XX, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025. This form must be completed and returned or the bid may be rejected.

PRICING

1. Pre-work Meeting = $

2. Progress Review Meetings For pricing purposes, assume one in-person meeting and 6 one-hour calls are needed throughout the length of the contract; however, the actual number and duration of meetings may vary.

3. Public Involvement and Meeting Participation For pricing purposes, assume the meeting will be held in Dufur, OR will last two hours, and will be followed by a 3-hour field trip to the project area.

4. Scoping Document = $

5. Content Analysis Report = $

6. Silviculture and Fuels Reports = $

7. Wildlife Report/Biological Evaluation (BE) = $

8. Botany and Invasives Reports = $

9. Aquatics/Fish Report/Biological Evaluation (BE) = $

10. Hydrology Report = $

11. Recreation Report = $

12. Visuals Report = $

13. Heritage Report = $

14. Soils Report = $

15. Transportation Report = $

16. Climate Change Report = $

17. Range = $

18. Decision Memo = $

19. Project Record = $

Bidder may add lines to this Bid Form or attach a detailed budget as a separate hourly rate schedule as necessary to show additional staff. These rates may not be used for the purposes of award, but may be used to determine the cost of amendments to add or subtract work.

DATE SIGNATURE____________________________________

NAME (Please print)______________________________ _________

TELEPHONE NO. ( ) TITLE___________________________

Email_______________________________

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ATTACHMENT 3

SAMPLE CONTRACT FORM

STATE OF OREGON PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT

CONTRACTOR: DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

Administrator:

Title:

Address:

Administrator:

Title:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Federal ID #:

Phone:

Email:

This Contract is between the State of Oregon, acting by and through its Department of Forestry, hereafter called “Agency” or “ODF”, and Name of Company, hereafter called “Contractor”. Agency and Contractor shall collectively be referred to as the “Parties”.

The Agency issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. S-62900-0000XXXX seeking Bids from qualified and responsible Bidders to provide the Services described in this Contract. Contractor submitted a Bid in response to the ITB offering to provide the Services pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

The Agency desires to award the Contract to Contractor.

1. Contract.

a. Term. This Contract shall become effective on the date this Contract has been fully executed by every party and, when required, approved by the Department of Justice. Unless extended or terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, this Contract shall terminate when Agency accepts Contractor's completed performance or on September 30, 2025 whichever date occurs last.

Contract termination shall not extinguish or prejudice Agency’s right to enforce this Contract with respect to any default by Contractor that has not been cured.

b. Authority. Agency is authorized to enter into this type of contract under the authority granted in ORS 526.274 and DAS Delegation Agreement DASOBO-00021313.

2. Statement of Work, Key Persons/Key Personnel

a. Contractor shall perform the work (the “Work” or “Services”) as set forth in the Statement of Work, which includes the delivery schedule for such Work, and that is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Contractor shall perform the Work in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Contract. Requirements for the following Key Personnel can be found in the ITB on pages 9-11, section 4.2 (c).

b. Contractor and Agency agree that each individual specified below is an individual whose special qualifications and involvement in Contractor’s performance of Services form part of the basis of agreement between the Parties for this Contract and is an individual through whom Contractor shall provide to Agency the expertise, experience, judgment, and personal attention required to perform Services (“Key Person” or “Key Personnel”). Each of the following is a Key Person under this Contract (indicate name and role or title):

Title Name Writer /Editor Wildlife Biologist Botanist Aquatic Specialist

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Title Name Hydrologist Archaeologist Transportation Planner Forester/ Fuels Planner Recreation Specialist Visuals Specialist Soil Specialist Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist

Neither Contractor nor any Key Person of Contractor shall delegate performance of Services any Key Person is required to perform under this Contract to others without first obtaining Agency’s written consent.