P2025201_RFP_FINAL_(002)_08_07_2025.pdf

State of California -The Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director North Central Region 1701 Nimbus Road Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 www.wildlife.ca.gov

(Rev. 7/18/2024) Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870 Page 1

August 7, 2025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve Arno Unit Permit for Excess Vegetation

Disposal P2025201

Legal Basis of Authority

Pursuant to Fish and Game Code Sections 1010 and 1745.1(a), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), serving as an agent of the State of California (STATE), offers this Request for Proposal (RFP) to issue a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing). The proposed vegetation disposal activity will be conducted with non-exclusive rights on approximately 156 acres of real property known as the Arno Unit, referred to as the Premises, on the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve (CRER), in Sacramento County.

A successful proposal will convey flexibility, innovative ideas, and an understanding of the unique aspects of operating on a publicly owned property with the overall goals of conserving its unique botanical and wildlife resources for ecological value. The CDFW is requesting proposals from livestock owners and operators who have experience working on public or conservation easement protected lands, and can address the specific wildlife habitat goals found within this RFP, stated generally on page four and more specifically in Exhibit B, the Site Operation Plan. One candidate will be selected to enter into a four year, six month, and 16 day permit agreement.

Proposals must be received no later than September 18, 2025, at 3:00pm. A minimum of one original and one copy of the proposal must be submitted.

In the opinion of the CDFW, this RFP is complete and without need of explanation.

However, if you have questions, or need clarifying information, you may submit your inquiry in writing to the following Administrative Contact person. You may also ask questions at the site inspection.

CDFW Administrative Contact: CDFW Site Manager:

Name: Gail Turner Name: Dustin Wallis Title: Contract Analyst Title: Environmental Scientist Address: 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Address: 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Phone: (916) 902-9125 Phone: (916) 282-8977 Email: gail.turner@wildlife.ca.gov Email: Dustin.Wallis@wildlife.ca.gov

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Request for Proposal – P2025201

Site Inspection Location Arno Road West & Hwy 99 Galt, CA 95632 It is mandatory that you inspect the site before submitting a proposal. Site inspection(s) will be held on August 28, 2025, at 10:00am

NOTE: No verbal information given will be binding upon the STATE or the CDFW, unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE

A. Objectives for Permit

B. Property Description and Vegetation Disposal Overview

C. Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications

D. Proposals

E. Permit Term and Fee

F. Proposal Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates

2. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Inspection

3. Questions and Answers

4. Proposal Format Requirements

5. Submission of Proposal

6. Evaluation and Ranking

7. Interviews (If Needed)

8. Basis of Award

9. Disposition of Proposal

10. Protest

11. Finalization of Site Operation Plan (Exhibit B)

12. Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Award

13. Permit Execution and Performance

14. Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

15. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirement ………………..……20

16. Exhibit A: Map ............................................................................................... i

17. Exhibit A-1: Legal Description of Site ............................................................ ii

18. Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan ...................................................................... iii

G. Required Attachments ...................................................................................... xiii

Attachment 1 – Required Attachment Check List ............................................ xiii Attachment 2 – Transmittal Letter ....................................................................xiv Attachment 3 – Statement of Qualifications ..................................................... xv Attachment 4 – Description of Personnel and Organizational Structure ...........xvi Attachment 5 – Proposal for Goals 1–6........................................................... xvii Attachment 6 – Disclosure Statements .......................................................... xviii Attachment 7 – Fee Proposal Form .................................................................xix Attachment 8 – Bidder References and Reference Letters .............................. xx Attachment 9 – Site Inspection Certification .....................................................xxi Attachment 10 – Proposal Certification Sheet ................................................. xxii Attachment 11 – Authorization Document ...................................................... xxiv

A. Objectives for Permit

The CDFW seeks a Permittee who can conduct a vegetation disposal operation on the Premises that will be consistent with the overall goals of conserving its unique botanical and wildlife resources for ecological value. Vegetation disposal on the Premises will be expected to follow the general guidelines described in the Land Management Plan for the CRER which can be found at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=97250&inline or provided upon request. A long-term objective of the CDFW is to use vegetation disposal activities to encourage and support wildlife habitat and biological diversity on the

CRER.

B. Property Description and Vegetation Disposal Overview

The CRER is part of the Cosumnes River Preserve (Preserve) located in southern Sacramento County near the city of Galt, CA (Exhibit A: Map) and is part of the CDFW North Central Region.

The CRER is composed of approximately 45,859 acres. The Preserve was established for the permanent protection of a continuous riparian corridor extending from the Cosumnes River headwaters in El Dorado County to the Delta. It includes floodplain and wetland habitats and vernal pool grasslands. Threatened species that occur at the Preserve include greater sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis tabida), Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas).

Many other native species of mammals, waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians also occur on the CRER.

The Premises consists of three separate pastures, the Arno Pasture, the North Pasture, and the Snake Marsh Pasture. The Premises is approximately 156 acres in size and is enclosed with a perimeter fence and has no interior cross-fencing. The CDFW installed permanent infrastructure on Snake Marsh Pasture in the spring of 2020. The timing of grazing at the Snake Marsh Pasture and the North Pasture will be coordinated between the CDFW Site Manager and the Permittee. The primary objective of vegetation disposal is to remove European grasses while not harming young oak trees (see Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan). Snake Marsh Pasture is bordered by a pond on the west side. The North Pasture (Exhibit A: Map) is available for grazing on the north side of the adjacent agriculture fields. The timing and duration of grazing taking place at the North Pasture will be determined by coordination during the annual grazing period between the CDFW and the Permittee. The North Pasture is bordered by Badger Creek on the south and may provide drinking water in that area. Water available to livestock is not a guarantee on the Premises. In the event that water needs to be delivered to livestock, placement of troughs and associated temporary infrastructure will be determined in coordination between the CDFW Site Manger and the Permittee. Prolonged periods of heavy rainfall and/or runoff from the Sierra Nevada winter snowpack may cause the nearby Cosumnes River and Badger Creek to overtop their banks and significantly flood the Premises.

C. Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications

Bidders will be required to submit a statement of qualifications that describes how they meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

1. Two references and reference letters in the past five years, or one reference and reference letter in the past two years that can attest to the bidders’ experience in the implementation of a vegetation disposal agreement performed on public or conservation easement protected lands;

2. Three or more years of experience of wildlife-friendly grazing practices (preferably focused on habitat conservation and/or restoration);

3. Ability to respond to emergencies on the Premises within one hour during the annual grazing period; and

4. Bidders must be in possession of the appropriate number of livestock needed to accomplish the objectives of the Permit.

D. Proposals

All proposals must conform to the following parameters:

1. Vegetation disposal activities may not begin prior to December 15, 2025, and may not continue past May 31, 2030;

2. A maximum of 137.5 Animal Unit Months (AUM) per annual grazing period, or 25

Animal Units (AU) per month;

3. Only cattle (bulls, steers, cows, and cows with calves) may be grazed; and

4. An average range of 750–1,000 lbs./acre of Residual Dry Matter (RDM) will remain on the Premises at the end of the annual grazing period.

Proposal packages must be prepared in accordance with the Proposal Format Requirements identified in Section F–4 of this RFP. Written proposals must contain sufficient information for the CDFW to determine which potential Permittee will be the best suited to enter into a Permit agreement with the CDFW on terms most advantageous to the CDFW. Proposals may include information that is not specifically requested in this RFP if such information is pertinent to the proposal.

In ranking proposals, the CDFW will consider how the proposed activities may further or conflict with the CDFW goals for the CRER.

E. Permit Term and Fee

If awarded, the term of this Permit shall be four years, six months, and 16 days, commencing on December 15, 2025, or upon the approval of the State, whichever is later (Commencement Date) and terminating on July 1, 2030, with such rights of termination as are set forth in the Permit. The STATE shall have the right to delay the Commencement Date if the STATE determines that the condition of the Premises warrant such a delay.

The annual grazing period will be five months and 16 days, starting December 15 each year during the Permit term, and ending May 31 each year during the Permit ter.

The annual fee will be calculated as the product of the proposed fee amount per AU, times 25 AUs per month, times 5.5 months of grazing.

The fee shall be due and payable in lawful United States funds, without demand, offset or deduction, as shown in the payment schedule below. If the commencement date is delayed, the STATE may adjust the fee for the first year of the term as provided in the Permit.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

No. PAYMENT DUE AMOUNT PERIOD COVERED 1 December 1, 2025, or Upon Permit Execution Whichever is Later

Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2025 – February 28, 2 March 1, 2026 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

3 December 1, 2026 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2026 – February 28, 4 March 1, 2027 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2027 – May 31, 2027

5 December 1, 2027 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2027 – February 29, 6 March 1, 2028 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2028 – May 31, 2028

7 December 1, 2028 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2028 – February 28, 8 March 1, 2029 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2029 – May 31, 2029

9 December 1, 2029 Half Annual Fee

December 15, 2029 – February 28, 10 March 1, 2030 Half Annual Fee

March 1, 2030 – May 31, 2030

No credit against the fee or any other sums payable under the Permit shall be provided to Permittee for any contributions (including, without limitation, work done or materials or supplies furnished) by Permittee.

F. Proposal Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates

EVENT DATE

RFP Available August 7, 2025 – September 17, 2025 Mandatory Site Inspection August 28, 2025, at 10:00am Proposal Submission Deadline September 18, 2025, at 3:00pm Proposal Evaluation and Ranking September 22, 2025 Interviews, If Necessary September 24, 2025 Final Selection/Notice of Intent to Award September 29, 2025 Proposed Award Date October 2, 2025 Finalize Exhibit B October 8, 2025 Proposed Commencement Date December 15, 2025

2. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Inspection

a. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled at 10:00am on August 28, 2025, at

Arno Road West & Hwy 99 Galt, CA 95632 for the purpose of discussing questions regarding this RFP and touring the site. No verbal information given will be binding upon the STATE unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum, so the site inspection questions and original or corrected answers will be compiled and posted either separately, or in combination with the questions and answers addressed in Section 3, below.

b. In the event a bidder is unable to attend the mandatory pre-proposal site inspection, an authorized representative may attend on their behalf. The representative may only sign in for one bidder. No proposal will be accepted unless the bidder or bidder’s authorized representative was in attendance.

c. For bidders who need assistance due to a disability, reasonable accommodations will be provided by the CDFW upon request for the mandatory site inspection. The bidder must contact the CDFW Administrative Contact person listed on page one no later than the fifth working day prior to the scheduled date and time of the site inspection to arrange for a reasonable accommodation.

3. Questions and Answers

Bidders requiring clarification of the intent or content of this RFP, or on procedural matters regarding the competitive Proposal process, may request clarification by submitting questions in an email, or envelope clearly marked, "Questions Relating to RFP P2025201” to the CDFW Administrative Contact person listed on page one. To ensure a response, questions must be received by the CDFW no less than seven business days prior to the proposal submission deadline. At the sole discretion of the CDFW, questions may be paraphrased by the CDFW for clarity.

Written responses to all questions will be collectively compiled and posted on caleprocure.ca.gov no later than five days prior to the submission deadline. It is the responsibility of the bidder to check for the list of questions and answers associated with this RFP.

4. Proposal Format Requirements

For each of the required items listed below, the bidder’s name and page number should be placed in the upper right corner of each page. All written responses must be submitted on 8.5 x 11-inch paper using ¾” margins, 12-point Arial font, single spaced, and avoid non-standard abbreviations. Each attachment shall not exceed two single-sided 8.5”x11” pages. Hand-written attachments are not prohibited but must be legible or they will be rejected. A minimum of one original and one copy of the proposal must be submitted. Proposals should be organized as follows:

Attachment 1 – Required Attachment Checklist Form provided in this RFP. A checklist to be included with the submission of proposals to ensure that the proposal is complete.

Attachment 2 – Transmittal Letter

1. List the bidder’s name, mailing address, phone, and e-mail. The bidder must sign the transmittal letter in ink and be authorized to bind the proposing firm.

The name and title of the person signing the proposal must be typed below the signature.

2. The transmittal letter must state whether the bidder, or any individual who will perform work under the Permit, has a possible conflict of interest (e.g., employment by the CDFW) and, if so, the nature of that conflict. The CDFW reserves the right to cancel an award if any interest disclosed from any source could either give the appearance of a conflict of interest, or cause speculation as to the objectivity of the bidder. Such determination regarding any questions of conflict of interest shall be solely within the discretion of the CDFW.

Attachment 3 – Statement of Qualifications The statement of qualifications will describe the knowledge, education, experience, and abilities leading to the bidder in meeting or exceeding each of the minimum qualifications. The statement of qualifications will also include the number of reference letters required in Section C, minimum qualifications above.

Attachment 4 – Description of Personnel and Organizational Structure

1. List all personnel who will be working on the Permit and their titles;

2. Brief, descriptive statement indicating the bidder’s credentials to perform the activities sought under this RFP;

3. Brief description of the bidder’s background, organizational history, and years in business;

4. Brief statement of how long the bidder has been performing the activities required by this RFP; and

5. Location of office(s).

Attachment 5 – Proposals for Each Goal (1–6) Provide one written proposal of how you or your firm would operate to accomplish each of the six goals listed below. Each proposal must be submitted on separate sheet(s) of paper. Proposals must contain enough detail for the CDFW to score each proposal according to the established criteria. A sample proposal evaluation and scoring sheet is included herein.

Permit Goals:

1. By May 31 of each year during the Permit term, there will need to be an average of 750lbs–1000 lbs. per acre of RDM remaining on, and evenly distributed on, the Premises. Please explain your grazing techniques, frequency, and experience to accomplish these objectives.

2. Describe a plan and experience to avoid negative impacts on soil erosion and sensitive habitats on the Premises, and how you will help balance removal of water primrose and other vegetation while retaining enough cover in ponds and wetlands which are excluded through fencing.

3. Provide a grazing plan (no more than one page) that describes the grazing practices being used and how those practices will be regularly reported to the CDFW, including: the number and size classes of livestock present on the Premises throughout the annual grazing period; dates that livestock will be added to and removed from the Premises; the dates and descriptions of any efforts to move livestock to different areas; RDM measurements; how you will manage the noncontiguous 17 acre North Pasture, and all other relevant information.

4. During the Permit term, the STATE may determine that conditions warrant a change in an annual grazing period, which would result in a reduction in AUMs/AUs and/or rapid removal of livestock from the Premises for various reasons, including flooding. Describe your contingency plan to deal with such an event, including the resources that you have available to respond to the change.

5. Describe your plan to improve wildlife habitat and reduce noxious weeds (e.g., medusa head, yellow star-thistle, water primrose) which are of limited wildlife value.

6. Describe your experience grazing in oak woodland areas similar in nature to the Premises. Explain how your grazing practices promote oak woodland recruitment, including any other livestock management you utilize to prevent damage to existing oak trees.

Attachment 6 – Disclosure Statements

1. Description of any/all claims or legal actions that have been asserted or prosecuted against the bidder within the last five years arising out of acts or omissions of the bidder in connection with Permits operations or agreements otherwise similar to those proposed under this RFP. State the status of each claim and legal action. Claims should be fully disclosed regardless of whether they involved litigation, arbitration, or other formal or informal dispute resolution processes. The disclosures required under this provision also apply to any of the individuals who will be a part of the agreement.

2. A statement as to whether, in the last ten years, the bidder has filed (or had filed against him/her/them) any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether voluntary or involuntary, or undergone the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or assignee for the benefit of creditors; and if so, an explanation providing relevant details.

Attachment 7 – Fee Proposal Form Form provided in this RFP. Provide a proposed fee per AU per month. All costs associated with the proposed performance of the desired outcomes and complying with the provisions of the Permit should be considered by the bidder when submitting this fee proposal.

Attachment 8 – Bidder References and Reference Letters Form provided in this RFP. Provide the applicable references and reference letters as detailed in the Minimum Qualifications section.

Attachment 9 – Site Inspection Certification Form provided in this RFP. This form must be signed by the bidder, or an authorized representative, and co-signed by the Site Manager on the day of the mandatory site inspection to certify attendance.

Attachment 10 – Proposal Certification Form Form provided in this RFP. (Instructions on page 2 of this form).

Attachment 11 – Authorization Document Attach the appropriate document to the provided check-form as described. See page xxiv below.

5. Submission of Proposal

a. All proposals must be submitted under sealed cover and received by the CDFW at the location indicated below on or before the date and time identified above in Section F, Proposal Requirements and Information, Item

(1) Key Action Dates. The sealed cover must be plainly marked with the RFP number and title, must show the complete bidder name and address, and must be marked with "DO NOT OPEN," as shown in the following example:

Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve – Arno Unit Excess Vegetation Removal Permit P2025201 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Bidder Name Bidder Address Bidder City, State Zip

DO NOT OPEN

Proposals not submitted under sealed cover will be rejected and returned unopened to the bidder.

Any proposal received at the above address after the proposal submission date and time specified in Section F-1 (Key Action Dates) will NOT be considered. It is the CDFW's policy to make every effort to ensure that all proposals have been received and properly time stamped; however, bidders are ultimately responsible for ensuring timely receipt of their proposal.

Bidders may verify receipt of their proposal by contacting the Administrative Contact identified in this RFP prior to the proposal evaluation and ranking.

A minimum of one original and one copy of the proposal must be submitted.

b. Bidders assume the risk of the method of dispatch chosen. The CDFW assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any delivery service.

Postmarking by the due date shall not substitute for actual proposal receipt by the CDFW. The time of delivery will be determined by the clock in the CDFW’s office. Late proposals will not be accepted, and no additional time will be granted to any bidder. Proposals may not be delivered orally, by facsimile transmission, or by other telecommunication, or electronic means.

c. All proposals shall include the documents identified in Section G-4, Required

Attachment Checklist (Attachment 1). Proposals not including the proper required attachments shall be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive proposal is one that does not meet the basic proposal requirements.

d. All documents requiring a signature must bear an original signature of a person authorized to bind the bidder.

e. Mail or deliver proposals to the following address:

Gail Turner

Bidder Name 1701 Nimbus Road Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

DO NOT OPEN

f. A proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The CDFW may reject any or all proposals and may waive an immaterial deviation in a proposal. The CDFW's waiver of an immaterial deviation shall in no way modify this RFP or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements, if awarded the Permit.

g. Costs incurred by the bidder for developing proposals, participation in mandatory site inspection and/or interviews, and any other costs incurred in connection with this RFP, and in anticipation of a Permit award, are entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be charged to the STATE or the

CDFW.

h. An individual who is authorized to bind the bidder shall sign the Proposal

Certification Form. If the bidder is a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity, the signature should indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the entity. Any unsigned proposal will be rejected.

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

j. A bidder may withdraw a proposal by submitting a written withdrawal request to the CDFW, signed by the bidder or an authorized agent. A bidder may thereafter submit a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline.

Proposals may not be withdrawn without cause after the proposal submission deadline.

k. The CDFW may modify this RFP prior to the time fixed for submission of proposals by issuing an addendum to all parties who received a proposal package.

l. The CDFW reserves the right to reject all proposals. The CDFW is not required to award a Permit.

m. Before submitting a response to this solicitation, bidders should review the response, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the RFP requirements.

n. The bidder is required only upon the date and time specified for the site inspection identified in this RFP to inspect the Premises and investigate the conditions, character, and quality of the site. The Premises will be made available in As-Is condition. The CDFW makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the Premises, including its fitness or suitability for bidders’ purposes; the condition or quality of soils; organic certification of any pasture or field; existence, adequacy, or condition of fencing; or availability of water or electric power, none of which are guaranteed. No changes to the fee amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of the site.

o. Questions on this RFP must be presented in writing to the Administrative

Contact no later than seven business days before the proposal submission deadline.

p. The Permit will be an agreement between the CDFW and only one Permittee, which must be an individual or a legal entity, such as a corporation or partnership. Proposals submitted by any informal association of persons or entities will be rejected. If the bidder is a partnership (General Partnership or Limited Partnership), a copy of the partnership agreement must be provided.

The date of such an agreement must pre-date the proposal submission deadline date.

q. The provisions of the CDFW’s Permit are not negotiable.

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

s. By submitting a proposal, the bidder acknowledges that the bidder has read and understands this RFP and is in agreement to the provisions of the sample Permit included as part of this RFP package.

t. If any provision of this RFP is declared by a court to be illegal or in conflict with any law, the validity of the remaining terms and provisions shall not be affected, and the rights and obligations of the CDFW and the bidder shall be construed and enforced as if this RFP did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid.

6. Evaluation and Ranking

a. All proposals received by the submission deadline will be reviewed by the

CDFW to determine compliance with mandatory proposal requirements as specified in this RFP. If the CDFW determines that a proposal is not considered fully responsive and it is material to the RFP requirements, the proposal may be rejected.

b. Proposals accepted under the terms of this RFP will be evaluated and ranked by an evaluation team which may consist of the CDFW Site Manager, CDFW Unit Biologist, the Cosumnes River Preserve Manager, and other CDFW staff as needed. Composition of the evaluation team is subject to change at the sole discretion of the CDFW.

c. At least two references are required. The CDFW will review each reference letter and attempt to contact each reference by phone. References will be asked to describe the prior vegetation disposal agreement transaction they had with the bidder, and to answer the following questions:

1. Did the firm/individual satisfactorily complete the obligations within the terms of the agreement? (Yes or No)

2. Did the firm/individual pay fees on time? (Yes or No)

3. Was the firm/individual knowledgeable in best grazing practices to avoid negative impacts to the property? (Yes or No)

4. How did the firm/individual improve the area for wildlife?

If any reference provided by the bidder answers “No” to any of the questions, the proposal will be disqualified on the grounds that the bidder did not meet the minimum qualifications, and the proposal is therefore non-responsive.

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

e. The CDFW reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to request clarifications of proposals or to conduct discussions for the purpose of clarification with any or all bidders. The purpose of any such discussions shall be to ensure full understanding of the proposal. If clarifications are made as a result of such discussion, the bidder shall put such clarifications in writing. Bidders may not submit supplemental information without the approval of the CDFW.

f. The evaluation team may consider information that is pertinent to the bidders’ qualifications, regardless of whether such information is specifically requested or included in the criteria listed in this RFP.

g. Proposals will be ranked based on the criteria set forth below:

Rating/Scoring Criteria Points Qualifications (SOQ), References and Disclosure Pass/Fail Knowledge, experience, and approach 10 points Ability to respond to emergencies 10 points Proposal for Goal 1 15 points Proposal for Goal 2 15 points Proposal for Goal 3 15 points

Proposal for Goal 4 15 points Proposal for Goal 5 15 points Proposal for Goal 6 15 points Proposed Permit Fee 40 points

Total Possible Points: 150 points

The method of evaluation and scoring is as follows:

Statement of Qualifications

Pass Meets minimum qualifications.

Fail Did not provide a SOQ; or did not meet minimum qualifications.

Reference Check

Pass Reference provided a “Yes” response to each question.

Fail A “No” response to any question will be grounds to deem proposal non-responsive.

Disclosure Statement

Pass The bidder did not disclose any claims of legal actions within the last five years or bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings within the past ten years.

Fail The bidder did disclose claims of legal actions within the last five years or bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings within the past ten years.

Knowledge, Experience and Approach

1-10 Scored based upon the bidders knowledge, experience, and approach to benefit The Premises based upon the information provided in the proposal.

Ability to Respond to Emergencies

1-10 Scored in based upon the time to respond to emergencies listed in the proposal.

Goal 1

By May 31 of each year during the Permit term, there will need to be an average of 750lbs–1000 lbs. per acre of RDM remaining on, and evenly distributed on, the Premises. Please explain your grazing techniques, frequency, and experience to accomplish these objectives.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 2

Describe a plan and experience to avoid negative impacts on soil erosion and sensitive habitats on the Premises, and how you will help balance removal of water primrose and other vegetation while retaining enough cover in ponds and wetlands which are excluded through fencing.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 3

Provide a grazing plan (no more than one page) that describes the grazing practices being used and how those practices will be regularly reported to the CDFW, including: the number and size classes of livestock present on the Premises throughout the annual grazing period;

dates that livestock will be added to and removed from the Premises;

the dates and descriptions of any efforts to move livestock to different areas; RDM measurements; how you will manage the noncontiguous 17 acre North Pastue, and all other relevant information.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 4

During the Permit term, the STATE may determine that conditions warrant a change in an annual grazing period, which would result in a reduction in AUMs/AUs and/or rapid removal of livestock from the Premises for various reasons, including flooding. Describe your contingency plan to deal with such an event, including the resources that you have available to respond to the change.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 5 Describe your plan to improve wildlife habitat and reduce noxious weeds (e.g., medusa head, yellow star-thistle, water primrose) which are of limited wildlife value.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Goal 6

Describe your experience grazing in oak woodland areas similar in nature to the Premises. Explain how your grazing practices promote oak woodland recruitment, including any other livestock management you utilize to prevent damage to existing oak trees.

Did not respond or proposal indicates an apparent lack of desired skill set and knowledge.

Proposal indicates some knowledge, but not enough information provided to determine if goal could be met.

10 Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts.

Proposal would meet the goal with no negative impacts, was innovative in approach, and/or showed best grazing practices.

Cost (40 points possible):

The highest price offered receives the maximum of 10 points. All other proposals will receive a score based on the following formula:

Cost proposal divided by the highest cost proposal x 10 points = Score

Example:

Highest bid is $45.00/AUM……………………...…………..….………40 points Next highest bid is $40.00/AUM…($40.00 divided by $45.00) times 40 =

35.52 points Next bid is $35.00/AUM..($35.00 divided by $45.00) times 40 = 31.08 points

= TOTAL POINTS SCORED TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE: 150

7. Interviews (If Needed)

At the CDFW’s discretion, interviews may be held with bidders that ranked closely in the evaluation scoring, if any clarifications in the proposals are needed or as the method to break a tie. The interviews will be conducted by the evaluation team.

8. Basis of Award

The Permit award, if made, will be to the responsive, responsible bidder with the highest ranking based upon the evaluation criteria (and any interview results).

The evaluation process is designed to award the Permit not necessarily to the bidder offering the highest fee, but rather to the bidder with the best combination of attributes based upon the evaluation criteria and that which presents the most advantageous proposal to the CDFW.

Proposal responses must comply with all RFP requirements. Failure to do so will disqualify the proposal. If it is determined not to be in the best interest of the STATE, the CDFW reserves the right to not award a Permit in response to this

RFP.

9. Disposition of Proposal

a. Upon proposal opening, all documents submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of the STATE. Selection or rejection of a proposal does not affect its ownership by the CDFW.

b. All proposal information, including detailed price and cost information, shall be held in confidence during the evaluation process. Upon the completion of the evaluation of proposal, indicated by a notice of intent to award the Permit, the proposals and associated materials shall be open for review by the public to the extent allowed by the California Public Records Act (Government Code sections 6250-6270 and 6275-6276.48). By submitting a proposal, the bidder acknowledges and accepts that the contents of the proposal and associated documents shall become open to public inspection. The guidelines for making CDFW-related Public Records Act requests are available on the CDFW/Fish and Game Commission Guidelines for Public Records Act Requests internet page, here:

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/General-Counsel/Public-Records-Requests

10. Protest

a. In Accordance with Public Contract Code Section 10345, if any bidder, prior to the award of an agreement, files a written protest with the Department of General Services (DGS) – Office of Legal Services and CDFW on the grounds that the (protesting) bidder is the lowest responsive responsible bidder, the agreement will not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or the DGS has decided the matter. The protest must be sent to:

Department of General Services Office of Legal Services

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Attn: Bid Protest Coordinator Attn: State Owned Properties Management Unit

Address: 707 3rd Street, 7th Floor, Suite 7-330 West Sacramento, CA 95605

Address: P.O. Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244-

Email: OLSProtests@dgs.ca.g ov

Email: BMBstateownedproperti es@wildlife.ca.gov

Within five days after filing the initial protest, the protesting bidder must file with the DGS and the CDFW a detailed written statement specifying the grounds for the protest. Protests may be submitted by regular mail, courier, or personal delivery.

11. Finalization of Site Operation Plan (Exhibit B)

The CDFW, in agreement with the awardee, may include the awardee’s proposals as addenda to the Site Operation Plan – Exhibit B. The CDFW reserves the option to strike-out or modify any portion of the winning proposal that conflicts with the Permit and/or Site Operations Plan. Revision to the standard language of the Permit is prohibited.

If the CDFW and the awardee initially selected by the CDFW are unable to agree on the provisions of the Site Operation Plan within a reasonable time, the Permit will be offered to the bidder ranked second by the evaluation team. The negotiation process described in Sections F-6 through F-9 and F-11 will be repeated until an agreement is executed.

12. Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Award

a. Following the award, the CDFW will request insurance documentation from the awardee that will comply with Section 21 of this Agreement. These documents must be provided on or before the requested date. STATE execution of the Permit is contingent upon the verification of the insurance by the DGS – Office of Risk and Insurance Management. (The awardee should provide the Sample Permit and the “Land Use Agreements: Guide to Insurance Documentation Requirements” to their insurance broker when requesting the coverage and required documents.)

b. The awardee will be required to provide a completed Payee Data Record form (STD. 204) with the documents described above.

c. The CDFW reserves the right to rescind the award if any requested documentation is not provided by the awardee on or before the requested due date. The awardee is solely responsible for ensuring timely responses by any individual or firm they choose to create and provide the requested documents.

d. The CDFW reserves the right to offer the award to the next responsive, highest scoring bidder, or to issue a new RFP if the award is rescinded.

e. Upon receipt, the awardee will sign the original copy of the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal, provided by CDFW electronically within ten business days after receipt from the CDFW.

f. This RFP and the Permittee selection processes do not obligate the CDFW and do not create rights, interests, or claims of entitlement in the apparent best evaluated potential Permittee or any vendor.

13. Permit Execution and Performance

a. Activities (including any pre-season preparation work) shall start no sooner than the Commencement Date indicated upon the Permit or upon delivery of a fully signed and executed Permit to the Permittee and the CDFW receipt of the first Fee, whichever occurs later.

b. All activities and obligations under the Permit shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Permit.

14. Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

This RFP includes, as a separate document, a sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Sample DFW 587) for review. The sample DFW 587 contains language that the CDFW expects to utilize for this Permit. Following award of the Permit, the CDFW will prepare a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal, including exhibits for execution. By submitting a proposal, the successful bidder acknowledges that they have read and understand the provisions of the Permit and agree to sign and return the DFW 587 within ten business days of receipt if awarded.

15. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

i

16. Exhibit A: Map ii

17. Exhibit A-1: Legal Description of Site iii

18. Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan

Habitat Objectives The Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve (CRER) – Arno Unit (Premises) has the following habitat objectives as part of the CRER land management plan:

1. Protect, create, restore, and manage rivers, creeks, and sloughs within the lower Cosumnes and Mokelumne River watersheds;

2. Protect, restore, manage, and study floodplain and riparian ecosystems to maintain their sustaining ecological processes and promote their native species;

3. Protect, maintain, and restore vernal pool and grassland ecosystems, maintain their sustaining ecological processes, and promote their native species; and

4. Maintain wildlife-friendly agriculture operations that are compatible with the CRER’s overall mission and goals.

Excess vegetation removal, also known as prescribed grazing, will help meet the above objectives in the following ways: non-native and invasive plant species that dominate the Sacramento Valley, such as medusahead grass and primrose, may be removed and allow sunlight to reach the soil, which may allow more favorable forage, such as native forbs and grasses, or naturalized introduced grasses that are more palatable to wildlife and livestock to germinate. Grazing prescriptions will be administered to ensure that ecologically important areas, such as wetlands and swamp areas, will be avoided during sensitive times.

Grazing operations will be adjusted if deleterious effects to these areas are observed through monitoring efforts. Furthermore, the Permittees’ presence on the Premises is expected to reduce incompatible activities (e.g., growing of marijuana, target shooting, and trash dumping), as well as contribute to the control of several invasive plant species on the Premises.

An additional benefit to the Premises and habitats is that cattle reduce the fuel load of the landscape; consequently, fires may be reduced in intensity. This also benefits the neighbors and the wildlife utilizing the Premises.

Site Description The Premises is a part of the Cosumnes River Preserve (Preserve), located in southern Sacramento County, near the city of Galt, California (Exhibit A: Map).

The Preserve was established for the permanent protection of a continuous riparian corridor extending from the Cosumnes River headwaters, in El Dorado County, to the Delta. It includes floodplain and wetland habitats and vernal pool grasslands.

The CDFW is an official signatory partner of the Preserve along with The Nature Conservancy, the Bureau of Land Management, Sacramento County, Ducks Unlimited, the California Department of Water Resources, and the California iv

State Lands Commission. The vision statement for the Preserve states in part that Preserve “Partners will utilize compatible farming activities to sustain native wildlife communities and the processes that perpetuate a dynamic mosaic of habitats.” Vegetation disposal in a wildlife friendly manner is an important management tool to benefit aforementioned species as well as to retain important habitats and ecological function.

The Premises is approximately 156 acres in size and is enclosed with a perimeter fence and has no interior cross-fencing. The 15-acre Snake Marsh Pasture (Exhibit A: Map) is to be seasonally be grazed. The CDFW installed permanent infrastructure on Snake Marsh Pasture in the spring of 2020. The primary objective is to remove European grasses while not harming young oak trees (see grazing prescription below). Snake Marsh Pasture is bordered by a pond on the west side. The 17-acre North Pasture (Exhibit A: Map) is available for grazing on the north side of the adjacent agriculture fields. Timing and duration of grazing in both the North Pasture and the Snake Marsh Pasture will be determined in coordination between the CDFW and the Permittee. The North Pasture is bordered by Badger Creek on the south and may provide drinking water in that area. Prolonged periods of heavy rainfall and/or runoff from the Sierra Nevada winter snowpack may cause the nearby Cosumnes River and Badger Creek to overtop their banks and significantly flood the Premises.

The Premises is predominantly open grassland with seasonal marshes and wetlands. Introduced annual grasses are the common herbaceous plant species in this habitat and are an understory component. The Premises has well and moderately-well drained soils that formed in alluvium derived from mixed but dominantly granitic rock sources. They are on undulating low terraces with slopes of 0 to 9%. These soils are commonly used for cropland and livestock grazing;

crops are small grains, irrigated pasture and rice, vineyards, fruit, and nut crops.

Table 1: NRCS – USDA soil types at CRER Reserve Grazing Allotment – the Premises

Soils Name Acres in Premises

Percent of Premises

Clear Lake clay, partially drained, 0 to 2% slopes, frequently flooded

59.2 37.4%

Galt clay 0 to 1% slopes, MLRA 17 14.2 9.0% Liveoak sandy clay loam. 0 to 2% slopes, occasionally flooded

3.7 2.3%

Madera loam, 0 to 2% slopes 45.5 28.8% Madera-Galt complex, 0 to 2% slopes 14.6 9.2% San Joaquin silt loam, leveled, 0 to 1% slopes

20.5 13.0%

San Joaquin silt loam, 0 to 3% slopes 0.6 0.4% v

Wildlife The Premises provides habitat for many species of wildlife. The most common of the larger mammals found on the Premises include mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), river otter (Lontra canadensis), beaver (Castor canadensis), and coyote (Canis latrans). Threatened species that occur at the Preserve include greater sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis tabida), Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas). The woodland areas at the Premises provide important habitat for deer, California quail (Callipepla californica), and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).