P2025303_HALL_IFB_FINAL_001.pdf

State of California -The Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MEGHAN HERTEL, Director Bay-Delta Region 2825 Cordelia Rd, Suite 100 Fairfield, CA 94534 www.wildlife.ca.gov

(Rev. 8/20/2025) Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870 Page 1

April 3, 2026

INVITATION FOR BID

Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve Hall Grazing Management Unit

Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing) Permit P2025303

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 Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing). The proposed vegetation disposal activity will be conducted with non-exclusive rights on approximately 210 acres of real property known as the Hall Grazing Management Unit, referred to as the Premises, on the Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve, in Sonoma County.

IFBs can be obtained at caleprocure.ca.gov or by contacting the administrative contact named below. Please refer to IFB number: Permit P2025303.

Bids must be received no later than April 17, 2026, at 5:00pm.

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

However, if you have questions, or should you 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: Leonard Baxa Name: Stacy Martinelli

Title: Analyst I Title: Environmental Scientist

Address: 2825 Cordelia Rd, Suite 100 Fairfield CA 94534

Address: 3633 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Phone: (707) 576-2375 Phone: (209) 649-3007

Email: R3contracts@wildlilfe.ca.gov Email: Stacy.martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov

Site Inspection Location 111 Park Royale Ave Santa Rosa, CA 95401 http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/ https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx mailto:R3contracts@wildlilfe.ca.gov mailto:Stacy.martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Invitation for Bid – P2025303

It is mandatory that you inspect the site before submitting a proposal. The site inspection(s) will be held on April 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM

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. Permit Term and Fee

B. Bidder Minimum Qualifications

C. Bid Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates

2. Mandatory Site Inspection

3. Questions and Answers

4. Submission of Bid

5. Evaluation and Selection

6. Basis of Award

7. Disposition of Bid

8. Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal Award

9. Protest

10. Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

11. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Requirement ………………..……12

12. Exhibit A: Map ............................................................................................... i

13. Exhibit A–1: Legal Description of Site .......................................................... iv

14. Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan ..................................................................... viii

D. Required Attachments ......................................................................................xvi

Attachment 1 – Required Attachment Check List ............................................xvi Attachment 2 – Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet ................................................ xvii Attachment 3 –Authorization Document ..........................................................xix Attachment 4 – Bid Form ................................................................................. xx Attachment 5 – Site Inspection Certification .....................................................xxi Attachment 6 – Statement of Qualifications .................................................... xxii Attachment 7 – Bidder References ................................................................ xxiii

A. Permit Term and Fee

If awarded, the term of this Permit shall be four (4) years and five (5) months, commencing May 15, 2026, or upon approval of the STATE, whichever is later (Commencement Date), and terminating on October 15, 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 warrants such a delay.

The annual grazing period in Year One will be five (5) months, starting May 15, 2026, and ending October 15, 2026. Years Two through Five the annual grazing period will be eight (8) months starting February 15 and ending October 15.

The annual Permit fee will be calculated as the product of: the bid amount per acre per year times 210 acres per year.

The Permit 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, then the STATE may adjust the Permit fee for the first year of the term as provided in the Permit.

Payment Schedule

No. Payment Due Amount Period Covered

1 May 1, 2026, or Upon Execution Whichever is Later

$XX,XXX.XX May 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026

2 February 1, 2027 $XX,XXX.XX February 15, 2027 - October 15, 2027

3 February 1, 2028 $XX,XXX.XX February 15, 2028 - October 15, 2028

4 February 1, 2029 $XX,XXX.XX February 15, 2029 - October 15, 2029

5 February 1, 2030 $XX,XXX.XX February 15, 2030 - October 15, 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.

B. Bidder Minimum Qualifications

1. The Bidder must be willing to adjust, as advised by CDFW, stocking rates and the timing and length of the grazing season, either before or during the grazing season to meet habitat goals.

2. The Bidder must possess the number of livestock to satisfy the maximum number of AUMs as stated in Exhibit B.

3. The Bidder must be able to be onsite at the Premises within 30 minutes to respond to emergencies (e.g., cows loose in the neighborhood and in busy streets, livestock injury or sickness, failed fencing or water supply, grassland fire, etc.).

4. The Bidder must be able to remove livestock (individual or group) within 72 hours if said livestock are deemed a safety threat to CDFW staff and/or their contractors that conduct annual plant and animal monitoring during the grazing season.

C. Bid Requirements and Information

1. Key Action Dates

Event Date

IFB Available to Bidders April 3-16, 2026

Mandatory Site Inspection April 8, 2026, at 9:00 am

Bid Submission Deadline April 17, 2026, at 5:00 pm

Bid Opening April 17, 2026, at 10:00 am

Notice of Intent to Award April 20, 2026

Proposed Award Date April 23, 2026

Proposed Commencement Date May 15, 2026

2. Mandatory Site Inspection

a. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled at 9:00 am on April 8, 2026, at 111 Park Royal Ave, Santa Rosa 95401 for the purpose of discussing questions regarding this IFB and touring the site. No verbal information given will be binding upon the STATE or the CDFW unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum. 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-bid site inspection, an authorized representative may attend for the bidder.

The representative may only sign-in for one bidder. No bid 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 Stacy Martinelli, Environmental Scientist, 209-649-3007, stacy.martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov 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 IFB or on procedural matters regarding the competitive bid process may request clarification by submitting questions, in an email or envelope clearly marked "Questions Relating to IFB Permit P2025303” to the CDFW administrative contact person listed on page one (1). To ensure a response, questions must be received by the CDFW no less than seven business days prior to the bid 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 the caleprocure.ca.gov website 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 IFB.

4. Submission of Bid

a. All bids 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 C, Bid Requirements and Information, Item

(1) Key Action Dates. The sealed cover must be plainly marked with the IFB 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:

Hall Grazing Management Unit

P2025303

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Bidder Name

Address

City, State Zip

DO NOT OPEN

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

Any bid received at the above address after the bid submission date and time specified in Section C (1), Key Action Dates will NOT be considered. It is the CDFW's policy to make every effort to ensure that all bids have been received and properly time stamped; however, mailto:stacy.martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx bidders are ultimately responsible for ensuring timely receipt of their bid. Bidders may verify receipt of their bid by contacting the administrative contact identified in the cover letter of this IFB prior to the public bid opening.

A minimum of one original and two copies of the bid 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 bid receipt by the CDFW. The time of delivery will be determined by the clock in the CDFW’s office. Late bids will not be accepted, and no additional time will be granted to any bidder. Bids may not be delivered orally, by facsimile transmission, or by other telecommunication or electronic means.

c. All bids shall include the documents identified in Section D, Required

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

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

e. Mail or deliver bids to the following address:

Leonard Baxa, Analyst I

2825 Cordelia Rd, Suite 100

Fairfield, CA 94534

f. A bid may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations made to the form, or other irregularities of any kind.

The CDFW may reject any or all bids and may waive an immaterial deviation in a bid. The CDFW's waiver of an immaterial deviation shall in no way modify this IFB or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements if awarded the Permit.

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

h. An individual who is authorized to bind the bidder shall sign the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, (Attachment 2). 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 bid will be rejected.

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

j. A bidder may withdraw a bid by submitting a written withdrawal request to the CDFW, signed by the bidder or an authorized agent. A bidder may thereafter submit a new bid prior to the bid submission deadline. Bids may not be withdrawn without cause after the bid submission deadline.

k. The CDFW may modify this IFB prior to the time fixed for submission of bids by posting an addendum to the caleprocure.ca.gov website, and notifying all parties who received a bid package.

l. The CDFW reserves the right to reject all bids. 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 IFB requirements.

n. Bidder is required only upon the date and time specified for the site inspection identified in this IFB 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 bidder’s purposes; the condition or quality of soils; organic certification of any pasture; existence, adequacy, or condition of fencing; or availability of water, forage or electric power, none of which are guaranteed. No changes to the Permit amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of site.

o. Questions regarding this IFB must be presented in writing to the administrative contact no later than seven business days before the bid 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 legal partnership (Limited Partnership, General Partnership, Joint Venture). Any bidders interested in submitting co-bids with other parties must be formed into a legal partnership prior to the submission of a bid. A notarized copy of the partnership agreement signed by all partners must be provided as the Authorization Attachment. Bids submitted by any informal association of persons or entities will be rejected.

q. The provisions of the CDFW’s Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal are not negotiable.

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

s. By submitting a bid, the bidder acknowledges that they have read and understand this IFB and are in agreement to the provisions of the sample Permit included as part of this IFB package.

t. If any provision of this IFB 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 IFB did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid.

5. Evaluation and Selection

a. The bid opening will occur at 2825 Cordelia Rd, Suite 100, Fairfield, CA 94534 on the day and time specified in Section C-1 Key Action Dates “Bid Opening”

b. At the time of the bid opening, each bid will be checked for the presence or absence of required information in conformance with the submission requirements of this IFB.

c. The CDFW will attempt to contact each reference by phone. References will be asked to describe the prior grazing agreement transaction they had with the bidder, and to answer the following question(s):

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

2. Was the firm/individual able to respond on the ground to emergencies (e.g. sick cattle, escaped cattle, broken fencing, grassland fire) immediately or within 30-45 minutes to minimize the threat to public safety and impairment of livestock health?

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

d. The CDFW will evaluate each bid to determine its responsiveness to the published requirements.

e. Bids 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.

f. The CDFW reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to request clarifications of bids 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 bid. 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.

6. Basis of Award

The Permit award, if made, will be to the responsive, responsible bidder offering the highest price per acre per year as completed on the Bid Form (Attachment 4).

Bid responses must comply with all IFB requirements. Failure to do so will disqualify the bid. 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 IFB.

In the event of a tie for the responsive/responsible highest bid, the names of the tied bidders will be placed in a container suitable for a blind drawing.

The bidder whose name is drawn first will become the proposed awardee.

The remaining bidder names will be noted in the order they are drawn for use in offering the award, should the proposed awardee be disqualified or resign prior to execution of the Permit.

7. Disposition of Bid

a. Upon bid opening, all documents submitted in response to this IFB will become the property of the STATE.

b. Upon the completion of the bid opening and any relevant submission verifications, indicated by a notice of intent to award the Permit, the bids 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 bid, the bidder acknowledges and accepts that the contents of the bid 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

8. 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 the Agreement.

Insurance 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 Department of General Services– 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 proposed awardee will be required to provide a completed Payee

Data Record form (STD 204) with the documents described above.

c. Time is of the essence for the commencement of this Permit. 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 bidder or to issue a new IFB if the award is rescinded.

e. Upon receipt, the awardee will sign the provided originals (either two or three original sets, based on the agreement’s dollar value) of the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal and return all signed originals within ten business days after receipt from the CDFW.

f. The Permittee is not authorized to commence activities (including any pre-season preparation work) prior to receiving a fully signed and executed Permit and remitting payment of the first Permit fee installment as described in the Permit.

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

9. 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.

gov

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.

10. Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

This IFB 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 bid, the successful bidder agrees to sign and return the DFW 587 within ten business days of receipt.

11. 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 mailto:BMBstateownedproperties@wildlife.ca.gov mailto:BMBstateownedproperties@wildlife.ca.gov 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

12. Exhibit A: Location Map Figure 1: Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve- Hall Grazing Management Unit ii

Exhibit A: Location Map (CONT’D) Figure 2: Grazing Allotment iii

Exhibit A: Location Map (CONT’D) Figure 3: Livestock Infrastructure Map iv

13. Exhibit A-1: Legal Description of Site

Martin Conservation Bank v

Slippery Rock Conservation Bank vi

Wright Preserve vii viii

14. Exhibit B: Site Operation Plan

Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve- Hall Grazing Management Unit:

The Hall Grazing Management Unit (Premises) of the Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve is located on the western edge of the city of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County (Exhibit A). The grazing allotment for the Premises is comprised of three properties that include the Martin Conservation Bank (MCB) (APN 130-010-070; 12 acres), the Slippery Rock Conservation Bank (SRCB) (APN 130-010-053; 38 acres), and the Wright Preserve (WP) (APN 035-051-023 and 035-051-014; 160 acres). The properties are owned in fee title by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The grazing allotment covers a total of approximately 210 acres.

The Martin Conservation Bank was established to preserve and protect habitat for federal-listed endangered and state-listed threatened Sonoma County California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) and sensitive vernal pool plants. Similarly, the Slippery Rock Conservation Bank and the Wright Preserve were established to preserve and protect habitat for California tiger salamander, as well as three federal and state- listed endangered plants; Burke’s goldfields (Lasthenia burkei), Sonoma sunshine (Blemnosperma bakeri), and Sebastopol meadowfoam (Limnanthes vinculans).

Managed livestock grazing has been identified as the primary technique in the PREMISES for long-term vegetation management. The Premesis’ grazing goals are to maintain suitable habitat conditions for special-status and native vernal pool plants, improve and maintain breeding and upland habitats for California tiger salamander, control weedy plant species that degrade native species diversity, and minimize fuel loading.

Site Description

Martin Conservation Bank

The 12-acre Martin Conservation Bank (MCB) is located at 4355 Hall Road, Santa Rosa. Approximately two acres of seasonal wetlands occur on the Premises where

0.14 acre was created to provide breeding habitat for tiger salamander. The remainder of the Premises supports annual grassland habitat dominated by Italian ryegrass (Festuca perennis), Mediterranean barley (Hordeum marinus), Harding grass (Phalaris tuberosa), wild oats (Avena fatua), and rip gut brome (Bromus diandrus). Trees on the Premises include only a few scattered valley oak (Quercus lobata), and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Several ornamental pear trees occur on the Premises while coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) is common throughout.

Access to the MCB is directly off Park Royal Avenue. The access is gated and locked.

The entrance is graveled and leads to a pipe panel corral immediately inside the gate.

Water is delivered to a trough via a solar-panel pump from the onsite well. The entire

Premises boundary is fenced with five strand barbed-wire. The fencing was installed in ix the late 2000’s and is in very good condition. The Permittee is responsible for performing any repairs to fences, gates, trough, solar panels, solar control panel and pump on the Premises.

Slippery Rock Conservation Bank

The 38-acre Slippery Rock Conservation Bank (SRCB) is located at 4434 Hall Road, Santa Rosa. The SRCB has long served as agricultural lands. Past land uses on the Premises dating back to the 1930’s include the growing of hops, prunes, and pears.

The land was also used to graze cattle, most recently in 2012.

The Premises currently supports created and restored vernal pools, located mostly at the south end and a wide, east-west running ditch located in the northern one-third of the Premises. A large culvert crossing allows passage over the ditch. The Premises contains mostly annual non-native grassland consisting of species similar to those found on the MCB, as well as scattered valley oak trees. Ash trees (naturally-occurring and planted) can be found along the inside and top of bank of the ditch.

Access to the SRCB is off Hall Road. The 16-foot wide pipe gate allows entry of a pick-up truck and trailer. Although the gate entrance area is not rocked, during dry winter spells a truck and trailer could fully enter the Premises and turn around on the vegetation. The PremisesPremises is entirely fenced with five-strand barbed wire, which is currently in good condition. A pump house and cement watering trough are located at the Premises entrance. The pump is an electric pump served by Pacific Gas and Electric. The Permittee is responsible for any trough or pump repairs as well as repair to damaged fencing or gates.

Wright Preserve

The Wright Preserve (WP) is located off the 4000 block of Hall Road. The SRCB is contiguous and lies to the west, and a residential subdivision and church lie to the east.

The WP is bounded by Occidental Road along the southern boundary.

The WP represents one of the largest remaining sites on the Santa Rosa Plain that contains undeveloped and undisturbed soil, and a natural complex of vernal pools and swales. Large valley oak (Quercus lobata) and coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) are scattered throughout. The WP supports a high diversity of native grasses and forbs including California oatgrass (Danthonia californica), purple needle-grass (Stipa pulchra), squirrel tail grass (Elymus elymoides), and checker mallow (Sidalcea calycosa). However, invasive non-native weeds are also present such as Harding grass (Phalaris tuberosa), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) and medusahead grass (Taeniatherum caput-medusae). Italian ryegrass (Festuca perennis), Mediterranean barley (Hordeum marinus), wild oats (Avena fatua), and rip gut brome (Bromus diandrus) are common non-native grasses on the WP.

x

The entire perimeter of the Premises is fenced with a five-strand barbed-wire fence.

Entrances to the WP for livestock are located off Hall Rd, Merced Avenue, and

Occidental Rd. These entry points are gated and locked. The entrances are not rocked except for the entrance off Hall Rd where a small cattle corral is located. The entrances off Merced Avenue and Occidental Road may only be used when soil conditions are dry, typically in June. The Permittee is responsible for performing any repairs to fencing and gates on the Premises.

Two east-west cross-fences divide the WP into three separate pastures; the northern section, which is attached to the cattle corral (17 acres), a middle section that covers approximately 58 acres, and the southern section (85 acres). Gates within the cross-fences allow cattle to travel between the pastures. Additionally, there is a gate between the SRCB and the WP located in the middle pasture.

Five-foot deep ditches that transport run-off across the WP run parallel to the interior cross fences. At each end of the two ditches temporary hog panel fences prevent cattle from escaping onto neighboring properties. The Permittee is responsible for installing the panels during the grazing period and removing the panels when cattle leave. Should rain events occur during the time cattle are present and hog panels are installed, the

Permittee is responsible for clearing the panels of vegetation and other debris to allow flow through the area.

The single water source on the WP is located in the southern pasture just off Merced

Avenue. Here a solar-panel pump delivers water to a trough. The Permittee is responsible for any trough, solar panel, solar control panel, or pump repairs.

The Premises is not open to the public. No special right to access the Premises for the purposes of hunting, fishing, camping or any other purpose other than as specified in the Permit is granted nor implied. The Permittee may not take (as defined in FGC 86) wildlife (including rodent and predator control) unless prior written authorization is obtained from CDFW. The Permittee may not grant special access to any persons not associated with implementation or management of vegetation control activities under the Permit.

Habitat Objectives

On the Premises, managed livestock grazing will be used to meet the following natural resource conservation goals:

• improve and maintain habitat for Sonoma sunshine, Sebastopol meadowfoam and California tiger salamander by reducing vegetation biomass and competing non-native plants.

• minimize invasion of weedy species that degrade native species diversity.

• reduce fire fuel load.

xi

Specifically, grazing will help to reduce non-native annual grass biomass that competes with endangered plants for sunlight and space, prevent spread of invasive weeds through a properly timed grazing regimen aimed at reducing seed production of weedy plants, and will control overall vegetation height and as a result fire fuel loads.

Grazing Prescription

To achieve the habitat goals described above, cattle are preferred; however, horses may be an acceptable substitute. The grazing prescription for the Premises:

• graze to a level that will leave 500 to 800 pounds per acre Residual Dry Matter (RDM) in uplands as measured in September or October (Bartolome et al. 2002).

Grazing Season:

The grazing season will include late winter through early fall when rapid vegetation growth of grasses can out-compete special-status plants. . In year one the grazing season for the Premises will be five months May 15 to October 15. In years two through five the grazing season for the Premises will be eight months, from February 15 to October 15. However, if RDM targets are not met from the previous year’s grazing schedule or if precipitation levels significantly affect vegetation growth, the grazing season is flexible and livestock on and off dates in any year may result in a shorter or longer grazing period. Livestock stocking rates and the grazing season length and timing would be adjusted accordingly through written email agreement with the CDFW Site Manager.

Grazing Capacity and Stocking Rate:

Maximum Animal Unit Months (AUM’s) have been estimated at 17 AUM’s for the MCB, 65 AUM’s for the SRCB, and 335 AUM’s for the WP. Based on an 8-month grazing season, the grazing allotment’s stocking rates for the eight- month grazing season are as follows:

• MCB: 2 Animal Units (AU’s)

• SRCB: 8 AU’s

• WP: 42 AU’s

The properties differ in the amount of forage available, necessitating flexibility in livestock stocking density and the duration of grazing on each Premises in order to achieve RDM goals.

The stocking rates can be achieved with young or adult animals using the animal equivalents table below.

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Animal Species Animal Unit Equivalent

Cow, dry 0.92

Cow, with calf 1.00

Bull, mature 1.34

Cattle, one-year-old 0.60

Cattle, two-year-old 0.80

Horse, mature 1.50

(adapted from National Range and Pasture Handbook, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Grazing Lands Technology Institute, 2003).

The stocking rate will be flexible based on annual precipitation amounts and other factors and will be adjusted according to the annual monitoring measurements or current or anticipated field conditions. Stocking rates may be increased or decreased under advisement by the CDFW Site Manager throughout a grazing period if warranted by onsite vegetation conditions.

Monitoring

RDM will be monitored by CDFW staff and shared with the Permittee following the grazing season. Adjustments to grazing season length and timing as well as stocking rates would be addressed at this time taking into consideration winter precipitation forecasts. RDM monitoring could include the clipping, drying, and weighing of old herbaceous matter left standing at the end of the grazing season. Visual estimates will also be used (Bartolome et al. 2002). CDFW may use other monitoring methods to help inform land management decisions on the Premises.

Grazing Program Requirements

1. Five (5) days prior to the introduction of livestock onto the grazing allotment, the Permittee shall notify the CDFW Site Manager (Stacy Martinelli, stacy.martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov) through email correspondence, the specific date livestock will be introduced, the number and type (e.g. mature cow, heifer, etc.) of livestock, and brands or tags which identify them.

2. Five (5) days prior to the end of the grazing season, the Permittee shall notify the

CDFW Site Manager through email correspondence, the specific date livestock will be removed from each of the properties within the grazing allotment.

3. Livestock are expected on the grazing allotment properties within 45 days after the beginning of the grazing season described above, unless site conditions or other extenuating circumstances prevent the delivery of livestock to the grazing allotment. Failure to deliver livestock to the grazing allotment properties within 45 days of the beginning of the grazing season could result in a violation of the terms of the Permit and its subsequent revocation by CDFW. The CDFW Site Manager shall be notified immediately through email correspondence if livestock mailto:stacy.martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov xiii may not be present on the grazing allotment properties within forty-five days of the beginning of the grazing season.

4. If site-specific field conditions and/or annual monitoring results indicate that habitat goals are not being met, the CDFW Site Manager shall initiate through email correspondence a request of the Permittee to modify the grazing season or the livestock stocking rate on any portion of the grazing allotment. Following mutual agreement by the Permittee and the CDFW Site Manager through email correspondence that describes the agreed upon changes, the Permittee shall have 7 (seven) days to make such changes. Failure to implement the agreed upon modifications to the grazing season and/or stocking rate within seven (7) days could result in the violation of the terms of the Permit and its subsequent revocation by CDFW.

5. If the Permittee wishes to modify livestock stocking rates, the Permittee shall notify the CDFW Site Manager through email correspondence of the requested modification and the reason for the modification. Modifications to livestock stocking rates may only be made following the receipt of email correspondence from the CDFW Site Manager agreeing to the request.

6. If the Permittee wishes to extend the grazing season past the final date described above, the Permittee shall notify the CDFW Site Manager through email correspondence of the requested extension and the reason for the extension, at least seven (7) days prior to the end of the grazing season. If the CDFW Site manager agrees, an email response will be issued to the Permittee specifying the new final end date of the grazing season.

7. Supplemental feeding may be necessary at certain times of the year to provide adequate nutrition for livestock. Supplemental feed, especially hay and other dried vegetation feeds are known to contain seeds of invasive weeds that could become established on the properties. Although supplemental feeding is discouraged, a supplemental feed program developed by the Permittee may be considered if RDM targets can still be met and if the feed contains no potential source of weed seeds. Written agreement through email correspondence from the CDFW Site Manager must be obtained prior to introducing supplemental feed and feed troughs on any portion of the grazing allotment. Supplemental feed shall be placed in coordination with the CDFW Site Manager to avoid impacts to sensitive areas.

8. The Permittee shall respond to livestock emergencies (livestock in distress, escaped livestock, broken fence, gates; or flood, fire on the Premises etc.) within 30 minutes. In such an event, please contact CDFW staff:

Emergency contact information:

Stacy Martinelli, xiv

Site Manager, 3633 Westwind Blvd Ste A Santa Rosa CA 95403

(707) 576 – 2868 (work)

(209) 649 - 3007 (cell) Stacy.Martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov

John Krause, Wildlife and Lands Program Supervisor 3633 Westwind Blvd Ste A Santa Rosa CA 95403

(415) 454 - 8050 (work)

(415) 250 - 0243 (cell) John.Krause@wildlife.ca.gov

9. All dead livestock must be removed from the premises within seven (7) days of death or as soon as feasible if the ground is too saturated to operate a motor vehicle on.

10. CDFW staff and the Permittee shall meet on the properties annually after cattle have been removed to discuss the next season’s grazing program. RDM monitoring, future stocking rates, grazing season timing and length, infrastructure, and field conditions will be discussed.

11. The Permittee will be required to demonstrate livestock are healthy prior to being introduced to the Premises and ensure they remain healthy while on the Premises. In consultation with a herd veterinarian, the permittee should establish a herd health program for the prevention and care of general parasitic diseases.

At a minimum, the herd health program must include the following measures to maintain healthy immune systems and minimize the occurrence of disease:

i. Routine vaccinations of all cattle for preventing BVD (Bovine Virus Diarrhea) which can act as an immunosuppressive disease, and Leptospira pamona bacterins.

ii. Routine internal and external parasite control to prevent clinical parasite infections.

iii. Trained ranch personnel should check cattle frequently for disease.

Frequency of inspection will depend on herd’s reproductive and current health status. When clinical disease is observed, cattle must be treated promptly. A veterinarian should be consulted as necessary.

iv. The Permittee must be able to present the following herd health records:

1) records (product, dose, animal ID, employee ID) of vaccinations and routine procedures of groups of cattle, and 2) records of treatment disease protocols (diagnosis, product used, dose) or individual treatment records mailto:Stacy.Martinelli@wildlife.ca.gov mailto:John.Krause@wildlife.ca.gov xv

(diagnosis, product used, dose, injection method, date, employee

Grazing Program Guidance

1. For additional information about maintenance and repairs for any and all improvements that are the Permittee’s responsibility, please see Items #13 and #43 in the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal.

2. Although wells are present on MCB, SRCB and the WP, it is important to note that it is the responsibility of the Permittee to provide water for livestock if it is not available on the properties. For additional information on the “As-Is” condition of the premises and water availability, please see Items #8 and #10 in the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal.

3. For additional information on moving livestock from the properties due to overgrazing please see Item #32 (a) and #32(b) in the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal.

4. For additional information on supplemental feeding please see Item #32 (b) of the Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal.

5. Motorized vehicles are not authorized on SRPVPER lands. However, the use of motorized vehicles on the properties is permitted for the sole purposes of moving livestock and livestock infrastructure maintenance and repair, only if travel through wetlands can be avoided and disturbance to soils minimized.

The preferred mode of travel is by foot, however, if a motorized vehicle is required an All-Terrain Vehicle should be considered first.

References Bartolome, J.W., W.E. Frost, and N.K. McDougald. 2002. Guidelines for Residual Dry Matter (RDM) Management on Coastal and Foothill Rangelands in California.

University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Publication 8092.

xvi

D. Required Attachments

ATTACHMENT 1

REQUIRED ATTACHMENT CHECK LIST

A complete bid or bid package will include all of the items identified below.

Complete this checklist to confirm the items in your bid. Place a check mark or “X” next to each item that you are submitting to the STATE. For your bid to be responsive, all required attachments must be returned. This checklist should be returned with your bid package as well.

Attachment Number/Description

☐ Attachment 1 Required Attachment Check List

☐ Attachment 2 Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet

☐ Attachment 3 Authorization Document

☐ Attachment 4 Bid Form

☐ Attachment 5 Site Inspection Certification

☐ Attachment 6 Statement of Qualifications

☐ Attachment 7 Bidder References xvii

ATTACHMENT 2

BID/BIDDER CERTIFICATION SHEET

This Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet must be signed and returned along with all the required attachments as a bid package as directed in Section C-4, Submission of Bid, with original signatures. The bid documents must be transmitted in a sealed envelope in accordance with the IFB instructions.

A. The bid for this Invitation is submitted as detailed in Attachment 4, Bid Form.

B. All required attachments are included with this Certification Sheet.

C. The signature affixed hereon and dated certifies compliance with all the requirements of this Invitation for Bid. The signature below authorizes the verification of this certification.

An unsigned Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet may be cause for rejection of the bid.

1. Company/Individual Name 2. Telephone Number 2a. E-mail

3. Address

Indicate your organization type:

4. Sole Proprietorship 5. Partnership 6. Corporation

7. Other

8. California Corporation Number (if this is a Corporation):

9. Indicate applicable license and/or certification information:

10. Bidder’s Name (Print) 11. Title

12. Signature 13. Date xviii

ATTACHMENT 2 (page 2)

BID/BIDDER CERTIFICATION SHEET INSTRUCTIONS

Complete the numbered items on the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet by following the instructions below:

Item Instructions

1, 2, 2a, 3 Must be completed.

Check if your firm is a sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is a form of business in which one person owns all the assets of the business in contrast to a partnership and corporation. The sole proprietor is solely liable for all the debts of the business.

Check if your firm is a General Partnership, Joint Venture, or Limited Partnership. A Legal Partnership is a voluntary agreement between two or more competent persons to place their money, effects, labor, and skill, or some or all of them in lawful commerce or business, with the understanding that there shall be a proportional sharing of the profits and losses between them. An association of two or more persons to carry on, as co-owners, a business for profit.

Check if your firm is a corporation. A corporation is an artificial person or legal entity created by or under the authority of the laws of a state or nation, composed, in some rare instances, of a single person and his/her successors, being the incumbents of a particular office, but ordinarily consisting of an association of numerous individuals.

Check if boxes 4-6 do not apply and explain. No informal association of persons or entities is permitted.

Enter your corporation number assigned by the California Secretary of State’s Office. This information is used for checking if a corporation is in good standing and qualified to conduct business in California.

Complete, if applicable, by indicating the type of license and/or certification that your firm possesses and that is required for the type of services being procured.

10, 11, 12, 13

Must be completed.

xix

ATTACHMENT 3

AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT

Check the appropriate box that identifies your business type and attach the documentation described to this page.

Sole Proprietor using legal name – No documentation is required.

Sole Proprietor using DBA – Attach the fictitious business statement on file with the county.

General Partnership or Joint Venture – If available, attach a copy of the partnership or joint venture agreement signed by all partners. If no written agreement exists, provide a document listing the names and signatures of each partner or venturer, consenting to the submission of this bid.

Limited Partnership – Attach a copy of the partnership agreement signed by all partners showing the signer(s) of the bid as general, managing, or principal partner(s).

Corporation, Incorporation, Limited Liability Corp – Attach a copy of the Articles of

Incorporation and a notarized Resolution or other document of the governing board or other group signed by all members showing the signer of the bid has authority to legally bind the entity.

Other. Please explain and attach any relevant supporting documents.

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ATTACHMENT 4

BID FORM

P2025303

Hall Grazing Management Unit

A. Samples for Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

Bid Amount

Maximum No. of Acres per year

No. of Months in Annual

Grazing Period

Price Offered $_________ per acre per year

210 5

Bid Amount

Maximum No. of Acres per year

No. of Months in Annual

Grazing Period

Price Offered $_________ per acre per year

210 8

In submission of this Bid Form, I certify that I have read and understand all term and conditions of this IFB and Sample Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal.

Full Bidder Printed Name

Bidder Signature

Title of Signer

Phone Number

Date xxi

ATTACHMENT 5

SITE INSPECTION CERTIFICATION

The Site Inspection Certification must be presented to, and signed by, the site contact for the site inspection of Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve for the IFB number Permit. The signed form certifies participation and must be included in the bid package if submitted.

Participant Certification:

I, ________________________________________, have participated in the mandatory

Printed Name site inspection for the IFB mentioned above.

Signature Date

Site Contact Certification (CDFW Staff):

I, ______________________________________, confirm the participation of the above

Printed Name signed in the mandatory site inspection.

Signature Date xxii

ATTACHMENT 6

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Directions: Provide a maximum two-page document describing how the bidding individual or firm meets or exceeds each of the minimum qualifications described in this

IFB.

Format Requirement:

Title the attachment “Attachment 5: Statement of Qualifications”. The bidding individual or firm name and page number should be placed in the upper right corner of each page.

Please use ¾” margins, 12-point Arial font,…