P2680002__IFB_.pdf

State of California – Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MEGHAN HERTEL, Director

Director’s Office P.O. Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 www.wildlife.ca.gov

Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870

INVITATION FOR BID

Notice to Prospective Bidders

June 11, 2026

IFB Number and Name: P2680002, Helicopter Services for Large Mammal Captures (High Elevation) Bid Due Date: June 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM(PT)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites you to review and respond to this Invitation for Bid (IFB). In submitting your bid, you must comply with the instructions set forth within this IFB.

All agreements entered into with the State of California will include by reference General Terms and Conditions (02/2025) and Contractor Certification Clauses (04/2017) that may be viewed and downloaded at:

General Terms and Conditions (GTC 02/2025) Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017)

If you do not have Internet access, a hard copy can be provided by contacting the person listed below.

In the opinion of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this IFB is complete and without need of explanation. However, if you have questions, or need any clarifying information, the contact person for this IFB is:

Holly Peterson

California Department of Fish and Wildlife P.O. Box 944209

Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 Holly.Peterson@wildlife.ca.gov

Submit all questions to the email address listed above. No verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum. Questions via phone calls or in person are not accepted.

Amy Mowrer, Branch Chief Procurement and Contracting Officer Business Management Branch http://www.cdfw.ca.gov/ https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/OLS/Resources/GTC-Updates/GTC-225-February-2025.pdf https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/OLS/Resources/GTC-Updates/GTC-225-February-2025.pdf https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/OLS/Resources/CCC-042017.pdf?la=en&hash=4DE3E4DC414511AE378794200BA43EBF91C758EE mailto:Holly.Peterson@wildlife.ca.gov

IFB P2680002, Helicopter Services for Large Mammal Captures (High Elevation)

CDFW IFB (v. 10/2025)

Table of Contents

NOTICE OF STATE MANDATED SB/DVBE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS . 4

Section 1: General Information

A. Agreement Term B. Contract Budget Amount C. Purpose and Description of Services D. Questions Regarding IFB E. Eligible Bidders F. Community-Based Private Nonprofit Bidders G. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions H. Executive Order N-12-23 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure I. Loss Leader J. Contractor Insurance Requirements K. Bidder Minimum Qualifications

Section 2: Submission Requirements

L. Key Action Dates M. Submission of Bid

Section 3: Preference and Incentive Programs

N. Small Business Program O. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive and Participation

Section 4: Evaluation and Award Process

P. Evaluation and Selection Q. Basis of Award R. Award and Protest S. Disposition of Bid T. Sample Standard Agreement U. Agreement Execution and Performance V. Use of Subcontractor(s)

Section 5: Submittal Checklist and Required Attachments

Attachment 1 - Submittal Check List Attachment 2 - Bid/ Bidder Certification Sheet Attachment 3 - Payee Data Record (STD 204/205) Attachment 4 - Bid Cost Sheet Attachment 5 - Contractor Certification Clause (04/2017) Attachment 6 - Bidder Declaration Form Attachment 7 - DVBE Declaration Attachment 8 - Commercially Useful Function (CUF) Certification Attachment 9 - California Public Contract Code Section 10162 Attachment 10 - Darfur Contracting Act Certification Attachment 11 - California Civil Rights Laws Attachment Attachment 12 - Iran Contracting Act Attachment 13 - Operator and Aircraft Qualifications Attachment 14 - Pilot Qualifications Attachment 15 - Personnel Qualifications Attachment 16 - Operator/Pilot Performance History and Reference Information

Sample Standard Agreement (STD. 213) is included as a separate document.

NOTICE OF STATE MANDATED SB/DVBE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

REQUIREMENTS

Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) Information

This solicitation has been exempted from DVBE Participation Program requirements.

However, bidding firms that are certified as a DVBE or firms voluntarily utilizing DVBE subcontractors will receive an incentive applied to the level of DVBE participation identified in the bid response not to exceed five percent (5%). For more information, see Section 3, O. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive and Participation.

Small Business Program Information

A Small Business Preference of five percent (5%) will be granted in accordance §1896 et seq., Title 2, California Code of Regulations (CCR). To claim the Small Business Preference, your firm must have its principal place of business located in California, an approved small business certification form, and proof of annual receipts on file with the Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Services (DGS-OSDS).

If a bidding firm is not a California Certified Small Business and wishes to be considered for the small business calculation preference for this solicitation, bidder application for small business must be received by the DGS-OSDS by the bid due date by close of business. Bidders seeking small business certification status must also notify the State in writing at the time of submission that they have an application for Small Business certification for review and approval at the DGS-OSDS.

For certification information, visit: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/sbdvbe-index.aspx For certification assistance, call DGS-OSDS at (916) 375-4941 or (916) 375-4400.

Non-Small Business

The application of the five percent (5%) Small Business bidding preference is extended to non-small businesses that commit to subcontracting at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its net bid price to California Certified Small Businesses and/or Micro-businesses. For further information on eligibility, see Section 3, N. Small Business Program.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/sbdvbe-index.aspx

Section 1: General Information

A. Agreement Term

1. The contract term will be from the California Department of General Services contract approval date, through June 30, 2029.

2. Extensions of Terms: The resulting Agreement may be amended to extend the term by one (1) year if it is determined to be in the best interest of the State. Upon signing the amendment, the bidder hereby agrees to provide services for the extended period at the rates specified in the original Agreement.

B. Contract Budget Amount

The contract will be awarded based on a maximum budget determined by the selected bidder’s Total Basis of Award amount, as specified in Attachment 4, Bid Cost Sheet.

C. Purpose and Description of Services

1. Purpose of Services

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the Responsible Agency for conservation of California wildlife and the habitats upon which they depend.

Informed conservation and management of wildlife species require the capture and collaring of wildlife species at times necessitating the use of helicopters to achieve these objectives.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a Contractor to provide helicopter services for large mammal captures (including but not limited to deer, bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, and wolf) throughout California. Legislative mandates require that CDFW manage these species.

Wildlife captures may be conducted throughout the year, with most efforts in the Fall (October through November), Winter (January through February), and Spring (March). Flights will be conducted at either standard (up to 10,000 feet above sea level (ASL) or high elevational ranges (between 10,000 and 13,000 feet ASL).

However, the majority of flights will occur at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet ASL.

In general, the use of the helicopter to capture large mammals involves either: (1) the close pursuit of individual animals for the purpose of net gunning or darting with chemical immobilizing drugs; or (2) the herding of individuals or groups of animals into linear drive nets or corral traps. The technique employed for the capture of various wildlife species depends on a number of factors, including study and capture objectives, species, location, terrain, vegetation, time of year, etc.

2. Scope of Work (Description of Services)

For a detailed description of work to be performed, see Exhibit A, Scope of Work, which is attached hereto within the sample STD. 213 standard agreement and made a part of this solicitation.

D. Questions Regarding IFB

All questions concerning this IFB must be submitted directly to Holly Peterson at Holly.Peterson@wildlife.ca.gov on or before June 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM(PT). When submitting questions, indicate the IFB number in the subject line. Questions via fax or telephone will not be accepted. Answers provided by anyone other than the IFB contact named above are not binding upon the State. Answers to questions and other notices about this IFB will be provided via an addendum at the same location on the Cal eProcure website. CDFW is not responsible for sending individual notifications of changes or updates.

E. Eligible Bidders

Public or private corporations, agencies, organizations, associations, or individuals may submit a sealed bid in response to this IFB.

The bidder must be legally constituted and qualified to do business within the State of California (registered with the Secretary of State). Except for bidders whose legal status precludes incorporation (i.e., public agencies, sole proprietorships, and partnerships), bidders that are not fully incorporated by the deadline for submitting sealed bids will be disqualified.

The bidder must also not be listed on either list of the 500 largest tax delinquencies pursuant to Section 7063 or 19195 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

F. Community-Based Private Nonprofit Bidders

1. In accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 590, Chapter 535: Advance Payments, CDFW may allow advanced payment in contracts to community based private nonprofit agencies, not to exceed 25% of the total award, upon the Department’s determination that an advanced payment is essential for the effective implementation of the contract services.

2. For a private nonprofit agency to be eligible to receive up to 25% of the contract amount, the entity must include the following as part of their bid submission and satisfy the minimum requirements in Government Code 11019.3 (c)(2)(A)(i-viii):

• Submit documentation to support the need for advance payment, which may include, but is not limited to, invoices, contracts, estimates, payroll records, and financial records.

• Demonstrate its current status in good standing as nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

mailto:Holly.Peterson@wildlife.ca.gov http://www.sos.ca.gov/ https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB590 https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-government-code/title-2-government-of-the-state-of-california/division-3-executive-department/part-1-state-departments-and-agencies/chapter-1-state-agencies/article-1-general/section-110193-effective-112024-expansion-of-existing-advance-payment-practices-for-state-grants-and-contracts-with-nonprofits

• Provide an itemized budget for the eligible costs the advanced payment will fund.

G. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals.

“Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. By submitting a bid or proposal, Contractor represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should the State determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Contractor’s bid/proposal any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the State.

H. Executive Order N-12-23 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Disclosure

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. Loss Leader

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

J. Contractor Insurance Requirements

1. The below required insurance documents will be requested upon award only. The awarded bidder will be required to maintain the following insurance coverage throughout the duration of the agreement and must supply proof of coverage, including endorsements, upon request by CDFW. Insurance must be in accordance with Exhibit D CDFW Additional Provisions which is attached to the sample agreement and will be incorporated into the resulting agreement.

2. If the awarded bidder does not supply insurance documents to CDFW on or before the requested date on the Notice of Intent to Award, CDFW may rescind the award for the agreement and award the next lowest cost bidder. Required insurance for this Agreement includes:

a) Commercial General Liability (limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 annual policy aggregate)

b) Automobile Liability (limits not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident)

c) Aircraft Liability (limits not less than $10,000,000 each accident)

d) Workers Compensation and Employers Liability (limits of $1,000,000 are required. The waiver of subrogation endorsement must also be provided).

The above policies must each be endorsed to include “the State of California, its officers, agents and employees as additional insured but only with respect to work performed under the Contract”.

K. Bidder Minimum Qualifications

1. Pilot Qualifications

General – Pilot experience, references and flight hours may be verified from certified Pilot logs. Further verification of flight hours may be required at the CDFW Contract Manager’s discretion. Failure of the Contractor to provide adequate documentation as requested may be cause for immediate termination of the agreement.

Minimum Qualifications – The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all Pilot(s) provided for services at any time under this agreement meet the following minimum qualifications and possess the required certificates or evidence of having satisfactorily passed the evaluations for the required tasks:

• Pilot(s) must possess, and provide evidence of, a currently valid FAA-issued Commercial Pilot Certificate for Rotorcraft-helicopter.

• Pilot(s) must possess, maintain, and provide evidence of, a minimum FAA Class II medical certificate, issued in accordance with 14 CFR Part 67.

• Pilot(s) must provide evidence of their qualifications for transporting external loads appropriate to the Contractor’s 14 CFR FAA Part 133 Certificate for External Load Operations.

• Pilot(s) must have completed an FAA competency check in accordance with 14 CFR Part 135.293 in the same make and model of aircraft as offered under this agreement.

• Pilot(s) must be appropriately carded by the U.S. Forest Service or U.S.

Department of Interior, Aviation Management. The carding must indicate the appropriate endorsements for the following:

• reconnaissance and surveillance;

• mountain flying;

• external load;

• long line;

• animal herding; and

• snow operations.

• Pilot(s) must have a minimum Pilot-In-Command (PIC) time accumulated as follows:

General Flight Requirements

a. 2,000 hours PIC in helicopters;

b. 1,000 hours PIC in turbine powered helicopters;

c. 100 hours PIC in the weight class of the helicopter offered for service;

d. 200 hours PIC operating helicopters in mountainous terrain as defined in 14

CFR95 Subpart B – Designated Mountainous Area. Operating includes maneuvering and numerous takeoffs and landings to ridgelines, pinnacles, and confined areas;

e. 200 hours PIC in low-level helicopter operations over typical terrain;

Recent Flight Requirements

a. Compliance with CFR 61.57 or 135.247 as appropriate within last 90 days;

b. 100 hours PIC in helicopters in the preceding 12 months;

c. 10 hours PIC in the same make, model and series helicopter as offered in the last 12 months;

d. 10 hours PIC in mountainous terrain as defined in Designated Mountainous

Areas (14 CFR 95 Subpart B) in the same make and model helicopter offered;

e. 10 hours PIC in low-level helicopter operations over typical terrain within the last 12 months;

Wildlife Capture Specific Flight Requirements

a. 300 hours PIC in helicopters conducting low level aerial wildlife operations consisting of reconnaissance and surveillance, animal herding, drive netting, trapping, marking, eradication, high velocity darting, low velocity darting or net gunning.

b. 150 hours PIC in helicopters conducting aerial wildlife operations consisting of live capture of wildlife utilizing net gunning. The 150-hour requirement may be reduced to 100 hours, if the pilot provides evidence of satisfactory completion of a net gun manufacturer’s training school or program.

c. 10 hours PIC conducting aerial wildlife operations consisting of live capture of wildlife utilizing net gunning or low velocity darting in make, model and series helicopter offered for service.

d. 10 hours PIC in helicopters conducting aerial wildlife operations consisting of live capture of wildlife utilizing net gunning or low velocity darting within the last 12 months.

Additional Qualifications – The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that at least one Pilot provided for services at any time under this agreement meet the following additional qualifications:

Additional Wildlife Capture Specific Flight Requirements

a. 50 hours PIC in helicopters conducting live capture of wildlife utilizing net gunning at High Operational Elevations (10,000 Feet Density Altitude and above).

b. 100 hours PIC in helicopters conducting aerial wildlife operations consisting of live capture of wildlife utilizing low velocity darting.

c. 20 hours PIC in helicopters conducting live capture of wolves utilizing net gunning or low velocity darting.

2. Certification

The Contractor must obtain and keep current all of the following required certificates and must ensure that contracted aircraft are operated and maintained in compliance with those certificates at all times:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Carrier or Operating Certificate which authorizes the Contractor to operate in the category and class of aircraft and under flight conditions (e.g., rotorcraft, visual flight rules (VFR) day/night, passengers, and cargo).

• Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate. The aircraft must be carried on the list required by 14 CFR Part 135.63 or Operations Specifications Part D, “Aircraft Listing”, as appropriate.

• Title 14 CFR Part 133, “Rotorcraft External Load Operations” certificate which authorizes Class A and/or B loads as appropriate. Any helicopter offered for service must be listed by make, model, series, and registration number on the Operator’s Certificates.

• Any aircraft offered for use must have a standard airworthiness certificate. The installation of any equipment required by this agreement must be FAA approved.

3. Condition of Equipment

The Contractor-furnished helicopter(s), fuel servicing vehicle(s), and all other required equipment must be operable, free of damage, and in good repair throughout the term of the contract while performing work under contract. Aircraft systems and components must be free of leaks, except where specified by the manufacturer.

Prior to commencing any work under the contract, the Contractor must permanently repair or replace any windows or windshields that have been temporarily repaired. All windows or windshields must always be maintained and clean and free of scratches, cracks, crazing, distortion, repairs, or tinting which hinder visibility.

The aircraft interior must be clean and neat with no unrepaired tears, rips, or other damage. The exterior finish, including the paint, must be clean, neat, and free of dirt, dust or debris which could result in hazardous flight conditions. Any corrosion must be within the manufacturer or FAA acceptable limits.

Military or other similar low visibility paint schemes are unacceptable. The CDFW Contract Manager may approve high visibility enhancements.

CDFW does not have responsibility for loss or damage to equipment arising from causes beyond the control of the CDFW.

4. Aircraft Performance Requirements

Aircraft offered for service must be turbine powered Type III helicopters as specified in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Standards for Helicopter Operations (NSHO) (IHOG; May 2019) available on the National Interagency Fire Center website at https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms510

All helicopter(s) must be capable of transporting the required equipment, supplies, and a minimum of three (3) personnel (Pilot included) into remote areas; provide numerous takeoffs and landings in rough terrain; and meet the minimum performance requirements.

Performance Requirements – At least one helicopter must be offered for service meeting the minimum performance standards for capture work as described below in both the Standard Operational Elevations and in the High Operational Elevations.

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms510

Standard Operational Elevations - For Helicopter Operations up to 10,000 Feet Density Altitude (DA) - Helicopter performance must be accomplished/calculated based on Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) at 10,000 feet DA with a passenger/cargo/fuel capacity of one (1) Pilot @ 200 pounds (lbs.); two (2) crewmembers (gunner and mugger) @ 200 lbs. each; a survival kit @ 25 lbs.;

capture equipment (net gun, nets and canisters, and animal transport bags, etc.)

@ 100lbs; and fuel for 1.5 hours of flight plus a 20 minute fuel reserve as defined in 14 CFR 91.151 (b). Use fuel consumption chart provided in ATTACHMENT 1 – Fuel Consumption Rates, and a Weight Reduction of 100 lb. for Type III Helicopters for performance calculations.

High Operational Elevations & Wolf Capture - For Helicopter Operations between 10,000 Feet Density Altitude (DA) to 13,000 Feet Density Altitude (DA) - Helicopter performance must be accomplished/calculated based on Hover Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) at 13,000 feet DA with a passenger/cargo/fuel capacity of one (1) Pilot @ 200 pounds (lbs.); one (1) crewmembers (gunner/mugger) @ 200 lbs.; a survival kit @ 25 lbs.; capture equipment (net gun, nets and canisters, and animal transport bags, etc.) @ 100lbs; and fuel for 1.5 hours of flight plus a 20 minute fuel reserve as defined in 14 CFR 91.151 (b). Use fuel consumption chart provided in ATTACHMENT 1 – Fuel Consumption Rates, and a Weight Reduction of 100 lb. for Type III Helicopters for performance calculations.

5. Required Training

Any Pilot and crew member offered for service by the Contractor must have completed the training course (or equivalent) entitled “Flying In The Wire and Obstruction Environment” offered by Utilities/Aviation Specialists Inc. prior to commencing any helicopter flight operations under the terms of the contract. This training must be current and have occurred within the prior three (3) years. This course is also required of any onboard CDFW personnel or CDFW representative(s) that participate in flights authorized under the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Pilots, as well as other Contractor crewmembers, must speak English fluently and communicate clearly.

Section 2: Submission Requirements

L. Key Action Dates

EVENT DATE TIME

IFB available to prospective bidders 06-11-26 4:30 PM(PT)

Final Date for Question Submission 06-19-26 4:00 PM (PT)

Final Date for Bid Submission 06-30-26 4:00 PM(PT)

Bid Opening 7-1-26 11:00 AM(PT)

Notice of Intent to Award 7-3-26

EVENT DATE TIME

Proposed Award Date 7-10-26

M. Submission of Bid

1. All bids must be submitted and received by CDFW on or before the final date and time for bid submission identified above. Bids may be submitted by email, mail, or hand delivered. Faxed bids will not be accepted.

2. Bid submittal by Email: Bids may be submitted by email as a PDF to the IFB contact listed on the front page of this solicitation; only bids received to this email inbox will be considered. Bids submitted via email must clearly identify the IFB name and title in the subject line. Emailed bids will not be opened by CDFW until the bid due date and time listed above in the Key Action Dates.

3. Bid submittal by Mail or Hand Delivery: A hard copy bid must be submitted under sealed cover. Bids not submitted under sealed cover will be rejected. The sealed cover must be plainly marked with the IFB number and title, must show your firm name and address, and must be marked with "DO NOT OPEN", as shown in the example:

Mail or deliver bids to one of the following addresses:

U.S. Postal Service Deliveries Hand Deliveries* Department of Fish and Wildlife Department of Fish and Wildlife BMB Contracts Unit BMB Contracts Unit P.O. Box 944209 1700 9th Steet, Second Floor Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 Sacramento, CA 95811

UPS/FedEx/GLS

Department of Fish and Wildlife Attn: BMB Contracts Unit 960 Riverside Parkway, Suite 90 West Sacramento, CA 95605

Bidder’s Firm Name Bidder’s Firm Address

IFB P2680002, Helicopter Services for Large Mammal

Captures (High Elevation) [choose mailing address below]

ATTN: Holly Peterson

DO NOT OPEN

*Hand delivered bids must be coordinated and scheduled ahead of time. To coordinate delivery, email the IFB contact listed on the cover page of this solicitation. Hand delivered bids must receive a date and timestamp by CDFW staff upon receipt. CDFW staff may not be available to receive and timestamp unscheduled hand deliveries. Hand delivered bids without a timestamp will be rejected.

4. Any bid received after the bid submission date and time specified in Section 2.L.

Key Action Dates will NOT be considered. It is the State's policy to make every effort to ensure that all bids have been received and properly time stamped;

however, bidders are ultimately responsible for ensuring timely receipt of their bid.

Bidders may verify receipt of their bid by contacting the person identified in the cover letter of this IFB prior to the Public Bid Opening.

5. Public Bid Opening: If your firm chooses to attend the bid opening, please email the IFB contact listed on the cover page of this solicitation and allow sufficient time to locate parking and for visitor security procedures.

Address for Public Bid Opening:

1700 9th Street, Second Floor

Sacramento, CA 95811

6. A minimum of one copy of the bid must be submitted.

7. All bids must include the documents identified in Section 5, Submittal Checklist and Required Attachments (Attachment 1). Required attachments must be fully completed and not contain alternate versions or alterations. If an attachment does not apply, the form must be marked “N/A” and included in the bid. Do not mark the checklist item as “N/A” and omit the form from the bid. Bids with missing attachments or bids including alternate versions or alterations of the attachments will be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive bid is one that does not meet the basic bid requirements.

8. All documents requiring a signature must be signed by a person authorized to bind the bidding firm.

9. Bids must be submitted for the performance of all the services described herein and in the Sample Agreement. Any deviation from the work specifications will not be considered and will cause a bid to be rejected.

10. A bid may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The State may reject any or all bids and may waive an immaterial deviation in a bid. The State's waiver of an immaterial deviation will in no way modify the IFB document or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements if awarded the agreement.

11. The Bidder is required to complete all items on the bid cost sheet. Any items left blank will be interpreted by the State to represent a bid of zero dollars ($0.00) for that item. Items indicating anything other than a numerical dollar amount (e.g. N/A) may be deemed nonresponsive and may be rejected.

12. Costs incurred for developing bids and in anticipation of award of the agreement are entirely the responsibility of the bidder and will not be charged to the State of California.

13. An individual who is authorized to bind the bidder contractually must sign the

Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, (Attachment 2). The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned bid will be rejected.

14. A bidder may modify a bid after its submission 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.

15. A bidder may withdraw a bid by submitting a written withdrawal request to the

State, 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 subsequent to bid submission deadline.

16. CDFW may modify the IFB prior to the date fixed for submission of bids by the issuance of an addendum to all parties who received a bid package or through the Cal eProcure website (https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx).

17. CDFW reserves the right to reject all bids. CDFW is not required to award an agreement.

18. Before submitting a response to this solicitation, bidders are expected to review and understand all exhibits, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the IFB requirements.

19. Where applicable, bidder should carefully examine work sites and specifications.

Bidder must investigate conditions, character, and quality of surface or subsurface materials or obstacles that might be encountered. No additions or increases to the agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of work sites and specifications.

20. The State does not accept alternate contract language from a prospective

Contractor. A bid with such language will be considered a counter proposal and will be rejected. The State’s General Terms and Conditions are not negotiable.

21. No oral understanding or agreement will be binding on either party.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx

Section 3: Preference and Incentive Programs

N. Small Business Program

1. A Small Business Preference of five percent (5%) will be granted in accordance with Government Code Section 14835, and as contained in California Code of Regulations, title 2, Section 1896.8. To claim the Small Business Preference, which may not exceed $50,000 for any bid, your firm must have its principal place of business located in California and you must have an approved small business certification form and proof of annual receipts on file with the Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Services (OSDS). Questions and requests for copies of the regulations should be directed to OSDS at (916) 375-4940.

2. Bidders requesting the Small Business Preference must complete the certification on the attached Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet (Attachment 2, Item 14) and include a copy of the certification. The Small Business Preference and Certification Request must be signed in the same style in which the bidder is licensed by the Contractor’s State License Board.

3. The application of the five percent (5%) Small Business bidding preference is extended to non-small businesses that commit to subcontracting at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its net bid price to California Certified Small Businesses and/or Micro-businesses when the non-small business:

a) Includes a notification in the bid submission to the CDFW that it commits to subcontract at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its net bid price with one (1) or more small businesses

b) Submits a timely, responsive bid

c) Is determined to be a responsible bidder; and

d) Submits a Bidder Declaration GSPD-05-105 (see Attachment 6) listing the small businesses it commits to subcontract with for a commercially useful function in the performance of the Agreement.

4. The CDFW will grant small businesses a five percent (5%) Small Business preference on a bid evaluation when a responsible non-small business has submitted the lowest-priced, responsive bid pursuant to the evaluation of a solicitation method when a small business:

a) Includes a notification in the bid submission to the CDFW that it is a small business or that it has submitted to the Department of General Services, Office of Small and Disabled Veteran Business Services (OSDS) a complete application no later than 5:00 p.m. on the bid due date, and is subsequently certified by the Department of General Services as a small business; and

b) Submits a timely, responsive bid; and

c) Is determined to be a responsible bidder.

5. Bidders pending Small Business or DVBE Certification applications under review by the Department of General Services concurrent with the bid time frame should contact OSDS to request an expedite review/approval of their application in order to be considered for the small business preference during the evaluation of this bid. Contact OSDS at (916) 375-4940 to obtain information about the application expedite process.

6. Bidders must notify the CDFW, in writing, at the time of bid submission that they have an application for Small Business or DVBE Certification under review at the OSDS, and that they wish to be considered for the Small Business Preference Calculation.

O. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive and Participation

1. DVBE Incentive

a) In accordance with section 999.5(a) of the Military and Veterans Code, and

DVBE Incentive Regulations, CCR 1896.99.100, an incentive will be given to bidders who provide DVBE participation.

b) For evaluation purposes only, the State will apply an incentive to bids that propose California certified DVBE participation as identified on the Bidder Declaration GSPD-05-105 (see Attachment 6), confirmed by the State. The incentive amount for awards based on low price will vary in conjunction with the percentage of DVBE participation. The following percentages will apply for awards based on low price.

Confirmed DVBE Participation of:

DVBE

Incentive

5% or Over 5%

4% to 4.99% inclusive 4%

3% to 3.99% inclusive 3%

c) For awards based on low price, the net bid price of responsive bids will be reduced (for evaluation purposes only) by the amount of DVBE incentive as applied to the lowest responsive net bid price. If the #1 ranked responsive, responsible bid is a California certified small business, the only bidders eligible for the incentive will be California certified small businesses. The incentive adjustment for awards based on low price cannot exceed 5% or $100,000, whichever is less, of the #1 ranked net bid price. When used in combination with a preference adjustment, the cumulative adjustment amount cannot exceed $100,000.

2. DVBE Program Participation Program Requirements

a) The DVBE Participation Program Requirements have been waived for this

IFB; however, an incentive will be given to bidders who provide DVBE participation.

3. DVBE Resources and Information

The Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (DGS-OSDS) is the state's certifying agency that oversees the Small Business (SB), Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB-PW), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification programs. Resources and Information can be found at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion- List/OSDS/OSDS?search=Office-of-Small-Business-and-Disabled-Veteran- Business-Enterprise/Certification-Program

4. Commercially Useful Function Definition

a) All California-certified Small Businesses (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBEs) doing business with the state must perform a Commercially Useful Function (CUF). Performing CUF is a critical requirement for all California-certified firms - SB and DVBE - that do business with the state (Government Code Section 14837 and Military and Veterans Code Section 999).

b) CUF definition and resources can be found at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division- Resources-List-Folder/Commercially-Useful-Function-for-Certified-Firms

c) A Contractor, subcontractor, or supplier will not be considered to perform a commercially useful function if the Contractor's, subcontractor's, or supplier's role is limited to that of an extra participant in a transaction, contract, or project through which funds are passed in order to obtain the appearance of disabled veteran business enterprise participation.

Section 4: Evaluation and Award Process

P. Evaluation and Selection

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

IFB.

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

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=Office-of-Small-Business-and-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise/Certification-Program https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=Office-of-Small-Business-and-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise/Certification-Program https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=Office-of-Small-Business-and-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise/Certification-Program https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List-Folder/Commercially-Useful-Function-for-Certified-Firms https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List-Folder/Commercially-Useful-Function-for-Certified-Firms

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

4. At its sole discretion, CDFW reserves the right to overlook, correct, or require a bidder to remedy any obvious clerical or mathematical errors on a submitted bid.

a) If the correction of an error results in an increase or decrease in the total price, CDFW will give the bidder the option to accept the corrected price or withdraw their bid.

b) Bidders may be required to initial corrections to costs and figures on the bid document(s) if the correction results in an alteration of the cost(s) offered.

c) If a mathematical error occurs in a total or extended price and a unit price is present, CDFW will use the unit price to settle the discrepancy.

Q. Basis of Award

1. The contract Award, if made, will be to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all requirements of this IFB.

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

3. CDFW reserves the right to reject all bids if it is determined that the cost is unreasonable, exceeds the estimated budget, or is otherwise not in the best interest of the State.

4. If it is determined not to be in the best interest of the State, the State reserves the right to not award a contract in response to this IFB.

5. In the event of a two-way (or more) tie, the method that will be used as a "tie-breaker" will be to place the names of the bidders in a container. The first name drawn will be the proposed awardee. The remaining bidder(s) name(s) will be drawn sequentially and noted in case, upon validation, the proposed awardee selected through the tie-breaking process is unacceptable.

6. Small Business bidders, meeting the IFB specifications, will have precedence over Non-Small Business bidders in that the application of any bidder preference for which Non-Small Business bidders that may be eligible under any other provision of law will not result in the denial of the award to a Small Business bidder.

7. In the event of a precise tie between the low responsible bid of bidder meeting the specifications of a Small Business, and the low responsible bid of a bidder meeting the specifications of a disabled veteran-owned small business, the contract will be awarded to the veteran-owned small business.

R. Award and Protest

1. Award: If an Agreement is not awarded to the lowest bidder, the lowest bidder will be notified within five (5) working days prior to the award of the Agreement. Notice of the proposed award will be posted publicly on the IFB’s event page on the Cal eProcure website (https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx) at least five (5) working days prior to awarding the Agreement.

2. Protest: 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, 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 Department of General Services has decided the matter. The protest must be sent to:

Department of General Services California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Legal Services Contracts Unit ATTN: Bid Protest Coordinator ATTN: Contracts Unit Manager 707 3rd Street, 7th Floor, Suite 7-330 P.O. Box 944209 West Sacramento, CA 95605 Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 Email: OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov Email: BMBcontracts@wildlife.ca.gov

Within five (5) days after filing the initial protest, the protesting bidder must file with the Department of General Services and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife a detailed written statement specifying the grounds for the protest.

Protests may be submitted by regular mail, facsimile, courier, or personal delivery.

S. Disposition of Bid

1. Upon bid opening, all documents submitted in response to this solicitation will become the property of the State of California and will be available for public inspection under Public Contract Code 10342.

T. Sample Standard Agreement

1. This solicitation includes, as a separate document, a Sample Standard Agreement (STD 213 and exhibits) for review. The Sample Standard Agreement contains language that CDFW expects to utilize for the awarded contract.

U. Agreement Execution and Performance

1. Work must start on the express date set by the CDFW Contract Manager and the Contractor, after all approvals have been obtained and the agreement is fully executed. Should the Contractor fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, the CDFW, upon five (5) days written notice to the Contractor, reserves the right to terminate the Agreement. In addition, the Contractor will be liable to the State for the difference between Contractor's bid price and the actual cost of performing work by the second lowest bidder or by another Contractor.

2. The rates provided by the awarded Bidder identified on Attachment 4, Bid Cost Sheet will be incorporated into the Agreement’s Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions. Rates must remain the same throughout the duration of the agreement and cannot be altered through an amendment to the contract.

3. All performance under the Agreement must be completed on or before the termination date of the Agreement.

V. Use of Subcontractor(s)

1. The Contractor will be responsible for all work performed. All persons engaged in the work will be considered employees of the Contractor. When any subcontractor fails to execute a portion of the work in a manner satisfactory to the State, the Contractor must immediately remove such subcontractor upon written request of the State and the subcontractor will not be employed for any portion of the contract.

The State will not entertain requests to arbitrate disputes among subcontracts concerning responsibility for performing any part of the work.

Section 5: Submittal Checklist and Required Attachments

ATTACHMENT 1 - SUBMITTAL CHECK LIST

Complete this checklist by placing a checkmark or “X” next to each item to confirm your bid submission is complete (do not mark as N/A). A complete and responsive bid submission must include all attachments and required documents (including this checklist) identified below:

Attachment Attachment Name/Description

Attachment 1 Submittal Check List

Attachment 2 Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet (Signed)

Attachment 3 Payee Data Record (STD. 204/205) (Signed)

Attachment 4 Bid Cost Sheet

Attachment 5 Contractor’s Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017)

Attachment 6 Bidder Declaration Form

Attachment 7 DVBE Declaration

Attachment 8 Commercially Useful Function (CUF) Certification

Attachment 9 California Public Contract Code Section (10162)

Attachment 10 Darfur Contracting Act Certification

Attachment 11 California Civil Rights Laws

Attachment 12 Iran Contracting Act

Attachment 13 Operator and Aircraft Qualifications

Attachment 14 Pilot Qualifications

____ Attachment 15 Personnel Qualifications

____ Attachment 16 Operator/Pilot Performance History and Reference

Information

Other Required Documents:

Copy of California Business License or articles of incorporation (per “Eligible Bidders” Section

Copy of FAA Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate, FAA Part 133 Certificate for External Load

Copy of FAA Form 8100-2 Standard Airworthiness Cert, OAS-36B Helicopter

Data Card

Copy of FAA Commercial Pilot Cert for Rotorcraft Helicopter, FAA Medical Cert

Copy of DOI /AM Qualification Card, FAA mechanic certificate, DOT License for FSVD

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 Submission of Bid with original signatures. The bid documents must be transmitted in accordance with IFB instructions.

A. Our all-inclusive bid is submitted as detailed in Attachment 4, Bid Cost Sheet.

B. All required attachments are included with this certification sheet.

C. I have read and understand the DVBE participation requirements and have included documentation demonstrating that I have met the participation goals.

D. The signature affixed hereon and dated certifies compliance with all the requirements of this bid document. The signature below authorizes the verification of this certification.

An unsigned Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet may be cause for rejection

1. Company Name 2. Telephone Number 2a. Email

3. Address

Indicate your organization type:

4. Sole Proprietorship 5. Partnership 6. Corporation

Indicate the applicable employee and/or corporation number:

7. Federal Employee ID No.

(FEIN)

8. California Corporation No.

9. Indicate applicable license and/or certification information:

10. Bidder’s Name (Print): 11. Title:

12. Signature 13. Date

14. Are you certified with the Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) as:

a. California Small Business Yes No If yes, enter certification number:

b. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Yes No If yes, enter certification number:

c. Non-Small Business Subcontractor Preference Yes No

NOTE: A copy of your Certification is required and MUST be included if either of the above items are checked “Yes”.

Date application submitted to OSDS (if application is pending):

BID/BIDDER CERTIFICATION SHEET INSTRUCTIONS

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

Item Numbers

Instructions

1, 2, 2a, 3

Must be completed. Items are self-explanatory.

Check if your firm is a sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is a form of business in which one (1) 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 partnership. A partnership is a voluntary agreement between two (2) or more competent persons to place their money, effects, labor, and skill, or some or all of them in…