RFP_P2480004_Land_Management_Planning.pdf

State of California – Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director

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

Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870

Request for Proposal – Secondary

Notice to Prospective Bidders

July 1, 2024

RFP Number and Name: P2480004, Land Management Planning – Environmental Planning and Consulting Mandatory Pre-bid Conference: July 17, 2024 at 10:00am (PT) Proposal Due Date/Time: August 2, 2024 at 4:00pm (PT)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites you to review and respond to this solicitation. In submitting your proposal, you must comply with the instructions set forth within this Request for Proposal (RFP).

Before submitting a response to this solicitation, interested parties should read and review the entire solicitation including any attachments, all referenced web addresses, and any regulations, orders, and statutes cited.

Proposal costs submitted in response to this RFP must not exceed a total of Seven

Hundred Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($700,000.00).

All agreements entered into with the State of California will include by reference General

Terms and Conditions (04/2017) and Contractor Certification Clauses (04/2017) that may be viewed and downloaded at:

General Terms and Conditions (GTC 04/2017)

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 RFP is complete and without need of explanation. However, if you have questions or need any clarifying information, the contact person for this RFP is:

CDFW Point of Contact:

Jillian Harris, Associate Governmental Program Analyst

Jillian.Harris@wildlife.ca.gov http://www.cdfw.ca.gov/ https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/OLS/Resources/GTC-April-2017-FINAL.pdf?la=en&hash=18A8A88034FCB8A5307FB64B20B33CF485F4C0D8 https://www.dgs.ca.gov/-/media/Divisions/OLS/Resources/CCC-042017.pdf?la=en&hash=4DE3E4DC414511AE378794200BA43EBF91C758EE mailto:Jillian.Harris@wildlife.ca.gov

RFP P2480004

Land Management Planning – Environmental Planning and Consulting

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

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

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

Table of Contents

NOTICE OF STATE MANDATED SB/DVBE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Background and Location of Services B. Agreement Term C. Contract Budget Amount D. Questions Regarding RFP E. Eligible Proposers 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. Insurance Requirements K. Minimum and Desired Qualifications

SECTION 2: SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

L. Key Action Dates M. Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference N. Proposal Requirements O. Submission of Proposal

SECTION 3: PREFERENCE AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

P. California Certified Small Business (SB) Program Q. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive and Participation

SECTION 4: EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCESS

R. Evaluation and Selection S. Award and Protest T. Disposition of Bids U. Agreement Execution and Performance V. Use of Subcontractor(s)

SECTION 5: SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST AND REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 - Submittal Checklist Attachment 2 - Proposer Certification Sheet Attachment 3 - Payee Data Record (STD 204/205) Attachment 4 - Contractor Certification Clause (04/2017) Attachment 5 - Bidder Declaration Form (GSPD-05-105) Attachment 6 - DVBE Declaration (DGS-PD-843) Attachment 7 - Commerically Useful Function (CUF) Certification Attachment 8 - California Public Contract Code Section 10162 Attachment 9 - Darfur Contracting Act Certification Attachment 10 - GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet (STD 1000) Attachment 11 - Proposer’s References Attachment 12 - California Civil Rights Laws Sample Standard Agreement – attached as a separate document Sample Cost Sheet – attached as a separate document

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

NOTICE OF STATE MANDATED SB/DVBE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

REQUIREMENTS

Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) Information

This solicitation includes DVBE Participation Program requirements. See Section 3: Q.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Incentive and Participation for requirements.

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.

Contact DGS-OSDS at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List- Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise or call (916) 375-4941 or (916) 375-4400 for certification assistance.

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: P.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

Section 1: General Information

A. Background and Location of Services

1. Background:

The purpose of this Agreement is to retain environmental planning consultant services to support CDFW’s development of Land Management Plans, including

CEQA compliance. The Contractor will guide and complete the land management planning process for three (3) plans for CDFW owned lands: Willow Creek

Wildlife Area, Spenceville Wildlife Area, and Grizzly Island Wildlife Area. The planning process will require assisting with and facilitating meetings and workshops with CDFW staff, conducting inventory surveys, writing the Land

Management Plan document per CDFW standards (Exhibit A, Attachment 2), writing the CEQA document, facilitating public and stakeholder meetings, participating in tribal consultation, and responding to CEQA document comments.

A Land Management Plan (LMP) is the culmination of a process which consists of the Resource Inventory, Land Management Plan, and CEQA document.

Throughout the planning process, diverse perspectives are brought together from within CDFW as well as external voices such as tribes, partners, stakeholders, and the general public. The inclusion of coordination and public engagement in the LMP process is intended to improve the planning process through the incorporation of diverse ideas and perspectives, in addition to meeting CEQA requirements. The LMP defines the primary management purpose for a property and outlines the management issues, goals, and strategies for fulfilling this purpose.

The land management planning process may be initiated due to a variety of management needs. For example, the need for an LMP may be triggered by the lack of an LMP for an existing property managed by CDFW, the acquisition of a new property (Fish and Game Code [FGC] §1019), or to enter a management agreement with a nonprofit conservation group or Resource Conservation District

(FGC §1745 b2B). In addition, an LMP, or LMP update, may be warranted when revising management actions to reflect new management practices or to disclose management activities to the public.

The term “Cultural Resources” and similar terminology is inclusive of, but not limited to, archaeological, Native American, traditional, and historical built environment resources (e.g., buildings, structures, objects, districts, and sites).

Willow Creek Wildlife Area, in Lassen County, is approximately 2,700 acres of meadows, wetlands, and shallow marshes, and is a major source of water for

Honey Lake. Extensive stands of tule occupy the lower meadows, and numerous

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024) streams and channels meander through the area. The meadows provide habitat for upland species such as grouse, quail, and pronghorn antelope. Willow Creek

Wildlife Area is neighbored by a combination of Bureau of Land Management and private agricultural properties.

Spenceville Wildlife Area, straddling Nevada and Yuba Counties, is comprised of approximately 11,900 acres of blue oak - gray pine woodland characteristic of the

Sierra Foothills. The elevation of the area varies from 200 to 1200 feet. The wildlife area is bordered on the west by Beale Air Force Base and on the north, south, and east by privately owned ranches. There are numerous ponds, creeks, trails, and riparian zones in the area.

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, in Solano County, is approximately 12,900 acres on the Suisun Marsh, the largest contiguous estuarine marsh in the entire United

States. Grizzly Island Wildlife Area consists of a patchwork of ten (10) distinct land parcels, many of which are not connected and are surrounded by private land. Units include Grizzly Island, Crescent, Joice Island, Island Slough, Gold

Hills, West Family, Goodyear Slough, and Grey Goose. These properties include natural tidal wetlands and artificially diked marshes.

2. 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.

3. Location: The services will be performed at:

a. Willow Creek Wildlife Area, Lassen County

b. Spenceville Wildlife Area, Yuba and Nevada Counties

c. Grizzy Island Wildlife Area, Solano County

d. Awarded Proposer’s Business Location

B. Agreement Term

1. The contract term will be from the California Department of General Services approval date through March 31, 2027.

C. Contract Budget Amount

The awarded contract will be written for a maximum amount of $700,000.00. The awarded Contractor will be required to perform services at the rates identified in their submitted Cost Sheet, which will be incorporated into the awarded contract as Exhibit B, Attachment 1. These rates must remain the same throughout the Agreement term.

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

D. Questions Regarding RFP

Questions must be submitted to the CDFW Point of Contact (POC) on or before the date specified in the Key Action Dates. When submitting questions, indicate the RFP number in the subject line. Questions via fax or telephone will not be accepted.

Answers provided by anyone other than the CDFW POC are not binding upon the State. Answers to questions and other notices about this RFP will be provided via an addendum at the same location on the Cal eProcure website. CDFW is not responsible for sending individual notification of changes or updates.

E. Eligible Proposers

1. Public or private corporations, agencies, organizations, associations, or individuals may submit a proposal in response to this RFP. The proposer must be legally constituted and qualified to do business within the State of California (registered with the Secretary of State). Except for proposer(s) whose legal status precludes incorporation (i.e., public agencies, sole proprietorships, and partnerships), proposers that are not fully incorporated by the deadline for submitting sealed proposals will be disqualified.

2. The proposer must 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.

• 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 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

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024) 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.

Bidders/Offerors must notify the State in writing if their solution or service includes, or makes available, any GenAI technology, including GenAI from third parties or subcontractors.

The State has developed a GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet (STD 1000) to be completed by the Bidder/Offeror.

Failure to disclose GenAI to the State and submit the GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet will result in disqualification of the Bidder/Offeror and may void any resulting contract

The State reserves its right to seek any and all relief it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon receipt of a Bidder/Offeror GenAI Disclosure & Factsheet, 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.

I. Loss Leader

1. 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. Insurance Requirements

1. Insurance documents will be requested upon award only. The awarded proposer will be required to maintain the following insurance coverage throughout the duration of the agreement and must supply proof of coverage, including endorsements, upon CDFW request. 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.

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

2. If the awarded proposer 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 highest ranked proposer.

3. Each policy 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”. 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) Drone/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Liability (limits not less than $2,000,000, if Drone/UAV coverage is being added to a general liability policy, a separate endorsement showing proof of coverage must be submitted to CDFW). Only applicable if use of drones/UAVs is included in the proposal.

d) Watercraft Liability (limits not less than $1,000,000 each accident). Only applicable if use of motorized watercraft is included in the proposal.

e) Professional Liability (limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 policy aggregate)

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

K. Minimum and Desired Qualifications

1. Minimum Qualifications

a) The Proposer (Primary Contractor) must have at least one office within one hundred fifty (150) miles of at least one (1) of the Locations of Services (i.e.

Willow Creek Wildlife Area, Spenceville Wildlife Area, or Grizzly Island Wildlife Area).

b) The Proposer’s team may consist of a Primary Contractor and subcontractors.

i. A Project Manager must be designated. All project communications will be addressed to this person, and they must have the authority to act on all aspects of the agreement services.

ii. The Project Manager must be an employee of the Primary Contractor submitting a response to the RFP and must not be a subcontracted employee. This person will be listed in Exhibit A, Scope of Work, as the Contractor Project Manager. This person will be responsible for the overall project, including quality control on all project deliverables, and will be the contact for all project administration including budgets, invoices, schedules, coordination, Contractor staffing issues, and task completion.

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

iii. The Proposer must guarantee that the Project Manager will be made available to the project for the entire duration of the project (unless that individual leaves the organization). Replacement of the Project Manager is subject to approval by the CDFW Contract Manager.

iv. Subcontractors identified in this proposal must be made available for the entire duration of the project. Replacement of subcontractors is subject to approval by the CDFW Contract Manager, and any given subcontractor must be replaced with a subcontractor with equivalent knowledge and experience.

c) The Proposer’s identified Project Manager must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience leading Land Management Planning or similar processes, including data gap analysis, resource inventory data collection, and plan development.

d) The Proposer’s identified team (Primary Contractor and Subcontractors) must have a minimum of five (5) years of combined experience with the CEQA process, not including the Lead. The Lead for this action must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience with the CEQA process. The CEQA Process includes scoping, impacts assessment, development of mitigation measures, document preparation, public meetings, and response to comments.

Experience should include both MNDs and EIRs.

e) The Proposer’s identified team (Primary Contractor and Subcontractors) must demonstrate completion of at least one (1) Land Management Plan, or similar, including CEQA compliance. To demonstrate completion, if using the sum of experience from both the Primary Contractor and Subcontractor, the Proposer must provide an explanation of how minimum requirement is met through combined experience being equivalent to the firms working together to complete a single Land Management Plan, or similar, including CEQA compliance.

f) The Proposer’s identified team (Primary Contractor and Subcontractors) must have at least three (3) years of experience conducting resource inventory work:

i. Cultural (archaeological and historical) pedestrian surveys, records searches, site documentation, and evaluation of historical significance;

ii. Botanical surveys including floristics and listed plant species field surveys;

iii. Vegetation mapping to the alliance level;

iv. Development of wildlife (bird, mammal, invertebrate, reptile, amphibian, etc.) species lists.

v. Creation of figures for reports and public meetings, including maps in

Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

g) The Proposer’s identified team member(s) GIS/mapping staff must have at least three (3) years of experience using GIS such as to create and manage geodatabases, vegetation mapping, and cartography.

h) The Proposer’s identified team (Primary Contractor and Subcontractors) must include staff in positions of leadership who have at least three (3) years of experience facilitating workshops and meetings similar to those described in

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024) the Draft Land Management Plan Instructions Manual (Exhibit A, Attachment

2) and CEQA-compliant tribal, stakeholder, and public meetings.

i) The Proposer’s identified team (Primary Contractor and Subcontractors) must have at least five (5) years of demonstrated knowledge and experience in CEQA compliance. Each individual firm must have at least five (5) years of demonstrated knowledge and experience in their specialty, with the combined knowledge and experience from Primary Contractor and Subcontractors equaling the equivalent of addressing all aspects of CEQA compliance. This includes, but is not limited to, the successful preparation of high quality, legally defensible environmental review documents which necessitates broad experience and expertise in developing adequate project descriptions, evaluating the environmental effects of projects, recommending and/or developing adequate mitigation measures, and analyzing alternatives.

j) The Proposer must provide three (3) Professional References that can speak to these qualifications.

2. Desired Qualifications

a) The Proposer has familiarity with, and can demonstrate, extensive experience in Lassen, Yuba, Nevada, and Solano Counties with the subjects outlined in the Draft Land Management Plan Instructions Manual (Exhibit A, Attachment 2).

b) The Proposer has biologists that have survey experience with, and are in possession of permits to survey where appropriate, for sensitive species with the potential to occur in the Location of Services, such as but not limited to:

i. Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp species

ii. Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus)

iii. Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

iv. Delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridis)

v. California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii)

vi. California tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense)

vii. Western pond turtle (Emys marmorata)

viii. California least tern (Sternula antillarum browni)

ix. Western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus)

x. California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus)

xi. California Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus obsoletus)

xii. California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus)

xiii. Greater sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis tabida)

xiv. Bank swallow (Riparia riparia)

xv. Callippe silverspot butterfly (Speyeria callippe callippe)

xvi. Giant gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas)

xvii. Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus)

xviii. Salt-marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris)

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

Section 2: Submission Requirements

L. Key Action Dates

1. Key Action Dates

EVENT DATE TIME

RFP Post/Release Date 07/01/2024

Mandatory Pre-bid Conference 07/17/2024 10:00am (PT)

Final Date for Question Submission 07/24/2024 4:00pm (PT)

Proposal Submission Due Date 08/02/2024 4:00pm (PT)

Tentative Notice of Intent to Award 08/20/2024

Tentative Contract Award Date 08/27/2024

M. Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference

1. A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is scheduled on July 17, 2024 at 10:00am (PT) and will be held via Microsoft Teams. To obtain an access link for the Teams video meeting, please send an email to Contract Manager Lisa Fields at Lisa.Fields@wildlife.ca.gov by July 16, 2024 at 4:00pm (PT).

2. In the event a potential prime Contractor is unable to attend the Pre-Bid Conference an authorized representative may attend on their behalf. The representative may only sign-in for one (1) company. Subcontractors may not represent a potential prime Contractor at a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference. If proposer or their authorized representative does not attend the conference, their proposal will be rejected.

3. For Contractors in need of assistance due to a physical impairment, a reasonable accommodation will be provided by the CDFW upon request for the Pre-Bid Conference. The Contractor must call Lisa Fields at (916) 539-2997 no later than the fifth (5th) working day prior to the scheduled date and time of the Pre- Bid Conference to arrange for a reasonable accommodation.

N. Proposal Requirements

1. The Proposer’s name and page number should be placed in the upper right corner starting from the second page forward. Use 3/4" margins, 12-point Arial font, single-spaced type, and avoid non-standard abbreviations. Proposals should be organized as follows:

2. Cover Letter: The cover letter must include the following information:

a. Introduction of the Prime Contractor

b. Business information of the Prime Contractor, including legal name, address, email, and phone number

c. Name of all subcontractor firms

d. Concise statement explaining why they are the best fit to complete the contract work mailto:Lisa.Fields@wildlife.ca.gov

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

e. Signature, title, and contact information from a representative of the Prime Contractor who is authorized to bid the firm contractually

3. Resumes and Organizational Chart:

a. Provide current detailed resumes of all proposed team members, including members from subcontracted firms.

b. Provide an organizational chart of all team members on the project, including subcontractors, their titles and job descriptions, and estimated number of hours each team member will spend on the project.

4. Team Description, Experience Narrative, and Allocation of Time:

a. Provide narrative summary of project team’s history, education, and experience related to the Scope of Work attached to this solicitation. The project team can include members of the Prime and or subcontractor’s team.

b. Provide percentage of time each team member will allocate to each aspect of the project.

5. Minimum and Desired Qualifications Documentation:

a. Provide a detailed explanation, with proof, of meeting all the minimum qualifications listed in Section 1: K.1.

b. Provide a detailed explanation, with proof, of any desired qualifications listed in Section 1: K.2. applicable to the Proposer, if any.

6. References:

a. Provide three (3) references of previous customers from separate companies/agencies (using Attachment 11) in which the Proposer provided and successfully completed work similar in size and scope to the Scope of Work attached to this solicitation. Projects must have been completed within the last ten (10) years.

b. References should be obtained from three (3) different sources and pertain to three (3) separate projects.

c. References should speak to the following aspects: project management, field survey, planning document preparation, and CEQA compliance. Individual references do not need to address all aspects of work, but across the three references provided, each aspect should be addressed by at least one (1) reference.

7. Detailed Work Plan:

a. Provide a detailed and descriptive proposed Work Plan including the steps necessary to meet all deliverables listed in the Scope of Work. In particular:

i. Describe how you would implement the three (3) workshops identified in the DRAFT Land Management Plan Instructions Manual to ensure the stated goals are achieved.

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

ii. Describe what considerations you would use to inform data collection prioritization and study design to ensure sufficient data is collected for LMP preparation and CEQA compliance with a limited field budget. This may be presented as part of the Workshop #2 section of the Work Plan or as a standalone section of the Work Plan.

iii. Describe the methods you would employ to ensure data quality and security.

b. Identify each major task(s) and/or specific milestones for which progress can be measured and payments made.

8. Prior Work Sample(s):

a. Provide a PDF of one (1) sample of a Land Management Plan, or similar, with Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) or Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared within the past ten (10) years that is representative of the Proposer’s quality of work.

9. Cost Sheet

a. Complete and include Cost Sheet (see separately attached sample). Total costs of all tasks and milestones cannot exceed $700,000.00.

10. Required Attachments:

a. Complete and include all attachments listed in Section 5.

O. Submission of Proposal

1. All proposals must be submitted and received by CDFW on or before the final date and time for proposal submissions identified above. Proposals may be submitted by email, mail, or hand delivered. Faxed proposals will not be accepted.

2. Proposals must be complete and accurate. Omissions, inaccuracies, or misstatements will be sufficient cause for rejection of a proposal.

3. All documents contained in the proposal package must be signed by a person who is authorized to bind the proposing firm.

4. Proposal submittal by Email: Proposals may be submitted by email as a PDF to the RFP contact listed on the front page of this solicitation; only proposals received to this email inbox will be considered. Proposals submitted by email must clearly identify the RFP name and title in the subject line. Emailed Proposals will not be opened by CDFW until the proposal due date and time listed above.

5. Proposal submittal by Mail or Hand Delivery: A minimum of one (1) hard copy of the proposal and one (1) PDF copy of the proposal on a USB Flash Drive must be submitted under sealed cover. Proposals not submitted under sealed cover will be rejected. The sealed cover must be plainly marked with the RFP number

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024) and title, must show your firm name and address, and must be marked with “DO NOT OPEN”, as shown in the example:

6. The proposal must be made under a legal name or business title.

7. Proposals must include all documents identified in Section 5, Submittal Checklist and Required Attachments. 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 proposal. Do not mark the checklist item as “N/A” and omit the form from the proposal. Proposals not including all required attachments will be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive proposal is one that does not meet the basic proposal requirements.

8. 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

* Hand delivered bids must be coordinated and scheduled ahead of time with Jillian Harris at Jillian.Harris@wildlife.ca.gov. 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.

9. Any proposal received at the above address after the proposal submission date and time specified in the Key Action Dates will NOT be considered. It is the

Proposer’s Legal Business Name

Proposer’s Business Address

RFP P2480004, Land Management Planning – Environmental Planning and Consulting

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

[choose address below]

ATTN: Jillian Harris/BMB Contracts

DO NOT OPEN

mailto:Jillian.Harris@wildlife.ca.gov

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

State's policy to make every effort to ensure that all proposals have been received and properly time stamped; however, proposers are ultimately responsible for ensuring timely receipt of their proposal. Proposers may verify receipt of their proposal by contacting the person identified in the cover letter of this RFP prior to the proposal evaluation.

10. Proposals must be submitted for the performance of all the services described herein. Any deviation from the work specifications will not be considered and will cause a proposal to be rejected.

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

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

13. An individual who is authorized to bind the proposer contractually must sign the Proposal/Proposer Certification Sheet, (Attachment 2). The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned Certification Sheet will cause proposal to be rejected.

14. A proposer may modify a proposal after its submission by withdrawing its original proposal and resubmitting a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline as set forth in the Key Action Dates. Proposal modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

15. A proposer may withdraw its proposal by submitting a written withdrawal request to CDFW at BMBContracts@wildlife.ca.gov, signed by an authorized agent of the Proposer. A Proposer may thereafter submit a new response prior to the submission deadline as set forth in the Key Action Dates. Modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

16. CDFW may modify the RFP prior to the date fixed for submission of proposals by the issuance of an addendum through the Cal eProcure website (https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx).

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

18. Before submitting a response to this solicitation, proposers should review and understand all exhibits and confirm compliance with the RFP requirements.

19. Where applicable, proposer should carefully examine work sites and specifications. No additions or increases to the agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of work sites and specifications.

20. More than one (1) proposal from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different names, will not be considered.

mailto:BMBContracts@wildlife.ca.gov https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/Events-BS3/event-search.aspx

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

21. The State’s General Terms and Conditions are not negotiable. The State does not accept alternate contract language from a prospective Contractor. A proposal with such language will be rejected.

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

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

Section 3: Preference and Incentive Programs

P. California Certified Small Business (SB) 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, 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. Proposers requesting the Small Business Preference must complete the certification on the attached Proposal/Proposer Certification Sheet (Attachment 2) and include a copy of the certification. The Small Business Preference and Certification Request must be signed in the same style in which the proposer 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 proposer

d) Submits a Bidder Declaration GSPD-05-105 (Attachment 5) listing the small businesses it commits to subcontract with for a commercially useful function in the performance of the Agreement

4. The small business preference is calculated by adding 5% of the total evaluation points for the highest scoring non-small business Contractor to each small business or non-small business subcontracting 25% or more to 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

b) Submits a timely, responsive bid

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

c) Is determined to be a responsible proposer

5. Proposers 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. Proposers 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.

Q. 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 proposers 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 (Attachment 5), confirmed by the State. The incentive amount will vary in conjunction with the percentage of DVBE participation. The Following percentages will apply:

Confirmed DVBE Participation of: DVBE Incentive

5% or over 5%

4% to 4.99% inclusive 4%

3% to 3.99% inclusive 3%

2% to 2.99% inclusive 2%

1% to 1.99% inclusive 1%

c) The incentive points are included in the sum of non-cost points. Proposer will have points added to their evaluation score based on their participation percentage of the number of non-cost points available in the solicitation. The incentive points cannot be used to achieve any applicable minimum point requirements.

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

d) The following is an example of the DVBE incentive calculation:

Proposer: A B C D

DVBE participation 3.99% 0% 100% 4.00%

Technical Evaluation Points (70 points max)

50 50 42 49

Proposal Cost $103 $100 $106 $101

Cost Points (30 points max)

29.1 30.0 28.3 29.7

Total Evaluated Points 79.1 80.0 70.3 78.7

In this hypothetical example, no proposers qualify as Small Businesses, or Non-Small Businesses. Therefore, DVBE incentive calculations are performed on all proposers.

DVBE percentage is calculated according to the DVBE incentive schedule in 1.b) above. That percentage is multiplied by the total possible available points, which in this case is 100. Proposer A did not meet the 4% DVBE threshold, so by the table, their participation is 3%. This 3% is then multiplied by the 100 total possible available points, yielding 3 points. Proposer C is a DVBE, so their participation is 100%, however the incentive is capped at 5%, so they receive 5 points. Proper D has 4% participation and received 4 points.

Point awards prior to incentive points 79.1 80.0 70.3 78.7

Incentive points 3.0 N/A 5.0 4.0

Total final points for each proposer 82.1 80.0 75.3 82.7

Proposer D now has the highest-scoring proposal and will be awarded the contract.

e) Proposer understands and agrees that if award of this contract is based in part on their commitment to use the DVBE subcontractor(s) identified in their bid or offer, per Military and Veterans Code 999.5(e), a DVBE subcontractor may only be replaced by another DVBE subcontractor and must be approved by the

State. Changes to the scope of work that impact the DVBE subcontractor(s) identified in the bid or offer and approved DVBE substitutions will be documented by contract amendment.

f) Failure of Contractor to seek substitution and adhere to the DVBE participation level identified in the bid or offer may be cause for contract termination, recovery of damages under rights and remedies due to the State, and penalties as outlined in M&VC §999.9; Public Contract Code (PCC) §10115.10, or PCC

§4110 (applies to public works only).

g) Pursuant to Mil. & Vet. Code Section 999.7, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) will be withheld from the final payment, or the full final payment if less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), until the Prime Contractor complies with the certification requirements of subdivision (d) of Mil. & Vet. Code Section 999.5.

Prime Contractor shall be given 30 days’ notice to cure the defect. If, after thirty

(30) calendar days from the date of notice, the Prime Contractor refuses to

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024) comply with the certification requirements, CDFW shall permanently deduct ten thousand dollars ($10,000) from the final payment, or the full payment if less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

2. DVBE Program Participation Requirements

a) The minimum DVBE participation percentage (goal) is 3% for this solicitation.

b) The Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Participation Goal Program for State contracts is established in Public Contract Code (PCC), §10115 et seq., Military and Veterans Code (MVC), §999 et seq., and California Code of

Regulations (CCR), Title 2, §1896.60 et seq.

c) Information submitted by the intended awardee to comply with this solicitation’s

DVBE requirements will be verified by the State. If evidence of an alleged violation is found during the verification process, the State will initiate an investigation, in accordance with the requirements of the PCC §10115, et seq., and MVC §999 et seq., and follow the investigatory procedures required by the

CCR §1896.80. Contractors found to be in violation of certain provisions may be subject to loss of certification, penalties and/or contract termination.

d) These instructions contain information about the DVBE program requirements which differs from the DVBE Incentive. Proposers are responsible for thorough review and compliance with these instructions.

e) At the State’s option prior to award of the contract, a written confirmation from each DVBE subcontractor identified on the Bidder Declaration must be provided. As directed by the State, the written confirmation must be signed by the bidder and/or the DVBE subcontractor(s). The written confirmation may request information that includes but is not limited to the DVBE scope of work, work to be performed by the DVBE, term of intended subcontract with the

DVBE, anticipated dates the DVBE will perform required work, rate and conditions of payment, and total amount to be paid to the DVBE. If further verification is necessary, the State will obtain additional information to verify the above requirements.

f) Commit to meet or exceed the DVBE participation requirement in this solicitation by either Method A1 (bidder is a California certified DVBE) or A2

(proposer is not a California certified DVBE). Failure to complete and submit the required forms as instructed will render the bid non-responsive. To meet the DVBE program requirements, proposers must complete and fully document at least one of the following compliance options:

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

Method A1. Certified DVBE bidder:

I. Commit to performing at least 3% of the contract bid amount with the prime bidder’s firm or in combination with another DVBE(s).

II. Complete the Bidder Declaration GSPD-05-105 and submit a completed Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declarations (DGS PD 843) (see Attachments 5 and 6).

III. At the State’s option, a DVBE bidder working in combination with other DVBEs must submit proof of its commitment by submitting a written confirmation from the DVBE(s) identified as a subcontractor on the Bidder Declaration GSPD-05-105. When requested, the document must be submitted to the address or facsimile number specified and within the timeframe identified in the notification. Failure to submit the written confirmation as specified may be grounds for bid rejection.

Method A2. Non-DVBE bidder:

I. Commit to using certified DVBE(s) for at least 3% (unless otherwise specified) of the bid amount.

II. Complete the Bidder Declaration GSPD-05-105 and submit a completed Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declarations (DGS PD 843) (see Attachments 5 and 6).

III. At the State’s option prior to contract award, a bidder is to submit proof of its commitment by submitting a written confirmation from each DVBE identified as a subcontractor on the Bidder Declaration GSPD-05-105.

The awarding department contracting official named in the solicitation may contact each listed DVBE, by mail, fax or telephone, for verification of the bidder’s submitted DVBE information. When requested, the document must be submitted to the address or facsimile number specified and within the timeframe identified in the notification. Failure to submit the written confirmation as specified may be grounds for bid rejection.

3. DVBE Resources and Information

a) 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/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-

Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-

Veteran-Business-Enterprise?search=small%20business https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise?search=small%20business https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise?search=small%20business https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Services/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Services-List-Folder/Certify-or-Re-apply-as-Small-Business-Disabled-Veteran-Business-Enterprise?search=small%20business

CDFW RFP - Secondary (05/2024)

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

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