Soliciation_Package_56A0840.pdf

CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR

California Department of Transportation

ADMINISTRATION

DIVISION OF PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTS

1727 30th STREET, MS 65

SACRAMENTO, CA 95816-7006

PHONE (916) 227-6000

TTY 711

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/ July 10, 2025

Invitation for Bid (IFB)

IFB # 56A0840

Notice to Prospective Bidders

You are invited to review and respond to this IFB 56A0840, titled Wildfire Fuel Reduction Vegetation and Tree Removal Services in San Diego County.In submitting your bid, you shall comply with the instructions found herein. In addition to those programs and preferences that are specified in this solicitation, Prospective Contractors are encouraged to consider programs and preferences that are available, such as those for the use of small businesses, disadvantaged businesses, disabled veteran businesses, and other businesses covered by State and Federal programs and preferences.

As required by Executive Order S-02-06, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is committed to meeting the State’s twenty-five percent (25%) Small Business (SB) participation goal.

Certified SBs, Micro Businesses (MB) and Contractors willing to commit to subcontracting a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of their net price to certified SBs or MBs (if applicable) are encouraged to submit bids. See Section D, Special Programs in this IFB for requirements.

The DVBE Participation Program applies, and a three percent (3%) participation is required for this IFB. The DVBE Incentive Program may also apply to this IFB. See Section D, Special Programs in this IFB for requirements.

This Agreement requires Prevailing Wages if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000. If the total bid amount is under $15,000, then Prevailing Wage language will be removed prior to award. Refer to Attachment 3, Proposed Form of Agreement for requirement details.

The designated contact person for this IFB is:

Michael Dean California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Email address: Michael.Dean@dot.ca.gov Phone: (279) 234-2517

Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon Caltrans unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum.

*Technical questions regarding this solicitation will be addressed in writing and/or at a mandatory pre-bid conference to be held on July 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. See Section C, Time Schedule for more details.

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE EITHER ATTACHED (ATTACHMENT 1) OR THE

DOCUMENT LINK IS PROVIDED ON ATTACHMENT 2, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.

Sincerely, Michael Dean Contract Analyst

Invitation for Bid IFB Number 56A0840

A) Purpose and Description of Services

1. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, incidentals, travel, and disposal fees, necessary to provide mission-critical vegetative wildfire fuels reduction services to Caltrans in Placer County.

2. Refer to the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A, which is attached to this IFB, for a more complete description of services.

3. This is an as-needed service request based Multiple-Provider Agreement.

B) Bidder’s Minimum Qualifications

1. Bidder shall possess at the time of bid submittal and for the duration of the Agreement, a valid and current Motor Carrier Permit issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

2. By submitting its bid, Bidder certifies, under penalty of perjury, that its Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license is in a classification appropriate to the work to be undertaken as identified in the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A. This requirement has also been added in the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit E. Refer to Section C, Bid Requirements and Information, Contractor’s License, for submittal requirements. Caltrans will verify bidder’s Contractor License, and any Subcontractor Licenses, so it is not necessary to provide a copy.

3. Failure of Bidder to sufficiently meet any or all the minimum qualifications, in the opinion of Caltrans, will result in the Bidder’s bid deemed non-responsive.

C) Bid Requirements and Information

1. Time Schedule

It is recognized that time is of the essence. All bidders are hereby advised of the following schedule and will be expected to adhere to the required dates and times.

Event Date Time

(Pacific Time) IFB available to prospective bidders 07/10/2025 Mandatory Pre-bid Conference 07/23/2025 9:30 a.m.

Written Question Submittal 07/25/2025 5:00 p.m.

Final Date and Time for Bid Submission 07/31/2025 2:00 p.m.

Bid Opening 07/31/2025 2:30 p.m.

Proposed Award Date (estimate) 08/14/2025

2. Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference

A. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conferenceis scheduled at 9:30 a.m., July 23, 2025, for the purpose of discussing concerns regarding this IFB.

B. In the event a potential prime contractor is unable to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference, an authorized representative may attend on its 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. The bidder or representative may join the conference by calling: Join from the meeting link:

MICROSOFT TEAMS NEED HELP?

JOIN THE MEETING NOW

MEETING ID: 259 929 511 988 0

PASSCODE: 43HF6YW3

DIAL IN BY PHONE

+1 279-895-7250,,444601917# UNITED STATES, SACRAMENTO

FIND A LOCAL NUMBER

PHONE CONFERENCE ID: 444 601 917#

JOIN ON A VIDEO CONFERENCING DEVICE

TENANT KEY: CADOT@M.WEBEX.COM

VIDEO ID: 117 171 582 6

MORE INFO

C. All prospective bidders attending the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference shall use the above information to join the conference or meeting at 9:30 a.m. Caltrans Contract Manager will take roll at the beginning and end of the Pre-Bid Conference to document and confirm mandatory attendance for the duration of the conference. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in the rejection of your bid. Caltrans will conduct the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and disseminate any additional information to participants, if necessary.

3. Reasonable Accommodation

For bidders who have and need assistance due to a physical impairment, a reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request for the Pre-Bid Conference. The bidder must call the designated Contract Analyst contact 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.

4. Questions and Answers

A. For bidders attending the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference, bring written questions to the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference.

B. Questions regarding this IFB must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on July 25, 2025. Bidders must submit their questions via e-mail to Michael.Dean@dot.ca.gov.

C. Written questions must include: the individual's name, firm name, e-mail address and must reference IFB No. 56A0840.

D. Written responses to all questions will be collectively compiled and posted, as an Addendum, to the Cal eProcure website (https://caleprocure.com/pages/index.aspx). It is the responsibility of the bidder to access the Cal eProcure website for any changes or addenda that may be posted. Refer to this Section C, Time Schedule for the schedule of events and dates/times.

Bidder can contact the Contract Analyst named above.

5. Costs Included in Bid Rates

Bid prices/rates shall include the cost of employer payments to or on behalf of employees, subsistence, travel, compensation insurance premiums, unemployment contributions, social security taxes, contract bond premiums, and any other taxes or assessments, including but not limited to, sales and use taxes required by law or otherwise and no additional allowance will be paid unless separate payment provisions in the Agreement should specifically provide otherwise.

6. Small Business Preference

SB Preference will be granted on this IFB. Only firms certified as a “Small Business” or “Micro Business” with the Department of General Services (DGS), Office of Small Business and DVBE

Service (OSDS) or contractors who commit to subcontracting a minimum of 25 percent (25%) of their net bid price to SB or MB, in the categories most appropriate to accomplish the prescribed services, will be granted this preference. For more information, refer to Section D, Special Programs.

7. State General Prevailing Wage Rates

State General Prevailing Wage Rates will apply for the County of Placer as described in the attached Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit B. The predetermined general prevailing wage rates published by the Director of Industrial Relations may be obtained via the Internet at:

https://www.dir.ca.gov/OPRL/DPreWageDetermination.htm, It is the bidder's responsibility to use the correct classification determination published by the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

By signing the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, the Bidder acknowledges this is a public works contract subject to Labor Code Sections 1720-1861, and that if awarded this Agreement, it will be the Bidder’s responsibility to ensure that all prevailing requirements are met, including but not limited to the payment of appropriate prevailing wages rates to all employees who participate and perform services under this Agreement, Department of Industrial Relations registration, submittal of weekly certified payroll records, and employment of apprentices throughout the duration of the Agreement.

8. Mandatory Organic Waste Recycling

Contractor generating organic waste or commercial solid waste shall comply with SB 1383; also Contractor will arrange for the recycling services required by this section in a manner that is consistent with State and local laws and requirements, including a local ordinance or local jurisdiction’s franchise agreement, applicable to the collection, handling, or recycling of organic waste and commercial solid waste. This requirement does not modify, limit, or abrogate Contractor’s right to sell or donate its recyclable organic waste materials consistent with the requirements of Public Resources Code Sections 42649.8 et seq. When applicable, Contractor must comply with these provisions.

9. Motor Carrier Permit Requirements

A. Contractor must have a valid Motor Carrier Permit(s) (MCP) issued from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for its services as a Motor Carrier of Property under this Agreement.

Contractor shall pay any required fees necessary to obtain and maintain in good standing the required MCP(s).

B. The MCP(s) required for the Contractor’s Motor Carriers of Property under California Vehicle Code Sections 34601 and 34620 shall be on file with Contractor for the duration of this Agreement. Upon request of Caltrans Contract Manager, Contractor must immediately provide to Caltrans a copy of the required MCP(s).

10. Contractor Registration Program

A. No Contractor or Subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a contract with prevailing wages unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5 with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code Section 1771.1(a).

B. No Contractor or Subcontractor may be awarded an agreement with prevailing wages unless registered with DIR pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5.

C. Caltrans will verify each of the registration numbers prior to Agreement award. Bidders that do not possess the required DIR registration will be deemed non-responsive and rejected from further consideration in the solicitation process.

11. Contractor’s License

A. At the time of bid and for the duration of the Agreement, Bidder and subcontractor(s) shall be licensed in accordance with the laws of the State of California and shall possess the following:

1) The Prime Contractor shall hold a C-61/D-49 – Tree Service Contractor or C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor license issued by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB). All other licenses may be subcontracted out.

2) A C-31 – Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor license issued by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB).

3) A Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAC) issued by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

12. Subcontractors

Bidder may subcontract portions of the work as defined in the attached Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit A. If subcontractors are used, complete the Bidder Declaration (GSPD–05- 105). Bidder must ensure that the subcontractor(s) will have all necessary licenses, permits, and/or certifications to accomplish its portion of the work. Failure of a subcontractor(s) to have the proper licenses, permits, and/or certifications, shall be cause for rejection of bid.

13. Standard Title VI/Nondiscrimination Assurances (DOT Order No. 1050.2A)

Caltrans, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Statute 252, 42 USC Sections 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any Agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

14. Insurance

A. The bidder who receives the Agreement award, will be requested to provide a Certificate of Insurance providing proof of insurance to the Division of Procurement and Contracts within 10 working days after the date of notification of award. The State’s Office of Risk and Insurance Management will review insurance certificates and/or proof of self-insurance documentation before execution of the Agreement. Refer to the Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit E, for the applicable and specific Insurance requirements and coverage limits.

B. The insurance carrier shall provide an endorsement for the additional insured statement as follows:

Caltrans, State of California, its officers, agents, and employees shall be included as additional insured, but only with respect to work performed for the State of California under this Agreement.

C. The additional insured endorsement must accompany the certificate of insurance.

D. Satisfying A Self-Insured Retention (SIR)

All insurance required by this Agreement must allow, but not require, the State to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR. The choice to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR is at the State’s discretion. If the State chooses to pay any SIR and/or act as Contractor’s agent in satisfying any SIR, Contractor shall reimburse the State for the same.

E. Available Coverages/Limits

In the event the insurance coverages obtained by Contractor is broader in scope than, and/or the limits are higher than, those required under the Agreement, all such broader coverage and/or higher limits available to Contractor shall also be available and applicable to the State.

15. California Civil Rights Laws

Any person that submits a bid or proposal to, or otherwise proposes to enter into or renew an Agreement with, a State agency with respect to any Agreement in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more shall certify, under penalty of perjury, at the time the bid or proposal is submitted or the Agreement is renewed, that they satisfy all of the conditions set forth in California Public Contract Code Section 2010 and they shall execute the California Civil Rights Laws Certification (DOT ADM-0076), provided as a link in Attachment 2, Required Documents, completed, signed, and returned with its bid or proposal.

16. Darfur Contracting Act

A. The Darfur Contracting Act, Public Contract Code Section 10475-10481, applies to any company that currently or within the previous three (3) years has had business activities or other operations outside of the United States. The Act was passed by the California Legislature and signed into law by the Governor to preclude State agencies generally from contracting with “scrutinized” companies that do business in the African nation of Sudan (of which the Darfur region is a part), for the reasons described in Public Contract Code Section 10475. All bidders shall complete the Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DOT ADM- 0077), provided as a link in Attachment 2, Required Documents, and submit with the proposal.

B. If your company has not, within the previous three (3) years, had any business activities or other operations outside of the United States, complete Option 1 on DOT ADM-0077.

C. A scrutinized company is a company doing business in Sudan as defined in Public Contract Code Section 10476. Scrutinized companies are ineligible to, and cannot bid on, or submit a bid or proposal for an Agreement with a State agency for goods or services. (Pub. Cont. Code Section 10477(a)).

D. Therefore, Public Contract Code Section 10478(a) requires a company that currently has (or within the previous three (3) years has had business activities or other operations outside of the United States to certify that it is not a “scrutinized” company when it submits a bid or proposal to a State agency.

E. A scrutinized company may still, however, submit a bid or proposal for an Agreement with a State agency for goods or services if the company first obtains permission from the Department of General Services according to the criteria set forth in Public Contract Code Section 10477(b).

17. 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 unless the contract has been Federalized (i.e.

there is federal participation in any phase). 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.

18. Executive Order N-12-23 – Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Technology Use and Reporting

A. 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:

1. Functionality of a State system,

2. Risk to the State, or

3. Contract performance.

Note: For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

B. 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.

C. 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.

D. 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.

19. Bid Submittal

A. All bids must be submitted and received by Caltrans Division of Procurement and Contracts, Bid Unit, by dates and times shown in Section C, Bid Requirements and Information.

B. The mailing package/envelope should be labeled as follows:

Note: All packages not clearly or properly labeled as indicated below, including overnight mail and hand delivered packages, may be rejected.

YOUR RETURN ADDRESS Agreement No. 56A0840 Bid Due Date: July 31, 2025 Bid Due Time: 2:00 p.m.

Bid Opening Date: July 31, 2025

Bid Opening: 2:30 p.m.

Attention: Michael Dean

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts ATTN: Bid Unit 1727 30th Street, 4th Floor, MS 65 Sacramento, CA 95816-7006

BID SUBMITTAL DO NOT OPEN

C. Late bids will not be considered.

D. All bids shall include the documents identified on the IFB’s Required Documents, located at the end of the solicitation. Bids not including the required documents may be deemed non-responsive. A non-responsive bid is one that does not meet the basic bid requirements.

E. Only an individual who is legally authorized to bind the proposing firm contractually shall sign all documents requiring a signature, and each document must bear a signature.

F. If your bid is hand delivered, you must date and time stamp the sealed envelope/package immediately upon arrival. The date/time stamp machine is located in the lobby on the first floor to the right of the security guard station at the address noted above. After date/time stamping, the bid should be placed in the locked bid cabinet located below the time stamp. If the bid package is too large to be electronically stamped, date/time stamp one of the labels provided and attach it to the proposal package. When the bid package is too large for the locked bid cabinet, ask the security guard to call the Division of Procurement and Contracts reception desk at (916) 227-6000 to have your bid package picked up.

G. Bid opening will be held via teleconference at 2:30 p.m. on the date specified in Section C, Bid Requirements and Information. Bidders may participate via teleconference by calling 1- 866-700-7952 and entering the pass code 7089821#. Calls will be accepted beginning at 2:20 p.m. until the conclusion of the bid opening. Bids will be read in Agreement numeric order;

questions will not be allowed; and information will not be repeated. Initial bid opening results will be posted online on the Division of Procurement and Contracts website at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results by 3:00 p.m. on the day following the bid opening. The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder meeting the requirements outlined in the IFB after verification and applicable incentives are applied as stated in Evaluation and Selection below.

H. Bids must include the performance of all the services described herein. Any attempt to modify the bid document to deviate from the work specifications will not be considered and will cause a bid to be rejected.

I. A bid may be rejected if it is conditional, incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. Caltrans may reject any bid on the basis that it is not responsive or from a non-responsible bidder and may waive any immaterial deviation in a bid.

Caltrans waiver of an immaterial defect shall in no way modify the IFB document or excuse the bidder from full compliance with all requirements if awarded the Agreement.

J. Costs for developing bids and in anticipation of award of an agreement is entirely the responsibility of the bidder and shall not be charged to the State.

K. Only an individual who is authorized to bind the bidding firm contractually shall sign the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet. The signature must also indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. A bid with an unsigned Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet may be rejected.

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

M. A bidder may withdraw a bid by, prior to bid opening, submitting a written withdrawal request to Caltrans, at DPAC.BidUnit@dot.ca.gov, signed by the bidder or an agent authorized in accordance with Section K above. A bidder may thereafter submit a new bid prior to the bid submittal deadline. Bids may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to bid submittal deadline. Please contact the Caltrans analyst located on page 1 of this IFB with any questions.

N. Caltrans may modify the IFB prior to the date fixed for submission of bids by the issuance of an addendum sent to all parties who received a bid package.

O. Caltrans reserves the right to reject all bids for reasonable cause.

P. Bidders are cautioned not to rely on Caltrans during its evaluation process to discover and report to the bidder any defects and/or errors in the submitted documents. Before submitting their documents, bidders should carefully proof them for errors and full adherence to the IFB requirements.

Q. Where applicable, the bidder should carefully examine work sites and specifications. Bidder shall 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.

R. Caltrans does not accept alternate agreement language from a bidder. A bid with such language will be considered a counter proposal and will be rejected. The State’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC) are not negotiable. Also, the winning bidder(s) must complete, sign, and submit all pages of the Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) as part of the Agreement award process. Both the GTC 02/2025 and CCC 04/2017 may be viewed at:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources- List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language.

20. Evaluation and Selection

A. At the time of bid opening, each bid proposal’s total and any small business and/or micro business information (if applicable) will be read aloud. Bids are considered preliminary pending review and verification of applicable bid requirements such as: small business preference, incentives, DVBE, DBE, licensing, bonding, qualifications, or other requirements as stated in the IFB. Agreements will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

B. Caltrans will check the bid submittal package to verify it received all required documents.

Positive verification of required documents will be performed to determine its responsiveness to the State's needs.

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

21. Award

A. Preliminary bid results may be viewed on the internet after 3:00 p.m. on the first (1st) business day following the bid due date at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-results.

B. Whenever an Agreement is awarded under a procedure that provides for competitive bidding, but the Agreement is not to be awarded to the low bidder, the low bidder shall be given notice five (5) working days prior to the award of the Agreement by email.

C. Upon written request by any bidder, the Notice of the Intent to Award shall be posted in a public place in the office of the awarding agency, as well as online at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/notices-of-intent-to-award, for at least five (5) working days prior to awarding the Agreement. This information can also be obtained by contacting the Contract Analyst directly.

D. Upon award of the Agreement, Contractor shall complete and submit to Caltrans, the Payee Data Record (STD 204), to determine if Contractor is subject to State income tax withholding pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 18662 et seq. This form can be found on the Internet at https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD under the heading Forms. No payment shall be made unless a completed STD 204 has been returned to Caltrans.

22. Protest

Bidders have the right to protest the award of Caltrans Agreements subject to the following processes and procedures.

A. Filing a Protest: The initial protest must be submitted to DGS, Office of Legal Services, and Caltrans, Protest Unit, prior to the award of the Agreement. When a protest has been submitted, the Agreement shall not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or DGS has decided the matter. The written protest must be sent, either via e-mail or regular mail, to the addresses below:

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Procurement and Contracts Attention: Bid, Protest, and Dispute Branch Chief 1727 30th Street, MS 65 Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone Number: (916) 639-6322 Email:

DPAC.Protest.Disputes.Terminations@dot.ca.gov

Department of General Services Office of Legal Services Attention: Bid Protest Coordinator 707 Third Street, 7th Floor, Suite 7-330 West Sacramento, CA 95605 Phone Number: (916) 376-5080 Email: OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov

B. Within five (5) days after filing the initial protest, the protesting bidder shall file with DGS and Caltrans, Protest Unit a full and complete written statement specifying the grounds for the protest. The full written protest statement must be sent to the same addresses above.

Note: E-mail is the preferred method of protest delivery. If a bidder uses regular mail, It is suggested that you submit any protest by certified or registered mail.

23. Standard Conditions of Service

A. Service shall not begin prior to the express date set by Caltrans Contract Manager and Contractor, after all approvals have been obtained, and the Agreement is fully executed.

Should Contractor fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, Caltrans Contract Manager, upon five (5) days written notice to Contractor, reserves the right to terminate the Agreement. In addition, Contractor shall be liable to Caltrans for the difference between Contractor's bid price and the actual cost of performing work by the second lowest bidder or by another Contractor.

B. All performance under the Agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the Agreement.

C. Antitrust Provisions

1) In submitting a bid to a public purchasing body, the bidder offers and agrees that if the bid is accepted, it will assign to the purchasing body all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 USC Section 15 or under the Cartwright Act Chapter 2, commencing with Section 16700, of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, materials, or services by the bidder for sale to the purchasing body pursuant to the bid. Such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing body tenders final payment to the bidder (Gov. Code Section 4552).

2) If the awarding body or public purchasing body receives, either through judgment or settlement, a monetary recovery for a cause of action assigned under this chapter, the assignor shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for actual legal costs incurred and may, upon demand, recover from the public body any portion of the recovery, including treble damages, attributable to overcharges that were paid.

3) Upon demand in writing by the assignor, the assignee shall, within one (1) year from such demand, reassign the cause of action assigned under this part if the assignor has been or may have been injured by the violation of law for which the cause of action arose and (a) the assignee has not been injured thereby, or (b) the assignee declines to file a court action for the cause of action (Gov. Code Section 4554).

D. If the bidder is awarded the Agreement and refuses to sign the Agreement presented for signature within the time and manner required, the bidder will be liable to Caltrans for actual damages resulting to Caltrans therefrom or 10 percent (10%) of the amount bid, whichever is less.

E. Loss Leader usage is prohibited in this solicitation: 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 California Business and Professions Code Section 17030. “Loss Leader” means 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 of prospective purchasers; or c) where the effect is to divert trade from or otherwise injure competitors.

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

D) Special Programs

The following Special Programs are applicable to this IFB.

1. Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness (MB) Preference

D. Government Code Section 14835 et seq. requires that a five percent (5%) preference be given to contractors who qualify as a Certified SB or MB. References to a small business (SB) shall also include micro-business (MB). The rules and regulations of this law, including the definition of a SB for the delivery of services, are contained in Title 2, California Code of Regulations, Section 1896 (2 CCR Section 1896) et seq.

E. To claim the SB or MB preference, Contractor must have its principal place of business located in California, satisfy all of the SB or MB requirements, and be certified by the California Department of General Services (DGS), Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business (DVBE) Services (OSDS). The preference amount may not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for any bid. If prospective contractor is claiming the five percent (5%) certified SB or MB preference, complete Section 16 of the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet.

Additionally, Contractor may satisfy the non-SB requirements described below.

F. Pursuant to Government Code Section 14838 and 2 CCR Section 1896, if a bidder is not a certified SB, but wishes to be eligible for the five percent (5%) non-small business (NSB) preference, the bidder must subcontract at least twenty five percent (25%) of its net bid price to one or more certified SBs. If bidder is claiming the five percent (5%) non-SB (NSB) preference, complete Section 17 of the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, as well as Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105). The bidder shall list the names of all certified SB firms being claimed for credit. Bidders must include quotes from each SB subcontractor, on the subcontractor letterhead. The quote must at minimum include the following: 1) type of services performed, or goods supplied 2) estimated hours, or quantity of goods 3) hourly rate, or unit price 4) total quote amount.

G. Certified SB and MB bidder(s) shall have precedence over NSB bidders in the application of SB preference(s).

H. SB preferences may not be applied to any bid deemed non-responsive with the solicitation instructions or from a non-responsible bidder.

I. Questions regarding the certification approval process or SB program should be directed to OSDS at (800) 559-5529 or (916) 375-4940, or by email:osdshelp@dgs.ca.gov.

J. SB or MB bidders or bidders using the “Non-Small Business” preference shall be granted a preference consisting of five percent (5%) of the lowest responsible bidder’s total bid if the lowest bid is from a non-certified SB or MB.

K. Additional references are 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.

2. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Programs

A. DVBE Participation Program with Participation Requirements:

1) The required DVBE participation requirement for this IFB is three percent (3%). The resultant Agreement is financed with State funds and subject to Public Contract Code Section 10115 et seq., Military and Veterans Code Section 999 et seq., and Title 2, California Code of Regulations, Sections 1896.60 (2 CCR Section 1896.60) et seq., that provides contracting opportunities for qualified DVBEs certified by the DGS. The DVBE Incentive Program will also apply–see DVBE Incentive Program below.

2) Bidder shall complete and submit the Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet; Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105),and the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declarations (STD 843). Bidder shall complete or collect STD 843(s) when the following situations occur:

Bidder is DVBE (prime) Contractor.

Bidder subcontracts with any DVBE firm. Bidder collects and submits with its bid package a completed and signed STD 843 from each of the DVBE subcontractor(s) listed on the GSPD-05-105.

Failure to provide required DVBE information will result in the bid being rejected as non-responsive. Bidders must include quotes from each DVBE subcontractor, on the subcontractor letterhead. The quote must at minimum include the following: 1) type of services performed, or goods supplied 2) estimated hours, or quantity of goods 3) hourly rate, or unit price 4) total quote amount.

3) Please review the DVBE Program Requirements: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/- /media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&ha sh=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C

4) Additional references: 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.

B. DVBE Incentive Program

1) The DVBE Incentive Program applies to this solicitation. It is separate from the DVBE Participation Program and was established in Military and Veterans Code Sections 999 et seq., and Title 2, California of Regulations, Sections 1896.99 (2 CCR Section1896.99) et seq., to encourage bidders to partner with DVBE subcontractors. A dollar cap of $100,000 is set for all combined incentives and preferences. The incentive is used only for evaluation purposes to arrive at the successful bidder and does not alter the amounts of the actual bid. Any responsive and responsible bidder with the confirmed DVBE participation per the Tables in paragraph 3) below is eligible to receive the incentive. Bidders who are not responsive and responsible regardless of the amount of DVBE participation are not eligible to receive the incentive.

2) Caltrans will apply an incentive to bids proposing the utilization of DGS-certified DVBE firms identified on the Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105). Information provided on the GSPD-05-105 shall be verified by Caltrans prior to the award of the Agreement. The incentive amount is equal to a percentage of the lowest responsive and responsible bid based on the amount of DVBE participation in the bid being evaluated per the Tables below.

3) Tables for IFB (Low Price Method)

Required 3%Participation

Verified DVBE Participation DVBE Incentive Amount

5% or more 5%

4.5%-4.99% 4%

4.0%-4.49% 3%

3.5%-3.99% 2%

3.0%-3.49% 1%

4) When applying the DVBE Incentive, an NSB shall not displace an award to a DGS Certified Small Business.

5) Please review the DVBE Program Requirements: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/- /media/Divisions/PD/OSDS/Certification/DVBE/DVBEProgramRequirements.pdf?la=en&ha sh=FBCA257A3ED083F3DBB85ECEEB37013CBCF0545C

6) Additional information: 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.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Agreement Number 56A0840 BID PROPOSAL Page 2 of 2 ADM-1412 (REV. 10/2024) Attachment 1

Contractor’s Name (Please Print):

Item No.

Estimated Quantity

Unit of Measure Item

Unit Price (Price Per Unit of

Measure)

Total (Estimated Quantity X

Unit Price)

1 168 Each

Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, travel, and incidentals necessary to provide mission-critical wildfire fuel reduction work as described in Exhibit A, Scope of Work (SOW), including but not limited to, qualified biologist(s) and/or ornithologist(s). The work will include removal, handling, and disposal of dead tree/timber, bird protection, Environmental Sensitive Area (ESA), water pollution control, Vegetation Management Collection and Reporting in Caltrans District 11 locations, as described in Exhibit A, SOW

2 1500 Per Hour Contractor shall provide traffic control. The work will include, but not limited to lane and ramp closures, signs, and flagging as described in Exhibit A, SOW.

1) he above quantities are estimates only and are given as a basis for comparison of bids.

No guarantee is made or implied as to the exact quantity that will be needed.

2) In case of discrepancy between the unit price and the total set forth for a unit basis item, the unit price shall prevail.

3) Do not alter, modify, or change this bid proposal sheet. Any alterations, modifications, or changes to this bid proposal sheet will be grounds to reject the bid.

4) Each line item must be bid. Do not leave any unit price column blank or this bid proposal sheet will be deemed non-responsive.

Total Proposal $

Attachment 2 Required Documents

The following documents should be submitted, or your bid may be considered non-responsive.

Do not submit this checklist, the Proposed Form of Agreement, company advertisements, brochures, informational pamphlets, or any other document unless specifically noted in the IFB Requirements and/or as listed below.

Attachment 1 - Bid Proposal (ADM-1412)

Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet (DOT ADM-1416) Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet

Bidder Declaration (GSPD 05-105) Bidder Declaration

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declarations (STD 843) DVBE Declarations

Quotes from SB Subcontractors (on SB’s letterhead)

Quotes from DVBE Subcontractors (on DVBE’s letterhead)

Copy of current and valid Motor Carrier Permit issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

California Civil Rights Laws Certification (DOT ADM-0076) California Civil Rights Laws Certification

Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DOT ADM-0077) Darfur Contracting Act Certification

A copy of a current and valid C-61/D-49 – Tree Service Contractor or C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor license issued by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB)

A copy of a current and valid C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor license issued by the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB)

A copy of a current and valid Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAC) issued by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

The following documents will be requested of the WINNING BIDDER at time of contract award;

they are NOT required at time of bid submittal:

Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) Contractor Certification Clauses

Insurance (Requirements outlined in Proposed Form of Agreement, Exhibit E, Items 1 & 2)

Payee Data Record (STD 204) Payee Data Record

Attachment 3

Proposed Form of Agreement

Note to Bidders: The following pages represent a sample of the Agreement that will be awarded, if any, from this IFB. Please review it carefully and present any questions in writing to the contact identified for this IFB. Do not return this Attachment with your bid.

Contractor’s Name TBD Agreement Number 56A0840

Exhibit A Commercial Services–State

Scope of Work

1. Contractor agrees to provide Wildfire Fuel Reduction (WFR) Vegetation and Tree Removal Services to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as described herein:

2. Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, incidentals, travel, and disposal fees necessary to provide mission-critical vegetative wildfire fuels reduction services to Caltrans District 11 in San Diego County.

County Route Post Mile start Post Mile end Quantity of Dead Trees

San Diego 005 7.203 10.689 3 San Diego 008 16.533 29.535 5 San Diego 015 6.188 32.704 46 San Diego 054 0.905 5.26 9 San Diego 056 8.562 8.567 2 San Diego 076 0.066 0.066 5 San Diego 078 16.622 16.658 4 San Diego 079 1.371 2.915 3 San Diego 094 8.059 8.069 4 San Diego 125 12.077 12.077 1 San Diego 163 7.897 8.069 13 San Diego 805 1.270 22.318 73

Total Dead Trees to be Removed 168

3. Any reference to Caltrans Contract Manager or Caltrans Environmental Staff shall also include designee.

4. This Agreement will commence on September 15, 2025 (estimate), or upon approval by the Department of General Services (DGS), whichever is later, and no work shall begin before that time. This Agreement is of no effect unless approved by DGS. Contractor shall not receive payment for work performed prior to approval of the Agreement and before receipt of notice to proceed by Caltrans Contract Manager. This Agreement will expire on August 1, 2026 (estimate). The services shall be provided during 6:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except holidays.

The parties may amend this Agreement as permitted by law.

5. This Agreement cites specific portions of the most current version of the Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications and the revised 2024 Standard Specifications (herein collectively referred to as the “Standard Specifications”). The Standard Specifications can be accessed via the Internet at:

https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/2024_stdspecs-a11y.pdf. Only the sections of the Standard Specifications cited in this Agreement are requirements and are hereby incorporated by this reference as if attached to this Agreement. All other portions of the Standards Specification are not applicable to this Agreement.

6. All inquiries during the term of this Agreement will be directed to the project representatives listed below. Contractor shall provide advance written notice and receive advance written approval by Caltrans Contract Manager, without the necessity of an amendment, before changing the Project Manager noted below.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Contractor’s Name: TBD

Section/Unit: District 11/Maintenance

Caltrans Contract Manager: TBD

Caltrans Filed Designee: TBD

Project Manager: TBD

Address: Address:

Business Phone Number: Business Phone Number:

Email: Email:

7. Project Objective

A. Protect life, infrastructure, and natural resources.

B. Reduce the potential for fire spread from vehicle induced ignitions along the State Highway System.

C. Provide defensible space along the state highway system to protect the effectiveness of ingress and egress for evacuation and emergency response during a wildfire event.

D. Post treatment area shall have an appropriate species composition with a mix of vegetation age classes, heights, and densities.

E. Post treatment site conditions shall result in a decrease in surface fire intensity (flame length) and rate of speed.

F. Post treatment area shall improve the biodiversity and ecological function of the vegetation community.

G. Reduce overcrowding and relieve tree stress.

H. Reduce and rearrange vegetation while creating breaks in fuel continuity.

I. All work where an overstory canopy exists shall be conducted by following the California Forest Practice Rules.

8. Description of Work

A. All work shall be pre-approved by Caltrans Contract Manager and performed in accordance with the Contractor’s ECR, and Exhibit A.

B. Caltrans Contract Manager will define “work area boundaries” (WAB), Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs), and “No Work Zones” in provided online maps or other Geographic Information System (GIS) products.

C. Caltrans Contract Manager and Contractor shall agree upon a schedule prior to the start of work. The minimum crew size for tree removal shall be four (4) members. This cost shall be reflected in line-item number one (1) of the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1.

D. Contractor shall provide fuel reduction and vegetation removal to meet the purpose of the listed in Section 7 above. Costs for services in this Section 8, Description of Work, shall be reflected in line-item number one (1) of the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1.

1) Sycamore trees listed in the Dead Tree Removal List, Attachment 6 that aren’t completely dead shall, 1) have their dead and diseased wood removed down to green vegetation and, 2) cut material shall be removed from site to be disposed of in accordance with County Ag requirements.

2) Oak Tree trunks, branches, and limbs less than 18 inches in diameter must be chipped to one inch.

3) Chipped material may be used on-site as mulch, place at a minimum 20 feet from edge of pavement, no more than 3 inches in depth and cannot block drainages. Chipped material piles deeper than 3 inches are a fuels hazard and are not authorized.

4) All cut wood that is not chipped will be hauled off the Caltrans Right of Way to an approved facility to prevent the spread of Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) and in accordance with County Ag requirements.

5) Refer to GSOB Informational Handout, Attachment 7 for additional information related to

GSOB.

6) Contractor shall cut vegetation as close to soil surface as safely possible. No stump grinding is authorized.

7) Contractor shall take before and after photos of all trees being removed. This shall be included in all billing invoices to help verify tree removals that have taken place.

8) Contractor shall prune trees and vegetation in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Standards. Some large branch pruning (Lateral pruning) will be counted as a removal due to the size and amount of the materials being removed from existing Eucalyptus trees.

8) CESA/FESA Species/Habitat Restrictions: Remove only live vegetation not listed as endangered, threatened, rare, candidate or special status species and in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document, Exhibit A, Contactor’s ECR, and Forest Practice Act & Rules, if applicable, under the direction of Caltrans District Environmental Staff

9) Contractor shall cut vegetation as close to grade as possible. No stump grinding is permitted.

10) Contractor will provide a certified wildlife Biologist to assess if trees have wildlife occupying the tree. If tree has wildlife within it, then tree shall not be removed, and contractor will inform Caltrans District…