1CA03218. MEU. FRI Cruise Services

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is seeking a Registered Professional Forester to conduct Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) services for the Jackson Demonstration State Forest through Invitation for Bid #1CA03218. The project involves forest inventory cruising across 48,643 acres using a 10 chain x 10 chain grid system, encompassing approximately 4,869 plots. Key deliverables include comprehensive forest stand information, with contractors required to complete at least 1,000 plots by December 31, 2016, and all plots by November 1, 2017. Contractor qualifications mandate licensing to do business in California, professional forestry registration, and demonstrated experience conducting forest inventories in the Pacific Northwest, including managing a similar scope project within the past 5 years. The bid was issued on May 12, 2016, with questions due by May 17, and final bid submissions required by May 26, 2016. The anticipated contract start date is July 1, 2016, with potential for a one-year extension under the same terms and conditions.

While no specific Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) program requirement exists, DVBE participation incentives range from 1-5% based on involvement levels. Small Business preference of 5% and Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preferences are available for qualifying bidders. Contractors must provide commercial general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence, workers compensation insurance, and commercial automobile insurance. Pricing will be evaluated on a per-plot basis, with monthly payments issued for CAL FIRE-approved plots. Although no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the forest inventory across nearly 49,000 acres suggests a significant contract value. The procurement is structured to provide maximum forest stand information at an optimal sampling effort, indicating a strategic approach to gathering critical forest management data for the demonstration state forest.