2023 Sudden Oak Death Eradication Services

The Oregon Department of Forestry has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2023 Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Eradication Services, primarily targeting Curry County, Oregon. The procurement seeks a contractor to conduct comprehensive SOD pathogen eradication work, which includes applying herbicides using hack and squirt or cut-stump treatment methods, cutting, piling, and burning trees and shrubs along the Southern Oregon Coast between Brookings and Port Orford. The estimated scope involves treating 200-300 acres in the first year, with potential future treatments determined by ongoing needs. Proposers must possess specific qualifications, including a valid Oregon Farm/Forest Labor Contractor License and an Oregon Commercial Pesticide Applicator License. Evaluation criteria will emphasize proposer experience in SOD eradication, supervisor qualifications, and key personnel capabilities. The proposal was posted on July 7, 2023, with responses due by July 24, 2023, and the initial contract term running through July 30, 2024, with potential for up to four additional one-year renewals.

The RFP includes a Certified Disadvantaged Business Outreach Plan, requiring proposers to provide information on their certification status and steps to solicit certified disadvantaged businesses for potential subcontracting opportunities. Proposers must complete a COBID Outreach Plan detailing their approach to inclusive contracting. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the RFP indicates that the state intends to award the contract to the highest-ranked proposer, currently identified as Professional Reforestation of Oregon, Inc. Compensation will be structured on an hourly rate basis, with rates covering various labor categories including job foreman, commercial pesticide applicator, chain saw operators, and cut/pile/burn crew members. The Agency will reimburse actual chemical, plastic, and burn fuel costs with an additional 5% handling fee. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract will compensate based on actual inspected and certified acreage, with no additional move-in, move-out, or demobilization costs provided.