BID# 2024-35 CBX Marmot Project

The City of Bluff Crossing, located in Oregon, has issued Invitation to Bid #2024-35 for the CBX Marmot Project, seeking a comprehensive ecosystem management services contract. The procurement solicits qualified firms to provide habitat restoration, species monitoring, public education, and infrastructure development services for the CBX Marmot Habitat Area. Specific project requirements include installing new underground fiber routes with vaults, placing new strand and down guys, and developing a traffic control plan. The contract term is three years with two optional one-year renewals, and a mandatory pre-bid conference was held on September 20, 2023. Bidders were required to attend the pre-bid conference and submit proposals by October 17, 2024, with the contract anticipated to be awarded by November 1, 2023. The bid involves comprehensive ecosystem management services that require technical expertise in habitat preservation, infrastructure installation, and environmental monitoring.

The contract includes a 15% small business set-aside, demonstrating a commitment to supporting smaller local enterprises. The current incumbent provider has been managing the project for the past five years, and the City is specifically seeking to integrate any existing infrastructure or technology from the current contractor. The procurement allows for multiple bid alternatives, including options for directional rock bore and tree trimming services charged on a per linear foot basis. Bid amounts received ranged from $2,491,900 to $5,078,300, with North Sky Communications emerging as the apparent low bidder at $2,491,900. The estimated annual contract value is $1.2 million, with funding sourced from the City's Parks and Recreation budget. The fixed-fee arrangement provides financial predictability and allows for potential technology and service integration from the previous contract holder.