C24550017 Fremont Valley Desert Tortoise Study

The California Department of Parks and Recreation's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division is seeking a qualified contractor to conduct comprehensive desert tortoise demographic and habitat surveys in the Fremont Valley Long-Term Study Plot located in Kern County. The Request for Proposal (RFP) requires approximately 62 person-days of fieldwork across one square mile, with specific objectives including establishing detailed population surveys, health assessments, and data collection for approximately 20 previously identified tortoises. Proposing vendors must possess current permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and a Memorandum of Understanding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for desert tortoise handling. The technical evaluation will consider proposals based on a 110-point maximum technical score, with an additional 25 points allocated for cost considerations. Key proposal deadlines include submission by January 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time, with a Notice of Proposed Award scheduled for January 31, 2025, and a proposed contract start date of March 1, 2025. The contract term will span two years from the start date or upon DGS approval.

The RFP includes potential preference points for Small Business (5%) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (1-5%) participants, providing opportunities for diverse business participation. Contractors must supply all necessary equipment, with specific restrictions prohibiting IT and vehicle purchases under Budget Letter 23-27. The cost worksheet indicates the project will cover fiscal years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, with detailed budget provisions for personnel including a Principal Survey Manager and Field Survey Workers. Travel expenses will be reimbursed according to California state rates, and all documentation must be comprehensively backed up. While a specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the detailed cost worksheet suggests a comprehensive budget covering labor, overhead, operating expenses, and specialized survey supplies. The project requires significant technical expertise in desert tortoise research, with precise requirements for data collection, handling protocols, and environmental documentation.