C24550019 Fremont Valley Desert Tortoise

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, specifically the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, is seeking a qualified vendor to conduct comprehensive demographic and habitat surveys for desert tortoises in the Fremont Valley Long-Term Study Plot located in Kern County. The Request for Proposal (RFP) requires the selected contractor to perform in-depth surveys involving 60 person-days of tortoise research, including population parameters, health assessments, and documentation of human impacts. Key deliverables include boundary searches, human impact assessments, tortoise salvage operations, and detailed plot documentation. Proposals must be submitted via email by March 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT, with a proposed contract start date of April 1, 2025. The evaluation process will assess technical proposals up to 110 points and cost proposals up to 25 points, totaling a possible 135-point scoring system. Required qualifications include valid California business licenses and Scientific Collection Permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with surveys to be conducted by no more than three staff members following standardized protocols.

The procurement includes specific set-aside designations and preferences for small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBE). Certified small businesses receive a 5% bid preference, while DVBE participation can earn scoring incentives ranging from 1-5%. The contract will span two years, with work beginning upon receipt of an Authorization to Commence Work Notice. Budget constraints are detailed in the cost worksheet, which outlines labor requirements with a 5% overhead rate and specific reimbursement guidelines for travel and field expenses. The contract prohibits purchases of IT equipment and vehicles per Budget Letter 23-27 and requires adherence to California state reimbursement rates. While no incumbent vendor is specified, the contract includes detailed provisions for field supplies such as clipboards, protective equipment, and specialized tools for tortoise handling. Though a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements suggest a moderate-scale research contract focused on precise ecological documentation and conservation efforts.