IFB # 10217532 Vegetation Management Services

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #10217532 for vegetation management services to support restoration activities at the Lookout Slough Tidal Restoration Project in Solano County. The primary service involves integrated vegetation management across approximately 3,400 acres, with a focus on herbicide application via Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to treat invasive and non-native vegetation species including Phragmites australis, perennial pepperweed, and various mustards. The anticipated three-year contract includes annual pricing with estimated herbicide treatment of 525 acres per year divided into three events of 175 acres each, plus lump-sum costs for general vegetation management and work reporting, with no guarantee of work assignment. Critical qualifications for bidders include possession of a Qualified Applicator Certificate or License with pest control category F (aquatic) certification from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, an unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate, and a minimum of five years of experience in integrated vegetation management. Key submission deadlines include a mandatory pre-bid site visit on April 7, 2026, a technical questions deadline of April 10, 2026, and bid submission due April 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM, with public bid opening via Microsoft Teams at 11:00 AM the same day, with anticipated contract start in August 2026. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder meeting all specifications.

This procurement includes a mandatory three percent (3.0%) Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation commitment, with incentive calculations available for higher participation levels, establishing a set-aside preference for eligible disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including general liability ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), workers compensation at statutory limits, automobile liability ($1,000,000), UAV/drone liability ($2,000,000), watercraft liability ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), and pollution/environmental liability ($1,000,000/$2,000,000), with the State of California named as additional insured. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. The bid documents indicate that pricing should be structured on an annual basis, though specific budget ranges or estimated award values are not explicitly stated in the available documentation. Bidders must submit responses demonstrating compliance with all required certifications, insurance requirements, and relevant state and federal forms as outlined in the IFB package.