IFB Encampment Site Waste Removal and Cleanup Services in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for encampment site waste removal and cleanup services in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. The solicitation requires contractors to provide comprehensive waste management services, including collecting, removing, transporting, and legally disposing of hazardous waste, biological waste, contaminated materials, and debris from encampment sites. Services will be performed on an as-needed, on-call basis during normal working hours of 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with potential weekend and holiday urgent service requirements. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for December 17, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. in San Luis Obispo, with written questions due by December 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Bid submissions are due January 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with bid opening at 2:30 p.m. the same day. Contractors must possess a Class A General Contractor License with Hazardous Substance Removal Certification, Department of Industrial Relations registration, valid Motor Carrier Permit, and multiple hazardous materials and confined space certifications. The contract will evaluate bids based on hourly rates for personnel, equipment rental rates, per-unit pricing for materials, and disposal fees.

The procurement includes several set-aside and preference opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses. A 5% small business preference is available for certified small businesses or microbusinesses, and a 5% disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) incentive applies with 100% DVBE participation verification. Up to two contractors will be awarded under this multiple-provider agreement, with an estimated award date of January 21, 2026. The contract will commence May 22, 2026, and expire May 21, 2029, unless extended by law. Compensation will be based on comprehensive hourly and per-unit pricing detailed in the bid proposal, with prevailing wage requirements applying to bids exceeding $15,000. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, automobile liability, workers' compensation, and pollution liability with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence. The contract is subject to California prevailing wage rates for the three counties and mandatory organic waste recycling compliance, ensuring both financial and environmental accountability.