IFB Maintain Existing Planted Areas in Napa County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Maintain Existing Planted Areas (MEPA) services in Napa County, specifically targeting erosion control areas at Dry Creek Bridge and Perfume Creek Bridge. The procurement requires a contractor to provide comprehensive labor, tools, materials, equipment, and incidentals necessary for noxious weed and invasive non-native plant eradication, with a primary objective of achieving 75% or better native vegetation cover by December 2027. Key deliverables include a water pollution control program, job site management, lead compliance plan, environmental training, and quarterly progress estimates. Bidders must possess a current and valid A (General Engineering Contractor) or C-27 (Landscaping Contractor) license, a C-31 (Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor) license, and current Department of Industrial Relations registration. Written questions are due by December 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with bid submissions required by December 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The estimated contract award date is December 18, 2025, with the agreement commencing on February 2, 2026, and expiring on February 1, 2028.

The solicitation includes significant set-aside and preference opportunities for small businesses and disadvantaged enterprises. Caltrans is committed to a 25% Small Business (SB) participation goal, offering a 5% bid preference for certified Small Business or Micro Business vendors or those subcontracting at least 25% to certified SBs or MBs. Additionally, there is a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, with an incentive program providing up to 5% preference based on verified participation levels. The project requires substantial insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 per occurrence Commercial General Liability, $1,000,000 combined single limit Automobile Liability, and Workers' Compensation with $1,000,000 Employer's Liability limits. Environmental protections are extensive, with specific work restrictions to protect regulated species like California red-legged frogs, steelhead, roosting bats, and nesting raptors. While no specific budget range is provided, the bid includes 14 line items and requires prevailing wages for bids exceeding $15,000, suggesting a moderate-scale infrastructure maintenance contract funded by California state appropriations.