IFB, P2460019 Cultural Resources Survey at Oasis Springs Ecological Reserve

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) P2460019 for a comprehensive cultural resources survey at the Oasis Springs Ecological Reserve, located in Riverside County. The procurement seeks a qualified archaeologist to conduct a full cultural resources survey across the entire 485-acre property, with the primary objective of identifying and recording archaeological resources including artifacts, biofacts, and cultural landscapes. The project requires a contractor with at least 5 years of professional archaeological experience who meets Secretary of Interior Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology. Specific deliverables include conducting records searches, performing a Phase I Cultural Resources Survey, preparing formal site recordings, and developing a comprehensive Cultural Resources Assessment Report. The bid is due by February 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM PT, with a bid opening scheduled for February 11, 2025, and an anticipated contract award date of February 21, 2025. The contract term will run from the approval date through June 30, 2025, with a possible one-year extension option, and all tasks must be completed within 90 days of contract execution.

The procurement includes a Small Business Preference of 5% and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentives ranging from 3-5% based on participation levels, though DVBE participation requirements are currently waived. Contractors both within and outside California may submit bids, with the requirement that all travel costs be included in the lump sum bid. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, including Commercial General Liability ($1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1M), Professional Liability ($1M per occurrence/$3M aggregate), and Workers Compensation ($1M). The payment structure includes a lump sum for the basic survey work and a per-site recording fee, with an estimated 30 sites to be recorded. While the total contract amount is currently listed as TBD and will be determined through the bidding process, the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder who meets all qualifications. The Notice of Intent to Award indicates that Mojave Archaeological Consulting, LLC is the anticipated contractor for this project.