IFB - Weed Abatement Services in Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz Counties

Caltrans is seeking bids for weed abatement services across multiple California counties, including Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz Counties through Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 05A2805. The procurement covers comprehensive vegetation management services such as tractor disking, weed eating, string trimming, and tractor mowing on various Caltrans-owned properties, including residential, commercial, and agricultural sites. The scope involves services for properties less than one acre (estimated 6,969,600 sq. ft.), properties between one and three acres (estimated 60 acres), properties over three acres (estimated 60 acres), and additional hourly weed abatement work (estimated 20 hours). Key bidder qualifications include possessing a valid Motor Carrier Permit from the California DMV and being registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Important procurement dates include a bid submission deadline of March 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with bid opening at 2:30 p.m. the same day, and a question submission deadline of March 11, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. The anticipated contract term runs from May 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027.

The procurement includes specific set-aside and preference provisions designed to support diverse businesses. There is a mandatory 5% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement and a DVBE incentive program. Additionally, a Small Business preference of 5% is available for certified Small Businesses or contractors subcontracting 25% to certified Small Businesses. Prevailing wage requirements apply if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed in the solicitation, the comprehensive scope of work across multiple counties suggests a potentially significant contract value. The multi-county approach and varied property types indicate that contractors will need robust operational capabilities, diverse equipment, and the ability to manage vegetation management across different geographic and environmental conditions. Interested bidders should carefully review the full IFB documentation and ensure they meet all qualifications, including the DVBE participation requirements and small business preferences.