IFB Weed and Brush Abatement Services, Imperial & Riverside Counties

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) Number 11A4076 for Weed and Brush Abatement Services across Imperial and Riverside Counties. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide an eight-member crew for on-call weed and brush abatement projects along Caltrans Rights of Way, with services focused on fire prevention, erosion control, and aesthetic maintenance. Specific deliverables include manual removal of weeds, brush, debris, and trash, involving tasks such as pulling, mowing, pruning, raking, and bagging collected materials. The contractor must supply all necessary labor, materials, tools, and safety equipment, including hand and power tools like hoes, rakes, shovels, pruners, saws, and weed whips. Bids are due by June 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with an estimated contract award date of June 10, 2025, and a contract period running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. The Caltrans Contract Manager will determine specific service days, hours, and locations through individual Service Requests. Bidders must possess a current C-27 Landscaping license and be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations.

The solicitation encourages participation from small businesses (SB) and micro-businesses (MB), offering a five percent preference for certified businesses. While Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation is not mandatory, a 5% incentive may apply for such businesses. The contract includes an estimated 48,000 billable hours, with payment based on actual hours worked at a per-hour rate to be determined by the bidder. Prevailing wage requirements will be applicable if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000. Bidders must also comply with various state and federal regulations, including those related to organic waste recycling and civil rights. The contractor will be responsible for providing basic safety equipment for crew members, including hard hats, vests, safety glasses, and gloves. Additional contract details, including specific payment terms, will be outlined in Exhibit B and Attachment 1 of the contract documents. Interested vendors should carefully review the IFB documents and be prepared to meet all specified requirements and qualifications.