IFB Wildfire Fuel Reduction Vegetation and Tree Removal Services in Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 06 is soliciting bids through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for wildfire fuel reduction vegetation and tree removal services across Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties. The procurement encompasses approximately 1,200 acres of vegetation management, removal of 35 trees measuring 10 inches diameter breast height or greater, and 11,600 hours of traffic control services along specified state routes, with all labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, and disposal fees to be provided by the selected contractor. Required qualifications include a valid Motor Carrier Permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, current Department of Industrial Relations registration, California Contractors State Licensing Board licenses (C-61/D-49 Tree Service Contractor or C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor, and C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control), a California Licensed Timber Operator (LTO-A) certificate, and a Registered Professional Forester (RPF). A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams, with written questions due by 3:00 p.m. on February 11, 2026. Bids must be submitted by February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with bid opening at 2:30 p.m. via teleconference. The estimated contract period runs from May 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, with services provided during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

Prevailing wage requirements apply if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000. A five percent small business preference is available for certified small businesses or contractors committing to subcontract a minimum of 25 percent of net bid price to certified small businesses, and a three percent disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement applies with an additional DVBE incentive program offering up to five percent incentive based on verified participation levels. Insurance requirements include commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and workers' compensation with statutory coverage. The contract value is to be determined (TBD), with monthly payment in arrears upon invoice submission including certified payroll records. No incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in this solicitation.