IFB Wildfire Fuel Reduction Vegetation and Tree Removal Services in San Diego County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #56A0840 for Wildfire Fuel Reduction Vegetation and Tree Removal Services across multiple jurisdictions in San Diego County, including San Diego County, San Diego City, Rancho San Diego CDP, and San Diego Country Estates CDP. The procurement specifically seeks a contractor to remove 168 dead trees along state routes 5, 8, 15, 54, 56, 76, 78, 79, 94, 125, 163, and 805. Bidders must possess specific licenses, including a C-61/D-49 or C-49 Tree Contractor license and a C-31 Construction Zone Traffic Control Contractor license, and must have a Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 23, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., with written questions due by July 25, 2025. Bids are due on July 31, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with an anticipated contract award date of August 14, 2025. The contract will commence on September 15, 2025, and expire on August 1, 2026, with work performed Monday through Friday from 6:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., excluding holidays.

The solicitation includes significant set-aside and participation requirements, specifically mandating a 25% Small Business (SB) participation goal and a mandatory 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement. Bidders must comply with various state regulations, including organic waste recycling, California Civil Rights Laws, and Executive Order N-6-22 regarding Russia sanctions. The contract will require prevailing wage rates for work exceeding $15,000 and includes provisions for environmental sensitive areas and bird protection. While a specific total contract value is not disclosed, the comprehensive requirements suggest a significant scope of work. Contractors must also adhere to detailed vegetation management and reporting requirements, demonstrating a complex and regulated service procurement. The solicitation emphasizes environmental sensitivity, contractor qualifications, and compliance with state-level business and social responsibility standards.