Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area Shrub Grow-out and Planting

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued an Intermediate Procurement Solicitation for the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area Shrub Grow-out and Planting project located in Wasco County. The procurement seeks a contractor to collect native plant seeds and grow approximately 25,000 shrub plugs, including 15,000 basin big sagebrush, 7,500 antelope bitterbrush, and 2,500 winterfat, with planting to be completed by December 31, 2025. Evaluation criteria include Understanding of Requested Services, General Qualifications, References, and Price, with a maximum possible score of 300 points. Key procurement dates include August 7, 2024, for questions and requests for clarification, August 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM for proposal submissions, and an anticipated award notification on August 31, 2024. The initial contract term is one year with options to renew for up to two additional years. Vendors must provide detailed pricing information, including cost per plant and labor costs, and demonstrate capability to collect seeds, grow shrub plugs, and successfully plant them in the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area, which is accessible by 4WD vehicles, side-by-sides, and ATVs.

The solicitation encourages participation from certified small businesses, including disadvantaged business enterprises, minority-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Wildlands, Inc. of Richland, Washington, has been identified as the top-scoring vendor, receiving 276 total points and the highest price score of 13.89 points, indicating their intent to award the contract to this firm. The evaluation process included three vendors: Wildlands Inc., John Day Basin Contractors, and Ash Creek Forest Management, with scores ranging from 85 to 276 points. While specific award values were not explicitly stated, the contract will be funded by the state and involves comprehensive seed collection, shrub cultivation, and planting services. The procurement allows for alternative seed sources for bitterbrush and winterfat due to potential availability constraints, and the project sites will require careful navigation and access using appropriate vehicles. The contract will be awarded as a goods and services contract under OAR 125-247-270, with the primary goal of restoring and enhancing the native vegetation in the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.