Miller Fuels Reduction Mastication Project

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is requesting bids for fuels reduction vegetation management mastication services on up to 160 acres within Miller Demonstration State Forest near Whitmore, California, under IFB 8CA07848, with bids due June 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. A mandatory pre-bid walk-through is scheduled for June 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. A 5% Small Business preference applies with a cap of $50,000, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation is encouraged with incentive amounts up to 5%.

Scope includes mechanical mastication of trees and shrubs, debris management, erosion control, weed management, and compliance with fire suppression and biological and cultural resource protection protocols. All work shall be performed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with operations suspended between December 15 and March 21 due to weather and soil conditions. The contractor must provide all materials, labor, equipment, tools, permits, taxes, transportation, and fees.

The total contract amount does not exceed $160,000, with compensation based on a per-acre rate established in the bid. The contract commences July 1, 2026, or upon Department of General Services approval (whichever is later), and expires June 30, 2028. Prevailing wages apply under the Davis-Bacon Act; bidders must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations and maintain certified payroll records. If the winning bid exceeds $25,000, a Payment Bond equal to 100% of the contract amount is required prior to work commencement.

All bids must include proof of California business license, DIR registration, non-collusion declaration, insurance documentation, Darfur Contracting Act certification, Contractor Certification Clauses, and Payee Data Record forms. CAL FIRE will award to the lowest responsive responsible bidder; ties are decided by coin toss. Written questions are due June 3, 2026. Bid opening occurs June 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.