P2024102 Invitation for Bid Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area Balls Ferry Wetland Unit 1 and 2 Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal (Grazing) at the Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area in Shasta County, covering approximately 275 acres across Balls Ferry Wetland Units 1 and 2. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to manage vegetation through cattle grazing (for Yellow Star Thistle control), irrigated pasture management via grazing and haying, and year-round goat/sheep grazing for blackberry control. Bidders must demonstrate substantial experience in grazing operations by submitting a comprehensive Statement of Qualifications that details past permit/lease experience, available resources, proximity for emergency response, and approach to meeting management goals. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled for February 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM, with sealed bids due by February 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM. The permit will be a five-year agreement running from April 15, 2025, through April 14, 2030, with the successful bidder responsible for all fencing maintenance, water supply for livestock, and paying an annual permit fee and irrigation fees to the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses. The contractor will be required to maintain specific insurance coverage, including $1 million per occurrence in commercial general liability, $1 million in automobile liability, and workers' compensation insurance. The annual permit fee will be determined through the bidding process, with additional estimated annual irrigation fees of approximately $12,750 (comprising a $135 application fee and $87 per acre for 145 benefited acres). While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the permit grants non-exclusive rights to use the state property for vegetation removal. The premises is closed to public access, and any special access must be authorized by permit. Potential bidders should carefully review the attached documents, including the Sample DFW-587 Permit and the LUA Insurance Guide, which provide detailed operational requirements and insurance documentation specifications.