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) is seeking a permit holder for excess vegetation disposal through a five-year grazing contract covering approximately 275 acres at the Mouth of Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area in Shasta County. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) P2024102 specifically targets vegetation management across three distinct areas: 130 acres for yellow star thistle control, 145 acres of irrigated pastures, and 10 acres for blackberry control. Qualified bidders must participate in a mandatory site inspection, with dates scheduled for February 13 and March 6, 2025, and submit sealed bids by March 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM, with bid opening on March 14, 2025. The contract term runs from April 15, 2025 to April 14, 2030, with specific grazing periods including cattle usage from April 15-July 1 for thistle control and April 15-October 31 for pasture management, and year-round access for goats/sheep for blackberry control. Evaluation will focus on the highest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all qualification requirements, with the proposed award date set for March 20, 2025.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses or specific vendor restrictions. Bidders must meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 per occurrence commercial general liability coverage, $1,000,000 automobile liability, and workers' compensation insurance. The permit requires the selected vendor to assume additional financial responsibilities, including approximately $12,750 annually for Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District fees, fencing maintenance, and compliance with the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. The annual permit fee will be determined through a flat fee bid process, with payments due on April 1st each year. While no specific budget range is provided, the contract allows for flexible vegetation management through grazing and haying, with the economic opportunity tied to livestock management and vegetation control. The successful bidder will need to demonstrate agricultural expertise, livestock management capabilities, and the ability to comply with complex regulatory requirements across multiple land use categories.