P2024401 - Los Banos Wildlife Area (Blocks 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6) Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), acting as an agent of the State of California, to procure a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal on approximately 1,740 acres of the Los Banos Wildlife Area (LBWA) in Merced County. The goal is to remove invasive plant species and reduce excessive vegetation to enhance habitat for grassland species and improve the ecological value and public use of the area. The successful Permittee will be required to have experience with wildlife-friendly grazing practices, the ability to respond to emergencies within 24 hours, and possession of appropriate livestock. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria such as qualifications, bidder experience, and proposals for specific habitat management goals. The mandatory site inspection is scheduled for September 16, 2024, and proposals must be submitted by October 15, 2024. The award is expected to be made on November 5, 2024, for a permit term of four years and eleven months commencing February 1, 2025. The permit fee will be calculated based on the bidder's proposed fee amount per Animal Unit Month (AUM) times the total number of AUMs per year, with payments due semi-annually.

The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The documents do not mention any incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor do they provide information on existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The budget range for the permit fee is not explicitly stated, but will be determined based on the bidder's proposed fee amount per AUM.