P2025305 - Ludwig Grazing

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal through livestock grazing on the Ludwig Grazing Management Unit, located within the Santa Rosa Plain Vernal Pool Ecological Reserve in Sonoma County. The procurement encompasses approximately 35 acres across two non-contiguous properties: the Margaret West Conservation Bank (22 acres) and the Turner Conservation Bank (13 acres), with the primary objective of managing excess vegetation while maintaining critical habitat for federal and state-listed endangered species, including Sebastopol meadowfoam and California tiger salamander. Qualified bidders must demonstrate the ability to maintain livestock stocking rates between 8 and 12 Animal Units across both properties, respond to emergencies within 30 minutes, remove livestock within 72 hours if deemed a safety threat, maintain herd health records and veterinary protocols, and leave 600 to 800 pounds per acre of Residual Dry Matter to support habitat conservation goals. Required deliverables include submission of sealed bids with one original and two copies, along with seven mandatory attachments comprising a statement of qualifications, bidder references, site inspection certification, and a bid form specifying the price per acre per year. Evaluation will award the permit to the responsive, responsible bidder offering the highest price per acre per year. Critical dates include a mandatory site inspection on April 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at 1650 Ludwig Avenue, Santa Rosa, with sealed bids due by April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.; the successful bidder must execute the permit by May 4, 2026, with operations commencing June 4, 2026, and extending through October 15, 2030 (four years, four months, and eleven days), with an initial grazing period of four months and eleven days, followed by eight-month annual periods thereafter.

The procurement documents do not identify specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, small businesses, or other restricted organization types, indicating that the opportunity is open to all qualified bidders meeting the technical and financial requirements. Bidders must obtain and maintain comprehensive liability insurance prior to permit execution, including Commercial General Liability coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate, Automobile Liability coverage of $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit, and statutory Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per accident; all insurance carriers must maintain an A.M. Best Company rating of at least A-/FSC Class VII. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. The award value is determined by the successful bid amount multiplied by the 35-acre allotment, with the first annual permit fee payment due May 21, 2026, or upon permit execution, though the specific budget range or maximum bid amount is not specified in the available documentation. Successful bidders must be willing to adjust stocking rates and grazing timing as directed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, with the State retaining the right to modify terms, terminate the permit with 90 days' written notice, or adjust fees proportionally based on management conditions.