RFP P2025201 Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve Arno Unit Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued Request for Proposal P2025201 for a Permit for Excess Vegetation Disposal at the Cosumnes River Ecological Reserve (CRER) Arno Unit in Sacramento County. The procurement seeks a livestock owner to conduct strategic grazing on approximately 156 acres, with a primary objective of removing European grasses while preserving native habitats and wildlife. The contract will allow grazing from December 15 to May 31 annually, with a maximum of 137.5 Animal Unit Months (AUM) per year, exclusively for cattle. Mandatory qualifications include having references for vegetation disposal on public or conservation lands, at least three years of wildlife-friendly grazing experience, emergency response capability within one hour, and appropriate livestock inventory. The evaluation will utilize a 150-point scoring system assessing bidder qualifications, references, proposal goals, emergency response capabilities, and proposed fee structure. Key dates include a mandatory site inspection on August 28, 2025, at 10:00am, with proposals due by September 18, 2025, at 3:00pm. The permit term will span four years, six months, and 16 days, commencing on December 15, 2025, and terminating on July 1, 2030.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the procurement requires comprehensive insurance documentation as outlined in the CDFW Land Use Agreement Insurance Guide. Bidders must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance, Primary and Noncontributory Endorsement, Additional Insured Endorsements for Commercial General and Automobile Liability, and Workers' Compensation documentation. Insurance providers must be rated at least A-/FSC Class VII by A.M. Best Company, with minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 for Commercial General and Automobile Liability. The fee structure will be calculated based on the proposed fee amount per Animal Unit per month, with 25 AUs allowed monthly for 5.5 months. While no specific budget range is provided, the contract's primary financial mechanism involves calculating fees based on monthly animal units and grazing activities. The ultimate goal of this procurement is to support the CRER's ecological objectives of protecting riparian ecosystems, maintaining wildlife habitats, and managing invasive plant species through strategic grazing practices.