RFP P2540008, San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area Public Shooting Range Operations and Maintenance

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) P2540008 for the operation and maintenance of the San Luis Obispo Wildlife Area (SLOWA) public shooting range. This procurement seeks a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to manage a shooting range facility located at 3272 Gilardi Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA, which includes four shooting venues: action pistol, rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges, along with a single-family residence, meeting hall, and associated structures. The primary objectives include operating a public shooting range for archery and firearm target shooting, conducting home firearm safety training, hunter safety education, and hosting public recreational shooting events. The contract term will run from the Department of General Services approval date through June 30, 2028, with potential extensions of up to two additional one-year terms. A mandatory pre-bid walkthrough is scheduled for September 09, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with proposals due on October 06, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The evaluation process will include administrative and minimum qualification reviews, a technical evaluation worth 100 points (70 points for technical questions and 30 points for cost), and a final interview stage.

The RFP specifically requires the contractor to be a non-profit organization with a mission aligned with hunter education and firearm safety. A Small Business Preference of five percent is available for California-based small businesses, and while the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Participation Program requirements have been waived, proposers providing DVBE participation may receive up to five percent of non-cost evaluation points. The contractor will be responsible for supporting an estimated 25,000 to 200,000 users annually, managing Automated License Data System (ALDS) hardware and software, ensuring environmental stewardship, implementing lead ammunition abatement, maintaining facility infrastructure, and enforcing safety measures. Advanced payments of up to 25% of the total contract amount may be available for community-based private nonprofit agencies. The maximum contract amount is set at $2,100,000, with the contractor expected to generate revenue through user fees collected at the shooting range. The facility's infrastructure includes comprehensive shooting ranges, an education building, and associated structures that will require ongoing maintenance and operational management.