San Lorenzo River Levee Burrowing Rodent Mitigation Project

The City of Santa Cruz Public Works Department is seeking a contractor to implement a multi-year burrowing rodent management program for the San Lorenzo River Levees, targeting rodent populations that threaten levee stability and are critical for FEMA certification. The project requires a qualified contractor with a valid California Structural Pest Control Board License, registered with the County of Santa Cruz Agricultural Department, to conduct comprehensive rodent mitigation across specified zones from the Highway 1 bridge to the trestle bridge near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk parking lot. Key deliverables include identifying and flagging active burrows, using an RC 206ES Rodent Control compressor or equivalent for fumigation, and grouting burrow holes with a specific 9:1 cement to bentonite mixture. The contractor must survey both waterside (upper 20 ft of slope) and landside areas, implement sediment control best management practices, and clean work areas after each intervention. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2025, with electronic bid submissions due by June 12, 2025, through the city's e-Procurement Portal. The contract is structured for an initial one-year term with options for two additional one-year extensions, with work to be completed within 60 days of the Notice to Proceed.

The procurement does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The project requires prevailing wage rates and includes comprehensive insurance requirements, with the contractor needing to maintain Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), Professional Liability ($2,000,000 per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), and Workers' Compensation coverage. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the bid includes a lump sum for fumigation and grouting, plus a unit price for approximately 200 cubic yards of concrete/grouting material. The City reserves the right to modify insurance requirements and terminate the agreement with 10 calendar days' notice, providing flexibility in managing the project's evolving needs. Contractors will need to demonstrate environmental conservation practices, provide references, and comply with local preference certifications. The project scope suggests a significant investment in levee maintenance and rodent control, with potential ongoing annual contract values depending on the extension options.