SB Minor B - Plant Establishment for Landscape Mitigation

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is soliciting bids for a Small Business Minor B contract for plant establishment and landscape mitigation near Coalinga at Jacalitos Creek Bridge in Fresno County. The project involves comprehensive highway planting work, specifically focused on establishing native riparian species including seep willow, California ash, cottonwood, and Goodding's black willow. Key deliverables include planting installation, temporary irrigation system implementation, environmental compliance, and landscape establishment over an extended period. The contract requires completion of non-plant establishment work within 30 working days, with total project work to be completed within 1,280 working days and plant establishment work within 1,250 working days. The estimated contract value is $314,387.20, with proposals due by September 30, 2025, and to be submitted via email to arlena.tedder@dot.ca.gov. Bidders must have either a Class A or applicable Class C license, and the project includes detailed specifications for temporary irrigation, landscape plantings, erosion control, and environmental stewardship, with specific protections for local wildlife habitats, including a 500-foot protective radius for Swainson's hawk.

The procurement is specifically restricted to certified Small Businesses under section 2-1.05, with bids over $461,000 being automatically rejected. While there is no mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) contract goal, Caltrans encourages DVBE participation. The project includes provisions for water service from the City of Coalinga, with a water meter installation fee of $3,600 and an estimated annual water usage of 9,425 gallons for up to 5 years. Successful bidders will be required to provide Payment Bonds and Insurance at the time of award. Additional contract requirements include compliance with environmental regulations, traffic control measures, and specific plant protection protocols. The solicitation emphasizes the voluntary nature of personal information disclosure and includes standard contract provisions regarding bidder responsibilities and potential penalties for contract refusal or default. Prospective bidders can request accessible versions of solicitation documents through http://bit.ly/dpac-ada or by calling (916) 654-2852.