Request for Contractor Prequalification: Sentive Habitat Vegetation Management (2026-2030)

RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
NOTICE INVITING CONTRACTORS TO PREQUALIFY
SENSITIVE HABITAT VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROJECTS
(July 1, 2026-June 30, 2030)
Date of Notice: June 17, 2026
Submittals Due: July 17, 2026, by 4:00 PM
Submission Location:
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCDSCC)
Attn: Laurel Bard, Project Manager
2425 Porter St. Suite 19, Soquel, CA 95073
PART I: INSTRUCTIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Purpose of Prequalification
The RCDSCC is prequalifying licensed contractors to develop an approved bidder roster for
upcoming habitat restoration, fuel reduction, and invasive species management contracts over the
next four (4) years (From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030). Contract awards for these specific
projects will be made only to contractors/firms included on the posted, prequalified bidders roster
generated through this process. The RCDSCC desires to prequalify several contractors.
Contractors who are prequalified must annually certify that there have been no material changes
to the organizational structure, ownership, licensing status, or financial condition of the
contractor since the date of the initial prequalification submittal. NOTICE: Failure to submit
the completed Annual Prequalification Renewal Affidavit prior to July 1, 2027 and
annually thereafter will result in the expiration of the contractor's prequalified status. See
Part VI below.
The anticipated projects will primarily include vegetation management and habitat restoration
activities in environmentally sensitive areas of Santa Cruz County.
Contractors must demonstrate the ability to conduct work under environmentally sensitive
constraints, including implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs), adherence to
seasonal restrictions, and coordination with biological monitors where required.
The RCDSCC currently has approximately $800,000 in secured (encumbered) funding
anticipated for projects to be issued under this prequalified contractor roster. The RCDSCC
intends to pursue and may secure additional grant funding during the term of this roster (through
July 2030), which could increase the total value and number of contracts awarded. Actual
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contract amounts, schedules, and project locations will depend on funding availability, grant
requirements, landowner participation, and site-specific conditions.
Prevailing Wage and Labor Code Requirements: Unless the scope of work is exempted by the
State and such exemption is confirmed by the RCDSCC, all work performed under contracts
awarded through this prequalified roster shall be considered public works and is subject to the
California Labor Code (including but not limited to Sections 1720 et seq.). For projects subject
to prevailing wage and Labor Code requirements, contractors and subcontractors must be
registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and shall pay not less
than the applicable prevailing wage rates as determined by the Director of Industrial Relations.
Compliance with all labor compliance monitoring and reporting requirements, including certified
payroll submission, is mandatory.
2. Subsequent Competitive Bidding Process
Establishment of this prequalified roster constitutes the first phase of a two-step procurement
process. As specific regional tasks, funding allocations, or project locations are finalized, the
RCDSCC will develop a detailed, individual Scope of Work for each distinct site. The RCDSCC
will then issue a secondary, competitive solicitation exclusively to the firms on the prequalified
roster. Prequalified contractors will be invited to submit formal competitive bids or proposals
tailored to that specific Scope of Work, and individual contract awards will be awarded on a
project-by-project basis to the lowest prequalified responsible, responsive bidder. A sample
contract is attached hereto as Exhibit A, and may be modified depending on grant funding or
permitting requirements. Subcontractors will be listed through the subsequent competitive
bidding process. The RCDSCC may award contracts to one or more contractors. Prequalified
contractors may decline to bid on specific projects at their discretion. The RCD reserves the
right to solicit separate competitive bids outside of the prequalified roster if determined to be in
the best interest of the District or required by its funding agencies.
3. Project Background and Environmental Sensitivity
Projects will be implemented on public and privately owned lands throughout Santa Cruz County
in high-priority conservation and restoration areas. Project sites may include habitats supporting
special-status species, as well as unique and sensitive ecological communities.
Work is anticipated to occur in environments including, but not limited to, California red-legged
frog and Santa Cruz long-toed salamander habitat, as well as the Santa Cruz Sandhills
ecosystem. These areas require careful operational practices to avoid impacts to biological
resources, minimize soil disturbance, and comply with regulatory permits and site-specific
constraints.
Activities will include, but are not limited to:
- Manual and mechanized removal of mature and young blue gum eucalyptus, acacia, and other
invasive tree species;
- Eradication of non-tree invasive species (e.g., jubata grass, French broom, Portuguese broom);
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- Targeted herbicide application to cut stumps to prevent regeneration;
- Biomass processing, off-hauling, and site restoration.
In certain habitat types, including Sandhills environments and eucalyptus removal sites,
complete biomass removal will be required. This approach is necessary to reduce invasive
species persistence, minimize fuel loading, and address allelopathic effects associated with
eucalyptus and other invasive vegetation.
The RCDSCC seeks contractors with demonstrated experience working in environmentally
sensitive habitats and familiarity with Best Management Practices (BMPs), seasonal restrictions,
and adaptive work methods in constrained environments.
4. Execution Windows
Mechanized Operations: Restricted to dry soil conditions from August to October, terminating
immediately upon the first major rain event or under saturated soil conditions.
Manual Operations: May be implemented year-round, subject to adaptive adjustment by
RCDSCC representatives.
5. Submission Format
Contractors must submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of the completed Questionnaire
(Attachment 1) and all required supporting documentation in a sealed envelope clearly marked
on the exterior:
"Prequalification Application:
Sensitive Habitat Management
(July 1, 2026-June 30, 2030)
[Contractor Name & Address]"
6. Disclaimer of Guaranty and Reservation of Rights
The RCDSCC makes no guarantee, express or implied, that any specific project will be funded,
finalized, or advertised, nor that any contract awards will result from this prequalification
process or placement on the subsequent contractor roster. Participation in this prequalification
process is completely voluntary, and all costs, expenses, and disbursements incurred by the
applicant in preparing and submitting this application shall be borne solely by the contractor.
Placement on the prequalified roster does not constitute an implied contract, a promise of future
work, or a vested property right. The RCDSCC reserves the right, in its sole and absolute
discretion, to accept or reject any or all submittals, to waive any informalities or minor
irregularities, to cancel this prequalification process at any time without penalty, or to solicit
separate competitive bids outside of this roster if determined to be in the best interest of the
District or required by its funding agencies.
PART II: EVALUATION PROCEDURES AND APPEAL PROCESS
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1. Evaluation Methodology
Prequalification is determined on an objective, unified Pass/Fail matrix based on essential
regulatory, statutory, and bonding baselines, combined with a verified review of references and
project histories.
Applications will be deemed Acceptable (qualified to bid) or Unacceptable (disqualified).
RCDSCC reserves the right to request clarification, request supplemental data, or conduct
interviews to assist in evaluation.
2. Statutory Administrative Appeal Process
In alignment with California public contracting principles, any contractor receiving an
"Unacceptable" rating will be given an opportunity to dispute the rating prior to the closure of
any upcoming project bid solicitations.
Step 1: Notice of Proposed Disqualification. If an application is determined to be non-
qualified, the RCDSCC shall serve written notice to the contractor. The notice will set forth the
grounds for disqualification and state the supporting evidence relied upon.
Step 2: Timely Request for Rebuttal. The contractor has five (5) business days from the date
the notice was sent to submit a written request for a rebuttal hearing to dispute the rating. Failure
to submit a timely written request waives all rights to challenge the decision.
Step 3: Informal Hearing. Upon receipt of the request, RCDSCC will convene a
Prequalification Appeals Process before the Executive Director (or designee). The hearing will
be informal, allowing the contractor to present oral testimony and documentary evidence to rebut
the disqualification.
Step 4: Final Determination. The Executive Director will issue a final administrative decision
in writing within five (5) business days following the hearing. The Executive Director's
decision is final.
PART III: PREQUALIFICATION EVALUATION MATRIX (CRITERIA)
Criteria PASS Requirements FAIL Conditions
Category
1. Licensure & Contractor holds a valid, active License or DIR registration is
DIR Registration CA License (Class A, C-61/D-49, inactive, suspended, or non-
or LTO) AND a valid California existent.
Department of Industrial Relations
(DIR) Public Works Registration
Number.
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2. Work Proposal demonstrates successful Fails to show 3 relevant projects
Experience execution of three (3) or more within 5 years; experience is non-
projects similar in scope and comparable or too old.
environmental sensitivity within
the past 5 years.
3. Client Receives a minimum of three (3) Receives one or more verified
References favorable references validating "unfavorable" responses (client
favorable project performance. states work was substandard or
would not rehire). Note: RCD will
make 3 attempts to reach
references; unreached lines will not
trigger automatic failure.
4. Safety & Contractor has zero (0) "Willful," Contractor has received one or
OSHA "Serious," or "Repeat" violations more "Willful," "Serious," or
Compliance or citations issued by Cal-OSHA "Repeat" Cal-OSHA citations
or federal OSHA within the past 5 within the past 5 years, or has a
years. history of unmitigated/unresolved
Note: Minor "General" or minor citations.
"Regulatory" violations (e.g.,
minor paperwork or posting
infractions) will not trigger an
automatic failure, provided the
contractor attaches proof of
abatement and compliance.
5. Regulatory & No unmitigated notices of Shows a pattern of environmental,
Environmental violation, complaints, or citations water board, or forestry law
Laws from Federal, State, or Local violations without reasonable
environmental or forestry agencies explanation.
within 5 years.
6. Financial Float Written confirmation of Fails to state operational or credit
Capacity organizational capacity to float capacity to sustain initial
initial mobilization and operational performance cash flow.
costs for the first 60 days of
execution.
7. Bonding Attaches a notarized Letter of Refuses or fails to provide
Capacity Bondability from a CA-admitted acceptable evidence of surety
surety showing single project bonding capacity.
capacity of $250,000 and
aggregate capacity of $1,000,000.
8. Insurance & Attaches a letter of commitment Refuses or fails to provide
Indemnity from an admitted CA broker/agent acceptable evidence of insurance
confirming ability to meet limits capacity.
specified in Part V.
9. CARB Off California Air Resources Board Failure to provide valid CARB
Road Diesel Fleet (CARB) Diesel Fleet Compliance: certification, or to otherwise certify
The Contractor certifies that all that it will be in compliance with
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Compliance self-propelled, off-road diesel- California's mandatory renewable
Certification fueled vehicles of 25 horsepower diesel (RD99/RD100) fuel
or greater utilized to execute the regulations, shall result in an
Scope of Work are or will be fully Unacceptable (Fail) rating.
registered and compliant with the
California Air Resources Board
(CARB) In-Use Off-Road Diesel-
Fueled Fleets Regulation. The
Contractor must attach a copy of
their current, valid CARB
Certificate of Reported
Compliance issued via the Diesel
Off-Road Online Reporting
System (DOORS). If
subcontractors are proposed, the
Contractor must also submit valid
Certificates of Reported
Compliance for each listed
subcontractor fleet.
PART IV: PREQUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE
Instructions: Answer all questions accurately. Do not leave blanks; enter "N/A" if a question
does not apply. Attach additional sheets as necessary. This form must be signed under penalty of
perjury.
A. Business Information & Structure
1. Company Name (DBA): ________________________________________________
2. Corporate Address: __________________________________________________
3. Years at Current Address: __________
4. Prior Addresses (Past 5 Years): ___________________________________________
5. Names of Owners/Officers (owning >15% of shares):
_________________________________
6. Core Labor Force Size (Permanent Personnel): __________
7. CA Contractor License Numbers & Classifications: _____________________________
8. Licensed Timber Operator (LTO) Number (if applicable): _________________________
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9. CA Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Public Works Registration No.:
_______________
B. Experience and Performance History
10. Mandatory References and Project Profiles: Provide details for three (3) distinct vegetation
management and/or tree removal projects conducted within the last five (5) years. At least
two (2) projects must involve work in environmentally sensitive areas or habitats with
special-status species.
Project 1 Name/Location: ______________________________________________
Dates & Acreage: _______________ / _______________
Contract Value: $_______________
Client Contact (Name, Phone, Email): ________________________________________
Scope of Services Provided: ______________________________________________
Project 2 Name/Location: ______________________________________________
Dates & Acreage: _______________ / _______________
Contract Value: $_______________
Client Contact (Name, Phone, Email): ________________________________________
Scope of Services Provided: ______________________________________________
Project 3 Name/Location: ______________________________________________
Dates & Acreage: _______________ / _______________
Contract Value: $_______________
Client Contact (Name, Phone, Email): ________________________________________
Scope of Services Provided: ______________________________________________
11. Do field staff and operators possess verifiable experience implementing Best Management
Practices (BMPs) to protect soil, wildlife, and water resources?
[ ] YES [ ] NO
12. Has the contractor or its owners been awarded public or government agency contracts within
the last 3 years?
[ ] YES [ ] NO
If yes, list agencies and contract dates: ________________________________________
C. Compliance, Safety, and Capacity
13. In the last 5 years, has the contractor, its officers, or its licensed managers received a citation,
fine, or notice of violation from Cal-OSHA, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
the Regional Water Quality Control Board, or CAL FIRE?
[ ] YES [ ] NO
If yes, attach an explanation detailing the nature, outcome, and mitigation of the event.
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14. Safety Program: Attach a brief description of the company's safety program, injury illness
prevention program (IIPP), and record retention policy.
15. Equipment Fleet Inventory: List the heavy machinery, masticators, chippers, and vehicles
owned or leased directly available for execution of these services:
_______________________________________________________________________
16. Financial Float Certification: Does the contractor certify possessing the requisite capital
reserves or lines of credit to float operational/mobilization expenses for the initial 60 days of
a project pending standard public agency disbursement?
[ ] YES [ ] NO
17. Surety Bonding Certification: Attach a notarized statement ("Letter of Bondability") from
an admitted CA surety insurer validating your firm's capability to secure individual statutory
payment and performance bonds up to $250,000, and aggregate bonding up to $1,000,000.
D. Declaration
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that all answers,
statements, and document attachments provided herein are true, complete and correct.
Executed on this: _________ day of _______________, 2026, at _______________, CA.
Signature of Principal Officer: __________________________________________
Printed Name/Title: ___________________________________________________
PART V: MINIMUM INSURANCE AND BONDING REQUIREMENTS
Without limiting the contractor's obligations to indemnify the RCDSCC, the qualified
contractors shall maintain, at their sole expense, for the duration of any awarded contract, the
following minimum bonding and insurance requirements:
A. Statutory Performance and Payment Bonds
Subsequent project contracts arising under this prequalified pool will represent public works
subject to California law.
Payment Bonds: In accordance with California Public Contract Code 9550, for any
contract award exceeding $25,000, the contractor shall, prior to executing the work, file a
payment bond issued by an admitted California surety in an amount equal to 100% of the
contract price to protect sub-tier suppliers, laborers, and subcontractors.
Performance Bonds: To protect public grant funds and ensure completion of critical fuel
reductions within environmental seasonal windows, a performance bond matching 100% of the
contract value will be mandated for projects utilizing mechanical infrastructure or exceeding
specified board thresholds.
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B. Minimum Insurance Coverages
Without limiting the contractor's obligations to indemnify the RCDSCC, the qualified
contractors shall maintain, at their sole expense, for the duration of any awarded contract, the
following minimum policies:
Commercial General Liability (CGL): Insurance Services Office (ISO) Form CG 00 01.
$1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.
$2,000,000 general aggregate limit. These minimum requirements are subject to change based on
project specific requirements. Project specific requirements will be disclosed in bid solicitation.
Must include premises, operations, products/completed operations, contractual liability, and
independent contractors coverage.
Automobile Liability: ISO Form CA 00 01 covering all owned, non-owned, and hired autos.
$1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
Workers' Compensation & Employer's Liability: As required by the State of California.
$1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.
Mandatory Endorsement Language:
Additional Insured: The RCDSCC, its officers, agents, employees, volunteers, and funding
agencies, landowners must be explicitly endorsed as additional insureds via an endorsement at
least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10.
Primary Coverage: Contractor's policy shall act as primary insurance, and any insurance carried
by the RCDSCC shall be excess and non-contributory.
Waiver of Subrogation: All policies must contain a standard waiver of subrogation rights against
the RCDSCC.
Cancellation Notice: 30 days' advance written notice via certified mail must be given prior to any
policy cancellation.
C. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions
Any deductible or self-insured retention must be declared to and approved by the RCDSCC. At
the option of the RCDSCC, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-
insured retentions as respects the RCDSCC, agents, employees and volunteers of the RCDSCC;
or the Contractor shall provide a financial guarantee satisfactory to the RCDSCC guaranteeing
payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses.
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PART VI. ANNUAL CERTIFICATION PROCESS
A contractor prequalification rating is valid for a period of one calendar year from the date of
initial prequalification. This Annual Prequalification Renewal Affidavit must be completed,
signed under penalty of perjury, and submitted to the Resource Conservation District of Santa
Cruz County by any contractor seeking to maintain active eligibility on the Sensitive Habitat
Vegetation Management project roster (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030) established under the
original application process. NOTICE: Failure to submit the completed certification prior to
July 1, 2027 and annually thereafter will result in the expiration of the contractor's
prequalified status.
ANNUAL PREQUALIFICATION RENEWAL AFFIDAVIT
The undersigned contractor hereby certifies and declares that there have been no material
changes to the organizational structure, ownership, licensing status, or financial condition of the
contractor since the date of the initial prequalification submittal, except as fully disclosed in
writing and attached hereto. The contractor further certifies that it maintains a valid, active, and
current contractor license issued by the California Contractors State License Board and a valid
public works contractor registration with the California Department of Industrial Relations, both
of which remain in good standing without any active suspensions, disciplinary actions, or
pending administrative proceedings.
The contractor further certifies that its safety record and regulatory compliance status have not
materially deteriorated. Specifically, the contractor has not received any willful, serious, or
repeat citations from California OSHA or federal OSHA, nor has the contractor received any
unmitigated notices of violation, complaints, or citations from any federal, state, or local
environmental, forestry, or water resource protection agencies within the past twelve months.
The contractor continues to maintain full operational compliance with the California Air
Resources Board In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation and possesses a valid
Certificate of Reported Compliance for its current fleet.
The contractor further certifies that its financial float capacity and bonding capacity remain
sufficient to satisfy the minimum baselines established in the initial prequalification criteria. The
contractor maintains the organizational and financial capacity to float initial mobilization and
operational costs for the first sixty days of project execution. Additionally, the contractor
attaches hereto an updated, letter of bondability from a California-admitted surety confirming a
single project bonding capacity of at least $250,000 dollars and an aggregate bonding capacity of
at least $1,000,000 dollars, alongside updated certificates of insurance demonstrating compliance
with the liability limits and endorsement requirements of the District.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that all answers,
statements, and document attachments provided in this renewal affidavit are true, complete, and
correct. Executed on this ______ day of ____________, 20____, at ____________________,
California.
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