RFSQ - AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION

Location:	California
Posted:	Nov 21, 2025
Due:	Jan 12, 2026
Agency:	San Diego County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	F - Natural Resources and Conservation Services
Solicitation No:	BPM012895
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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ALLEN R HUNSBERGER

DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT OF PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING

5560 OVERLAND AVENUE, SUITE 270, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123-1204

Phone (858) 505-6367

Fax (858) 715-6452

BRENDA G. MILLER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ) 12895

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE

AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION

November 21, 2025

A. KEY INFORMATION

1. The County of San Diego is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from firms interested in providing As-Needed

Animal Grazing for Wildfire Fuel Reduction (“Offerors”).

1.1. Offerors found to be qualified as a result of this RFSQ (“Qualified”) will be placed on a standing list of Qualified

firms for an anticipated duration of five (5) years. Qualified firms on the standing list will be eligible to

participate in subsequent informal solicitations for the duration of the standing list. Participation in and

prequalification through this RFSQ is not required for firms who will not seek to be the prime provider, but

who may participate as a subcontractor in a prospective prime provider’s bid, SOQ, or quote.

2. The County has posted this solicitation on its official BuyNet website at https://sdbuynet.sandiegocounty.gov/. In order

to see all information related to this RFSQ, to submit Questions, and to receive notifications of updates, Offerors must

select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

3. The Contracting Officer for this solicitation is Vanessa Rios, Procurement Contracting Specialist

(vanessac.rios@sdcounty.ca.gov)

4. Schedule: This timeline is subject to change at any time, at the County’s sole discretion. The County will issue an

addendum for changes to the Pre-SOQ Conference date, Questions due date, or SOQ due date.

Event Description

Pre-SOQ’s Conference

Date and Time (San Diego Time)

December 3, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (Alpine Branch Library)

December 10, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (Valley Center Branch Library)

Questions due

SOQ’s due

SEE ATTACHED FLYER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS

December 22, 2025 prior to 5:00 p.m.

January 12, 2026 prior to 3:00 p.m.

5. Pre-SOQ Conference. The County will hold two (2) in-person pre-SOQ conferences on the Dates and Times listed in

the above Schedule. See attached flyer uploaded in BuyNet for the conference addresses and additional details. At

these conferences, the County will provide an overview of the RFSQ process and may provide a program/technical

overview and other information. Attendance at the pre-SOQ conference is encouraged but not mandatory.

6. Questions:

6.1. Offerors should submit all Questions, including requests for clarification related to definition or interpretation

of this RFSQ, in writing by the Date and Time specified in the Schedule. Questions should be submitted via

BuyNet, by sending a message to the Contracting Officer through the “Discussions” functionality.

6.2. Non-Offerors should direct inquiries regarding this solicitation to the Contracting Officer

7. Table of Contents:

A. Key Information

B. RFSQ Instructions and Rules

RFSQ # 12895

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ) 12895

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE

AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION

C. Evaluation Criteria

D. Submittal Items

E. Required Forms

F. Statement of Work

G. Draft Agreement

H. Payment Schedule - Reserved

I. Insurance Requirements

RFSQ # 12895

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ) 12895

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE

AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION

B. RFSQ INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES

1. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING A SOQ

1.1. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to submit a SOQ based on the most current RFSQ, addenda thereto,

responses to Questions, any other information posted on BuyNet; any diligence material made available

by the County. Offerors are advised to regularly check BuyNet for information. The County has no

obligation to contact Offerors directly with any such RFSQ-related information.

1.1.1. In order to see all information related to this RFSQ, to submit Questions, and to receive

notifications of updates, Offerors must select “Participate in RFx” for this solicitation in BuyNet.

1.2. Forms required to be submitted with Offerors response to this RFSQ are included in this RFSQ or posted

on the County’s web site at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/purchasing/purchasing-

forms.html.

1.2.1. Posted forms may be updated from time to time. Unless otherwise specified, offerors may submit

the version of a form in place as of the date of the posting of this RFSQ or any later version.

1.3. Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to obtain all necessary documents and forms, resolve any

technical difficulties obtaining or completing documents or forms, and, if necessary, obtain documents

and forms by an alternate method. If you are unable to download documents or forms, you may request a

hard copy or technical assistance from Purchasing and Contracting’s front desk or contact clerical support

at (858) 505-6367.

1.4. Offeror must submit a complete original SOQ in accordance with the format provided in this solicitation

to the County of San Diego, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, through electronic upload to

BuyNet before the Date and Time listed in Schedule.

1.4.1.

If Offeror is unable to submit via BuyNet for any reason, Offeror may submit by providing the

Purchasing and Contracting front desk with either (i) electronic files on CD/DVD or, (ii) a

printed SOQ. Offeror must prominently mark such submissions with the RFSQ number on the

outside of the packaging. Please use this method only if unable to submit through BuyNet.

1.4.2. When submitting via BuyNet, Offerors are advised to allow for sufficient time to submit by an

alternate method in the event of technical difficulties.

1.4.3. For SOQs submitted electronically through BuyNet, the time on the BuyNet server shall be

considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.4. For SOQs submitted at the Purchasing and Contracting front desk, the time stamp at the front

desk shall be considered the official time for the purpose of determining timely submittal.

1.4.5.

In the event of multiple submittals of an original SOQ by an Offeror, the County will only

consider the most recent submittal submitted before the due date and time. The County will not

review or consider previous submittals, whether submitted at the front desk or through BuyNet.

Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit only one original SOQ and to withdraw or replace

any previous submittals in the event they update their SOQ. SOQs may be found non-

conforming if the County is unable to determine which SOQ is the most recent, timely submittal.

1.5. A SOQ that is untimely or otherwise not submitted in conformance with 1.4 above will not be considered

for award unless: it is received before award is made; the County determines that it is in its best interest to

accept the SOQ; and

1.5.1. It is determined by the County that the late receipt was due solely to mishandling by the County,

1.5.2. No timely and conforming SOQ was submitted.

1.6. SOQs may not be modified after the due date, except for modifications resulting from the Contracting

Officer’s request for a revised SOQ, Best and Final Offer (BAFO), or an addendum to the SOQ.

RFSQ # 12895

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COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ) 12895

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE

AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION

1.7. SOQs may be withdrawn by written notice signed by a duly authorized representative of Offeror if received

prior to Notice of Intent to Award. After Notice of Intent to Award, all SOQs constitute firm offers, subject

to negotiation, that will remain open and cannot be revoked, withdrawn, or modified for a period of six (6)

months.

1.7.1. All SOQs become the property of the County upon submission. An Offeror may request the

return of its SOQ upon withdrawal, which return the County may grant or deny in its sole

discretion.

1.8. By submitting a SOQ, Offeror agrees to these RFSQ Instructions and Rules and all other terms of this

RFSQ.

2. QUESTIONS

2.1. Offerors shall direct requests for explanation regarding the RFSQ or related documents to the Contracting

Officer in writing as a question (“Question”). Submit Questions by sending a message to the Contracting

Officer through the “Discussions” functionality in BuyNet.

2.2. The County may choose not to respond to Questions received after the date and time stated Schedule.

Offeror is responsible for ensuring that Questions are received by the County.

3. SOQ FORMAT

3.1. Submit electronic SOQs as files in .pdf format, except where specified otherwise. For pages other than

signature pages, converted and searchable formats are preferred.

3.2. SOQs shall be formatted to print on 8-1/2” x 11” page size, with no less than ½” margins and eleven (11)

point font and to be suitable for black and white reproduction with no loss of information.

3.3. All SOQs shall be signed with a handwritten signature by an authorized officer or employee of the Offeror.

3.3.1. Electronic or digital signatures will not be accepted.

3.3.2. Pages requiring signatures must be scanned from an original handwritten signature. If Offerors

are unable to submit a .pdf with scanned signatures, Offerors may optionally submit clear

pictures of signature pages containing original handwritten signatures.

4. SOQ ORGANIZATION

4.1. Your SOQ must be organized in accordance with the Submittal Items in this RFSQ.

4.1.1. Content shall be organized to correspond to the applicable exhibit and question or item within

each exhibit.

4.1.2. Offerors shall separate each exhibit into one or more files, clearly named as to the exhibit and

order.

4.1.3. Pages shall be consecutively numbered within each exhibit at the bottom or top margin of each

page.

4.2. Confidential/Proprietary information:

4.2.1.

The County is a public agency subject to the California Public Records Act, Government Code §

7920.000, et seq. Some or all of the documents submitted in response to this RFSQ may be

subject to disclosure, and the County intends to publish any resulting contracts to its public

website.

4.2.2. It is Offeror's responsibility to identify and separate into a "CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY”

exhibit and to provide a signed Nondisclosure Indemnification Agreement for:

4.2.2.1. all confidential information that should be protected from disclosure, including PI

(Personal Information), PII (Personally Identifiable Information), or PHI (Protected

Health Information), and

RFSQ # 12895

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COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO – REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ) 12895

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE

AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION

4.2.2.2. any proprietary or other information Offeror determines is exempt from disclosure

under the California Public Records Act and wishes to protect from disclosure.

4.2.3. The “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit must be clearly labeled with all pages marked

as “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY”

4.2.4. Refence material in the “CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit where it is needed to

respond to a Submittal Item (for example “See response 1 contained within the

“CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY” exhibit” for staff Social Security numbers”).

4.2.5.

If the County determines that a submission improperly designates information as confidential or

proprietary, the County may, at its sole discretion: (i) deem the information releasable; (ii)

declare the submission non-conforming/non-responsive; (iii) remove such information, or (iv)

take any other appropriate action. (Note: pricing and terms and conditions are generally not

considered confidential under the California Public Records Act).

5. SOQ EVALUATION

5.1. Evaluations shall be based on the criteria contained in the Evaluation Criteria and Submittal Items to

determine the SOQs(s) that provide the best value to the County.

5.2. The County shall have the discretion, but not the obligation, to construe any submission as non-conforming

and ineligible for consideration if it does not conform to the requirements of this Request for SOQs. The

County shall also have the discretion to waive any irregularities or deviations from the requirements of

this Request for SOQs in any submission.

5.3. Reserved.

5.4. Reserved.

5.5. During evaluation, County may appropriately consider the sustainability and social, human health,

environmental, and economic impact of Offeror’s proposed products and approach to providing goods and

services, in accordance with Board Policy B-67. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to include relevant

information in their SOQs.

5.6. During evaluation, the County may appropriately evaluate the cultural competency of Offeror and

Offeror’s proposed approach to providing goods and services. Therefore, Offerors are encouraged to

include relevant information in their SOQs.

5.7. Reserved.

5.8. In evaluating an Offeror’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFSQ and any resulting contract, the

County may also consider any parent, subsidiary, or related legal entity of Offeror, including, without

limitation, a legal entity that Offeror acquired or merged with or will use as a guarantor in providing

services to the County.

5.9. When evaluating Offeror’s SOQ, County will appropriately consider the proposed purchase, acquisition,

or use of goods, products, and materials produced in the United States in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.322.

Offeror should include information relevant under section 200.322 in its SOQ in order to be considered

for such preference during evaluation.

6. EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

6.1. SOQs received, including any additions, revisions, and clarifications, will be evaluated by a Qualifications

Evaluation Committee (QEC) appointed by a Source Selection Authority(s) (SSA). The County may

evaluate information known to the County, in addition to the information provided in response to the

RFSQ.

6.2. The County reserves the right to request clarification and/or additional information (“Clarification”) from

Offerors. The Contracting Officer will determine the appropriate means of requesting and obtaining

Clarification, which may include telephonic communication, email, letter, presentation, oral interview, or

an addendum or revision to the SOQ. The County may invite Offerors to make presentations to, or

participate in interviews with, the County at a date, time, and location determined by the County.

RFSQ # 12895

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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

RFx Name:	BPM012895
RFx Begin Date (UTC+0):	RFSQ - AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION
RFx End Date (UTC+0):	1
Commodities:	1
RFx Status:	Forestry
Solicitation Code:	11/21/2025 9:45:00 AM
Lot #:	1/12/2026 3:00:00 PM
Round #:	51 d 06 h 42 min 35 s

RFSQ - AS-NEEDED ANIMAL GRAZING FOR WILDFIRE FUEL REDUCTION

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See also