Buck Gully Reserve Hazardous Fuel Thinning And Reduction Project

The Buck Gully Reserve Hazardous Fuel Thinning and Reduction Project, solicitation number 9990-2, is a public works initiative by the City of Newport Beach funded by CAL FIRE Grant 5GG23212. The project aims to transform a non-compliant hazard reduction zone into a compliant one by creating a 100-foot wide, 1.2-mile long fuel break covering 14.69 acres. The scope of work includes thinning native vegetation, removing non-native and invasive species such as Brazilian Pepper and Acacia, and performing canopy reduction and limbing to meet Newport Beach Fire Guideline G.01. To maintain soil stability and prevent erosion, all activities must be conducted on-foot, with vegetation cut above ground rather than completely removed. The project is subject to meticulous oversight by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, a CEQA consultant, and the City’s Deputy Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with environmental laws and a Class 4 Categorical Exemption. The contract is awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder holding a C-27 contractor license. Bids must be submitted electronically via PlanetBids by October 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with an original sealed bidder's bond of 10 percent submitted to the City Clerk. The project has a bid estimate of 261,000 dollars, while the overall grant funding is not to exceed 449,763.69 dollars, with a performance period extending through March 15, 2030. Contractors must comply with California Labor Code prevailing wage requirements and be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Administration is handled by the Public Works Department, and the contractor is required to designate a Project Manager to coordinate all phases of the work.