Ecological Restoration Services

The Riverside County Regional Park & Open-Space District is seeking a qualified contractor to deliver comprehensive ecological restoration services across the Santa Ana River, Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, and Santa Ana River East of Van Buren over a five-year term, with the potential to extend through March 15, 2031 through annual renewals. The contract requires a phased approach beginning with the aggressive mechanical and chemical removal of invasive species including Arundo donax, Tamarix spp, castor bean, tree tobacco, perennial pepperweed, poison hemlock, and Bassia during Year 1, followed by sustained maintenance and treatment of recurring invasives through Years 2–5. Concurrently, active ecological restoration must be implemented, including the establishment of a native plant materials program using locally sourced genetic material, collection and propagation of riparian species through pole cuttings and seed gathering in the project area, container nursery maintenance under sanitary conditions to prevent disease transmission, and installation of container-grown native plants with ongoing seasonal maintenance. All activities must comply with CDFW 1602 permitting, OSHA standards, Best Management Practices to protect native species, and state labor laws including prevailing wage requirements. Biological monitoring, particularly during nesting bird seasons, and adherence to all regulatory mandates are mandatory, with progress and annual reports submitted to the District. Work is restricted to September 1 through March 15 for vegetation cutting, while herbicide applications may occur year-round, and operations are limited to weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The contract total is capped at $975,000, with bidders required to submit detailed, all-inclusive cost proposals broken down by year and service type, including invasive species treatment, restoration installation, native plant propagation, monitoring, labor, engineering, and equipment. Proposals must include evidence of financial stability, legal standing in California, relevant experience, and compliance with socioeconomic preferences for veterans, small businesses, and local entities, along with required affidavits and SAM.gov clearance. Insurance coverage of at least $2 million per occurrence with the District named as additional insured is mandatory, along with workers' compensation and subcontractor flow-down obligations. All submissions must be uploaded to Public Purchase by July 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. PST, with cost proposals and financial statements submitted separately. The District retains the right to terminate with 30 days’ notice for convenience or five days’ notice for default, and acceptance of services