Mechanical Site Prep: Cherry West Item 1

The County of Tuolumne is soliciting proposals under RFP-2025-0153 for the Cherry West Project, which involves mechanical site preparation and fuels reduction on approximately 535.90 acres within the Stanislaus National Forest. This effort is conducted under a Master Stewardship Agreement with the USDA Forest Service on behalf of the Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions Collaborative to enhance forest and watershed health. Authorized activities include mastication, hand thinning, chopping, piling, and the creation of fuelbreaks. The initial contract term is two years, with the possibility of two three-month extensions. Priority units M014A and M014C must be completed between June and October 31, 2027, with at least 50 percent of all awarded acres finished by that date and all remaining work completed by October 31, 2028. Qualified proposers must have at least three years of experience in forested environments, hold a valid DIR registration number for prevailing wage compliance, and be licensed to practice in California. Award decisions are based on the most advantageous proposal considering price and other factors. Payment is contingent upon Forest Service acceptance, with full payment granted for work that is 95 percent or higher complete; work below this threshold may receive no payment or a reduced price. Contractors are required to submit a progress schedule, traffic control plan, and erosion control measures within 10 days of the Notice to Proceed. Additionally, the contract mandates strict adherence to fire safety plans, environmental protections for streamcourses, and detailed employment outcome reporting.