Project Manager - Defensible Space on Private Property

Tuolumne County has secured federal funding through the USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant to reduce wildfire risks in designated high-hazard Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) communities, specifically targeting residential properties in Cedar Ridge, Yankee Hill/Columbia, and Mi-Wuk Village. The project entails implementing defensible space treatments in accordance with California Public Resources Code 4291, affecting up to approximately 1,290 private parcels covering about 2,723 acres. To oversee this comprehensive wildfire risk reduction effort, the County is soliciting proposals for a dedicated Project Manager who will provide consistent on-the-ground leadership, coordinate assessments, direct contractors, ensure quality control, and maintain communication with property owners. Given the scope and geographic distribution, the County reserves the right to award multiple contracts to qualified proposers, dividing the workload as necessary to ensure efficient and timely project execution. The solicitation (RFP-2025-0105) requires proposers to demonstrate relevant experience managing wildfire mitigation or related field-based projects, strong communication skills, and availability to work on-site multiple days per week. Licensure to practice in California and possession of a valid driver’s license are mandatory. The project manager will be responsible for ensuring compliance with state defensible space regulations (PRC 4291), CEQA, and other regulatory requirements while delivering complete documentation and project closeout materials. Evaluation of proposals will be based on cost (40%), service delivery and methodology (33.3%), and qualifications and experience (26.7%), emphasizing a best-value trade-off rather than a lowest-price award. The contract term extends through August 31, 2027, with options for two six-month extensions. Insurance requirements include commercial general liability, automobile, workers’ compensation, and umbrella liability policies naming the County as additional insured, coupled with indemnification provisions safeguarding the County against contractor-related claims. Submissions must be electronic via the County’s procurement platform by March 16, 2026, and the County maintains strict conflict of interest and disclosure policies, including prohibition on contractors performing defensible space implementation work funded under this program. This contract reflects a critical step in Tuolumne County’s wildfire mitigation strategy, ensuring professional management of defensible space treatments tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable communities.