Slvwd Infrastructure Protection

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is seeking proposals under solicitation number 20260805002 for vegetation management services to protect critical infrastructure across its 2,300-acre landholdings in Scotts Valley, California, primarily within High and Very High Fire Risk Zones. The contract is structured as a Time and Material Not-to-Exceed arrangement, with no predetermined ceiling value, and work is anticipated to commence in late September 2026, potentially extending into the following year. The primary objective is to reduce wildfire hazards through mechanical clearing using mowers, chainsaws, and chippers, removal of ladder fuels, debris chipping to no more than three inches depth, erosion control, and protection of biological and cultural resources during operations limited to weekdays between 8 AM and 5 PM, excluding Red Flag Days and holidays. Proposers must demonstrate a robust understanding of fire safety protocols, species protection measures, and environmental compliance, particularly regarding avoidance of impacts to protected species like the California red-legged frog and woodrat nests, and immediate reporting of any discovered cultural resources. The evaluation process prioritizes proposed cost or fee at 55%, followed by project understanding and technical approach at 25%, and relevant experience, qualifications, and past performance at 20%. Cost proposals are scored using a formula based on the lowest received bid relative to the proposer’s submission, while technical factors are assessed narratively without predefined adjectival ratings. Award will be based on trade-off analysis, favoring best value rather than lowest price technically acceptable. Offerors must submit a Statement of Qualifications limited to fifteen pages in PDF format, including a cover letter, scope and technical approach, contractor identification, subcontractor disclosures if applicable, and cost estimates with detailed schedules. Required disclosures include bankruptcy history, prior contract defaults, and litigation within the past five years, along with full subcontractor identification. Environmental and operational requirements mandate adherence to CEQA exemptions, installation of erosion controls such as wattles and fiber rolls, immediate spill response, prohibition of open flames and pesticides, and maintenance of daily work logs with photographic documentation. Insurance requirements include general liability, workers’ compensation, and auto liability. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. local time on September 3, 2026, and must be submitted electronically via email to Janelle Vasquez-Nicholas. No formal FAR clauses, CLINs, or funding codes are included, indicating a locally administered procurement without federal acquisition structure