REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVANCY (RFQ )

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVANCY (RFQ ) I. INTRODUCTION The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy ( Parks Conservancy ) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications ( SOQ or submittal ) from one or more qualified individuals or firms to perform vegetation management services and related support for natural resource and/or construction projects on Golden Gate National Recreational Area ( GGNRA ) lands in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties. Work may also take place on Marin County lands held by other entities and managed in partnership with the Parks Conservancy. Services will be performed on an as-needed basis, as directed by a Parks Conservancy Manager. Through this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, the Parks Conservancy plans to select a group of companies or individuals demonstrating successful performance, specialized expertise, and strong capabilities in the areas described in Sections II.C-II.D of this RFQ for solicitation of future proposals and Work Orders. The projects will be performed on parklands that are used extensively by the public for recreation. These sites often support sensitive natural resources, and may contain designated National Historic Landmarks or other cultural resources. Project goals will include protection of sensitive natural resources, especially waterways and drainages, preservation and restoration of habitat for sensitive plant and animal species; and ensuring the safety of the public. The projects may require the involvement of the National Park Service ( NPS ), the Presidio Trust (PT), other public agencies, stakeholder organizations and the public. NOTICE: This Request for Qualifications ( RFQ ) has established a preference for participation by Small and Disadvantaged Business concerns qualified under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR 121 for NAICS Code or ($15,000,000). Disadvantaged and Small Business Concerns includes Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns, and Minority or Women Business Enterprises certified by the Unified Certification Program, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), the State of California, or the City and County of San Francisco Human Rights Commission. Applicants who meet to goal of at least 10% participation by Small Business Concerns will be given a 5 percent (5 point) scoring advantage during the submittal evaluation process. Businesses that do not meet the 10% preferential disadvantaged and Small Business participation goal will still be considered, but will not be awarded the 5% (5 point) scoring advantage. NOTE: For purposes of this RFQ, the term consultant, contractor, company or firm may mean company, firm, team, joint venture, or individual. Submittals will be evaluated based upon the criteria set forth in this RFQ. The Parks Conservancy anticipates awarding one or more indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts with a three-year base term, with an option to extend for additional option years. Subsequent Contract Work Orders will be awarded to authorize work and obligate funds as needed on a project-specific basis. II. BACKGROUND A. The Parks Conservancy Page 1

2 The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Parks Conservancy) will be the contracting entity. The Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization created to: Preserve the Golden Gate National Parks. Enhance the experiences of park visitors. Build a community dedicated to conserving the parks for the future. Established in 1981, the Parks Conservancy is a cooperating association authorized by Congress to support and assist the National Park Service in research, interpretation and conservation programs. In 2014, the Tamalpais Lands Collaborative (TLC) was established to connect all the public agencies who own land on Mount Tamalpais, in Marin County. These agencies, joined by the Parks Conservancy, have committed to managing their local lands cooperatively. Through this partnership, the Parks Conservancy also supports California State Parks, Marin County Parks, and Marin Municipal Water District. The Park Conservancy's work is undertaken with generous contributions from individual, corporate, and foundation donors, as well as income earned from operating park bookstores, merchandise and retail, publishing educational materials and providing interpretive tours. Since its inception in 1981, the Parks Conservancy has provided the National Park Service with over $250 million in aid and is recognized as one of the largest, most effective park partners in the country. B. Setting The GGNRA is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. Established in 1972, GGNRA s 82,791 acres of land and water extend north of the Golden Gate Bridge to Tomales Bay in Marin County and south to San Mateo County, encompassing 91 miles of bay and ocean shoreline. These lands are a part of the UNESCO Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve and represent one of the nation s largest coastal preserves. They attract 19 million visitors each year, making GGNRA one of the National Park Service s most highly visited units. Golden Gate National Recreation Area is also rich in natural resources it is comprised of 19 separate ecosystems in 7 distinct watersheds and is home to 3,947 plant and animal species. With 80 sensitive, rare, threatened, or endangered species including the Northern Spotted Owl, California Red-legged Frog, and Coho Salmon the park has the fourth largest number (37) of federally protected or endangered species of all units in the National Park System. Mount Tamalpais, the highest peak in Marin County at over 2,500 feet, is an icon of the San Francisco Bay Area. The Tamalpais Lands Collaborative area of focus is comprised of 39,000 acres of publicly managed open space. Situated within an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot, the mountain s complex terrain, unique geology, and location between the sea and inland areas create a remarkably diverse array of microclimates and habitats. This varied landscape hosts incredible native species diversity, including over 250 animal and 1,000 plant species. Of these, over 50 animals and 40 plants are considered threatened, endangered, sensitive, or rare, some of which are endemic to the mountain itself. This RFQ covers potential work throughout the GGNRA and neighboring publicly held lands in the TLC including, but not limited to (see Figure 1): Page 2

3 Marin County: Marin Headlands, Tennessee Valley, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Mount Tamalpais, Redwood Creek and Fort Baker; San Francisco County: the Presidio, Lands End, Ocean Beach and Fort Funston; San Mateo County: Mori Point, Sweeney Ridge, Milagra Ridge, Phleger Estate, and Rancho Corral de Tierra. III. SCOPE OF SERVICES A. Scope of Services The Scope of Services ( Scope ) may include any aspect of vegetation management required for park projects, restoration activities, and maintenance. The scope will include both consulting services and field work. Specific tasks include: Initial control and follow-up treatments of invasive plants using hand or mechanical removal methods, and/or herbicide application. Control may include: hand removal, cutting, cut-and-paint herbicide application, low-volume nozzle herbicide application, foliar painting with herbicide, power spray rig and/or ATV mounted spray system for herbicide application, hand raking or hoeing, using a weed wrench, chainsawing, brushcutting, scorching, and mowing. Actual removal methods will be determined on a project-by-project basis in consultation with the Project Manager. NOTE: Some invasive plants are located in hazardous areas such as sheer cliff faces, inaccessible hike-in sites, areas without access to water or toilet facilities, and sites with poison oak and other hazards that may require special methods or safety practices. Treating, transporting, and disposing of green waste. Actual treatment and disposal methods will be determined on a project-by-project basis in consultation with the Project Manager. Treatments may include tarping and solarizing in designated on- or off-site locations, chipping or slashing, selectively separating and treating, or transporting and disposing off-site at an appropriate green waste facility. Planting native plants and direct seeding with native seeds as a part of restoration or capital improvement projects. In addition to basic planting and direct seeding tasks, contractor s duties may include gathering plants and seeds from Parks Conservancy nurseries, organizing and laying plants out on site, tracking progress, and returning empty pots to nurseries. The addition of soil amendments or fertilizer may be required for site preparation in some cases. Planting may take place in compacted, postconstruction soil conditions, in native soils, in planter beds, or in other conditions. Planting may be required at any park site. Installation of erosion control materials including rice straw, fiber rolls, erosion control blankets, hydromulch, or other materials. Erosion control actions will only be undertaken with materials approved for use in park-specific guidelines and in consultation with the Project Manager. Fence installation and maintenance. Fence types may include plastic construction fence with t-posts, post-and-cable fence with or without metal mesh, dimensional lumber, speed rail, split rail, or other types as approved by Project Manager. Page 3

4 Gathering and sharing geospatial data using GPS, in a format suitable for inclusion in GIS or online mapping programs used by the Parks Conservancy. This may include preparation of work logs, monthly status reports, analysis of effectiveness of invasive plant treatments, or similar monitoring activities. Mapping may be a stand-alone work order, or may be a component of the scope of work for a larger project. Preparing budgetary and performance evaluations such as daily work logs, invoices, photodocumentation, treatment success assessments, percent work completed reports, quarterly progress reports, and annual reports. Managing all aspects of project activities including quality control of work products, budgeting, and employee and subcontractor performance. Cooperating with Parks Conservancy staff, interns, designated representatives, and volunteers. Volunteer participation determined on a project-by-project basis. The Parks Conservancy reserves the right in its sole discretion to add, expand, modify, or remove elements from this Scope. Any such elements may be performed by the Parks Conservancy or by other Parks Conservancy consultants or contractors. C. Minimum Qualifications of Bidders The Parks Conservancy has established the following minimum qualifications for the vegetation management services contract: Strong plant identification skills for native and non-native California species. Demonstrated ability to successfully perform work in environmentally sensitive areas, including endangered species habitats. Proficiency in using and access to manual and power tools commonly used for vegetation management. Proficiency in using and access to herbicide equipment, and the willingness and ability to abide by park-specific herbicide-related rules and regulations as well as applicable local, county, state and federal rules and regulations. Ability to thoroughly scope projects and provide accurate cost estimates. Willingness to work in a collaborative manner with NPS, Presidio Trust, Parks Conservancy, and other park partners. Willingness to abide by park rules enacted to prevent the spread of weeds and pathogens, including required boot, equipment, and tool cleaning procedures. Ability to work in areas with varying access considerations, ranging from far off trail to areas with easy public access such as around parking lots or on road cuts; sometimes on steep slopes, in thick vegetation, and with exposure to poison oak, ticks, and other hazards. Page 4

5 Access to your own work vehicles. Ability to safely drive four-wheel drive vehicles on fire roads of varying condition. Ability to write and implement site-specific safety plans. Ability to write and implement traffic safety plans. Ability to work respectfully with and for people of all backgrounds and ages. Sensitivity to public perceptions and interactions. Ability to collect and report geospatial data using GPS/GIS, online tools, and paper maps. Ability to keep accurate records using Parks Conservancy-specific record keeping protocols. Professional, efficient, and clear written and verbal communication. Timely administrative support, scheduling, and invoicing. Appropriate licensing and insurance (described in more detail below) for the types of work described herein. If planning to use sub-consultants, demonstrated ability to successfully facilitate and coordinate sub- consultants in a timely manner. D. Specialty Services In addition to the Minimum Qualifications listed above, the successful Candidate should also have some or all of the following specialty services expertise: Ability to consult on management strategies for invasive species removal and native plant establishment. Ability to consult on herbicide use. Experience designing and installing erosion control treatments following the control of invasive plants. Treatments may include but are not limited to the installation of rice straw, fiber rolls, and environmentally appropriate mulches. Experience successfully planting and direct seeding native plants in steep coastal habitats without irrigation. Experience maintaining planted sites, including watering, weeding, and mulching, etc. Experience installing various types of irrigation systems. Experience rappelling on cliffs and other hazardous sites to perform herbicide application or manual removal (Must meet OSHA standards for this Use of Rope Access Equipment, as outlined in Section This information can be found online at Candidate must provide evidence of successful completion of the ropes safety training courses or equivalent to perform this specialty work. Page 5

6 Proficiency in using and access to specialty equipment such as augers, power carriers, small and mid-sized heavy equipment, or specialty herbicide applicator equipment. Proficiency in and access to weed flamers/weed torches, with thoughtful consideration to appropriate use and fire safety. Proficiency in nautical principles and access to a boat, in order to provide safer access for surveys and treatments at coastal parklands and those with freshwater reservoirs. Proficiency in and access to drone(s), in order to provide safer and more efficient access for surveys of wildland weeds. Remote Pilot Certification for pilot and registration for drone. E. Environmental Sensitivity and Sustainable Work Practices The Parks Conservancy, together with its project partners, encourages the use of sustainable work materials and practices. This RFQ is actively seeking project partners who have demonstrated ability to perform work that is in line with these objectives. The Parks Conservancy actively encourages the development of thoughtful project designs and management practices that minimize project disturbance footprints and result in the least amount of damage or disruption to natural communities, historic and cultural resources, and plant and wildlife species. The Parks Conservancy encourages designing and implementing each project so that it will cause the least disruption to visitor enjoyment of the area. Demonstrated ability to successfully perform work in environmentally sensitive areas, including endangered species habitats, wetlands, and sensitive resource areas. Demonstrated ability to complete work on public lands, including National Park Service lands or other similar public lands settings. Ability to work within and follow resource-related best management practices (e.g. bird nesting season restrictions, fire safety restrictions, etc.). Ability to ensure visitor safety and complete projects in a professional manner that is sensitive to visitors and the visitor experience. Demonstrated commitment to utilizing sound restoration and invasive plant control methods and materials that are consistent with quality management and maintenance standards. Demonstrated commitment to utilizing recycled and/or sustainable materials (whenever feasible) and to developing environmentally responsible, energy efficient, and low-maintenance projects wherever possible. Proven ability to problem-solve and develop innovative solutions. IV. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS A. Submittal Format The submittal should be prepared simply and economically to provide a straightforward, concise Page 6

7 description of the company s expertise and capability to perform the required services. Please make every effort to limit the submittal to 50 pages, including all attachments. The submittal must include a letter of transmittal indicating a single point of contact, mailing address, telephone number, and address. B. Submittal Content Submittals must directly address the evaluation criteria specified below in this RFQ. Submittals shall follow the content outline provided below, using the same numbering and titles. If such information is not provided, your submittal may be determined non-responsive and not evaluated further. 0. Cover Letter 1. Firm Qualifications Provide general information regarding your company s history, organizational structure, size, primary expertise, website address (if any), and any other pertinent information. 2. Specialized Experience on Relevant Projects (with References) Describe your company s relevant and specialized experience on current and past projects that exemplify superior performance of the types of services described above, and that were completed by the proposed Key Personnel (see Key Personnel, below), by describing three to six projects that your team has completed. For each project: a) State the name of the project, its location, start and end dates, and a brief description of the nature and scope of the services provided. Include the contract value amount. Describe the roles of Key Personnel listed below. b) Give a synopsis of the tools and techniques used in the project. Describe challenges faced during the project, and how they were addressed. c) Describe the technical expertise that your company brought to the project, including addressing sensitive natural and cultural resources, endangered species habitat, sensitive receiving water bodies, or contamination issues. Include experience working in national parks, state parks and other natural areas and how you created and maintained a cooperative working relationship with federal, state, or local agencies and regulators. d) Address compliance with performance schedules and cost control. Briefly describe internal quality assurance/quality control and cost control procedures. e) As part of your response to this item, complete and return Attachment 2, Project History with References. Include contact names and phone numbers. The Parks Conservancy reserves the right to contact the references provided to verify the accuracy of reported project histories. 3. Key Personnel Provide a list of your key personnel, including: a) Resumés or certifications that demonstrate the superior performance of the Key Personnel in roles similar to those proposed for this work. b) Proposed roles of Key Personnel on Parks Conservancy projects, and organizational structure. Page 7

8 c) A schedule of hourly rates, which indicates your annual escalation rate. d) A description of your company s current and projected workload commitments, including the availability of the project team members. 4. Project Management Describe how you would approach project management for projects performed under the resulting contract. Address the following: a) Communication with the Parks Conservancy Project Manager and Parks Conservancy staff. b) Communication with multiple agencies and consultants. c) Methods to control costs and avoid schedule delays. d) Special values or unique abilities or approaches the company believes will contribute to the completion of the work. e) If using sub-consultants, discuss how you manage a team. How will you communicate with subconsultants and ensure quality control? f) Describe your company s information technology systems, including GIS and GPS capabilities or web-based tools you use. 5. Additional Submittals In order for the company to be considered qualified, responsive and responsible, the submittal must include current copies of, or statements addressing, the items listed below. If this information is not provided, your submittal will be determined non-responsive and not evaluated further. a) Insurance i. Professional Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 total aggregate; ii. Commercial General Liability with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 total aggregate; iii. Business Automobile Liability with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000; and iv. Workers Compensation in accordance with State of California law, and Employers Liability with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 each accident. v. Pending Actions List of any pending administrative or judicial actions against your company (or any principals of the company), including debarment actions or violations, and current status or results thereof. vi. Qualifications Provide proof of current qualifications required for the types of work described herein. vii. Attachments Complete Attachments 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. NOTE: The minimum required limits may increase based on the liability of a given project. 6. Example Project This contract will cover a wide variety of vegetation management actions over the anticipated three-year Page 8

9 contracting period. The following Example Project is representative of some of the types of projects that may be undertaken during the use of this contract. Address the issues described. Please limit your response to no more than 5 or 6 pages. EXAMPLE PROJECT See Figure 2 for detailed map Project Title Project Location Project Date Sensitive Resources Present Grassland Restoration and Cape Ivy Control in Rodeo Valley Rodeo Valley, Marin County, near Sausalito, CA Initiate in Winter Follow-up as needed for 5 years to establish minimum 50% native cover in grassland area and eradicate Cape ivy. Mission blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides missionensis) and California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) There are (2) primary performance measures for this project: 1) To establish a grassland with a minimum 50% native cover after five years of management in an area that was previously dominated by invasive Cotoneaster species and exotic annual grasses. The area was recently scraped and covered with erosion control fabric. 2) To conduct initial removal on a patch of Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) located in an adjacent riparian willow (Salix sp.) complex and follow-up as needed to achieve eradication. Prospective contractors are directed to address the following in their approach to the grassland component of this project: a. Install 9,500 grass container plants (LT8 pot size 1.5 dia. x 5.5 deep) into coconut fabric erosion blanket. b. Follow-up strategy for weeding as needed. Herbicide use is allowed. c. Watering strategy as needed. d. Infill grass container plantings 4,000 plants (year 2) and 2,000 plants (year 3). e. Control strategy for working in and adjacent to Mission blue butterfly habitat. f. Strategy for accessing the site while maintaining safe pedestrian and emergency vehicle use of fire road/trail. Pedestrians may be accompanied by off-leash dogs. g. Issues and considerations that would be addressed as part of the control project. h. Performance measures and feasibility of meeting these measures. If measures are difficult to achieve please describe alternative measures and strategies to effectively establish this grassland. i. Provide a detailed cost estimate for this component. In addition, prospective contractors are directed to address the following in their approach to the Cape ivy eradication component of this project: a. Initial control of the Cape ivy patch. Page 9

10 b. Plan for installing erosion controls to ensure sediment does not freely flow into adjacent creek. c. Follow-up strategy for removing Cape Ivy resprouts as needed to achieve eradication within 5 years; herbicide use is not allowed. d. Follow-up strategy to ensure cleared area revegetates to a minimum of 50% native cover. e. Strategy for working in California red-legged frog habitat. f. Strategy for accessing the site while maintaining safe pedestrian and emergency vehicle use of fire road/trail. Pedestrians may be accompanied by off-leash dogs. g. Issues and considerations that would be addressed as part of the control project. h. Performance measures and feasibility of meeting these measures. If measures are difficult to achieve please describe alternative measures and strategies to effectively eradicate the Cape ivy from this riparian area. i. Provide a detailed cost estimate for this component. C. Submission of SOQs Submit a complete copy of your submittal no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2018, in PDF format to Kara Mirmelstein at kmirmelstein@parksconservancy.org. Submittals that are not received at the designated address by the specified deadline may not be considered. All submittals become the property of the Parks Conservancy. The Parks Conservancy will retain all responses to the RFQ for its official record. The Parks Conservancy will not furnish any pre-selection information concerning the status of submittals other than the acknowledgment that a submittal has been received. A list of all companies requesting the RFQ, or of companies responding to the RFQ, is available from Kara Mirmelstein upon request. 1. Limitation on Subcontracting By submitting a response to this RFQ and executing a contract with the Parks Conservancy, the respondent agrees that at least fifty percent (50%) of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended by employees of the responding company. 2. Procurement Protests The Parks Conservancy is not subject to federal government procurement protest laws and regulations. By participating in this procurement, the respondent agrees to abide by the procurement protest procedures promulgated by the Parks Conservancy. Protests based upon alleged improprieties in a Parks Conservancy - issued solicitation must be filed not later than seven (7) business days after the date of the Parks Conservancy s action or inaction that forms the basis of the protest. 3. Key Personnel Clause Parks Conservancy master contracts will contain this, or a similar, clause: The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Project Manager and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit evaluation by the Parks Conservancy of the impact on Page 10

11 performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Project Manager. The Parks Conservancy may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the Contractor, Parks Conservancy, or participating park partners. V. THE EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS A. Evaluation Criteria This is a Qualification and Experience based selection process. The Parks Conservancy s Evaluation Team will review and evaluate all submittals received by the deadline. The criteria that will be used in evaluating submittals are listed below (Reference the required information in Section IV, above.) a) Specialized Experience on Relevant Projects (25 points maximum) b) Past Performance (including references) (20 points maximum) c) Key Personnel (15 points maximum) d) Project Management (15 points maximum) e) Additional Submittals (required, not rated) f) Approach to Example Projects (Section IV.B.6) (20 points maximum) g) Participation by Small and Disadvantaged Businesses 10% or greater (SBE/DBE participation may result in a 5-point scoring advantage, but is not required) TOTAL MAXIMUM SCORE: 95 (without DBE participation) 100 (with DBE participation) See Attachment 1 for a sample evaluation worksheet that will be used to scope and rank proposals. B. Determination of Responsibility In addition to the evaluation process described above, the Parks Conservancy s Projects Department Finance Manager will make a determination regarding the company s responsibility to perform the resulting contract. In order to be determined responsible, a prospective consultant must: a) Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract or the ability to obtain them; b) Have a satisfactory performance record; c) Be properly licensed to perform the requested work; d) Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics; e) Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them; and f) Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations. This determination will be made through answers to Attachment 6, Determination of Responsibility. C. Selection of Consultant(s) The Parks Conservancy will issue Requests for Proposals (RFP) or solicit fee proposals for upcoming work and may select more than one consultant to perform vegetation management services. Page 11

12 D. Point of Contact Selecting one or more highly qualified consultant(s) is critical to the success of the Parks Conservancy s mission. On behalf of the entire Parks Conservancy project team, thank you for your time and effort in responding to this RFQ. Should you have any questions regarding the RFQ, please contact only: Kara Mirmelstein (415) kmirmelstein@parksconservancy.org Page 12