COUNTY OF TUOLUMNE County Administrator's Office - CA.gov
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COUNTY OF TUOLUMNE
County Administrator’s Office
Issued: February 26, 2021
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Contractor to provide Timber/Biomass Removal
and Road Reconstruction for the Granite
Plantation Thinning (“Granite Thin”) Project
Deadline for Submission of Proposals:
April 30, 2021 at 4:00pm
For an electronic version of this RFP, go to:
http://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov
(Click on “Bids, RFPs & RFQs”)Granite Thin
Request for Proposals (RFP)
SECTION ONE: ACTIVITIES AND TIMELINES
ACTIVITY DATE
• Release of published RFP 02/26/2021
• Mandatory Project Tour 04/15/2021 9:00 AM
• Deadline for receiving all questions 04/20/2021
• Deadline for RFP responses to be received by County 04/30/2021 4:00 PM
• Review Committee evaluates and ranks proposals 05/03-07/2021
• Notice of contract award (Tentative) 05/10/2021
• Deadline for protests/appeals (Tentative) 05/21/2021
• Project Completion Date 02/01/2023
SECTION TWO: GENERAL RFP SUMMARY
The County is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to conduct mechanical thinning
and biomass removal, as well as associated Stewardship Items as authorized in the Master
Stewardship Agreement the County has with the USDA, Forest Service, Stanislaus National
Forest.
California law and federal law provide specific employment restrictions for retirees and/or
current County employees that desire to contract with the County.
For CalPERS retirees: if the work you will perform as a contractor is the same or similar to
work you performed as an active employee or is work that is performed by active employees,
it is most likely subject to the PERS retired annuitant restrictions, meaning the employment
is disallowed and the County will not be able to enter into a contract with you.
For current County employees: California and federal law prohibit a current employee from
contracting with its employer while being an active employee. If an employee is interested in
becoming an independent contractor, the employee must consider separation from
employment with the County, however, should the employee retire, he/she may be subject to the
CalPERS retired annuitant laws. Should a current County employee respond to a RFP while
in active employment status, the employee must separate from employment prior to award of
the contract.
No County time is allowed to be used to prepare for or work on a response to a County RFP
SECTION THREE: PROGRAM BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
In December 2017, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors approved a Master
Stewardship Agreement with the USDA, Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest, giving the
County authority over the next 10 years to work with the Forest Service to conduct landscape
restoration activities on the Stanislaus National Forest within the boundaries of Tuolumne
County. The Supplemental Project Agreements developed under the Master Stewardship
Agreement are for the purpose of protecting, enhancing and restoring forest and watershed
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Request for Proposals (RFP)
health and brining economic opportunities to the local area.
Tuolumne County is using the collaborative group Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions (YSS) and its
sub-partners inside YSS to assist with SPA development. Tuolumne River Trust has been sub-
contracted by the County for program administration and project management. Tuolumne River
Trust will supervise Contractors and oversee the work being done on this project.
SECTION FOUR: SCOPE OF SERVICES
It is the intent of these specifications, terms, and conditions to describe the services Tuolumne
County is seeking. The County intends to award a contract to the Proposer(s) who best meets
the County’s requirements.
This project lies entirely in Stanislaus National Forest Lands within the County of Tuolumne.
The County is implementing this project under a Supplemental Project Agreement (“SPA”)
pursuant to Stewardship Agreement #18-SA-11051600-019 between the County (“Partner’)
and the Forest Service.
The Granite Thin project consists of approximately 1,556 acres of timber removal and road
maintenance to facilitate hauling. This is a project conducted between Tuolumne County and
the U.S. Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest. The winning proposer will be working on
behalf of Tuolumne County. This RFP is for mechanical thinning and fuels reduction work on
those 1,556 acres of forest and 13 miles of road, including thinning of an estimated 34,102 tons
of combined softwood sawtimber, 10,461 tons of combined softwood non-sawtimber, and 13
miles of road maintenance to facilitate hauling. Specifications and different treatment actions
are detailed below. See map in Attachment 1 for specific location information. It is the
County’s intent to have all work completed by February 1, 2023.
In addition, the proposer is required to participate in a mandatory field tour of this project prior
to submitting a proposal to the county.
The mandatory field tour will be held 9:00 a.m. tentatively on April 15, 2021. Contractors
will meet county representatives at Groveland Ranger Station (24545 CA-120, Groveland,
CA 95321).
Please direct any and all questions regarding project requirements to:
Liz Peterson: 209-533-6396 or email EPeterson@co.tuolumne.ca.us
OR
Byron Krempl: byron@tuolumne.org
If there is any inclement weather that does not allow for this bid walk to occur on the stated date,
an addendum with a rescheduled date will be posted to the County website.
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Timber Removal Specifications
Location Area
This Stewardship Acres more or less are
Project Area of:
1,556 Acres
located in:
T2N, R18E, Sec. 13,18,19,21,22,24,25,30,31,35 and 36
Volume Estimate and Utilization Standards
Minimum Specifications
Merchantable Tree Piece Required to be Removed
Estimated Unit of Diameter Number Diameter Net
Species Product
Quantity Measure Breast of Inside Merch.
Length
High Minimum Bark at Factor
(feet)
(d.b.h.) Pieces Small End 1/
(inches) per Tree (inches)
Combined Sawtimber 34,102 Ton 10 1 10 6 12
Softwood
Combined Non-Saw 10,461 Ton 4.0 1 6.0 N/A 16
Softwoods
Total Quantity 44,563 Tons
1/ Enter Merchantability Factor (Merch. Factor) or Net Scale in % of Gross Scale, whichever is appropriate.
High Stumps
Species Product Maximum Stump Height
(inches)
ALL ALL 1/3 stump diameter not to exceed 12
inches
Stewardship Service Bid Items
Unit or Road Project Description Unit of Measure Estimated
Number Quantity
ALL Hauling of Forest Tons 44,563
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Products
ALL Haul Route Road Miles 13.32
Maintenance
Minimum Timber Rates (Scaled)
Species Product Est. Unit of Minimum
Quantity Measure Rate of
Payment
$/UOM
Combined Softwood Sawtimber 34,102 Ton $1.45
Combined Softwood Biomass 10,461 Ton $0.10
Total Quantity 44,563 Tons
a-Timber Designations
Timber designated for cutting shall be confined to the Stewardship Project Area. Undesignated timber
shall not be cut without prior notification and approval of the Forest Service.
a.1-Cutting Unit Boundary Designation
The boundaries of cutting units are designated as shown in the following table.
Cutting Unit Boundary Boundary Designation
Paint Color
Cutting unit boundaries (except along roads) are designated with two large dots
ALL Orange above DBH facing into the unit, vertical lines at DBH facing the direction of the
boundary line, and two stump marks at ground level. Painted boundary trees
are not designated for cutting.
a.2-Tree Designation/Prescriptions
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Cutting Unit Paint Color Designation
Roadside Hazard Tree – Notwithstanding all dead and unstable live
Project Area Blue trees which are leaning towards a road or are otherwise hazardous to a
“H” road, and are sufficiently tall to reach TUOLUMNE COUNTY’s
landings or the roadbed of National Forest System roads within the
Stewardship Project Area, shall be felled by Contractor when Marked
in the specified paint color above and below stump height by Forest
Service in advance of felling any other timber in the vicinity. Pieces
meeting Utilization Standards from such dead and unstable live trees
shall be removed unless TUOLUMNE COUNTY is notified in writing
that removal would cause unacceptable damage to areas requiring
special protection such as residual timber, roads, administrative sites,
streamside management zones, and areas identified on Stewardship
Project Area Map or on the ground.
ALL NA Designation by Prescription
Project Area Black Marked Out Trees. When it is necessary to delete previously marked
trees, black tracer paint will be used to Mark over original mark, but
will not obscure the original marking. Trees Marked with the original
marking paint color and black tracer paint are not Included Timber.
a.3-Designation by Prescription
Within cutting units, all trees described below, except trees Marked with Orange or Pink paint
or described to be left uncut, that meet Utilization Standards, and one or more of the following
criteria, are designated for cutting.
(a) The tree is a live PP, JP, WF, or IC within 18 feet of a live PP, JP, WF, IC or DF tree
that has a larger stump diameter than it; and the larger tree is not designated for cutting.
(b) The tree is a live DF within 18 feet of a live DF that has a larger stump diameter than it;
and the larger tree is not designated for cutting.
(c) The tree is a live PP, JP, WF, or IC within 25 feet of a live SP or GS tree, or BO equal
to or greater than 12 inches DBH with more than 1/3 percent live crown; and this tree
is not designated for cutting.
(d) Tree is less than 24 inches DBH and within 100 feet of flagged meadow edge.
Distances shall be measured slope distance outside bark stump height to outside bark stump
height. Stump height is 6 inches on the uphill side.
No tree greater than or equal to 30 inches DBH shall be cut, unless marked with Green or Blue
paint. Cutting unit boundaries are marked with Orange paint.
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Remove standing dead conifers 8.0 to 29.9 inches DBH except for the largest conifer snags
available at the rate of 4 per acre, on a unit basis. Conifers snags over 29.9 inches DBH count
towards the 4 per acre.
Within cutting units, all trees described below, except trees Marked with Orange or Pink paint
or described to be left uncut, that meet Utilization Standards, and one or more of the following
criteria, are designated for cutting.
(a) The tree is a live conifer whose tip is completely underneath the breaches of another live
tree.
Remove standing dead conifers 8.0 to 29.9 inches DBH except for the largest conifer snags
available at the rate of 4 per acre, on a unit basis. Conifers snags over 29.9 inches DBH count
towards the 4 per acre.
Species Acronyms
PP = Ponderosa pine
JP = Jeffrey pine
SP = Sugar pine
DF = Douglas-fir
WF = White fir
IC = Incense cedar
GS = Giant sequoia
BO = Black oak
b-Control of Operations
Under this agreement, “Contractor’s Operations” shall include activities of or use of equipment of the
Contractor, the Contractor’s employees, agents, subcontractors, or their employees or agents, acting in the
course of their employment in operations hereunder on national forest lands or within U.S. Forest Service
protection boundary (unless acting under the immediate supervision of U.S. Forest Service).
Contractor’s Operations shall be conducted in a workmanlike and orderly manner.
The following are applicable special provisions:
b.1-Cultural Resource Protection Measures
Protected sites exist within the project area and are identified on the ground. Before operations begin the
project administrator will need to request a confidential map of protected sites.
Unless otherwise agreed, no operations will be permitted within areas flagged with orange/white and
blue/black candy striped flagging and/or behind “Area Controlled” signs. Any operations (including the
removal of products) within cultural management boundaries will require compliance with Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act of 1996.
In certain cultural sites within cut units, removal of timber designated within the perimeter of sites may be
approved by written agreement, if equipment is capable of mechanically cutting and placing the timber
outside of the site without disturbance to the site features.
b.2-Development of Temporary Roads, Skid Trails, and Landings
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Location of all landings, tractor roads, and skid trails shall be agreed upon prior to their construction. The cleared
or excavated size of landings shall not exceed that needed for efficient skidding and loading operations.
b.2.1-Obliteration of Temporary Roads, Skid Trails and Landings
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, temporary roads, skid trails and landings associated with the cutting
unit(s) listed in the following table shall be obliterated using the method described.
Temporary Road, Skid Trail and Landing Obliteration Method Table
Cutting Unit(s) Type of Facility Closure Method
ALL Skid Trails Obliterate existing skid trails using excess
slash from landings.
ALL Landings Clean landings and pile slash for future
burning.
ALL Temporary Road Obliterate Temporary Roads Using excess
Decommission slash from landings.
b.3-Erosion Prevention and Control
Contractor’s operations shall be conducted reasonably to minimize soil erosion. Equipment shall not be
operated when ground conditions are such that excessive damage will result. Contractor shall adjust the
kinds and intensity of erosion control work done, to ground conditions and weather conditions and the
need for controlling runoff. Erosion control work shall be kept current immediately preceding expected
seasonal periods of precipitation or runoff.
Prior to periods of accelerated water runoff, especially during the spring runoff and periods of heavy
rainfall, commensurate with its use, Contractor shall inspect and open culverts and drainage structures,
construct special cross ditches for road runoff, and take other reasonable measures needed to prevent soil
erosion and siltation of streams.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, after September 15 of each operating season, erosion control work
must be kept current. Contractor shall complete erosion prevention and control work, including stream
course protection, within 15 calendar days after completion of skidding and/or yarding operations for
each landing.
Skid Trail and Temporary Road Cross Ditch Construction Guidelines:
1. Cross ditches shall be constructed to a compacted height of 18 to 24 inches.
2. Equipment shall be confined to existing skid trails and equipment routes.
3. Location of construction shall be where water will be channeled freely onto
undisturbed soil.
4. Depth of cross ditch excavation shall be constructed so that the
bottom of the ditch is dug 6 inches into undisturbed (solid)
soil.
5. Cross ditch outlets shall be free of debris and shall not be
opened by tractors pushing dirt off skid trails or roads.
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6. On slopes over 40% hand construction of cross ditches may be required and
shall be at least 8 inches in height.
The general desired spacing is as follows:
Slope percent Erosion Hazard Rating for Area
(Low) (Medium) (High) (V. High)
__% Spacing _________________
1 - 6 400 350 300 250
7 - 9 300 250 200 150
10 – 14 200 175 150 125
15 – 20 150 120 90 60
21 – 40 90 70 50 30
41 – 60 50 40 25 15
The erosion hazard rating for all Cutting Units (except unit 211) is Medium. Erosion hazard rating
for unit 211 is High.
Designation of on the ground work shall be done as promptly as feasible unless it is agreed that the
location of such work can be established without marking on the ground.
During periods of accelerated water runoff, especially during the spring runoff and periods of heavy
rainfall, commensurate with its use, Contractor shall inspect and open culverts and drainage structures,
construct special cross ditches for road runoff, and take other reasonable measures needed to prevent soil
erosion and siltation of streams.
When operations are active, erosion control work will be kept current and will be completed as soon as
practicable.
b.4-Protection of Streamcourses
Contracor’s Operations shall be conducted to prevent debris from entering streamcourses, except as may
be authorized under paragraph (d). In event TUOLUMNE COUNTY cause(s) debris to enter
streamcourses in amounts that may adversely affect the natural flow of the stream, water quality, or
fishery resource, Contractor shall remove such debris as soon as practicable, but not to exceed 2 days, and
in an agreed manner that will cause the least disturbance to streamcourses.
1. Culverts or bridges shall be required on Temporary Roads at all points where it is necessary to
cross Streamcourses. Such facilities shall be of sufficient size and design and installed in a manner
to provide unobstructed flow of water and to minimize damage to streamcourses. Trees or products
shall not be otherwise hauled or yarded across streamcourses unless fully suspended.
2. Wheeled or track-laying equipment shall not be operated in streamcourses, except at crossings
agreed to by TUOLUMNE COUNTY and the Forest Service or as essential to construction or
removal of culverts and bridges.
3. Flow in streamcourses may be temporarily diverted only if such diversion is necessary for
Contractor’s planned construction and Forest Service gives written authorization. Such flow
shall be restored to the natural course as soon as practicable and, in any event, prior to a major
storm runoff period or runoff season.
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b.5-Protection of Meadows and Wetlands
Reasonable care shall be taken to avoid damage to the cover, soil, and water in meadows shown on the Map.
Vehicular or skidding equipment shall not be used on meadows, except where roads, landings, and tractor
roads are approved. Unless otherwise agreed, trees felled into meadows shall be removed by endlining.
Resulting logging slash shall be removed where necessary to protect cover, soil, and water.
Wetlands requiring protection under Executive Order 11990 are shown on the Map. Vehicular or skidding
equipment shall not be used in such wetlands, except where roads, landings, and tractor roads are
approved.
b.6-Skidding and Yarding
Cutting Special Objectives
Unit
ALL To prevent damage to soil and hydrology resources:
a. Ground based skidding equipment will be restricted to slopes
less than 40%.
b. Skid trail crossings along stream corridors will be kept to a
minimum and will be designated by project administrator with
consultation from district hydrologist.
ALL To reduce residual stand damage where excessive downed material is
present in partial cut units bucking of windfall and down material across
skid road locations is required in advance of construction.
ALL To prevent surface fuel buildup from harvest operations: Felled trees shall
be yarded to the landing for processing with the top and limbs attached.
b.7-Slash Treatment and Utilization
Cutting Type of Slash Disposal and Utilization
Unit
ALL Landing Cleanup
Fell Damaged Trees
Lopping
b.7.1-Felling, Bucking, and Limbing
Felling shall be done to minimize breakage of included timber and damage to residual timber. Unless
agreed otherwise, felling shall be done by saws or shears. Bucking shall be done to permit removal of all
minimum pieces. Contractor may buck out cull material when necessary to produce pieces meeting
utilization standards. If necessary to assess extent of defect, Contractor shall make sample saw cuts or
wedges.
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Insofar as ground conditions, tree lean, and shape of clearings permit, trees shall be felled so that their
tops do not extend outside clearcutting units, construction clearings, and areas of regeneration cutting.
Trees shall be bucked in various lengths to obtain the greatest utilization of material meeting utilization
standards.
Contractor shall cut exposed limbs from products prior to skidding, as necessary to minimize damage to
the residual stand during skidding. Contractor may leave uncut those limbs that cannot be cut with
reasonable safety.
b.7.2-Landing Cleanup
A landing is considered a place where any logs or products are gathered for loading. Logs not meeting
utilization standards accumulated at landings shall be decked as agreed to in writing by the project
administrator. All slash accumulated at landings shall be piled. Piles shall be reasonably compact and
free of soil to facilitate burning. Piles will not be greater than 15 feet in height, unless otherwise
agreed. Piles shall be of a size and location which will not impair road use or result in damage to residual
timber. Piles shall be located at least 30 feet from residual timber, or as far as practicable. Piles
shall not be more than 20x20 feet, unless otherwise agreed. All objects which extend more
than 5 feet in any direction from the windrow or pile profile will be cut off and returned to the
windrow or pile.
b.7.3-Fell Damaged Residual
Contractor shall fell all species over 5 feet in height not meeting minimum diameter
specifications for Included Timber that are damaged beyond recovery by Contractor's Operations. Such
trees shall be limbed to a stem diameter of approximately 2 inches, at which point the top
shall be cut from the remainder of the stem.
b.7.4-Lopping
All material left in the units shall not exceed depths over 12 inches in height above the ground.
b.8-Wildlife Restrictions
Limited Operating Period (LOP) - No activity will be allowed during the following LOP’s unless surveys
confirm that nesting is not occurring:
Cutting units 11, 20, and 181; no operations between March 1 and August 15, unless otherwise
agreed.
b.9-Roads
Contractor is/are authorized to construct agreed to temporary roads and maintain National Forest roads,
bridges, and other transportation facilities, as needed for conducting treatments on National Forest and
other lands where Forest Service has such authority.
b.9.1-Road Maintenance Requirements
Contractor shall maintain roads in accordance with the following Road Maintenance Requirements.
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Termini Applicable Pre Haul Road Maintenance Specifications
Road From To Miles T801 T802 T803 T804 T805 T806 T807 T808 T809 T810
2N80 2N08Y 0.88 0.88 P P P P P
2N15 2N16 2N80 0.26 P P
2N08YD 2N08Y 18EV272 1.55 P P P P P
2N08Y 2N89 3.89 3.89 P P P
2N96 1N04 0.32 0.32 P P P P P
2N08YE 2N08Y 0.65 0.65 P P P P P P
3N01G 3N01 0.21 0.21 P P
2N76 3N01 0.41 0.41 P P
2N05 2N15 0.9 0.9 P P
18DC443 1N04 0.07 0.07 P P
2N89 1N04 2N08Y 2.00 P P
2N84 1N04 2N24 0.6 P P
2N24 2N84 0.61 0.61 P
2N24A 2N24 0.97 0.97 P P P
P = Contractor Performance Item, D = Deposit to Forest Service, D3 = Deposit to Third Party
Termini Applicable During Haul Road Maintenance Specifications
Road From To Miles T801 T802 T803 T804 T805 T806 T807 T808 T809 T810
2N80 2N08Y 0.88 0.88 P P P P
2N15 2N16 2N80 0.26 P P
2N08YD 2N08Y 18EV272 1.55 P P
2N08Y 2N89 3.89 3.89
2N96 1N04 0.32 0.32 P P
2N08YE 2N08Y 0.65 0.65 P P P
3N01G 3N01 0.21 0.21 P P P
2N76 3N01 0.41 0.41 P P P
2N05 2N15 0.9 0.9 P P
18DC443 1N04 0.07 0.07 P P
2N89 1N04 2N08Y 2.00 P P
2N84 1N04 2N24 0.6 P P
2N24 2N84 0.61 0.61 P
2N24A 2N24 0.97 0.97 P P
P = Contractor Performance Item, D = Deposit to Forest Service, D3 = Deposit to Third Party
Termini Applicable Post Haul Road Maintenance Specifications
From To T801 T802 T803 T804 T805 T806 T80 T80 T809 T810 T811
Road Miles 7 8
2N80 2N08Y 0.88 0.88 P P P
2N15 2N16 2N80 0.26
2N08YD 2N08Y 18EV272 1.55 P P P P P
**
2N08Y 2N89 3.89 3.89 P
2N96 1N04 0.32 0.32 P P P P P
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2N08YE 2N08Y 0.65 0.65 P P P P
3N01G 3N01 0.21 0.21 P P P
2N76 3N01 0.41 0.41 P P
2N05 2N15 0.9 0.9 P P
18DC443 1N04 0.07 0.07 P P
2N89 1N04 2N08Y 2.00 P P P
2N84 1N04 2N24 0.6 P
2N24 2N84 0.61 0.61
2N24A 2N24 0.97 0.97 P P P
P = Contractor Performance Item, D = Deposit to Forest Service, D3 = Deposit to Third Party
**Additional Post Haul Mitigations for ATV Road 18EV272:
1. Scarify the roadbed leaving a 50 inch wide trail. Scarification shall be to a depth of 6
inches, with intervals between striations not to exceed 12 inches.
2. Logging Slash shall be scattered on the scarified area, being generally above 12 inches in
height.
3. Block entrance with a berm where it meets 2N08YD.
b.10-Safety
Contractor’s operations shall facilitate Tuolumne County and the Forest Service’s safe and practical
inspection of Contractor’s operations and conduct of other official duties on the Stewardship Project
Area. Contractor has/have all responsibility for compliance with safety requirements for Contactor's
subcontractors.
When operations are in progress adjacent or on Forest Service controlled roads and trails open to public
travel, Contractor shall furnish, install, and maintain all temporary traffic controls that provide the user
with adequate warming of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions associated with operations
occurring in the area. The parties shall agree to a specific traffic control plan prior to commencement of
work. Devices shall be appropriate to current conditions and shall be covered or removed when not
needed.
During periods of general recreation activity within Stewardship Project Area or vicinity, the Forest
Service may restrict road construction, timber cutting, yarding, and other harvesting operations to days
other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Contractor shall secure all products transported by truck with at least two chain or cable wrappers over
the load, such wrappers being securely fastened to effectively contain every bolt or log in at least two
places.
b.11-Advance Deposits Contractor agree(s) to make advanced deposits in advance of cutting. These
deposits may be in the form of cash, acceptable payment bond, earned stewardship credit or any
combination thereof. Advanced deposits will be in such amounts as to maintain an unobligated balance
sufficient enough to cover the value of timber to be cut. Tuolumne County and Contractor will agree on a
systematic approach to provide sufficient advanced deposits. Quantities described in this RFP are estimated
and payment will be made for actual amount measured after work is performed.
If the credit balance is less than the amount due for timber, operations may be suspended until payment or
acceptable payment guarantee is received.
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b.12-Scaling Instructions and Specifications
Name and Date of Governing FSH 2409.11a, National Forest Cubic Log Scaling Handbook, as
Instructions: amended and supplemented. Governing instructions for included
products.
b.12.1-Scaling Services
Unit of
Measur
Species Product e Site and Geographic Location Method
Combined ALL Ton As agreed to by Forest 100%
Softwood Service Weight
B.13-Title Passage
Scaled: All right, title, and interest in and to any included timber shall remain with the Forest Service
until it has been cut, scaled, and removed from the Stewardship Project Area or other authorized cutting
area, and paid for, at which time title shall then vest with Contractor. Timber cut under cash deposit or
acceptable payment guarantee shall be considered to have been paid for. Title to any included timber that
has been cut, scaled and paid for, but not removed from the Stewardship Project Area or other authorized
cutting area by the Contractor on or prior to the termination date, shall remain with the Forest Service.
b.14-Accountability
Tuolumne County and Contractor shall agree upon the haul route(s) prior to use. All products removed
from Stewardship Project Area shall be transported over the designated route of haul.
Contractor shall:
(a) Require truck drivers to sign form R5-2400-242, product removal permit, assure permit is attached to
the load prior to removal from the Stewardship Project Area and while in transit to load destination.
(b) Assign a competent individual at the landing to record the following information for each load on the
product removal permit provided by Forest Service:
1. Date and time load is punched out with a paper punch or equivalent
2. Truck ID or license number
3. Load destination
Used books of product removal permits (stub portion) shall be returned to the Forest Service at least
weekly, unless otherwise agreed.
(c) Require truck drivers to stop for transportation inspections, if requested by Forest Service, when
products are in transit from Stewardship Project Area to processing facility(s).
(d) Inform truck drivers of the designated route(s) of haul, the agreed upon location(s) for transportation
inspections, the method of alerting drivers of an impending stop, and the fact that loads may be inspected
at other locations where it is safe and possible to do so.
(e) Require truck drivers to assure the product removal permit is secured to each load of product
(including chip vans, dump trucks or other container used for removing material) on the front lower
corner of the driver’s side of the load. Staple product removal permits to a log or attached piece of wood
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or other suitable material. Product removal permit shall remain attached to log until manufactured into
products or if chips, until load has been unloaded. After logs are processed or load of chips unloaded the
product removal permit shall be either destroyed or otherwise rendered unusable, unless otherwise agreed.
b.15-Liability
Liability for Loss: If Included Timber is destroyed or damaged by an unexpected event that significantly
changes the nature of Included Timber, such as fire, wind, flood, insects, disease, or similar cause, the
party holding title shall bear the timber value loss resulting from such destruction or damage; except that
such losses after removal of timber from the Stewardship Project Area, but before scaling, shall be borne
by Contractor at current contract Rates. Deterioration or loss of value of salvage timber is not an
unexpected event.
In the event Included Timber to which Forest Service holds title is destroyed, Contractor will not be
obligated to remove and pay for such timber. In the event Included Timber to which Forest Service holds
title is damaged, the Forest Service shall make an appraisal to determine for each species the difference
between the appraised unit value of Included Timber immediately prior to the value loss and the appraised
unit value of timber after the loss. Current contract Rates in effect at the time of the value loss shall be
adjusted by differences to become the redetermined rates. There shall be no obligation for the Forest
Service to supply, or for Contractor to accept and pay for, other timber in lieu of that destroyed or
damaged. This Subsection shall not be construed to relieve either party of liability for negligence.
Limited Liability for Operation’s Fires: An “Operations Fire” is a fire caused by Contractor’s Operations
in the course of fulfilling the Contract, other than a Negligent Fire. Contractor agrees to reimburse
County for the cost for each Operations Fire, subject to a maximum of the dollar amount stated
hereinbelow. The cost of Contractor’s actions, supplies, and equipment on any such fire provided
pursuant to this Contract, or otherwise at the request of County or Forest Service, shall be credited toward
such maximum. If Contractor’s actual cost exceeds its fire liability limit stated herein, Forest Service,
through County, shall reimburse Contractor for the excess.
Maximum amount of Contractor’s obligation per Operation's Fire is $33,600.00.
A “Negligent Fire” is a fire caused by carelessness or fault of Contractor’s Operations, including, but not
limited to, one caused by smoking by persons engaged in Contractor’s Operations during the course of
their service, or during rest or lunch periods; or if Contractor’s failure to comply with the requirements of
any agreement resulting from this RFP which results in a fire starting or permits a fire to spread. Damages
and the cost of suppressing Negligent Fires shall be borne by Contractor.
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ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Fire Plan for Construction and Service Agreements
Attachment 2: Road Maintenance T-Specifications
Attachment 3: Guidelines for Operations
Attachment 4: Project Map
SECTION FIVE: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Proposer, Proposer’s principal, or Proposer’s staff, including sub-contractors, shall have been
regularly engaged in the items contained in Section Four: Scope of Services within forested
environments for at least 5 years.
Proposer shall possess all permits, licenses, and professional credentials necessary to perform
services as specified under this RFP. Contractor must be a Licensed Timber Operator.
Proposer shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies and
incidentals to perform all necessary work.
SECTION SIX: PROPOSAL PACKAGE REQUIREMENTS
PROPOSAL FORMAT
Proposals are to be straightforward, clear, concise and responsive to the information
requested. In order for proposals to be considered complete, proposers must provide all
requested information.
Each proposer must submit one (1) original proposal and four (4) additional copies of the
proposal. If submitting proposal digitally only one copy is necessary.
PROPOSAL ELEMENTS
1. Qualifications and Experience
Provide an overview of your experience with similar projects and comparable work
on National Forest lands. Describe your ability to coordinate with both field
personnel and project managers.
2. References
Include at least three (3) references who can speak to your past performance and
capability on these types of projects
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3. Approach
Describe your approach to providing the Scope of Services described in this RFP in a
high quality, cost-effective, environmentally-sound manner that will meet the County’s
deadline of work completion by February 1, 2023. Demonstrate a thorough conceptual
and technical understanding of the purpose and scope of the project. If planning to
contract out for any services in the Scope of Services, identify which items . Additionally,
describe how you intend to communicate with the County regarding project progress,
issues that may arise or other necessary communication.
4. Staff to be Assigned
Provide a staff organization chart and identify the roles and responsibilities to be
fulfilled by each staff member or subcontractor.
5. Bid
Provide a bid to purchase timber, as well as a cost to haul timber and conduct necessary road maintenance
SECTION SEVEN: RFP PROCESS
A. SUBMITTAL OF PROPOSALS
Sealed proposals must be received at the County Administrator’s Office, NO LATER
THAN
April 30, 2021 at 4:00pm.
Proposals are to be addressed as follows:
Granite Thin
County Administrator’s Office
2 South Green
Street Sonora,
CA 95370
Proposer’s name and return address must also appear on the envelope.
Attention: Liz Peterson
Or if emailed:
Email address: epeterson@co.tuolumne.ca.us
Subject: Granite Thin
Proposals will be received only at the mailing or email address shown above and must
be received by the time indicated. It is the sole responsibility of the proposer to send or
deliver its proposal so that it is received by the time and date required, regardless of
postmark. Any proposal received after said time and/or date or at a place other than the
stated address, cannot be considered and will not be accepted. The County
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Administrator’s Office time stamp shall be considered the official timepiece for the
purpose of establishing the actual receipt of proposals.
B. SUBMITTER’S QUESTIONS
Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted exclusively in writing to the County
by April 20, 2021. Except for questions that might render the award of this contract
invalid, the County will not respond to any questions submitted after this time. The
County will use an addendum to the RFP to post any questions received, along with
written responses, on the County website, www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov, (click on
“Bids, RFPs & RFQs” in the Business Section). It is the responsibility of the
proposers to check the County website to review the questions and responses.
Any oral responses to questions are not binding on the County.
Questions should be addressed to:
County of Tuolumne County
Administrator’s Office
Attn: Liz Peterson
2 South Green
Street Sonora,
CA 95370
-OR-
Email: epeterson@co.tuolumne.ca.us
C. COSTS OF DEVELOPING THE PROPOSAL
All costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal are the responsibility of each
proposer and will not be reimbursed by the County.
D. PROPOSAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
It is the responsibility of each proposer to be familiar with all of the specifications,
terms and conditions of the RFP. By the submission of a proposal, the proposer
certifies that if awarded a contract, proposer will make no claim against the County
based upon ignorance of or misunderstanding of the specifications.
Each proposer shall submit its proposal with the understanding that the proposal will
become a part of the official file on this matter and shall be subject to disclosure, if
requested by a member of the public, following the completion of negotiations.
By submitting a proposal, each proposer certifies that all statements in this proposal
are true. This constitutes a warranty, the falsity of which shall include the right, at the
County’s option, of declaring any contract made, as a result thereof, null and void.
Proposals shall be completed, executed, and submitted in accordance with the
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instructions of this RFP. If a proposal is not submitted in the format specified in this
RFP, it may be rejected, unless the County determines that the nonconformity is either
a minor irregularity or that the defect or variation in the proposal is immaterial or
inconsequential. The County may give the proposer an opportunity to cure any
deficiency resulting from a minor irregularity or an immaterial or inconsequential
defect, or County may waive such deficiency, whichever is most advantageous to the
County.
E. SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL AS PART OF CONTRACT SERVICES
Proposals received in response to this solicitation, at the County’s discretion, may
be incorporated into the awarded contract and may serve as basic terms and
conditions for the ultimate contract. Therefore, proposers are advised that, if
successful, they will be held responsible for levels of services proposed at the
funding levels quoted. The County reserves the right to negotiate modifications or
revisions to any awarded contract.
1. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS
The objective is to perform a thorough and fair evaluation of submitted proposals
and facilitate the selection of a contractor that best satisfies the County’s
requirements. The following describes the evaluation process and associated
components.
2. SELECTION PROCESS
a. The County shall name, for the purpose of evaluating the proposals
for this RFP, a Review Committee composed of representatives
from the County. The County may also elect to include as part of
the Review Committee qualified representatives from other
agencies or entities.
b. Proposal documentation requirements set forth in this RFP are
designed to provide guidance to proposers concerning the type of
information that will be used by the Review Committee. Proposers
shall be prepared to respond to requests by the Review Committee
for additional items deemed necessary to assist in the evaluation
process.
3. EVALUATION CRITERIA & SCORING
a. The Review Committee shall be responsible for performing the evaluations of each
proposal. Best approach determination shall be the evaluation method used when
considering criteria other than cost. Each member of the Committee shall rate the
proposers separately. The scores of each of the Committee members shall then be
averaged to provide a total score for each of the proposers. The proposals shall be
evaluated on the following categories and the maximum weight possible for each
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category is listed below:
A. Qualifications and Experience 30%
B. Approach 40%
C. Cost 30%
4. Proposal Summary Page
a. Proposal summary page shall include the following table, submitted as is. The
prices quoted shall not include Sales Tax or Use Tax; said tax, wherever
applicable, shall be paid by the Authority to the General or Professional Service
Provider, if licensed to collect, or otherwise directly to the State.
Quantities listed herein are an estimated quantity based on Forest Service measurements and are
not meant to be construed as guarantees. No minimum or maximum is guaranteed or implied.
Timber Sale
Item Product Estimated Unit of Minimum Bid Rate
Quantity Measure Rate
Combined Sawtimber 34,102 Tons $1.45 $
Softwood
Combined Non- 10,461 Tons $0.10
Softwoods Sawtimber
Stewardship Items
Description Estimated Unit of Bid Rate per Unit of
Quantity Measure Measure
Hauling of Forest Products 44,563 Tons $
Road Maintenance (b.9.1) 13.32 Miles $
4. AWARD
Award will be made to the qualified proposer whose proposal will be most
advantageous to the County, with price and all other factors considered. The County
will negotiate with the highest ranked proposer to develop the scope of work and
contract for mutual satisfaction.
If the County cannot successfully negotiate a contract with the highest ranked proposer,
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the County will terminate negotiations and begin negotiations with the next highest ranked
proposer.
Proposers will receive mailed Award/Non-Award notification(s), which will include the
name of the proposer to be awarded this contract.
Proposers are advised County reserves the following prerogatives:
• To reject any or all proposals;
• To consider historic information and fact, whether gained from the proposer’s
proposal or any other source, in the evaluation process; and
• The proposer is cautioned that it is the proposer’s sole responsibility to submit
information related to the evaluation categories and the County is under no
obligation to solicit such information if it is not included with the proposal. Failure
of the individual or firm to submit such information may cause an adverse impact
on the evaluation of the proposal.
F. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
In order to contract with the County of Tuolumne, a proposer must meet the following
requirements:
• Make available to the County its federal Tax Identification Number
(TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN).
• Comply with all Federal, State and local rules, regulations and
policies, including but not limited to:
o Standard contract language of the County; and,
o Insurance coverage to include worker’s compensation,
general liability, auto liability and professional liability,
unless waived by the County.
• Meet the requirements for audit of its expenditures if required in the
above documents.
G. NON-DISCRIMINATION
Non-Discrimination: The Contractor selected through this RFP shall provide services
without discrimination based on race, creed, color, ethnic or linguistic identification,
gender or sexual preference, disability or handicap or any other basis prohibited by law.
H. PROTEST/APPEAL PROCESS
The following procedure is provided in the event that a proposer wishes to protest
the RFP process or appeal the recommendation to award a contract for Looney
Stewardship Project Phase 1 once the Notices of Award/Non-Award have been
issued.
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• Any protest must be submitted in writing to County Administrator’s
Office, 2 South Green Street, Sonora, CA 95370, Attention: Simi Kaur
• The protest must be submitted before 12:00pm of the tenth (10th)
business day following the date of the Notice of Award.
• The protest must contain a complete statement of the basis for the
protest. The protest must include the name, address, telephone
number and e-mail address of the person representing the protesting
party.
• The procedure and time limits are mandatory and are the proposer’s
sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a bid protest.
Proposer’s failure to comply with these procedures shall constitute a waiver of any
right to further pursue the protest, including filing a Government Code claim or
legal proceedings.
Upon receipt of written protest/appeal, the County Administrator will review and
provide an opportunity to settle the protest/appeal by mutual agreement, will schedule
a meeting to discuss or issue a written response to advise of an appeal/protest decision
within five (5) business days of receipt of the appeal/protest.
I. PUBLIC RECORDS ACCESS
Proposers should be aware that submitted proposals are subject to the California
Public Records Act and may be disclosed to members of the public upon request. It
is the responsibility of the proposers to clearly identify information in their
proposals that they consider to be confidential under the California Public Records
Act. To the extent that the County agrees with that designation, such information
will be held in confidence whenever possible. All other information will be
considered public.
All information regarding the proposals will be held as confidential until such time
as the Review Committee has completed its evaluation and, or if, contract
negotiations are complete.
SECTION EIGHT: CONTRACT INFORMATION
A. SAMPLE AGREEMENT
A sample professional services agreement will be developed using all standard terms and
conditions required by the County of Tuolumne.
B. TERM/TERMINATION
The term of the initial contract awarded under this RFP will be for two (2) years, with the
project expected to be completed by February 1, 2023. By mutual agreement, this contract will
not be extended.
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The contract will be subject to termination by either party upon 30 days’ advance, written
notice of intent to terminate. The County may terminate the contract at any time, without
written notice, upon a material breach of contract by the Contractor.
C. FUNDING AVAILABILITY
It is mutually agreed that if the County budget of the current year and/or any subsequent
years covered under this Agreement does not appropriate sufficient funds for the program,
this Agreement shall be of no further force and effect. In this event, the County shall have
no liability to pay any funds whatsoever to Contractor or to furnish any other
considerations under this Agreement and Contractor shall not be obligated to perform any
provisions of this Agreement. Contractor’s assumption of risk of possible non-
appropriation is part of the consideration for this Agreement. County budget decisions are
subject to the discretion of the Board of Supervisors.
If funding for any fiscal year is reduced or deleted by the County budget for purposes of
this program, the County shall have the option to either cancel this Agreement with no
liability occurring to the County, or offer an Agreement amendment to Contractor to
reflect the reduced amount.
D. INSURANCE
A. The Contractor shall provide at its own expense and maintain at all
times the following insurance with insurance companies licensed in
the State of California and shall provide evidence of such insurance, at
least as broad as the coverage described below, to the County as may
be required by the Risk Manager of the County. The Contractor’s
insurance policy(ies) shall be placed with insurer(s) with acceptable
Best’s rating of A:VII or with approval of the Risk Manager. The
Contractor shall provide notice to the Risk Manager of the County by
registered mail, return receipt requested, thirty (30) days prior to
cancellation or material change for all of the following stated
insurance policies:
• Workers’ Compensation Coverage – Workers’ Compensation insurance as
required by the State of California, with Statutory Limits, and Employer’s
Liability Insurance with limits of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for
bodily injury or disease.
• Commercial General Liability (CGL): Insurance Services Office Form
CG 00 01 covering CGL on an “occurrence” basis, including Loggers
Broad Form Property Damage, property damage, products and completed
operations, bodily injury and personal & advertising injury with limits no
less than $2,000,000 per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies,
either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this
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project/location (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general aggregate limit
shall be twice the required occurrence limit.
• Automobile Liability - ISO Form Number CA 00 01 covering any auto
(Code 1), or if Contractor has no owned autos, hired, (Code 8) and non-
owned autos (Code 9), with limit no less than $1,000,000 per accident for
bodily injury and property damage.
• Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions): Insurance appropriate to
the Contractor’s profession for protection against claims alleging negligent
acts, errors or omissions which may arise from Contractor’s operations under
this Agreement, whether such operations be by Contractor or by its
employees, subcontractors, or subconsultants, with limit no less than
$2,000,000 per occurrence or claim, $5,000,000 aggregate. Contractor
agrees to maintain the required coverage for a period of three (3) years after
the expiration of this Agreement and any extensions thereof.
If the Contractor maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums
shown above, the Entity requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or
the higher limits maintained by the contractor. Any available insurance proceeds in
excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available
to the Entity.
B. Policy Endorsements: Each general liability and automobile liability insurance policy shall be
endorsed with the following specific provisions:
• The County, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees, agents
and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds (“County additional
insureds”).
• This policy shall be considered, and include a provision it is, primary as
respects the County additional insureds, and shall not include any special
limitations to coverage provided to the County additional insureds. Any
insurance maintained by the County, including any self-insured retention the
County may have, shall be considered excess insurance only and shall not
contribute with it.
• This insurance shall act for each insured and additional insured as though a
separate policy had been written for each, except with respect to the limits of
liability of the insuring company.
• The insurer waives all rights of subrogation against the County additional
insureds.
• Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not
affect coverage provided to the County additional insureds.
C. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions: Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be
declared to and approved by the Risk Manager. At the County’s option, Contractor
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shall demonstrate financial capability for payment of such deductibles or self-insured
retentions.
D. Unsatisfactory Policies: If at any time any of the policies or endorsements be unsatisfactory
as to form or substance, or if an issuing company shall be unsatisfactory, to the Risk
Manager, a new policy or endorsement shall be promptly obtained and evidence
submitted to the Risk Manager for approval.
E. Failure to Comply: Upon failure to comply with any of these insurance requirements, this
Agreement may be forthwith declared suspended or terminated. Failure to obtain
and/or maintain any required insurance shall not relieve any liability under this
Agreement, nor shall the insurance requirements be construed to conflict with or
otherwise limit the indemnification obligations.
E. HOLD HARMLESS
Contractor shall indemnify, defend, save, protect and hold harmless County, its elected
and appointed officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers (collectively,
“County”) from any and all demands, losses, claims, costs, suits, liabilities and
expenses for any damage, injury or death (collectively, “Liability”) arising directly or
indirectly from or connected with the services provided hereunder which is caused, or
claimed or alleged to be caused, in whole or in part, by the negligence or willful
misconduct of Contractor, its officers, employees, agents, contractors, consultants, or
any person under its direction or control and shall make good to and reimburse County
for any expenditures, including reasonable attorney’s fees, the County may make by
reason of such matters and, if requested by County, shall defend any such suits at the
sole cost and expense of Contractor. Contractor’s obligations under this section shall
exist regardless of concurrent negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the
County or any other person; provided, however, that Contractor shall not be required to
indemnify County for the proportion of Liability a court determines is attributable to the
negligence or willful misconduct of the County.
If such indemnification becomes necessary, the County Counsel for the County shall
have the absolute right and discretion to approve or disapprove of any and all counsel
employed to defend the County. This indemnification clause shall survive the
termination or expiration of this Agreement.
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