Request for Proposals from the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians for Project Work on Forest Restoration Project

Introduction:

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians is seeking proposals from contractors with the appropriate expertise, experience, and qualifications to perform forestry related services across 326-acres of mixed-conifer forest. The objectives of this project are to increase conifer dominance, promote natural regeneration of conifers and oaks, and reduce fuel loads (primarily Ceanothus). The goals are to create a forest that is more resilient to climate change and wildfires, and sustainable to ensure the continued existence of our eco-cultural resources. This project is funded by the California Climate Investments and administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE).

Our project is located on the north summit of Palomar Mountain at approximately 5,500 feet in elevation. The travel time from the base of the mountain to the project site is approximately one (1) hour and is 10 miles in distance. The road has been graded and the roadside vegetation cleared to make way for passage of heavy equipment. The understory vegetation within the treatment units is dense, with Ceanothus ranging in height from 1-20 feet.

Background:

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians and our ancestors have lived in the Pauma Valley and surrounding area since time immemorial. Our ancestors are buried here, we raise our children here, and this is where our future generations will continue to live and prosper. Officially established in 1893, today our nearly 6000-acre reservation encompasses only a small portion of our peoples’ traditional territory, which expands into Northern San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties. As is the case with all Native Americans; Euro-American contact, interaction and forced assimilation during the past two centuries brought immense changes to our land, people and way of life. Like our ancestors, we rely on the strength of our culture and our community to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. Triumphantly, we are still here, not merely surviving, but thriving in the same homeland of our ancestors.

As Payomkawichum, we have inhabited this land for thousands of years, since before the Spaniards arrived in the 1700s. We are located in the foothills of Palomar Mountain. The traditional territory of the Luiseño people extends along the coast, from near San Juan Capistrano in the north and the Encinitas/Carlsbad area in the south to the valleys of the coastal mountains and Mt. Palomar in the east. Today this area is in northern San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. The valley that sits at the base of Palomar’s sloping hills is called “Pauma.” The term “Pauma” describes this area’s chief characteristic, the San Luis Rey River, which flows through the base of the valley. The name “Pauma” translates as “place where there is water.”

Our people are our future. The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians is committed to sustaining the health and welfare of our people through cultural enhancement and enrichment programs. A self-reliant tribe must be dependent on a culturally, socially, physically and economically strong community. As we look ahead, we work with our neighbors toward common goals.

Scope of Work:

Forest health treatments will be performed across at least 138 acres, covering two adjacent primary units. There are three treatments for this project: 1) mechanical thinning of trees, 2) mastication of shrubs, and 3) limbing and piling of residual trees. Acreage may increase depending on funding and environmental compliance requirements.

Treatment Definitions

Treatment 1: Mechanical thinning of oak and conifer trees to a target of 130 trees per acre. Trees targeted for removal shall be masticated and broadcasted across the forest floor to a height off the ground of no more than six inches. Trees selected for removal will be at the designation of Pauma’s forester, or his designee. Trees with double flagging at diameter at breast height (DBH) and/or with bird nests shall not be removed. Broadcasting of biomass on wood rat nests is prohibited.

Treatment 2: Mastication of shrubs to a height off the ground of no more than six inches. Special care and consideration shall be given to mature manzanita and rare vegetation. Wood rat nests must not be disturbed.

Treatment 3: Hand work consisting of two treatments: 1) Limbing of all residual trees to a height off the ground of at least 12 feet or a maximum of one-half of a tree’s height. Crown spacing shall be at least 25 feet. 2) Piling of all cut materials into new or existing piles. No piles will be created directly under the tree canopy, or on rocks, or on roads. This treatment will begin after either Treatment 1 or Treatment 2 has been performed.

Timeline:

Project will start on January 9, 2023 and finish on June 12, 2023. KML file of the project site is available upon request.

Proposal Submission Requirements:

A. Letter of Intent

Provide information about your organization along with a short history. State the full name and address of your organization and indicate the type of ownership (e.g., individual, partnership, corporation) and explain any team or joint venture or partnership relations. Include the state in which your organization is incorporated or licensed.

B. Statement of Experience

Please provide a straightforward, complete, concise description of your organizations capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the proposed work. Describe the experience and detail recent and relevant projects for similar forestry-related work. Summary should include a narrative of the project, the associated costs, and references.

C. Team Qualifications

Provide the names and resumes of key staff members, such as the owner and foreman, who will work on the project and a team organizational statement identifying their anticipated roles on the team. Please identify the daily point of contact. Also identify the equipment your organization will utilize for this project.

D. Statement of Approach

Demonstrate project understanding, including details of your team’s familiarity and experience with providing forestry-related services. Please include an average anticipated cost per acre for treatment type/unit and a maximum contract cost. Provide any additional information that demonstrates your organizations understanding and insights related to the project.

Submission Process:

A. Questions

Direct any questions must be submitted in writing by 5:00 p.m. PST on December 26, 2022. Answers to questions will be made available to all respondents via email.

Prospective vendors are welcome to visit the project site for a ‘walk through’ prior to submitting their proposal. Walk-throughs must be requested in writing by 5:00 p.m. PST on December 22, 2022.

B. Submittal Date

Full proposals must be submitted in writing by 5:00 p.m. PST on December 30, 2022.

Selection Criteria:

· Per Acre/Unit Cost

· Stability of Organization

· Experience and Qualifications

· Suitability to Provide Forestry-Related Services Appropriately Matched to Project

· Past Performance

· Interview of Finalists

Selection Schedule:

RFP Release Date: 12/9/2022

Interviews: 1/3/2023

Contractor Selection: 1/4/2023

Contract Finalization: 1/5/2023

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary

Pay: Up to $50,000.00 per month

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift

Work Location: One location

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