Request for Qualifications Biological Surveys on USFS Plumas National Forest
Posted
Nov 2, 2026
Nov 12, 2026
Introduction The Butte County Resource Conservation District (BCRCD) is a Special District headquartered in Chico, California. BCRCD hereby gives notice of the solicitation of qualifications for services provided for biological surveys for a wide variety of projects, including on Plumas National Forest (PNF) land, in the spring and summer of 2027, 2028, and 2029. This RFQ is for firms, individuals, or agencies that can provide these services and the BCRCD will develop agreements with the firm(s) selected. Future contract(s) with specific project tasks will be developed once a firm and/or firms are selected. Project Description The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to solicit potential firms' interest in providing biological surveys for federally and state-listed Threatened and Endangered species such as American Goshawk (Astur atricapillus), California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis), and Foothill yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylii) across federal, state, and private lands slated for future fuels reduction work or other BCRCD project work. The BCRCD seeks a firm that has specific experience in surveys such as these, specifically on National Forest Land. Preference will be given to firms that can complete all of these surveys satisfactorily and have demonstrated experience. BCRCD may opt to make multiple awards based on the availability of qualified contractors/firms and project needs. Sample Scope of Work The work might consist of the following tasks: Task 1: American Goshawk Surveys - Survey units on the Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District that have been identified for future fuels reduction projects. Units will be located in the Concow Basin. - Work with the Feather River Ranger District Wildlife biologist and BCRCD project managers to develop a thorough and comprehensive monitoring program. - Firm must be familiar with Kennedy-Stahlecker survey protocol and predawn acoustical surveys. - Turn in all GIS data, reports, and other relevant material to the BCRCD in a timely manner. Task 2: California Spotted Owl Surveys - Survey Protected Activity Centers (PACs) on the Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District that have been identified for future fuels reduction projects. Units will be located in the Concow Basin. - Follow the USFWS Protocol for Surveying for Spotted Owls in Proposed Management Activity Areas and Habitat Conservation Areas (1991, revised 1993) - Surveyors must be familiar with protocols for nighttime call stations and historical visits. - Turn in all GIS data, reports, and other relevant material to the BCRCD in a timely manner. Task 3: Foothill Yellow-legged Frog Surveys - Survey streams with suitable habitat on the Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District that have been identified for future fuels reduction projects. Units will be located in the Concow Basin. - Familiarity with eDNA-based protocol is a plus, but not required. - Work with the Feather River Ranger District Wildlife biologist and BCRCD project managers to develop a thorough and comprehensive monitoring program. - Turn in all GIS data, reports, and other relevant material to the BCRCD in a timely manner. Schedule Issue Request for Qualifications: Monday November 2, 2026 Proposals Due: Thursday November 12, 2026 @ 5pm PST Award of Agreement(s): BCRCD Regular Board Meeting November 20, 2026 Submission of Tasks: On a rolling basis after award, with work slated to begin in spring of 2027 Draft Report(s): TBD in subsequent Task Orders Submittal of Final Report(s): TBD in subsequent Task Orders Request for Qualifications Please submit the following information with your proposal: ● A brief narrative describing specific strengths of your firm as they relate to this project ● Description of key personnel who will work directly on this project, and identification of any subcontractors ● List of surveys your firm is qualified and has experience conducting ● Description of recent projects similar in nature to the proposed project ● Client references, which include name and title, e-mail address and telephone number of the contact person most knowledgeable of the work done by your firm. ● Schedule of hourly rates and expenses for 2027, 2028, and 2029. Selection Criteria Consultant selection will be based upon: (1) Proposed project budget (2) The consultant's qualifications and experience; (3) The consultant's availability and ability to meet project timelines Acceptance or Rejection of Proposals An agreement will be awarded to the firm(s) whose qualifications and experience most closely satisfies the needs of Butte County Resource Conservation District. Costs will not be a sole determining factor in acceptance or rejection of a proposal. BCRCD reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or portions thereof, to waive any information and/ or errors in the proposal considered to be in the best interest. BCRCD reserves the right to negotiate the scope of work and final cost of the project after selection of the consultant(s). Proposal Submittal Complete proposals of qualifications may be emailed in PDF format (preferred) to Julia Sidman (julia@bcrcd.org) or mailed to: Butte County Resource Conservation District ATTN: Julia Sidman 641 Entler Ave, Suite 47 Chico, CA 95928 If you have questions, please contact: Julia Sidman, Forestry Program Manager 530-720-2249 julia@bcrcd.org Attachments Attachment A: Map of potential survey locations (not exhaustive)
