Land Management and Related Services

Central Arkansas Water (CAW) is soliciting Annual Statements of Qualifications (“Qualifications”) from qualified firms interested in providing land management services within four (4) specific service categories to the utility.

CAW staff will review all RFQ submissions in accordance with current and upcoming projects to determine the firm best qualified to assist with specific projects per the scope of work. Not all projects will require a contract; however, if a project requires an extensive amount of time and/or execution, CAW will then work with the firm to negotiate a professional services agreement.

CAW is seeking four (4) service categories: Statements should demonstrate the firm's competency in their expertise field as it pertains to any or all of the following services:

• Category 1: Prescribed Burning Services: For the purpose of this SOQ, prescribed burning services is defined as fire applied in a knowledgeable manner on a specific land area under selected weather conditions to accomplish predetermined, well-defined management objectives. Prescribed burn plans must be submitted according to a format designated by CAW. Each prescription must be approved by the agency prior to execution of the burn.
• Category 2: Ecological Restoration Services: For the purpose of this SOQ, ecological restoration services shall consist of but not limited to the following: reforestation/afforestation (seedling plantings), site preparation (chemical and/or mechanical), chemical and/or mechanical removal of invasive species, excessive forestry or boundary undergrowth, timber stand improvement, and other forms of vegetation control or removal around trails, roads, property boundaries, fencing, and other native plant habitat restorations.
• Category 3: Property and Boundary Maintenance and Security Services: For the purposes of this SOQ, property and boundary maintenance and security shall consist of but not limited to the following: consultation on best security measures for certain sites and facilities, boundary marking (paint or signage), roadside litter removal, site/trash dump cleanup, demolition/removal of structures, fencing and gates (repair and/or installation), lighting and camera installation.
• Category 4: Forestry/Unpaved Roads and Recreational Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance Services: For the purpose of this SOQ, forestry/unpaved roads and recreational trail design, construction, and maintenance services may include, but are not limited to the following: cataloging and assessment of existing roads, rehabilitation and BMP installation along existing roads, permanently or temporarily closing out formerly used roads, heavy or seasonal trail maintenance along existing trails; rerouting, or BMP installation on existing trails; and the design and/or installation of trails to connect to new and existing trails and recreation areas, general maintenance and cleanup along existing roads.

All services to be performed and materials to be produced under the contract will be accomplished in consultation with CAW. All procedures developed and products provided under the contract will be subject to final approval by the CAW. All records and data pertaining to the contract will remain the property of CAW.

**Submission:** Respondent's original response must be delivered to CAW in a sealed package on or before the established opening date and time. Solicitation may be submitted electronically to the following email: procurement@carkw.com on or before the established opening date and time.

Pricing will be negotiated with the apparent successful respondent(s) based on project(s)/scope of work. Respondent must not include any pricing in their response. Should the hard copies or electronic copies of the respondent's response contain any pricing, the response shall be disqualified.

Respondents' ranking shall be determined by the total score each response receives in evaluation. The respondent receiving the highest-ranking score for their response shall be selected as the apparent successful respondent.

Scoring (maximum 100 points):

• Statement of Qualifications: 25
• General and Professional Reputation: 20
• Project Team and Qualifications: 20
• Equipment: 10
• Experience: 10
• Unique Experience: 10
• Familiarity with and proximity to the CAW service area: 5

Respondents must meet the minimum qualifications for each service category being bid.