Contractor Interest

& Pre-Qualification

CLERC works with qualified contractors on a variety of grant-funded projects throughout Lake County. This page outlines how contractors can stay informed about upcoming work and participate in our pre-qualification process.

Contractor Opportunities

Stay informed and get pre-qualified for upcoming CLERC projects.

We work with experienced contractors to support environmental stewardship and wildfire risk reduction efforts. Submit the Contractor Interest Form to receive instructions for our pre-qualification process and to be notified when relevant projects open for bid.

  • Local & regional work

    Projects may vary by location, scope, and funding timeline.

  • Pre-qualification first

    We collect required documents before bid invitations are sent.

  • Clear communication

    Pre-qualified contractors receive updates and formal bid opportunities.

ALREADY PRE-QUALIFIED?

Submit the Contractor Interest Form

Submitting this form is the best way to stay informed about future contracting opportunities with CLERC. After submission, you will receive an automated email with instructions to begin the pre-qualification process.

What you’ll need for pre-qualification

After submitting the Contractor Interest Form, you’ll receive an email requesting documentation to begin the pre-qualification process. While requirements may vary by project, contractors should be prepared to provide the following:

Completed W-9

Use the most current IRS form, available at irs.gov.

Current contractor license (if applicable)

Required for certain scopes of work.

Evidence of insurance

For pre-qualification, we only need evidence of current coverage (e.g., a certificate of insurance). If a contract is awarded, Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) will be required to be listed as Additionally Insured and appropriate endorsement forms must be provided.

View typical insurance requirements (for awarded contracts)
  • Comprehensive / Commercial General Liability: Minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit, including coverage for bodily injury, personal injury, broad form property damage, contractual liability, and cross-liability.
  • Commercial Automobile Liability: For each vehicle used in performance of the agreement (owned, non-owned, leased, or hired), minimum $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage.
  • Workers’ Compensation: If Contractor hires employees to perform any work, coverage is required to the extent required by law (typical limits may apply).

Additional Insured requirement: If awarded a contract, Contractor will be required to list Clear Lake Environmental Research Center as Additionally Insured and provide the appropriate endorsement forms. This is not required for pre-qualification.

SAM.gov eligibility verification

Some CLERC contract opportunities are supported by federal funding, while others are funded through state, local, or private sources. For projects that include federal funds, CLERC is required to verify that contractors are eligible to receive grant-funded work. This includes confirming that the contractor is not listed on the federal Excluded Parties List maintained through SAM.gov. Verification may be provided as a screenshot of the search result, or CLERC can complete the check using the contractor’s federal identification information. Having this verification on file helps streamline eligibility for federally funded projects but does not apply to all CLERC contract opportunities.

Additional professional licenses or certifications (if applicable)

Optional documentation for any additional credentials held by your company or staff, such as ISA Certified Arborist, Licensed Timber Operator (LTO), or other relevant professional licenses or certifications.

References or additional supporting documentation (optional)

Contractors are welcome to submit any additional materials they feel best represent their company and capabilities. This may include professional references, a statement of qualifications or capabilities, lists of available equipment, company size, or relevant project experience.

Submission of documentation does not guarantee selection or award of work. Pre-qualification allows CLERC to efficiently notify qualified contractors of relevant bid opportunities as projects become available.

Current RFP

RFP-0031: New Long Valley Road Roadside Clearing

  • RFP released: October 2, 2026
  • Site visit: Friday, October 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • Questions deadline: Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • Proposal deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Anticipated award: Friday, October 23, 2026

CLERC is seeking a qualified contractor to perform vegetation management services for the New Long Valley Road Roadside Clearing project in Clearlake Oaks, funded through our Community Wildfire Defense Grant (23-DG-11052012-457). Work includes vegetation thinning within up to 100 feet of roadside, removal of ladder fuels and small-diameter trees, biomass chipping or mastication, and compliance with environmental best management practices and traffic safety requirements. The included treatment area may be up to 51.8 acres. All work must be completed and invoiced no later than December 15, 2026, or within six (6) weeks of contract execution.

Pre-Proposal Site Visit (Strongly Encouraged)

Friday, October 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Cache Creek Vineyards, 250 New Long Valley Road, Clearlake Oaks, CA

Duration: approximately one hour. This is the primary opportunity to review site conditions and ask questions.

RSVP for the Walkthrough

Contact: Laura McAndrews Sammel, (707) 261-0008 ext. 3.

Submit Your Proposal (Pre-Qualified Contractors)

Complete the Contractor Proposal Form online, or download a copy to print and fill out by hand. Printed submissions can be emailed as a scan to documents@theclerc.org with the subject line: CLERC RFP-0031 New Long Valley Road Roadside Clearing.

  • Include your approach, crew and equipment capacity, and anticipated timeline
  • Provide clear pricing (cost per acre)
  • Demonstrate ability to complete work within six (6) weeks

Questions deadline: Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM. No additional questions will be answered after that time. Submit written questions to documents@theclerc.org with the subject line: CLERC RFP-0031 New Long Valley Road Roadside Clearing Questions.
Alternate submission options (if needed): mail to CLERC, P.O. Box 636, Lakeport, CA 95453 or drop off at 125 Park Street, Lakeport, CA (M–F, 8am–5pm).

Current RFP

RFP-0034: Point Lakeview Phase 4 Roadside Clearing

  • RFP released: October 23, 2026
  • Site visit: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • Questions deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • Proposal deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Anticipated award: Friday, November 13, 2026

CLERC is seeking a qualified contractor to perform vegetation management services for the Point Lakeview Phase 4 Roadside Clearing project, covering the portion of Point Lakeview from Wheeler Drive to Highway 281. The project is funded through our Community Wildfire Defense Grant (24-DG-11052012-186). Work includes vegetation thinning within up to 100 feet of roadside, removal of ladder fuels and small-diameter trees, retention of fire-resistant and ecologically valuable species, biomass chipping or mastication, and compliance with environmental best management practices and traffic safety requirements. The project includes a minimum of 13.8 acres, with additional acreage anticipated as more rights of entry are secured. All work must be completed within six (6) weeks of contract execution (depending on weather), with anticipated completion by December 31, 2026.

Pre-Proposal Site Visit (Strongly Encouraged)

Friday, October 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM
10919 Point Lakeview Road. Meet in the dirt lot across from Wheeler Drive.

Duration: approximately one hour. This is the primary opportunity to review site conditions and ask questions.

RSVP for the Walkthrough

Contact: Laura McAndrews Sammel, (707) 261-0008 ext. 3.

Submit Your Proposal (Pre-Qualified Contractors)

Complete the Contractor Proposal Form online, or download a copy to print and fill out by hand. Printed submissions can be emailed as a scan to documents@theclerc.org with the subject line: CLERC RFP-0034 Point Lakeview Phase 4 Roadside Clearing.

  • Include your approach, crew and equipment capacity, and anticipated start date and production rate
  • Provide clear pricing (all-inclusive cost per acre)
  • Demonstrate ability to complete work within six (6) weeks

Questions deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM. No additional questions will be answered after that time. Submit written questions to documents@theclerc.org with the subject line: CLERC RFP-0034 Point Lakeview Phase 4 Roadside Clearing Questions.
Alternate submission options (if needed): mail to CLERC, Attn: CLERC RFP-0034 Point Lakeview Phase 4 Roadside Clearing, P.O. Box 636, Lakeport, CA 95453 (must be received by the proposal deadline) or drop off at 125 Park Street, Lakeport, CA (M–F, 8am–5pm).

RFP(s) CURRENTLY OPEN TO PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS: