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.
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.
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Local & regional work
Projects may vary by location, scope, and funding timeline.
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Pre-qualification first
We collect required documents before bid invitations are sent.
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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:
Use the most current IRS form, available at irs.gov.
Required for certain scopes of work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RFP(s) CURRENTLY OPEN TO PRE-QULIFIED CONTRACTORS:
Current RFP
RFP-0024: Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 5
CLERC is seeking a qualified contractor to perform vegetation management services for the Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 5 project in Clearlake, funded through our Community Wildfire Defense Grant (24-DG-11052012-186). Work includes thinning and vegetation removal across treatment areas, removal of ladder fuels, brush, grasses, and small-diameter trees, biomass chipping and approved disposal, and compliance with environmental best management practices. The included treatment area is up to 34.3 acres. All work must be completed within six (6) weeks of contract execution.
Pre-Proposal Site Visit (Strongly Encouraged)
Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Intersection of Boyles and 10th Ave, Clearlake, 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-0024: Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 5.
- 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: Friday, July 17, 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-0024 Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 5 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-0025: Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 6
CLERC is seeking a qualified contractor to perform vegetation management services for the Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 6 project in Clearlake, funded through our Community Wildfire Defense Grant (24-DG-11052012-186). Work includes thinning and vegetation removal across treatment areas, removal of ladder fuels, brush, grasses, and small-diameter trees, biomass chipping and approved disposal, and compliance with environmental best management practices. The included treatment area is up to 32.8 acres. All work must be completed within six (6) weeks of contract execution.
Pre-Proposal Site Visit (Strongly Encouraged)
Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM
16213 18th Avenue, Clearlake, 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-0025: Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 6.
- 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: Friday, July 24, 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-0025 Lower Aves Defensible Space Phase 6 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-0026: Rodde Property Defensible Space
CLERC is seeking a qualified contractor to perform vegetation management services for the Rodde Property Defensible Space project in Clearlake, funded through our Community Wildfire Defense Grant (23-DG-11052012-457). Work includes thinning and vegetation removal across treatment areas, removal of ladder fuels, brush, grasses, and small-diameter trees, biomass chipping and approved disposal, and compliance with environmental best management practices. The included treatment area is up to 31.18 acres. All work must be completed within six (6) weeks of contract execution.
Pre-Proposal Site Visit (Strongly Encouraged)
Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Silver gate at 15910 Dam Rd, Clearlake, 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-0026: Rodde Property Defensible Space.
- 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: Friday, July 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-0026 Rodde Property Defensible Space 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).