Q: It’s my understanding that Landpaths and Sonoma Ecology Center are two of the organizations that do outings for the District. Would these outings be in addition to the work that they already do?
A: Yes, both organizations have contracts for other work. However the contracts for the outings program are separate and distinct from the other work.
Q: Our conservation district consists of the northern 2/3rds of the county. We would not be inclined to work in another conservation district’s area. Does SCAPOSD require that the organization doing the outings be willing to do the outings county-wide?
A: We are looking for programming throughout the county, which could be provided by multiple organizations in a variety of areas. Organizations can be focused on specific areas.
Q: Are there a particular number of outings that the District would like to see happen in the time frame given in the rfp?
A: There is no minimum or maximum requirement for the number of outings.
Q: On Page 2 of the RFP, Item B-6, it refers to lands held for recreational purposes. Are lands designated for “Recreation and Education” on the map the only lands we should be considering for outings, or are all District lands fair game?
A: We are open to a variety of types of land for programming.
Q: What level of coordination will be required among the selected contractor(s) and other entities doing outings on SCAPOSD lands? I assume coordination would be needed to avoid overlap and also to effectively disseminate information regarding outings.
A:Once contractor(s) is selected, the District will take the lead in ensuring there is no overlap and will also develop contractual language regarding outreach, as well as assist in reviewing/assisting in the development of outreach plans of the selected contractor(s).
Q: What is the District’s expected timeline for working with the contractor on the outreach plan? Would District staff be able to start working with the contractor right away (in September)? Is there a formal review process that might influence the timeline of plan development? Should outings be planned and carried out prior to the finalization of the plan, or does the plan need to be in place first?
A: The process will unfold with a little of both approaches. Based on the complexity of the outing, some may need to wait for the overall plan, others can implemented immediately. This will be assessed once the contractors are selected and their proposals are refined.
Q: If we have an outing/educational/workshop program in place, where multiple properties are visited (some with easements, some without) - what would be the best way to incorporate that into a scope and budget?
A: It would be good to understand what your program entails in general (an overview). As you propose the program, with a scope and budget, address the portion of the program that deals directly with the District property and how that program could meet our needs.
Q: Can we partner with LandPaths on a proposal (say for Poff Ranch)?
A:We encourage respondents to work with other local organizations that could expand program capacity. You would need to contact LandPaths directly.
