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?

VIEW OPEN RFPS HERE

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.
  • 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.

RFPS CURRENTLY OPEN TO PRE-QULIFIED CONTRACTORS:

Current RFPs

RFP-0002: Community Chipping Program

  • RFP released: February 23, 2026
  • Proposal deadline: 5:00 PM (PT) Monday, March 9, 2026
  • Selection target: 5:00 PM (PT) Monday, March 16, 2026

CLERC intends to award up to three (3) contracts for Community Chipping implementation, with each contract corresponding to a distinct geographic service area (please refer to Exhibit A in the 'Scope of Work' for more information). Contractors may propose on one or more service areas.

Step 1: Pre-Qualification (Required)

If you have not already pre-qualified with CLERC, you must do so first by completing the Contractor Interest Form on this page and submitting the required documents listed in the follow-up instructions. Only pre-qualified contractors will be considered for this RFP.

Step 2: Submit Your Proposal (Pre-Qualified Contractors)

If you are already pre-qualified, submit your proposal by email to documents@theclerc.org with the subject line: CLERC RFP-0002 Community Chipping Program.

  • Include a concise approach / understanding of the scope and service model
  • Provide one fully burdened hourly rate and capacity details (crew + equipment)
  • Identify which service area(s) you’re proposing on
View Full RFP (PDF) View Scope of Work (Exhibit A)

Questions? Email documents@theclerc.org.
Alternate submission options (if needed): mail or drop-off at CLERC, 125 Park Street, Lakeport, CA (M–F, 8am–5pm).