Title
a. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Standard Agreement (SA), Multi-Year Agreement #7347, with Terry Oyarzun dba Goats R Us to continue to provide goat grazing services for weed abatement and fire fuel mitigation at various locations within the County, Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #10884, to increase not to exceed maximum by $200,000 to a total of $400,000 and for a revised term from July 31, 2027 to July 31, 2028; and
b. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute Amendment No. 2 to the SA and future amendments to the SA where the amendments do not significantly alter the scope of work or increase the approved SA amount.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Standard Agreement (SA), Multi-Year Agreement #7347, with Terry Oyarzun dba Goats R Us to continue to provide goat grazing services for weed abatement and fire fuel mitigation at various locations within the County, Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #10884, to increase not to exceed maximum by $200,000 to a total of $400,000 and for a revised term from July 31, 2027 to July 31, 2028; and
b. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute Amendment No. 2 to the SA and future amendments to the SA where the amendments do not significantly alter the scope of work or increase the approved SA amount.
SUMMARY:
Under certain conditions, goat grazing provides an efficient alternative to more traditional vegetation management programs. Goats are able to clear large areas of land with minimal supervision and can access areas that may be difficult for crews and machinery to reach. Goat grazing is used by both the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in California.
In 2017, the County of Monterey (County), Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) began to explore goat grazing services as an alternate vegetation management and fire mitigation program. PWFP continues to require goat grazing services for weed abatement and fire fuel mitigation at various locations within the County.
The recommended actions would authorize Amendment No. 2 to the Standard Agreement (SA) with Terry Oyarzun dba Goats R Us (Goats R Us) (Attachment A), increasing the SA’s not to exceed amount to provide for the continued delivery of these services and extending the expiration date.
DISCUSSION:
On June 1, 2023, PWFP issued Request for Qualifications (RFQ) #10884, seeking Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) from qualified contractors to provide goat grazing services for weed abatement and fire fuel mitigation at various locations throughout the County. On June 22, 2023, PWFP received one SOQ. Following review and evaluation of the SOQ in accordance with the requirements of RFQ #10884, Goats R Us was determined to be qualified, and a SA was subsequently awarded to the contractor.
Amendment No. 2 to the SA with Goats R Us would increase the current not to exceed amount of $200,000 by $200,000, for a revised total not to exceed amount of $400,000 and extend the expiration date for one additional year from July 31, 2027 through July 31, 2028. Of the proposed $200,000 increase, the PWFP Parks Division anticipates allocating funds in the amount of $150,000 for weed abatement activities at Fort Ord during fiscal year 2026-27.
PWFP staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the proposed Amendment No. 2 to provide the County with the qualified resources necessary to continue providing goat grazing services for weed abatement and fire fuel mitigation at various locations within the County. Amendment No. 2 would increase the SA’s not to exceed amount from $200,000 to $400,000 and revise the term from July 31, 2027 to July 31, 2028. PWFP will be developing a new RFQ to procure these services beyond the expiration of the existing SA.
Attachments B through F are provided for reference and include the SA and Amendment No. 1 to the SA; a summary of the SA, including annual expenditures and the balance to date; RFP #10884; and Addendum No. 1 to RFP #10884.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of the County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller’s Office have reviewed and approved Amendment No. 2 as to form, and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
Costs for services provided under the SA will be charged to the applicable project or operating unit and reimbursed from the corresponding project funding sources. Funding will be contained within the approved budget allocations for the respective operating unit authorizing use of the SA and will be drawn from Fund 1001, Entity 320010, Appropriation PFP108, or the applicable funds established for individual County Service Areas (CSAs) or County Sanitation Districts (CSDs).
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The recommended action supports the Board’s Strategic Plan Goals by allowing PWFP to continue using an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional vegetation management practices. Effective vegetation management helps reduce fire risk, improves access to County park trails, and supports the County’s commitment to providing clean, safe, and well-maintained public spaces.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Mitchell Vernon, CFM, Administrative Operations Manager, (831) 759-6728
Dalia Mariscal-Martinez, Management Analyst III, (831) 755-8966
Reviewed by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Lindsay Lerable, Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Proposed Amendment No. 2 to SA
Attachment B - Amendment No. 1 to SA
Attachment C - SA
Attachment D - Summary of SA and Annual Expenditures and Balance
Attachment E - RFQ #10884
Attachment F - Addendum No. 1 to RFQ #10884