1.  ABOUT INTEGRAL ECOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER

Integral Ecology Research Center (IERC) is a California-based nonprofit scientific research organization founded in 2004 by a minority and woman-led team committed to advancing applied conservation science. Since its founding, IERC has conducted numerous studies on natural resources, wildlife health, and ecosystem function across the western United States.

In 2012, IERC launched a dedicated program to assess the ecological and environmental damage associated with illicit cannabis cultivation on public lands, work that has since grown into one of the organization’s defining areas of expertise.  IERC has worked in coordination with local, state, and federal land management agencies to lead and support the safe and effective reclamation of more than 500 cultivation sites across the western US.

IERC is recognized as a leader in research on the environmental impacts of illicit cannabis cultivation. This includes water diversions, habitat degradation, and landscape-scale watershed effects. The organization has contributed to scientific studies, field-based assessments, and data-driven analyses that have scientifically guided and shaped state and federal policy. A brief list of IERC’s work towards restoration and reclamation and peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, can be found here.

Through this initiative, IERC will expand California’s current capacity to address illicit cultivation by training regionally distributed teams to independently conduct safe, effective reclamation operations.

2.  INTRODUCTION

Illicit cannabis cultivation has left a lasting mark on California’s public and Tribal lands, degrading watersheds, contaminating wildlife habitat, and outpacing the capacity of currently trained teams to address it. Few organizations possess the specialized training, safety certifications, professional networks, and administrative infrastructure necessary to implement this work safely and effectively at scale. Meeting this statewide challenge requires a sustained investment in building the regional workforce equipped to carry out this work.

Through funding provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP), IERC hereby solicits proposals from qualified entities to participate as Regional Reclamation Training Teams under the project “A Framework for Restoring California’s Watersheds: Training and Empowerment in Action.”

This initiative is designed to expand statewide capacity to remediate environmental damage resulting from illicit cannabis cultivation on public and Tribal sovereign lands. IERC intends to select three regional teams to participate in a comprehensive, fully funded training and capacity-building program. This training program will support teams by covering approved time, travel, and supplies for all training activities.

The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to expand statewide reclamation capacity by identifying and training a regionally distributed network of qualified teams capable of independently planning, funding, and implementing safe and effective reclamation across California.

While participation does not guarantee future grant funding, selected teams will gain technical experience and administrative capacity to competitively pursue reclamation and conservation funding opportunities statewide.

Subcontract awards under this RFP are contingent upon receipt and continued availability of funds from the CRGP program at CDFW. IERC reserves the right to cancel, reduce, suspend, or terminate any subcontract award at any time without liability to IERC in the event of funding withdrawal, force majeure, or other circumstances beyond IERC’s reasonable control.

A Glossary of key terms used throughout this RFP, including definitions for HAZWOPER, cost-reimbursement, proctored reclamation operation, and other program-specific terminology, can be found at the end of this document.

3.  TRAINING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this program are to:

• Train and empower regional teams to independently plan, fund, coordinate, and implement cannabis site reclamation projects on public and Tribal lands.
• Build statewide capacity to safely and effectively remediate environmental damage associated with illicit cannabis cultivation.
• Establish a regionally distributed network of qualified teams capable of supporting coordinated, landscape-scale restoration across California.
• Standardize reclamation best practices and training programs, including safety protocols, operational logistics, and field data collection procedures to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.

3.1.  Program Outcomes and Participant Benefits

Upon selection, participating teams will:

• Complete comprehensive supervisor and crew-level training and obtain all required safety certifications (including 40-hour HAZWOPER for supervisors).
• Develop expertise in operational planning, contingency planning, logistics coordination, and aviation and hazardous waste contractor management.
• Implement standardized field data collection and reporting procedures consistent with grant requirements.
• Build the administrative capacity necessary to independently apply for, manage, and report on reclamation funding opportunities.

4.  SCOPE OF TRAINING AND SUPPORT

All training and technical assistance will be provided at no cost to selected teams. The curriculum will follow a structured progression from classroom instruction and administration development to intensive field-based instruction. The training is designed to prepare teams to independently plan, manage, and implement reclamation operations.

4.1.   Supervisor Training (Two supervisors per team)

Supervisors will receive instruction and support across the following areas:

• Prerequisite Certification: Completion of online 40-hour HAZWOPER certification prior to in-person training.
• Supervisor Preparatory Coursework: Structured review of environmental impacts of illicit cultivation, applicable regulatory requirements, and established reclamation protocols.
• In-Person Supervisor Training: One week of supervisor training at IERC headquarters in Blue Lake, California, covering site assessment methodology and pre-reclamation documentation protocols. This training will also fulfill the three-day, on-the-job requirement to complete the 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.
• Site Assessment Training: One week of on-site assessment training, identifying all items necessary for the development of the safety and reclamation plans.
• Reclamation Planning: Development of site-specific reclamation plans, safety plans, and operational logistics frameworks, which include aviation and hazardous waste contractor coordination.
• Grant and Administrative Management: Instruction in budgeting, subcontract management, reporting requirements, and compliance considerations.
• Interagency Coordination: Strategies and effective communication and coordination with public agencies, Tribal partners, and land managers.

4.2.   Crew Training (Six to Ten Crew Members per Team)

Crew members will participate in one week of classroom and field-based training covering:

• Site safety and hazard awareness: Visual identification of potentially hazardous materials, site-specific safety protocols, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Waste removal best practices: Proper techniques for non-hazardous waste removal, water diversion removal, waste staging, and coordination procedures.
• Field documentation: Standardized data collection procedures including fixed-point photography, GPS data collection, and standardized digital field forms (e.g., Survey123 or equivalent system).

4.3.  Proctored Reclamation Operation

This component will serve as the culminating component of the training program where each selected team will independently plan, prepare, and implement a reclamation operation at a designated site within their regional scope:

• Planning and Leadership: Supervisors will lead development of the site-specific reclamation plan, safety plan, logistics plan, and documentation framework.
• Field Execution: Crew members will execute operations in accordance with established best practices and site-safety requirements.
• Oversight and Evaluation: Subject matter experts will provide oversight and structured evaluation of planning, safety compliance, operational effectiveness, and data documentation.
• Agency Coordination: Activities may require coordination with public or Tribal land managers and, where appropriate, law enforcement agencies to ensure site security and safety.

Upon successful completion, teams will receive:

• Certificate of Course Completion: Issued by IERC upon formal evaluation and confirmation that all program requirements have been met to IERC’s satisfaction.
• Letters of Support: Provided for use in future grant applications and restoration funding opportunities.

Issuance of the Certificate of Completion and Letters of Support is contingent upon satisfactory performance as determined by IERC’s evaluation team. IERC reserves the right to withhold, delay, or conditionally issue these materials pending resolution of any outstanding performance or documentation concerns.

5.  COMPENSATION

Each selected Regional Reclamation Training Team will receive a subcontract award of up to $206,668 covering all eligible travel, personnel time, and supplies, subject to execution of a formal subcontract agreement with IERC.

All funds will be provided on a cost-reimbursement basis and are subject to the terms and conditions of the executed subcontract agreement. Reimbursement is limited to allowable, documented expenses directly related to travel and participation in required training, proctored reclamation operations, and approved program activities. All costs must comply with applicable CDFW grant requirements and subcontract provisions.

Payments will be made on a cost-reimbursement basis following IERC review and approval of submitted invoices and supporting documentation. Advance payments will not be provided. IERC reserves the right to withhold or delay reimbursement for costs deemed unallowable, insufficiently documented, or inconsistent with subcontractor terms or grantors (CDFW CRGP) direction.

5.1.                   Ineligible Use of Funds

Subcontract funds may not be used for:

• Unallowable costs: Any expense not directly related to approved training or reclamation activities, the proctored operations, or other program-authorized activities as defined in the executed subcontract agreement.
• Pre-award Costs: Any costs incurred prior to the execution of a formal subcontract agreement with IERC.
• Advocacy and Legal Activities: Political advocacy, lobbying, litigation, or any political fundraising activities.
• Fundraising Activities: Any fundraising activities, including but not limited to solicitation campaigns, donor development, sponsorships, or events intended to generate revenue.
• Indirect Cost Limitations: Indirect costs may not exceed 20% of direct costs, excluding equipment and other capital expenditures.
• Insurance: Costs associated with insurance, including but not limited to general liability, professional liability, automobile liability, or workers’ compensation, are not allowable expenses under this award. Insurance coverage is required as a condition of eligibility (Section 7), but is not reimbursable under this program.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Any activities that are in violation of applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or ordinances.
• Subcontracting Restrictions: Use of subcontractors, subrecipients, or third-party entities to perform core program activities is not allowed under this award. Subcontracting may be appropriate for specific, limited services where specialized expertise is required and prior written approval from IERC has been obtained.

6.  ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility is based on statutory requirements of the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program under Fish and Game Code, section 1501.5(b) (see Section 2.1 of the Cannabis Restoration Grant Program Proposal Solicitation Notice for additional information). Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit organizations qualified to do business in California and recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c) of Title 26 of the United States Code, with the capacity to meet the requirements of this solicitation and any executed subcontract agreement.
• Public agencies within California, including federal or state agencies or departments, public universities, special districts, joint powers authorities, counties, cities, or other political subdivisions of the state.
• California Native American tribes, as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 21073.

Applicants must also:

• Be a legally established entity in good standing with the State of California.
• Be authorized to enter into a subcontract agreement with IERC.

The following entities are not eligible to apply under this solicitation:

• Private individuals
• For-profit enterprises
• Out-of-state public entities (except nonprofit organizations registered with the California Secretary of State)

6.1.  Additional Land Manger Requirements

Depending on the designated work area, some land management agencies may have additional requirements for personnel participating in program activities. Any such requirements will be communicated to selected teams prior to field deployment.

7.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:

1. Mission alignment with conservation, land stewardship, and environmental restoration.
2. Maintain the following minimum insurance coverage and comply with applicable state and federal labor and safety laws: (a) Commercial General Liability: minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate; (b) Workers’ Compensation as required by California law; (c) Automobile Liability (if vehicles are used in connection with program activities); (d) IERC named as an additional insured on all applicable policies. Certificates of insurance must be provided prior to subcontract execution.
3. Capacity to deploy a field crew of six to ten members, plus two designated supervisors for required training.
4. Experience conducting field operations in remote or rugged environments.
5. Administrative and financial systems capable of managing public funds, tracking reimbursable expenses, and submitting required reports.
6. Current written safety program and commitment to compliance with Cal/OSHA and required safety certifications.
7. Experience coordinating with public or Tribal land management agencies.

8.  DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are not mandatory, but are highly desirable:

1. Demonstrated experience conducting assessment, cleanup, or remediation of illicit cannabis cultivation sites in California, including hazardous waste identification, infrastructure removal, water diversion repair, and habitat restoration.
2. Existing staff or supervisors holding current 40-hour HAZWOPER certification, OSHA safety certifications, or other hazardous materials handling credentials.
3. Proven experience managing multi-phase environmental restoration or natural resource projects.
4. Experience utilizing standardized field data collection tools (e.g., GIS mapping, GPS data logging, photo documentation protocols, environmental monitoring forms) and submitting structured reports to funders or public agencies.
5. Experience supervising and training field crews, conservation corps members, or environmental technicians, including implementation of structured safety briefings and standard operating procedures.
6. Demonstrated understanding of local ecological conditions, culturally sensitive landscapes, or region-specific environmental threats relevant to cannabis site impacts.
7. Existing formal agreements, partnerships, or volunteer programs with federal or state land management agencies supporting similar objectives or activities.

9.  FIELD SAFETY, LIABILITY, AND INDEMNIFICATION

Subcontractors are solely responsible for the health and safety of their own personnel during all activities under this program, including but not limited to training activities, travel, and the proctored reclamation operation. IERC does not assume liability for injuries, illnesses, or incidents involving subcontractor personnel during all activities under this program, including those occurring during HAZWOPER training, in-person instruction, field exercises, or the proctored operation.

Each subcontractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless IERC, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to the acts or omissions of the subcontractor or its personnel in connection with program activities, including but not limited to injuries sustained during training or the proctored reclamation operation.

Prior to subcontract execution, each subcontractor must provide certificates of insurance naming IERC as an additional insured on its commercial general liability and automobile liability policies. These provisions will be incorporated into and enforced through the executed subcontract agreement.

10.                    EXPECTATIONS OF SELECTED TEAMS

Selected teams must:

• Enter into and comply with a subcontract agreement with IERC.
• Ensure designated supervisors complete required online and in-person training, including successful completion of 40-hour HAZWOPER certification prior to field deployment.
• Deploy six to ten crew members to participate in required classroom and field-based training.
• Participate fully in all instructional modules, safety briefings, and evaluations.
• Plan and implement at least one proctored independent reclamation operation in coordination with IERC.
• Apply standardized safety, operational, and documentation protocols established under the statewide framework.
• Utilize program-provided data collection tools and reporting modules.
• Submit required pre- and post-reclamation documentation in accordance with established timelines.
• Coordinate with public land management agencies and, when necessary, law enforcement partners to ensure safe and authorized site access.
• Apply the training, operational systems, and documentation standards gained through this initiative toward independent reclamation efforts within their region, consistent with the CDFW’s statewide approach.

 

Activity	Staff	Format	Duration & Support	Timing	Notes
Phase 1 — Supervisor training PRE-REQUISITES (Section 4.1)
40-hour HAZWOPER certification	Two supervisors	Online, self-paced	40 hours	Before in-person training	Required prior to field deployment
Preparatory coursework and exam	Two supervisors	Self-paced	32  hours	Before in-person training	Review of environmental impacts, regulatory requirements, and reclamation protocols
PHASE 2 — Supervisor training (Section 4.1)
In-person supervisor instruction	Two supervisors	Blue Lake, CA and potentially Lassen County for field portions	40 hours	Summer 2026	2 days office, plus 3 days reclamation training
On-site assessment training	Two supervisors	Field-based within the subcontractor’s area of operation	40 hours	Summer / Fall 2026	Site documentation & data collection
Reclamation plan development	Two supervisors	Office-based	20 hours	Summer / Fall 2026	Training to develop a site-specific reclamation, safety, and logistics plans
Phase 3 — Crew training (Section 4.2)
Crew classroom & field training	6-10 Crew, plus 2 Supervisors	Classroom & field-based within the subcontractor’s area of operation	40 hours	Fall 2026 – Spring 2027	One day office, plus 3 reclamation training days
Phase 4 — Proctored operation (Section 4.3)
Proctored reclamation operation planning	2 Supervisors	Office-based	16 hours	Fall 2026 – Spring 2027	Proctored evaluation planning
Proctored reclamation operation	6-10 Crew, plus 2 Supervisors	Field-based within the subcontractor’s area of operation	20 hours	Fall 2026 – Spring 2027	Supervised evaluation; supervisors lead, crew executes
Ongoing obligations
Documentation & reporting	Crew or Supervisors	Office-based / digital	Throughout program	Per IERC timelines	Survey123 data submission and post-reclamation reporting
Project administration	Administrative Staff	Office-based / digital	As needed throughout program	Quarterly	Invoices and progress reports

11.                    EVALUATION PROCESS

Proposals will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Qualified proposals will be evaluated by a review panel based on the Selection Criteria outlined below. Final selection decisions will consider application scoring, as well as programmatic factors.

11.1.                   Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated mission alignment and organizational readiness
• Field experience in remote or rugged environments
• Administrative and financial management capacity
• Workforce stability and supervisor readiness
• Geographic distribution to ensure statewide coverage
• Commitment to long-term reclamation participation
• Demonstrated safety culture and compliance history
• Experience coordinating with public or Tribal land management agencies

To ensure statewide capacity building, IERC intends to select three teams representing the Northern, Central, and Southern California regions. Final selection may consider geographic distribution to achieve balanced regional coverage and maximize program impact.

12.                    TIMELINE

• RFP Release Date: 05/15/2026
• Proposal Deadline: 06/19/2026
• Selection Notification: 08/01/2026
• Training Periods
  • Supervisor Training: Summer 2026
  • Crew Training: Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 (depending on team availability and site locations)
  • Proctored Operations: Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 (depending on team availability and site locations)
• Project Term Conclusion: May 2027

All dates are subject to change at IERC’s discretion. IERC reserves the right to modify the schedule, cancel this RFP, or not select any applicants at its sole discretion.

13.                    PUBLICITY AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Selected teams will be required to acknowledge IERC and funding support from the CDFW CRGP in all public communications related to program activities. This includes, but is not limited to, signs, demonstrations, promotional materials, advertisements, publications, presentations, exhibits, websites, social media posts, invitations, and other media-related and public outreach products prepared or approved by the subcontractor that reference the program or any activities conducted under this agreement.

Subcontractors must submit any media-related and public outreach products — including press releases, social media content, and publications, to IERC for review and, where applicable, forwarding to the CDFW Grant Manager, a minimum of 21 calendar days prior to the public release or publication. Products may not be released without written approval. IERC and CDFW reserve the right to request edits prior to approval.

Subcontractors must follow all acknowledgement of credit requirements for media and communications in accordance with CDFW’s Office of Communication, Education and Outreach style guide, including any requirements regarding logo use, branding, and attribution language.

14.                    DATA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Data, documentation, reports, photographs, spatial data, and other materials developed under this program may be used by IERC and its funding partners for reporting, evaluation, and programmatic purposes.

All field data, GPS records, photographs, spatial data, field forms, and documentation generated during training activities and the proctored reclamation operation are the property of IERC and CDFW, consistent with the terms of the applicable CDFW grant agreement, which will be provided to successful awardees upon award. Subcontractors must transfer all such materials to IERC upon request and in the format specified by IERC. IERC reserves the right to reference, summarize, publish, and publicly acknowledge program participation and outcomes in reports, presentations, websites, and related communications.

15.                    RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

IERC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, request clarification or additional information, negotiate modifications, select fewer than three teams, or cancel this RFP at its sole discretion.

Force Majeure: IERC shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance under this RFP or any resulting subcontract agreement due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, severe weather, war, terrorism, civil unrest, labor disputes, government orders, public health emergencies, or failure or delay of funding sources or grantor.

16.                    CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

All applicants must disclose, in writing, any actual or potential conflict of interest with IERC, CDFW, or any program partner, including but not limited to federal or state land management agencies, Tribal partners, or other entities involved in this initiative. A conflict of interest includes any financial, organizational, or personal relationship that could impair or appear to impair the applicant’s ability to perform objectively and impartially under the subcontract. Failure to disclose a known conflict of interest may result in disqualification.

17.                    PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Applicants must submit proposals via the online application form by June 19, 2026.  The online application form can be found here: Reclamation Training Application Form.

17.1.                Required Proposal Contents

All proposals must be submitted via the online application form linked in the Proposal Submission section. The form is organized into the following short-answer sections and is designed to take approximately 3–4 hours to complete; applicants are encouraged to prepare responses in advance.

Section 1 — Organizational Information. Basic identifying information including organization name, type, federal tax ID or Tribal/agency identifier, year established, website, primary contact, and California counties of primary operation.

Section 2 — Organizational Mission and Alignment (2,000 characters). Your organization’s mission statement and a brief narrative describing your interest in this initiative and alignment with conservation, land stewardship, habitat restoration, or watershed protection.

Section 3 — Workforce and Field Capacity (up to 1,000 characters per question). Your field workforce structure, confirmation that you can deploy two supervisors and six to ten crew members, experience conducting operations in remote or rugged environments, and your safety management practices and staff certifications (HAZWOPER, First Aid, OSHA, etc.).

Section 4 — Equipment and Experience with Environmental Enhancement Projects (2,000 characters). Your organization’s experience with environmental restoration or natural resource projects, including relevant activities such as hazardous waste identification, infrastructure removal, and GIS data collection, as well as applicable equipment your organization has access to.

Section 5 — Administrative and Financial Capacity (2,000 characters). Your experience managing public or grant funding, including funding sources, financial controls, cost-reimbursement invoicing, and reporting systems.

Section 6 — Interagency and Partnership Experience (up to 1,000 characters per question). Your experience coordinating with public land management agencies and law enforcement, and any existing MOUs, cooperative agreements, or working relationships. Tribal organizations are encouraged to describe their stewardship role within ancestral or Tribal lands.

Section 7 — Data Collection and Reporting Capacity (up to 1,000 characters per question). Your experience with GPS data logging, GIS mapping, digital field data platforms (e.g., Survey123, ArcGIS), and photo documentation, as well as your experience preparing structured reports for funders or regulatory agencies.

Section 8 — Organizational Commitment and Long-Term Vision (1,500 characters). A narrative describing how your organization would apply this training beyond the proctored operation and your long-term interest in cannabis site reclamation in your region, along with confirmation of willingness to meet all program participation requirements.

Section 9 — Geographic Distribution and Regional Need. Identification and map of the primary region where your team would operate, including relevant public lands.

Section 10 — Certifications and Assurances. Confirmation of compliance with state and federal labor laws, required insurance coverage, Cal/OSHA commitment, willingness to enter into a subcontract agreement if selected, and acknowledgment that participation does not guarantee future funding.

Optional Attachments (recommended). Organizational chart, most recent IRS Form 990, two professional references (agency contacts preferred), and an example report submitted to a public land manager.

18.                    QUESTIONS AND COMMUNICATION

All questions regarding this RFP must be directed to:

Integral Ecology Research Center
CannabisRFP@iercecology.org

**Organizations may request a meeting to discuss this opportunity.

 

19.                    GLOSSARY OF TERMS

• • Allowable Costs: Expenses that are necessary, reasonable, and directly related to approved program activities, and that comply with the terms of the subcontract agreement and applicable grant requirements.
  • Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP): A grant program administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to support environmental restoration and remediation of impacts from cannabis cultivation.
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW): The state agency providing funding for this initiative.
  • Cost-Reimbursement: A payment structure in which subcontractors are reimbursed for eligible expenses after costs have been incurred and properly documented.
  • HAZWOPER: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training required under OSHA for workers involved in hazardous substance removal or remediation activities.
  • IERC: Integral Ecology Research Center, the issuing organization of this Request for Proposals and administrator of the training initiative.
  • Indirect Costs: Expenses incurred for general organizational operations that are not directly attributable to a specific project activity (e.g., administrative overhead, utilities, general management).
  • Proctored Reclamation Operation: A supervised, field-based reclamation project conducted by participating teams as part of the training program, during which performance is evaluated by IERC subject matter experts.
  • Reclamation: The process of restoring land impacted by illicit cannabis cultivation, including removal of infrastructure, waste, and contaminants.
  • Regional Reclamation Training Team: An entity selected through this RFP to participate in training and capacity-building activities under this program.
  • Subcontract Agreement: The formal, legally binding agreement between IERC and a selected applicant outlining terms, conditions, scope of work, and reimbursement provisions.
  • Unallowable Costs: Expenses that are not eligible for reimbursement under this program, as defined in the RFP and subcontract agreement.