Ada County Highway District

5800 North Meeker Avenue – Boise, ID 83713 Phone (208) 387-6100 - FAX (208) 345-7650

Website: www.achdidaho.org

2027 Tree Pruning Services

MO27-16

Contract Documents November 10, 2026

Miranda Gold, President Alexis Pickering, Vice-President Kent Goldthorpe, Commissioner Dave McKinney, Commissioner Patricia Nillson, Commissioner Ryan Head, Director http://www.achdidaho.org/

Ada County Highway District

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

MO27-16

2027 Tree Pruning Services

I. NOTICE

II. INTRODUCTION

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

IV. ADDITIONAL RESPONDENT INFORMATION

V. SCOPE OF WORK

VI. EVALUATION PHASES

VII. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

VIII. COST SCHEDULE

Attachments:

A - Mapbook B - Sample Agreement

NOTICE

Ada County Highway District

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

2027 Tree Pruning Services

MO27-16

Sealed proposals for 2027 Tree Pruning Services will be received within the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) eProcurement portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/achdidaho, until 3:00 pm (local time), Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at which time the proposals will be publicly opened via Zoom. ACHD will conduct the bid openings scheduled for that date and time individually and in an order established solely by ACHD that best suits its business needs. All proposals must be electronically sealed and submitted via ACHD's eProcurement portal https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/achdidaho. Manual/Paper bids will be deemed non-responsive.

The RFP seeks competitive proposals from qualified Firms to provide clearance pruning of approximately 20,000 trees within the public right-of-way and/or private property trees and shrubs that overhang onto public right-of-way on selected streets.

All questions or requests for clarification regarding this Request for Proposal (RFP), including the content and requirements of the RFP and Documents, must be submitted in writing through the "Question and Answer" section of the ACHD eProcurement Portal no later than 12:00 pm on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Questions submitted by any other method, including phone calls, manual delivery or email, will not be accepted, nor will questions be accepted after the designated Question and Answer deadline. Respondents are strongly advised to observe the stated deadline for submitting inquiries. To ensure timely receipt of updates, respondents are encouraged to select “Follow” on this Proposal within the eProcurement Portal to receive automated email notifications when responses are posted.

Notwithstanding such notifications, it remains the sole responsibility of each bidder to monitor the eProcurement Portal for updates and responses regularly. Any interpretation, clarification, or modification of the RFP that may affect its substance will be issued only in writing in the form of an Addendum and will be made available through the eProcurement Portal. It is the Respondent's responsibility to review and acknowledge all Addenda before submitting a Proposal. Final Addendum will be issued to all registered Respondent Holders no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, November 20, 2026.

The successful Bidder may be required, upon issuance of the Notice of Award, to furnish supply, material, payment, and performance bonds, each in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the total Contract value. No such bonds shall be required at the time of bid submission.

ACHD has prepared the RFP Documents, and copies must be obtained from the eProcurement Portal.

ACHD reserves the right to reject all proposals or reject any proposal not conforming to the intent and purpose of the Contract Documents whenever such action appears to be in the best interest of ACHD. Award of a contract pursuant to this procurement may be delayed, without penalty, for up to sixty (60) calendar days after the date of submission.

Dated Tuesday, November 10, 2026

ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT

Dates of Publication: November 10 and 17, 2026

INTRODUCTION

Summary The RFP seeks competitive proposals from qualified Firms to provide clearance pruning of https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/achdidaho https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/achdidaho approximately 20,000 trees within the public right-of-way and/or private property trees and shrubs that overhang onto public right-of-way on selected streets.

Completion of the pruning must be completed by June 30, 2027. ACHD shall be entitled to "Liquidated Damages" of $250.00 for each calendar day of delay in the completion of the work.

Background As written in the Legal Notice, including deadline dates: All questions or requests for clarification regarding this Request for Proposal (RFP), including the content and requirements of the RFP and Documents, must be submitted in writing through the "Question and Answer" section of the ACHD eProcurement Portal.

Questions submitted by any other method, including phone call, manual delivery, or email, will not be accepted, nor will questions be accepted after the designated Question and Answer deadline.

NOTE: Bid Opening Zoom Meeting Link: (The Date and Time are stated in the Legal Notice) Join Zoom Meeting:

BID ZOOM MEETING LINK

Meeting ID: 853 4920 0922 Passcode: 028768

Contact Information Mike Fagerness

Procurement & Contracting Administrator

5800 N Meeker Ave

Boise, ID 83713

Email: mfagerness@achdidaho.org

Phone: (208) 387-6316 Department:

Maintenance Operations

Timeline

Release Project Date November 10, 2026

Dates of Publication November 10 and 17, 2026

Question Submission Deadline November 18, 2026, 12:00pm

Question Response Deadline November 20, 2026, 4:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline December 2, 2026, 3:00pm

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

MULTIPLE DOCUMENTS TO MAKE UP ENTIRE AGREEMENT

All Sections as well as the notice, taken together, shall make up the entire Agreement between https://achdidaho-org.zoom.us/j/85349200922?pwd=dtq8xszPhoE9Sg6Zw9WxR0KcaLRxgM.1 mailto:mfagerness@achdidaho.org tel:(208)387-6316 the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) and the successful Respondent. The Respondent should carefully read and understand all these documents. By signing and submitting the Authorized Representative Signature Form, the successful respondent does herein agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the entire Agreement.

COMPLIANCE

The proposal submitted must comply with the Specifications and the General Terms and Conditions included herein, and any addendum issued. Failure to comply will result in rejection of the proposal as void and non-responsive.

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

Sealed proposals will be received for 2027 Tree Pruning Services through the Ada County Highway District’s eProcurement Portal located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/achdidaho The Ada County Highway District's (ACHD) e-Procurement Portal Clock is the official clock for the determination of all deadline dates and times.

Responses will not be accepted after the submission deadline regardless of any technical difficulties, such as internet connectivity issues. Submissions will not be considered, even if attempted within the final thirty (30) minutes, nor will exceptions be made for calls made to procurement close to the deadline. The Ada County Highway District strongly recommends that all respondents complete and submit their Request for Proposals (RFP) well in advance of the specified deadline.

Respondents are solely responsible for ensuring that their RFP's are timely submitted to ACHD via the eProcurement Portal.

ACHD assumes no responsibility for any failures of computer systems or equipment that may result in partial or incomplete submissions, nor for failure to meet the required deadline as outlined in the solicitation.

Should any technical issues arise during the submission of the Request for Proposals within OpenGov (ACHD e-Procurement Portal), please utilize the "chat" feature of the "contact us" section under OpenGov Support for assistance.

Neither OpenGov nor ACHD guarantees uninterrupted access to the OpenGov website or error-free services. Furthermore, neither party will be held liable for any inadvertent disclosure of repository information or unauthorized access by third parties.

"Disruption to electronic communications" or "service loss" refers to unplanned events that significantly hinder or entirely prevent the normal functionality of electronic communications systems, such as cyberattacks, intentional disruptions (e.g., government shutdowns), power outages, or natural disasters. It does not apply to other technical issues, including operator errors or internet connectivity problems.

In the event of a disruption to electronic communications or service loss by OpenGov within four (4) hours of submission deadline, ACHD will investigate the reported incident in coordination with OpenGov. If the disruption is confirmed, ACHD will work to provide the best possible resolution to ensure respondents have the opportunity to submit their responses.

ACHD will notify all affected parties via email through OpenGov regarding any incidents and the resolutions.

PROPOSAL FORMS

Respondents must provide all information required in the Proposal and submit the Proposal by the date and time specified. If supporting documentation is required, such documentation must be submitted with the response to this solicitation. If addenda have been issued in relation to the solicitation, respondents must acknowledge all addenda. Failure to submit these required documents will be a basis for rejecting the submission as non-responsive.

The respondent shall sign the Authorized Representative Signature Form. If the respondent is a corporation, the legal name of the corporation shall be entered together with the original signature of an agent authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the corporation. If the respondent is a partnership, the true name of the firm shall be entered together with the original signature of the partner(s) authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the partnership

All blank spaces in the proposal form must be filled in. No changes may be made in the phraseology of the forms nor may the respondent add any phraseology conditioning the acceptance of the award. In case of a discrepancy between unit and total prices, unit prices shall govern.

A proposal will be deemed unresponsive if it contains omissions, erasures, or alterations not initialed by the firm signatory, additions of any kind, prices not called for, prices which are obviously unbalanced, or items which fail to conform to the conditions of the Request for Proposal.

INTERPRETATIONS OF QUANTITIES IN COST SCHEDULE

The quantities appearing in the cost schedule are approximate and are prepared for the comparison of proposal. The scheduled quantities may be increased, decreased, or omitted.

ACHD retains the right to place multiple orders throughout the duration of the agreement.

Furthermore, ACHD may elect to extend the duration of the agreement.

PROPOSAL OPENING

Proposals will be opened at the date, time, and place specified in the Introduction. No person will be denied the right to be present during the proposal opening process. Proposals may be received up to but not later than Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at 3:00 pm via the eProcurement Portal. The ACHD eProcurement Portal Clock is the official clock for the determination of all deadline dates and times. Without exception, responses will not be accepted after the submission deadline regardless of any technical difficulties such as poor internet connections. ACHD strongly recommends completing your response well ahead of the deadline.

MODIFICATION OF PROPOSAL

In all instances, a Respondent may modify their Proposal at any time prior to the scheduled closing date and time for the receipt of proposals.

WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL

Any proposal may be withdrawn prior to the scheduled date and time set for proposal opening by clicking un-submit within the eProcurement portal by the respondent or their authorized agent. No proposal may be withdrawn after the date and/or time set for the submission deadline.

BID SECURITY

If Bid Security is required, proposals must be accompanied by an original certified check, cashier's check, or a bid bond (collectively referred to hereafter as “Bid Security”) issued by a surety authorized to issue such bonds in the State of Idaho, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the proposal submitted. Failure to include an original Bid Security as required with the bid, and/or submission of photocopies or electronic versions, e.g. PDF, FAX, etc. of the Bid Security, will, if not waived per Item 26, render said proposal void and non-responsive.

Special Note: Bid Security: If required by this solicitation, each bid shall be accompanied by the bid security specified in the solicitation documents. If Bid security is required, it will be listed under the "Vendor Questionnaire" section. If the Bid Security is not being requested under the Vendor Questionnaire Section, then please disregard.

RETURN OF BID SECURITY

If Bid Security is required, within 15-calendar days after award of the contract, ACHD will return https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/achdidaho/projects/320264/document?section=3030490

Bid Securities, other than bid bonds, to all Bidders whose proposals are not to be further considered in awarding the contract. The Bid Security, including bid bond if applicable, of the Successful Bidder shall be retained until the contract has been fully executed and the Successful Bidder has furnished all required contract security and met all other conditions of the Notice of Award. Any guarantees which have been forfeited shall be retained.

ADDENDA

Prior to the proposal opening, any interpretation or change in the RFP Documents will be made only in writing in the form of addenda. Addenda, if any, will be furnished to all respondents receiving a set of the documents from ACHD through the eProcurement Portal.

It is the responsibility of all respondents to check the eProcurement portal for all addenda.

ACHD will not be responsible for any other explanation or interpretation of the RFP Documents. Any oral explanations, instructions, and interpretations given to respondents prior to the proposal opening will not be binding on ACHD unless supplemented by written addenda.

BURDEN OF PROOF

It is the respondent's responsibility to furnish ACHD with sufficient data to determine whether or not the product(s), service(s), and/or supplies offered conform to the specified requirements.

ACHD is not liable for any costs incurred by respondents prior to issuance of a purchase order or execution of the Agreement.

FIRM COSTS

Prices submitted are to be considered firm. No cash discounts can be accepted or used in determining a low cost.

DATA TO BE FURNSHISED WITH PROPOSALS

The following submittal shall be provided with the proposal:

• List of additions, deletion or variation from the specification

• Description of service availability.

• Complete statements of all applicable warranties.

SERVICE REQUIRED

The successful respondent shall be able to provide service to ACHD, where applicable, for the items bid and delivered.

EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

The successful respondent must execute an Agreement with ACHD within 15 days after award by ACHD.

FOREIGN ENTITIES

If respondent is an entity not organized and existing under the laws of the State of Idaho, that it will be appropriately authorized, registered, qualified, certified or otherwise in compliances with the laws of the State of Idaho relating to doing business in Idaho as a foreign entity prior to any award of a contract under this RFP. At any time after the proposal opening, at the request of ACHD, the respondent will provide ACHD with proof of compliances within five (5) business days following the request. The proposal may be rejected if respondent does not provide such proof prior to the date scheduled for the award.

PROTESTS FROM THE RESPONDENT

Any protests concerning the specifications, procurement procedures or method of evaluation must be made in writing and received by ACHD at least three (3) business days before the date and time upon which proposals are scheduled to be opened. Failure to timely raise such protest in writing shall be deemed to operate as a waiver as to any objections that may have been raised on the part of the respondent.

PROPOSAL ANALYSIS AND AWARD

The Purchase or Service Agreement contract will be awarded to the highest ranked respondent submitting complying with the procurement procedures and best meeting the specifications for the goods or services sought to be procured.

ACCEPTABILITY

Acceptability of the item shall be judged solely by ACHD. Decisions shall be final and in the best interests of the ACHD.

MATERIALS

Materials shall be free from defects and shall be those ordinarily used for the intended service, unless otherwise specified herein. It is the intent of the Specifications to permit the respondent to supply any item(s) specified or offer an equivalent. Whenever any particular item is indicated by patent, proprietary or brand name, or by name of manufacturer, such wording is for the purpose of facilitating its description and shall be deemed to be followed by the words “or approved equivalent.” The respondent shall, at its own expense, furnish with its proposal, data concerning items offered as being equivalent to those specified. ACHD shall determine whether the material offered is equivalent to that specified.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

ACHD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities, and to contract in the best interest of ACHD.

WAIVERS

Specifications and manufacturer’s models noted in this bid are those that are acceptable to ACHD. All deviations from these specifications must be listed. Failure to list all deviations from the specifications is an informality and irregularity which shall be a basis for ACHD to deem the proposal void and non-responsive, unless such deviations are waived by ACHD.

ADDITIONAL UNITS

ACHD may order additional units as budget restrains allow within 180 days of awarding. All terms and conditions and prices of proposal shall apply to additional units ordered.

NON-RESPONSIVE CRITERIA

All proposals submitted that fail to meet the following criteria (if applicable) shall be deemed void and non-responsive:

• Provide proof of licensure. (If Applicable)

• Submit their proposal to ACHD eProcurement Portal by the date and time stated in the Request for Proposal or other solicitation.

INFORMALTIES AND IRREGULARITIES

Informalities and irregularities may be waived by the ACHD Director following notification by ACHD staff managing the procurement and upon the Director’s findings that: (1) the subject cost amount is lower than the ACHD estimate; (2) the informality and irregularity has no substantive impact on any substantial or material requirements of the procurement; (3) waiver of the informality and irregularity will not create an advantage for the subject respondent; and

(4) the informality and irregularity can be corrected by the subject respondent within 48 hours of the waiver being granted by the ACHD Director. In all other circumstances, waiver of informalities and irregularities can only be considered by the ACHD Commission as part of the award process and at the request of the affected respondent. If not waived, these informalities and irregularities shall result in a proposal being deemed void and non-responsive.

Based upon the foregoing, the informalities and irregularities that may be waived include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Failure to list all deviations from the specifications.

• Failure by the Respondent to meet the specifications contained in the Request for Proposal or other solicitation.

• Failure to timely provide the required Bid Security.

• Failure to comply with any other procurement procedures.

• Failure to provide all other required Bid Security documentation.

• Failure by the Respondent to sign their proposal.

• Failure by the Respondent to obtain from ACHD and submit official Ada County Highway District Documents, Plans, and/or Addenda.

• Minor mathematical errors.

• Omissions, erasures, or alterations, not initialed by an authorized representative of the Respondent.

• Additions of any kind or prices which are uncalled for in the Request for Proposal.

ADDITIONAL RESPONDENT INFORMATION

DOCUMENT INTERPRETATION

All Respondents submitting a response shall have thoroughly examined all the content contained in the Request for Proposal (RFP) Documents. Should there be any doubt as to any meaning or intent of any RFP statement or provision, the Respondent should submit their inquiries in writing as prescribed in the RFP NOTICE. Any interpretation that may alter or change the RFP Documents will be in writing, in the form of an Addendum, which will be furnished to all respondents receiving the RFP Documents. ACHD will not be responsible for any other explanation or interpretation of the RFP Documents. Respondents shall acknowledge all Addenda or be deemed non-responsive.

RESPONDENT UNDERSTANDING

Each respondent must adequately inspect the RFP Documents and make themselves thoroughly familiar with the content of the RFP Documents. It shall be the Respondent's obligation to verify, to their complete satisfaction, all information contained in the RFP Documents.

The submission of a Proposal Document will constitute an incontrovertible representation by the Respondent that they have been given adequate opportunity to be acquainted with the RFP Documents. Further the Respondent has, to their satisfaction, resolved any questions regarding any perceived conflicts, ambiguities, errors, and discrepancies contained within the RFP Documents.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESSES

The selection of Respondent Firms for the proposed project will be based on the Evaluation Criteria.

A. The Selection Committee will evaluate the qualifications and other information presented in each Firm’s response to the RFP. To complete https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/achdidaho/projects/320264/document?section=undefined these tasks, the Selection Committee will use the Evaluation Criteria provided.

B. ACHD reserves the right to reject any or all Proposal Documents not conforming to the intent and purpose of this RFP whenever such action appears to be in the best interest of ACHD.

C. Once evaluated and selected, The contract will be awarded to the firm who, in the sole opinion of ACHD, is best qualified and available to perform the work.

Evaluation Phase Methodology

Scoring Method: 0 - 5 Points

Rating Guidelines:

Score

Points

EXCEPTIONAL / EXCELLENT 5

GOOD 4

SATISFACTORY 3

POOR 2

UNSATISFACTORY 1

NON-RESPONSIVE / NO VALUE 0

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Acknowledgement requirement to list the consideration as to whether the Firm is certified by the Idaho Transportation Department and listed in the Idaho Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Directory or other comparable state registries. Including of DBE-certified firms endures maintenance of compliance and meets the goals of Federally assisted projects and ACHD policy.

PROPERTY OF ACHD

All information and material submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of ACHD and will not be returned. At its sole discretion, ACHD reserves the right to use any and all information submitted.

COST OF SUBMITTING

ACHD is not responsible for any cost incurred by any respondent in the preparation of Proposal Documents.

SCOPE OF WORK

Special Provisions and Scope of Work

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

All work shall comply with applicable Ada County Highway District (ACHD) requirements and Boise City Parks and Recreation Department requirements where applicable to the assigned work. The Contractor shall obtain and maintain the licenses and permits required for the work and the jurisdiction in which it is performed.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment, tools, materials, traffic control, notifications, hauling, and disposal necessary to prune all or a selected portion of the trees, bushes, and shrubbery in the project areas shown on the solicitation maps.

ACHD reserves the right to add or delete locations. After award, ACHD will issue the work list identifying addresses or other location identifiers, tree or shrub type, and required pruning type.

If a listed tree or shrub has already been pruned to the required condition before the Contractor arrives, the Contractor shall notify ACHD. Once verified by ACHD, the location will be recorded as complete without Contractor payment. The Contractor shall not prune or invoice an unassigned location without written ACHD authorization.

At the end of each working day, the Contractor shall remove equipment, tools, wood, trimmings, brush, chips, and other work-related debris, except where the Contract expressly allows otherwise. Sweep affected areas clean and leave the site as clean as or cleaner than its pre-work condition. Remove debris from the work site and dispose of it lawfully. Elm disposal is subject to Section 10.

The Contractor shall bid one all-inclusive Average Unit Price for the pruning work. That price shall include all requirements of this Contract. Payment shall equal the awarded Average Unit Price multiplied by the actual authorized and accepted payable units under Exhibit C. The evaluated bid price will use ACHD's estimated quantity; award will be determined under Exhibit D rather than solely by the lowest extended price.

1. WORK SCHEDULING

The Contractor shall coordinate the work sequence with ACHD and provide daily notice to the agencies below of work locations and planned street closures. Closure notices shall identify the primary street, affected cross streets, and expected closing and opening times. Notify the agencies before each closure and immediately after reopening.

Agency Telephone

Community Forestry 208-384-4083

Ada County Highway District 208-387-6350

Boise City/Ada County Dispatch 208-384-4300

Submit a proposed schedule and work plan with the bid as required by Exhibit D. After award, coordinate the final sequence, priority areas, and notification schedule with ACHD.

Revised scheduling does not extend the completion date without a formal written extension from ACHD.

2. SAFETY STANDARDS

Equipment and operations shall comply with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, ANSI Z133-2026, Safety and Health Requirements for Arboricultural Operations, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Use relevant National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations as safety guidance.

The Contractor is responsible for pedestrian and vehicular safety within and around the work area. Provide required permits, bonds, traffic control personnel, warning devices, barricades, signage, and accessible pedestrian routing. Traffic control shall comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), as applicable in Idaho, and ACHD-approved requirements. Obtain Boise City Police Department approval where required.

ACHD Traffic Engineering shall approve the traffic control plan before ACHD issues the Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall contact ACHD Zone Inspection Coordinator Jim Pickard at 208-387-6308 regarding traffic control requirements for work within the public right-of-way.

Before starting at each location, evaluate traffic, pedestrians, overhead utilities, tree condition, equipment setup, and the drop zone. Use personnel qualified for their assigned tasks and protect turf, trees, structures, utilities, and other improvements. Stop the affected work and coordinate with ACHD and the utility owner when an electrical hazard or other unsafe condition cannot be addressed within the crew's qualifications. Maintain emergency access and implement the Contractor's site-specific safety and rescue procedures.

3. LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR INJURY

The Contractor shall be responsible for damages and injuries resulting from work performed under this Contract, including damage to curbs, sidewalks, streets, buildings, structures, signs, utilities, sprinklers, sod, and plant materials within or adjacent to the work area, whether on public or private property. Report all damage immediately to ACHD. Complete repairs within seventy-two (72) hours.

Repairs, replacements, or monetary restitution shall be completed to the satisfaction of the affected agency, utility, property owner, or authorized representative before disbursement of the applicable funds. The Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless ACHD from damages resulting from work performed under this Contract, subject to the terms of the executed Agreement. Tree damage is also addressed in Section 9.

4. TIME OF COMPLETION

Work shall begin within ten (10) calendar days after the Notice to Proceed and shall be completed by June 30, 2027, unless ACHD grants a formal written extension. ACHD may assign specific completion dates to individual project areas to accommodate its work schedule. The Contractor shall organize staffing, equipment, notices, and work sequencing to meet these dates. Exhibit B summarizes the schedule requirements.

5. ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

Bidders shall inspect the proposed work areas and become familiar with the conditions and scope. The Contractor remains responsible for meeting all specifications. ACHD's failure to immediately reject unsatisfactory work or identify a deviation does not constitute acceptance or relieve the Contractor of its obligations.

ACHD may inspect work during performance and at completion. Before reporting a location complete, the Contractor shall verify the assigned clearance, pruning quality, debris removal, property protection, and required records. A reported location is not accepted for payment until ACHD verifies the authorized payable units and satisfactory completion.

Correct missed branches, inadequate specified clearance, improper cuts, incomplete cleanup, and other nonconforming work at no additional cost to ACHD. Complete corrections within the Contract schedule or a written correction deadline established by ACHD. An ACHD-approved exception shall identify the location, reason, and accepted condition; the Contractor may not approve its own exception.

6. PRUNING

Perform pruning in accordance with ANSI A300-2023, Tree Care Standards, including the pruning provisions, and these specifications. Prune only as much as necessary to achieve the assigned clearance while protecting tree health and structure. Do not use topping or indiscriminate heading as a substitute for proper clearance pruning.

Provide at least fourteen (14) feet of vertical clearance above the street surface for mature trees throughout the assigned area of overhanging growth. Consider tree species, growth habit, foliage, and anticipated leaf-on branch position when planning cuts so clearance is maintained for summer operations. For smaller trees, including Class I and juvenile trees, establish as much clearance as appropriate without compromising tree health or structure.

When the required clearance cannot be achieved using appropriate pruning practices, notify the ACHD arborist before proceeding and obtain location-specific direction. Record any approved reduced clearance or staged-pruning requirement. No tree removal is authorized by this pruning scope except corrective removal directed under Section 9.

Prune bushes and shrubbery back to the landward side of the curb or street edge so growth does not extend into the street. Limit pruning to the work necessary to achieve the required clearance. Measurement and payment for individual trees, shrubs, and continuous shrubbery are defined in Exhibit C.

Light pruning may generally be performed with a pole saw and may take approximately five (5) to ten (10) minutes per location. Medium or heavy pruning may require a bucket truck and approximately thirty (30) minutes per location. These descriptions are estimating guidance, not guaranteed production times, payment categories, or a substitute for completing the required work.

7. SANITATION

Clean and disinfect pruning tools thoroughly before beginning work on the next tree.

Remove visible soil, sap, and plant debris before disinfection. Use a method appropriate for the suspected plant pathogens and the tools, with the disinfectant concentration, contact time, handling, and disposal specified by the product manufacturer and the sanitation protocol accepted by the ACHD arborist. Submit that protocol before starting work.

Prevent disinfectants, fuels, oils, chips, and debris from entering storm drains, waterways, or landscaped areas. Contain and address spills promptly and notify ACHD of any spill affecting public property or drainage facilities. Maintain the site in the condition required by the Scope of Work.

8. WOUND TREATMENT

Do not apply wound dressings or tree paint unless specifically directed by the ACHD arborist. Do not treat bark wounds, cavities, or other tree injuries unless directed by the ACHD arborist. Any directed treatment shall comply with the applicable pruning standard and product requirements.

9. TREE DAMAGE

Do not use climbing spurs or spikes on trees being pruned. Immediately report damage to ACHD and repair it at the Contractor's expense as directed by the ACHD arborist. If ACHD determines removal is necessary because of Contractor-caused damage, remove the tree and stump at no cost to ACHD after obtaining required authorization and permits.

The value of a damaged tree, as determined by ACHD, will be deducted from amounts owed to the Contractor in accordance with the Agreement.

10. ELM WOOD DISPOSAL VERIFICATION

Comply with applicable City of Boise requirements and City Forester directions for Dutch elm disease control, elm pruning, and disposal. All elm wood and debris shall be taken to an approved disposal location; unchipped elm wood shall not be retained or diverted to an unapproved location. Chipping does not eliminate the daily cleanup and off-site disposal requirements.

Obtain disposal-site approval from ACHD Road Vegetation Crew Chief Josh Franz at jfranz@achdidaho.org before elm disposal. Retain disposal receipts or equivalent records identifying the date, originating work locations, disposal destination, and material delivered. Provide verification to ACHD when requested.

11. MEETINGS, PUBLIC NOTIFICATIONS, AND RECORDS

The Contractor shall meet weekly with the ACHD project representative to review completed work, remaining quantities, priority areas, schedule, public concerns, deficiencies, and corrective actions. At completion, participate in a closeout meeting to review the work and unresolved concerns.

Notify affected property owners seven (7) to ten (10) days before pruning. ACHD will provide tree-pruning door hangers for Contractor distribution. Coordinate door-hanger delivery promptly after award so the required notice period and ten-day start requirement can both be met. Keep a record of notification dates and locations and coordinate revised notices with ACHD when schedules change.

Before entering private property to make a proper pruning cut, notify the property owner and coordinate the necessary access with ACHD. Obtain documented owner consent or confirmation from ACHD of other lawful authority for entry. A door hanger alone is not authorization to enter private property. If access is refused or uncertain, stop the affected work and obtain direction from ACHD.

Maintain a daily work log identifying the ACHD location or list identifier, address or street limits, work date, tree or shrub type, pruning type, payable units, notification date, crew, clearance check, exceptions, deficiencies, and corrective work. Provide the log with the weekly progress update and invoices. Document access problems, damage, and disputed or exception conditions with photographs as needed. Record already-pruned locations separately as complete without payment.

12. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

For work remaining incomplete after June 30, 2027, or the completion date established by an ACHD-approved written extension, liquidated damages of $250.00 per calendar day shall apply until the required work is completed, subject to the executed Agreement.

13. WORK HOURS

Permitted work hours are Monday through Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to applicable permit conditions and approved traffic-control restrictions. Any different work hours require prior written ACHD approval.

14. BONDING AND INSURANCE14.1 Performance and payment bonds Within ten (10) calendar days after award by the ACHD Commission and before starting work, furnish an ACHD-acceptable Performance Bond for the full Agreement Price and a Labor and Material Payment Bond for the full Agreement Price. The bonds shall guarantee faithful performance of the required work. Sureties shall be listed on the current Federal Treasury List published in the Federal Register.

14.2 Workers' compensation and employer's liability

Provide certificates showing statutory workers' compensation coverage and employer's liability coverage with limits of at least $100,000.00. ACHD need not be an additional insured on these coverages. Provide ACHD thirty (30) calendar days' prior written notice of cancellation of either coverage.

14.3 Automobile liability

Maintain comprehensive automobile liability insurance covering all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles with a combined single limit of at least $2,000,000.00 per occurrence.

Name ACHD as a coinsured and provide certificates documenting the required coverage and thirty (30) calendar days' prior written notice to ACHD of cancellation by the insurer.

14.4 Commercial general liability

Maintain commercial general liability insurance until the work has been completed and accepted by ACHD, with combined single limits of at least $2,000,000.00 per occurrence.

Certificates shall show broad-form property damage coverage, including damage arising from blasting and structural collapse. Coverage shall include Contractor's Protective Liability Insurance and completed operations, and extend to the Contractor, subcontractors, and independent contractors directly or indirectly employed by them.

The policy shall include personal injury, libel, slander, and false arrest coverage. Policies shall be written on an occurrence basis, not claims-made. Coverage may be provided by separate policies for the Contractor and ACHD or by naming ACHD as an Additional Named Insured. When ACHD is an Additional Named Insured, include a separation-of-insureds clause and identify it on the certificate. If umbrella coverage supports the required limits, its certificate shall show thirty (30) calendar days' prior written notice to ACHD of cancellation.

EVALUATION PHASES

Evaluation Phase Methodology

Scoring Method: 0 - 5 Points

Rating Guidelines:

Score

Points

EXCEPTIONAL / EXCELLENT 5

GOOD 4

SATISFACTORY 3

POOR 2

UNSATISFACTORY 1

NON-RESPONSIVE / NO VALUE 0

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. PROPOSAL COST

• First Low Cost = 5,

• Second Low Cost = 4

• Third Low Cost = 3

• All Other Cost = 2

0-5 Points 40 (40% of Total)

2. FIRM HISTORY,

EXPERIENCE AND

REFERENCES

A. Quality Work and Satisfactory Project Completion.

B. Positive Customer Service, Communication, and Responsiveness.

C. Relevant Experience and Comparable Projects with Government Agencies and with ACHD, if applicable.

0-5 Points 5 (5% of Total)

3. FIRM QUALIFICATIONS

AND KEY PERSONNEL

A. Relevance of company.

B. Key personnel and appropriate credentials.

0-5 Points 5 (5% of Total)

4. PROJECT

UNDERSTANDING AND

APPROACH:

A. Understanding Scope of Work/Specification.

B. Project Approach -realistic production and sequence; sufficient committed crews/equipment;

priority coordination and recovery capacity.

0-5 Points 20 (20% of Total)

5. SAFTEY AND TRAFFIC

CONTROL

A. Task-specific hazard controls.

B. Qualified operations.

C. Utility coordination.

D. Public protection, access, and a feasible approval/notification approach.

0-5 Points 15 (15% of Total)

6. QUALITY CONTROL AND

PUBLIC COORDINATION

A. Clearance and pruning checks.

B. Correction process.

C. Sanitation/disposal.

D. Reliable logs and unit verification.

E. Owner notices, access, and issue resolution.

0-5 Points 10 (10% of Total)

7. DISPUTES, CLAIMS WITH

ACHD OR ANY NOTICES OF

INSUFICIENT WORK BY

ACHD

PER ACHD POLICY SECTION

2009.2.6:

A. No Past or Pending disputes or claims with ACHD or any notices of insufficient work by ACHD = 5 Exceptional / Excellent (No deduction from total score.)

B. Past or Present disputes or claims with ACHD or any notices of insufficient work by ACHD = 0 Non- Responsive / No Value (5-point deduction from total score.)

0-5 Points 5 (5% of Total)

VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

Authorized Representative Signature* Once you start your proposal you will be asked to complete a DocuSign form.

Click here to go to the form *Response required Firm's Name* Please provide the Firm's Name Example: ABC Contractor *Response required Firm's Address* Must provide Firm's "Full Address" (Number, Street and any Suite, City, State and Zip Code) *Response required Firm's Individual Contact Name and Title* Must provide the "Full Name" and "Title" of the individual responsible for overseeing this contract.

Example: Joe Smith, Manager *Response required Firm's Individual Contact Phone Number* The Bidder shall provide the contact telephone number for the individual responsible for overseeing this contract.

Telephone numbers shall include dashes and follow either of the following formats:

123-456-7890 or (123) 456-7890.

*Response required Firm's Fax Number* The Bidder shall provide the Firm’s fax number in either of the following formats: Dashes are required.

https://na4.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=53c06061-04af-4876-a1d0-fe9f9f703133&env=na4&acct=94a6fb97-f6a3-406b-8ab2-8282d73a5796&v=2

123-456-7890 or (123) 456-7890.

If the Firm does not maintain a fax line, the Bidder shall enter “N/A.”

*Response required Individual Contact E-Mail Address* Must provide the email address of the individual overseeing this contract.

*Response required ACHD Policy for Equal Employment Opportunity* The Firm does not and will not discriminate against any person, employee, or applicant for employment because of these protected classes on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law in accordance with ACHD Policy for Equal Employment Opportunity Please confirm ☐ Please confirm *Response required Title 49 CFR Part 21 Non-Discrimination Statement* The Firm does not and will not discriminate against any person, employee, or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability in accordance with Title 49 CFR Part 21.

Please Confirm ☐ Please confirm *Response required Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Status* Is the Respondent Firm a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)?

☐ Yes ☐ No *Response required

PROPOSAL NARRATIVES

Proposers shall provide a clear, complete, and concise Proposal Narrative demonstrating the Firm's ability to successfully perform the Services in accordance with the requirements of this solicitation and the Scope of Work.

The Proposal Narrative shall be organized in the order listed below and shall provide sufficient information for ACHD to evaluate the Proposer's relevant experience, qualifications, resources, personnel, and proposed approach to performing the required services:

• 11.1 Firm History

• 11.2 Firm Experience

• 11.3, 11.4, 11.5 References

• 11.6 Firm Qualifications

• 11.7 Key Personnel

• 11.8 Project Understanding / Approach

• 11.9 Other Information

• 11.10 Prior ACHD Disputes, Claims, or Notices of Insufficient Work

• 11.11 Explanation of Prior ACHD Disputes, Claims, or Notices of Insufficient Work

• 11.12 Confirming Certification and Acknowledgment

FIRM HISTORY*

Respondents shall provide a concise narrative describing the Firm’s history, including the year established, number of years in business, organizational background, ownership and business structure, and any significant organizational changes.

Maximum response length: 3500 characters *Response required

FIRM EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES*

Describe up to three comparable projects performed within the past five years, including scope, quantities, dates, client contact, and performance results. Firms with fewer projects may provide all available comparable examples and relevant key-personnel experience; the depth and relevance of evidence will be scored rather than an undisclosed minimum years-in-business requirement.

Respondents shall also identify relevant experience providing similar services and/or goods to governmental or other public-sector agencies.

Firm References shall be provided separately in Sections 11.3, 11.4, and 11.5 below.

Maximum response length: 5500 characters *Response required

REFERENCE ONE (1)*

Provide Company/Firm Name, Contact Person Name, Firm Address, Firm Phone Number, Contact Number, and E-mail Address.

*Response required

REFERENCE TWO (2)*

Provide Company/Firm Name, Contact Person Name, Firm Address, Firm Phone Number, Contact Number, and E-mail Address.

*Response required

REFERENCE THREE (3)*

Provide Company/Firm Name, Contact Person Name, Firm Address, Firm Phone Number, Contact Number, and E-mail Address.

*Response required

FIRM QUALIFICATIONS*

Respondents shall provide a concise description of the Firm’s qualifications relevant to the requirements of this RFP and Scope of Work.

*Response required

KEY PERSONNEL*

Respondents shall submit the name of each individual proposed as Key Personnel for the Project, together with a written summary résumé not to exceed one-half (½) page per individual.

• Identify the project manager, field supervisor, arborist or other technical lead, and key subcontractors

Each résumé shall clearly describe the individual’s relevant qualifications, training, credentials, and role in the project's performance.

• Identify the credentials and licenses required for assigned jurisdictions.

Hyperlinks or external references shall not be submitted and will not be accepted.

*Response required

PROJECT APPROACH AND UNDERSTANDING*

Firm shall provide a project-specific plan explaining the methodology and resources needed to complete the work within the required timeframes.

Describe the proposed sequence; crews and staffing levels; equipment available for light, medium, and heavy pruning; expected payable units per crew-day and estimating assumptions; schedule and priority-area coordination; property-notice timing; and provisions for weather, equipment failures, and corrective work.

Explain how the plan achieves the required street clearance while accommodating juvenile trees, tree condition, and summer foliage.

The response should provide sufficient detail to demonstrate that the Firm has a practical and effective approach for successfully fulfilling the requirements of the resulting Contract.

*Response required

SAFTEY AND TRAFFIC CONTROL*

Firm shall describe site hazard assessments, crew qualifications, personal protection, aerial equipment and climbing safety, drop-zone controls, electrical-hazard coordination, emergency/rescue arrangements, and weather-related stop-work decisions.

Explain the traffic-control approach, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, emergency access, daily closure notifications, and process for obtaining approvals.

A bid-stage approach is required; the final site-specific traffic control plan remains subject to ACHD approval before the Notice to Proceed.

*Response required

QUALITY CONTROL AND PUBLIC COORDINATION*

Firm shall explain who will check pruning quality and measures clearance; how missed locations, deficient work, and approved exceptions are identified and corrected without additional payment; and how records support invoice quantities.

Describe tool sanitation, elm disposal verification, daily cleanup, property protection, owner notification and access coordination, complaint response, and weekly reporting. Include sample work-log or inspection forms where available.

*Response required

OTHER INFORMATION

Respondents may provide other information pertinent to the evaluation of the Respondents’ Experience and Qualifications, i.e., awards, certifications.

Maximum response length: 2000 characters

PRIOR ACHD DISPUTES, CLAIMS OR NOTICES OF INSUFFICIENT WORK*

Respondents shall disclose whether the Firm has been involved in any disputes, claims, or notices of insufficient work arising from or relating to a prior or current contract, agreement, or project with the Ada County Highway District (ACHD).

☐ Yes ☐ No *Response required

EXPLANATION OF PRIOR ACHD DISPUTES, CLAIMS, OR NOTICES OF

INSUFFICIENT WORK

If the response to Section 11.10 is "Yes," the Respondent shall provide a brief explanation of each applicable dispute, claim, or notice of insufficient work. At a minimum, the response shall include:

A. The contract, agreement, or project associated with the dispute, claim, or notice of insufficient work;

B. The general nature and circumstances of the dispute, claim, or notice of insufficient work;

C. The resolution of the current status of the matter; and D. Any other information the Respondent considers relevant to ACHD's evaluation.

If the response to Section 11.10 is "No," no response to this Section is required.

CONFIRMING CERTIFICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT*

By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent certifies that the information provided in Section 11.10, Prior ACHD Disputes, Claims, or Notices of Insufficient Work, and Section 11.11, Explanation of Prior ACHD Disputes, Claims, or Notices of Insufficient Work, is complete and accurate to the best of the Respondent's knowledge.

The Respondent further acknowledges and understands that the information disclosed will be considered by ACHD as part of its evaluation of the Proposal, in accordance with the evaluation criteria established in this RFP.

The Respondent acknowledges and confirms the certification above.

☐ Please confirm *Response required

COST SCHEDULE

Line Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Cost Total

1 Complete Work and Requirements to prune trees/shrubs as per Contract Document

20,000 EACH

TOTAL