Addendum_1_-_Small_Business_Encouragement_SBE_Program.pdf

This is an Addendum 1 to a competitive solicitation issued by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Procurement Services on February 6, 2026, modifying Request for Proposals 26040-RFP-MST for Tree Trimming and Removal Services. The addendum updates Section 8 regarding the Small Business Encouragement (SBE) Program requirements. The original solicitation seeks qualified contractors to provide comprehensive tree trimming, removal, stump grinding, debris removal, pruning, and lot clearing services across three geographically defined maintenance areas (West, Central, and East) serving 235 PreK-12 schools and facilities. Contractors must employ International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists and comply with ANSI A300-2001 and ANSI Z133-2000 standards. Electronic proposal submissions were required via VendorLink by March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, with a Phase 1 bidders' meeting scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. The contract term is initial with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year periods, contingent on appropriation, performance, and mutual agreement.

Evaluation criteria allocate 30 percent to qualifications and experience, 25 percent to specifications and scope understanding, 35 percent to cost and best value, and 10 percent to SBE utilization. Contractors must maintain Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance (Class Code 0106) and General Liability Insurance (GL code 99777) with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence. The SBE Program requires bidders to demonstrate utilization of certified small businesses registered with the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council, or the U.S. Small Business Administration, with one evaluation point awarded for every 10 percent of projected contract dollars allocated to HCPS-registered SBE subcontractors. All proposers must submit an SBEP registration certificate and a Letter of Intent identifying proposed SBE subcontractors. The estimated contract budget does not exceed $1,750,000, with pricing on an FOB Destination basis inclusive of all delivery and materials. Contractors must comply with Florida Statute 287.138 regarding foreign country restrictions and execute a vendor affidavit certifying compliance with state human trafficking laws.