Addendum_2_-_Small_Business_Enterprises.pdf

This addendum to a competitive solicitation modifies the evaluation criteria for Tree Trimming and Removal Services issued by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) in Florida under RFP 26040-RFP-MST. The addendum, effective March 2, 2026, amends Section 2.4.1 regarding the evaluation of Small Business Enterprise (SBE) utilization, which carries a weight of 10 points in the overall proposal evaluation. The solicitation seeks qualified contractors to provide comprehensive tree trimming, removal, stump grinding, debris removal, and lot clearing services across HCPS's 235 PreK-12 schools and facilities serving approximately 225,000 students. Services will be provided across three geographically defined maintenance areas with the possibility of awarding primary and secondary contractors per area. Proposals were due by March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time via VendorLink, with a Phase 1 bidders' meeting scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. The contract term includes an initial period with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year periods contingent on appropriation, performance, and mutual agreement.

The addendum specifies that bidders must submit an "SBEP Subcontractor Utilization Letter of Intent" identifying the percentage of total contract dollars allocated to HCPS-registered Small Business Encouragement Program (SBEP) vendors. Points are awarded on a graduated scale of one point for every 10 percent of projected contract dollars allocated to certified SBE subcontractors (0 points for 0–9 percent, 1 point for 10–19 percent, 2 points for 20–29 percent, and so forth). No points are awarded for federally funded solicitations. The estimated contract budget does not exceed $1,750,000, with individual projects typically valued under $10,000 and pricing on an FOB Destination basis inclusive of all delivery and materials. Qualified contractors must employ International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists and maintain Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence. All proposers must submit an SBEP registration certificate with their bid submission and comply with Florida Statute 287.138 regarding foreign ownership and human trafficking laws.