Citywide_Tree_Maintenance_&_Arboricultural_Services.pdf

INVITATION TO BID

CWB02226B

CITYWIDE TREE MAINTENANCE &

ARBORICULTURAL SERVICES

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PURCHASES

999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT CT 06604

Submission Deadline:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 by 2:00 pm

Table Of Contents

1. Invitation to Bid

2. Statement of Work

3. Submission Instructions

4. Terms and Conditions

5. Vendor Questionnaire & Submission

Attachments:

A - Construction Services Insurance Rider

B - On-Call Agreement - Tree Maintenance and Arboriculltural Services

C - Davic Bacon Wage Rates_Landscaper

1. Invitation to Bid

The City of Bridgeport seeks bids for Citywide Tree Maintenance & Arboricultural

Services.

The requirements of this bid are outlined in greater detail under Statement of Work Section.

The selected awardee must meet all municipal, State and Federal practices and requirements.

Please note the City of Bridgeport encourages Minority business enterprises (MBE), Women business enterprises (WBE) and City-based businesses (CBB) to submit proposals. MBE, WBE or CBB State and/or City certification(s) showing the vendor’s current M/WBE and/or CBB status must be included as part of the proposal package at the time of submission for such status to be considered. For details, please see City Ordinance 3.12.130D

1.1. Department of Parks and Recreation -Tree Services

The intent of this Invitation to Bid is to obtain pricing for Tree Pruning, Trimming, Take Down, Stump Removal, Root Grinding, various arborist, and emergency tree services for the City of Bridgeport

Parks & Recreation Dept. for service requirements as needed per section “Statement of Work” for a one

(1) year period with no more than (3) three annual renewal options at the same rates if agreed upon by all parties.

It is the intent of the City to establish a purchase order contract with fixed prices, rates and charges for a specified term during this fiscal year (through June 30, 2026) and each subsequent fiscal year to follow as approved by the City and agreed upon with the awarded contractor(s) as renewals through June

2030. Only the services specified herein shall be furnished. Any substitution of services will require prior approval by the Department of Parks & Recreation.

Bidders bidding must possess and include in their sealed bid a current and valid copy of their arborist license in the State of Connecticut. In addition, arborist contractors can provide lineclearance certification information as well.

Partial bids will be accepted for review by department.

No work or deliveries shall be performed under the contract award until a Purchase Order hasbeen issued by the Purchasing Department.

NO BID BOND IS REQUIRED WITH THIS SOLICITATION

Bidder must comply with the following:

• Successful Bidder(s) shall provide a completed W9 form upon request

• Bidders shall check the OpenGov website regularly to see if any addendums are issued

• Include with their bid a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming the City as the additional certificate holder and include worker compensation coverage.

• The Contractor will be responsible for the safety of the work site.

• All selected bidder(s) will be required to provide a current certificate of insurance including workers compensation and showing the City of Bridgeport as additionally insured with endorsement.

• Include with your Bid submission a current Arborist License, line clearance certification as well as a detailed equipment list as well as all applicable additional pricing information as requested on the bid form.

Bonding/Performance Requirements:

• Surety bonds (performance bonds) for labor and materials are not required for projects costing less than $50,000.00 dollars. If a project is estimated at or above $50,000.00, the contractor is required to provide a surety (performance) bond for 100% of the amount of the estimate to the

Purchasing Department.

• Certificates of Insurance required shall be furnished to the Department of Public

Purchases, City

Hall, 999 Broad St 2nd floor, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604 and must be shown as issued to the

City of Bridgeport parties insured.

• Any work that exceeds $100,000.00 is required to obtain necessary prevailing wage information from the Department of Labor if applicable.

The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to:

• Reject any and all bids in whole or in part or to waive any informality in bidding if it is determined to be in the best interest of the City of Bridgeport.

• Accept any bid, in its sole discretion, or any part thereof, or reject any or all bids.

• Make an award to more than one bidder

• Verify payment of all real and personal property taxes by the Contractor prior to the award of any contract renewal.

• Make awards not based solely on lowest bid when availability is an issue.

• Depending on the number of jobs the Agency reserves the right to select multiple vendors if required to service these jobs simultaneously. Vendors may be placed on a rank according to price structure, availability, and responsiveness.

• Award purchase order contract(s) resulting from the solicitation to the responsible vendor(s) whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the City of

Bridgeport, cost, price, and other factors specified elsewhere in this solicitation, based on availability and response and what is determined to be in the best interests of the City.

This bid may be awarded individually, for specific types of work, or any specific pricing line included herein, by Area or sub-tree work type of job of area, as deemed as in the best interest of the City of Bridgeport.

It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to safely control pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow while work is in process.

Equipment used for tree removal/pruning, stump removal and wood chipping must conform to

ANSI A300

& Z133.1 Safety Standards which covers Chippers, lifts, chain saw, personal safety gear, etc.

It is the successful bidder’s responsibility to notify “Call Before You Dig”, prior to grinding stumps.

The contractor shall provide all necessary tools and equipment. Contractor will be responsible for any necessary permits. Contractor will be responsible for maintaining the safety of site during their operation.

This contract is subject to utilization goals and requirements for participation of certified

Minority Business Enterprises (MBE). The overall utilization goal for Minority-Owned Business Enterprises is 15% and for Women-Owned Business Enterprises is 15%. In order to receive any award favorable to Minority Business Enterprises (See Ch. 3.12.130, City Ordinances) for goods, materials and general services, all MBE firms must submit a true copy of their current (no older than 2 years)

State of Connecticut certification, other government certification, or certification from a recognized independent organization as a minority-owned, woman-owned, or disadvantaged-owned business. The City reserves the right to authenticate such certification.

It is hereby understood, agreed, and acknowledge that upon award of the successful bid the undersigned bidder shall be bound and obligated to perform for the City of Bridgeport in accordance with the

Terms, Obligations, Conditions, and Specifications as set forth in this bid and the Invitation to Bid. Any changes, revisions, or alterations of this contract of the Terms, Conditions, and Requirements herein shall deem this document to be null and void.

2. Statement of Work

2.1. PART I GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.2. 1.1 AVAILABILITY OF CONTRACTORS

The City of Bridgeport is seeking to establish a pool of qualified on-call contractors to provide services on an as-needed basis. Multiple contractors may be selected as part of this solicitation.

Each selected contractor, as a condition of award, shall be available to the City of Bridgeport on an “on-call” basis for a minimum of sixteen (16) hours per week until the designated project list is completed, unless otherwise directed by the City.

Once the list is completed, each contractor shall remain available to the City for a minimum of eight (8) hours per week on an as-needed basis. The City will endeavor to provide at least forty-eight (48) hours’ advance notice prior to each on-call assignment. Contractors are required to provide twenty-four (24) hours’ advance notice to the Tree Warden and/or Deputy Tree

Warden regarding the exact location of each work crew for each assignment.

Each contractor must acknowledge their ability to comply with these requirements as a condition of participation.

2.3. 1.2 SCOPE OF SERVICE

Scope of service shall be assigned per bid line items 1 through 29 as directed by the City of

Bridgeport.

To provide all supervision, labor, tools, equipment, and services required to perform tree maintenance work in the City of Bridgeport as specified herein.

Trees are to be removed and or trimmed at various locations, as specified by the City Tree Warden.

All work described herein, requires that the Contractor comply and conform to standards set by the State of Connecticut Arborist License and the American National Standard for Tree Care

Operations (ANSI Z133.1, ANSI A300). The work would be expected to be performed in all seasons and the company would have to respond within three (3) days of being given notice of the work, for urgent requests would need to respond within 24 hours and for emergencies would need to respond within two (2) hours. If special equipment such as a crane is needed written approval is required from the City’s Tree Warden.

When removing a tree, the Contractor shall cut the tree to the lowest possible level the surrounding landscape will allow. Pruning work shall be performed in a manner leaving the tree in a healthy state.

The work performed pursuant to this contract shall consist of the removal of marked trees;

trimming marked trees, the lowering of stump elevations to a point below existing ground; pruning of such material from trees, as per the current ANSI A-300 current standard; and shall be completed as directed by the Tree Warden or his duly authorized designee.

The work also may include as directed by the City: Certified Arborist Consultation & Assistance

Services, Macro and Micro Injection Services, Invasive Species Debris Removal, and herbicide application, Tree planting, Culvert Cleaning of woody debris, as well as Tree preservation

Services. In many of these areas respondents shall be asked to provide additional documentation and applicable pricing included in their bid response pertaining to the services their company is equipped to provide.

2.4. 1.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS

A. Bidding on this contract shall be limited to individuals, partnerships and corporations actively engaged in the field of arboriculture. Bidders shall derive a majority of income from arboriculture work. Bidders shall demonstrate competence, experience, and financial capability to carry out the terms of this contract. The city may require proof of these qualifications.

B. The successful bidder must possess a valid arborist license, preferably in the State of

Connecticut, a copy of which will be required to be included with this bid. Line Certification shall also be supplied as may be applicable and included in the bid response.

C. References may be required to establish experience of bidder.

2.5. 1.4 SAFETY STANDARDS

A. All equipment to be used and all work to be performed must be in full compliance with the most current revision of American National Standards Institute Standard Z-133.1 (Safety

Requirements for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, Remove Trees and for Cutting

Brush). These standards are made part of this contract by this reference.

B. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for pedestrian and vehicular safety and control within the work site and shall provide the necessary warning devices, barricades, and ground personnel needed to give safety, protection, and warning to persons and vehicular traffic within the area unless otherwise specified by the City Tree Warden.

2.6. 1.5 LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND/OR PLANT MATERIAL

Tree Damage: Climbing irons, spurs or spikes are not used on trees to be pruned. Any tree damage caused by the Contractor should be repaired immediately at no additional expense to the satisfaction of the City. Trees damaged beyond repair, as judged by a qualified arborist acceptable to the City and the Contractor whose expenses shall be jointly covered by both parties, are to be removed at no expense to the City, and replaced by a tree of size and species designated at no additional expense to City; or the dollar value of such damaged trees, as determined by a qualified arborist acceptable to the City and the Contractor whose expenses shall be jointly covered by both parties, is deducted from the moneys owed the Contractor.

2.7. 1.6 DISCONTINUANCE OF WORK

Any practice obviously hazardous as determined by the City shall be immediately discontinued by the Contractor upon receipt of either written or oral notice to discontinue such practice.

2.8. 1.7 OBSERVANCE OF LAWS, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS

The Contractor at all times during the term of this contract shall observe and abide by all Federal, State, and Local laws which in any way affect the conduct of the work and shall comply with all decrees and orders of courts of competent jurisdiction. The Contractor shall comply fully and completely with any and all applicable State and Federal Statutes, rules and regulations as they relate with hiring, wages, and any other applicable conditions of employment OSHA.

The successful bidder must further certify that all items furnished under this project will conform to and comply with Federal and State of Connecticut OSHA standards. Successful bidder must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Bridgeport for any and all damages that maybe assessed against the City.

2.9. 1.8 WORKING IN PROXIMITY TO ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

All tree trimming and removal work shall be compliant with American National Standard Institute

Z-133-2017 Safety Requirements.

An inspection shall be made by a qualified arborist to determine whether an electrical hazard exists before climbing, otherwise entering, or performing work in or on a tree.

The employer shall verify that each line-clearance arborist is qualified to work within proximity to electrical hazards that the arborist is exposed to and has been trained in the following topics: (a)

To be familiar with safety-related work practices, procedures, and other requirements that pertain to his or her job assignments. (b) On emergency and work-related rescue procedures that are related to his or her work and are necessary for the safety of the worker.

A second qualified line-clearance arborist or line-clearance arborist trainee (with a minimum of training in emergency procedures), shall be within unassisted voice communication and should be within visual contact during line-clearance operations aloft when a qualified line-clearance arborist or line-clearance arborist trainee must approach closer than 10 feet (3.05 m) to any energized electrical conductor in excess of 750 volts (primary conductor) or when: (a) branches or limbs are being removed, which cannot first be cut (with an insulated pole pruner/pole saw) to sufficiently clear electrical conductors, so as to avoid contact; and/or (b) roping is required to remove branches or limbs from such electrical conductors.

2.10. 1.9 PROTECTION OF OVERHEAD UTILITIES

Tree trimming and removal operations may be conducted in areas where overhead electric, telephone, and cable television facilities exist. The Contractor shall protect all utilities from damage, shall immediately contact the appropriate utility if damage should occur, and shall be responsible for all claims for damage due to their operations. The Contractor shall make arrangements with the utility for removal of all necessary limbs and branches which may conflict with or create a personal injury hazard in conducting the operations of this contract.

2.11. 1.10 THE PROTECTION OF UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

The Contractor shall be responsible for contacting the appropriate utility for location of any underground electric services which are in the work area and which could be damaged by the contractor's operation.

2.12. 1.11 LOCATION AND SCHEDULE OF WORK

The City reserves the right to change, add, or delete areas or quantities to be trimmed or removed as it deems to be in its best interest. Tree trimming and removal operations shall commence no later than 10 days after contract has been awarded and continued until completion. Stump Grinding and Root Grinding shall commence no later than 10 days from date a purchase order is issued unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise authorized by the City, failure of the Contractor to comply with the approved schedule shall be sufficient cause to give notice that the Contractor is in default of the contract.

2.13. 1.12 COORDINATION OF THE WORK

The City may take any additional measures necessary to coordinate tree work with the arborist contractor. Examples of additional measures may include but are not limited to the following:

posting of no parking signs, partial or full road closures, communication with residents as well as other interdepartmental agencies such as Public Facilities, Police, and Fire or Utilities.

2.14. 1.13 CLEANUP

A. All debris from tree trimming, tree removal, and stumping operations shall be cleaned up each day before the work crew leaves the site, unless permission is given by the Tree Warden or his

Assistant Tree Warden to do otherwise. All lawn areas shall be raked, all streets and sidewalks shall be blown and swept, and all brush, branches and logs shall be removed from the site. Areas are to be left in a condition equal to that which existed prior to the commencement of forestry operations.

B. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to remove and dispose in a proper and acceptable manner all logs, brush, and debris resulting from the tree maintenance operations at the

Contractor’s sole expense unless otherwise directed by the Tree Warden or his delegate.

2.15. 1.14 WORKING HOURS

The Contractor will schedule work between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through

Friday unless authorized by the City or its representative to do otherwise.

Regular bid pricing for annual agreement of “regular” tree services – as needed is considered applicable to tree work assigned by the Tree Warden or Asst. Tree Warden and conducted by the contractor during the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. City assignments for weekly tree services work shall be completed within 48 hours of the request unless otherwise specified by the Tree

Warden or Asst. Tree Warden.

Travel Time

Travel time, mobilization and demobilization of the crews will not be paid for in excess of the established unit prices except in the case of emergency tree service mobilization. Cost for this work shall be included in the various unit prices provided by the contractor.

Day rate is defined as 8 hours on site

Emergency bid pricing for annual agreement of “emergency” tree services – as needed is considered applicable to tree work assigned by the Tree Warden or Asst. Tree Warden and conducted by the contractor during the hours of 4:01 PM to 7:29 AM any day of the week or on

Saturday, Sunday or the holidays or any other time the City chooses to deem as Emergency. Please see “Part V. Emergency Tree Work for more information.

2.16. 1.15 LICENSES AND PERMITS

The Contractor shall, at his expense, procure all necessary licenses and permits needed to conduct the work required under the terms of this contract, including proper disposal of tree debris. It is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to obtain all necessary permits, lane closure permits and other needed authorization to conduct tree maintenance operations on all rights-of-way. The

Contractor shall give any and all necessary formal notices required in conjunction with the lawful prosecution of the work of this contract. This includes Call-Before-You-Dig Coordination for

Stump grinding operations.

2.17. 1.16 SUBCONTRACTS

The Contractor will not be allowed to subcontract work under this contract unless written approval is granted by the City. The Subcontractor, as approved, shall be bound by the conditions of the contract between the City and the Contractor. The authorization of a Subcontractor is to perform in accordance with all terms of the contract and specifications. All required notices, work orders, directives, and requests for emergency services will be directed to the Contractor. All directions given to the Subcontractor in the field shall bind the Contractor as if the notice had been given directly to the Contractor.

2.18. 1.17 EXECUTION OF PURCHASE ORDER CONTRACTS

A. The successful Bidder(s) shall, within 15 calendar days of the mailing of written notice of selection as the successful bidder(s), enter into purchase order contract with the City on forms as included within the bidding documents for the appropriate bonds, indemnities and insurances required hereunder.

B. The purchase order contract, when executed, shall be deemed to include the entire agreement between the parties; the Contractor shall not base any claim for modification of the contract upon any prior representation or promise made by representatives of the City, or other persons.

2.19. 1.18 SUPERVISION

This contract will be under the direct supervision of the City or its authorized representatives. Any alterations or modifications of the work performed under this contract shall be made only by written agreement between the Contractor and the City authorized representatives and shall be made prior to commencement of the altered or modified work. No claims for extra work or materials shall be allowed unless covered by written agreement.

2.20. 1.19 WORK CREW SUPERVISION

The Contractor shall provide qualified supervision of each crew at all times while working under this contract. Each supervisor shall be authorized by the Contractor to accept and act upon all directives issued by the City. Failure for the supervisor to act on said directives shall be sufficient cause to give notice that the Contractor is in default of the contract unless such directives would create potential personal injury or safety hazards.

The contractor will provide cellular phone contact information for communications between the

Tree Warden and each crew and notify him or her each day the locations in which the crews will be working.

2.21. 1.20 PAYMENTS

A. Partial billings are acceptable on a weekly basis. Payment is made according to the percent of work completed determined by the tree warden. A 5% retainer will be held by the city until all work is completed at the direction of the Tree Warden. All invoices must contain exact address information, type of work completed, bid line referenced and bid line unit cost and any other applicable information to provide accurate description as to the work completed, date work had been completed, etc

2.22. PART II BIDDING SPECIFICATIONS, STANDARDS, & CONTRACTUAL

TERMS

The City of Bridgeport requests the completion of two separate pricing tables. Both tables are included as addendums in this solicitation. The second addendum requires Davis Bacon prevailing wage rates, please ensure you utilize the correct prevailing wage rates available for Fairfield County, Residential, Landscaping work available at SAM.GOV https://sam.gov/wage-determinations

2.23. 2.1 TREE PRUNING/TRIMMING (BID LINE 1, 2, 3, & 4)

A. PRUNING

A. Pruning will be done according to the latest revision of standards of the National Arborist

Association for shade trees and made a part of these specifications attached. The pruning class requirements will be decided by the City. All Tree work shall be compliant with ANSI

A300-2017.

B. Generally, pruning shall consist of conforming to Class III, medium pruning, and lifting the lower bottom branches of trees for under clearance as directed by the City. Additional pruning may be required by the City for street intersection, house clearing and street lighting. (Branches should be pruned back a minimum of 10’ from the roof or side of house).

C. Under clearance pruning to provide for pedestrian and vehicular clearance shall be done to provide clearance as directed by the City. Clearance heights shall be determined at a point over the sidewalk and at the lowest point of branch overhang over the street generally 8 feet and 15 feet respectively.

B. CUTTING BACK, TOPPING & NATURAL TRIMMING (DROP CROTCHING)

A. Cutting back, topping, and natural trimming (Class IV Pruning) shall consist of the severe pruning of tops, sides, under branches, or individual limbs on the trees being trimmed. To provide sufficient clearance for electric, telephone and/or cable television aerial facilities, it shall be the responsibility of the city to make special arrangements as needed with the utility companies to provide clearance around the aerial facilities. All pruning shall be done in a manner so as not to endanger the aerial facilities or persons working on this project.

Cutting back, topping, and natural trimming shall be done as directed by the City. All work shall be accomplished in accordance with the following requirements:

https://sam.gov/wage-determinations

a. Natural trimming shall be accomplished without cutting back to small suckers.

The smaller limbs and twigs are to be removed in such a manner as to leave the foliage pattern evenly distributed.

b. Attention is to be given, to the extent possible, to present a symmetrical appearance after the tree is cut back and topped. Trees should be shaped to remain in an appearance which is shapely and typical of their species. Sides shall be reduced in order to maintain a tree-like form.

c. Care should be taken in pruning the bark of trees. The minimum amount of limbs shall be removed to obtain the effect desired without admitting excessive sunlight to the trunk of the tree or the top of the large branches.

d. Trees shall not be reduced by more than 1/3 of the total area existing prior to trimming, unless authorized and directed by the City.

C. TREE SELECTIVE PRUNING: Trees shall be pruned in accordance with ANSI A300 current standards.

Pricing is requested for trees of DBH </= 12” and DBH >/=12.1” for full canopy and half canopy pruning. Half canopy pruning is defined as the clearing of one side of the tree due to a building, traffic signal, etc

The City of Bridgeport reserves the right, to award and enter into other agreements with different parties for the same or similar goods or services. Nothing in this agreement shall restrict either party from engaging in or providing similar services or products to third parties.

2.24. 2.2 TREE REMOVAL (BID LINE 5 & 6)

A. Trees shall be removed in accordance with accepted industry standards and procedures and in accordance with the following minimum requirements:

A. Extreme care shall be taken so as to prevent limbs, branches, and trunks from falling and creating damage to adjacent homes, driveways, sidewalks, streets, and other property, both public and private.

B. Limbs and branches larger than four (4) inches in diameter shall be lowered to the ground through the use of ropes or other mechanical devices.

C. Stumps shall not be left higher than four (4) inches above ground level.

D. Debris and logs shall not be left on the public right of way overnight. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to remove and dispose in a proper and acceptable manner all logs, brush and debris resulting from the tree removal operation unless otherwise directed by the City.

B. Tree removal pricing shall be based on tree’s diameter at breast height that is <12 in DBH and

>12.1in DBH

All trees, marked for removal by the Tree Warden or its duly authorized designee, shall be cut to an elevation above or below existing ground, as directed, while exercising all proper precautionary measures to protect the public use of the street, the property in question and the adjacent properties.

2.25. 2.3 STUMP GRINDING & ROOT GRINDING/TRIMMING (BID LINE 7 & 8)

All stumps, marked for removal or lowering by the Tree Warden or his duly authorized designee, shall either be removed or lowered to the elevation of a “flush cut” to a level not to exceed four

(4) inches or as instructed, while exercising all proper precautionary measures to protect the public use of the street, the property in question and the adjacent properties.

A. Stump grinding and removal is related to dead, decayed or removed trees.

Root grinding/trimming shall be at the supervision of the arborist contractor to protect the long-term health of the tree.

B. Root grinding and trimming is related to a living tree and is conducted in the interest of addressing infrastructure conflicts and preserving the long-term viability of the tree.

As with all tree work included in this contract, all grindings and debris resulting from tree work shall be removed directly upon completion of the work unless otherwise approved by the City Tree Warden or his or her designee at the contractor’s expense. Grindings may be allowed to remain to restore the area to grade as approved by City.

2.26. 2.4 EMERGENCY TREE SERVICE & RESPONSE TIME (BID LINE 9 & 10)

A. Need Response - throughout the term of the contract it may become necessary for the

Contractor to assist the City in providing emergency tree services. The Contractor shall provide telephone numbers at which he or she can be reached 24 hours a day on an emergency basis. When severe winds, ice storms, or other conditions require emergency assistance, the Contractor shall respond and commence work as soon as possible after receiving the emergency request notification. The Contractor shall provide emergency assistance in the manner as set forth by the

City and/or by the Contractor storm plan. In an emergency situation, the Contractor shall commence work within 1 hour of notification to proceed.

B. Emergency Time and Material Work shall be bid on an hourly basis. Contractor shall be able to furnish crew, fully equipped with aerial equipment, trucks, chipping equipment and power and hand tools as specified by the City. Crew personnel shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Grounds person/Driver who has skills necessary in ground operations such as operating and loading trucks, cutting limbs on the ground, operating chipper, raking, and cleaning up the area.

Foreman/Climber who has skills necessary for working in trees from an aerial lift/tower or by the use of ropes, saddles and other hand climbing equipment and having proficiency in operating all other related mechanical equipment such as loaders, etc. as well as provide supervision of the emergency work force and shall have responsibility for giving directions, making decisions, and assuming responsibility for all work completed by the contractor.

Provide a description of your emergency response crew, number of people and equipment. Pricing should be inclusive of all costs, please indicate any surcharges or additional costs for equipment or personnel.

2.27. 2.4.1 URGENT TREE SERVICE AND RESPONSE TIME (BID LINE 11 & 12)

A. Urgent tree service and response time. Situations may arise where the City requires urgent but not emergency tree services to address routine issue we may lack the equipment or capacity to address. Urgent tree service requests must be completed within 24 hours of the request

B. Urgent Time and Material work shall be bid on an hourly basis. Contractor shall furnish crew, fully equipped to address issue specified by city. Please provide as an attachment an overview of your emergence response crew capabilities, equipment and expertise

2.28. 2.5 TREE WORK DAY RATE, NEIGHBORHOOD/STREET TREE TRIMMING

WORK (BID LINE 13 & 14)

A. Tree Work Day Rate shall apply to assigned tree work at a designated specified area of the City that may involve both trimming, removals, debris removal, invasive removal, and other activities where the project scope is determined by the City to encompass a variety of arboricultural services to be performed by the tree crew on a continuous basis toward completion. Day rate is defined as

8 working hours on site. Examples of work to be assigned in this manner is trimming trees for traffic light signals, removing debris and overgrowth along rivers and streams, or clearing a lot of vegetation. Tree Warden shall meet with Arborist Contractor to review scope of work and determine an estimated number of days to apply this line-item rate. Once established and purchase order issued, tree crew shall be assigned work and once scheduled shall report to the site on consecutive days unless otherwise specified by the City or inclement weather requires modification.

B. Neighborhood/Street Tree Trimming Work shall apply to trimming of 12 – 24 trees under 12” dbh within a ½ Mile radius on the same block or thoroughfare. Again, these shall be considered as a special project as assigned by the Tree Warden or the Deputy Tree Warden as may be needed to address the number of trees on a block where trimming is needed. City shall meet with Arborist

Contractor to review trees and apply this rate applicable per dozen trees as reviewed and directed by the City. Examples of how this may apply would include trimming of esplanades, or along the length of a street from two cross streets, in order to maximize impact and resources to trim several trees in a concentrated area of the City.

The City of Bridgeport reserves the right, to award and enter into other agreements with different parties for the same or similar goods or services. Nothing in this agreement shall restrict either party from engaging in or providing similar services or products to third parties.

2.29. 2.6 ARBORIST EQUIPMENT LIST (BID LINE 15)

Unless otherwise directed, all materials and equipment for the performance of the work shall be provided by the contractor. All equipment used in the project shall be approved by the Tree Warden or his duly authorized designee. Please provide complete equipment list with model #, specification, type, year, etc. that shall be made available by the Arborist Contractor in executing this contract.

A. TOOLS: All tools and methods employed shall be approved by the Tree Warden or his duly authorized designee.

2.30. 2.7 ARBORIST LICENSE & LINE CLEARANCE CERT (BID LINE 16)

Please see 1.15 Licenses and Permits. Please include scanned copy in your bid response. Arborist license and Line Clearance Certification shall be current.

2.31. 2.8 CERTIFIED ARBORIST CONSULTATION, WRITTEN TREE ASSESSMENT

(BID LINE 17 & 18)

Certified Arborists and/or Tree Wardens may be contacted by the City to provide recommendations for tree work related to requests received or areas of concern from the City. Bid line items 17 & 18 shall provide costs and pricing for written tree assessments to be provided to the City in order to prepare for future tree work such as trimming, removals and/ or preservation or other applications. Format of assessments shall be drafted and approved by the City in agreement with the awarded contractor(s). Photographs and other documentation may be required in the overall assessment process as needed to detail tree’s health, condition, recommended work, etc. In addition, when reviewing upper parts of the tree not visible from the ground, Arborist

Contractor shall include bucket truck and operator in their response to Bid Line Item #13.

2.32. 2.9 ARBORIST MACRO & MICRO INJECTION SERVICES (BID LINE 19)

Arborist Contractors shall provide all cost information related to Macro-Infusion and Micro

Injection Services as applicable in their response to this bid per dbh. Please include all information in attachment to bid response and bid form.

2.33. 2.10 INVASIVE SPECIES BRUSH REMOVAL SERVICES DAY RATE,

ARBORIST HERBICIDE APPLICATION PER GALLON (BID LINE 20 & 21)

Invasive Species Control shall be assigned by the City per location as reviewed with the awarded arborist contractor(s). Examples of species of invasive species can be found here:

https://cipwg.uconn.edu/invasive_plant_list/ https://cipwg.uconn.edu/invasive_plant_list/

Bid line item 16 shall include day rate for crew with equipment to include management and all cutting apparatus as well as additional mechanical equipment to remove large swaths of multiflora rosa, Japanese knotweed, mugwort, or other overgrown vegetation invasive in nature as designated and directed by the City of Bridgeport. Awarded Arborist Contractor(s) shall meet with the City to review area of concern and estimate # of days for mechanical removal. Subsequent herbicide application per gallon needed to greatly eradicate or suppress invasive species may also be estimated at this time and subsequently assigned based on approval by the City of Bridgeport.

2.34. 2.11 CRANE RENTAL FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE TREE REMOVAL (BID

LINE 22 & 23)

Emergency response may require crane service to remove a large tree from a structure or where a tree may be difficult to access. Please include day rate in your response to this line item and a pro-rated hourly rate if needed less than 8 hours

2.35. 2.12 TREE PRESERVATION SERVICES (BID LINE 24)

Due to the age and condition of much of the City’s urban tree canopy, there are certain trees the

City may request additional preservation services for in order to prolong the tree’s life and improve the health of the tree. This line item shall be accompanied by detailed pricing information for a multi-year monitoring and treatment to preserve said tree where it is designated by the City Tree

Warden.

2.36. 2.13 TREE INSTALLATION 2-2.5” AND 3-3.5” CALIPER TREES (BID LINE 25,

26, & 27)

The City may require support for the installation of new trees in the City. The City may procure the trees for installation by the contractor, the City may procure B&B, bareroot, or containerized trees. Contractor shall install trees according to National Arborist Standards. Contractor shall furnish necessary materials for the proper installation of the tree including, mulch, and where requested by the City staking or protective deer fencing. Tree installations should ensure a donut shaped mulch ring around the tree and a clear root flare after installation. Locations for planting include park land and right of way street plantings. Please indicate a rate per tree installed, and pricing for 3 year supportive installation (watering). Please indicate if there is preference for tree material to be procured by the contractor and include a pricing table.

For plant material procured by the contractor, the City of Bridgeport reserves the right to inspect trees for defects, deformities, or other issues deemed harmful to the overall health and longevity of the tree, to request substitutions or replacements.

different parties for the same or similar goods or services. Nothing in this agreement shall restrict either party from engaging in or providing similar services or products to third parties.

2.37. 2.14 CULVERT MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND EMERGENCY SERVICES(BID

LINE 28 & 29)

A. The City may require support and cleaning out culverts and river courses before, during, and after storm events of tree and shrub debris and leaves. This may involve large equipment pulling a tree, large limb, or log from the culvert

A. Please include pricing for normal working hours related to removing tree, shrub, and leaf debris along river courses indicated by the City and within culverts

B. Please include pricing for emergency related removal of trees, shrubs, and leaf debris along river courses.

different parties for the same or similar goods or services. Nothing in this agreement shall restrict either party from engaging in or providing similar services or products to third parties.

2.38. 2.15 SECONDARY EMERGENCY TREE SERVICES (BID LINE 30)

The City may require additional support in addressing tree related issues in an emergency situation.

The City is interested in awarding a secondary emergency tree services contract through this solicitation. This would involve supporting the activities of the primary emergency tree services, if they are unable to provide the necessary equipment and personnel to address the emergency in an appropriate timeline. It is the expectation that the secondary emergency tree services would be available as an on call, and be able to mobilize resources within three to four hours

Please indicate an hourly rate for secondary emergency tree services and a description of the crew, capabilities, and equipment

2.39. PART III CONTRACT TERMINATION

The City shall have the right to terminate a contract or a part before thereof the work is completed in the event:

A. Previous unknown circumstances arise making it desirable in the public interest to void the contract.

B. The contractor is not adequately complying with the specifications.

C. Proper arboricultural techniques are not being followed warning notification given by the

City or its authorized representatives.

D. The contractor refuses, neglects, or fails to supply properly trained or skilled supervisory personal and/or workers or proper equipment of the specified quality and quantity.

E. The contractor in the judgment of the City is unnecessarily or willfully delaying the performance and completion of the work.

F. The contractor refuses to proceed with work when and as directed by the City.

G. The contractor abandons the work.

H. The City may terminate contract at any time for the convenience of the City.

2.40. PART VI INDEMNIFICATION

I, the Contractor, agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the City from and against any and all loss, damage, or expense which the City may suffer or for which the City may be held liable by reason of any injury (including death) or damage to any property arising out of negligence on the part of the Contractor in the execution of the work to be performed hereunder.

3. Submission Instructions

3.1. Submission Instructions

All submissions must be submitted via the procurement portal.

Special Submission Circumstances: The procurement portal, OpenGov, is the electronic bid submission process of choice for City of Bridgeport purchases. In the event, a bidder is unable to submit electronically through the city’s procurement portal, bids can be submitted, by mail, as outlined below.

Non-electronic submissions are accepted on an exception only basis.

3.2. Contacting the City of Bridgeport

The exclusive means by which all prospective respondents may obtain ITB packages, direct inquires, request and receive addenda and supplemental information, and submit proposals shall be through the City of Bridgeport’s bidding platform.

The City of Bridgeport has made it possible for vendors to view our solicitations, download bid packages and ask questions, free of charge.

Instructions to do so are as follows:

1. Go to the procurement portal, OpenGov

2. Click on any bid you see. It will take you that bid’s page.

3. On the right-hand side of the page, click on Register now for free!

4. After you register, you'll be able to view/download or ask questions on any bid you have interest in.

If you have any trouble registering on the procurement portal, please email OpenGov at procurement-support@opengov.com

General Information: All inquiries regarding this bid must be presented in writing and may be posted directly on the procurement portal, OpenGov. All answers will be published in the form of addenda on the procurement portal.

Addenda Notification: Respondents are required to register on the procurement portal, OpenGov. Once the respondent has completed registration, they will receive addenda notifications in their email. Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each respondent to periodically check the site for any addenda.

Late Submissions: The City of Bridgeport will not assume responsibility if a submission is misdirected, or its delivery is delayed. The city will not accept late submission. It shall be the sole responsibility of the submitter to pay for any type of delivery service charge, and to see that the Office of the Purchasing Agent receives his/her submission on time. The clock used shall be the Purchasing Agent’s official date and time stamp clock. The City does not assume financial responsibility for late deliveries by the U.S. Postal System or any other delivery service.

3.3. Electronic Submission Instructions

THIS METHOD IS PREFERRED.

The City of Bridgeport is accepting electronic bid submissions. Bidders shall create a FREE account with OpenGov Procurement by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup.

Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Submit

Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.

3.4. Paper Submission Instructions

SEALED ONE (1) ORIGINAL, THREE (3) COPIES AND ONE (1) ELECTRONIC VIA

THUMBDRIVE MUST BE SUBMITTED.

Bid Submission: Sealed submissions must be received and time-stamped by the Department of

Public Purchases prior to ITB closing time. No submission received after closing time will be considered. The opening will be in the City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases’

Conference Room. To ensure proper handling and avoid misdirected delivery, please mark your

ITB envelope as follows:

CWB02226B Citywide Tree Maintenance & Arboricultural Services

If your envelope is not marked accordingly, the City will not assume responsibility for late delivery or deliver to the incorrect location.

Mail your submissions to:

Caroline Sanchez City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases 2nd floor, 999 Broad Street Bridgeport, CT 06604 https://procurement.opengov.com/signup

ITB submissions are due:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 no later than 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Late Submissions: The City of Bridgeport will not assume responsibility if a submission is misdirected, or its delivery is delayed. The city will not accept late submission. It shall be the sole responsibility of the submitter to pay for any type of delivery service charge, and to see that the Office of the Purchasing Agent receives his/her submission on time. The clock used shall be the Purchasing Agent’s official date and time stamp clock. The City does not assume financial responsibility for late deliveries by the U.S. Postal System or any other delivery service.

3.5. Submission Compliance

Certificates of Insurance: Certificates of insurance will be required from the awarded contractor prior to the commencement of any work and shall be furnished to the Department of

Public Purchases, Margaret E. Morton Government Center, Second Floor, 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604 and must be shown to the City of Bridgeport as an additional insured with thirty (30) days’ notice for cancellation or non-renewal of policy. A copy of the endorsement insurance will also be required for this project.

No Conflicts| Disclosure: the awarded contractor must accurately complete and submit the No

Conflicts/Disclosure Form when it receives a Notice of Intent to Award. Failure to submit the No

Conflicts within three (3) business days of receipt of the Notice of Intent may result in the loss of the award.

Non-Collusion Affidavit: all bidders must accurately complete and submit non-collusion affidavits with all bids or bids will be considered non-responsive.

Addendums: all bidders shall check the procurement portal regularly to see if any addendums are issued.

Contract Award Requirements: the contract award will require that the successful will require that the successful vendor have a valid SAM, DUNS, CT, and Federal Tax ID numbers prior to commencing work.

Expenses: The City shall not be responsible for and/or shall not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submission, or presentation of any submission, or costs incurred by the responding firms during the interview and negotiations phase of the solicitation process

Information and Materials: Any information or materials submitted to this ITB shall become the property of the City of Bridgeport and will not be returned. All submitted materials will be available for public review.

Dates: Please keep in mind dates are estimates only and are subject to change.

3.6. Reservation of Rights

This solicitation is for an “Invitation to Bid (ITB) only”. This invitation to bid is not to be construed as a specific proposal or an offer to buy any products or services. Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the City expressly reserves all rights in its sole discretion and in the best interests of the City at any time prior to the selection of a preferred respondent and purchase order:

Bid Rejection: The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to reject any and all bids in whole or in part or to accept any bid, in its sole discretion if doing so deemed to be in the best interest of the

City of Bridgeport. This includes the right to reject any or all bids or to decline to make an award. Further, the City of Bridgeport reserves the right to make an award to more than one bidder or make awards not based solely on low bid when time is of the essence.

MSDS: The City of Bridgeport may request MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) or additional product information and literature or samples on any brands or products proposed as equivalents to those listed herein prior to award or to be included with shipment.

Tax Delinquency: The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to ensure bidders are not delinquent on any City real estate and personal property taxes, ate the time of bid opening.

Purchase Order: No work of deliveries shall be performed under the contract award until a

Purchase Order has been issued by the Purchasing Department.

Contract Award: The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to award a purchase order to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the

City of Bridgeport in terms of cost. Other factors such as lead time, equipment, availability and other factors specified in this solicitation may be considered.

Bid Dates: The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to modify any dates other terms of the ITB upon posting notice.

Liability: The City of Bridgeport is…