Citywide_Tree_Maintenance_&_Arboricultural_Services.pdf

INVITATION TO BID

CWB013279

CITYWIDE TREE MAINTENANCE &

ARBORICULTURAL SERVICES

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PURCHASES

999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT CT 06604

Submission Deadline:

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 by 2:00 pm

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Bid Information

3. Statement of Work

4. General Specifications

5. Bid Sheet

6. Submission Instructions

7. Terms and Conditions

8. Vendor Questionnaire & Submission

Attachments:

A - Construction Services Insurance Rider

B - On-Call_Agreement_-_Tree_Maintenance_and_Arboriculltural_Services

1. Introduction

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

Services.

The requirements of this bid are outlined in greater detail under Bid Information, Statement of

Work and General Specifications Section.

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

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 one (1) year period with the renewal option of up to (2) two annual extensions at the same rates if agreed upon by all parties. It is the intent of the City to establish a contract agreement with fixed prices, rates and charges for a specified term during this fiscal year

(through June 30, 2029) and each subsequent fiscal year to follow as approved by the City and agreed upon with the awarded contractor(s).

2. Bid Information

2.1. Bid Bond

NO BID BOND IS REQUIRED WITH THIS SOLICITATION

2.2. Contractors Requirements and Responsibilities

Contractor must be licensed in the State of Connecticut and all employees must be properly certified and qualified to perform the work. Out of state bidder must provide the City of

Bridgeport with a Certificate of Authority to Do Business in the State of Connecticut within five days of a Notice of Intent to Award. This can be obtained from the Connecticut Secretary of

State.

The contractor will be responsible for the safety of the work site.

The contractor is responsible obtaining and paying for any and all permits as required.

This contract award will require that the successful vendor have a valid SAM, DUNS, CT and

Federal Tax ID numbers prior to commencing work.

The Contractor is prohibited from assigning, transferring, conveying, subletting, or otherwise disposing of the ultimate contract award or its rights, title or interest therein or its power to execute such agreement to any other person, company or corporation without the prior consent and approval in writing by the City.

2.3. 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.

2.4. INDEMNIFICATION

By submitting a bid 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. Statement of Work

3.1. SCOPE OF SERVICE

Scope of service shall be assigned per bid line items 1 through 37 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.

For any work that requires a police officer to be present, the selected contractor is responsible for payment at the time services are to be performed. The contractor will then submit invoices to the

City for reimbursement with proof of payment and when services were performed.

3.2. TREE PRUNING/TRIMMING (BID LINE 1-8)

A. PRUNING

C. 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.

D. 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).

E. 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:

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 <12 in DBH, >/=12.1in - </=18" DBH, >/=18.1" =</=24" DBH, and >/=24.1" DBH 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.

3.3. TREE REMOVAL (BID LINE 9-12)

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

D. 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.

E. 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.

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

G. 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, >/=12.1in - </=18", >/=18.1" =</=24" DBH, and >/=24.1" 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.

3.4. STUMP GRINDING & ROOT GRINDING/TRIMMING (BID LINE 13-17)

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.

Pricing should be made for <12 in DBH, >/=12.1in - </=18" DBH, >/=18.1" =</=24" DBH, and

>/=24.1" DBH

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.

3.5. EMERGENCY TREE SERVICE & RESPONSE TIME (BID LINE 18 & 19)

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.

3.6. URGENT TREE SERVICE AND RESPONSE TIME (BID LINE 20 & 21)

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

3.7. TREE WORK DAY RATE, NEIGHBORHOOD/STREET TREE TRIMMING

WORK (BID LINE 22 & 23)

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.

3.8. ARBORIST EQUIPMENT LIST

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.

3.9. ARBORIST LICENSE & LINE CLEARANCE CERT

Please see section 4.14. Licenses and Permits. Please upload a copy in Vendor Questionnaire &

Submission (#9. Additional Vendor Documents).

Arborist license and Line Clearance Certification shall be current.

3.10. CERTIFIED ARBORIST CONSULTATION, WRITTEN TREE ASSESSMENT

(BID LINE 24 & 25)

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 24 & 25 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.

3.11. ARBORIST MACRO & MICRO INJECTION SERVICES (BID LINE 26)

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.

3.12. INVASIVE SPECIES BRUSH REMOVAL SERVICES DAY RATE, ARBORIST

HERBICIDE APPLICATION PER GALLON (BID LINE 27 & 28)

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/

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.

3.13. CRANE RENTAL FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE TREE REMOVAL (BID LINE 29

& 30)

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

3.14. TREE PRESERVATION SERVICES (BID LINE 31)

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.

3.15. TREE INSTALLATION 2-2.5” AND 3-3.5” CALIPER TREES (BID LINE 32-34)

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.

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

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.

3.16. CULVERT MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (BID

LINE 35 & 36)

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.

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.

3.17. SECONDARY EMERGENCY TREE SERVICES (BID LINE 37)

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

4. General Specifications

4.1. 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.

4.2. 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.

4.3. 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.

4.4. 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.

4.5. 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.

4.6. 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.

4.7. 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.

4.8. 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.

4.9. 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.

4.10. 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.

4.11. 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.

4.12. 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.

4.13. 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.

4.14. 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.

4.15. 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.

4.16. 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 agreement with the City on forms as included within the bidding documents for the appropriate bonds, indemnities and insurances required hereunder.

B. The agreement 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.

4.17. 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.

4.18. 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.

4.19. PAYMENTS

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.

5. Bid Sheet

UNIT PRICE BID SHEET

Line Item Description Unit of Measure Unit Cost

1 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune - Half Canopy < 12"

DBH

Per Tree Prune

2 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune - Half Canopy >

12.1" DBH </=18"

Per Tree Prune

3 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune - Half Canopy DBH

>/=18.1" - </=24" Per Tree Prune

4 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune - Half Canopy >

24.1" DBH

Per Tree Prune

5 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune - Full Canopy < 12"

DBH

Per Tree Prune

6 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune - Full Canopy DBH

>/=12.1”-</=18" Per Tree Prune

7 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune - Full Canopy DBH

>/=18.1" - </=24" Per Tree Prune

8 Tree Limb Trimming/Cutting/Prune _ Full Canopy >

24.1" DBH

Per Tree Prune

Line Item Description Unit of Measure Unit Cost

9 Tree Take Down/Removal < 12" DBH Per Removal

10 Tree Take Down/Removal DBH >/=12.1”-</=18" Per Removal

11 Tree Take Down/Removal DBH >/=18.1" - </=24" Per Removal

12 Tree Take Down/Removal > 24.1" DBH (This line item may involve the use of a crane (price separately) and needs approval prior to start.)

Per Removal

13 Stump Grinding/Removal < 12" Per Removal

14 Stump Grinding/Removal DBH >/=12.1”-</=18" Per Removal

15 Stump Grinding/Removal DBH >/=18.1" - </=24" Per Removal

16 Stump grinding/Removal > 24" Per Removal

17 Root Grinding/Removal Per Root job

18 Emergency Tree Servies Hourly Charge Per Hour

19 Estimate Emergency Response Time (Port to Port) Hours and

Minutes (list time)

20 Urgent Tree Service Hourly Charge Per Hour

21 Estimate Urgent Response Time (Port to Port) Hours and

Minutes (list time)

22 Tree Work Day Rate (for all work including trimming, removal and debris removal and disposal) Per Day

23 Trimming Work Per Qty 12-24 Trees within .4 miles on same street/thoroughfare Per Dozen

24 Arborist Tree Warden Assistance, Tree Assessment, Per

Tree Charge Per Tree

25 Arborist Tree Warden Assistance, Written Assessment, Pre Hour Charge Per Hour

Line Item Description Unit of Measure Unit Cost

26 Arborist Injection / such as for Ash trees etc.. (Attach list of services provided, in vendor questionnaire & submission section)

Per Tree

27 Arborist Spraying (herbicide for invasive removal)

(upload additional information as many be necessary in vendor questionnaire & submission section).

Per Acre

28 Invasive Removal Services (mechanical with brush hog and/or other similar equipment) per acre Per Acre

29 Crane Rental for Emergency Tree Removal Per Day

30 Crane Rental for Emergency Tree Removal (Pro-

RATED)

Per Hour

31 Tree Preservation Services Per tree

32 Tree Installation 2-2.5" caliper trees Per Tree

33 Tree Installation 3-3.5" caliper trees Per Tree

34 Price table for tree material Table

35 Culvert Cleaning - Tree, Shrub Debris Per Hour

36 Emergency Culvert Cleaning - Tree, Shrub Debris Per Hour

37 Secondary Emergency Tree Services Per Hour

6. Submission Instructions

6.1. 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.

6.2. 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 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

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, please contact OpenGov using the chat feature or send an email to 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.

6.3. 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.

6.4. Paper Submission Instructions

SPECIAL SUBMISSION CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/signup

SEALED ONE (1) ORIGINAL 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:

CWB013279 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

ITB submissions are due:

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 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.

NOTE: IF THE MARGARET E. MORTON GOVERNMENT CENTER, 999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT, CT IS CLOSED FOR ANY UNFORESEEN EVENT, BIDS WILL BE DUE AT

THE SAME TIME ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY THAT THE MARGARET E. MORTON

GOVERNMENT CENTER IS OPEN.

6.5. 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.

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.

6.6. 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.

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.

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

Liability: The City of Bridgeport is not liable to any Respondent for damages of any type, however arising.

Title: vendors are prohibited from assigning, transferring, conveying, subletting, or otherwise disposing of the ultimate contract award or its rights, title or interest therein or its power to execute such agreement to any other person, company or corporation without the prior consent and approval in writing by the City.

Taxes: bidders should not include any taxes in their quotation for which the city is not liable. The City of Bridgeport will issue tax-exempt certificates covering the work upon request.

7. Terms and Conditions

All City of Bridgeport contracture terms, conditions, and requirements apply.

7.1. Additional to Purchase Order Terms and Conditions; General Provisions, and Award, and Formation of Contract:

Independent Contractor. Contractor is an Independent Contractor with respect to its relationship to the City.

Indemnification. Contractor shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City and its representatives from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, proceedings, liabilities, judgments, losses, costs or damages in any way relating to the negligent, willful or wanton acts or omissions of the Contractor or is agents and employees arising out of or in connection with the goods and/or services provided by Contractor.

Termination; Events of Default: Termination for Convenience. The City may terminate the

Agreement at any time and for any reason on seven (7) days written notice. Notwithstanding, City shall compensate Contractor for goods or services satisfactorily rendered prior to termination.

7.2. Payment Terms

All payments will be made in accordance with the terms and…