INVITATION FOR BIDS:

Public Works Bridges Snow Removal

Public Works Department | Bridge Maintenance Division Thomas McKay

EV00017898

PROJECT SUMMARY:

The City of Boston seeks two (2) Contractors to provide snow removal and salting services for designated bridge sidewalks and associated pedestrian ways. The scope includes providing all necessary labor, equipment and supplies to clear and salt bridge sidewalks and associated pedestrian ways promptly after notification. This contract will cover multiple bridges throughout the city, requiring the Contractors to respond within 30 minutes of being notified and maintain a list of designated employees.

IFB SCHEDULE:

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dean Thomas | streetscontracts@boston.gov All questions should be emailed with the IFB number (BAIS Event #EV00017898) in the subject line.

You can access this IFB and related documents on the City of Boston Supplier Portal, via boston.gov/procurement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS :

I. INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

Read sections I and II

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

· By submitting a bid, each proposer accepts the IFB specifications, Boston’s IFB terms, and Boston’s standard contract terms and conditions (found in the Appendix below).

· Once awarded, the contract will be governed by the terms and conditions listed in forms

· CM-10 and CM-11, which shall be incorporated by reference into this IFB. Please see Appendix 2 for a full list of the forms that the selected vendor will be required to sign and submit during the contracting process if awarded this contract. Please review these before submitting your bid.

Failure to agree to the City of Boston’s standard contract terms and conditions will result in your Proposal being deemed non-responsive to the solicitation and therefore rejected.

1.1 BACKGROUND

The City of Boston is seeking qualified contractors to provide comprehensive snow removal and de-icing services for its network of bridge sidewalks and pedestrian ways. This critical service ensures the safety and accessibility of public spaces during winter weather events, maintaining the city's functionality and protecting its residents and visitors.

Boston experiences significant snowfall each winter, with an average annual accumulation of approximately 48 inches. The unpredictable nature of winter storms requires a responsive and efficient snow removal system to minimize disruptions to city operations and public transportation. Timely and thorough snow removal from bridge sidewalks and pedestrian ways is essential for maintaining public safety, ensuring clear access, and supporting the city's economic activities.

The City has approximately 46 bridges with sidewalks and pedestrian ways that require clearing and/or treating during winter weather events. These bridges are located throughout Boston in Allston/Brighton, Back Bay, Charlestown, Downtown, East Boston, Seaport, South Boston, and the South End. Due to their unique characteristics—including steep grades, narrow widths, structural considerations, and limited access for standard equipment—these locations require specialized snow and ice removal approaches distinct from conventional street clearing operations. The scope of this contract encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including snow clearing, salting, and ice control for bridge pedestrian walkways. The selected contractor will be required to mobilize quickly, often within 30 minutes of notification, and complete snow removal operations within two hours of a storm's end. This demanding timeframe necessitates a well-equipped, experienced, and highly organized team capable of operating efficiently under challenging weather conditions.

The City places a strong emphasis on the quality and consistency of snow removal services. Contractors must demonstrate the ability to clear snow thoroughly, apply de-icing materials effectively, and maintain clear pathways that meet ADA accessibility standards. The City will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with contract specifications and to address any public concerns promptly.

Environmental considerations are also a key component of this contract. Contractors must employ application methods that balance effective ice control with environmental stewardship. Proper storage and handling of these materials are crucial to prevent contamination of stormwater systems and surrounding properties.

Safety is paramount in all aspects of this contract. The selected contractor must maintain a fleet of well-maintained, properly equipped vehicles and equipment operated by licensed and certified personnel. Adherence to the City's safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment are non-negotiable requirements.

This IFB seeks two (2) Contractors who can deliver reliable, high-quality snow removal services while demonstrating flexibility, accountability, and a commitment to public safety. The successful bidders will play a vital role in keeping Boston moving safely and efficiently throughout the winter months.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

1. INVITATION

1.1 The City of Boston, acting by the Official designated in the advertisement, invites sealed bids for providing the goods or services and performing the work as described in the Purchase Description and Specifications attached hereto, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the attached contract documents.

2. SUBMISSION OF BIDS

2.1 Electronic Invitation for Bids

If this Invitation for Bids has been advertised and distributed electronically using the City's Online Sourcing & Procurement website, documents that are referenced in the electronic bid package are incorporated into the Invitation for Bids. All bidders are solely responsible for obtaining and completing the required documents that are identified in this Invitation for Bids and for complying with all substantive bid requirements. Bidders are responsible for checking the City's Online Sourcing & Procurement website for any addenda or modifications that are subsequently made to this Invitation for Bids or attachments. The City accepts no liability for and will provide no accommodation to bidders who fail to check for amended procurement opportunities and subsequently submit inadequate or incorrect responses. Bidders may not alter (manually or electronically) the Invitation for Bids language or any Invitation for Bids component files. Modifications to the body of the Invitation for Bids, specifications, terms and conditions, or which change the intent of this Invitation for Bids are prohibited and may disqualify a response. To the extent a bid deposit is required, the deposit must be physically delivered to the City in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph 2.2.

It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder and awarded contractor to keep current the email address of the bidder's contact person, and to monitor that email inbox for communications from the City. The City assumes no responsibility if a prospective bidder's/awarded contractor's designated email address is not current, or if technical problems, including those with the prospective bidder's/awarded contractor's computer, network or internet service provider (ISP) cause email communications sent to/from the prospective bidder/awarded contractor and the City to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering.

Bidders electing to respond to this Invitation for Bids electronically must submit their responses online via the City's Online Sourcing & Procurement system by the Close Date and Time. To learn about Online Sourcing and Procurement, go to http://www.cityofboston.gov/procurement/. Alternatively, Bidders may submit responses via the traditional paper and wet signature method.

By submitting an online bid, bidders must acknowledge and accept electronically all conditions and requirements associated with or referenced in the Invitation for Bids and agree to execute contracts electronically. This electronic signature is acceptable pursuant to MGL c.l l0G, § 1 et. seq., the Massachusetts Uniform Electronic Transaction Act (UETA). The City of Boston retains the right to request paper documents and wet ink signatures with respect to any or all documents associated with a solicitation.

2.2 Filing Paper Bid And Form Of Bid Deposit

If the bidder elects to submit a paper bid or if an electronic bid is not applicable, the original bid shall require a wet ink signature. The original bid and a duplicate copy thereof (which may be a photocopy) shall be enclosed in an envelope. The envelope shall be sealed and plainly marked on the outside thereof with a description of the goods or services to be provided, bid opening date, and the bid number, if applicable. The bid shall be filed before the time and at the place designated in the Advertisement attached and incorporated by reference herein and shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in the form of a bank check, a certified check, or a treasurer's or cashier's check issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the City of Boston, or a bid bond in a form satisfactory to the Official with a surety company qualified to do business in Massachusetts if, and as specified, in the Advertisement.

2.3 Time For Filing Bids; Time Of Bid Opening

Bids shall be filed no later than the time and date designated in the Advertisement; the opening of bids shall be on the date and at the time specified in said Advertisement.

2.4 Withdrawal Of Bids

No bid may be withdrawn after the time set for bid opening except by written notice received by the Official prior to the time and date set for bid opening as set forth in the Advertisement. No bid filed by any responsible and responsive bidder may be withdrawn after the date and time of opening, nor prior to the execution and delivery of a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. The Official shall award a contract prior to the expiration of ninety (90) days (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays inclusive) after the opening of bids, or within such other time specified in the Advertisement.

3. BID DEPOSITS: AMOUNT; RETURN OF DEPOSIT; FAILURE OF PERFORMANCE/LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

3.1 Amount Of Bid Deposit

The amount of any bid deposit shall be as specified in the Advertisement. All bid deposits of twenty dollars ($20.00) or less shall be retained by the City as a bid filing charge.

3.2 Return Of Deposit

All other bid deposits, as specified in section 2.1, except those of the three lowest responsible and responsive bidders, shall be returned upon notice of award of a contract, or if no award is made, no later than ninety (90) days after the date of the opening of bids. The bid deposits of the three lowest responsible and responsive bidders shall be returned only upon the execution and delivery of the contract to the City or, if no award is made, no later than ninety (90) days after the date of the opening of bids or, if federal, state or other government approval is required, within thirty (30) days (Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays included) after the date of such approval.

3.3 Failure Of Performance; Liquidated Damages

If the successful bidder fails to perform his agreement to execute a contract and furnish the required security for performance within ten (10) days (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excluded) after an award is made, or within such additional time as the Official may authorize in writing, the bid deposit shall become and be the property of the City of Boston as liquidated damages; provided, that the amount of the bid deposit which becomes the property of the City shall not, in any event, exceed the difference between the bidder's price and the price of the next lowest eligible and responsible bidder; and provided further, that, in case of death, disability or other unforeseen circumstance affecting the bidder, the bid deposit shall be returned to the bidder after submission of a sworn affidavit delivered to, and accepted by, the Official.

4. SPECIFICATIONS

4.1 Before submitting any bids, bidders shall fully inform themselves in regard to all conditions pertaining to the Invitation For Bids and all required terms and conditions for carrying out the contract. By filing a bid, the bidders do thereby represent that they have so informed themselves. Any estimates, plans or other information relating to the goods, services, labor or materials or work required by the contract documents are to be considered for the purpose of comparing the several bids. Neither the City, nor its officers, agents or employees, shall be responsible for the accuracy of, or bound by, such estimates, plans or information.

5. BIDS FOR EQUAL ITEMS

5.1 Equal Bids Shall Be Considered

Except where otherwise specifically provided to the contrary in the contract documents, any proprietary name mentioned in the Purchase Description and Specifications is for the purpose of information only and is not intended to limit competition. Bids for any article, assembly, system or any component part thereof (hereinafter "item") equal to that named in the specifications will be considered. An item shall be considered equal to the item so named if (1) it is at least equal in quality, durability, appearance, strength, and design, (2) it will perform at least equally the function imposed by the general design for the work being contracted for or the material being purchased, and (3) it conforms substantially, even with deviations, to the detailed requirements for the item in the said specifications.

5.2 Notice of "Equal"

A bidder submitting a bid on proprietary item(s) other than the specific item(s) named in the specifications shall submit, with the bid forms filed, a written notice containing the name and full particulars pertaining to such item(s) including, but not necessarily limited to, the manufacturer's name, catalogue number, model number and price.

5.3 Judgment As To Equality

The decisions of the Official as to whether an item( s) is or is not equal shall be final.

5.4 Expense Of Proving Equality

Any and all expense necessary to prove to the Official the quality of items offered as equal to the specific item or specified names shall be borne exclusively by the bidder submitting any proposed substitutions.

6. INFORMATION AS TO PROPOSED MATERIALS

6.1 Before any contract is awarded, the bidder may be required to furnish, without expense to the City, a complete statement of the original composition and manufacture of any or all materials proposed to be used in the performance of the work, together with all samples, which may be subjected to any reasonable tests required by the Official to determine their quality and fitness for the work. The particulars of tests, if any, may be set forth on the form entitled Evaluation Criteria.

7. PRICE BASIS ON CONTRACTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF GOODS AND SERVICES

7.1 Purchase Of Goods Defined

The purchase of goods shall mean goods as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, G.L.c.106, §2-105, or all property, other than real property, including equipment, materials, printing and insurance, and further including services incidental to the delivery, conveyance and installation of such property.

7.2 Purchase Of Service Defined

The purchase of services shall mean the furnishing of labor, time, or effort by a contractor, not involving the furnishing of a specific end product other than reports.

7.3 Firm Bid Price; Exception

Except where otherwise specifically provided to the contrary in the Advertisement, or in the Purchase Description and Specifications, or Evaluation Criteria, as the case may be, prices bid will be accepted by the City as firm prices unless the Official has specifically requested and a bidder specifically responds in writing in its bid consistent with the Official's request that the prices bid are subject to decrease or increase and the basis for calculation of the amount thereof.

7.4 Price Escalation

In the event that the Advertisement, or Purchase Description and Specifications, or Evaluation Criteria, as the case may be, provides that prices for contracts are subject to price change, the bidder shall strictly respond to the Invitation For Bids with respect to price requirements, including the amount or percentage of price change and applicable time period(s).

8. TAXES

8.1 The City is exempt from federal excise taxes (Federal Exemption No.A-108-328) and from the Massachusetts Sales and Use Tax (Certificate No. E-046-001-380). Exemption Certificates will be provided, if requested, following award to the successful bidder

9. BASIS FOR ACCEPTANCE/CONFLICT OF INTEREST

9.1 Any bid made will be accepted only on the basis that the bidder, by filing its bid, represents that it is made in good faith without fraud, collusion or connection of any kind with any other bidder for the same work; that the bidder is competing solely in its own behalf without connection with, or obligation to, any undisclosed person, firm or corporation; that no other person, firm or corporation has any interest in the contract; that no officer, agent or employee of the City is financially interested in the contract; that the bidder is fully informed in regard to all provisions of the contract documents, including, without limitation, the specification and drawings, if any; the time for performance and the provisions with respect to liquidated damages, bonds and insurance, if any.

10. QUESTIONS

10.1 All questions as to the interpretation of the Invitation For Bids, Purchase Description and Specifications, Evaluation Criteria and all other contract documents shall be submitted in writing to the Official. Written answers to such questions will be sent by the Official to each person on record as having received an Invitation For Bids and all documents incorporated by reference therein. No questions will be answered unless received by the Official at least seventy-two hours prior to the expiration of the time set for filing bids.

11. CONTRACT AWARD

11.1 Bid Opening

Bids shall be publicly opened and read aloud at the time and place designated in the Advertisement.

11.2 Right To Accept Or Reject

The Official reserves the right to waive any minor informalities and to accept or reject any or all bids. In the event the Purchase Description and Specifications require bids for goods and multiple items each of which has separate price components, the Official reserves the right to accept or reject any item(s) therein and award contracts therefor. The Official shall award the contract to the bidder the Official determines to be the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

11.3 Agreement By Bidder

The submission of a bid shall constitute agreement on the part of the bidder that, if the bidder is given or mailed a notice of acceptance within ninety (90) days ( or such other time specified in the Advertisement) of the bid opening, the bidder shall within ten (10) calendar days (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excluded) of receipt of such notice or within such additional time as the Official may authorize in writing, deliver to the Official a contract properly executed together with the required security for performance and any other required contract forms requested by the Official.

12. PERFORMANCE BOND

12.1 A performance bond of a surety company authorized to do business in Massachusetts and satisfactory in form to the Official, or a certified check, or a treasurer's or a cashier's check, issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the City of Boston, may be required of the successful bidder as security to guarantee the faithful performance of the contract. If security is required, the penal sum of such bond or amount of such check shall be as specified in the Advertisement.

12.2 Simultaneously with the execution of the contract, the successful bidder shall deliver such bond or other security to the Official. Failure to provide the required bond or other security within the time herein specified in paragraph 11.3 shall render the contract award void and result in the forfeiture of the bid deposit as liquidated damages.

13. HARMONIOUS LABOR RELATIONS

13.1 The submission of a bid shall constitute the certification of the bidder that the bidder is able to and will furnish labor that can work in harmony with all elements of labor employed or to be employed on the work.

14. QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS

14.1 It is the purpose and intention of the Official not to award the contract to any bidder who does not furnish evidence, when requested, satisfactory to the Official that he has the ability and experience to perform the pertinent class of work.

15. UNIT PRICE PROPOSALS

15.1 The bidder shall submit the bid upon the Bid Response Form furnished by the Official. If the bid is on a unit price basis, the bidder shall respond to and specify a unit price, in both words and figures, if so required in the price specifications, for each item for which a quantity is given, and shall show the products of the respective unit prices and quantities written in figures in the column provided for that purpose and the grand total amount of the bid obtained by adding the amounts of the several items. All words and figures shall be typewritten or in pen and ink. In case of a discrepancy between the prices written in words and those written in figures, the written words shall govern. In the event there is a discrepancy between the unit prices and the total sum of all items, the unit prices shall govern.

16. ADDENDA

16.1 Any supplemental instructions, amendments or changes in the Invitation For Bids, or attached documents, shall be in the form of written addenda to this Invitation. If issued, such addenda shall be sent by first class mail or tele-fax to all persons of record as having received an Invitation For Bids at the address listed thereon or via email to registrants on the City's Online Sourcing & Procurement website. Such addenda, if any, will be sent no later than five (5) business days prior to the time set for the opening of bids.

16.2 Failure of any bidder to respond to any such addenda shall not relieve such bidder from any obligation under the bid as submitted. At the time of the opening of bids, each bidder shall be conclusively presumed to have received and understood all bid documents, including all addenda, and the failure of any bidder to examine any form, instrument or other document which is part of the Invitation For Bids shall in no way relieve such bidder from any obligation arising under law from the submission of a bid.

17. TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

17.1 A bidder filing a bid concerning materials containing toxic or hazardous substances must submit a Material Safety Data Sheet with such bid. This document must accompany any deliveries of materials containing such substances when made by the successful bidder, his agent, or contractor. A bidder agrees to comply with the socalled "Right-To-Know Law", G.L.c.11 lF, in respect to the labeling, handling and delivery of substances subject to the jurisdiction of said law.

18. INVITATION FOR BIDS INCLUDES BY REFERENCE ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO AND INCLUDED THEREIN

18.1 This Invitation For Bids hereby expressly incorporates by reference any and all documents referred to therein, including without limitation the Advertisement, the Purchase Description and Specifications, the Evaluation Criteria, and all contractual terms and conditions applicable to the procurement.

18.2 This Invitation For Bids expressly incorporates by reference the City of Boston Standard Contract General Conditions (Form CM 11) and such other contractual terms as the Official deems necessary.

19. PUBLIC RECORDS

19.1 All responses and information submitted in response to this solicitation are subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L., c. 66, s. 10, and to c. 4, s. 7, ss. 26. Any statements in submitted responses that are inconsistent with these statutes shall be disregarded

1.2 SCOPE OF SERVICES

This section is very important. It outlines what we are asking for and gives an in-depth look at what we are expecting.

The work to be performed by the Contractors under this contract shall be priced on a per hour basis.

The Contractor shall provide all the labor, pickup trucks, tools, fuels, snow and regular shovels, snow blowers, apparatus and supplies necessary, on an as-needed basis, to completely remove snow and ice and apple ice-melting salt/sand materials on the bridge sidewalks and other locations as directed by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges.

1. Inspection of the site(s) and submission of statement - Before submitting the proposal, the bidders are responsible to visit the bridges, examine their conditions, and thoroughly acquaint themselves with all obstacles and advantages of performing the work.

2. The contracted vendors shall clear the snow and/or ice and spread salt. Salt shall be provided by the City.

3. The Contractors shall be capable of: SNOW - clearing sidewalks of snow and ice; application of salt during and after a snowfall as directed by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges. The vendor may be asked to work before, during, and after the snow fall in order to spread salt before the snow falls (pre-treating); to clear the snow and to spread salt during the snow fall in order to make the bridge sidewalks safely passable to pedestrians; and during or at the end of the storm if needed. The Contracted vendors will perform such work whenever necessary as dictated by the Department Officials and weather conditions.

4. Once the Contracted vendors are notified to start the work, they shall not stop until directed by the City official. In the case of multi-day storms, the vendors must have the resources to relieve the laborers who had worked beyond 16 straight hours with fresh ones.

5. The Contractors must clear the snow and apply salt in amounts and extent as directed by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges and/or their designee. Failure to follow instructions is the basis for disqualification. The contractors must report First to 400 Frontage Road, unless otherwise directed, and all their laborers must sign in and out on a sheet of paper as supplied by the authority. Failure to do so accurately may result in non-payment to the vendor for said employees. The Contractors will be provided with salt or salt pickup tickets in order to pick up the salt, which must be used on locations as directed by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee. The City salt must only be used on City bridge sidewalks, and failure to do so by using it anywhere else will result in immediate termination of contracts and potential exclusion from future City of Boston contracts.

6. The Contractor’s price will be per hour worked. Due to the nature of snow operations, the Contractors shall be able to work any day of the week and any hour(s) of the day. The HOURLY RATE shall be the same for the work during the time of day as mentioned herein.

7. The Contractor’s unit price must be for two laborers and one pickup truck crew. The pickup must have the capacity to carry a minimum of one ton of salt. The laborers must be able to spread the salt using shovels from behind the truck. The Contractor shall be required to submit an hourly rate for one laborer.All rates shall include snow blowers, shovels, and any necessary equipment.

8. Contractors shall submit a service ticket in duplicate for each snow removal operation and vehicle. The service ticket shall clearly indicate each piece of equipment supplied (vehicle ID#); the operator, time of arrival and departure at each site. Contractors shall not be compensated for work not authorized by the Department. Contract shall be entitled to hourly charges in accordance with each specified contract. There are no billable hours for snow removal billed by others,breakdowns, or costs for repairs of equipment. The Contractors shall not clear sites that do not belong to the City of Boston while in transition between assigned sites.

9. “Orders to Report” for removal of snow and ice and application of ice-melting material to designated sidewalks, or only application of ice-melting (salt) material to designated sidewalks, shall be authorized by telephone by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges and/or their designee to the contractors or their authorized agent who in turn shall immediately notify their staff. The Contractors shall provide the City with a reliable cell phone number. Failure to respond may result in termination of the contract(s).

10. The Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges shall have absolute and complete discretion to order the removal of snow and ice and/or application of ice-melting material. Contractors shall not commence work without specific order from the Department Official. Contractors shall only be compensated for work: (1) that is actually performed; and (2) specifically authorized by the Department Official.

MISCELLANEOUS SPECIFICATIONS

Section 1 It is to be expressly understood that no snow is to be removed from any location not designated to the plan or by an authorized representative of the Department Official from the City of Boston or his/her designee.

Section 2 The original order to start work will be issued verbally by phone to the Contractors or their representative by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee. The Contractors during the progress of work may be required to work continuously throughout the day and night. The Contractors agree that the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee shall have absolute discretion to order the removal of snow; it being the intention of the parties to this contract not to create any obligation on the part of the City to permit the contractor to remove snow without a specific order. When the removal has been ordered in accordance with this contract the City will pay therefore in accordance with the Proposal Price.

Section 3 The Contractors shall on demand by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee dismiss without delay from their service any agent or employee who is disorderly, quarrelsome, disobedient, or incompetent.

Section 4 The Contractors shall keep all their accounts, and shall promptly pay all laborers employed in the performance of the work under this contract including all persons furnishing any equipment required to perform the work, provide and keep the necessary funds and facilities for such payments, and make all payments at least once in each week. Failure to comply may result in terminations of contract(s).

Section 5 If the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee deems it necessary to use the regular forces of their respective departments of any part thereof, or any persons, materials, machines, trucks, or other vehicles, implements or appliances for the removal of snow, or if surface transportation fo other related companies to remove/clean the snow between their tracks in conformity to any law or ordinances, or from the entire width of any sidewalk with the consent or agreement of the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee, the Contractors will not in any way interfere with other work forces or persons, or materials, trucks, or other vehicles, implements, or application, and will carry on the work on the remainder of the schedule or schedules forward.

Section 6 The Contractor’s primary and sub-contractor equipment shall be thoroughly inspected by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee, supervisor, engineer or authorized representative of the City prior to awarding the contract.

Section 7 When the primary or sub-contractor driver or piece of equipment needs to be replaced for any reason, the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee shall be notified as to the time and place of the driver or piece of equipment change. It is the responsibility of the contractor to provide relief drivers for any primary or sub-contract driver that has worked sixteen (16) consecutive hours. Note: The contractor shall not assign, delegate, subcontract or in any way transfer any interest in this contract without any written consent of the Official

Section 8 The payments to the contract for the work performed under this contract shall be made according to the schedule of rates submitted in this contract proposal. The Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee shall assign a start time for snow removal services and assign an end time.

Section 9 The Contractors shall comply with all federal and state and City Laws, rules and regulations. If any provision of this contract is found to be superseded by state or federal law of regulation, in whole or part, then both parties shall be relieved of all obligations under that provision only to the extent necessary to comply with the suspending law, provided however, that the remaining provisions of the contract, or portions thereof shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Section 10 All contractors and equipment operators are required to follow City of Boston Ordinance Instructions pertaining to snow and ice removal operations and only remove snow and apply materials along designated sidewalks and or as directed by the Superintendent of Building and Bridges. Failure to comply with The City of Boston Ordinance shall be documented and could result in suspension or termination of this contract.

Section 11 Contractors shall only be compensated for each snow event by the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges or their designee for performance delivered in accordance with specific terms and conditions. All rates in this contract include the equipment, accessories, licensed qualified operators and operating costs, including but not limited to insurance, registration fees, maintenance, repairs, and fuel(s). All equipment must arrive filled with fuel, in good working condition, and all reimbursable accessories functioning properly. Failure to meet any of the requirements may result in nonpayment and removal from the snow and ice operation.

Section 12 Contractor orders to report for snow and ice removal work will be issued to the contractor of their authorized agent, who in turn will immediately notify their contractor's snow removal. It is expressly understood that failure on the part of the contractor to arrive at the assigned location and ready to work upon notification will be considered sufficient cause for termination of the contract. (No exceptions).

Section 13 The Contractors are responsible to clean up any and all fluids, debris, spills, etc. that result from breakdowns or repair work. If a release or spill is reportable to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the contractor is required to notify DEP and perform any necessary remediation to satisfy all applicable state and federal regulations, at the contractor's sole expense.

Section 14 The Contractors have consented to this certification requiring the Contractors to verify the license statuses of all vehicle operators in the performance of the contract. The Contractors are further required to report the loss, revocation, or suspension, of any operator's license while working under this contract. The use of any unlicensed operator may be considered a material breach of this contract, subjecting the Contractors to sanctions including but not limited to monetary penalties, withholding of payments, contract suspension or termination.

Section 15 The Contractors are responsible to ensure that all equipment listed is operating legally under the contract and legally insured as required by all Massachusetts laws and regulations. Contractors shall be responsible for damage to public and private property and will be required to be restored to its original condition.

Section 16 The Contractors are solely responsible for repairing and paying for any loss, injury or damage to persons or property on or around the designated sidewalks, where such damage is caused by an act or omission of the contractors, their agents, or employees.

Unless otherwise exempt by law, the Contractors shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Boston and its Departments, agents, officers, and employees against any and all claims, liabilities, and costs for personal injury or infringements, or property damages, patent or copyright infringement, or other damage that the City may sustain which arise out of the Contractor's performance of the contract, including but not limited to the negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct of the Contractor, its agents, officers, employees or subcontractors. The Contractors shall at no time be considered an agent or representative of the City. After prompt notification of a claim by the City, the Contractors shall have an opportunity to participate in the defense of such claim and any negotiated settlement agreement of judgement. The City shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the Contractor arising under this paragraph. Any indemnification of the Contract shall be subject to appropriation and applicable law.

The City will monitor the performance of the Contractors. The Contractors will be evaluated throughout the contract period for measures related to performance, competence, overall responsiveness, and administrative competency. The City reserves the right to terminate any contract or portion thereof where it is determined and documented that the provider has failed to comply with the above conditions, has failed to achieve acceptable levels of service, and has failed to satisfy other requirements of the contract.

All work shall be subject to inspection by the City following completion. Snow must be removed to the full extent of the designated areas, with no snow piles left obstructing access, travel lanes, or pedestrian pathways. Salting must be evenly and sufficiently applied to prevent ice accumulation. Random and routine post-service quality inspections will be conducted to assess compliance.

A listing of each Bridge (by name) is set forth in this Section. This contract will be awarded to two (2) Contractors. Bridge assignments to each contractor will be at the sole discretion of the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges and/or their designee; bridge assignments will be divided between the two (2) contractors and Public Works Department Building and Bridge Maintenance personnel.

BRIDGE SIDEWALKS

SNOW REMOVAL AND SALTING OF BRIDGES' SIDEWALKS AND OTHER LOCATIONS ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS

MOAKLEY STREET BRIDGE

CONGRESS STREET BRIDGE

SUMMER STREET BRIDGE-POST OFFICE OVERBYPASS

SUMMER STREET BRIDGE-OVER A STREET

SUMMER STREET BRIDGE- AT L STREET

WEST BROADWAY (NEAR THE POLICE STATION)

WEST SECOND STREET OVER BYPASS

WEST THIRD STREET OVER BYPASS

WEST FOURTH STREET OVER BYPASS

BOSTON STREET BRIDGE OVER THE EXPRESSWAY

DORCHESTER AVENUE BRIDGE OVER THE EXPRESSWAY

WEST FOURTH STREET OVER THE T (NEAR FRONTAGE ROAD)

RICHMOND STREET BRIDGE - NORTH END

NORTH WASHINGTON STREET BRIDGE- "BILL RUSSELL” BRIDGE

AUSTIN STREET BRIDGE - CHARLESTOWN

ALFORD STREET BRIDGE

EAST BOSTON BRIDGES

SARATOGA-BELL ISLE

MCARDLE BRIDGE

SUMMER STREET

MAVERICK STREET

BRIGHTON BRIDGES

CAMBRIDGE STREET BRIDGE OVER MASS TURNPIKE

EVERETT STREET BRIDGE

MARKET STREET BRIDGE

FENWAY BRIDGES

BEACON STREET

BROOKLINE AVENUE

MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE BRIDGES

BOYLSTON STREET OVER THE MASS TURNPIKE

MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE OVER COMMONWEALTH AVENUE

MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE OVER THE MASS TURNPIKE

DALTON STREET

CLARENDON STREET

BERKLEY STREET

ARLINGTON STREET

TREMONT STREET

SHAWMUT SHREET

WASHINGTON STREET

HARRISON AVENUE

OTHER BRIDGES

400 FRONTAGE ROAD - FACILITY GROUNDS, PARKING GARAGE AND RAMPS

*Additional bridges and/or locations may be added at the discretion of the Superintendent of Buildings and Bridges and/or their designee

IFB PROCESS

1.3 BID TIMELINE

The table below shows the preliminary IFB schedule. Dates are subject to change. For the most updated information, please visit the Supplier Portal via boston.gov/procurement.

Questions Due to the City Via email to streetscontracts@boston.gov Deadline for Questions (September 14, 2026 12:00PM)

Consolidated Q&A Posted by the City[footnoteRef:0] [0: The consolidated Q&A posting will include answers to all IFB questions posed to the City at the Q&A Conference Call and by the email by the due date above. The City will update the Q&A if it chooses to answer any additional questions after that time.]

Consolidated Q&A September 18, 2026

Deadline for Bids See Submission Instructions for details Proposal Deadline (September 24, 2026 12:00PM)

*All times are in Eastern Time*

1.4 WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS

Vendors can ask questions live during the Pre-Proposal Q&A Conference Call (information in the table above).

Outside of the Q&A Conference Call and before the deadline for bids, all communications must be emailed to streetscontracts@boston.govwith the IFB number (BAIS Event #EV00017898) in the subject line.[footnoteRef:1] [1: No other City employee, consultant, or contractor is empowered to speak for the City with respect to this IFB. Any oral communication is considered unofficial and non-binding to the City.]

1.5 CONTRACT TERM AND OTHER INFORMATION

This contract will be for the term upon execution until June 30, 2027 and shall contain (2) (1) one year options to renew at the sole discretion of the City.

II. HOW WE CHOOSE: RULE FOR AWARD AND CONTRACT

This section explains how we will award the contract. It provides clear descriptions for what we consider a responsive and responsible bidder.

We will evaluate your bids to determine the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest price for the services specified in this IFB.

Responsive bids are those that offer the supplies/services requested and contain all the required and completed information and forms.

Responsible bidders have the capability, integrity and reliability to perform under the contract.

2.1 MINIMUM OR “QUALITY” EVALUATION CRITERIA

First, we will review all bids to see if they meet the minimum (or “quality”) evaluation criteria listed below. These are “yes-or-no” standards that will apply to every bid.

These criteria reflect the standards that the City considers essential for this contract, as well as statutory thresholds for responsive and responsible proposers.

Any vendor that does not meet these minimum criteria is “not responsive” and will be eliminated from further consideration.

The minimum evaluation criteria include:

1. Did the vendor submit the bid by the deadline, appropriately and truthfully?

2. Did the vendor submit and complete all the necessary forms and documentation requested in this IFB?

3. The contractor must demonstrate successful completion of at least three (3) comparable snow removal projects or contracts within the past five years.

4. Operator Licensing and Certification: The vendor must provide documentation demonstrating that all operators assigned to snow removal equipment are fully qualified and licensed. They must also submit current operator certifications and licenses for all personnel operating equipment.

5. The contractor must demonstrate sufficient staffing capacity, including multiple full-time staff dedicated to this contract, with the ability to meet response times (e.g., mobilization within 30 minutes of notification) and snow removal completion within 2 hours of storm end.

6. The contractor must have fully operational snow removal equipment with licensed and certified operators. The contractor must also comply with all City safety protocols, submit equipment inventories prior to the season, and provide timely service documentation and reports following snow events.

7. The contractor must have prior experience working directly with local government entities and/or community organizations in Boston, showing an understanding of municipal protocols, community responsiveness, and public infrastructure requirements.

8. Availability and staff capacity to properly manage the scope of work, including multiple full-time staff allocated to this project

2.2 RULE FOR AWARD

The City will award contracts to the responsive and responsible bidders offering the lowest total bid price for each designated area, subject to the following conditions:

1. Two (2) Contractors will be awarded this contract.

2. The total bid price will be calculated as the sum of the prices for “Crew (Two [2] persons and One [1] pickup truck)” and “Additional person hour (per person).”

3. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids if it is in the best interest of the City to do so.

This Rule for Award ensures a fair distribution of work among contractors while maintaining competitive pricing and service quality across all designated areas. Bidders should carefully consider their capacity and pricing strategy when submitting bids for multiple areas.

2.3 CONTRACT

Please note that an award letter or award notification is not a communication of final acceptance of a Vendor's bid. No final award has been made until the following three steps have occurred:

1. Final execution of a Contract by the Vendor and the City of Boston (by its Awarding Authority/Official and the City Auditor);

2. The approval of the final Contract by the Mayor of Boston; and

3. Contractor receipt of a City issued Purchase Order.

The forms in Appendix 1 of this IFB are incorporated into the Contract by reference.

***The City reserves the right to cancel this IFB at any time until bids are opened, and further reserves its right to reject all bids after they are opened if the City determines doing so is in its best interest.

III. YOUR BID

Your bid will include price information as well as documentation of your responsiveness and responsibility.

An editable version of the template below is included in the “package” on this IFB’s Supplier Portal page. You should complete the editable template and submit it with your bid.

(3.1) Cover Page (3.2) Response to Minimum Quality Requirements

· Verification of specific certifications, equipment, experience, etc.

· Detailed Plan of Services (including an approximate timeline) (3.3) Ownership Details (3.4) References (3.5) Insurance Documentation (and financial documents if needed) (3.6) Your Pricing

3.1 COVER PAGE

Please include a cover page as the first page of your bid.

COVER PAGE

IFB Title and Number

Primary Organization Name

Title

Address

Email

Phone

3.2 RESPONSE TO MINIMUM QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

Q1: Please verify and provide documentation that your company has all the experience, certifications, staff qualifications, and available equipment required by this IFB Please include the following:

· A summary of the snow removal services your organization provides

· How long your organization has been providing these services

· Your organization’s licenses, permits, and relevant certifications

· Staff qualifications, including operator certifications and licenses

· Your staffing availability and response readiness, including your ability to meet the 30-minute response time and 2-hour service completion window

Q2: If your team includes multiple organizations, please let us know (a) how long you have worked together and (b) which one organization will be designated as the prime contractor (all others will be designated as subcontractors). Skip if not applicable to your organization.

Prime contractor

Subcontractor

Subcontractor

Subcontractor

Q3: Please confirm that your organization has successfully completed at least three (3) comparable snow removal projects involving parking lots and sidewalks within the past five (5) years.

Response:

Q4: Please provide documentation verifying that all snow removal equipment operators are currently licensed and certified.

This includes:

· Copies or summaries of valid operator licenses

· Any training or safety certifications required under local, state, or federal regulations

· Confirmation that documentation will be submitted annually and made available for audit Response:

Q5: Describe your approach to ensuring compliance with all City safety protocols and maintaining equipment readiness throughout the contract term. This should include:

· Your internal safety protocols and how you ensure all employees use appropriate personal protective equipment.

· Your procedures for maintaining all equipment and assets in working operating conditions that meet State, Local, and Federal regulations.

· Your willingness to make all equipment available for regular inspections by the City.

· Your commitment to submitting a complete equipment inventory prior to the start of each snow season.

Response:

Q6: Please confirm that your company has the staff capacity to properly manage the scope of work.

Include:

· Total number of full-time staff assigned to this contract

· Staffing plan for snow events (e.g., shifts, availability, 24/7 dispatch)

· How your team will meet the required 30-minute response time and complete services within 2 hours of snow event end Response:

Q7: Please describe your current snow removal equipment inventory and…