Greenfield_RFP 26-06 Tree Planting-Maintenance-Tree Belt Restoration.pdf

City of

GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

Department of Public Works

189 Wells Street ● Greenfield, MA 01301 Phone 413-772-1528 ● www.greenfield-ma.gov

The City of Greenfield is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, a designated Green Community and a recipient of the “Leading by Example” Award

Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher Mayor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

TO PROVIDE STREET TREES AND MAINTENANCE and TREE BELT

RESTORATION FOR

THE CITY OF GREENFIELD, MA

Federal Street

RFP 26-06

DATE OF RELEASE: March 17, 2026

The City of Greenfield is soliciting proposals for street tree purchase, installation, watering, and maintenance for specified streets, as well as tree belt restoration. Planting will take place from April through June for spring planting, and September through November for fall planting. The awarded bidder shall procure trees included in the attached tree planting plan to the stated specifications, as well as related materials (water bags, stakes, arbor lock and mulch); plant the 40 trees per the locations and specifications of the planting plan.

Each tree is to be staked with two stakes and secured with arbor lock, mulched, with a water bag installed on each tree.

Proposals must be submitted in separate sealed envelopes marked “City of Greenfield Street Trees, Maintenance, and Tree Belt Restoration – Non-Price Proposal” and “City of Greenfield Street Trees, Maintenance, and Tree Belt Restoration – Price Proposal.” See Section III for details. Proposals must be received by 2 p.m., March 31, 2026. Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Late proposals will be returned unopened. Proposals are to be sent to (or dropped off at):

Department of Public Works 189 Wells Street

Greenfield, MA 01301

A complete copy of this request for proposals may be received electronically by contacting Ian Hodgdon at Ian.Hodgdon@greenfield-ma.gov and will be available starting March 17, 2026.

The Contract/Proposal awarding authority is:

Mayor City of Greenfield

Greenfield, MA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

SECTION 1. GENERAL INFORMATION …………………………………………………………..…3

SECTION 2. PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS ………………………………….....…5

SECTION 3. PROPOSALS …………………………………………………………………..……………..5

SECTION 4. PROJECT OVERVIEW ……………..………………………………………………………..….6

SECTION 5. SCOPE OF SERVICES ………..…………………………………………………………..7

SECTION 6. GUARANTEE PERIOD AND REPLACEMENT …………………………………14

SECTION 7. PAYMENT ……..……………………………………………………………………………14

SECTION 8. EVALUATION CRITERIA & SUBMITTALS ……………………………….…..…14

ATTACHMENTS:

A. NON-COLLUSION FORM………………………………………………….….……………….………15

B. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION FORM………….……………………………….………16

C. TREE PLANTING PLAN ……………………….….…………………….…………………….………17

D. GREENFIELD PROPOSAL BID BUDGET ……………………………….……..….………....…22

E. MASSACHUSETTS WAGE RATES…………………………………………………………………..

GUIDELINES AND INSTRUCTIONS

FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR STREET TREES AND MAINTENANCE

SECTION 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. The City of Greenfield is soliciting proposals for street tree purchase, installation, watering, and maintenance for specified streets, as well as tree belt restoration.

B. Planting will take place from April through June for spring planting, and September through November for fall planting. A list of locations and species is attached.

C. These specifications, including drawings and plant materials list, apply to those items necessary for and incidental to the execution and completion of planting as indicated herein.

D. All labor, equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for the execution of the work shall be provided by the Contractor at no additional cost to the City.

E. Trees are to be guaranteed for a period of one year after planting, with limited exceptions, as noted.

F. Applicable specifications and standards:

American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1 current edition American Standard for Tree Care Operations, ANSI A300 current edition

G. All clarifying questions for this proposal should be directed to Athena Lee Bradley, Grant Writer/Manager, via email at athena.bradley@greenfield-ma.gov. All submitted questions and answers will be distributed to all who received the RFP document.

H. A Request for Proposals (RFP) is being used instead of a bid in order to allow the City to evaluate more than just cost, and to also include number of years in business, references, and the quality of proposals submitted. It is the intent of the City to award the contract to the vendor offering the most advantageous proposal, taking into consideration all evaluation criteria as well as price. The City shall be the sole judge of the firm’s qualifications and whether the proposal is in the best interests of the City.

I. The City may conduct such investigations as the City considers necessary to assist in the evaluation of any proposal and to establish the responsibility and qualifications of companies submitting proposals. Up to the time of signature of contract, the City shall have the right in its sole discretion to terminate negotiations with or without cause if it deems it’s in its best interest to do so.

J. Duration of Contract: The term of this contract shall be from the date of the signed contract in March 2026 through June 30, 2027.

K. The City of Greenfield reserves the right to reject any and all proposals in whole or in part; to waive any technicalities and informalities; to amend and/or cancel the RFP prior to the time of submission; and to correct any proposal erroneously made as a result of a clerical error on the part of the City.

L. Responders will be required to sign and submit with their proposal a Certificate of Non- Collusion and Tax Compliance Certification (Attachments A and B).

M. Proposals will be kept confidential until after they have been evaluated. A log will be maintained of proposals received, but proposals are not opened publicly.

N. Insurance: The Contractor will not be permitted to start any work until they have submitted certificates covering all insurance called for, and have obtained approval in writing of such certificates from the City.

Before starting, and until completion of the contract period, the Contractor shall procure, deposit, and maintain with the City, insurance satisfactory to the City as follows:

a. Workmen’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance as required by the Workmen’s Compensation Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

b. Comprehensive Commercial Liability Insurance covering Bodily Injury and Property Damage (Broad Form) as follows:

Limits of Liability* $1,000,000 each occurrence $2,000,000 aggregate

* or $1,000,000 single limit combined Bodily Injury and Property Damage.

The Comprehensive Commercial Liability Policy shall provide insurance for the Contractor for Bodily Injury and Property Damage to third persons arising out of:

1. Work performed by the Contractor itself with its own employees, called “premises operations.”

2. Work performed by its subcontractors, called “sublet work” or Independent Contractors (this is referred to as Contractor’s Protective Liability).

3. The Contractor’s liability assumed under this contract, called “Hold Harmless” clauses or indemnity agreement. (This is referred to as Contractual Liability Insurance).

4. Products liability coverage covering the completed building or installation or products furnished. (This is called Products Liability Insurance for the manufacturer and Complete Operations Liability Insurance for the Contractor).

5. If any work is to be performed below the surface of the ground, the coverage shall be extended to include protection against property damage caused by explosion (including blasting), collapse of structures and damage to underground pipes and utilities. (This is known as “XCU” coverage).

c. Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance covering Bodily Injury and Property Damage, as follows:

Limits of Liability* Bodily Injury: $500,000 each person $1,000,000 each accident Property Damage: $1,000,000 each accident

* or $500,000 single limit combined Bodily Injury and Property Damage.

This insurance is to apply with respect to all owned or hired vehicles of the Contractor and non-ownership protection for all employees of the Contractor engaged in the performance of this contract.

d. All policies shall be so written that the City will be notified of cancellation or restrictive amendment at least 30 days prior to the effective date of such cancellation or amendment.

Certificates from the insurance carrier stating the limits of liability and expiration date shall be filed in triplicate with the City before operations are begun. Such certificates not only shall name the types of policy provided, but also shall refer specifically to this

Contract* and article and the above paragraphs in accordance with which insurance is being furnished and shall state that such insurance is as required by such paragraphs of this Contract and shall be sufficiently comprehensive as to permit the owner to determine that the required insurance coverage has been provided without the necessity of examining the individual insurance policies.

If the initial insurance expires prior to completion of the Work, renewal certificates shall be furnished by the date of expiration.

* If blanket coverage is furnished, this particular Contract need not be referred to.

e. The Contractor shall require each of its sub-contractors to procure and maintain until the completion of that sub-contractor’s work, insurance of the types and to the limits specified in paragraphs A to C, inclusive, above. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to insure that all its sub-contractors comply with all of the insurance requirements contained herein relating to such sub-contractors.

No insurances required or furnished hereunder shall, in any way, relieve the Contractor of, or diminish any of its responsibilities, obligations and liabilities under the Contract.

SECTION 2. PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS

All contractors, prior to award of contract must present satisfactory evidence that they have been regularly engaged in this type of work and that they are prepared with the necessary labor, materials and equipment to perform the work.

SECTION 3. PROPOSALS

The proponent is to submit two (2) sealed hard copies of the Non-Price Proposal and one

(1) sealed hard copy of the Price Proposal to the address listed in Section IA. Proposals must be received by 2p.m., March 31, 2026.

IN SEALED ENVELOPE #1 – Labeled: City of Greenfield Street Trees, Maintenance, and Tree Belt Restoration – Non-Price Proposal

Each proposal shall include at a minimum the following information:

1. Cover letter describing the background of the vendor’s company including size, date established, office location(s), including address and business operations description which indicates the proposer has the necessary tree stock, equipment, and experience to complete the Scope of Services, described below. The cover letter must be signed by an official of the firm who has authority to enter into a contract.

2. Provide at least one relevant reference of a community or entity for which the company has provided similar services.

3. Signed Certificate of Non-Collusion (Attachment A)

4. Signed Certificate of Tax Compliance (Attachment B)

IN SEALED ENVELOPE #2 – Labeled: City of Greenfield Street Trees, Maintenance, and Tree Belt Restoration – Price Proposal

1. The Price Proposal shall include:

a. Furnishing of trees. All costs associated with provided trees as listed in Attachment C, Tree Planting Plan, p. 5.

b. All labor and materials associated with planting including mulch, staking materials, watering, water bags, and other associated materials.

c. All delivery charges.

d. All costs associated with equipment use, labor, and materials required for existing tree belt removal, restoration, tree planting, and hydroseeding.

e. Bidders should complete and submit: Attachment D, Greenfield Proposal Bid Budget.

f. Prevailing wage rates apply to this work. See Attachment E, Massachusetts Wage Rates.

g. The total cost of the bid is not to exceed $90,740.

SECTION 4. PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City of Greenfield was awarded funding through an Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), Cool Corridors Tree Planting Grant. The program was designed to make funding available for community tree planting projects, specifically targeting neighborhoods with documented urban heat islands, hotspots and/or areas that suffer from surges of extreme heat. The Greenfield Department of Public Works and the Greenfield Tree Committee (GTC), a volunteer, non-municipal committee that works with the city and residents to increase the number and quality of trees in the city, partnered to develop the project proposal.

The Greening Federal Street project will transform a section of Federal Street from a treeless, harsh environment to a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly walking route. The proposed project location spans 2/10 of a mile of Federal Street, a primary north-south route in Greenfield which feeds into downtown. Federal Street is a mixed use road, with residential and commercial buildings. The Greening Federal Street project will demonstrate the role trees can play in improving the walkability and attractiveness of an otherwise highly urbanized, paved area of Greenfield. We believe this transformation will set a precedent for improving treeless streetscapes throughout Greenfield and in other municipalities. The Commonwealth and the City of Greenfield recognize that tree planting is an important cooling strategy as the climate warms.

Specifically, this bid solicits proposals from qualified companies for the procurement, installation, watering, and maintenance of street trees to be planted along Federal Street, between Stanley and Cleveland, as well as the first approximately 200’ of three side streets to the east within the project area, East Cleveland Street, Euclid Avenue, and Grant Street.

Our project Tree Planting Plan (Attachment C) calls for planting 40 trees including 12 shade trees where there are no overhead obstructions and 28 small stature trees where there are overhead utilities.

The project also calls for the restoration of two areas where tree belts (planting strips) have been paved over. In all, just over 180 linear feet or approximately 1,200 square feet of impervious surfaces will be removed, the soil remediated, and trees planted, dramatically changing the character (and coolness) of the streets and sidewalks. The restoration areas are in the Tree Planting Plan.

The City of Greenfield Tree Warden will work with core members of the Greenfield Tree Committee to:

Approve any tree substitutions sought by the contractor.

Inspect newly planted trees to ensure high quality and proper planting.

The Greenfield Tree Committee will:

Conduct periodical inspections of the trees throughout the two-year contract to ensure proper watering is being maintained and ensure tree stakes and water bags remain in good condition.

A Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA) or International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, from the City’s Project Team will be available on-site to supervise tree planting work performed.

SECTION 5. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Scope of Services may include but not limited to provide the following:

The City of Greenfield wants to ensure that tree planting work completed creates an opportunity for trees to thrive, not just survive. The guidelines articulated below reflect State of Massachusetts urban forestry standards for planting, watering, and protection for new trees. The awarded contractor will be required to adhere to these guidelines and incorporate them in any sub-contract agreements for tree planting. The contractor shall procure trees included in the tree planting plan to the stated specifications, as well as related materials (water bags, stakes, arbor lock and mulch); plant the 40 trees per the locations and specifications of the Planting Plan. Each tree is to be staked with two stakes and secured with arbor lock, mulched, with a water bag installed on each tree. A period of tree after-care is expected, including watering, staking, protective measures and mulching as needed, until the end of the contract period.

Removal of Concrete in Existing Tree Belt

1. The existing tree belt in the area of #367 Federal Street consists of poured concrete, with brick pavers, gravel, and miscellaneous earthen materials. The proposed tree belt, area between sidewalk and road edge, is to be vegetated. Remove existing concrete/miscellaneous materials and excavate to a depth of 2.5'-4’, sufficient for removal of all materials.

2. Replace excavated material with suitable planting mix specified in this RFP to within 3" of finished grade. Remaining 3"-4” to be filled with loam for proper tree planting.

3. After trees have been planted, the loam is to be hydroseeded in the new vegetated tree belt."

4. See Attachment C, Tree Planting Plan, Map 6: Tree Planting Plan and Tree Belt Restoration Areas.

Purchase of Trees

1. All trees and root balls shall meet the standards stated in ANSI Z60.1, current edition. A free copy is available from https://www.americanhort.org/education/american-nursery-stock-standards.

2. All trees shall measure at least 1.5-inch caliper based on their diameter at measured at 4 ½ feet above the buttress roots and have a height appropriate to the specie for this caliper as stated in ANSI Z60.1.

3. All trees shall have a single stem for its entire height. Stems shall not have severe bends, crooks, breaks, damage to bark, or evidence of topping as determined by the City of Greenfield and/or designated agent.

4. All trees shall have at least half of its height with branches. Branches shall be evenly spaced, both vertically and around the stem. Branches shall have wide branch attachment angles to reduce future problems with poor branch structure.

5. The Greenfield Tree Committee and/or City’s Tree Warden or his representative may inspect trees at the time of delivery and reserves to right to reject trees that are not suitable. All trees will be free of defect as determined by the City of Greenfield and/or designated agent.

Volume of a container may be estimated by the following formula. All measurements should be in inches.

Volume = π X radius X radius X height Example:

3,015.9 = π X 8 X 8 X 15

6. Trees used for plantings shall be true to species and variety specified, and nursery grown for at least 2 years, under climatic conditions similar to those in Massachusetts. Trees should be healthy and free from injuries such as disfiguring knots, girdling roots, sun scald, and injuries or abrasions of the bark; as well as free of plant diseases, pests, scale, etc.

Field Grown root balls shall be firm, not cracked, and moist. Buttress roots must be within 4 inches of the top of the root ball. Once excess soil is removed from above the buttress roots, the root ball must meet the specifications listed in the table below.

Container Grown root balls shall be firm, moist, not cracked, not pot bound, does not have any woody (approximately 1/4 inch and greater) circling roots growing anywhere in the container. Buttress roots must be within 2 inches of the top of the root ball. Once excess soil/potting medium is removed from above the buttress roots, the root ball must meet the specifications in the table below.

Trunk Caliper Average

Height Range

Typical Maximum Height

Minimum Root Ball Diameter

Minimum Root Ball Depth

Acceptable Container Classes

1.5 inch 10 to 12 feet

14 feet 20 inches 12 inches #15, #20, #25

2 inch 12 to 14 feet

16 feet 24 inches 14 3/8 inch

#20, #25, #45

Container Class Specification

Container Volume Range

Cubic Inches Minimum – Maximum

#15 2768 – 3696 #20 4520 – 5152 #25 5775 – 6861 #45 9356 – 11,434

7. All trees must carry a replacement guarantee of 12 months, regardless of cause of mortality, from the date of planting. The guarantee does not include vandalism, storm damage, animal damage or mechanical damage unrelated to the Contractor’s activities. If replacement trees are required, the City of Greenfield shall notify the contractor of the replacement need as soon as possible. Trees shall be replaced within two months of notification of replacement request during the growing season.

8. The City of Greenfield reserves the right to visit the successful bidder’s nursery and individually select trees before or after bid opening.

9. All trees must be handled and carried by supporting the root ball. Trees must never be carried by their trunks or branches.

Inspection, Acceptance, or Rejection of Trees at Delivery

1. Price quotations shall include delivery costs. The Contractor shall give the City notice of delivery time 3 to 5 days prior to delivery.

2. Trees must be delivered in an enclosed vehicle or have the tree canopy wrapped with cloth to reduce transport desiccation. Plants shall not be thrown or bounced off a truck or loader to the ground. Plants shall not be dragged, lifted or pulled by the trunk or foliage parts in a manner that will loosen the roots in the ball.

3. Branches shall be tied with rope or twine only, and in such a manner that no damage will occur to the bark or branches.

4. During transportation of plant material, the Contractor shall exercise care to prevent injury and drying out of the trees. Should the roots be dried out, branches broken, balls of earth broken or loosened, or areas of bark torn, the Greenfield Tree Committee or Tree Warden may reject the injured tree(s) and order them replaced at no additional cost to the City.

5. The root systems of each load of bare root stock sent from a storage facility shall be adequately covered with wet soil, sawdust, wood chips, moss, peat, straw, hay or other moisture-holding medium, and shall be covered with an open-mesh tarpaulin or canvas.

Loads that are not protected in the above manner may be rejected. Note: tight-woven tarps and canvas can cause a load of trees to overheat on a sunny day, resulting in serious damage.

6. Plants must be protected at all times from sun and drying winds. Those that cannot be planted immediately on delivery shall be kept in the shade, well protected with roots covered with wood chips or other acceptable material, and kept well watered. Plants shall not remain unplanted any longer than 3 days after delivery without permission from the City. Plants shall not be bound with wire or rope at any time so as to damage the bark or break branches. Plants shall be lifted and handled with suitable support of the soil ball to avoid damaging it.

7. All trees must pass inspection of quality, correct cultivar by the City of Greenfield and/or the Greenfield Tree Committee, at delivery. Rejected trees will be replaced at successful bidder’s expense.

8. Inspection criteria include:

a. Correct species, variety, and/or cultivar. Any substitutions shall be approved prior to delivery of nursery stock by the City of Greenfield or its designated agent.

b. Soil over trunk flare is less than 4 inches from top of soil in ball for B&B trees and less than 2 inches for container trees.

c. Correct ball or container size for caliper.

d. Correct ball size for caliper after excess soil is removed above the trunk flare for B&B trees or correct volume for container trees.

e. Tree has a single trunk without major crooks.

f. Branches have wide angle of attachment to trunk.

g. Trunk and branches are free of damage with bark intact.

h. Tree is not loose in the root ball.

i. Root ball is tight (unbroken) and moist.

j. Branches cover a minimum of one-half the stem.

k. All coverings on the trunk must be removed upon delivery.

l. Trees arrive in enclosed vehicle or canopy wrapped by cloth.

9. All plant materials, shipments, and deliveries shall comply with state and federal laws and regulations governing the inspection, shipping, selling, and handling of plant stock. A certificate of inspection, or copy thereof, for injurious insects, plant diseases, and other plant pests shall accompany each shipment or delivery of plant material. The certificate shall bear the name and address of the source of the stock.

Tree Planting Specifications

1. All tree planting will adhere to the current American National Standards Institute (ANSI):

Standard A300 Part 6: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices (Tree Planting).

2. Planting locations must be provided to Dig-Safe and DPW Engineering Division to review for utility conflicts before excavation or pavement removal is started and to certify notification of gas, electrical, water, sewer, and communication utilities as necessary. Any other affected utilities should be contacted in accordance with requirements of Massachusetts law. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining Dig-Safe permit for all planting locations. The Contractor shall be responsible for assuring that utility marking is complete before excavation begins. The Contractor shall be responsible for all damage resulting from neglect or failure to comply with this requirement.

3. Planting takes place from April through June for spring planting, and September through November for fall planting.

4. Tree planting work and tree health must be guaranteed for a minimum of one year after completion, as stated above.

5. Certification statements and/or analytical results for materials such as topsoil, mulch or other fill materials used on-site must be available and provided as requested to demonstrate materials are not excessively acid or alkaline nor contain toxic substances or contaminants.

6. A map identifying location of all trees will be provided. See Tree Planting Plan, Attachment C. The map provides the approximate location for the tree planting site. Slight movement up to 5 feet is anticipated due to obstacles like underground utilities needing to be avoided. The tree locations are indicated by the blue dots, for 28 small trees (under utility line) and green dots for 12 shade trees on Map 6: Tree Planting Plan and Tree Belt Restoration Areas. The specific species/cultivar will be referenced from the list included in the Tree Planting Plan and also in Attachment D: Project Tree and Materials List. Prior to delivery of plant materials the Greenfield Tree Committee will paint the exact locations the trees are to be planted.

7. The planting hole is to be a minimum of 2 times the width of the root ball and no deeper than where the trunk flare is sitting at or slightly above the soil grade. Soil in the bottom of the hole should be firm so as not to settle after the tree is planted.

8. All string, wire, burlap, or other non-soil material shall be removed at planting from the root ball. Containers shall be removed completely.

a. Wire basket can be completely removed by removing the lower rung or two of wire while the tree is laying on the ground on its side prior placing in the planting hole. The remaining wire basket can be removed after the tree is placed in its final location.

b. All string must be removed from the root ball after the tree is placed in its final location.

c. Burlap must be cut off as low as possible on the ball without moving the root ball from its final location.

d. Bare root plant shall have a healthy, well branched root system characteristic of the species, with adequate spread and properly protected to prevent drying.

9. All sides of the planting hole must be scarified. Soil is to be loose. Glazed soil is unacceptable and can prevent roots from growing into surrounding soil. Plants must be centered in the hole and set plumb. Plants shall be set with the top of the root collar at slightly above the finished grade. In no case shall the root collar be buried. If the root collar is buried the Contractor must replant the tree prior to payment.

Plants shall be set so that they will be at the same depth 1 year after planting. Bare root plants shall have their roots spread into a natural position, free of bunching, or circling.

All broken or damaged roots shall be cut back to the point where they are clean and free of rote. No other root pruning shall be done.

Planting in the Tree Belt: The contractor shall excavate planting area so that the hole shall be a minimum of two (2) times the diameter of the soil ball or root ball. If the planting site is restricted i.e. between a sidewalk and curb, and the Contractor is unable to dig a round hole that is two (2) times the diameter of the soil or root ball, then an equivalent rectangular area is to be dug.

Planting in lawns: The contractor shall excavate planting area so that the hole shall be two

(2) times the diameter of the soil ball or root ball. If the planting site is restricted i.e.

between a sidewalk and curb, and the Contractor is unable to dig a round hole that is two

(2) times the diameter of the soil or root ball, then an equivalent rectangular area is to be dug. Backfilling is to be done with existing soil.

Excavated planting holes that will be left open when work is not in progress or pose an immediate and considerable hazard to pedestrians or vehicles shall be adequately barricaded with appropriate warning devices.

The contractor shall notify the City of soil conditions or other obstructions the Contractor considers detrimental to tree growth.

10. Once the tree is set in its final location, begin filling the planting hole with native soil removed from the hole. Once set and one half of the backfilling completed to support the ball, all ropes, strings, wire baskets, burlap and other wrappings shall be removed from the ball. If the root collar is deep in the ball, remove excess soil away from the trunk using hands, not tools.

If too many large rocks are removed in the process, supplemental soil may be added to the planting hole. Supplemental soil must be of either similar quality to existing soil or a loamy soil.

Water the planting hole to saturation both while filling the hole with soil and after completing soil replacement. Allow the soil to settle as the water drains. Add supplemental soil after settling has occurred.

11. Plantings should have a mulch berm (“mulch ring”) around the tree to facilitate rain water collection at the time of installation. The berm shall be to a diameter of 6 feet and to a depth of 4 inches. Mulching material shall consist of composted shredded bark and shall be free of material injurious to plant growth and no pieces larger than 4 square inches. Mulch should be pulled away from the trunk by 4 inches in all directions. This should result in a “donut hole” around the tree stem. The berm should be maintained for a minimum of two years.

12. Two stakes shall be used to stake each tree. The stakes shall be driven into the soil outside of the planting hole. Arbor lock shall be attached to the stakes and tree. Stakes shall be 6’ to 8’ long sections of 2” x 2” hardwood. Alternative staking methods may be considered upon approval of City of Greenfield and/or designated agent.

13. Double leaders, dead branches and any branches damaged or broken during the planting process shall be pruned. This shall be the only pruning allowed at planting.

Pruning shall conform to ANSI A300.

14. All trees shall include a label with size and scientific plant name, common name, and cultivar, where applicable.

15. Drip irrigation bags (gator bags) will be installed at the time of planting and water provided twice a week for a minimum of 30 days from the date of planting. Trees must be watered during the after-care period once per week from May 1 through November 15, through the end of the project on June 30, 2027. Drip irrigation bags are to be removed in the winter and reinstalled from May through November.

16. Soil, stones, roots, branches, binding and wrapping material or other debris resulting from any tree planting shall be promptly cleaned up and removed. Under no conditions shall the accumulation of soil, branches, or other debris be allowed upon a public property in such a manner as to result in a public hazard.

16. All maintenance after initial planting and mulching, including watering, pest identification, and keeping mulch in place will be done by the contractor for the duration of the contract, supplemented by volunteers with the Greenfield Tree Committee.

17. Contractors shall not park vehicles or equipment on the root zones of existing trees at any time.

Tree Planting Inspection

1. All trees will be inspected to ensure specifications were followed. If an unacceptable condition is found, the successful bidder will be required to correct the issue.

Inspection criteria includes:

a. Trees were planted in the designated window or exemption approved by the City of Greenfield.

b. Planting hole is at least 2 times the diameter of the root ball.

c. Planting hole depth is correct by showing the buttress roots are at grade or slightly above. Trees that settle/sink below grade after inspection must be replanted by the contractor.

d. All string, wire, burlap, container or other non-soil material was removed from root ball.

e. Perimeter of planting holes was scarified to address potential glazing.

f. Soil around root ball in the planting hole is settled, moist, and even with grade.

g. The berm/mulch ring is 6 feet in diameter, 4 inches deep with a “donut hole” of mulch pulled away from the tree trunk.

h. Staking has two stakes, stakes are in firm soil away from the root ball, and uses arbor lock.

i. Watering trees once a week during the growing season, utilizing the water bags (or, as adequate with rain frequency).

SECTION 6. GUARANTEE PERIOD AND REPLACEMENT

A. The Contractor shall guarantee all plants to be healthy and in flourishing condition for period of one year after the date of planting. The guarantee does not include vandalism, storm damage, animal damage or mechanical damage unrelated to the Contractor’s activities.

B. The Contractor shall remove and replace, without cost to the City, and as soon as weather conditions permit or within two months of replacement request, and within the appropriate planting period, all plants not in a healthy and flourishing condition as determined by the Town any time during the guarantee period. Replacements shall be subject to all requirements stated in this Scope of Services.

C. The Contractor shall be responsible for the watering of the trees, during the contract period.

SECTION 7. PAYMENT

A. All trees planted and maintenance through June 30, 2026 (“spring planting”) shall be invoiced no later than July 7, 2026.

B. All trees planted and maintenance through November 30, 2026 (“fall planting”) shall be invoiced no later than December 7, 2026.

C. Any remaining trees to be planted and maintenance through June 30, 2027 shall be invoiced no later than July 7, 2027, as a final payment shall be made once all trees have been inspected and the project is completed.

All work shall be completed by June 30, 2027.

SECTION 8. EVALUATION CRITERIA & SUBMITTALS

Proposals will be evaluated by our Project Team, including the Deputy Director of Public Works/Tree Warden, Grant Writer/Manager, and, a representative from the Greenfield Tree Committee. To bid on this project, please complete the attached bid sheet. The City of Greenfield Project Team must still approve a vendor before the process is completed. The City reserves the right to reject any and all responses to the RFP.

ATTACHMENT A

CERTIFICATE OF NON-COLLUSION FORM

The undersigned certifies under penalties of perjury that this bid has been made and submitted in good faith and without collusion or fraud with any other person. As used in this certification, the word “person” shall mean any natural person, business, partnership, corporation, union, committee, entity, or group of individuals.

(Name of person signing bid)

(Name of business)

ATTACHMENT B

TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 62C, Sec. 49A, I certify under the penalties of perjury that I, to my best knowledge and belief, I am in compliance with all laws of the Commonwealth relating to taxes, reporting of employees and contractors, and withholding and remitting child support.

(Name of person signing bid)

(Name of business)

ATTACHMENT C

TREE PLANTING PLAN

GREENING FEDERAL STREET TREE PLANTING PLAN

Map 6: Tree Planting Plan and Tree Belt Restoration Areas provides the locations and types (large shade or small stature) trees to be planted. Tree belts to be planted are located along Federal Street, between Stanley and Cleveland, as well as the first approximately 200’ of three side streets to the east within the project area. The plan calls for planting 40 trees including 12 shade trees where there are no overhead obstructions and 28 small stature trees where there are overhead utilities.

The proposed project also calls for the restoration of two areas where tree belts (planting strips) have been paved over. In all, just over 180 linear feet or approximately 1,200 square feet of impervious surfaces will be removed, the soil remediated, and trees planted, dramatically changing the character (and coolness) of the streets and sidewalks. The restoration areas are pictured below.

View an ArcGIS StoryMaps photo tour of the project area: https://arcg.is/zzieT2. View the planting plan in ArcGIS StoryMaps: https://arcg.is/1uu5XT3.

Map 6: Tree Planting Plan and Tree Belt Restoration Areas

Existing conditions near 369 Federal Street where tree belts have been paved over https://arcg.is/zzieT2 https://arcg.is/1uu5XT3

The following photos illustrate the dramatic transformation that will be achieved by restoring and planting 180’ of tree belts along Federal Street.

Federal Street before tree belt restoration and tree planting

Federal Street before tree belt restoration and tree planting

Euclid Street, a side street to the east of Federal Street, has no tree belt on the north side, where the pavement runs from the street up to the edge of a half-acre sized commercial building. The south tree belt, which has overhead utility lines, currently has no trees. The following photos show the difference planting trees will make on this residential street.

Euclid Street before tree planting

Euclid Street after tree planting

East Cleveland Street provides pedestrian access to Federal Street from neighborhoods to the east.

The segment near Federal Street we propose will accommodate shade trees which will significantly improve the walkability and attractiveness of a neighborhood that is bordered by streets and parking lots, as illustrated in the following photos.

East Cleveland Street before tree planting

East Cleveland Street after tree planting

Greening Federal Street’s proposed planting plan follows the “right tree in the right place” concept, taking into consideration constraints and conditions such as underground and overhead utilities, sight lines, and narrow planting areas. In addition to the information contained in Map 6: Tree Planting Plan and Tree Belt Restoration Areas, the information in Table 1: Tree List and Materials provides the genus and species of trees chosen to provide maximum cooling benefits, along with any particular characteristics essential to the area in which they are being planted. This list also includes other materials necessary for proper planting of the trees.

Table 1: Tree List and Materials

ATTACHMENT D

GREENFIELD PROPOSAL BID BUDGET

Genus Species Common Name Cultivar Substitution Type Size Qty Unit cost Total FY

Acer rubrum Maple, Red 'Armstrong' A. rubrum 'Bowhall' shade 2" caliper 2 Acer x freemanii Maple, Freeman 'Firefall' A. x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' shade 2" caliper 2 Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust 'Halka' G. triacanthos 'Northern Acclaim' shade 2" caliper 2 Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust 'Northern Acclaim' G. triacanthos 'Skyline' shade 2" caliper 2 Platanus x acerifolia London Planetree 'Exclamation' P. x acerifolia 'Ovation' shade 2" caliper 2 Quercus palustris Oak, Pin 'Pacific Brilliance' Q. palustris shade 2" caliper 2 Amelanchier laevis Serviceberry 'Snowcloud' A. laevis 'Spring Flurry' under power lines 2" caliper 5 Amelanchier laevis Serviceberry 'Spring Flurry' A. laevis 'Snow Cloud' under power lines 2" caliper 5 Carpinus caroliniana Musclewood 'Rising Fire' C. caroliniana under power lines 2" caliper 5 Crataegus viridis Hawthorn 'Winter King' none under power lines 2" caliper 5 Malus sp. Crabapple 'Red Jewel' M. sp. 'Royal Raindrops' under power lines 2" caliper 4 Malus sp. Crabapple 'Prairiefire' M. sp. 'Gladiator' under power lines 2" caliper 4

Item Notes Qty Unit Cost Total Tree stake 80 Water bag 40 250' rolls 2 Bark mulch cubic yard 2 Labor For planting, mulching, staking and initial watering of 40 trees, and watering seeded grass 40

-$ FY26

Watering Once weekly or as needed for the growing season

-$ FY27

Item Notes Total

Tree belt excavation Police traffic duty

-$ FY26

GREENFIELD TREE LIST & PROPOSAL BID BUDGET

TOTAL BID:

SUBTOTAL FOR LABOR RELATED TO TREE PLANTING:

natural mulch (NO DYED MULCH)

Description 6' hardwood stake (2"x2") 20 gallon water bag (Arborrain Tower or similar) ADJ-A-TYE Rubber chain (not plastic)

Description

3 days of police detail at $75 per hour

Excavation and disposal of hardscape and top 3' of soil;

addition of new soil; installation of cement curb; seeding of grass seed

The total cost of the bid is not to exceed $90,740

SUBTOTAL FOR MATERIALS AND LABOR RELATED TO TREE PLANTING:

ATTACHMENT E

PREVAILING WAGE SCHEDULE

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS

Prevailing Wage Rates

MAURA HEALEY

Governor

KIM DRISCOLL

Lt. Governor

As determined by the Director under the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Sections 26 to 27H

LAUREN JONES

Secretary

MICHAEL FLANAGAN

Director

Awarding Authority: Greenfield City/Town: GREENFIELD

Contract Number:

Description of Work: Street tree purchase, installation, watering, and service for specified streets, as well as tree belt restoration.

Job Location: City of Greenfield , Various Locations

Information about Prevailing Wage Schedules for Awarding Authorities and Contractors

The wage rates will remain in effect for the duration of the project, except in the case of multi-year public construction projects. For construction projects lasting longer than one year, awarding authorities must request an updated wage schedule no later than two weeks before the anniversary of the date the contract was executed by the awarding authority and the general contractor. For multi-year CM AT RISK projects, the awarding authority must request an annual update no later than two weeks before the anniversary date, determined as the earlier of: (a) the execution date of the GMP Amendment, or (b) the execution date of the first amendment to permit procurement of construction services. The updated wage schedule must be provided to all contractors, including general and sub-contractors, working on the construction project.

This annual update requirement is generally not applicable to 27F “rental of equipment” contracts. For such contracts, the prevailing wage rates issued by DLS shall remain in effect for the duration of the contract term. However, if the prevailing wage rate sheet issued does not contain wage rates for each year covered by the contract term, the Awarding Authority must request updated rate sheets from DLS and provide them to the contractor to ensure the correct rates are being paid throughout the duration of the contract. Additionally, if an Awarding Authority exercises an option to renew or extend the contract term, they must request updated rate sheets form DLS and provide them to the contractor.

This wage schedule applies only to the specific project referenced at the top of this page and uniquely identified by the “Wage Request Number” on all pages of this schedule.

An Awarding Authority must request an updated wage schedule if it has not opened bids or selected a contractor within 90 days of the date of issuance of the wage schedule. For CM AT RISK projects (bid pursuant to G.L. c.149A), the earlier of: (a) the execution date of the GMP Amendment, or (b) the bid for the first construction scope of work must be within 90-days of the wage schedule issuance date.

The wage schedule shall be incorporated in any advertisement or call for bids for the project as required by M.G.L. c. 149, § 27. The wage schedule shall be made a part of the contract awarded for the project. The wage schedule must be posted in a conspicuous place at the work site for the life of the project in accordance with M.G.L. c. 149 § 27. The wages listed on the wage schedule must be paid to employees performing construction work on the project whether they are employed by the prime contractor, a filed sub-bidder, or a sub-contractor.

Apprentices working on the project are required to be registered with the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS). Apprentices must keep their apprentice identification card on their persons during all work hours on the project. An apprentice registered with DAS may be paid the lower apprentice wage rate at the applicable step as provided on the prevailing wage schedule. Any apprentice not registered with DAS regardless of whether they are registered with another federal, state, local, or private agency must be paid the journeyworker's rate.

Every contractor or subcontractor working on the construction project must submit weekly payroll reports and a Statement of Compliance directly to the awarding authority by mail or email and keep them on file for three years. Each weekly payroll report must contain: the employee’s name, address, occupational classification, hours worked, and wages paid. Do not submit weekly payroll reports to DLS. For a sample payroll reporting form go to http://www.mass.gov/dols/pw.

Contractors with questions about the wage rates or classifications included on the wage schedule have an affirmative obligation to inquire with DLS at (617)

626-6953.

Contractors must obtain the wage schedules from awarding authorities. Failure of a contractor or subcontractor to pay the prevailing wage rates listed on the wage schedule to all employees who perform construction work on the project is a violation of the law and subjects the contractor or subcontractor to civil and criminal penalties.

Employees not receiving the prevailing wage rate set forth on the wage schedule may file a complaint with the Fair Labor Division of the office of the Attorney

General at (617) 727-3465.

Page 1 of 32Wage Request Number: 20260211200555Issue Date: 02/12/2026

Construction

Classification Effective Date Base Wage Health Pension Annuity Supplemental

Unemployment Total Rate

1/1/2026 $40.95 $16.17 $21.78 $0.00 $0.00 $78.90

6/1/2026 $41.95 $16.17 $21.78 $0.00 $0.00 $79.90

12/1/2026 $41.95 $16.17 $23.52 $0.00 $0.00 $81.64

(2 AXLE) DRIVER - EQUIPMENT

TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL NO. 10

TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL NO. 10 ZONE B

1/1/2027 $41.95 $16.77 $23.52 $0.00 $0.00 $82.24

1/1/2026 $41.02 $16.17 $21.78 $0.00 $0.00 $78.97

6/1/2026 $42.02 $16.17 $21.78 $0.00 $0.00 $79.97

12/1/2026 $42.02 $16.17 $23.52 $0.00 $0.00 $81.71

(3 AXLE) DRIVER - EQUIPMENT

TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL NO. 10

TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL NO. 10 ZONE B

1/1/2027 $42.02 $16.77 $23.52 $0.00 $0.00 $82.31

1/1/2026 $41.14 $16.17 $21.78 $0.00 $0.00 $79.09

6/1/2026 $42.14 $16.17 $21.78 $0.00 $0.00 $80.09

12/1/2026 $42.14 $16.17 $23.52 $0.00 $0.00 $81.83

(4 & 5 AXLE) DRIVER - EQUIPMENT

TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL NO. 10

TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL NO. 10 ZONE B

1/1/2027 $42.14 $16.77 $23.52 $0.00 $0.00 $82.43

ADS/SUBMERSIBLE PILOT

PILE DRIVER LOCAL 56

PILE DRIVER LOCAL 56 (ZONE 3)

8/1/2024 $117.16 $10.08 $11.62 $12.67 $0.00 $151.53

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- PILE DRIVER"

12/1/2025 $37.50 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $65.72

6/1/2026 $38.80 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $67.02

12/7/2026 $40.10 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $68.32

6/7/2027 $41.50 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $69.72

12/6/2027 $42.90 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $71.12

6/5/2028 $44.40 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $72.62

AIR TRACK OPERATOR

LABORERS

LABORERS - ZONE 3 (BUILDING & SITE)

12/4/2028 $45.90 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $74.12

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- LABORER"

12/1/2025 $37.49 $10.15 $9.50 $6.56 $0.00 $63.70

6/1/2026 $38.79 $10.15 $9.50 $6.56 $0.00 $65.00

AIR TRACK OPERATOR (HEAVY & HIGHWAY)

LABORERS

LABORERS - ZONE 3 (HEAVY & HIGHWAY)

12/1/2026 $40.08 $10.15 $9.50 $6.56 $0.00 $66.29

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- LABORER (Heavy and Highway)

ASBESTOS WORKER (PIPES & TANKS)

HEAT & FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 6

HEAT & FROST INSULATORS LOCAL 6 (SPRINGFIELD)

12/1/2025 $40.32 $14.50 $4.30 $6.25 $0.00 $65.37

12/1/2025 $37.00 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $65.22

6/1/2026 $38.30 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $66.52

12/7/2026 $39.60 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $67.82

6/7/2027 $41.00 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $69.22

12/6/2027 $42.40 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $70.62

6/5/2028 $43.90 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $72.12

ASPHALT RAKER

LABORERS

LABORERS - ZONE 3 (BUILDING & SITE)

12/4/2028 $45.40 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $73.62

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- LABORER"

12/1/2025 $36.99 $10.15 $9.50 $6.56 $0.00 $63.20

6/1/2026 $38.29 $10.15 $9.50 $6.56 $0.00 $64.50

ASPHALT RAKER (HEAVY & HIGHWAY)

LABORERS

LABORERS - ZONE 3 (HEAVY & HIGHWAY)

12/1/2026 $39.58 $10.15 $9.50 $6.56 $0.00 $65.79

Page 2 of 32Wage Request Number: 20260211200555Issue Date: 02/12/2026

Supplemental

Unemployment Total Rate

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- LABORER (Heavy and Highway)

AUTOMATIC GRADER-EXCAVATOR (RECLAIMER)

OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 98

OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 98

12/1/2023 $39.56 $13.78 $12.15 $3.00 $0.00 $68.49

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- OPERATING ENGINEERS"

BACKHOE/FRONT-END LOADER OPERATOR

OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 98

OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 98

12/1/2023 $39.56 $13.78 $12.15 $3.00 $0.00 $68.49

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- OPERATING ENGINEERS"

12/1/2025 $37.00 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $65.22

6/1/2026 $38.30 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $66.52

12/7/2026 $39.60 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $67.82

6/7/2027 $41.00 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $69.22

12/6/2027 $42.40 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $70.62

6/5/2028 $43.90 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $72.12

BARCO-TYPE JUMPING TAMPER

LABORERS

LABORERS - ZONE 3 (BUILDING & SITE)

12/4/2028 $45.40 $10.15 $9.50 $8.57 $0.00 $73.62

For apprentice rates see "Apprentice- LABORER"

BATCH/CEMENT PLANT - ON SITE

OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL…