Notice_of_Meeting_-_CANCEL.pdf

This is a Notice of Public Meeting issued by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Procurement Services Department regarding Request for Proposals 26040-RFP-MST for Tree Trimming and Removal Services. The solicitation seeks qualified contractors to provide comprehensive tree trimming, removal, stump grinding, debris removal, pruning, and lot clearing services across HCPS's 235 PreK-12 schools and facilities serving approximately 225,000 students in Florida. Services will be provided across three geographically defined maintenance areas (West, Central, and East) with the possibility of awarding primary and secondary contractors per area. The Phase 1 bidders' meeting originally scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams has been cancelled, with a new meeting date to be determined. Electronic proposal submissions were required via VendorLink by March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time, with questions due by February 16, 2026. All future public meeting notifications regarding this solicitation will be posted on the HCPS website.

The estimated contract budget does not exceed $1,750,000, with individual projects typically valued under $10,000 and pricing on an FOB Destination basis inclusive of all delivery and materials. Contractors must provide cost estimates within three business days, respond to emergencies within two hours, and complete work within two to 15 business days depending on priority level. Qualified bidders must employ International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists and maintain Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance (Class Code 0106) and General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence. HCPS has implemented a Small Business Encouragement Program (SBEP) requiring bidders to demonstrate utilization of certified small businesses, with one evaluation point awarded for every 10 percent of projected contract dollars allocated to HCPS-registered SBE subcontractors. Evaluation criteria weight qualifications and experience at 30 percent, specifications and scope of work understanding at 25 percent, cost and best value at 35 percent, and SBE utilization at 10 percent. The contract term is initial with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year periods contingent on appropriation, performance, and mutual agreement.