Revised_Notice_of_Meeting.pdf

This is a Notice of Public Meeting issued by the Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Procurement Services Department regarding Solicitation 26040-RFP-MST for Tree Trimming and Removal Services. The RFP 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 is scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams, with the meeting link and dial-in information provided. Electronic proposal submissions were required by March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time via VendorLink, with questions due by February 16, 2026. The contract term is initial with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year periods contingent on appropriation, performance, and mutual agreement.

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. 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 small business enterprise (SBE) utilization at 10 percent. Qualified contractors 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 registered with designated certifying agencies, with evaluation points awarded on a scale of one point for every 10 percent of projected contract dollars allocated to HCPS-registered SBE subcontractors. Service response requirements include providing estimates within three business days, responding to emergencies within two hours, and completing work within two to 15 business days depending on priority level. All proposers must comply with Florida Statute 287.138 regarding foreign ownership restrictions and Florida human trafficking laws.