Tampa_Times_Legal_Ad_26-009SS-CS-IFB.docx

This is an Invitation for Bids (IFB) issued by the City of Plant City, Florida for tree debris disposal and processing services. The City seeks a qualified vendor to accept and process tree debris generated from municipal tree management along public streets and waterways at an approved facility within a 10-mile radius of City Hall (302 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL 33563). The estimated debris volumes include 400 tons of clean log wood, 250 tons of clean brush, and 250 tons of mixed loads on a case-by-case basis. Questions must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on March 2, 2026, and bids are due electronically through the OpenGov procurement portal by 2:00 p.m. on March 12, 2026. The initial contract term is one year with four optional one-year renewal periods at the City's sole discretion. No bidder's conference or site visit is specified in the solicitation documents.

Pricing shall be submitted on a per-ton basis for each of the three debris categories, with optional line items permitted for fuel surcharges and minimum load charges. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with bids not exceeding $50,000 eligible for City Manager approval and bids exceeding $50,000 requiring City Commission approval. A local preference policy grants qualifying bidders within Plant City city limits who maintain a physical office and pay applicable business taxes a discount of up to 1 percent of the lowest bid, not to exceed $2,500. Bidders must have a minimum of three years of documented experience in tree debris disposal services, provide four references from similar projects, and carry Workers' Compensation Insurance, Comprehensive General Liability Insurance of at least $500,000 per person and $1,000,000 per occurrence, and Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance of $500,000 with the City named as additional insured. A bid bond equal to 5 percent of the bid amount is required, and the selected bidder must execute the contract and provide all required documentation within 14 calendar days of receipt. The contract is non-exclusive, meaning the City is not obligated to assign a minimum amount of work to the selected vendor.