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 operations along public streets and waterways at an approved facility within a 10-mile radius of City Hall located at 302 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL 33563. The estimated debris quantities include 400 tons of clean log wood, 250 tons of clean brush, and 250 tons of mixed loads on a case-by-case basis. Bidders must submit questions by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, with proposals due electronically through the OpenGov procurement portal by 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026. No specific bidders conference or site visit is referenced in the solicitation. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and the initial contract term is one year with the option for the City to renew for four additional one-year periods at its sole discretion.

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. Bids not exceeding $50,000 are eligible for City Manager approval, while bids exceeding $50,000 require City Commission approval. A local preference policy applies, providing 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 demonstrate a minimum of three years of documented experience in tree debris disposal services and provide at least four references from similar projects. Required insurance includes Workers' Compensation, 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 and reserves the right to delete any portion of services without cause.