UPDATED-Notice_of_Meeting_04.21.2026.pdf

This is a Notice of Public Meeting issued by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Procurement Services Department regarding a Request for Proposals (RFP 26040-RFP-DST) for Tree Trimming and Removal Services. The Phase 1 bidders' meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. 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. Services will be provided across three geographically defined maintenance areas (West, Central, and East) with potential awards of primary and secondary contractors per area. The contract includes an initial term with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year periods contingent on appropriation, performance, and mutual agreement. All future public meetings regarding this solicitation will be posted on the HCPS public notices webpage at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/o/hcps/page/public-notices.

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. 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. 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. 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 utilization at 10 percent. Contractors must comply with Florida Statute 287.138 regarding foreign entity restrictions and Florida Statutes Section 787.06(13) concerning human trafficking compliance.