2019 Ash Tree Removal Program

The City of Fond du Lac, located in Wisconsin's Fond Du Lac County, is soliciting sealed bids for the 2019 Ash Tree Removal Program (File No. 2019-028), a municipal infrastructure project focused on removing ash trees within the city limits. Interested contractors must submit comprehensive bids to the City Administrative Offices by Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 10:00 AM, with bids to be publicly opened and read aloud in the City Manager's conference room. Bidders are required to contact Purchasing Manager J. Musack at jmusack@fdl.wi.gov or 920-322-3453 to obtain complete digital project bidding documents. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank draft, or bid bond equivalent to 5 percent of the gross bid amount, serving as a guarantee of contract performance. Prospective bidders must complete a mandatory "Disclosure of Ownership" form as specified by Wisconsin Statutes and submit "Bidder's Proof of Responsibility" at least five days before the scheduled bid opening. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids without disclosing reasons and to waive formal bidding procedures to select the most advantageous proposal.

The procurement opportunity does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though standard municipal procurement practices often include provisions for such considerations. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are mentioned in the documentation. While a precise budget range is not specified, the requirement for a 5 percent bid bond suggests the project has a substantial financial scope. Successful bidders must execute and file the proposed contract and performance bond within ten days of award notification. Bids will remain valid for thirty days after opening, during which time they cannot be withdrawn without the Director of Public Works' consent. The tree removal program appears to be a standard municipal infrastructure maintenance project, likely aimed at managing urban forestry and potential emerald ash borer infestation mitigation.