25-0128 CommuniTree Program - Tree Acquisition and Planting Services

The City of Sioux Falls, located in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, is soliciting bids for the CommuniTree Program (Bid Request No. 25-0128), seeking qualified contractors to plant approximately 3,000 trees within street Right-of-Way across designated census tracts. The project involves acquiring and planting six specific tree species: New Horizon Elm, Northern Catalpa, Bur Oak, Honeylocust, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Common Hackberry, with each tree requiring a minimum 1.5" caliper and including comprehensive planting specifications such as two stakes, support ties, a three-foot mulch ring, and a 20-gallon water bag. Bidders must submit electronic proposals through the Bonfire procurement portal by November 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central time, with a public bid opening scheduled for 3 p.m. the same day at City Hall. A pre-bid meeting is set for November 3, 2025, at 10 a.m., with a virtual attendance option available. Contractors will be responsible for a one-full growing season establishment period, maintaining a tree mortality rate not exceeding 5%, and providing monthly maintenance reports, with planting restricted to specific seasonal windows (March 1 to June 15 for spring and September 15 to December 1 for fall).

The procurement includes several important restrictions and compliance requirements, particularly for federal funding considerations. Bidders must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with an active Unique Entity ID and are prohibited from supplying telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from specific manufacturers like Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua. The City will provide local preference to materials, products, and suppliers from South Dakota, and contractors must take affirmative steps to include minority and women-owned businesses. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the bid requires a performance bond equal to the guaranteed bid price and includes provisions for potential price adjustments after 240 days, contingent on manufacturer documentation. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability insurance with specified coverage limits. The contract period will run from the date of award through December 31, 2027, with the City reserving the right to reject any or all bids and make awards deemed in the best interest of the municipal government.