Annual Tree Pruning & Removal Services

The City of Lakeland, Florida is requesting proposals for annual tree pruning and removal services to supplement the city's urban forestry program, with proposals due October 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. through the OpenGov procurement portal. Local vendors conducting business within Lakeland Electric's service territory for at least twelve consecutive months may qualify for local vendor preference consideration.

The contractor will provide all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials, and supplies for pruning and removing trees and palms within city rights-of-way, streets, alleyways, parks, and designated areas. Work may occur in close proximity to energized power lines operated by Lakeland Electric. Each crew must consist of one crew leader and two groundsmen, all qualified in proper traffic control procedures and trained to operate hydraulic lift bucket trucks. Minimum submissions include W-9 forms, Florida Sunbiz registration, equipment lists, ten project references from the past three years, staff resumes, and safety record documentation.

The contract runs firm through September 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods available upon mutual consent. Pricing is based on hourly labor classifications (crew leader, groundsman, traffic controller — straight and overtime rates), hourly equipment rates (aerial lifts and chippers), and a contractor's fee expressed as a percentage covering office expenses and profit.

Evaluation criteria are cost proposal (30 points), location within 50 to 100+ miles (20 points), staffing qualifications (10 points), experience with ten similar projects in the past three years (10 points), safety record (10 points), equipment availability (10 points), and arboriculture knowledge demonstrated through continuing education (10 points). The City requires comprehensive insurance: $1 million commercial general liability and business automobile liability, $2 million excess liability, and workers' compensation coverage. A notarized indemnification agreement and human trafficking affidavit are also required. Written questions are due October 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.