As Needed Tree Trimming, Grinding, and Removal Services at Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC)

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services division is requesting bids for as-needed tree trimming, grinding, and removal services at Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC), with bids due August 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A HUB Subcontracting Plan with a 26% VetHUB utilization goal is mandatory; all respondents must submit a completed plan regardless of VetHUB certification status, with subcontracting opportunities deemed probable in tree and shrub removal and tree trimming services.

Scope encompasses routine and emergency tree maintenance across approximately 198 acres: branch and limb trimming for clearance over highways, buildings, sidewalks, roadways, and parking lots; removal of limbs from roofs; six-foot clearance of limbs touching buildings; canopy trimming and raising; tree removal due to storm damage, wind damage, or disease; removal of briars at tree bases; and stump grinding. Services must be performed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, with acknowledgment of service calls required within twenty-four hours. Pricing is submitted on a firm, fixed unit-rate basis on Exhibit C, inclusive of all labor, equipment, materials, supplies, and debris removal. Price adjustments during the contract term are permitted only at HHSC's sole discretion, based on Consumer Price Index or federal minimum wage increases.

Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of relevant experience and provide three verifiable references for similar services within the last five years. Contractor personnel must be at least eighteen years old with minimum two years of relevant experience. Required insurance includes workers' compensation, commercial general liability at $1,000,000 per occurrence, commercial automobile liability at $1,000,000, professional liability at $1,000,000, and umbrella liability at $1,000,000. Contractors must comply with OSHA standards, pass comprehensive background checks including Texas Department of Public Safety criminal and sex offender records, and satisfy E-Verify requirements.

The initial contract term runs September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2030, with no renewal options but a possible one-year extension at HHSC's sole discretion. An optional on-site visit is scheduled July 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at 3980 State School Road, Denton, Texas. Questions are due July 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., with responses posted by July 31. A courtesy HUB Subcontracting Plan review deadline is August 5, 2026. The VetHUB Coordinator is Cheryl Bradley (512-406-2529; Cheryl.Bradley@hhs.texas.gov).