Ash Tree Removal Program

The City of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is soliciting proposals for the 2021 Ash Tree Removal Program, seeking a contractor to remove approximately 175 ash trees from various public locations including parks, terraces, and other city lands. Trees range in height up to 90 feet, and the procurement offers contractors three removal options: Option I allows wood to remain for property owners with contractor removing small waste, Option II requires complete wood and brush removal by the contractor, and Option III involves wood disposal at designated city sites. Sealed bids were due on January 28, 2021, at 10:00 AM at the City Administrative Offices, with bidders required to submit proof of responsibility at least five days before the bid opening. Contractors must provide a 5% bid guarantee and commence work within ten days of written notification from the City Engineer. Pricing will be calculated based on diameter inches measured at 4.5 feet above ground level, with the potential for contract extension for an additional year upon mutual agreement.

Contractors must demonstrate comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, automobile liability of $2,000,000, public liability and property damage insurance ranging from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000, and an umbrella coverage of $4,000,000. The successful vendor will be fully responsible for any infrastructure damage resulting from tree removal operations and must restore work sites to city standards. Historical data suggests approximately 80% of previous work was performed under Option II (complete removal). While no specific set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise requirements were mentioned in the documentation, contractors must be capable of managing large-scale tree removal projects with significant insurance and infrastructure restoration capabilities. The procurement does not specify a precise award value, but the scope involves removing 175 trees across multiple city locations, indicating a potentially substantial contract opportunity for qualified tree removal specialists.