Bid. Ref. #25-038 ROW Vegetation Management

The City of Albany, Georgia is soliciting sealed bids for a Right-of-Way (ROW) Vegetation Management contract under Bid Reference #25-038, targeting maintenance of city-owned trees along streets, right-of-ways, easements, and city properties. The comprehensive scope includes pruning, canopy-raising, clearing around streetlights and traffic control signals, removing dead wood, stubs, trees, and underbrush. Qualified contractors must complete the work within 120 consecutive calendar days following the Notice to Proceed, with performance monitored by a designated Project Manager. Key requirements include maintaining specific insurance coverages: $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability, $500,000 Automobile/Vehicle Liability, and Worker's Compensation. The procurement process involves several critical dates, including a Pre-Bid conference on January 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the COA Procurement Office, and bid submissions due on January 27, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Bidders must submit a 5% bid bond, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder on a lump sum basis.

The City strongly encourages Small Business participation in this procurement, indicating potential set-aside considerations or preferences for smaller enterprises. Contractors must obtain all required permits within 5 days of the Notice to Proceed and secure necessary licenses, certificates, and occupational tax registrations before commencing work. The project includes significant financial risk mitigation, with liquidated damages of $2,000 per calendar day assessed for project delays. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive requirements suggest a substantial municipal infrastructure investment. Notably, the City will provide necessary chemicals for the vegetation management work, and no change orders will be permitted during the project. Vendors must follow Department of Transportation (DOT) setup standards, use appropriate safety equipment like cones and barriers, and be prepared to handle debris disposal through reimbursement via dump tickets. The contract covers tree trimming within the right-of-way, extending 40 degrees from the center line in both directions, with specific operational guidelines to ensure minimal disruption to public and private properties.