City of Gainesville Urban Forestry Purchase of Trees and Vegetation

The City of Gainesville, located in Alachua County, Florida, is soliciting bids for an Urban Forestry Purchase of Trees and Vegetation contract (Bid Number PWDA-260010-SM) to support its urban forestry program. The procurement seeks qualified nurseries to provide a comprehensive range of plants and trees, including shade trees (ash, cypress, elm, oak), fruit trees (mulberry, loquat, peach), and various bushes and groundcover. Bidders must demonstrate at least three years of experience as a plant/tree nursery, one year of experience supplying plant material to a municipality, and possess a valid Florida Nursery Registration Certificate. The solicitation allows for both pick-up and delivery options on an as-needed basis, with potential contract sizes ranging from seed and liners to 45-gallon containers. Key dates include a bid release on July 23, 2025, with questions due by August 12, 2025, and final responses due by September 4, 2025 at 3:00 pm. The proposed contract term is one year with optional three one-year extensions, and the city will evaluate bids based on best value, considering factors such as pricing, local preference, and vendor qualifications.

The procurement includes specific set-aside provisions and preferences for small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Vendors must comply with local regulations, including living wage requirements, anti-discrimination policies, and e-Verify employment verification. The city offers local preference points and has established tie-breaker criteria such as drug-free workplace certification and local business status. Vendors must also submit an Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit certifying compliance with Florida Statute 787.06(13). While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract allows for flexible purchasing across various plant species and container sizes. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation, professional liability, public liability, and automobile liability coverage, with the City named as an additional insured. The contract is subject to annual appropriations, and the city retains the right to terminate the agreement if funding becomes unavailable. Potential contractors should be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation, including the General Nursery Scope and Price Sheet, which will detail specific species, sizes, and corresponding prices valid through September 30, 2026.