D332TREE27SB

The Maryland Department of Transportation-State Highway Administration rejected all bids for tree maintenance, brush clearing, and spraying services at the Fairland Shop facility in Montgomery County under IFB D332TREE27SB on June 25, 2026, citing the State's best interest under COMAR 21.06.02.02; the procurement has been terminated and will be resolicited.

This was a Small Business Reserve procurement limited to certified small businesses. Minimum qualifications included three years of experience providing services within Maryland, current Maryland Insurance Administration certification, DNR licensure as a Tree Expert, and a valid pesticide license. Contractors were required to carry Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million annual aggregate, plus Workers' Compensation insurance of $1 million per occurrence.

The scope encompassed tree and brush removal, landscape services, wall cutting, underbrush removal, litter and debris clearing, grass mowing to a 4-inch height, and pesticide spraying along state highways. Work areas extended 4 to 14 feet from the pavement edge on both sides of eight ramps, including acceleration/deceleration lanes, approaches, and exits. Labor requirements were specified in five categories: 300 hours for a 3-man tree crew with bucket truck and chipper, 250 hours for a laborer, 250 hours for a climber, 200 hours for a flagger, and 200 hours for a traffic management assistant. All work was to be performed Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The anticipated contract term was not to exceed six months, commencing at the end of June 2026.

The contractor was required to provide all equipment, labor, fuel, and traffic control measures, with costs included in the total firm fixed-price bid. MBE/DBE subcontracting goals and VSBE participation goals were set at 0 percent. No federal funding was involved. All rejected bidders and plan holders have been added to the direct solicitation list for future procurements of similar services.