Disaster Debris Clearance, Removal, and Disposal Services

The Town of Chapel Hill is requesting proposals for disaster debris clearance, removal, reduction, and disposal services, with proposals due August 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST and vendor questions due August 7, 2026. The Town intends to award contracts to up to two contractors—a Primary contractor and a Secondary contractor—to provide emergency debris removal services within the Town's jurisdiction and surrounding areas upon activation.

Contractors must have completed at least three debris removal projects exceeding 150,000 cubic yards and provide references for those communities. The scope encompasses clearing roadways; removing vegetative and construction/demolition debris from public rights-of-way; operating debris management sites; grinding or incinerating debris; removing hazardous trees and stumps; and disposing of specialty materials including white goods, household hazardous waste, abandoned vehicles and vessels, and animal carcasses.

The contract term runs through June 30, 2027, with options to extend for two additional one-year periods. No committed immediate or annual cost exists for the Town prior to contract activation; federal funding through FEMA will cover contract costs, contingent upon contractor compliance with federal regulations, FEMA Public Assistance guidelines, and 2 CFR Part 200. Pricing is structured as hourly rates for the first 72 hours of emergency road clearance work and unit rates thereafter for various debris types and hauling distances, with tipping fees paid separately at actual cost without markup. The Town will hold 10% retainage until project completion and all work zones are successfully cleared.

Selected contractors must obtain performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract cost within ten days of activation and maintain comprehensive insurance (workers' compensation, commercial general liability, business auto, and professional liability) with the Town named as additional insured. E-Verify compliance and adherence to all federal and state employment laws are mandatory.

Evaluation criteria weight proposals at 50% price, 25% technical and professional experience, 15% references and equipment resources, and 10% exceptions and forms compliance. Responses to vendor questions will be posted August 12, 2026, with notification of award anticipated by September 28, 2026.