Emergency Debris Removal

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) has issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2025-04 for Emergency Debris Removal services across its service territory in Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee Counties, Florida. The procurement specifically seeks qualified contractors to perform disaster-generated vegetative debris removal from utility rights-of-way, with a defined work area extending 15 feet on both sides of utility line center points. The primary deliverables include comprehensive debris clearance from electric distribution lines following natural disasters, with services to be executed through individual Task Orders. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM Eastern on May 2, 2025, with SVEC anticipating awarding one contract, though they reserve the right to award to multiple respondents. Key objectives include rapid and documented debris removal, with contractors required to provide detailed documentation including GPS coordinates for all removal activities. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on unit pricing for various debris removal activities, contractor capabilities, insurance compliance, and adherence to FEMA guidelines. Potential contractors must demonstrate expertise in disaster response, vegetative debris management, and strict documentation protocols.

The procurement appears open to multiple types of contractors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned in the available documentation. SVEC will structure the contract as a time and materials arrangement, with unit rates for various debris removal activities including hazardous limb/branch removal, stump removal, and tree removal across different size categories. Substantial insurance requirements are mandated, including general liability, workers' compensation, and automobile liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence. The contract will be federally funded through FEMA financial assistance, which necessitates strict compliance with federal laws, cost principles, and guidance. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the contract will cover debris removal services for an electric cooperative serving approximately 30,000 meters across four Florida counties. Contractors must be prepared to mobilize quickly, provide comprehensive documentation, and integrate with SVEC's existing utility infrastructure to support emergency response capabilities.