Fall 2026 Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) Tree Planting

The City of Springfield, Illinois Office of Public Works is requesting sealed bids for the procurement and installation of up to 800 trees on public parkways throughout the city under an RFP due August 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. via the City's Bid Portal. MBE and FBE participation goals of 11 percent and 7 percent respectively apply. Local-vendor preference accounts for 5 points in evaluation.

Trees must be 2-inch caliper, ball and burlap stock from USDA-certified nurseries, meeting ANSI standards and suitable for USDA climatic zone 5. The scope specifies three tree-type categories—small (8 varieties), medium (10 varieties), and large (9 varieties)—with no more than 15 percent of any single species per category and no Maple species permitted. The contractor provides all material, labor, and installation as a single all-inclusive price with no additional charges.

Planting operations must commence by November 1, 2026 and be completed by January 15, 2027, with all plantings warranted for one year from installation date. The project is funded by the City of Springfield and the American Forests Urban and Community Forestry Initiative Program.

Evaluation allocates 65 points to cost (lowest price per tree installed), 15 points to tree varieties available, 15 points to caliper size provided, and 5 points to local-vendor preference. Illinois Prevailing Wage Act requirements apply, including certified payroll reporting through ePrism software. Contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance at statutory limits and employer's liability insurance of $1,000,000 per person. Local labor provisions require 50 percent city resident work hours for projects exceeding $100,000. Questions were due August 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. with responses provided the same day at 4:30 p.m. The anticipated contract award date is October 6, 2026.