IRA Tree Pruning (Federal Funding)

The City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department is requesting proposals for tree pruning on city street rights-of-way and municipal property under a federally funded Inflation Reduction Act grant, with proposals due September 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST and an optional pre-proposal conference and site visit on September 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST.

The scope encompasses a two-year contract period with multiple locations throughout downtown and residential areas using aerial lift trucks and two-person climbing crews. The Foreman must hold Qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer (QLCTT) certification and have three years minimum experience; the Climber/Operator requires two years minimum experience. Contractors must demonstrate five consecutive years in continuous tree work operations. All costs must be fully burdened hourly rates including labor, materials, equipment, overhead, and profit.

The contract will not exceed $295,000.00, with $30,000.00 budgeted for the initial work phase. The City funded this contract entirely through a North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services grant under the Inflation Reduction Act. Contractors must comply with federal procurement standards (2 CFR Part 200), OSHA requirements, ANSI standards, Davis-Bacon Act labor standards, and all applicable federal and state laws. Payment terms are net 30 days from invoice submission.

Evaluation uses a weighted scoring system: corporate background and experience (10 points), firm financial stability (15 points), project understanding (20 points), project approach (20 points), team firm experience (15 points), and proposed cost (20 points), with potential interview/demonstration bonus points up to 5 points. The lowest-cost proposer receives maximum cost points; remaining proposals are scored using a comparative formula. Interviews are scheduled September 28–30, 2026, with selection announcement anticipated for September 30, 2026. Written questions are due September 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST. The City reserves the right to terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice.