ITB - Supply of Various Trees and Related Items for Harris County (USDA)

Harris County, Texas has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the supply of various trees and related items, with a contract term beginning approximately February 1, 2026, and the potential for four one-year renewals. The procurement seeks healthy, native trees ranging from one to three inches in caliper and five to forty-five gallon containers, sourced from Texas or Louisiana and conforming to ANSI Z60.1 standards. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation including a Contractor Profile, Statement of Bidder Qualifications, References, and Subcontractor Listing Form to demonstrate their capability to provide these trees. A voluntary pre-bid conference is scheduled for December 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams, with written questions due by December 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Bids are due December 15, 2025, by 2:00 PM CST, and Harris County will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on price and related factors. Bidders must also provide a bid bond of five percent of the total contract price if the contract exceeds $100,000 and demonstrate compliance with federal procurement standards and USDA funding requirements.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and participation requirements targeting disadvantaged businesses. Bidders must demonstrate Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), Minority-Owned/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), and Section 3 Business participation, with opportunities for certified businesses to self-identify in their submissions. Contractors must comply with Harris County's Minimum Wage Policy and provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Umbrella/Excess Liability with specific minimum coverage amounts. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the comprehensive federal and local requirements suggest a significant procurement opportunity. The contract is funded through various federal grant sources, including potential funding from the Texas General Land Office, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Contractors must be prepared to meet rigorous compliance standards, including federal lobbying certifications, equal employment opportunity requirements, and potential prevailing wage regulations.