Los Angeles County Tree Removal, IFB 25-0128

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) 25-0128 for complete tree removal services across Los Angeles County, including the jurisdictions of Los Angeles City, East Los Angeles CDP, and Lake Los Angeles CDP. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide emergency eradication services for citrus trees infected with huanglongbing (HLB), with current detection rates of approximately 30 to 40 trees per month. Deliverables include comprehensive removal services encompassing labor, equipment, tree and stump removal and disposal, materials, tools, licenses, permits, supervision, inspection, insurance, transportation, and travel expenses. The successful contractor must maintain a C-49 or D-49 Tree Service Contractor's license, provide a minimum of two experienced staff members at each job site, maintain a physical presence in Los Angeles County, and comply with all DigAlert (811) requirements prior to excavation. Pricing shall be structured on a per-tree basis for three service categories (small trees up to 7 feet, medium trees greater than 7 feet to 14 feet, and large trees greater than 14 feet), plus a mobilization fee per day and replacement charges for soil, compost, or turf restoration. The contract term extends from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2029, with no renewal option. Critical deadlines include written questions due by 5:00 PM PT on March 6, 2026, with CDFA responses posted by March 12, 2026, and bid submission via email no later than 2:00 PM PT on March 19, 2026, with cost proposal opening estimated for the same date. Notice of proposed award will be issued within five business days following cost proposal opening. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bid based on evaluation of required documents including cost proposals, contractor status forms, DVBE participation declarations, commercially useful function documentation, and proof of business standing.

This procurement includes a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) set-aside requiring a minimum of 3 percent DVBE participation for bid responsiveness, with an incentive available for bidders exceeding the minimum threshold. The contractor assumes responsibility for all costs including labor, equipment, disposal permits, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and industrial welfare benefits, and shall be subject to liquidated damages of $250 per tree removal site for failure to perform services as agreed. Compliant green waste disposal facilities are identified in the approved establishments list (Exhibit A, Attachment 2), which specifies authorized processors across California counties including Los Angeles County, offering options such as biomass facilities, composting operations, landfills, and transfer stations. All transported regulated green waste must be handled in accordance with the Cooperative Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanglongbing Quarantine Program Compliance Agreement (Exhibit A, Attachment 3), requiring fully enclosed or tarped vehicles with secure barriers and adherence to direct routes to approved receivers. The CDFA does not guarantee a minimum weekly number of trees for removal due to the unpredictable nature of HLB detections, making this a requirements-based contract where actual volumes and award values will depend on detection patterns during the three-year performance period. Bidders should anticipate that pricing flexibility and operational efficiency will be critical given the variable nature of demand and the requirement to maintain continuous readiness for emergency response activities.