On-Call Electric Power Line Tree Trimming Services

The Incorporated County of Los Alamos, New Mexico, Department of Public Utilities is soliciting proposals for on-call electric power line tree trimming services through Request for Proposals No. RFP26-72. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to perform tree trimming and cutting services near and around 15,000 volt energized power lines and 240 volt open secondary lines, with work conducted primarily from bucket trucks but including climbed tree work where necessary. Contractors must possess ACRT Arborist Training-Line Clearance Arborist Certification, comply with OSHA standards, maintain a minimum three-person crew equipped with a 50-foot aerial bucket and drum chipper, and provide proof of all required licenses and certifications prior to commencing work. Pricing shall be submitted on an hourly basis for both normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) and outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and County holidays, with separate rates for various equipment and services including bucket truck and chipper crews, climbers, grapple saw trucks, front-end loaders, traffic control, and arborist consultants. The evaluation criteria allocate 40 points to qualifications and prior experience, 20 points to emergency response capability, 10 points to valid licenses and certifications, and 30 points to cost, for a total of 100 points. The deadline for questions is May 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time, with proposals due May 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time, and anticipated contract award by July 1, 2026. The estimated contract term is up to seven years, with the County contemplating multiple source awards to more than one qualified contractor.

The County has established preference categories for eligible organizations, including local Los Alamos County business preference (requiring New Mexico incorporation and principal office location in Los Alamos County), New Mexico resident business preference, Native American resident business preference, Native American resident veteran business preference, and resident veteran business preference, with the latter three categories limited to entities with annual gross revenues up to $6,000,000. All preference requests must be accompanied by valid state-issued preference certificates where applicable, and local preference requests must include a current Los Alamos County Business License. Prospective contractors must complete and submit several required forms, including certification regarding debarment and suspension, campaign contribution disclosure for contributions exceeding $250 to any of seven County Councilors within the two-year period prior to proposal submission, verification of authorized offeror information, client reference information for a minimum of three previous or current clients within the last 3-5 years, and any deviations or exceptions to the County's standard services agreement. The selected contractor must maintain General Liability Insurance of one million dollars per occurrence and in aggregate, Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by law, and Automobile Liability Insurance of one million dollars combined single limit, with compensation structured according to a rate schedule and monthly invoices payable within thirty days of County receipt. No incumbent vendors or budget range values are specified in the solicitation documents.