On-Call Tree Removal and Pruning

The City of Rock Hill, South Carolina, located in York County, is soliciting proposals for an on-call tree removal and pruning services contract through RFP #2089-RFP. The procurement seeks to establish a multi-vendor contract with up to five qualified companies to provide tree maintenance services on an as-needed basis, with an initial thirty-six-month contract term beginning February 1, 2026, and potential for two 12-month renewals. Key deliverables include tree removal, pruning, and related arborist services, with specific requirements that all providers must have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff and adhere to professional pruning standards. The evaluation criteria will be weighted, with 40% allocated to experience and past projects, 35% to project approach and capacity, and 25% to pricing. Critical dates include a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on November 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with proposal submissions due by December 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Proposing companies must demonstrate comprehensive capabilities, including specific equipment inventory, labor rates, and the ability to perform both standard and after-hours tree maintenance services.

The solicitation includes provisions that favor local businesses, with Rock Hill or York County-based companies receiving a 3-5% adjustment factor, capped at $25,000. The City encourages participation from disadvantaged businesses and emphasizes local hiring practices. Insurance requirements are stringent, mandating $1,000,000 per occurrence for automobile liability and $2,000,000 for general liability. While no incumbent vendors are specifically identified, the contract is structured to allow multiple vendors to be selected and utilized on a rotational basis. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the sample agreement suggests flexibility in service procurement with potential monthly invoicing and a total fee cap to be determined. The contract will be non-exclusive, allowing the City to engage multiple providers simultaneously, and includes provisions for annual funding appropriation by the City Council. Successful vendors must demonstrate comprehensive insurance coverage, compliance with federal and state employment laws, and the capability to provide high-quality tree maintenance services.