On-call tree removal-charleston

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has issued an Invitation for Bid (Solicitation 5400023960) for on-call tree removal services in Charleston County. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to perform tree removal operations within or near right-of-way limits on SCDOT-maintained roads, with services spanning three primary categories: cutting and leaving trees, cutting and removing trees, and cutting, removing, and stump grinding. Contractors will be responsible for all equipment, materials, labor, traffic control, debris disposal, permits, and utility coordination, with work to be completed within ten business days of notification. The solicitation covers 11 size ranges for each service category, with an estimated total of 4,795 trees across all line items. Key performance requirements include daily work site monitoring by the engineer, with non-refundable deductions ranging from $500 to $750 per compliance offense. The procurement timeline includes a September 13, 2022 deadline for questions, with offers due by September 19, 2022 at 2:30 PM, and an initial contract period from October 3, 2022 to October 1, 2027, featuring an automatic renewal mechanism for successive one-year periods.

The solicitation appears to be open to various business entities without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must provide $1,000,000 in general liability insurance coverage and comply with conflict of interest provisions outlined in Section 57-1-350(G) of South Carolina law. No specific award value or precise budget range is explicitly stated, though pricing is structured through unit prices per tree across different size and service categories. Bidders are required to register for a South Carolina vendor number and submit offers electronically through the state's procurement website. The contract is exempt pursuant to Section 11-35-710(1) of South Carolina law and requires final approval from the Transportation Secretary. Potential bidders must hold their offers open for a minimum of thirty calendar days following the opening date and certify compliance with statutory requirements regarding commissioner and employee conflicts of interest. The procurement process emphasizes transparency, with all amendments, awards, and related notices to be posted on the SCDOT procurement website.