Re-Advertisement City of Elizabeth City Request for Proposals: Tree Trimming by Circuit - Public Utilities Electric Department

The City of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is seeking a qualified contractor through Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 25-0502 to perform comprehensive tree trimming and vegetation control services for the Public Utilities Electric Department. The procurement covers tree pruning, mowing, brush and tree removal, and vegetation management along approximately 186 miles of overhead primary electric lines and 48 miles of overhead secondary lines. Contractors must be ISA Certified Arborists or ISA Certified Utility Specialists and provide documentation of their certification upon submission. The proposal is due on July 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, with the initial contract term running from July 1, 2025, to December 30, 2027, and potential options to extend for up to three additional one-year periods. The evaluation criteria will assess bidders across multiple dimensions, including 30% weight on experience, 10% on ability to meet commitments, 10% on staff qualifications, 10% on service methodology, 10% on references, and 30% on pricing. Specific services include circuit trimming at hourly rates and tree removal priced by diameter, with size categories ranging from 8" to 24" or greater.

The City encourages participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and handicapped-owned businesses and requires compliance with E-Verify employment verification requirements. The total contract budget is $200,000, approved by the City Council for line trimming, with the Electric Director having discretion over budget expenditure. The most recent tree trimming contractor was Best Brothers Tree Service, and the typical crew composition historically includes a three-person team with a bucket truck and chipper. Tipping fees will be paid by the city, and the contractor can charge these fees on the city's landfill account. While the contract does not guarantee the contractor will gross the full $200,000 due to tipping fees and ancillary expenses, it is expected that the majority of the budget will be allocated to the contracted tree trimmer. Traffic control is included in the scope, typically involving signage, traffic cones, and potentially a flagger, with the Electric Director providing additional staffing if needed for complex areas. The city reserves the right to extend the contract for up to three additional one-year periods pending mutual agreement and funding availability.