RFQ - FAC122 FY26 Nursery Products for GGCP

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking quotes for the Greening the Gateway Cities Program through a Request for Quotes (RFQ) under Statewide Contract FAC122 for fiscal year 2026. The procurement targets nursery products, specifically trees, mulch, loam, biochar-compost mix, and related supplies for urban forestry initiatives across 14 Massachusetts cities including Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Haverhill, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, New Bedford, Revere, Salem, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester. The program aims to purchase up to 200 public trees and 300 private trees per crew per season, with a preference for large canopy shade trees ranging from 1.5"-2" caliper. Vendors must complete and submit the attached "Nursery-Bid-Sheet-FY2026-Gateway-Cities.xlsx" to be considered for selection. The solicitation requires detailed pricing for over 100 tree species, with specific size categories and delivery specifications. Bids are due by 11:59:59 pm on August 13, 2025, through the COMMBUYS procurement system, with the contract term running from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

The RFQ emphasizes supplier diversity, with requirements for executive departments to utilize diverse and small businesses. Vendors must provide warranties with products and demonstrate compliance with specific operational requirements, including delivery notice protocols, stock availability, lift gate assistance, and tree stock guarantees. The contract incorporates environmentally preferable product specifications, prioritizing certified organic fertilizers and products with environmental benefits. Vendors must also meet new truck safety standards, including side guards, convex and crossover mirrors, and backup cameras for heavy vehicles. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the procurement suggests a comprehensive contract with potential for multiple vendor awards, allowing for single city or multi-city bids. Vendors will be expected to provide weekly to bi-weekly yard tree orders of approximately 50 trees, with precise delivery capabilities including lift gate-equipped trucks for safe tree offloading. Interested vendors experiencing submission difficulties can contact Lise Reid at lise.reid@mass.gov for assistance.