Tree and Brush Thinning- 14 Projects

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Illinois, is seeking qualified firms to provide comprehensive tree and brush thinning services across 14 distinct projects located in 11 different forest preserves throughout the county. The procurement involves mechanical clearing, herbicide application, and selective removal of invasive and non-native tree and shrub species across approximately 384.4 acres, with project areas ranging from 3.7 to 77.6 acres. Contractors must possess a valid Illinois Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicators License and demonstrate experience in weed management in State Nature Preserves. The project requires strict adherence to environmental guidelines, including using low-ground pressure mechanical equipment and aquatic-rated herbicides with marker dyes. Bids must be submitted electronically through the Euna platform by August 7, 2025, at 2:00 pm CST, with the tree cutting period scheduled from November 3, 2025, to March 13, 2026, and a final project deadline of June 19, 2026. Evaluation criteria include the lowest, most responsible, and responsive bid for each individual project, with performance standards requiring at least 95% of stumps and re-sprouts to be dead by the project deadline.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must submit comprehensive documentation, including a bid form, references, subcontractor information, and a substance abuse prevention statement. The Forest Preserve District will pay 90% of the contract upon satisfactory completion of the tree cutting period, with the remaining 10% held until the project deadline and performance standards are met. While no incumbent vendors are listed, the bid documents indicate that contractors will be individually evaluated based on their submitted references and project experience. The total project value is not explicitly stated, but bidders can submit individual pricing for each of the 14 forest preserve projects. Interested firms must provide detailed information about past projects, demonstrate technical capabilities, and comply with all specified insurance and documentation requirements, including maintaining records in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and adhering to prevailing wage regulations.