Tree Maintenance and Pruning Services

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is requesting bids on tree maintenance and pruning services across multiple Orange County facilities under IFB 250406, with bids due July 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. This is a prevailing wage contract subject to California Labor Code and Davis-Bacon wage requirements, with strict compliance mandatory.

A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal applies; the specific percentage is not filled in the procurement documents, but bidders must submit a DBE Participation Commitment Form and Bidders List at bid opening and DBE Letters of Acknowledgement no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second business day after bid due. Bidders unable to meet the goal must document good faith efforts to secure DBE subcontractor participation.

The scope encompasses tree pruning, removal, stump grinding, palm tree skinning, and tree planting services performed at OCTA maintenance bases, park-and-ride facilities, transportation centers, and OC Streetcar properties throughout Orange County. Contractors must complete an initial system-wide pruning within 90 calendar days of Notice to Proceed, then provide ongoing maintenance directed by OCTA. Routine service requests must be fulfilled within 72 hours; emergency conditions affecting public safety or OC Streetcar operations within 4 hours. Work must comply with ANSI A300 standards and be supervised by an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. All personnel working near OC Streetcar facilities must complete mandatory four-hour OC Streetcar Roadway Worker Program training annually. The contractor must hold a valid California C-49 license for tree and palm maintenance and a C-31 license for zoned traffic control, plus Public Works Contractor Registration.

The estimated contract value is $200,000 for a two-year term ending August 31, 2028. Compensation is firm-fixed unit prices for specified tree species and sizes, with quantities estimated only and not guaranteed. The contract replaces expiring Agreement C-53855. Evaluation is 100% cost-based; award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

The contractor must maintain Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate, Automobile Liability of $1 million combined single limit, California Workers' Compensation with Waiver of Subrogation, and Employers' Liability of $1 million per accident. Proof of insurance is due within 10 days of the effective date and before work commences.

Questions are due July 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. A bidders' conference and site visit are scheduled July 20–24, 2026. Addendum #1 (Revision) was posted July 8, 2026.