Tree trimming & removal services

Portsmouth Public Schools is soliciting bids for tree trimming and removal services on an as-needed basis across 29 school facilities and administrative centers in Portsmouth, Virginia under ITB 1111-B-2526, with bids due June 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM and questions due by June 4, 2026. M/WBE participation is encouraged with a goal of 7% of purchases from minority and women-owned businesses; certified M/WBE status from Virginia's Department of Minority Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprise Council, or Carolina-Virginia Supplier Diversity Council is accepted.

Bidders must be certified, licensed, and insured tree service companies with personnel trained to International Society of Arboriculture standards. The scope includes tree pruning, removal, stump grinding, and emergency response capabilities. Equipment must include aerial towers with minimum 50-foot platform height and chippers capable of handling 12-inch diameter logs. Pricing must be all-inclusive and submitted on the provided pricing sheet for competitive evaluation.

The contract term is three years with two one-year renewal options. Portsmouth Public Schools reserves the right to award contracts to multiple vendors and may negotiate with the apparent low bidder if bids exceed available funds.

All bidders must submit debarment certifications confirming they are not debarred or suspended; background certifications under Virginia Code 22.1-296.1 confirming fitness for student contact; State Corporation Commission registration or compliance documentation; Form W-9; and M/WBE subcontracting plans demonstrating good faith efforts. Contractors must carry commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million per occurrence, comply with Virginia's Public Procurement Act, maintain eVA vendor registration, and obtain PPS tax-exempt certification. Prime contractors must pay subcontractors within seven days of receiving payment from PPS. Payment terms are Net 30 days after invoice or delivery, whichever occurs last. The contract is governed by Virginia law.