UMAPP27-005 Campus-Tree Maintenance & Removal Services

The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Facilities, is requesting bids for campus tree maintenance and removal services under RFB UMAPP27-005, with bids due October 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EDT (extended via Addendum 1 posted September 16). Vendor questions are due September 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and answers will be provided between September 25 and 28. Work is performed on the Amherst campus on a per-call, as-needed basis during normal hours (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and off-shift periods including weekends and holidays.

The scope encompasses tree removal, maintenance, aerial lift operations, brush chipping, tree climbing, stump grinding, pesticide application, and crane services. The contractor must assign key personnel including a President/CEO or Owner, a Financial Officer, and a Certified Arborist, with notification to the University required within five business days of any personnel changes. Bidders must conduct site visits by contacting Todd Cournoyer at 413-362-9913 and submit completed bid forms (pages BR-2 through BR-8), evidence of agreement to Contract for Services terms, a 5% bid deposit, and compliance documents including a Consent Declaration, State Tax Compliance Affidavit (Attachment B), Certification of Non-Collusion (Attachment D), and Proposer Representation (Attachment F).

The contract term runs from December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2027, with two optional one-year renewal periods through November 30, 2029. The University estimates an anticipated annual volume of $85,000. Bidders must submit hourly rates across eight service categories and multiple shift periods (normal, off-shift Monday–Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday) with a guaranteed minimum charge of four hours per service call. Award is based on the lowest Total Hourly Cost from a qualified bidder. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance (General Liability $2,000,000 per occurrence, Workers' Compensation, Automobile Liability $1,000,000 per accident, Professional Liability $1,000,000, and Cyber Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate) and furnish a 50% payment bond. All work must comply with Massachusetts prevailing wage requirements per Chapter 149. Payment terms are net 45 days from invoice receipt upon University approval. Primary contacts are Michael Boyle (MBoyle@umassp.edu, 774-528-0278) and Zach Gull (ZGull@umassp.edu, 774-528-0290).