Unit Priced Tree Acquisition and Planting Services

The City of Cortland, New York is requesting proposals for unit-priced tree acquisition and planting services to procure and plant fifty-two trees with 2"-2.5" caliper specifications, with proposals due July 3, 2026 and written questions due June 18, 2026. M/WBE and Section 3 firms are strongly encouraged to submit.

The scope encompasses procurement and planting of fifty-two trees funded through a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Urban Community Forestry grant. Balled and Burlapped (B&B) nursery stock is strongly recommended to ensure successful establishment. The planting window is fall 2026 (September 1–November 1). Prospective bidders are encouraged to visit project sites to verify conditions; site visits are recommended but not mandatory.

Pricing is unit-based, with bidders completing a Tree Acquisition and Planting Form specifying costs per tree species and total project pricing. Payment structure is eighty-five percent (85%) of the contract amount upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of all trees, and fifteen percent (15%) retained until expiration of a one-year warranty period. All work is subject to New York State Department of Labor prevailing wage requirements under Prevailing Rate Case Number 2026007206.

The contractor must provide comprehensive general liability insurance at $3 million per occurrence, comprehensive automobile liability at $1 million single limit, and maintain workers' compensation coverage. A one-year warranty on all planted trees is required, with replacement obligations for any trees found dead or in unacceptable condition.

Contract execution and notice-to-proceed dates are to be determined. Answers to clarifications will be released by June 24, 2026. No incumbent contractor is identified. The City reserves the right to expand, reduce, or cancel the scope of work without prior notice.