Urban Tree Purchasing & Planting Initiative

The City of Peoria is seeking bids for an Urban Tree Purchasing & Planting Initiative to be executed during the spring and fall seasons of 2025, 2026, and 2027. The procurement involves comprehensive tree procurement and planting services, requiring contractors to provide unit pricing for tree delivery, tree stock, bulk topsoil, hardwood mulch, and associated planting services. Bidders must source trees locally from within 100 miles, utilize Illinois licensed nurseries, and adhere to ANSI Z60.1 nursery stock guidelines. Specific requirements mandate Grade 1 stock trees with precise caliper and branch height specifications, explicitly prohibiting invasive species like Callery pear and Tree-of-heaven. Contractors must submit a three-year post-planting maintenance plan and have an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist approve the tree planting plan. The proposal is due by May 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with submissions accepted as hardcopy (one original and three copies) or electronically through BidNet. The evaluation will utilize a scoring matrix allocating points for project approach (35 points), previous experience (20 points), pricing (25 points), and commitment to diversity (20 points).

The contract will run through December 31, 2026, with potential for three one-year renewal options at the City's discretion. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the RFP emphasizes a commitment to diversity in the evaluation criteria. The procurement appears open to various nursery and landscaping contractors capable of meeting the stringent technical and professional requirements. The document does not specify a precise budget range or award value, but the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant municipal investment in urban forestry. Interested bidders must be registered on www.BidNetDirect.com to participate in the electronic submission process, which includes secure document transfer and a multi-stage submission protocol. The initiative represents a strategic approach to urban tree management, focusing on local sourcing, professional standards, and long-term ecosystem health in the Peoria County area.