Yard waste and wood grinding services - summer 2025

The Town of Manchester, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is seeking one or more contractors to provide yard waste and wood grinding services for the summer of 2025. This procurement opportunity, identified as Invitation to Bid #25/26-1, requires a contractor to grind approximately 80-90% bagged and unbagged leaves and grass clippings, and 10-20% bundled brush, land-clearing wood, stumps, and clean wood from residential and commercial sources at the town's landfill and transfer station located at 311 Olcott Street. The primary objectives include processing organic materials in an environmentally responsible manner, with ground mixed yard wastes to be left for composting and wood wastes to be transported off-site for potential mulch production or biomass energy. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2025, at 10:30am, with bid responses due by July 22, 2025, at 11:00am via a virtual Zoom bid opening. The town is seeking lump sum pricing and hourly rates for processing services, and bidders must submit three references, estimated start dates, and preferred operating hours. Evaluation criteria will prioritize cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility, with the town open to alternative proposals that may provide additional benefits or revenues.

The procurement does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. However, bidders must comply with the Manchester Living Wage Ordinance, with exemptions available for employers with fewer than 25 eligible employees, annual contract values less than $25,000, or certain nonprofit organizations. Bidders must complete a Living Wage Certification Form, affirming their status as a covered employer or explaining their exemption. Contractors will also need to adhere to prevailing wage requirements, including providing proof of worker's compensation insurance and compliance with occupational safety standards such as the 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety and Health Course. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the town indicates flexibility in potentially hiring different contractors for various material processing tasks. The bid prices will remain valid for 180 days, and the successful contractor(s) will be responsible for providing all necessary labor, materials, equipment, and supplies to complete the grinding services effectively and efficiently.