SLED Opportunity · MARYLAND · ST. MARY’S COUNTY GOVERNMENT

    Tree Services (T&M)

    Issued by St. Mary’s County Government
    countyIFBSt. Mary’s County GovernmentSol. 235417
    Closed
    STATUS
    Closed
    due Apr 15, 2026
    PUBLISHED
    Mar 25, 2026
    Posting date
    JURISDICTION
    St. Mary’s
    county
    NAICS CODE
    561730
    AI-classified industry

    AI Summary

    St. Mary9s County Government seeks bids for tree services including felling, removal, pruning, and stump grinding at county parks and facilities. The contract requires compliance with insurance and safety standards, emergency response capabilities, and includes detailed submission requirements. Bids are due by April 15, 2026.

    Opportunity details

    Solicitation No.
    235417
    Type / RFx
    IFB
    Status
    open
    Level
    county
    Published Date
    March 25, 2026
    Due Date
    April 15, 2026
    NAICS Code
    561730AI guide
    Agency
    St. Mary’s County Government

    Description

    The St. Mary's County Government (County), Department of Recreation and Parks, Parks Maintenance Division is soliciting bids to establish a contract for Tree Services. The work shall include all labor, materials, tools, and equipment necessary to perform tree services at County parks, properties and facilities.

    Background

    NOTICE

    PROPRIETARY/CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

    Any bid, contract or response to any solicitation from St. Mary’s County may be available for inspection and copying upon request by any person or entity pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act. The Act requires a denial of inspection of any part of the document that contains a proprietary trade secret, confidential commercial information or confidential financial information.

    Any such protected information must be specifically identified by the vendor on their submitted documents. The Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Commissioners of St. Mary's County for loss, cost or expense resulting in whole or in part from any such identification or any denial of inspection based thereon. 

    If any portion of your submission is considered proprietary and confidential, a fully redacted copy marked “For Public Release” shall be included with your original response or submission.

    Project Details

    • Reference ID: 26-RP-148774
    • Department: Procurement
    • Department Head: Brandon Hayden (-)

    Important Dates

    • Questions Due: 2026-04-01T19:00:44.391Z

    Meetings & Milestones

    EventDateLocation
    Sealed Bid Opening2026-04-15T19:05:08.468ZVirtual

    Evaluation Criteria

    • WORKERS’ COMPENSATION & EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE

      At a minimum, the Contractor shall carry the Statutory Limits of Workers’ Compensation Insurance required under the laws of the State of Maryland, and Employer’s Liability Insurance with limits of at least $500,000 per accident for Bodily Injury by Accident and $500,000 policy limit/$500,000 each employee for Bodily Injury by Disease.

    • STUMP GRINDING ONLY (Stumps up to 12” in diameter)
      • Stumps to be removed eight (8) inch minimum depth below ground level.
      • Stump size to be determined by measuring twelve (12) inches above the ground level.
      • Price for any stumps up to twelve (12) inches in diameter.
    • Working Foreman

      The Working Foreman is in direct charge of the specific operations, and laborers actively engaged in the work being performed.  The pay rate, in addition to foreman, shall include a pickup truck and signs for use on the job.  The COTR will determine the necessity and/or number of foremen to be assigned to the job site(s).  If, at the discretion of the COTR, it is decided that a foreman is not necessary to control the work, the Contractor shall designate a "lead man" for the project(s) who shall receive and relay instructions from the COTR to the work force.  The "lead man" will represent the Contractor, and will be part of the work force.  The "lead man" will be paid based on his current job (working) description (i.e., grader operator, truck driver, etc.) and shall not receive additional compensation.

       

    • Equipment Operators

      When equipment is idle due to no fault of the Contractor, such as:

       

      • Gradall waiting for pipe trench to be fine graded
      • Motor grader waiting for roadway grade to be checked
      • Dozer waiting for ditch grades to be checked
      • Dump truck waiting for backfill pipe; or
      • Other similar circumstances when the equipment time is continuous

       

      The operators of the equipment will be required to assist in the on-going operations, (i.e., flagging traffic, checking grades, shoveling, raking, etc.) without additional compensation.

       

    • STUMP GRINDING ONLY (Stumps over 12” in diameter)
      • Stumps to be removed eight (8) inch minimum depth below ground level.
      • Stump size to be determined by measuring twelve (12) inches above ground level.
      • Price for any stumps over twelve (12) inches in diameter.
    • AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE

      The Contractor shall purchase and maintain during the life of this Contract, the proper amount of comprehensive automobile liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for each owned, non-owned, and hired vehicle that is used in any way to complete the Work, as required under the laws of the State of Maryland whether vehicle is registered in Maryland or not.

    • BUILDER’S RISK INSURANCE

      The Contractor shall take out, and pay all premiums and deductibles for a Contract specific Builder’s Risk Insurance policy, to include coverage of fire, vandalism and malicious mischief upon the Work, with limits to one hundred percent (100%) of the insurable value thereof, including items of labor and materials connected therewith, materials in place or to be used as part of the permanent construction, including temporary structures, miscellaneous materials and supplies incident to the Work during term of the Contract or course of construction. If the Builder’s Risk Policy does not cover materials onsite that have not yet been installed, Contractor shall also provide an Installation Floater. Contractor shall comply with any requirements in the Policy for project reports by the Contractor to the insurance company. The Builder’s Risk Policy shall be endorsed: (i) waiving the insurance company’s rights of recovery under subrogation against all insureds and additional insureds on the policy; (ii) to make the County a Loss Payee for all claims; and (iii) to delete any provisions that void coverage with respect to the County for acts or omissions of the Contractor or any other party. Contractor shall provide a Certificate of Insurance with the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County named as additional insured.

    • Highway Worker

      The labor rate will include all necessary hand tools and safety equipment required for use on the job.

    • FELLING TREES (Up to 12” in diameter)
      • Price for trees up to twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
      • All debris, limbs, wood, etc., to be removed by the Recreation and Parks Maintenance Shop.
    • FELLING TREES (Over 12” in diameter)
      • Price for trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
      • All debris, limbs, wood, etc., to be removed by the Recreation and Parks Maintenance Shop.
    • Labor Requirements

      The COTR shall schedule the work, but it will be the responsibility of the Contractor to keep his work force actively engaged in

      the work at all times. 

       

      There will be no compensation for idle equipment and labor time when the Contractor is deemed not actively engaged in the

      work at no fault of the St. Mary’s County Government.  Examples are:

       

      • Foreman has not placed day signs or does not have day signs.
      • Flag persons not in position or not properly equipped, attired, etc.
      • Equipment idle - no operator, or equipment not needed on job site at the time.
      • Equipment unaccounted for - broke down, late, inexcusable absence.
      • Labor unaccounted for - late, inexcusable absence, not performing assigned task, does not have proper tools or safety equipment.

       

      These reasons will be justifiable cause for removal of equipment/personnel from the job site(s) at the request of the COTR.

    • COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY REQUIREMENTS

      The Contractor shall purchase and maintain during the life of this Contract the following Commercial General Liability insurance coverage to include all Subcontractors with limits no less than:

      1. $2,000,000.00 Annual Aggregate
      2. $1,000,000.00 Per Occurrence
      3. $1,000,000.00 Products and Completed Operations.
      4. $1,000,000.00 Personal and Advertising Injury.
    • UMBRELLA LIABILITY COVERAGE

      $2,000,000.00 Per Occurrence

    • REMOVE TREES (Up to 12” in diameter)
      • Remove trees up to twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.           
      • Removal of all debris, limbs, wood, etc., to be removed from the site by the contractor.
    • REMOVE TREES (Over 12” in diameter)
      • Remove trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
      • Removal of all debris, limbs, wood, etc., to be removed from the site by the contractor.
    • SUBCONTRACTOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

      The Contractor shall also require all first-tier Subcontractors who will perform work under this Contract to procure and maintain Maryland statutory limits of Workers’ Compensation insurance. The Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer’s Representative satisfactory evidence of Subcontractors' Insurance PRIOR to the Subcontractor starting work.

    • FELL TREE, REMOVE TREE, AND GRIND STUMP (Stumps up to 12” in diameter)
      • Stumps to be removed eight (8) inch minimum depth below ground level.
      • Stump size to be determined by measuring twelve (12) inches above the ground level.
      • Price for any stumps up to twelve (12) inches in diameter.
      • Price for trees up to twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
    • ADDITIONAL INSURED – THIRD PARTY PROPERTY OWNERS

      The State of Maryland shall be named as an additional insured for Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverage.

    • FELL TREE, REMOVE TREE, AND GRIND STUMP (Stumps over 12” in diameter)
      • Stumps to be removed eight (8) inch minimum depth below ground level.
      • Stump size to be determined by measuring twelve (12) inches above the ground level.
      • Price for any stumps over twelve (12) inches in diameter.
      • Price for trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter, measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
    • TREE PRUNING – Any height
      • Hourly rate for truck, operator and laborer.
      • Removal of limbs, debris, etc., created as a result of tree pruning to be removed by contractor.
    • EMERGENCY SERVICES – Felling trees up to twelve (12) inches in diameter

      (Must respond to emergency within two (2) hours)

      • Price for trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
      • All debris, limbs, etc., to be removed by Recreation and Parks Maintenance Shop.
    • EMERGENCY SERVICES – Felling trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter

      (Must respond to emergency within two (2) hours)

      • Price for trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
      • All debris, limbs, etc., to be removed by Recreation and Park Maintenance Shop.
    • EMERGENCY SERVICES – Remove trees up to twelve (12) inches in diameter

      (Must respond to emergency within two (2) hours)

      • Price for trees up to twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
      • All debris, limbs, wood, etc., to be removed by contractor.
    • EMERGENCY SERVICES – Remove trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter

      (Must respond to emergency within two (2) hours)

      • Price for trees over twelve (12) inches in diameter measured twelve (12) inches above ground, free standing.
      • All debris, limbs, wood, etc., to be removed by contractor.

    Submission Requirements

    • Download Complete and Sign Contract Form (required)

      Please download the Contract Form, complete, and upload.

      Contract Form Boxes 15-16 must be completed and the form must be signed in Box 17. Upload signed form here. 

    • Bid Bond(s) (required)

      Bond(s) should be valued at 5% of the bid amount.

    • Representations and Certifications (J-1) (required)

      Download, Complete and Upload the J-1 Representations and Certifications Form.

    • Vendor Information Form (J-2) (required)

      Download, Complete and Upload the J-2 Vendor Information Form.

    • IRS Form W-9 (required)

      Complete, sign and upload IRS Form W-9.

      https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

    • Subcontractor's List (J-3)

      Download, Complete and Upload the J-3 Subcontractor's List (if applicable.)

    • Bidder's Reference Sheet (J-4) (required)

      Download, Complete and Upload the J-4 Bidder's Reference Sheet.

    • Current State of Maryland Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) Number (required)

      Provide a copy of your LTE # or certificate here.

    • Pricing (required)
      • Choose Option 1 when you have set line items, for example:
        • This is a quote for goods or commodities.
        • This is a public works bid, with a pricing table that can be uploaded into OpenGov Procurement from an Excel spreadsheet.
        • Seeking services for hourly rate schedules.
      • Choose Option 2 when you need vendors to provide you with the line items.
    • Project Number (required)

      What is the Project number for this Capitol Improvement Program?

    • What type of contract will this bid result in? (required)
    • Type of Funding (required)
    • If "Other" was selected for Type of Funding, please describe here: (required)
    • Are Bonds applicable for this project? (required)
    • If "Yes" to bonds, which are required for your project? (required)
    • Is there a DBE Goal for your project? (required)
    • If "Yes" to DBE Goal, please describe here: (required)
    • Will there be a Pre-Bid meeting for your project? (required)
    • Will there be a site visit following the Pre-Bid meeting? (required)
    • If "Yes" to site visit, please provide the location here: (required)
    • Insurance Requirements (required)

      Select the insurance requirements for your project.

    • Enter a brief description of products/services being requested for your project. (required)
    • COTR Name (required)
    • COTR Title (required)

      Example: Project Manager

    • COTR Department (required)

      Example: Department of Public Works & Transportation

    • COTR Address Line 1 (required)

      Example: PO Box 508, 44825 St. Andrews Church Road

    • COTR Address Line 2 (required)

      Enter City, State and Zip Code
      Example: California, MD 20619

    • COR Address Line 1 (required)

      Example: 44825 St. Andrews Church Rd.

    • COR Address Line 2 (required)

      Enter City, State and Zip Code
      Example: California, Maryland 20619

    • Delay Fee (required)

      What is the daily dollar amount the Contractor shall pay the County for Delays? write as i.e. Seven Hundred and Fifty dollars ($750.00)

    • Delay Fee after 30 days (required)

      If the work contained thereon is not completed within such thirty (30) day period, what is the the sum of per day will be deducted from the Contract Price until the Date of Final Completion and acceptance of the work contained on that punch list?  Write as i.e. Five Hundred dollars ($500) 

    • Period of Performance (required)

      What is the period for performance?  Write as i.e. - Four Hundred and Fifty (450) calendar days

    Questions & Answers

    Q (Previous Pricing): Can you please provide the previous bid results?

    A: Previous Bid Tally is available in the Contracts Portal under the following URL: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/stmaryscountymd/contracts/147683


    Q (Clarification): The sizing per line item is very broad. Can the sizing be narrowed down in smaller increments? For Example, a typical DBH contract breaks down as follows: 0-6", 6-12", 12-18", 18-24", 24"-36", 36"-48" +48"+. Reason being: It is very hard for the contractor to give an accurate number. A 12" tree would not be the same price as a 36" tree.

    A: This question is in reference to Items 007 and 008. For purposes of this on-call, time-and-materials contract, the pricing structure has been intentionally limited to two diameter categories (under 12" and over 12") to maintain administrative efficiency, consistency in bid evaluation, and ease of contract administration. No additional categories will be introduced.


    Q (Minimum Mobilization): Is there a minimum mobilization fee?

    A: No. This is an on-call contract. Mobilization is not a separate pay item.


    Q (Clarification): Line item 007 & Line Item 008 are unclear. Is the tree to be felled, cleaned up (removal) and stump ground?

    A: Yes - fell tree, remove it, and grind the stump. Also refer to 2.2.7 and 2.2.8.


    Key dates

    1. March 25, 2026Published
    2. April 15, 2026Responses Due

    AI classification tags

    Frequently asked questions

    SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.

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