TREE WATERING & MAINTENANCE - SPRING/SUMMER 2026

The City of Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Department has issued a Request for Quotations (RFQ 26-46) seeking qualified vendors to provide watering and maintenance services for trees installed in various public locations, including street medians, parks, and school sites across the City, over the spring and summer of 2026. The contract covers the care of approximately 373 trees spanning multiple neighborhoods and park areas, with duties encompassing watering, site inspections, mulching, staking, and any necessary maintenance from March 15 through October 31, 2026. The solicitation promotes competitive pricing and encourages participation from minority and small businesses. Vendors must submit their quotes online by December 30, 2025, with no accepted late or alternative submission methods. Compliance with Virginia OSHA standards, applicable permits, insurance requirements, and ethical contracting policies is mandatory. Insurance coverage must include commercial general liability with a minimum of $1 million, workers’ compensation as required by law, and the City must be named as an additional insured. The scope of work is delineated by detailed site-specific planting locations, supported by Attachment A, which lists tree quantities across designated areas and timeframes from 2024 through 2026, ensuring geographic dispersion throughout the City. Contract clauses emphasize the City's right to inspect and accept work at destination points, laying out expectations for product quality, timely performance, and damage remediation. Award will be based on the lowest-price technically acceptable bid, focusing on cost efficiency while requiring vendors to meet technical and procedural standards. Submission requirements include certifications related to socioeconomic business statuses and ethical compliance. While no formal evaluation weighting or contract options are outlined, the City retains strict environmental and safety standards, requiring licensed, insured contractors with demonstrated experience. Administrative provisions require that all invoices reference the purchase order number and comply with City accounting procedures, though no specific electronic invoicing platform is mandated. Overall, this solicitation represents a comprehensive municipal effort to sustain urban forestry investments through proactive, professionally managed tree maintenance services across Charlottesville.