Tree Removal and Pruning Services

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for tree removal and pruning services for the United States National Arboretum (USNA) in Washington, D.C.

• The contractor will perform tree maintenance activities including removal, pruning, and stump grinding.

• Work must be performed in accordance with Federal, District of Columbia laws, regulations, codes, licenses, and directives, as well as ANSI A300 standards for tree maintenance.

• The contractor is responsible for the safety of workers, Arboretum employees, and the visiting public, including signage for work areas.

• All labor must be supervised by an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.

• Heavy equipment use requires authorization and must minimize impact on turf, planted areas, native plants, and irrigation lines.

• Debris, including limbs and wood chips, must be disposed of on-site or as directed by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Location Monitor (LM).

• Work hours are generally 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays, with setup allowed from 6:30 am with approval.

• Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) may be provided for specific tasks.

• Subcontracting requires prior authorization.

• Catastrophic or emergency situations are not covered by this contract, with the incumbent having the right of first refusal.

• Pruning cuts must be made to favor natural callous growth and avoid excessive flush cuts.

• Branches too large to hold securely must be cut off two feet beyond the intended cut.

• Stump grinding must be performed to a minimum depth of 6" without damaging turf or surrounding plants.

• Cleanup of all debris must be prompt and complete, maintaining a safe work area.

• Climbing spurs or spike shoes are prohibited for pruning.

• Severed or partially cut branches must not be left in trees.

• Large tree sections must be secured and lowered safely.

• A responsible tree worker must coordinate safe operations on the ground.

• Tree removal includes hauling and disposing of wood and debris, and restoring the premises to its original condition.

• The contract period is structured with a base year and four option years:

  • Base Year: 07/01/2026 - 06/30/2027
  • Option Year 1: 07/01/2027 - 06/30/2028
  • Option Year 2: 07/01/2028 - 06/30/2029
  • Option Year 3: 07/01/2029 - 06/30/2030
  • Option Year 4: 07/01/2030 - 06/30/2031

• The place of performance is the US National Arboretum, Washington, D.C.

• Pricing is requested for various services including a three-person crew for felling, pruning, limbing, and removing trees, as well as rates for cranes, bucket trucks, loaders, skid loaders, and stump grinding based on size.

• Additional groundman or climber rates are to be approved by the COR/LM.

• A list of equipment with year, make, and model must be supplied prior to award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Tree Removal and Pruning Services at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. The government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Base Year: Tree Removal and Pruning (07/01/2026 - 06/30/2027)

• Four Option Years for continued services.

• The specific scope of work is detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order.

• Period of Performance: Base Year (07/01/2026 - 06/30/2027) with four option years.

• Delivery: All items are required by 09/30/2026. Early deliveries are accepted.

• FOB Destination.

• Offer Due Date: June 12, 2026, 1600 CT.

• Questions Due: June 5, 2026, 4:00 PM CDT via email to james.porter@usda.gov.

• Offer Acceptance Period: 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance. Award is not necessarily to the lowest-priced offeror.

  • Technical Approach: Evaluates the ability to provide a sound and compliant approach.
  • Price: Must be fair and reasonable.
  • Past Performance: Will be assessed as acceptable or neutral.

• This acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping Services)

• Size Standard: $9.5 million

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses and provisions by reference. Full text is available upon request or electronically.

• Specific clauses regarding supplier terms, contract closeout, and agency protests are included.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determination for various occupations in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. It specifies the minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for employees performing contract work covered by the SCA in the specified geographic areas.

• Lists numerous occupations categorized by general areas (e.g., Administrative Support, Automotive Service, Health Occupations, Technical Occupations).
• For each occupation, it provides a code, title, and the required minimum wage rate.
• Includes specific notes regarding Executive Orders (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining their applicability and requirements.
• Details fringe benefits, including health and welfare rates, vacation time accrual based on years of service, and a list of eleven paid holidays.
• Contains specific footnotes for computer employees, air traffic controllers, and weather observers, detailing exemptions and additional pay for night/Sunday work.
• Includes information on hazardous pay differentials for ordnance and explosives.

This document is crucial for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for any contract that falls under the Service Contract Act in the specified regions. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these minimums to be compliant. Failure to adhere to these wage determinations can lead to bid disqualification or contract non-compliance.