RFQ for Tree Removals

Request for Quotes (RFQ) for
Tree Removals
RFQ release date: 10/16/2026
Submission due date: 10/30/2026
North Shop | 11660 Myeron Road North | Stillwater, MN 55082-9537
P: 651-430-4300 | F: 651-430-4350 | TTY: 651-430-6246
www.washingtoncountymn.gov
Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1. County Authorized Representative ............................................................................................................ 3
2. Scope of Work .................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Governing Specifications............................................................................................................................ 3
2.2. Labor Provisions ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3. Attachments ............................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Quote Content ................................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1. Cover Letter ............................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2. Responsible Contractor Form .................................................................................................................... 3
3.3. Cost ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
3.4. Appendix A - County's Standard Terms and Conditions ........................................................................... 4
3.5. Conflict of Interest ..................................................................................................................................... 4
4. Quote Submittal ................................................................................................................................................. 4
5. Quote Evaluation and Selection ......................................................................................................................... 4
5.1. Evaluation Committee ............................................................................................................................... 4
5.2. Evaluation Criteria ...................................................................................................................................... 4
5.3. Conditions of this RFQ ............................................................................................................................... 5
6. Questions ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Attachment A: Location Map
Attachment B: Plan Sheets (Sites 1 and 2)
Attachment C: Division S
Attachment D: Responsible Contractor Form
Attachment E: Quote Submittal Form
Attachment F: State Funded Contracts Special Provisions Division A
Attachment G: State Wage Rates
P age | 2

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
1. Introduction
The purpose of this Request for Quotes (RFQ) is for Washington County to secure services for tree removals
at multiple sites along various county highways, see Attachment A for specific site plans.
1.1. County Authorized Representative
The County Authorized Representative for this RFQ is Andrew Giesen, Washington County Public Works
Project Manager, andrew.giesen@washingtoncountymn.gov, 651-430-4336.
2. Scope of Work
This work shall consist of providing all material, equipment, labor, and cleanup to complete the work
identified per the following: The Contractor shall keep roadways, driveways, and any infrastructure clear of
debris by utilizing a street sweeper and any other equipment necessary, as deemed necessary by the
engineer. This work shall be incidental to the project.
2.1. Governing Specifications
The 2025 Edition of the Minnesota Department of Transportation "Standard Specifications for Construction"
shall govern.
2.2. Labor Provisions
The State of Minnesota Department of Transportation "State Funded Contracts Special Provisions Division
A", shall apply on this Contract except as stated otherwise in the Special Provisions.
2.3. Attachments
* Attachment A: Location Map
* Attachment B: Plan Sheets (Site 1 and 2)
* Attachment C: Division S
* Attachment D: Responsible Contractor Form
* Attachment E: Quote Submittal Form
* Attachment F: State Funded Contracts Special Provisions Division A
* Attachment G: State Wage Rates
3. Quote Content
The following will be considered minimum contents of the quote and must be submitted:
3.1. Cover Letter
Introduce the Contractor submitting the quote and state the Contractor's understanding of the services.
Include name, address, telephone number, and email address of the contact person(s), as well as the names
of any others participating in the quote.
3.2. Responsible Contractor Form
Complete the attached Responsible Contractor Form (Attachment D, D1, and D2).
P age | 3

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
3.3. Cost
Complete the attached quote submittal form (Attachment E) that is signed by an officer of the Company
who can be accountable for all representatives.
3.4. Appendix A - County's Standard Terms and Conditions
Submit a signed Appendix A as the Contractor to whom the contract is awarded shall be required to comply
with the terms and conditions contained therein.
3.5. Conflict of Interest
The Contractor must identify any potential conflict of interest it may have with the County or any other
party or entity that may be affected by the terms of this RFQ and responsive quotes. The Contractor agrees
that, should any conflict or potential conflict of interest become known, it will immediately notify the
County of the conflict or potential conflict, and will advise the County whether it will or will not resign from
the other engagement or representation. Unless waived by the County, a conflict or potential conflict may,
in the County's discretion, require withdrawal or rejection of the Contractor's quote.
4. Quote Submittal
All quotes must include Quote Content set forth in Section 3 and be sent electronically to the County
Authorized Representative: Andrew Giesen, Washington County Public Works Project Manager,
andrew.giesen@washingtoncountymn.gov by 3:00pm on October 30, 2026. Late submittals will not be
considered.
All quotes, once submitted, become the property of the County. They will not be returned to the Contractor.
Submission of a quote indicates acceptance by the Contractor of the conditions contained in this RFQ unless
clearly and specifically noted in the quote submitted and confirmed in the contract between the County and
the selected Contractor.
5. Quote Evaluation and Selection
The County will evaluate the information the Contractor provides and determine which quotes comply with
all mandatory submission requirements. Non-compliant quotes will, subject to the express and implied
rights of the County, be disqualified and not evaluated further.
5.1. Evaluation Committee
The evaluation committee consists of representatives of Washington County.
5.2. Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria includes a pass/fail review to determine if the Contractor is compliant with all
requirements of the RFQ. If the Contractor is compliant with all requirements, the contract will be awarded
to the lowest responsible quote.
P age | 4

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
5.3. Conditions of this RFQ
* This RFQ process does not obligate the County to award a contract or complete the services.
* The County reserves the right to waive any minor irregularities.
* The County reserves the right to reject any or all quotes.
* The County reserves the right to request additional information or clarifications from Contractors.
* The County reserves the right to interview any, all, or none of the Contractors.
* The County reserves the right to enter into a contract with more than one Contractor.
* If the RFQ process concludes by withdrawal, cancellation or rejection of all quotes, the County
reserves the right to issue another RFQ for this service.
* The County shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by the Contractor including but not limited
to expenses associated with the preparation and submission of the quote.
* Quotes submitted become a matter of public record. All data collected, created, received,
maintained, or disseminated for any purposes by the activities of the Contractor because of this RFQ
is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, as
amended, the Minnesota Rules implementing such Act now in force or as adopted, as well as
Federal Regulations on data privacy.
6. Questions
To notify the County of any inconsistency or ambiguity in this RFQ and for all questions pertaining to this
RFQ, all questions and notifications must be sent via e-mail by 3:00pm on October 28, 2026 to the County
Authorized Representative: Andrew Giesen, Washington County Public Works Project Manager,
andrew.giesen@washingtoncountymn.gov.
Only written questions and notifications will receive responses. Washington County reserves the right to
disregard questions received after the above deadline. If necessary, an addendum will be issued through the
same communication medium as this RFQ was originally distributed.
P age | 5

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
Appendix A - County's Standard Terms and Conditions
A contract will be prepared by Washington County upon selection of Contractor. The following provisions must
be included in any contract and are non-negotiable.
I. Cost And Payment
The Contractor will provide to the County clear documentation of work completed, dates of work, and
location of work. Contractor invoice(s) will reflect charges in accordance with the Cost Quote provided.
Contractor invoice(s) will be paid within 30 days of receipt of the invoices providing proper
documentation is presented. Payments made under this Contract shall be in the form of Automated
Clearing House (ACH), check, or Virtual Credit Card (VCC). The County may withhold payment for failure
to provide service to comply with any of the provisions of this agreement; no interest penalty shall
accrue against the County.
Charges such as, but not limited to, mileage reimbursement, fuel, trip or parking charges, consumable
incidental materials, etc. shall be included in the Contractor's overhead and included on the Cost Quote
provided. These charges will not be reimbursed if labeled as "miscellaneous charges."
II. Nondiscrimination
The Contractor agrees to comply with the nondiscrimination provision set forth in Minnesota Statute
181.59 and not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, or national origin. The Contractor's failure
to comply with this requirement may result in cancellation or termination of the Contract, and all money
due or to become due under the Contract may be forfeited for a second or any subsequent violation of
the terms or conditions of this Contract.
III. Compliance with Law
The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal law, State statutes, Federal and State
regulations, and local ordinances now in effect or adopted during the performance of the services
herein until completion of said services. Failure to meet the requirements of the above shall be a
substantial breach of the Contract and will be cause for cancellation of this Contract.
IV. Possession of Firearms on County Premises
Unless specifically required by the terms of this Contract or the person it is subject to an exception
provided by 18 USC 926B or 926C (LEOSA) no provider of services pursuant to this Contract or
subcontractors shall carry or possess a firearm on County premises or while acting on behalf of
Washington County pursuant to the terms of this Contract. Violation of this provision is grounds for
immediate suspension or termination of this Contract.
V. Subcontracting and Assignment
The Contractor shall not enter into any subcontract for performance of any services contemplated under
this Contract; nor novate or assign any interest in the Contract, without the prior written approval of the
County. Any assignment or novation may be made subject to such conditions and provisions as the
County may impose. If the Contractor subcontracts the obligations under this Contract, the Contractor
shall be responsible for the performance of all obligations by the subcontractors.
P age | 6

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
VI. Subcontractor Prompt Payment
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 471.425 subd. 4a., Contractor shall pay any subcontractors within 10
days of the Contractor's receipt of payment from the County for undisputed services provided by the
subcontractor. The Contractor shall pay interest of 112 percent per month, or any part of a month, to the
subcontractor on any undisputed amount not paid on time to the subcontractor. The minimum monthly
interest penalty payment for an unpaid balance of $100 or more is $10. For an unpaid balance of less
than $100, the Contractor shall pay the actual penalty due to the subcontractor. The subcontractor shall
have third party rights under this Contract to enforce this provision.
VII. Data Practices
All data collected, created, received, maintained, or disseminated for any purpose by the activities of the
Contractor, because of this Contract shall be governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices
Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (Act), as amended and the Rules implementing the Act now in force
or as amended. The Contractor is subject to the requirements of the Act and Rules and must comply
with those requirements as if it is a governmental entity. The remedies contained in section 13.08 of the
Act shall apply to the Contractor.
VIII. Audits, Reports, Records and Monitoring Procedures/Records Availability & Retention
Contractor's books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices, and other evidence
relevant to this audit clause are subject to the examination, duplication, transcription and audit by the
County and either the Legislative or State Auditor, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 16C.05. The Contractor
agrees to maintain books, records, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other
evidence relevant to this audit clause for a period of six (6) years from the date services or payment
were last provided or made or longer if any audit in progress requires a longer retention period.
IX. Indemnification
The Contractor agrees it will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County, its officers and
employees against any and all liability, loss, costs, damages, and expenses which the County, its officers,
or employees may hereafter sustain, incur, or be required to pay arising out of the negligent or willful
acts or omissions of the Contractor in the performance of this Contract.
X. Insurance Requirements
The Contractor agrees that it will at all times during the term of this Contract, keep in force the following
insurance protection in the limits specified:
A. Commercial General Liability with Contractual liability coverage in the amount of $1,500,000 per
occurrence with a $3,000,000 aggregate. An excess or umbrella liability policy may be used in
conjunction with primary coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements.
B. Automobile coverage in the amount of $1,500,000 on a combined single limit basis and include
hired and non-owned.
C. Worker's Compensation in statutory amount (if applicable) of bodily injury by accident in the
amount of $500,000 each accident, bodily injury by disease in the amount of $500,000 each employee,
and bodily injury by disease in the amount of $500,000 policy limit.
P age | 7

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
Washington County shall be listed as additional insured as it relates to Commercial General Liability and
Automobile Liability.
Prior to the effective date of this Contract, the Contractor will furnish the County with a current and
valid proof of insurance certificate indicating insurance coverage in the amounts required by this
Contract. This certificate of insurance shall be on file with the County throughout the term of the
Contract. As a condition subsequent to this Contract, Contractor shall ensure that the certificate of
insurance provided to the County will at all times be current. The parties agree that failure by the
Contractor to maintain a current certificate of insurance with the County shall be a substantial breach of
the Contract and payments on the Contract shall be withheld by the County until a certificate of
insurance showing current insurance coverage in amounts required by the Contract is provided to the
County.
Any policy obtained and maintained under this clause shall provide that it shall not be cancelled,
materially changed, or not renewed without thirty days' notice thereof to the County.
XI. Independent Contractor
Nothing within the Contract is intended or should be construed in any manner as creating or
establishing the relationship of co-partners between the parties or as constituting the Contractor as the
agent, representative, or employee of the County for any purpose or in any manner whatsoever. The
Contractor is to be and shall remain an independent Contractor with respect to all services performed
under this Contract.
The Contractor will secure, at its own expense, all personnel required in performing services under the
Contract. Any and all personnel of the Contractor or other persons, while engaged in the performance of
any work or services required by the Contractor under this Contract shall have no Contractual
relationship with the County and shall not be considered employees of the County.
The Contractor acknowledges and agrees that as an independent contractor they are solely responsible
for protecting their own business interests and assets. The Contractor shall, at their own expense, obtain
and maintain all insurance coverage that is customary and reasonably necessary for the services
provided under this Contract.
XII. Termination by County for Convenience
The County may terminate the Contract at any time and for any reason by providing the Contractor
written notice of such termination. Upon such termination the Contractor shall be entitled to
compensation for work activities in accordance with the Contract which were incurred prior to
termination.
XIII. Termination by County for Cause
The County may immediately terminate the Contract if the County determines that the Contractor has
failed to comply with any of the provisions of the Contract, for breach or default. Termination will be in
writing setting forth the manner in which the Contractor is in default.
The County in its sole discretion may, allow the Contractor a reasonable period of time not to exceed
ten (10) days, in which to cure the defect. In such case, the notice of termination will state the time
period in which cure is permitted and other appropriate conditions.
P age | 8

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
If Contractor fails to remedy to the County's satisfaction the breach or default of any of the terms,
covenants, or conditions of this Contract within ten (10) days after receipt by Contractor of written
notice from County setting forth the nature of said breach or default, County shall have the right to
terminate the Contract without any further obligation to Contractor. Any such termination for default
shall not in any way operate to preclude County from also pursuing all available remedies against
Contractor and its sureties for said breach or default.
XIV. Contractor Debarment, Suspension and Responsibility Certification
Federal Regulation 45 CFR 92.35 prohibits the County from purchasing goods or services with federal
money from vendors who have been suspended or debarred by the federal government. Similarly,
Minnesota Statutes, Section 16C.03, subdivision 2, provides the Commissioner of Administration with
the authority to debar and suspend vendors who seek to Contract with the County. Contractors may be
suspended or debarred when it is determined through a duly authorized hearing process, that they have
abused the public trust in a serious manner. By signing this Contract, the Contractor certifies that it and
its principals* and employees:
A. Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or
voluntarily excluded from transacting business by or with any federal, state, or local governmental
department or agency; and
B. Have not within a three year-period preceding this Contract: 1) been convicted of or had a civil
judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with
obtaining, attempting to obtain or performing a public (federal, state, or local government) transaction
or Contract, 2) violated any federal or state antitrust statutes, or 3) committed embezzlement, theft,
forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements or receiving stolen
property; and are not presently indicted or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental
entity for:
a. commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to
obtain or performing a public (federal, state, or local government) transaction,
b. violating any federal or state antitrust statutes, or
c. committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records,
making false statements or receiving stolen property; and
C. Are not aware of any information and possess no knowledge that any subcontractor(s),
that will perform work pursuant to this Contract, are in violation of any of the certifications set
forth above; and
D. Shall immediately give written notice to the Contract manager should the Contractor come
under investigation for allegations of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining or
performing a public (federal, state, or local government) transaction, violating any federal or state
antitrust statute, or committing embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification of records, making
false statements, or receiving stolen property.
*Principals, for the purpose of this certification, means officers, directors, owners, partners, and persons
having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general
manager, plant manager, head of subsidiary division or business segment, and similar positions).
P age | 9

2026-2027 Tree Removals for 2027 Construction
XV. Conflict of Interest
Contractor affirms that, to the best of its knowledge, this Contract does not present a conflict of interest
with any party or entity, which may be affected by the terms of this Contract. The Contractor agrees
that, should any conflict or potential conflict of interest become known, it will immediately notify the
County of the conflict or potential conflict, and will advise the County whether it will or will not resign
from the other engagement or representation. Unless waived by the County, a conflict or potential
conflict may, in the County's discretion, be cause for cancellation or termination of this Contract.
XVI. Remote and Administrative Access Security Requirement
Remote Access Control
Any remote or administrative access by the Contractor to County systems or County data shall be
secured using industry-standard security controls, including multi-factor authentication, unique user
accounts, and encrypted connections.
Access Management
Remote access shall be limited to the minimum level necessary to perform authorized services and shall
be promptly removed when access is no longer required or upon request by the County.
Monitoring and Review
The Contractor shall maintain appropriate logging of remote access activity and shall review access
permissions periodically to ensure continued appropriateness.
XVII. Security Incident and Notification Response
Security Incident Notification
The Contractor shall notify the County without undue delay, and no later than seventy-two (72) hours
after discovery, of any actual or reasonably suspected security incident that compromises, or may
reasonably compromise, the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of County data or County systems.
Incident Response Cooperation
The Contractor shall cooperate fully with the County in the investigation, mitigation, and remediation of
any such security incident. Cooperation includes, but is not limited to, providing relevant logs, reports,
and information reasonably requested by the County, and supporting required legal, regulatory, or
statutory reporting obligations.
XVIII. Artificial Intelligence Standards
Contractor shall comply with all applicable Washington County policies, including but not limited to
Policy 3007, in all use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the performance of its duties under this
Contract. A current copy of Policy 3007 is available at https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/bids and
is hereby incorporated by reference into this Contract. This Contract is currently not contemplated to
involve any nonpublic government data including Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, HIPAA, or
CJIS.
In the event that this Contract is amended in the future to include nonpublic government data, this
Contract will need to be revised to include additional provisions to control the use of AI on such data.
P age | 10