City of Wheaton 2027-2029 Parkway Tree Planting Program

NOTICE TO BIDDERS
INVITATION TO BID #26-167
CITY OF WHEATON 2027-2029 PARKWAY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
Issue Date: July 27, 2026
Last Date for Questions: No later than August 4, 2026, at 11:00 am (CST)
Due Date: No later than August 12, 2026, at 11:00 am (CST)
Bid Opening: August 12, 2026, at 11:00 am (CST) at Wheaton City Hall located at
303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton IL 60187 in the Conley Meeting
Room (lower level).
Prevailing Wages: Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-12)
DOES APPLY
DOES NOT APPLY
To be considered responsive, the following documents shall be included with your submittal:
Bid Bond 10% (Original Required)
Certificate of Insurance (as proof of insurance)
Cost Proposal Form (Exhibit D)
Notice of Deviations Form (Exhibit E)
Listing of Subcontractors, Consultants, and Agents Form
(Exhibit F)
References Form (Exhibit G)
Vendor Certification Form (Exhibit H)
Vendor Information Reporting Form (Exhibit I)
The successful Vendor will be required to submit the following additional documents:
* Certificate of Insurance with signed endorsements
* Performance and Payment Bond
* Signed Agreement
Page 1 of 1
Notice to Bidders

EXHIBIT A
INVITATION TO BID #26-167
CITY OF WHEATON 2027-2029 PARKWAY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
The City of Wheaton is accepting competitive sealed bids for the Parkway Tree Planting Program to
plant trees in open parkway spaces throughout the City.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Parkway Tree Planting Program includes the supply, delivery, hole excavation, planting,
backfilling, mulching, of each tree species and a one-year warranty. The intention of these
specifications is to describe the minimum requirements for furnishing, delivering, and planting balled
and bur lapped trees to the City of Wheaton.
CONTRACT TERM & EXTENSIONS
The term of the proposed contract will be from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029. The City, in
its option, may extend this agreement for two (2) additional one-year terms at the extension year
pricing submitted on Exhibit D - Cost Proposal Form.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Size
All trees shall be measured in accordance with "American Standards for Nursery Stock" as published
by the American Association of Nurserymen, Inc., and shall be a minimum 2" diameter.
Quality of Stock
* All trees shall have comparatively straight trunks and well-developed leaders. The tops
and roots shall be characteristic of the species, and both show evidence of proper
nursery pruning.
* All trees shall be suitable for planting as street trees with one center leader and to be
free of branches to a point about 50% of their height. The height of branching shall
bear a relationship to the size and kind of tree and the crown of the tree shall be in
balance with the trunk as the tree grows.
* All trees shall be free of insects, disease, mechanical injury, and any other objectionable
features.
* ALL TREES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO INSPECTION AND SELECTION BY THE CITY BEFORE
FINAL ACCEPTANCE IS MADE.
* The location for tree inspection must be within 150 miles (as defined by Google Maps)
from 821 West Liberty Drive, Wheaton, IL. 60187.
* Nurseries beyond this distance are considered beyond the "local grown" area.
WARRANTY
Trees shall be warranted until September 1 of the following growing season.
TREE PLANTING
* Prior to any planting, the successful Contractor will meet with the Project Manager to clarify
locations and planting requirements.
* Planting locations to be marked by the City of Wheaton.
Page 1 of 5
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
INVITATION TO BID #26-167
CITY OF WHEATON 2027-2029 PARKWAY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
a. All locations will be on the public right-of-way.
b. All locations for tree planting are free of stumps and debris.
c. Specific locations will be provided to the successful bidder upon Agreement approval.
* Contractor is responsible for calling J.U.L.I.E.
* Planting hole is to be twice the width of the root ball and sloped on the sides.
* Hole is to be at depth so that the root flare is 2 to 3 inches above grade.
* Wire baskets should be removed.
* All burlap and roping are to be removed from the top 1/3 of the ball.
* Amending - should only be done with like material.
* Mulching - Trees to be mulched to a depth of 3 inches. Mulch is to be kept away from the
trunk of the tree (no volcano mulching).
* Watering - The City will do all subsequent watering after planting.
* The City retains the right to schedule a spring, and or fall planting.
a. Planting schedule to be finalized during meeting with Project Manager.
b. Planting for some tree species may be scheduled for Spring or for Fall, or when
temperature is more conducive for said species.
PRICE
All unit prices shall include shipping. The City will not pay separate freight charges.
QUANTITIES
The quantities indicated are current estimates and may change by the time of order placement.
Planting season
Spring 2027 - 250 trees (est.)
Spring 2028 - 250 trees (est.)
Spring 2029 - 250 trees (est.)
Table A:
SPECIES Spring 2027 Spring 2028 Spring 2029
(2" Dia. Balled and Bur lapped) QTY QTY QTY
Acer miyabei - Statestreet Maple 20 20 20
Catalpa speciosa - Northern Catalpa 20 20 20
Celtis occidentalis - Common Hackberry 20 20 20
Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo (Male) 20 20 20
Gleditsia triancanthos var. inermis - Honeylocust 20 20 20
Gymnocladus dioicus - Kentucky Coffeetree 20 20 20
Malus - Pink Flowering Variety 20 20 20
Quercus bicolor - Swamp White Oak 25 25 25
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak 25 25 25
Syringa reticulata - Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac 20 20 20
Page 2 of 5
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
INVITATION TO BID #26-167
CITY OF WHEATON 2027-2029 PARKWAY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
Tilia americana - American Linden 20 20 20
Ulmus 'Morton Glossy - Triumph Elm 20 20 20
TOTAL: 250 250 250
Table B: (2030-2031 Extension Years)
SPECIES Spring 2030 Spring 2031
(2" Dia. Balled and Bur lapped) QTY (est.) QTY (est.)
Acer miyabei - Statestreet Maple 20 20
Catalpa speciosa - Northern Catalpa 20 20
Celtis occidentalis - Common Hackberry 20 20
Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo (Male) 20 20
Gleditsia triancanthos var. inermis - Honeylocust 20 20
Gymnocladus dioicus - Kentucky Coffeetree 20 20
Malus - Pink Flowering Variety 20 20
Quercus bicolor - Swamp White Oak 25 25
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak 25 25
Syringa reticulata - Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac 20 20
Tilia americana - American Linden 20 20
Ulmus 'Morton Glossy - Triumph Elm 20 20
TOTAL: 250 250
QUESTIONS
All questions or requests for clarification, either administrative or technical, about this Bid shall be
submitted via email to Tony Sperkowski at asperkowski@wheaton.il.us prior to Tuesday August 4,
2026, at 11:00 am local time. Questions/clarifications will be responded to in the form of a written
addenda and published on the City's website.
COMPENSATION
The work shall be on a time and material basis.
WHERE TO SUBMIT BIDS
Submit your bid to:
Tony Sperkowski
Procurement Officer
City of Wheaton
303 W. Wesley Street
Wheaton, IL 60187-0727
Page 3 of 5
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
INVITATION TO BID #26-167
CITY OF WHEATON 2027-2029 PARKWAY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
All bids shall be submitted in a sealed package marked with the Bid number and title with the name
and address of the vendor clearly marked. Emailed or faxed bids will not be accepted. An original
Bid Bond shall be included with each bid submittal. Copies will not be accepted. Submittals must be
received by Wednesday August 12, 2026, at 11:00 am local time.
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT PERFORATED PAGES, NOR BIND YOUR BID IN ANYTHING OTHER THAN
PAPER CLIPS OR BINDER CLIPS.
COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONDING
All costs incurred by the Vendor for bid preparation and participation in this competitive procurement
will be the sole responsibility of the Vendor. The City will not reimburse any Vendors for such costs.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:
Vendors claiming any portion of their bid as proprietary or confidential must specifically identify what
documents or portions of documents they consider confidential. Failure to do so may result in
information becoming public record.
CITY'S CONTRACTED SERVICES AGREEMENT (EXHIBIT B)
The attached 'Draft' Contracted Services Agreement is the City's standard agreement which
specifically outlines the contractual liabilities and shall be used for this project. In submitting a bid,
the Vendor agrees to enter into an agreement with the City of Wheaton utilizing the City's standard
Services Agreement.
BONDS
An original Bid Bond in the amount of 10% is required with each submittal. Performance and Payment
Bonds are required upon award.
INSURANCE (EXHIBIT C)
The Vendor must carry and maintain adequate insurance consistent with the requirements listed in
Exhibit C-Insurance Requirements. Provide a current Certificate of Insurance with bid as proof of
insurance.
INVOICES
a. A schedule of dates when pay requests must be submitted will be determined at the
preconstruction meeting.
b. All invoices must reflect the following applicable information: Contract Number, name of the
Project, name of the Contractor, and the services/deliverables with the price depicted in the
same format as the offer.
c. Lien waivers must be submitted with each invoice.
d. Invoices must be mailed to:
City of Wheaton Public Works
Forestry c/o Jason Ackerlund
Page 4 of 5
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
INVITATION TO BID #26-167
CITY OF WHEATON 2027-2029 PARKWAY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
821 West Liberty Drive
Wheaton, IL 60187
PREVAILING WAGE ACT
Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-12) DOES APPLY DOES NOT APPLY
PROJECT CLOSE OUT
a. Verification of quality and completion of service
b. Completion of Punch List and all areas of non-compliance or incomplete tasks
c. Final Payment: Prior to authorization of Final Payment, the following documents must be
submitted:
i. Completed Waivers and Liens
ii. All Certified Payrolls
iii. Documented completion of the Punch List
iv. Statements of Warranty
v. Written approval of the City's Project Manager
THE CITY OF WHEATON RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS RECEIVED. THIS ITB DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE A BINDING OBLIGATION ON THE PART OF THE CITY TO AWARD A CONTRACT.
Page 5 of 5
Scope of Services

EXHIBIT A
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE SOLICITATION OF
CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRACTED SERVICES
Solicitations are open to all business firms actively engaged in providing the materials, equipment,
and services specified and inferred. Active engagement will be verified via references. These General
Instructions Regarding the Solicitation of Construction and Contracted Services apply to all
solicitations for contracted services by the City of Wheaton and shall be incorporated as part of the
written and signed Agreement with the successful Bidder along with any addenda items which are
issued, unless otherwise specified.
For solicitations involving the IDOT "Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction":
Section 102 of the IDOT "Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction," (the "Standard
Specifications"), Adopted January 1, 2022, pertaining to the advertisement, bidding, award, and
contract execution shall not apply to this solicitation and contract. Where these General Instructions
Regarding the Solicitation of Contracted Services (the "Solicitation Instructions") are inconsistent
with any provision of the IDOT Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Special Provision for Bidding
Requirements and Conditions for Contract Proposals, these Solicitation Instructions shall control.
A. DEFINITIONS:
The following words and phrases, when used in these General Instructions Regarding Solicitations of
Construction and Contracted Services document shall have the meanings as specified herein.
A-1) Agreement: The written contract between the City and the Bidder covering the work or services
to be performed, which includes all other documents that are attached to the Agreement or
incorporated by reference and made a part thereof. It shall be understood that the words
"Contract" and "Agreement" are synonymous in these documents.
A-2) Proposal or Bid: The complete and properly signed bid to do the work or services for the sum
stipulated therein, submitted in accordance with the bidding or proposal documents. It shall be
understood that the words "bid", and "proposal" are synonymous in these instructions and in
the Invitation to Bid documents.
A-3) Bidder/Proposer: The person, firm, or corporation submitting a bid or proposal.
A-4) City: The City of Wheaton, Illinois, an Illinois Municipal Corporation.
A-5) Offer: A signed Proposal or Bid that is timely delivered to the City.
A-6) Solicitation: The City's request for an offer from a Bidder for the provision of work, services
and/or goods. It shall be understood that the words "solicitation" and "invitation to bid" are
synonymous in these instructions and in the Invitation to Bid documents.
B. SOLICITATION PROCESS:
The City intends to award a contract to a Bidder who has the experience and equipment to
successfully complete the project or provide the service solicited. The Bidder shall be responsible for
performing all work or services as outlined in the specifications contained within the Invitation to Bid
and shall provide and furnish all labor, materials, equipment and supplies, vehicles, and
transportation services required to perform and complete the required work or service in strict
accordance with the Invitation to Bid documents. The Proposer desiring to furnish a Proposal or Bid
for such work or services shall submit a sealed Bid in accordance with these General Instructions
Page 1 of 17
General Instructions Regarding the Solicitation of Construction and Contracted Services
Revised January 2026

EXHIBIT A
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE SOLICITATION OF
CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRACTED SERVICES
Regarding the Solicitations of Construction and Contracted Services and all accompanying
documents.
B-1) Documents:
a) The City of Wheaton's website is the official source for all documents related to this
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solicitation. The City is not responsible for documents distributed by any other source. The
City will not transmit solicitation documents to prospective Bidders by way of a facsimile
machine.
b) It is the responsibility of the Bidder to seek clarification of any requirement that may not be
clear. This includes a review of all solicitation documents.
c) Questions concerning this request shall be submitted via e-mail to the attention of the
Procurement Officer by the last date for questions as reflected on the Notice to Bidders
document. A written response in the form of an addendum will be posted on the City's
website for all Proposers to download. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to review all
addendums.
d) Any interpretation, correction or change of the solicitation documents will be made by
published Addendum on the City's website. Interpretations, correction, and changes to the
solicitation documents made in any other manner will not be binding.
e) Bidders shall acknowledge the receipt of any addendum.
B-2) The Cone of Silence:
a) The Cone of Silence is designed to protect the integrity of the procurement process by
shielding it from undue influences.
b) During the period beginning with the issuance of the solicitation document through the
execution of the award document, Bidders are prohibited from all communications
regarding this solicitation with City staff, City consultants, City legal counsel, City agents, or
elected officials.
c) Any attempt by a Bidder to influence a member or members of the aforementioned may
be grounds to disqualify the Bidder from participation in this solicitation.
B-3) Exceptions to the Cone of Silence:
Exceptions to the Cone of Silence include:
a) Written communications directed to the Procurement Officer.
b) All communications occurring at pre-bid meetings.
c) Oral presentations during finalist interviews, negotiation proceedings, or site visits.
d) Oral presentations before publicly noticed committee meetings.
e) Contractors already on contract with the City to perform services for the City are allowed
discussions necessary for the completion of an existing contract.
f) Procurement of goods or services for emergency situations.
B-4) Investigation:
a) The Bidder shall carefully examine all forms included in the solicitation package.
b) It shall be the responsibility of the Bidder to make any and all investigations necessary to
become thoroughly informed of what is required and specified in the solicitation.
Page 2 of 17
General Instructions Regarding the Solicitation of Construction and Contracted Services
Revised January 2026

EXHIBIT A
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE SOLICITATION OF
CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRACTED SERVICES
c) The Bidder shall inspect in detail the site of the proposed work or services and familiarize
himself or herself with all the local conditions affecting the work or services and the detailed
requirements of delivery, installation, or construction.
i) If the site of the work is an area restricted from the general public, an opportunity will
be provided for Bidders to perform this inspection.
ii) If the site of the work is an area open to the general public, the Bidder may perform
their inspection at a time of their choosing.
d) No plea of ignorance by the Bidder of conditions that exist or that may hereafter exist,
because of failure or omission on the part of the Bidder to make the necessary examinations
and investigations, will be accepted as a basis for varying the requirements of the City or
the compensation to the Bidder.
e) The submission of a Proposal shall be considered conclusive evidence that the Proposer has
investigated and is satisfied as to all conditions to be encountered in performing the work
or service, and is fully informed as to the character, quality, quantities, and costs of the
work or services to be performed and materials to be furnished, and as to the requirements
of the solicitation.
B-5) Offers:
a) Offers including goods or equipment must include Manufacturer's warranties, and/or
guarantees.
b) Offers including service during the warranty/guarantee period must include, in writing, any
restrictions, and/or associated costs.
c) FORMAL OFFERS must be submitted on the forms provided, completed in ink or
typewritten, with all blank spaces filled in, properly signed in ink in the proper spaces and
submitted in a sealed envelope and delivered to: City of Wheaton 303 W. Wesley St.-1st
Floor Finance Counter, Wheaton, IL 60187 prior to the bid opening date and time.
d) Bidders may attach separate sheets of paper for the purpose of explanation, exception, or
alternate proposal and to cover required unit prices. All such attachments must be no larger
than 8.5 x 11 inches.
e) No erasures are permitted. Mistakes may be crossed out and corrections typed adjacent,
initialed, and dated in ink by the person signing the offer.
f) Offers must reference the project name and date of the Bid opening. Documents should
not utilize binders, folders, or papers larger than 8.5 x 11.
g) Bids shall be identified as such on the outside of the sealed envelope by marking the
envelope "SEALED BID" and with the following information: Company name, address, item,
or service proposing, date and time of opening.
h) Delivery of an offer is acceptance of the City's Agreement. Proposals containing terms and
conditions contrary to those specified may be considered non-responsive.
i) The City shall not accept an offer which is based upon any other offer, contract, or reference
to any other document or numbers not included in the solicitation documents.
Page 3 of 17
General Instructions Regarding the Solicitation of Construction and Contracted Services
Revised January 2026

EXHIBIT A
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE SOLICITATION OF
CONSTRUCTION AND CONTRACTED SERVICES
B-6) Order of Precedence:
a) Wherever requirements are in conflict, the order of precedence shall be as follows: City
Agreement, City Specifications, City Special Terms and Conditions, City General Terms and
Conditions.
b) City requirements take precedence over Bidder's offer.
B-7) Signatures as Offer:
a) Solicitation documents, including but not limited to completed bid certification forms, shall
be signed by an officer or employee of the Bidder having the authority to bind the company
or firm by signature. All signatures must be properly done in ink in the proper spaces.
i) Individuals or sole proprietorships shall be signed by a person with the authority to
enter into legal binding contracts. Said individual shall use his/her usual signature.
ii) Partnerships shall be signed with the partnership name by one of the members of the
partnership, or an authorized representative, followed by the signature and title of the
person signing.
iii) Corporations shall be signed with the name of the corporation, followed by the
signature and title of the person authorized to bind it in the matter, and shall be
attested to by the corporate secretary or other authorized officer of the corporation.
b) The timely delivery of a signed bid is an offer to contract with the City based on the terms,
conditions and specifications contained in the City's Invitation to Bid.
c) If the offer is accepted, the Bidder shall be responsible for all errors in the offer resulting
from the Bidder's failure to comply with these instructions and the City shall not be
responsible for any charge for extra work or change in anticipated profits resulting from
such failure or neglect.
d) An accepted offer shall become part of the Agreement entered into between the City and
Bidder.
B-8) Modification/Withdrawal of Offers:
a) A Bidder may correct, modify, or withdraw its offer by making a request in writing to the
City Procurement Officer prior to the time and date of bid opening.
b) All corrections and modifications must be delivered to the City Procurement Department in
a sealed envelope with a notation on the envelope indicating that it contains a modification
or correction to the original offer submitted, and identifying the bid by name, number, and
opening date.
c) Offers may not be withdrawn or revised after the due date without the approval of the
Procurement Officer.
d) Negligence in preparing an offer confers no right of withdrawal or cancellation after
opening / due date.
Page 4 of 17
General Instructions Regarding the Solicitation of Construction and Contracted Services
Revised January 2026