1. Without limitation as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Subrecipient shall comply with all relevant Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Listing Requirements, as amended and supplemented. Specifically, but not by way of limitation, CFDA 21.027 has the following policy requirements:1.1. 31 CFR Part 35, as amended by the Interim final rule published May 17, 2021, at 26786 FR Vol. 86, No. 93; or otherwise subsequently amended by Final Rule.1.2. 2 CFR Part 200, including Subparts B through F1.2.1. Additional Information: The following 2 CFR Policy requirements also apply to this assistance listing: 2 CFR Part 25, Universal Identifier and System for Award Management; 2 CFR Part 170, Reporting Subaward and Executive Compensation Information; and 2 CFR Part 180, OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Non-procurement). The following 2 CFR Policy requirements are excluded from coverage under this assistance listing: For 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart C, the following provisions do not apply to the SLFRF program: 2 CFR § 200.204 (Notices of Funding Opportunities); 2 CFR § 200.205 (Federal awarding agency review of merit of proposal); 2 CFR § 200.210 (Pre-award costs); and 2 CFR § 200.213 (Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award). For 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart D, the following provisions do not apply to the SLFRF program: 2 CFR § 200.308 (revision of budget or program plan); 2 CFR § 200.309 (modifications to period of performance); CFR § 200.305 (b)(8) and (9) (Federal Payment).2. Without limitation as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, Subrecipient shall ensure that any procurement involving funds authorized by this Agreement complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to, 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.327, as well as Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200 (entitled “Agreement Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards”).

Each proposal submission is required to be submitted as outlined in this section. Please include a cover and/or first page, containing the name of the project (Community Tree Planting Program), name of the Contractor, contact information, and submittal date. A table of contents should be next. Please provide the following information in the sequence and format prescribed below. Supplemental materials providing additional information may be attached, but the information requested below is to be provided in this formatContractor InformationContractor's legal name (include and identify entity name change and dba), local address and billing address if different, email address, and phone numberPrimary Individual to contact Number of years the Contractor has been in business Qualifications & ExperienceThe Contractor's experience relevant to the services requested, including: Years of experience managing community tree planting programs or similar community programs Years of experience training and managing community volunteers Years of experience in providing language access services or working with interpreters to trans-create trainings, communications, or outreach materialsInclude Contractor’s relevant certificationsIdentify key personnel and their role, and their relevant qualifications.Approach to Work Describe in detail how the Contractor will approach the work as described in Section 4, Scope of Work:Describe how the Contractor will engage directly with historically underrepresented and overburdened communities in urban unincorporated areas of the county (Parkland, Spanaway, Midland, South Hill).Clearly describe the approaches and methods that will be used to develop and implement the Community Tree Planting Program.Include a summary of innovative ideas and suggestions for implementing or enhancing the scope of services.Additional services or procedures of benefit to the County (if applicable)BudgetThe Contractor shall provide a budget breakdown that details all costs associated with the program to include staffing, labor, materials/supplies, administrative costs, etc. Additional InformationA statement outlining any proposal exceptions to the County’s requirements or requested clarifications to the requirements. (if applicable)The caption, case number, Court, Counsel, and general summary of any litigation pending, or judgment rendered within the past three (3) years involving the proposer. (if applicable) Only electronic submittal via the County's eProcurement Portal shall be accepted. No hard copies, emails, or fax submittals are acceptable.Acknowledgement (via the County's eProcurement Portal) of each addendum issued. (if applicable)

Reserved Rights and Procedures:1. Pierce County expressly reserves the following rights:a. To waive any and/or all irregularities in the proposals submitted.b. To reject any or all proposals or portions thereof.c. To base awards with due regard to quality of services, experience, compliance with specifications, and other such factors as may be necessary in the circumstances.d. To make the award to any vendor or combination of vendors whose proposal(s), in the opinion of the County, is in the best interest of the County.2. Pierce County cannot accept late proposals.3. Reimbursement: Pierce County will not reimburse proposers for any costs involved in the preparation and submission of responses to this RFP or in the preparation for and attendance at subsequent interviews.4. Cooperative PurchasingThe Washington State Interlocal Cooperation Act, Ch. 39.34 RCW, authorizes public agencies to cooperatively purchase goods and services if all parties agree. By responding to this RFP, Consultants agree that other public agencies may purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract at their own cost and without Pierce County incurring any financial or legal liability for such purchases. Pierce County agrees to allow other public agencies to purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract, provided that Pierce County is not held financially or legally liable for purchases and that any public agency purchasing under such solicitation or contract file a copy of this invitation and such contract in accordance with RCW 39.34.040.5. Public Records and Proprietary MaterialProposers should be aware that any records they submit to the County or that are used by the County even if the proposers possess the records may be public records under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). The County must promptly disclose public records upon request unless a statute exempts them from disclosure. Proposers should also be aware that if even a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, generally, the rest of the record must be disclosed. Exemptions are narrow and specific.Proposers should clearly mark any record they believe is exempt from disclosure.6. Title VI CompliancePierce County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

CONTRACTORS WHO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD BID DOCUMENTS will be automatically added to the FOLLOWER'S list in the County's eProcurement Portal. Notifications for bid updates, addenda, and other bid information will be sent to all Contractors who register on the Pierce County eProcurement Portal.

An evaluation team will review the bidding documents and evaluate all responses received based upon the criteria listed herein. The County may request clarifications or additional information, if needed. The Contractor determined to be most qualified through the initial evaluation phase may be interviewed, and the final determination will also consider reference checks and interviews.The County intends to select the Contractor most qualified for this pursuit/solicitation and begin the negotiation and award process based on the requirements of this solicitation.The Selected Contractor will be invited to enter into contract negotiations with the County. Should the County and the selected Contractor not reach a mutual agreement, the County will terminate negotiations and move to the next-ranked Contractor and proceed with negotiations. A Contractor’s inability to agree to the terms of the County’s standard contract may be a basis for the County to terminate negotiations and begin negotiating with one or more other Contractors.The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submitted bids, to waive as informalities any irregularities, and to contract as the best interest of the County may require. The County may reject bids that are non-responsive or that are submitted by non-responsible Contractors.

Registered to do business in Washington State as evidenced by an active Unique Business Identifier (UBI) number.Has a valid federal tax identification number.Minimum two years of experience managing community tree planting programs or similar community programs Minimum two years of experience training and managing community volunteers

Collaborate with Pierce County to identify and engage local partners and community members and incorporate their feedback into designing a community tree planting program that meets community needs, garners community support, and ensures ongoing engagement Partnerships can include but are not limited to neighborhood groups, schools, nonprofits, and businesses.Plan and implement outreach to underserved communities.

Based on community engagement outlined in Task 4.1, develop tree planting, care, and stewardship strategies that will increase urban tree canopy cover in Midland, Parkland, Spanaway (Area 1 attachment), and South Hill (Area 2 attachment) unincorporated areas of Pierce County, with a focus on neighborhoods with demonstrated canopy deficits. Ensure program addresses two levels of service: Broadly engage Parkland-Spanaway-Midland and South Hill communities in urban tree stewardship and build partnerships with local organizations. This can include but is not limited to tree giveaway events with smaller seedlings (1-5 gallon), educational events, and trainings. Deeply engage smaller priority neighborhoods within these unincorporated areas to distribute trees of larger stock (1-2 inch caliper) and provide planting assistance or other accessibility support as needed. Review existing tree canopy and demographic data and coordinate with Pierce County to identify high-priority tree planting neighborhoods.Ensure program accessibility to all community members by considering factors including but not limited to language access, planting assistance, compensation for participating in feedback sessions, and options for renters. At least 35% of the program budget must go towards the purchase of trees and seedlings.At least 5% of budget must be spent on outreach and engagement activities.

All questions must be submitted within the County's eProcurement Portal, under the Questions and Answers Section no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Contractors must be registered in the eProcurement Portal software to submit questions, receive addenda, notifications, and ultimately submit a proposal.Proposals must be received by the Procurement & Contract Services and the Finance Department before 1:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026. The Contractor is responsible for submitting the proposal before the deadline. The County shall not be responsible for late submittals.

ISA Arborist CertificationTwo years of experience in providing language access services or working with interpreters to trans-create trainings, communications, or outreach materials

Contractor is responsible for procuring all trees and planting materials.Utilize the City of Tacoma’s Street Tree List for eligible trees.Prioritize native, climate-adapted tree species sourced from regional suppliers. A minimum of 75% of trees must be in the medium canopy or large canopy category. At least 100, 1-2 inch caliper trees must be planted.Provide a quality check on planting stock. The Contractor will give Pierce County final approval of species selection. County will partner with Contractor on tree yard facilities if needed. Optional Actions:Procure trees from entity within Pierce County.

The initial contract period is anticipated to be for 24 months. The County has the option of renewing for an additional two years after the initial contract is executed. The actual schedule will be negotiated with the selected firm based on the Contractor's staff availability and the finalized scope of work.Value of Resulting Contract: $200,000.00The County intends to award 1 contract for the services described in this RFP.

Use outreach and educational materials that support community participation and long-term tree stewardship. Outreach materials can include but are not limited to: Translation or trans-creation in multiple languages based on the language access needs of the community Print media, online media, and social media content Online events calendars and other tools to encourage participation Provide tree care information to all community members who receive trees. Work with Pierce County Communications to include approved County logos on outreach materials. Collect contact information from volunteers and tree recipients that can be shared with Pierce County for future urban forestry outreach and engagement beyond the two-year contract.Facilitate community urban forestry events in collaboration with local community-based organizations and partners.

Prioritize the survival of newly planted trees by providing timely, engaging outreach post-tree distribution to participants on tree care and periodic checks on the survival of trees distributed in the program.

Maintain accurate records that include: Number of trees plantedTree species, planted location, and optional contact information for maintenance and tree health follow-up Community participation (ex. work event sign-ins, participant contact information, liability waivers, number of volunteers, and completed volunteer hours) Submit annual progress reports to Pierce County Staff. The annual report for program year 1 will inform program year 2. Annual reports should include:Quantitative data (e.g., number of trees planted, locations, tree type, tree care, and other outreach, tree survival rates, volunteer hours)Qualitative outcomes (e.g., community and partnership stories, challenges addressed, community feedback, and program adjustments) Summary of community engagement, how engagement informed program design, lessons learned, and changes to program design overtime in response to community feedback and outcomes Facilitate monthly, or as needed, check-in meetings to communicate progress, check in on schedule and budget, and request additional resource needs. Continuously seek feedback from participants and partners to improve program implementation over time. This can include but is not limited to post-event surveys from attendees, comment boards at events, in-person or online opportunities to share feedback on participant experience.