AWARD OF AGREEMENT FOR CITYWIDE TREE MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES TO MARIPOSA TREE MANAGEMENT, INC 7/15/2026
1 ATTACHMENT NO. 2
7/15/2026
2 Pomona’s urban forest which consists of over 36,000 trees is a valuable public asset that requires ongoing maintenance and care.
The RFP was developed to enhance the maintenance approach for comprehensive tree care specific for Pomona trees. The RFP prioritized Council and community aesthetic and safety goals by establishing:
Level A maintenance standards
Full trim
Citywide tree inventory
Expanded geographic grid cycle maintenance, including
Phillips Ranch and VPD grid cycles
Palm trim every 2-years
COMPREHENSIVE TREE CARE
7/15/2026
3 Current piggyback contract extended beyond 5-year term for two 6-month periods through June 30, 2026.
RFP issued April 29, 2026 through PlanetBids
205 firms notified, 36 firms downloaded solicitation, 8 submissions received 2 submissions determined non-responsive by Purchasing Division 6 responsive proposals evaluated by independent reviews
PROCUREMENT PROCESS
The RFP process allows the City to award based on the best overall value, not lowest bid.
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4 Proposals were evaluated based on:
Project approach (40 points)
Qualifications and experience (20 points)
Technical merit (10 points)
Price reasonableness (30 points)
240 maximum possible points
EVALUATION PROCESS AND RESULTS
Evaluators reviewed responsive proposals
Independent evaluator scores submitted to Purchasing Division via PlanetBids Purchasing staff compiled scores and determined final ranking Pricing information for highest ranked company was released to evaluators after Mariposa was ranked highest from scoring and deemed the finalist Rank
Firm
Score
1 Mariposa Tree Management, Inc.
211.20
2 West Coast Arborists, Inc.
200.01
3 Great Scott Tree Service
177.01
4 North Star Land Care
154.73
5 Golden West Arbor Services Inc.
149.58
6 Tiger Tree Services, Inc.
140.00
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5 Scheduled grid maintenance (known cost)
Defined maintenance cycle established through the RFP
Provides a predictable baseline cost for routine tree care As-Needed services (variable cost)
Costs cannot be accurately projected for any vendor and are based on actual needs that arise throughout the year, including:
Emergency storm response
Hazardous tree removals
Out-of-cycle pruning
Tree planting and watering
Unforeseen tree maintenance needs
UNDERSTANDING COSTS
Rank
Firm
Five-Year Base Cost
1 Mariposa Tree Management, Inc.
$4,444,076.00
2 West Coast Arborists, Inc.
$4,514,609.00
3 Great Scott Tree Service
$4,923,557.72
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6 Project Approach
Demonstrated strongest overall understanding of City urban forestry objectives Closest alignment with City maintenance standards established in RFP Proposed pruning methodology aligned with City standards Only proposer to provide a detailed Phillips Ranch Assessment District fire mitigation strategy Includes prioritized work plan within 30 days of contract execution
WHY MARIPOSA RANKED HIGHEST
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7 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS
Current Approach
New Agreement
Grid Trim – Canopy raising and removal of severely / poorly structured or dead branches, with trim per ISA standards Palm trimming every five years
Grid Trim – Structural pruning, crown raising and crown cleaning, foliage to be reduced from 20% up to 40% per ISA Standards Palm trimming every two years
Chinese Elm maintained on two-year cycle
Chinese Elm maintained on two-year cycle
Phillips Ranch Assessment District trees maintained as funding allowed Establishes 10-year grid cycle for PRAD trees, plus includes prioritized work plan 30 days after contract execution Vehicle Parking District maintained as-needed
Inventory at additional cost as requested by City Staff Establishes 3-year grid cycle for VPD trees
Full Citywide inventory completed by Day 240 of contract and updated regularly at no additional cost
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8 Staff recommends award of Agreement for the Citywide Tree Maintenance and Emergency Response Services to Mariposa Tree Management, Inc.
Recommendation is based on:
Fair and transparent City approved purchasing process
Highest-ranked proposal
Alignment with City maintenance standards
Demonstrated technical expertise
Competitive and reasonable pricing
Ability to deliver an expanded proactive maintenance program
RECOMMENDATION
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9 MEG MCWADE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR