HomeMy WebLinkAbout25 - Notice of Awards - 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan (5)RFP – 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan
Scoring Tool
Candidate Name: ___DJ & A _ Date: ___Nov. 25, 2025___________________
Panelist Name: ___Rebecca Harbage____________________________ POINTS: ___89____/100 IX. SELECTION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Respondent’s approach to the Project
Possible Points: 30
Firm describes building on previous plan. Proposing to subcontract with PlanIT Geo, based in CO,
for urban forestry technical expertise. Approach combines local knowledge of Montana and the
community with experts in the field of forestry. Significant experience developing community plans
and an approach that has been successful at the county level. Emphasis on frequent and consistent
communication and early stakeholder engagement, development of milestones.
Good description of all the tools/technologies to be used related to tree canopy analysis and
visualization. Will the very rapid rate of recent development in Bozeman be a challenge for
visualization of land cover? Is geospatial imagery up to date? What’s their approach if not? Will rely
on City-provided datasets and fill gaps through research.
Clear description of project management approach, beginning with a kick-off meeting and
development of tracking and reporting mechanisms. Proposal clearly explains their approach and
deliverables associated with project components described in the RFP. Addresses all areas in the
RFP Scope of Services in an easy-to-follow manner. The “sister climate city” concept is intriguing.
How does that work?
Approach, deliverables, assumptions seem reasonable. Good presentation lay out, followed
directions. Simple cost estimate - $129,943.00
POINTS__27___/30
2. Qualifications of Firm and Key Personnel to be assigned to this Project
Possible Points: 20
Work to be based in firm’s Bozeman and Missoula offices; firm has been around since 1970s; 190
total employees in regional offices across the West; experience working on government projects.
Montana-based staff familiar with state climate, state laws and politics, and structure of government.
Experience working on community wildfire protection plans (in Ravalli, Butte-Silver Bow,
Musselshell, Yellowstone, Judith Basin, Blaine, and Sanders Counties) is directly relevant to the plan
development process desired on this project. Certified arborist on staff and assigned to project as
well as planner with15 years of public engagement experience.
PlanIT Geo focuses on urban forests, parks, arboriculture; established in 2012; over 40 employees in
CO and remote offices. Experience using technology for urban forest analysis in multiple countries.
Multiple certified arborists assigned to project. Experience covers tree canopy cover analysis,
climate planning, tree pest and disease planning, water-efficient species, tree inventory analysis. This
subcontractor provides expert-level arboricultural review with significant experience mapping tree
canopy and communicating to the community about it.
Experience working on similar urban forest and natural resource planning projects in other
communities in the West – in Oregon, Colorado, Missoula, Ravalli County.
POINTS__20___/20
3. Capabilities to meet time schedule
Possible Points: 20
Examples provided show they are familiar with this type of planning project and have experience
with project management, setting schedules and milestones. Experience with community engagement
on past projects shows they can handle the added complexities that sometimes come with scheduling
public events and providing time for public review. They state that recent projects were all completed
on time and within budget. The proposal shows the time availability of each of the identified project
staff, which seems sufficient to ensure an appropriate level of attention. Motivated to build a positive
relationship with the City beyond this project. Detailed proposed schedule seems reasonable, nice to
see major topic areas broken out across work sessions. Proposal essentially aligns with request for a
one-year project schedule, maybe a little long?
POINTS__15___/20
4. Experience creating innovative public engagement methods
Possible Points: 20
Firm proposes to assign planner with 15 years of experience in public engagement strategy.
Experience working with Montana communities to develop multiple wildfire protection plans.
Proposal describes similarities in the process of plan development, including public engagement
planning, public meetings, and incorporation of public input into the plan. Survey, open house, work
sessions with key stakeholders, virtual community meeting on the draft, comment period – this is a
well thought out plan based on experience. Will we want work sessions to be open to the public and
provide time for public comment?
POINTS__18___/20
5. Familiarity and/or previous experience with City of Bozeman
Possible Points: 5
Montana-based firm with an office in Bozeman, past experience working with the City on projects –
Kirk Park Master Plan mentioned. More experience with other Montana municipalities.
POINTS__4___/5
6. Urban Forestry planning experience in Northern Rocky Mountain Region
Possible Points: 5
Experience working on similar urban forest and natural resource planning projects in other
communities in the West – in Oregon, Colorado, Missoula, Ravalli County. Also many community
wildfire plans in Montana communities, which would touch on urban forestry issues. I’m comfortable
that the firms are familiar with the unique concerns in the region.
POINTS__5_/5