HomeMy WebLinkAbout25 - Notice of Awards - 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan (8)RFP – 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan
Scoring Tool
Candidate Name: ___Eocene Environmental Group, Inc._ Date: ___Nov. 25, 2025___________________
Panelist Name: ___Rebecca Harbage____________________________ POINTS: ___74____/100 IX. SELECTION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Respondent’s approach to the Project
Possible Points: 30
The scope of proposal covers most key topics in the RFP and is clear and easy to follow. I appreciate
the detail around their methods for reviewing the existing inventory and developing the tree canopy
assessment. They have clearly thought through the how of the various aspects of the project – the
resources, data, and programs they will use to conduct the work. Relying on an established planning
model of assessing what we have, determining what we want, developing a strategic plan to move in
that direction, and incorporating feedback and iteration along the way. This process makes sense and
will be easy to communicate to the public.
They also describe a five-step approach to community engagement using the IAP2 system. This is
nice to see, again they demonstrate that they have put in the time to understand how an effective
planning process should go. This description of the community engagement plan is the best of the
proposals, but in focusing on that aspect they may have missed other details in the RFP.
There is not much discussion of how they will approach the analysis of staffing and equipment, or
specifically how they will consider pests and impacts from climate change.
Fee proposal included: $90,894
POINTS__23___/30
2. Qualifications of Firm and Key Personnel to be assigned to this Project
Possible Points: 20
Large firm with about 600 employees, located in Iowa, and with a 20+ year history, though the
proposal states that their first urban forestry project was just three years ago. They have completed
over 20 urban forestry projects in the last few years and have a dedicated staff of nine focusing on the
topic area. One team member located in Billings, MT. Experience in tree inventories, selection and
planting, risk assessment, management, and regulations. Multiple certified arborists and an expert in
emerald ash borer identified as part of the project team. Three examples provided of recent similar
work in Indiana, Georgia, and Connecticut, though one appears to just be a tree canopy study. A
couple of the reports referenced specifically cover community engagement. At least two members of
the project team include community engagement experience on their resumes, which is positive.
POINTS__16___/20
3. Capabilities to meet time schedule
Possible Points: 20
The proposal includes a high-level statement about workload indicating that they operate on a
calendar year schedule with current projects wrapping up soon and availability for additional work
in 2026, despite the urban forestry unit’s small size. Their recent experience suggests they know how
to complete these types of projects on time, though no specific detail provided. Proposal does not
specifically identify other projects or staff availability. The included Gantt chart of the proposed
schedule appears reasonable and indicates completion in under one year.
POINTS__15___/20
4. Experience creating innovative public engagement methods
Possible Points: 20
See comments in section 1. They have a framework for how to approach public engagement, which
will help them dive right in and adapt steps or elements of the framework based on community needs.
They have clearly done this before and are not starting from scratch with how to approach
engagement. More examples would have been nice to demonstrate their experience implementing.
POINTS__18___/20
5. Familiarity and/or previous experience with City of Bozeman
Possible Points: 5
No previous experience with the City of Bozeman. One member of the project team lives in Billings,
MT, but has only worked with the company for less than 2 years.
POINTS___1__/5
6. Urban Forestry planning experience in Northern Rocky Mountain Region
Possible Points: 5
None of the examples provided are of projects in the region and other experience is not documented
in the proposal. One reference is located in South Dakota.
POINTS__1___/5