Issued: 4/15/2026
Submittals must be received by: Priority applications by April 30, 2026. Proposals accepted until filled.
Submit Proposals via email to: K Ruth
Email: director@paipl.org

Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light
Request for Proposals for Qualified Forestry Services

1. INTENT

Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light has received a grant for community and urban forestry from American Forest as pass-through from the US Forest Service and intends to hire a qualified firm or team of firms, hereinafter referred to as “Consultant/Contractor,” to conduct environmental services for the Roots, Branches, & Hands program. Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light will procure environmental consultant services in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations. The Consultant/Contractor will be selected according to selected criteria outlined in this RFP and will provide technical services and professional advising to Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light as outlined in the scope of services.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Roots, Branches, & Hands is a new program of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light seeking to cultivate a multi-faith approach to community forestry that furthers tree equity in the region. Our goal is to expand Pennsylvania’s canopy by one square mile by 2028. There are three core components to our program: outreach and engagement, education and community leadership training, and tree plantings and projects predominantly in urban environments with a focus on disadvantaged communities: https://paipl.us/roots-branches-hands/.

3. CONTRACTOR/CONSULTANT SCOPE OF SERVICES

1. Provide technical assistance to Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light to develop benchmarks and standards for urban tree plantings, community tree distributions, and maintenance requirements that are in alignment with best management practice standards within forestry. This will include supporting species selection, developing “right tree, right place” guidance, and guidance on maintenance planning, and creation of a process to identify, procure services, and install community tree projects at identified locations.
2. Advise the education project team in the development of community and urban forestry curriculum, materials, and resources providing technical advising and content. This will include supporting the creation of content and materials as it relates to tree science and benefits, street trees and urban forests, taking tree inventory, planting best practices, maintenance best practices, site preparation, and more. Support the development of evaluation metrics and processes.
3. Advise the data project team in the development of maps and tools that support the project and allow for compliant and story-driven data collection. This will include supporting the development of evaluation metrics and processes through GIS mapping and analysis.

In order to achieve the above, we expect that the Contractor will be responsive to emails, review and add materials in shared digital workspaces, and attend regular meetings with assigned leads. The Contractor will provide a final report and turn over all created documents and processes upon completion. We are expecting to receive proposals between $10,000-$25,000 for this initial scope of work. This range is dependent on experience and extent of the scope of work proposed (see rubric for guidance).

4. PROJECT SCHEDULE

The Consultant/Contractor should be prepared to enter into a contract and begin work as directed on or before May 30, 2026. It is anticipated that the contracted services as described in this RFP shall be completed by August 31, 2026.

5. GENERAL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

1. The successful Consultant/Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
2. Respondents to this RFP will represent a firm, company, team, or individual possessing
3. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises/Minority Business Enterprises/Women Business

6. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Respondents must submit complete responses to all of the information requested.
Respondents who do not respond to the entire content of the RFP may be disqualified. Proposals should identify the Consultant/Contractor’s planning processes and staff expected to be involved in the work. The proposal should also note how materials and a final report will be presented to Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light. Written proposals should include, at a minimum, the following information:

1. Cover Letter. A letter signed by an officer of the firm, binding the firm to all of the commitments made in the proposal.
2. Contact Information. The name, address and contact person of the company submitting the proposal. Include phone and email and website addresses.
3. Statement of Qualifications and Experience. Please state the following:
   1. Give the company/firm/team history, background and relevant experience.
   2. The name(s), business address, phone number, e-mail address of all individuals proposed to participate in all tasks identified in the scope of work.
   3. The background, education and relevant experience of all team members proposed to participate in all tasks identified in the scope of work. The principal in charge and project manager shall be identified along with the roles of other significant project participants.
4. Scope of Work. Proposed approach to the scope of work which includes major tasks required to complete the remedial activities. This should include an estimate of total hours.
5. Project Schedule. Proposed project schedule in accordance with basic requirements of this RFP.
6. Fee Proposal. The fee proposal shall include costs associated with the delivery and provision of finished products, and costs associated with carrying out all tasks specified in the Consultant/Contractor Scope of Work of this RFP.

Priority proposals are to be submitted by April 30, 2026, via email at director@paipl.org with the subject line of “RBH Technical Proposal”. Any responses received after this date will be received on a rolling basis. Questions concerning this proposal must be submitted in writing to K Ruth at director@paipl.org.

7. SELECTION CRITERIA

The following table provides the relevant evaluation criteria:

Contact Information

PA IPL
Contact Name: K Ruth
Email: info@paipl.org
Website: Apply online