NIGP 44543: Hoes, Leaf Loaders, Rakes, Council Tools, Weed Cutters, etc.

NIGP 44543 Hoes, Leaf Loaders, Rakes, Council Tools, Weed Cutters, Etc., an Item code, covers hand tools and small implements for grounds maintenance and landscaping work that state and local governments procure as components of broader equipment and services contracts. Recent solicitations show state purchasing offices and municipal departments acquiring these items primarily as part of statewide term contracts for agriculture and lawn equipment, or bundling them with weed-control services, forest-health treatments, and grounds-care operations. The Florida Department of Management Services is the dominant repeat buyer in the current opportunity set, issuing two statewide term contracts for agriculture and lawn equipment across 20 commodity groups that span base equipment (mowers, tractors, golf carts, forestry equipment) together with OEM options, parts, accessories, and implements. The Massachusetts Operational Services Division is preparing a replacement statewide contract (LND001) for lawns and grounds equipment, parts, and services. Hand tools in this Item code appear as line-item components within these broader buys rather than as standalone procurements, and are typically specified to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards, EPA requirements, and state environmental guidelines where applicable.

Recent activity concentrates in Florida and Massachusetts. The Florida Department of Management Services issued an ITB for Agriculture and Lawn Equipment (ITB 26-25101900-ITB-V2, with bids due October 27, 2026) targeting $4.8 million in average annual spend on a three-year initial term with renewal options; evaluation weights 45 percent to initial-term base equipment discounts and 15 percent to initial-term options, parts, accessories, and implements. A companion solicitation closed September 1, 2026 under the same commodity framework. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is separately soliciting sand pine removal services (797 acres at Telogia Creek Wildlife Management Area, bids due October 16, 2026) with a mandatory pre-bid conference; work completion is due June 15, 2027, with liquidated damages of $100 per calendar day for delays. Orange County, Florida issued a weed-control RFQ for secondary canals and ditches (due June 30, 2026, closed). The Massachusetts RFI for battery-powered landscaping equipment (responses due July 13, 2026) signals state interest in evaluating tool and equipment categories ahead of formal procurement. Park City Municipal Corporation (Utah) solicited forest health and fuels program implementation across 162 acres (RFP due May 29, 2026, closed), with vendors pricing fuel reduction and forestry work using cut-and-pile, mulching, and burning methodologies. Recent activity reflects demand for both recurring grounds-maintenance implement supply and specialized forestry and vegetation-management services bundled with equipment procurement.