NIGP 59559: Plants, Herb

NIGP 59559 Plants, Herb (Item) encompasses the procurement of ornamental plants, shrubs, grasses, native species, and sod in various container sizes by state and local jurisdictions for landscaping, beautification, environmental restoration, and invasive-species removal projects. County governments and special-purpose districts dominate solicitation activity under this code, with Collier County, DeKalb County, Monroe County, and Pinellas County each issuing opportunities in 2026. The scope of work ranges from purchasing finished plant materials on an as-required basis for routine right-of-way maintenance and community beautification to specialized environmental management contracts that integrate invasive exotic plant removal, native species installation, habitat restoration, and long-term monitoring and reporting across wetlands, stormwater treatment areas, and conservation lands. Vendors must typically hold Florida nursery licenses when supplying Florida jurisdictions, obtain business tax receipts, carry specified insurance coverage, and demonstrate experience with relevant ecosystems and regulatory compliance.

Recent activity concentrates in Florida and Georgia. Collier County issued an ITB for plants, trees, and shrubs for Pelican Bay Services (response due July 8, 2026) with historical annual expenditures near $300,000 and a three-year initial term with renewal options; the county awards on a line-item basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and reserves secondary and tertiary awards. Monroe County, Florida released an RFP for invasive exotic plant removal at Marathon International Airport (proposals due July 7, 2026) covering approximately 35 acres across three phases plus follow-up maintenance, with a maximum contract value of $300,000 and compensation structured on hourly crew rates. Pinellas County solicited Environmental Planting, Monitoring, Reporting and Maintenance Services (2025–2030) for mitigation sites, wetlands, and stormwater facilities, requiring State Certified Licensed Public Applicator and Aquatic Category 5A certifications. DeKalb County's Tennis Center reconstruction (ITB due July 13, 2026) includes IT and Low Voltage Infrastructure elements but falls outside core plant procurement scope. Local-vendor preferences apply in some jurisdictions; Collier County cites a local-preference ordinance, and Pinellas County includes SBE participation provisions with not-to-exceed thresholds.