CITY OF HOUSTON

INFORMAL SOLICITATION

Supplemental Maintenance Services — Landscaping, Rights-of-Way, and Storm Drain Debris Clearing (District J)

Issuing Department: City of Houston — District J Office

Issue Date: July 31, 2026

Response Due Date/Time: August 7, 2026

Estimated Value: Minimum 2,500 man-hours; not to exceed $65,000.00

Basis of Award: Lowest bid meeting requirements

1. Introduction & Purpose

The City of Houston is issuing this Informal Solicitation to identify a qualified contractor to provide supplemental maintenance services for landscaping on rights-of-way, ditches, easements, medians, esplanades, and vacant lots, including debris clearing from drains and inlets within District J. The primary objective is to maintain a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment, ensure proper drainage, and promote public safety.

This solicitation also includes storm drain clearing within specific areas of District J, primarily targeting residential areas. The selected service provider is expected to perform a minimum of 2,500 man-hours, not to exceed a total contract value of $65,000.00.

This is an informal solicitation. The City is not bound to accept the lowest-priced response and reserves the right to reject any or all responses, waive minor informalities, and negotiate terms in the City's best interest.

2. Basis of Award

Award will be based on the lowest cost meeting scope requirements. The City will evaluate the overall value of each vendor's bid, considering factors such as price, qualifications, relevant experience, proposed staffing and equipment, references, and understanding of the scope of work.

3. Service Areas

The contractor shall provide landscaping and maintenance services within the boundaries of District J, including:

• Public rights-of-way

• Roadside ditches

• Vacant lots

• Medians

• Sidewalks adjacent to public property

• Storm drains

• Other areas as designated by the City of Houston

4. Scope of Services

4.1 Landscaping Maintenance

• Coordinate directly with the District J Office regarding requests from constituents, known hot spots, and additional reported locations, including weekly surveillance and collaboration with other stakeholder groups and city departments. This includes partnership with the District J Beautification Team. The contractor shall coordinate weekly sweeps (as a preventative measure) throughout designated zones in District J and, as requested, join the District J Office in the field for special events.

• Mow, trim, blow, and collect lawn waste, and maintain designated areas as requested.

• Survey and clear any visible debris from storm drains within specific designated areas as requested.

• Properly dispose of landscaping trimmings in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

4.2 Frequency of Service

• Perform litter abatement services on a scheduled routine in conjunction with the District J Office, plus ad hoc and emergency requests on an as-needed basis, as requested by the District J Office.

• Provide additional service following special events or severe weather conditions, as directed by the City of Houston.

4.3 Equipment and Supplies

• Provide all necessary equipment, tools, and supplies required to perform the landscaping services effectively.

• Equipment may include, but is not limited to: riding lawnmowers, push lawnmowers, weed eaters, saws, tree shears, rakes, shovels, brooms, garbage bags, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Maintain all equipment in good working condition and replace as necessary to ensure efficient service delivery.

4.4 Reporting and Documentation

• Coordinate directly with the District J Office on constituent requests, known hot spots, and additional reported locations, including weekly surveillance and collaboration with other stakeholder groups, city departments, and the District J Beautification Team.

• Provide weekly reports detailing the areas serviced.

• Include photographic evidence of before-and-after conditions in all reports.

• Immediately report any hazardous materials, large-scale illegal dumping, maintenance sites requiring larger machinery, or other safety concerns to the District J Office.

4.5 Safety and Compliance

• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal safety regulations, including OSHA standards.

• Ensure all personnel wear high-visibility safety vests and appropriate PPE while performing litter abatement services.

• Provide traffic control measures as needed to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

5. Contractor Qualifications The contractor shall maintain the following insurance coverages, as required by the City of Houston:

• General liability insurance

• Automobile liability insurance

• Workers' compensation insurance

6. Performance Monitoring

• The City of Houston will conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the supplemental landscaping services.

• The contractor shall address any deficiencies identified during inspections within 48 hours of notification.

7. Past Performance / References The contractor shall provide three (3) references to allow the City to evaluate past performance relevant to this scope of work, where historically applicable.

8. Submission Requirements Respondents shall submit the following as part of their response to this Informal Solicitation:

• A cover letter summarizing the firm's qualifications and interest in the contract.

• A proposed pricing structure consistent with the not-to-exceed value of $65,000.00 and minimum 2,500 man-hours.

• A description of proposed staffing, equipment, and approach to meeting the scope of services outlined in Section 4.

• Proof of required insurance coverage (or the ability to obtain it prior to contract execution).

• Three (3) references demonstrating relevant past performance.

• Any additional information requested in the solicitation instructions.

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9. Evaluation Criteria Responses will be evaluated based on the best value to the City, considering the following factors:

• Overall price and cost reasonableness

• Relevant experience and qualifications

• Proposed staffing, equipment, and service approach

• Past performance and references

• Compliance with insurance and safety requirements

10. General Terms & Conditions

• This is an informal solicitation and does not constitute a formal Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP).

• The City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, waive minor informalities, and negotiate final terms.

• Any resulting agreement will be subject to the City of Houston's standard contract terms and conditions.

• The contractor shall not exceed the stated not-to-exceed value of $65,000.00 without prior written authorization from the City.