Landscape_Services_Ecological_Restoration_and_Invasive_Species_for_Parks_and_Recreation.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

2026-RFP-207

LANDSCAPE SERVICES ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION AND

INVASIVE SPECIES FOR PARKS AND RECREATION

Pierce County

1501 Market St, Suite 420

Tacoma, WA 98402

RELEASE DATE: September 9, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: September 15, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: September 30, 2026, 4:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

Request For Proposal #2026-RFP-207 Title: Landscape Services Ecological Restoration and Invasive Species for Parks and Recreation https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/piercecountywa https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Pierce County

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Landscape Services Ecological Restoration and Invasive Species for Parks and Recreation

1. Introduction

2. Procurement Information

3. Minimum Requirements

4. Scope of Work

5. Submittal Information

6. Vendor Questionnaire

7. Evaluation Process

8. Evaluation Criteria

9. RFP General Terms & Conditions

Attachments:

A - 2026-RFP-207 - Landscape Services Ecological Restoration

B - 2026-RFP-207 - Pricing Proposal Table

C - Sample_Service_Agreement

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

Pierce County is soliciting Request for Proposals from firms interested in providing on-call landscape maintenance services of restoration and mitigation sites. The consultant will support County staff in providing vegetative maintenance, invasive species control and plant installation services across a variety of Pierce County-owned locations primarily located in highly regulated wetlands, riparian and other sensitive restoration areas

1.2. Background

A strong emphasis is placed on invasive species management using minimally impactful manual control methods in environmentally sensitive wetland and riparian areas. Locations will typically be planted with native vegetation, so an awareness of native and invasive species identification is essential. Work will also necessitate the use of chemical herbicides in regulated aquatic areas and requires proper licensing and endorsements for aquatic herbicide application. The ability to use a multi-faceted approach is desired to achieve desired control outcomes.

1.3. Contact Information

Aaron Bible

PCS II

1501 Market St

Tacoma, WA 98402

Email: aaron.bible@piercecountywa.gov

Phone: (253) 798-7456

Department:

Procurement and Contract Services

Department Head:

Bert Kalalau

County Purchasing Agent

1.4. Timeline

Release Project Date September 9, 2026

Question Submission Deadline September 15, 2026, 4:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline September 30, 2026, 4:00pm mailto:aaron.bible@piercecountywa.gov tel:(253)798-7456

Proposal Evaluation Approximately three weeks after proposal submission deadline, proposals will be evaluated and interviews may be held if multiple proposers are deemed capable of meeting the requirements.

Estimated Notice of Intention to Negotiate a Contract

Approximately six weeks after proposal submission deadline.

Estimated Date of Contract Execution Approximately eight weeks After proposal submission deadline.

2. Procurement Information

2.1. PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS & RFP'S HOLDER LIST

BIDDERS WHO REGISTER AND DOWNLOAD BID DOCUMENTS will be automatically added to the

FOLLOWERS list in the County's eProcurement Portal. Notifications for bid updates, addenda, and other bid information will be sent to all bidders who register on the Pierce County eProcurement Portal.

2.2. PROCUREMENT QUESTIONS

All questions must be submitted within the County's eProcurement Portal, under the Questions and

Answers Section no later than 4:00 pm on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Bidders must be registered in the eProcurement Portal software to submit questions, receive addenda, notifications, and ultimately submit a proposal.

Proposals must be received by the Procurement & Contract Services and the Finance Department before

4:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The proposer is responsible for submitting the proposal before the deadline. The County shall not be responsible for late submittals.

2.3. EXPECTED TERM OF RESULTING AGREEMENT

The initial contract period is anticipated to be for 24 months. The County has the option of renewing for an additional three years after the initial contract is executed. The actual schedule will be negotiated with the selected firm based on consultant and agency staff availability and the finalized scope of work.

Value of Resulting Contract: 500000

The County intends to award # contract(s) for the services described in this RFP.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/piercecountywa

3. Minimum Requirements

3.1. Minimum Requirements

• Registered to do business in Washington State as evidenced by an active Unique Business

Identifier (UBI) number.

• Has a valid federal tax identification number.

• List other essential criteria that a proposer must meet to even be considered for the project.

These are non-negotiable aspects of the project that are deemed critical for success. (if applicable)Five years experience with restoration work; proper licensing and endorsements for aquatic herbicide application; technical knowledge of native and invasive plants.

4. Scope of Work

4.1. SOW

The selected firm will have the technical knowledge necessary to complete the following services that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide a crew chief and/or work crew who can identify invasive species (primarily noxious weeds) vs native plants.

• Provide staff that has the ability and technical knowledge to use weed control methods that take into consideration plant life histories and cycles.

• Prepare sites for native plant installation.

• Utilize manual, mechanical, cultural, and chemical means consistent with Integrated Pest Management plans, as appropriate for site preparation and maintenance.

• Conduct inspections to identify invasive species presence, extent of infestations and make control recommendations.

• Installation of measures such as slope stabilization and erosion control best management practices under the guidance of County staff.

• Adherence to applicable federal, state and local permits as provided by County Staff.

• Seeding, mulching, amending of soils. The size of each site can vary from 1000 to 217,800 square feet or more.

• Bareroot, plug, live stake and container plant installation. The size of each site can vary from 1000 to 217,800 square feet or more.

• Mechanical mowing and/or brushcutting while avoiding native or installed plants.

• Installation of plant protection measures.

• Herbicide application in wetland, riparian and upland locations.

• Control variety of noxious weeds year-round, across different locations.

• Use of appropriate invasive species control methods to prevent spreading invasive species from site to site.

Contractor will be required to furnish all labor, tools, equipment, materials, incidentals, superintendents, subcontractor coordination and overhead to perform ecological and/or landscape improvements and/or maintenance in the service area of Pierce County. The sites are located throughout the Pierce County area and vary in size and complexity. Additional mitigation, restoration or future improvement sites may be added during the contract period.

5. Submittal Information

2026-RFP-207, Landscape Services Ecological Restoration and Invasive Species for Parks and Recreation

5.1. Submittal Requirements

Each Request for Proposal is required to be submitted as outlined in this section. Please include a cover and/or first page, containing the name of the project (INSERT RFP TITLE), name of the respondent, contact information, and submittal date. In addition, provide an opening letter indicating the

Consultant's interest in this project, and briefly describe what makes the Consultant a suitable candidate to be selected for insert type of service here services. A table of contents should be next. Please provide the following information in the sequence and format prescribed below. Supplemental materials providing additional information may be attached, but the information requested below is to be provided in this format.

Consultant Information

• Contractor/Consultant/Supplier legal name (include and identify entity name change and dba), local address and billing address if different, email address, and phone number

• Primary Individual to contact o Provide the name, phone, and email for:

• Number of years the firm has been in business

Qualifications & Experience

• An organizational chart that explains team member responsibilities.

• The name and resume of each individual who would be assigned to this project and each individual assigned to backup each primary person in his/her absence, together with similar information for each individual to be provided under any subcontract.

o Briefly describe the rationale for the key team members for this project, and what qualities and attributes they possess that will ensure the success of this project.

• Previous county project(s) experience (if applicable); any project experiences are applicable.

• References listing client contracts of similar services.

Approach to Work

• Describe the Consultant's ability to meet the requirements and provide the requested services listed in this RFP:

o Clearly describe the approaches and methods that will be used to accomplish the necessary services.

o Include a summary of innovative ideas and suggestions for implementing or enhancing the scope of services.

• Additional services or procedures of benefit to the County (if applicable)

Pricing

• Complete pricing for all services in the proposal.

Additional Information

• A statement outlining any proposal exceptions to the County’s requirements or requested clarifications to the requirements. (if applicable)

• The caption, case number, Court, Counsel, and general summary of any litigation pending, or judgment rendered within the past three (3) years involving the proposer. (if applicable)

Only electronic submittal via the County's eProcurement Portal shall be accepted. No hard copies, emails, or fax submittals are acceptable.

Acknowledgement (via the County's eProcurement Portal) of each addendum issued. (if applicable)

6. Vendor Questionnaire

1. Proposer Confirmation* As an authorized representative of the proposer, having carefully examined the Request for Proposals, propose to furnish services in accordance therewith as set forth in the attached proposal.

I further agree that this proposal will remain in effect for not less than sixty (60) calendar days from the date that proposals are due, and that this proposal may not be withdrawn or modified during that time.

I hereby certify that this proposal is genuine and not a sham or collusive proposal, or made in the interests or on behalf of any person not therein named; and I have not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any Contractor or supplier on the above work to put in a sham proposal or any person or corporation to refrain from submitting a proposal; and that I have not in any manner sought by collusion to secure to myself an advantage over any other contractor(s) or person(s).

In order to induce the County to consider this proposal, the proposer irrevocably waives any existing rights which it may have, by contract or otherwise, to require another person or corporation to refrain from submitting a proposal to or performing work or providing supplies to Pierce County, and proposer further promises that it will not in the future directly or indirectly induce or solicit any person or corporation to refrain from submitting a bid or proposal to or from performing work or providing supplies to Pierce County.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

2. Please Confirm * By submitting a proposal, proposer agrees that all documents, reports, proposals, submittals, working papers, or other materials prepared by the Contractor pursuant to this proposal shall become the sole and exclusive property of the County, and the public domain, and not property of the Contractor. The

Contractor shall not copyright, or cause to be copyrighted, any portion of said items submitted to the

County because of this solicitation.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

3. Supplemental Attachment Confirmation* I confirm I have reviewed the content of the following attachment included under this RFP; Sample

Agreement and acknowledge I understand and agree to these requirements should my organization receive a contract as a result of this proposal.

☐ Please confirm

4. Organization Business IDs* Please provide the Federal Tax Number (EIN), Washington State Unified Business Identification (UBI) and the *Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

*An 'active' UEI number and cage code are required when the funding is federal and creates a subrecipient relationship between the contractor and the County.

*Response required

5. Ownership Type* Must choose at least two (2) answers.

Select all that apply

☐ For Profit

☐ Non Profit

☐ Sole Proprietorship

☐ Corporation/LLC/Partnership

☐ City/County/State

*Response required

6. Proposal * Upload Proposal

7. Evaluation Process

7.1. Evaluation & Award Process

An evaluation team will review the bidding documents and evaluate all responses received based upon the criteria listed herein. The County may request clarifications or additional information, if needed. The proposer determined to be most qualified through the initial evaluation phase may be interviewed and the final determination will also consider reference checks and interviews.

The County intends to select the Contractor most qualified for this pursuit/solicitation and begin the negotiation and award process based on the requirements of this solicitation.

Selected Proposer(s) will be invited to enter into contract negotiations with the County. Should the

County and the selected proposer not reach a mutual agreement, the County will terminate negotiations and move to the next ranked contractor and proceed with negotiations. A Proposer’s inability to agree to the terms of the County’s standard contract may be a basis for the County to terminate negotiations and begin negotiating with one or more other Contractors.

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submitted bids, to waive as informalities any irregularities, and to contract as the best interest of the County may require. The County may reject bids that are non-responsive or that are submitted by non-responsible contractors.

8. Evaluation Criteria

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Presentation

Presented in a clear, logical manner and is well-organized. All required information was provided.

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

2. Qualifications

Qualifications of the firm.

Points Based 25 (25% of Total)

3. Approach

The firm’s approach to work, including compliance with requirements, innovative offerings, services offered, and other related matters

Points Based 15 (15% of Total)

4. Pricing Chart

Pricing submitted and all items included.

Points Based 50 (50% of Total)

9. RFP General Terms & Conditions

Reserved Rights and Procedures:

1. Pierce County expressly reserves the following rights:

a. To waive any and/or all irregularities in the proposals submitted.

b. To reject any or all proposals or portions thereof.

c. To base awards with due regard to quality of services, experience, compliance with specifications, and other such factors as may be necessary in the circumstances.

d. To make the award to any vendor or combination of vendors whose proposal(s), in the opinion of the County, is in the best interest of the County.

2. Pierce County cannot accept late proposals.

3. Reimbursement: Pierce County will not reimburse proposers for any costs involved in the preparation and submission of responses to this RFP or in the preparation for and attendance at subsequent interviews.

4. Cooperative Purchasing

The Washington State Interlocal Cooperation Act, Ch. 39.34 RCW, authorizes public agencies to cooperatively purchase goods and services if all parties agree. By responding to this RFP, Consultants agree that other public agencies may purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract at their own cost and without Pierce County incurring any financial or legal liability for such purchases.

Pierce County agrees to allow other public agencies to purchase goods and services under this solicitation or contract, provided that Pierce County is not held financially or legally liable for purchases and that any public agency purchasing under such solicitation or contract file a copy of this invitation and such contract in accordance with RCW 39.34.040.

5. Public Records and Proprietary Material

Proposers should be aware that any records they submit to the County or that are used by the County even if the proposers possess the records may be public records under the Washington Public Records

Act (RCW 42.56). The County must promptly disclose public records upon request unless a statute exempts them from disclosure. Proposers should also be aware that if even a portion of a record is exempt from disclosure, generally, the rest of the record must be disclosed. Exemptions are narrow and specific.

Proposers should clearly mark any record they believe is exempt from disclosure.

6. Title VI Compliance

Pierce County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to

2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of

Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 26 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.