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Walton County

INVITATION TO BID

26-21

LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE OF US HWY 98 FROM MACK BAYOU RD.

TO W. COUNTY HWY 30A

RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: August 20, 2026, 2:00 pm

Please refer to the project timeline in this document for all important deadlines.

Invitation To Bid #26-21 Title: Landscaping Maintenance of US Hwy 98 from Mack Bayou Rd. to W. County Hwy 30A

Table of Contents

1. Invitation to Bid

2. Instruction to Bidders

3. Scope of Services

4. Bid Schedule

5. Vendor Submissions

6. Attachments

Attachments:

A - Contract No. 26-21

B - US_Hwy_98_Landscape_Maintenance_-_Zone_5_-_Mack_Bayou_Rd_to_Co._Hwy_30A_W._MAP

(1)

1. Invitation to Bid

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS,

WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA

Landscaping Maintenance of US Hwy 98 from Mack Bayou Rd. to W. County Hwy 30A

26-21

Sealed bids for the Landscaping Maintenance of US Hwy 98 from Mack Bayou Rd. to W. County Hwy 30A

Project will be received by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, hereinafter referred to as

"County" at:

Office of Central Purchasing

176 Montgomery Circle

DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435

Until 2:00 pm LOCAL TIME on Thursday, August 20, 2026, for furnishing all labor and equipment necessary to perform the services set forth in the Bidding Documents prepared by Walton County. IMMEDIATELY

FOLLOWING the scheduled closing time for the reception of bids, all bids which have been submitted in accordance with the conditions of the Bidding Documents issued in relation to this Project will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Bidder is responsible for the submission of its bid.

Bids received after the specified day and time will not be opened.

The Purchasing Department is Closed on all Fridays.

Walton County is requesting bids for landscape services to maintain, in good condition, the existing landscaping within the FDOT right of way along US Hwy 98 from Mack Bayou Rd to County Hwy 30A West on an annual basis.

AWARD OF THE CONTRACT FOR THIS PROJECT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE IN

ACCORDANCE WITH WALTON COUNTY PURCHASING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (PP017).

Application for Local Preference is available in the Vendor Submissions section of this Invitation to Bid.

Advertisement Date: July 30, 2026 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/278949/document?section=2692981

Pre-Bid Meeting (Non-Mandatory): August 11, 2026, 9:00am

Walton County Central Purchasing Office, 176 Montgomery Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

OR via Microsoft Teams:

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/289522 495512605?p=8u7pd26QxzJfsrehbN Meeting ID: 289 522 495 512 605

Passcode: So6iD9Xc

No download or Microsoft account required

— join via web browser. A telephone call-in option is not available.

Question Submission Deadline: August 13, 2026, 12:00pm

Bid Closing Deadline: August 20, 2026, 2:00pm

In-Person Bid Opening:

Office of Central Purchasing

176 Montgomery Circle DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433

OR via Microsoft Teams:

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/222950 943576442?p=AZrGuX7sLdfLD5IgkZ Meeting ID: 222 950 943 576 442 Passcode: w9nE7zu3

No download or Microsoft account required

— join via web browser. A telephone call-in option is not available.

The bid opening will be recorded.

All responses must be submitted electronically via the County e-Procurement Portal:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/278949.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/289522495512605?p=8u7pd26QxzJfsrehbN https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/289522495512605?p=8u7pd26QxzJfsrehbN https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/222950943576442?p=AZrGuX7sLdfLD5IgkZ https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/222950943576442?p=AZrGuX7sLdfLD5IgkZ https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/278949

Through the e-Procurement Portal, responses will be securely locked and digitally encrypted until the submission deadline passes.

Should you encounter any technical difficulties or require assistance with the e-Procurement Portal, please reach out to our technical support team via the blue chat bubble on the bottom right or via email at procurement-support@opengov.com

All subcontractors and suppliers shall be declared on the prescribed Subcontractors and Suppliers Declaration form.

Each Bidder’s submittal shall include all the items listed in the Vendor Submissions section.

Performance and Payment Bond requirements, if applicable, shall be set forth in the Contract Documents.

All bid bonds, payment and performance bond(s), insurance contracts, and certificates of insurance shall be executed by a licensed agent of the surety or insurance company authorized to do business in the State of

Florida and meet the requirements set forth in the Bid Security section.

The bid may be withdrawn without penalty prior to the date and time of bid opening. Bids shall remain open and subject to acceptance for a period of forty-five (45) calendar days after the date of bid opening, but the

County at its sole discretion may release any bid and bid security. No Bidder may withdraw its bid for a period of forty-five (45) calendar days after the date of bid opening.

In order to perform work on public contracts, the successful Bidder shall have all licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances.

The County will award the bid to the lowest, most Responsible and Responsive Bidder that is most qualified to perform the job according to the specifications and qualifications listed in the Invitation to Bid. Bidders shall provide documentation that they can perform the required services and provide documentation of past and present projects of this same nature, along with references. Failure to provide said documentation will result in a bid being found non-responsive.

Before a contract will be awarded for the Project contemplated herein, the County will conduct such investigations as is necessary to determine the performance record and ability of the apparent low Bidder to perform the size and type of project specified under the Contract. The County reserves the right to reject bids from Bidders who fail to provide complete bids, or past work performance with the County and other governmental agencies, including timeliness of completion of projects and history of payment to subcontractors or materialmen are deemed by the County to be unsatisfactory. The Bidder shall submit with its bid detailed written evidence of experience and current commitments necessary to allow the County to evaluate the bidder's qualifications. Failure to do so will result in bid being found non-responsive.

In the event the apparent low bid exceeds the County's available budget, the County reserves the right to reduce the scope of services and solicit revised pricing from the three lowest responsive and responsible

Bidders.

The County reserves the right to reject any or all bid(s), and may postpone the award of the Contract for a period of time which shall not extend beyond forty-five (45) calendar days from the bid opening date.

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Contract Term: The term of this agreement shall be TWO (2) years from the date of complete execution and may be renewed for up to TWO (2) additional ONE (1) year periods at the sole discretion of the County.

A person or an affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for public entity crime may not submit a bid on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, Florida

Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendors list.

Walton County, as a political subdivision of the State of Florida, shall comply with Executive Order Number 11-

02, dated January 4, 2011, and shall require that contractors utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of: (a) all persons employed during the contract term by the contractor to perform employment duties within Florida; and (b) all persons (including subcontractors) assigned by the contractor to perform work pursuant to the Contract with the County.

Pursuant to §287.05701, Florida Statutes, the County may not request documentation of or consider a contractor's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the contractor is a responsible contractor. Further, the County may not give preference to a contractor based on the vendor's social, political, or ideological interests.

2. Instruction to Bidders

2.1 DEFINED TERMS

The term "Bidder" shall mean one who submits a bid directly to the County, as distinct from a sub-bidder, who submits a bid to a Bidder. The term "Responsible and Responsive Bidder" means a person or entity who has submitted a bid which conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the Bidding

Documents and has the capability, in all respects, to perform fully the contract requirements, and the tenacity, perseverance, experience, integrity, reliability, capacity, facilities, equipment, and credit which will assure good faith performance. The term “Successful Bidder” means the most Responsible and Responsive Bidder with the lowest bid who has been selected for award of the Contract. The term “Contract” shall mean the agreement between the Successful Bidder and the County resulting from this ITB. The term “Contract

Documents” includes the Service Contract consisting of information provided in Scope of Services and

Attachments sections. The term "Bidding Documents" includes the Invitation to Bid, Instruction to Bidders, Contract Documents and the Bid Form (including all addenda issued prior to receipt of bids). The term 'Bid

Schedule' shall mean the pricing form included in the Bidding Documents upon which Bidders shall submit unit prices, lump sum amounts, or markups as required for evaluation and contract award.The term “Notice of

Award” shall mean the form issued by the Purchasing Department awarding the Contract to the Successful

Bidder. The term “Notice to Proceed” shall mean the letter issued by the Purchasing Department notifying the

Successful Bidder to commence services under the Contract.

2.2 COPIES OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS

A. Complete sets of Bidding Documents must be used in preparing bids; neither the County nor its representatives assumes any responsibility for errors or misinterpretations resulting from the use of incomplete sets of Bidding Documents.

B. The County and its representatives in making copies of Bidding Documents available on the above terms do so only for the purpose of obtaining bids on the Project and do not confer a license or grant for any other use.

2.3 QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS

To demonstrate qualifications to perform the Project, each Bidder shall submit with their bid detailed written evidence of experience performing services of the nature and scope similar to those described in this

Invitation to Bid, documentation of current commitments, a copy of all applicable licenses and permits required to perform the services described herein, if any, and such information as is required in the Vendor

Submissions section. Each Bidder must also be prepared to submit within five (5) business days of the County's request, written evidence, such as licenses, financial data, previous experience, present commitments, and other such data as may be requested by the County. Each bid must contain evidence of Bidder's qualification to do business in the State of Florida. Specifically, the Bidder shall have all licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/278949/document?section=2692985 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/278949/document?section=2692983

If the Bidder intends to perform herbicide/pesticide application services, the Bidder shall hold, or have on staff a subcontractor/employee who holds, a valid FDACS commercial pesticide applicator license in the appropriate category. Proof of licensure shall be submitted upon request by the County and prior to performance of any pesticide application under this Contract.

2.4 EXAMINATION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND SITE

A. It is the responsibility of each Bidder before submitting a bid, to (a) examine the Contract Documents thoroughly, (b) become familiar with the service environment and local conditions that may affect cost, progress, or performance of the services, (c) consider federal, state, and local laws and regulations that may affect cost, progress, performance, or completion of the Project, (d) study and carefully correlate

Bidder's observations with the Contract Documents, (e) notify the County of any conflicts, errors, or discrepancies in the Contract Documents, and (f) attend any mandatory pre-bid meeting. The County does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the Contract Documents or for any additional reports, data, maps, or documentation that may be made available for viewing by the

County to any Bidder on request.

B. Before submitting a bid, each Bidder will, at the Bidder's own expense, make or obtain any additional information and data which pertain to the physical conditions at or contiguous to the site which may affect cost, progress, or performance of the services and which Bidder deems necessary to determine its bid for performing the services in accordance with the time, price, and other terms and conditions of the Contract Documents.

C. Upon request, the County will provide each Bidder reasonable access to service locations to conduct assessments deemed necessary for preparation of a bid.

D. The submission of a bid constitutes an incontrovertible representation by the Bidder that it has complied with every requirement of these Instructions to Bidders, has examined the Contract

Documents thoroughly, and is familiar with the service environment and any local conditions that may affect the cost, progress, or performance of the services. The bid is premised, without exception, upon performing and furnishing all labor, services, and equipment required by the Contract Documents in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein. The Bidder further represents that the

Contract Documents are sufficient in scope and detail to convey a full understanding of all terms and conditions for the performance and completion of the services.

2.5 NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Walton County

Central Purchasing Office, 176 Montgomery Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 OR via Microsoft Teams: Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/289522495512605?p=8u7pd26QxzJfsrehbN Meeting ID: 289 522 495 512

605 Passcode: So6iD9Xc No download or Microsoft account required — join via web browser. A telephone call-in option is not available.

2.6 INTERPRETATIONS AND ADDENDA

A. All questions about the meaning or intent of the Contract Documents are to be posted on the County's e-Procurement portal accessible via the following link;

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

B. Addenda may be issued to modify the Bidding Documents as deemed appropriate by the County.

DIRECTING QUESTIONS TO ANY OTHER COUNTY COMMISSIONER, COUNTY EMPLOYEE, PROJECT ENGINEER, OR ANY OTHER PERSON IS PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN A BID BEING DISQUALIFIED. QUESTIONS MUST

BE SUBMITTED ON THE COUNTY'S E-PROCUREMENT PORTAL AT

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl NO LATER THAN NOON ON Thursday, August 13, 2026. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary by the County in response to such questions will be issued by Addenda on the County’s e-Procurement portal. Only questions answered by formal written

Addenda will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect.

2.7 BLACKOUT PERIOD

The period between the beginning of the advertisement for the Invitation to Bid, and the contract award, or any resulting bid protest is resolved, or the solicitation is otherwise canceled is referred to as the blackout period. During the blackout period any communication regarding the aforementioned solicitations is prohibited between the Bidder (or its agents or representatives) and any other entity with the potential for a financial interest in the award (or their respective agents or representatives) regarding such competitive solicitation, and any County Commissioner or County employee, selection committee member or other persons authorized to act on behalf of the County including the County’s architect, engineer, or their sub consultants, or anyone designated to provide a recommendation to award a particular contract, other than

Purchasing Division staff. Each competitive solicitation shall provide notice of the blackout period.

Exceptions to the Blackout Period. The blackout period shall not apply to:

A. Communications at any public proceeding or meeting, including pre-bid conferences, selection committee presentations, or pre-award meetings.

B. Communications during contract negotiations between designated County employees and the contract awardee.

C. Communication with a vendor initiated by a Purchasing Division employee following the bid opening to clarify the vendor’s bid or intended scope of services.

D. Communication following the filing of a protest between the protesting party and the Purchasing

Division, County Administrator’s Office and the County Attorney’s Office, during the dispute resolution process.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl athttps://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl athttps://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl

E. Purchases exempt from competitive selection, sole source procurements, single source procurements, and emergency procurements, as defined in Walton County Board of County Commissioners

Purchasing Policy and Procedure Manual.

F. Communications with existing vendors in the performance of existing contracts.

2.8 BID SECURITY

A. Each bid must be accompanied by bid security in an amount of five percent (5%) of the Bidder's total bid price, made payable to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, in the form of a certified bank check or a bid bond executed on the form attached, issued by a surety duly authorized and qualified to conduct business in the State of Florida. The surety or insurance company shall have a minimum "A-" policyholder's rating and a financial rating of at least Class VII, and shall be listed on the United States Treasury

Department's T-list as acceptable to issue bonds for the applicable dollar amount. Applicable bond documents may be uploaded electronically; however, physical checks must be delivered to the Office of Central

Purchasing prior to bid opening. It is the Bidder's responsibility to ensure timely delivery of its bid security.

B. Upon selection of the Successful Bidder, bid security will be retained until the Successful Bidder has executed the Contract and furnished all required Certificates of Insurance. If the Successful Bidder fails to execute the Contract or provide the required Certificates of Insurance within TEN (10) business days after issuance of the Notice of Award, the County may annul the Notice of Award and the bid security shall be forfeited. Bid security furnished by all other Bidders will be returned within TEN (10) business days after issuance of the Notice of Award.

C. Failure to submit an appropriate bid security shall result in the bid being declared non-responsive.

2.9 SUBSTITUTE OR "OR-EQUAL" ITEMS

The use of brand names is for the purpose of describing the standard of quality, performance, and characteristics desired and is not intended to limit or restrict competition. Equipment or materials determined by the County to be substantially equivalent to that equipment or materials specified by brand name will be considered for award.

2.10 BID FORM

A. The Bidder shall use the Bid Form included with the Bidding Documents. Failure to use the Bid Form shall result in the bid being declared non-responsive. All blanks on the Bid Form must be completed in ink or typewritten.

B. Bids by corporations must be executed in the corporate name by the president, vice-president, or other corporate officer accompanied by evidence of authority to sign. The corporate address and state of incorporation must be shown below the signature.

C. Bids by partnerships must be executed in the partnership name and signed by a partner whose title must appear under the signature. The official address of the partnership must be shown below the signature.

D. Bids by limited liability companies must be executed in the name of the LLC and signed by an authorized member or manager, accompanied by evidence of authority to sign. The principal address of the LLC must be shown below the signature.

E. All bids shall be notarized and the signatory's name must be typed or printed below the signature. The bid shall contain an acknowledgement of receipt of all addenda via the County's e-Procurement Portal.

The contact person's name, address, and telephone number for communications regarding the bid must be provided.

F. Each Bidder’s submittal shall include all the items listed in the Vendor Submissions section.

2.11 SUBMISSION OF BIDS

All bids submitted on e-Procurement Portal will be securely locked and digitally encrypted until the submission deadline passes. Please note that all bids must be submitted prior to 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Ensure that all required documents and information are complete and accurately provided before submission.

Upon successful submission through the e-Procurement Portal, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your bid.

Bids received after the specified deadline will not be considered.

Thank you for your attention to these submission instructions. Should you have any questions regarding the bidding process or requirements, feel free to contact the Purchasing Department at purchasing@co.walton.fl.us or call 850.892.8176.

2.12 MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL OF BIDS

A. Bids may be modified or withdrawn by the Bidder by clicking on “Unsubmit Proposal” via County’s e-

Procurement Portal. Bids can be re-submitted at any time prior to the opening of bids.

B. Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) calendar days after the date of bid opening.

2.13 BIDS TO REMAIN OPEN SUBJECT TO ACCEPTANCE

All bids shall remain open and subject to acceptance for a period of forty-five (45) calendar days after the date of bid opening, but the County at its sole discretion may release any bid and return the bid security prior to that date.

2.14 AWARD OF CONTRACT

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A. The County reserves the right to reject any and all bids for any reason deemed necessary to be in the best interest of the County, including but not limited to bids from any vendor who has failed to successfully perform a previous contract to the satisfaction of the County. The County further reserves the right to waive any and all informalities and to reject all nonconforming, non-responsive, unbalanced, or conditional bids. ANY TERMS, CONDITIONS, OR EXCEPTIONS SUBMITTED WITH A BID

SHALL BE DISREGARDED AND SHALL HAVE NO EFFECT UPON THE CONTRACT RESULTING FROM THIS

SOLICITATION. The County reserves the right to reject the bid of any Bidder if the County believes it would not be in the best interest of the County to make an award to that Bidder because the bid is not responsive or responsible, or the Bidder is unqualified, of doubtful financial ability, or fails to meet any other pertinent standard or criteria established by the County.

The County reserves the right to enter into contract negotiations with the Responsible and Responsive

Bidder submitting the lowest bid. If the County and the low Bidder cannot negotiate a successful contract, the County may terminate such negotiations and begin negotiations with the Responsible and

Responsive Bidder submitting the next lowest bid. No Bidder shall have any rights against the County arising from such negotiations.

Discrepancies in the multiplication of units of work and unit prices will be resolved in favor of the unit prices. Discrepancies between the indicated sum of any column of figures and the correct sum thereof will be resolved in favor of the correct sum. Where numeric data is given both in Arabic numerals and in written language, and a discrepancy exists, the written language shall be presumed correct and the

Arabic numeral presumed incorrect.

B. In the event the apparent low bid submitted by a Responsible and Responsive Bidder exceeds the

County's available budget, the County reserves the right to reduce the scope of services and negotiate deductive cost changes. The County shall review the three lowest bids submitted by Responsible and

Responsive Bidders in order to select one Bidder to whom to award the Contract.

C. The County reserves the right to delete any bid items, and the total bid shall be determined as the sum of the bid items awarded. In evaluating bids, the County will consider the qualifications of Bidders, compliance with prescribed requirements, ability to perform within the required timeframe, and any other data requested in the Bid Form or prior to the Notice of Award. The County may conduct such investigations as it deems necessary to establish the responsibility, qualifications, and financial ability of Bidders and proposed Subcontractors and Suppliers to perform the services required under the

Contract Documents.

If the Contract is to be awarded, it will be awarded to the Responsible and Responsive Bidder submitting the lowest bid whose evaluation indicates the award will be in the best interest of the County. The Notice of

Award shall be issued only after approval by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and upon completion of all required award documentation. No contractual obligation shall exist until the Contract has been approved and executed by the Board.

2.15 BID PROTEST

Any person or entity whose bid is rejected, in whole or in part, or who submits a bid but is not awarded the contract, may protest such decision. Written notice of intent to file a bid protest must be submitted with the

Purchasing Department or Chief Financial Officer within twenty-four (24) hours after the Board’s declaration of its intention with regard to an award. Written protest must be submitted to Purchasing Director or Chief

Financial Officer within ten (10) calendar days after filing written notice of intent.

Each written protest must be accompanied by a bid protest bond in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, in an amount equal to 1% of the protestor’s bid received by the County, but in no case less than $500.00.

The condition of the protest bond shall be that, should the protest be determined to be without merit and non-valid, the bond shall be forfeited to the County in its entirety.

2.16 PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES

A person or an affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for public entity crime may not submit a bid on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, Florida

Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendors list.

3. Scope of Services

Highway 98 Right-of-Way Landscape Maintenance

Walton County is seeking qualified contractors to provide routine landscape maintenance services for designated right-of-way areas along U.S. Highway 98 between the Mack Bayou Traffic Signal and the County

Road 30A Traffic Signal.

The intent of this contract is to maintain a safe, clean, attractive, and professional appearance throughout the corridor while preserving the health of existing turf and vegetation and ensuring all maintained areas remain free of litter and excessive vegetation.

3.1 Service Area

The service area shall include all designated County-maintained right-of-way areas including, but not limited to:

• Roadside grass

• Roadside shoulders

• Drainage ditches

• Sidewalks

• Shared-use paths (where applicable)

• Areas around signs

• Utility poles

• Guardrails

• Other roadside obstructions

A map identifying the maintenance limits is included as an attachment to this solicitation.

3.2 Responsibilities

The Contractor shall furnish all the following necessary to complete the work:

• Labor

• Equipment

• Vehicles

• Fuel

• Materials

• Supervision

• Safety devices

• Traffic control (if required)

• Disposal services

All work shall comply with:

• FDOT Maintenance of Traffic requirements (when applicable)

• OSHA regulations

• Walton County requirements

• All applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations.

3.3 Services

A. Grass Mowing

The Contractor shall mow all designated Grass areas.

Requirements include:

• Maintain Grass height between 3 and 4 inches

• Produce an even appearance

• Prevent scalping

• Prevent rutting

• Avoid damage to irrigation, utilities, signs, trees, or infrastructure

Mowing shall include all accessible grass areas.

B. Ditch Maintenance

Maintain all roadside drainage ditches.

Services include:

• Mowing

• Vegetation management

• Trimming

• Removal of excessive vegetation

Equipment shall be capable of safely operating on:

• Wet terrain

• Uneven terrain

• Slopes

• Drainage swales

When standing water or unsafe conditions exist, work shall be completed as soon as conditions permit.

C. String Trimming

String trim all areas inaccessible to mowing equipment including:

• Utility poles

• Traffic signs

• Mailboxes

• Guardrails

• Signal cabinets

• Trees

• Fencing

• Miscellaneous roadside structures

Trimmed areas shall present a neat appearance without damaging existing structures or vegetation.

D. Sidewalk Edging

Edge all concrete sidewalks during every maintenance cycle.

Edging shall:

• Produce clean straight edges

• Prevent Grass encroachment

The asphalt multi-use path shall not be mechanically edged to prevent pavement damage.

E. Blowing and Cleanup

Following each maintenance cycle, the Contractor shall remove all grass clippings and debris from:

• Sidewalks

• Roadways

• Curb and gutter

• Driveways

• Shared-use paths

• Drainage structures

No debris shall remain on paved surfaces.

F. Litter Removal

During each service visit, the Contractor shall remove visible litter including:

• Paper

• Plastic

• Glass

• Aluminum

• Cardboard

• Miscellaneous roadside debris

Collected material shall be legally disposed of off-site.

G. Vegetation Control

Vegetation shall be maintained to provide:

• Safe sight distances

• Visibility of traffic signs

• Visibility of signals

• Proper drainage

• Uniform appearance

3.4 Service Schedule

Routine maintenance shall occur:

Twice each month

• One service during the first week

• One service during the third week

The County may modify service frequency based upon:

• Weather

• Growing conditions

• Special events

• Budget availability

Additional services may be requested as needed.

3.4a Payment Terms

The Contractor shall be paid on a flat monthly basis, calculated as the Extended Annual Price for Line Item 1 divided by twelve (12) equal monthly payments, regardless of the number of service cycles performed in a given month. Payment for Line Item 2 (Additional/Off-Cycle Services) shall be invoiced separately upon completion of County-requested work, at the unit price submitted.

3.5 Performance Standards

The Contractor shall maintain the corridor to the following standards:

• Grass uniformly maintained

• No excessive weeds

• No overgrown ditches

• Sidewalks clean

• Roadway free of debris

• No accumulated litter

• Signs unobstructed

• Drainage unobstructed

Unsatisfactory work shall be corrected within 24 hours and in accordance with Section 3.6 below.

3.6 Inspections

The County reserves the right to inspect work at any time. The Project Manager or their designee will perform an inspection of the work area to determine if the completed work for each cycle is acceptable. Following completion of the inspection, the Project Manager may, within three (3) calendar days of the Contractor's completion of the applicable service cycle, notify the Contractor of any deficiencies, defective, or insufficient work requiring corrective action. Any deficiencies or work determined to be defective or insufficient will be remedied by the Contractor at no additional cost to the County within 24 hours unless the Project Manager or their designee authorizes a different corrective action period in writing. Failure or delay of remedial activities may result in withholding of the Contractor's scheduled payment application.

Repeated deficiencies may constitute default under the contract.

3.7 Weather Delays

Services may be delayed due to:

• Heavy rain

• Flooding

• Standing water

• Unsafe working conditions

Missed services shall be completed as soon as practical upon approval by the County.

3.8 Exclusions

Unless specifically authorized by written Work Order, this contract does not include:

• Irrigation repairs

• Landscape installation

• Tree removal

• Stump removal

• Fertilization

• Mulching

• Plant replacement

• Hardscape repairs

• Storm cleanup beyond routine litter

• Emergency response work

• Median maintenance (see Alternate Bid Item)

3.9 Experience

The Contractor shall have a minimum of three (3) years of continuous experience providing commercial or governmental landscape maintenance services of similar size and complexity.

Experience should include maintenance of one or more of the following:

• State or County roadway rights-of-way

• Municipal landscape maintenance

• Commercial landscape maintenance

• Public parks or recreational facilities

• Large institutional campuses

The Contractor shall provide a brief company history describing its experience performing similar services.

3.10 Alternate Service — Median Landscaped Bed Maintenance

This section applies only if the County exercises the Alternate Bid Item identified in Section 4 (Bid Schedule). If exercised, routine maintenance of County-designated landscaped median beds shall include, at a minimum:

Regular weeding of all bed areas;

Replenishment of mulch as needed to maintain adequate coverage and appearance;

Pruning and trimming of shrubs and other plant materials to maintain healthy growth and a uniform appearance;

The Contractor shall remove invasive and exotic plant species and shall treat for insects and plant diseases as needed; and

Fertilization as needed to promote healthy plant growth.

Limits of the median areas subject to this service, and the specific service frequency, shall be defined by the

County at the time this Alternate Item is exercised via Work Order or Change Order.

4. Bid Schedule

BIDS shall include sales tax and all other applicable taxes and fees.

This is a Unit price bid. The following Bid Schedule is intended as a general recap of the work involved. It is

NOT an all-inclusive detail of everything required to perform these services. It is the contractor’s responsibility to carefully review the Bidding Documents to determine what is needed to do the whole job, and to reflect this in the Unit price bid. This basis of award will be the total base bid for the project. IF DURING THE BID

PROCESS, THE CONTRACTOR NOTICES A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE WORK REQUIRED AND THIS BID

SCHEDULE, THE CONTRACTOR MUST BRING IT TO THE PURCHASING DIRECTOR'S ATTENTION BEFORE THE BID

DATE.

NOTE: The unit prices listed below will be used as the basis for computing the value of any change orders, either additive or deductive.

OPTION YEAR PRICING: Should the County exercise any of the four (4) One (1) Year renewal options set forth in this Invitation to Bid, unit prices for each Option Year shall be adjusted based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), South Region, as published by the U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics, for the most recent 12-month period available at the time of renewal, not to exceed three percent (3%) per Option Year. Any adjustment shall be calculated by the County and confirmed in writing prior to issuance of the Notice to Proceed for the applicable Option Year. No further pricing submission is required from the Bidder for Option Years.

THE OWNER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS.

BASE BID

Line Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Cost Total

1 Routine Right-of-Way Maintenance

Cycle - mowing, string trimming, sidewalk edging, ditch maintenance, blowing/debris cleanup, and litter removal (2 Mowing Cycles per month)

24 Cycle

2 Additional/Off-Cycle Mowing &

Maintenance Service (full service area), performed at County's request outside the standard bi-monthly schedule.

1 Cycle

TOTAL

ALTERNATE BID ITEM — MEDIAN MAINTENANCE (NOT AWARDED WITH BASE BID)

This item is NOT included in the Base Bid Service Area or the Total Base Bid evaluation. It is included for pricing purposes only, to allow the County to add median maintenance to the Contract scope by future Work Order or

Change Order, at the County's sole discretion, at the unit price below. Submission of a price for this item does not obligate the County to award or exercise it.

Line Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Cost Total

1 Median Maintenance — routine landscaped bed maintenance in accordance with Section 3.10 of the

Scope of Work, within County-designated median areas along the same corridor (limits to be defined by future Work Order)

24 Cycle

TOTAL

5. Vendor Submissions

All subsections in this section require a response.

5.1 LOCAL PREFERENCE APPLICATION*

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that my business qualifies as a local vendor/contractor in accordance with Walton County Purchasing Policies and Procedures, Procedure No: PP017.

☐ My business maintains its principal place of business within Walton County; OR

☐ My business has maintained a permanent place or places of business within Walton County and has employed people who live in Walton County on a regular and continuing basis for at least six (6) months prior to the advertising of this Invitation to Bid; OR

☐ My business is not eligible for local vendor preference with Walton County.

*Response required

5.2 BIDDER'S DECLARATION AND UNDERSTANDING *

The undersigned, herein defined as the "Bidder," declares that the only persons or parties interested in this bid are those named herein, that this bid is, in all respects, fair and without fraud, that it is made without collusion with any employee or official of the County, and that the bid is made without any connection or collusion with any person submitting another bid on this Project.

The Bidder further declares that it has visited the Project site, inspected the plans and specifications, examined all the Contract Documents, and has satisfied itself to the quantities involved, including materials and equipment and the conditions of work involved, including the fact that the description of work and materials, as included herein, is brief and is intended only to indicate the general nature of the Project and to identify the said quantities with the detailed requirements of the Contract Documents, and this bid is made according to the provisions and under the terms of the Contract Documents which are made a part of this bid.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

5.3 CONTRACT EXECUTION AND CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE*

The Successful Bidder agrees to acknowledge the terms and conditions of the Contract and return a signed

Contract with any Certificates of Insurance (COI) to the County, within TEN (10) calendar days after Notice of

Award. Upon receipt of the signed Contract and COI, the County will execute the Contract and send the executed contract to the Successful Bidder. Failure to return a signed Contract with COI to the County within

TEN (10) calendar days after Notice of Award is sent will result in loss of surety.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

5.4 SALES AND USE TAXES*

The Bidder agrees that any and all applicable federal, state and local sales and use taxes that are incurred by the Bidder are included in the stated bid price for the Project. The County is tax exempt from federal excise and state sales tax.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

5.5 Acknowledgment of Bid Schedule*

By confirming, if awarded the contract, the Bidder agrees to accept as full payment for the work proposed under this Project, as specified in the Bidding Documents prepared by Walton County, and based upon their own estimate of the quantities and costs, including the cost of any necessary fee or permit provided as part of their bid.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

5.6 BID FORM*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• BID_FORM.docx

*Response required

5.7 BID BOND*

Will you be utilizing Surety 2000 for submitting your Bid Bond?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

Surety 2000 Electronic Bid Bond*

Please enter your Bid Bond information from Surety2000 below.

If you would like to use your preferred surety, please select "No" to the above question.

*Response required

When equals "No" https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/88564/54c32ea4-7003-4ee1-8430-d5110fbaa49c_BID_FORM.docx?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4BGPETDLS%2F20260805%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260805T111658Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEFoaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQCKI3NDSjPbYYCKFHSfps90qSIX2JoknbLPePwcnlZ6vwIhAJz8qABQAPfJ2SJTnUmLHF4VCm8jdzE386XU6nZiChsnKowFCCMQAhoMODkyMzY0Njg3NjcyIgxo6LwRG7XbcajF4aUq6QRoTJ5uVagRokmx75M0oAGzAQQiLQdRPDuimJQIfdFDKZtt8jxtDMy1R8IDEtqjPhAGg0l3iuyyLmQPyWmhY0dZQQFou1iC24m%2B5OOSRQYAAmTMP7dd85%2B8NiS6ZMylgrOtWSHaKJ%2FZf0CPCE%2FtoWW%2BGX7yD0t1b0w00ao3FGaaR3GiWK7Op78C3iLGS3zulrwlEwbVoZpR7pmBhMMxhyDTruuBonQKs0dyZQx7tF%2F%2FMyMCv9Wvl%2Br4N955VoiE9WEnER29ERHiuCmggkWbrTYpuwQSQDw2S1pAmm7r95hkqVBRNs4DU%2BTPIHzfGJOND2kY2Nupeep0vDguFo6JT7TqiOPz%2B6uOrv3a9O%2BDBKYqRF%2FY5Fn5RvyuAOw13MsHeyykIq%2BWyhQrpZua%2Bcn3yrczHdELOUkw1HlYsMtezBLtUrWykHA0YHAUscNFx1TdxkSYzh%2FHTskjiyLmBdzhJSWqxutpTD74Dtt28pdmWTnnmvcglSBno3Ms1ID5kQ2V5zd0AUfmh5uoRfRcPC%2FWaz9LR0vNCdZEj7Jrcc5BTBoWnokql6Lu8n3kAVCdixrvpdoBlOVNaw0NuBJCjkZDXjnOyuSiB3vNQRVhD6PRZLZaGdPbeuhElLxFjbrpEDQ0PV8hoPT%2BGy2Irm92k3On%2FDooYfDzXnfEg6EceGAaByy5lbnrW2li8fcqIBq7anE7WAJvDo3eoWI25%2Bll4TRucA%2FB%2BRXjAwDSSU4gcnnL0%2BBIuSY5u5uYoIs4GfSlFnGynV78AZpffQ5tPKe3HYXpuzPvsN6%2BqcQAGpNnrRk7%2F8oyoSoGxBs%2FJSAQmzCBiszTBjqYAfQYskfh7G0s86KrXIMip9U5%2BZZVvti9V3WksMp3COT4PSxOzcZslu%2FarOiQdMC7pz0LiATuRkF%2FuFn4yu3RnP1tMerL9xPKetl2dCpldeFxBdU7UtceUaN%2FpTj8CFnbvV4nka%2B9hSDD2OAHORq%2BhhWr7CWdhsvV6wSY0eWMK1bRcfX7cH%2BSRGUALqUfpW59nhNb54twmsox&X-Amz-Signature=86dc1692603a0bc39e2e273a7fc2f964ab6ce16335597b0d122f0463461253fa&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22BID_FORM.docx%22&x-id=GetObject

Bid Bond*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• FLORIDA_BID_BOND_(1).doc

*Response required

5.8 PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND CURRENT COMMITMENTS*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• PREVIOUS_EXPERIENCE_AND_CUR...

*Response required

5.9 SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS DECLARATION*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• SUBCONTRACTORS_AND_SUPPLIER...

*Response required

5.10 SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS DECLARATION*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• SUBCONTRACTORS_AND_SUPPLIER...

*Response required

5.11 PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES*

Please download the below documents, complete and have notarized. An online notarization option will be provided for you when responding.

• PUBLIC_ENTITY_CRIMES.pdf

*Response required

5.12 DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION*

Identical tie bids: preference shall be given to businesses with drug-free workplace programs. Whenever two or more bids which are equal with respect price, quality, and service are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid received from a business that certified that it has implemented a drug-free work place program shall be given preference in the award process. Established procedures for processing tie bids will be followed in none of the tied

Consultants have a drug-free workplace program. In order to have a drug-free workplace program, a business shall:

https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/88564/981ba999-3d34-4df0-9875-8dd9c05d35ec_FLORIDA_BID_BOND_%281%29.doc?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4BGPETDLS%2F20260805%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260805T111658Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEFoaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQCKI3NDSjPbYYCKFHSfps90qSIX2JoknbLPePwcnlZ6vwIhAJz8qABQAPfJ2SJTnUmLHF4VCm8jdzE386XU6nZiChsnKowFCCMQAhoMODkyMzY0Njg3NjcyIgxo6LwRG7XbcajF4aUq6QRoTJ5uVagRokmx75M0oAGzAQQiLQdRPDuimJQIfdFDKZtt8jxtDMy1R8IDEtqjPhAGg0l3iuyyLmQPyWmhY0dZQQFou1iC24m%2B5OOSRQYAAmTMP7dd85%2B8NiS6ZMylgrOtWSHaKJ%2FZf0CPCE%2FtoWW%2BGX7yD0t1b0w00ao3FGaaR3GiWK7Op78C3iLGS3zulrwlEwbVoZpR7pmBhMMxhyDTruuBonQKs0dyZQx7tF%2F%2FMyMCv9Wvl%2Br4N955VoiE9WEnER29ERHiuCmggkWbrTYpuwQSQDw2S1pAmm7r95hkqVBRNs4DU%2BTPIHzfGJOND2kY2Nupeep0vDguFo6JT7TqiOPz%2B6uOrv3a9O%2BDBKYqRF%2FY5Fn5RvyuAOw13MsHeyykIq%2BWyhQrpZua%2Bcn3yrczHdELOUkw1HlYsMtezBLtUrWykHA0YHAUscNFx1TdxkSYzh%2FHTskjiyLmBdzhJSWqxutpTD74Dtt28pdmWTnnmvcglSBno3Ms1ID5kQ2V5zd0AUfmh5uoRfRcPC%2FWaz9LR0vNCdZEj7Jrcc5BTBoWnokql6Lu8n3kAVCdixrvpdoBlOVNaw0NuBJCjkZDXjnOyuSiB3vNQRVhD6PRZLZaGdPbeuhElLxFjbrpEDQ0PV8hoPT%2BGy2Irm92k3On%2FDooYfDzXnfEg6EceGAaByy5lbnrW2li8fcqIBq7anE7WAJvDo3eoWI25%2Bll4TRucA%2FB%2BRXjAwDSSU4gcnnL0%2BBIuSY5u5uYoIs4GfSlFnGynV78AZpffQ5tPKe3HYXpuzPvsN6%2BqcQAGpNnrRk7%2F8oyoSoGxBs%2FJSAQmzCBiszTBjqYAfQYskfh7G0s86KrXIMip9U5%2BZZVvti9V3WksMp3COT4PSxOzcZslu%2FarOiQdMC7pz0LiATuRkF%2FuFn4yu3RnP1tMerL9xPKetl2dCpldeFxBdU7UtceUaN%2FpTj8CFnbvV4nka%2B9hSDD2OAHORq%2BhhWr7CWdhsvV6wSY0eWMK1bRcfX7cH%2BSRGUALqUfpW59nhNb54twmsox&X-Amz-Signature=a9ce98d708dba6e52e383d2499a5cf25b0ee9deef29db90b6244f9cff20d063f&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22FLORIDA_BID_BOND_%281%29.doc%22&x-id=GetObject https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/88564/56dbf75e-6f70-41ed-93e7-6c8fa8c4a095_PREVIOUS_EXPERIENCE_AND_CURRENT_COMMITMENTS.docx?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4BGPETDLS%2F20260805%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260805T111658Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEFoaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJIMEYCIQCKI3NDSjPbYYCKFHSfps90qSIX2JoknbLPePwcnlZ6vwIhAJz8qABQAPfJ2SJTnUmLHF4VCm8jdzE386XU6nZiChsnKowFCCMQAhoMODkyMzY0Njg3NjcyIgxo6LwRG7XbcajF4aUq6QRoTJ5uVagRokmx75M0oAGzAQQiLQdRPDuimJQIfdFDKZtt8jxtDMy1R8IDEtqjPhAGg0l3iuyyLmQPyWmhY0dZQQFou1iC24m%2B5OOSRQYAAmTMP7dd85%2B8NiS6ZMylgrOtWSHaKJ%2FZf0CPCE%2FtoWW%2BGX7yD0t1b0w00ao3FGaaR3GiWK7Op78C3iLGS3zulrwlEwbVoZpR7pmBhMMxhyDTruuBonQKs0dyZQx7tF%2F%2FMyMCv9Wvl%2Br4N955VoiE9WEnER29ERHiuCmggkWbrTYpuwQSQDw2S1pAmm7r95hkqVBRNs4DU%2BTPIHzfGJOND2kY2Nupeep0vDguFo6JT7TqiOPz%2B6uOrv3a9O%2BDBKYqRF%2FY5Fn5RvyuAOw13MsHeyykIq%2BWyhQrpZua%2Bcn3yrczHdELOUkw1HlYsMtezBLtUrWykHA0YHAUscNFx1TdxkSYzh%2FHTskjiyLmBdzhJSWqxutpTD74Dtt28pdmWTnnmvcglSBno3Ms1ID5kQ2V5zd0AUfmh5uoRfRcPC%2FWaz9LR0vNCdZEj7Jrcc5BTBoWnokql6Lu8n3kAVCdixrvpdoBlOVNaw0NuBJCjkZDXjnOyuSiB3vNQRVhD6PRZLZaGdPbeuhElLxFjbrpEDQ0PV8hoPT%2BGy2Irm92k3On%2FDooYfDzXnfEg6EceGAaByy5lbnrW2li8fcqIBq7anE7WAJvDo3eoWI25%2Bll4TRucA%2FB%2BRXjAwDSSU4gcnnL0%2BBIuSY5u5uYoIs4GfSlFnGynV78AZpffQ5tPKe3HYXpuzPvsN6%2BqcQAGpNnrRk7%2F8oyoSoGxBs%2FJSAQmzCBiszTBjqYAfQYskfh7G0s86KrXIMip9U5%2BZZVvti9V3WksMp3COT4PSxOzcZslu%2FarOiQdMC7pz0LiATuRkF%2FuFn4yu3RnP1tMerL9xPKetl2dCpldeFxBdU7UtceUaN%2FpTj8CFnbvV4nka%2B9hSDD2OAHORq%2BhhWr7CWdhsvV6wSY0eWMK1bRcfX7cH%2BSRGUALqUfpW59nhNb54twmsox&X-Amz-Signature=ad581a764d554696862e06eec47122052c4d0f6ac9b86616de92cb58f0c6d675&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22PREVIOUS_EXPERIENCE_AND_CURRENT_COMMITMENTS.docx%22&x-id=GetObject…