RFP_-26-15882-MB.pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 26-15882-MB
- Issued by
- Osceola County, Florida
About this file
This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by Osceola County, Florida for comprehensive mowing and landscape maintenance services at the Sheriff's Training Facility located at 3700 Arthur J. Gallagher Boulevard, St. Cloud, Florida. The scope of work encompasses full-service landscape maintenance on 100 acres of property, including 85 acres available for mowing, with services such as mowing, string trimming, edging, blowing, weeding, litter removal, and plant care. The solicitation was advertised on May 17 and May 21, 2026, with a mandatory non-mandatory site visit scheduled for June 4, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted in writing by June 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Sealed proposals are due on June 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. to the Osceola County Procurement Services Office. The successful contractor will be awarded an initial three-year term with the opportunity for one or two additional one-year renewal periods, not to exceed five years total. The evaluation and selection process is anticipated to occur by July 30, 2026, with Board of County Commissioners approval targeted for August 31, 2026.
Pricing is submitted on Attachment F as a separate sealed envelope using a fixed per-cycle cost model that includes all labor, equipment, tools, and debris removal expenses. The price proposal component carries 15 evaluation points with the lowest price receiving maximum points. Minimum required equipment includes one 100-horsepower tractor with 15-foot Batwing deck, one commercial zero-turn mower with 48-inch minimum deck, two commercial string trimmers, two commercial edgers, and one commercial backpack blower, with proof of equipment ownership required at proposal submission. No performance or payment bond is required. The contractor must maintain current liability and workers' compensation insurance, a Local Business Tax Receipt, and comply with E-Verify employment verification requirements. Work is scheduled biweekly during peak season (summer) and monthly during off-peak season (winter), with services performed between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The evaluation committee will assess proposals based on firm qualifications and experience (30 points), similar projects and references (25 points), project approach (30 points), and price (15 points). No incumbent contractor information or specific funding amount has been disclosed.
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RFP-26-15882-MB Due Date & Time: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM Local Time
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741 Phone: (407) 742-0900 Fax: (407) 742-0901
Title : Mowing and Landscaping for the Sheriff’s Training Facility
Page 1 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
To: All Prospective Proposers From: Melissa Baumwell, Procurement Analyst III, CPPB Subject: Solicitation Number: RFP-26-15582-MB Date: May 17, 2026
Dear Potential Proposer:
Osceola County Government, an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, does hereby announce that it is accepting written proposals from all qualified firms or individuals interested in providing the services generally described herein and as specified in the “Scope of Services” of this Request for Proposals (RFP) document. The successful proposer(s) must demonstrate by his/hers qualifications, experience, availability, approach and work plan that he/she will best serve the overall needs of Osceola County.
If you are interested in preparing a response to this RFP, please read requirements carefully and complete the proposal in the manner as set forth in this RFP document. Your response is considered a binding offer to perform in the manner described in the proposal response and shall remain a firm offer for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days from public opening. Also please be aware that, under the competitive proposal process, the stipulations set forth herein are fully binding on the proposer to the extent that you confirm acceptance by your signature on Attachment “F”.
There will be a NON-MANDATORY site visit held as the Sheriff’s Training Facility located at 3700 Arthur J. Gallagher Blvd. St. Cloud Florida 34771 on June 4, 2026, from 8:00-10:30. During this time, vendors will have the opportunity to inspect the location. An inspector from the Mowing Department will be onsite but will be unable to answer any questions. Any and all questions regarding this solicitation must be received in writing at the address above no later than June 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM, Local Time. Responses to those questions considered material to the solicitation shall be distributed via formal addenda and posted to the Osceola County VendorLink site; https://vendorlink.osceola.org. You may also access VendorLink by using the link located on the Procurement Services section page of www.osceola.org.
All proposers are advised that under chapter 119, Florida Statutes, all responses are deemed a public record and open to the public as provided for in said statute.
Osceola County welcomes your response to this RFP document. Proposals should be prepared in accordance with the RFP instructions and will be evaluated by Osceola County as stated in the evaluation section of this document. Osceola County reserves the right to waive any formalities, to reject any or all proposals or to re-advertise for proposals for these services. Osceola County may withdraw all or part of this RFP at any time to protect the interests of the County. All proposers are asked to be thorough yet concise in their response. Failure to provide the response in the manner prescribed herein may be grounds for disqualification.
Thank you for your interest in doing business with Osceola County.
Procurement Services Office
Request for Proposals Osceola County Board of County Commissioners
Procurement Services Office 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401 Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Phone (407) 742-0900 Fax (407) 742-0901 https://vendorlink.osceola.org/ http://www.osceola.org/
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 2 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE PAGE NO.
I Overview of Project 3 II Scope of Services and Technical Requirements 6 III General Instructions 10 IV Proposal Schedule 13 V Proposal Response, Criteria, and Evaluation Point Values 13
VI
VII
Evaluation Process General Terms and Conditions
ATTACHMENT TITLE PAGE NO.
A Statement of “No Proposal Submittal” 25 B Insurance Requirements 26 C Public Entity Crimes Statement 28 D Conflict of Interest Statement 30 E Drug-Free Workplace Certification 31 F Price Proposal and Acceptance of Proposal Terms and Conditions 32 G Proposed Schedule of Subcontractor Participation 34 H Addendum Acknowledgment 35 I Articles of Incorporation / Corporate Documents 36 J Reserved 37 K IRS W-9 Form 38 L Contractor Certification Scrutinized Companies 39 M Solicitation Response Identification Label 40
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 3 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
Section I. Overview of Project.
A. Intent.
1. It is the intent of this solicitation to engage a qualified vendor to perform full service comprehensive mowing and landscape maintenance services for the Osceola County Sheriff’s Training Facility. The fixed cost per cycle shall cover all expenses incurred by the successful bidder for providing all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, and landfill fees associated with debris removal, etc. The services described shall be performed by a landscape management contractor (herein referred to as contractor) on a regularly scheduled basis as outlined. There shall be no deviation from the management specifications without prior approval from the County’s Project Manager.
B. Background.
1. Osceola County, Florida was created in 1887. Osceola County is a 1,506 square mile area that serves as the south/central boundary of the Central Florida Region and the Greater Metropolitan Area. The City of Kissimmee, the County Seat, is 18 miles due south of Orlando. Osceola’s other incorporated City, Saint Cloud, is 9 miles east of Kissimmee, and approximately 45 miles west of the City of Melbourne on the Atlantic Coast.
2. An urban and urbanizing area in the northwest quadrant of the County dominates Osceola County’s geography. This area is adjoining to Polk and Orange County and includes most of Osceola’s population. It includes the incorporated areas of Kissimmee and Saint Cloud, the unincorporated communities of Poinciana and Buenaventura Lakes, and incorporated subdivisions ranging from Narcoossee in the northeast to Campbell City and Intercession City in the southwest to Deer Run and the Saint Cloud Manor areas in the south.
C. Term of Agreement.
It is anticipated an Agreement will be awarded for a/an initial three (3) year term to begin upon approval and execution by the County; with the opportunity for additional one (1) or two (2) year renewal periods when in the best interest of the County.
Total contract length, including all renewals should not exceed five (5) years. The decision to renew or extend the contract shall be at the discretion of the County. The successful proposer(s) shall be required to review the mowing and landscape maintenances services with the County on a semi-annual basis.
D. Minimum Requirements.
Due to the size and scope of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Training Facility Contract, Osceola County will require a minimum of the following equipment. Equipment must be inspected prior to awarding the bid.
a. One (1) 100 hp Tractor with 15 fir Batwing Deck.
b. One (1) Commercial Zero Turn Mower with a minimum deck size area of 48 inches.
c. Two (2) Commercial type string trimmers (Weed Eaters).
d. Two (2) Commercial type edgers.
e. One (1) Commercial Backpack blower.
The proposer shall provide proof of the above minimum qualification by furnishing copies of letters, certificates, etcetera (as applicable); which clearly document said qualifications. Failure to provide said documentation with your proposal shall be grounds for deeming your proposal unresponsive and removing it from further consideration. This is a non-negotiable item.
E. RFP and/or Performance and Payment Bond.
An RFP/Performance and Payment Bond is not required for this project.
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 4 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
Section II. Scope of Services and Technical Requirements.
A. Scope of Services.
1. This is a full-service maintenance bid based on a fixed per cycle cost. The fixed per cycle cost shall cover all expenses incurred by successful bidder for providing all supervision, labor, equipment, tools and landfill fees associated with debris removal, etc. to perform comprehensive mowing and landscape maintenance as specified herein. The services described shall be performed by a landscape management contractor (herein referred to as contractor) on a regularly scheduled basis as outlined. There shall be no deviation from the management specifications without prior approval from the County’s Project Manager.
Maintenance Areas
2. Sheriff’s Training Facility: 3700 Arthur J. Gallagher Blvd. St. Cloud Florida 34771.
a. The facility is 100 acres total with four ponds leaving 85 acres for mowing. The terrain consists of large open fields and steep slopes around the ponds. These areas may be mowed with large tractors.
b. All other areas such as the fenced K9 training area, entrance area outside the gate, areas around buildings and the shooting ranges and the shooting range berms will require finish cut mowing with zero turn mowers.
c. The Training Classroom Building will require detailed landscaping services and mulch installation.
General
3. Mowing Supervisor and Quality Control Inspector: The Contractor shall provide individuals who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The names of the employees who shall act for the Contractor when they are unavailable shall be designated in writing to the Procurement Services Representative. The Supervisor and or the Quality Control Inspector will be responsible for notifying the County when work begins and ends during a cycle. The Quality Control Inspector will be responsible for ensuring that all services are performed properly and meet specifications prior to leaving the job site. The Quality Control Inspector will notify the County when it is completed and request an inspection of the work performed. The Quality Control Inspector must submit a signed checklist documenting that all services have been completed and are ready for County Inspection. The County will provide a checklist for the contractor to make copies of and use. The County will inspect the area one time at no charge to verify completion of a cycle. If a second inspection is required, the County will assess a one hundred ($100) dollar fee to the Contractor. The one hundred ($100) dollar fee will be assessed for every re-inspection after the first inspection. The fee is assessed to offset the additional County labor costs and vehicle usage required for unnecessary inspections and the fee will be deducted from the final invoice.
4. Checklist: The contractor must submit a check list for each site to show that each required function (mowing, edging, etc.) was satisfactorily completed each visit or stating the reason completion was not possible. The checklist shall also list any potential problem areas and include comments or suggestions that may enhance the appearance of the site. The checklist must accompany the invoice and it shall be submitted bi-weekly or as services are completed.
5. Contractor’s Inspection: All areas shall be inspected for each cycle for completion. The County shall be notified of problems encountered and the corrective action to be taken. Any lawn area or plant which dies or becomes weak or unsightly due to negligence or improper maintenance procedures shall be replaced at the sole cost of the maintenance contractor.
6. Inspection and Unsatisfactory Work: The contractor shall notify the Project Manager prior to beginning work and shall routinely consult with the Project Manager for tentative approval of work quality being accomplished. When the work is completed and approved by the Contractors Quality Control Inspector, the contractor shall notify the Project Manager and request the final inspection. In the event of unsatisfactory work, the contractor shall perform whatever work is
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 5 of 40 Rev. 10.2025 necessary without additional compensation. Inspections will be performed weekly or as services are completed.
7. Authority: The Maintenance Supervisor or Quality Control Inspector shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all matters relating to daily operation of this scope of work.
8. Availability: The Maintenance Supervisor or Quality Control Inspector shall be available during normal business hours within two (2) hours to meet with the County Project Manager to discuss problem areas. At the discretion of the County we may request a weekly walk through to be performed Monday mornings to verify completion and acceptance of services performed.
9. Personnel: The personnel who perform these services shall be under the sole responsibility of the Landscape
Management Contractor. Personnel shall be supervised at all times. Personnel shall be competent, experienced, courteous, neatly dressed and skilled in lawn, plant and grounds maintenance.
10. Contractor Personnel Appearance: Contractor personnel shall present a neat appearance and be easily recognized. This may be accomplished by wearing distinctive clothing bearing the company name or by wearing appropriate badges that contain the company and employees name.
11. Vehicle Operator Licenses: The contractor shall ensure that all vehicle operators have a valid Florida Operators' License for the type of vehicle being driven prior to commencement of work.
12. Standards of Service: The standards of service provided by the contractor shall be equal to Osceola County standards and those normally expected of a competent firm engaged in full service landscape maintenance. It should be noted that the Sheriff’s Training Facility is a highly visible area of Osceola County to industry representatives, vendors and County staff. The standards of service provided by the contractor should result in grounds that reflect and enhance the high quality professional image of the surrounding areas.
13. Method of Operation: The contractor shall not commence performance of this scope of work until properly authorized by the County, in writing, to do so. After the initial notification, the contractor shall provide service in accordance with the approved work schedule.
a. The work specified in this bid represents the type of services to be accomplished. The areas and limits of work are all paved and non-paved sections of right-of-way, County property and easements. Any discrepancies or disagreements concerning quantities and limits of work shall be mutually resolved prior to beginning work in any area of question.
b. During the first cycle of service for all work areas, the contractor shall be responsible for bringing all areas specified in the contract up to maintenance standard. All work areas shall be considered by the County in an “as is” condition. No additional compensation will be given to the contractor for bringing the specified areas up to a maintainable level.
14. Damage to County Property: Care is to be taken at all times to prevent damage to facilities or structures on site, both public and private, including but not limited to, signage, lighting, benches, private and public fencing, sidewalks, curbing, culverts, inlet and outlet structures. Any existing damage is to be reported immediately to the Project Manager.
Damage attributed to the contractor or his/her agents due to wrongful or negligent acts will be repaired or deducted from payment due to the contractor.
15. Work Interruptions/Impediments: When work by County employees, by other contractors or weather conditions of a temporary nature prevent the Contractor from servicing any area, additional time will be permitted to complete the work. Grassed areas that are normally mowed which are saturated with standing water to the point where, in the opinion of the County, equipment may not be used without excessive damage to the turf, shall not be mowed when such conditions exist. These areas shall be mowed during subsequent service or when requested by the Project Manager.
16. Inability to Maintain: At no time are any areas to be left uncut or not maintained without the express written authorization of the Project Manager. The contractor is expected to notify the Project Manager when maintained areas
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 6 of 40 Rev. 10.2025 are blocked by debris of sufficient sizes as not to be considered normal trash.
17. Hours of Work: Work may be performed by the contractor between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday. No work is to be performed on County Holidays without advance written permission from the County. No work may be performed before sunrise or after sundown. The County may adjust the schedule of the landscape services to provide the best service to the Sheriff’s Training Facility with the least disruption to the operation.
18. Safety: The contractor shall exercise proper safety procedures which are in accordance with all state, local, and OSHA regulations or standards. Contractor shall provide and ensure the wearing of protective clothing, masks, eye protection, etc., as required by laws, regulations, ordinances and/or manufacturer instructions for materials and equipment. The contractor shall take all necessary precautions for the safety of his/her employees on the job and of the general public.
Maintenance work shall be scheduled to provide the least inconvenience to occupants of the buildings, residents and passers-by.
19. Equipment List: The contractor shall furnish equipment of a type and quantity to perform the work satisfactory within the time specified herein. If, in the opinion of the County, the contractor has insufficient equipment on the job to satisfactorily complete the work within the required time, the contractor shall provide additional equipment as directed by the County. The contractor shall provide a list of equipment to be used in the performance of this scope of work.
20. Equipment: All equipment used in the performance of the contract on County property shall be properly maintained in order to protect the operator and the public. All equipment used by the contractor is subject to inspection by the County’s representative. Any equipment deemed inoperable, unsafe or improper for desired use shall be removed from premises. The mowing equipment used by the contractor shall be maintained so as to produce a clean, sharp cut and uniform distribution of clippings at all times.
21. Required Equipment: Due to the size and scope of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Training Facility Contract, Osceola
County will require a minimum of the following equipment. Equipment must be inspected prior to awarding the bid.
a. One (1) 100 hp Tractor with 15 ft Batwing Deck.
b. One (1) Commercial Zero Turn Mower with a minimum deck size of 48 inches.
c. Two (2) Commercial type string trimmers (Weed Eaters).
d. Two (2) Commercial type edgers.
e. One (1) Commercial Backpack blower.
22. Bid Items and Items of Payment: The measurement of services completed and item(s) eligible for payment shall be made by specified work areas on a per cycle basis.
23. Weighted Values of Service: To facilitate service acceptance and to allow specific service additions/ deletions and/or nonpayment for inadequate service, services at each area have been assigned weighted values by Osceola County.
a. Mowing 60%
b. String Trimming, Edging, Blowing 25%
c. Weed Removal 5%
d. Litter Removal 5%
e. Plant Care 5%
TOTAL: 100%
24. Additional Services: In addition to the basic bid requirements, additional landscape work may be needed from time to time. Any costs associated with additional work required, beyond the scope of the bid specifications, shall be negotiated separately through the Mowing & Landscaping Services Department.
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 7 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
25. Cycle Timing: Contractor shall complete one cutting cycle within the same week it is started (completion by Sunday at 6:00 p.m.)
26. Work Cycle: Work shall be done on a bi-weekly basis in the peak season (summer) and monthly in the off-peak season
(winter).
27. Right of Way: Contractor shall determine limits prior to beginning any work. See attached plans for property boundaries.
Landscape Maintenance Specifications
28. Mowing: All grass shall be cut to a defined uniform height. Areas that cannot be mowed due to slope and contour shall be maintained by use of string trimmers. Vendor shall make every effort not to cause “scalping” while mowing in any area. Every effort should be made to mow in such a direction so that grass trimmings are thrown away from vehicle traffic, parked vehicles and sidewalks. All areas, which are inaccessible to mowing machinery, will be trimmed in conjunction with the mowing schedule.
29. Mowing Height: All grass shall be cut to a height of four (4) inches with a maximum tolerance of ½ inch plus or minus, except as otherwise indicated. Mower blades will be kept sharp at all times to prevent tearing of grass blades.
30. Mowing Uniformity: Mowing areas of different widths shall be connected with smooth, flowing curve transitions. All cuttings shall be performed in such a manner to result in a stand of mowed grass or vegetation cut uniformly at a nominal four-inch (4”) height with no streaks. The accumulation or piling of cuttings will not be permitted.
31. Established Mowing Contours: Where landscaping has been established or natural landscaping has been preserved, mowing shall conform to the established mowing contours.
32. Mowing Quality: All cuttings shall be performed in such a manner as to cut uniformly to the specifications listed in Paragraphs E.29 through E.34 in order to produce a strand of mowed grass or vegetation cut uniformly to the specified height with no streaks or scalping. In the event the contractor damages the turf, curbs or pavement, the contractor will be responsible for restoring the damaged area to its original condition and/or replacement thereof. This also includes sign structures, mailboxes, appurtenances, etc. All appurtenances will be hand mowed or trimmed around by the contractor as necessary to present a groomed appearance. Appurtenances shall include but not be limited to signposts and bases, delineator posts, fences, guardrail or barrier walls, pipes, drainage structures, poles, retention pond control structures, etc.
33. Mowing of Ponds: Ponds must be mowed and or string trimmed to the water’s edge each cycle. Trash that has collected at the water’s edge must be removed with long reach litter grabbers.
34. Shooting Range Berm Mowing: Shooting range berms will be mowed when requested by the Project Manager but will not be mowed more than 6 times per year. Berm mowing is paid as a separate item in the bid tab.
35. Litter/Debris Removal: It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to remove any items such as bags of trash, newspapers, magazines, food containers, boxes, sheets of paper, etc. which will be torn, ripped, scattered or further subdivided by the mowers, which will give the property an objectionable appearance. The cost of litter/debris removal and disposal shall be included in the per cycle scope of work cost.
36. Removal of All Clippings and Cuttings: Upon completion of the mowing, the contractor shall remove all grass clippings that are not uniformly distributed and detract from the appearance of the mowing operation from the job site. In addition, all cuttings from hedges, shrubbery and trees shall be removed from job site. Property shall have a neat and clean appearance after completion of the mowing. The contractor shall remove and dispose of clippings and cuttings from the pavement, fence lines, sidewalks, curb and curb inlets located within the limits of the project. The clipping and cutting removal shall be performed in conjunction with the mowing service. Debris shall not be blown into drains or storm drain inlets. The cost of removal and disposal of clippings and cuttings shall be included in the per cycle contract cost. All clippings shall be kept out of ornamental beds, waterways and off of all paved areas, courts, sidewalks, etc. No
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 8 of 40 Rev. 10.2025 grass clippings are to be blown into the storm drains or gutters per Osceola County Ordinance #08-28.
37. Power Blower: Contractor shall blow off all paved or concrete areas including, parking lots, sidewalks, curbing and entrance areas after completing mowing and edging. All storm drains/grates shall be cleared of debris. When completed, the above-specified areas shall be totally free of debris.
38. Pruning of Tree & Shrubs: All pruning shall require the removal of branches and twigs that may interfere with the safe passage of pedestrians along the walkway. All pruning shall remove the branch or twig back to the next largest branch.
The second purpose of pruning shall be to improve trunk and branch structure. Suckers or shoots shall be removed to maintain the main trunk or multiple trunks of the tree. No attempt shall be made to manicure or shear the tree into an unnatural form for that particular species.
a. All specified trees shall be pruned back by the contractor from the edges of roads, driveways, fences and sidewalks and ensure the safety of citizens and the protection of property. The contractor shall prune all specified trees to encourage a healthy natural growth pattern for each specific variety. All pruning shall encourage the development of eventual and future branching structure. All pruning shall be done according to accepted industry practices and standards. Pruning shall be accomplished to keep trees clear of all vehicular doors and windows. Any low hanging limbs or branches that pose a threat to the public shall be pruned and removed by the contractor. Pruning shall also provide a neat and well-manicured appearance.
b. Prune all trees to maintain the desired uniform appearance by thinning or tipping. No topping shall be performed. All tree branches are to be trimmed to a height to allow adequate clearance for mowers, pedestrians, etc., but are encouraged to hang over walks with adequate clearance for pedestrians. Trees that are determined to be a sight issue are to be trimmed immediately once the contractor is notified. Contractor shall not use County dumpsters to dispose of trimmings. Trees shall be trimmed up to a height of 10 foot over roadways and sidewalks and 8 foot over grassed areas.
c. Trimming of the Fakahatchee Grass is a separate pay item in the bid tab and will be performed once per year when requested.
39. Maintenance of Planting Beds: Maintenance of planting beds encompasses maintaining newly planted landscape.
Maintenance includes litter removal, weeding, pruning and trimming of plant life in the planting beds. The contractor shall inspect all planting beds within the designated boundaries each week.
40. Plant Bed Method of Operation: All mulched beds shall be free of weeds, litter, and have plant growth removed to always maintain the landscape in an attractive condition.
a. The contractor shall prune all plants from the edges of the roads, driveways, parking spaces, fences and sidewalks to ensure the safety of citizens and the protection of the property. Prune all plants to encourage a healthy natural growth pattern and to develop the eventual and future branching structure for each specific variety. All pruning shall be done according to accepted industry practices and standards. Pruning shall provide a neat and well-maintained appearance and shall create a natural form for each particular plant or plant mass. Plants shall not be sheared or trimmed into unnatural shapes or forms unless directed by the Project Manager.
41. Planting Bed Quality: Planting beds shall be maintained to provide a neatly groomed and healthy appearance in accordance with the specifications. Plants, grass and trees damaged by the contractor will be replaced by the contractor at his/her expense. Replacements will be the same size and type of those damaged unless otherwise ordered by the Project Manager. If at any time the work is deemed unsatisfactory to the Project Manager the contractor shall perform the services again at no additional cost to the County.
42. Plant Replacement: Plants that have died, been destroyed or damaged will require replacement from time to time. The replacement of plants will be coordinated between the contractor and the County’s Project Manager. No plants are to be replaced or purchased without the approval of the County’s Project Manager. Replacement plants will be purchased through vendors designated by the County. The cost of replacement plants is outside the scope of this bid and will be
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 9 of 40 Rev. 10.2025 paid for by the County, not by the contractor. The plant installation will be paid as a separate item in the bid tab.
43. Weeding of Planting Beds: Weeding of planting beds encompasses the removal of all weeds and growth by the contractor in all planting beds. Weeding shall be performed chemically and manually each cycle to maintain a weed free plant bed. The cost of weeding the beds each cycle shall be included in the scope of services cost. Weeding shall be an “ongoing” service and performed biweekly and whenever weeds are present.
44. Edging: Edging encompasses the removal of all weeds, sand, vegetation, debris and plant material by the contractor from all edges including but not limited to sidewalks, paved approaches, drainage structures and curbs to maintain these areas in an attractive and manicured condition. Edging encompasses the removal of growth mechanically and manually.
Note: Areas specified for edging shall not be treated with herbicide. Edging shall be performed each cycle.
a. The edging of sidewalks, paved approaches, and curbs shall create a distinct void, approximately one half (1/2) inch horizontally between the structure and the turf. String trimmers shall not be used for edging. Edging also includes the removal of all sand and debris from the areas designated to be edged.
b. Upon completion of edging by the contractor, no growth, sand or debris shall touch any of the structures designated for edging. All sand and debris shall be removed by the contractor from the areas designated for edging. The cost of edging and removal and disposal of debris shall be included in the bid cost.
c. All plant beds and trees (soft edges) shall be edged every mowing cycle. Roundup shall not be used to ring tree beds.
45. Edging Quality: Plant growth, sand and debris shall be removed from all specified areas to provide a neatly groomed and manicured appearance in accordance with the specifications. If at any time the County’s representative deems the work unsatisfactory, the services will be performed again at no additional cost to the County.
46. Mulching: Mulching encompasses placing mulch in areas covered by this bid, up to twice per year or as needed. New mulch shall be placed to maintain a minimum depth of three (3) inches but shall not exceed four (4) inches in depth.
Mulching may be done twice per year. The areas to be mulched will be determined by the Project Manager. The purchase and delivery will be the responsibility of the Contractor. All mulch beds shall be turned over for a fresh appearance as needed. Mulch shall be replaced with the same existing type mulch. Mulched delivery and installation will be a separate pay item in the bid tab.
a. Mulch shall be placed by hand or blown in with a loose consistency and shall not be matted or compacted. Mulch shall be placed in a manner as to provide a neatly groomed appearance in accordance with industry standards. No grass or plant cuttings are to be left in mulched areas. If at any time the mulch is disturbed, subdivided, or damaged by the contractor, the mulch will be immediately replaced.
Herbicide Applications for Crack Weeds
47. Herbicide Treatment: Herbicide treatment encompasses the treatment, weed control and removal of all grass, seeds, vegetation and plant material growing in, along and around concrete medians, roadways, fences, curb inlets, inlet throats, gutters, asphalt paved areas, ramps, divider walls, guardrails, bridge embankments and bridge supports with an approved herbicide to maintain an attractive and manicured condition. The herbicide treatment shall also include the treatment of all expansion joints and cracks located on sidewalks, curbs, concrete medians and paved approaches.
a. The County’s Project Manager will determine areas approved for herbicide treatment. All herbicides used shall be Round Up or equivalent, applied in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The cost of the application of herbicide to these areas shall be included in the per cycle bid cost.
b. Asphalt areas including roadways and parking areas will need to be sprayed each cycle to keep grass from encroaching onto the pavement.
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 10 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
c. Fence lines may be sprayed with herbicide to remove grass and weeds however the spray pattern shall be no greater than 6 inches on either side of the fence.
d. Upon completion of herbicide treatment by the Contractor, no growth shall remain on any of the areas designated to be treated.
e. Upon completion of the herbicide treatment, fences and divider walls shall be hand trimmed by the contractor to remove all dead vegetation. All vegetation shall be removed and disposed of by the contractor. Upon completion of the trimming, no growth shall touch any part of the fences and divider walls. All dead vegetation shall be removed from all other areas sprayed, including sidewalk expansion joints, curbs, gutters, concrete medians and inlet throats, etc. The cost of the removal and disposal of all vegetation shall be included in the per cycle bid cost.
48. Herbicide Limitation of Operation: The contractor shall abide by all rules, laws, ordinances and statutes of the State and County having jurisdiction pertaining to the handling, storage and application of herbicides. The contractor at his/her expense will replace plants, grass and trees damaged by the improper use of herbicides. Replacements will be the same size and type of those damaged.
49. Herbicide Quality: If at any time the herbicide treatment is not in accordance with the specifications, the services will be performed again at no additional cost to the County.
50. Billing: Invoices submitted for payment shall contain the company name, agreement title/description, purchase order number, cycle number, beginning and ending dates and cycle cost itemized for each service provided. The Inspection checklist must accompany the invoice and shall be submitted weekly or as services are completed. All invoices must be received within 30 days of the end of the cycle. All invoices are to be submitted to the Mowing Services Department, 3850 Old Canoe Creek Road St. Cloud FL 34769 Building M.
Section III. General Instructions for Proposal Preparation and Delivery.
A. Requesting the Solicitation Document.
The RFP documents are available on-line at no charge via the Osceola County VendorLink site: https://vendorlink.osceola.org.
Register as a vendor to download the solicitation documents. You may also download the solicitation documents via the link located on the Procurement Services section page of www.osceola.org. Osceola County is not responsible for errors and omissions occurring in the transmission or downloading of any documents from these websites. In the event of any discrepancy between information on these websites and the hardcopy specifications, the terms of the hardcopy specifications shall prevail. For more information call the Procurement Services Office at (407) 742-0900. Important: The desire of Osceola County to pursue proposals shall in no way obligate the County to compensate you for your efforts or to execute a contract with your firm.
B. On-Line Service Provider Disclaimer.
VendorLink has no affiliation with Osceola County other than as a service that facilitates communication between the County and its vendors. VendorLink is an independent entity and is not an agent or representative of the County. Communications to VendorLink do not constitute communications to the County.
C. Solicitation Documents from Third Party Providers.
The Osceola County Procurement Services Office and its service provider VendorLink are the only authorized sources of solicitation documents/forms. Solicitation documents/forms obtained from any other third party source may contain an incomplete set of documents. Proposers using solicitation documents/forms obtained from any other third party source are advised to contact the Osceola County Procurement Services Office to provide a contact name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, and email address to obtain a complete set of solicitation documents and to enable notification of required addenda. Reproduction of these documents without the express permission of Osceola County is prohibited.
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 11 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
D. Pre-Proposal Conference.
There will be no pre-proposal conference for this project.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is imperative that all proposers have a clear understanding of the scope of services requirements. As such, the County reserves the right to schedule a pre-proposal conference. Therefore, in the event a mandatory pre-proposal conference is required and/or subsequently scheduled, attendance will be a pre-requisite for submitting a proposal; and proposals will only be accepted from those who are represented at a mandatory pre-proposal conference. Attendance at the pre-proposal conference will be evidenced by the proposer’s/representative’s signature on the attendance roster. In the event of a mandatory pre-proposal conference, the time, date, and location of the meeting will be noted in the released Addendum notifying such requirement. Please plan your travel time accordingly.
E. Interpretation and Questions.
All questions relating to this RFP document must be in writing and hand-delivered or delivered electronically through email or fax to the designated Procurement Services Office Representative no later than June 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM Local Time. Any interpretations, clarifications, or changes will be made in the form of written addenda issued by the Procurement Services Office Representative. Any oral communications will not be authoritative and will not be binding on the County. It is the sole responsibility of the proposer to contact the Procurement Services Office prior to submitting a proposal to ascertain if any addenda have been issued, to obtain all such addenda, and to return executed addenda with each proposal. Addenda will be available to all proposers on the Osceola County VendorLink site: https://vendorlink.osceola.org and via the link located on the Procurement Services section page at www.osceola.org.
F. Preparation and Format.
Proposals should be prepared in a clear and concise manner to meet the requirements of the RFP. Emphasis should concentrate on conformance to the RFP instructions, responsiveness to the requirements, as well as completeness and clarity of content.
G. Page Limitation.
Proposal packages shall be limited to not more than 30 PAGES, printed on a single side of paper, with a font no less than twelve (12) point.
Note: Required attachments will not be counted in the 30-page limitation.
H. Completeness.
Proposals shall contain the information as required in this solicitation. Failure to submit all information as requested may result in a lowered evaluation score of the proposal. Proposals that are substantially incomplete or lack key information may be rejected by the County. The following list details the appropriate proposal format:
1. Selection dividers with tabs labeled. Tab “A” through Tab “E”, to identify each required criteria in Section V;
2. All attachments shall be placed under the appropriate tab for that sub-section.
3. Currently valid Certificates of Insurance; and Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly known as Occupational License) shall be placed under Tab “A” of your proposal.
I. Corporate Standing and Authorized Signatory.
The bidder or proposer must demonstrate that the company is in good standing and that the person signing this bid or proposal is authorized on behalf of the bidder or proposer to sign bids, proposals, negotiate and/or sign contracts, agreements, amendments and related documents to which the bidder/proposer will be duly bound. The bidder/proposer must provide a copy of the State Certificate of Good Standing/Articles of Incorporation listing the officers of the company. In addition to the aforementioned documents the Bidder/Proposer must include necessary information to verify the individual signing this proposal/bid and or any contract document has been authorized to bind the corporation. Examples include:
1. A copy of your Articles of Incorporation listing the approved signatories of the corporation
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 12 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
2. A copy of a resolution listing the members of staff as authorized signatories for the company.
3. A letter from a corporate officer listing the members of staff that are authorized signatories for the company.
J. Proposal Reproduction.
Please submit four (4) copies of the proposal package, one (1) unbound original and three (3) bound copies. The submittal MUST also include a single USB Flash Drive containing the entire submittal formatted to be read with Microsoft® software products or Adobe® PDF software.
K. Proposal Submittal and Delivery.
Sealed proposals must be received and date stamped in the Osceola County Procurement Services Office by the specified June 23, 2026, at 2:00 local time deadline. Proposals received after the stated date and time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened. No exceptions will be made. Proposals shall be submitted and delivered to the below address in a sealed, opaque envelope or packaging material, plainly marked on the outside with the following:
Osceola County Procurement Services Office 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401 Kissimmee, Florida 34741 RE: Solicitation RFP-26-15882-MB Solicitation Title: Mowing and Landscaping for the Sheriff’s Training Facility June 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM Local Time Attention: Melissa Baumwell
For your convenience, Attachment “M” has been provided to properly identify and affix to your RFP response.
L. Improper Identification and Timeliness.
The County is not responsible for the failure of a proposer or the proposer’s agent to submit responses in a timely manner or for a proposal that is not properly addressed or identified. Proposal delivery by electronic means, such as facsimile and e-mail, is not allowed.
M. Public Opening of Proposals.
Proposals will be announced publicly in the Procurement Services Office on the above appointed date and time or as soon thereafter as possible. Only the names of the respondents will be announced. All other information will be subject to Florida’s Open Government Laws to Public Contracting.
N. Withdrawal of Proposals.
Proposals may not be withdrawn for a period of one hundred eighty days (180) days after the public opening date.
O. Ownership of Documents.
All documents resulting from this RFP solicitation shall become the sole property of Osceola County.
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 13 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
Section IV. Proposal Schedule.
Tentative Schedule
Task Date
RFP Released to General Public May 17, 2026
Non Mandatory Site Visit June 4, 2026
Deadline for Questions by Interested Parties June 12, 2026
Proposal Due Date and Opening June 23, 2026
Evaluation and Selection July 30, 2026
Presentations, if required N/A
Board of County Commissioners or County Manager’s Approval of Contracts August 31, 2026
Section V. Proposal Response, Criteria, and Evaluation Point Values.
Evaluation Criteria
Category Points
A. Firm Qualifications and Experience 30
B. Similar Projects 25
C. Project Approach 30
D. Price Proposal / Fee Schedule (Attachment F) 15
E. Additional Information 0
Total Points 100
A. Firm Qualifications and Experience – Tab “A” (30 Points). [REVISE CRITERIA/POINTS AS APPLICABLE]
1. Letter of Transmittal. Provide a letter of transmittal, no longer than two (2) pages, signed by an authorized representative of the proposer, including a brief description of your firm’s location, organization structure, and philosophy. (This section is not included in the overall proposal 30 page count.)
2. Individuals and Qualifications. Identify and include qualifications of specific individuals to be assigned to the project (include names, contact information, and resumes) and specify which services the individuals will provide to Osceola County.
3. Sub-Contractors. Proposers must list any sub-contractors that shall be used to accomplish the scope of services on the Proposed Schedule of Subcontractor Participation Form (Attachment “G”). If no subcontractors are going to be used, check the box for Subcontractors will not be utilized for this project at the top of the form.
4. Litigation. Please list any past and/or pending litigation or disputes relating to the work described herein that your firm has been involved in within the last five (5) years. The list shall include each project name and the nature of the litigation.
Advertised Date: Sunday May 17, 2026 and Thursday May 21, 2026
Procurement Analyst: Melissa Baumwell Email: Melissa.baumwell@osceola.org
Respond to: 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 3401, Kissimmee, Florida 34741
Page 14 of 40 Rev. 10.2025
5. Financial Information. Provide an official letter from the proposer’s financial institution detailing the financial status of the proposer. The letter shall include a contact name, address, phone number, and fax number. The failure to produce financial requirements may be grounds for disqualification of your offer.
6. Insurance Certificates. Provide copies of your current liability and workers’ compensation Certificates of Insurance. The successful offeror will be required to provide Certificate(s) of Insurance evidencing coverage as required in Attachment “B” within five (5) business days of the notification of intent to award. Note: Policies other than Workers’ Compensation shall be issued only by companies authorized to conduct business in the State of Florida, with active certificates of authority issued by the State of Florida, Department of Insurance.
7. Corporate Standing and Authorized Signatories. Proposers must provide a copy of the State Certificate of good standing listing the officers of the company. If the signatory is not one of the officers listed on the State Certificate, the bidder/proposer must complete the Articles of Incorporation / Corporate Documents Form (Attachment “I”) or provide one of the forms of evidence of Signatory Authority listed in Section III, I Corporate Standing and Authorized Signatories.
8. Public Entity Crimes. Proposers must complete the Public Entity Crimes Statement (Attachment “C”) and have it notarized.
9. Conflict of Interest. Proposers must provide disclosure of any potential conflict of interest due to any other clients, contracts, or property interests for this project only. Complete the Conflict of Interest Statement (Attachment “D”) and have it notarized certifying that no member of your firm ownership, management, or staff has a vested interest in any aspect of this solicitation or any department within the Osceola County Government.
10. Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License). Provide a copy of your Local Business Tax Receipt. Osceola County requires a Local Business Tax Receipt (formerly Occupational License) be held by all its contractors. Please contact the Tax Collector/Local Business Tax Receipt Office directly for information concerning this requirement at (407) 742- 4000.
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