54-TJK-04-PR39988, state route shoulder and median mowing including vegetation trimming and litter/debris removal

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is soliciting bids under RFP 54-TJK-04-PR39988 for state route shoulder and median mowing, vegetation trimming, and litter and debris removal in Halifax County, Division 4, with written questions due November 5, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. and bids opening November 18, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. Eligibility is restricted to pre-qualified contractors: every bidder must be pre-qualified as either a "Bidder" or "Purchase Order Contract Prime Contractor" for NCDOT Work Code 016607 (Mowing), with approval required at least two business days before bid opening.

The work covers approximately 811 road miles across interstates, primary divided and undivided routes, and secondary paved and unpaved roads. The contractor must perform four mowing cycles annually (two routine, two cleanup), two trimming cycles, and litter removal on designated routes. Minimum equipment includes six 60"–90" mowers for two-lane operations, plus flex wing, long-arm, and zero-turn mowers as needed, each displaying the company name, identification number, and telephone number. Safety vests must meet ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Class 2. Work is restricted to daylight hours and excludes Sundays, legal holidays, holiday weekends, and unusually heavy traffic periods. A May 1–31 mowing moratorium applies annually under SL 2025-47 (SB 391) unless the Engineer directs otherwise.

The contract runs from March 1, 2027 through February 29, 2028, and NCDOT may extend it for up to four additional one-year terms. Unit prices adjust annually using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for the Services category. Fuel prices adjust against a diesel fuel index with a base price of $5.0299 per gallon. Payment is monthly for quantities completed and accepted, with invoices due within 30 days of completion. Contractors select either a Performance and Payment Bond at 100% of the contract amount or a Retainage Fee option withholding 6% from invoices. Liquidated damages include $500 per day for missed intermediate completion times, $250 per tractor per day for insufficient equipment, and $500 per incident for using prohibited mower types.