54-TJK-11-PR39598, state route shoulder and median mowing

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is requesting proposals for state route shoulder and median mowing services in Wilkes County, Division 11, with proposals due November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pre-qualification is mandatory for all prime contractors and subcontractors. There is no MBE/WBE goal for this project.

The scope encompasses mowing operations on Interstate, Primary Divided, Primary Undivided, Secondary Divided Paved, and Secondary Unpaved routes throughout Wilkes County, with specific cycle requirements ranging from two to four mowing cycles per system. Vegetation must be cut to four inches in height using rear and side flail mowers only; batwing mowers are restricted on undivided routes. Mowing operations are restricted to daylight hours and prohibited during May 1–31 annually and specified holiday periods. Contractors must provide minimum equipment including four 60"–90" mowers, one 60"–72" zero-turn mower, service vehicles, and supervisor personnel. Certified work zone supervisors are required. The contract requires NCDOT Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures (2024 edition) compliance and maintenance of liability insurance.

Work is available beginning March 15, 2027 and runs through December 31, 2027. The contract may be extended at NCDOT's discretion for up to four additional one-year terms (five total terms maximum), with unit prices adjusted annually using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for the Services category. Payment is calculated based on actual shoulder miles mown at contract unit prices, with a fuel price adjustment mechanism using a base diesel price of $5.0299 per gallon. Contractors must elect either 100% Performance and Payment Bonds or accept a 6% retainage fee as a performance guarantee. Liquidated damages apply for non-compliance with mowing schedules, equipment requirements, traffic control standards, and other contract specifications.

Questions are due October 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with responses provided through an addendum. A pre-bid meeting is not identified in the solicitation materials.