54-TJK-13-PR39740, state route shoulder and median mowing including vegetation trimming and litter/debris removal

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is requesting proposals for state route shoulder and median mowing, vegetation trimming, and litter/debris removal services across Buncombe, Madison, and Yancey Counties (Division 13) under RFP 54-TJK-13-PR39740, with proposals due November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pre-qualification for mowing work (NCDOT Work Code 016607) and work zone traffic control (Work Code 001105) is mandatory; pre-qualification must be completed at least two business days before the letting date.

The scope covers approximately 2,090 road miles across interstate, primary, and secondary systems, including routine and cleanup mowing of shoulders and medians, vegetation trimming at stationary objects such as guardrails and signs, and litter/debris removal. The contractor must furnish all necessary equipment, labor, materials, and transportation. Pricing is submitted on a unit basis: mowing per shoulder mile, vegetation removal per linear foot or square foot, and litter/debris removal per shoulder mile. Monthly fuel price adjustments apply based on diesel prices.

The contract runs from March 1, 2027 through February 29, 2028, with potential extensions up to five total terms at NCDOT's sole discretion. For renewal terms, unit prices are adjusted annually per the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for Services. The statutory cap is $5 million per year under North Carolina General Statute 136-28.1(b). Contractors select one of two performance guarantee options: a 100% Performance Bond and 100% Payment Bond, or a 6% retainage fee withheld from invoices and refunded upon satisfactory completion. Liquidated damages apply for failure to meet intermediate completion times ($500 per day), equipment deficiencies ($250 per tractor per day), moratorium violations ($500 per day), and other infractions ($100–$500 per occurrence). Questions are due October 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. No pre-bid conference is scheduled; clarifications will be issued by addendum.