54-TJK-13-PR39748, 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 across Burke, McDowell, Mitchell, and Rutherford Counties (District 1), with bids due November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Mandatory pre-qualification is required for work codes 016607 (Mowing) and 001105 (Work Zone Traffic Control Devices), with approval needed at least two business days prior to bid opening.

The scope covers approximately 2,073 shoulder miles on secondary paved routes, 99 miles on secondary unpaved routes, 400 miles on primary undivided routes, 25 miles on primary divided routes, and 70 miles of Interstate/US 74. The contractor must provide a minimum of 18 mowers (60"–90" or 10'–15' flex wing) and 15 qualified string trimmer operators, along with work zone traffic control devices. Pricing will be determined by unit prices per shoulder mile for cleanup mowing and litter/debris removal, per linear foot for vegetation trimming along guardrail/guiderail, and per square foot for additional vegetation trimming.

The contract runs March 1, 2027 through February 29, 2028, with five potential one-year renewal options at NCDOT's discretion. A fuel price adjustment mechanism applies based on diesel fuel prices (base index $5.0299 per gallon as of October 1, 2026), and unit prices will be adjusted annually for renewals using the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for Services. The contractor must choose between 100% performance and payment bonds or a 6% retainage fee as performance guarantee. Liquidated damages range from $250 to $500 per day or incident for various violations. An annual mowing moratorium applies May 1–31 under SL 2025-47 (SB 391), during which no mowing or string trimming may occur unless directed by the Engineer. Written questions are due October 30, 2026. No site visits are mandatory and no pre-bid meeting is scheduled; questions will be addressed through addenda.