Citywide Vehicle Cleaning, Detailing, and Decontamination Services

The City of Charlotte, North Carolina, has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) #269-2026-007 for Citywide Vehicle Cleaning, Detailing, and Decontamination Services, seeking one or more qualified companies to provide comprehensive cleaning services for its municipal fleet of vehicles and construction-type equipment. The services will encompass multiple vehicle categories including light duty, medium duty, and heavy trucks, with cleaning options performed either off-site at the contractor's facilities or on-site at City property. Anticipated annual service volumes include approximately 6,500 exterior washes, 5,500 exterior and interior cleanings, 100 detailing services, and 110 decontamination services. The contract term is initially three years, with an option to renew for an additional two consecutive years, commencing on January 1, 2026. Key evaluation criteria will include vendor qualifications, project approach, cost-effectiveness, and Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) participation efforts. The non-mandatory virtual pre-proposal conference is scheduled for August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EDT, with proposal submissions due by September 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT through the City's Bonfire Procurement Portal.

The City has established a strong focus on inclusive procurement, with a commitment to Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) participation, though no specific set-aside percentage is mandated. The RFP includes a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) form with a 0.0% goal, indicating no specific set-aside for DBE firms while encouraging race-neutral participation methods. Vendors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including automobile liability, commercial general liability, workers' compensation, and crime coverage. Environmental sustainability is a key consideration, with vendors required to complete an Environmental Purchasing Questionnaire addressing criteria such as recycled content, energy efficiency, water conservation, and pollution prevention. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the services and the size of Charlotte's municipal fleet suggest a potentially significant contract value. Prospective bidders must also complete various certifications, including forms related to debarment, anti-lobbying, and non-discrimination, demonstrating the City's rigorous vendor qualification process.