Cleaning and Care of Interstate Rest Area-Ward, SD

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is soliciting proposals for maintenance and care of the Ward Road Interstate rest area on Interstate 29 at milepost 121.8, with proposals due September 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. CDT and an anticipated award decision on October 12, 2026.

The scope encompasses comprehensive cleaning, maintenance, and repair of the facility and grounds, including restroom and building cleaning, plumbing and electrical repairs, kiosk and video surveillance system maintenance, annual deep cleaning, grounds maintenance, lawn care, sidewalk maintenance, snow and ice removal, and litter management. During peak season (May 17–September 19), the contractor must maintain a minimum six-hour daily presence with specific morning and afternoon hour requirements; during off-peak periods, the building must be cleaned by 10:00 a.m. with afternoon checks as needed. The Caretakers Manual establishes detailed daily, weekly, monthly, and semi-annual performance standards and inspection schedules, with restroom maintenance as the highest priority (9:00 a.m. completion during peak season, 8:00 a.m. for lobby areas). The contractor must provide all necessary equipment, supplies, and labor; the Department assumes responsibility for major repairs, utilities, and bulk supplies.

The contract term is two years, commencing November 1, 2026 and concluding October 31, 2028, with no renewal options. The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage of $1,000,000 commercial general liability, $1,000,000 professional liability, and $1,000,000 business automobile liability. Liquidated damages of $200 per occurrence and up to $1,200 per week may be assessed for unsatisfactory maintenance ratings.

Proposals must include an executive summary, detailed response to all RFP requirements, company qualifications with references from at least three similar projects, and a separate cost proposal. Site visits are encouraged and must be completed by September 14, 2026. Inquiries are due September 14, 2026 and should be emailed to Lexi Lassle at lexi.lassle@state.sd.us with subject line "RFP #26RFP19923." The State reserves the right to reject any proposals, conduct oral presentations at the offeror's expense, and negotiate terms with the highest-ranked offeror.