CMS Grounds Pine Straw Project

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (CMBE) is seeking bids for a comprehensive pine straw delivery and installation project across approximately 190 school and facility sites in four regional zones (North, South, East, and West). The procurement involves procuring and distributing 45,000 bales of long-leaf pine straw, with specific delivery requirements between July 21, 2025, and August 17, 2025. Bidders must provide machine-compressed bales measuring at least 14" x 14" x 28", capable of covering a minimum of 60 sq. ft. at a 2-inch depth, with pine straw that is fresh, dry, bright in color, and free from foreign objects. The contract will have an initial one-year term with options for up to two additional one-year renewals, potentially extending the contract period to three years. Bids must be electronically submitted through the North Carolina Business Invitation Delivery System (NC BIDS) and will be opened on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm EST. All bidders are required to submit a sample bale for evaluation and provide comprehensive pricing for both delivery and installation, with a minimum requirement of completing 4 sites per day. The distribution is limited to front areas of facilities, and all proposed prices must be all-inclusive.

The solicitation emphasizes the CMBE's commitment to promoting full and equal access to business opportunities through its Minority/Women/Small Business Enterprise (M/W/SBE) program, encouraging participation from diverse business entities. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed in the documentation, the project's scope of 45,000 bales across nearly 190 sites suggests a substantial procurement opportunity. The bid does not indicate any specific set-aside designations beyond the M/W/SBE program, but appears open to qualified vendors who can meet the technical specifications and delivery requirements. Bidders will need to demonstrate capability in pine straw procurement, transportation, and precise installation across multiple educational facilities. The contract's potential three-year duration provides an attractive long-term opportunity for vendors who can consistently meet the stringent quality and distribution standards outlined in the solicitation. Potential respondents should carefully review all requirements, prepare comprehensive bids, and ensure they can provide high-quality pine straw installation services across the specified geographical zones.