Event grounds maint-arsenal hill-rebid

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is soliciting bids for comprehensive event grounds maintenance services at the Arsenal Hill Venues complex in Richland County, Columbia. The solicitation (Number 5400019475) seeks a contractor to provide pre and post-event maintenance for approximately 5 acres, including leaf and debris collection, hard surface cleaning, garden path raking, and turf maintenance. The contract requires the selected vendor to provide all necessary equipment, transportation, materials, and labor to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the grounds, which include the Mall, Arbor Garden, Wedding Garden, Memorial Garden, and Governor's Mansion areas. A pre-bid conference was initially scheduled for March 10, 2020, with questions from prospective offerors due by March 11, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. The original bid submission deadline was March 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., with an award notification planned for March 20, 2020. The contract term is structured for five years, from March 24, 2020, through March 23, 2025, with potential automatic one-year renewal periods. Contractors must maintain a competent site supervisor, provide background checks for personnel, and complete all contracted services within two hours, primarily working between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, with some Sunday and weekday work required.

The solicitation allows for South Carolina Resident Contractor Preference or Resident Subcontractor Preference (2% or 4%) for qualifying bidders. Contractors must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence for Commercial General Liability and $1,000,000 per accident for Auto Liability, with the state named as an additional insured. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with the understanding that actual service quantities may vary from the estimated 400 services over the five-year period. The 2020 event schedule indicates approximately 80 events throughout the year, primarily weddings, receptions, bridal portraits, and organizational meetings, which underscores the importance of consistent and high-quality grounds maintenance. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the services and the complex's prestigious location suggest a significant contract value. Potential bidders must obtain a South Carolina Vendor Number and be prepared to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as secure necessary licenses and permits for the work.