Grass Seed and Fertilizer

The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), through its cooperative purchasing entity the Capitol Region Purchasing Council (CRPC), is soliciting bids for grass seed, fertilizer, and related products to serve approximately 150 towns, boards of education, and agencies across Connecticut, with 38 members in the Greater Hartford area. This Invitation for Bid (IFB) seeks vendors to supply and deliver grass seed and fertilizer products throughout the Capitol Region during the contract period from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027, with a potential one-year extension by mutual agreement. All grass seed must comply with Connecticut Seed Law and be accompanied by independent field-testing data from NTEP, University trials, or other independent laboratories, while fertilizers must be delivered in moisture-proof bags (typically 50-pound bags) in compliance with Connecticut Fertilizer Law. Organics must adhere to OMRI standards and be free of sewage sludge and biosolids. Vendors must submit responses electronically through the Bonfire platform (www.crcog.bonfirehub.com) by January 22, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST, with the bidding period opening January 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST. Questions and clarifications are accepted from January 8, 2026, at 9:15 AM EST through January 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST and should be directed to Kimberly Bona at 860-724-4292 or kbona@crcogct.gov. Pricing must be quoted on an F.O.B. delivery point, unloaded inside basis, with prices remaining fixed throughout the contract term and exclusive of sales, excise, and federal transportation taxes applicable to member agencies.

There are no disclosed set-aside designations or restrictions limiting organizational types from responding to this solicitation, and all vendors are eligible to bid. Vendors must demonstrate they are the lowest responsible bidder with past satisfactory performance on similar contracts and must furnish certificates of insurance including General Liability and Automobile Liability coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit each, plus Workers' Compensation Insurance. A current and valid Connecticut Pesticide Dealer's License must be provided if bidding on restricted use pesticides. Successful bidders must comply with a 1% administrative fee payable quarterly to CRCOG along with monthly or quarterly reporting of purchase orders. Price escalation is permitted only with written documentation justifying the need and approval from the participating municipality, and a Force Majeure clause protects both parties from liability for failures caused by events beyond reasonable control. The estimated total procurement value has not been disclosed in the available solicitation documents.