Grounds maintenance-landrum WC

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) is soliciting bids for comprehensive grounds maintenance services at the Landrum Welcome Center located at I-26 East (Mile Post 2.5) in Landrum, SC. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a 60-month contract period beginning December 13, 2019, and ending December 12, 2024. Services include monthly grounds maintenance and as-needed Clear Zone Area mowing, covering all exterior grounds within the Welcome Center property boundaries. Contractors must provide routine tasks such as mowing, string trimming, edging, mulching, weed control, fertilization, aeration, watering, and debris removal, as well as specialized services like soil testing, insect and disease control, and irrigation system maintenance. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of stable ground maintenance experience, provide three comparable commercial contract references, and submit unit pricing for monthly services. Key submission deadlines include questions due by November 8, 2019, at 12:00 PM, and electronic bid submissions required by November 19, 2019, at 2:00 PM through the South Carolina procurement portal. Site visits are available by appointment only through contact person Rusty Zahler.

The solicitation includes South Carolina resident contractor and subcontractor preference provisions, with bidders able to claim preferences by meeting specific in-state office and direct labor percentage requirements. Contractors must provide a bid bond equal to 5% of the total bid amount and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 in Commercial General Liability and Auto Liability, and statutory Worker's Compensation limits. The current contract amount is $1,600 per month, with potential landscaping improvements up to $50,000 over the contract's duration. Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder based on unit pricing, with contract automatic renewal for one-year periods unless the state provides 30 days' notice of non-renewal. Contractor employees must wear Class 2 safety vests and comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, including obtaining valid South Carolina Certified Pesticide Applicator Licenses. SCPRT retains sole authority for dispute resolution and contract interpretation, with the ability to conduct unscheduled inspections and deduct liquidated damages for operational failures.