Grounds maintenance-little river WC

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) is seeking a contractor for comprehensive grounds maintenance services at the Little River Welcome Center located at 2121 HWY 17 in Little River, SC. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicitation requires a contractor to provide monthly maintenance including mowing, landscaping, vegetation management, irrigation system monitoring, weed control, fertilization, and pruning. Contractors must have a minimum of 5 years of commercial landscaping experience and provide three references of similar project scope. The contract is structured for an initial one-year term with four optional one-year renewals, potentially extending to a five-year total period. Key requirements include maintaining vegetation at a uniform height between 2-4 inches, using appropriate equipment with safety features like amber warning lights and slow-moving vehicle emblems, and ensuring clear zone visibility for highway signs and motorists. The pre-bid conference is scheduled for 10/16/2025 at the Little River Welcome Center, with bid proposals due by 10/23/2025 at 2:00 PM, and award expected to be posted on 10/24/2025.

The solicitation includes options for South Carolina Resident Contractor and Subcontractor Preferences, which may provide advantageous consideration for local businesses. Bidders must comply with various safety, licensing, and personnel requirements, including conducting background checks and maintaining professional certifications for pesticide application. The contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary equipment, materials, and labor, including specialized items like fertilizers, herbicides, and mulch. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the contract is structured for monthly service payments with an estimated total value based on 60 months of service. SCPRT reserves the right to withhold payment for unsatisfactory work or damages, and the successful contractor must demonstrate capability to manage extensive maintenance across various vegetation areas, including turf, natural areas, and picnic spaces. Technical specifications include detailed requirements for mowing procedures, work zone traffic control, and maintenance of different landscape elements.