Grounds Maintenance Services - Wetlands Groundwater Recharge Park

The City of Ocala is seeking a contractor for Grounds Maintenance Services at the Wetlands Groundwater Recharge Park through Invitation to Bid (ITB) #WRS 250504. The procurement covers comprehensive maintenance of a 60-acre property, with specific focus on mowing and trimming approximately 30 acres of grassy areas. The initial contract term is two years, with options for two additional one-year renewals, requiring 32 total cuts per year (26 weeks during rainy season and 6 weeks during dry season). Contractors must provide all materials, labor, supervision, tools, and equipment necessary for park maintenance, including specialized mowing near water's edge while preserving existing vegetation. Key qualifications include a minimum of five years of grounds maintenance experience, commercial general liability insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate), and commercial automotive liability insurance ($1,000,000 combined limit). A mandatory pre-bid meeting was scheduled for April 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST at the park location (2105 NW 21st Street, Ocala, FL 34475), with bid submissions due prior to April 18, 2025.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must supply their own equipment, including three zero-turn mowers, two string trimmers, an edger, a blower, and a star blade trimmer. Price proposals will be evaluated on a unit price basis, with potential annual price increases limited to the lesser of the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) or 3%, subject to City approval. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the documents, the pricing proposal template suggests a competitive bidding process where contractors will submit per-cut pricing for initial and subsequent service years. The procurement covers Marion County and specifically targets the Ocala Wetlands Groundwater Recharge Park, indicating a localized municipal contract focused on maintaining a critical environmental infrastructure site. Contractors must adhere to strict safety protocols, work professionally, and maintain the park's ecological and aesthetic standards throughout the contract period.