GS-5638 - landscaping services

The State of South Carolina, specifically the Department of Administration's Division of Facilities Management and Property Services (FMPS), is seeking landscaping services for the north side of the State House grounds located at 1100 Gervais Street in Columbia. The project involves comprehensive landscape rejuvenation, including removal of existing turfgrass and plant material, regrading, topsoil installation, new turfgrass, and new plantings, along with a survey of the existing irrigation system. Base Bid (Phase One) requirements include removing specific shrubs, disposing of approximately 13,458.35 square feet of existing turfgrass, adding 50 tons of topsoil, installing 14,051.35 square feet of Celebration Bermudagrass, and applying hardwood mulch. Alternate bids include Phase Two options for installing Carolina Jessamine ground cover and flowering peach trees, as well as a labor-only pricing option. The project has strict timeline parameters, with work mandated to commence by October 1, 2023, and be completed by December 15, 2023. The pre-bid meeting was held on September 19, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with potential contractors required to coordinate closely with the Agency Project Manager Lilly Holstein and Agency Horticulture Manager Chris Smith.

While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly detailed in the documents, contractors must meet comprehensive qualifications including providing all necessary supervision, labor, tools, equipment, and materials. The contractor will be responsible for compliance with South Carolina building codes, manufacturer specifications, and safety standards, and must furnish Material Safety Data Sheets for all materials used. The project requires coordination with Palmetto Utility Protection Service for underground utility marking and maintaining a clean work site. A mandatory one-year warranty is required for all materials and installation, except under Alternate No. 2. The agency will provide site access, utilities, and designated laydown areas, though contractors must arrange their own parking through the City of Columbia. While no specific budget range was provided, the detailed scope suggests a significant capital investment in landscape renovation. Unsatisfactory performance may result in payment withholding and potential removal of contractor personnel from the site, indicating strict performance expectations for the selected vendor.