Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services

San Mateo County's Department of Public Works is seeking a landscaping and grounds maintenance firm to manage landscaping services for over 50 county-owned and operated locations. The comprehensive contract will cover general horticultural maintenance, irrigation maintenance, grounds maintenance, and green infrastructure maintenance across various county facilities. Proposers must possess a C-27 Landscaping Contractor License and maintain a branch office within 50 miles of the Department of Public Works. The evaluation will utilize a point-based system with four key categories: method and approach (40 points), experience and organizational capacity (20 points), price proposal (30 points), and preferential points for local businesses (10 points). A mandatory pre-proposal walk-through meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2025, at 9:00 am, with proposal submissions due by 2:00 pm on October 22, 2025. The County intends to award the contract by November 18, 2025, with a maximum contract term of five years and an additional $500,000 allocated for as-needed work. Within 90 days of contract execution, the selected contractor will be required to bring county sites up to quality standards, which includes irrigation repair, plant replacement, and necessary pruning.

The contract opportunity includes several notable restrictions and requirements, including compliance with the County's Integrated Pest Management policy and Senate Bill 1383 regulations for compost and mulch procurement. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the evaluation process provides preferential points for local businesses. The county emphasizes sustainable practices, including reduced pesticide usage and environmentally conscious maintenance techniques. The total contract value will exceed $200,000, with specific insurance requirements mandating $1,000,000 in comprehensive general liability, motor vehicle liability, and professional liability coverage. Contractors must also comply with local ordinances, including living wage requirements and non-discrimination provisions. The contract includes comprehensive documentation requirements, such as detailed reporting for fertilizer usage, pesticide applications, and compost/mulch procurement. Funding for the project is subject to availability, and the county reserves the right to terminate the contract based on funding constraints.