Lawn Care for Northern Maine Readiness Center - Presque Isle

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services is soliciting competitive bids for comprehensive lawn care services at the Northern Maine Readiness Center located in Presque Isle. The contract covers 5.67 acres, including 5.16 acres of mowable area, a 0.19-acre retention pond, and a 0.32-acre pollination bed. Required services include weekly mowing between May and October at grass heights of 3.5 to 5 inches, edging, grass clipping removal, debris cleanup, fence line maintenance, and winter cleanup. The initial contract term runs from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027, with two optional one-year renewal periods possible, potentially extending the contract through October 31, 2029. Bidders must submit quotations electronically through the State of Maine's procurement system by February 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time, with questions due by February 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. The state will evaluate bids based on best value criteria, prioritizing conformity to specifications followed by lowest price. Contractors must pass federal background checks, comply with Site Location of Development Act permits, and submit personnel lists for vetting within two weeks of contract award.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The current incumbent vendor is Caron's Lawn and Property Maintenance, Inc., with an existing yearly contract cost of approximately $7,000. Contractors will be subject to monthly performance evaluations, with potential contract termination for repeated poor performance. The bid requires contractors to submit a comprehensive proposal including company letterhead, a cost response sheet, a bid cover page with responsible bidder certification, and a disaster recovery plan addressing workforce reduction scenarios. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the total potential contract value could reach approximately $35,000 over the five-year potential contract period. Bidders must provide proposed hourly rates for additional work outside the base contract and be prepared to invoice separately for such services. The contract includes hold-harmless clauses protecting the state facility from potential damage or security breaches, and invoices may be reduced or withheld if contracted services do not meet the specified standards.