Lawn Maintenance Services

North Carolina Central University is requesting proposals for comprehensive lawn maintenance services across its approximately 136-acre campus, with proposals due August 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST via the electronic Vendor Portal. A mandatory pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for April 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST at the Physical Plant Conference Room; failure to attend results in bid disqualification. NCCU has established a HUB utilization goal of 10 percent diverse firm subcontracting.

The scope covers all-inclusive grounds maintenance across 23 designated campus locations plus the Chancellor's House, including mowing, edging, trimming, debris removal, landscaping, horticultural services, and grounds cleanliness. Service hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with routine maintenance performed during normal business hours unless otherwise approved. Pricing is submitted on a per-service-visit basis for routine grounds maintenance at each location, with additional as-needed services priced separately by hourly rates, cubic yard, or square foot as applicable. Additional services include emergency grounds services, special landscaping projects, mulch installation, seasonal flower planting, and snow and ice removal.

The initial contract term is one year commencing within ten business days of execution. Vendors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State and maintain vendor status in good standing through the eVP system. Vendors must demonstrate experience with university campuses or similar large commercial facilities, provide at least three references for comparable services, complete financial stability certification, submit background check information, provide a designated on-site supervisor, maintain all equipment, comply with OSHA and state safety standards, provide 24-hour emergency contact capability, and submit quarterly performance reports with monthly walk-through inspections.

Evaluation criteria total 35 points: compliance with specifications (10 points), relevant experience (10 points), vendor references (5 points), and price (10 points). Written questions are due July 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST, with responses provided by August 5, 2026.