Leaf Processing and Loading Services

Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is soliciting bids for leaf processing and loading services to convert vacuum-collected leaves into mulch, with the proposal due date of September 23, 2026 already passed. The scope involves grinding, stockpiling, and loading finished material at Pine Ridge Park (3401 Woodburn Road, Annandale, Virginia) and potentially at alternate County-designated sites, with mobilization capability to additional locations within 48 hours.

The contractor must provide a commercial-grade horizontal grinder with minimum 4000 Series capacity sustaining 35 tons per hour, a midsize rubber-tired loader (John Deere 444 Series or equivalent), and backup equipment for both grinder and loader mobilizable within 24 hours of primary equipment failure. The estimated annual volume is 20,000 cubic yards of loose leaves, with actual volumes subject to variation based on weather and collection rates. Work runs Monday through Friday, excluding County-observed holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., over the leaf season from November 2, 2026, through January 29, 2027. The finished product must have maximum particle size of approximately four inches suitable for composting or soil enrichment.

Pricing must be submitted as a fully inclusive hourly rate with no separate charges for labor, supervision, equipment, fuel, maintenance, mobilization, grinding, processing, or loading. The pricing schedule uses 320 hours for evaluation purposes only, with actual hours varying based on material volume and operating conditions. Bidders must provide minimum three references demonstrating comparable experience within the past five years. The County may require a pre-award site visit. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specifications. Contractors must maintain minimum insurance including statutory Worker's Compensation, $100,000 Employer's Liability, $1 million Commercial General Liability, and $1 million Automobile Liability. Payment is due 30 days after invoice receipt or service acceptance, whichever is later.