Mechanically Blown-In Mulch Services

The City of Clearwater's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a qualified vendor to provide mechanically blown-in mulch services for city rights-of-ways, parks, and facilities through an Invitation to Bid (ITB). The procurement covers multiple types of mulch, including natural, red, and brown shredded mulch, as well as pine bark mini-nuggets and nuggets, with estimated annual quantities ranging from 500 to 2,500 cubic yards. Vendors must have a minimum of two years of experience in mulch installation and provide three references from current commercial clients. The bid requires comprehensive pricing per cubic yard that includes all labor, equipment, travel, materials, fuel, disposal, insurance, and associated costs. Bidders are encouraged to provide mulch products certified by recognized sustainability standards such as the Mulch & Soil Council or Forest Stewardship Council. The solicitation is scheduled for release on July 16, 2025, with bid submissions due by August 19, 2025, at 10:00 am, and the initial contract term anticipated from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with potential for three one-year renewals.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but it does require vendors to be registered with the E-Verify system and maintain specific insurance provisions. The City reserves the right to make multiple awards and adjust the scope of work during the contract term. Based on the previous bid tabulation, the estimated total contract value could range from $0 to $120,000, with unit prices varying between $40 and $48 per cubic yard depending on the mulch type. The sole bidder in the previous procurement was American Mulch & Soil LLC from Spring Hill, Florida, though this does not guarantee their selection in the current bidding process. Evaluation will be based on responsiveness, vendor responsibility, and price, with the City maintaining flexibility in vendor selection and contract management. Vendors must also comply with traffic control certifications and demonstrate the ability to meet the comprehensive service requirements for mulch installation across various city properties.