Mowing and Weed Control Services- Rapid Infiltration Basins

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is requesting bids for mowing and weed control services for Rapid Infiltration Basins in Polk County, Florida, with bids due September 24, 2026. The contractor shall not subcontract any portion of the work — a material performance restriction.

The scope includes weekly grass mowing within RIB fencing and non-solar areas (March through September; twice monthly October through February), twice-monthly raking and aeration of RIB sand bottoms at 6–12 inch depths, tree pruning as needed, monthly storm-related tree and fence maintenance, herbicide application to RIBs and eight compliance wells along State Road 429, and monthly grading of the main road with additional work following storm events. Work hours are 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The contractor must maintain a 24-hour emergency hotline with mandatory two-hour response time for emergency calls, 365 days annually, and must coordinate all scheduling with the District in advance.

Mandatory qualifications include current Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices (BMP) certification for all landscape-service employees; active Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pest Control Business License and Operator Certificates for any employee applying chemicals; and Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Advance certification for one staff member submitting TTC plans and Intermediate certification for all personnel performing TTC setup. Bidders must submit three project references from the past five years. The contractor is responsible for all damages caused during service delivery, with repairs required within 24 hours or subject to back-charges at current rates plus 20 percent materials markup.

The contract is awarded for an initial three-year term with an optional two-year renewal. Compensation is monthly progress payment based on completed services, with all hourly rates including direct and indirect costs and travel time. Award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Bidders eligible for BuyLocalNow, Veteran, or Opportunity Zone preferences may receive bid preference under District Procurement Policy PRO-100. Commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence is required, along with automobile liability, workers' compensation, and umbrella liability coverage. All insurance must be issued by Florida-authorized companies with AM Best ratings of A- or equivalent.