NSU Horticulture and Bed Maintenance Contract Bid Cancelled: 06/24/2025 - Addendum 2

Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches, Louisiana, has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) #7659 for comprehensive horticulture and bed maintenance services across its main campus. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to manage landscaping and pruning services covering approximately 56,561 square feet of landscape and 36,869 square feet of pruning areas, which include multiple campus buildings and locations. Contractors must possess specific professional licenses, including landscape, contractor's, pesticide applicator's, and horticultural licenses, and provide proof of insurance and three references from similar commercial properties. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, at the NSU Facility Service Conference Room, with bid submissions due by 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 8th, 2025. Required services encompass comprehensive campus maintenance including weed control, pruning, chemical application, fertilization, irrigation repair, and emergency response services. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on contractors' demonstrated capabilities, licensing, insurance coverage, references, and pricing structure.

The contract term is initially set for one year, with potential renewal options for two additional 12-month periods, not to exceed a total of 36 months. While no specific set-aside designations were explicitly mentioned, the bid requires compliance with Louisiana state preferences for products manufactured or produced within the state and mandates adherence to non-discrimination and equal opportunity requirements. The pricing structure involves monthly rates for landscaping and pruning, with additional hourly rates for storm damage call-out services. Though a specific budget range was not provided, the extensive campus maintenance requirements suggest a substantial annual contract value. Prospective bidders must demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in horticultural management, including the ability to respond to emergency situations and maintain the university's landscaped areas to high professional standards. The procurement appears open to qualified commercial landscaping contractors with proven experience in large-scale institutional maintenance.