Pine Straw Contract

The Aiken County Public School District is seeking bids for a pine straw contract through Invitation for Bid (IFB) B2026-0006, soliciting approximately 7,000 bales of slash pine straw to be supplied twice annually in Spring and Fall. The procurement involves vendors providing standard hand-tied pine straw bales measuring approximately 12" x 14" x 24", which must be clean, dry, and free of debris or mold. The district's primary procurement method involves vendors allowing the district to pick up bales from their location, with potential daily pickups of up to 500 bales, though vendors may also provide delivery services if required. Bids are due by 2:00 P.M. on November 14, 2025, with vendor questions accepted until November 7, 2025. The evaluation criteria will focus on selecting the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with the district reserving the right to inspect vendor facilities and verify product quality and delivery capabilities.

The contract will be structured as a one-year term with potential for up to four additional one-year renewals contingent upon mutual agreement between the district and the vendor. While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor types are mentioned, the district will require vendors to demonstrate compliance with labor standards and payment terms will be Net 30. The solicitation does not specify a precise budget range, but the estimated quantity of 7,000 bales per season suggests a moderate-scale procurement. No incumbent vendors are identified in the documentation, and there are no explicit requirements for integration with existing infrastructure or technology. Vendors will be required to quote a unit cost per bale for both pickup and potential delivery scenarios, with the district maintaining flexibility in its procurement approach.