Request for Bids - Broadleaf Weed Control

The Fargo Public School District in Cass County, North Dakota is issuing a Request for Bids for annual broadleaf weed control services across all district buildings and facilities. The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to provide comprehensive herbicide applications covering approximately 230 acres of grounds at 27 school buildings and facilities, including the Trollwood Performing Arts Center in Moorhead, Minnesota, for a one-year initial contract period beginning August 2026, with two optional one-year renewal periods available through August 2028. Bidders must submit proposals by May 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. through the Fargo Public Schools Bonfire Portal (https://fargok12.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities), with Board approval scheduled for May 26, 2026. The contractor must apply broadleaf weed control treatments during spring and fall seasons prior to school resumption in August, using ride-on or self-propelled spray equipment only, with herbicide meeting "T-Zone SE" specifications or equivalent, provide 48-hour advance notice before spraying, post warning signage after application, supply their own chemicals and water, and maintain general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and workers' compensation coverage. Evaluation will be awarded to the lowest responsible bid meeting all specifications, though the district reserves the right to consider factors beyond price including suitability, design, quality, past service, and local presence preference. Bidders must submit at least six commercial references, and proposals must remain valid for at least 90 days.

No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on organization types are detailed in the procurement documents. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is provided in the available solicitation materials. The bid form requires contractors to provide separate annual pricing for each of the 27 listed facilities for years 2026, 2027, and 2028, with a cumulative three-year total bid amount, though specific budget ranges or award values are not disclosed in the procurement announcement. Legal advertisements were published on April 22 and 29, 2026, and all communications, addenda, and opportunity postings are available through the Fargo Public Schools Bonfire portal. Bidders are required to exclude sales tax and federal excise taxes from their proposals, as the district is exempt, and must incorporate all delivery charges into their bid price. Preference will be given to vendors with a local presence in the Fargo area.