RFP 27-807 Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Services

DeKalb County School District is requesting proposals for landscaping and grounds maintenance services across approximately 138 schools and centers, with proposals due October 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM, a mandatory pre-proposal conference on September 17 at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams, and a mandatory site visit on September 18 at Arabia Mountain High School.

The scope includes base services at 77 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 22 high schools, 8 start-up charter schools, 12 specialized learning centers, 7 administrative centers, and 5 athletic stadiums. Base services comprise turf maintenance (minimum 4 visits per month during growing season March–October; 2 visits per month November–February), litter removal, shrub and bed maintenance, weed control, leaf removal, playground mulch leveling, and retention pond basic maintenance. Additional unit-price services include mulch installation, tree trimming, pond restoration, aeration, overseeding, and fertilization. Pricing must be submitted on a per-site monthly fixed-price basis for base services with no additional charges allowed; unit prices are quantity-based and require pre-approval. The contract price must remain firm for the entire term, with only one price change permitted during any 12-month period at renewal or extension anniversaries, subject to written DCSD approval.

The initial contract duration is one year from final execution, with up to four 1-year extension options contingent upon DCSD and Board of Education approval. Services commence in January 2027. All employees assigned to the project must pass background checks at $45.00 per individual. Offerors must comply with the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act, including E-Verify authorization. Certificate of Insurance is required prior to award: Workers Compensation at statutory limits; Commercial General Liability with minimum $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate; Automobile Liability; and Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability with minimum $2 million per claim.

Proposals are evaluated on firm overview (20 points), scope of services (35 points), relevant experience (20 points), professional references (10 points), and cost proposal (15 points). Questions are due September 24 at 12:00 PM; answers post by October 1 at 5:00 PM. DCSD reserves the right to make multiple awards and terminate any resulting contract for convenience with three business days' notice.