RFP GMU-KS0811-26 Landscape Maintenance Services

George Mason University's Facilities Department is soliciting proposals for comprehensive landscape maintenance services across six campuses—Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William (SciTech), Front Royal (Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation), Potomac Science Center, and Point of View—under RFP GMU-KS0811-26, with proposals due September 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET via Bonfire and anticipated award by December 15, 2026.

All contractors must hold Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pesticide Applicator Certification in Categories 3a and 3b and Certified Fertilizer Applicator Certification. Offerors may bid on individual campuses or facilities, provided they offer services for the entirety of each campus selected; partial-campus proposals will not be accepted. The University intends to award one contract for all sites but will consider multiple qualified vendors. Virginia Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SWaM) certification is eligible for 10 evaluation bonus points; eligible vendors must pursue certification within 90 days of award.

Scope covers mowing, fertilization, weed control, tree and shrub pruning, mulching, leaf removal, floral plantings, Integrated Pest Management, and grounds policing maintained at APPA Level 2 High-Level Maintenance standards. Contractors must comply with approved Nutrient Management Plans at each site (effective through August 14, 2027) specifying nitrogen application limits, soil sampling, aeration, and restricted-application protocols under Virginia Nutrient Management Standards and Criteria. All personnel must pass comprehensive background checks. Contractors provide equipment, materials, supplies, parking passes, and off-site debris disposal.

Pricing is submitted as firm fixed-price (FFP) monthly costs for base services and time-and-material (T&M) rates for additional services such as emergency repairs, tree removal, turf renovation, and optional snow removal. Prices are F.O.B. Destination and include travel within a 50-mile radius of Fairfax; travel beyond may be reimbursed per GMU travel policies and GSA per diem rates. Historical annual spending ranges from approximately $1.6 million to $2.95 million (FFP and T&M combined); these figures are reference only and do not constitute spending commitments.

The contract begins March 1, 2027, for one year with six successive one-year renewal options. The incumbent, Brightview Landscape Services, Inc., operates under expiring Contract GMU-1743-21. Evaluation allocates 20 points each to service quality, qualifications and experience, specific methodology, and price; 10 points to transition plan; and 10 bonus points for SWaM certification. Optional pre-proposal conferences and site visits occur September 1 (Fairfax) and September 3 (SMSC and SciTech). Questions are due September 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET, with responses by September 14. All contractors must register with eVA. Minimum wage compliance with Virginia Code 40.1-28.10 applies: $12.77/hour through December 31, 2026; $13.75/hour through December 31, 2027; $15.00/hour through December 31, 2028; thereafter CPI-U adjusted.