SH-02-PR18985

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 54-SH-02-PR18985 for professional lawn and grounds maintenance services at a rest area located at 5039 US 17, one mile south of Chocowinity in Beaufort County. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive grounds maintenance, including mowing, pruning, fertilization, pest control, and general upkeep of the facility. Required services mandate a minimum of 14 man-hours per week during March through November and 10 man-hours per week from December through February. Bidders must possess a valid North Carolina Ground Applicator Pesticide License with Ornamental and Turf pest control sub-classification. The contract term is one year, from May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026, with potential for four one-year extensions, not to exceed a total of five years. Bid questions are due by February 14, 2025, and final proposals must be submitted by March 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Pricing must be provided on a per-month basis for grounds maintenance and per cubic yard for mulch application.

This procurement is specifically designated as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) set-aside contract, meaning only NCDOT-certified SBE contractors are eligible to bid. The maximum annual contract value is $1,000,000, with a 5% performance guarantee to be withheld from monthly payments during the first contract year. Contractors will be subject to payment reductions for non-compliance with contract requirements, as detailed in a schedule within the RFP. The bid evaluation will likely consider factors such as the contractor's SBE certification, pesticide licensing, ability to meet staffing requirements, and proposed pricing. Prospective bidders must carefully review the full RFP documentation to ensure complete compliance with all technical specifications, licensing requirements, and performance standards. The contract aims to maintain the aesthetic and functional quality of the Beaufort County rest area through professional grounds maintenance services.