Sidewalk Cleaning Services

The City of Portland, Oregon is awarding a contract for Sidewalk Cleaning Services (RFP 00002697) to Cultivate Initiatives, with a Notice of Intent to Award issued April 1, 2026, and a seven-calendar-day protest window. The original proposal deadline was February 27, 2026; ten proposals were received and evaluated, two were shortlisted on March 23, 2026.

The scope encompasses trash and debris cleanup, bio-hazard removal (including needles and bodily fluids), pressure washing of public sidewalks, graffiti removal up to 8 feet high, and large item pickup in the Gateway Management District (District 1, East Portland, from Marine Drive to Clatsop Street). Work is conducted between 6:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on a schedule and location basis determined by the City Project Manager. Contractors are not responsible for engaging with tents, homeless persons, or moving semi-permanent structures. Workers must possess bio-hazard handling and disposal training. Graffiti removal must first attempt pressure washing or solvents, with painting over using City-supplied or approved paint as secondary. Weekly written status reports documenting completed activities, delays, and resolutions are required.

The contract term is five years with an option to extend to a maximum of ten years. No specific not-to-exceed amount is stated in the RFP. Phase 1 evaluation weighted Proposer Capabilities (35%), Pricing Proposal (10%), and Corporate Responsibility—Equal Employment Opportunity and subcontracting (10%), community involvement (5%), and sustainable business practices (5%). Phase 2 evaluation consisted of written responses to five scenario-based questions (maximum 100 points) submitted by March 30, 2026, addressing cost breakdown, workforce development program incorporation, service delivery under 25% budget reduction, relevant cleaning experience in business corridors, and recruitment and workforce development strategies. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of at least $2 million per occurrence and Automobile Liability insurance of at least $2 million per accident, obtain a Portland business license, and provide Equal Employment Opportunity Employer certification. Protests must be submitted in writing to Chief Procurement Officer Sylvester Donelson, Jr. within seven calendar days, referencing City Code 5.33.