Urban beekeeping services

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is requesting quotations for comprehensive Urban Beekeeping Services, with proposals due May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. and a pre-bid conference scheduled for May 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Events DC offers certification-based preference points under the District of Columbia's small and local business development program, allocating up to 12 points for certified business enterprises including small business enterprises, resident-owned businesses, disadvantaged business enterprises, and veteran-owned businesses.

The scope includes supply, installation, and maintenance of up to three honeybee colonies suited to Washington, DC's urban ecology; establishment of an online customizable community hive platform; live beehive observations and educational workshops; honey harvesting, bottling with Events DC branding; and environmental and sustainability reporting. The work supports Events DC's LEED Platinum Status certification goal. Contractors must possess at least seven years of beekeeping services experience with certified beekeepers, employ a senior beekeeper with a minimum of seven years' experience, and maintain all required District, Federal, and State licenses.

The base contract term runs from award through September 30, 2026, with four optional one-year renewals available at Events DC's discretion. Bidders must submit firm-fixed prices for the base year and all option years, fully loaded hourly labor rates for key personnel, and a materials markup percentage. Award goes to the responsive bidder with the lowest aggregate overall price over the contract's life. Questions are due May 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Contractors must submit responses electronically via OpenGov and include W-9, tax certification affidavit, current DSLBD CBE certification letter if applicable, Dun and Bradstreet report, three customer references, and disclosure of any relationships with Events DC Board or staff. For contracts exceeding $250,000, contractors must award at least 35% of total contract value to certified Small Business Enterprises; contracts exceeding $300,000 must comply with First Source Employment requirements ensuring 51% of hired personnel are District of Columbia residents. Living wage requirements of $14.20 per hour apply to recipients receiving $100,000 or more.