54-TJK-01-PR31878 Landscape Maintenance Proposal District 1 2026

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
DATE AND TIME OF BID OPENING: JULY 15, 2026 AT 2:00 P.M.
MANDATORY PRE-BID: JUNE 30, 2026 AT 9:00 A.M.
BID PROPOSAL NO.: 54-TJK-01-PR31878
WBS ELEMENT NO.: VARIOUS
COUNTIES: CAMDEN, CURRITUCK, DARE, PASQUOTANK, AND
PERQUIMANS - DIVISION 1
TYPE OF WORK: PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE PLANT BED AND MOWING
MAINTENANCE
DATE OF AVAILABILITY: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
COMPLETION DATE: AUGUST 31, 2027
SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION MANDATORY
PRE-BID CONFERENCE MANDATORY
1

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
PROPOSAL
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
BID NO. 54-TJK-01-PR31878 IN DIVISON 1 - CAMDEN, CURRITUCK, DARE, PASQUOTANK, AND
PERQUIMANS COUNTIES, NORTH CAROLINA
JUNE 24, 2026
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
The Bidder has carefully examined the location of the proposed work to be known as BID NO 54-TJK-01-PR31878; has
carefully examined the plans and specifications, which are acknowledged to be part of the proposal, the special provisions,
the proposal, the form of contract; and thoroughly understands the stipulations, requirements and provisions. The
undersigned bidder agrees to be bound upon his execution of the bid and subsequent award to him by the Department of
Transportation in accordance with this proposal. Payment and performance bonds are not required on this project. The
undersigned Bidder further agrees to provide all necessary machinery, tools, labor, and other means of construction; and to
do all the work and to furnish all materials, except as otherwise noted, necessary to perform and complete the said contract
in accordance with the 2024 Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures by the dates(s) specified in the Project Special
Provisions and in accordance with the requirements of the Engineer, and at the unit or lump sum prices, as the case may be,
for the various items given on the sheets contained herein.
The Bidder shall provide and furnish all the materials, machinery, implements, appliances and tools, and perform the work
and required labor to construct and complete State Highway BID NO. 54-TJK-01-PR31878, for the unit or lump sum
prices, as the case may be, bid by the Bidder in his bid and according to the proposal, plans, and specifications prepared by
said Department, which proposal, plans, and specifications show the details covering this project, and hereby become a part
of this contract.
The published volume entitled North Carolina Department of Transportation, Raleigh, Standard Specifications for Roads
and Structures, January 2024 with all amendments and supplements thereto, is by reference incorporated into and made
a part of this contract; that, except as herein modified, all the construction and work included in this contract is to be done
in accordance with the specifications contained in said volume, and amendments and supplements thereto, under the
direction of the Engineer.
If the proposal is accepted and the award is made, the contract is valid only when signed either by the Contract Officer or
such other person as may be designated by the Secretary to sign for the Department of Transportation. The conditions and
provisions herein cannot be changed except over the signature of the said Contract Officer or Division Engineer.
The quantities shown in the itemized proposal for the project are considered to be approximate only and are given as the
basis for comparison of bids. The Department of Transportation may increase or decrease the quantity of any item or portion
of the work as may be deemed necessary or expedient.
An increase or decrease in the quantity of an item will not be regarded as sufficient ground for an increase or decrease in
the unit prices, nor in the time allowed for the completion of the work, except as provided for the contract.
2

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS - GENERAL PAGE NO.
Description 5
Scope of Contract 5
Mandatory Pre-bid Conference and Proposal Review 5
Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: Eligibility to Bid 6
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Contract 6
Contract Time and Liquidated Damages 7
Small Business Enterprise (Multi-Year Maintenance Contracts) 8
Intermediate Contract Time Number 1 and Liquidated Damages 8
Intermediate Contract Time Number 2 and Liquidated Damages 8
Contract Bid Quantities 9
Plan, Detail and Quantity Adjustments 9
Award of Contract 9
Performance Guarantee 10
Insurance 10
Subletting of Contract 10
Notification of Operations 10
Prosecution and Progress 10
Temporary Suspension of the Work 11
Traffic Control and Work Zone Safety 11
Safety and Accident Protection 12
Site Investigation and Representation 12
Inspection 12
Supervision by Contractor 13
Laws to be Observed 13
Responsibility for Damage Claims 13
Prompt Payment 13
Payment and Retainage 13
PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS - ROADWAY PAGE NO.
Description of Work 15
General 15
Plantings 16
Mulching 17
Pesticide Usage 17
Litter 19
Mowing/Trimming/Edging 19
Personnel 19
Equipment Conditions 20
Equipment Idling Guidelines 21
Protection and Restoration of Property 21
Damages 21
Acceptance 22
Basis of Award 22
Measurement and Payment 22
3

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
STANDARD SPECIAL PROVISIONS PAGE NO.
Availability of Funds - Termination of Contracts 23
Authority of the Engineer 23
Wages and Conditions of Employment 23
Minimum Wages 23
Erosion Control 24
Work Zone Signing 24
Work Zone Traffic Control General Requirements 25
Plant and Pest Quarantines 26
Bankruptcy 26
Debarment Statement 26
Default of Contract 27
Cooperation between Contractors 27
No Major Contract Items 27
No Specialty Items 27
Utility Conflicts 27
Driveways and Private Property 27
Outsourcing Outside the USA 27
Title VI and Nondiscrimination 27
APPENDIX PAGE NO.
Plant Bed Locations 34
NCDOT Pesticide Daily Application Report 40
INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS PAGE NO.
Bid Proposals 41
Preparation and Submission of Traditional Paper Bids 41
Opening of Bids 42
BID SUBMITTAL PACKAGE PAGE NO.
Cover Sheet 1
Contractor's Contact Information 2
Contract Bid Form 3
Listing of MBE/WBE Subcontractors 4
List of Equipment 5
Contractor's Work Experience and References 6
Bidder's Current NCDA Pesticide License 7
Execution of Bid Non-Collusion, Debarment and Gift Ban Certification 8
Bid Submittal Package Checklist 16
4

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS - GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
This project is for Professional Landscape Plant Bed and Mowing Maintenance for various sites in Camden, Currituck,
Dare, Pasquotank, and Perquimans Counties. For further description, see Plant Bed Locations in the Appendix.
SCOPE OF CONTRACT
Landscaped plant bed sites serve as an aesthetic focal point along North Carolina's highway transportation network. They
provide color, texture, space definition, and other benefits enjoyed by the traveling public. In North Carolina, climatic
conditions favor growing a wide variety of ornamental landscape plants and a rich palette of native plants. Careful
management of these living assets is required to continue the heritage and maintain the value of this significant plant
collection.
Landscape plant bed sites have been designed, constructed, and should be maintained in a manner that is aesthetically
pleasing, that follows generally accepted environmental stewardship practices, protects the investment and enhances the
ecosystem function. Plant bed sites shall be maintained to a consistent standard for maximum efficiency of resources.
The N.C. Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as "Department") is seeking the services of a Landscape
Contractor or Grounds Maintenance Company to provide Professional Landscape Plant Bed and Mowing Maintenance
consisting of but not limited to labor, supervision, equipment and supplies as specified herein.
The published volume entitled North Carolina Department of Transportation, Raleigh, Standard Specifications for
Roads and Structures with all amendments and supplements thereto, is by reference incorporated into and made a part of
this contract. Unless otherwise modified, all the work included in this contract is to be done in accordance with the
specifications contained in said volume, and amendments and supplements thereto, under the direction of the Engineer.
All work and materials shall be in accordance with the provisions of the General Guidelines of this contract, the Project
Special Provisions, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures,
the North Carolina Department of Transportation Roadway Standards Drawings, and the current edition of the Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The Contractor shall keep himself fully informed of all Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, and
shall comply with the provisions of Section 107 of the Standard Specifications.
These manuals may be found at the following websites: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ and
https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Specifications/Pages/2024-Specifications-and-Special-Provisions.aspx.
MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE AND PROPOSAL REVIEW
Early arrival is strongly recommended, as latecomers will be disqualified from award for the contract covered by
this pre-bid conference.
In order for all prospective bidders to have an extensive knowledge of the project, all prospective bidders shall attend a
Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference as shown below:
Date: June 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: Division 1 Roadside Office
Location: 427 Ocean Highway North Hertford, NC 27944
County: Perquimans
5

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
Contact for Directions: 252-426-4180
NOTE: BRING A COPY OF THE CONTRACT PROPOSAL TO THE CONFERENCE. PROPOSALS WILL
NOT BE PROVIDED. BIDDERS ARE EXPECTED TO READ THE PROPOSAL PRIOR TO THE
CONFERENCE.
This conference will be conducted by Department personnel to ensure all prospective bidders are given an opportunity to
obtain information relevant to the project and given an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. The pre-bid
conference will include a thorough discussion of the plans, contract pay items, special provisions, etc. The Engineer will
explain areas of responsibility, standards of performance and expected results.
Any changes made to the contract during the pre-bid conference will be documented and included in an addendum to be
posted on Connect NCDOT: https://connect.ncdot.gov/letting/Pages/Roadside-Environmental.aspx and on the
electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov. The entire addendum should be returned with the bid package, signed
and dated. Failure to return the executed signature pages(s) of the addendum may result in disqualification of bid.
MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: ELIGIBILITY TO BID
All prospective bidders at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference shall meet all of the requirements as shown below:
Only contractors currently certified as a SBE Contractor by the Contractual Services Unit of NCDOT and listed in
the Directory of Transportation Firms at bid opening will be eligible to bid on this project.
Only Bidders who have a current and valid North Carolina Ground Applicator Pesticide License, sub-classification
in Right of Way Pest Control, issued by NCDA in Bidder's (an actual employee of the company) name and
company name, at bid opening will be considered eligible to bid on this project. A bid received from a Bidder who
does not have a current and valid license issued by NCDA (an actual employee of the company) will be rejected as an
irregular bid and will not be considered for award. If the licensee is not the Bidder then proof must be given that the
licensee is an actual employee of the company.
In addition, only Bidders who have attended the entire conference and properly registered at the Mandatory Pre-Bid
Conference will be considered eligible to bid on this project. A bid received from a Bidder who has not attended and
properly registered at the conference will be rejected as an irregular bid and will not be considered for award.
Attendance at the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will not meet the requirements of proper registration unless the
individual attending has registered at the conference in accordance with the following:
1. The individual attending the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference is a full time employee of the company
bidding on the project and has administrative/supervisory authority over the work to be performed
under this contract.
2. The individual signs his/her name and company title on the official roster.
3. Only one company is shown as being represented by the individual attending.
4. The individual shall sign out when the pre-bid conference is completed.
SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (SBE) CONTRACT
The Department of Transportation does not exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or
otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract covered by this
program on the basis of race, color, sex, political affiliation/influence, or national origin.
This is a SBE contract and to qualify for the NCDOT SBE Program a firm must have an annual gross income of
$1,500,000 or less, exclusive of materials. Only contractors currently certified as a SBE Contractor by the NCDOT
Office of Civil Rights SBE Program Manager and listed in the Directory of Transportation Firms at bid opening
6

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
will be eligible to bid on this project.
If unsure as to whether a firm is currently certified by NCDOT, search the Directory of Transportation Firms at the
following website: https://www.ebs.nc.gov/VendorDirectory/default.html.
Bids received from firms that are not certified as SBE Contractors through the NCDOT Office of Civil Rights SBE
Program Manager will not be opened.
Prospective bidders who qualify for the SBE Program and are not currently certified should submit a completed
application packet to NCDOT Contractual Services Management prior to bid submittal to allow for review time.
Additional information on the program, including the application to become certified, may be obtained online at the
following website: https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/SmallBusiness/Pages/default.aspx.
Bidders must renew their SBE status and recertify each year. It is the bidder's responsibility to ensure that their existing
SBE status does not lapse prior to bid opening (or beginning work as a subcontractor). Advance notification of pending
renewal dates is not guaranteed.
Per G.S. 136-28.10, a NC General Contractor's license may be waived for SBE contracts. For this project, the NC
General Contractor's license will be waived. Per G.S. 136-28.10, contract payment and performance bonds may be
waived. For this project, the contract payment and performance bonds will be waived.
INTERESTED PARTIES LIST NOT REQUIRED:
(6-21-22)(Rev. 2-20-24) 102 SP1 G02
Revise the Standard Specifications as follows:
The Interested Parties List sign up process is not applicable to this contract.
Page 1-13, Article 102-3 PROPOSALS AND INTERESTED PARTIES LIST, lines 12-15, delete the first paragraph.
Page 1-14, Article 102-8 PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF BIDS, lines 43-44, delete the first sentence of the
first paragraph.
CONTRACT TIME AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
The date of availability for this contract will be September 1, 2026.
This project is to be awarded, if the award is to be made in the discretion of the Department, within thirty (30) days after
the opening of bids.
The completion date for this contract is one (1) year from date of availability.
Liquidated damages for this contract are Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per calendar day. No work will be
done on weekends or state holidays. Liquidated damages shall apply for failure to begin work within the
prescribed time frame and shall also apply for failure to pursue and complete work as specified under
"Prosecution Of Work" as determined by the Engineer.
Extension of Contract: At the sole option and discretion of the contracting agency, North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT), and upon written notification, this contract may be extended for two (2) additional periods, one
(1) year each, (maximum of three (3) years total). Extensions for additional term(s) are not guaranteed. Upon receipt of
notification, the Contractor will be given fifteen (15) days to reply as to acceptance or rejection of an extension. If a reply
is not received from the Contractor within fifteen (15) days, NCDOT reserves the right not to extend. Each line item bid
price will be increased for each one-year extension by two (2) percent of the current price. No changes in the terms,
conditions, etc. of this contract will be made when an extension to the contract is implemented. The Contractor will be
notified ninety (90) days before expiration of the contract if NCDOT chooses not to offer an extension.
7

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
NOTE: In order to extend the contract, proof of insurance coverage must be received by the Department's Purchasing
Office thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the current contract.
SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MULTI-YEAR MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS)
(4-20-21)(Rev. 4-19-22) SP1 G72
This contract is a multi-year contract let pursuant to the Small Business Enterprise provisions of N.C. General Statute
136-28.10. In accordance with N.C. General Statute 136-28.10, an award in a contract may be for an amount less but
shall not exceed $1,000,000 per year. No payments in excess of this amount will be disbursed, in accordance with the
Statute.
MOWING MORATORIUMS
Mowing operations performed under this contract shall comply with the moratoriums established in SL 2025-47 (SB 391).
The Engineer will notify the Contractor of the applicable dates for cessation and reinitiation of mowing operations and
applicable routes. These notifications may be verbal, but shall be followed by written communication in the form of an
email, noting the date of cessation or reinitiation. Payment for completed route mowing will be paid at the contract unit
price for the quantity and type of work completed.
The moratoriums are: ALL ROUTES: May 1 through May 31.
INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER 1 AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
The Contractor shall complete the work required for each Routine Plant Bed Maintenance Cycle on all sites identified in
the proposal documents and shall place and maintain traffic on same.
The Date of Availability for this intermediate contract time will be the first day of each month.
The Contractor will be required to prosecute the work in a continuous and uninterrupted manner until the entire cycle is
complete.
The Completion Date for this intermediate contract time will be the last day of each month.
The Liquidated Damages for failure to complete a cycle is One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per calendar day.
INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER 2 AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
The Contractor shall not work within the roadway or associated right of way on ANY STATE MAINTAINED ROUTE,
detain and /or alter the traffic flow on or during holiday weekends, special events, or any other time when traffic is
unusually heavy, including the following schedules:
HOLIDAY AND HOLIDAY WEEKEND WORK RESTRICTIONS:
1. For unexpected occurrence that creates unusually high traffic volumes, as directed by the Engineer.
2. For New Year's Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. December 31st and 8:30 a.m. January 2nd. If New Year's Day
is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then until 8:30 a.m. the following Tuesday.
3. For Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
4. For Easter, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m. Monday.
5. For Memorial Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
6. For Independence Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. the day before Independence Day and 8:30 a.m. the day after
Independence Day.
If Independence Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then between the hours of 4:00 p.m. the Thursday
8

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
before Independence Day and 8:30 a.m. the Tuesday after Independence Day.
7. For Labor Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
8. For Veteran's Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
9. For Thanksgiving Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. Monday.
10. For Christmas, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the week of Christmas Day and 8:30 a.m. the
following Tuesday after the week of Christmas Day.
Holidays and holiday weekends shall include New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Contractor shall schedule his work so that work is not required during these periods,
unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.
Liquidated damages for this contract are Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per hour or portion thereof that the
Contractor operates outside of the work hours as stated above.
CONTRACT BID QUANTITIES
The quantities shown in the itemized proposal for the project are considered to be approximate only and are given as the
basis for comparison of bids. The Department of Transportation may increase or decrease the quantity of any item or portion
of the work as may be deemed necessary or expedient.
An increase or decrease in the quantity of any item will not be regarded as sufficient ground for an increase or decrease in
the unit price, nor in the time allowed for the completion of the work, except as provided for the contract.
PLAN, DETAIL AND QUANTITY ADJUSTMENTS
The Contractor must cooperate with State forces working within the limits of this project as directed by the Engineer. The
Department reserves the right to make, at any time during the progress of the work, such alterations in plans or the details
of construction as may be found necessary or desirable by the Engineer to complete the project.
AWARD OF CONTRACT
"The North Carolina Department of Transportation, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 (78 Stat. 252) and the Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 C.F.R., Part 21), issued pursuant to such
act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that the contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement
will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder without discrimination on the ground of race, color, or national origin".
All eligible proposals will be evaluated, and acceptance made of the bid judged in the discretion of the contracting agency
to determine the lowest responsible bidder for the purpose intended. The Contracting Agency using its discretion, will
determine whether a bidder is a "responsible" bidder. In determining whether a bidder is "responsible, the Contracting
Agency will evaluate, the bid price, completeness and content of the bid, Bidder's experience, ability of the Bidder and
staff to perform the services required, Bidder's past performance, references, and Bidder's financial stability. After
opening bids and prior to award, the Contracting Agency may also seek additional information from any or all bidders
regarding the bidder's proposal, qualifications, experience, and ability to perform the required work prior to determining
whether a bidder is a "responsible" bidder. No changes in bid price or price negotiations will be allowed after bids are
opened and prior to an award. After the Contracting Agencies evaluation, the award of the contract, if awarded, will be
made to the lowest responsible bidder. The lowest responsible bidder will be notified that his bid has been accepted and
that he has been awarded the contract. If a Bidder is awarded a contract, he/she will be expected to perform the work.
Failure to perform may result in the Bidder being held in default of contract. In the event of default, the Department may,
in its discretion, contact the next lowest responsible bidder to determine whether that next lowest responsible bidder is
willing and able to complete the contract at its bid price.
All awards are final and are not subject to further review. Any formal complaints concerning awards should be made in
9

June 24, 2026 Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31878
writing to the Engineer.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
Due to the nature of the contract, no retainage will be withheld. However, the Department reserves the right to withhold
payment for a specific location until after successful completion of the work as verified by the final inspection of that
location.
INSURANCE
The Contractor shall maintain all legally required insurance coverage, including without limitation, worker's
compensation and vehicle liability, in the amounts required by law. Refer to Section 107-15 in the "Standard
Specifications for Roads and Structures" for additional information.
SUBLETTING OF CONTRACT
If a Contractor desires to sublet any work, written consent must be given by the Engineer. The approval of any
subcontract will not release the Contractor of liability under the contract, nor will the subcontractor or the second tier
subcontractor have any claim against NCDOT by reason of the approval of the subcontract. Subcontracting the
application of pesticides will not be permitted in this contract.
PERFORMANCE OF WORK
The Contractor's attention is directed to the need for the timely performance of services provided for under this contract.
The aesthetic appearance of the site and its reflection on the North Carolina Department of Transportation as well as the
safety and convenience of the public is the essence of the service.
NOTIFICATION OF OPERATIONS
The Contractor shall notify the Engineer one (1) week in advance of beginning work on this project. The Contractor shall
give the Engineer sufficient notice of all operations for any sampling, inspection or acceptance testing required.
PROSECUTION AND PROGRESS
The Contractor shall pursue the work diligently with workmen in sufficient numbers, abilities, and supervision, and
with equipment, materials, and methods of construction as may be required to complete the work described in the
contract by the completion date and in accordance with Section 108 of the Standard Specifications.
It is the intent of the Department that the Contractor's crew complete the work required on a site before beginning
work at another site.
The Contractor's vehicles and equipment shall not be parked within the State Highway System right of way overnight or at
other times when work has been suspended unless approved by the Engineer, and in no case within 30 feet of the edge of
pavement. The Engineer may designate specific locations for parking equipment.
The Contractor shall adhere to all applicable regulations and follow accepted safety procedures when working in the
vicinity of utilities in order to insure the safety of construction personnel and the public.
The Contractor's operations are restricted to daylight hours. No work may be performed on Saturdays, Sundays and legal
State holidays unless approved by the Engineer. Work shall only be performed when weather and visibility conditions
allow safe operations. Allowable work hours typically take place Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
while working on high volume roads. High volume roads will be determined by the Engineer.
10