Barricading Empty Buildings - Commercial

The City of Cincinnati has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB 271W906090) for commercial services related to the barricading of empty buildings, including condemned properties and drug houses. The selected contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary materials, labor, and equipment to secure vacant properties, with an estimated workload of approximately 50 buildings per year. The scope of work includes barricading windows and doors using specific materials like 3/4 inch plywood and 2x4s, constructing replacement doors, erecting permanent or temporary chain-link fencing, and performing maintenance such as lawn care. Due to the nature of the work, the contractor must be available 24/7, 365 days a year, with strict response time requirements: emergency call-outs must be addressed on-site within two hours, while non-emergency requests must be handled within 24 hours. This is an online-only solicitation requiring all responses to be submitted through the Vendor Self Service (VSS) portal by the deadline of October 20, 2026. The City intends to make a single award to the lowest and best bidder based on total bid price, while also considering factors such as the bidder's experience, financial capacity, past performance, and ability to meet delivery schedules. Compliance with economic inclusion goals is mandatory, specifically a 5% goal for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and a 5% goal for Women Business Enterprises (WBE). Required submission components include a bid form, addenda acknowledgement, bidder questionnaire, and a 10% bid bond. Additionally, the successful bidder must provide performance and payment bonds, adhere to prevailing wage rates, and maintain adequate public liability and property damage insurance.