Call 301 AZ5727114SB

Contract AZ5727114SB is an Invitation for Bids issued by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration for the maintenance and preservation of environmental assets in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne's Counties (District 2). This Small Business Reserve procurement is open to certified small business vendors and requires the contractor to perform a wide range of landscaping and environmental management activities, including mowing, trimming, edging, foliage removal, tree and shrub pruning, and herbicide application. All work must adhere to ANSI A300 standards for tree care and requires specific Maryland Department of Agriculture pesticide licenses for categories including Right-of-Way and Weed and Ornamental Plant Exterior. The period of performance extends through December 31, 2028, with work occurring area-wide in Maryland, including specific maintenance facilities in Centreville, Chestertown, and Elkton. The award will be granted to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Critical pass/fail requirements include the submission of a certified MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit, an MBE Participation Schedule, and the delivery of annual-renewable performance and payment bonds for contracts exceeding 100,000 dollars. Bidders must also meet a minority business enterprise goal of 2 percent of the total contract value and comply with the State's Living Wage law and Buy America preference requirements. Performance is monitored through a multi-stage inspection process involving an Installation Phase and an Establishment Phase, with final acceptance granted upon the satisfactory completion of specific quality standards. Failure to meet completion dates or task requirements may result in liquidated damages of 1,020 dollars per day for unauthorized extensions and 500 dollars per day for task delays.