Landscaping Services

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is soliciting proposals for comprehensive landscaping services covering over 100 instructional and non-instructional sites within Cleveland, Ohio, including active and closed school locations. This contract targets maintaining clean, safe, and well-kept outdoor environments supporting approximately 36,000 students and 6,000 staff members. The required services include mowing, weed control, shrub bed care, retention pond maintenance, debris removal, bush trimming, and herbicide applications, scheduled across defined seasonal maintenance cycles (Spring, Regular, Fall, and Special). Contractors must comply with state and federal regulations, carry appropriate liability insurance, conduct background checks for personnel, and adhere to District environmental protocols. The contract term spans three years starting July 1, 2026, with two optional one-year renewals, contingent on mutual agreement and satisfactory performance. Proposals will be evaluated through a two-phase process emphasizing best value, with a heavy technical weighting (85%) assessing understanding of District needs, experience, and scope offered, alongside cost (15%). Responsiveness to mandatory administrative requirements is strictly enforced before technical evaluation. The contract establishes firm security requirements, background checks, personnel identification badges, and organizational transparency through detailed submissions. Inspections and acceptance of services occur on-site at District properties, guided by specific quality standards such as mulch depth, fertilizer application, and timely debris removal. The contract prohibits use of the District's name in advertising without authorization and requires vendors to exclude Ohio sales tax. Although pricing details are to be provided by bidders, the solicitation document does not include preset contract values. Administration and correspondence routes are clearly designated, with key contacts identified for purchasing coordination and project management within the District.