Landscaping Services for Cemeteries

The City of Suffolk, Virginia, is seeking a qualified contractor for annual landscaping and maintenance services at Holly Lawn Cemetery (30 acres) and Cedar Hill Cemetery (35 acres) under solicitation RFP#27034-AG. The contract term begins November 1, 2026, and runs through October 31, 2027, with the possibility of four additional one-year renewals through October 31, 2031. The scope of work includes mowing open areas to a height of two inches at least 18 times per year between March 15 and November 1, trimming around all fixtures and monuments, removing wild vegetation, and applying environmentally safe Group 5 herbicides to roadways. Additional requirements include leaf raking, debris and litter removal, and weekly emptying of trash receptacles. The selection process follows the Virginia Public Procurement Act using competitive negotiation. Proposals are evaluated based on management skills, experience with cemetery cutting, understanding of requirements, scheduling capability, fee proposals, and overall quality. The City will shortlist the highest-rated firms for interviews before negotiating a binding fee with the top-ranked candidate. Awarded contractors must provide proof of worker's compensation insurance, adhere to OSHA safety standards, and ensure personnel are trained to maintain the solemn dignity of the cemeteries. Proposals are due by October 8, 2026, and must be submitted via the EVA portal or as sealed hard copies to the Purchasing Office in Suffolk.