Explanation
BACKGROUND
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to waive the competitive bidding requirements of Columbus City Codes Chapter 329, to establish contracts for Property Maintenance and Lawn Mowing services for properties held by the Division of Real Estate and Land Redevelopment, and to authorize the expenditure of $1,475,000.00. Services include trash and debris removal from structures, cleaning and abatement of vacant lots, lawn mowing, tree services, brush clearing, trash pickup, and similar work. Approval is also requested for reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase orders, starting March 1, 2026.
The Department of Development advertised RFQ031437 through the Vendor Services portal on October 23, 2025, and accepted proposals for property and lawn maintenance services through the Bonfire portal on November 19, 2025. A total of twenty-five (25) responses were received. A total of 10 contractors were selected by an evaluation committee consisting of Staff from the Department of Development. The qualifications were based on prior experience, equipment, staffing, and other factors. The resulting contracts will be established for one year with an option to extend an additional year.
The Department will establish 10 contracts for property maintenance services and 9 contracts for lawn maintenance, with a total of 10 contractors being selected, with some contractors performing both property and lawn maintenance services.
Current property maintenance contracts expire at the end of February; this legislation will also allow the payment of services on an emergency basis to ensure no interruptions of service.
Bid Waiver Justification: City Code 329 was modified to require all service contractors to pay a responsible wage and provide a health insurance benefit. Real Estate and Land Redevelopment and Fiscal found the Invitation to Bid (ITB) process does not allow a City agency to negotiat...
Click here for full text