Back Road Government Bids & RFPs

The proposal due date is June 17, 2026, at 2:00 p. m. CST. All dates are subject to change by written addendum.

The award will be made to the responsible proposer whose proposal is determined to be most advantageous to the zoo, considering price and all other evaluation factors, with a best-value methodology.

Proposals will be evaluated based on qualifications, certifications, and experience, with a weight of 25%.

Attendance at the virtual pre-bid meeting is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. If site visits are requested, only vendors who attended the pre-bid meeting will be eligible to participate.

A protest concerning the terms, conditions, or specifications of this solicitation must be filed within five business days after the basis of the protest is known or should have been known. A protest concerning the notice of intent to award must be filed within five business days following issuance of the notice of intent to award.

Unauthorized contact with any other Saint Louis Zoo employee may result in disqualification.

The bid due date is June 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

The bid notice does not explicitly detail payment terms for contractors, but it does mention progress payments and final payment procedures within the contract documents.

The contract documents state that upon issuance of a certificate of final completion, the contractor warrants for a period of one year that all labor and materials provided shall be new and that all work will be of good quality, free from faults and defects, and in conformance with the agreement.

The determination of the lowest responsible bidder may involve factors such as price, conformity to specifications, financial ability to perform the contract, previous performance, facilities and equipment, availability of repair parts, qualifications and experience, delivery promise, payment terms, compatibility, other costs, and other objectives and accountable factors.

To demonstrate qualifications, bidders must be prepared to submit written evidence such as financial data, previous experience, and present commitments. Each bid must contain evidence of the bidder's qualifications to do business in Texas or a covenant to obtain such qualification prior to award. Factors considered include work previously completed, permanent place of business, adequate plant and equipment, prompt payment of claims, appropriate technical experience, job references, and satisfactory performance on similar projects.

The contract specifies liquidated damages of **** for each and every calendar day that the contractor is in default after the time stipulated for substantial completion and/or final completion.

The bid notice states that a pre-bid meeting will not be held for this project, implying that site visits are not formally scheduled or mandatory.

The bid notice states that bidders may be required to provide samples of items if requested by the owner, without charge, and if not destroyed, they shall be returned at the bidder's expense.

The bid notice does not specify a deadline for challenging the bid process or award.

Bidders may be disqualified for reasons including failure to use the proposal form, lack of signature, failure to properly complete the proposal, evidence of collusion, omission of bid security, unauthorized alteration of bid form, lack of appropriate qualifications and experience, unsatisfactory performance, failure to complete projects, or loaded or unbalanced bids.

The installer agrees to repair or replace plantings and accessories that fail in materials, workmanship, or growth within a specified warranty period. For trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses, the warranty period is 36 months from the date of substantial completion. For ground covers, biennials, perennials, and other plants, the warranty period is also 36 months. The warranty covers death and unsatisfactory growth, structural failures, and faulty performance of tree stabilization and edgings, except for defects resulting from abuse, lack of adequate maintenance, or neglect by the owner. A limit of one replacement of each plant is required, except for losses or replacements due to failure to comply with requirements. An extended warranty equal to the original warranty period is provided for replaced plant material.

The installer must be a qualified landscape installer whose work has resulted in successful plant establishment. They must hold a state landscape contractor license, be a member in good standing of specific professional organizations (ALCC, NALP, or AmericanHort), and have five years of experience in landscape installation. The installer must also maintain an experienced full-time supervisor on-site and have personnel certified by NALP. Pesticide applicators must be state-licensed and commercial.

Samples for verification are required for organic mulch (1-quart volume), mineral mulch (2 lb), and weed control barrier (12 by 12 inches). For organic mulch, samples should be in sealed plastic bags labeled with composition by percentage of weight and source, representing typical lot quality, color, texture, and organic makeup. For mineral mulch, samples should be in sealed plastic bags labeled with the source, indicating color, texture, and makeup. For weed control barrier, a 12 by 12 inch sample is required.