As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area

005-RFB-2796-2026 - As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area
REQUEST FOR BIDS
RFB COVER SHEET
Administrative Information
As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des
RFB Number 005-RFB-2796-2026 Title of RFB
Moines Metro Area
Agency Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS)
State Issuing Officer:
Katelyn Howells
Phone: 515-721-7856
E-mail: Katelyn.Howells@das.iowa.gov
PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE-Event or Action Date/Time (Central Time)
State Posts Notice of RFB on the TSB website May 29, 2026
State Issues RFB June 1, 2026
Follow-up RFB written questions, requests for clarification, and
suggested changes from Bidders due (no questions accepted or June 10, 2026 at 3:00PM
responded to after this date)
Bids Due June 19, 2026 at 2:00PM
Relevant Websites
Internet website where the Addenda to this RFB will be posted http://bidopportunities.iowa.gov and
IMPACS Electronic Procurement System.
Internet website where contract terms and conditions are posted
https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20services.pdf
https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20goods.pdf
Firm Bid Terms
The minimum number of days following the deadline for submitting bids that the Bidder guarantees all
terms, including price, will remain firm is 120 Days.
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005-RFB-2796-2026 - As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Bids (RFB) is to solicit bids from qualified providers to provide the
goods and/or services described further in this RFB to the Lead Agency and any Participating
Agencies. The Lead Agency intends to award a contract(s) beginning and ending on the dates listed
in the IMPACS solicitation, and the Lead Agency may extend the contract(s) for up to the number
of annual extensions identified in the IMPACS solicitation at the sole discretion of the Lead
Agency. Any contract(s) resulting from the RFB shall not be an exclusive contract.
1.2. Definitions
For the purposes of this RFB and the resulting contract, the following terms shall mean:
"Agency" means the agency identified in the IMPACS solicitation that is issuing the RFB and any
other agency that purchases from the Contract.
"Alternative Bid" means a response to a bid that does not meet the exact requirements of the
specification but offers an alternative for consideration. An alternative bid is submitted with an
intentional variation to a provision, specification, term or condition of the solicitation. This
alternative, in the opinion of the bidder, achieves the same end result. Alternative bids may be
rejected as non-responsive.
"Bid" means the Bidder's bid submitted in response to the RFB.
"Bidder" means a vendor submitting a bid in response to this RFB.
"Contract" means the contract(s) entered into with the successful Bidder(s).
"Lead Agency" means the agency facilitating the procurement and establishing the Contract.
"Participating Agency" means the agency utilizing the established contract.
"Political Subdivisions" means cities, counties, and educational institutions.
"Responsible Bidder" means a Bidder that has the capability in all respects to perform the
requirements of the Contract. In determining whether a Bidder is a Responsible Bidder, the
Agency may consider various factors including, but not limited to, the Bidder's competence and
qualifications to provide the goods or services requested, the Bidder's integrity and reliability, the
past performance of the Bidder relative to the quality of the goods or services offered by the
Bidder and the best interest of the Agency and the State.
"Responsive Bid" means a Bid that complies with each of the provisions of this RFB, or is either
an alternative bid or a bid with an exception, if accepted by the Agency.
"RFB" means this Request for Bids and any addenda hereto.
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005-RFB-2796-2026 - As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area
"State" means the State of Iowa, the Agency identified in the IMPACS solicitation, and all state
agencies, boards, and commissions, and any political subdivisions making purchases from the
Contract as permitted by this RFB.
1.3. Contract Term
The term of the contract will begin July 1, 2026 and end on June 30, 2027. The Contract may be
renewed by mutual agreement of both parties for up to five (5) annual extensions for a total
contract term not to exceed six (6) years.
1.4. Background
The State of Iowa is seeking Bidders to provide various landscaping services, to include but not
limited to, site prep, planting, mulching, weeding, edging, and cleanup on the Capitol Complex
and State facilities in the Des Moines Metro area.
The goal is to maintain an attractive and weed-free appearance in landscaped areas.
This is a new contract. There is no sales history to share.
The resulting contract(s) is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for
landscaping goods and services. The Bidder shall furnish labor, materials, equipment, supervision,
and incidentals for task orders issued under this Agreement. Individual task orders will define
specific work locations, drawings (if any), quantities, schedules, and deliverables.
The State reserves the right to award multiple contracts following this Request for Bids.
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SECTION 2 SPECIFICATIONS
All items listed in this Section are Bid Specifications. A successful Bidder must be able to satisfy all these
specifications to be deemed a Responsible Bidder.
2.1. Bidder Requirements
2.1.1. All work performed by the Bidder must comply with the current Iowa Occupational
Safety and Health Standards. Bidders are required to inform the Lead Agency of any and
all OSHA violations during the term of the contract
2.1.2. Bidder must be a licensed contractor with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals,
and Licensing (DIAL) at the time of bid.
2.1.3. Bidder must maintain appropriate Commercial Pesticide Applicator License(s) from the
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for pesticide/fertilizers used to
complete services included in this contract at the time of bid.
2.1.4. Bidder will have to report to work site with all tools and equipment required for the work
to be performed.
2.1.5. Bidder will be required to obtain and maintain all required permits.
2.1.6. When applicable, Bidder must follow the Capitol Complex Ground Penetration Process
as specified on this form.
2.1.7. Bidder must respond timely to service requests. Bidder is expected to respond and
schedule work within 24 hours of Agency request.
2.1.8. Bidder shall have sufficient inventory of materials to meet usual and customary
commercial contract needs. State Agencies reserve the right to furnish materials
required in the completion of work under this contract.
2.2. Scope of Work
Bidder is to provide as-needed landscaping services at the Iowa Capitol Complex and other State
2.3. Installation
Installation of any equipment and shall be the Respondent's responsibility and expense, as will be
the removal of such equipment and upon completion of the contract or cancellation of the
contract. The Respondent shall be responsible for all Respondent-owned equipment. The risk of
loss and/or damage to Respondent-owned equipment and/or software shall be fully assumed by
the Respondent at all times pertinent to the contract.
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005-RFB-2796-2026 - As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area
SECTION 3 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
3.1. Issuing Officer
The Issuing Officer identified in the IMPACS solicitation is the sole point of contact regarding the
RFB from the date of issuance until selection of the successful Bidder.
3.2. Restriction on Communication
From the issue date of this RFB until announcement of the successful Bidder, Bidders may contact
only the Issuing Officer. The Issuing Officer will respond only to electronic questions regarding the
procurement process. Questions related to the interpretation of this RFB must be submitted as
provided in the IMPACS solicitation. Oral questions related to the interpretation of this RFB will
not be accepted. Bidders may be disqualified if they contact any State employee other than the
Issuing Officer about the RFB except that Bidders may contact the State Targeted Small Business
Office on issues related to the preference for Targeted Small Businesses.
The Agency assumes no responsibility for oral representations made by its officers or employees
unless such representations are confirmed in writing and incorporated into the RFB through an
addendum.
3.3. Amendment to the RFB
The Agency reserves the right to amend the RFB at any time using an addendum. The Bidder shall
acknowledge receipt of all addenda in its Bid.
It is the Bidder's sole responsibility to check daily for addenda to posted documents.
3.4. Bid Amendment and/or Withdrawal
The Bidder may amend or withdraw and resubmit its Bid at any time before the Bids are due. The
amendment must be submitted on Iowa IMPACS by the Bidder to the bid and received by the time
set for the receipt of Bids.
3.5. Submission of Bids
The Agency must receive the electronic Bid on Iowa IMPACS before the "Bids Due" date and time.
This is a mandatory requirement and will not be waived by the Agency. Any Bid received after
this deadline will not be accepted. It is the Bidder's responsibility to ensure the bid is received
prior to the deadline. Email and faxed Bids will not be accepted.
Bidders must furnish all information necessary to enable the Agency to evaluate the Bid. Bids that
fail to meet the mandatory requirements of the RFB may be rejected. Oral information provided
by the Bidder shall not be considered part of the Bidder's Bid unless it is in writing.
3.6. Bid Opening
The Agency will open Bids after the deadline for submission of Bids has passed. However, the
names of Bidders who submitted timely Bids will be publicly available after the Bid opening. See
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Iowa Code Section 72.3. The announcement of Bidders who timely submitted Bids does not mean
that an individual Bid has been deemed technically compliant or accepted for evaluation.
3.7. Costs of Preparing the Bid
The costs of preparation and delivery of the Bid are solely the responsibility of the Bidder.
3.8. Rejection of Bids
The Agency reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, in whole and in part, received in response
to this RFB at any time prior to the execution of a written Contract. Issuance of this RFB in no way
constitutes a commitment by the Agency to award a Contract. This RFB is designed to provide
Bidders with the information necessary to prepare a competitive Bid. This RFB process is for the
Agency's benefit and is intended to provide the Agency with competitive information to assist in
the selection of a Bidder to provide goods and/or services. It is not intended to be comprehensive,
and each Bidder is responsible for determining all factors necessary for submission of a
comprehensive Bid.
3.9. Disqualification
The Agency will reject outright and will not evaluate Bids if the Bidder fails to deliver the Bid by
the due date and time. The Agency may reject outright and may not evaluate Bids for any one of
the following reasons:
* The Bidder acknowledges that a requirement of the RFB cannot be met.
* The Bidder's Bid materially changes a requirement of the RFB or the Bid is not compliant
with the requirements of the RFB.
* The Bidder's Bid limits the rights of the Agency.
* The Bidder fails to include information necessary to substantiate that it will be able to
meet a requirement of the RFB.
* The Bidder fails to timely respond to the Agency's request for information, documents, or
references.
* The Bidder fails to include bid security, if required.
* The Bidder fails to include any signature, certification, authorization, stipulation,
disclosure or guarantee requested.
* The Bidder presents the information requested by this RFB in a format inconsistent with
the instructions of the RFB or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of the RFB.
* The Bidder initiates unauthorized contact regarding the RFB with state employees.
* The Bidder provides misleading or inaccurate responses.
* The Bidder's Bid is materially unbalanced.
* There is insufficient evidence (including evidence submitted by the Bidder and evidence
obtained by the Agency from other sources) to satisfy the Agency that the Bidder is
properly responsive and responsible to satisfy the requirements of the RFB.
* The Bidder alters the language in Certification Letter or Authorization to Release
Information Letter.
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005-RFB-2796-2026 - As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area
* The Respondent is a "scrutinized company" included on a "scrutinized company list"
created by a public fund pursuant to Iowa Code section 12J.3.
3.10. Nonmaterial Variances
The Agency reserves the right to waive or permit cure of nonmaterial variances in the Bid if, in the
judgment of the Agency, it is in the Agency's best interest to do so. Nonmaterial variances include
minor informalities that do not affect responsiveness, that are merely a matter of form or format,
that do not change the relative standing or otherwise prejudice other Bidders, that do not change
the meaning or scope of the RFB, or that do not reflect a material change in the requirements of
the RFB. In the event the Agency waives or permits cure of nonmaterial variances, such waiver or
cure will not modify the RFB requirements or excuse the Bidder from full compliance with RFB
specifications or other contract requirements if the Bidder is awarded the contract. The
determination of materiality is in the sole discretion of the Agency.
3.11. Reference Checks
The Agency reserves the right to contact any reference to assist in the evaluation of the Bid, to
verify information contained in the Bid and to discuss the Bidder's qualifications and the
qualifications of any subcontractor identified in the Bid.
3.12. Information from Other Sources
The Agency reserves the right to obtain and consider information from other sources concerning
a Bidder, such as the Bidder's capability and performance under other contracts, the qualifications
of any subcontractor identified in the Bid, the Bidder's financial stability, past or pending litigation,
and other publicly available information.
3.13. Verification of Bid Contents
The content of a Bid submitted by a Bidder is subject to verification. If the Agency in its sole
discretion determines that the content is in any way misleading or inaccurate, the Bidder may be
disqualified.
3.14. Bid Clarification Process
The Agency reserves the right to contact a Bidder after the submission of Bids for the purpose of
clarifying a Bid to ensure mutual understanding. This contact may include written questions,
interviews, site visits, a review of past performance if the Bidder has provided goods and/or
services to the State or any other political subdivision wherever located, or requests for corrective
pages in the Bidder's Bid. The Agency will not consider information received if the information
materially alters the content of the Bid or alters the type of goods and/or services the Bidder is
offering to the Agency. An individual authorized to legally bind the Bidder shall sign responses to
any request for clarification. Responses shall be submitted to the Agency within the time specified
in the Agency's request. Failure to comply with requests for additional information may result in
rejection of the Bid as non-compliant.
3.15. Disposition of Bids
All Bids become the property of the Agency and shall not be returned to the Bidder at the
conclusion of the selection process, the contents of all Bids will be in the public domain and be
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available for inspection by interested parties except for information for which Bidder properly
requests confidential treatment according to exceptions provided in Iowa Code Chapter 22 or
other applicable law.
3.16. Public Records and Requests for Confidential Treatment
The Agency's release of public records is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 22. Contractors are
encouraged to familiarize themselves with Chapter 22 before submitting a Bid. The Agency will
copy and produce public records upon request as required to comply with Chapter 22 and will
treat all information submitted by a Contractor as non-confidential records unless Contractor
requests specific parts of the Bid be treated as confidential at the time of the submission as set
forth herein AND the information is confidential under Iowa or other applicable law.
3.17. Form 22 Request for Confidentiality
FORM 22 MUST BE COMPLETED AND INCLUDED WITH CONTRACTOR'S BID. COMPLETION AND
SUBMITTAL OF FORM 22 IS REQUIRED WHETHER THE BID DOES OR DOES NOT CONTAIN
INFORMATION FOR WHICH CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT WILL BE REQUESTED. FAILURE TO
SUBMIT A COMPLETED FORM 22 WILL RESULT IN THE BID CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE AND
NOT EVALUATED.
3.18. Copyrights
By submitting a Bid, the Bidder agrees that the Agency may copy the Bid for purposes of
facilitating the evaluation of the Bid or to respond to requests for public records. The Bidder
consents to such copying by submitting a Bid and warrants that such copying will not violate the
rights of any third party. The Agency shall have the right to use ideas or adaptations of ideas that
are presented in the Bids.
3.19. Release of Claims
By submitting a Bid, the Bidder agrees that it will not bring any claim or cause of action against
the Agency based on any misunderstanding concerning the information provided herein or
concerning the Agency's failure, negligent or otherwise, to provide the Bidder with pertinent
information in this RFB.
3.20. Bidder Presentations
At the sole discretion of the State, Bidders may be required to make a presentation of the Bid.
The presentation may occur at the Agency's offices or at the offices of the Bidder. The
determination as to need for presentations, the location, order, and schedule of the presentations
is at the sole discretion of the Agency. The presentation may include slides, graphics and other
media selected by the Bidder to illustrate the Bidder's Bid. The presentation shall not materially
change the information contained in the Bid.
3.21. Evaluation of Bids Submitted
Bids that are timely submitted and are not subject to disqualification will be reviewed in
accordance with the RFB.
3.22. Preference
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005-RFB-2796-2026 - As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area
By virtue of statutory authority, a preference will be given to products and provisions grown and
coal produced within the state of Iowa. Preference application: Tied responses to solicitations,
regardless of the type of solicitation, are decided in favor of Iowa products and Iowa-based
businesses per 11 IAC 117.
3.23. Determination of Responsible Bidder & Responsive Bid
All Bids will be first evaluated to determine if they comply with the bid requirements (i.e. to
determine if the Bidder is a Responsible Bidder submitting a Responsive Bid). To be deemed a
Responsible Bidder and a Responsive Bid, the Bid must comply with the bid format instructions
and answer "Yes" to all parts and include information demonstrating the Bidder will be able to
comply with the bid requirements.
3.24. Evaluation Criteria
The Agency will evaluate the Responsive Bids submitted by Responsible Bidders to determine the
lowest responsible Bidder(s) and will award the Contract(s) to the Bidder(s) submitting the lowest
responsible bid(s) based on price.
3.25. Award Notice and Acceptance Period
Notice of Intent to Award the Contract(s) will be sent to all Bidders submitting a timely Bid and
will be posted on Iowa IMPACS. Negotiation and execution of the Contract(s) shall be completed
no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the Notice of Intent to Award. If the apparent
successful Bidder fails to negotiate and deliver an executed contract by that date, the Agency, in
its sole discretion, may cancel the award and award the Contract to the remaining Bidder the
Agency believes will provide the best value to the State.
3.26. Definition of Contract
The full execution of a written contract shall constitute the making of a contract for the goods
and/or services requested by the RFB and no Bidder shall acquire any legal or equitable rights
relative to the contract for goods and/or services until the contract has been fully executed by the
successful Bidder and the Agency.
3.27. Choice of Law and Forum
This RFB and the Contract are to be governed by the laws of the state of Iowa. Changes in
applicable laws and rules may affect the award process or the Contract. Bidders are responsible
for ascertaining pertinent legal requirements and restrictions. Any and all litigation or actions
commenced in connection with this RFB shall be brought in the appropriate Iowa forum.
3.28. Restrictions on Gifts and Activities
Iowa Code Chapter 68B restricts gifts which may be given or received by State employees and
requires certain individuals to disclose information concerning their activities with State
government. Bidders are responsible to determine the applicability of Chapter 68B to their
activities and to comply with its requirements. In addition, pursuant to Iowa Code Section 722.1,
it is a felony offense to bribe or attempt to bribe a public official.
3.29. Appeals
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005-RFB-2796-2026 - As-Needed Landscaping Services in the Des Moines Metro Area
A Bidder whose bid has been timely filed and who is aggrieved by the award of the department
may appeal the decision by filing a written notice of appeal (in accordance with 11-Chapter
117.20, Iowa Administrative Code) to: The Director of the Department of Administrative Services,
Hoover State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0104 and a copy to the Issuing Officer. The
notice must be filed within five days of the date of the Intent to Award notice issued by the
Department, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal state holidays. The written notice may be
filed by fax transmission to 515.725.2064. The notice of appeal must clearly and fully identify all
issues being contested by reference to the page, section and line number(s) of the RFB and/or the
notice of Intent to Award. A notice of appeal may not stay negotiations with the apparent
successful Contractor.
3.30. Unit Price
If a discrepancy between the unit price and the item total exists, the unit price prevails.
3.31. Price Adjustments to Term Contract(s)
Bid prices shall remain firm the first year of the contract. Price adjustments may be taken into
consideration during the contract renewal process. The State reserves the right to accept or reject
any proposed price(s) changes. Requested price changes should be submitted to the Iowa
Department of Administrative Services - Central Procurement, sixty (60) days prior to the contract
anniversary date.
3.32. Registration
The successful Bidder will be required to register to do business in Iowa before payment can be
made. For how to do business with the State of Iowa go to
https://das.iowa.gov/procurement/vendors/how-do-business.
3.33. Questions and Requests for Clarification
Bidders are invited to submit written questions and requests for clarifications regarding the RFB.
The questions and requests for clarifications must be received by the Issuing Officer by the date
and time identified on the cover page. Oral questions will not be permitted. If the questions and
requests for clarifications pertain to a specific section of the RFB, the page and section number(s)
must be referenced. Written responses to questions and requests for clarifications will be issued
in the form of an addendum and sent to Bidders who received RFBs.
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