Monroe County Parks Landscaping RFP - 2026

COUNTY OF MONROE
MICHIGAN
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:
Monroe County Parks Landscaping
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ISSUED:
Friday, May 15, 2026
PROPOSAL DEADLINE:
4:00 PM, Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Monroe County Finance Office
125 East Second Street
Monroe, MI 48161

MONROE COUNTY
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
125 East Second Street Monroe, Michigan 48161-2197
Telephone: (734) 240-7250 Fax (734) 240-7266
May 15, 2026
Dear Contractor:
The County of Monroe is accepting proposals for the provision of landscaping services at three (3)
sites: Vienna Park, Waterloo Park, and Heck Park. Interested and qualified contractors should
review the requirements outlined within this Request for Proposal.
Contractors shall submit proposals using the included Proposal Form, completed in its entirety.
The final date to submit proposals is Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Proposals
may be submitted using either of the following methods:
1. Hard Paper Copy: Submit proposals by U.S. mail, courier service or personal delivery to
Monroe County Finance Department, 2nd Floor, 125 East Second Street, Monroe,
Michigan 48161-2197. Proposals must be delivered in sealed envelopes and clearly marked
"Sealed Proposal for Parks Landscaping RFP" so that no error in opening may occur.
2. Email: Submit proposals via email as a separate Microsoft Word or PDF document
attachment to rfp@monroemi.org. Indicate in the email subject line "Sealed Proposal for
Parks Landscaping RFP" so that no error in opening may occur.
The County of Monroe reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, to waive any
irregularities, and to make an award that it has determined to be in the best interest of the County.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kish
Operations Coordinator

MONROE COUNTY PARKS LANDSCAPING RFP
1. Summary
A. The County of Monroe ("County") is seeking a contractor to provide landscaping
services at the following sites:
1) Vienna Park, 320 West Vienna Road, Temperance, MI 48182
2) Waterloo Park, 1030 Mulhollen Drive, Monroe, MI 48161
3) Heck Park, 1095 North Dixie Highway, Monroe, MI 48161
B. Landscaping work shall be provided in accordance with the specifications outlined in
this Request for Proposal ("RFP"). The work shall include all labor, materials,
equipment, transport, supervision, and all other items or activities necessary to
complete the project and meet the requirements of this RFP.
C. The County will fund a $2,500 per site allowance for the purchase of new plants
($7,500 total for the project). Contractors shall not include this allowance in the
proposal cost.
D. The County will fund a $200 per cubic yard allowance for the purchase of landscaping
stone. Contractors shall not include this allowance in the proposal cost.
E. Contractors are urged to visit the sites in order to familiarize themselves with all
conditions that may affect the project and execution of the work. All proposals shall
incorporate this inspection, and the submittal of a proposal automatically implies that
this examination has been completed and the contractor is thoroughly familiar with the
location, scope, nature, and character of the work and the equipment and materials
needed for all tasks that are part of the project. Project sites are available for inspection
at any time during normal park hours of operation, 7:30 AM to Dusk.
F. Each proposal shall include a proposed schedule for each site that includes dates when
the work will start and when the work will be completed. The work must be done in a
way to allow continued access to the sites. Safety barricades shall be employed and
other safety precautions shall be taken to protect visitors and employees from any
hazards related to the work.
2. Vienna Park, 320 West Vienna Road, Temperance, MI 48182
A. Park Entrance
1) Grade the area to create two (2) oval landscape structures, one (1) structure on
each side of the drive. Each structure shall be approximately 10' by 20',
paralleling the drive entrance and providing drainage away from the new
plants and drive.
2) Dig an 8" trench around the new oval landscape structures and fill with
compacted stone to be used as footings for new retaining block.
3) Install two rows of retaining blocks around the footings surrounding the oval
landscape structures. Blocks shall be approximately 16" L x 6" H x 12" W
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and equal to the ManorStone specification attached. Blocks shall be similar in
size, color, and texture used in the landscape structures at our Nike Park
entrance (photo attached for reference).
4) Partially fill the oval structures with quality topsoil and install a quality weed
barrier over the topsoil.
5) New plants shall be planted, fertilized, and watered in. Contractors shall
propose the best plant options suited for the site based on knowledge and
experience. The County will have final approval of plant selection, with
contractor input considered. The County will fund a $2,500 per site
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape plants. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
6) Install stone to cover the interior of the oval structures, approximately 3" in
depth. Stone color will be "barn red" or similar. The County will have final
approval of stone selection. The County will fund a $200 per cubic yard
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape stone. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
7) Remove the park sign from its current location (photo attached) and reinstall
within the new landscape area, in a location designated by the County.
8) Contractor shall clean up site and plant grass seed in disturbed areas.
3. Waterloo Park, 1030 Mulhollen Drive, Monroe, MI 48161
A. Park Entrance
1) Remove and dispose of existing retaining block and landscape stone
surrounding the park sign. Remove and safeguard the sign, to be reinstalled.
2) Grade the area to create two (2) oval landscape structures, one (1) on each
side of the drive. Each structure shall be approximately 10' by 20', paralleling
the drive entrance and providing drainage away from the new plants and
drive.
3) Dig an 8" trench around the new oval landscape structures and fill with
compacted stone to be used as footings for new retaining block.
4) Install two rows of retaining blocks around the footings surrounding the oval
landscape structures. Blocks shall be approximately 16" L x 6" H x 12" W
and equal to the ManorStone specification attached. Blocks shall be similar in
size, color, and texture used in the landscape structures at our Nike Park
entrance (photo attached for reference).
5) Partially fill the oval structures with quality topsoil and install a quality weed
barrier over the topsoil.
6) New plants shall be planted, fertilized, and watered in. Contractors shall
propose the best plant options suited for the site based on knowledge and
experience. The County will have final approval of plant selection, with
contractor input considered. The County will fund a $2,500 per site
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape plants. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
7) Install stone to cover the interior of the oval structures, approximately 3" in
depth. Stone color will be "barn red" or similar. The County will have final
approval of stone selection. The County will fund a $200 per cubic yard
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allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape stone. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
8) Reinstall the park sign within the new landscape area, in a location designated
by the County.
9) Contractor will clean up site and plant grass seed in disturbed areas.
4. Heck Park, 1095 North Dixie Highway, Monroe, MI 48161
A. Park Entrance
1) Remove and dispose of the existing landscape steel border, stone, and plants
(including large tree) (photo attached).
2) Protect the existing memorial plaque, pole, and water and electrical systems
within the landscape structure.
3) Regrade the area to create an oval landscape structure that is approximately
10' by 20', paralleling the drive entrance and providing drainage away from
the new plants and drive.
4) Dig an 8" trench around the new oval landscape structure and fill with
compacted stone to be used as footings for new retaining block.
5) Install two rows of retaining blocks around the footings surrounding the oval
landscape structures. Blocks shall be approximately 16" L x 6" H x 12" W
and equal to the ManorStone specification attached. Blocks shall be similar in
size, color, and texture used in the landscape structures at our Nike Park
entrance (photo attached).
6) Partially fill the oval structure with quality topsoil and install a quality weed
barrier over the topsoil.
7) New plants shall be planted, fertilized, and watered in. Contractors shall
propose the best plant options suited for the site based on knowledge and
experience. The County will have final approval of plant selection, with
contractor input considered. The County will fund a $2,500 per site
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape plants. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
8) Install stone to cover the interior of the oval structure, approximately 3" in
depth. Stone color will be "barn red" or similar. The County will have final
approval of stone selection. The County will fund a $200 per cubic yard
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape stone. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
9) Contractor will clean up site and plant grass seed in disturbed areas.
B. Park Sign
1) Remove and dispose of existing landscape stone and border around the park
sign, and protect the sign from damage while work is being completed (photo
attached).
2) Dig an 8" trench around the current circular landscape structure and fill with
compacted stone to be used as footings for new retaining block.
3) Install two rows of retaining blocks around the footings surrounding the
circular structure. Blocks shall be the same type used in the entrance
landscape structure.
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4) Partially fill the circular structure with quality topsoil and install a quality
weed barrier over the topsoil.
5) Install stone to cover the interior of the circular structure, approximately 3" in
depth. Stone color will be "barn red" or similar. The County will have final
approval of stone selection. The County will fund a $200 per cubic yard
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape stone. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
C. Granite Memorial
1) Remove and dispose of shrubs in front of the memorial and stone surrounding
the shrubs (photo attached).
2) Add quality topsoil to the area to prepare for planting and cover with a quality
weed barrier.
3) New plants shall be planted, fertilized, and watered in. Contractors shall
propose the best plant options suited for the site based on knowledge and
experience. The County will have final approval of plant selection, with
contractor input considered. The County will fund a $2,500 per site
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape plants. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
4) Install stone to cover the interior of the landscape structure, approximately 3"
in depth. Stone color will be "barn red" or similar. The County will have final
approval of stone selection. The County will fund a $200 per cubic yard
allowance for the Contractor to purchase new landscape stone. Do not
include this allowance in the proposal cost.
D. Small Landscape Structures:
1) Remove and dispose of timbers and stone in small landscape structures near
park entrance and granite memorial (small tree memorial - 1, benches - 2, and
ground lights - 4) (photos attached).
2) Dig an 8" trench around all landscape structures and fill with compacted stone
to be used as footings for new retaining block. Size of landscape structures
will remain the same.
3) Install one row of retaining block on the footings surrounding the small
landscape structures. Block shall be installed level with the ground around
benches and lights to avoid trip hazards. Block shall be the same color used in
other landscape areas, but may be smaller in size if necessary.
4) Install a quality weed barrier to cover the landscape structures.
5) Install stone to cover the interior of the landscape structure, approximately 3"
in depth. Stone color will be "barn red" or similar. The County will have final
approval of stone selection. The County will fund a $200 per cubic yard
allowance for the purchase new landscape stone. Do not include this
allowance in the proposal cost.
5. General Specifications
A. The specifications listed in this RFP are intended to serve as general guidelines to be
followed by contractors in preparing a proposal and during the ensuing project. These
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specifications are intended to list the major tasks to be completed and the Selected
Contractor ("Contractor") shall be responsible for completing all other tasks required
to achieve a first-class project, even if each specific task is not listed herein. The brand
name materials listed in this RFP are intended as a standard to be met and contractors
may submit alternates that are equal or superior to the products listed.
B. All work schedules and activities shall be coordinated with County staff and completed
in a fashion that minimizes the time of disruption to normal operations.
C. In all circumstances, the work shall be of first-class quality and performed by qualified
personnel who are skilled in the respective trade and knowledgeable about the products
and equipment being used.
D. Care shall be taken to ensure no damage is caused to County property and any adjoining
property.
6. Proposals & Contract Award
A. Contractors shall provide bid pricing using the Proposal Form included with this RFP.
Proposals shall take into consideration all such conditions as may affect the work under
this contract. The submittal of a proposal automatically implies that the contractor has
examined the project site and is completely familiar with the location, scope, and nature
of the work and of the equipment and materials needed to complete the project. A
contractor's failure to conduct a site visit will not result in additional claims for
compensation from the County and may subject the agreement to termination.
B. The County may, in its discretion, award a contract to complete all components or a
selection of the components of the work listed within this RFP.
C. The County may visit and review the Contractor's facilities and equipment prior to
award of contract. Contractors shall be prepared to facilitate this visit and note
additional visits may be conducted during the term of this contract.
7. Receiving Office
Contractors shall submit proposals on the included Proposal Form, completed in its
entirety, and attach any other required documentation as specified in this RFP. The final
date to submit proposals is Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Proposals
may be submitted using either of the following methods:
A. Hard Paper Copy: Submit proposals by U.S. mail, courier service or personal delivery
to Monroe County Finance Department, 2nd Floor, 125 East Second Street, Monroe,
Michigan 48161-2197. Proposals must be delivered in sealed envelopes and clearly
marked "Sealed Proposal for Parks Landscaping RFP" so that no error in opening
may occur.
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B. Email: Submit proposals via email as a separate Microsoft Word or PDF document
attachment to rfp@monroemi.org. Indicate in the email subject line "Sealed Proposal
for Parks Landscaping RFP" so that no error in opening may occur.
8. Economy of Preparation
Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing straight-forward,
concise descriptions of the contractor's capabilities to perform the work. All pricing and
requested information shall be included in the proposal and outlined in narrative text
explaining the services to be performed; equipment and/or materials to be provided; cost
of the services, equipment, and/or materials; and the tentative schedule for work to be
completed (if applicable).
9. Addenda and Supplements to RFP
In the event of changes to the RFP, contractors will be notified in writing. Questions
concerning the project specifications and requirements, proposal submittal, or award and
administration of the contract should be directed to the individual listed below:
Andrew Kish
Operations Coordinator
County of Monroe
125 East Second Street
Monroe, Michigan 48161
Telephone: 734-240-7268
Email: andrew_kish@monroemi.org
10. Time Period of Evaluation
The County will select a contractor and award the contract as soon as possible after the
proposal due date outlined in this RFP. However, submitted proposals shall remain valid
for thirty (30) days after the due date. Contractors should be prepared to commence work
immediately upon award notification.
11. Manufacturer's Directions
All manufactured articles, materials, equipment, etc. shall be applied, installed, connected,
erected, used, cleaned, and conditioned as directed by the manufacturer, unless herein
specified to the contrary. All materials shall be new and installed for the purpose of which
they were manufactured.
12. Brand Name Specification
Where applicable, a brand name, or equal specification as used in this solicitation, is used
to describe the standard of quality, performance, and characteristics desired, and not
intended to limit or restrict competition. Should a contractor object to a product specified
in this RFP, the burden of proof to demonstrate that an alternative product is of equal or
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superior quality to the specified product falls upon the challenging contractor. Contractors
may submit proposals that include products from manufacturers not specified herein.
13. Contract Period
The contract term shall be only for the duration of the schedule to purchase, construct,
provide, and accept the work. The work shall be completed under a schedule agreed to by
the County and the Contractor.
14. Termination
Neither party, upon award of contract, except for non-performance on the part of the
Contractor (as determined exclusively by the County) or issues of non-payment on the part
of the County, may terminate the contract.
15. Payment
A. The County shall issue payment to the Contractor within thirty (30) days of receipt of
invoice for completed and accepted work. Progress payments may be made to the
Contractor for work completed to date, in the discretion of the County.
B. The County reserves the right to withhold or reduce payment for any work not
performed or completed in accordance with the requirements and specifications
outlined in this RFP, in its sole discretion. In such instances, the County may engage
in-house personnel or other contracted services to complete said work if the Contractor
fails to do so in a time period and manner acceptable to the County, and back charge
the Contractor for all costs incurred by the County as a result of the Contractor's failure
to perform.
C. The County is not obligated to compensate the Contractor for any additional work
performed by the Contractor that extends beyond the scope or requirements of this RFP,
unless prior approval was given by the County.
16. Incurred Contractor Costs
The County will not be liable for any costs incurred by contractors or other respondents to
this RFP, prior to issuance of an agreement, contract, or other similar acquisition
documents.
17. Other Provisions
Contractors shall list any other criteria or requirements to delineate responsibility for any
additional items and/or tasks to be completed by either the County or Contractor. These
provisions shall be in addition to those detailed or explained in this RFP.
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18. Reservation of Rights
The County reserves the right to the following:
A. To accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this RFP. The County
shall not be obligated to award a contract solely on the basis of any response made to
this RFP, nor does the County intend to, nor will it be obligated to pay for the
information solicited or obtained.
B. To reject all proposals and re-issue the RFP at any time prior to execution of a final
contract; to require, in any RFP for similar products and/or services that may be issued
subsequent to this RFP, terms and conditions that are substantially different from the
terms and conditions set forth in this RFP; or to cancel this RFP with or without issuing
another RFP.
C. To reject any proposal if, in the County's sole discretion, the proposal is incomplete,
the proposal is not responsive to the requirements of this RFP, the proposer does not
meet the qualification requirements set forth herein, or it is otherwise determined to be
in the best interest of the County to reject the proposal.
D. To supplement, amend, substitute or otherwise modify this RFP at any time prior to the
execution of a final contract.
E. Accept or reject any or all of the items in any proposal, and award a contract for the
whole or only a part of any proposal, if the County determines, in its sole discretion,
that it is in the County's best interest to do so.
F. To reject the proposal of any proposer that, in the County's sole judgment, has been
delinquent or unfaithful in the performance of any contract with the County, is
financially or technically incapable, or is otherwise deemed to not be a responsible
proposer.
G. To waive any informality, defect, non-responsiveness, and/or deviation from this RFP
that is not, in the County's sole judgment, material to the proposal.
H. To permit or reject, in the County's sole discretion, amendments (including information
inadvertently omitted), modifications, alterations, and/or corrections to proposals by
one or more of the proposers following proposal submission.
I. To request that one or more of the proposers modify their proposals.
J. To request additional or clarifying information from any proposer at any time,
including information inadvertently omitted by a proposer.
K. To require that proposers appear for interviews and/or presentations of their proposals
at County offices.
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