REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR

FLORAL/WATERING SEASONAL CONTRACTOR

DOWNTOWN ALBANY BID

ALBANY, NEW YORK

CLIENT:   DOWNTOWN ALBANY BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, INC.

                54 STATE STREET SUITE 701

                ALBANY, NY 12207

BACKGROUND

The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, Inc. (BID) is an independent not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization comprising of property owners and businesses in the downtown Albany central business district.  Established in 1996, the BID’s mission is to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and improve the quality of life and overall image for all those who live, work and visit the Capital City of Albany. Working in partnership with businesses, property owners, cultural institutions and organizations, government agencies and elected officials, the BID works to make Albany’s downtown historic district clean, safe and vibrant. The contracted vendor chosen for the floral contract will be expected to meet the same level of quality as BID staff and outside contractors.

GOAL

The Downtown Albany BID seeks proposals for a contract to include:

The pick-up of approximately 550 hanging baskets from the contracted grower, hanging of basket on existing hardware, maintenance (through a watering and fertilizing system) and the removal and disposal of the baskets. Proof of insurance will be necessary at contract signing.

Please see attached Scope of Services

INVITATION

Your firm is invited to submit a proposal to serve as the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District’s contractor for the above referenced.

SELECTION PROCESS

a)      The BID will accept proposals until Wednesday March 17th, 2010 at 3:00 PM.  Proposals should include at a minimum, the following materials:

·         a statement of qualifications and relevant experience

·         a proposed scope of services

·         a proposed work schedule

·         fee for services

·         Three (3) copies of proposal

b)      A bidder will be selected by the Board of Directors at the April 2010 board meeting.

c)      The selection of the bidder is solely at the discretion of the BID Board of Directors.  The BID reserves the right to consider all or parts of any proposal, and is under no obligation to accept any or all proposals.  The BID reserves the right to negotiate further with any bidders after the receipt of the proposals.

d)      Upon award of contract the contractor must supply proof of insurance and an insurance certificate in the amount of $1,000,000.00 naming The Downtown Albany BID and the City of Albany as additional insured.

Proposal Due:                          Wednesday March 17, 2010 3:00 PM

Submit To:                             Marcie Bergan, Director of Operations

                                                Downtown Albany BID

                                                54 State Street Suite 701

                                                Albany, NY 12207

Contact:                                  Marcie Bergan

                                                (518) 465-2143 x105

                                                (518) 465-0139 FAX

                                                mbergan@downtownalbany.org

All telephone inquiries should be directed to contact person.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

FLORAL/WATERING SEASONAL CONTRACTOR

DOWNTOWN ALBANY BID

ALBANY, NEW YORK

REQUIRED SCOPE OF WORK

Floral

Pick up of approximately 550 baskets from the contracted grower.

Installation of approximately 550 hanging baskets onto provided hardware located within the BID boundaries (see map).

Watering of all baskets will be required six days per week unless otherwise instructed by the BID. The BID also requests watering of city owned planters when proximate to the contracted hanging basket locations. All locations will be identified. Organic fertilizing of all hanging baskets will be required a minimum of twice a week and should be included in proposal. Fertilization may be adjusted by the BID and City gardener as needed.

Removal of approximately 550 baskets and disposal of all organic materials at the end of the seasonal – floral program cycle. Return of chains and basket hardware including green buckets to the City gardener.

This service will commence as directed by the BID on or about the last day of May and will continue for the duration of four (4) months (17 weeks), ending at the end of September. This is a three year contract beginning with May 2010 for seasonal floral programs in 2010, 2011 and 2012.  Proposals must include and specify a bid for each of these years.

Deadline for proposals is Wednesday March 17th, 2010 at 3:00 PM.