Completed Foreman providing landscape services found in an RFP.

Writing the Best Landscape RFP for Commercial Properties in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC

As a commercial property manager, the most important document you need to put together is a request for proposal (RFP). When you are in search of a landscape professional or commercial landscape contractor, a landscaping RFP is something that you will need to make sure everyone is on the same page. 

What is a Landscaping RFP?

A Landscaping RFP, or Request for Proposal, is a document that outlines the requirements and specifications for a landscaping project. It is designed to invite potential contractors to submit a proposal describing how they would meet those requirements. It is a competitive bidding process that helps ensure that the project is completed by a qualified contractor at a fair price.

Account manager on a commercial property walk through with the property manager after receiving an RFP.

4 Steps to a Successful RFP

Step 1: A Brief Description

In your landscaping RFP, you will be inviting landscape companies to bid on your commercial property. You want to make sure that this section prioritizes a deadline date for the proposal and a brief description of what the project is. You want to provide the contractors with enough information to be able to reach out to you with any questions or concerns. Furthermore, share your values and preferences in this section to make sure that the partnership will align well with you and what you ultimately want!

Step 2: Scope of Work & Explanation of Expectations

The scope of work for your property’s landscape will need to encompass what grounds maintenance looks like to you, landscape committees, and board members. Similarly, after establishing your expectations, make sure that the services you are requesting will cover all of your concerns. Next, let’s say you are unhappy with the turf on your property, does your RFP include a turf care program that aims to resolve and prevent the issues?

A beautiful and well maintained landscape requires numerous outdoor services. In addition, when you invest in your landscaping, you are investing in the overall value of the property. Thus, forgoing certain services can have a negative impact on the landscape in the long run. Similarly, costing you more of your budget in the long run.

Step 3: Liability & Proof of Insurance

When inviting landscape contractors to bid on your property you should address liability and request proof of insurance.  Doing so will solidify that when accidents happen, the landscape company will have liability coverage that is adequate. Accidents will happen which is why this is so valuable.

Step 4: References & Calling Them

References are a great opportunity to gain perspective on what type of communication and care the landscape company provides. It is important to ask questions about what their relationship to the vendor has been like and the overall contractor’s performance.

Here at Complete Landscaping Service, we provide our references in our proposals with images of the beautiful properties we service. We encourage property managers to call our references and go see the properties in person! We always say, “Communication is KEY,” and implement programs for our account managers to visit site managers monthly!

Weed control by Complete Employee

Recap: 3 Items I Need in My Landscape RFP

When preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP), there are three key items you should include:

First, a detailed description of the project scope and objectives. This needs to include any specific requirements or constraints that the landscape maintenance must adhere to.

Second, a timeline for the project. Not only should this include key milestones and deadlines, but ensure that all parties involved are working towards the same schedule and goal.

Lastly, be sure to include clear instructions for vendors. Also include submission guidelines, evaluation criteria, and any other relevant information, to make sure that the proposals received are comprehensive and comparable.

Should I send my RFP to everyone?

Ultimately, you should carefully select a specific list of potential vendors in the RFP process. Then, make sure they have the relevant expertise and capabilities to meet your project’s needs. This will help ensure that you receive high-quality responses and save you and the vendors time and effort.

Providing maintenance services at National Harbor in Maryland.

Commercial Landscape Contractors Near Me: Why Property Managers Choose Complete for Landscape Maintenance

We know that writing and updating your landscape RFP can be difficult and maybe even daunting. With this in mind, our account managers are trained to hear what you are looking for and point out different services to meet you and your property’s goals. Our pledge is to make sure that your property is well maintained and cared for, so that you can have peace of mind. If we think you don’t need a certain service, we will tell you!

Complete Landscaping Service provides maintenance services for a wide variety of commercial properties and landscapes in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Priding ourselves on open and honest communication with our clients.

Complete makes it easy. Click here to view more of our services.

Our team is excited to provide you with Green Peace of Mind.

If you aren’t already part of our Complete Family, we would love to add you to our family tree!

Talk to one of our experts today! Call us at 1-800-383-0440!

We can’t wait to hear from you!