RFP And Contract Considerations For Snow And Ice Management On Your Commercial Property

When the snow starts to pile up, you want the best commercial snow removal service on board to take care of your Washington DC property. The safety of your employees, customers and visitors depends on it.

Where to begin? The request for proposal — commonly known as the RFP.  And once you find the best company for you, the next step is signing a commercial snow removal contract.

We know — this isn’t your favorite task.

But putting together a comprehensive RFP for snow removal services, and then really understanding your commercial snow removal contact, is key to finding the right company to keep your property safe through winter’s worst snow and ice.

Here’s what should be covered in a commercial snow removal contract, as well as some tips on the RFP process.

The RFP: Beyond Cost

Everyone wants to get the best deal possible. But if you just focus on cost, you’re missing some key elements in selecting the best snow removal service for your property.

Your RFP helps you find out the important details about how the company works, so you have information that goes beyond how much they charge.

It’s your chance to really lay out exactly what your property needs — and discover exactly how each company will get the job done.

You put together the RFP, which means the questions are up to you.

RFP Helps You Compare Each Bid

When you compile a detailed RFP, you can easily see how each company charges for the work they provide. Include all the services you’re looking for from the company, in detail. Then, you can easily compare details when you review each proposal.

RFP Helps You Narrow In On The Best

Pay attention to how each company fills out your RFP.  Did they answer all your questions, or ignore some of them? Did they seem to understand exactly what your property needs? Did they offer references? If not, be wary.

What To Look For In A Commercial Snow Removal Contract

A good snow removal contractor is more popular than Santa Claus during the snow season. It’s crucial to enter into a good snow removal contract long before the first flakes fall.

What should it include?

Scope Of Services

This describes in detail what services the contractor will perform, where and when. It spells out that paved areas and sidewalks get salted as soon as snow or ice begins to accumulate. It details when plowing begins — the standard is generally when two inches of snow has accumulated. Will they pre-treat areas with an ice melt product prior to a snow or ice event? Will snow be hauled offsite or pushed to the perimeter of the property?

Payment Terms

The contractor's pricing arrangements should be crystal clear. What are the rates for a snow plow with driver? A hand laborer? The ice melt product?

When are payments due? Are there late fees? Is there an extra fee if you pay with a credit card?

Who’s Responsible For Any Damage?

The contract should indicate who is responsible for any damages to site structures. Some snow removal contracts require property owners to install snow stakes every 20 feet or so at the locations of all curbs, walks, driveway entrances, signs, storm drains or other site structures to avoid damage.

Check The Insurance

Be sure your contract outlines that the service carries general liability, auto liability, property, and workers compensations insurance, and will provide a certificate of insurance if you request one.

The Value Of A Single Provider For Your Property’s Needs

At Level Green Landscaping, we only offer snow and ice removal services for our clients already under contract for landscape maintenance services.

Why? It means better service for our loyal customers.

When we take care of your commercial property year-round, we really get to know your property — before the snow falls. We know where the delivery trucks come in, and other areas where clear pavement is crucial.

If heavy snow damages your shrubs or a plow nicks a curb, we take care of it.

When you become our year-round customer, you have the ease of dealing with one landscape maintenance vendor. Your Level Green account manager is your dependable contact, whether you need help planting flowers or clearing snow.

Sign A Commercial Snow Removal Contract With Level Green

Do you currently have two different providers for your landscaping services and your snow removal? We’d love to tell you more about the value of hiring us to take care of both those needs.

Contact us for a free property assessment and consultation. We'll give you an honest evaluation of your best options.

Level Green Landscaping provides snow removal services for its commercial maintenance customers throughout Washington DC, Maryland and parts of Virginia.

Call us at 202-544-0968, or complete our contact form here to ensure you have the best snow removal company for your commercial property — before the snow piles up.