How to Prepare a Landscape Bid for a Cemetery

Cemetery landscape requires thoughtfulness and sensitivity.

Bidding represents an integral element in the business world aimed at saving money. When an organization or firm wants the best goods or services with strong price points, they put that business out for bid to several potential vendors. A request for a landscape bid for a cemetery is one example. How many vendors a company solicits depends on internal purchasing and competitive bidding policies. Vendors answering the bid should prepare the materials so they reflect sensitivity toward the deceased and families who will be visiting the site.

Things You'll Need

• Bid specifications
• Cemetery layout
• Soil sample
• Local building and property codes

Instructions

1. Read the bid completely, making note of any special instructions. Keep the bid specifications in mind while reviewing the cemetery layout.

2. Determine a theme for the landscaping project. Review the architecture on the cemetery site, any associated church and current features, creating a plan that honors the past and present, then builds toward future and effective land use.

3. Consult with the cemetery manager, if possible. This individual can provide valuable insights into the desired ambiance for your landscaping plans. Gather a soil sample at this time. Choose the plants for the landscape bid according to the soil composition along with overall lighting and irrigation conditions.

4. Create a draft bid making sure to answer each point of the bid document. Some of the items typically requested for a landscaping bid of this nature include your service and maintenance fees and availability, corporate history, background checks on employees, proof of insurance and a detailed blueprint or PowerPoint presentation illustrating your vision for the cemetery. Review the draft and compare it to local building and property codes for compliance. For example, some towns require permits for ponds or water features while others do not.

5. Create the final version of the bid, submitting it electronically, by mail or in person, depending on the bid requirements. Include contact information and make sure you get this in on time if not early. Many potential clients refuse late bids. Follow up after the decision date provided by the client.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain mindful of the emotional nature of the site when you create the design and when working at the site.

• Cemeteries have specific governing laws. Overlooking these laws in your planning process leads to problems and potentially a lost bid.

References

• RF Templates: How to write an rfp response letter
• Department of Justice: Price Fixing, Bid Rigging, and Market Allocation Schemes:
• University of North Carolina: Drafting Better Bid Solicitation Documents
• Princton University Purchasing Overview
• University of Santa Cruz: Quotes, Bids, and Proposals (RFQs, RFBs, and RFPs)