District 3B Mowing Specs 6 05 2015

Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements 1. DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS The Georgia Department of Transportation (hereafter referred to as the Department) is seeking bids for mowing, trimming, and litter removal (hereafter referred to as mowing complete), and additional litter removal within the limits of the right of way and easement areas of the interstate and other state routes according to the Specifications and requirements found within this document. This is an Open Agency Contract; the Department of Transportation is not obligated to purchase either a minimum or a maximum level of service. Centerline miles, listed in Appendix 1, are only estimates of the total service the Department plans to purchase from the successful Contractor. The Department anticipates that this contract will run for an initial term of twelve (12) months. However, by mutual agreement the parties may renew this contract up to four (4) terms, provided that the terms and conditions remain the same for each renewal. 2. VENDOR REQUIREMENT The Department expects that the successful Contractor possesses or will possess, at the time the notice to proceed is issued, the necessary personnel, material, tools, equipment, and incidentals to fulfill the terms of these Specifications. The contract specifically indicates that the Contractor may not assign or delegate contract obligations without the express written approval of the Department. The Department will consider the use of a Sub-Contractor on a case-by-case basis. 3. DOCUMENTS Attachment A: General Contract Information Attachment B: Centerline Mowing Requirements Attachment C: Litter Removal Requirements Appendix 1: Centerline Mile Locations and Totals Appendix 2: Mowable Limit Diagrams Appendix 3: Extra Mowing/Trimming Requirements Bidders Response Form

4. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Each District’s mileage estimates are detailed in Appendix 1. 4.01 Mowing Complete (mowing, trimming, and litter removal): A. Four (4) mowing cycles per contract year are anticipated on Interstate and limited access routes. B. Three (3) mowing cycles per calendar year are anticipated for (4) lane divided highways, four (4) lane and two (2) lane routes. C. Payment will be made at the unit price per Centerline Mile. 4.02 Additional Litter Removal: A. There may be up to six (6) litter and debris removal cycles between mowing cycles and during the non-mowing season. B. Separate payments for litter removal activities will be made during additional litter removal activities. Payment will be made at the unit price per Centerline Mile.

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 1 Attachment A

ATTACHMENT A: GENERAL CONTRACT INFORMATION Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements

1. SCOPE OF WORK Furnish all labor, material, tools, equipment, and incidentals necessary to perform mowing complete, and additional litter removal within the limits of the right of way and easement areas of the interstate and limited access routes, 4 lane divided highways, 4 lane and 2 lane routes, in a safe, effective, and timely manner, as detailed in these Specifications. Appendix 1 provides locations and estimated amount of Centerline Miles for required activities for each cycle. 2. GENERAL INFORMATION 2.01 AWARD A. Award will be made to the lowest, responsible, responsive bidder meeting the specifications set out herein. B. Unbalanced Bid: All bids shall be subject to review for prices that are either in excess of or below the reasonable cost as compared to the Engineer’s estimate and historical prices kept by the Department. The submittal of an irregular/unbalanced bid may result in the rejection of the Contractor’s bid. 2.02 ADMINISTRATION The State Maintenance Engineer, District Maintenance Engineer or designee (hereafter referred to as the Engineer) will administer the terms and conditions of this Contract. The State Maintenance Engineer’s address is: Georgia Department of Transportation State Maintenance Office 600 West Peachtree Street, 10th Floor Atlanta, Georgia 30308 Phone: 404-631-1387 Fax: 404-631-1932 2.03 SUBMITTALS Any work performed prior to receiving approved submittals shall be considered unauthorized and will result in non-payment for that work. A. Insurance: Submit original certificate of insurance in conformance with prescribed limits within ten (10) calendar days after contract award. Commence no work prior to Department acceptance of insurance coverage. Failure to retain insurance for the term of the contract may be grounds for termination. B. Work Schedule: Five (5) days prior to each cycle: 1. Submit a plan of how the Cycle will be completed including number of crews. Prior to beginning each cycle the Engineer must approve the plan. There are cycles for mowing/trimming, additional litter removal as requested. Multiple mowing complete crews will be required. Multiple starting locations may be required. 2. Submit a list of active phone numbers including office phone, office fax, and cellular phone numbers. Submit the Supervisor/Foreman’s name and cellular phone number. C. Personnel: Submit a list of all employees who will be working during that cycle. No work will begin without this submittal. 1. Prior to beginning any work, submit the names of all new employees, who are to work during a current cycle. This includes Sub-Contractor employees if a Sub-Contractor is approved. 2. The Department has the right to exclude any person who engages in conduct that is non- professional. Contractor will replace any person, excluded by the Department, in a prompt manner. 2 Attachment A

D. Equipment: Submit a list of all equipment contemplated for use. This equipment shall be subject to inspection and acceptance, at any time, for mechanical worthiness and appropriateness for the work intended by the Engineer. Department decisions relevant to mechanical worthiness and appropriateness shall be final. Equipment used to mow Georgia rights of way shall be steam cleaned before each mowing cycle begins to remove any traces of Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica) seed and other invasive plant material on mowing attachments, on the body of mowing equipment, or in the radiator grill of the mowing equipment. Steam cleaning shall not be performed on any Georgia Department of Transportation property. Equipment transported into Georgia for use on this contract must be steam cleaned prior to crossing the Georgia State Line. 2.04 SUB-CONTRACTORS A. The Department expects the awarded Contractor to be fully able to complete the work as detailed in these Specifications. The Department may, at its discretion, consider the use of Sub- Contractors to accomplish the work. B. If the Department approves the use of a Sub-Contractor, the General Contractor will be held totally responsible for the actions, quality, payment of, and timeliness of all work performed by the Sub- Contractor. The Department will communicate with the General Contractor’s Supervisor regarding all work. C. All requests to hire a Sub-Contractor must be approved in writing. A minimum of five (5) working days is needed to evaluate a request. The written request from the Contractor shall include the following: 1. A justification for the need to hire a Sub-Contractor; 2. The name, address, and phone number of the proposed subcontracting company; 3. The number of employees proposed; 4. The locations of work and revised work schedule; and 5. The revised work crew roster list. 2.05 PERSONNEL A. Supervisor: Have a competent and experienced Supervisor/Foreman on duty at all times when work is being performed. The Supervisor/Foreman must speak English proficiently. 1. This Supervisor/Foreman shall be in a separate support vehicle such as a pickup or service truck, whose duties are strictly supervisory and is not a part of a mowing complete or additional litter removal crew. 2. The Supervisor/Foreman shall have a functional smart phone with voice messaging, texting, and email capability, on his or her person during duty hours. Wireless service shall be functional throughout the entire State. The Supervisor/Foreman’s response time to the Engineer shall be less than thirty (30) minutes. 3. Use a different Supervisor/Foreman for each awarded contract. B. Crew: Provide staff and staffing levels able to perform the work in accordance with this Specification. The personnel staff must be under the sole responsibility of the Contractor. 1. Ensure that all employees are qualified to safely operate all equipment. Employees must be competent, experienced, and skilled in all aspects of mowing and/or trimming work. 2. All personnel must have lawful status to work in the United States. All personnel must have the Contractor’s business card on their person. 3. The Crew shall be able to communicate with the Supervisor/Foreman at all times while performing work.

3 06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance Attachment A

C. Dress Code: The minimum dress code for personnel shall be a clean and complete outfit, including long pants, shoes, shirt, safety vest, and any other necessary safety gear required by local, state, or federal regulations. 2.06 TERM OF MAINTENANCE SERVICE PERIOD (Completion Schedule) Upon receipt of Notice of Award, submit all required post award submittals. Start work on a date agreed upon between the Contractor and the Engineer. (See Attachment ‘B’ – for Commencement Dates.) Start work no later than the agreed upon commencement date. 2.07 QUANTITIES It is understood that this is an Open Agency Contract, meaning, the Department is not required to purchase any maximum or minimum. 2.08 MEASUREMENT The cycles covered under the scope of work of this contract will be measured and accepted in Centerline Miles. 2.09 PAYMENT A. On or around the fifteenth (15th ) and last day of the month, submit to the Engineer a detailed invoice that reflects the locations and total Centerline Miles completed. The submitted invoice must utilize milepost designations from point to point of all Centerline Miles completed for the Engineer’s verification. B. Payment will be made at the unit price per Centerline Mile and will be measured in accordance with these Specifications. This payment shall be full compensation for furnishing all materials, labor, tools, equipment, traffic control, and incidentals necessary to satisfactorily complete the work described. C. Payments shall be calculated by the Contractor and verified by Engineer according to the number of Centerline Miles completed on a semi-monthly basis. D. Payment should be received approximately thirty (30) days after the accurate invoice is received, reviewed, and approved by the Department. E. In the event of a dispute, provide a detailed measurement of the area in question. F. Mowing Complete: Litter pick up and trimming are included in Mowing Complete. Accompany all invoices for payment of Mowing Complete with copies of disposal receipts and a litter activity report, approved by the Engineer, capturing litter activities for the same time/work period. No acceptance of litter or mowing activities will be made without an accurate litter activity report approved by the Engineer. G. Additional Litter Removal: Separate payments for litter removal activities will be made for additional litter removal activities if requested by the District. Payment will be made at the unit price per Centerline Mile. Accompany all invoices for payment with copies of disposal receipts and a litter activity report, approved by the Engineer, capturing litter activities for the same time/work period. No acceptance of litter activities will be made without an accurate litter activity report approved by the Engineer. 2.10 NON-COMPLIANCE/DEFAULT/NON-REFUNDABLE DEDUCTIONS A. Non-Compliance: The Department determines that the Contractor has failed to comply with work required under the terms of the Contract. 1. The Contractor may be deemed in Contract Non-Compliance and subject to Contract termination. 2. All Items of Non-Compliance may result in non-refundable deductions against the Contractor. B. Default: The Department has the authority to terminate the Contract when the Contractor is in Non-Compliance three (3) or more times during the term of the Contract. C. Non-Refundable Deductions: Begin as described below, and continue daily until the task has been executed to the satisfaction of the Engineer. Any Non-Refundable Deductions assessed will 4 Attachment A

be deducted from the Contractor’s invoice for payment. 1. The Department may suspend work if non-compliance occurs with items listed below, until actions are corrected. 2. Performance deficiencies will be reported to the Contractor, by facsimile, within seventy-two (72) hours of Non-Compliance identification(s) and Non-Refundable Deductions assessed. A written copy of the facsimile will be mailed to the Contractor. 3. Reply to the Engineer’s Non-Compliance facsimile/letter by facsimile within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt. The Contractor must dispute any Non-Refundable Deductions in writing within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt of notification of assessment. 4. The following are applicable non-refundable deductions:

Item Deduction

Failure to meet approved and/or scheduled $500.00 per day commencement, intermediate, and completion cycle dates.

Failure to comply with methods of removal, disposal, $300.00 per item, per day of and reporting. Failure to steam clean equipment. non-compliance

Failure to comply with Traffic Control and Safety. $500.00 per offense

2.11 CONTRACT EVALUATION CRITERIA A. In addition to your monetary offer, the following will be used as Evaluation Criteria of your bid. Read the Evaluation Criteria carefully and submit all requested information with your Bid. Failure to submit requested information may be cause to reject the bid. Award will be made to the lowest responsive bidder meeting specifications and Evaluation Criteria. The Evaluation Criteria may be reviewed and verified for accuracy. 1. Submit with the bid evidence of being a commercial mowing Contractor for a minimum of three (3) years. Copies of current and previous year’s business licenses will satisfy this requirement. 2. Submit with the bid a minimum of three (3) reference letters, written by previous commercial customers, with at least one (1) reference being from a contract of similar size and scope as contemplated by this Contract. Reference letters shall include company name, contact person and current phone number and must: a. Be written on the previous customer’s company letterhead. b. Clearly describe the size (in acreage, centerline miles, etc.) and scope (description of the mowing duties performed) of the mowing Contract. c. Contain the name and telephone number of the person who actually inspected the work. If a commercial customer is unable to provide a written reference on their letterhead due to company policies or restrictions, then provide the following information on your letterhead. Include the commercial customer’s telephone number and contact name so the Department may verify the scope and services you provided to the commercial customer. All references will be contacted for verification of scope and size and validation of performance. The Department reserves right of discovery to contact additional references not provided at time of bid. If any reference provides a negative report the contractor will be deemed as an irresponsible bidder. 3. Submit with the bid a list of all company owned or leased equipment intended for use. A 5 06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance Attachment A

current lease agreement, with equipment list, contingent upon Contract award will satisfy this requirement. 4. Submit with the bid a written certification that your current and/or future employees, working on this Contract, have lawful status to work in the United States. 5. Submit with the bid a signed Immigration and Security Form. (see page 26) 6. Submit with the bid a signed Bidder’s Response Form. (see page 27) B. Contractors identified and documented as having previously been in significant Non-Compliance or default of State of Georgia Contracts or other Contract Specification requirements shall not be considered for award. C. To be considered for award, Contractors shall not have been found to be in Non-Compliance with state or federal laws and/or regulations relevant to the payment of taxes, employee salaries, or workers compensation.

6 Attachment B ATTACHMENT B: CENTERLINE MOWING REQUIREMENTS Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements 1. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS Reference the guidelines as set forth in the following documents, as they will be used by the Department when determining quality of work and will be applicable to this Specification/Contract: 1.01 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), current edition 1.02 American National Standards Institute [ANSI A300 (Part 1)], current edition 2. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 2.01 Approval/Acceptance: Inspected and approved by the Engineer for compliance with the requirements of the Specifications included in this Contract. 2.02 Bridge End Roll: The area at each end of a bridge that slopes down from the end support to the natural ground contour under the bridge. 2.03 Centerline Mile: Incremental measurement that includes the mowing limits within a one (1) mile distance on a route. This includes both directions of the mile, shoulders, and median. 2.04 Established/Planted Trees and Shrubs: Trees and/or shrubs that have been planted for aesthetics by the Department and trees that are greater than three (3) inches in caliper dbh (4-1/2 feet above ground). 2.05 Interchange: An area allowing for access to and from the interstate mainline. 2.06 Mainline: The area(s) between interchanges on interstate, limited access routes, and state routes. 2.07 Mowing Cycle: A Mowing Cycle consists of mowing complete the areas as designated in these Specifications one time. Complete a Mowing Cycle without interruption, within the time frames listed in the specifications and to the satisfaction of the Engineer. 2.08 Mowing Complete: The accepted and approved mowed and trimmed Centerline Miles, including litter removal, within established mowing limits. 2.09 Mowing Limits: All areas that are mowable with tractor mowing equipment within the right of way that are on a 3:1 or flatter slope, and trimming in front of, behind, under, and around roadside obstacles, and trimming on all slopes at Interchanges and on slopes greater than or equal to 3:1 on the mainline. 2.10 Natural Tree Line: The dominant boundary/edge of a community of hardwood and non-hardwood trees, greater than three (3) inches in caliper dbh (4-1/2 feet above ground). The edge can be a fluctuating line. Typically, in a community, the maximum trunk to trunk distance of trees, greater than three (3) inches in caliper dbh (4-1/2 feet above ground), is less than ten (10) feet. The natural tree line will be as determined by the Engineer. 2.11 Non-Refundable Deductions: Failure to comply with terms and specifications of the Contract that will result in deduction of monies from the Contractor’s invoice for payment. 2.12 Roadside Obstacles: Items located within the right of way, both natural and man-made which may include but are not limited to sign posts, delineator posts, light posts, steel beam guardrail and associated posts, headwalls, barrier walls, retaining walls, catch basins, fallen rock, bridge end abutments, mailboxes, newspaper boxes, established/planted trees and shrubs, landscaped beds, natural tree line, wildflower areas, Bridge End Rolls, and fences. 2.13 Shadow Vehicle: A vehicle used to buffer mowing and/or litter operations that may interfere with traffic. 2.14 Slope Break Point: The spot where the non-mowable slope begins. 2.15 Traveled Way: The portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of the shoulders. 2.16 Vegetation: All woody and herbaceous plants, three (3) inches and less in caliper dbh (4-1/2 feet above ground), that are naturally occurring. (Includes Department-planted grasses) The stems of multiple trunk vegetation will be measured individually.

3. EQUIPMENT

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 7 Attachment B 3.01 All equipment contemplated for use shall be subject to inspection and acceptance for mechanical worthiness and appropriateness for the work intended by the Engineer. Department decisions relevant to mechanical worthiness and appropriateness shall be final. A. Equipment shall meet the following requirements: 1. Equip each tractor with two (2) flashing signal lights, two (2) orange flags and an eighteen (18) inch slow moving emblem sign. Equip each mower with two (2) orange flags. 2. Acceptable guards are to be on all open portions of mowers and trimming equipment to prevent objects from being thrown from under the mower while in operation. Any equipment deemed unacceptable by the Engineer will not be allowed to operate until such guards are in place and properly maintained. B. Assign appropriate equipment quantities and types to meet stated mowing schedules. 3.02 Properly maintain mower blades so that they are sharp, straight and evenly weighted. Any mower with a blade deemed unacceptable by the Engineer will not be allowed to operate until such blade is replaced or the deficiencies are corrected. 3.03 Equip support vehicles, such as pickups and service trucks with a minimum of one (1) revolving or strobe type light, with amber lens. 3.04 Use a shadow vehicle to buffer the Mowing operation when it is on or within three (3) feet of the travel way. A. Equip support vehicles used as shadow vehicles with a forty-eight (48) inch square “Watch for Mowers” sign with an eighteen (18) inch slow moving emblem attached and mounted on the rear of the shadow vehicle. B. Equip a shadow vehicle with a minimum of one (1) revolving or strobe type light, with amber lens. 4. MOWING COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS 4.01 MOWING COMPLETE CYCLES A. Begin mowing complete operations on the commencement date or on a date approved by the Engineer. Cycle(s), cycle date(s) and centerline mileage may be omitted or changed due to herbicide application efficacy, weather conditions, and budget restraints at the discretion of the Engineer. Finish a Mowing Complete Cycle before beginning a new Mowing Complete Cycle. Finish a Mowing Complete Cycle without interruption, within the time frames listed below and to the satisfaction of the Engineer. B. For Interstate and Limited Access mowing complete, per contract year, the anticipated commencement and completion dates are: CYCLE COMMENCEMENT DATE COMPLETION DATE 1 April 5 May 25 2 June 1 July 20 3 July 25 September 15 4 September 20 November 10

C. For 4 lane divided highways, 4 lane, and 2 lane mowing complete, per contract year, the anticipated commencement and completion dates are: CYCLE COMMENCEMENT DATE COMPLETION DATE 1 April 15 June 20 2 June 25 August 31 3 September 5 November 10

D. Mowing Limits for Each Cycle: All mowable areas within the right of way that are on a 3:1or flatter slope using tractors with rotary or flail type mowers, and trimming in front of, behind, under and around roadside obstacles, landscaped areas, planted/established trees and shrubs, and wildflower plots and trimming on all slopes. These include all areas on the mainline, Interchanges, and weigh stations. Perform trimming in a manner as to create a smooth transition back to where

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 8 Attachment B the mowing was performed. E. Reduced Mowing Limits for a Cycle: On one of the middle mowing complete cycles, the Department may choose to reduce the mowing limits to only 15 (Fifteen) feet beyond the paved shoulder. This would only apply for a route or portion of a route where typical mowing limits exceed 16 feet beyond the outside paved shoulder. All mowing complete activities are to be performed within the reduced mowing limits. F. Special Mowing Conditions: Perform all scheduled mowing operations during daylight hours. No work will be allowed on holidays. No work will be allowed on weekends in which a holiday falls on a Monday or Friday. 1. For the following counties; Gwinnett, do not perform work between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 2. For the following counties; Bibb, Chatham, Cherokee, Columbia, Forsyth, Hall, Henry, Richmond, , between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., do not perform work, in the direction of rush hour traffic, Monday through Friday. G. Intermediate Completion Dates: For 4 mowing cycles, have fifty percent (50%) of the Mowing Complete finished and approved within twenty-five (25) calendar days after beginning a Mowing Cycle. For 3 mowing cycles, have fifty percent (50%) of the Mowing Complete finished and approved within thirty-three (33) calendar days after beginning a Mowing Cycle. H. Mowing Complete Cycle Extensions: Completion dates will not be extended unless during the Mowing Cycle, the Governor declares a State of Emergency due to Natural Disasters such as floods, hurricanes, or by decision of the District Engineer. I. Special Events and Extra Requirements: See Appendix 3 for known Extra Mowing Requirements. Special or unexpected events may occur within a District requiring the need for additional mowing during or between mowing cycles. If additional mowing is required by the District Engineer, perform Mowing Complete. 1. Required additional mowing will be paid for at the same price per Centerline Mile bid. 2. Unknown or unexpected special events mowing will not exceed twenty (20) Centerline Miles during a mowing season unless reviewed and approved by the State Maintenance Engineer and agreed upon by the Contractor. 4.02 ADDITIONAL MOWING COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS Perform Mowing Complete in accordance with these Specifications and to the satisfaction of the Engineer prior to acceptance. A. Mowing: Perform mowing within the Mowing Limits for vegetation on slopes no steeper than 3:1. This operation will not be allowed on slopes steeper than 3:1, or in any other situations that may be a hazard to the operator or the traveling public, including areas that may be too wet or otherwise inaccessible. No scalping is to occur. B. Trimming: Trim vegetation to a height less than six (6) inches within the Mowing Limits that are inaccessible by Tractor Mowing. This includes trimming in front of, behind, under or around, and beyond roadside obstacles, landscape beds, established/planted trees, shrubs and wildflower areas to provide an attractive appearance. The Engineer has the right to identify those areas where trimming shall be required. (See Appendix 2) 1. Mainline Slopes that are Greater than 3:1: Trim vegetation a minimum of fifteen (15) feet beyond the slope break point each mowing cycle. If the Natural Tree Line falls within the minimum fifteen (15) foot area, trim vegetation to the Natural Tree Line. 2. Mainline with Slopes 3:1 or less: Trim vegetation to the Natural Tree Line or to the right of way fence if no Natural Tree Line exists. 3. Landscape, Bulb, and Wildflower Plots. Trim vegetation around landscaped areas, established or planted trees, shrubs, bulbs and wildflower plots without damaging plant materials. Trim vegetation under planted trees as required by the Engineer. 4. Wet or Inaccessible Areas: If an area is too wet and/or otherwise inaccessible by mowing equipment, trim vegetation using trimming equipment and/or slope mowers. 5. Bridge Structures: Trim vegetation located at, under, or near bridge structures including

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 9 Attachment B Bridge End Rolls and riprap areas within the right of way. a. Trim all vegetation under and around trees greater than three (3) inches caliper dbh (4-1/2 feet above ground) that exists between adjacent bridges. b. Trim vegetation on bridge ends and Bridge End Rolls at overpasses and underpasses to the right of way fence and/or Natural Tree Line. If trees exist within fifteen (15) feet around or adjacent to the bridge; trim vegetation under and around the trees, or as directed by the Engineer. Continue trimming downslope or upslope to meet the Mowing Limits as directed by the Engineer. c. The limits of trimming extend to the fence line in cases where a fence is located on the top of a slope at a bridge underpass. 6. Interchanges: Trim all vegetation on non-mowable and mowable areas within an Interchange to the natural tree line and/or to the right of way line or fence. (See Appendix 2, Diagram A) 7. Barrier Walls: Remove vegetation at the base of and on all barrier walls. Trim and remove vegetation in non-landscaped areas between barrier walls. Trimming around median barrier walls shall not occur on paved shoulders that are less than ten (10) feet wide. (See Diagram D) 8. Vegetation Removal: Place trimmed woody vegetation in adjacent natural areas on the right of way within five (5) days of trimming. When no adjacent natural tree area exists, remove this vegetation from the right of way within five (5) days. Disposal shall be in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. 9. Multiple Trunk Trimming: In areas where trimming occurs, trim all stems of multiple trunk vegetation that are three (3) inches caliper dbh (4-1/2 feet above ground) or less. 10. Planted and Established Groundcover: Consult with the Engineer prior to trimming a non- mowable slope that is covered with a planted or established groundcover such as Lespedeza, Weeping Love Grass, or a native grass. If the Engineer requires the groundcover to remain, trim all other vegetation in the groundcover. 11. Litter Removal: Described in Attachment ‘C’ of this specification. 4.03 MOWING COMPLETE EXEMPTIONS AND RESTRICTIONS A. Unless otherwise directed in writing by the Engineer, do not perform work in the following areas: 1. Construction project limits: In the event a road rehabilitation or improvement project is under construction or will be under construction where mowing is scheduled, that portion of the Mowing Cycle will be deleted at the direction of the Engineer. The section(s) of roads deleted from the list may be added back to the list at the first available Mowing Cycle following completion of said project. 2. County and City Contracts with the Department: The Engineer will identify these areas. 3. Wildflower Plots: Existing wildflower plots will be marked by the Engineer and are not to be mowed until directed to do so, but will be trimmed as instructed, by the Engineer. If an un- marked area appears to be an active wildflower plot, contact the Engineer for verification before mowing it. Daffodil bulb plots are not to be mowed or trimmed until directed by the Engineer. B. The removal of cut material, such as the baling of hay, is prohibited. C. Herbicide use is strictly prohibited and may result in termination of the contract. D. Some sections of routes may be mowed by adjacent residents and should not be mowed by the contractor. Coordinate with the Engineer on the sections/locations to avoid mowing complete activities.

4.04 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUIREMENTS A. At a minimum, abide by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), current edition, for traffic control guidance. B. Perform all Mowing as a continuous mowing operation as described in these Specifications. Mow only in the direction of traffic.

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 10 Attachment B C. Any signs used must be of rigid, one-piece construction covered with suitable sheeting and legend (engineering grade). Roll-up type signs may be used if they meet MUTCD Standards. Equip all signs with flags. D. Do not cross the median on Interstates or other divided highways. Enter and exit at the existing Interchanges. E. Do not exceed a ten (10) mile work zone on interstate, 4 lane, and 4 lane divided routes. Do not exceed a five (5) mile work zone on two (2) lane routes. F. On non-divided highways, only one Tractor Mowing operation in a work zone will be allowed. On divided highways, two mowing operations in a work zone may be allowed on the outside shoulders. Additional work zones will be allowed, separated by a minimum of two (2) miles. Do not exceed twenty (20) miles of mowing without completing trimming. 1. Signs: Place “Watch for Mowers” signs with flags attached at each end of the work zone in the direction of traffic on both the median and outside shoulder. 2. Ramps: In the event of an on-ramp located within the work zone, place at the top of the on- ramp a “Watch for Mowers” sign with flags. Place all signs before any tractor mowing is performed. Remove all signs at the end of each workday. G. Buffer tractor mowers traveling within three (3) feet of the traveled way, crossing lanes, traveling on paved shoulder, moving equipment to other locations (dead heading), by a shadow vehicle. 1. Operations may be restricted when, in the opinion of the Engineer, the continuance of the work would seriously hinder traffic or is unsafe. 2. Move equipment or materials on or across the traveled way in a safe manner which will not interfere with traffic. There shall be no reduction in the total number of available traveled ways. Schedule and arrange the work to ensure the least inconvenience and the utmost safety to the traveling public and to the Contractor’s and Department’s forces. 4.05 SAFETY AND INCIDENT REPORTING A. Suspend operations if weather conditions are such that mowing operations cannot be carried out in an effective manner. If such suspension occurs, notify the Engineer immediately. Likewise, the Engineer may order the suspension of mowing operations whenever, in his or her judgment, present weather conditions are such that mowing operations cannot be carried out in a safe and effective manner. B. Notify the Engineer immediately by phone of any incident or accident that involves the Contractor while fulfilling this Contract. 1. Submit a written report to the Engineer within forty-eight (48) working hours after the incident or accident. Describe in full what occurred. Provide the names of those involved with their contact phone numbers, and extent of injury and damage. 2. Employees shall carry business cards that have the name, address, and phone number of the Contractor upon request of individuals involved in an incident or accident. C. If mowing and trimming operations cause damage to roadside obstacles, vegetation to remain, or ground disturbance, repair or replace the damaged item with a like item at the Contractor’s expense. If mowing and trimming operations damage has to be repaired or replaced utilizing Department property or personnel, the cost of the repair or replacement shall be calculated and deducted from the Contractor’s payment. D. Do not allow any debris to be thrown onto the road surface by the mowing equipment or by personnel. Perform work in such manner as to leave existing vegetation undamaged. E. Mowing equipment, while in operation, must be horizontal with the mowing surface. Operating tractor mowers in a vertical position parallel to a traveled way is prohibited. F. Equipment left on the right of way is the responsibility of the Contractor. Do not park equipment on the right of way or on state property for more than five (5) continual working days in the same location. 1. Park no equipment in the median. 2. Park equipment behind guardrail or in other protected areas where such areas exist. Otherwise, park equipment a minimum of thirty (30) feet from the edge of pavement.

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 11 Attachment B G. Operate no equipment that causes ground disturbance and/or damages any part of the right of way. Repair, at no cost to the Department, all damage caused by equipment. 4.06 QUALITY ACCEPTANCE A. The height of all vegetation after any Mowing or Trimming operation shall be no more than six (6) inches. Heights will be determined by taking the average of three (3) measurements at the following locations: 1. One-fourth (1/4) of the distance from the edge of the pavement (edge of pavement includes paved shoulders) to the shoulder point; 2. One-half (1/2) of the distance from the shoulder point to the bottom of the ditch or toe of the slope, whichever is applicable; and 3. At the midpoint of the farthest mowing pass from the edge of the pavement. The Department will give an allowance of two (2) inches higher or lower than the specified height of six (6) inches when averaging the measurements. B. Progress and performance will be monitored by the Engineer, using the approved plan from the Contractor as a guide to verify the Centerline Miles mowed, and the fifty (50) percent Intermediate Completion Dates. The Engineer will maintain a log of Mowing Complete and will verify the completion of the work with the Contractor upon Mowing Complete. C. All routes where mowing and trimming have been completed must be approved and accepted by the Engineer prior to any payment. At no time will payment be made for any work not yet performed. 1. Mowing Complete will be left uniform in appearance after the mowers have passed. 2. Any areas that are not mowed due to insufficient overlap of the mowers or depression of the vegetation by the mowing equipment will not be accepted and must be mowed again. 3. Payment may not be made for Centerline Miles where Traffic Control and Safety non- compliance have occurred. 4. Performance deficiencies will be reported to the Contractor by email within seventy-two (72) hours of identification. 5. Correct mowing and trimming Quality Acceptance deficiencies no later than forty-eight (48) hours following receipt of said notice, subject to the restrictions in Section 4.01. 5. MEASUREMENT See Attachment A – Measurement (2.08). 6. NON-COMPLIANCE/DEFAULT/NON-REFUNDABLE DEDUCTIONS See Attachment A – Non-compliance/Default/Non-refundable Deductions (2.10) 7. PAYMENT See Attachment A – Payment (2.09)

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 12 Attachment C ATTACHMENT C: LITTER REMOVAL REQUIREMENTS Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements 1. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS See Attachment B – 1. Applicable Documents 2. DEFINITIONS See Attachment B - 2. Terms and Definitions 3. DESCRIPTION 3.01 Pick up, remove and dispose of litter and debris within all mowing and trimming areas as specified in Attachment B – Centerline Mowing Requirements and on all paved shoulders. Litter and vegetation removal shall not occur adjacent to median barrier wall and median guardrail when paved shoulders are less than ten (10) feet in width. 3.02 Litter and debris may consist of paper, boxes, bottles, cans, tires, recaps, rubber pieces, mattresses, appliances, lumber, metal pieces, hubcaps, vehicle parts, brush, trimmed vegetation on paved surfaces, dead animals, memorials, and other items not considered normal to the right of way, etc. It is not intended for small objects such as cigarette butts, chewing gum wrappers and similar sized items to be removed under this work. 3.03 The work includes reporting of litter removal activity. 4. METHODS OF REMOVAL OPERATIONS 4.01 It is expected that all litter and debris activity will be accomplished by manual means; however, these Specifications are not intended to be restrictive or limit other techniques that achieve the specified and desired quality. A written request may be submitted to the Engineer for the use of specialized mechanical equipment designed for removal of litter and debris. The Engineer, prior to any equipment being used, must approve the request. The Engineer may require additional safety devices or precautions if special equipment is allowed to be used. No ATV’s (all terrain vehicles) will be allowed for use during litter pickups. 4.02 All litter and debris must be deposited into trash bags prior to being placed into disposal vehicles. The color of the bag will be designated by the Engineer. Larger pieces such as ladders, tires, mattresses, etc., may be directly deposited into disposal vehicles. 4.03 Conduct litter removal activities during daylight hours only. F. 5. METHODS OF DISPOSAL & REPORTING 5.01 Remove all litter and debris, including larger pieces, from the right of way at the end of each working day and dispose of at locations provided by the Contractor. Storage or stockpiling of litter or debris on the right of way is prohibited. Disposal shall be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Locations for disposal and costs associated for use of such locations will be the responsibility of the Contractor. 5.02 Construct all vehicles, such as pickups or dump trucks, utilized to remove and dispose litter and debris to inhibit further distribution or loss of litter along the roadway. Cover all open-top vehicles and secure with tarpaulins. These vehicles must be in accordance with local and state laws governing waste hauling equipment. 5.03 Record in a daily log the number of bags of litter removed. Retain disposal receipts showing disposal location and weight of material. Provide the daily log to the Engineer immediately if requested. Include bag counts and copies of disposal receipts in a Litter Activity Report with each invoice.

6. FREQUENCIES AND TIMING OF REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL 6.01 Mowing Complete:

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 13 Attachment C A. All litter and debris must be removed in advance of each Mowing Complete Cycle, in accordance with the Mowing Complete Cycles as outlined in Attachment B- Centerline Mowing Requirements. B. Perform litter removal and disposal immediately in front of and as an integral part of the mowing operations. Remove any litter and debris accumulated between litter activities and mowing activities prior to mowing operations. At no time shall there be a separation of two (2) days between litter activities and mowing operations within a specified work area within each Mowing Complete Cycle. Specified area is defined as an area that is mowed in a given day. Should this time delay occur, the Engineer might require the Contractor to perform additional litter removal activities prior to restarting mowing operations. 6.02 Additional Litter Removal: A. Additional litter removal cycles may be requested by the District between mowing cycles and during the non-mowing season. Begin a litter removal cycle within ten (10) days of the District request. A complete litter removal cycle should be finished within a thirty (30) day period. B. The Engineer may request a written litter pickup schedule. C. Perform additional litter removal operations within a ten (10) mile work zone.

7. TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUIREMENTS 7.01 Use a shadow vehicle when removing litter on paved shoulders. The shadow vehicle may be the litter disposal vehicle. 7.02 Follow all guidelines as per Attachment B - Section 4.04 - Traffic Control Requirements. Use “Litter Pickup Ahead” warning signs during the Additional Litter Removal activities. Use “Litter Pickup Ahead” warning signs during the mowing season when the litter operation does not fall within a ten (10) mile mowing work zone. 7.03 A shadow vehicle and litter disposal vehicles must be equipped with a strobe light and slow-moving vehicle signs during removal of trash bags and larger material. Use these lights only when required in the course of the work and not when traveling to and from the job site. 7.04 All vehicles, including transport or service vehicles, must not obstruct traffic lanes. 8. SAFETY AND INCIDENT REPORTING See Attachment ‘B’ – Safety and Incident Reporting (4.05) 9. QUALITY ACCEPTANCE 9.01 Completed areas of work shall be free of all litter and debris immediately after cleaning, as determined by the Engineer. Work shall be subject to periodic daily inspection. The quality and acceptance of workmanship will be determined during these inspections. Within 24 hours after notice, re-clean areas, at no cost to the Department, that are determined by the Engineer to be in non-compliance. 9.02 Failure to re-clean as directed by the Engineer, failure to re-clean after mowing over litter and debris as directed by the Engineer, and/or failure to remove litter within right of way limits prior to mowing will result in non-refundable deductions. 10. MEASUREMENT See Attachment ‘A’ – Measurement. (2.08) 11. NON-COMPLIANCE/DEFAULT/NON-REFUNDABLE DEDUCTIONS See Attachment ‘A’ – Non-compliance/Default/Non-refundable Deductions (2.10) 12. PAYMENT See Attachment ‘A’ - Payment (2.09)

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 14 Appendix 1 APPENDIX 1: CENTERLINE MILE LOCATIONS AND TOTALS Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements

DISTRICT 3B

ROUTE COUNTY BEGIN END MP CENTERLINE MP MILES Interstate I-85 Harris 0 1.5 1.5 Troup 1.5 29.7 28.20 Meriwether 29.7 33.9 4.20 Coweta 33.9 57.2 23.30 I-185 Harris 14.4 35.6 21.20 Troup 35.6 48.2 12.6 Interstate Centerline Mile Total 91.00

4 Lane Divided State Routes SR 1 Troup 19.5 27.87 8.37 SR 1 Heard 0 18.69 18.69 SR 1 Chattahooche 0 5.2 5.2 e SR 22 Talbot 0 7 7 SR 85 Harris 0 3 3 SR 1 Stewart 0 23.15 23.15 SR 3(US 19) Sumter 0 10.50 10.50 SR 3 (US 19) Sumter 13.70 18.46 4.76 SR 3 (US 19) Schley 0 15.74 15.74 SR 96 Talbot 0 9.47 9.47 SR 520 (US 280) Stewart 0 17.03 17.03 SR 520 (US 280) Webster 0 9.01 9.01 SR 520 (US 280) Chattahooche 0 16.23 16.23 e 4 Lane Divided State Route Centerline Mile Total 148.15

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 15 Appendix 1 DISTRICT 3B

ROUTE COUNTY BEGIN END MP CENTERLINE MP MILES (4 Lane, 2 Lane, Other) State Routes I-85 Harris 0 1.5 1.5 Troup 1.5 29.7 28.20 Meriwether 29.7 33.9 4.20 Coweta 33.9 57.2 23.30 I-185 Harris 14.4 35.6 21.20 Troup 35.6 48.2 12.6

SR 1 Troup 19.5 27.87 8.37 SR 1 Heard 0 18.69 18.69 SR 1 Chattahooche 0 5.2 5.2 e SR 22 Talbot 0 7 7 SR 85 Harris 0 3 3 SR 1 Stewart 0 23.15 23.15 SR 3(US 19) Sumter 0 10.50 10.50 SR 3 (US 19) Sumter 13.70 18.46 4.76 SR 3 (US 19) Schley 0 15.74 15.74 SR 96 Talbot 0 9.47 9.47 SR 520 (US 280) Stewart 0 17.03 17.03 SR 520 (US 280) Webster 0 9.01 9.01 SR 520 (US 280) Chattahooche 0 16.23 16.23 e (4 Lane, 2 Lane, Other) State Route Centerline Mile Total 148.15

DISTRICT TOTAL CENTERLINE MILES 239.15

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 16 Appendix 2 APPENDIX 2: MOWABLE LIMIT DIAGRAMS Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements

Diagram A – Mowable Limits at Interchanges – Intersections

Diagram B – Mowable Limits at Water Crossing/Bridges

Diagram C – Mowable Limits along Mainline

Diagram D – Cross Section of Barrier Walls on Mainline

Diagram E – Cross Section of Mowable Limits along Mainline for Slopes Greater then 3:1

Diagram A: MOWABLE LIMITS AT INTERCHANGES – INTERSECTIONS

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 17 Appendix 2

Within an Interchange, mow and/or trim all vegetation to the right of way fence and/or natural tree line, as indicated above, each mowing cycle.

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 18 Appendix 2 – Diagram B Diagram B: MOWABLE LIMITS AT WATER CROSSING/BRIDGES

On all slopes, mow and/or trim all vegetation to the right of way fence and/or Natural Tree Line, as indicated above, each mowing cycle.

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 19 Appendix 2 – Diagram C Diagram C: MOWABLE LIMITS ALONG MAINLINE

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 20 Appendix 2 – Diagram D Diagram D: CROSS SECTION OF BARRIER WALLS ON MAINLINE

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 21 Appendix 2 – Diagram E Diagram E: CROSS SECTION OF MOWABLE LIMITS ALONG MAINLINE FOR SLOPES GREATER THAN 3:1

Trim vegetation a minimum of fifteen (15) feet beyond the Slope Break Point each Mowing Cycle. If the Natural Tree Line falls within the minimum fifteen (15) foot area, trim vegetation to the Natural Tree Line.] On slopes 3:1 or less, trim vegetation to the Natural Tree Line or to the right of way fence if no Natural Tree Line exists

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 22 Appendix 3 APPENDIX 3: EXTRA MOWING/TRIMMING REQUIREMENTS Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements

1. DISTRICT 3B

There are no known extra mowing or trimming requirements.

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 23 Bidders Response Form Bidders Response Form Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements for District 3B

Vendor Name______Vendor ID #______

Vendor Address______Vendor Phone # ______

Contractor to provide: Quantity X Cost per Mile X # of Cycles = $$Total

Provide the Mowing Complete and Litter Removal Services on this Item Schedule.

The Quantities provided here in are estimates only and actual quantities purchased of each item may be more or less as needs are identified by the Department. Cycles, cycle dates, and centerline mileage may be omitted or changed due to herbicide application efficacy, weather conditions, and budget restraints at the discretion of the Engineer.

Item Estimated Cost per Mile ($) Cycles Totals ($) Quantity

Mowing Complete - 91 Miles $______per 4 $______Interstate / Limited Access Mile

Mowing Complete - 4 Lane 148.15 $______per 3 $______Divided Highway Miles Mile

Mowing Complete - 4 Lane 148.15 $______per 3 $______and 2 Lane Miles Mile

Additional Litter Pick-up – 91 Miles $______per 6 $______Interstate, Limited Access, Mile and 4 lane divided

Additional Litter Pick-up – 148.15 $______per 6 $______4 lane and 2 lane, Miles Mile

Bid Total to be entered on the total bid $______on Page 1 for the Request for Quotation

For evaluation purposes, the Department will calculate the estimate quantities multiplied by the bidders unit rate times the number of cycles for the Total for each item. The sum of all items will be calculated and the award will be made to the responsive, responsible bidder which provided the lowest overall cost to the Department.

______Print Name Signature Title Date

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 24 Bidders Response Form Bidders Response Form Highway Mowing (Centerline) and Maintenance Service Requirements for District 3B

Reduced Mowing Limits for a Cycle: On one of the middle mowing complete cycles, the Department may choose to reduce the mowing limits to only 15 (Fifteen) feet beyond the paved shoulder. This would only apply for a route or portion of a route where typical mowing limits exceed 16 (sixteen) feet beyond the outside paved shoulder. All mowing complete activities are to be performed within the reduced mowing limits.

The Quantities provided here in are estimates only and actual quantities purchased of each item may be more or less as needs are identified by the Department.

The quantities below are NOT to be included in your total bid. These are centerline mile costs to be used if the Department chooses to have reduced mowing limits for a cycle.

Estimated Item Cost per Mile ($) Cycles Totals ($) Quantity

15 feet Mowing Complete - 91 Miles $______per 1 $______Interstate / Limited Access Mile

15 feet Mowing Complete - 148.15 $______per 1 $______4 Lane Divided Highway Miles Mile

15 feet Mowing Complete - 148.15 $______per 1 $______4 Lane and 2 Lane Miles Mile

______Print Name Signature Title Date

06/24/2015 - GDOT Office of Maintenance 25