Bid Notice-2027 General Landscape Design_ Construction _ Maintenance.pdf

Prepared By

SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS,

PROPOSAL FORMS, CONTRACT FORMS, AND

SCOPE OF SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO. PRC0001391.AA

2027 GENERAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

ONLINE PRE PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

Wednesday

September 23, 2026

2:00 P.M.

Proposals are due at the date and time specified in the Bid Information section of this sourcing event in PlanetBids (SMUD’s sourcing system).

SACRAMENTO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT RFP NO. PRC0001391.AA

A - RFP for 2027 General Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance.docx RFP Construction.dotm i

PROPOSAL NO. PRC0001391.AA

2027 GENERAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 1-1

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES 2-1

2.1. GENERAL 2-1

2.2. BACKGROUND 2-1

2.3. GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK 2-1

2.4. MONTHLY TASK SCOPE OF WORK 2-6

2.5. COMPANY REQUIREMENTS 2-12

3. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS 3-1

3.1. TIME AND MANNER OF SUBMISSION 3-1

3.2. EXPLANATIONS TO PROPOSERS 3-2

3.3. WITHDRAWAL OR MODIFICATION OF PROPOSALS 3-2

3.4. REVISIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS 3-2

3.5. SITE INSPECTION AND CONDITIONS 3-2

3.6. ONLINE PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE 3-3

3.7. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS 3-3

3.8. NON-EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT 3-4

3.9. DURATION OF CONTRACT 3-4

3.10. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSERS 3-4

3.11. PROPOSAL PREPARATION COSTS 3-5

3.12. CONFLICTS 3-5

3.13. BID SCHEDULE 3-5

3.14. MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT 3-5

3.15. SUBCONTRACTORS 3-5

3.16. FRANCHISE TAX FORM 590 3-6

3.17. NOTICE RELATED TO PROPRIETARY/CONFIDENTIAL DATA 3-6

3.18. CONTRACT 3-6

3.19. SUPPLIER EDUCATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (SEED)

PROGRAM 3-7

3.20. ENVIRONMENTAL PROCUREMENT 3-7

3.21. SAFETY PROGRAM 3-7

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3.22. BONDS – TASK AUTHORIZATION BONDING 3-8

4. SUPPLIER EDUCATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (SEED) PROGRAM 4-1

4.1. INTRODUCTION 4-1

4.2. OVERVIEW 4-1

4.3. PROGRAM GOALS AND INCENTIVES 4-1

4.4. SEED PROGRAM QUALIFICATION 4-2

4.5. CONTRACT COMPLIANCE 4-3

4.6. FALSIFICATION OF INFORMATION 4-3

4.7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 4-3

5. PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA 5-1

6. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS 6-1

6.1. PROPOSAL AGREEMENT NO. PRC0001391.AA 6-2

6.2. SAFETY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE 6-3

6.3. IN-USE OFF-ROAD DIESEL FUELED FLEET REQUIREMENT 6-4

6.4. NON-COLLUSION DECLARATION 6-5

6.5. PUBLIC RECORD INDEMNITY AGREEMENT 6-6

6.6. PROMPT PAYMENT PROGRAM 6-7

6.7. SEED PROGRAM SMALL BUSINESS DECLARATION 6-8

6.8. DESIGNATION OF PRIME CONTRACTOR, SUBCONTRACTORS AND

SUPPLIERS 6-9

6.9. PUBLIC ENTITY CONTRACT REQUEST 6-10

6.10. CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE INFORMATION 6-11

6.11. BID BOND FORM 6-12

6.12. DETAILED PROPOSAL 6-13

6.13. BID SCHEDULE 6-16

7. CONTRACT 7-1

GENERAL CONDITIONS 1

SPECIAL CONDITIONS 1

TECHNICAL CONDITIONS 1

STANDARDS 1

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1. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

NO. PRC0001391.AA

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District, hereinafter referred to as “SMUD”, is soliciting proposals for 2027 GENERAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND

MAINTENANCE.

This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) provides instructions to contractors for submitting proposals and establishes terms and conditions under which SMUD will contract for such services.

All proposals must strictly conform to the requirements described in this RFP.

PROPOSERS SHALL PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING

REQUIREMENTS:

ENVIRONMENTAL PROCUREMENT:

SMUD has adopted an Environmental Protection Policy in which it commits to environmental stewardship, the conservation of natural resources, reductions in the use of hazardous substances, reductions in mobile sources of NOx emissions, and recycling and responsible disposal. SMUD will promote environmental procurement practices that will minimize environmental impacts, conserve natural resources, and reward environmentally conscious manufacturers and contractors, while remaining fiscally responsive. To further its policy SMUD will favor environmentally preferable procurements when price, quality and availability are equal. To this end, SMUD will endeavor to reward environmentally conscious manufacturers, suppliers and contractors with contracting opportunities that address these policy goals in addition to providing SMUD and its customer-owners fiscally responsible procurement options.

SUPPLIER EDUCATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (SEED) PROGRAM:

SMUD is committed to achieving full and equal contracting opportunities for customers doing business with SMUD and has adopted the program described in this solicitation to help fulfill that commitment.

SAFETY PROGRAM REQUIREMENT:

The personal safety and health of the general public, SMUD employees, and Contractor employees is of paramount importance. Included within this specification are safety instructions that have been prepared to aid a Contractor or Contractor’s employees to comply with the safety requirements and regulations which are necessary to avoid personal injury to the general public, SMUD employees, and Contractor employees and to prevent damage to SMUD buildings, equipment or materials while performing this contract.

PREVAILING WAGE REQUIREMENT:

Any contractor undertaking any public work, and any subcontractor under him, shall pay not less than the general prevailing rate of wages and the general prevailing rate for holiday and overtime work, in the locality in which the public work is to be performed, for each craft, classification, or type of workman needed to perform the public work. The prevailing rates of wages shall be as

1-2 determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations of the State of California.

The established rates are available at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/#PWD.

- No contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a bid proposal for a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under

Labor Code section 1771.1(a)].

- No contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to

Labor Code section 1725.5.

- Contractors and subcontractors must furnish electronic certified payroll records to the

Labor Commissioner pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.4.

- This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of

Industrial Relations.

IN-USE OFF-ROAD DIESEL FUELED FLEET REQUIREMENT:

Effective October 1, 2023, Contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2024, will be subject to amended California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements pursuant to California Code of

Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 9, Article 4.8, sections 2449 et seq.

- For projects involving the use of vehicles subject to the regulation prime contractor must have a valid Certificate of Reported Compliance and must obtain valid Certificates of

Reported Compliance for all listed subcontractors operating vehicles subject to the regulations, as described in sections 2449(i) and 2449(j)

- Copies of the certificates must be provided to SMUD prior to the award of the contract.

- The Certificates of Reported Compliance of prime contractor and its subcontractors must be retained for three years after Final Completion.

This requirement is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by CARB.

CONTRACTOR CODE OF CONDUCT:

The Contractor Code of Conduct is available on smud.org and outlines the principles and practices that SMUD contractors, as well as their employees and subcontractors, are expected to follow when doing business with SMUD.

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2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1. GENERAL

This solicitation is to obtain qualified contractor(s) to provide on-call landscape design, construction, irrigation, plant establishment, and maintenance services at SMUD-owned facilities throughout SMUD’s service territory. Services are needed by January 1, 2027, and the resulting contract(s) will run for five (5) years. SMUD intends to award one or more contract(s) to the highest rated Proposers as a result of this solicitation. The work to be performed under the resulting contract(s) shall be on an as-needed, task-release basis, under a master contract with individual task authorizations issued for specific design and construction related work assignments as well as monthly landscape maintenance services at select properties throughout

SMUD’s service territory billed at a monthly rate. The aggregate amount of all tasks shall not exceed $5,500,000.

2.2. BACKGROUND

The Contractor will be responsible for and shall furnish all supervision, labor, maintenance, materials, equipment, project management, design and incidentals necessary to cost effectively improve and maintain the visual appearance of grounds and landscaping at various SMUD facilities including the Headquarters Campus, East Campus Operations Center, the Customer

Service Center, Sacramento Power Academy, the Energy Management Center, the Childcare

Development Center and Substation facilities and assets; while addressing safety, increased security, sustainability efforts and long-term maintainability. This may include removal, replacement and/or modification of landscaping, to design where possible, such that it requires minimal resource inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides, gasoline, time, and water by using more native, drought tolerant plants in accordance with the Contract.

This is a master task contract that will include a variety of project types, intended to support multi-site landscape improvement and maintenance projects. The contract will be administered as a task-based and monthly service agreement. The master contract will establish the terms and conditions, scope categories, pricing basis, and maximum contract value. Specific work will be authorized only through individual task releases, task purchase orders and/or landscape maintenance services billed at a monthly rate issued under the master task contract. No work shall begin until SMUD issues an authorized task document for the applicable assignment.

2.3. GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK

The work may include but is not limited to multi-year projects to update the exterior landscape at identified SMUD facilities. Many of our facilities have no landscape or the landscaping designs are outdated. Older designs no longer meet the intended purpose, are incompatible with our new security requirements or require significant amounts of water, repair and maintenance resources.

The main focus of this contract is to update landscape designs while improving our security, reducing the need for water and required maintenance. Tasks will include an emphasis on existing locations including substations that are in residential areas including older areas that have a

2-2 mixture of residential and commercial/industrial use. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Site Evaluation and Planning

The Contractor may be required to:

• perform site walks and existing-condition assessments;

• evaluate topography, access, drainage, security, visibility, and maintainability;

• identify deficiencies in existing landscapes, irrigation, and related site features;

• support development of task-specific scopes of work when requested by SMUD.

Landscape Design Services

The Contractor shall provide design services as required by the task, including:

• renderings, sketches, drawings, and design concepts;

• planting plans and material selections;

• decorative rock/gravel and containment/border concepts;

• recommendations for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, native, or succulent landscapes where feasible;

• designs that improve site aesthetics while supporting security and operational needs.

Designs shall be submitted for SMUD review and approval before installation.

Removal and Site Preparation

The Contractor may be required to:

• remove debris, abandoned materials, bark, rock/gravel, or other surface materials;

• remove existing shrubs, bushes, groundcover, trees, turf, or other landscaping identified for replacement;

• perform minor grading, mounding, and surface preparation;

• treat or remove below grade plant material as necessary to prevent regrowth;

• prepare sites for installation of approved landscape improvements.

Landscape Construction and Installation

The Contractor shall install landscaping in accordance with SMUD-approved plans and task requirements, which may include:

• planting trees, shrubs, flowering plants, succulents, and ground cover;

• adding or replacing high-maintenance vegetation with lower-water-use alternatives;

• installing decorative rock, bark, and related surfacing materials;

• installing containment/border features to separate decorative rock from drive areas and delineate no-parking areas;

• repairing, removing, or adding barriers, retaining walls, boulders, or other landscape features;

• restoring disturbed areas and replacing damaged improvements as required.

Irrigation Services

Where required by the task, the Contractor shall:

• evaluate existing irrigation systems;

• repair, modify, replace, or install permanent or temporary irrigation systems;

• install irrigation lines and drip systems to plant locations;

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• calculate water use and pressure requirements for installed systems;

• monitor, adjust, test, inspect, and perform minor repair of irrigation systems during the establishment period.

Because approximately 60% of SMUD substations may have no water service, the Contractor shall be capable of proposing and implementing solutions that support successful plant establishment without permanent irrigation, including temporary irrigation methods approved by

SMUD.

Plant Establishment and Post-Installation Services

Following installation, the Contractor shall provide post-installation services as required by the task, including:

• site-specific maintenance and inspection plans;

• irrigation monitoring and adjustment;

• pruning, trimming, deadheading, and cleanup;

• weed abatement, mulch control, and plant care;

• replanting and replacement of vegetation as required;

• plant establishment services for the defined establishment period.

SMUD defines the establishment period as the first year after planting, or the first two years if irrigation will be terminated after establishment.

Ongoing Landscape Maintenance

The Contractor shall provide ongoing maintenance for new and existing landscapes, including:

• regular inspection and preventive maintenance;

• pruning and trimming;

• raking and cultivating;

• water management;

• debris cleanup and blowing;

• fertilization and pest management when approved by SMUD

Use of chemicals or fertilizers requires SMUD approval, and the Contractor must provide applicable Safety Data Sheets in advance.

Urban Forestry Plan Management

The Contractor shall provide ongoing planning, planting, and management of trees and green spaces on SMUD properties, including:

• regular inspections and condition assessment of all trees;

• conduct regular inventories to record species, size health, and location of trees;

• routine pruning to maintain health, shape and safety;

• timing pruning to avoid disrupting wildlife (e.g. bird nesting seasons);

• removing dead or hazardous trees to reduce risks;

• using GIS or other software to manage and analyze data for planning and maintenance.

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Emergency or Urgent Response

The Contractor shall be prepared to respond to urgent work when directed by SMUD. The

Contractor shall provide an emergency work response plan with work-hour and off-hour contact information for key personnel and alternates and keep the information current.

Service Locations

Work may be performed at SMUD facilities throughout SMUD’s service territory, which covers approximately 900 square miles. Work will focus on six (6) SMUD campuses and identified substations, but SMUD may reprioritize locations during the contract term based on operational or project needs. SMUD may organize projects by region to improve efficiency of resource allocation, travel, and coordination.

Deliverables

Depending on the task, required deliverables may include:

• site assessments;

• renderings, sketches, and design drawings;

• planting and irrigation plans;

• maintenance and inspection plans;

• project schedule;

• Schedule of Values;

• safety plans;

• as-built drawings;

• care instructions for installed plants;

• warranty and establishment documentation;

• invoice support documentation.

Construction correspondence and drawings are to be maintained in electronic format. The current contract requires use of Microsoft software for written documents, spreadsheets, and schedules, and AutoCAD or PDF for drawings unless otherwise approved.

Design and Performance Requirements

Landscape designs and installations shall:

• improve the visual appearance of SMUD facilities;

• support safety and security objectives;

• reduce water demand and maintenance burden where feasible;

• use drought-tolerant, native, or climate-appropriate plant material where feasible;

• account for sites lacking permanent water service;

• support successful long-term establishment and survival of plantings;

• avoid creating deep screening or concealment conditions that could contribute to illicit activity.

Decorative rock/gravel shall be included as a component of the design, with containment or border treatment where feasible to separate decorative rock from drive surfaces and define restricted vehicle areas.

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Management and Staffing Requirements

The Contractor shall assign a qualified Project Manager and Field Representative with experience commensurate with the size and complexity of the work. The Project Manager shall serve as the primary line of communication with SMUD.

The Project Manager or job-site coordinator must be present while work is being performed or designate a Field Representative with full authority to make decisions on behalf of the

Contractor.

The Field Representative must be experienced and competent in field supervision and safety enforcement and must maintain cellular communication availability with SMUD personnel and

SMUD Security, including off-hours.

SMUD reserves the right to require replacement of the Project Manager or Field Representative for deficient management or performance.

Safety Requirements

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable safety requirements and maintain:

• an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program;

• a written Code of Safe Practices;

• a written employee Emergency Medical Services plan; and

• prompt reporting of OSHA-reportable accidents to the SMUD Contract Manager.

Task-specific safety plans may be required as part of each task proposal.

Labor Compliance Requirements

The Contractor and its subcontractors shall comply with applicable California Labor Code requirements, including:

• payment of not less than the prevailing wage;

• posting applicable wage rates at the jobsite;

• maintaining payroll records;

• compliance with apprenticeship requirements;

• DIR registration requirements for contractors and subcontractors;

• furnishing electronic certified payroll records to the Labor Commissioner.

Only when requested, the Contractor shall provide labor compliance documentation including certified payroll reports, fringe benefit statements, apprenticeship certifications, and subcontractor listings.

Licensing and Subcontracting Requirements

The Contractor shall possess and maintain a current California C-27 Landscaping Contractor license for this scope of work. All subcontractors performing specialty work must have current

California licenses appropriate for the work being performed and may perform only work within their license classification. Substitution of listed subcontractors is typically not required and will require approval by SMUD.

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Permits and Regulatory Compliance

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, and decrees affecting the work. The Contractor shall obtain permits required for the work unless otherwise specified by SMUD. The current contract also requires compliance with local construction and demolition debris recycling requirements applicable to the project jurisdiction.

Submittals and As-Builts

The Contractor shall provide all required submittals prior to construction, including design documents and other task-specific documentation. The Contractor shall maintain current as-built drawings for each site and provide a complete final as-built package upon completion of the task.

Warranty and Establishment Obligations

The Contractor shall guarantee each site plant installation for one full year after completion of the landscape installation project by site. The Contractor is responsible for replacement of foliage due to negligence or damage caused by the Contractor at no cost to SMUD. The Contractor shall maintain installed landscapes during the required establishment period and perform replacement or corrective work necessary to achieve successful establishment.

2.4. MONTHLY TASK SCOPE OF WORK

SMUD desires to complete as many projects as possible with designed solutions to maximize value at each project site. Task designs will balance design solutions, costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses in creating an appealing, easily maintainable, and acceptable landscape schemes for the defined project locations. Projects sites will be awarded based on best overall balance of priorities, designs, cost, contractor performance history and available funding.

Contractor will be responsible for:

1. Design, design elements, including plant selection and renderings for each site proposal.

2. Site prep, cleanup and minor grading, including removal of existing landscape if required.

3. Installation of new landscape, materials, irrigation modification or installation (permanent or temporary depending on site).

4. Post installation

a) Maintenance and inspection plans to as-built drawings.

b) Warranty through plant establishment.

A. Headquarters (HQ), East Campus Operation Center (ECOC), Customer Service Center

(CSC), Sacramento Power Academy (SPA), Energy Management Center (EMC) & 59th

Street, and the Childcare Development Center (CDC)

SMUD’s Headquarter (HQ) facility is located north of Highway 50 on the northwest campus of

65th Street and S Street. The address is 6201 S Street, Sacramento CA, 95817.

SMUD’s East Campus Operations Center (ECOC) facility is located south of Highway 50 on the southeast corner of Bradshaw Road and Kiefer Boulevard. The address is 4401 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento CA 95827.

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SMUD’s Customer Service Center (CSC) facility is located north of Highway 50 on the northwest corner of 65th Street and S Street. The address is 6301 S Street, Sacramento CA, 95817.

SMUD’s Sacramento Power Academy (SPA) facility is located south of Highway 50, southeast of Elder Creek Road and Hedge Avenue. The address is 9268 Tokay Lane, Sacramento CA, 95817.

SMUD’s Energy Management Center (EMC) facility is located north of Highway 50, on the corner of S Street and 59th Avenue. The address is 6001 S Street, Sacramento CA, 95817.

The Childcare Development Center facility is located north of SMUD’s Downtown Campus. The address is 6011 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento CA, 95817.

Contractor will be performing Grounds and Landscaping services, including but not limited to, the maintenance of trees, shrubs, flowering plants, ground cover and walkways. The Contractor will be required to perform grounds maintenance and landscaping services activities weekly to keep the grounds in an aesthetic and clean condition. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Pruning/Trimming

• Mowing

• Edging

• Mulch Control

• Planting

• Leaf/Botanical/Debris Blowing

• Flowering Plant Maintenance/Deadheading

• Debris Removal

• Fertilization

• Irrigation Valve Inspection & Replacement

• Weed Abatement

• Integrated Pest Management

SMUD has the right of approval for any additions, changes and/or improvements associated with the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. The Contractor will be required to notify SMUD prior to any changes in design and foliage.

IRRIGATION VALVE INSPECTION / MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT

Contractor will be responsible for watering schedules, seasonal time changes and conducting irrigation valve inspections, for water erosion and/or damage per a mutually agreed upon maintenance schedule. The Contractor will also perform maintenance, repairs and/or valve replacement as needed.

FOLIAGE REPLACEMENT / DUE TO NEGLIGENCE AND/OR DAMAGE

Contractor will be responsible for replacement of foliage (including trees, shrubs, flowering plants and ground cover) due to negligence and/or damage caused by the Contractor.

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SMUD will reimburse Contractor for the purchase cost associated with replacement foliage

(including trees, shrubs, flowering plants and ground cover) due to conditions beyond the

Contractors control such as vandalism, weather or frost related deterioration.

WATER RETENTION BASIN

Contractor will be responsible for performing maintenance to the HQ, ECOC, CSC and the SPA

Water Retention Basins. Maintenance includes but is not limited to the following:

• Inspect, clean and maintain storm drains, catch basins and Contech Catch Basin

Storm Filters. (Refer to Standard - Monitoring Inspection, Maintenance, and

Recordkeeping)

• Keep vegetated swales, basin and other landscaped areas in good condition.

Maintain dense vegetation with fertilizers or over irrigation. (Refer to Standard, Monitoring Inspection, Maintenance, and Recordkeeping)

• Inspect swales and basins for signs of erosion and obstructions; repair ruts and holes.

• Use Integrated Pest Management practices.

• Keep soil covered with vegetation or temporary cover material to control erosion.

• Use native, low maintenance plants. Maintain vegetation in a way that is compatible with local soil and climate.

• Perform monthly documented inspections and maintenance of vegetated swales and detention basin.

• Perform maintenance as described in the (Refer to Standard, Device Maintenance

& Access)

• It is mandatory that documented inspections and maintenance records be kept and forwarded to SMUD Environmental Management.

The following is a partial list of the various types of work that will be needed for the

Headquarters (HQ), Customer Service Center (CSC), Sacramento Power Academy (SPA), Energy Management Center (EMC) & 59th Street, and the Childcare Development Center

(CDC) locations:

1. Tree Canopy Care

a) Urban Forestry Plan – follow tree care guidelines. (see appendix)

b) Parking lot trees were planted in Silva cells which allow water and nutrients to reach the roots while preventing soil compaction from vehicles and the pavement.

2. Headquarters, Customer Service Center, Sacramento Power Academy, Energy

Management Center, and the Childcare Development Center Weekly Services

a) The site features a sustainable landscaping plan design with drought-tolerant plants with minimal or reduced need for irrigation. The Contractor is required to perform ground maintenance services per design, that includes plants, trees and shrubs as well as non-irrigated perennial grassland blends that border the site. A list of botanicals on the site is available. See SMUD Engineer for more information.

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b) The weather-based central irrigation system includes flow monitoring sensors and drip, rotary spray heads and bubblers to deliver the right amount of water using state-of-the-art controls. Stormwater is collected on site and allowed to percolate back into the ground instead of flowing to storm drains. All lawn areas were replaced with low water-use groundcovers, and some areas were planted with drought tolerant and native plants. For the Childcare Development Center (CDC);

all lawn areas were replaced with synthetic turf.

3. LEED Sustainability

a) The Contractor is required to perform ground maintenance services using LEED recommended sustainable maintenance practices where possible. Requirements include but are not limited to the following:

• Use of organic, biodegradable and recycled materials and supplies

(fertilizers, soil, pesticides, plant containers, etc.)

• Minimized landscape waste through mulching and composting

• Integrated Pest Management

• Electric power, battery power tools and equipment ONLY o (no gas-powered tools or equipment to be used on SMUD properties)

• Low irrigation and drought tolerant foliage

b) All chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and/or hazardous materials used by the

Contractor must be approved by SMUD prior to use.

The following is a partial list of the various types of work that will be needed for the East

Campus Operations Center (ECOC) location:

1. EC-OC Improvements

a) Ground cover needed; bid and task release required.

2. EC-OC Weekly Services

a) The site features a sustainable landscaping plan design with drought tolerant plants with minimal or reduced need for irrigation. The Contractor is required to perform ground maintenance services per design, that includes plants, trees and shrubs as well as non-irrigated perennial grassland blends that border the site. Annual trimming of grasslands will be required during fire season. A list of botanicals on the site is available. See SMUD Engineer for more information.

3. LEED Sustainability

a) The Contractor is required to perform ground maintenance services using LEED recommended sustainable maintenance practices where possible. Requirements include but are not limited to the following:

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• Use of organic, biodegradable and recycling materials and supplies

(fertilizers, soil, pesticides, plant containers, etc.)

• Minimized landscape waste through mulching and composting

• Integrated Pest Management

• Use of electrical power, battery power tools and equipment ONLY o (no gas-powered tools or equipment to be used on SMUD properties)

• Low irrigation and drought tolerant foliage

b) All chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and/or hazardous materials used by the

Contractor must be approved by SMUD prior to use.

REPORTING

Contractor must keep monthly usage required by the County of Sacramento. SMUD contract manager must receive a copy of usage reports monthly.

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

The Contractor will be responsible for providing all vehicles, equipment and supplies needed to safely perform all duties listed in this Request for Proposal. These include, but are not limited to:

• Fertilizers, pesticides and planting soil

• Weed Eater, mowers, blowers, leaf rakes, edging, pruning and other gardening and maintenance tools (Electric power, battery power

ONLY)

• Personal protective equipment (PPE apparel), gloves, eye protection, footwear, earplugs, etc.

• Directional and/or caution signage when needed

• Vehicle and debris removal equipment (truck/trailers)

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Contractor must obtain any insurance, licenses and certified inspections required by regulatory agencies and follow Federal, State and local laws, regulations and ordinances; or codes applicable to the permitted operation.

B. SUBSTATIONS & SMUD OWNED PROPERTIES

Forty plus landscaped properties owned by SMUD, including electrical transmission and distribution substations are located throughout 900 square miles of SMUD’s district territory.

(see reference map for general site locations)

Contractor will be performing Grounds and Landscaping services, including but not limited to, the maintenance of trees, shrubs, flowering plants, ground cover and walkways. The Contractor will be required to perform grounds maintenance and landscaping services activities semi-monthly to keep the grounds in an aesthetic and clean condition. Examples include, but are not limited to:

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• Pruning/Trimming

• Mowing

• Edging

• Mulch Control

• Planting

• Leaf/Botanical/Debris Blowing

• Flowering Plant Maintenance/Deadheading

• Debris Removal

• Fertilization

• Irrigation Valve Inspection & Replacement

• Weed Abatement

• Integrated Pest Management

SMUD has the right of approval for any additions, changes and/or improvements associated with the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. The Contractor will be required to notify SMUD prior to any changes in design and foliage.

IRRIGATION VALVE INSPECTION / MAINTENANCE & REPLACEMENT

Contractor will be responsible for watering schedules, seasonal time changes and conducting irrigation valve inspections, for water erosion and/or damage per a mutually agreed upon maintenance schedule. The Contractor will also perform maintenance, repairs and/or valve replacement as needed.

FOLIAGE REPLACEMENT / DUE TO NEGLIGENCE AND/OR DAMAGE

Contractor will be responsible for replacement of foliage (including trees, shrubs, flowering plants and ground cover) due to negligence and/or damage caused by the Contractor.

SMUD will reimburse Contractor for the purchase cost associated with replacement foliage

(including trees, shrubs, flowering plants and ground cover) due to conditions beyond the

Contractors control such as vandalism, weather or frost related deterioration.

REPORTING

Contractor must be a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) holder and have trained applicator staff. Contractor must keep monthly usage required by the County of Sacramento. SMUD contract manager must receive a copy of usage reports monthly.

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

The Contractor will be responsible for providing all vehicles, equipment and supplies needed to safely perform all duties listed in this Request for Proposal. These include, but are not limited to:

• Fertilizers, pesticides and planting soil

• Weed Eater, mowers, blowers, leaf rakes, edging, pruning and other gardening and maintenance tools (Electric power, battery power ONLY)

• Personal protective equipment (PPE apparel), gloves, eye protection, footwear, earplugs, etc.

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• Directional and/or caution signage when needed

• Vehicle and debris removal equipment (truck/trailers)

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Contractor must obtain any insurance, licenses and certified inspections required by regulatory agencies and follow Federal, State and local laws, regulations and ordinances; or codes applicable to the permitted operation.

The Work is further described in the Special and Technical Conditions. All technical specifications as indicated in the developed task scope is included as part of this contract.

SMUD Security will require background checks and badging of the Contractor’s supervisory personnel and trade workers in critical areas of facilities. This process may take several months.

Upon award it is important to start this process promptly.

2.5. COMPANY REQUIREMENTS

The Proposer must demonstrate in their proposal that they meet the following PASS/FAIL requirement. Failure to meet this requirement will result in SMUD declaring the Bid non-responsive.

MANDATORY PASS/FAIL QUALIFICATIONS

A. Does the Prime Contractor and each proposed Subcontractor know and understand its obligations regarding the employment of apprentices on public works under Labor

Code section 1777.5 and California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 230.1, and do they intend to comply with these requirements, including the requirement, if applicable, to request the dispatch of apprentices from an apprenticeship program approved by the California Apprenticeship Council?

B. Has any contractor license held by the Prime Contractor or any of the proposed

Subcontractors, been revoked or suspended within the last five (5) years?

C. Within the last five years was the Prime Contractor or any proposed Subcontractor declared ineligible to propose on a public works contract, to be awarded a public works contract, or to perform as a subcontractor on a public works contract, pursuant to either Labor Code section 1777.1 or Labor Code section 1777.7?

D. In accordance with Public Contract Code Section 3300 and Business and Professional

Code Section 7059, SMUD has determined that the Contractor must possess a current

California Contractor’s License in one of the following classes: C-27

LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR

https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/

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3. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

3.1. TIME AND MANNER OF SUBMISSION

The Proposal shall be submitted in PlanetBids, SMUD’s sourcing system (“Sourcing System”), no later than the date and time specified in the Bid Information section of this sourcing event in the

Sourcing System. Mailed or hand delivered proposal responses will not be considered. All

Proposals submitted become the property of SMUD.

Proposals shall cover the entire scope of the RFP. Each proposal shall give the full business address of the Proposer and shall be signed by an authorized official of the company. The name of each person signing the proposal shall be typed or printed below the signature. When requested by SMUD, satisfactory evidence of the authority of the person signing on behalf of the Proposer shall be furnished.

Submittal of Bid Bond, Certified Check or Cashier’s Check: Proposer must submit an original copy of the Bid Bond, or a certified check or a cashier’s check enclosed in a sealed envelope and addressed as follows:

By U.S. Mail or Hand Delivery: By Overnight or Express Delivery

Sacramento Municipal Utility District Sacramento Municipal Utility District

Supply Chain Services Office: Warehouse Operations/Supply Chain Services

Attention: Amy Ayers (MS EA404) Attention: Amy Ayers (MS EA404)

RFP No. PRC0001391.AA RFP No. PRC0001391.AA

4401 Bradshaw Road 9774 Kiefer Blvd

Sacramento, CA 95827 Sacramento, CA 95827

The sealed mailing envelope must be clearly marked with the RFP Number and to the

ATTENTION of: Amy Ayers. The envelope shall also show the Proposer’s name and address.

Directions for Visitors:

To get to SMUD’s East Campus location (EC-OC) at 4401 Bradshaw Road:

From US Highway 50, take Watt Avenue exit (exit 11)

Head South on Watt Avenue (approx. 1.8 miles)

Turn left onto Jackson Hwy (CA-16 East) (approx. 2.1 miles)

Turn left onto Bradshaw Road (approx. 0.9 miles)

Turn right into SMUD’s EC-OC visitor’s entrance

Please note: There is no access to the EC-OC visitor entrance from Southbound Bradshaw Road.

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3.2. EXPLANATIONS TO PROPOSERS

Should the Proposer find discrepancies in or omissions from this document, or should the intent or meaning appear to the Proposer to be obscure or ambiguous, the Proposer should immediately send

SMUD a written request for interpretation, clarification or correction thereof before submitting a proposal. The Proposer making such a request will be solely responsible for the timely receipt of the written request by SMUD. Replies to such inquiries will be made only in the form of addenda to this RFP and will be issued simultaneously to all business firms or persons who have obtained a copy of the RFP from SMUD. Verbal requests for information during the period of proposal preparation are acceptable if made sufficiently in advance of the proposal opening date to allow issuance of an addendum to the RFP.

All correspondence pertaining to this RFP is highly preferred to be submitted through the

Q&A section in PlanetBids. Additional contacts are listed below, however, it is SMUD’s strong preference for Proposers to use the Q&A tool within the Sourcing System, as it is the primary way the SMUD team will be communicating before, during, and after the RFP open period.

Contact REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SEED PROGRAM

Contact Name Amy Ayers Franklin Burris

Phone number (916) 732-5860 916-732-6513

E-mail Amy.Ayers@smud.org Franklin.Burris@smud.org

SMUD will not be bound by any oral interpretation of the RFP, which may be made by any of its representatives or employees, unless such interpretations are subsequently issued in the form of an addendum to this RFP.

3.3. WITHDRAWAL OR MODIFICATION OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be modified or withdrawn through the Sourcing System prior to the RFP due date.

3.4. REVISIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS

3.4.1 Addenda: If it becomes necessary to revise or supplement any part of this RFP an addendum will be provided.

3.4.2 Acknowledgment of Addenda: Receipt of an addendum to this RFP by a Proposer must be acknowledged by signing and submitting the addendum signature sheet as part of the

Proposer’s Proposal.

3.5. SITE INSPECTION AND CONDITIONS

In addition to examination of this RFP, each Proposer shall make whatever other arrangements are necessary to become fully informed regarding all existing and expected conditions and matters which, during the contract time period, could affect in any way, the work, performance of work, or the cost thereof. Any failure to fully investigate the work site or the foregoing conditions shall not relieve the Proposer from responsibilities for properly estimating the difficulty or cost of successfully performing the work. SMUD assumes no responsibility for any representation made

3-3 by its representatives or agents, during or prior to the execution of a contract pursuant to this RFP, unless such information is in writing in the form of an addendum to this RFP.

3.6. ONLINE PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

An on-line Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

TO ATTEND THE ONLINE WEB/TELECONFERENCE, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/246334096167236?p=h6leHHWItPL mS2Zu02

Meeting ID: 246 334 096 167 236 Passcode: Bn3ex29P

Need help? | System reference

Dial in by phone

+1 916-538-7043,,333898934# United States, Sacramento Find a local number Phone conference ID: 333 898 934#

For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

Org help

3.7. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

The proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall be evaluated for award based on the criteria described in the Proposal Evaluation Criteria section of this RFP.

SMUD may request additional information from any or all Proposers after the initial evaluation of the proposals to clarify terms and conditions.

Based on SMUD's review of the proposals received, a short-listed group of Proposers may be selected. The short-listed firms may be required to make verbal presentations of their qualification to SMUD. If a presentation is determined to be required, the presentation will be considered in the overall technical rating.

The contract will be awarded to the best-qualified Proposer, after price and other factors have been considered, provided that the proposal is reasonable and is in the best interests of SMUD to accept it.

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The right is reserved, as the interest of SMUD may require, to reject any or all proposals and to waive any irregularity in the proposals received.

SMUD will post a “Notification of Intent to Award” of the Proposals received and evaluated on the Sourcing System at least five (5) business days prior to awarding the contract. The posting includes the Proposal Price for all responsive proposals. After the “Notification of Intent to

Award” is posted, any unsuccessful Proposers may request the reason(s) their proposal was not selected. In the event a Proposer elects to protest SMUD’s selection, the protest must be submitted in writing to SMUD’s Procurement Manager within five (5) business days of the posting of the

“Notification of Intent to Award”. SMUD’s Contract Award and Protest Policy is available upon written request to the Procurement Manager, SMUD procurement staff, or may be found on www.smud.org.

Proposals for construction contracts of $11,000,000 or more will be submitted to the Board of

Directors of SMUD for award.

Within fifteen (15) calendar days after notice of award, the successful Proposer shall deliver to

SMUD the required insurance certificates, bonds, and a signed copy of the contract. The contract forms will be forwarded to the successful Proposer with the award notification. SMUD will not issue the Notice to Proceed until SMUD has received all the above-required documents.

3.8. NON-EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT

If awarded a contract under this RFP, the contract will NOT establish an exclusive arrangement between SMUD and the Proposer. SMUD reserves, among others, the following rights:

• The right to use others to perform work and services described in this RFP.

• The right to request proposals from other contractors for work described in the RFP without requesting a proposal from the Contractor.

• The unrestricted right to bid any work or services described herein.

3.9. DURATION OF CONTRACT

This contract shall be for approximately a five year period, subject to approval by SMUD's Board of Directors of the corresponding annual budget, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing.

SMUD prepares its Annual Budget on a calendar year basis. The Budget is subject to the approval of SMUD's Board of Directors.

3.10. QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSERS

SMUD expressly reserves the right to reject any proposal if it determines that the business and technical organization, equipment, financial and other resources, or experience of the Proposer, compared to the work proposed justifies such rejection.

SMUD reserves the right to reject, in its sole discretion, any proposal that includes equipment or information and communications technology or services designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by an entity located within the country of a foreign adversary, and/or owned by, controlled

3-5 by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary. This also includes components and sub-components of such equipment or information and communications technology or services.

Proposers must be licensed under Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California.

3.11. PROPOSAL PREPARATION COSTS

The costs of developing proposals are entirely the responsibility of the Proposer and shall not be charged in any manner to SMUD.

3.12. CONFLICTS

If conflicts exist between the contract and the other elements of this RFP, the contract prevails. If conflict exists within the contract itself, the Terms and Conditions govern, followed by Scope of

Services. If conflict exists between the contract and applicable Federal or State law, rule, regulation, order, or code; the law, rule, regulation, order or code shall control. Varying levels of control between the Terms and Conditions, drawings and documents, laws, rules, regulations, orders, or codes are not deemed conflicts, and the most stringent requirement(s) shall control.

3.13. BID SCHEDULE

The Proposer shall be reimbursed for work performed under the contract in accordance with the items described in the Bid Schedule section of this RFP.

3.14. MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT

Billing shall be submitted in accordance with GC-9 PAYMENTS AND COMPLETION provisions contained in the General Conditions of this RFP.

3.15. SUBCONTRACTORS

The Proposers must describe in their proposals the areas that they anticipate subcontracting to specialty firms. Identify the firms and describe how Proposer will manage these subcontracts. The firms shall be listed on the Designation of Prime, Subcontractors, and Suppliers form, which is attached as a separate document.

Pursuant to Sections 4100-4114, inclusive, of the California Public Contract Code, each Proposer must submit a list showing the names and location of places of business of each subcontractor who will perform work or labor or render service to the prime contractor in or about the construction of the work or improvement, or a subcontractor licensed by the State of California who, under subcontract to the prime contractor, specially fabricates and installs a portion of the work or improvement according to detailed drawings contained in the plans and specifications, in an amount in excess of one half of one percent of the prime contractor’s total proposal, together with

3-6 a statement of the portion of the work to be done by each subcontractor. If no subcontractors are to be used, except within the one half of one percent (0.5%) limit set forth, the Proposer shall so state. SMUD may disqualify any Proposer who fails to comply with this instruction.

Contractor to pay subcontractors in a timely manner.

Nothing contained in the Contract shall create any contractual relation between any subcontractor and SMUD.

3.16. FRANCHISE TAX FORM 590

The Proposer to whom the contract award is made shall furnish SMUD with a completed State of

California Franchise Tax Form 590. A blank Form 590 will be provided with the contract documents.

3.17. NOTICE RELATED TO PROPRIETARY/CONFIDENTIAL DATA

Proposers are advised that the California Public Records Act (the “Act”, Government Code

§§ 7920 et seq.) provides that any person may inspect or be provided a copy of any identifiable public record or document that is not exempted from disclosure by the express provisions of the

Act. Each Proposer shall clearly identify any information within its submission that it intends to ask SMUD to withhold as exempt under the Act. Except for proposal item(s) pricing, including fee schedule(s) which are subject to disclosure under Section 7928.801 of the Act, any other information contained in a Proposer’s submission which the Proposer believes qualifies for exemption from public disclosure as "proprietary” or “confidential” must be identified as such at the time of first submission of the Proposer’s response to this RFP. A failure to identify information contained in a Proposer’s submission to this RFP as "proprietary” or “confidential” shall constitute a waiver of Proposer’s right to object to the release of such information upon request under the Act. SMUD favors full and open disclosure of all such records. SMUD will not expend public funds defending claims for access to, inspection of, or to be provided copies of any such records.

Along with each Proposer’s response to this RFP, each Proposer is required to submit a signed indemnity agreement, included with its response to this RFP, whereby Proposer shall agree to indemnify and defend SMUD on terms stated therein against all claims or actions brought against it to seek access to or compel disclosure of any records or documents in SMUD’s possession which were submitted to SMUD by any Proposer pursuant to this RFP. Each Proposer will be required to sign and submit the Public Record Indemnity Agreement along with its response to this RFP, which is included in the “Proposal Requirements” section of this RFP.

3.18. CONTRACT

SMUD’s standard contract is included in the Sample Contract section of this RFP. SMUD may reject proposals that contain exceptions to the Terms and Conditions included in the sample contract.

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3.19. SUPPLIER EDUCATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (SEED) PROGRAM

3.19.1 POLICY STATEMENT

The Sacramento Municipal…