Interstate Rest Area

Lawn Care Specifications

April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027

Index

General Instructions and Responsibilities .........................................................................1.0

Lawn Care Compliance ...................................................................................................... 2.0

Lawn Specifications ............................................................................................................ 3.0

Lawns ................................................................................................................................... 3.1

Lagoon / LP Tank / Fenced Storage Areas ....................................................................... 3.2

Outlying Areas / Trails ....................................................................................................... 3.3

Trash Removal / Special Landscaping Areas .................................................................. 3.4

Special Landscaped Areas .................................................................................................. 4.0

Additional Lawn Care Responsibilities ............................................................................. 5.0

Appendix A. Herbicide Specifications ............................................................................... 5.1

Note: The following instructions and responsibilities are general and may not apply to all areas.

Please review thoroughly before bidding.

Office of Maintenance Rest Area Administration w: index23

Interstate Lawn Care Contractor / Rest Area Grounds Maintenance (See specifications on following pages for exact duties)

1.0 General Instructions & Responsibilities

The Iowa DOT will respond to all questions, establish the responsibilities of the Lawn Care Contractor (“Contractor”) and have the final approval for the quality and acceptability of all work performed under this contract.

Iowa DOT Responsibility-Inspection and Supervision

• All work shall be done according to the approved design and shall be under the direct supervision of the Iowa DOT.

• Periodic site inspections will be carried on by the Iowa DOT with the Contractor to ensure coordination of the project.

• The Iowa DOT point of contact shall be provided to the awarded Contractor.

Approximate acreage totals are provided in the schedule of prices. For additional information please contact the Iowa DOT Rest Area Coordinator (“Rest Area Coordinator”). The contact information for the Rest Area Coordinator and the Iowa DOT Operation Managers (“Operations Manager”) in charge of that area will be provided upon request. Bids will be accepted by location and payment will be prorated over twelve (12) months.

General Instructions The Contractor will be responsible for the ground maintenance at the rest areas, minor parking, and undeveloped sites in their specific location. This will include the mowing, trimming, edging of the grass in designated areas and maintaining landscaping (the mulching and pruning of trees and shrubs). It will also include fertilizer and herbicide applications in all areas.

Prior to the beginning of each mowing season the Contractor and Operations Manager will meet on site to review the grounds, answer questions, and identify existing damage to landscape items. A list of those damages will be kept with the Operations Manager assigned to each area and in the office of the Rest Area Administrator.

Contractors submitting a bid must provide a list of subcontractors they will be using and provide subcontractors current license for spraying. If these items are not included in your bid, the bid will not be considered.

DEFINITIONS

Iowa DOT Operations Manager (“Operations Manager”) This role is filled by the facility maintenance coordinators. They serve as the Iowa DOT point of contact for the rest areas.

Iowa DOT Rest Area Administrator (“Rest Area Administrator”). This role serves as the IDOT point of contact for coordination and resolution of escalated issues.

Disposal (“Disposal”, “Disposed”). Contractors must properly dispose of all waste materials in a safe manner that maintains the safety of the traveling public, contractors, and Iowa DOT staff. Illegal dumping in the State of Iowa has potential civil and criminal penalties pursuant to IAC 455B.307A ‘Discarding of Waste’ & Iowa Code 321.369 ‘Putting Debris on Highway.’

Lawn Care Contractor (“Contractor”). Contractor must consist of Lead Worker who is the main point of contact. Contractor is responsible for Sub-contractors’ adherence to lawn care requirements.

2.0 Lawn Care Compliance

**It is the responsibility of the Contractor to contact and inform the Operations Manager that a visit will occur. If the Operations Manager must contact the Contractor to determine if a visit will be occurring, or has occurred, an automatic deduction will apply.

Contractor must notify the Operations Manager by text, phone (no voicemail) or email twenty-four

(24) hours prior to the scheduled visit.

The Contractor must not exceed three (3) unscheduled notifications per Contract Term, or it may result in contract termination.

In the event the Contractor is unable to fulfill their lawn care requirements on a specified visit, the Contractor must ensure there is a backup Contract employee and inform the Operations Manager of this change twenty-four (24) hours prior to the change, or as soon as they’re aware that a backup will be required.

Compliance Breakdown

Iowa DOT will inform Contractor of percentage deductions by email prior to distribution of monthly invoice. Contractor has seventy-two (72) hours from receipt of email to dispute any deductions.

Contractor Tasks Percentage deducted from monthly payment per missed visit/activity

Notes Total Percentage

2 visits per week (5% each) 5% EACH

Contacting Operations Manager

5%

Trash Cleanup 10%

Mowing 10% Spraying (twice a year per specs) - 10% each

10% EACH

Fertilizer application (twice a year) 10% each

10% EACH

Mulching (once a year per specs)

10%

Trimming/Weeds 10%

Edging of sideways/walkways (every 3 weeks)

5%

100%

For Summer months of Operations, April 1st through November 30th, the Contractor is required to visit the site twice a week to inspect the site for cleanliness and any necessary cleanup. Visits must be at least 2 days apart. Visits are to be made on weekdays only, Mon-Fri, and must be done between the hours of 7am and 7 pm CT.

For Winter months of Operations, December 1st through March 31st, the Contractor is required to visit the site a minimum of one time per week to inspect the site for cleanliness and any necessary cleanup. Visits are to be made on weekdays only, Mon-Fri, and must be done between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm CT.

Contractor must communicate by text, phone (no voicemails), or email to the Operations Manager twenty-four (24) hours prior to these visits. Any deductions incurred by Contractor will be used to determine the percentage deducted in the Compliance Breakdown.

If Contractor has not previously provided lawn care services to the Iowa DOT, they must provide three (3) work references for like or similar projects of this magnitude.

Separate contracts must be awarded for each Location/Site, as defined in the Schedule of Prices listed on the Line-Item Tab of the Bid on the IMPACS system.

• A contractor may bid more than one (1) Location/Site but, will not be awarded fewer than two (2) rest area buildings and no more than six (6) rest area buildings, including existing contracts.

• A contractor awarded six (6) buildings is limited to two (2) additional parking only or scale sites.

• A contractor with no awarded buildings is allowed six (6) parking only or scale sites.

• If the same Contractor is the low bidder on more than six (6) buildings, the Iowa DOT reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion which building will be awarded.

The Contractor is responsible for the raking and Disposal of leaves and branches and all costs associated with those activities unless extenuating circumstances exist. The Contractor is responsible for removing grass clippings from sidewalks, picnic shelter pads and parking lots that are the result of mowing and is also responsible for removing any grass that may grow in the cracks of the aforementioned areas.

The Contractor is also responsible for the mowing and trimming of the lagoon areas, trails, LP tank locations and fenced storage areas as well as the special “landscaped areas” if applicable at any site. (Note: the landscaped areas mentioned here are those that are typically found at the new building sites. The specifications for those areas are outlined in #1 Lawn Specifications below.)

All ground maintenance will be completed the same day that it is started unless weather or mechanical failure forces a delay. The Contractor will finish the cycle as soon as possible.

Mowing is prohibited on weekends and holidays without permission from the Rest Area Administrator or the Operations Manager assigned to the area. All mowing equipment will be operated at speeds that create uniform mowing heights. All equipment used in the rest area will be operated in a safe manner. Disruption of service or endangering the public may result in Disciplinary Action up to and including termination of the contract.

The Contractor will be held solely responsible for the adherence to contract specifications.

For all herbicide applications, refer to Appendix A. “Herbicide Specifications for All Herbicide Applications” on pages 11 and 12.

The Operations Manager must verify all chemicals used on the rest area grounds before application. Substitutions are not allowed prior to the contract award. Any chemical not listed in this document must be reviewed and approved prior to use at any rest area location.

3.0 Lawn Specifications:

There are four (4) basic areas of responsibilities at these facilities. 1. Lawns. 2. Lagoons, fenced storage areas and LP tank enclosures. 3. Trails and outlying areas. 4. Special landscaped areas at new buildings. The acreage totals for each area are provided in the bid solicitation.

3.1. Lawns

The lawn includes the area around the buildings, picnic areas and center islands.

A. Lawn areas are to be maintained between three inches (3”) and four- and one-half inches (4

1/2“) in height.

B. The Iowa DOT may at any time measure the mowing height of equipment being used and may require adjustments.

C. Mower blades will be kept sharp for proper cutting.

D. All areas will be inspected.

E. Mowing will not be done adjacent to picnic tables or sidewalks when they are in use.

Grass clippings should not be blown on sidewalks, picnic shelter pads, areas of designated plantings, parking lots or buildings if possible.

F. Removal of grass clippings from sidewalks, picnic shelter pads and parking lots is required at the completion of each mowing. Bagging, mulching, raking and proper Disposal of grass clippings will be required if windrows or excess clippings are present after mowing. Grass clippings cannot be mixed with mulch around trees and shrubs.

G. Areas that cannot be reached with a mower (rider or push) will be cut using a string trimmer or hand clippers to the same heights as the surrounding turf. Chemicals may not be used for trimming.

H. Every effort should be made to mow in alternating directions to avoid rutting or circling of fixed objects.

I. Sidewalks will be edged at three-week intervals during the mowing season with the first edging completed by May 15th. This will be done with a mechanical sidewalk edger, between one inch (1”) and two inches (2”) deep making an edge gap of one-half inch (½") minimum and one inch (1") maximum. The soil and grass clippings that result with this process will be removed and Disposed of off the Rest Area grounds. Contractors must dispose of soil and grass clippings as defined in Iowa Code 455B.307A ‘Discarding of waste’ and 321.369 ‘Putting debris on highway’. Contractor will not dispose of clippings by dumping it on any road, highway, or right-of-way. Grass clippings that fill the edges during mowing must be removed.

J. Grass that grows through cracks in the sidewalk or parking lot is to be removed. Chemical treatment is allowed.

K. Trees and shrubs will be pruned according to good landscaping standards or at the direction of the Iowa DOT. Pruning of larger trees should be limited to pedestrian hazards and dead, broken, or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in the fall or early spring or at the direction of the Iowa DOT. Areas of ornamental plantings may require additional trimming throughout the season.

L. All pruned branches, twigs, and leaves, grass clippings etc. will be removed from the site and properly Disposed of on the same day.

M. Leaf removal is required throughout the entire contract period. Traditionally most of the activity will occur in the fall and early winter. However, with the variety of trees that are in the rest area, this activity may be necessary at other times. This includes leaves that collect in and around ornamental shrubs or landscape plantings. Leaves must be removed from the site in a timely manner and Disposed of properly. Mulching is acceptable if windrows do not occur. Burning of leaves at the site is not allowed.

N. Mulching is required for all trees and shrubs in the picnic areas, median areas, or special landscaped areas. (Note: See Special Landscaped Areas in section four (4)) All trees and shrubs will have a three-foot (3’0”) band of mulch, leaving three-inch (3”) or four-inch (4”) void of mulch around the trunk base. Mulch should be between two inches (2”) and four inches (4”) deep and level with the surrounding turf. All grass, soil etc. that is removed with this process are to be removed from the site and Disposed of properly. Existing mulched areas should be aerated each spring and new mulch added. Areas that have been mulched improperly will need to be corrected by Contractor. Mulched areas are to be kept free of vegetation. Every effort should be made to avoid blowing grass clippings into mulched areas. Mulch will be provided by the Iowa DOT and placed at the site in an area accessible for the Contractor. This activity is required regardless of the conditions left by a previous contractor. The initial mulching should be completed by Memorial Day

O. Apply fertilizer and pre-emergent herbicide for crabgrass control in mowed areas in the spring by Memorial Day and before soil temperatures reach 50 degrees F., furnish, and apply 17-0-4 fertilizer with at least 0.164 lbs. dithiopyr herbicide (Dimension). Apply at a rate of 3.5 pounds mixed product per 1,000 square feet. In September or October, but prior to snowfall, furnish and apply 29-0-3 fertilizer with fifty percent (50%) duration at a rate of one pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.

NOTE: The lagoon area does not get fertilized and crab grass preventer but does get sprayed for broadleaf control. The slopes of the lagoons also get sprayed with aquatic spray to keep it vegetation-free all year long.

a. Contractor must contact Operations Manager prior to application of the product.

b. Contractor must send all labels and picture of products to Operations Manager prior to application.

c. Application must be confirmed by the Operations Manager before being paid for that service.

d. Helpful links

i. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-controlling-crabgrass

ii. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/soil-temperature-map-can-help-guide-farmers-http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-controlling-crabgrass http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/soil-temperature-map-can-help-guide-farmers-planting-decisions

P. Apply post-emergent herbicide in mowed areas between September 1 and September 30, furnish and apply herbicide or combination of herbicides to control broadleaved weeds.

Use a two-way, three-way, or four-way herbicide product from list below, that provides selective broadleaf weed control and is labeled for both turf and highway right-of-way.

Apply at label recommended rates for cool-season turf, based on the stage of weed development. Use a surfactant and drift retardant according to their label directions.

Preapproved Selective 2-way, 3-or 4-way herbicides products include:

Chaser Amine Chaser Turf Confront Mec Amine-D PowerZone Primera Triplet SF Spoiler Strike 3 T-Zone Trimec 992 Vessel

Coordinate herbicide application with the mowing to allow at least three (3) calendar days of weed growth after mowing, and at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the next mowing.

Put up signs notifying the public that the area has been sprayed. Take down signs after twenty-four (24) hours and no later than forty-eight (48) hours from time of placement.

3.2. Lagoon Mowing Responsibilities / LP Tank Enclosures / Fenced Storage Areas

A. Lagoon mowing areas are to be maintained between three inches (3”) and six inches (6”) in height. The height requirements and weather conditions will determine mowing frequency.

B. All vegetation growing on the dike fore slope and rip rap area will be removed by using a mower, a hand trimmer, a power string trimmer or chemically treated if authorized by the Iowa DOT. Herbicide may be applied as needed throughout the season, using aquatic-labeled imazapyr and/or glyphosate herbicides to control grasses and weeds in the un-mowed area around sewage lagoons. Instead of, or in addition to, herbicide applications, the area may be mowed with a string weed-eater throughout the growing season.

C. All control valve structure, manholes, gates, and fencing will be trimmed with each mowing.

D. Every effort should be made to blow grass clippings away from the water.

E. All LP Tank enclosures will be mowed, and fences trimmed where applicable. If tanks are in areas that are rock or gravel, string trimmers or chemical treatment is acceptable.

F. Fenced storage areas will be mowed and trimmed where applicable. Rock or gravel drives in these areas are to be kept free of vegetation.

G. All specifications previously identified under Lawn Specifications that refers to removal of excess grass clippings and damages caused by Contractors are applicable for the following sections.

3.3. Trails in the outlying areas, including fifteen feet (15’) on each side of the trail.

A. The outlying areas of all sites vary tremendously. The responsibilities of the Contractor will also vary. Most of these areas are not mowed or are only mowed to maintain wildflower plantings or to eliminate weed problems. However, if there are trails at the rest area, they will be mowed at the same frequency as the lagoons unless otherwise instructed by the Iowa DOT.

B. Pruning of trees, bushes and shrubs in the outlying areas should be limited to dead, damaged, and diseased branches or pedestrian hazards if trails exist. (This does not include DNR special planted areas.)

C. Mulching of trees and shrubs is not required in the outlying areas.

D. All specifications previously identified under Lawn Specifications that refers to removal of excess grass clippings and damages caused by Contractors are applicable for this section.

E. Crushed rock and mulched trails must be kept free of vegetation. Chemical treatment is acceptable.

F. Control wild parsnip in the fifteen feet (15’) adjacent to the trail by patch mowing prior to early bloom.

G. Control poison ivy using herbicide labeled for trailhead or recreational use. See Herbicide

Application Specifications in Appendix A on pages 8 and9. Put up signs notifying the public that the area has been sprayed. Take down signs after twenty (24) hours, and no later than forty-eight (48) hours from time of posting signs.

Preapproved products for poison ivy control include:

Brushmaster Confront Chaser Turf

3.4. Trash Removal

Parking only/Weigh Scales

A. Check the parking area grounds, the parking lots and ramps for trash and Disposed of properly.

B. All trash receptacles will be emptied on a consistent Monday and Thursday rotation.

a. All sites must be maintained twice a week, year-round.

C. Trash must be removed from receptacles and placed in the dumpster.

D. Trash must be cleaned up around the grounds, placed in a trash bag and into the dumpster.

E. Dumpsters are provided at all sites.

F. Dumpsters will have a lock on them, and contractors will be provided a key.

G. Trash pickup tools will be provided, including:

a. Bags

b. Pick up tool.

c. Latex Gloves (if requested by contractor)

Rest Areas

A. If trash is on the ground where the contractor will be mowing or weeding, they are responsible to pick it up and place in a trash receptacle.

B. Contractor is not to mow over trash found on the grounds.

4.0 Special Landscaped Areas

These areas are generally located at new facilities. They vary in size and number, many of which will require considerable time. The responsibilities listed below may not apply to all areas. The Operations Manager assigned to each area should be contacted to identify all areas and the responsibilities required.

A. The special landscaped areas will be kept free from unwanted vegetation, tree branches and other debris that may fall into the areas. Chemical treatment of unwanted vegetation is allowed if authorized by the Iowa DOT. However, due to the various plants and shrubs in these areas, chemical treatment may not be the best method of control. The Contractor will assess damages for any loss of plant material as the result of careless chemical treatment.

B. All special landscaped areas will be mulched to a minimum depth of two inches (2”) each spring. Additional mulch may be necessary throughout the summer. Mulch should be applied evenly around the area, with care taken to not cover plant materials.

Mulch will be provided by the Iowa DOT and placed at the site in an area accessible for the Contractor.

C. Pruning of shrubs or plants in these areas will be done according to professional landscape standards or at the direction of the Iowa DOT. Generally, pruning will be accomplished in the spring or fall, but due to the variety of plants, pruning may be necessary throughout the year. All pruned material will be removed and properly Disposed

D. Cutting of perennial plants may be required at some sites in the fall to facilitate the removal of leaves and to help prevent snowdrifts on the adjacent sidewalks or parking areas. All cuttings will be removed and properly Disposed. The Iowa DOT will identify areas where this activity is to take place.

E. Many of the special landscape areas are large planters. Leaves that accumulate in these planters must be removed throughout the season.

5.0 Additional Lawn Care Contract Requirements:

Vehicles The Contractor’s vehicles, other than mowing equipment, are not allowed in the picnic area or lagoon area without permission from the Iowa DOT.

Keys Keys will be provided as needed to lagoon areas and LP tank enclosures. The Contractor is responsible for returning the key at the end of the contract.

Contacts Communication between the Contractor and the Iowa DOT is essential in these contracts. A list of phone numbers, cellular numbers, etc. of all employees and supervisors who may be working in the rest areas will be required by the Iowa DOT.

5.1 Appendix A. Herbicide Specifications for all Herbicide Applications:

1. The Contractor must follow all laws, rules and regulations related to the handling of pesticides, including but not limited to:

a. Follow all herbicide label directions, restrictions, and precautions.

b. The company responsible for the herbicide applicator must be licensed with Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (“IDALS”) as a commercial pesticide applicator company.

c. The person applying the herbicide must be certified through IDALS as a pesticide applicator in Category 6, Right-of-Way. For applications in the mowed turf areas, the applicator must be certified in category 3T Turf. For herbicide applications that require an aquatic certification, the applicator must also be certified as a pesticide applicator in Category 5, Aquatic Pest Control. See Attachment A for Category Descriptions.

d. Use herbicide and adjuvant products labeled for the application site.

e. Do not apply any herbicide to standing or flowing water unless operating under an Iowa

DOT of Natural Resources (IDNR) National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) Pesticide Discharge Permit.

2. In wildflower areas, the Contractor must use hand equipment, such as a spray wand, hose, or backpack sprayer.

3. The Contractor must schedule work according to weather conditions and take measures to avoid off-target damage, such as runoff, leaching, drift and volatilization.

4. The Contractor must respond to allegations of any off-target damage attributed to the

Contractor’s handling and spraying of herbicide.

5. The Contractor must provide the following documents to the Iowa DOT Operations Manager for approval not less than two (2) weeks prior to the application.

a. A copy of the herbicide and adjuvant labels, including any applicable supplemental labels.

b. A copy of the herbicide and adjuvant Safety Data Sheets (SDS.)

c. For cut-stump treatments with water soluble products, apply during the growing season, after full leaf expansion but before fall leaf drop. Apply herbicide within five (5) minutes after the final stump cut. Contractor must provide proper licensing for the herbicides.

d. The Contractor must notify the Operations Manager or appointed representative, of the spray schedule and coordinate with mowing activity as per instructed by the chemical label. There must be at least eight inches (8) of re-growth on Canada thistle following mowing and at least fourteen (14) calendar days after spraying before the next mowing.

The Contractor must notify the Rest Area Administrator or appointed representative at least twenty-four (24) hours before commencing spraying for each location.

e. The Contractor must control the broadleaf weeds as needed in season using spot herbicide treatment. Determination of satisfactory control will be made 1-2 weeks after application based on the absence of live target weeds and the absence of developed seed heads. The Contractor is expected to go over all locations and attain the control throughout the project area. There will be no additional payment for touch up applications. Coordinate herbicide application with the mowing to allow at least three (3) calendar days of weed growth after mowing, and at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the next mowing. Put up signs notifying the public that the area has been sprayed. Take down signs after twenty-four (24) hours and no later than forty-eight (48) hours from time of placement.

Attachment A

Certification Tests ISU Study

Materials

Category

Category - Full Description

6 Right-of-Way

CS 18

Right-of-Way: includes certified applicators using pesticides in the maintenance of public roads, electric power lines, pipelines, railroad rights-of-way, industrial site weed control, fence lines, structural perimeters, or other similar areas to control unwanted vegetation.

3T Turf

CS 15A

3T

Turf Pest Control: includes certified applicators using pesticides to control pests only in the maintenance and production of turf grasses including in and around structures (except greenhouses or other enclosed, climate-controlled environments), plant nurseries, golf courses, athletic fields, public or private grounds, turf farms, or similar areas.

5 Aquatic Pest Control

CS 17

Aquatic Pest Control: includes certified applicators applying pesticides to standing or running water to control aquatic pests, excluding applicators engaged in public health related activities. Category 5 also includes certified applicators who apply restricted use pesticides for the control of tree roots and similar woody-type hindrances in sewer lines.