RFP:_Tree_Planting_Project.pdf

Request for Proposals

Landscape Contractor

Mason Contractor

Nursery Producer

Tree Planting Project

Fall 2023 – Fall 2024

Various Blocks & Locations

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING

CITY OF NEWARK

920 BROAD STREET, Room 412

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/newarknj https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/newarknj

STATEMENT

The City of Newark has outlined strategies to address Newark’s key environmental issues with the goal of creating a healthier, more prosperous future for the city. These strategies have been codified into a Sustainability Action Plan that involves commitments from municipal staff as well as community partners. The policy goals of the Plan include: driving down costs, improving public health and quality of life, and expanding green job and business opportunities for Newarkers. Tree canopy expansion has been identified as a major strategic priority under the Action Plan. Newark is approximately 70 percent impervious surface with a 15 percent tree canopy coverage. This creates challenges for the city in terms of heat, air quality, stormwater run-off, and quality of street life. To address these challenges, Newark aims to double its tree canopy coverage by planting trees in residential neighborhoods in collaboration with community partners. Tree planting will also serve as a platform for job training and employment for Newark jobseekers and environmental education for Newark youth.

This RFP calls for proposals for three services needed to plant approximately 2,000 street trees in the fall and spring of 2023-24: landscaping, masonry, and nursery services. Each section of the following pages outlines the procedure to select a qualified contractor, select quality trees, locate appropriate sites to plant, and employ best management practices in the planting process, while securing the best possible price.

We thank you for your participation, Jonathan Gordon

Interim Chief Sustainability Officer

Office of Sustainability

Department of Administration

City of Newark

920 Broad Street, Rm. B-12

Newark, New Jersey 07102

973-733-8041

Gordonj@ci.newark.nj.us newarknj.gov/sustainability mailto:Gordonj@ci.newark.nj.us http://www.newarknj.gov/sustainability

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description to bidders ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

Logistics and payment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

Responsibilities of the contractor --------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Forms to be submitted with proposal --------------------------------------------------------------- 7

Bid Sheets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8

Conditions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15

Insurance Requirements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Termination of Contractor --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

Planting Specifications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19

Saw Cutting of Concrete --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

Hand Excavation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

Topsoil -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Mulch & Plantings------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Procured Trees ----- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 23

Planting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - 26

Watering ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 28

Maintenance ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29

Replacement ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29

General Conditions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31

Pruning ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 38

Definitions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39

Details -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43

Approved Plant & Tree Species List ----------------------------------------------------------------------

DESCRIPTION TO BIDDERS

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks qualified contractors for tree pit excavation and street tree planting on residential streets in all five of Newark’s wards. This package includes specifications and detail drawings for excavating tree pits and installing street trees with ancillary de-paving that will take place on a defined list to be provided. Bidders can provide a bid on one or all categories or any combination.

The project will be funded through City of Newark Tree Planting & Preservation Fund. It will be carried out and monitored in close coordination with the City of Newark’s Sustainability Office (OoS), Director of Engineering, and Manager of the Division of Traffic and Signals. The project meets goals outlined in the Newark360 Master Plan and the Newark Sustainability Action Plan.

Only companies that meet strict qualifications will be considered and must have a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert (link) on staff or on retainer to assume responsibility for this project. The LTE credential must be submitted with bid to be considered, and failure to include it in bid package will be grounds for rejection.

Street tree plantings will generally take place on residential blocks in all or part of Newark’s five wards and some commercial/industrial areas for a total of approximately 2,000 trees participating in the project. These blocks are being selected based in part on need, and level of resident and community engagement. The contractor must be prepared to excavate tree pits on the designated block and plant trees on a continuous basis in an effort to minimize disturbances and maximize planting through our limited planting window beginning October 1st through to November 15th, 2023, and the spring season March 15th to April 15th, of 2024.

Trees to be planted through this project may be selected, purchased and tagged by the City of Newark OoS. The contractor will be responsible for managing pick up or delivery, receiving, storing, staging, and planting the trees, but may not be responsible for tree purchase. A separate line item has been provided for the contractor to supply trees and may require inspection and approval by the OoS prior to delivery. The City will assist in locating a storage yard for procured trees, but the contractor should be prepared to offer alternative storage arrangements if we are not successful.

Please note: All street tree planting will take place primarily on residential blocks with some areas in commercial/industrial blocks in accordance with the specifications and detail drawings below. The RFP defines the trees to be used, as well as scaled layout drawings to supplement the specifications provided here. Bidders are asked to submit a lump sum price for tree pit excavation and street tree planting for the types and quantities of work items in the menu below.

Payment to the successful bidder will be made based on prices submitted with the proposal, final quantities, and verification by the City of Newark OoS of satisfactory work performed in accordance with layout drawings and specifications for work items. Contractor will provide within price submittal, a one seasonal year, one time guarantee for all trees and replace those that fall below minimum acceptable condition. (See appendix for details)

The contract will be awarded to the bidder(s) deemed most qualified to deliver high quality work by the Newark Department of Engineering. Price is an important factor in the selection process but is not the only consideration for selection. (See Responsibilities of the General Contractor below for more detail.)

https://treeexpert.sna-apps.com/businessdirectory

A. LOGISTICS AND PAYMENT

1. Work Orders - After contract execution, City will provide to Contractor a confirmation of site-specific work orders including exact number, location, and type of street tree to be planted on a particular block or blocks and the type of standard tree pit to be used as well as any ancillary de-paving to be performed on that block or blocks. Work orders will be phased such that plantings take place systematically one neighborhood at a time until the five wards have received new street trees. A detailed work schedule will be required describing tree delivery date, time and location, number of type of trees to be planted, size of work crew, equipment on site, and any other detail required by OoS.

Upon receipt of Work Order (Notice to proceed), Contractor shall conduct all necessary field inspections to verify layouts and quantities prior to planting and be prepared to start planting operations within 5 days from that date1.

2. Pre-planting meeting - Contractor, City of Newark, City of Newark OoS, and Newark

Department of Engineering staff shall attend a pre-planting meeting to review the specifications, drawings, and quantities associated with that Work Order. The Contractor will be required to sign documentation acknowledging acceptance of all requirements and verify quality standards associated with that Work Order.

3. Quality management - Work must meet quality standards as determined by the City of

Newark OoS. Work must also comply with all requirements of the City of Newark’s Engineering

Department and Planning Division.

4. Invoices - The Contractor shall submit Applications for Payment upon completion of each section. The Contractor shall include on all invoices submitted to Engineering a list confirming the date, address, type of tree, type of pit preparation, and note the delivery of “Care of a Newly

Planted Tree” sheet to resident. Should the contractor perform work and/or submit invoices in excess of the amount of the contract, the contractor waives any and all rights to make claims against City for such excess payment.

5. 5% retainage will be calculated from total of contract and held until final inspection at end of maintenance period as described in ITEM # 16.

6. Payment - Payment will be made based on review and approval of requisitions by

Engineering and inspection and approval of work by the City of Newark OoS. Work that is not satisfactory to the City of Newark OoS in accordance with the specifications here will be made available to the contractor to effect repairs or correct deficiencies and will not be paid until the City is satisfied. Invoices should be directed to:

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING

CITY OF NEWARK

920 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102

1 Weather and nursery dependent, and any delay will be approved only by the Forester.

An electronic copy of invoices should simultaneously be directed to:

Jonathan Gordon Interim Chief Sustainability Officer Department of Administration City of Newark 920 Broad Street, Rm. B-12 Newark, New Jersey 07102 973-733-8041 gordonj@ci.newark.nj.us

Payment will generally be made within 30 days of receipt of a complete and approved invoice package.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTOR

1. The City of Newark seeks to engage the services of qualified contracting firms to excavate tree pits and plant street trees on city blocks in the City of Newark between contract execution and termination of contract. Preference may be given to local contractors and to those that utilize available local workforce and/or offer employment and hands-on training to Newark residents through a City of Newark transitional job program such as the Newark Clean & Green Program and Newark Green Works Program.

2. The City of Newark will consider the unit price for each work item, the relevant experience, available resources (managerial and financial), and demonstrated commitment to delivering a quality product in close coordination with the Project Team in selecting the Contractor for the

Project.

3. The Contractor will be expected to provide a firm price on each work item that allows for completion of all construction work, including all Subcontracts, and the Contractor’s own general conditions, profit and overhead.

4. Bidders must identify in their bids proposed Subcontractors and suppliers, with names and addresses of firms and plant material locations.

5. The City of Newark OoS may procure and tag trees to be utilized in this project should that option be exercised. Upon contract execution, a kick-off meeting with the OoS will be scheduled to review all requirements and respond to any outstanding questions. The OoS will be responsible for overseeing installation of procured street trees.

6. The Contract provides a detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of the Contractor. In addition to these, the City of Newark considers the following factors to be important:

Demonstrated ability to meet schedules and knowledge of urban conditions, permitting and approval process in the City of Newark

High quality and careful work – The City of Newark seeks to use this project to make a long-term contribution to neighborhood quality of life, pedestrian experience, and storm-mailto:gordonj@ci.newark.nj.us water infrastructure. Careful attention to quality in planting street trees is essential for ensuring their long-term viability.

The Newark Office of Sustainability is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and expects the Contractor to conduct operations in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes responsible disposition of construction debris, conservation of water and energy, and strict adherence to the City of Newark anti-idling ordinance in use of trucks and vehicles.

Responsible management of subcontractors. (If used and identified)

Commitment to the success of the project and to its goals of improving the health and quality of the urban environment in Newark

Willingness and ability to accommodate the presence of neighborhood stakeholders near the project site during planting events. It will be the responsibility of the Newark

Office of Sustainability and its partners and designees to maintain safety and order during specific and special planting events, and clear distances will be maintained from active work sites. However, it is expected that the Contractor ensure that employees and sub-contractors interact with the public in a courteous and considerate manner.

Willingness to have LTE.

o answer questions and engage residents when requested, o be on site for 80% of the project, o and be responsive within 2 hours to a complaint, or violation of contract regarding planting, and at the request of the OoS.

The identified LTE will be fully responsible for monitoring planting and specification compliance.

Arbitration of Disputes, in the event of a disagreement regarding tree condition; The OoS and the contractor will mutually agree to a third-party NJ LTE to arbitrate on behalf and agree upon that third-party decision to settle the dispute.

C. Forms to be Submitted with Proposal

1. Unit Price Form (attached)

2. Signed Total Price Proposal (attached)

3. Signed acknowledgment of specifications form2

4. Licensed Tree Expert Verification

5. NJ Business Registration Certificate

6. Certificate of Incorporation and Insurance

2 To be submitted upon notice to award and prior to execution of contract.

Planting Locations SAMPLE WORK SHEET FOR SPECIFIC

STREETS AND NOT FOR THIS CONTRACT

Ward Address (Possible locations)

Specie(s) Quantity Limits Excavation Open Grass

Pavement Cutting

West (Vailsburg)

Cedar Ave Ulmus

39 So. Orange Ave to

Tremont Ave.

32 7

Vailsburg Terr Prunus 8 So. Munn to Oraton Pkwy

8 0

Ricord St Quercus palustris

9 West End to Vermont

9 0

Howell 7 West End to Vermont

7 0

Boyland St 33 So. Orange Ave to Abinger Pl

12 21

Cliff St 29 Sanford to Montrose

26 3

Unity Ave 32 Valley to Stuyvesant Ave

23 9

Central So. 11th St 10 15th to 14th Ave 9 1

16th Ave 50 Bergen St to Grove St

33 17

Bergen St 18 So. Orange to W. Market St

9 9 2-3”

Stumps

West Littleton Ave 48 So. Orange to W Market St

40 8 4 Stumps

East Ferry St 21 Oxford St to Lentz Ave

6 15

2. Unit Price Form

Contractor can supply a quote on all 5 ward plantings or any combination of the 5 wards.

Plant Quantit y

War d

Plant

Size

A. Purchased

Planted

B. Planted

Only

C. Saw Cut

Concrete

$/ linear foot

D. Additional

Watering

After Initial

Planting/Tree

E. Cost to

Install 18”

Deep Root

Barrier/Foot

F. Cost of

Perennial plants/tree

Pit

Total

Costs A for 150 trees

Total

Costs B for 150 trees

1-150

Nort h

3 – 3 ½ inch caliper

EA@ $

$_____/foot

$_____/tree

$_____/Pit

Cent ral

3 – 3 ½

East

3 – 3 ½

Wes t

Sout h

3 – 3 ½

EA @ $

2a. Unit Price Form

Contractor can supply a quote on all 5 ward plantings or any combination of the 5 wards.

Quantity

Ward

Size

A.

Purchased

Planted

B. Planted

Only

C. Saw Cut

Concrete

$/ linear foot

D. Additional

Watering

After Initial

Planting/Tre e

E. Cost to

Install 18”

Deep Root

Barrier/Foot

F. Cost of

Perennial plants/tree

Pit

Total

Costs A

Total Costs

B

151-250

North

$_____/fo ot

$_____/tree

$_____/Pit

Centr al

3 – 3 ½

East

West

South

NOTES: THE TOTAL PRICE, AS CORRECTLY DETERMINED FROM THE ESTIMATED QUANTITIES LISTED AND THE PRICES PER UNIT

WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE THE AMOUNT BID FOR THE PROJECT, AND THE CORRECT TOTAL PRICE WILL CONTROL IN AWARDING

THE CONTRACT AS PROVIDED IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY SPECIFICATIONS.

A. TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT BASE BID ONLY IN DOLLARS AND CENTS:

B. TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT BASE BID ONLY IN DOLLARS AND CENTS:

C. TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT BASE BID ONLY IN DOLLARS AND CENTS:

D. TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT BASE BID ONLY IN DOLLARS AND CENTS:

E. TOTAL COST TO INSTALL ROOT BARRIER ON A PER FOOT PRICE

TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT BASE BID ONLY IN WORDS:

2. Unit Price procurement Form

Size

B&B, BR,

Container

Availability

Spring Fall

Plant Genus & specie A. Purchased

Spring

Total Costs A

(For 100 trees)

Total Costs B

Fall

50-100

Various

3 – 3 ½” caliper

Pyrus calleryana “Fastigiata

Chanticleer”

50 -100 inch caliper

Prunus - Amanogawa or Hillieri Spire

50 – 100

Various 3 – 3 ½ inch caliper

Prunus – Okame, Autumn, Yoshino, inch caliper

Amelancheir laevis “cumulus” single stem caliper

Acer campestre Hedge Maple inch caliper

Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm (Lacebark) inch caliper

Carpinus betulus European Hornbeam inch caliper

Acer rubrum Red sunset, October glory, Autumn flame inch caliper

Tilia cordata Greenspire, Redmond

EA@$

inch

Halesia Carolina snowbell EA @$ inch caliper

Syringe reticulata Ivory silk tree

EA @$

inch caliper

Zelkova serrate Green vase or village green inch caliper

Koelreuteria paniculata Golden raintree

Size

B&B, BR,

Container

Availability Spring Fall

Plant Genus & specie A. Purchased Spring

Total Costs A (for 100 trees)

Total Costs B Fall inch caliper

Corylus colurna Turkish Filbert inch caliper

Maackia amurensis Amur Maackia inch caliper

Cercis Canadensis Eastern redbud caliper

Sorbus aucuparia Mt Ash inch caliper

Quercus robur “Fastigiata” English oak inch caliper

Quercus acutissima Sawtooth oak

50 - 100 inch caliper

Celtis occidentalis Hackberry inch caliper

Platanus acerifolia London planetree

D. CONDITIONS

The City reserves the right to increase or decrease within reason any of the above quantities (or eliminate any of the items listed above) without a change in unit price.

No bid will be considered, or award made unless unit prices are filled in. Unbalanced bids on the various unit prices shall suffice as just cause for the rejection of the bidder when against the best interests of the Office of Sustainability.

The bidder shall state in the form of Proposal the price per unit of measure for each scheduled item of work for which they will agree to carry out the work, and the Total Price for the performance of the project, as determined by multiplying each estimated quantity by the price per unit of measure bid therefore and adding together the resulting amounts.

Unit prices shall be all inclusive of the cost of materials, work layout, drafting, balancing and testing, staging, bracing, tools, and sundries, overhead and profit, supervision, future increase or decrease in materials or labor cost and any and all costs of whatsoever nature in connection therewith for items of work furnished and installed, in place, and accepted and omitted as the case may be. The calculations for determining the number of units of work shall be actual surface, volume, length, hours or number of individual items listed for waste, loss, breakage, and/or damage.

Bidder understands that the City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding.

The undersigned hereby certifies that s/he is familiar with the contents of the contract documents for this work, and that s/he has examined the site and accepts existing conditions as those under which work will be done.

Respectfully submitted:

By: _____________________________________ (Signature)

(Seal if bid by a corporation) _____________________________________

(Title)

(Business Address and zip Code)

Contractor:

Signature:

Title:

Telephone:

Address:

UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINE PROTECTION:

a. The Contractor shall solely be responsible for protection of all underground utilities.

The Contractor shall use approved methods of construction to ensure the safety of the existing structures and utility lines and for making all required calls to the ONE- CALL SYSTEM and will provide to the authorized representative the ONE-CALL serial number assigned to each Project within 24 hours of Project implementation.

b. Call in sheets must be present on site at all times during work performance and provided to the City upon request.

c. Any damage caused by the Contractor shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and the Contractor shall repair such damage at no cost to the City of Newark or the owner of the property so damaged.

Contractor shall enforce strict discipline, appearance, and good order among the Contractor’s employees and other persons carrying out the Contract. The Contractor shall not permit employment of unfit persons, persons not skilled in tasks assigned to them or persons who cause any interruption to the performance of the Work of this Contract. Contractor shall dismiss from Work any employee of the Contractor to whom the City makes a reasonable objection.

The Contractor Shall Be Responsible for All Safety Precautions at All Times.

INSURANCE: The Contractor shall have in effect at all times during the term of the Contract insurance from a carrier rated “A” or better by A.M. Best or an analogous rating from a similarly recognized rating agency.

a. The Contractor shall carry worker's compensation insurance for all persons engaged in the Work under the Contract and cover the full statutory liability as employer without limit, general liability and property damage insurance to the City requirements. Such insurance shall include the following coverage in at least the following amounts:

1. Comprehensive general liability and property damage insurance in the amount of two million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence with an annual limit of not less than three million dollars ($2,000,000.00).

2. Protective liability and property damage insurance in the amount of two million dollars ($1,000,000.00) with an annual limit of not less than three million dollars ($2,000,000.00); and

b. The Contractor shall carry and require that there be carried by any of its agents or subcontractors doing Work under this Contract, comprehensive automobile liability insurance covering owned, hired and non-owned vehicles used in connection with any Work being performed under this Contract.

Each of the required insurance policies shall name the Office of Sustainability and the City of Newark and their employees, officers, directors, agents, officials, and volunteers as additional named insured. Contractor must require its Insurer to provide City with thirty (30) days' prior written notice of any material change in or cancellation of such policy. The Contractor shall provide City with copies of certificates evidencing such insurance.

The Contractor shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the Office of Sustainability, the City of

Newark, their agencies and departments, subsidiaries, affiliates and each of their directors, officers, representatives, agents, employees, and volunteers from and against all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, causes of action, orders, decrees or judgments or other expenses, including attorneys' fees, whether for injury, death or damage to person or property which arise out of this Agreement or in connection therewith, or on account of any act or omission to act or negligence of Contractor or its subcontractors. The certificate of insurance furnished by the

Contractor shall set forth specifically that the above indemnification is guaranteed by the policy with the following language: “Office of Sustainability, Department of Administration and the City of Newark, their officers, agents, servants, employees and volunteers shall be held harmless and indemnified against any act or omission or condition or claim arising out of and during the performance of the work under this contract.”

TERMINATION/SUSPENSION

TERMINATION FOR CAUSE:

a. The City of Newark may suspend or terminate this Contract, Work under the

Contract, or payment under this Contract, in whole or in part, at any time for cause including but not limited to the following:

(1) failure to comply with any terms and conditions of this Contract;

(2) failure of the Contractor to progress with the Work as necessary to ensure completion within the time specified by this Contract;

(3) failure of the Contractor to complete the Work within the time fixed in this

Contract for its completion or within the time to which such completion may be extended;

(4) failure of the Contractor to act promptly to remedy or repair defective Work;

UNDERGROUND UTILITY LINE PROTECTION:

The Contractor is responsible for making all required calls to the ONE- CALL SYSTEM, the calling system in direct contact with many utilities within the State of New Jersey.

The Contractor shall be responsible for this notification and protection of all underground utilities and will use approved methods of construction to ensure the safety of the existing structures and utility lines and utilize the following list as a guide to locate and protect services to the city.

The Contractor hereby understands and agrees that s/he shall make no claims against

Office of Sustainability, or the City of Newark. The Contractor will, at his or her own expense, make good any direct or indirect damage that shall be done in the course of this project to any utility structure or property through or by reason of the prosecution of this work. The liability of the Contractor under this covenant is absolute and is not dependent upon any question of negligence on his or her part or on the part of his or her agent, servants, or employees, and the neglect of the authorized Department of

Engineering representative to direct the-Contractor or to take any particular precaution or to refrain from doing any particular thing shall not excuse the Contractor in case of any such damage.

PERMITS: The City will be responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, including but not limited to sidewalk opening and tree planting permits for the performance of the Services and Work required by this Contract or the Contract Documents. Additional licenses, permits and consent requirements are set forth on Exhibit E.

PART 2 – Newark Greenstreet's Tree Planting Specifications

ITEM NO. 1 PREPARING LAWN TREE PITS

WORK: Under this item the Contractor shall do all work necessary to PREPARE LAWN TREE PITS for planting.

Removal of existing stumps in the designated planting pit up to and including six (6) in diameter, excavation, furnishing, mixing, and placing topsoil and mulch in all tree pits, and all incidental work shall be completed under this item. All work shall be in accordance with the plans and specifications to the satisfaction of the OoS

For excavation of a tree lawn or park tree pit, excavate an area at least three (3) times the diameter of the root ball in length by the width of lawn strip up to three (3) times the diameter of the root ball, or to the limits of width from curb to walk. Unless otherwise specified herein, all material, workmanship and requirements shall conform to applicable provisions.

The Contractors shall be liable for any damage to property caused by operations and related work and all areas and construction disturbed shall be restored to their original conditions to the satisfaction of the OoS within three (3) days of notice or occurrence, whichever is sooner.

Where subsurface obstructions are encountered during excavation, the Contractor shall notify OoS to inspect, and then restore the disturbed area to its original condition if so, ordered by the forester. An alternate location shall be designated by the OoS, if conditions permit.

EDGING OF PLANTING AREAS: The Contractor shall establish a neat edge where lawn pit areas meet grass areas as shown on sketches or as directed by the OoS. Edging shall be done by competent workmen only, in a good workmanlike manner with a spade or edging tool immediately after excavation is completed. Particular care shall be exercised in edging to establish good flowing curves and avoid obstructions as directed by the OoS.

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT: The quantity to be paid for under this item shall be the total number of LAWN TREE PITS PREPARED and PLANTED in accordance with the sketches and specifications, to the satisfaction of the OoS

The price bid shall be a unit price per completed site, and shall include the cost of excavating plant pits, removal of stumps and dead trees up to and including six (6) inch diameter in designated locations, furnishing and incorporating approved backfill and mulch in all tree pits, and all other work incidental thereto, in accordance with sketches, specifications, and to the satisfaction of the OoS

----------------------------------------------- E N D O F I T E M --------------------------------------------

ITEM NO. 2 SAW CUT PAVEMENT

WORK: Under this item the Contractor shall saw cut existing concrete and/or pavement in accordance with the plans, specification and direction of the OoS

EXECUTION: All work shall be done by competent mechanics in an approved manner to the satisfaction of the OoS.

All saw cutting shall be carried out to the full depth of the pavement. Saw cutting shall be done to accurate, neat and straight lines marked previous to commencement of work. Saw cutting shall be done with approved power saws specifically designed and manufactured for such a purpose. If pavement depth exceeds 5”, the contractor is to notify the Forester immediately for disposition.

Workers shall wear all personal protection equipment (PPE), safety clothing and other ANSI and OSHA approved requirements while operating saw equipment and shall be thoroughly familiar in the safe operation of the equipment. Adequate precautions must be installed to protect life and property while operating equipment.

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT: The quantity of SAW CUT PAVEMENT to be paid for under this item shall be the number of pits requiring saw cutting performed horizontally and measured in linear feet rounded to the nearest inch and completed in accordance with the plans, specifications and directions of the OoS

The price bid shall be a unit price per linear foot and shall include the cost of all labor, materials, equipment, disposal and incidentals necessary to complete the work in accordance with the plans and specifications to the satisfaction of the OoS.

Upon completion of the cutting and removal of pavement, no pits are to be left open or exposed.

Each opening is to be filled with soil or mulch level to surrounding pavement or covered and secured.

SURPLUS: Excess material excavated by the Contractor becomes the Contractor’s property and it is to be properly disposed of at the Contractor’s expense.

----------------------------------------------- E N D O F I T E M --------------------------------------------

ITEM NO. 3 HAND EXCAVATION

WORK: Under this Item, the Contractor shall perform HAND EXCAVATION in accordance with the plans, specifications, and directions of the OoS

INTENT: The intent of the item is to either hand excavate in areas where utilities are identified or use of other non-mechanical excavation methods in clear areas. Most areas will require hand digging based on the opinion of the OoS, as use of mechanical equipment, (backhoe, tractor, Auger, etc.) would not be appropriate or present property damage and a risk to workers.

METHOD: Excavation shall be accomplished as described above. Depth shall be no deeper than the root ball or as directed by the OoS. Depths greater than eighteen (18) inches shall require removal of soil by hand shovel, or other appropriate means. All excavated areas must be backfilled as soon as possible.

----------------------------------------------- E N D O F I T E M --------------------------------------------

ITEM NO. 4 TOPSOIL FOR GREENSTREETS

WORK: Provide all labor, materials, equipment and incidentals required for furnishing, placing and preparing the topsoil for plant material as shown on the Contract Drawings and/or as directed by the OoS

REFERENCE STANDARDS:

Recommended Soil Testing Procedures for The Northeastern United States, 3rdEdition, Northeast Regional Publication, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Delaware, Bulletin

#493, Revised October 2009

USDA Soil Survey Laboratory Methods Manual, Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 42

Version 4.0 November 2004

SUBMITTALS:

Prior to the procurement of quality topsoil, the following information and samples are required for review and approval for each source:

1. Proposed material source and vendor.

2. A sample of the proposed material, taken with a representative of Department of

Engineering, indicating the method of sampling and location of the sample.

3. The Contractor shall submit to the OoS the name and location of the borrow (source) or stockpile sites(s) and the estimated quantity of material available. The Contractor shall provide a letter from the owner(s) of the proposed borrow site and/or stockpile sites(s) indicating ownership of the proposed site(s) and a certificate of clean fill and/or source materials for topsoil, signed by a NJ licensed PE/RLA or RA. Results of the pH tests soluble salts the

Nutrient analyses conducted in accordance with the above referenced standard, USDA Soil

Survey Laboratory Methods Manual, Soil Survey Investigations Report No. 42 Version 4.0

November 2004

NOTE: Due to the agricultural nature of some of the Quality Control testing the Contractor is notified that Rutgers University and Cornell University can perform the required soil testing or the contractor can submit written certification from the proposed lab certifying that the lab will utilize the same methodologies for soil testing as outlined in these specifications.

Topsoil is an integral part of the Green Infrastructure System; as such, shall be a loamy sand

(65-75% sand) as classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Topsoil shall be free of refuse, hard clods, woody vegetation, stiff clay, construction debris (of any kind), boulders, stones larger than 1-1/2 inches, chemicals, or other deleterious material toxic to any vegetation used on this project. Test results will be reviewed by the OoS or other City agency. Unapproved topsoil may be cause for rejection of that site.

Topsoil shall not contain any traces of hydrocarbons, petroleum products, chemically prohibited substances or any other elements considered to be toxic to any vegetation used on this Project.

The topsoil shall not smell of petroleum or give off other unnatural or toxic odors.

Regardless of prior acceptance of sample material, should the topsoil actually delivered to the site seem suspicious in any way, the OoS shall reject that material.

----------------------------------------------- E N D O F I T E M --------------------------------------------

ITEM NO. 5 WOOD CHIP MULCH

WORK: Under this item the Contractor shall furnish and place WOOD CHIP MULCH or equivalent in accordance with the plans, specifications, and directions of the OoS

MATERIAL: Wood Chip Mulch or equivalent shall be natural forest product of ninety eight percent (98%) Wood containing less than two percent (2%) other debris. It shall be of

Hardwood origin and of a uniform grade with no additives or any other treatment, and thoroughly composted. Any mulch producing heat via the decomposition process will be rejected. NO NEW WOOD CHIPS ARE PERMITTED!

The Contractor shall furnish a sample of the mulch, (two - one pound zip-lock bags labeled with

Contractor’s name and contact number), before starting work for approval by the OoS No mulch shall be delivered until the approval of samples by the OoS, but such approval shall not constitute final acceptance. The OoS reserves the right to reject on or after delivery any materials which do not, in his or her opinion, meet these specifications.

METHOD: Wood Chip Mulch shall be applied as a ground cover to the surface of all tree pits after the planting is completed. Mulch shall be applied to a uniform depth of three (3) inches over tree pit and shall be so distributed as to create a smooth, level cover. Mulch shall not be placed within two (2) inches of tree stems.

MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT: The quantity of WOOD CHIP MULCH to be paid for under this item shall be included in the planting price

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ITEM NO. 6

PLANTING PROCURED STREET TREES, 3 –3.5 INCH

CALIPER

WORK: Under these items of the contract the Contractor shall do all work necessary for the

PLANTING OF PROCURED STREET TREES, 3.0-3.5 INCH CALIPER in accordance with the plans, specifications and directions of the OoS. All work necessary to prepare pits for planting shall be performed as in accordance with the instructions and drawings specifying location, size, and shape of each tree pit. (For standard detail drawings, see Exhibit 3 below).

Planting, watering, maintaining and replacing new trees of the type and size designated under this item. All work shall be in accordance with the plans and specifications to the satisfaction of the OoS

Trees shall be planted where indicated in the Work Order as approved by the City of Newark

OoS. Any tree planted in a location not on the Work Order and without the knowledge of the

OoS shall not be approved for payment.

The Contractor shall be liable for any damage to property, including irrigation systems, caused by planting operations and related work and all areas and construction disturbed shall be restored to their original conditions to the satisfaction of the OoS, within three (3) days of notice or occurrence whichever is sooner.

When planting within 10’ next to a sidewalk, curb, pavement or other object that may be disturbed from future root interference, the Forester may prescribe the installation of a suitable root barrier. This contract will require root barriers at specific locations.

Installation shall generally follow ‘Supplementary Greenstreet Detailed Drawings.’

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ITEM NO. 7

PROCURED PLANT MATERIAL:

Trees for this item may be supplied by a tree procurement nursery that has been contracted with the City of Newark or with BCDC, unless the contractor provides a price favorable to the

City.

7.1 QUALITY3, AND INSPECTION: The Contractor shall have the option to accompany the OoS to the tree procurement nursery when the Newark OoS is tagging the trees. The Contractor may exercise this option by contacting a member of the Office of Sustainability Staff after the contract is awarded. All of Contractor’s costs to and from the tree procurement nursery shall be the responsibility of Contractor.

7.2 DIMENSIONS: Each tree shall be dimensioned as it stands in its natural position. Trees shall be callipered as defined by ANSI Z-60-2004, six (6) inches above ground. Trees furnished shall represent a fair average of the maximum and minimum caliper ranges. Trees furnished shall be delivered in the rootball size appropriate for the tree caliper based on species, trunk flares, or other tree-specific variables. The caliper of some species may exceed 3.5-inch caliper based on species, trunk flares, or other tree-specific variables, but no tree shall be furnished or accepted that does not meet the minimum rootball diameter of

38”. In the case of rootball size discrepancies the circumference of the topmost ring of the rootball basket shall be taken and must be less than 119 inches or the tree shall be rejected.

Trees shall be at least 14’ - 16’ average height and have a minimum of 6’ of clear stem.

7.3 All trees shall be grown in U.S.D.A hardiness zones 4 and 6. All Balled & Burlapped (B/B) trees shall have non-treated burlap. Trees with any bark damage will be rejected.

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3 See diagram in appendix by Dr. Ed Gilman, Univ. of Florida.

ITEM NO. 8

PREPARATION OF TREES: The tree procurement nursery shall be responsible for taking all precautions customary in good trade practice in preparing trees for moving. The Contractor shall immediately notify the OoS if, upon delivery of the trees, it appears that the workmanship of the tree procurement nursery fails to meet the highest standards. The OoS will inspect the trees and will determine if the trees should be rejected.

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ITEM NO. 9

DELIVERY OF PROCURED PLANT MATERIAL: The Contractor will schedule delivery of trees with the tree procurement nursery. The tree procurement nursery will be responsible for the cost of delivery. All trees shall be delivered to a location as specified by the Contractor and approved by the Department of Engineering. The location shall be within Newark or within 20 miles from the city limits.

As soon as trees are available for delivery from the tree procurement nursery, as determined by the OoS, or once the contract is registered, the Contractor shall be required to accept at least

20-25 trees per workday per delivery4. The Contractor must continue to accept trees per workday until the total quantity of trees required for the season has been delivered, unless otherwise directed by the OoS The delivery schedule arranged between the Contractor and the tree procurement nursery must meet these minimum requirements unless the OoS approves an alternate delivery schedule. Trees may be delivered in open and covered trailers or enclosed vehicles. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to unload the trees, once delivered.

Failure to adhere to delivery date and time or failure to arrange delivery of 20-25 trees per workday will result in liquidated damages in the amount of $25 per tree per day. The assessment of said liquidated damages shall not absolve the Contractor of its responsibility to accept future delivery of trees.

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ITEM NO. 10

HANDLING OF PLANT MATERIAL:

Trees shall be handled with utmost care to insure adequate protection against injury. All trees shall be moved appropriately ensuring the root ball is not damaged. All stored plant material shall be properly maintained to the satisfaction of the OoS. Trees shall be properly covered and watered at least 3-4 times per week, or as necessary, to ensure that they are kept adequately

4 Adjustments can be made upon written request to forester.

moist before they are planted. The OoS may call for less watering if there has been significant rainfall and low temperatures.

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ITEM NO. 11

ON-SITE INSPECTION: No plant material shall be planted by the Contractor until inspected by the OoS at the site of the work. If a load of trees is delivered from the Contractor’s yard to the site in an opened vehicle and the trees were uncovered during transit, the entire load of trees will be rejected. Plant material will be rejected if delivered to site in an unacceptable condition, or if damaged on site by rough handling. All rejected material shall be marked by the OoS and will be replaced with acceptable material at the contractor’s expense; there shall be no additional cost to Office of Sustainability. Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the Contract.

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ITEM NO. 12

SITE SPECIFICATIONS:

Time of Planting: Planting under the contract shall begin as directed by the Newark OoS depending on seasonal weather and the date of award.

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ITEM NO. 13

PLANTING: No planting shall be done, except in the presence of the OoS or his or her designee. Any tree planted in a location not on the contract list and without the knowledge of the

OoS shall not be approved for payment and may be required to be removed.

The OoS is to be notified in writing not less than two (2) working days (48 hrs.) in advance before any saw cutting, tree or stump removal, excavation of a tree pit, or tree planting. The

Contractor shall provide a routing sheet of the work to be performed on a daily basis. The proposed route sheet must be provided 24 hours in advance and emailed or faxed to the designed address.

Place balled and burlapped plant material in the prepared planting pit by lifting and carry it by the rootball so that the ball will not be loosened. Set the tree straight and in the center of the pit with the most desirable side facing toward the predominant view. The Contractor's attention is called to the different widths of curbs and that a uniform distance shall be maintained from the center of the tree to the outside of the curb, or as directed by the OoS. Contractor shall verify root flare prior to planting (noting that adventitious roots may be present above the first true root) and remove excess soil over root ball as required to expose the root flare. Trees shall be installed so that the top of the first true root (the “trunk flare” or “root flare”) will be flush with finished grade after settling, and depth of the planting hole adjusted accordingly. Any tree planted 2” below root flare will be rejected. Any soil added to reduce the depth of the planting hole must be properly compacted to minimize settling. Care shall be exercised in setting the trees plumb. Pulling or pushing on the stem to plumb trees once wrapping or wire basket is removed, is not permitted.

Cut and remove rope or wire from the top 2/3 of the rootball and pull the burlap back to the edge of the ball. Remove as much woven product and twine as possible. All plastic or synthetic fabric must be entirely removed from the ball at the time of planting. Any wire basket enclosing the root ball will need to have at least 2/3 of the wire basket cut away from the sides and top of the ball and removed from the site. Contractor shall demonstrate proof of removal to OoS on site.

Remaining lateral wires must be cut to prevent future root interference and metal detectors may be used if wire removal is suspect.

At least 2/3 of the burlap shall be removed, and the remaining burlap pulled back and adjusted to prevent the formation of air pockets. Where directed by the OoS, the burlap shall be entirely removed when it is determined that soil structure is firm enough and will not separate. All ropes, stones, etc. shall be removed from the planting site before backfilling. Backfilling mixture shall be loose and friable, and not frozen. Soil shall be firmed at six (6) to eight (8) inch intervals.

13.1 Mycorrhizal Inoculant: Shall be applied by means of a three ounce (3 oz.) premeasured dry formulation, such as Mycor Tree Saver Transplant®, or an eight ounce (8 oz.) premeasured dry formulation, such as DIEHARD Transplant® as distributed by Horticultural Alliance, Sarasota, FL or approved equal. Packets shall contain, as a minimum: one thousand (1000) live spores of Vesicular-Arbuscular fungi and at least 4 strains of Endomychorrhizae fungi

(Entrephosphora columbiana, Glomus clarum, Glomus etunicatum, and Glomus sp.); seventeen million five hundred thousand (17,500,000) live spores of Ectomycorrhizal fungi (Pisolithus tinctorius; biostimulants including Yucca schidigera extract; soluble sea kelp extract derived from Ascophylum nodosum; humic acids); and acrylamide copolymer gel as a water absorbent medium. Inoculant shall be added after the trees have been placed in their hole. Open three packets for each 2 ½” - 3" cal. tree and open four packets for each 3 - 3½” " cal. tree and add the inoculant into the upper 6-8 inches of the backfill mix. The opened packets shall be given to the OoS at the end of each day.

INSPECTION: The Contractor shall furnish copies of the receipts from purchase and/or delivery tickets of the mycorrhizal inoculant. When bulk containers are used, they shall be inspected prior to being opened and numbered by the OoS. The OoS will record the container numbers on daily reports.

13.2 Finishing Surface After Backfilling: The Contractor shall cultivate and rake over finished planting areas and shall leave them in an orderly condition. On level ground or slight slopes, the

Contractor shall use topsoil to construct a shallow basin a little larger than the diameter of the tree ball to collect and retain…