Schedule B2 - Grounds Maintenance Specifications.docx

Michigan.gov/MiProcurement

SCHEDULE B2 – GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Michigan.gov/MiProcurement

SCHEDULE B.2 – GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Department of Transportation Baraga County Roadside Parks – Janitorial and Lawn Maintenance Services Request for Proposal No. 210000001361

ROADSIDE PARK GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS

1. Mowing Season A. The regular mowing season is defined as starting the 1st of May and ending in mid-October - approximately 26 lawn maintenance cycles. Any mowing cycles before May 1 or after October 31 will require PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL from the Program Manager.

B. Prior to the beginning of each mowing season, the Contractor and the Program Manager may review the grounds to identify any existing damages to landscape items.

2. Lawn Maintenance Cycle A. A lawn maintenance cycle includes, but is not limited to grass mowing, trimming, and edging, and proper removal/disposal of lawn litter, including trash, and landscape debris such as leaves, sticks, grass clippings and organic debris.

B. A lawn maintenance cycle shall be completed approximately once a week. The approximate number of Lawn Maintenance Cycles per year is listed on the Location Specification Sheet (LSS). The number of cycles may be increased or decreased due to weather conditions or as directed by the Program Manager.

C. Any additional mowing beyond once per week must be approved by the Program Manager, or designee, prior to mowing. Any additional mowing will not be paid for unless approved, and if approved, will be paid at the contract price.

D. A lawn maintenance cycle shall not be done on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays unless approved in advance by the Program Manager or designee.

E. All elements of the lawn maintenance cycle shall be COMPLETED THE SAME DAY they are started. No partial mowing/trimming/edging will be allowed unless the weather forces delay. If rain or wet turf conditions exist, the Contractor shall finish the cycle as soon as favorable conditions exist.

F. The Contractor shall use discretion when working near the public. The lawn maintenance cycle shall begin on vacated grounds first and then continue so as not to inconvenience the visitors. The safety of visitors shall not be jeopardized while performing the lawn maintenance cycle.

3. Mowing and Trimming A. Limbs and debris shall be removed from the mowing area. Debris shall include any litter in the mowing area. Debris must be removed prior to mowing.

B. Grass shall be mowed when it reaches an average height of five inches and shall be cut to an average height of three inches. At no time shall more than 50% of the grass blade length be cut in one cycle. The initial mowing at the beginning of the mowing season may require an additional cycle.

C. Grass shall not be mowed when wet.

D. Grass shall not be mowed during drought conditions, when grass is not growing, unless directed and approved by the Program Manager.

E. Clippings shall be removed, if visible, after mowing.

F. All clippings shall be removed from all sidewalks, concrete picnic table pads, parking areas and flower and shrub beds.

G. Grass shall be trimmed around all fixed objects and trees at every mowing. Also trim along fence adjacent to any mowed areas. Extreme care shall be used to prevent injury to MDOT fixed objects and trees.

H. All clippings, edging debris, leaves and other debris shall be removed from the site and disposed of properly by the Contractor. No debris shall be disposed of on MDOT property.

4. Edging A. Edging along all walks and curb areas shall be performed once per month.

B. A motorized edger shall be used – string trimmers are not to be used for edging.

C. Edging shall be no wider than half (1/2) inch from edge of sidewalk/curb to lawn surface.

D. All edging debris shall be removed from the site.

5. Spring and Fall Clean Up A. Prior to the first mowing and after the last mowing of the season, all leaves, sticks, trash, and other debris shall be raked/swept/blown from the park grounds, removed from the site, and disposed of properly by the Contractor. This work shall be incidental to the Contract unit price.

B. Fall Clean up shall not be performed until directed by the Program Manager and may take place after park closure to ensure that the majority of the leaves have fallen.

6. Landscaping, Herbicides, and Fertilization A. The use of herbicides by the Contractor for any work task is strictly prohibited.

B. Landscaping, weed spray, fertilization or other work performed by MDOT, contract agencies or other contractors may occur during the mowing season. The Contractor shall coordinate operations with other activities as directed by the Program Manager.

7. Equipment A. The Contractor shall furnish all grounds maintenance equipment, including, but not limited to:

1) Gas powered mowers with mulching blades

2) Gas powered edging machines

3) Gas powered string trimmers

4) Gas powered portable blowers

5) Brooms, leaf rakes and other hand tools as needed B. The Contractor shall furnish, operate, and maintain suitable and adequate equipment necessary to perform all tasks in an acceptable manner.

1) Equipment must be in good repair and shall be maintained so as to produce a clean, sharp cut to the grass at all times.

2) Equipment that, in any way, pulls or rips grass or damages the turf is not allowed.

3) All equipment must be of such a type so that the height of cut can be adjusted to three inches.

C. Under no circumstances shall the State be responsible for any theft, vandalism, or damage to the Contractor’s equipment.

D. The Contractor's equipment WILL NOT be stored on State property for any reason. If poor weather prohibits finishing a lawn maintenance cycle in one working day, the equipment shall be removed from State property until such time as the weather permits completing the cycle.

E. The Program Manager shall have the right to inspect all equipment which is to be used in carrying out the terms of the Contract. Any equipment which does not comply with local, state, and federal codes, or with the Contract, may be rejected.

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