DRAFT

1. Intent

The City of Atlanta (“the City”), on behalf of the Department of Parks & Recreation (“DPR”), is soliciting bids from qualified firms to construct modular suspended pavement systems for the purpose of expanding canopy cover in adverse growing sites such as the downtown Atlanta area. Winning bidder (“Service Provider”) is responsible for planning, constructing and planting new trees in the modular suspended pavement systems, as well as maintaining them in accordance with all standards outlined below for a period of 2 years after project completion.

Bidders will fill out the provided bid sheet (see Exhibit A.1 – Bid Sheet), which supposes a fixed quantity of systems to install, and specified dimensions of those systems, for the purpose of establishing uniformity in bidding; actual work performed under the executed agreement will be done via Task Order and may differ in dimension & quantity from the bid sheet.

Contract Term

Under this agreement, Service Provider is responsible for providing all services as prescribed under Group A and Add-Alternates 1-3 below:

Group A: Modular Suspended Pavement System Installation

Add-Alternate 1: Tree Installation & Maintenance

Add-Alternate 2: System Maintenance

Add-Alternate 3: Tree Well Construction

2. Group A – Modular Suspended Pavement System Installation

Service Provider is responsible for providing all services required to complete a successful installation of the modular suspended pavement system, including procuring required permits, conducting research on below-ground utilities, consulting as-builts, specifying materials and quantities for projects & securing and properly storing all materials required for projects; performing mandatory outreach activities such as flyering, site visits, attending community meetings & securing permission; performing demolition, removal and disposal activities; constructing modular suspended pavement systems according to manufacturer specifications and in accordance with design requirements specific to the project; planting healthy trees and maintaining them for 2 years; completing all above-ground hardscape elements according to design specifications.

2.1. Modular Suspended Pavement System Installation

The City will select sites that lack suitable tree planting opportunities and assign these sites to the Service Provider to retrofit them with complete, functional modular suspended pavement systems, as well as plant and maintain trees in these systems. Service Provider will plan and execute every aspect of project implementation so that all requirements are met.

(List is representative of need and may not be all-inclusive. City Representative will have the discretion to require the purchasing and installation of a specific product such as the StrataVault system or Silva Cells, or a product equivalent to them. Where manufacturer specifications differ from those listed below, manufacturer specification must be adhered to.)

2.1.1. Project Management

The City will assign project sites to the Service Provider, most likely but not exclusively from the downtown Atlanta area, at which modular suspended pavement systems are to be installed. The City will specify the quantity of systems, dimensions of systems and number and species of trees to be installed in systems.

Site-specific construction documents may not be provided for each project site. Service Provider is expected to adapt system layout, depth, orientation and configuration in the field based on encountered conditions, provided that manufacturer specifications, performance intent and applicable City standards are met.

Service Provider will conduct all necessary permitting activities & utility locating, coordinate with neighboring facilities to understand below-ground infrastructure, consult as-builts, flyer and perform outreach & attend community meetings.

All required permits will be secured prior to the initiation of a project.

Before proceeding with installation, the Service Provider shall carefully check and verify all dimensions, quantities, and grade elevations, and inform the City Representative immediately of any discrepancies.

Carefully examine the civil, record, and survey drawings to become familiar with the existing underground conditions before digging. Verify the location of all aboveground and underground utility lines, infrastructure, other improvements, and existing trees, shrubs, and plants to remain including their root system, and take proper precautions as necessary to avoid damage to such improvements and plants. Such precautions may include but shall not be limited to tree save fencing to prevent damage to root systems.

In the event of conflict between existing and new improvements notify the City Representative in writing and obtain written confirmation of any changes to the work prior to proceeding.

When new or previously existing utility lines are encountered during the course of excavation, notify the City Representative in writing and make recommendations as to remedial action. Proceed with work in that area only upon approval of appropriate remedial action. Coordinate all work with the appropriate utility contractors, utility company or responsible public works agency.

Service Provider will be responsible for estimating all materials needed on a per-project basis, securing those materials & storing them responsibly for the duration of project installation.

Provide layout and elevation control during installation of Modular Suspended Pavement Systems. Utilize grade stakes, benchmarks, surveying equipment and other means and methods to assure that layout and elevations conform to the layout and elevations in directions.

Deliver packaged materials in original, unopened containers showing weight, certified analysis, name and address of manufacturer, and indication of conformance with state and federal laws, if applicable.

Protect materials from deterioration during delivery and while on the project site.

Do not deliver or place backfill, soils and soil amendments in frozen, wet, or muddy conditions.

Provide protection including tarps, plastic and or matting between all bulk materials and any finished surfaces sufficient to protect the finish material.

Provide erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of bulk materials and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties, water conveyance systems, and walkways. Provide additional sediment control to retain excavated material, backfill, soil amendments and planting mix within the project limits as needed.

Protect Modular Suspended Pavement Systems from damage during delivery, storage and handling.

Store under tarp to protect from sunlight when time from delivery to installation exceeds one week. Storage should occur on smooth surfaces, free from dirt, mud and debris.

Handling is to be performed with equipment appropriate to the size (height) of systems and site conditions, and may include, hand, handcart, forklifts, extension lifts, or small cranes, with care given to minimize damage to Modular Suspended Pavement System frames, decks and adjacent Modular Suspended Pavement Systems.

Do not proceed with work when subgrades, soils and planting soils are in a wet, muddy or frozen condition.

Protect partially completed Modular Suspended Pavement System installation against damage from other construction traffic with highly visible construction tape, fencing, or other means until construction is complete.

Prevent all non-installation related construction traffic over the completed Modular Suspended Pavement System installation; allowing only loads less than the design loads.

Protect open excavations and partially completed Modular Suspended Pavement System installation from access and damage when work is in progress, and following completion with highly visible construction tape, fencing, or other means until all construction is complete.

Modular Suspended Pavement System manufacturer's product warranty shall apply. Submit manufacturer's product warranty.

Coordinate installation with all other work that may impact the completion of the work.

Prior to the start of the installation of Modular Suspended Pavement Systems, meet at the site with the City Representative, general contractor and the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems installer to review installation layout, procedures, means and methods.

2.1.2. Site Demolition & Excavation

Service Provider will cut, demolish and remove all hardscaping within the boundaries of the excavation area, and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner. Care will be taken not to damage or alter existing street furniture, signs, lighting, utilities, grates, irrigation systems, coverings and any public & private property adjacent to the work.

Service Provider shall be responsible for all damage to public & private property resulting from concrete cutting, demolition, excavation and backfilling activities. Such damage will be restored, repaired and/or replaced such that it is equal to existing improvements or to the satisfaction of the property owner and City Representative, within twenty (20) business days of the damage(s).

Permit, utility and force majeure delays will entitle the Service Provider to time extensions and equitable adjustments.

All debris and other materials resulting from site demolition that are to be permanently disposed of shall be removed from the site on a reasonable schedule.

Excavate to the depths and shapes as directed. Do not over or under-excavate existing soil beside or under the limits of excavation required for the installation.

Confirm that the width and length of the excavation is a minimum of 8 inches in all directions beyond the edges of the suspended pavement system.

Base of excavation shall be smooth and level.

2.1.3. Subgrade

Compaction of subgrade will be compacted to 95% proctor density.

2.1.4. Geotextile

Geotextile shall be nonwoven polypropylene fibers, inert to biological degradation and resistant of naturally occurring chemicals, alkalis and acids:

1. Grab tensile strength: 200 lbs (900 N) minimum (ASTM D 4632 test method)

2. Elongation: 50% maximum (ASTM D 4632 test method)

3. Trapezoid tear strength: 80 lbs (350 N) minimum (ASTM D 4533 test method)

4. Mullen burst strength: 350 psi (2400 kPa) minimum (ASTM D 3786 test method)

5. Puncture strength: 110 lbs (490 N) minimum (ASTM D 4833 test method)

6. CBR puncture strength: 500 lbs (2225 N) minimum (ASTM D 6241 test method)

7. Apparent opening size: 80 sieve (0.18mm) maximum (ASTM D 4751 test method)

8. Flow rate: 95 gal/min/ft2 (3870 l/min/m2) minimum (ASTM D 4491 test method)

9. UV Resistance (at 500 hours): 70% strength retained

Install geotextile over subgrade as indicated in directions and manufacturer instructions.

Install with a minimum joint overlap of 18 inches between sections of material. Ensure geotextile is laid flat with no folds or creases.

2.1.5. Inspection Risers (If Needed)

Cut PVC pipe to fit vertically to finish surface.

Manually perforate riser. Pipe should be rigid at level of pavement section, and perforated through level of Modular Suspended Pavement System system.

Wrap pipe in geotextile and secure with zip ties. Brace riser for the remainder of installation to secure its location and elevation.

Install caps on top of each riser flush with grade. PVC caps shall be painted chocolate brown color using exterior grade paint.

2.1.6. Aggregate Subbase

Install aggregate subbase to depths indicated in directions, under the suspended pavement system frame. Subbase aggregate shall extend a minimum of 6 inches beyond the edge of the cell frames.

Aggregate subbase will consist of 3/4" X 1/4" clean, hard, durable virgin crushed rock.

Compact subbase layer to 95% proctor density.

Maximum slope shall be 5%. Where proposed grades on finished paving are greater than 5%, the cells shall be stepped to maintain proper relationships to the finished grade.

Grade and elevations of the subbase shall be approved by City representative prior to proceeding with the installation of the suspended pavement system.

Suspended pavement system does not meet H-20 loading until the final paving is installed, no equipment shall be used on top of the system until paving installation has been completed.

2.1.7. Installation of Modular Suspended Pavement System, Planting Soil, Geogrid and Backfill

Identify the outline layout of the structure and the edges of paving around tree planting areas on the floor of the excavation, using spray paint or chalk line.

Lay out the first layer of Modular Suspended Pavement System frames on the sub base. Verify that the layout is consistent with the required locations and dimensions of paving edges to be constructed over the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems. Coordinate with drainage of sub base.

Check each Modular Suspended Pavement System frame unit for damage prior to placing in the excavation. Any cracked or chipped unit shall be rejected.

Place frames no less than 1 inch (25 mm) and no more than 3 inches (75 mm) apart at base. In the event that spacing between Cells exceeds 3 inches (75 mm), bridging slab details and methods shall be used to span these gaps.

Install Modular Suspended Pavement System frames around, over, or under existing or proposed utility lines as required to meet system performance.

Where any two adjacent Modular Suspended Pavement System frames must be installed at different elevations, the upper frame shall be supported by aggregate sub base with a maximum slope of 1:1. This may require installation of aggregate sub base within the adjacent lower Cell frame. No two frames shall differ in elevation by more than 15 inches (375 mm).

Assure that each frame sits solidly on the surface of the sub base. Frames shall not rock or bend over any stone or other obstruction protruding above the surface of the sub base material. Frames shall not bend into dips in the sub base material. The maximum tolerance for deviations in the plane of the sub base material under the bottom of the horizontal beams of each Modular Suspended Pavement System frame shall be 1/4 inch (6 mm) in 4 feet (1200 mm).

Adjust sub base material including larger pieces of aggregate under each frame to provide a solid base of support.

Anchor each Modular Suspended Pavement System into sub base with four- 10 inch (250 mm) spikes, driven through the molded holes in the Cell frame base. The purpose of the anchoring system is to maintain cell spacing and layout during the installation of planting soil and backfill.

For applications where cells are installed over waterproofed structures, develop a spacing system consistent with requirements of the waterproofing system. Do not use anchoring nails that will come within 6" or less of any waterproofing material.

Install the second layer of Modular Suspended Pavement System frames on top of the first layer. Comply with manufacturer’s requirements to correctly register and connect the Cell frames together.

Register each frame on top of the lower frame post. Rotate each frame registration arrow in the opposite direction from the frame below to assure that connector tabs firmly connect. Each frame shall be solidly seated on the one below.

Build layers as stacks of frames set one directly over the other. Do not set any frame half on one Cell frame below and half on an adjacent frame.

If strongbacks are required by the system manufacturer, then install strongbacks on top of the Modular Suspended Pavement System frames prior to installing planting soil and backfill.

Strongbacks are required only during the installation and compaction of the planting soil and backfill.

Strongbacks should be moved as the work progresses across the installation.

Strongbacks shall be removed prior to the installation of Modular Suspended Pavement System decks.

Install planting soil, geogrid and backfill as indicated in the directions. The process of installation requires that these three materials be installed and compacted together in several alternating operations to achieve correct compaction relationships within the system.

Backfill material shall be free of organic material, trash and other debris, and shall be free of toxic material injurious to plant growth.

Geogrid shall be woven polyester fabric with PVC coating, Uni-axial or biaxial geogrid, inert to biological degradation, resistant to naturally occurring chemicals, alkalis, acids:

1. Tensile strength at ultimate: 1850 lbs/ft (27.0 kN/m) minimum by ASTM D6637 test method

2. Creep reduced strength: 1000 lbs/ft (14.6 kN/m) minimum by ASTM D5262 test method

3. Long term allowable design load: 950 lbs/ft (13.9 kN/m) minimum by GRI GG-4 test method

4. Grid aperture size (MD): 0.8 inch (20 mm) minimum

5. Grid aperture size (CD): 1.28 inch (32 mm) maximum

6. Roll size: 6’ (1.8m) width is preferred, up to 18’ (5.4m)

Where required, place the geogrid curtain along the outside of the limit of the Modular Suspended Pavement System frames.

Geogrid curtains are required between the edge of the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems and any soils to be compacted to support paving beyond the area of Modular Suspended Pavement Systems. Do not place geogrid curtains between the edge of the Cells and any planting area adjacent to the Cells.

Pre-cut the geogrid to allow for 6 inches (150 mm) minimum under lapping below backfill, and 12 inches (300 mm) minimum overlapping top of Modular Suspended Pavement System stack.

Where Modular Suspended Pavement System layout causes a change direction in the plane of the geogrid, slice the top and bottom flaps of the material so that it lies flat on the top of the cell deck and aggregate base course along both planes.

Provide a minimum of 300 mm (12 inch) overlaps between different sheets of geogrid.

Place the geogrid in the space between the Modular Suspended Pavement System frames and the sides of the excavation. Attach the geogrid to the Modular Suspended Pavement System frames using 3/16 inch x 14-inch (5x350 mm) zip ties. Attach with zip ties at every cell and at Cell Deck.

Install no more than two layers of Modular Suspended Pavement System frames before beginning to install planting soil and backfill. Compact the planting soil within the Modular Suspended Pavement System frames and the backfill material outside the frames in alternating lifts until the desired elevations and density is achieved in both planting soil and backfill.

Install and compact backfill material in the space between the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems and the sides of the excavation in lifts that do not exceed 8 inches (200 mm).

Compact backfill to 95% of maximum dry density using a powered mechanical compactor. Use a pneumatic compacting tool or narrow foot jumping jack compactor for spaces less than 12 inches (300 mm) wide and a 12-inch wide jumping jack compactor or larger equipment in wider spaces.

Maintain the geogrid curtain between the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems frames and the backfill material.

Install backfill in alternating lifts with the planting soil inside the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems.

Fill the first layer or layers of frames with planting soil, specified as majority unscreened loam containing visible peds. Target range of planting soil texture shall be sandy loam to clay loam and shall reflect all acceptable physical properties specified by Modular Suspended Pavement System manufacturer.

City Representative may inspect planting soil at any point to confirm that it meets specifications and may ask that it be amended or replaced if it does not meet requirements.

Bring planting soil to the site using equipment and methods that do not overly mix and further damage soil peds within the soil mix. Soil mixes shall not be blown or pumped into the Cells using soil blowing equipment.

Install in lifts that do not exceed 16 inches (400 mm). Lightly compact the soil inside the frames at each lift to remove air pockets and settle the soil within the frames.

Do not compact greater than 80% of maximum dry density. Check the soil compaction with a penetrometer to achieve similar compaction levels provided in the mock up.

If the planting soil becomes overly compacted, remove the soil and reinstall.

Use hand tools or other equipment that does not damage the Modular Suspended Pavement System frames.

Do not walk directly on horizontal beams of the frames.

Work soil under the horizontal frame beams of the second level of system frames and between columns eliminating air pockets and voids. Fill each frame such that there is a minimum of 10 inches (250 mm) of soil over the top of horizontal frame beams before beginning compaction.

The top 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) of each frame post should remain exposed above the soil to allow the placement of the next frame or deck.

After the first two layers of Modular Suspended Pavement System frames have been installed, filled with planting soil and backfilled, proceed to install the third layer, if required, of Modular Suspended Pavement Systems frames.

Comply with manufacturer’s requirements to correctly register and connect the system frames together.

Remove the strongbacks, if required by manufacturer specifications. Sweep any soil from tops before adding the next layer of frames.

Register each frame on top of the lower frame post. Rotate each frame registration arrow in the opposite direction from the frame below to assure that connector tabs firmly connect. Each frame shall be solidly seated on the one below.

Build layers as stacks of frames set one directly over the other. Do not set any frame half on one Cell frame below and half on an adjacent frame.

Install Strongbacks on top of third layer of Modular Suspended Pavement Systems.

Continue to install and compact the specified planting soil within the Modular Suspended Pavement System frames and the backfill material outside the frames in alternating lifts until the desired elevations and density is achieved in both soils.

Obtain final approval by the Owner's Representative of soil installation prior to installation of the Modular Suspended Pavement System deck.

Remove Strongbacks after planting soil and backfill has been compacted to the top of the entire set of Modular Suspended Pavement Systems.

Install 3 inches (75 mm) of compost, or leave 1-inch (25 mm) air space, below Modular Suspended Pavement System Deck as indicated in the directions.

2.1.8. Modular Suspended Pavement System Deck Installation

Install the Modular Suspended Pavement System Decks over the top of each frame stack. Clean dirt from the tops of the Modular Suspended Pavement System frame columns. Register the deck and make connections as recommended by the manufacturer to secure the deck to the top of the Modular Suspended Pavement System Frame. Secure each deck at the four corners with screw fasteners as recommended by the manufacturer. Assure that each deck is seated firmly on the frame top with all connectors attached.

Install and compact remaining backfill material such that the soil outside the limits of the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems is flush with the top of the installed deck.

2.1.9. Installation of Geotextile, Geogrid, Inspection Riser for Soil, and Aggregate Over The Deck

Overlap geogrid from the sides of the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems over the top of the Modular Suspended Pavement System Decks, with minimum of 12 inches (300mm) overlap.

Place geotextile over the top of the deck and where indicated in the directions, extending beyond the outside edge of the excavation by at least 18 inches (450 mm). Any joints must be overlapped by a minimum of 18 inches (450 mm).

Install inspection risers for soil above geotextile as indicated in directions.

1. Cut PVC pipe to fit vertically from Modular Suspended Pavement System deck to finish surface.

2. Align riser with slots in Modular Suspended Pavement System deck or as shown.

3. Wrap pipe in geotextile and secure with zip ties. Cut geotextile to overlap deck minimum 12”.

4. Cut geotextile inside the pipe to allow access. Do not cut or otherwise damage Modular Suspended Pavement System deck.

5. Install painted caps on top of each riser flush with final paving surface.

Install the aggregate base course (including aggregate setting bed if installing unit pavers) over the geotextile immediately after completing the installation of the fabrics and inspection risers. Work the aggregate from one side of the deck to the other to assure that the fabric and aggregate conforms to the cell deck contours. Do not apply aggregate in several positions at the same time.

1. Aggregate base course shall be a minimum of 4 inches (100mm) thick under poured in place concrete paving.

2. Aggregate base course shall be a minimum of 12 inches (300mm) thick under unit pavers, asphalt paving, or porous paving.

Load the aggregate from equipment that is outside the limits of the excavated area. Work over material already in place.

For large or confined areas, where aggregate cannot easily be placed from the edges of the excavated area, obtain approval for the installation procedure and types of equipment to be used in the installation from the Modular Suspended Pavement System manufacturer.

Compact aggregate base course(s) in lifts not to exceed 6" in depth, to 95% of maximum dry density. Utilize a roller or plate compactor with a maximum weight of 1000 pounds. Make sufficient passes with the compacting equipment to attain the required compaction.

2.1.10. Installation of Paving Above The Modular Suspended Pavement System

Place paving material over Modular Suspended Pavement System per project specifications. All new paving will conform to City technical specifications and standard details. This includes but shall not be limited to concrete sidewalks poured to 4” depth with a minimum strength of 3,000 P.S.I., installed panel joint to panel joint in segments no greater than 10’. Take care when placing paving or other backfill on top of Modular Suspended Pavement System not to damage the system components.

Turn down edge of all concrete paving to system deck along the edges of all planting areas to retain the aggregate base course.

2.1.11. Installation of Bridging Slabs (Where Applicable)

Bridging slabs are to be used in locations where spacing larger than 3 inches (75 mm) is necessary between Modular Suspended Pavement System frames.

Replace aggregate base course material with a minimum 4 inch (100 mm) concrete slab beneath paving. The paving shall extend beyond the gap between Cells at a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm).

If spacing (gap) between Cells is larger than 12 inches (300 mm), the concrete slab must be increased to 6 inch (150 mm) thickness. If spacing (gap) between Cells is larger than 18 inches (450 mm), steel reinforcing shall be added to the slab. Reinforcing is to be designed by the project structural engineer. In no case shall the space between Cells be greater than 30 inches (750 mm).

2.1.12. Installation of Root Barriers

Install root barrier in accord with manufacturer's reviewed installation instructions.

2.1.13. Installation of Planting Soil Within the Tree Planting Area

Prior to planting trees, install additional planting soil, to the depths indicated, within the tree opening adjacent to paving supported by Modular Suspended Pavement Systems.

Remove all rubble, debris, dust and silt from the top of the planting soil that may have accumulated after the initial installation of the planting soil within the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems.

Assure that the planting soil under the tree root ball is compacted for the entire soil depth to 85-90% to prevent settlement of the root ball.

The planting soil within the tree opening shall be similar in texture to the soil in the adjacent Modular Suspended Pavement Systems.

2.1.14. Repair of Cut Geotextile

In the event that any geotextile over subgrades or the Modular Suspended Pavement System decks must be cut during or after installation, repair the seam with a second piece of geotextile that overlaps the edges of the cut by a minimum of 12-inches in all directions prior to adding aggregate material.

2.1.15. Protection

Ensure that all construction traffic is kept away from the limits of the Modular Suspended Pavement Systems until the final surface materials are in place.

No vehicles shall drive directly on the Modular Suspended Pavement System deck or aggregate base course.

Provide fencing and other barriers to keep vehicles from entering into the area with Modular Suspended Pavement System supported pavement.

Maintain a minimum of 4 inches (100 mm) of aggregate base course over the geotextile material during construction.

When vehicles must cross Modular Suspended Pavement Systems that do not have final paving surfaces installed, use construction mats designed to distribute vehicle loads to levels that would be expected at the deck surface once final paving has been installed. Use only low impact track vehicles with a maximum surface pressure under the vehicle of 4 pounds per square inch, on top of the mats over Modular Suspended Pavement Systems prior to the installation of final paving.

2.1.16. PolyGrate Tree Grate Installation

When tree grates are required for the project to grant sufficient freedom of movement to pedestrians, a PolyGrate brand tree grate will be installed around the planted tree. The PolyGrate will be installed according to manufacturer specifications and will have no greater than a 3/8” distance between the edge of the grate and the edge of the surrounding hardscape.

Upon completion there will be no greater than a ¼” change in level between the tree grate and the surrounding hardscape.

2.1.17. Clean Up

Perform cleanup during the installation of work and upon completion of the work. Maintain the site free of soil and sediment, free of trash and debris.

Remove from site all excess soil materials, debris, and equipment. Repair any damage to adjacent materials and surfaces resulting from installation of this work.

2.1.18. Completion Report

Service Provider will provide documentation of completed projects that include written notes on intent for the project, where site conditions differed from expectations, final soil volume calculations and utility conflicts encountered.

2.2. Tree Planting

2.2.1. Tree Selection & Installation

City Representative will select trees according to site characteristics and nursery availability and may tag trees in the nursery to select the best specimens. City Representative will have final approval over all tree purchases and may direct the Service Provider to furnish proof of a tree’s provenance to verify its origin from a reputable nursery. Service Provider will be responsible for the condition of the tree at the date of planting, and any tree that shows visual evidence of mechanical injury or damage from pest or disease on the date of planting will be considered an unapproved tree that is subject to replacement at the expense of the Service Provider.

City Representative may also elect to purchase trees directly from a nursery and require the Service Provider to manage the delivery, storage and installation of these directly purchased trees. In these instances, the Service Provider will omit the cost of tree purchasing from their billing to the City and all other costs shall remain the same. The Service Provider will inspect these trees for defects upon delivery, and once accepted the Service Provider assumes full responsibility and warranty obligations for the tree. If defects are identified by the Service Provider prior to acceptance, the City will be responsible for coming to a resolution with the nursery.

City Representative will provide planting locations to the Service Provider.

Service Provider will be responsible for arranging for the delivery and proper installation of trees. Service Provider will make provisions for proper storage and care of trees during the period in-between delivery and installation, including properly shading, irrigating and, if necessitated by weather conditions, heeling them into an above-ground soil mound to prevent root desiccation.

All trees will be installed in accordance with requirements and standards of the City’s adopted tree protection ordinance, including but not limited to minimum soil surface area requirements, minimum soil volume requirements, minimum spacing requirements, and all other standards and requirements.

Trees will follow ANSI Z-60.1 nursery standards. If trees are delivered that fail to meet these standards, the delivery will be returned to the nursery and the City representative will be consulted on replacement selections.

Trees shall be no smaller than 1.5” in trunk diameter at breast height but may be larger at the City Representative’s discretion.

Tree installation will adhere to these standards:

Trees must be planted after October 31st and before April 1st, hereby referred to as the dormancy period.

Planting hole width shall be as wide as is needed to facilitate planting.

Planting hole depth shall result in the base of the tree’s trunk flare being 1” above final grade, to allow for settling. The soil directly beneath the root ball will be compacted to minimize settling.

Excess soil or other material over the trunk flare shall be removed.

Packaging materials shall be removed so that the top of the root ball is entirely uncovered. Non-biodegradable fabric and plastic containers shall be removed from the root ball. No straps will be allowed to remain on top of the roots or trunk.

City Representative may elect to choose certain installation sites they deem appropriate for an alternative set of tree installation standards, to be defined by the City Representative and including but not limited to retention of wire baskets, for the purposes of long-term data collection on the efficacy of different planting practices.

Backfill soil will be gently tamped, but not compacted, in 1” layers until backfill has been installed up to the finished grade.

All trees will be mulched & watered after planting, on the same day they are planted. Trees will be mulched with fresh arborist wood chips to a minimum depth of 4”, and the mulch layer will cover the full extent of the visible soil area. The mulch layer will begin 4 inches from the tree’s trunk and will not directly touch the trunk.

2.2.2. Tree Watering

Service Provider will provide each tree with 1.5 gallons of water, slowly applied, per caliper inch of trunk diameter at the time of planting. Service Provider will evenly wet the tree’s entire root ball and backfill area surrounding the root ball. Water will not be applied from any tank that has previously been used for mixture or storage of chemicals. If water movement washes off or thins out a mulched area, the mulch will be corrected to the proper depth on the same day.

Watering visits for ball & burlap trees will be made two (2) times per week with at least two (2) days in-between visits for the first three (3) months of the first growing season, for trees planted at 2.5” size. The portion of the schedule dedicated to 2-times weekly watering will be known as the establishment period. After the conclusion of the establishment period, watering visits will be made once weekly with no more than 7 days in-between visits for the remainder of the first growing season.

For every half inch (.5”) of trunk caliper after 2.5”, an additional four (4) weeks of establishment period will be added to a tree’s schedule.

Trees will be considered established by the start of the second growing season unless they were planted at a size 4” or greater, in which case they will receive 2 full, consecutive growing seasons of watering at the establishment period schedule.

30 gallon container trees planted above 1.5” size and below 2.5” will have an establishment period of the first month of the first growing season, and will be watered at post-establishment watering rates (once weekly) for the remainder of the 2 year maintenance period.

Service Provider will follow the prescribed watering schedule with the sole exception being in case of heavy rainfall that negates the need for additional watering on a scheduled day. Service Provider will inform City Representative in writing any time a scheduled watering visit is missed. If a watering visit is skipped because tree root balls are already saturated with water to the point where additional watering is not needed, the Service Provider will inform the City Representative on that same day and provide a list of every location that was skipped along with a description of observed conditions such as ponding water, saturated soil or prolonged heavy rainfall.

If Service Provider has reason (such as recent rainfall) to believe that the root ball may be saturated and not require additional watering, they are to verify this by excavating a handful of soil from the backfill area adjacent to the root ball and squeezing it to note the water saturation. This verification process will be performed prior to deciding whether to skip any watering visit.

Watering visits may not be skipped due to vehicle or equipment failure.

Service Provider will be responsible for developing contingencies for equipment failure and other adverse events, including but not limited to utilizing backup equipment or utilizing subcontractors.

Watering visits that are missed due to reasons other than weather will be made up within 3 business days and the rest of the week’s schedule adjusted to compensate. The adjusted schedule will be promptly reported to the City Representative. Any missed visit that isn’t made up will be deducted on a prorated basis from the value of the contract.

Missed visits due to documented equipment failure, permitting delays or utility-locate conflicts must be promptly reported and will require make-up visits within a 3 business day window before any deductions are applied.

Any tree that receives less than 80% of its scheduled watering visits (make-up visits will not be counted as missed) during the establishment period will be subject to warranty replacement at the Service Provider’s cost, at the discretion of the City Representative.

City Representative shall have discretion to instruct Service Provider to increase or decrease watering frequency based on species-specific knowledge and recent weather conditions. Service Provider will deliver weekly watering reports every Monday of the growing season. These reports will list all trees by species & location, amount of water applied, and number of applications per tree per week. Any deviations from the watering schedule will be noted in the weekly report as well as makeup watering dates when applicable.

Service Provider will provide supplemental watering visits as directed by the City Representative when necessitated by extreme weather conditions such as prolonged drought.

2.2.3. Other Tree Maintenance Activities

All soil that is visible above-ground will be maintained at all times after the date of planting with a minimum layer of 4” of fresh, coarse textured arborist wood chips. No other mulch varieties will be permitted, including but not limited to pine straw or double shredded mulches. The mulch layer will begin 4 inches from the tree’s trunk and will end at the edge of the hardscape surface where the visible soil area terminates.

All systems will always be maintained free of weeds and litter.

Service Provider will stake trees only when need is demonstrated by a tree falling or leaning out of an installed system. Staking will be performed within one (1) business day in response to being made aware of a leaning tree.

Staking system will remain in place no longer than 12 months. At that point they will be completely removed so that no straps remain in the tree, and no visible stakes are left on the site.

2.2.4. Warranty

Service Provider will guarantee the life of the tree for two (2) calendar years following the date of installation. If a tree dies or experiences 30% or greater canopy dieback during the warranty period, Service Provider shall replace the tree with a similar size & species tree, subject to the City Representative’s discretion, during the soonest suitable period for planting (any time after October 31 and before March 31).

Service Provider will be exempt from this guarantee in cases of vandalism or acts of God. In these instances the Service Provider must provide a quote for a replacement tree of a similar type to be installed during the next dormant season.

2.3. Miscellaneous Clarifications

Heavy equipment operating in the right-of-way must yield to all traffic and define their work area with approved channeling devices.

All signs that are temporarily removed must be put back in place before the end of the day.

The project location and intent will be provided by the City prior to issuance of a new work order.

The City will have oversight responsibilities only, which will include performing official reviews and granting approvals of the work.

The quantities listed are an estimate and may not be exact. It is the Service Provider’s responsibility to ensure that the bid price covers all required parts and labor to complete the installation.

Tree roots shall not be impacted. No staging, excavation, trenching or fill should be placed or conducted within a tree’s critical root zone (“CRZ”).

The Service Provider is responsible for limiting construction to public rights of way only and shall not encroach upon private property without legal easements. It is the Service Provider’s responsibility to obtain utility locates, verify all utilities (horizontal and vertical), property lines and right of way.

The Service Provider will be responsible for obtaining all necessary materials and equipment to complete the project and must provide manufacturer and warranty information for all the materials.

Whenever construction activities are to be performed in the City’s public right of way, the City shall require the Service Provider, pursuant to a permit, to provide the public with reasonable notification of impending work. The notification should include type of construction, dates and affected streets.

Service Provider may be required to perform hydrovac excavation to avoid damage to underground utilities. Service Provider shall coordinate with utility owners and obtain valid locates prior to excavation, using non-conductive, rotating nozzles and maintaining a minimum distance of 6–8 inches from utilities to avoid damage. All hydrovac operations shall be performed by trained personnel, with excavated slurry properly contained and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations and project specifications.

Service Provider acknowledges that subsurface utility information may be incomplete or inaccurate. The Service Provider shall include in its pricing the expectation of utility conflicts, exploratory excavation, system resizing, segmentation, or relocation. Only utilities not reasonably discoverable through standard locate procedures shall be considered differing site conditions.

2.4. Escalator

The contract price shall be subject to annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, Georgia metropolitan area. Adjustments shall commence on the first anniversary of the contract's effective date and occur annually thereafter for the term of this four (4) year contract.

Calculation of Adjustment: The adjustment shall be calculated by determining the percentage increase in the CPI-U from the date of the contract's execution (or the prior year's adjustment date) to the most recent CPI-U data available prior to the adjustment date. The contract price shall be increased by this percentage, not to exceed a maximum of five percent (5%) per annum, unless otherwise agreed by both parties in writing.

The Service Provider shall provide written notice with supporting CPI data to the City at least thirty (30) days prior to the adjustment date, detailing the proposed adjustment based on the CPI-U data. The formula will be automatically applied absent any written objection within 15 business days.

Both parties shall review and agree upon the adjustment, ensuring compliance with this clause.

The base price for the purposes of this escalator clause shall be the contract price as agreed upon at the time of contract execution.

In the event of a dispute regarding the adjustment calculation, both parties agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve the issue. Interim payments will continue at the last undisputed rate while the dispute is being resolved. The agreed-upon adjustment, once finalized, will be applied retroactively as a lump sum payment. If no resolution is reached within fifteen (15) days, the matter shall be submitted to mediation in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

This escalator clause shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia. Any adjustments made under this clause shall comply with applicable Georgia statutes and regulations governing contract price escalations.

2.5. Payment Details

Service Provider will submit monthly invoices with Net 30 terms for work completed, accompanied by progress reports. If needed, Service Provider may submit an invoice for an interim mobilization payment up to 10% of a task order. Retainage shall be capped at 5% maximum until final acceptance.

Add-Alternate 1: Tree Installation & Maintenance

Service Provider must provide pricing for all components of tree purchasing, delivery, installation and maintenance, according to all the details in 2.2. Tree Planting. (see Exhibit A.1 – Bid Sheet.)

Add-Alternate 2: System Maintenance

Service Provider will perform at their own cost any needed repairs or corrections that arise from improper installation, including but not limited to use of damaged or improper materials or deviating from manufacturer’s instructions.

In the case of required repairs not arising from improper installation, Service Provider must notify DPR, immediately, of any repair needs and provide a quote for DPR’s consideration. Service Provider must be able to perform any and all repairs commonly associated with modular suspended pavement systems and hardscapes.

Service Provider must acknowledge and respond to any emergency repair request within 24 hours of notification from DPR.

All repairs must be quoted and will only be completed upon receipt of written approval from the City. (see Exhibit A.1 – Bid Sheet)

Add-Alternate 3: Construction of New Tree Wells

Service Provider must provide pricing for the retrofitting of sidewalks with newly constructed tree wells. This work includes project management, site demolition, soil replacement and hardscape installation, according to the details in 2.1., but excluding those details relating to the installation of modular suspended pavement systems. (see Exhibit A.1 – Bid Sheet)