Specifications.docx

SPECIFICATIONS

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.01 General Conditions

A. All work performed must meet the standards set by the TCIA Tree Care Industry Association formerly the NAA (National Arborist Association) and be incompliance with the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Z133.1019, the American Nurseryman and Landscape Association and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Bulletin, Vol 14. No. 12. Note: Contractor(s) should be able to determine the growth habit of a plant by observing this growth and its response to previous pruning and thereby be able to properly prune even unfamiliar species.

B. Contractor shall supply all labor, supervisors, equipment, machinery, tools, materials, transportation, and other facilities and services necessary to fully complete all work specified herein and in accordance with the School Board of Pinellas County specifications. The district will not pay for rental or purchase of equipment needed by the contractor, nor will it pay for mobilization fees of any kind.

C. Contractor shall be able to produce a valid copy of its business license(s) upon request.

D. Sub-Contractors shall be able to produce a valid copy of its license(s) upon request.

E. Services performed for the Pinellas County School Board (the District) shall require licenses and permits in the same manner as private construction projects within the District. The contractor(s) shall secure, at his expense, all licenses and permits, (including impact fees) and shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and codes as required by the State of Florida, or in accordance with State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF) Florida Department of Education.

F. The Contractor(s) must fully comply with all federal (including FEMA procedures), state, county and municipal ordinances and regulations in any manner affecting the progress and completion of the work.

G. Contractor shall supervise and direct the work, providing full time on-site supervision of all employees including sub-contractors.

H. Contractor shall comply with all safety rules defined by state and federal regulations and any other laws and regulations relating to the services being performed.

1. All gates or other access points that restrict ingress to or egress from a school campus shall remain closed and locked when students are on campus. A gate or other campus access point may not be open or unlocked, regardless of whether it is during normal school hours, unless; attended or actively staffed by a person when students are on campus.

I. Contractor shall perform work activities as directed by the district, according to specifications and approved methods.

J. Contractor shall not use personnel with suspended or revoked licenses.

K. Contractor shall take direction only from the project coordinator of the maintenance department or his designee. Contractor may be liable to pay for changes at its own expense if direction is taken from unauthorized personnel.

L. Contractor shall supply the name of a contact person to include phone number and cell and/or beeper number who will receive work related calls from the project coordinator or his designee. Please utilize the section as indicated on the Bid Proposal Form.

M. Upon notification from the project coordinator or designee that services are required, the following shall take place:

i. Contractor will be notified of the project and site location.

ii. A mutual date and time shall be arranged between the contractor and district personnel responsible for overseeing the project.

N. After a general overview of the project is given to the contractor on site, contractor prepares a written proposal to include:

· Total Lump Sum “Not to Exceed” amount based upon unit pricing given.

· Number of days required to complete the work after issuance of purchase order and after authorization to proceed.

· A brief description of work to be completed.

· Material cost estimate if applicable.

· A written proposal shall be emailed to the maintenance department Project Coordinator within two (2) working days after the meeting has occurred.

O. All changes to the project shall be given by the project coordinator of the maintenance department or designee. Any other work direction taken and performed by the contractor shall be considered unauthorized and could result in nonpayment of funds for work performed. If changes in scope are required, contractor shall submit a revised written proposal outlining the costs associated with the change. Under no circumstances shall work proceed unless authorized by the project coordinator of the maintenance department or designee and a change order to the original purchase order has been processed by the purchasing department. SCOPE OF WORK SHALL NOT EXPAND BEYOND THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT.

P. Normal working hours on the contract are from 6:30 am to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during school year unless authorized by the project coordinator. Summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:30 am to 5:00 p.m.

Q. All work shall be coordinated with appropriate district official and meet all requirements for periodic testing. All work shall maintain occupancy and egress requirements to maintain occupancy of the school without disruption.

R. If work is to be accomplished on evenings, weekends, or during Holiday periods, district personnel will be made available at the site to enable contractor access to the facility. All such work of this nature is to be coordinated and authorized through the maintenance department project coordinator.

S. Radios or other audio devices are not to be used on district property.

T. Smoking is prohibited on district property.

U. The Contractor shall comply with all Civil Rights Legislation.

V. Workmen using foul or abusive language or presenting an offensive appearance (as determined by the Principal, Head Plant Operator or the Maintenance Department) shall be asked to leave the job site.

1.02 Scope of Work

A. The work covered by this section of the specifications shall include all necessary tools, equipment, material, labor and services required to trim or remove trees, and grind stumps of shade and ornamental trees, including brush removal, at various locations, countywide. It is the responsibility of the contractor to verify all aspects of work to be performed. The scope of work shall consist of, but not limited to the following services:

1. Tree Felling

2. Tree Trimming/pruning

3. Removal of Debris

4. Stump Grinding

5. Preventative Maintenance (PM) work as identified by Project Coordinator

1.03 References

D. ANSI Z60.1 American Nurseryman and Landscape Association E. TCIA Tree Care Industry Association formerly the NAA (National Arborist Association) - Pruning Standards for Shade Trees F. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences G. SREF – State Requirements for Educational Facilities

PART II – CONTRACT SPECIFICAITON & EXECUTION

2.01 Notification of Work Order/Notice to Proceed/Invoicing

A. All work requests from district facilities shall be received by maintenance department project coordinator.

B. On emergency work orders, contractors shall have a work crew on site within four (4) hours. Contractors will be notified via cell phone and a follow up email with respect to emergency work orders/calls shall have a work crew on site within two (2) hours.

C. Response time on normal service work is expected in five (5) days with all work to be completed within fifteen (15) days. If fifteen (15) days is not possible, the contractor is to notify the project coordinator that they are unable to complete the work. The project coordinator will make other arrangements as needed such as using one of the other contractors to complete the work.

D. Contractors are to immediately notify project coordinator and provide photos when work is completed for inspection. The project coordinator will determine completion of work during inspection All work is to be inspected. Concealed work may require periodic inspections prior to payment.

E. Invoicing is to reflect pricing provided in rate sheet for man hours and machinery use. Always following the bid.

F. The work shall also include performing preventative maintenance (PM) and store damage (attached FEMA regulations) work provided funding is available.

G. The project coordinator will complete contractor’s review when necessary and more often if performance warrants. Failure to perform in accordance with these bid terms, conditions and specifications may result in contract being terminated.

2.02 Contractors Responsibilities

A. Damage to remaining trees, landscaping, buildings, or people is to be carefully avoided. If damage or accidents occur, it is the responsibility of the contractor to pay for repairing the damage or for the cost related to an injury.

B. Utilities are to be located prior to commencement of work. If as-built district drawings are used, the information must be verified in field by contractor.

C. Parking locations shall be designated by school principal or head plant operator (HPO). No vehicles, equipment or materials shall be stored on district premises.

D. Contractor is to be represented at all times when work is underway by a responsible agent that have full authority to make decisions and monitor progress of work so that it is done safely, according to codes and these specifications. The person assigned to represent the contractor is to be identified prior to commencing any work that may be directed by the project coordinator.

E. The contractor shall be responsible for work performed until the acceptance of the completion of the work by the project coordinator. The work shall be under the charge and care of the contractor who shall take every necessary precaution against injury or damage to any part thereof by action of the elements, or form any other cause whatsoever, arising from the execution or non-execution of the work. The contractor shall rebuild, repair and make good, at their own expense on all injuries or damages to any portion of the work occasioned by any cause before its completion and acceptance by the project coordinator.

F. The contractor shall meet all noise abatement performance standards for all construction equipment in accordance with local ordinances. Disruption of classroom activities is to be kept to a minimum.

G. The contractors’ use of premises shall be confined to their equipment, apparatus, the storage of materials, and the operation of their workmen to the limits indicated by law, ordinances, permits or direction of the project coordinator, and shall not unreasonably encumber the premises with his materials. The contractor shall take all measure necessary to protect his own materials.

2.03 Execution

A. Before work is begun, the Contractor must take the following into consideration:

3. Wind force and direction

4. Location of damaged areas on the tree

5. Location of other property, such as fences, bushes, sprinklers, sidewalks, roadways, etc.

6. Location of nearby overhead and underground utilities

B. Work may be in difficult to reach areas such as: ditches, over roof tops or near power lines. Whenever possible, trimming around high voltage power lines shall be done in such a way to stimulate new growth away from the overhead lines.

C. If there is a danger of a tree falling the wrong way or damaging other property, wedges, block and tackle, ropes or cables shall be used.

D. Work areas shall be cleared to permit safe working conditions prior to commencing.

E. All trees will be trimmed by the lateral (“natural”, “drop-crotching”) method. All limbs shall be trimmed to a main stem or lateral which extends away from the line. When side trimming, all cuts will be made flush to a parent stem, all overhanging limbs removed, and tops of trees floated back away from the line.

F. The natural symmetry and beauty of the trees which are trimmed or topped shall be considered. No stubs will be permitted.

G. In trimming, and whenever possible in topping and re-topping, all cuts shall be made flush to laterals which are least one-third the size of the leader limb.

H. Trimming so as to leave or stimulate development of sucker clusters or limb stubs must be avoided.

I. Tearing of bark shall be avoided.

J. All trees trimmed or topped shall be trimmed to a generally symmetrical outline. Flat topping, notching, or through trimming shall be done only by permission of the school district. All new cuts over one inch in diameter shall be covered with an approved growth inhibitor or tree wood dressing in accordance with the standards set by the National Arborist Association (NAA).

K. Protruding lower limbs which may need trimming shall be cut back to the trunk of the tree, if possible.

L. All cuts shall be made to provide maximum protection to the tree and insure proper healing of the wound. Only personnel who have been given thorough and proper training in tree trimming and who are considered skilled and qualified shall be used for cutting and trimming work done off the ground. Common labor used as helpers in tree removal shall be under the supervision of skilled tree personnel.

M. All dead or broken limbs, branches or stubs which endanger the life of the tree, shall be removed. Conspicuous dead or broken stubs, limbs or branches may be removed if so designated.

N. All chips must be chipped into a truck and hauled away.

O. All loose, broken or cut branches shall be cleaned out from the tree before leaving the job.

P. Tree removal shall include the removal of the stump by the established grinding methods. Note: Grind stumps to a minimum of six (6) inches below existing grade, back fill area with contiguous clean fill, unless approved by the Project Leader.

Q. Stumps shall be ground immediately (same day) after tree is removed unless approved by project coordinator. If stump(s) cannot be ground immediately, they shall be cut as close to ground level as possible and shall cause no safety hazard.

R. All debris (limbs, brush, chips, log debris) are the responsibility of the contractor to dispose of properly. Debris shall not be burned, buried, left for collector, placed in dumpster or taken to a brush site. Such shall be disposed of in a legal manner in accordance with existing City, County and State ordinances.

S. The contractor shall remove all invasive vines or weeds around trees to allow proper growth.

T. The contractors shall be responsible for traffic control or arranging with local City or County Traffic Engineering Divisions for street closure, if necessary.

U. Brush and log debris shall not be allowed to create a safety hazard to students, school staff or to the general public, nor shall be left on the job site overnight.

V. Trimmed or cut branches shall not be left in the tree (hangars) overnight.

2.04 Quality Assurance

A. Tree Pruner Qualifications: Company specializing in pruning trees with proof of Arborist Certification with 3-years documented experience.

B. A Certified Arborist shall make all pruning of limbs in excess of 2” in diameter.

C. Tree Pruning: Shall be performed in accordance with NAA - Pruning Standards for Shade Trees standards,

2.05 Contractor Safety Requirements

A. The contractor shall conduct their work with minimum interference with the operation of existing school program, private business or public travel. Contractor shall take every precaution to protect life and property and shall be liable for all damages occasioned in any way by their actions or neglect or that of their agents or employees.

B. Safety of students, school staff, public and contractors’ employees is always the number one requirement of any job.

Utilize “Nine Safety Steps for Contractors”:

4. Use personal protective equipment (PPE).

5. Check your tools/equipment and use guards.

6. Follow safety “standards” for your trade.

7. Lift correctly!

8. Clean up your work area continuously.

9. Drive defensively: Use seat belts – always check before backing up.

C. Contractors’ employees are to be trained in OSHA safety standards which are to be followed at all times.

D. Contractors’ employees are to sign in at the front office every time they enter school property and receive a “Visitor” sticker.

E. Contractors’ employees are required to wear some type of company identification (clothing, badges etc.) and an approved Florida Public Schools FPPCS Badge Level 2 Screening identification.

F. Contractors are to report to the Head Plant Operator (HPO) (or designee) to discuss work and to make work site safe prior to beginning job.

G. Barricades (Safety Cones, Safety Tape, Lock out, Tag out, etc.) are required on every job.

H. Contractors’ employees using unacceptable language or who harass students/faculty (by judgment of principal or project coordinator) will be asked to leave district property immediately and will not be allowed to return.

I. Project coordinator has the authority and responsibility to red tag unsafe equipment or notify employees to stop unsafe work immediately until conditions are safe.

J. Contractors have primary responsibility to monitor safety on job site and keep everyone safe at all times.

K. Contractors are to report accidents to the project coordinator immediately.