Specifications (Section I).pdf

SPECIFICATIONS

Right-of-Way (ROW) and Facility Mowing, Landscaping, and Litter Removal (Section I) for the Harris County Toll Road Authority

SCOPE

Harris County is seeking proposals from qualified vendor(s) to provide all routine mowing, landscaping, litter pickup and disposal activities associated with roadway and facility management, inspection, and maintenance throughout various locations for the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) as described herein beginning on or about March 1, 2027 and ending one (1) year thereafter or until all services ordered prior to the expiration date have been satisfactorily delivered and accepted or performed satisfactorily for the using department.

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE AND SITE VISITS

A pre-proposal conference will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:00AM, local time, Houston, TX via Microsoft Teams. The date and site visit schedule will be provided at a later date. Attendance is not mandatory but all vendors are strongly encouraged to attend in order to have a better understanding of the requirements of this Request for Proposal (RFP). Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations should contact the Office of the Purchasing Agent at 713-274-4400 at least two (2) days prior to the conference.

Microsoft Teams Meeting:

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247302779471969?p=5uPjtI3MrW0FZ9DQEh Meeting ID: 247 302 779 471 969 Passcode: Pj2Wv2vy

Dial in by phone +1 281-985-1862 Phone conference ID: 129 664 524#

It is the responsibility of each vendor to examine the entire RFP package, seek clarification in writing, and review their RFP response for accuracy before submitting. Questions relating to this RFP must be submitted in writing through Bonfire. The deadline for submission of questions relating to this RFP is listed on the Event schedule within Bonfire for this project. All questions submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing. A copy of all questions and answers will be released as a Public Notice within Bonfire to all firms. The County will not be bound by any information conveyed verbally.

RENEWAL OPTIONS

Harris County may consider four (4), one (1)-year renewal options, renewable one (1) year at a time, based on the same terms and conditions. Vendors may request an annual rate adjustment in accordance with the Consumer Price Index of Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) Based Price Adjustment Calculations attachment. CPI- W will be calculated by Harris County and shall be capped not to exceed three percent (3%) each renewal year.

Adjustments must be requested no later than 120 calendar days prior to the end of the current term. All adjustments require County approval and are not guaranteed. In case of an extension, pricing will follow the most recent executed renewal term. Renewal is subject to approval by Harris County Commissioners Court. Once renewal options are exhausted, the contract must be rebid. Harris County reserves the right to rebid at any time as is in its best interest and is not automatically bound to renew.

BACKGROUND

HCTRA improves mobility in the Greater Houston Metropolitan area through effective operation of tolled urban highway systems, while upholding a commitment to leadership, public service, and quality of life. The Toll Road Authority is an Enterprise Fund of Harris County and relies on charges from users of the toll road system to fund operations, debt service, and future projects led by its Executive Director, Roberto Trevino, and operates through multiple divisions which include: Finance and Strategic Operations Support; Administration; Capital Planning;

Capital Projects and Infrastructure; Tolling Operations; Public Safety and Operations; and Communications.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247302779471969?p=5uPjtI3MrW0FZ9DQEh

In an effort to provide the traveling public with a cost-effective transportation infrastructure, HCTRA has implemented various management, operation, and maintenance programs. HCTRA uses an innovative asset management program through which HCTRA may contract with multiple private entities for the management of HCTRA roadway and facility system assets.

SPECIFICATION

Vendor shall provide the preferred general services as detailed within the following requirements.

I. Objectives The vendor shall furnish all labor, equipment, vehicles and supervision to manage, inspect and perform all routine mowing, landscaping, and litter pickup and disposal associated with HCTRA’s roadway and facility system assets as described herein. The project consists of the mowing, landscaping, and litter removal within HCTRA Roadside ROW and facilities along approximately fifty-eight (58) center line miles of toll /managed lanes. A maintenance map of the toll road system and associated facilities is provided in Figure 1. Maintenance of the Roadway assets, tolling equipment, facilities, generators, and/or pumps is NOT included in this contract.

Harris County is advertising this RFP for mowing, landscaping and litter pickup and disposal. It is the intent of Harris County to award one (1) primary vendor and one (1) secondary vendor for maintenance coverage for each of the three Sections.

Harris County shall be the sole judge in determining which vendor is best suited to meet the specifications and requirements as outlined herein. That determination will be made after the responses received for each Section have been evaluated. The secondary vendor will be utilized in the event the primary vendor is unwilling or unable (in the sole discretion of Harris County) to meet the specifications and requirements as outlined herein. Vendors are strongly encouraged to submit proposals for all Sections.

A map highlighting HCTRA’s maintenance limits is provided in Figure 1 below and detailed map books are provided as attachments. The Roadside ROW included within Section 1, contemplated by this RFP, is generally located along the Sam Houston Tollway from I-69S to I-45N (28 miles), the Hardy Toll Road (23 miles) from Crosstimbers St. to I-45N, Tomball Tollway (7 miles) from north of Spring Cypress Road to Spring Creek, and. Portions of the Sam Houston Tollway alignment from Ella Boulevard to I-45N and from Bissonnet to I-69S will have limited maintenance services provided by HCTRA as these areas are under TxDOT jurisdiction. For a list of facilities, refer to Table 1.

HCTRA reserves the right to add or subtract properties/locations during the contract term as required. Notice of such action will be given to the vendor in writing thirty (30) days in advance of assuming maintenance responsibilities.

HCTRA will actively monitor the vendor’s proposed mowing and landscaping schedules, conduct evaluations based upon performance measures established within the contract, and provide direction to the vendor in order to proactively maintain and achieve the desired appearance of HCTRA’s ROW. The use of this specification effectively transfers day-to-day managerial and administrative responsibility to the vendor with HCTRA providing oversight.

Figure 1. – Maintenance Map

Table 1- Facility Locations Facility Locations

Section I 249 Constable and Maintenance Office Building 15183 Texas 249 T C Jester Maintenance Facility 11920 T C Jester Boulevard Henry Road Maintenance Building 14640 Henry Road Sam North Plaza 3365 North Sam Houston Tollway Sam Central Plaza 6121 West Sam Houston Tollway Sam South Plaza 650 South Sam Houston Tollway

Table 1 provides a list of the facilities where the vendor shall maintain the adjoining HCTRA property.

II. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

A. Standards

All work shall be performed to the most recent standards and specifications throughout the contract duration stated herein and may be updated throughout the life of the contract including: HCTRA maintenance practices and specifications, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Roadway and Maintenance design standards, HCTRA Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Highways, Streets and Bridges (most current edition), Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and all Federal, State, Local and Municipal laws and ordinances.

B. Permits and Licenses

HCTRA reserves the right to direct the vendor to acquire any and all applicable permits and/or licenses required to perform services related to this RFP from, but not limited to, Harris County, City of Houston, and any Federal, State, Local or Municipalities throughout the term of the contract at no additional cost to HCTRA.

C. Contract Changes

HCTRA will consider claims for additional compensation when changes to HCTRA’s Work Program are added to the requirements and cause a documented financial impact on the vendor. All changes must be approved by HCTRA prior to proceeding with the work. The vendor shall not receive any additional compensation for maintenance of projects currently scheduled in HCTRA’s Work Program as specified herein. Payment for Contract change(s) is subject to the future allocation and certification of funds as evidenced by executed amendment(s) to the contract resulting from this solicitation.

D. Safety Measures

Proper health and safety measures shall be taken at all times by the vendor to ensure the safety of the traveling public, HCTRA employees, vendor employees, and subcontractor employees. All safety materials and or devices necessary to perform the work in a safe and orderly manner shall be furnished by the vendor. Safety equipment for vendor personnel shall include, but is not limited to, reflective vests, hard hats, fall protection (including harnesses), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and any other OSHA-required equipment, and safety lighting for all vehicles.

In addition to providing the information requested in the Safety & Background Questionnaire Attachment located in Bonfire under Public Files, Question 4 a., b., and c., vendor shall provide a Safety/Accident Prevention Program (SAPP) that illustrates how vendor shall address safety for its employees, Harris County, and the general public. The SAPP shall include, but not be limited to, safety/accident prevention meetings held for employees, frequency of meetings and manner in which they are documented, safety plan, and employee safety training program certifications, cycles, etc.

E. Use of Toll Tags

The vendor and its agents shall be responsible for all tolls required to perform HCTRA maintenance activities.

HCTRA will not reimburse the cost of tolls required to perform any maintenance activities. Instead, vendor’s Toll Use is considered incidental to the mowing, landscaping, and litter removal cycles. The vendor is responsible for acquiring all necessary tags and maintaining the accounts in good standing. Access to various locations may change due to ongoing construction. HCTRA will notify vendor in advance, where possible, of changing location access conditions.

F. Poor Performance The vendor is required to maintain HCTRA’s Roadside and landscape areas and HCTRA property adjacent to its ancillary facilities uniformly and consistently throughout the contract period by meeting the specifications herein.

Continued poor performance of work or failure to perform will cause the vendor to be declared in default of the contract. In the event the vendor is declared in default, HCTRA’s sole remedies shall be either (i) terminate the contract or (ii) give vendor Notice to Cure. After receiving Notice to Cure, vendor shall have thirty (30) calendar days to cure the defaults. After receiving Notice to Cure and failure to cure the defaults, HCTRA may terminate the contract if poor performance or failure to perform continues.

G. Lane Closures and Time of Work

The vendor shall comply with HCTRA lane closure restrictions/requirements (Lane Closures and Toll Waiver Requests Work Instruction) and HCTRA Specification Item 502 – Barricades, Signs, and Traffic Handling located in Bonfire under Public Files. The vendor may be required to perform work during nights/weekends/holidays. The vendor shall coordinate with HCTRA at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of all planned closures to ensure advance notification is given to the Toll Patrons.

H. Claims and Disputes

All claims shall be submitted in writing to HCTRA within thirty (30) days of impact including a description of the claim and detailed impacts of costs and/or time. Any claim submitted after thirty (30) days will not be recognized. All claims and disputes by the vendor shall be resolved in accordance with the current Harris County rules and regulations.

III. WORK REQUIREMENTS

The vendor is responsible for providing personnel with sufficient knowledge and skills, as well as the tools, equipment and vehicles, unless otherwise defined in this Specification, to effectively and efficiently execute all work requirements described herein or assigned by HCTRA. Vendor shall identify within proposal submission all classifications, specialties and hourly rates needed to perform the services herein.

A. General Requirements

In order to perform the work described herein, the vendor shall be required to provide all necessary tools, consumables, vehicles, equipment, communications equipment (including, but not limited to, tablets, cell phones, satellite phones, and radios), and safety equipment. Safety equipment includes, but is not limited to, traffic channelizing devices (including electronic Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and arrow boards), signs, PPE, portable light plants, attenuator trucks, and safety lighting for all vehicles. All equipment shall be in good working condition every calendar day of the year.

Vendor shall possess mowing and landscaping experience within State, County, or City Right-of-Way.

At no time shall vendor permit or allow vendor personnel or subcontractors to have alcohol, controlled substances, or unlicensed firearms present at any HCTRA facility. Smoking is not permitted in any area of any facility which is enclosed or in the finish-out stage of construction. Furthermore, the vendor shall maintain project site(s) in a clean and orderly fashion. The vendor shall remove all trash, debris, containers, etc. from the project site(s) upon completion of work each day and dispose of materials in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Harris County is not responsible for vendor errors and omissions.

Vendor warrants it shall provide qualified personnel who shall perform their duties in a professional manner.

“Professional manner” shall be interpreted as possessing the skills, license(s) (i.e. herbicide license), and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards within the State of Texas.

Any person employed by the vendor or any subcontractor who, in the reasonable opinion of the HCTRA Project Manager (PM), does not perform in a professional or skillful manner, is disrespectful, intemperate, disorderly, or otherwise objectionable, shall, at the written request of HCTRA, be removed from the jobsite by the vendor or any subcontractor employing such person. Any such person who is removed shall not be assigned again to any HCTRA jobsite without the prior written consent of HCTRA.

Should vendor fail to remove such person(s), HCTRA may suspend that portion of the services. Upon suspension, vendor shall provide an acceptable substitute. Such person shall perform the services in the manner prescribed herein at no additional cost to HCTRA.

1. Definitions

a. Bid Table - document where the vendor shall provide line-item bids based on the quantities specified in this contract for all services.

b. Bridge – a structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, roadway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads, and having an opening measured along the center of the roadway, track, or passageway of twenty (20) feet or more between under copings of abutments, back walls, spring lines of arches, or extreme ends of openings for multiple boxes, or having an inside diameter of twenty (20) feet or greater in the case of pipes.

c. Cycle – consists of all mowing, landscaping, litter pickup, and other lawn maintenance services performed one time throughout the specified limits.

d. Debris and/or Litter – trash and/or garbage, including but not limited to scrap metals, rags, paper, wood/lumber, plastic, bricks, and concrete disposal, glass and rubber products including tires that are discarded onto the roadway surface, right-of-way (ROW) and/or any HCTRA-owned property.

e. Edging - the landscaping process of creating a clean, vertical, and defined boundary between grass and adjacent areas such as mulch and flowerbeds, roadway pavement, walkways, or driveways.

f. Roadsides – areas between the outside edges of the shoulders to the ROW edges.

g. Roadway Surface – the portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the shoulder.

h. Shoulder – portions of the roadway adjacent to the roadway surface used for the accommodation of stopped vehicles and emergency use.

i. Trimming - the process of cutting grass and weeds in tight spots, corners, and along borders that a lawnmower cannot reach, such as around trees, fences, signs, and flower beds.

2. Signing and Traffic Control The vendor shall comply with HCTRA Specification Item 502 – Barricades, Signs, and Traffic Handling in conjunction with any other specification stated herein. The vendor is required to comply with the TMUTCD and corresponding HCTRA/TXDOT traffic control and barricade standards while performing any work involving lane closures or movement of traffic (Refer to Section II.A and G). Examples of minimum required lane closures required to perform the routine maintenance work on the toll road system will be provided at the Pre-Proposal Conference. All lane closures and traffic control are subject to HCTRA review and approval.

HCTRA reserves the right to shut down any and all work being performed in an unsafe manner, adversely impacting traffic, or not compliant to accepted traffic control methods.

All safety materials or devices necessary to perform the work (such as signs, stands, barricades, DMS/arrow boards, equipment, attenuators, etc.) and protect the traveling public shall be furnished by the vendor.

HCTRA will require the vendor to have on hand an adequate number of DMSs to not only support the established TXDOT standard Maintenance of Traffic (MOT), but also to adequately advertise upcoming closures. Barrels and vertical panels are the only traffic channelizing devices that shall be utilized for traffic control on the toll road; NO TRAFFIC CONES SHALL BE UTILIZED. The vendor shall be responsible for all maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of all required traffic control signs, barricades, equipment, and devices as may be required by the TMUTCD. All traffic control necessary to perform any maintenance work defined or directed by HCTRA shall not be paid for directly but is considered incidental to the Right-of-Way (ROW) Mowing and Landscaping cycle line items.

B. Routine Maintenance

The vendor shall maintain all Roadside mowing and landscaping areas within the project limits and perform routine litter pickup and disposal, mowing, and landscaping as necessary. These maintenance activities shall be performed at a frequency that ensures uniform and consistent compliance with the number of cycles or units required per year as indicated in this section.

The HCTRA Toll Road System is a twenty-four (24) hour per day operation, 365 days per year, including holidays. Vendor shall provide services seven (7) days per week, fifty-two (52) weeks per year, including holidays. Vendor is responsible for scheduling and maintaining required staff on a daily basis in order to meet HCTRA’s maintenance needs. Vendor is solely responsible for compliance with all federal and state wage requirements. Vendor shall be required to do all that is necessary including, but not limited to paying overtime, working multiple crews, or hiring additional subcontractors or employees at its own expense, to meet the requirements of this solicitation.

The County is not responsible to vendor or vendor’s employees, subcontractors, agents, or consultants under the resulting contract for payment of any overtime compensation or any additional payments pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 207 9a(1), as amended; the Texas Pay Day Act; the Equal Pay Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. Section 2000e, et al., as amended; or any provisions of the TEXAS LABOR CODE ANN., as amended, or any provisions of the Texas Labor Code. Vendor understands if vendor’s employee accrue overtime, vendor is solely responsible for paying vendor’s employee the overtime compensation required under all federal and state laws. The County will not be responsible for overtime wages.

The following two sections apply only to staff working and being paid by the County on an hourly basis (not cycle based) per the contract bid items:

1. Work Day - For payroll purposes, an eight-hour day, where vendor ensures that County pays for a maximum forty (40) hour week per worker, and that any overtime payments due are paid by vendor.

Vendor is solely responsible for scheduling workers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with project requirements and all federal and state wage requirements.

2. After County holidays are deducted, any full-time employee shall be required to work a minimum of two thousand (2,000) hours each year. Reduced maintenance staff are expected to work during holidays. No holiday or up-lift will be paid for holiday coverage. Vendor shall ensure HCTRA pays for a maximum forty (40) hour week per worker. In cases where the schedule has been impacted by the actions and/or inactions of HCTRA, overtime payments may be paid at HCTRA’s discretion provided that vendor submits proof per worker that said worker performed services exceeding forty (40) hours on HCTRA roadways or facilities. Vendor must seek HCTRA approval prior to scheduling a worker for overtime utilizing the HCTRA Overtime Request Form. HCTRA-approved hours exceeding forty (40) hours shall be billed at the hourly rate(s) for each work crew member(s) using the following multipliers: 1.0 times for managers and field supervisors and 1.5 times for technical/craft crew members. Overtime costs incurred by the vendor unrelated to the actions and/or inactions of HCTRA are prohibited from being invoiced to or paid by HCTRA. Vendor may be required to add an additional work crew(s) or work crew member(s) at the contract rate(s) indicated in the Bid Table(s), pending review and approval by HCTRA.

Contractor shall be required to do all that is necessary including, but not limited to paying overtime, working multiple crews, or hiring additional subcontractors or employees at its own expense, to meet the requirements of the contract resulting from this solicitation, except in those cases where the schedule has been impacted by the actions and/or inactions of HCTRA.

The vendor shall ensure that all employees working under this contract are paid at least the minimum prevailing wage rates (see Prevailing Wage Rates, Worker Classification Definitions and Payroll Submittal Instructions for Road and Bridge Construction Attachment). Subcontractors shall be paid ten (10) days after receiving payment of the monthly invoice. Proper documentation will need to be provided to the County Auditor for the duration of the contract.

C. Technical Requirements

The vendor shall manage a master schedule and utilize it to submit a one month look ahead schedule to HCTRA as outlined in Section IV.A “Monthly Schedule”. The vendor shall submit the Monthly Schedule at least five

(5) days prior to the month end for HCTRA review and approval. Any changes to the activities listed on the schedule shall be submitted to HCTRA at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the commencement of the modified activities.

The vendor shall not subcontract any portions of the contract without Harris County approval. A subcontract does not relieve the vendor of any responsibility under the contract and bonds.

D. Right-of-Way (ROW) Mowing and Landscaping

The vendor shall be required to mow and landscape HCTRA’s ROW in accordance with the following task description. In order to provide the specific sizes and locations of all the ROW mowing and landscaping areas, a full set of aerial map books designating the ROW mowing and landscaping areas has been included in the attachments. These plans should be considered basis of estimate only. The vendor is responsible for maintaining both mowing and landscaping in all of HCTRA’s designated areas as specified herein.

The vendor shall perform the following types of mowing:

1. Type I (Strip Mowing) (Divided or Undivided) – all unpaved areas in the entire ROW except those areas that are designated as non-mow and/or vegetative management areas.

2. Type II (Full-Width Mowing) (Divided or Undivided) – all unpaved areas in the entire ROW except those areas that are designated as non-mow and/or vegetative management areas.

3. Type III (Spot and/or Safety Mowing) (Divided or Undivided) – all areas which, in the opinion of HCTRA, need to be mowed but cannot be done safely with a full-width mower or to supplement Type

II mowing in the vegetative management areas.

Prior to beginning operations, a meeting between the vendor and HCTRA will be arranged by HCTRA. In this meeting, the vendor shall outline the proposed mowing procedures and submit plans for performing the work while providing for the safe passage of traffic at all times. The vendor shall comply with HCTRA Specification Item 730 – Roadside Mowing in conjunction with any other specification stated herein. Plans, unusual conditions, methods for marking non-mow areas, native and sensitive plant species to protect, and other pertinent items regarding the work will also be discussed. HCTRA will determine all non-mow and vegetation management areas. The vendor shall adhere to the temporary traffic control signing requirements of the TMUTCD as well as HCTRA’s requirements.

Any maintenance activities that require lane closures shall be scheduled in advance with HCTRA prior to performing the work (Refer to Section III.A.2 for standard traffic control requirements). All traffic control required to perform the specified work defined herein shall not be paid for directly but shall be considered incidental to the ROW Mowing and Landscaping line items.

Mowers shall be adjusted for a cutting height of approximately five (5) inches, unless otherwise dictated by HCTRA. Mowing will not be permitted when, in the opinion of HCTRA, soil and weather conditions are such that the ROW would be damaged. Any one (1) area shall be completed, including mowing, trimming, edging and landscaping, before the vendor may begin mowing another area. Equipment shall not be left within fifty (50) feet of the travel lane during non-working hours. Unattended equipment shall not be left within ten (10) feet of the travel lane during working hours. Working hours for ROW mowing will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST (Sunday through Saturday).

The vendor shall mow as close as practicable to all fixed objects, exercising extreme care not to damage trees, plants, shrubs, delineators, or other appurtenances which are part of the facility. Hand-trimming around such objects which are part of the highway facility will be required. Trimming shall be performed around all fixed objects such as signs, metal beam guard fences, retaining walls, sidewalks, drainage flumes, curbs, riprap, drainage flumes, irrigation boxes, etc. Trimmed areas are to be of identical height as adjoining turf. Complete trimming on each roadway within twenty-four (24) hours of mowing. If the vendor does not complete trimming as described herein, then the vendor shall be assessed liquidated damages as referenced in Section IV.C “Performance Measures.”

Edging shall be performed within twenty-four (24) hours of each mowing cycle along all paved edges including Roadway Surfaces, Shoulders, mow strips, culverts, sidewalks, islands, riprap, traffic barrier or curbs. If the vendor does not complete edging as described herein, then the vendor shall be assessed liquidated damages as referenced in Section IV.C “Performance Measures.”

Grass clippings shall not be allowed to enter any drainage inlets. Grass clippings and trimmings shall not encroach on paved Roadway Surfaces, Shoulders, landscape areas, sidewalks, riprap, curbs, etc.

The vendor is to maintain the landscaping along HCTRA’s ROW in accordance with the following task description and TXDOT’s Tree and Brush Removal Standard (TRB-24(1)): The vendor shall maintain the mulched areas of trees, shrubs, bushes, flowers, and other vegetation that have been placed for aesthetic purposes.

The vendor shall maintain the mulch beds in such a manner that the mulch is free of grass, weeds, or other vegetation. The vendor shall physically remove weeds and undesirable grasses, including their root system, from within plant beds. Herbicide shall not be applied in mulch beds near native or sensitive plants unless approved by HCTRA, and in these areas weeds shall be removed mechanically. Herbicide treatment is also not permitted within the portion of Beltway 8 between Ella Boulevard and I-45N and Bissonnet and I-69S where HCTRA is maintaining on behalf of TxDOT. Plants and shrubs shall be pruned, healthy, and well maintained. The vendor shall supply, apply, and maintain mulch for all landscaping mulch beds. The mulch bed depths shall be maintained to a minimum depth of two (2) inches.

Throughout the term of this contract, HCTRA may designate mowing areas as prairie and wildflower spaces. In the event this occurs, the mowing area and frequency may be adjusted. Within any future designated prairie areas, treatment of invasive species, such as Johnson Grass, shall be required to suppress the invasive species and to encourage growth of native species. Weed removal in these areas shall be performed by handwork or through mechanical means near native or sensitive plants, unless otherwise approved by HCTRA. The unit of measurement for this dedicated invasive species treatment shall be in acres as outlined in the Bid Table and shall only include the labor for the invasive species removal. Mowing of the areas is considered incidental to the Right-of-Way (ROW) Mowing cycle bid item.

The vendor shall be responsible for removing brush and maintaining tree growth, which includes needed pruning of damaged shrubs, bushes, and trimming trees after freeze events. The vendor shall remove tree limbs at the trunk with less than eighteen (18) feet of vertical clearance above the pavement or bridge deck, less than seven

(7) feet of vertical clearance above sidewalks, less than ten (10) feet of vertical clearance on any tree not over pavement or sidewalks located within HCTRA’s ROW, or trees obstructing sight distance, roadway signs, and the roadway. The vendor shall trim all small branches hanging beneath the main branches and remove all brush under bridges or in channels. The vendor is responsible for collecting and properly disposing of all tree debris, which includes all fallen leaves, limbs, and branches which have fallen on the ground. Brush is defined as any tree trunk less than four inches (4”) in diameter. In addition, the vendor shall twice a year perform clearing of brush and vegetation to provide 5 feet of clearance behind the back of barrier on the mainlanes. All labor necessary to perform the bi-annual brush and vegetation clearing shall not be paid for directly but is considered incidental to the Right-of-Way Landscaping Cycle bid item.

In addition to the areas and cycles listed in Table 2, the Vendor is subject to perform miscellaneous mowing as needed at the direction of HCTRA, which may be located outside the specified cycle mowing limits.

Miscellaneous mowing and landscaping will be paid for by the acre or square yard, whichever is most appropriate, and will only entail areas directed by HCTRA. During the term of this contract, HCTRA will acquire ROW and those quantities will be added to and included with the cycle.

The vendor shall furnish all labor, supervision, mowers, hand trimmers, tools, equipment, safety vests, and transportation to and from the work area, and all other safety materials or devices necessary to perform the work in a safe and orderly manner. The vendor shall use rotary mowers for all mowing of ROW except one (1) sickle mower may be used to mow around bridges, culverts, signposts, mailboxes, delineators, flex beam guardrails, etc., as directed by HCTRA. Other types of grass-cutting equipment may be used provided they have been approved by HCTRA prior to use. All rotary mowers must be equipped with safety chains to prevent damage to property by flying debris from under the mower. Chains shall be a minimum of 3/8-inch in size and shall have links spaced side by side around the mower’s front and sides and long enough to drag the ground at all times. On the rear of the mower, the length of the chains shall be as directed by HCTRA. Maximum cutting widths for rigid-frame rotary mowers shall be one hundred eight (108) inches. Hinged or batwing mower cutting widths shall be approved by HCTRA. All mowers shall be kept in good operating condition and shall be maintained to provide a clean sharp cut of vegetation at all times. All equipment will be approved by HCTRA. The number and size of mowers which shall be required to be in operation will be approved by HCTRA prior to beginning work.

At no time are mowers permitted to travel on the HCTRA high speed main lanes for any reason. If necessary, mowers shall be loaded on to transport trailers to be safely moved from one section to the next.

The vendor shall begin mowing operations and shall continuously work with such diligence as will enable the vendor to complete the work in a satisfactory manner. The vendor shall continuously update the HCTRA Mowing and Landscaping Tracker to facilitate HCTRA monitoring of the work status.

Before a mowing or landscaping cycle starts the vendor shall notify HCTRA at least seventy-two (72) hours before beginning work. Depending on the severity of weather (rain fall) and condition of the area the execution of a mowing and/or landscaping cycle is up to HCTRA’s discretion.

The unit of measurement for Type I, II, and III Roadside mowing and landscaping will be in cycles for the areas listed in Tables 2 and 3 respectively. A cycle consists of Type I, II, and III mowing of all the areas described in Table 2, and the completion of all the aforementioned landscaping and tree trimming activities in the areas included in Table 3. All areas to be mowed shall be free from litter one (1) day prior to mowing. If the vendor does not complete part of or an entire cycle of ROW mowing as described herein, then the vendor shall be penalized the cost of the uncompleted cycle as referenced in Section IV.C “Performance Measures”. All references to acres for mowing are approximate and the units of measure are based on the United States Standard Measures.

Table 2 - Mowing Maintenance Cycles

ROW Mowing Area Description

Approx.

Size (Acres)

Max. Number per Year

Mowing (Cycles) Litter Pickups

(Cycles)

Hardy Toll Road

Hardy Toll Roadside, ROW, and detention ponds 172.2 18 24

Hardy Toll Road Extension, ROW, and detention ponds 56.3 18 24

Airport Connector, ROW and detention ponds 33.3 18 24

Sam Houston Tollway (including TxDOT Beltway 8)

Sam Houston Roadside, ROW and detention ponds 223.6 18 24

Hempstead Hwy

Hempstead ROW at Windfern 5.2 18 24

Tomball Tollway

Tomball Tollway Roadside, ROW and detention ponds 77.8 18 24

IH-10 Managed Lanes

IH-10 Right-of-Way 2.9 18 24

The following schedule further defines cycles. At the sole discretion of HCTRA this schedule can be modified during the term of this contract.

January (1 Cycle) February (1 Cycle) March (2 Cycles) April (2 Cycles)

May (2 Cycles) June (2 Cycles) July (2 Cycles) August (2 Cycles)

September (2 Cycles) October (1 Cycle) November (1 Cycle) December (0 Cycles)

A cycle consists of all mowing and other lawn maintenance services (i.e. trimming, edging, etc) described herein for all locations listed. If vendor does not complete part of or an entire cycle of mowing as described herein, then vendor will be penalized the cost of the uncompleted cycle as referenced in Section IV.C “Performance Measures”.

In addition to the areas and cycles listed in Table 2, the vendor is subject to perform additional miscellaneous mowing of areas as needed at the direction of HCTRA, which may be located outside the specified cycle mowing limits. The unit of measurement for any additional miscellaneous mowing will be paid for by the acre or square yard, whichever is most appropriate, and will only entail areas directed by HCTRA.

HCTRA may install or create landscape areas throughout the length of this contract period. These areas may require different maintenance methods depending on any newly installed grasses, bushes, or plants. Some of these areas may consist of wildflowers. Broadcast seeding to increase wildflower populations and enhance biodiversity in these future landscape areas may be required by HCTRA. Broadcast seeding shall be performed as approved by HCTRA, to include the following:

• Mowing the grass to a shorter length as approved by HCTRA,

• Bagging clippings,

• Removing any debris or thatch using a rake or dethatcher,

• Core aerate to relieve compaction and create holes for the seed,

• Top dress lightly with compost or enriched topsoil to improve soil structure,

• Coordinate with HCTRA on the desired seed type,

• Use a broadcast or drop spreader to provide uniform coverage using the recommended seeding rate, applying in two perpendicular passes,

• Improve seed-to-soil contact by lightly raking the seed into the soil,

• Keep top ½ inch of soil constantly moist, but not soaked by performing two-three (2-3) light waterings per day until germination,

• After sprouting, watering frequency shall be gradually reduced and depth increased,

• Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus (for root development) and avoid weed-and-feed products unless specifically labelled as safe for new seed,

• Avoid damaging the new seedlings by not mowing too early. Vendor shall perform the next mowing cycle once approved by HCTRA.

Broadcast seeding shall be performed at the time of year approved by HCTRA. The unit of measurement for broadcast seeding shall be in acres as outlined in the Bid Table.

As an alternative to broadcast seeding in the mowing/landscape areas, HCTRA may require drill seeding to establish prairie grass or wildflowers to facilitate the gradual conversion of larger mowing/landscaping areas to native species. The unit of measurement for drill seeding shall be in acres as outlined in the Bid Table.

Table 3 - Landscaping Maintenance Cycles

ROW Landscaping Area Description

Approx.

Size (Acres)

Max. Number per Year Landscape (Cycles)

Hardy Toll Road

Hardy Toll Roadside and Extension, ROW and detention ponds 23.3 18

Airport Connector, ROW and detention ponds 35.3 18

Tomball Tollway

Tomball Tollway Roadside, ROW and detention ponds* 17.6 18

Sam Houston Tollway

Sam Houston Roadside, ROW and detention ponds 124.9 18

IH-10 Managed Lanes

IH-10 and Park & Ride Roadside, ROW and detention ponds 3.7 18

The following schedule further defines cycles. At the sole discretion of HCTRA this schedule can be modified

January (1 Cycle) February (1 Cycle) March (2 Cycles) April (2 Cycles)

A cycle consists of all mowing, landscaping, and other lawn maintenance services described herein for all facilities listed. If vendor does not complete part of or an entire cycle of facility mowing as described herein, then vendor will be penalized the cost of the uncompleted cycle as referenced in Section IV.C “Performance Measures”.

E. Optional Right-of-Way (ROW) Irrigation Crew The vendor(s) shall be prepared to provide one (1) Irrigation Crew that the PM shall utilize on an as needed basis provided HCTRA implements future irrigation systems. The Irrigation Crew shall be a two (2) person team consisting of one (1) skilled irrigation technician with a minimum of five (5) years of experience, capable of fluently speaking, reading, and writing English, and one (1) skilled assistant(s) with two (2) to three (3) years of experience.

HCTRA does not currently utilize irrigation systems within its toll system but may opt to do so during the term of this contract. If utilized, the Irrigation Crew will be required to perform regular inspections and routine maintenance to ensure the system remains functional and efficient. Required maintenance of the irrigation system shall include the following tasks:

• Monthly inspection of the irrigation areas to ensure sprinklers are distributing water uniformly and that there are no broken or leaking pipes and/or sprinkler heads.

• Seasonal winterizing of the system prior to the first freeze to ensure no damage to the system and spring start-up after the last winter freeze.

• Repair and/or replacement of any damaged irrigation boxes/valves, pipes or sprinkler heads.

At a minimum, vendor shall provide each crew with the following tools and supplies:

• Shovels & trenching tools — for digging trenches and exposing lines.

• Pipe wrenches — tightening and loosening threaded fittings.

• Pliers (channel‑lock, needle‑nose) — gripping, twisting, and pulling components.

• PVC cutters / ratcheting pipe cutters — cleanly cutting irrigation pipe.

• Utility knife — trimming tubing, tape, and packaging.

• Screwdrivers (flat & Phillips) — adjusting sprinkler heads and controller terminals.

This list is not all-inclusive. The vendor shall provide the irrigation crew with one (1) half (1/2)-ton truck in good mechanical and working condition with towing capability, warning lights, all state and local required stickers, licenses, appropriate PPE, and safety equipment. Vendor shall provide all other tools, machinery (up to $500 value per tool), and supplies (PVC pipe, sprinkler heads, irrigation boxes, valves, etc.) required to perform the work specified herein as specified within Section I – Material and Spare Parts (Contingencies).

Irrigation system repair shall be performed within 48 hours of discovery by the vendor or notification by HCTRA.

If the vendor does not complete the repair as described herein, then the vendor shall be assessed liquidated damages as described in Section IV.C “Performance Measures.”

F. Facility Mowing / Landscaping

The vendor shall be required to provide mowing, landscaping, and other related maintenance services for lawn areas adjacent to HCTRA facilities. The vendor shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following services:

• Removal of litter on areas to be mowed before and after each cutting,

• Upon completion of the cycle, the vendor shall provide geotagged photographs (date, time and location) to

HCTRA to verify that the litter pickup and disposal has occurred. The vendor shall upload geotagged photographs to the HCTRA Mowing and Landscaping Tracker,

• Mowing of the primary lawn areas from minimum of two inches (2”) to maximum height of three inches (3”),

• Edging all walks, curbs, and drives adjacent to mowed areas each cutting,

• Sweeping or blowing and removing all mowing debris, including any detrimental or unsightly overlay of cut grass on lawn areas after each cutting,

• Trim and prune hedges, trees of all types if required, and ground cover regularly,

• Shrubs and trees shall be inspected regularly for disease, broken, or dead branches, and shall be treated accordingly,

• Fertilizing the lawn areas, shrubs, and groundcover,

• Regular inspections of lawn areas, shrubs, and trees for problems and treat as needed,

• Removal and disposal of all green waste (grass clippings, tree clippings, and bush clippings),

• Maintain landscaped areas including building new beds and replacing dead plants with new ones purchased by HCTRA, and

• Treat ant beds.

Vendor shall be held responsible for any damages incurred to sprinkler heads, trees, bushes, windows, etc. Ruts, holes and other disfigurement of mowed areas caused by vendor’s mowing equipment shall be the responsibility of the vendor to repair to original condition. If vendor is in doubt as to the soil conditions vendor is required to contact HCTRA prior to mowing.

Vendor shall maintain the mulched areas of trees, shrubs, bushes, flowers, and other vegetation that has been placed for aesthetic purposes. Vendor shall maintain the mulch beds in such a manner that the mulch is free of grass, weeds, or other vegetation. Herbicide shall not be applied in mulch beds near native or sensitive plants without approval from HCTRA, and in these areas weeds shall be removed mechanically. The mulch bed depths shall be maintained to a minimum depth of two inches (2”).

The weeds and grass that grow in cracks in the walkways and parking lots shall be sprayed with herbicide regularly, and removed after the herbicide takes effect. Plants and shrubs shall be pruned, healthy, and well maintained.

Fertilizing of lawn areas shall be completed three (3) times annually, in March, May and September, with the appropriate fertilizer for the season. The shrubs and groundcover shall be fertilized with a balance fertilizer every March. Azaleas, camellias, and other acid-loving plants shall be fertilized with a special fertilizer to suit their needs. All 4” and smaller trees shall be fertilized in January and/or February with the appropriate fertilizer. All crepe myrtles shall be sprayed twice for aphids and powdery mildew in May and June.

Vendor shall be responsible for maintaining tree growth. Vendor shall remove tree limbs at the trunk with less than eighteen (18) feet of vertical clearance above the parking areas, less than seven (7) feet of vertical clearance above sidewalks, less than ten (10) feet of vertical clearance on any tree not over pavement or sidewalks located adjacent to HCTRA facilities, or trees obstructing sight distance, roadway signs, and the roadway. In order to provide the specific size and locations of all landscaping requirements, a full set of aerial maps with the facilities landscaping requirements will be provided by HCTRA.

Vendor shall furnish all labor, supervision, mowers, hand trimmers, tools, and transportation to and from the work area, and all other safety materials or devices necessary to perform the work in a safe and orderly manner.

Vendor shall use rotary mowers for mowing of designated areas and shall be equipped with factory safety features to prevent debris from flying out from under the mowers. In small areas, vendor may elect to use small hand guided mowers or other equipment reasonable for the work required. Mowers shall be operated at speeds consistent with manufacturer’s recommendations.

All mowers shall be kept in good operating condition and shall be maintained to provide a clean, sharp cut to vegetation at all times. While not in use, equipment shall not be within thirty (30) feet of traffic lanes or streets.

Working hours for facility mowing shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST. Prior to the commencement of the mowing operation, vendor shall meet with HCTRA, outline the proposed mowing procedures, plan for performing the work, and provide a plan for the safety of the general public. Plans, unusual conditions, methods of marking non-mow areas, and other pertinent items regarding the work shall also be discussed. Mowing shall be along a cutting path that allows cutters to transverse 100% of the required mowing area. Missed stands of vegetation, or areas not uniformly cut, shall be re-cut at no additional cost to HCTRA. If required by HCTRA, vendor shall cut, or otherwise remove, at no additional cost to HCTRA, the grass and/or weeds inaccessible to tractor/mower combinations. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours notification shall be given by the vendor to HCTRA before mowing begins at any location.

At no time are mowers permitted to travel on the HCTRA high speed main lanes for any reason. If necessary, mowers shall be loaded on to transport trailers to be safely moved from one section to the next.

The following table (Table 4) provides the facility locations and outlines the expected mowing and landscaping requirements for the facilities.

Table 4 - Facility Locations and Expected Mowing and Landscaping Requirements

FACILITY MOWING/LANDSCAPING

LOCATIONS NUMBER OF CYCLES PER YEAR

Section I

Sam North Plaza 18 Sam Central Plaza 18 Sam South Plaza 18 T C Jester Maintenance Yard 18 SH 249 Maintenance Yard 18 Henry Road Maintenance Yard 18

The following schedule further defines cycles. At the sole discretion of HCTRA this schedule can be modified

January (1 Cycle) February (1 Cycle) March (2 Cycles) April (2 Cycles)

A cycle consists of all mowing, landscaping, and other lawn maintenance services described herein for all facilities listed. If vendor does not complete part of or an entire cycle of facility mowing as described herein, then vendor will be penalized the cost of the uncompleted cycle as referenced in Section IV.C “Performance Measures”.

G. Roadside Right of Way (ROW) Litter Pickup and Disposal The vendor shall be required to pick up and properly dispose of all litter discarded onto the highway ROW (excluding the paved Roadway Surfaces, paved Shoulders, and paved medians addressed in separate contract) in accordance with HCTRA’s Specification Item 734 - Litter Removal in conjunction with any other specification stated herein.

In order to provide the specific size and locations of all the ROW litter pickup and disposal requirements, a full set of aerial map books depicting HCTRA’s Mowing and Landscaping ROW which require litter pickup has been provided in the attachments.

Prior to beginning operations, a meeting between the vendor and HCTRA…