Turf-Seed-Soil-Amendments-and-Fertilizer-IFB Final.pdf

Town of Belmont Department of Public Works

Homer Building, 19 Moore Street Belmont, Massachusetts 02478 Telephone (617) 993-2610

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT

Release Date August 8, 2025

Bid Title Turf Seed, Soil Amendments, and Fertilizer: Supplies, Application, and Knowledge-Based Services

Bid Number N/A

Number of Documents

The Bid Package consists of 2 PDF documents. Returning this form confirms receipt of all the documents.

Pre-Bid Meeting August 27th, 2025 at 1:30 pm

Questions Due August 27th, 2025 at 1:30 pm

Bids are Due

September 3, 2025 at 1:30pm, Office of the Department of Public Works located at the Homer Building, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA, 02478

Please provide the requested information below as acknowledgment that you have received our bid package noted above. It is recommended that interested bidders complete this acknowledgment and return via email to mhaskell@belmont-ma.gov or call to the Department of Public Works at (617) 993-2680. Only by doing this, will the Town be able to provide notification of any addenda or answered questions relating to this bid. Only those companies or individuals shown on the Distribution Register will receive addenda to this bid. By completing and returning this acknowledgement will ensure you are recorded on the Distribution Register. Proposals from companies or individuals not acknowledging the addenda may be rejected as not responsive.

Name of Company or Individual

Name / Title of Contact

Address

City/Town, State, Zip Code

Telephone Number

Fax Number

Email Address

Signature

Date

Addenda will be posted to the Town’s website. Please check the website for addenda before submitting your bid to the Town. Bidders who access the bid package from the Town’s website are responsible for checking the website periodically for any addenda that may be issued by the Town.

mailto:mhaskell@belmont-ma.gov

Turf Seed, Soil Amendments, and Fertilizer: Supplies, Application, and Knowledge-Based Services

Release Date

August 8, 2025

Pre-Bid Conference

August 27th, 2025 at 1:30 pm Office of the Department of Public Works located at the Homer Building, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA, 02478

Deadline for Questions

N/A

Bids Due

September 3, 2025 at 1:30pm, Office of the Department of Public Works located at the Homer Building, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA, 02478

(Advertised in the Belmont Voice on August 8, 2025 date)

(Advertised in CommBuys on August 8, 2025)

(Advertised on Town website on August 8, 2025)

(Published in Goods & Services issue of August 11, 2025)

(Published in Central Register on August 13, 2025)

LEGAL NOTICE

Invitation for Bid (IFB)

Turf Seed, Soil Amendments, and Fertilizer: Supplies, Application, and Knowledge-Based Services

The Town of Belmont is accepting sealed bids for Turf Seed, Soil Amendments, and Fertilizer: Supplies, Application, and Knowledge-Based Services. Copies of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) package will be available beginning August 8, 2025 at the Administration Office of the Public Works Department, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA 02478 Monday through Friday during normal business hours, or from the Town’s web site www.Belmontma.gov/bids.aspx and will be available until the submission deadline.

Sealed bids must be submitted no later than September 3, 2025 at 1:30pm to the Administration Office of the Public Works Department, Town of Belmont, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA 02478. LATE BIDS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Bids will be publicly opened after the submission deadline on September 3, 2025 at 1:30pm. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids as determined to be in the best interests of the Town and to waive minor informalities.

Patrice Garvin Town Administrator http://www.needhamma.gov/bids.aspx

Procurement in Brief

Primary Procurement Contact

Matt Haskell, Business Manager 617-993-2682

Contract Manager Jay Marcotte, DPW Director, 617-993-2685

Bid Package Available

Date – August 8, 2025 Information and details of bidding requirements may be obtained at the Administration Office DPW, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA 02478, or online at the Town’s web site https://www.belmont-ma.gov

Pre-Bid Meeting

August 27th, 2025 at 1:30 pm

Bid Deposit N/A

Deadline for Written Questions

All questions will be answered at Pre-Bid Meeting on August 27th, 2025 at 1:30 pm

Addenda

If any changes are made to this bid, an addendum will be issued. Addenda will be posted on the Town’s webpage and emailed to all bidders on record as having received the bid package.

When and where bids are due

September 3, 2025, Administration Office DPW, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA 02478.

LATE BIDS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

Where bids will be opened

Conference Room 13, Homer Building, 19 Moore Street, Belmont, MA 02478 (immediately following submission deadline)

Contract Award

Anticipated Date: September 8, 2025 (subject to change) Approval of Select Board is REQUIRED

Contract Length

This Agreement shall be for a term commencing upon execution and ending 3 years. This agreement may be renewed or extended for up to 2 years, in one-year terms, at the sole discretion of the Town.

Upon Award of Contract

Payment Bond Will NOT be Required

Performance Bond Will NOT be Required

Insurance Refer to Contract Terms

** The time for award may be extended by the Town. The Town reserves the right to change, delay, cancel, or expedite the contract award date. The Bidder agrees that the offer is effective for (a) at least ninety (90) calendar days from the opening date of the bids (b) a contract is executed, or (c) this bid is cancelled, whichever of (a), (b) or (C) occurs first. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids as determined to be in the best interests of the Town and to waive minor informalities.

PART 1 – GENERAL CONDITIONS AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.01 About Belmont

The Town of Belmont is located in Middlesex County, 6 miles west of Boston. Belmont has a population of 26,170 (2010 Federal Census) and occupies a land area of approximately 4 square miles. Established as a town in 1859, Belmont is governed by a representative form of town meeting and a three-member Select Board. The day-to-day management is under the direction of a Town Administrator. School affairs are administered by a six-member School Committee and a Superintendent of Schools. The Town is classified as a predominately residential suburb with above average wealth levels and higher education attainment. The Town has an “AAA” credit rating from Standard and Poor’s.

The Town provides a full range of governmental services including police and fire protection, emergency medical services, collection, disposal, and recycling of solid waste, sewers, streets, water services, health and human services, town library, and recreation. The Town also provides public education in grades kindergarten through twelve. The Town operates, 5 elementary schools (K – 4), 1 upper elementary school (4 - 6), 1 middle school (7-8), and a senior high school (9 – 12). The total expenditures in the most recent fiscal year exceeded $160 million.

1.02 Intent

The Town of Belmont is circulating this Invitation for Bids (IFB) with the intention of acquiring bids for Turf Seed, Soil Amendments, and Fertilizer: Supplies, Application, and Knowledge-Based Services. All bids are subject to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 30B. The Town will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The Town of Belmont reserves the right to reject any and all bids as determined to be in the best interests of the Town and to waive minor informalities. Such actions will be deemed to be in the best interests of the Town. Unless sooner rejected or accepted, all bid proposals must be firm and continue in effect for ninety calendar days (90) following the date of bid opening.

1.03 Quantities

Unless otherwise stated, the quantities set forth herein are ESTIMATES ONLY. Any quantities indicated on the Bid Price Form or elsewhere in the bid package are estimates only and are given solely as a basis for the comparison of bids. The selected Bidder (also referred to hereafter as “Contractor” or “Vendor”) shall have no claim for additional compensation, or refuse to do the work called for, or provide the requested items, by reason of the actual quantities involved being greater or lesser by any amount than those called for in the bid.

1.04 General Contract Terms

The successful Bidder must enter into the Form Agreement included with this IFB. Bids that purport to include or be subject to terms and conditions of the Bidder will be deemed non-responsive.

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, the contract continuation beyond first year is subject to annual appropriation and/or availability of funding.

The Town may terminate the Contract at any time upon written notice for any reason including its own convenience or for cause, including but not limited to, failure to perform the work required under the contact, failure to document satisfactorily to the Town amounts being charged, failure to have any necessary local, State or Federal licenses and/or permits, failure to pay any and all required taxes, failure to comply with any local, State or Federal regulations pertaining to services to be provided, failure to promptly correct any performance or lack of performance which conflicts with the Town's use, and failure for satisfactory behavior of all staff and management. In the case of a termination for cause, the Town shall give the Contractor a written notice as provided in the Agreement.

1.05 Questions Regarding Bid

The Bidder shall be satisfied as to the requirements to enable intelligent preparation of your bid. The Bidder shall be familiar with all the Bid material requirements and documents before submitting the bid in order that no misunderstanding shall exist. Bidders shall promptly raise the issue of any ambiguity, inconsistency, or error, which they may discover upon examination of the bid documents, specifications, services, work site or any other conditions which may apply. No allowance will be made for any claim that the bid is based on incomplete information.

Inquiries concerning any part of this Bid shall be directed to the individual(s) listed under the Procurement in Brief. Bidders should note that oral communications are not binding on the Town and only written responses by the Town will be considered. All requests/questions must be submitted in writing. Questions may be delivered by hand or email as referenced under the by the deadline. Questions that may be asked during any pre-bid conference should also be sent in writing in order to receive an official response. Requests properly presented that in the opinion of the Town require interpretation, correction, or change in the Bid Documents will result in an issuance of an Addendum to the Bid Documents. Such Addendum shall subsequently become part of the contract. The Town will forward responses to all persons who are on record as receiving the bid package. Questions received after the due date will not be responded to unless the Town determines it is necessary. Bidders, please allow enough time for hand delivery or email.

1.06 Information About Changes to the Bid (Addenda)

In the event that changes/additions are made to this bid, an addendum will be issued to every person (entity) on record as receiving the bid package. Addenda will be emailed; if an email address was not provided, then it will be mailed. Addenda will also be posted to the website. Please check back on the website for addendums before submitting your bid to the Town. Bidders may not be notified individually of Addenda.

1.07 Bid Deposits, Bonds, Insurance, and Indemnification

Refer to the Procurement in Brief section to see whether bid deposits, surety, payment and/or performance bonds are required.

1.07.01 Insurance

The Bidder awarded a contract under this bid must provide proof of insurances in at least the minimum amounts required in the contract and when requested shall name the Town of Belmont as an additional insured, on a primary and non-contributory basis, for the amounts written.

The Bidder awarded a contract shall deposit with the Town Certificates of Insurance for the coverage required, in form and substance satisfactory to the Town, and shall deliver to the Town new policies and certificates thereof for any insurance about to expire at least ten (10) days before such expiration. All such insurance policies shall contain an endorsement requiring thirty (30) days written notice to the Town prior to cancellation of change in coverage, scope or amount of any such policy or policies.

Compliance by the Bidder with the insurance requirement, however, shall not relieve the Bidder from liability under the indemnity provisions.

1.07.02 Indemnification

The Bidder shall indemnify, defend, and save harmless the Town and all of the Town’s officers, agents and employees from and against all suits and claims of liability of every name and nature, including costs of defending any action, for or on account of any injuries to persons or damage to property of the Town or any person, Contractor, corporation or association arising out of or resulting from any negligent act, omission, or negligence of the Bidder, its subcontractors and their agents or employees in the performance of the work covered by the Contract and/or failure to comply with terms and conditions of the Contract, but only in respect of such injuries or damages sustained during the performance and prior to the completion and acceptance of the work covered by the Contract and to the extent such injuries or damages are not covered by the Town’s insurance. The foregoing provisions shall not be deemed to be released, waived, or modified in any respect by reason of any surety or insurance provided by the Bidder under the Contract.

1.08 Prevailing Wages – Not Required

Prevailing Wage rates are not applicable to this Contract. Contractor is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws including applicable wage laws.

1.09 Payment, Adjustments for Incomplete or Unacceptable Work

1.09.01 Payment Terms

Payment terms for the Town of Belmont are net 30 days.

The unit bid price shall be the basis for payment for purchased items or services. Payment shall be based on the items or services purchased. Invoicing may be performed after delivery, work has been completed, or monthly, for items or services that have been fulfilled.

Invoices are to itemize charges for labor, equipment, and supplies. The Town will not be responsible for payment of any charges not itemized to the Town’s satisfaction. Pre-payment is NOT allowed. Invoices must include the Town’s purchase order number. The Purchase Order number will change with each fiscal year.

Invoices for additional services must include the date and times of the work, the type of the services performed, the number of hours or units to be charged, and the name of the person who authorized the work. They are to be sent in duplicate directly to the Town’s designee for processing and are not to be included on the regular monthly invoice.

1.09.02 Adjustments for Incomplete or Unacceptable Work

The Town reserves the right to withhold payment for incomplete or unacceptable work, as outlined in this IFB. The Town shall provide notice of any work that is deemed to be incomplete or unacceptable, for which the Vendor shall rectify that condition to the satisfaction of Town. The Town will also reduce the bill for any services deemed unsatisfactory. At no time will penalty assessment be recoverable by the Vendor.

The Vendor shall take all proper precautions to protect Town and private property from damage and/or loss. Should any damage to, and/or loss of, property be caused by the Vendor, the Vendor will be required to make repairs and/or restitution immediately at its expense.

1.10 Bid Modifications or Withdrawals

Bids may be corrected, modified, or withdrawn prior to the submission deadline; requests to do so must be received in writing to the Town Administrator. After the submission deadline, bids may not be changed. Minor mistakes may be waived by the Town.

1.11 Premature Opening of a Bid

The Town will not be responsible for the premature opening of any bid not properly identified. The Town may reject bids which are incomplete, not properly endorsed, or signed, or which otherwise are contrary to these instructions.

1.12 Unexpected Closure or Delays

If, at the time of the scheduled bid submission deadline, the designated location for delivery of the bid is closed due to uncontrolled events such as fire, snow, ice, wind, building evacuation or other the deadline will be postponed until the same time on the next normal business day. Bids will be accepted at the same location until that date and time.

1.13 Late Submissions

The Town assumes no responsibility for late submissions due to mail, courier, or delivery problems.

LATE BIDS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

1.14 Rejection of Bids

The bid must satisfy all the requirements in order to be considered for award. Failure to complete the required forms, answer any questions, or provide the required documentation will be deemed NON- RESPONSIVE and result in rejection of the bid unless the Town determines that such failure constitutes a minor informality that can be corrected without prejudice to other Bidders. A bid may be rejected if the Bidder:

➢ Fails to adhere to one or more of the provisions established in the bid package

➢ Fails to submit its bid by the time or in the format specified herein or to supply the minimum information requested herein

➢ Fails to submit its bid to the required address on or before the specified submission deadline

➢ Misrepresents its service or provides demonstrably false information in its bid or fails to provide material information

1.15 Taxes

Purchases made by the Town are exempt from the payment of all Federal excise tax and the payment of Commonwealth of Massachusetts sales tax and any such taxes must not be included in the bid prices. If requested, the Town will provide the awarded bidder with a copy of the Certificate of Exemption.

1.16 Public Records

Under the Massachusetts General Laws, the Town cannot assure the confidentiality of any materials or information that may be submitted by a contractor in response to this Bid. Thus, contractors who choose to submit confidential information do so at their own risk. All bids or other materials submitted by the contractor in response to this Bid will be open for inspection by any person and in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 66 (Public Records Law). Any statements reserving any confidentiality or privacy rights in the submitted responses or otherwise inconsistent with these statues will be void and disregarded.

1.17 Conflict of Interest

By execution of a contract with the Town of Belmont, the Bidder acknowledges that the Town of Belmont is a municipality for the purposes of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 268A (the Massachusetts conflict of interest statute), and agrees, as circumstances require, to take actions and to forbear from taking actions so as to be in compliance at all times with the obligations of the contractor based on said statute.

1.18 Other Notices

The consideration of all bids and subsequent selection of the successful applicant shall be made without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, religion, political affiliation or national origin.

The Bidder shall adhere to the provisions of the Fair Employment Practices Law of the Commonwealth (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B).

The provisions relating to non-discrimination and affirmative action in employment shall flow through all contracts and subcontracts that the successful Bidder may receive or award as a result of this contract.

Any services provided by the Bidder shall be rendered through a professional services contract; the Bidder will not be considered an employee of the Town and will not receive any benefits of an employee.

The Bidder shall comply with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 66A if the Bidder becomes a "holder" of "personal data". The Bidder shall also protect the physical security and restrict any access to personal or other Town data in the Bidder's possession, or used by the Bidder in the performance of the

Contract, which shall include, but is not limited to the Town's public records, documents, files, software, equipment or systems.

1.19 Pre-Bid Conference

Refer to Procurement in Brief for details, if any.

1.20 Tie Bid

In the event that there is a tie bid between two (2) responsive and responsible bidders, the award of the contract will be determined by a coin toss. The bidder’s whose submission was received earliest shall be assigned “Heads” in the coin toss. In the event that there is a tie bid with three (3) or more responsive and responsible bidders, the award shall be made by a draw by lot limited to those bidders. The coin toss/draw by lot shall be scheduled within two (2) business days from when it was determined by the Town to be a tie bid. The bidders involved shall be given an opportunity to attend. The coin toss/drawing shall be witnessed by at least three (3) Town officials. The tie breaker event shall be held at the Belmont Town Hall during regular business hours.

1.21 Awarding the Bid

The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids as determined to be in the best interests of the Town and to waive minor informalities.

The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest price for Year One. Bidders must complete Bid Form A for all potential renewal terms, but only prices in Year One will be used to determine the lowest Bidder. There will be only one contract awarded under this bid.

The Town herein declares its express purpose not to award the contract to any Bidder lacking sufficient ability, experience, and capital to execute and complete the work in accordance with the contract. If requested, any Bidder may be required to demonstrate financial stability satisfactory to the Town.

The Select Board is the awarding authority for the contract. Further the contract will not be binding until it has been approved as to form by Town Counsel. Award, payment and performance obligations shall depend on the availability and appropriation of funds.

The Town reserves a period up to ninety (90) calendar days following the opening of the bids in which to evaluate and award the contract.

Upon bidder selection, the Town of Belmont will request required documents, including any insurances and bonds, then email the contract package including the Form of Agreement included with this IFB to be signed by the Bidder. The Town of Belmont will then counter sign the contracts and will return one complete contract to the Bidder. Unless otherwise noted by the Town, the terms and conditions contained therein are NOT negotiable.

1.22 Contract Award: CORI/ SORI Background Checks

Bidders hereby acknowledge the right of the Town to conduct a criminal background check on all individuals providing services under such contract, in accordance with state law.

In accordance with G.L. c. 6, §§ 167-178B, the Town will request and obtain all available criminal offender record information (CORI) from the Criminal History Systems Board on any of the selected Vendor’s employees who may have unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly during the performance of their work. The Town’s assessment of CORI records is based on regulations issued by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, 101 C.M.R. 15.00-15.17.

Pursuant to G.L. c. 6, §§ 178C-178P, Bidders also authorize the Town to use local and national sexual offender registry information (SORI) to determine if any of the Contractor’s employees pose an unreasonable risk to children, the disabled, or the elderly during the performance of their work.

1.23 Submission Requirements

1.23.01 Quality Requirements

✓ All bidders must furnish proof of a minimum of three (3) continuous years in business.

✓ All bidders must provide owner contact information for five (5) projects of similar nature and scope completed within the last five (5) years.

✓ The bidder shall submit their proposal upon the bid forms supplied within these specifications.

The bidder shall specify the unit prices as requested for each bid item. All bids shall be signed correctly with ink; in order to qualify, the bidder must provide bids for each required item within a section.

1.23.02 Submission Requirements

1. The bid is to be submitted and addressed as follows: DPW Director, Homer Building, 19

Moore Street, Belmont, MA 02478.

2. The bid is to be clearly marked Turf Seed, Soil Amendments, and Fertilizer: Supplies, Application, and Knowledge-Based Services.

3. Bidder must acknowledge all addenda related to this IFB, if any.

4. Bidder must submit a completed Bid Form A: Bid Form or an exact copy, signed by an individual authorized to negotiate for and contractually bind the Bidder. All prices must be reflective of all costs for delivery. No unit price increases will be allowed. Fuel surcharges or vehicle surcharges or adjustments will not be allowed.

5. Bidder must submit a completed Bid Form B: Bidder Information Response form.

6. Bidder must submit a completed Bid Form C: Authentication Form.

7. Bidder must submit a signed Bid Form D: Certificate of Good Faith.

8. Bidder must submit a completed Bid Form E: Certificate of Compliance with Massachusetts Tax Laws or Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

9. Bidder must provide the required number of references. For each, provide the following: a contact person and title, customer’s name, address, telephone number, email, and a brief description of the actual services provided (sample format included in bid package as Bid Form F).

10. Bidder must submit a completed Bid Form G: Certificate of Authority or Corporate

Resolution; if applicable.

11. Bids must be received and time stamped no later than the deadline stated in the Procurement Schedule (Where and When Bids are Due). LATE BIDS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

12. A Bid Deposit is NOT required.

13. Any additional requirements as required in the Scope of Service.

The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids as determined to be in the best interests of the Town and to waive minor informalities.

PART 2 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.01 General

The Town of Belmont is seeking the services of an on-call supplier of turf seed, soil amendments, fertilizers, and plant protectants, as well as support with regulatory compliance, agronomic data management, and other knowledge-based services.

The actual quantities of each item to be purchased for each contract term will be based on the DPW & Parks Division’s need. However, for bidding purposes the Town is requesting a per unit price based on estimated quantities. Seed, soil amendments, and turf fertilizers must be packaged in 50 lbs. bags unless stated otherwise. Safety data sheets and label information must be provided for all products contained in the bidder’s submission.

The Vendor must provide references from 5 municipal clients with similar scopes of service and acreage maintained.

2.02 Client Representative Requirements

The Vendor must be able to provide a primary representative with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in sales of athletic turf products and support in parks and grounds management. In addition, the sales representative must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working with municipalities of the same size and scope. The representative must be college-educated in turf grass, plant and soil science, or a related field. The Vendor must also provide a secondary representative (that can serve in the primary representative’s absence) with a degree in turf grass, plant and soil science, or a related field. Both the primary and secondary representative must demonstrate competence in:

• Facilitating the development of turfgrass management programs and any associated financial/budget data.

• MA nutrient/pesticide regulations and their compliance requirements, along with generating yearly compliance reports.

• Turfgrass identification and selection on sites with various environmental and logistical conditions.

• Weed, disease and insect identification and control on athletic fields and lawns.

• Assisting clients with shipping, scheduling, and product application needs.

• Educating clients about product innovation and technology from green industry manufacturers.

• Continual follow-up training and role playing with clients to support and reinforce their training programs.

• Collecting, shipping, and interpreting soil, paste, water, physical, ISTRC, and performance quality standards (PQS) tests. Testing is to be performed on all sites annually.

• Training clients in the effective use of a cloud-based agronomic planner. Planner training is to occur during site visits by the Vendor’s representative(s).

• Answering accounting, data handling and general questions. The representative must be available during normal business hours (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM).

• Assisting clients in accessing advisors for consulting in athletic field design, renovation, construction, irrigation audit and design, sustainability planning, groundsmanship training, MA environmental law, and regulatory compliance.

• Assisting clients with generating year end reports to comply with NPDES requirements.

Representatives are expected to commit up to 8 hours per month to the Town of Belmont in order to help evaluate and improve upon the turf management program.

By submitting a bid in response to this IFB, Vendors certify that they are able to satisfy all requirements of this Section 2.02.

2.03 Operational Efficiencies, Deliveries, and Additional Services

1. Any requested product is to be shipped within two weeks of ordering. The Vendor must own a shipping fleet. Third-party bulk shipping will not be accepted. Custom deliveries are to be made to as many as 5 or more sites per application.

2. The Vendor must supply a Spider forklift for deliveries, when necessary, with qualified operators that can assist with product placement and inventory management.

3. The Vendor must have a warehouse within forty-five (45) miles driving radius from the Town in the event that Belmont DPW needs to pick up materials. The Vendor must then provide a service representative on site to assist in product selection and loading of vehicle.

4. The Vendor is responsible for the spreading of any granular or sprayable product (see Equipment

Requirements below). The applicator is to bring a backpack blower to blow fertilizer off of any hard surfaces back onto the turfgrass areas.

2.04 Product Specifications

All items included by specific product name may be substituted with an equivalent product. Please specify on the bid form and provide cut sheets for any submitted bid item that is intended as an equivalent product.

All substitutions must be approved by the Director of Public Works or their designee.

ITEM 1- Turf Seed: High Performance 50/50 Blue/Rye Mixture:

50/50 Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass Mixture for overseeding medium to high wear athletic fields.

Contains the following varieties:

25% Wicked Perennial Ryegrass 25% Karma Perennial Ryegrass 17% Mercury Kentucky Bluegrass 17% Jackrabbit Kentucky Bluegrass 16% Sombrero Kentucky Bluegrass

ITEM 2- Turf Seed: High Performance 80/20 Blue/Rye Mixture:

80/20 Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass Mixture for overseeding low to medium wear athletic fields and for newly seeded, high quality turf areas. Contains the following varieties:

20% Jackrabbit Kentucky Bluegrass 20% Mercury Kentucky Bluegrass 20% Fielder Kentucky Bluegrass 20% Sombrero Kentucky Bluegrass 10% Futura 3000 Perennial Ryegrass Blend

ITEM 3 - Turf Seed- Three-way Perennial Ryegrass blend

Three-way blend of elite varieties of Perennial Ryegrass for rapid recovery of high wear locations on athletic fields. Bred for low growth, gray leaf spot resistance, rapid gemination and establishment. Contains the following varieties:

34% Karma Perennial Ryegrass 33% Wicked Perennial Ryegrass 33% Fiesta 4 Perennial Ryegrass

ITEM 4- Turf Seed: High Traffic General Purpose Grounds Mixture

Durable general-purpose overseeding mixture for use in a variety of irrigated and non-irrigated, high stress, high traffic environments. Must be TWCA tagged and contain the following varieties:

30% Falcon IV Tall Fescue 30% Renegade H20 Tall Fescue 20% Mazama Kentucky Bluegrass 10% Metolius Perennial Ryegrass 10% Double Time Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass

ITEM 5- Turf Fertilizer: Organic Fertilizer from Poultry Layer Compost 5-4-5

Organic fertilizer that provides a foundation of carbon, mineral, and fertility to help sustain resilient turf on athletic fields and parks spaces. The organic portion of the product must be derived from poultry layer compost. Particles must be easy to spread with common fertilization equipment. SGN 200. 50lb Bag with the following analysis:

1.30 % Ammoniacal Nitrogen 2.70% Water Insoluble Nitrogen 1% Water Soluble Nitrogen Available Phosphate (Derived from Rock Phosphate) 4% Potassium 5% (derived from sulfate of potash) Calcium 6% Sulfur 3% Soil Digestible Organic matter from poultry layer compost) 77%

ITEM 6 – Organic/Mineral/Zeolite Soil Recovery Amendment

Organic soil recovery amendment for rapid Goal Mouth Repair, sod establishment, seed establishment:

Consisting of a minimum 50% zeolite mineral and 50combination of dry kelp, poultry compost, and minerals including: hard and soft rock phosphate, potassium silicate, sul-po-mag (sulfate of potash magnesia), and humate. All materials must be evenly mixed into a 50lb bag.

ITEM 7- Organic Microbial/Mychorrhizal Soil Innoculant (3-3-3)

Mycorrhizal inoculant for establishments of roots on turfgrass, trees, shrubs, and other ornamentals. Used in Goal Mouth Repair, sod establishment, seed establishment.

Plant nutrients derived from composted poultry manure. Innoculants derived from: endo-mycorrhizal fungi (750 Propagules per lb), and ecto-mycorrhizal fungi (2,750,000 propagules per lb) 40lb bag with the following analysis:

• Nitrogen 3%

• Phosphorous 3% (Rock Phosphate)

• Potassium (Sulfate of Potash)

• Calcium 6%

• Iron 0.2%

ITEM 8 – Bridged Synthetic/Organic Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizer. Nutrite 28-0-10

Hybrid synthetic/organic/mineral fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen for various performance turf sites.

Feeds both turf and soil, providing aggressive growth during heavy play seasons on athletic fields. Ideal for situations where zero phosphorus input is desired. Derived From: Ammonium Sulfate, Methylene Urea, Potassium Sulfate, Urea Calcium Carbonate, Humic Acid, Carboxylic Acid. SGN 220 50lb. Bag

Total Nitrogen (N) 28%

2.1% Ammoniacal Nitrogen

6.0% Water Insoluble Nitrogen (W.I.N.)

14.6% Urea Nitrogen

5.4% Other Water Insoluble Nitrogen

Soluble Potash (K2O) 10%

Sulfur (S) 5.1%

Calcium (C) 3.4%

ITEM 9 – Bridged Synthetic/Organic Starter Fertilizer 16-24-12

An effective hybrid synthetic/organic/mineral starter fertilizer with quick and slow-release nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium for developing seedlings on various performance turf sites. Also provides calcium and carbon nutrition for soil health. Derived from Ammonium phosphate, Polymer-coated, sulfur coated urea, Potassium sulfate. SGN

220 50lb Bag

16% Total Nitrogen (N)

9.4% Ammoniacal Nitrogen

6.6% Urea Nitrogen

Available Phosphate (P205) 24%

Soluble Potash (K20) 10%

Sulfur (S) 4%

Calcium (Ca) 4.

ITEM 10 Starter Fertilizer with Mesotrione 21-22-4

Starter fertilizer with Mesotrione herbicide, an EPA reduced risk product for use in newly seeded, established, and recovered turf areas. Preventatively controls select weeds without harming desirable turfgrass species Homogenous prill 125 SGN 40lb Bag

ITEM 11 Penetrating/Flushing Surfactant with Sulfur and Potash (Cascade 0-0-20)

Reduces demand for continual irrigation and maximizes rainwater efficacy. A reacted soil surfactant combined with gypsum and sulfate of potash (0-0-20). Delivers firm, fast playing conditions due to combination infiltration and hydration chemistries designed to move water off the playing surface and into the soil profile. Also very effective with establishing rooting on newly sodded areas. SGN 145 or less. 50lb Bag

ITEM 12 Gypsum and Humic acid soil amendment with micro and macro nutrients fertilizer (0-0-12)

Turf grass health enhancement for addressing specific micro and macro nutrient deficiencies in soils and for providing plant and soil nutrition without exacerbating vertical leaf growth. Derived from: Calcium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Calcium sulfate, Potassium Sulfate, Coated potassium sulfate, Copper sucrate, Iron sucrate, Manganese sucrate, Zinc sucrate, Calcium Borate, Sodium molybdenate, Humic Acid, Carboxylic Acid, Magnesium sucrate. SGN 145, 50LB Bag with the following analysis:

Calcium 12%

Potassium 12%

Sulfur 9.4%

Magnesium 8.6%

Manganese 2.8%

Iron 1.5%

Zinc .29%

Molybdenum .0024%

ITEM 13- 20-0-5 Fertilizer with Acelepryn Insecticide

An environmentally preferable insecticide classified by the EPA as a reduced risk pesticide used for the control of white grubs and other insect pests in turf grass. Combined with

Slow-release MESA Nitrogen for turf growth/recovery from wear. Potassium to assist in increasing the resilience of turfgrass to various environmental stresses. SGN 195. 50 lb.

Bag

ITEM 14- Water/moisture management product for infield clays (In-Flow)

Increases percolation and water movement throughout the profile of infield materials.

Results in reduced drifting of infield material after rainfall, quicker access to infields after heavy or prolonged rainfall, improved cleating and ball bounce consistency, and balanced moisture/reduction in dust. Proprietary blend of surfactants on a sulfate of potash and gypsum particle (0-0-20). SGN 145 or less. 50lb Bag

ITEM 15 Soil Wetting Agent (Precip G)

A granular liquid soil wetting agent that optimizes the water retention capacity of soils during periods of drought and heat, or on unirrigated sites that require increased hydration. Also aids during seedling development by maintaining moisture levels around planted seed. 50lb Bag

ITEM 16 Redox RxGreen

State of the art liquid plant nutrition product designed to address nutrient deficiencies in plants and soil. Highly engineered for lengthy response and tank compatibility with a wide range of turfgrass management products. Enhances soil health and produces plant health responses that help turfgrass resist and recover from environmental and physical stressors. 2x2.5 gallon Containers

Analysis:

Total Nitrogen: 1%

Available Phosphate: 5%

Soluble Potash 5%

Boron .2%

Copper .2%

Iron .8%

Manganese .5%

Molybdenum .001%

Zinc .06%

ITEM 17 Liquid Biostimulant (Earthworks Sea 3)

Liquid biostimulant designed to feed carbon and essential elements to soil biology, which in turns aids in nutrient release and absorption and maximizes the health of turfgrass plants. Valuable in preparing plants for the effects of environmental stresses from heat, excessive humidity, drought, and plant disease. 2x2.5 gallon containers

ITEM 18 Phosphite Fertilizer 0-0-26

Liquid P03 nutrient product with fungistatic effects on pythium diseases that affect seedling and mature turfgrasses. 2x2.5 gallon containers

ITEM 19 Silicon Plant Nutrition

Liquid plant nutrient derived from OrthoSilicic acid, a rapidly absorbed and utilized form of Silicon. Aids dramatically in turfgrass wear tolerance, and tolerance to a host of biological and environmental stresses. Packaged in 4x33.8 oz containers

ITEM 20 Anuew Ez Plant Growth Regulator

Redirects vertical growth of turfgrasses to root development and tillering. Reduces clipping yield and increases the density, health, and horizontal growth of turfgrass, thus enhancing the smoothness and playability of playing surfaces. Can be used to reduce mowing needs during times of excessive top growth, reduced labor, or rainy conditions.

2.5 Gallon packaging.

ITEM 21 Four Way Herbicide for Broad Spectrum Weed Control (Q4 Plus)

A sprayable liquid herbicide that controls the majority of the annual and perennial weeds that occur on performance turfgrass in the northeast. Degrades in soil and in sunlight so that overseeding is permissible one week after application. Packaged in 4x1 Gallon

Containers

ITEM 22 Specialized Herbicide for Grassy Annual Weeds (Pylex)

A sprayable liquid herbicide that is formulated specifically to control Goosegrass and

Crabgrass on performance turfgrass. Can be mixed with Q4 plus to create a synergistic blend that successfully controls most all problem weeds. Degrades in soil and sunlight so that overseeding is permissible less than one week after application. Packaged in 4 oz.

containers

ITEM 23 Agricultural Crop Oil Surfactant (Microyl)

A liquid paraffin based crop oil adjuvant that assists in the spreading of certain herbicides across the leaf surface of targeted weeds. Packaged in 1 gallon containers

ITEM 24 Spray Droplet/Drift Control and Spreading Surfactant (Border 2.0)

A liquid spray adjuvant that controls spray droplet size so that the likelihood of off-target drift is minimized or eliminated, and leaf adhesion/spreading of applied product is maximized. Greatly improves product efficacy and environmental safety of areas surrounding the sites where pesticides are applied. Packaged in 2x2.5 gallon containers.

ITEM 25 Soil Test Analysis

Collect annual soil samples with DPW team, package and send to laboratory approved by the DPW Director or designee. Company representative must help interpret soil test results and make any recommendations according to test results. Priced per field, annually. Required Tests include the following:

Mehlich 3 Extraction Soil Test

Saturated Paste Extract Test

Soluble Silicon Test

Physical Particle Size Analysis Silt, Clay, Organic Matter, Sand Fractions (ASTM and

USGA)

ITEM 26 Irrigation Water Test

Provide water test collection, shipping, testing, and analysis as needed. Primary representation must help interpret and make recommendations on the water test results.

Price per test.

ITEM 27 ISTRC Soil Profile Testing

Analyses the drainage, infiltration, compaction and other performance characteristics of soils on athletic fields. Company representative helps collect sample, packages sample, and ships. Interpretation and recommendations included in testing cost. Price per 4”

Sample

ITEM 28-31 Product Application Services

Provide bulk spreading of fertilizer and boom spraying of liquid materials on fields throughout the Town of Belmont as identified in the agronomic plan

• Fertilizer or liquid materials to be brought by contractor at the time of application.

The contractor will need to supply, deliver and unload all products, at each field location at the time of application and dispose of empty bags or containers at each location.

• Several of these applications will consist of spreading or spraying multiple products in a single stop.

• Contractor is responsible for having correctly calibrated equipment, as required per product application rate on agronomic plan.

• Any skips, misses or malfunction with application of product will be rectified, at the contractor’s expense.

• Contractor will be responsible for providing an electronic application accountability report within 24 hours of each spreading application. Each report will contain the minimum information: Applicator name, Date, weather conditions, time, location, product, rate and total amount of product.

• Due to time limitations and completion objectives, Walk or stand on spreaders and sprayers will not be acceptable on sites where bulk spreading and boom spraying are specified on the agronomic plan

Contractor Equipment/Labor Requirements:

• PTO driven pendulum broadcast spreaders with minimum 800 lb. capacity. Must provide a minimum of 2 machines and 2 MA licensed applicators for each bulk granular application

• Walk or Standing (Turfco/Turfware type) fertilizer spreaders with minimum 80lb capacity

• Minimum of one (1) Self Contained 300 Gallon Boom Sprayer and/or two (2) Self

Contained 150 Gallon Boom Sprayers per spray application with MA licensed applicators. Must be able to apply at 1.2 Gallon per 1000 or higher application rate.

• Galaxy type turf tires on tractors for low impact and reduced compaction

• Foam marker for accurate applications

• Photographic or other reasonable evidence of possessing the required equipment

Due to the variations of the size/accessibility of sites, the types of materials to be applied, and time restraints/objectives, The Town of Belmont has determined that 4 different categories of application services are needed. They are as follows:

1. Item 28- Bulk Granular Application Services- Granular material application with pendulum broadcast spreader (Vicon or Similar). Application of Materials totaling 7 bags per acre or less, priced per acre of application

2. Item 29- High Volume Granular Application Services- Granular material application with pendulum broadcast spreader (Vicon or Similar), application of materials totaling 8 bags per acre or higher, priced per acre of application

3. Item 30- Grounds Granular Application Services- Granular Material application in areas where accessibility of tractors is difficult, necessitating walk or stander type equipment. Priced per acre of application

4. Item 31- Boom Spraying Services- Liquid spray applications to be applied with self-contained turf sprayers with a minimum of 150-gallon capacity. Priced per acre of application

ITEM 32 Cloud Based Agronomic Planning Software

Provide Web accessible planning software to assist in the development and record keeping for Belmont DPW’s turf management program. Price per year of planner subscription

Planning software must have the following capabilities:

• Ability to record dates, rates and types of applications being performed on specific sites/management units with inventory needs for each site.

• Production of printable PDF’s of management programs for each unit with MSDS and labels for all specified products.

• Generation of monthly/yearly budget data, sortable by individual sites/management units and product categories.

• Generation of product applicator technician sheets for reporting of all fertilizer and pesticide applications.

• Generation of MA state compliant pesticide and fertilizer usage reports.

• Generation of printable application and budget reports.

• Cloud based data storage

• Document folder for storing documents, photos, and other pertinent information

ITEM 33 Educational Opportunities – Soil Testing and Agronomic Principles

Provide the DPW Director and designee’s educational opportunities and pesticide license contact hours in the following area:

• Soil testing and analysis, proper nutrition/fertilization, and holistic approaches to turf management.

It is expected that the client representative demonstrate competence in this area and offer ongoing support to DPW by helping reinforce the principles taught at all educational sessions. Price per attendee, per session

ITEM 34 Educational Opportunities – Product Innovation

Provide the DPW Director and his/her designee’s educational opportunities and pesticide license contact hours in the following area:

• New product innovation regarding plant management technologies that save time and money, protect plants from disease/insect infestation, enhance plant health/resilience, and enhance resistance from biotic and environmental stresses

It is expected that the client representative demonstrate competence in this area and offer ongoing support to DPW by helping reinforce the principles taught at all educational sessions. Price per attendee, per session

ITEM 35 Performance Quality Standards (PQS) Assessment

The primary tool used for analyzing a sports field is the Performance Quality Standards assessment, or PQS. A PQS measures a sports field against objective and defensible standards that relate to the field’s fitness for purpose. Performance Quality Standards assessment (PQS) for natural turf includes an evaluation of 34 separate criteria. Each of these criteria tests is repeated in multiple strategic locations across the surface, giving over 400 readings. The results of the assessments allow us to address immediate action items, track improvement over time, and formulate a plan for longer term field health and vitality. Price per assessment, per field.

ITEM 36: Monthly Site Visits and collaboration

Company representatives must commit a minimum of (8) hours per month during the growing season (April to November) to Belmont DPW. Objectives during visits and contacts are as follows: Help facilitate the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the turf management program, deliver training on planning software, collect laboratory samples, identify biotic/abiotic stress issues, interpret test data, etc. Representative’s professional qualifications must be as stated on specifications. Price per contact hour.

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PART 3 – CHECKLIST AND REQUIRED FORMS FOR SUBMISSION

Company Name:

Bidder has completed and returned the Acknowledgment of Receipt form (via fax or email).

Bidder has completed, signed, and enclosed the Bid Form A: Bid Price Form or an exact copy.

Bidder has completed, signed, and enclosed the Bid Form B: Bidder Information Response form.

Bidder has completed, signed, and enclosed the Bid Form C: Authentication Form.

Bidder has completed, signed, and enclosed the Bid Form D: Certificate of Good Faith.

Bidder has completed, signed, and enclosed the Bid Form E: Certificate of Compliance with

Massachusetts Tax Laws or Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Bidder has provided at least five (5) references on the Bid Form F: Professional Reference

Form at least five (5) of which is a governmental unit (municipal/county/regional district/state agency/special district).

If the bid submission is signed by someone other than the Owner/President of the company, a completed Bid Form G: Certificate of Authority of Corporate Resolution for the person who signed the proposal or a valid Corporate Resolution stating the individual has the authority to submit the proposal on behalf of the Company and can…