Y24-1059-KC_SOW_Landscape_Management_–_Active_and_Inactive_Water_Plants,_REVISED_–_11.26.2024.pdf

Invitation for Bids #Y24-1059-KC Attachment A Title: Landscape Management - Active and Inactive Water Plants REVISED per Addendum 2

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SCOPE OF SERVICES

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, tools, transportation, supplies, manpower and pay disposal fees, to complete the work specified in this contract. The work performed shall consist of detail landscaping, mowing (slope/ditch mowing, tree maintenance, litter and grass clipping removal, edging, weed control – grounds and aquatic, fertilization, pond maintenance, and brush control), irrigation, pest control and litter removal. All work shall be performed per the scope of services herein a minimum of once per week.

B. The Contractor’s Representative Supervisor shall coordinate with the County’s

Representative or designee, who shall perform inspections (for the County) to verify that the work has been completed in accordance with scope of work as scheduled and resolve problems that may arise.

2. OWNER’S DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE

A. The Contractor shall verify quality control for this contract to the following County Representative or designee as directed:

1. LOT A – Eastern Regional Water Supply Facility (ERWSF)

Charles (Steve) Bennett 407-254-9508

2. LOT B – Southern Regional Water Supply Facility (SRWSF) Carlos Perez 407-254-9329

3. LOT C – Western Regional Water Supply Facility (WRWSF)

Andrew Wilson 407-254-7809

3. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

A. Contractor shall submit a maintenance schedule on the last Monday of the prior month that the Contractor is to service. For example, if the service is for October 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024, the maintenance schedule shall be submitted on September 30, 2024. The schedule shall detail what day of the week, the (number) date of the week, and what maintenance tasks shall be performed on that day. The schedule will be subject to review, changes, and approval by the owner’s representative or designee.

B. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to make a determination regarding equipment and manpower, beyond the minimum requirements stated under No. 9 - Minimum Standards of Performance, Item B.1, needed to service and complete all locations

Page | 2 within the scheduled cycle dates and adhere to the task frequencies in scope of services herein.

C. The Contractor shall also take into consideration differences in growing seasons

(summer/winter) to develop the work schedule. The County’s Representative reserves the right to adjust the maintenance tasks during the slow growing season.

4. FREQUENCY OF SERVICE

A. Frequency of service shall be weekly service cycles or fifty-two (52) weeks per calendar year. Weekly service cycles shall only be performed between the hours of 7:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday except on Orange County observed holidays. The Contractor shall have the sole determination regarding how many days per week they will need to be on site to accomplish all of the tasks listed in this contract’s weekly services that shall be submitted on the monthly schedule, on the last Monday of the previous month.

B. No work shall be performed on Sundays or Saturdays and County holidays, unless authorized by the County’s Representative or designee by email. If the Contractor desires to work on Sundays or official County holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day) they shall obtain pre- approval from the County Representative or designee assigned to the lot by email.

C. Weekly services on an official County holiday week shall be performed on the days of that week that are normal County workdays.

D. Areas covered by this contract shall be maintained regularly within each weekly cycle so they are not neglected for long periods.

E. No work shall be permitted during non-daylight hours.

F. Time extensions or weather delays only apply to those days authorized by the

County’s Representative with an approval email. Procedures for time extension requests due to weather conditions shall be followed for each new weekly cycle. The County’s Representative shall make the final determination regarding time extensions.

G. The Contractor shall consult with the County’s Representative prior to any schedule variance. The Contractor shall immediately contact the County’s Representative when circumstances beyond their control that could alter the schedule or route for the cycle arise. The County’s Representative will verify those circumstances and determine if changes to the schedule and/or route for the cycle are warranted. Based

Page | 3 on the conditions, the County’s Representative could authorize modifications to the completion date for the cycle if applicable.

H. The work specified in the contract represents the type of services to be accomplished.

Discrepancies or disagreements shall be mutually resolved prior to beginning work in any area in question. The County shall make the final determination on any unresolved matters.

I. During the first cycle of all bid items, the Contractor shall bring all areas specified in the contract up to a maintainable standard. No additional compensation shall be given to the Contractor for bringing the specified areas up to a maintainable level. All work locations shall be considered provided by the County in an “as is” condition.

5. INCLIMENT WEATHER OR UNUSUAL CONDITIONS

A. Due to inclement weather or unusual conditions, the Contractor may be required to remove their operation from the County property at the discretion of the County’s Representative. If the Contractor is required to remove their operation due to, inclement weather (heavy rain, lightning, hail, tropical storm, hurricane, etc.) or other unusual conditions before 12:00 P.M. (noon), the County will consider allowing an additional one-half (1/2) day be added to the cycle, otherwise no adjustment will be made to the cycle. The Contractor shall make an immediate written email for this (during event); the County’s Representative will determine and authorize such extension. The County will verify alleged conditions in the area prior to authorization.

Once approved, the County will email the completion date, accordingly, for the cycle and will notify the Contractor.

B. If the Contractor is required to remove their operation as a result of inclement weather after 12:00 P.M (noon) for an excessive number of days the County will consider allowing additional time to the cycle. The Contractor shall document in writing via email to the County’s Representative any inclement weather after 12:00 PM (noon) affecting their maintenance operations. The Contractor shall also include pictures and other pertinent documentation for review and consideration. The County’s Representative will determine and authorize such extension based on Contractor’s written notifications and supporting documentation submitted for this.

The County will notify the Contractor on final decision and will modify the completion date, accordingly, for the cycle.

C. The Contractor will not be responsible, under this contract, for the acts of nature such as freeze damage or heavy storms that would create unusual cleanup, pruning or replacements in excess of the normal scope of grounds maintenance service.

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D. Any errors or omissions in this document shall be brought to the attention of the County’s representative. Failure to notify shall not relieve the Contractor of responsibility.

6. WEEKLY REPORTS

A. The County’s Representative shall be entitled at all times to be advised, at their request, as to the status and details of work being completed by the Contractor in the format the County requires. The Contractor shall maintain coordination with the County’s Representative at all times. Either party may request and be granted a conference upon request in a timely manner.

B. The County utilizes a standard weekly reporting format that will be provided to the successful bidder in Attachment C, Weekly Landscape Maintenance Service Report.

Weekly performance reports shall be included by the Contractor along with the corresponding monthly invoice to the appropriate County representative on the last day of each month including observations of abnormal conditions, quantities of chemicals used and all maintenance performed.

C. The following shall be included, but not limited to, on the reports:

1. Mowing, trimming, edging and tree maintenance tasks, to include date of service.

2. Fertilization, of the plating beds, including dates of application, totals, rates of application and product brand names.

3. Pest control (including but not limited to ants, wasps, and bees), including dates of applications, totals and rates of application and product brand names.

4. Aquatic Vegetation control, including dates of applications, totals, rates of application and product brand names.

5. Irrigation System including date and result of each inspection, initial timer settings, amount of irrigation water (in inches per hour) that applies to each zone and any changes to the initial settings.

D. Contractor shall schedule and complete an exit interview with a designated County

Representative at the conclusion of each weekly service cycle to review the work performed.

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7. COMMUNICATION AND QUALITY CONTROL

A. The Contractor shall supervise and direct the work efficiently with due care, skill, and attendance. The Contractor shall ensure that the finished work complies accurately with the specifications.

B. The Contractor shall provide competent, suitable, and qualified personnel to perform the work as required by the scope of work. The Contractor shall, at all times, maintain good discipline and order at the work site. The Contractor shall provide a list at the beginning of the contract, of all foremen and supervisors who will perform on this contract. This list shall also contain twenty-four (24) hour emergency telephone numbers.

C. The Contractor shall designate a competent Contractor’s Representative who shall be responsible for the quality control of this contract and who shall not be replaced without written notice to the County’s Representative at least twenty-four (24) hours before or after an incident. The Contractor’s Representative shall be present at job sites and shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Contractor. All communications given to the Contractor’s Representative shall be as binding as if given to the Contractor.

D. The Contractor’s designated Supervisor shall be able to effectively communicate with

County staff in English and shall have available communication devices with internet access (including email) (e.g. smart cellular phone, laptop computer, blackberry, etc.).

This mandatory requirement will ensure proper communication and documentation of problems while performing operations in contracted areas. All conversations with County staff shall be documented via email, including but not limited to:

weather/unusual conditions delays, contractual issues, instructions given by County staff, etc.

8. MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

A. All materials and performance of work shall meet all Federal, State and Local safety laws currently in effect, and Section 8, Special Terms and Conditions, Item No. 8.2, Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health.

B. Safety Data Sheets shall be submitted to the County’s representative upon demand for all chemicals intended for use in the performance of these services before they are used. All chemicals shall carry an EPA approval number.

C. Contractor and sub-contractors shall provide and ensure the wearing of necessary

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as required by any applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, and/or manufacturer’s instructions.

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D. All equipment used in the performance of these services shall be properly maintained per the manufacturer’s recommendation and is subject to inspection by the County upon demand. Any equipment deemed faulty, inoperable, unsafe or improper for its intended purpose shall be removed from the County’s premises. Safety features of equipment (including but not limited to shields and kill switches) shall be used at all times.

E. The Contractor and sub-contractors shall use fuel spill/ containment kits while refueling equipment on Orange County properties at all times. Contractor shall immediately report any spills or leaks to the designated County representative for proper clean up and reporting. The Contractor shall be liable for all costs associated with any clean up.

F. Contractor or sub-contractor shall not perform preventive maintenance work

(including but not limited to change oil and lubes) or repairs on any equipment, vehicles or trailers while on Orange County property. Equipment, vehicles or trailers shall not be left or stored on County property at any time.

G. The Contractor and sub-contractors shall take all necessary precautions for the safety of their employees and of the general public. Maintenance work shall be scheduled to provide the least inconvenience to building occupants and passers-by.

H. The Contractor shall comply with all sections of Chapter 482.1562, Florida Statues and

Orange County Ordinance Code 15 Article XVII regarding fertilization services including proper licensure whether by the Contractor or a sub-contractor that shall be listed on the schedule of subcontracting form provided herein. Lack of compliance with all sections of the aforementioned statutes shall be cause for termination.

I. Any applications of pesticides or fertilizers shall be properly labeled by signs (placards) to notify the public.

9. MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

A. Grounds shall, at all times, be clean, neat and apparently well-tended. Plants and turf shall be green, healthy and weed free. The lack of inspections by the County or any error or omission in these specifications shall not relieve the Contractor of its obligation to perform landscape management services in accordance with generally accepted industry standards.

B. The minimum staffing is as follows:

1. Minimum of six (6) working employees (not including sub-contractors) will be required at all times at Regional Facilities to perform the tasks specified for this contract.

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2. Supervisors shall not be counted as workers unless they are actively participating in performing work assignments on a full-time basis.

3. All maintenance personnel, including sub-contractors, shall identify themselves at the appropriate administrative office before beginning work. They shall be wearing a company issued uniform. One lead shall remain onsite while services are performed, and shall communicate in English with the County Representative or designee.

Note: Additional employees may be required if contract is amended to include additional work or sites.

C. The following is a list of the minimum equipment the Contractor shall have to be compliant with the work specified in this contract.

(4) Commercial Finish Mowers (minimum 60” deck)

(2) Commercial Gas Weed Eaters

(2) Commercial Gas Blowers

(2) Commercial Gas Edger’s

(2) Commercial Hedge/Brush Trimmers

(2) Commercial Gas Pole Saws

(2) Commercial Back Pack or Hand Held Sprayers

(1) Chainsaw

(1) Large Commercial Chemical Tank Sprayer

(2) Employee Transportation & Tow Vehicles (trucks)

(2) Equipment & Mower Transportation Trailers

Note: Additional equipment may be required if contract is amended to include additional work or sites. The County reserves the right to verify the equipment prior to use by the Contractor.

10. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

A. The Contractor shall ensure all equipment used in the performance of the contract on County property is in good safe working order and properly maintained in order to protect the operator and the public. All equipment used by the Contractor is subject to inspection by the County’s Representative. Any equipment on site, which is deemed by the County’s Representative to be inoperable, unsafe, or improper for desired use, shall be removed from the premises by the Contractor at their expense the same day of the County’s determination.

B. The Contractor shall furnish the required equipment to perform the work satisfactorily.

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C. Because every mowing area presents unique characteristics, the Contractor shall take the time to inspect and analyze the specific needs of each site. Some areas require ditch and/or slope mowing, some small machine mowing, some large machine mowing, and some others require a combination of equipment in order to provide the required services.

D. The mowing equipment used by the Contractor shall be maintained to produce a clean, sharp cut and uniform distribution of clippings at all times. To protect the integrity of the turf, the Contractor’s mowers shall be constructed such that the height of the turf cut will be four (4) inches. The Contractor shall use amber flashing lights on all mowing equipment and their employees must be provided with the required Personnel Protective Equipment as required by O.S.H.A. and the County.

E. Contractor shall maintain sole responsibility for the actions of its employees and subcontractors.

F. Contractor shall be held liable for any damages or injury to adjacent properties, structures, vehicles or individuals in the performance of this contract.

11. PERSONEL

A. All personnel provided by the Contractor, to include employees of the Contractor or sub-contractors, shall be competent, experienced, courteous, properly dressed, in uniform, per industry standards to perform services while on site and skilled in lawn, plant and grounds maintenance.

B. The Contractor shall employ a variety of grounds staff including a detail landscaping person who is responsible for the care of the landscaping and grounds, plants, flowers, pulls weeds, and ensures the landscaping and grounds are clean at the end of the cycle.

12. BACKGROUND CHECKS AND SECURITY

A. Contractor shall complete a national background check and drug screen on all Contractor and sub-contractor employees assigned to this contract and provide a written report within 15 days upon award of contract. The report shall be submitted to the Orange County Utilities Safety Administrator, Laura Matthieu, Laura.Matthieu@ocfl.net, Phone: 407-254-9643. Employees are not permitted to begin work on Orange County Property until approval has been given by the Orange County Utilities Safety Administrator and a vendor ID badge has been issued by Orange County.

B. Contractor shall submit a national background check and drug screen on all new hire employees including sub-contractor new hire employees and a report shall be mailto:Laura.Matthieu@ocfl.net

Page | 9 forwarded to the Orange County Utilities Safety Administrator. The employees shall not begin work on County property until approval has been given by the Orange County Utilities Safety Administrator and vendor ID badge has been issued by Orange County.

C. All Contractor & sub-contractor employees shall have an Orange County vendor picture identification badge in their possession at all times. Lost or stolen badges shall be reported immediately to the Orange County Utilities Safety Administrator.

D. Contractors shall notify the Orange County Utilities Safety Administrator with employee changes to include badged employees’ start and termination dates.

E. Contractor or sub-contractor terminated employees shall have their identification badge returned to the Orange County Utilities Safety Administrator for proper disposal.

F. Contractor and sub-contractor shall check in and out at the guard shack or office upon arrival and departure.

G. Contractor shall provide their own locks to all gates and keep gates locked at all times when providing contracted services on site. Contractor shall secure the gates upon departing site.

13. MOWING

A. Slope mowing, which is also a contract requirement, is generally limited to slopes greater or steeper than three-to-one (3:1) and are relatively inaccessible to the use of conventional mowing equipment (e.g., steep slopes, retention area banks and shores, canal banks, wet roadside ditches, etc.). These types of areas will normally require equipment specifically designed for this type of work. When slope mowing is performed, it shall incorporate the use of string trimmers to protect the integrity of the slope and prevent damage to the turf.

B. Sign posts, mailboxes, guardrails, trees, roadside outfall structures, fences, divider walls, shrubs, plants, light poles, utility flags or other such obstacles to mowing shall be hand mowed or trimmed around as necessary to present a groomed appearance.

C. Top of vegetation on wet bottom ditches areas shall be cut-off to the water’s level.

Particular attention shall be paid to planted areas.

D. Any damage that occurs to plants, trees, shrubs, mulched beds, tree rings, sprinkler heads, fence, etc., shall be repaired or restored, at the Contractor’s expense, before the cycle is completed. Mowing shall also include grass clipping removal and litter

Page | 10 removal, edging, and herbicide treatment. These costs shall be included in the unit price.

E. Wet ground areas may be omitted from a mowing service to prevent turf damage with documented approval of the County Representative or designee by email.

14. QUALITY

A. The Contractor shall perform all cutting in such a manner to produce a stand of mowed grass or vegetation cut uniformly with no streaks or scalping. In the event the Contractor damages the turf, curbs, or pavement, they shall restore it to its original condition and/or replacement thereof, prior to the end of the cycle, at no cost to the County. This also includes sign structures, mailboxes, appurtenances, etc.

B. All appurtenances shall be hand-mowed or trimmed around by the Contractor as necessary to present a well-groomed appearance. Appurtenances will include but not be limited to, sign posts and bases, delineator posts, fences, guardrail or barrier walls, end walls, pipes, drainage structures, poles, roadside retention area control structures, guys, landscape areas, etc.

C. At no time shall leaves, pine cones, trash, grass clippings or other debris be allowed to accumulate on site grounds or be dumped on the site grounds.

D. All organic trash, including grass clippings from mowing and edging, shall be blown or vacuumed away from all sidewalks, entryways, steps, plazas, roadways, fence lines and parking lots. Care shall be taken to prevent debris from entering waterways, including but not limited to gratings, drains, manholes and buildings. Blowers shall be directed away from these areas.

E. Fence lines and gates shall be maintained free of vegetation, including but not limited to tree limbs, grass clippings, and leaves at all times. Fence lines shall be trimmed with a weed eater. No spraying of weed killer shall be allowed. Contractor shall be held responsible to pay for any damage to the fencing or gates caused by their equipment or employees.

F. Weed eaters shall be used to trim around buildings, fence lines, trees, bollards, fire hydrants, culverts, drain pipes, junction boxes, piping that runs in and out of the ground, cathodic protection boxes, power transformers, power poles, power boxes, manholes, concrete valve collars, valve boxes, water well sites, and any other objects that are in the turf and seeded areas that look unkempt.

G. All edges shall be addressed no less than twice per month, but as often as necessary to maintain clean edges around all plant beds, curbs, sidewalks, streets, trees, plants and buildings.

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H. All areas shall be inspected weekly and documented by the Contractor for detection of disease, improper irrigation and other issues that shall be properly treated and corrected upon discovery. Notes verifying the inspection and any corrections shall be provided on the Weekly Landscape Maintenance Service Report. Check marks will not be sufficient proof of inspection.

I. The County’s representative shall be notified immediately of issues encountered and the corrective actions that were taken.

J. If the County’s representative discovers that any plant, tree, palm, or lawn area dies, or becomes weak, or unsightly due to negligence or improper maintenance procedures on the part of the Contractor, the Contractor shall be responsible for the replacement to the satisfaction of the County.

K. Contractor and sub-contractor shall keep non-lawn maintenance vehicles off of the lawn and landscaping. Contractor and sub-contractor shall use designated access points that are provided on the site to avoid damage to the grounds. The Contractor shall be responsible for the replacement to the satisfaction of the County of any damage to the lawn or landscaping from driving over it.

15. LANDSCAPE BEDS

A. All planting beds, ground covers and mulched areas shall be maintained free of weeds, trash, fallen limbs and dead vegetation.

B. All plants shall be maintained to a well-shaped appearance, according to each species' natural growth habit. Flowering shrubs shall be pruned in the proper season to allow fully flowering potential for the following flowering season. Grouped plantings shall be allowed to form masses appropriate to the species.

16. PEST CONTROL (WASPS, BEES & ANTS)

A. Contractor shall have a qualified, licensed employee or sub-contractor perform pest control work.

B. Contractor shall develop and provide a preventative pest control program specific to known local pests including but not limited to wasps, bees, and ants for the Bahia grass and plant bed areas. The program shall be approved by the County’s representative before being implemented.

C. The pest control program shall include all turf areas, including but not limited to shrubs, trees (including palms), annuals, and plant beds. Ant mounds shall be treated as they occur in the landscape. If such program(s) does not eliminate pests, a new

Page | 12 program(s) shall be provided at the County’s request and at no additional cost to the County for review and implementation.

D. Any damage caused by pests during the implementation of the pest control program shall be immediately corrected at the Contractor’s expense. Submission of a pest control program shall not imply, directly or indirectly, the County’s approval or disapproval of the program.

E. A pest control program shall include, at a minimum, the following:

1. Appropriate insecticides shall be applied to eradicated pests as needed per contract specifications. No insecticides shall be used within 75 feet of any water well site.

2. Contractor shall supply an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for all insecticides approved for use in the pest control plan to the County representative, as per Section 8, Special Terms and Conditions, Item No. 8.2, Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health.

3. Inspection of the entire property including turf areas, scrubs, trees (including palms), mulch, annuals and planting beds for any pest infestation including ants or other pests. Infestations shall be treated immediately. The County representative shall be informed of infestations discovered and treatments applied.

F. Complete Attachment C, “Weekly Landscape Maintenance Service Report” required for record keeping including chemicals applied and usage amounts, to be submitted with the corresponding monthly invoice.

17. TURF AREAS (SEEDED AND WILD GRASS)

A. Mowing height for St. Augustine, Bahia, seeded and wild grass turf shall be three (3) to four (4) inches maximum.

B. All seeded and wild grass turf areas shall be mowed no less than once per week or as often as necessary to present a groomed appearance.

C. Mower blades shall be maintained to the degree of sharpness required to produce a clean cut on turf areas.

D. Trimming and edging shall be performed around all paved areas, including curbs, sidewalks and streets, concrete pads, around plant bed borders, trees, plants, piping, poles and building at the time of mowing.

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E. Maintain existing or as requested by the County Representative, mowed and cut back areas around all buildings, interior and exterior fence and tree lines to maintain accessibility and prevent encroachment of overgrowth. All grass shall be mowed weekly.

F. Overgrowth is defined as any form of plant life that extends into the pedestrian, vehicle, or dirt pathway. If during inspection the plant, bush, or tree life touches the vehicle or person on the pathway, it shall be cut back.

G. Exterior fence lines of the site shall be mowed to a minimum of five (5) feet except where not accessible due to wetland conservation areas.

H. Conservation signs shall be visible, cut to and around the sign. These signs are not set a specific distance from the fence. The distance of the conservation signs is where the cut back or mowing ends both horizontally and vertically.

18. AQUATIC VEGETATION CONTROL

A. Contractor or sub-contractor shall develop and provide an aquatic vegetation control program to include dates of implementation. Focus shall be on controlling nuisance aquatic plants, occurring inside ponds and lakes within the contracted service site. It is necessary to distinguish between an aquatic plant problem, and a water quality enrichment problem that typically results in excessive algae production. Contractor shall have a qualified, licensed employee or sub-contractor perform this work.

B. Contractor shall submit the program plan listing the herbicide(s) that will be used on

County property to the County representative for approval prior to using.

C. Appropriate herbicide(s) shall be applied to control aquatic vegetation for the entire property with special attention to the retention ponds, drainage ditches and swales as needed per contract specifications. Contractor shall have a qualified licensed employee or sub-contractor perform this work. No herbicides shall be used within 75 feet of any water well site.

D. Contractor shall supply an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for all herbicide(s) pre-approved for use to the County representative, as per Section 8, Special Terms and Conditions, Item No. 8.2, Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health.

E. A pre-emergent herbicide shall be applied in the spring and fall to retention ponds, canals and ditches to control the spread of all forms of aquatic vegetation. Post-emergent applications shall be made as needed in the interim.

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F. Contractor shall inspect and document that the entire property including fence lines, rock beds, retention ponds and ditches, on a weekly basis to assure all aquatic vegetation have been treated per the contract specifications.

G. Complete Attachment C, “Weekly Landscape Maintenance Service Report” required for record keeping to include chemicals applied and usage amounts, to be submitted with the corresponding monthly invoice.

G. Contractor shall be liable for any overspray that results in damage to the adjacent wetland/conservation areas.

19. LANDSCAPE AND ROCK BEDS

A. All plant beds, rock beds, geogrid rock beds, ground covers and mulched areas shall be maintained free of weeds, trash, fallen limbs and dead vegetation. All weeds, vines, and grass growing in the planting and rock beds shall be removed by hand. No spraying of weed killer shall be allowed.

B. All plants shall be maintained to a well-shaped and sculpted appearance according to each species’ natural growth habit. Flowering shrubs shall be pruned in the proper season to allow full potential for the flowering season. Grouped plantings shall be allowed to form masses appropriate to the species.

C. Contractor shall apply fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s specifications or recommended 8-10-10, 50% slow release or better, with iron and manganese to all landscape beds, each spring, summer and fall. Additional applications of appropriate plant nutrients shall be applied when conditions warrant. No fertilizer shall be used within 75 feet of any water well site.

D. The Contractor shall notify the County representative of any landscape repair that becomes necessary through no fault of the Contractor.

20. TREES

A. Contractor shall maintain all tree limbs to a minimum clearance of twelve (12) feet high from grade. Suckers growth and dead material shall be removed from all trees and shrubs within a radius of twenty-five (25) feet. No limbs from neighboring trees shall encroach on decorative trees or come within five (5) feet of the fence line. This shall not include tree limbs over waterways, ponds, or trees on neighboring properties that are not owned by Orange County. Any questions regarding tree trimming shall be directed to the County Representative prior to beginning work.

B. Corrective pruning, trimming and sculpting of trees and limbs shall be included in bid price. All Crape Myrtle trees shall be pruned each February.

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C. All palm trees shall be pruned a minimum of twice per year and shall be included in bid price. Loose boots and dead palm fronds shall be removed weekly. All seed pods shall be removed when they occur on the palms and shall be included in these services.

D. Contractor is responsible for immediately removing all debris from trimming and pruning from the site at their expense. Any debris dumping on site shall not be allowed.

E. Any major tree surgery or tree removal, which becomes necessary through no fault of the Contractor, shall be at the County’s expense. The Contractor shall report their findings to the County representative for inspection and approval prior to proceeding with any tree work.

F. If the base of the tree is beyond five (5) feet, but the limbs are in the five (5) foot range, the Contractor shall cut limbs beyond the five (5) foot range.

G. Decorative trees shall not be encroached upon by other brush or trees. The Contractor shall maintain the mulch on the decorative trees at three (3) inches in depth, a minimum of three (3) feet in diameter from the base, and a three (3) foot diameter walking path from the edge of the mulch bed.

21. MULCH

A. Mulch shall be replaced a minimum of once a year at Contractor’s expense.

B. Mulch shall be pine bark. (No exceptions or substitutions shall be allowed)

C. Contractor shall remove existing mulch prior to installing any new mulch. All old mulch

(pine bark) must be raked out and disposed of immediately at the Contractors expense. Any dumping of old mulch on site shall not be allowed.

D. All mulch shall be provided by Contractor at the Contractor’s expense and maintained at three (3) inches of thickness. Mulch shall be maintained to a loose consistency and shall not be allowed to become matted or compacted.

E. Mulch shall be installed between January 1st and February 1st each year.

22. IRRIGATION INSPECTION AND REPAIRS

A. Contractor shall have a qualified, licensed irrigation technician capable of manually running, testing and repairing the irrigation system.

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B. Contractor shall inspect the irrigation system no less than once per month to ensure that all components are functioning properly and shall report the findings of each inspection to the County representative and note it on the Weekly Landscape Maintenance Service Report.

C. All irrigation heads shall be in the proper orientation at all times (i.e. vertical, horizontal) for complete operation and distribution of water by the irrigation heads employed.

D. All irrigation shall be programmed according to Orange County Utilities Water

Restrictions Rules located at the following link:

(http://www.orangecountyfl.net/watergarbagerecycling/wateringrestrictions.aspx ) and monitored to ensure that the functions of the site are not disrupted by the irrigation operations or inspections.

E. Application shall be accomplished so that plants are watered adequately. Contractor shall verify proper irrigation coverage and proper water relationships weekly to avoid prolonged dry/wet conditions.

F. Soil moisture tests shall be provided at the request of the County Representative at the Contractor’s expense.

G. Irrigation repairs shall require a quote. The County representative shall request from the Contractor an irrigation repair quotation which will include a detailed scope of services and a fixed price which shall be in accordance with the hourly rates provided on the Bid Response Form.

H. The Contractor shall promptly make any necessary irrigation repairs upon receipt of a separate Delivery Order. Parts shall be billed separately at Contractor’s cost plus the mark-up/mark down provided on the Bid Response Form. A copy of the Contractor’s supplier receipt for the parts shall be attached to the invoice.

I. Contractor shall repair or replace all broken, damaged, or missing sprinkler heads, irrigation lines, timers, valves and controllers to a per month maximum cost equal to 15% of the monthly landscape management price.

J. Any repairs or replacements required over and above 15% of the monthly landscape management price shall be the Contractor’s responsibility with an agreement that has been reached by the County representative and the Contractor.

K. Irrigation system repairs shall be made within twenty-four (24) hours of the

Contractor being notified.

http://www.orangecountyfl.net/watergarbagerecycling/wateringrestrictions.aspx

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23. PARKING LOTS AND DRIVEWAYS

Parking lots and driveways shall be kept free of trash, including glass, fallen limbs and other debris. Care shall be taken to avoid damage to any vehicles on site as a result of landscape maintenance activities. Contractor shall be liable for any damage to vehicles.

24. DRAINAGE DITCHES & SWALES

A. Contractor shall cut vegetation three (3) to four (4) feet from the crest of the bank where there are ditches and swales. Care shall be given not to scalp vegetation along these ditches to maintain the structural integrity of the banks.

B. Mowing equipment shall not drive across any ditches or swells but shall use designated access points that are provided on the site.

C. Contractor shall use a string trimmer (weed eater) on the upper one (1) foot of all ditch banks. Care shall be taken to prevent mowing /trimming debris from entering canals, waterways, ditches, manholes, and drains. All mower shoots & blowers shall be directed away from these areas.

D. Care shall be given not to scalp vegetation ditches so as to maintain the structural integrity of the banks. Contractor shall use a string trimmer on the banks to the water’s edge or appropriate mechanical means.

25. LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

A. The Contractor or Sub-Contractor that is listed on the Sub-Contractor Schedule shall keep current their commercial pest control and fertilizer licensure and shall present it to the County upon request. The Contractor shall comply with all sections of Chapter 482.1562, Florida Statues and Orange County Ordinance Code 15 Article XVII regarding services including proper licensure whether by the Contractor or a sub-contractor that shall be listed on the schedule of subcontracting. Lack of compliance with all sections of the aforementioned statutes shall be cause for actions leading up to termination.

B. Contractor shall maintain at all times a qualified, currently licensed employee or sub-contractor performing commercial pest control work. Documentation confirming licensure shall be presented to the County upon request.

C. The Contractor or Sub-Contractor that is listed on the Sub-Contractor Schedule shall keep current their commercial irrigation certification and shall present it to the County upon request. Contractor shall maintain on-file with the County the Contractor’s licensed irrigation technician that shall manually run the irrigation system whether by the Contractor or a sub-contractor on the schedule of

Page | 18 subcontracting. Contractor shall have a qualified, currently licensed employee or sub-contractor perform all commercial irrigation work.

D. The Contractor or Sub-Contractor that is listed on the Sub-Contractor Schedule shall keep current their commercial licensure/certification of herbicide applicator for the control of aquatic weed/vegetation and shall present it to the County upon request.

Control of aquatic vegetation is for the property with special attention to the retention ponds, drainage ditches and swales. Contractor shall have a qualified, current, licensed employee or sub-contractor perform commercial aquatic vegetation control work.

26. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

A. Litter Removal – During each mowing cycle, all litter and debris from the Contractor’s services shall be removed prior to and upon completion of the cutting. Litter and debris removal includes the pickup, removal, and disposal from County property of any obstacle such as wood, signs, tires, cans, etc., which cannot be traversed by the mowing equipment. The Contractor shall remove any item such as bags of trash, newspapers, magazines, food containers, boxes, sheets of paper, etc., which will be torn, ripped, scattered or further subdivided by the mowers, which will result in an objectionable appearance. The cost of litter removal will be included in the unit price bid for mowing.

B. Clipping Removal – During each cycle grass clippings that are not uniformly distributed and detract from the appearance of the Contractor’s mowing operation, shall be removed from the job site by the Contractor, upon completion of the mowing operation to allow for a neat and clean appearance of the area. The Contractor shall remove and dispose of all grass clippings from the pavement, fence lines, sidewalks, curbs and curb inlets located within the limits of the maintenance boundaries. The cost of grass clipping removal shall be included in the unit price bid for mowing. The grass clipping removal will be performed on the same day of mowing and in conjunction with the mowing cycle by the Contractor. The Contractor shall maintain the inlet openings free from the debris generated during their mowing operation.

Grass clippings shall not be blown into drains or storm drain inlets. Failure to adhere to this will result in the Contractor, at their own expense within two (2) working days, jetting out these pipes and drains or reimbursing the County for the clean-up effort carried out by County personnel.

C. Brush Control – During each cycle, the Contractor shall cut and remove brush and plant growth up to two (2) inches in diameter and up to seven (7) feet in height from the base. This work shall be performed in conjunction with the mowing cycle. The cost of brush control will be included in the unit price bid for mowing.

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D. Low hanging limbs shall be documented to be addressed by the County Representative or designee.

E. Edging - Edging encompasses the removal of all weeds, sand, vegetation, debris and plant material by the Contractor from all edges including but not limited to the following structures: sidewalks, paved approaches, and curbs, to maintain these areas in an attractive and manicured condition. Edging encompasses the removal of growth mechanically and manually.

NOTE: Areas specified for edging shall not be treated with herbicide.

1. Quantity and Frequency of Edging - Edging shall be performed in conjunction with every mowing cycle by the Contractor. The cost of edging of sidewalks, paved approaches and curbs will be included in the unit price bid for mowing.

2. Method of Operations – The edging of sidewalks, paved approaches, and curbs shall create a distinct void; approximately one-half (1/2) inch horizontally between the structure and the turf. String trimmers shall not be used in edging by the Contractor. Edging by the Contractor also includes the removal of all sand and debris from the areas designated to be edged.

3. Upon completion of edging by the Contractor, no growth, sand or debris will touch any of the structures designated to be edged. The Contractor shall remove all sand and debris from the areas designated for edging. The cost of this removal and disposal will be included in the unit price bid for mowing.

4. Quality - Plant growth, sand and debris shall be removed by the Contractor from all specified areas to provide a neatly groomed and manicured appearance in accordance with the scope of work. If at any time, performed work is deemed unsatisfactory by the County's Representative, the services shall be re-performed at no additional cost to the County.

NOTE: Areas designated to be edged shall not be treated with herbicide.

27. COMPLETION OF WORK

A. The Contractor shall complete the work ordered within each designated cycle and shall notify in writing of areas completed on a weekly basis to the County’s Representative for inspection and approval of work quality being accomplished.

B. The County’s Representative will make a final inspection and will notify the Contractor in writing of any deficiencies found in reported areas. In the event of unsatisfactory work, the Contractor shall repeat the work without additional compensation, within

Page | 20 two (2) work days of initial notification by the County unless otherwise authorized by the County’s Representative.

28. FINAL INSPECTION FOR PAYMENT

After the Contractor has corrected all deficiencies to the satisfaction of the County’s Representative, the Contractor shall submit a monthly invoice for services provided during the weekly cycles provided for the month. Failure to comply with proper invoicing requirements may result in termination of this contract.

29. INVOICING AND REPORTING

A. Basis of Payment - Payment shall be full compensation for furnishing all equipment, materials, labor, disposal, and incidentals necessary to complete designated areas.

B. The Contractor’s authorization to proceed with service shall only commence after receipt of a delivery order.

C. The Contractor shall invoice monthly and be compensated at the weekly cycle unit price multiplied by the actual number of weekly cycles completed for the month.

D. Weekly Landscape Maintenance Service Reports shall be included by the Contractor along with the corresponding monthly invoice to the appropriate County representative on the last day of each month.

30. PERFORMANCE ISSUES

The County will hold the Contractor responsible for meeting all of the Contractor’s contractual obligations. If performance issues arise that cannot be resolved between the Contractor and the County's Representative, the matter will be referred to the Procurement Division for appropriate action.