A pre-bid conference will be held on March 13, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. in the conference room at Pierce Transit Training Center, 3720 96th Street SW, Lakewood, Washington 98499-0070. All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend.

CONTRACT BID AREAS

Contract bid areas are as defined on the Landscape Maintenance Contract Bid Area Plans included in the bid package. A general description of Bid Areas is provided below. See attachment for site layouts.

Site #1: Pierce Transit Headquarters 3701 96th Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499-4407	Site #2: Tacoma Community College Transit Center. Northeast corner of 19th and South Mildred Street 6615 S. 19th St Tacoma, WA 98422-3702
Site #3: Narrows Park and Ride Lot Corner of 6th Ave and Skyline 7201 S. 6th Ave. Tacoma, WA 98406-1219	Site #4: Lakewood Mall Transit Center 10109 Plaza Drive SW Lakewood, WA 98499
Site #5: 72nd Street Transit Center 1319 East 72nd Street Tacoma, WA 98404-3308	Site #6: Northend Bus Turnaround and Theatre Square 10th and Commerce 930 S. Commerce St Tacoma, WA 98402-4107
Site #7: South Hill Mall Transit Center 503 39th St. SW Puyallup, WA 98373-5982	Site #8: Parkland Transit Center Corner of Pacific Ave and 121st St 213 S 121st Street Parkland, WA 98444-5134
Site #9: Tacoma Mall Transit Center Across from Tacoma Mall entrance on South 48th Street 2502 S 48th St. Tacoma, WA 98409-7162	Site #10: Layover Site 17th and Broadway 1720 S. Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402-3206
Site #11: Kimball Drive Park and Ride Lot 6806 Kimball Dr. Gig Harbor, WA 98335-1234	Site #12: I-5/512 Park and Ride Lot Pacific Highway, south of SR 512 10617 South Tacoma Way Lakewood, WA 98499-4650
Site #13: Purdy Park and Ride Lot Corner of SR 302 and 144th St NW 6519 144th Street NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8716	Site #14: 96th Street Parking Lot 3750 96th Street SW Lakewood, WA 98499-4432
Site #15: Roy Y Park and Ride Lot Intersection of SR 7 and SR 507 19102 State Route 7 Spanaway, WA 98387	Site #16: Tacoma Dome Station 610 Puyallup Ave E Tacoma, WA 98421-2012
Site #17: Bonney Lake Park and Ride Lot 9101 184th Ave E Bonney Lake, WA 98390-8564	Site #18: Property on Northeast Corner of South Tacoma Way and 96th Lakewood, WA 98373

The services required include weeding, cultivating, trimming, pruning, mowing, edging, and the application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to visit the various sites and prepare questions for the pre-bid conference to be held at 8:30 a.m. on March 13th, 2008 at Pierce Transit Training Center.

SCOPE OF WORK AT ALL FACILITIES:

1. Contractor will bring all facilities up to the standards established by this scope of work within the first three months of the first contract year. When, to the satisfaction of Pierce Transit, each facility is to the standard, the contractor will be eligible for payment of the one-time remediation fee provided under BID PROPOSAL. No remediation fee will be payable after the third month of the contract period.

2. Weekly, inspect landscaped/vegetated areas, then weed and remove moss; also trim, and remove new or dead growth so walkways, sidewalks and barked areas are kept clean and look well-cared for. Trimming during growing season shall occur as needed to ensure the following standards are met:
   • Remove dead, damaged and diseased portions of plants
   • Prune trees and shrubs to maintain their natural shape
   • Trees and shrubs are not to be allowed to grow together unless designed to do so as a hedge
   • Trees (including conifers) will be kept pruned to allow at least 2 feet of unobstructed space between the ground and the lowest limb
   • Trees will be pruned to avoid conflict with vehicular or pedestrian traffic and will not be allowed to interfere with site lighting or security cameras
   • Shrubs around the headquarters admin building will be kept pruned to no higher than the building windowsills and not touching building walls.
   • Other hedges shall be kept trimmed to no more than 3 feet in height
   • Other shrubs will be kept pruned to no higher than 2-½ feet above the ground
   • Trees, shrubs and ground cover must be kept off fire hydrants, signs, fences, walls, sitting areas, walkways and driveways.

3. Lawns, bedded areas, fence lines, asphalt and concrete pads shall be kept weed, grass and moss free by hand or use of herbicides approved by Pierce Transit. NOTE: Contractor shall be responsible for removing weeds, grass or moss in passenger loading and parking areas.

4. Rake all bedded areas as often as required to ensure a fresh bark appearance. Re-barking of any location will be at the discretion of Pierce Transit and will be covered under a separate purchase order.

5. Sweep or blow clean all sidewalks and/or concrete areas affected by work. All debris shall be removed from the site.

6. Fertilize all plants once during growing season (preferably April). Care is to be taken not to burn the plants.

7. Trees, shrubs and ground cover: weed, pest and disease control
   • Pierce Transit encourages environmentally sensitive maintenance practices. Provide Pierce Transit a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to "blanket" applications of herbicides, fungicides or insecticides. All chemicals must be EPA approved and applied by a licensed Washington State Pesticide Applicator per the manufacturer's recommendations. Provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to Pierce Transit for any chemicals used.

   • Apply insecticide or fungicide to trees, shrubs and ground covers only when significant plant damage would result from not addressing the infestation. Base pest and disease control program on site historical data.

   • Keep planter beds and tree wells free of weeds and debris on a weekly basis throughout the year. Control weeds with contact spray herbicide, hand-weeding and selective use of pre-emergent herbicides. Apply only at manufacturers approved rates to avoid soil toxicity. Verify that herbicide is appropriate for use with various plant materials. Contractor is responsible for any damages incurred as a result of herbicide application and must repair or replace any such damage at no cost to Pierce Transit.

   • Control of major disease and insect infestations for trees, shrubs and ground covers is not a part of the Contract. Regularly monitor all plant material and immediately notify owner of any need for such control. Contractor is responsible for any damage to plant material incurred as a result of failure to immediately notify Pierce Transit of correctable disease and/or insect problems, and must replace any such damaged plant material at no additional cost to Pierce Transit.

8. Prune trees, vines, and shrubbery in the fall, after the typical growing season.

9. Pick up and remove all leaves and debris in bedded/landscaped areas, passenger loading areas and parking lots starting in Autumn (when leaves on surrounding trees start to fall) and perform this service once a week until leaves cease falling.

10. Establish the watering schedule for each site, except Purdy and Roy Y, which have no irrigation system.

ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK AT:

• Pierce Transit Headquarters
• Tacoma Community College
• Narrows Park and Ride Lot
• Lakewood Mall Transit Center
• 72nd Street Transit Center
• Northend Bus Turnaround and Theatre Square
• Tacoma Dome Station
• South Hill Mall Transit Center
• 96th Street Parking Lot
• Roy Y Park and Ride Lot

1. Lawns to be mowed every 7 days during the growing season. Grass shall not be cut closer than 1" nor shall it be longer than 1-1/2 inches in height after each cutting. The mower blades shall be kept sharp to prevent shredded grass tips that turn brown. The biofiltration areas at 72nd Street, the 96th Street Parking Lot, and the Roy Y Park and Ride shall be mowed when conditions allow. When too wet to mow, the grass must be cut to four inches (4") or less with a nylon cord trimmer or equipment. The erosion control grass areas at the Headquarters, 96th Street Lot and Roy Y will be cut to 4” or less at all times.

2. Edging around lawn perimeters, sidewalks, and bedded areas shall be done with each mowing.

3. Conduct soils tests for each facility with lawns in early spring of the first contract year before fertilizer is applied. Tests to be performed by an authorized laboratory to determine fertility and pH requirements of turf areas. Take a minimum of 25 representative sub-samples at Pierce Transit Headquarters. Submit soil test analysis and recommendations to Pierce Transit.

4. Fertilize landscape turf areas with a well-balanced, slow release fertilizer as required to provide vigorous deep rooting and a healthy green appearance year around. Determine fertilizer application rates and materials from soil test results. Submit a fertilizer schedule listing proposed materials, application rates and application times prior to performing work. Provide four applications per year as part of the base contract.

5. Apply agricultural grade pellet form lime to all turf areas once annually as recommended by soil tests.

6. Aerate all compacted areas of formal turf areas once annually in the spring. Aerate with a vertically operating core aerator utilizing shaft mounted 1/2" hollow tines. Cores shall be made 4" on center to a 3" depth. Vacuum plugs.

7. Remove any thatch over 1/2 inch in depth from turf areas once annually in the fall. Control broadleaf weeds in all landscape turf areas by spot applications of contact herbicide.

8. Monitor all turf areas for infestation of crane fly and other harmful insects. Apply pesticides only to specific areas where insect infestations have been identified by the Contractor and pose significant risks to the health and appearance of turf.

9. Establish the watering schedule for each site.

ADDITIONAL SCOPE OF WORK AT PIERCE TRANSIT HEADQUARTERS

1. Provide an exterior flower program in the area located at the entrance to Building 4, in the flower tub at the rear of Building 4 and in eight (8) tubs located on the southwest corner of Building 1.
   • Provide two installations of annual color. Additional changes are not part of the Contract work and will be installed at Pierce Transit's request and will be covered under a separate purchase order. Review each proposed color change with Pierce Transit prior to ordering or arranging contract growing of material. Avoid material selections that conflict with signage. Provide diversity of color and texture and avoid mass plantings of only one variety within a bed. Annual color changes and typical plantings are outlined below.

   • Spring: 4" pots 9" o.c. between early April and mid May dependent on weather conditions. Typical plantings to consist of Begonias, Marigolds, Nicotiana, Ivy and Zonal Geraniums, Impatiens, Victoria Salvia, Lotus Vine, Dusty Miller, Marguerite Daisies, Snap-dragons, Petunias, etc. Perennials and ornamental grasses may also be used for summer color.

   • Fall: 1 gallon pots 12" on center or 4" pots 9" o.c. in early October. Typical plantings to consist of Kale, Peacock Kale, Winter Pansies and Dusty Miller planted with bulbs. Plant bulbs in tight clusters with approximately 6 bulbs per square foot of bulb area. Bulbs to fill approximately 30% of total annual color bed area. Bulb plantings to consist of Daffodils, Narcissus, Tulips, Hyacinth, etc. Daffodils bulbs may be left in place for multiple seasons when used as the rear border of a color bed. Provide Top Quality Grade AAA bulbs.

   • Apply granular annual color fertilizer to flowering plants monthly during Feb., May, July, August, Sept., Oct. and Dec.

   • Deadhead (remove) spent flowers twice a month during the months of November through April and (4) times a month from May through October. After deadheading bulbs to remain, allow foliage to remain for 4-5 weeks prior to cutting to the ground.

   • Keep all color beds and containers free of weeds and debris on a weekly basis throughout the year.

   • Regularly monitor all flowering plants for disease and insect infestation. Apply fungicide, insecticide and/or slug bait only as necessary to control specific problems areas.

SCOPE OF WORK AT NORTHEAST CORNER OF SOUTH TACOMA WAY & 96TH ST SW

1. When requested by Pierce Transit, Contractor shall:
   • Mow entire property within fence line.
   • Cut back blackberry bushes/remove blackberry bushes from fence line to approximately 3 feet.
   • Pick up and remove clippings from the property.
   • Clear all weeds/foliage from fence line.
   • Spray herbicide along fence lines. Environmentally friendly products should be used. Product sheets shall be submitted to Pierce Transit for approval.
   • Work shall be performed in accordance with Pierce Transit safety regulations.
   • Walkways shall be clear of any debris associated with the work.
   • Permits, if needed, shall be obtained by the Contractor.

REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

1. Contractor shall be responsible for the start up, shut down, repair and maintenance of the irrigation systems at the following sites:
   • Pierce Transit Headquarters
   • Tacoma Community College Transit Center
   • Narrows Park and Ride Lot
   • Lakewood Mall Transit Center
   • 72nd Street Transit Center
   • Northend Bus Turnaround and Theatre Square
   • South Hill Mall Transit Center
   • Parkland Transit Center
   • Tacoma Mall Transit Center
   • Layover Site 17th and Broadway
   • Kimball Drive Park and Ride Lot
   • I-5/512 Park and Ride Lot
   • 96th Street Parking Lot
   • Tacoma Dome Station
   • Bonney Lake Park and Ride Lot

2. System start up will be performed at the end of April each year and consists of the following tasks:
   • Opening water supply valves
   • Clearing lines of air/testing
   • Turn on timers
   • Making needed adjustments to heads and timers

   Time involved is estimated to be at least 32 man hours per year.

3. System shut down will be performed at the end of October each year and consists of the following tasks:
   • Closing water supply valves
   • Opening drain valves
   • Charging lines with air (not to exceed 30 psi)
   • Shutting off timers

   Tools Contractor needs include, but may not be limited to:

   • Portable air supply
   • Pressure gauge/regulator
   • Air hose/adapters
   • "T" wrench for water valves
   • Sod cutter

   Time involved is estimated to be at least 16 man hours per year.

4. Repair and maintenance is estimated to involve an average of 20 man hours per month. Examples of ordinary repairs include, but is not limited to:
   • Replacing missing/damaged heads
   • Trimming sod around heads
   • Checking for leaks in system
   • Adjusting head nozzles as needed
   • Timer repairs and adjustments (scheduling)
   • Repairing/replacing solenoid valves as needed

5. Pierce Transit will purchase the parts needed for the repair and maintenance of the irrigation systems. Contractor shall request parts from Pierce Transit as needed.

NON-PERFORMANCE PENALTIES

1. The Contractor will establish a firm schedule for recurring ground maintenance actions for each location. This schedule must be provided to Pierce Transit before payment of the first month's invoice will be made. This schedule will be utilized to conduct random site checks to ensure contractor adherence to these specifications. Contractor must notify Pierce Transit in the event that they are not able to adhere to the established schedule during any particular week.

2. In the event the contractor fails to accomplish any task under this scope of work Pierce Transit will provide reasonable notice to take corrective action. If the Contractor does not perform the service, Pierce Transit may, at its option, cause the non-performed tasks to be accomplished through another source and deduct the cost of such from the amount normally due the contractor for that monthly period.

3. In the event the contractor fails to accomplish certain tasks, and the delay in taking corrective action results in a missed service, Pierce Transit may deduct the following amounts from the affected month's contracted fee:

   For each week in each bid area when weeds, grass or moss are not removed from passenger loading or parking areas.	$50
   For each occurrence in each bid area when sidewalks or concrete areas are not cleaned after work.	$50
   For each week in each bid area when planter beds and tree wells are not cleared of weeds and debris.	$100
   For each week in each bid area when leaves or debris are not removed from landscape area or parking lot when leaves are falling.	$100
   For each week in each bid area when grass is not mowed or edged during the growing season.	$100
   For each occurrence when spent flowers not deadheaded as specified at Pierce Transit Headquarters.	$50
   For each week in each bid area when the irrigation system is not operational and the contractor is not waiting for parts from Pierce Transit.	$50

CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Contractor will provide his own labor, tools, equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, transportation, etc. The Contractor will dispose of all trimmings and dead growth. Environmentally approved vegetation killers are permissible in all areas to the extent that they do not adversely affect the plants and trees which have been planted, but must be approved by Pierce Transit prior to application.

IDENTIFICATION
Contractor personnel will carry contractor identification at all times while on Pierce Transit property. Contractor personnel will show identification when asked by Pierce Transit employees, law enforcement officers or security personnel.

LICENSE
The successful contractor shall be licensed to do business in the State of Washington and shall furnish the license number to Pierce Transit.

PROFESSIONAL AND GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Contractor shall file with PIERCE TRANSIT evidence of professional liability and general liability insurance certifying coverage contained therein or, in the alternative, provide documentation of a self-insured program. Such insurance shall provide protection against professional and personal injury liability. The Certificate of Insurance shall identify the insurer and the Contractor, the type and amount of insurance, the location and operations to which the insurance applies, and the effective and expiration dates of the policies of insurance. Further, the contractor shall advise PIERCE TRANSIT of any changes of insurance company, coverage, limits of liability and notices of cancellation of insurance. Limits of liability shall be not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence of personal injury suffered or alleged to have been suffered by reason of or in the course of operations under this contract, whether occurring by reason of acts of omissions of the contractor, or any subcontractor, or both. Such insurance shall be maintained throughout the term of this contract and may not be canceled without providing at least thirty (30) days advance notice of such cancellation to PIERCE TRANSIT.

INDEMNIFICATION
The Contractor agrees to hold harmless and indemnify PIERCE TRANSIT against any and all claims, suits, damages, costs, or legal expense as a result of bodily injury or property damage resulting from the negligence of the Contractor. All policies of insurance carried by the Contractor shall be written as primary policies, not contributing with and not in excess of insurance coverage which PIERCE TRANSIT may carry.

PREVAILING WAGE RATES
The successful bidder shall be required to pay prevailing wages for hours worked under this contract throughout the contract term. The wage rate currently in effect for landscape maintenance laborers is $17.07 per hour. Overtime: All hours worked on Saturdays shall be paid at one and one-half times the hourly rate of pay. All hours worked on Sundays and holidays shall be paid at double the hourly rate of pay. The prevailing wage rate in effect at the time of bid opening shall be valid for the entire five year period including the two optional one year periods if exercised.

"Statement of Intent to Pay Prevailing Wage" form must be filed by the Contractor and all subcontractors at the beginning of the contract. The "Statement of Intent to Pay Prevailing Wage" form does not need to be filed again during the term of the contract including option years, if exercised. The "Affidavit of Wages Paid" form shall be filed by the Contractor and all subcontractors one time at the end of the contract. Payments to the Contractor shall be held until forms are properly filed and certified.

PRICING
Pricing shall be provided for all areas per month and shall be provided for each contract year (including optional years). Prices shall not be changed during the course of the contract unless Pierce Transit changes requirements or adds or deletes service areas or as a result of legislative changes that affect the contractor's costs. In that event, the contractor shall submit cost data to Pierce Transit for review and negotiation.

PAYMENT
The successful contractor shall submit invoices monthly. Pierce Transit will remit payment within 30 days of receipt of a correct invoice. Incorrect invoices shall be subject to correction and/or rejection by Pierce Transit.

CANCELLATION
Pierce Transit reserves the right to cancel the contract by giving a 30-day written notice, if the service received should become unsatisfactory.

TERM OF CONTRACT
The term of the contract shall be from May 1, 2008 - April 31, 2011, with two optional one-year periods upon mutual agreement by both parties.

PRE-AWARD CONFERENCE
Pierce Transit shall conduct a pre-award conference with the apparent low bidder to evaluate the capabilities and resources of the apparent low bidder, and to review references of clients having similar requirements as set forth in this specification. Reference checks shall be an integral part of the final analysis of an award of contract. NOTE: Negative reference feedback may cause the bidder to be judged non-responsible and may result in rejection of the apparent low bid.

AWARD
Pierce Transit reserves the right to award this contract in whole or in parts.