Specifications include, but are not limited to: Lawn Care Services are required throughout the State of Illinois by agencies that do not employ staff to provide them. These facilities are visited daily by many persons conducting business with the State and the appearance and public perception of the agency is associated with the condition of the agency’s grounds. The need for these services is also required by the State’s need to maintain the facilities it owns or leases to guard investment in those operating facilities. ; Vendor shall provide lawn care and weed control as needed for the entire growing season (Approximately starting April 1 – November (pending weather conditions)). Services shall include, but not limited to, mowing, weeding, spraying and filling low spots/holes with soil.; 1.1.1. LAWN CARE – COMPLETE CYCLE: A) Turf shall be cut to a height of three to five inches as conditions dictate, but not more than once every seven days without the Facility Manager’s approval. Mowing shall be done frequently enough so that no more than one-third of the grass blade is removed per cutting. Mowing equipment and patterns shall be employed to permit recycling of clippings where possible and present a neat appearance. Excess clippings shall be removed and blades on all equipment shall be sharp to prevent tearing of the grass blades.; B) At the request of the Building Manager any dead or unwanted plants and shrubs shall be removed. ; C) Turf adjacent to walks and curbs shall be edged as needed through the season.; D) All cut grass shall be blown and/or swept from the sidewalks, driveways, curbs, patios, etc.; E) In the event there is damage by reason of the mowing, the Vendor will be required to repair and/or replace same at Vendor’s own expense with like kind and as directed by the IDOT facility manager or his/her designee.; 1.1.2. GENERAL SPRING CLEAN-UP: A general spring cleanup to remove debris accumulated over winter will be provided, only if requested by the State.; 1.1.3 WEED SPRAYING: The spraying of weeds in the parking area, sidewalks, and landscaping will be provided, only if requested by the State. Hourly pricing for this item shall be quoted within 2.2.1.C.; 1.2. MILESTONES AND DELIVERABLES: 1.2.1. Vendor shall invoice the State for services on a monthly basis.; 1.2.2. Vendor shall maintain all required licenses and permits during the life of the contract.; 1.2.3. Vendor must provide all necessary equipment for lawn care services including lawn mowers and manual or power apparatus such as a weed-eater as needed for trimming around shrubs, trees, adjacent to the building, sidewalks and curbs.; 1.2.4. All work shall be performed as needed. Vendor will contact the IDOT Facility Manager, or designee, prior to each mowing.; 1.2.5. Work will be performed by trained, properly supervised personnel in accordance with accepted horticultural practices. Chemicals will be applied by licensed personnel.; 1.2.6. Material shall be applied in accordance with manufacturer's directions. Where alternate products are available, the environmental impact of the products shall govern which is used. ; 1.2.7. Adequate personnel and equipment shall be provided to permit the timely completion of all operations.; 1.2.8. Landscape debris accumulated from maintenance operations described herein shall be removed from the site at the end of each day at no additional charge; 1.2.9. Any work performed on State premises shall be done during the hours designed by the Department and performed in a manner that does not interfere with State, it’s personnel and the traveling public.
