Specifications include, but are not limited to: Contractor(s) shall be responsible for providing all labor, equipment, fuel, materials, and insurance, to properly accomplish ROW mowing and trimming in accordance with schedules, and requirements of the RFP and as directed by NDOT at a bid price per acre and per mile. MOWING PROCEDURES The work as specified in this request for proposal shall be performed during the mowing season of May 1 through October 31. A mowing cycle shall consist of one complete mowing of the areas designated in the Mowing Schedule (Exhibit 1). The total estimated acreages are based on three (3) mowing cycles for the Norfolk and West Point area (See Exhibit 2-District 3 Map) during the mowing season and are not guaranteed quantities. Budget restraints, weather conditions, vegetation growth, and road construction or repairs may alter the mowing frequency and estimated acres. The Mowing Schedule contains necessary information such as highway and reference post numbers, designated acreage, etc., in order for the contractor to accomplish the work. The contractor shall perform the number of mowing cycles as described in this RFP and in the mowing schedule. The Department reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of mowing cycles. In addition, the Department has the option to amend the Mowing Schedule to include additional locations not specified in the Mowing Schedule (Exhibit 1) but that are within the District Superintendent’s area at the “Optional” bid price per acre and per mile as provided by the Contractor on the Cost Proposal/Bid Sheet. Mowing Cycles: Mowing cycles are subject to change per the direction of the Area Maintenance Superintendent. If conditions warrant an earlier start or a later finish than the mowing schedule, written and/or verbal authorization must be received from the Department of Transportation before any work is performed. Additional mowing cycles shall be performed as directed and approved by NDOT personnel in accordance with the mowing schedule or as conditions warrant. First mowing cycle: between May 1 and June 7 (15 foot cut) Second mowing cycle: between June 25 and August 15 (15 foot cut) Third mowing cycle: between September 1 and October 30 (30 foot cut)