Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Contract Duration: 6-months Installation prior to Dec. 31, 2023; Establishment Phase to end of Contract. Contract will run from NTP November 2023 through April 30, 2024 Primary Place of Performance: West side of Apple Avenue, Frederick, MD Summary Statement This project includes the installation of screen plantings and mulch within a 10-11 ft. wide landscaped strip of land between Apple Avenue and east of and aligned with the screen fence located within US 15 right-of-way. The planting area extends approximately 1500 feet north from the south curb of Evergreen Avenue. All precautions shall be taken to protect pedestrians and adjacent properties. All work shall be performed between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. All work shall be coordinated with the Office of Environmental Design Landscape Programs Division (OED LPD) Project Engineer and District 7 Maintenance. All work on this project shall conform to State Highway Administration's Specifications entitled, "Standard Specifications for Construction and Materials" dated July 2023 revisions thereof, or additions thereto, and the Special Provisions included in this Invitation for Bids. 2.1.1 It is the State's intention to obtain goods and services, as specified in this IFB, from a Contract between the selected Bidder and the State. 2.1.2 The Administration intends to make a single award for the work under this IFB. See IFB Section 4.9 Award Basis for more Contract award information. 2.1.3 A Bidder, either directly or through its subcontractor(s), must be able to provide all goods and services and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation and the successful Bidder (the Contractor) shall remain responsible for Contract performance regardless of subcontractor participation in the work 2.1.4 Maryland State and local entities as defined in Finance and Procurement 13-110(a) and nonprofit entities within the State of Maryland may purchase from the Contractor goods or services covered by the Contract at the same prices chargeable to the State. All such purchases by non-executive branch entities, non-State governments, government agencies or nonprofit entities: Shall constitute Contracts between the Contractor and that entity; Shall not constitute purchases by the State or State agencies under the Contract; Shall not be binding or enforceable against the State; and May be subject to other terms and conditions agreed to by the Contractor and the purchaser. 2.1.5 All Contract prices, terms, and conditions must be provided to any Maryland local government or nonprofit entity requesting services under the Contract. The Contractor bears the risk of determining whether a government, agency or organization with which the Contractor is dealing is a State entity. 2.2 Background and Purpose The project includes the installation and establishment of trees and shrubs and placing Shredded Hardwood Bark Mulch, 3 Inch Depth throughout the landscaped area to enhance screening of the Apple Avenue neighborhood. The duration of the contract is six months (6) months. Plant installation must occur prior to December 31, 2023 and the establishment, including watering, and other landscape management operations, extends to the contract end, April 30, 2024. The contract excludes removal of declined shrubs and shrub stumps within the area to be planted. Site preparation operations, including removal of declined shrubs and shrub stumps, cleanup and debris removal, and temporary same day stabilization will be performed by District 7 Maintenance. See Appendix 3 for all work specifications. 2.2.1 State Staff and Roles In addition to the Procurement Officer, the State will provide a Project Engineer. a) The Project Engineer will be responsible for overseeing the Contractor's performance to ensure conformance with the Contract work, schedule and budget, field work oversight, inspections, and the review of invoices and recommendation for payment. All work shall be coordinated through the Project Engineer. The Engineer will coordinate with the District 7 Maintenance as necessary. The Engineer, of SHA Office of Environmental Design, Landscape Programs Division (OED LPD), may designate other OED LPD members to be involved with the Contract work. 2.2.2 Other State Responsibilities a) The State is responsible for providing required information, data, documentation to facilitate the Contractor's performance of the work, and will provide such additional assistance and services as is specifically set forth. 2.3 Responsibilities and Tasks 2.3.1 Service Requirements a) The vendor shall furnish all labor, supervision, miscellaneous parts, equipment, tools, transportation, and methods of communication for work performed under the contract. b) The vendor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the contract documents. c) The vendor shall work until each job is completed, and when necessary, respond to multiple requests for services at the same time. MDOT SHA can perform on-site inspections at any time during the work. d) All work shall conform to federal, state, country, and local codes, rules, and regulations.