PROJECT NO. CR-219-03-26(241) RABUN COUNTY

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS PROJECT NO. CR-219-03-26(241) RABUN COUNTY

RABUN COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA

Sealed proposals for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, permits and other things necessary for the construction of the following project will be received by the Rabun County Board of Commissioners in the County Commission Conference Room located on the 2nd floor of the County Courthouse, Clayton, Georgia 9:00 am on July 14, 2026 at which time all bids received by the prescribed time and date will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bids proposals received after the time shown above will not be accepted.

In addition, the Board of Commissioners of Rabun County reserves the right to show preference to local bidders in the purchase of supplies, equipment and services. The amount shall not exceed five (5%) of the amount bid or quoted and I or fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), whichever is less.

A "local bidder" is defined as an individual or business that maintains a place of business or maintains an inventory of merchandise and I or equipment in Rabun County is licensed by Rabun County and I or the State of Georgia, if required, and is subject to Rabun County real estate and or personal property taxes. Any local bidder in default on payment of any County or State tax license shall not be eligible to receive preference until all taxes or licenses due are paid. Notice of preference availability shall be included in the invitation to bid and in all advertisements.

There Will be a MANDATORY pre-bid meeting that will be held on June 30th at 10:00 am at

73 Ricman street, Clayton, Ga. (Burger king parking lot)

PROJECT NO. CR-219-03-26(241) RABUN COUNTY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Vegetation Removal Service

CONTRACT TIME: 180 days from Notice to proceed.

Plans (if any) and Specifications for this work will be available for inspection by all interested parties at the Rabun County Road Department office during regular office hours.

All work shall be performed in accordance with Plans, if any, Project Special Provisions and the 2001 edition of the Georgia Department of Transportation Standard Specifications and applicable Supplemental Specifications.

No bid proposals shall be withdrawn for a period of 30 days.

Payment will be made to the Contractor each calendar month based on the estimated work complete in place as prescribed by the Rabun County Road Department Standard Specifications. Retainage will be withheld as prescribed by the Project Special Provisions. Final payment of the amounts withheld will not be made until the project has been satisfactorily completed and accepted by the county.

A bid bond in an equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid will be required. Also, performance and payment bonds each in a sum equal to the full amount of the contract will be required.

The county reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to wave minor informalities, modify or re advertise the project.

Contact: Scott Provance, Rabun County Road Department Director. 706-960-9764

BID PROPOSAL

THE RABUN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL RECEIVE SEALED BIDS FOR FURNISHING ALL LABOR, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, NECESSARY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOLLOWING PROJECT. ALL WORK SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 2001 EDITION OF THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND APPLICABLE SUPPLEMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS.

PROJECT NO. CR-219-03-26 (241)

DATE OF BID OPENING: July 14, 2 0 2 6

LOCATION: COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM, LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 25 COURTHOUSE SQUARE, SUITE 201, CLAYTON GA. 30525

BID PROPOSALS ISSUED TO:

ADDRESS:

SEALED PROPOSALS ONLY WILL BE ACCEPTED, AND PROJECT NUMBER SHOWN ABOVE SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE. BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE DATE AND TIME OF OPENING. THE COUNTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS, DELETE INDIVIDUAL

ITEMS, AND READVERTISE AND TO WAVE MINOR INFORMALITIES. NOTE: PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THIS PROJECT. ALSO, A PROPOSAL OF GUARANTY IN THE AMOUNT OF (5%) OF THE TOTAL BID WILL BE REQUIRED. *

DO NOT UNSTAPLE THIS BOOKLET...ENTER ALL REQUIRED INFO EITHER BY HAND OR BY STAMP.

Table 12 - Bid Form

INSTRUCTIONS TO ISSUING OFFICER: One option is available for bidders to provide a bid response.

All of the services which are available to the Qualified Maintenance Contractors for Vegetation Removal Services are listed below; however, the Department seeks a bid only for the services indicated with an "x".

Having carefully examined the advertisement to Bid, General Information & Instructions, the Project Scope of Work, the Location, Description and Estimated Quantities (if applicable), and any Addendums, the Contractor proposes to provide the services to the Rabun County Road Department in accordance with all requirements set forth therein and in the contract, for the following bid prices:

Unit of Price Estimated Line Total

Measure UOM Quantity UOM X Est.Qty

X Side Trimming per section 5 of exhibit 3 Shoulder mile. _______ 12.1 __________

X Random Clearing per sect. 5 of exhibit 3 Each _______ 32 __________

X Construct, Maint, removal of silt fence Linear feet _______ 500 __________

X Traffic Control JOB _______ 1 __________

TOTAL BID _____________________

Exhibit 3

Project Scope of Work

A. Scope of Work to be Performed

The Contractor will be required to perform prep work, removal, installation and cleanup for Vegetation Removal Services defined in this ATB. The majority of the work will occur on the County Road system. The Contractor shall supply labor, equipment, tools, means of transportation, traffic control, and incidentals to perform work in accordance to specifications, and to ensure a safe work environment for employees and the traveling public within the time schedule specified.

1. Scope

Work under this ATB consists of furnishing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, means of transportation, and incidentals necessary to perform the services. Contractor must furnish equipment in good operating condition and operated by properly trained and qualified personnel. The Contractor must make a good faith effort to furnish the Department the fully operational equipment needed to perform Vegetation Removal Services at such time, and at such location(s) as directed by the Engineer. Prior to start of work, Contractor must inspect equipment to ensure the equipment is fully operational for the performance of its intended purpose. The Contractor will also be responsible for any traffic control, licenses, and permits required to satisfy the duties required herein.

2. Terms and Definitions

a. ANSI: - American National Standards Institute current edition. http://ansi.org/

b. Approval/Acceptance: Inspected and approved by the Engineer for compliance with the requirements of the Specifications included in this Contract.

c. Engineer or his Designee: The Department's inspector, (hereafter referred to as the "Engineer").

d. Mainline: The area(s) between interchanges on interstates, limited access routes, and state routes.

e. Limited Access Highway: A Highway or arterial road for high-speed traffic which has many characteristics of a controlled access highway (interstate), including limited or no access to adjacent property.

f. Travel Way: The actual road lanes in which vehicles travel not including paved shoulders

g. MUTCD: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), current edition.

h. Standard Specifications (Specifications): State of Georgia Standard Specifications for Construction of Transportation Systems, 2013 Edition or latest edition, the Project Special Provisions, the Georgia Department of Transportation, Supplemental Specifications, Standard Drawings and Construction Details. Doing Business with the Georgia Department of Transportation (ga.gov).

i. Right-of-Way (R/W): The entire portion of a highway within the boundaries of access-control fences or access-control lines where no fences exist.

j. Debris: Material associated with the tree cutting and pruning operation including stems, branches, bark, leaves, etc.

k. Litter: Litter may consist of paper, boxes, bottles, cans, tires, recaps, rubber pieces, mattresses, appliances, lumber, metal pieces, hubcaps, vehicle parts, dead animals, memorials and other items not considered normal to the right of way. It is not intended for small objects such as cigarette butts, chewing gum wrappers and similar sized items to be removed under this work.

l. Georgia Roadside Management: iPhone app, available through the iPhone App Store.

m. Pruning: Cutting of tree limbs or branches.

n. Random Clearing: this work consists of cutting vegetation and removal from the Right of Way and proper disposal of all debris within the clearing limits as specified.

o. Side Trimming: this work consists of pruning and/or trimming of the tree branches that are encroaching or are a threat to encroach form the sides of the R/W onto the travel ways.

p. Removal: Removing of all debris from the RCRD right of way associated with the tree cutting and/or pruning operations.

q. Tree Cutting: Cutting tree(s) with equipment designed and built for constant heavy use in tough conditions, including roadside conditions.

r. Vegetation Removal: consists of random clearing, side trimming, herbicide applications and debris removal operations.

3. Equipment

All equipment contemplated for use shall be subject to inspection and acceptance for mechanical worthiness and appropriateness for the work intended by the Engineer. Department decisions relevant to mechanical worthiness and appropriateness shall be final. Equipment left on the right of way is the responsibility of the Contractor. Equipment may be parked outside of the clear zone or behind positive barrier property overnight with the approval of the Engineer.

4. Materials

Submit a list of all herbicides intended for use for the purpose of these specifications on cut stump treatment applications as well as control of invasive vines, grasses and weeds. Include labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each herbicide. The Engineer must approve or disapprove of the intended herbicide to be used prior to any applications being performed.

5. Vegetation Removal Requirements

a. Random Clearing

This work consists of clearing, removing and disposing of all vegetation and debris in areas within the R/W as specified, except such objects as are designated by the Engineer to remain or to be removed in accordance with the Plans or other sections of the Specifications. Vegetation and debris includes: trees, shrubs, vines, logs, limbs, mulch piles and all other debris associated with random clearing.

1. Random clearing may be done by any method provided that the ground disturbance is minimal and no damage is done to property, structures, trees, or shrubbery to be retained, in or outside the R/W boundaries.

2. Remove all trees, brush, stumps and roots projecting through or appearing on the surface of the ground by cutting or grinding flush with the surrounding ground surface. No grubbing operations are allowed.

3. The Engineer will designate any trees, shrubs, plants, and other objects within the clearing limits specified that are to remain and be preserved.

4. Preserve all concrete ditches and flumes, drainage structures and headwalls, sound barriers, utility lines and poles, fences, signs, R/W markers and other permanent R/W structures.

5. The Engineer may specify that additional damaged, diseased, or deformed trees outside of the clearing limits be removed.

6. Logging operations for marketable timber is permissible when performing random clearing only in such a manner as not to interfere with the safety of the traveling public or personnel involved with the work.

7. Trees outside the limits of clearing shall have all tree branches that extend within the limits of clearing area removed back to the branch bark ridge at the tree trunk to a height of at least thirty (30) feet from grade level at the edge of the limits of clearing. However, branches shall NEVER be removed in a manner to create an unbalanced canopy, where one side has many more branches than the other, nor shall all the branches be removed on one side of any tree. No more than 25% of the total leaf bearing crown shall be removed from any tree. No more than 25% of the branches on any one side of a tree shall be removed. This may require selected trees outside the limits of clearing to be removed.

8. Invasive plant species that are within the clearing limits shall be removed from the R/W that does not allow propagation or re-growth of the plant(s). Do not grind or chip invasive plant species. The following is a list of invasive plant species:

Invasive Plant Species in Georgia

Scientific Name Common Name

Ailanthus altissima Tree-of-Heaven

Albizia julibrissin Mimosa

Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligator Weed

Carduss nutans Musk Thistle

Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth

Elaegnus pungens Thorny Olive

Elaeagnus umbellata Autumn-Olive

Hedera helix English Ivy

Hydrilla verticillata Hydrilla

Imperata cylindrica Cogongrass

Lespedeza bicolor Shrubby Lespedeza

Lespedeza cuneata Sericea Lespedeza

Ligustrum japonicum

Japanese Privet

Ligustrum sinense Chinese Privet

Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle

Lonicera maackii Amur Honeysuckle

Lygodium japonicum Japanese Climbing Fern

Melia azedarach Chinaberry

Microstegium vimineum Nepalese Browntop

Miscanthus sinensis Chinese Silvergrass

Murdannia keisak Marsh Dayflower

Nandina domestica Sacred Bamboo

Paspalum verillei Vaseygrass

Paulownia tomentosa Princess Tree

Phyllostachys aurea Golden Bamboo

Pueraria Montana var. lobata Kudzu

Rosa multiflora Multiflora Rose

Sesbania herbacea Bigpod Sesbania

Sesbania punicea Red Sesbania

Sorghum halepense Johnsongrass

Spiraea japonica Japanese Spiraea

Triadica sebifera Chinese Tallow Tree

Vinca major Big Periwinkle

Vinca minor Common Periwinkle

Wisteria sinensis Wisteria

b. Herbicide Applications

Upon completion of final cut at ground level on all non-invasive hardwood species, apply a cut stump treatment herbicide approved for use by the Engineer to prevent re-growth. Apply herbicides at labeled rates and treatment recommendations immediately after final cut is performed. Apply herbicide using a blue dye additive. No additional compensation will be paid for this treatment. Apply herbicide treatments to invasive plant species as follows:

1. Woody Types: Upon completion of final cut at ground level on all invasive woody species, apply a cut stump treatment herbicide with blue dye additive approved for use by the Engineer to prevent re-growth. Apply herbicides at labeled rates and treatment recommendations immediately after final cut is performed.

2. Vines: Spray invasive vines during the growing season with a herbicide that is labeled to control the specific vine approved for use by the Engineer. Apply herbicide at labeled rates and treatment recommendations. Spray foliage that is within 4 feet of the ground. No foliar spray shall be above 4 foot high. Cut vines that extend above 4 feet and treat as woody plants.

3. Spray invasive grasses and weeds during the growing season with a herbicide that is labeled to control the specific grass or weed approved for use by the Engineer. Apply herbicide at labeled rates and treatment recommendations.

c. Side Trimming

This work consists of side trimming of the tree branches that are encroaching or are a threat to encroach from the sides of the R/W onto the travel ways. The work may range from the systematic pruning of every tree along the R/W to the selective pruning of individual trees which encroach.

1. All tree branches encroaching on the travel ways will be removed to the vertical line of the specified R/W limits or as directed by the Engineer.

2. Side trimming will be performed from the lowest branches to a height of at least thirty (30) feet from grade level along the vertical line of the R/W trees or at the Engineer's discretion. Branches shall never be removed in a manner to create an unbalanced canopy, where one side has many more branches than the other, nor shall all the branches be removed on one side of any tree. No more than 25% of the total leaf bearing crown shall be removed from any tree. No more than 25% of the branches on any one side of a tree shall be removed. This may require selected trees outside the vertical line of the R/W trees to be removed completely.

3. Trees that are leaning over the vertical line that are greater than 8 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) must be cut at ground level. Dead, diseased or dying trees within the R/W limits must be cut at ground level.

4. All side trimming will be performed by equipment designed to make a clean branch cut.

5. Special care should be taken when side trimming is performed adjacent to utility lines, poles and other structures as specified in Section 10 Utility Conflicts.

6. Topping of trees is not allowed. If topping occurs, you must remove the entire tree.

d. Debris and Litter Removal

Debris and litter removal associated with random clearing and/or side trimming is to be removed from the R/W during and by the end of the specified project.

1. Any debris that reaches the travel ways, sidewalks, waterways, water bodies, driveways, concrete ditches and flumes shall be removed immediately.

2. Restore original grades for any area that is disturbed by random clearing/side trimming. Equipment or tire rutting that occurs will need to be repaired by the Contractor.

3. On random clearing operations mulch, grinded and chipped debris may be spread over the cleared areas unless grassing has been designated by the Engineer. Mulch material chips shall not exceed 3 inches in length or 1 inch in diameter and be spread at a thickness not to exceed 3 inches in depth.

4. When performing side trimming operations in rural areas, branches and other debris may be chipped and disposed of on non-mowable slopes or into the tree line within the R/W unless grassing has been designated by the Engineer. Chipped debris spread on the R/W must not exceed 3 inches in height. In urban areas, environmentally sensitive locations and where rural R/W is limited all debris shall be removed from the R/W.

5. Remove all litter, including larger pieces, from the right of way at the end of each working day and dispose of at locations provided by the Contractor. Storage or stockpiling of litter on the right of way is prohibited. Disposal shall be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Locations for disposal and costs associated for use of such locations will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

6. Removed debris shall be disposed at locations provided by the Contractor. No burning of debris is allowed on the R/W. Disposal shall be in accordance with local and state laws, and any cost incurred for disposal shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

e. Other Vegetation Removal Requirements

Perform all work as described herein in a proficient and timely manner. Any tree cutting and removal work begun by the Contractor shall be completed prior to doing any other work.

6. Deliverables

Delivery of Vegetation Removal Services shall be in accordance with the contract terms. The following deliverables are expected for work performed at the locations referenced in Exhibit 4 - Locations, Descriptions and Estimated Quantities.

7. Quality Acceptance

General Provisions 101 through 150.

8. Personnel and Sub-Contractors

8.1 Personnel

A. ISA Certified Arborist

The ISA Certified Arborist can be the Contractor, on the Contractor's staff or be outsourced via a subcontractor. If the ISA Certified Arborist requirement is being met by the Contractor's staff or subcontractor, provide the certification for the individual and the individual's name, company representing (if applicable) and contact information including address, phone number(s) and email address. The ISA Certified Arborist will need to be on call when work is being performed.

B. Supervisor

At all times, have on the work site as the Contractor's agent, a competent, English speaking Supervisor, thoroughly experienced in the type of work being performed. The Supervisor's main duties are to supervise the work crew. Supervisor may serve as a Worksite Traffic Control Supervisor (WTCS) if properly certified. The Contractor's Supervisor shall:

1. Have a working cell phone with them during duty hours

2. Must be available at the work site when the work is being performed under this Contract, and as requested;

3. Act as the Contractor's authorized agent in all communications with the Department

4. Shall be responsible for inspecting and reporting the need for major or emergency work to the Engineer immediately.

C. Crew

Utilize the same crew(s) to perform the work in accordance with the requirements herein, whenever possible, so that the personnel can remain familiar with the Project.

1. Provide staff and staffing levels able to perform the work in accordance with the requirements herein.

2. Use personnel who are competent, experienced, and skilled in all aspects of Vegetation Removal Services. The personnel performing these services will be under the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

8.2 Subcontractors

The Department expects the awarded contractor to be fully able to complete the Work as detailed in this ATB. The Department may consider the use of subcontractors to accomplish the work.

A. All requests to utilize a subcontractor must be submitted in writing and include the following;

1. Appendix 4 Subcontractor Request Form

2. A notarized copy of Appendix 5 Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act Affidavit (Subcontractor)

B. A minimum of ten (10) working days is needed to evaluate a request.

C. If the Department approves the use of a subcontractor, the Contractor will be held wholly responsible for the actions, quality, and timeliness of all work performed by the subcontractor. The Department will communicate with the Contractor's Supervisor regarding all work.

D. Determination of whether a subcontractor is approved is the sole decision of the Department.

9. Traffic Control Plan

Note: When there is an occurrence of conflicting requirements between Specifications and the MUTCD, the more stringent requirement shall control.

10. Utility Conflicts

If applicable to the services to be performed under this ATB, the Contractor shall be responsible for requesting and obtaining utility location marking in a manner that does not interfere with the deadlines established in Table 8 of the ITB. Contractor shall comply with Georgia Law by ensuring buried utilities are properly marked. They may do so by contacting 811 via web site: www.georgia811.com or by submitting a request on-line or by telephone. Contractor shall perform no work until the site is marked, or that the Georgia811organization indicates that there are no buried utilities at the location. Utility owners should be contacted a minimum of three (3) business days prior to the commencement of operations. Contractor may not commence work until utilities have been marked at the worksite(s).

The Contractor shall promptly notify the Department when the marking has been requested and when it has been accomplished. An email from the Contractor's supervisor to the Engineer, or his designee, shall be sufficient notification. Utility owners should be contacted a minimum of 48 hours prior to the commencement of operations. Special care shall be used in working around or near existing utilities; protecting them when necessary to provide uninterrupted service. In the event that any utility service is interrupted, the Contractor shall notify the utility owner immediately and shall cooperate with the owner, or his representative, in the restoration of service in the shortest time possible.

Special care shall be used in working around or near existing utilities; protecting them when necessary to provide uninterrupted service. In the event that any utility service is interrupted, the Contractor shall notify the utility owner immediately and shall cooperate with the owner, or his representative, in the restoration of service in the shortest time possible.

Existing fire hydrants shall be kept accessible to fire departments at all times. The Contractor shall adhere to all applicable regulations and follow accepted safety procedures when working in the vicinity of utilities in order to insure the safety of workers and the public.

11. Scheduling and Limitations

11.1 Scheduling

The Contractor shall schedule all work to ensure the least inconvenience and the utmost in safety to the traveling public, the Contractor's, and the Department's forces. The Contractor shall move equipment or materials on or across a traveled way in a manner as not to unduly interfere with traffic. The Department shall have the authority to suspend or stop the Work if weather conditions are such that the Work may be compromised or there is a threat to the safety of the traveling public.

The Department will require the awarded vendor to begin and complete work within the timeframe identified in Table 9. The Contractor may establish interim milestones for the project to assume timely completion of all work as identified in Table 9.1. The Contractor is required to schedule, with the Department, the start of any work related to this ATB a minimum of 48 business hours in advance. The Contractor must also confirm the schedule or inform the Department of any changes to the schedule each morning work is to be performed. Completion of work includes Department Inspections and any work required to correct deficiencies noted by Department.

11.2 Limitations

A. Lane Closures

The Contractor shall complete the required work of installing, maintaining, and removing the traffic control devices for lane closures and restoring traffic to existing traffic pattern. The Contractor shall detail any required lane closures in the Traffic Control Plan, to be included in the work plan, for Engineer approval.

B. HOLIDAY LANE CLOSURE RESTRICTIONS

In addition, the Contractor shall not close or narrow a lane of traffic, detain and/or alter the traffic flow on or during holidays, holiday weekends, special events, or any other time when traffic is unusually heavy, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. New Year's Day, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. December 31st and 8:00 p.m. January 2nd. If New Year's Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then until 8:00 p.m. the following Tuesday

2. Memorial Day, between the hours of noon on the Friday before and after 9:00 a.m. on the Tuesday after.

3. Independence Day, between the hours of noon the day before Independence Day and 8:00 a.m. the day after Independence Day.

If Independence Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then between the hours of noon the Thursday before Independence Day and 8:00 a.m. on the Tuesday after Independence Day

4. Labor Day, between the hours of noon Friday and 9:00 a.m. Tuesday.

5. Thanksgiving Day, between the hours of noon Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. Monday.

6. Christmas, between the hours of noon Christmas Eve and 9 a.m. the day following the holiday.

7. Holidays and holiday weekends shall include New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

8. The time of availability for the Work shall be the time the Contractor has all lane closures and traffic control in place for the Work based on the time restrictions listed above or as specified in the approved Traffic Control Plan.

9. The completion time for the Work shall be the time the Contractor is required to complete the removal of all traffic control devices for lane closures according to the time restrictions stated above, or in the approved Traffic Control Plan, and place traffic in the existing traffic pattern.

C. Conflict with Holidays/Special Events

Should the Contractor's proposed maintenance schedule conflict with a Holiday or special event and, in the opinion of the Department, negatively impact traffic flow, the Department reserves the right to restrict maintenance operations by notifying the Contractor within forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled maintenance activity. Additionally, the Department reserves the right to cancel or suspend activity when, in the sole opinion of the Department, there is the possibility of a hazard to the motoring public or maintenance personnel within the confines of the traffic work area established by the Contractor.

B. Special Terms and Conditions

1. Inspections and Non-Compliance

1.1 Inspections

The Department will perform inspections to:

A. Ensure that required Traffic Control measures are taken to keep the traveling public, the Contractor and employees of RCRD safe.

B. Ensure that the Contractor adheres to the contract requirements by inspecting during and after Vegetation Removal Services.

Inspections should be during operations and after operations to assess quality and proper completion. The Department may record inspections by taking photos of Contractors with date/time stamp application. The photos will be used to document issues with application performance.

The Department will complete the RCRD Inspection/Compliance Form after inspecting the work in progress and completed work. Upon inspection, the Engineer will notify the Contractor the Department's acceptance or rejection of the Work. All deficiencies in the Work noted by the Engineer shall be corrected by the Contractor within twenty-four (24) hours after notification unless noted otherwise. The Contractor will be expected to sign the complete RCRD Inspection/Compliance Form.

1.2 Non-Compliance:

When the Department determines that the Contractor has failed to perform the Work to the terms of the ITB, the Contractor shall be deemed in ITB Non-Compliance.

A. The Department may withhold all payments if non-compliance as described in section 1.1 occurs until non-compliant actions are corrected.

B. Work deficiencies not identified during inspection referenced in above in section 1.1 will be reported to the Contractor by facsimile or electronic mail within seventy-two (72) hours.

2. Measurement

2.1 Measurement

The services covered under the scope of work of this ITB will be measured and accepted by the units in Table 12. Incidentals will be included in the established pay items or if lump sum (job) they will be included in the overall bid.

3. Warranty

The Contractor shall provide any available manufactures' warranty for all parts and assemblies furnished with this contract. Warranty must cover all replacement parts and labor.

4. Department's Right to Cancel or Suspend Work

The Department reserves the right to cancel or suspend repair or maintenance operations of the Contractor when, in its sole judgment, conditions warrant. The following are not all inclusive but are representative of conditions that may be in effect and may cause the Department to cancel or suspend Contractor maintenance repair activities and removal from road, all equipment, personnel, material etc. including the lane closures in effect. The Department will have the right at any time to require the Contractor to put an immediate stop to any procedure, or the use of any equipment (chemical, material, etc., if applicable) considered by the Department to be hazardous (or toxic) to persons, buildings, or surfaces. The Contractor will utilize acceptable substitutes as quickly as possible. The Department has the right to require the Contractor to remove any employee from the premises temporarily or permanently when in the Departments sole opinion the employee is not suitable. The Contractor will remove this employee immediately and replace as quickly as possible.

5. Construction Projects

The Department reserves the right at any time to Contract for and/or perform other or additional work on or near the Work covered by the Contract. If a road/parking lot/facility rehabilitation or improvement project is under construction or will be under construction where maintenance is scheduled, each Contractor shall conduct the Work so as not to interfere with or hinder the progress or completion of the Work being performed by other Contractors. Contractors working on the same Project shall cooperate with each other.

Each Contractor involved shall assume all liability, financial or otherwise, in connection with this ATB and shall protect and save harmless the Department from any or all damages or claims that may arise because of inconvenience, delay, or loss experienced by him because of the presence and operations of other Contractors working within the limits of the same Project.

The Contractor shall arrange the Work and shall place and dispose of the materials being used so as not to interfere with the operations of the other Contractors within the limits of the same Project. The Contractor shall join his work with that of the others in an acceptable manner and shall perform it in proper sequence to that of the others.

6. Damages

The Contractor must report any and all incidents or accidents that occur while performing service. All personal injury, vehicle and property damage accidents are to be verbally reported immediately by calling the District Engineer followed by a written report to the District Engineer, the Engineer inspecting the work, or his designee, within two (2) business days of any incident or accident. Contractor shall describe in full detail what occurred, and the extent of injury and damage, and shall provide the names of those individuals involved along with their contact phone numbers.

In the event that any damage to County infrastructure occurs during progress of the work and is caused by work operations, the Contractor must notify the Department immediately and will be required to repair or replace the damaged item with a like item at the Contractor's expense. In the event that damage occurs during progress of the work and is caused by work operations and said damage has to be repaired or replaced utilizing Department property, supplies, or personnel, the cost of the repair or replacement shall be calculated and deducted from the Contractor's payment.

7. Bid Substitutions, Alternates, Exceptions, and Extensions

No substitutions or alternates will be accepted for this bid. Any Contractors submitting substitutions or alternates will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for award.

Exhibit 4

Locations, Description and Estimated Quantities

A. Project Information

***Note: Exhibit 4 shall supersede all other exhibits in this contract.

1. Location

This project is located on

Warwoman Road (CR - 219) in Rabun County

2. Description

This work shall consist of all materials, labor, equipment, traffic control, side trimming, vegetation removal, random clearing, debris removal, and incidentals for the project. The scope includes Side Trimming all overhanging limbs and canopy between the roadway and the face of the established tree line 60 feet vertically from the grade of the edgeline of the roadway. Side trimming includes removal of isolated trees, groups of trees and all woody vegetation between the roadway and the established tree line. Removal shall be both horizontal and vertical, clearing away all overhang as well. The Engineer may reduce the lateral width of clearing, the limits of disturbance, or removal of trees or landscape at his/her discretion. If fifty (50) percent or more of a tree is removed by Side Trimming operations and the base of the tree is entirely within the limits of RCRD right of way, then the entire tree shall be removed. Any tree identified by the Engineer to meet these requirements shall be included in the Side Trimming bid price. All tree debris, mulch, etc. cause by Side Trimming operations shall be removed from all drainage structures daily and this work shall be included in the Side Trimming bid price. All stumps shall be cut to ground level (cut to contour of slope) and sprayed with herbicide within three (3) days of being cut. In rural areas branches and other debris may be chipped and disposed of in the tree line or on the slopes within the R/W in non-mowable areas, in a uniform appearance no greater that three (3) inches deep. Debris shall be removed in urban and residential areas. All cut tree limbs shall be chipped or removed from the right of way daily. Contractor shall be responsible for verification of the right of way. Once work begins the Contractor shall not stop work for a period longer than seven (7) days unless approved by the Engineer. For additional information on Side Trimming cutting limits see diagrams that follow the project location map. Attached trimming log is for estimation purposes only. *In Table 12 Random Clearing shall consist of dead trees not listed in the log and the additional removal of any trees that are deemed by the Engineer to be damaged, diseased, deformed, hazardous, or leaning toward the roadway outside of the clearing limits. Trees that meet these requirements shall be included in the Random Clearing bid price.

If damage occurs to the existing Permanent Vegetation of the Shoulders, the Contractor shall repair the damaged areas with like kind vegetation. The Contractor will be required to perform Turf Establishment Operations within a timely manner (not to exceed 5 Days), or as directed by the Engineer at no cost to the Department.

A. Side Trim Log

All side trimming requirements for this project are listed in the log attached below. All trees that are found on the project deemed to be leaning over the roadway shall be cut at ground level per Exhibit 3 Section C-3 which states "Trees that are leaning over the vertical line that are greater than 8 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) must be cut at ground level. Dead, diseased or dying trees within the R/W limits must be cut at ground level." The leaning trees identified in the log below are for estimation purposes only. Leaning trees shall be paid under the side trimming pay item and should be included in the Side Trimming bid price.

B. Traffic Control

All Traffic Control shall conform to the MUTCD, Section 150 of the Standard Specifications, and any applicable details or standards.

C. Work Times

This work shall be done 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Daily) Monday AM through Friday PM.

Work times may be altered by the engineer due to temperatures, traffic volumes, holidays, etc.

D. Completion

See Table 9 Agreement Duration.

CR-219 Rabun Side trimming

Positive Direction

Mile Marker Description Number of trees

1.4 remove leaning tree 1

1.6 remove leaning tree 1

1.7 remove leaning tree 1

2.5 remove leaning tree 1

3.2 remove leaning tree 1

3.4 remove leaning tree 1

4.4 remove leaning tree 3

5.3 remove leaning tree 1

5.5 remove leaning tree 1

5.8 remove leaning tree 3

5.9 remove leaning tree 1

6.1 remove leaning tree 2

7.8 remove leaning tree 1

8.5 remove leaning tree 1

8.8 remove leaning tree 1

9.9 remove leaning tree 1

10.6 remove leaning tree 2

12.1 remove leaning tree 2

CR-219 Rabun Side trimming

Positive Direction

Mile Marker Description Number of trees

12.4 remove leaning tree 1

12.5 remove leaning tree 1

12.6 remove leaning tree 1

13.1 remove leaning tree 1

CR-219 Side Trimming Log

Positive Direction

Mile Marker Description Number of trees

RCRD INSPECTION/COMPLIANCE FORM

Vegetation Removal Services at various locations throughout the State of Georgia

Contractor's Name: ________________________________ ATB # ______________

Inspection Location: __________________________ Date: __________ District #: _____

RCRD Inspector Name & Title: _______________________________________________________

Inspection During Applications

Compliant Non-

Compliant Correction Due Date __________

Comments Correction Complete Date __________

Supervisor -on-site during work operations

ISA Certified Arborist on call during operations

Licensed Applicator on site when performing herbicide applications

Materials(herbicides, adjuvants, water and or related materials) handled and applied properly

Adequate Staffing

Equipment Mechanically worthy and/or appropriate

Traffic Control Properly done

Completed Quality Acceptance

Work completed within the allotted time frame.

All debris from the vegetation removal operation was removed from site or mulch spread evenly throughout the site.

All work was completed in a proficient and timely manner

Complied with methods of removal, disposal and reporting.

Invasive species removed from the R/W.

RCRD INSPECTION/COMPLIANCE FORM

Vegetation Removal Services at various locations along State Highways and Interstate Systems throughout the State of Georgia

District: _____________________________ Main Route: _____________________

ATB #: ____________________

Corrective Actions or Additional Comments (Photos may be attached):

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Inspected By: ________________________ Received By: ________________________

RCRD Director/Designee Contractor

Approved By: _______________________________

RCRD Director/Designee

Prework Meeting Document

1. This Prework Meeting held on August 18,2026 (enter a date). will serve as the official start for event (Event CR-219 Side trimming).

2. As per the signed contract, you must begin work no later than 30 days after the Prework Meeting which is August 18, 2026 enter a date. After work has started, there must be continuous measurable work being completed weekly until the job is complete.

3. As per the signed contract, you must have work completed no later than 180 days after the Prework Meeting which is August 18, 2026 (enter a date).

4. Milestones:

Work completion milestones will be as stated in Table 9.1 - Project Milestones and be agreed upon by the Department and (Awarded Vendor) at this Prework Meeting and will be documented below.

Table 9.1 - Project Milestones

This ATB contains project performance milestones as outlined in this table.

Work must begin no later than 30 Days after Prework Meeting

Date: September 18, 2026.

50 % of project work shall be completed & inspected by the Department 90 Days after Prework Meeting

Date: (December 18, 2026) enter a date.

100 % of project work shall be completed & inspected by the Department 180 Days after Prework Meeting

Date: (March 18, 2027) enter a date.

______% of project work shall be completed & inspected by the Department _____ Days after Prework Meeting

Date: (___________) enter a date.

______% of project work shall be completed & inspected by the Department ______Days after Prework Meeting

Date: (____________) enter a date.

_______% of project work shall be completed & inspected by the Department ____Days after Prework Meeting

Date: (_____________) enter a date.

Project shall be completed, inspected and accepted by the Department _______ Days after Prework Meeting

Date: (_____________) enter a date.

It will be the responsibility of the Department or their representative to monitor and document the progress of the Contractor's work according to the above milestones.

RCRD Authorized Signature _____________________________

Contractor Authorized Signature ___________________________

GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT

Contractor's Name:

Address:

Solicitation/Contract No.: CR-218-03-26(241).

Solicitation /Contract Name: Warwoman Vegetation Removal.

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned Contractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, entity or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91.

Furthermore, the undersigned Contractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned Contractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with sub-Contractors who present an affidavit to the Contractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. 13-10-91(b). Contractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

____________________________________________ ___________________________

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number Date of Authorization

(EEV/E-Verify Company Identification Number)

___________________________________________

Name of Contractor

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct

_______________________________________

Printed Name (of Authorized Officer or Agent of Title (of Authorized Officer or Agent of

Contractor) Contractor)

____________________________________________ ___________________________

Signature (of Authorized Officer or Agent) Date Signed

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE

_____ DAY OF ______________________, 202_

________________________________________ [NOTARY SEAL]

Notary Public My Commission Expires: ___________________

Subcontractor Request Form

Date of Request:

Prime Contractors Name:

ATB #:

ATB Name:

Proposed Sub Contractor:

Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Location of Work :

Justification For Needing a Subcontractor:

The following documentation must be submitted at the time of request to be considered for evaluation:

1. Subcontractor Request Form

2. Completed and Notarized GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT (Subcontractor)

3. Current Business License for Subcontractor

4. Certify that the contractor is qualified and able to do the needed work

For RCRD Use Only:

__ Approved

__ Rejected

____________________________ ____________________________

RCRD Signature Contractor Signature

GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT AFFIDAVIT

Contractor's Name:

Subcontractor's (Your) Name

Subcontractor's Address:

Solicitation/Contract No.: CR-219-03-26(241).

Solicitation /Contract Name: Warwoman Vegetation Removal.

SUBCONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned subcontractor verifies its compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, entity or corporation which is engaged in the physical performance of services under a contract with ___________________________ (name of Contractor) on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation has registered with, is authorized to use and uses the federal work authorization program commonly known as E-Verify, or any subsequent replacement program, in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91.

Furthermore, the undersigned subcontractor will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period and the undersigned subcontractor will contract for the physical performance of services in satisfaction of such contract only with sub-subcontractors who present an affidavit to the subcontractor with the information required by O.C.G.A. 13-10-91(b).

Additionally, the undersigned subcontractor will forward notice of the receipt of an affidavit from a sub-subcontractor to the Contractor within five business days of receipt. If the undersigned subcontractor receives notice that a sub-subcontractor has received an affidavit from any other contracted sub-subcontractor, the undersigned subcontractor must forward, within five business days of receipt, a copy of the notice to the Contractor. Subcontractor hereby attests that its federal work authorization user identification number and date of authorization are as follows:

____________________________________________ ___________________________

Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number Date of Authorization

(EEV/E-Verify Company Identification Number)

___________________________________________

Name of Sub-Contractor

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct

____________________________________________ _______________________________________

Printed Name (of Authorized Officer or Agent of Title (of Authorized Officer or Agent of

Contractor) Contractor)

____________________________________________ ___________________________

Signature (of Authorized Officer or Agent) Date Signed

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE

_____ DAY OF ______________________, 202_

________________________________________ [NOTARY SEAL]

Notary Public My Commission Expires: ___________________

Rabun Road Department

STATE OF GEORGIA

PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS

Bond Number:

CONTRACTOR:

Legal name and address

Advertisement TO BID:

COUNTY(IES):

ORIGINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT:

Must be Equal to the ATB Award Amount

SURETY:

Legal name and address

The above-named Contractor, as principal (the "Principal"), and the Surety, duly authorized to transact the business of suretyship in the State of Georgia (the "Surety"), and their successors and assigns are firmly bound, both jointly and severally as well as severally only, unto the Rabun County Board of Commission as obligee (the "Owner") in the penal sum of 100 percent of the Original Contract Amount under the Performance Bond and 100 percent of the Original Contract Amount under the Payment Bond.

WHEREAS, the Principal has entered into a certain written agreement with the Owner, the above-referenced Contract (the "Contract," said term also encompassing any duly authorized modifications thereto) to perform certain work described therein (hereinafter the "Project"), and such Contract is incorporated herein by reference.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE PRINCIPAL AND SURETY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1. It is mutually understood and agreed among the Principal, the Surety, and the Owner that this instrument constitutes two separate bonds - a performance bond in the penal sum of 100 percent of the Original Contract Amount and a payment bond, also in the penal sum of 100 percent of the Original Contract Amount. Both the Performance Bond and Payment Bond shall be in full force and effect at the same time, and the obligations thereunder shall be several, in the full amount of the penal sum of each bond. The total liability under the bonds shall not exceed 200 percent of the Original Contract Amount, and the total liability under each of the bonds shall not exceed 100 percent of the Original Contract Amount, regardless of whether the penal sum of the other bond has been exhausted.

PERFORMANCE BOND

2. If the Principal shall well and truly perform and fulfill all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of the Contract and shall also well and truly perform and fulfill all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of any and all duly authorized modifications of said Contract (with or without notice to the Surety); and if the Principal and the Surety shall indemnify and hold harmless the Owner from any and all losses, liability, damages, claims, judgments, liens, costs, and fees of every description arising from the Project or under the Contract, whether imposed by law or equity, which may be caused by the failure or default of the Principal in the performance of the Contract, including all modifications, amendments, changes, deletions, additions, and alterations thereto and any warranties or guarantees required thereunder, then the obligation of the Performance Bond shall be void; otherwise this obligation shall remain in full force and effect.

3. In the event of the failure, breach, or default of performance of the Contract by the Principal, the Surety, upon demand by the Owner, shall undertake and complete such required performance and cure any breach or default of the Contract. The Surety shall not assert any action or inaction of the Principal as justification for the Surety's failure to timely perform the obligations of this Performance Bond.

4. The Surety agrees that the Owner may make inquiries at any time of any subcontractor, laborer, materialman, or any other third party concerning the status of payments for labor, materials, or services furnished to or for the Project.

5. No claim, suit, or action shall be brought hereunder after the expiration of one (1) year following the date of the completion of the Contract and the acceptance of the work by the Owner. If this limitation is made void by any law, controlling the construction hereof, such limitation shall be deemed to be amended to equal the minimum period of limitation permitted by such law.

6. No right of action shall accrue on the Performance Bond to or for the use of any person or corporation other than the Owner named herein or the heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns of Owner.

7. The Performance Bond shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia and is furnished in accordance with O.C.G.A. 32-2-70 and 13-10-40.

PAYMENT BOND

8. If the Principal shall promptly pay in full every subcontractor and all persons supplying labor, materials, machinery, or equipment in the prosecution of work provided in the Contract, then the obligation of the Payment Bond shall be void; otherwise, it shall remain in full force and effect.

9. Every subcontractor or person who has not been paid in full for supplying labor, materials, machinery, or equipment in the prosecution of work provided in the Contract before the expiration of ninety (90) days after the day on which the last of the labor was done or performed by such person, or the material or machinery or equipment was furnished or supplied by such person, for which claim is made shall have the right to bring an action on the Payment Bond for the amount, or the balance thereof, unpaid at the time of the commencement of such action and to prosecute such action to final execution and judgment for the sum or sums due such person, subject to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 13-10-63.

10. The Principal and Surety agree that the Owner may make inquiries at any time of any subcontractor, laborer, materialman, or any other party concerning the status of payments for labor, materials, or services furnished to or for the Project.

11. The Payment Bond shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia and is furnished in accordance with O.C.G.A. 32-2-70 and 13-10-60.

12. Final acceptance of the work under the Contract shall not relieve the Principal or the Surety from their respective obligations under the Contract, Payment Bond, or Performance Bond, including guarantee of materials, equipment, installation, service, performance, and payment.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF THE PARTIES HAVE SET THEIR HANDS AND AFFIXED THEIR SEALS THIS __________DAY OF_______________, 20____:

NAME OF CONTRACTOR

___________________________ By ________________________________(SEAL) OF WITNESS FOR CONTRACTOR SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTOR

____________________________ _________________________________

Printed name of witness for Contractor Printed name of signee for Contractor

NAME OF SURETY

______________________________ By _____________________________(SEAL)

Signature of witness for surety Signature of surety's Attorney-In-Fact

______________________________ __________________________________

Printed name of witness for surety Name and address of Attorney-In-Fact