54-TJK-01-PR31880 Tree Services Proposal 2026

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 1 June 24, 2026
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
DATE AND TIME OF BID OPENING: JULY 15, 2026 AT 2:00 P.M.
BID PROPOSAL NO.: 54-TJK-01-PR31880
WBS ELEMENT NOS.: VARIOUS
COUNTIES: DIVISION 1 - BERTIE, CAMDEN, CHOWAN, CURRITUCK,
DARE, HERTFORD, HYDE, GATES, MARTIN,
NORTHAMPTON, PASQUOTANK, PERQUIMANS, TYRRELL,
AND WASHINGTON
LOCATION: VARIOUS ROUTES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTIES
TYPE OF WORK: TREE CUTTING, TRIMMING, SIGN CLEARING AND STUMP
GRINDING SERVICES AS NEEDED
DATE OF AVAILABILITY: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
COMPLETION DATE: AUGUST 31, 2027
SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION MANDATORY

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 2 June 24, 2026
PROPOSAL
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF
BID NO. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 IN IN BERTIE, CAMDEN, CHOWAN, CURRITUCK, DARE, HERTFORD,
HYDE, GATES, MARTIN, NORTHAMPTON, PASQUOTANK, PERQUIMANS, TYRRELL, AND
WASHINGTON COUNTIES
DIVISION 1, NORTH CAROLINA
JULY 24, 2026
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
The Bidder has carefully examined the location of the proposed work to be known as BID NO 54-TJK-01-PR31880;
has carefully examined the plans and specifications, which are acknowledged to be part of the proposal, the special
provisions, the proposal, the form of contract; and thoroughly understands the stipulations, requirements and
provisions. The undersigned bidder agrees to be bound upon his execution of the bid and subsequent award to him
by the Department of Transportation in accordance with this proposal. Payment and performance bonds are not
required on this project. The undersigned Bidder further agrees to provide all necessary machinery, tools, labor, and
other means of construction; and to do all the work and to furnish all materials, except as otherwise noted, necessary
to perform and complete the said contract in accordance with the 2024 Standard Specifications for Roads and
Structures by the dates(s) specified in the Project Special Provisions and in accordance with the requirements of the
Engineer, and at the unit or lump sum prices, as the case may be, for the various items given on the sheets contained
herein.
The Bidder shall provide and furnish all the materials, machinery, implements, appliances and tools, and perform the
work and required labor to construct and complete State Highway BID NO. 54-TJK-01-PR31880, for the unit or
lump sum prices, as the case may be, bid by the Bidder in his bid and according to the proposal, plans, and
specifications prepared by said Department, which proposal, plans, and specifications show the details covering this
project, and hereby become a part of this contract.
The published volume entitled North Carolina Department of Transportation, Raleigh, Standard Specifications for
Roads and Structures, January 2024 with all amendments and supplements thereto, is by reference incorporated into
and made a part of this contract; that, except as herein modified, all the construction and work included in this contract
is to be done in accordance with the specifications contained in said volume, and amendments and supplements
thereto, under the direction of the Engineer.
If the proposal is accepted and the award is made, the contract is valid only when signed either by the Contract Officer
or such other person as may be designated by the Secretary to sign for the Department of Transportation. The
conditions and provisions herein cannot be changed except over the signature of the said Contract Officer or Division
Engineer.
The quantities shown in the itemized proposal for the project are considered to be approximate only and are given as
the basis for comparison of bids. The Department of Transportation may increase or decrease the quantity of any
item or portion of the work as may be deemed necessary or expedient.
An increase or decrease in the quantity of an item will not be regarded as sufficient ground for an increase or decrease
in the unit prices, nor in the time allowed for the completion of the work, except as provided for the contract.

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 3 June 24, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS - GENERAL PAGE NO.
General 5
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Contract 5
Selective Tree Removal/Trimming Pre-Qualification 6
Traffic Control Pre-Qualification 6
General Contractors Licensing Requirements 6
Contract Time for ID/IQ 6
Intermediate Contract Time Number 1 and Liquidated Damages 7
Intermediate Contract Time Number 2 and Liquidated Damages 7
Intermediate Contract Time Number 3 and Liquidated Damages 7
Intermediate Contract Time Number 4 and Liquidated Damages 7
Award of Contract 8
Basis of Award 9
Quantities Estimated 9
Non-Exclusive Contract 9
Bond Requirements 9
Progress and Prosecution 10
Traffic Control and Work Zone Safety 10
Safety Vests 10
Supervision by Contractor 11
Insurance 11
Responsibility for Damage Claims 11
Payment and Retainage 11
PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS - ID/IQ PAGE NO.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Multi-Year Contract 13
Work Order Assignment Multiple Awards 13
Mobilization and Liquidated Damages 13
Renewal of Contract CPI Price Adjustment 14
Dispute Resolution Process 14
PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS - ROADWAY PAGE NO.
Selective Tree Cutting 15
Emergency Response 16
Stump Grinding 16
Tree Trimming 16
Sign Clearing 17
Traffic Control and Work Zone Safety 18
Temporary Traffic Control 19
Equipment Requirements 20
Equipment Idling Guidelines 21
Basis of Payment 22

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 4 June 24, 2026
STANDARD SPECIAL PROVISIONS PAGE NO.
Availability of Funds - Termination of Contracts 23
Authority of the Engineer 23
Minimum Wages 23
Erosion Control 24
Work Zone Signing 24
Plant and Pest Quarantines 24
Bankruptcy 25
Subletting of Contract 25
Debarment Statement 25
Default of Contract 25
Cooperation between Contractors 25
No Major Contract Items 25
No Specialty Items 26
Utility Conflicts 26
Driveways and Private Property 26
Outsourcing Outside the USA 26
Title VI and Nondiscrimination 26
INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS PAGE NO.
Preparation and Submission of Traditional Paper Bids 35
Opening of Bids 36
BID SUBMITTAL PACKAGE PAGE NO.
Cover Sheet 1
Contract Bid Form 2
Contractor Information 3
Federal Employer Identification Number 4
Listing of MBE/WBE Subcontractors 5
Contractor's Work Experience and References 6
Execution of Bid Non-Collusion, Debarment and Gift Ban Certification 7
Bid Submittal Package Checklist 15

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 5 June 24, 2026
PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS - GENERAL
GENERAL
This contract is for tree cutting, trimming, sign clearing and stump grinding services on an as needed basis in
Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Hertford, Hyde, Gates, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans,
Tyrrell, and Washington Counties in Division 1. Work will consist of cutting trees and tree limbs, chipping and
removal as needed, in accordance with Section 200-3 and 200-5 of the current Standard Specifications.
The Contractor is to provide all equipment, labor and material. At each site of operation, set up, maintain, and
remove the appropriate traffic control devices. Conduct operations in a safe manner, adhering to all utility
separation requirements.
All materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with the following:
The Project Special Provisions, Project Standard Provisions, most current Standard Special Provisions, Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Provisions contained in the applicable Sections of the North Carolina
Department of Transportation's Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures and Drawings contained in the
applicable sections of the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Roadway Standard Drawings shall apply.
The published volume entitled North Carolina Department of Transportation, Standard Specifications for Roads
and Structures, with all amendments and supplements thereto, is by reference incorporated into and made a part of
this contract; that, except as herein modified, all the construction and work included in the contract is to be done in
accordance with the specifications contained in said volume, and amendments and supplements thereto, under the
direction of the Engineer.
The Contractor shall keep himself fully informed of all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations,
and shall comply with the provisions of Section 107 of the Standard Specifications.
These manuals may be found at the following websites: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ and
https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Specifications/Pages/2024-Specifications-and-Special-Provisions.aspx.
SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (SBE) CONTRACT
The Department of Transportation does not exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits
of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract covered
by this program on the basis of race, color, sex, political affiliation/influence, or national origin.
This is a SBE contract and to qualify for the NCDOT SBE Program a firm must have an annual gross income of
$1,500,000 or less, exclusive of materials. Only contractors currently certified as a SBE Contractor by the
NCDOT Office of Civil Rights SBE Program Manager and listed in the Directory of Transportation Firms at
bid opening will be eligible to bid on this project.
If unsure as to whether a firm is currently certified by NCDOT, search the Directory of Transportation Firms at the
following website: https://www.ebs.nc.gov/VendorDirectory/default.html.
Bids received from firms that are not certified as SBE Contractors through NCDOT Office of Civil Rights SBE
Program Manager will not be opened.
Prospective bidders who qualify for the SBE Program and are not currently certified should submit a
completed application packet to the SBE Program Manager prior to bid submittal to allow for review time.
Additional information on the program, including the application to become certified, may be obtained online at the
following website:
https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/SmallBusiness/Pages/default.aspx

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 6 June 24, 2026
Bidders must renew their SBE status and recertify each year. It is the bidder's responsibility to ensure that their
existing SBE status does not lapse prior to bid opening (or beginning work as a subcontractor). Advance
notification of pending renewal dates is not guaranteed.
Per G.S. 136-28.10, a NC General Contractor's license may be waived for SBE contracts. For this project, the NC
General Contractor's license will be waived. Per G.S. 136-28.10, contract payment and performance bonds may be
waived. For this project, the contract payment and performance bonds will be waived.
SELECTIVE TREE REMOVAL/TRIMMING PRE-QUALIFICATION
The Contractor performing the Tree Removal/Trimming (either as the prime contractor or as a
subcontractor) will be required to be prequalified for the NCDOT Work Code "001651 Selective Tree
Removal/Trimming".
TRAFFIC CONTROL PRE-QUALIFICATION
The Contractor performing the Work Zone Traffic Control (either as the prime contractor or as a
subcontractor) will be required to be prequalified for the NCDOT Work Code "001105 Work Zone Traffic
Control Devices".
Note: The Contractor performing Work Zone Traffic Control shall have a minimum of one (1) NCDOT
Certified Work Zone Supervisor. In order to become a Certified Work Zone Supervisor see information
found at: https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/WZTC/Pages/Training.aspx. At no time during the contract is
the Contractor to be without a NCDOT Certified Work Zone Supervisor.
GENERAL CONTRACTORS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
A General Contractors license is not required to bid or perform work on this project.
INTERESTED PARTIES LIST NOT REQUIRED:
(6-21-22)(Rev. 2-20-24) 102 SP1 G02
Revise the Standard Specifications as follows:
The Interested Parties List sign up process is not applicable to this contract.
Page 1-13, Article 102-3 PROPOSALS AND INTERESTED PARTIES LIST, lines 12-15, delete the first
paragraph.
Page 1-14, Article 102-8 PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF BIDS, lines 43-44, delete the first sentence
of the first paragraph.
CONTRACT TIME FOR ID/IQ:
(2-15-22)(Rev. 4-15-25) 108 SP1 G11
The date of availability for this contract is September 1, 2026.
The completion date for this contract is August 31, 2027.
Except where otherwise provided by the contract, observation periods required by the contract will not be a part of
the work to be completed by the completion date and/or intermediate contract times stated in the contract. The
acceptable completion of the observation periods that extend beyond the final completion date shall be a part of the
work covered by the performance and payment bonds.
Work shall be accomplished in a continuous manner once the contractor begins.

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 7 June 24, 2026
The liquidated damages for this contract will be assessed per the Mobilization and Liquidated Damages for ID/IQ
provision located elsewhere in this contract.
INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER 1 AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:
The Contractor will be notified in writing by the Engineer of job location and scope. Projects will be assigned on
an as needed basis by the Engineer or his duly authorized representative. The Contractor will be required to pursue
the work in a continuous and uninterrupted manner from the time he begins work until completion and acceptance
of the work. Failure to begin work within 14 days of notification for each routine project or failure to pursue
work in a continuous and uninterrupted manner may result in cancellation of the Contract.
Liquidated damages for this contract are One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per calendar day for each calendar
day when the Contractor fails to report to the project, which begins 14 days after initial notification, or does
not pursue work in a continuous and uninterrupted manner as required by the Division Roadside
Environmental Engineer.
INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER 2 AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:
For Emergency Response, the Contractor will be notified (by phone, text and/or email) by the Engineer of job
location and scope. The Contractor must respond, cut, and remove trees from the right of way within forty-eight
(48) hours of notification.
Liquidated damages for this contract are Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per hour for each hour beyond forty-eight (48)
hour from notification, when the Contractor fails to respond.
INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER 3 AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:
In the event the Contractor fails to remove all debris from the site within two (2) calendar days from the completion
of tree cutting, liquidated damages in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per day will be charged against
the Contractor for each calendar day beyond two days which he fails to complete debris removal.
Liquidated damages for removal of debris are One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per calendar day.
INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER 4 AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:
Except for Emergency Response or as directed by the Engineer, the Contractor shall not perform any work on this
contract during the following time restrictions:
DAY AND TIME RESTRICTIONS
All work on this contract must be accomplished during daylight hours. No night work is permitted. No
work permitted on Saturdays or Sundays.
The Contractor shall not perform any work on this contract on or during holidays or holiday weekends, including the
following schedules:
HOLIDAY AND HOLIDAY WEEKEND WORK RESTRICTIONS
1. For unexpected occurrence that creates unusually high traffic volumes, as directed by the Engineer.
2. For Christmas and New Year's Day, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. the Thursday before the week of
Christmas and 8:30 a.m. January 2nd. If New Year's Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then
until 8:30 a.m. the following Tuesday.
3. For Martin Luther King Day, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. the day before and 8:30 a.m. the day after.

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 8 June 24, 2026
4. For Easter, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m. Monday.
5. For Memorial Day, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
6. For Independence Day, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. the day before Independence Day and 8:30 a.m. the
day after Independence Day.
If Independence Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then between the hours of 3:00 p.m. the
Thursday before Independence Day and 8:30 a.m. the Tuesday after Independence Day.
7. For Labor Day, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.
8. For Veterans Day, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. the day before Veterans Day and 8:30 a.m. the day after
Veterans Day.
9. For Thanksgiving Day, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. the Tuesday before Thanksgiving Day and 8:30
a.m. the Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day.
Holidays and holiday weekends shall include New Year's, Martin Luther King Day, Easter, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Contractor shall schedule his work
so no work is required during these periods, unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.
The liquidated damages are Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per hour.
AWARD OF CONTRACT
(6-28-77)(Rev 2/16/2018) Z-6
"The North Carolina Department of Transportation, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252) and the Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 C.F.R., Part 21), issued
pursuant to such act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that the contract entered into
pursuant to this advertisement will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder without discrimination on the
ground of race, color, or national origin".
All eligible proposals will be evaluated and acceptance made of the bid judged in the discretion of the contracting
agency to determine the lowest responsible bidder for the purpose intended. The Contracting Agency using its
discretion, will determine whether a bidder is a "responsible" bidder. In determining whether a bidder is
"responsible, the Contracting Agency will evaluate, the bid price, completeness and content of the bid, Bidder's
related work experience, ability of the Bidder and staff to perform the services required, Bidder's past
performance, references, and Bidder's financial stability. After opening bids and prior to award, the Contracting
Agency may also seek supporting documentation prior to determining whether a bidder is a "responsible" bidder.
No changes in bid price or price negotiations will be allowed after bids are opened and prior to an award. After the
Contracting Agencies evaluation, the award of the contract, if awarded, will be made to the lowest responsible
bidder. The lowest responsible bidder will be notified that his bid has been accepted and that he has been awarded
the contract. Withdrawal of proposal will be allowed only under limited conditions. If a Bidder is awarded a
contract, he/she will be expected to perform the work. Failure to perform may result in the Bidder being held in
default of contract. In the event of default, the Department may, in its discretion, contact the next lowest
responsible bidder to determine whether that next lowest responsible bidder is willing and able to complete the
contract at its bid price.
All awards are final and are not subject to further review. Any formal complaints concerning awards should be
made in writing to the Engineer.

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 9 June 24, 2026
BASIS OF AWARD
Quantities for this work are estimated and are not guaranteed. Determination of the apparent low bidder will be made
by extending the unit prices quoted on the Bid Proposal Form.
Unit prices shall reflect actual costs; unbalanced bids may be rejected per the North Carolina Department of
Transportation's Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures.
QUANTITIES ESTIMATED
The quantities shown on the itemized bid form are considered to be approximate only and are given as the basis for
comparison of bids. For accounting purposes only a purchase order may contain quantity amounts and they SHALL
NOT be construed as minimum quantities. Quantities shall be determined solely by the Department on an "as needed"
basis. In the event of a conflict between any purchase orders and this proposal, this proposal shall control. An
increase or decrease in quantities shall not be cause for an adjustment in unit prices.
NON-EXCLUSIVE CONTRACT
The Department may, as it deems to be in the best interest of the State and the Department of Transportation,
execute more than one contract based on this proposal. The Contractor(s) understands and agrees, by signature on
the Purchase Order Contract Bid Form, that this agreement does not constitute an exclusive contract. If awarded,
the contracts will be executed with the lowest responsible bidders. The Department of Transportation reserves the
right to make multiple awards for the services provided by this contract. Furthermore, the Department reserves the
right to reject all bids received.
BOND REQUIREMENTS
The provisions of Articles 102-10 and 103-7 of the Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures are waived for
this project. No bonds required.
PROGRESS AND PROSECUTION
The Contractor will be required to prosecute the work in a continuous and uninterrupted manner from the time he
begins the work until completion and final acceptance of the project. The Contractor will not be permitted to suspend
his operations except for reasons beyond his control or except where the Engineer has authorized a suspension of the
Contractor's operations in writing.
It is further the intent that the Contractor shall pursue the work diligently with workmen in sufficient numbers,
abilities, and supervision, and with the equipment, materials, and methods of construction as may be required to
complete the work described in the contract, or as may be amended, by the completion date and in accordance with
Section 108 of the Standard Specifications.
The Contractor's vehicles and equipment shall not be parked within the State Highway System right of way
overnight or at other times when work has been suspended unless approved by the Engineer, and in no case within
30 feet of the edge of pavement. The Engineer may designate specific locations for parking equipment.
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 construction personnel and the public.
In the event that the Contractor's operations are suspended in violation of the above provisions, the sum of Five
Hundred ($500.00) will be charged to the contractor for each and every calendar day that such suspension takes
place. The said amount is hereby agreed upon as liquidated damages. Liquidated damages chargeable due to
suspension of the work will be additional to any liquidated damages that may become chargeable due to failure to
complete the work by the completion date.

Proposal No. 54-TJK-01-PR31880 10 June 24, 2026
TRAFFIC CONTROL AND WORK ZONE SAFETY
The Contractor shall maintain traffic during construction and provide, install, and maintain all traffic control
devices in accordance with these project guidelines, the Project Traffic Control Plans, the Project Special
Provisions, North Carolina Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, and the
current edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The Contractor shall utilize complete and proper traffic controls and traffic control devices during all operations.
All traffic control and traffic control devices required for any operation shall be functional and in place prior to the
commencement of that operation. Signs for temporary operations shall be removed during periods of inactivity.
The Contractor is required to leave the project in a manner that will be safe to the traveling public and which will
not impede motorists.
Traffic movements through lane closures on roads with two way traffic shall be controlled by flaggers stationed at
each end of the work zone. In situations where sight distance is limited, the Contractor shall provide additional
means of controlling traffic, including, but not limited to, two-way radios, pilot vehicles, or additional flaggers.
Flaggers shall be competent personnel, adequately trained in flagging procedures, and furnished with proper safety
devices and equipment, including, but not limited to, safety vests and stop/slow paddles.
All personnel when working in traffic areas or areas in close proximity to traffic shall wear an approved safety vest,
or shirt or jacket which meets the color requirements of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations
governing safety, health, and sanitation, and shall provide all safeguards, safety devices, and protective equipment,
and shall take any other needed actions, on his own responsibility that are reasonably necessary to protect the life
and health of employees on the job and the safety of the public, and to protect property in connection with the
performance of the work covered by the contract.
Failure to comply with any of the requirements for safety and traffic control of this contract shall result in
suspension of work as provided in Subarticle 108-7(2) of the Standard Specifications.
The Contractor's vehicles and equipment shall not be parked within the State Highway System right of way
overnight or at other times when work has been suspended unless approved by the Engineer, and in no case within
30 feet of the edge of pavement. The Engineer may designate specific locations for parking equipment.
Traffic Control will be incidental to the work, and will be included in the unit bid price for the other items included
in the contract.
The liquidated damages for failing to place signs before commencement of operations is Two Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($250.00) per incident. All signs shall be clean, legible, and in good condition as determined by the
Engineer.
In addition, the Contractor shall incur immediate Liquidated Damages in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty
Dollars ($250.00) each occurrence for failure to provide operational lighting and signing on all equipment as
specified.
SAFETY VESTS
All Contractor's personnel, all subcontractors and their personnel, and any material suppliers and their personnel,
must wear a reflective safety vest or outer garment meeting ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Class 2 standards at all times
while on the project.
Failure to comply with this provision may result in a fine of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each occurrence.