A1: Contractors are only required to submit unit cost and total cost for General Requirements, Site Preparation, and Exterior Improvements for Phase 1 as listed on the Bid Form at this time. Any notes about future phases and associated pricing considerations that are included in the proposal will be reviewed but are not required or expected.
A2:Per response requirements 3g and 8, contractors are required to list at least five examples of projects they have completed within the last five years that are similar in scope and nature to our proposed project. At least three of these examples should be shared in detail. In our evaluation, we will be looking for an ability to fully implement a landscape architect’s design along with evidence that the contractor has adequate native landscape and restoration experience to understand and complete our project per the design specifications, noting whether the project examples were managed by the contractor, consultant, owner, or some combination. It is not a mandatory requirement that listed projects were managed by a consultant.
A3: The Library will make a spigot and hose available for the contractor to water plant stock. If there are more extensive water needs, we ask that the contractor discuss those needs with the Library to determine the most efficient and effective course of action.
A4: The contractor is required to limit staging to the area noted on Page 02 of the Final Plans. An exception will be considered for plant stock as long as such materials do not impede access to necessary spaces or equipment. The contractor will be responsible for securing all materials against theft or damage.
A5: Chipping of trees and brush onsite is permitted as long as it is performed safely and at a reasonable distance from people, vehicles, and other property. The contractor will be responsible for cleaning up all wood chips and debris and preventing wood chips and debris from entering storm sewers.
A6: The plant code is listed correctly. The correct botanical code for item #9 is Liquidambar styraciflua 'Moraine'.
A7: Contractors should price cost per individual plant plugs. For sedges, grasses, and perennials, contractors should indicate on the bid form under unit cost whether their pricing is for full flats (FF) or individual plants (IND).
A8: In the case of a discrepancy between the quantity of plant materials to be installed (trees, shrubs, sedges, turf/grasses, perennials, bulbs) in the plan set and bid form, contractors should use the higher of the two quantities and make a note on the bid form. In the case of a discrepancy in quantities for hardscape, contractors should use the higher of the two quantities and make a note on the bid form. Once the project is awarded, changes in quantities necessary to complete the project as intended will be addressed through additive or deductive change orders.
A9: An addendum will be issued to include private utility locate services as part of the site preparation costs.
A10: There is no known general cause for the tree loss experienced on the property. While most Ash trees are healthy, some have been impacted by the emerald ash borer and are slated for removal. The healthy Ash trees are on a schedule to be treated. Some pines may be impacted by pine blight while others appear relatively healthy. Soil sampling and analysis will be conducted on the parking lot islands and results will be shared with the selected contractor prior to installing new trees, in case any soil amendment modifications need to be addressed as a part of this project.
A11: Indigo Ecological Design is the consulting landscape architect and does not provide plant procurement or installation services. At the time of design, all specified plant species were confirmed to be commercially available through regional native plant nurseries and are not considered specialty items. Plant availability is subject to seasonal production, crop success, and nursery inventory at the time of ordering. The process for plant substitutions, if necessary, is included on Drawing Number 02 in the Final Plans document. Native plant materials are commonly available in plug sizes, and many nurseries allow orders by individual plugs rather than full flats, providing flexibility when sourcing plant material. Some regional native plant nurseries include Bombus Nursery, Taylor Creek Nursery, Midwest Groundcovers, Prairie Moon and others that can be found here: https://www.illinoisplants.org/native-plant-nurseries/ (This list is provided for reference only and is not intended to be exhaustive or an endorsement.)