Santa Cruz Gateway Landscape Improvements

The Santa Cruz Gateway Landscape Improvements project, solicitation number ED-0330, is a firm-fixed fee contract issued by the City of Santa Cruz for comprehensive landscape upgrades at the intersection of Ocean Street and Plymouth Street. The scope of work requires the contractor to provide all labor, materials, tools, and equipment for demolition, site and soil preparation, irrigation system installation, planting, concrete work, lighting, and low-voltage electrical work. The project must be completed within 45 working days, with work conducted Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Bids are due by October 23, 2026, via the OpenGov portal, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Key compliance requirements include mandatory registration with the State Division of Industrial Relations and adherence to prevailing wage laws. Bidders must provide a bid security of at least 10 percent of the bid amount, and the successful awardee must furnish performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract price. The project mandates strict adherence to California Labor Code Section 6707 for excavation safety, ADA and ABA accessibility standards, and Caltrans thermoplastic specifications for pavement markings. Evaluation of bids includes a 2 percent preference for local businesses and an additional 4 percent preference for locally owned businesses. Payment is subject to a 5 percent retention withholding until 35 calendar days after the recording of the Notice of Completion.