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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 APPROVAL OF OPERATOR SERVICES AGMT FOR BALL FIELD MAINTENANCE - TUSTIN SPORTS PARK & C.T. PARK SOFTBALL FIELDSMEETING DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2017 TO: JEFFREY C. PARKER, CITY MANAGER FROM: DAVID A. WILSON, DIRECTOR, PARKS & RECREATION SERVICES SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF OPERATOR SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR BALL FIELD MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE TUSTIN SPORTS PARK AND COLUMBUS TUSTIN PARK SOFTBALL FIELDS SUMMARY: Approval of an Operator Services Agreement between the City of Tustin and Diamonds Sports Field Maintenance, Inc., to provide the City with ball field maintenance services for the Tustin Sports Park and Columbus Tustin Park softball and baseball fields. RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute an Operator Services Agreement with Diamonds Sports Field Inc. for one year with two (2) one-year extensions. FISCAL IMPACT: The current budget is $50,000 for ball field preparation. The proposed agreement amount from Diamonds Sports Field Maintenance, Inc. is $51,500/year for these services. The expenditure difference will be offset by Adult Softball League fees. No additional appropriations are required. CORRELATION TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN: This project advances Goal B of the City of Tustin Strategic Plan regarding Public Safety and Protection of Assets by ensuring continuous maintenance and improvement of park facilities. BACKGROUND: City fields have been maintained by Major League Softball, Inc. for the last four years. Field preparation services include infield treatments, general maintenance, and ball field preparation (watering, dragging, painting bases, and lining of each infield in preparation for a game). These services are utilized five days a week for the Adult Softball program held at Tustin Sports Park Fields #1 and #3 and Columbus Tustin Park Field #1 as well as the baseball field at Tustin Sports Park (Field #2). After the contract with Major League Softball, Inc. expired, staff sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for ball field maintenance operator services on August 1, 2017. The RFP was sent by both U.S. Mail and email to five (5) companies: Professional Sports Field Maintenance (PSFM), Major League Softball, Inc. (MLS), Diamonds Sports Field Maintenance, Inc., Sports Field Services, and Todd Chapman, Inc. A total of three (3) firms responded to the RFP by the August 22, 2017, due date. These proposals were evaluated by the Parks and Recreation Department using a qualification based selection process with the following categories: 1. Approach and work plan to achieve city objectives 2. Qualifications and experience 3. Cost of services 4. Compliance with proposal requirements Diamonds Sports Field Maintenance, Inc. submitted a comprehensive and professional proposal and was given the highest rating as detailed below. Their proposal also had the lowest cost of services of the three received. RFP EVALUATION SUMMARY: Per the original request for proposals, the term of this Agreement shall be for one (1) year commencing on the date specified in the Operator Service Agreement with two (2) automatic one (1) year extensions in 2018 and 2019. The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreement and approved it as to form. y s b itted, Da4id A. Wilson Director, Parks and Recreation Services Attachment A: Operator Services Agreement 4,ttachment B: Field Preparation and Maintenance Proposal Evaluation Sheet Total Score Average Score PSFM 123 41 MLS 132 44 Diamonds 142 47.3 Per the original request for proposals, the term of this Agreement shall be for one (1) year commencing on the date specified in the Operator Service Agreement with two (2) automatic one (1) year extensions in 2018 and 2019. The City Attorney has reviewed the Agreement and approved it as to form. y s b itted, Da4id A. Wilson Director, Parks and Recreation Services Attachment A: Operator Services Agreement 4,ttachment B: Field Preparation and Maintenance Proposal Evaluation Sheet Attachment A AGREEMENT REGARDING BALL FIELD MAINTENANCE OPERATOR SERVICES THIS AGREEMENT, dated for purposes of identification only this day of 2017 is made and entered into by and between the CITY OF TUSTIN, a municipal corporation, (hereinafter referred to as "City"), and Diamonds Sports Field Maintenance, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Operator"). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, City is the owner of ball fields at Tustin Sports Park, which is located at 12850 Robinson Drive and Columbus Tustin Park, which is located at 17522 Beneta Way in Tustin; and WHEREAS, Operator is engaged in the business of providing ball field maintenance services; and WHEREAS, City desires to obtain, and Operator desires to provide ball field maintenance at Tustin Sports Park and Columbus Tustin Park. NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and conditions herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. Employment of Operator Upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, City hires Operator to provide ball field maintenance at Tustin Sports Park, located at 12850 Robinson Drive and Columbus Tustin Park, located at 17522 Beneta Way. The term of this Agreement shall be for one (1) year commencing on November 1, 2017, with two (2) extensions for one (1) year unless terminated by either party. This Agreement shall be automatically renewed in 2018 (November 1, 2018) and 2019 (November 1, 2019) unless terminated by the City by written notice given. 2. Items to be Provided by City City agrees to furnish the following: a. Bases for the fields. b. Water source on fields. c. A Frames "Stay Off Infield" Signs 3. Items to be Provided by Operator Operator agrees to furnish the following: 9/12/2017 a. Prepare softball diamonds for the City's Adult Softball Leagues b. Prepare baseball diamond for general rental use c. Provide all necessary equipment and supplies to prepare the softball fields for league play with the exceptions of items provided by the City d. Provide a schedule of when field preparations will be done by staff to be completed between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. e. Communicate with designated City employees on as needed basis to review schedule changes and progress of work f. Prepare the softball/baseball fields in accordance with the City of Tustin Parks and Recreation Department Field Preparation Standards g. Daily procedures for Tustin Sports Park Fields #1 and #2 and Columbus Tustin Park Fields #1, #3, and #4 as needed include: - Blowout dugouts and remove any trash - Hand water infields - Groom and drag infields - Thoroughly rake and tamp batter's boxes, sliding areas around each base, and pitcher's area - Heavily chalk foul lines, batter's boxes, pitcher's area, coaches' boxes, running lane lines, and on deck circles - Paint bases (bases provided by the City of Tustin) - Powerblast edges of backboard area and edge of skinned infield - Infield boarder edging - Waterblast infield boarder - Add clay mix (Hilltopper or equivalent) in pitching area and batter's boxes when deemed necessary by City employee and/or Operator - Place "Stay Off Infield" A -Frame on batter's box once work is complete (A -Frame provided by the City of Tustin) h. Weekly procedures for Tustin Sports Park Fields #1 and #2 and Columbus Tustin Park Field #1 include: - Stripe foul and coed lines on outfield grass - Trim/pull weeds in edge line and backboard areas - Scarify, nail drag skinned infield L Daily procedure for Tustin Sports Park Field #2 include: Blowout dugouts and remove any trash - Hand water infields - Groom and drag infields Thoroughly rake and tamp batter's boxes, sliding areas around each base, and pitcher's mounds 9/12/2017 Powerblast edges of backboard area and edge of skinned infield Add clay mix (Hilltopper or equivalent) to pitcher's mound and batter's boxes when deemed necessary by City employee and/or Operator Infield border edging Waterblast infield border Maintenance to pitcher's mound (heavy water, scarify, drag) j. Weekly procedure for Tustin Sports Park Field #2 include: - Stripe foul lines on outfield grass - Trim/pull weeds in edge line and backboard areas - Scarify, nail drag skinned infield k. Bi -annual meetings with contract and City employee to discuss field conditions. 4. Insurance Without limiting City's right to indemnification, it is agreed that Operator (and any subcontractors utilized by Operator) shall secure, at least 30 days prior to commencing any activities under this Agreement each year at the event site, and maintain during the term of this Agreement, insurance coverage as follows: a. Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by California statutes. The worker's compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the City for all work performed by the vendor, its employees, agents, and subcontractors. b. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, or Commercial General Liability Insurance, including coverage for Premises and Operations, Contractual Liability, Personal Injury Liability, Products/Completed Operations Liability, Broad -Form Property Damage (if applicable) and Independent Contractor's Liability (if applicable) in an amount of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, combined single limit, written on an occurrence form. c. Comprehensive Automobile Liability coverage, including as -applicable -owner, non -owned, and hire autos, in an amount of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, combined single limit, written on an occurrence form. 9/12/2017 d. Each insurance policy provided under this Agreement shall contain the following endorsements: "This insurance shall not be canceled, limited in a scope or coverage, or non -renewed until after thirty (30) days' prior written notice has been given to the City Clerk, City of Tustin, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780." and "It is agreed that any insurance maintained by the City of Tustin shall apply in excess of and not contribute with insurance provided by this policy." and "Vendor hereby agrees to waive subrogation which any insurer of vendor may acquire from vendor by virtue. of the payment of any loss. Vendor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation." e. Each insurance policy required by this Agreement, excepting policies for workers' compensation, shall contain the following clause: "The City of Tustin, their elective and appointive board's officers, agents, employees, representatives, and volunteers are named as additional insured as respects operations and activities of, or on behalf of the named insured, performed under contract with the City of Tustin." f. The City's Risk Manager may, in his/her sole discretion, and by written request approved in writing by the Risk Manager, reduce the amount or type of required insurance that one or more subcontractors are required to provide. Operator shall deliver to City insurance endorsements confirming the existence of the insurance required by this Agreement, and including the applicable clauses referenced above. The endorsement shall be provided thirty (30) days prior to Operator's commencement of services. Said endorsements shall be signed by an authorized representative of the insurance company and shall include the signator's company affiliation and title. Should it be deemed 9/12/2017 necessary by City, it shall be Operator's responsibility to see that City received documentation acceptable to City which sustains that the individual signing said endorsements is indeed authorized to do so by the insurance company. Also, City has the right to demand, and to receive within a reasonable time period,. copies of any insurance policies requires under this Agreement. In addition to any other remedies City may, at its sole option terminate immediately this Agreement with no further responsibility to perform any other duties under the contract. Exercise of the above remedy, however, is an alternative to other remedies City may have and is not the exclusive remedy for Operator's failure to maintain insurance or secure appropriate endorsements. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as limiting in any way the extent to which Operator may be held responsible for payments of damages to persons or property resulting from Operator's or its subcontractor's performance of the work covered under this Agreement. 5. Indemnification Operator agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Tustin, their respective officers, agents, employees, representatives, and volunteers from and against any and all the claims, demands, defense costs, actions, liability, or consequential damages of any kind or nature arising out of or in connection with Operator's (or Operator's subcontractors, if any) performance or failure to perform, under the terms of this Agreement, except those which arise out of the sole negligence of City. 6. Employee Background Screenine Thirty (30) days prior to Operator's commencement of ball field maintenance operations at Tustin Sports Park and Columbus Tustin Park, Operator will provide the City with the name, date of birth, and photo identification for all employees who will work at the site. Thirty (30) days prior to Operator's commencement of ball field maintenance operations at Tustin Sports Park and Columbus Tustin Park, Operator will also be required to provide the City with a California Department of Justice clearance or equivalent as determined by the City, for all employees at Operator's expense thirty (30) days prior to commencement of this Agreement. 9/12/2017 During the term of this Agreement, the Operator shall notify the City of any newly hired employees and provide the City with the information required by this section for any such persons before they begin work at the site. The parties agree that in the event that the Operator fails to perform any of the duties described in this section, this will constitute a material breach of the contract entitling the City to terminate immediately with no further responsibility to perform any other duties under the contract. 7. Premises Operator agrees, any improvements, additions, alterations, or changes to the premises shall be subject to prior written approval by the Parks and Recreation Department and compliance with such terms and conditions as may be imposed thereon by the City. 8. Impossibility of Performance In the event of war, strikes, earthquake, fire, or other events which would render the performance of this Agreement impossible, in whole or in part, by either party, then each party shall be relieved from obligation thereunder. 9. Termination of Agreement The City reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause, upon thirty (30) days written notice to Operator, except where termination is due to the fault of Operator and constitutes an immediate danger to health, safety and general welfare, the period of notice shall be such shorter time as the City in its sole discretion, determines to appropriate. 10. Amendment It is mutually understood and agreed that no alteration or variance of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto, and no oral understandings or agreements not incorporated herein shall be binding on any of the parties hereto. 11. Assignment 9/12/2017 Neither Operator nor City may assign or transfer this Agreement, or any party thereof, without the written consent of the other party. 12. Compliance with Laws In the performance of this Agreement, Operator shall abide by and conform to any and all applicable laws of the United States, the State of California, and ordinances of the City. 13. Independent Contractor Operator is at all times an independent contractor pursuant to this Agreement and shall not, in any way, be considered to be an officer, agent, or employee of City. 14. Authority and Effective Date Operator and Operator's signators further represent that the signators hold the positions set forth below their signatures and that the signators are authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of Operator and to bind Operator hereto. The effective date of this Agreement shall be the latest date of execution hereinafter set forth opposite the names of the signators hereto. In the event Operator fails to set forth a date of execution opposite the name(s) of Operator's signator(s), Operator hereby authorizes City, by and through its representatives, to insert the date of execution by Operator's signator(s) as the date said Agreement, as executed by Operator, is received by City. 9/12/2017 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed on the dates herein after respectively set forth. Dated: ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: David Kendig City Attorney "CITY" CITY OF TUSTIN Mayor "OPERATOR" Dated: �1 6 By: Name: Title: 9/12/2017 Attachment B City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: D t wy-"0y1A S RATED BY: C kA c cCo�An V1 Rating CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) E 0 CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) Zo CATEGORY 4: TERMS 50 _ � �3 • Appropriate Fees • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality p� t Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) TOTAL SCORE: OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET i COMPANY: f� 1 Y`'� �� RATED BY: ac-y(A h'pk�) Rating CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) 9. CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. Z Cl) Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) CATEGORY 4: TERMS • Appropriate Fees�j 5 Ot d • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) ` CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) TOTAL SCORE: OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: Ps r --PA RATED BY: L/l stn 'tom Ratinq CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies f Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) CATEGORY 4: TERMS�� • Appropriate Fees • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) TOTAL SCORE: OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: RATED BY: Rating CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. \, V,�N _ 5 fyp cam, I Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) CATEGORY 4: TERMS�_ o • Appropriate Fees 50A (� • Necessary Insurance 6 sS 4L (D = `� S • Statement of Offer & Signature nw Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) "( CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) U TOTAL SCORE: 1-31 OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: rye L-5 c'- M L CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives RATED BY: J Ratina Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) 8 CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. >,C)cw— Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) CATEGORY 4: TERMS v • Appropriate Fees • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) / CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) TOTAL SCORE: 31 OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: r S`F RATED BY: �Y Rating CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) Q CATEGORY 4: TERMS � I D • Appropriate Fees • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) TOTAL SCORE:; OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: Lamon(15� RATED BY: AL%mn CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) CATEGORY 4: TERMS • Appropriate Fees • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) TOTAL SCORE: OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: Rating q HL City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: I/VI RATED BY: /V(NYAY1 &I1imn Rating CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and. activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high). CATEGORY 4: TERMS • Appropriate Fees • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10(high) TOTAL SCORE: 38 OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: City of Tustin Parks and Recreation FIELD PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE PROPOSAL EVALUATION SHEET COMPANY: RATED BY: /Va- lAYl &i MICAVI Ratina CATEGORY 1: APPROACH • Achieve City objectives Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) 7 CATEGORY 2: QUALIFICATIONS/REFERENCES • Company history • Demonstration of technical skills • Prior experience, including with public agencies Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 3: CONTENT • A description of the vendor's approach and work program. It should explain the technical approach, methodology, and specific tasks and activities that will be performed to address the specific issues and work items. . Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 20 (high) CATEGORY 4: TERMS • Appropriate Fees • Necessary Insurance • Statement of Offer & Signature -4 Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) CATEGORY 5: QUALITY OF PROPOSAL • Completeness and thoroughness of proposal • Clarity, neatness, organization, etc • Overall quality Rate on a numerical scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) TOTAL SCORE: 3G OTHER COMMENTS AND NOTES: