19DR8623Q0001 - Gardening Services - SOW.docx

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

RFQ NUMBER 19DR8623Q0001

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

1. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The purpose of this contract is to obtain gardening services for real property owned or managed by the U.S. Government at U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo. The Contractor shall perform gardening services in all designated spaces.

1.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintenance and appearance of the grass, shrubbery, garden areas, trees, and related landscape elements of the U.S. Post and properties are an important part of the representational responsibilities of the U.S. mission. The Government will measure the Contractor’s work by the appearance of the landscape covered by this contract. The Contractor shall perform complete gardening and landscape maintenance services as described in this contract for all Government properties listed in 1.14. The Contractor shall include all planning, administration, and management necessary to assure that all services comply with the contract, the COR's schedules and instructions, and all applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor shall meet all of the standards of performance identified in the contract. The Contractor shall perform all related support functions such as supply, subcontracting, quality control, financial oversight, and maintenance of complete records and files.

1.2 MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

1.2.1. SUPERVISION

The Contractor shall designate a representative who shall be responsible for on-site supervision of the Contractor's workforce at all times. This supervisor shall be the focal point for the Contractor and shall be the point of contact with U.S. Government personnel. The supervisor shall have sufficient English language skill to be able to communicate with members of the U.S. Government staff. The supervisor shall have supervision as his or her sole function.

1.3 SCHEDULES

The Contractor shall maintain work schedules. The schedules shall take into consideration the hours that the staff can effectively perform their services without placing a burden on the security personnel of the Post. The Contractor shall deliver standard services between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. For those items other than routine daily services, the Contractor shall provide the COR with a detailed plan as to the personnel to be used and the time frame to perform the service.

1.4 QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall be responsible for quality control. The Contractor shall perform inspection visits to the work site on a regular basis. The Contractor shall coordinate these visits with the COR. These visits shall be surprise inspections to those working on the contract.

1.4.1 WORKFORCE. The Contractor shall provide the proper number of employees (besides the lead gardeners) per work location to properly fulfill all work requirements in a timely manner.

1.5 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

The Contractor shall have the services of a trained horticulturist with experience in the climate and soil conditions found locally to give technical guidance to the Contractor's work force and to develop and guide the Contractor's programs for lawn and tree care.

1.6 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLAN

The Contractor shall submit an annual Grounds Maintenance Plan for each location that reflects the proposed frequency for meeting the requirements of this contract. The Grounds Maintenance Plan will be developed to fit the requirements of local conditions, types of vegetation, and climate factors. The Contractor shall submit the Grounds Maintenance Plan to the COR for approval within 15 days after contract award.

1.6.1 MONTHLY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLAN.

The Contractor shall be responsible for submitting a monthly grounds maintenance report in English on the first week following the end of that reporting month. The report will contain and reflect the following:

• The entire grounds maintenance and gardening services performed for that previous month. This report will provide a detailed description of what was performed by each of the contractor’s employees for that month, what tasks were completed and where.

• The planned schedule for the upcoming month. The method, frequencies, dates of grass cutting, hedging, trimming, weeding, and turf repair for each property.

• Problems/damages found or anticipated of vegetation, ground soil, and manmade or nature−made installations, e.g., planters, ponds, stone lanterns, and corrective measures for those problems/damages, if any.

• Suggestions for improving aesthetics and values of landscapes at the locations listed in the attachment, if any.

• Matters concerning grounds maintenance and gardening services, if any.

1.6.2 LAWN CARE

1.6.2.1. GRASS CUTTING

The Contractor shall maintain the height of grass between 4 and 6 centimeters. The Contractor is responsible for all equipment and fuels needed to complete this task.

1.6.2.2 EDGING

The Contractor shall edge all sidewalks, driveways, and curbs each time the adjacent grass is cut.

1.6.2.3 TRIMMING

The Contractor shall trim grass around trees, shrubs, cultivated areas, sprinkler heads, valves, fences, buildings, poles, and structures, so that grass height does not exceed the height of the adjacent grass. The branch leaves, trees and shrubs must be trimmed in a way that it will not affect the sidewalks, especially in the parking lot and main sidewalks inside the compound. All trees must be trimmed 20 feet-6 meters from perimetral walls from inside property and outside.

1.6.2.4 WEEDING

The Contractor shall weed the grounds and gardens on a continuous basis to prevent the growth of weeds into lawn, planters, and landscapes. The weeding will include bushes and flowerbeds where weeds will tend to penetrate within the interior of the plant groupings. The Contractor may use weed-killing chemicals to prevent the growth of weeds to eliminate grass and weeds in the cracks and joints within or along sidewalks and curbs every two weeks. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all applications of weed killers.

Herbicides to be used in the accomplishment of work shall be clearly specified and submitted in writing to the COR for approval prior to commencement of work. The submittal shall include the following information as a minimum:

Remove and dispose of all excess herbicide and empty containers at approved facilities for such disposal off the U.S. Government controlled premises in accordance with U.S. and Dominican laws and regulation.

The Contractor shall prepare, maintain, and submit daily records of all weed control operations for safety and effect. The Contractor shall furnish the reports to the COR with other monthly reports, showing the results of herbicide application plan.

1.6.2.5 TURF REPAIR AND RE-ESTABLISHMENT

The Contractor shall, whenever necessary, repair areas damaged by vehicular traffic, oil, and gas, building repairs, and normal foot traffic. The damaged area shall be filled in and leveled and then seeded or sodded and maintained to conform to adjacent areas.

(a) The Contractor shall take any precautions necessary to protect newly sodded areas such as providing and erecting temporary fences and posting signs. All materials for such precautions shall be provided by the contractor.

(b) The method, frequencies, and dates of grass cutting, hedging, trimming, weeding, and turf repair shall be part of the contractor's Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.6.3 PRUNING

1.6.3.1 The Contractor shall maintain trees, shrubs, hedges, bushes, vines, ground cover, plants inside the building and flowers. Grass, tree & vetiver pruning on a scheduled basis.

1.6.3.2 The Contractor shall prepare a written schedule, as part of the Grounds Maintenance Plan, showing the method, frequencies, and dates of pruning.

1.6.3.3 The Contractor shall prune all shrubs, vines, bushes, ground cover, and trees to:

• Direct and encourage plant growth in directions desired,

• Remove dead and unsightly growth, and

• Maintain a neat and attractive appearance.

• Remove certain parts of the tree that cause excessive falling of leaves, and

• Remove certain branches or part of trees that obstruct the adjacent building structure

The Contractor must take special care to prune trees in pedestrian areas on a regular basis. All major pruning shall be done only under the direction of the horticulturalist. The Contractor shall remove all dead branches and diseased foliage immediately and shall remove insect or disease infested plant material from site and dispose of it appropriately. The Contractor shall use the proper tools for pruning at all times.

The Contractor is responsible for removing tree leaves, straw, branches, and debris from the pruning work to the garbage area on a daily. The Contractor shall prune according to the schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan to ensure that all heavy pruning is accomplished during the proper season according to best horticultural practice. The Contractor shall prune all hedges and shaped shrubs to maintain proper shape at all times. The Contractor shall remove all dead branches and diseased foliage immediately and shall remove insect or disease infested plant material from site and dispose of it appropriately. The Contractor is responsible for submittal and approval of the procedure as well as official permits from the city authorities for trimming and/or cutting any trees, bushes, etc., and all crane and/or other related equipment cost for trimming or cutting the trees, bushes, etc. will be Contractor`s responsibility.

· The Contractor shall prepare a trimming plan in preparation for hurricane season 60 days prior to June of each contract year.

1.6.3.4 At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall replace any tree, bush or shrub that is killed or rendered unusable for its intended purpose through negligent or irresponsible practices that are attributable to the Contractor.

1.6.4 LEAF REMOVAL

The Contractor shall daily remove fallen leaves and palm fronds from the grounds. General cleaning of green areas corresponding to the project from the beginning. The contractor shall remove also fallen leaves on exterior awnings.

1.7 RECYCLED MATERIALS

The Contractor shall promote recycled uses for lawn and tree debris in meeting other gardening needs, such as mulch and compost. The contractor shall support the internal recycling program providing cut grass and leaves collected to the compost bins in any site available, compost materials shall be used by residents and gardeners.

1.8 REMOVAL OF DEBRIS

The Contractor shall remove foreign material, cuttings, grass, leaves, bark, limbs, dead vegetation, paper, and trash from the maintained areas including walkways, stairways, and curbs within or adjacent to the area. The Contractor shall remove all debris and equipment from the work site before the end of each workday. Debris removal shall prevent unsightly accumulation. The Contractor shall promptly remove collected debris to an authorized disposal site. The Contractor is responsible for all expenses incurred in the collection and disposal of debris.

Any plant element born spontaneously that has not been sown or voluntarily planted or not part of the original design shall not be considered as part of the green area and shall be removed systematically if the property does not previously state the opposite of mechanically.

The Contractor shall cut up any large branches or dead vegetation so that the debris fits in the garbage container and the garbage truck used by the Embassy. The Contractor is responsible for all expenses incurred in the collection and disposal of debris. The Contractor will empty waste bins/trashcans from all outdoor areas daily and take them to the appropriate location as instructed by the COR. The Contractor shall maintain the garbage area clean and organized.

Regarding chemical weeding, it shall be used in the pertinent areas regulated and that does not affect any person or pet.

1.9 WATERING

1.9.1. The Contractor shall water lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide for moisture penetration to a depth of 7 centimeters. If natural precipitation is sufficient to fulfill this requirement, the Contractor may request the COR’s permission to suspend watering to avoid too much water in the soil.

1.9.2. The Contractor shall present the method, frequencies, and dates of watering in a written schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The schedule shall consider the kinds of vegetation, local soil conditions, and the seasonal variations in plant moisture requirements.

1.9.3. The Contractor shall provide all hoses, portable sprinklers, and other similar irrigation equipment.

1.9.4. The Government shall furnish the supply of water.

1.10. FERTILIZER

(10) The Contractor shall fertilize and lime the soil to promote proper health, growth, color, and appearance of cultivated vegetation, following proper horticultural practice for the types of vegetation, soil, weather conditions, and seasons of the year.

(B) The Contractor shall present the method of application, fertilizer type, frequencies, and dates of fertilizing and liming in the Grounds Maintenance Plan.

€ The Contractor shall fertilize the lawn areas a minimum of two times per year. (or as instructed by the COR), with a fertilizer which is available in the local market and approved by the Post Occupational, Safety & Health Officer (POSHO).

(D) The Contractor shall apply weed killer once a year. If weed killer is not required, the Contractor shall request a waiver in writing from the COR. If at any point during the year between annual treatments the Contractor believes that weed killer should be applied, the Contractor should inform the COR in writing. All use of weed killer must have the written approval of the POSHO.

€ The Contractor shall fertilize trees, shrubs, bushes, hedges, and plants a minimum twice a year. If at any point during the year between treatments the Contractor believes that fertilizer should be applied, the Contractor should inform the COR in writing.

1.11 PEST CONTROL

The Contractor shall maintain a program according to SHEM regulations for controlling pests, including mosquitos, bugs, ants, and plant disease to maintain plants inside the buildings, flowers, shrubs, vines, trees, grass, and other planted areas in a healthy and vigorous condition. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all pesticides to be used. The Contractor shall provide Material Safety Data Sheets (see Hazard Assessment) to the COR for any chemical or hazardous material used. All pesticide usage shall be in strict conformance with label directions. Pesticide spraying or other treatment shall be performed in such a manner as to prevent accidental spray drift.

The Contractor shall present a plan for pest and disease control as a part of its monthly Grounds Maintenance Report. Pesticides to be used in the accomplishment of work shall be clearly specified and submitted in writing to the COR for approval prior to commencement of work.

10. The plan submittal shall include the following points as a minimum:

(1) Target pets treated for.

(2) Rate of application and formulation for each job (e.g., gram/square meter).

(3) Schedule of application; and,

(4) Any special precautions not on label that will be taken to prevent environmental damage or pesticide injury.

B. Target pest and plant diseases to be controlled are as follows:

(1) Pest: mosquitoes, ants, tent caterpillars, pine caterpillars, scale insects, fall webworms, aphids, gypsy moths, spider mites, and other common pests.

(2) Plant Disease: scab, rots, mildew, etc.

C. Pesticide Application. During preparation and application, the Contractor shall:

(1) Keep safety equipment and spill kit available.

(2) Never leave equipment unattended while filling to prevent overflow.

(3) Use back flow preventers on hoses when connected to water outlets when filling spray tank; and,

(4) Inspect equipment and the area during application to insure proper and safe treatment.

D. Pesticide Spills and Decontamination. The Contractor shall be responsible for properly cleaning, decontaminating, and reporting pesticide spills.

E. The Contractor shall remove and dispose of all excess pesticides, debris, and empty containers off the U.S. Government.

F. Rinse water may be developed in a spray operation. The Contractor shall either empty the tanks by spraying on the treatment site, collect the rinsing for future use, or save for disposal.

G. Records and Reports. The Contractor shall prepare, maintain, and submit daily records of all pest control operations for safety and effect. The Contractor shall furnish the reports to the COR within five working days of pesticide application, showing the results of pesticide application plan.

During the maintenance period, any decline in the condition of plantings requires the Contractor to take immediate action to identify potential problems and to undertake corrective measures.

The Contractor shall present a plan for pest and disease control as a part of its Grounds Maintenance Plan. Pesticides to be used in the accomplishment of work shall be clearly specified and submitted in writing to the COR for approval prior to commencement of work.

All plant elements, which are dead or have a state of visible disease, that they look poor or that affect negatively to the aesthetics of the garden shall be removed and shall be replaced for another specimen of the same species, submitting in writing to the COR for approval. If the number of plants is excessive and / or the decrease occurred due to causes beyond our care, such as example: diseased plants introduced by a tenant in one of the residences, disease introduced by the wind, application of a chemical not authorized by our agronomist, chemicals dumped for cleanings, etc. The plants introduced by tenants shall be tenants responsibility. Contractor responsibility should be to inform the COR when Tenants introduce plants to the design (public areas) that may affect the surroundings flora and fauna.

1.12. HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES

It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure the safe handling, application, removal, and environmentally sound disposal of all hazardous or potentially hazardous fertilizers, weed killers, and pest control products utilized in this requirement. The Contractor assumes all liability for damage and/or injury for use of chemical products or equipment. All chemicals shall be applied by properly licensed personnel.

1.12.1. The Contractor shall notify the COR prior to applications and advise of any danger associated with the use of these products. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all chemicals used for this contract.

1.12.2. The Contractor shall supply all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for products proposed to be used to the COR as a part of the Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.12.3. The Contractor shall use herbicide spray to prevent growth in paved areas or areas where vegetated growth is not permitted.

1.12.4. The Contractor shall strictly adhere to chemical manufacturer’s application, usage, and clean-up directions. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to eliminate chemical misuse, personal property damage, and/or damage to wildlife.

1.12.5. The Contractor shall satisfy and comply with all local and OSHA regulations in the handling, application, disposal, and storage of all chemicals and/or hazardous chemicals.

1.12.6. The Contractor shall notify the COR in the event of any unusual circumstances regarding plant determination, wildlife death (mammal, fowl, or fish) or other abnormal occurrences.

1.12.7. The Contractor shall be responsible for any damages incurred by the improper use, storage, or application of all chemicals or substances used on the premises.

1.12.8. CODES AND STANDARDS. The Contractor, as a minimum, shall meet or exceed the applicable requirements of the latest revision of the following codes and specifications published by the following organizations:

It is not the intent of this specification to restrict the Contractor’s work. These specifications are the minimal requirements acceptable to the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo.

1.12.9. SAFETY. The Contractor shall protect the property from all potential hazards. The Contractor will adhere to and enforce all applicable local safety regulations. The Contractor shall provide safety barriers, as required, to clearly identify the working area and to prevent others from accessing the work area. The safety zone shall be sufficiently sized to prevent damage to others or to existing facilities and structures. Upon completion of the work, the Contractor shall remove the safety barriers from the work area. The Contractor shall report any accidents, injuries, fires or other incidents of a serious nature or incidents requiring emergency response to the guards at the location and the COR, immediately. Contractor personnel shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the task being performed.

1.12.10. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. The Contractor shall protect rivers and drainage ditches from chemical contamination, sediment run-off, construction debris, and other damage. Soil erosion and sediment control provisions and maintenance in accordance with local requirements are required. In the case of a spill or release of any sort, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR.

1.12.11. USE OF SITE. The properties will be in daily use and will remain so during the work. The Contractor shall not interfere with the occupants’ use of the existing facilities. The Contractor shall not enter any residential property without authorization from the USG.

The Contractor shall confine activities to the immediate work site. The Contractor shall not unreasonably encumber the work area with materials or equipment. The Contractor shall always keep the work area clean and shall promptly remove waste materials or rubbish.

1.12.12. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES. The Contractor shall consult with the COR before digging in any location. In any case, if the Contractor breaks any underground tube or wire while digging the Contractor will be responsible for repairing it to the USG’s satisfaction.

1.14. LOCATION FOR GARDENING SERVICES

All standard services are to be delivered on regular Post working days.

LOCATION Specific Requirements.

CHANCERY

The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the grass and stone groundcover outside the Chancery wall that is between the wall, the sidewalk, and the curb, weekly, or as instructed by the COR, at no additional costs to the Government.

The Contractor shall remove trash and gardening debris daily from the parking lots for official and personal vehicles. The Contractor shall also sweep and use a blower daily to remove gardening debris and/or leaves from the rails in each of the vehicular entrance gates.

The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning the sidewalk outside the Embassy compound and for picking up any gardening debris that may fall on the sidewalk during maintenance activities. This includes, but not limited to, ensuring that always all floor surfaces and fences are free of leaves, trash, paper, food, bottles, etc. The contractor must ensure that the floor is washed and cleaned after the garbage/recycling collector truck picks up and that the containers are organized and clean.

Planting Beds. Provide planting beds with minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of gravel or local mulch. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to re-mulch as needed.

Cafeteria Garden. The Contractor will maintain the flower beds located in the exterior cafeteria area on the 2nd floor of the compound. This should include watering, fertilizing, weeding, and replacing plants that die or become unsightly.

Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures. The Contractor is responsible for cleaning all outdoor furniture including but not limited to the exterior trash bins, the seating benches, light poles and fixtures and water fountains. All exterior furniture and fixtures shall be cleaned daily.

Children’s Playground. The Contractor shall maintain the children’s playground at the NEC free of leaves and debris. The Contractor shall water the plants surrounding the playground and apply pest control. The Contractor shall clean the playground equipment two times per week and after rainy days and shall remove any weeds that may grow inside the area. The Contractor shall supply and refill the mulch and bark chips from the playground annually. The children’s playground cleaning will be part of the monthly Grounds Maintenance Report.

LOS BAMBUES

Planting Beds. Provide planting beds with minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of gravel or local mulch. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to re-mulch as needed.

Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures. The Contractor is responsible for cleaning all outdoor furniture including but not limited to the exterior trash bins, the seating benches, light poles and fixtures and water fountains. All exterior furniture and fixtures shall be cleaned daily.

Children’s Playground. The Contractor shall maintain the children’s playground free of leaves and debris. The Contractor shall clean the playground equipment two times per week, will power wash twice a month and after rainy days and shall remove any weeds that may grow inside the area. The children’s playground cleaning will be part of the monthly Grounds Maintenance Report and should be pressured washed once a week.

CMR

Planting Beds. Provide planting beds with minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of gravel or local mulch. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to re-mulch as needed.

Interior Garden Maintenance. The Contractor shall maintain the interior garden inside the CMR as well as the balcony planters. This should include watering, fertilizing, weeding, and replacing plants that die or become unsightly.

Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures. The Contractor is responsible for cleaning all outdoor furniture including but not limited to the exterior trash bins, the seating benches, light poles and fixtures and water fountains. All exterior furniture and fixtures shall be cleaned daily.

Children’s Playground. The Contractor shall maintain the children’s playground free of leaves and debris. The Contractor shall clean the playground equipment two times per week, and shall remove any weeds that may grow inside the area. The children’s playground cleaning will be part of the monthly Grounds Maintenance Report.

DCMR

The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the grass and stone groundcover outside the DCMR wall that is between the wall, the sidewalk, and the curb. The Contractor is not responsible for cleaning the sidewalk but is responsible for picking up any gardening debris that may fall on the sidewalk during maintenance activities.

Interior Plant Care. The Contractor shall maintain the interior garden inside the DCMR as well as the balcony planters. This should include watering, fertilizing, weeding, and replacing plants that die or become unsightly.

10. WORKING HOURS

All work shall be performed during the following hours:

Saturdays between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm, except for American and Dominican holidays identified in the Addendum in Section 2.

The holidays identified in the Addendum in Section 2.

Other hours may be approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative. The Contractor must provide at least 24-hour advance notice to the COR who will consider any deviation from the hours identified above.

3. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 GENERAL

The Contractor shall maintain discipline at the site and shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unlawful, riotous, or disorderly conduct by Contractor employees at the site. The Contractor shall preserve peace and protect persons and property on site. The Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove an employee from the worksite for failure to comply with the standards of conduct. The Contractor shall immediately replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional costs to the Government.

3.2 STANDARD OF CONDUCT

3.2.1 Uniforms and Personal Equipment. The Contractor’s employees shall wear clean, neat and complete uniforms when on duty. All employees shall wear uniforms approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

3.2.2 Neglect of duties shall not be condoned. The Contractor shall enforce no sleeping while on duty, unreasonable delays, or failures to carry out assigned tasks, conducting personal affairs during duty hours and refusing to render assistance or cooperate in upholding the integrity of the worksite security.

3.2.3 Disorderly conduct, use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by words, actions, or fighting shall not be condoned. Also included is participation in disruptive activities, which interfere with normal and efficient Government operations.

3.2.4 Intoxicants and Narcotics. The Contractor shall not allow its employees while on duty to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs or substances that produce similar effects.

Criminal Actions. Contractor employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by law in certain circumstances. These include but are not limited to the following actions:

Falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records;

Unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct;

Unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials;

Security violations; or

Organizing or participating in gambling in any form.

3.2.5 KEY CONTROL

The Contractor shall receive, secure, issue and account for any keys issued for access to buildings, offices, equipment, gates, etc., for the purposes of this contract. The Contractor shall not duplicate keys without the COR’s approval. Where it is determined that the Contractor or its agents have duplicated a key without permission of the COR, the Contractor shall remove the individual(s) responsible from this contract. If the Contractor has lost any such keys, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR. In either event, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the cost of rekeying that portion of the system.

4. NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF LABOR DISPUTES

The Contractor shall inform the COR of any actual or potential labor dispute that is delaying or threatening to delay the timely performance of this contract.

PERSONNEL SECURITY

4.1 After award of the contract, the Contractor shall provide the following list of data on each employee who will be working under the contract. The contractor must provide information about the vehicle registration plates numbers, type of vehicle and color. The Contractor shall include a list of workers and supervisors assigned to this project. The Government will run background checks on these individuals. It is anticipated that security checks will take 30 days to perform. For each individual the list shall include:

Full Name Place and Date of Birth Current Address Identification number

4.2 Government shall issue identity cards to Contractor personnel, after they are approved. Contractor personnel shall display identity card(s) on the uniform at all times while providing services under this contract. These identity cards are the property of the US Government. The Contractor is responsible for their return at the end of the contract, when an employee leaves Contractor service, or at the request of the Government. The Government reserves the right to deny access to U.S.-owned and U.S.-operated facilities to any individual.

5. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall provide all necessary gardening supplies and equipment, including rakes, lawn mowers, hoe, pitchfork, pruning shears, fertilizers and that listed in Attachment 2 to perform the work identified in this contract.

6. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY /EQUIPMENT

6.1 The Contractor has the option to reject any or all Government furnished property or items (see Attachment 1 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY). However, if rejected, the Contractor shall provide all necessary property, equipment or items, adequate in quantity and suitable for the intended purpose, to perform all work and provide all services at no additional cost to the Government. All Government furnished property or items are provided in an “as is” condition and shall be used only in connection with performance under this contract. The Contractor is responsible for the proper care, maintenance and use of Government property in its possession or control from time of receipt until properly relieved of responsibility in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Contractor shall pay all costs for repair or replacement of Government furnished property that is damaged or destroyed due to Contractor negligence.

6.2 The Contractor shall maintain written records of work performed, and report the need for major repair, replacement and other capital rehabilitation work for Government property in its control.

The Contractor shall physically inventory all Government property in its possession. Physical inventories consist of sighting, tagging or marking, describing, recording, reporting and reconciling the property with written records. The Contractor shall conduct these physical inventories periodically, as directed by the COR, and at termination or completion of the contract.

7. INSURANCE

7.1 AMOUNT OF INSURANCE

The Contractor is required to provide whatever insurance is legally necessary. The Contractor shall, at its own expense, provide and maintain during the entire performance period the following insurance amounts:

7.2 GENERAL LIABILITY

(Includes premises/operations, collapse hazard, products, completed operations, contractual, independent contractors, broad form property damage, personal injury)

10. Bodily Injury stated in US Dollars:

10. Property Damage stated in US Dollars:

7.3 The types and amounts of insurance are the minimums required. The Contractor shall obtain any other types of insurance required by local law or that are ordinarily or customarily obtained in the location of the work. The limit of such insurance shall be as provided by law or sufficient to meet normal and customary claims.

7.4 For those Contractor employees assigned to this contract who are either United States citizens or direct hire in the United States or its possessions, the Contractor shall provide workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with FAR 52.228-3, or host country nationals that do not have a DOL waiver.

7.5 The Contractor agrees that the Government shall not be responsible for personal injuries or for damages to:

any property of the Contractor, its officers, agents, servants, employees, or any other person, arising from and incident to the Contractor’s performance of this contract. The Contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the Government from any and all claims arising, except in the instance of gross negligence on the part of the Government.

7.6 The Contractor shall obtain adequate insurance for damage to, or theft of, materials and equipment in insurance coverage for loose transit to the site or in storage on or off the site.

7.7 Government as Additional Insured. The general liability policy required of the Contractor shall name “the United States of America, acting by and through the Department of State,” as an additional insured with respect to operations performed under this contract.

7.8 Time for Submission of Evidence of Insurance. The Contractor shall provide evidence of the insurance required under this contract within ten (10) days after contract award. The Government may rescind or terminate the contract if the Contractor fails to timely submit insurance certificates identified above.

7.9 Accidents and injury.

10. The Contractor and his employees shall comply with all OSHA regulations and the Dominican Republic’s local safety regulations.

B. At those United States Embassy locations that have a medical department, the medical department can be contacted for initial assistance in a medical emergency (during the medical department’s normally scheduled hours.)

C. All OSHA recordable injuries sustained on United States Embassy premises must be reported, in writing, to the Contracting Officer.

8. LAWS AND REGULATIONS

8.1 Without additional expense to the Government, the Contractor shall comply with all laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations required to perform this work. If there is a conflict between the contract and requirements of local law, the Contractor shall promptly advise the Contracting Officer of the conflict and of the Contractor’s proposed course of action for resolution by the Contracting Officer.

8.2 The Contractor shall comply with all local labor laws, regulations, customs, and practices pertaining to labor, safety, and similar matters, unless they are inconsistent with the requirements of this contract.

9. TRANSITION PLAN

Within 10 days after contract award, the Contracting Officer may ask the Contractor to develop a plan for preparing the new Contractor to assume all responsibilities for gardening services. The plan shall establish the projected period for completion of all clearances of contractor personnel, and the projected start date for performance of all services required under this contract. The plan shall assign priority to the selection of all supervisors to be used under the contract.

10. DELIVERABLES

The following items shall be delivered under this contract:

1.6 Grounds Maintenance Plan:

Monthly ground maintenance plan (see 1.6.1.), Lawn care (see 1.6.2.), Grass cutting (See 1.6.2.1.). Edging (see 1.6.2.2.), Trimming Plan (see 1.6.2.3.), Weeding, Herbicides to be used submitted in writing, submit daily records of all weed control operation, results of herbicide application plan (See 1.6.2.4), Turf repair and re-establishment (see 1.6.2.5.), Pruning (see 1.6.3.), Leaf removal (see 1.6.4.)

Monthly (date TBD by COR)

COR

Monthly (date TBD by COR)

COR

Monthly (date TBD by COR)

COR

Monthly (date TBD by COR)

COR

Monthly (date TBD by COR)

COR

11. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan provides an effective method to promote satisfactory contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to monitor quality to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Services.

Performs all gardening services set forth in the scope of work.

1. thru 11.

All required services are performed and no more than one (1) customer complaint is received per month.

(b) SURVEILLANCE. The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

(c) STANDARD. The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items), if any of the services exceed the standard.

(d) PROCEDURES.

(1) If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed they should immediately contact the COR.

(2) The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

(3) The COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(4) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

(5) The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

(6) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

(7) The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complainant.

(8) Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

ATTACHMENT 1 - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government shall make the following property available to the Contractor as "Government furnished property" for performance under the contract:

The U.S. Government will provide basic utilities for the performance of this contract as follows:

· Electricity

· Water for Irrigation and water pressure cleaning

ATTACHMENT 2 – CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Contractor shall furnish enough for the following materials, equipment, supplies and work clothing to perform the work set forth in this contract, including but not limited to:

· Trucks

· Water pressure equipment

· Hoes keys and adaptors

· Hoes

· Forks

· Spades

· Shovels

· Digging Tools

· Weeding Tools

· Hand Tools

· Cultivators

· Rakes

· Pruning Tools

· Cutting Tools

· Tool Sharpeners

· Edgers

· Chain Saws

· Fuel

· Mattocks

· Trowels

· Riddles

· Aerators

· Hoses

· Sprinklers and Other Irrigation Equipment

· Garden Carts

· Wheelbarrows

· Ladders

· Scaffolds

· Lawnmowers

· Trimmers

· Blowers

· Pesticides

· Fertilizers

· Lime

· Weed killers

· Uniforms

· Protective Footwear

· Gardening Boots

· Rain/bee Gear

· Personal Protective Equipment

· Bags for Disposal of Debris and/or Trash (55 gl. bags, black 1.1 mil)

· Machetes

· Hedge Trimmers

· Thread

· Cutting Blade