RFQ CMR LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PHASE 3 07102023.docx

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – THE SCHEDULE

· SF 1449 cover sheet

· Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19EC75-23-Q-0011, Prices, Block 23

· Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19EC75-23-Q-0011, Schedule of Supplies/Services, Block 20 Description/Specifications/Work Statement

· Attachment 1 -US Government Residence-Landscape-Phase 3 Layout – Backyard Forest Plants and Reflecting Pools

· Attachment 2 – Technical Specifications of Landscape Design at the US Government Residence Attachment 3 – Safety Plan

SECTION 2 – CONTRACT CLAUSES

· Contract Clauses

· Addendum to Contract Clauses - FAR and DOSAR Clauses not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 3 – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

· Solicitation Provisions

· Addendum to Solicitation Provisions - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 4 – EVALUATION FACTORS

· Evaluation Factors

· Addendum to Evaluation Factors - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 5 – REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

· Offeror Representations and Certifications

· Addendum to Offeror Representations and Certifications - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 1 – THE SCHEDULE

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT AT A US GOVERNMENT RESIDENCE – PHASE 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The U.S. American Embassy in Quito Ecuador requires to contract the provision of Provision of Plants, Materials and Labor Services for Landscape Improvement Services at a US Government residence according to the current approved design documents attached herein and this SOW.

1.2 The contractor shall provide the labor, plants, materials, and all services for performing the work to comply with this SOW. Any material, equipment and tools required by the Contractor will not be provided by the Embassy and shall be at the Contractor’s expense. There will not be Government Furnished Contractor Installed (GFCI) material. The Contractor is required to perform all work within a fixed-price contract.

1.3 Contractor shall coordinate with Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for work commencing and completing in a sequential manner. Contractor to submit a schedule of activities showing all project activities. This schedule shall be reviewed and approved by the COR prior to commencement of work at the site.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 The US Government residence is a property designed and built in the decade of 1950 and currently is considered Heritage of the City by the local Municipality, and is included in the list of protected heritage properties of Overseas Building Operations (OBO).

2.2 There is no evidence of a garden design in the original property design. Existing threes and plants were planted without focusing in the use of native or local well adapted species. As a result of this landscape treatment, along the years, the property’s vegetation is in most cases of foreign species. Special focus is the case of cypresses that due to the untechnical method of planting, now represent serious safety risk in several instances.

2.3 OBO has reviewed the project and issued the applicable Construction Permit for the complete landscape improvement project. The embassy has decided to split the scope included in the design. This SOW details the work to be executed as the third phase.

3.0 GOVERNMENT MATERIAL (GM)

Not applicable. All materials will be contractor furnished.

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The Contractor shall provide equipment, materials, and labor services to modify the existing landscape according the previous contracted and OBO approved design. Landscape Design Construction Documents for the US Government residence is attached in Attachment 1. Contract shall take the attached design as reference only as this SOW is limited to part of those design documents.

4.2 The work shall be executed in a diligent manner within the approved performance period and fixed-priced proposal provided by the contractor.

4.3 The Contractor is responsible for compliance with all International Codes and Regulations that apply which includes all standards listed under 8.0 Criteria. Work not in compliance with the applicable Codes shall be deemed to be unacceptable. Should there be a discrepancy between the U.S. Embassy specifications and the applicable Codes, the more stringent of the two shall govern.

4.4 The work shall be accomplished in a manner which conforms to the intent of all applicable Department of State (DOS) Safety, Health, and Environmental policies, standards, and regulations. The Contractor shall be responsible for conducting the work in a manner that ensures the safety of the employees and visitors to the Embassy, as well as the Contractor’s employees.

4.5 Unless otherwise agreed with COR or the Facility Manager, the work shall be executed during normal Embassy work hours from 8:00 to 17:00, 1 hour lunch. Night, weekend, or holiday work shall not be permitted except as arranged in advance with Facilities Management and COR. Embassy holiday schedule is available from Facilities Management or COR. If any aspect of this work is deemed by the Facility Manager to be interruptive to normal Embassy operations, the contractor shall be required to perform that portion of the work on Saturdays and Sundays. A provision for this should be included in the response to the request for quotation. Working on Saturdays and Sundays will not be considered a change order or a change in field conditions, but rather a standard provision of the contract.

4.6 All access of contractor’s workers to the Embassy compound shall be coordinated and requested through the Embassy’s Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

5.0 RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

5.1 A Contracting Officers Representative (COR) will be assigned to ensure quality assurance goals are met. The Contractor shall always provide the COR access to the site.

5.2 The COR shall be the main point of contact for this Project. The Contractor shall report to the COR on (a) status of the Project, (b) changes in Schedule, (c) accidents and safety issues, (d) disruptions to utility services; and all other important information pertaining to the Project.

5.3 The Contractor shall not conduct any work that is beyond this SOW and accompanying requirements unless directed in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO). Any work done by the Contractor beyond this SOW and accompanying specifications without written direction from the CO will be at the Contractor’s own risk and at no cost to the Embassy.

5.4 The Contracting Officer shall provide a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to the Contractor. No work shall be initiated until the NTP is issued by the CO.

5.5 The Embassy’s review, approval, or acceptance of, nor payment for the services required under this contract shall be construed as a waiver of any rights under this contract or any cause of action against the Contractor arising out of the performance of this contract.

5.6 The Embassy reserves the right to inspect all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at any time and place during the term of the contract. The CO or COR may perform quality assurance inspections (QAI) to confirm the work is in accordance with this SOW.

5.7 The CO has the authority to issue a temporary stop order during the execution of any phase of this SOW. This authority may be executed when the Embassy requires time for official functions or is in possession of specific credible information indicating that the lives of Embassy personnel are immediately threatened, and that the execution of the project will increase the Embassy’s vulnerability. The Contractor shall promptly notify the COR that work has been stopped.

5.8 If any of the Contractor’s services do not conform to the contract requirements, the COR may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with the contract requirements. The Embassy may, by contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge the Contractor any cost incurred by the Embassy that is directly related to the performance of such service or terminate the contract for default.

5.9 The Embassy has the right to terminate this contract for convenience at any time in whole, or from time-to-time, if the CO determines it is in the interest of the Embassy.

6.0 RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONTRACTOR

6.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for the professional quality and the coordination of all work related to this SOW at the US Embassy in Quito, Ecuador under this contract. The Contractor shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors or deficiencies in services.

6.2 The Contractor shall provide a Project Site Manager who shall be responsible for the overall management and supervision, safety, and quality control of the project and shall represent the Contractor on the site during work. The Project Site Manager shall be approved by the COR. The Contractor shall provide enough personnel to comply efficiently with the work.

6.3 The Project Site Manager shall attend all project meetings and prepare status reports when required. Status reports shall contain concerns and proposed solutions, any proposed changed orders, and any other pertinent information required to report the progress of performance. All documentation produced for this project will become the property of the U.S. Government at the completion of work.

6.4 Any cost associated with services subcontracted by the Contractor shall be borne by and be the complete responsibility of the Contractor under the fixed price of this contract.

6.5 The contractor shall deliver all materials needed for completing this SOW at the US Embassy in Quito before the work starts so that the availability of materials for the entire project is assured.

6.6 The Contractor shall verify that all materials, equipment, and procedures provide operational dependability.

6.7 The contractor shall provide information of all the products to be used for Embassy review and approval prior to the beginning of the contract. Only approved products may be used. The use of unapproved products may result in the immediate termination of the contract.

6.8 The Contractor is responsible for on-site security as necessary to ensure no unauthorized access to their work sites. The Contractor is 100% responsible for securing their working materials and equipment. Any damage to facilities or infrastructure, which happens due to a lack of security, will be the responsibility of the Contractor to correct.

6.9 The Contractor shall be, and remain, liable to the Embassy in accordance with applicable law for all damages to the Embassy caused by the Contractor’s negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this contract. The rights and remedies for the Embassy provided for under this contract are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law.

6.10 The COR may request removal of any Contractor personnel from the work site for cause, such as inappropriate behavior, unfit persons not skilled in the work, or lack of appropriate equipment or materials. The Government shall not be responsible for the cost of returning or replacing this person at the work site.

SAFETY

6.11 The Contractor shall provide a Safety Person who will be responsible at least once a week to oversight all safety aspects, training contractor’s workers on the safety plan, and assuring that the risk controls proposed in the safety plan and any other requirement are met during the execution of the project. The safety person can be the Project Site Manager.

6.12 The work shall be accomplished in a manner which conforms to the intent of all applicable Department of State (DOS) Safety, Health, and Environmental policies, standards, and regulations. The Contractor is responsible for Safety, Health and Environmental Protection and shall comply with all laws, regulations, and correct practices pertaining to labor, safety, and similar matters regarding the works to be performed.

6.13 The contractor’s Safety Person shall visit the site to develop a project Safety Plan to in a timely manner. The contractor shall submit to the COR a detailed Safety Plan that discusses: Job Steps, hazard identification of each job step and controls for each identified hazard following the hierarchy for control of hazards: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Warnings and Personal Protective Equipment. The plan shall be reviewed and must receive Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer (POSHO) approval prior to any work beginning. (See Attachment 3: Safety Plan & Requirements). If aspects of the Safety Plan are incomplete or disapproved, the Contractor shall have two (2) days to submit revisions or corrections. The Contractor shall submit Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) of all chemical products involved in the project, as part of the safety plan. Failure to adhere to the approved safety plan may be cause for immediate cessation of all work until the situation is corrected. The Contractor shall promptly report all accidents resulting in lost time, disabling, fatal injuries or contamination to the COR.

6.14 US Government reserves the right to inspect the Contractor's work at any time to assure compliance with safety procedures. Should the Contractor violate any safety procedures or requirements, US Government reserves the right to issue a stop work order. The stop work order shall remain in effect until such time as the Contractor has resolved the violation. Responsibility for the stop work order shall rest solely with the Contractor with no cost or schedule impact to US Government.

6.15 Contractor shall provide or afford for each employee personal protective equipment (PPE) that will protect the employee from hazards. All PPE will be provided by the contractor to their employees at no cost or discount. At a minimum PPE shall consist of eye protection, hard hats, gloves, dust masks, respirators for chemical products, and safety footwear. If the workers arrive on-site with sandals or athletic shoes, the Contractor is expected to provide safety shoes to them or send them home. These items must be provided at the Contractor’s expense.

7.0 PRE- WORK REQUIREMENTS

BIDDING PROCESS

7.1 The Contractor shall visit the site to be familiar with all conditions and limitations of the work before submitting a firm fixed price cost proposal. No subsequent cost allowance will be made to the Contractor for neglect of existing conditions. The contractor shall consider in the quote all aspects related to this scope of work including but not limited to safety requirements, insurance, materials, equipment, etc.

7.2 The Contractor shall submit separated cost estimates according to the products shown in 16.0 PRICING.

AFTER AWARDED

7.3 Project Site Manager shall visit the site to coordinate and determine the site conditions. Site manager shall communicate to the COR all requirements during the development of the project e.g., electrical supply, water supply, etc.

7.4 The Contractor shall provide a schedule of activities which shows how the progress of work is going to be.

7.5 The contractor shall submit a list with the names of personnel working for the contractor and any subcontractors with national ID numbers to the COR to get access passes 30 days prior to commencement of work. COR will send the access request form to be completed by the contractor.

7.6 The contractor shall prepare and submit for COR approval a Quality Control Validation Checklist according to manufacturer’s requirements which will be used for final acceptation of work.

7.7 The contractor shall visit the site and develop a project Safety Plan according 6.11 to 6.15.

7.8 Contractor shall submit detailed work procedures to the COR for approval. The procedures will include all stages of the project installation: preparation, installation, and commissioning.

8.0 WORK REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL WORK REQUIREMENTS

8.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all required equipment and materials, as well as personnel to manage, and develop the project. All workmanship shall be of good quality and performed in a skillful manner as approved by the COR. Unqualified individuals shall not be permitted to provide service under the terms of this contract.

Contractor Qualifications:

· All work under this scope shall be performed by a Qualified Contractor having experience on this type of projects.

· Submit a list of the relevant project of the same type and size.

8.2 The Contractor shall submit construction documents (shop drawings, topographic survey, etc.), Bill of Materials (BOM), product literature, samples, and standard specification submittals of all materials and applicable plants to be used in the project.

8.3 The Contractor shall be responsible for taking necessary information in site before developing and submit the construction documents. No procurement and work shall begin until approvals of the Pre-Work Submittals are accepted by the COR.

8.4 Contractor must include only approved materials. All materials delivered to site before to start the work must be in unopened approved brand containers. Any products delivered in opened containers will NOT be accepted.

8.5 Plants, materials, tools, and equipment shall be carefully handled, properly stored, and adequately protected to prevent damage during project, considering the weather and any other factor that could affect the realization of work. The contractor will be responsible for security of all materials and equipment.

8.6 The contractor shall be responsible for providing all tools and equipment in perfect condition. Tools, supplies and equipment including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used during the project must be in good condition. Broken tools, with patched or exposed electrical wires, or unsuitable for work will not be accepted for the performance of the contract.

8.7 The Contractor will be provided with a storage and staging area as determined by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for restoring the area to its original condition at the completion of the work. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining any additional off compound storage areas if required.

8.8 The Contractor shall provide protection such as covers, plastic sheathing, drop cloths and any other protective materials as needed to protect all areas that are not to be intervened prior to commencing the work.

8.9 The Contractor shall keep the work area, including storage areas, free from accumulation of waste materials daily, and comply with all local regulations pertaining to the storage, transport, and disposal of waste. The Contractor shall not use Embassy waste disposal facilities including garbage cans, trash piles or dumpsters. When waste is produced, it is the contractor’s responsibility to dispose them properly.

8.10 The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing of any damage incurred to buildings, pavement, or other Government properties because of activities. The surfaces affected by construction activities shall be repainted with same paint product as approved by the COR. These shall include walls, floors, and equipment.

8.11 Upon completing the work, the Contractor shall remove all temporary facilities and leave the project site in a clean and orderly condition acceptable to the COR.

8.12 Two (2) sets of owner's manuals specific to the plants and products supplied shall be hand over to the COR. General maintenance instructions, watering needs, etc. A PDF version of the owner’s manuals shall also be provided electronically.

TECHNICAL SPECIFIC SCOPE

8.13 Refer to Proposed Design in Attachment 1 for drawings and description of the project Technical Scope (Autocad Drawings are included in the bidding package). Contractor shall be responsible under this SOW to provide landscape improvements for the following items:

Attachment 1 and below matrixes are part of the conceptual design, and are presented for bidding reference only. Bidders must verify actual condition before submitting their proposals.

LANDSCAPE PHASE 3: BACKYARD FOREST. PLANTS.

Tree species

Shrubs, herbaceous and grass species

Interim irrigation and maintenance

Other items for landscaping

Coconut shell mulch

LANDSCAPE PHASE 3: BACKYARD FOREST CIVIL STRUCTURES.

Other items for landscaping

connect both ponds.

Ecological paving walkway and stone wall

8.14 Quantities shown in the tables are for reference only. Contractor shall inspect the site and include all materials and labor needed to comply with this SOW.

8.15 Column CODE refers to the project specification detailed in Atachment 2: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN.

9.0 CRITERIA

9.1 The Contractor work shall be in accordance with U.S. standards. The COR will review and comment on the Contractor’s submissions using the standards, and specifications included in this section.

9.2 Standards:

1. US Codes and Standards:

a. National Electric Code (NEC)

b. International Plumbing Code (IPC)

c. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards as applicable

d. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

e. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

f. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual EM 385-1-1

2. Local laws and regulation as applicable.

9.3 Conflicts: Where applicable codes and standards differ, notify the COR prior to action. The baseline direction will be to apply the more stringent requirement.

10.0 DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE

10.1 The Contractor shall commence work under this contract promptly, execute the work diligently, and achieve final completion and acceptance including final cleanup of the premises within the specified period.

10.2 Within 5 days of Notice to Proceed, the contractor shall provide to the COR a project bar chart schedule showing start to completion including significant milestones The bar chart schedule developed by the Contractor shall reflect their recommended project phases, phase activities, and activity duration, and clearly shall indicate potential outages and other affections.

10.3 A written narrative shall also be included with the technical proposal explaining the schedule submitted and the reasons why and how it can be completed in the time frame proposed by the Contractor.

10.4 Milestones:

Contract

10.5 Project Completion: Furnish one copy of maintenance and operating information, Contractor’s two years workmanship guarantee and product literature of all items provided.

11.0 INSPECTION, REPORT AND ACCEPTANCE

11.1 The contractor’s work will be visually inspected by the COR according to the Checklist for Quality Control for acceptance. If the work is not satisfactory, the COR shall advise the Contractor in writing. The COR shall repeat the inspection when assured that the work has been completed.

11.2 The contractor shall send all the information and data to support that the work has been performed in a proper manner prior acceptance.

11.3 The work will be considered satisfactorily completed when the Checklist for Quality Control for acceptance is met.

12.0 PROJECT AND PERSONNEL SECURITY

12.1 Government reserves the right to deny access to U.S.-owned and U.S.-operated facilities to any individual. The contractor shall submit list of all the names of personnel working for the contractor and any subcontractors, with national ID numbers, and plate numbers of vehicles to the COR prior to getting the authorization to enter to Embassy premises at least 15 days prior to commencement of work. No person will be allowed on site without prior authorization.

12.2 Contractor personnel shall always display identity card(s) on the uniform 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 each working day.

12.3 Contractor’s personnel are not allowed to be in any area of the US Government Facility without an escort from the US. Embassy.

13.0 PAYMENTS

13.1 The Contractor may request the first payment when the work in the first zone is complete. Additionally, the Contractor may submit requests for progress payments according the work zones to cover the value of labor and materials completed to date. In making progress payments, there shall be retained 10% of the amount due until final completion.

13.2 The Contractor shall submit one copy of all payment invoices, with the appropriate backup documents to the COR. The COR will determine if the invoice is complete and proper as submitted. The COR also will determine if billed services have been satisfactorily performed and if expenses billed are correct. If it is determined that the amount billed is incorrect, the COR will within seven days, request the Contractor to submit a revised invoice.

13.3 The Contractor shall specifically identify his last invoice "Final Invoice." The Final invoice shall include the remaining payment claimed to be due under the basic contract and all modifications issued, if any. The final invoice shall also have the Contractor's Release of Claims Certificate attached.

14.0 WARRANTY

14.1 The contractor shall guarantee that all delivered products and work performed will be free from all defects in workmanship and materials and that all installation will provide the requirement of this SOW. The contract further guarantees that if, during a period of two years from the date of the certificate of completion and acceptance of the work, any such defects will be promptly repaired or plants to be replaced by the contractor at own expenses.

15.0 INSURANCE

15.1 The Contractor is required by FAR 52.228-5, "Insurance - Work on a Government Installation" 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:

GENERAL LIABILITY (includes premises/operations, collapse hazard, products, completed operations, contractual, independent contractors, broad form property damage, personal injury):

(1) BODILY INJURY, ON OR OFF THE SITE, IN U.S. DOLLARS

(2) PROPERTY DAMAGE, ON OR OFF THE SITE, IN U.S. DOLLARS

15.2 The foregoing 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.

15.3 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, assistants, and employees, or any other person, arising from an incident to the Contractor's performance of this contract. The Contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the Government from all claims arising therefrom, except in the instance of gross negligence on the part of the Government.

15.4 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.

15.5 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.

16.0 PRICING

16.1 The Contractor shall complete all work, including furnishing all labor, material, equipment and services required under this contract for the following firm fixed price and within the time specified. This price shall include all labor, materials, all insurances, transportation, overhead and profit.

16.2 Value Added Tax (VAT) is not included in the CLIN rates. Instead, it will be priced as a separate Line Item in the contract and on Invoices. Local law dictates the portion of the contract price that is subject to VAT; this percentage is multiplied only against that portion. It is reflected for each performance period.

16.3 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE

16.3.1 DBA insurance is required for all United States citizens or residents and individuals hired in the United States, regardless of citizenship for any construction and services for U. S. overseas contracts over US$10,000.00. Only the countries listed currently on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Active DBA Waivers are not required to have DBA insurance for Host Country Nationals (HCNs) and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) working overseas. (See website for country waivers: https://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/dbawaivers/dbawaivers.htm).

16.3.2 The DBA insurance may be obtained from any authorized DBA insurance broker, see Sub-Section I.12, FAR 52.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) (APR 1984). New DBA insurances policies can be purchased directly from any DOL (Department of Labor) approved insurance carrier. A list of DOL approved carriers may be found at http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm.

16.3.3 The Contractor will be reimbursed for DBA only to the extent the contractor provides documentary proof that DBA has been paid and only to the extent quoted in CLIN 003 above.

16.3.4 DBA insurance cost will be evaluated as part of the total evaluated fixed price and included in the fixed price of the contract. Where DBA is applicable, the Contractor will be required to provide evidence of insurance (certification of coverage and a paid invoice) within 30 calendar days from the date of award.

NOTE: Ecuador is not listed on the DOL Active DBA Waiver list and therefore DBA Insurance is required for US Nationals, Host Country Nationals (HCNs) and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) performing under this contract is not required.

END OF STATEMENT OF WORK

(ATTACHMENTS)

US Embassy in Quito, Ecuador 2

ATTACHMENT 1: US GOVERNMENT LANDSCAPE PHASE 3 LAYOUT _ BACKYARD FOREST PLANTS AND REFLECTING POOLS The conceptual design proposed herein is for reference only. Contractor shall comply with this Statement of Work.

ATTACHMENT 2: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN AT THE US GOVERNMENT RESIDENCE IN QUITO, ECUADOR TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN AT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT RESIDENCE IN QUITO, ECUADOR

Quito, June 07, 2021

I. INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador has a requirement for a consultant to provide a layout/design for the landscape improvement services for a US Government residence, in order to provide an esthetically-pleasing urban oasis emphasizing indigenous natural flora and fauna, an environment which celebrates and fosters Ecuador’s biodiversity while also providing suitable, sustainable habitat for a range of small animal life (birds, mammals, insects, amphibians, etc.). for on the grounds of the property. The whole project estimates an area of 25,000 square meters.

Through Order of Supplies or Services No. 19EC7521P0396, dated March 10, 2021, the American Embassy in Quito hired the services of Jardines Terragarden S.A. for the Landscaping Design Services to a U.S. Government Residence in Quito.

In the inspection visits made by the Terragarden Gardens staff to the U.S. Government Residence in Quito, it was determined that the composition of the flower beds and borders do not keep an aesthetic relationship, in shape and composition among themselves within the same area; that the state in which the plants of the residence are found is varied, even among plants of the same species; that the boxwood hedges that separate the gardens from the vehicular circulations prevent the gardens from being seen; that in various areas around the large and leafy cypress trees there is a lot of shade, which is causing the grass below to not grow; and that the children's play area and the pool area are limited by a metallic mesh and wild privet.

The baseline study of flora present in the U.S. Government residence in Quito, carried out by Jardines Terragarden, determined that only 18 of the 110 species of plants present in the green areas of the residence are native species.

In the long-term proposal for the evolution of the landscape of the U.S. Government Residence in Quito, carried out by Terragarden Gardens, it was indicated that there are 292 trees in the residence.

II. CONTENTS

These specifications relate solely and directly to the construction of the landscape of the project called Landscape Design of the U.S. Government Residence in Quito.

They only stipulate the characteristics, type and quality of the materials that will be used in the implementation of the landscape design, as a complement to the architectural layout and the volume of architectural technical specifications.

In these specifications the general construction conditions are indicated, but in no case do they constitute a construction manual, it being clearly understood that the builder is a suitable, competent, experienced professional and that he has the necessary equipment and experience for the implementation of the work.

A. PRELIMINARY WORK

· ITEM: Cleaning and clearing the land

CODE: 101

Description: It will consist of clearing the land necessary to carry out the contracted work, in accordance with these specifications and other documents, in the areas indicated on the layout. They will proceed to cut, uproot and remove from construction sites, trees including their roots, shrubs, grasses, etc. and any vegetation in the intervention areas that is not specifically selected as a preexistence to be maintained in the project. The activities will be carried out with the information indicated in the plans and the final disposal of all the material from the clearing and cleaning will be carried out.

Process: The cleaning must be done manually and mechanically, where the felling, ringing, debris removal and any other necessary procedure will be counted. If the conservation and reuse of plant material in the planting area is stipulated in the contract, it will be stored in approved sites, until its incorporation into the new work.

All these works must be carried out without affecting the vegetation, constructions, buildings, public services, etc., that are within the property. Vegetation planting works may not start in any area of the project while the Cleaning and clearing operations of the Vegetable land indicated in said section have not been fully completed, reviewed and approved by the Contracting Party in accordance with the approved work program.

The holes and cuts left by the removal of trees and shrubs should be filled with selected compacted material. All unused material from clearing and cleaning must be dislodged, it must be placed outside the construction area, and must be deposited in the sites for temporary waste placement in the property, determined by the Contracting Officer. For final disposal outside the property, contractor shall dispose waste at Municipality approved sites. No other method of eviction of material from the Cleaning and clearing of the Vegetable land will be allowed.

Measurement and payment: The measurement of this item will be the square meters effectively executed, according to the plan. Work should be indicated to be accepted and measured by the Contracting Officer or his designated representative on site. No measurements or direct payments will be made for formwork, false work, shoring or scaffolding.

Unity: m2

Minimal materials: Does not apply.

Minimum equipment: Minor tool. Machinery for cleaning and evacuation if necessary.

Skilled labor: Supervisor, gardeners, operators.

· ITEM: Setting out and leveling the project

CODE: 102

Description: For the stakeout, the builder will be guided by the corresponding landscape plans. For the works, the builder will strictly adhere to the elaborated landscape plans and will submit said work to the Contractor. The general layout of all earthworks works will be carried out in the field, as well as their leveling, which must be carried out with precision devices such as theodolites, levels, measuring tapes. The axis milestones will be placed, the same ones that will not be removed during the construction process, and will be verified by the Contractor.

Process:

a. Prerequisites.

Prior to the execution of the item, the total cleaning of the land will be verified, with removal of debris, weeds and any other element that interferes with the development of the item. Initially, the accuracy of the existing topographic survey will be verified: the shape, boundaries, surface, angles and levels of the terrain in which the project will be implanted, determining the existence of differences that could affect the stake out and leveling of the project; In the case of significant differences that affect the layout of the project, the Contractor will be used to solve the problems detected. Prior to the start of the stakeout and leveling, the method or form in which the works will be executed will be determined with the Contractor, and workshop plans will be made, if required, for better control of the work to be executed. The location will be based on the topographic survey of the land, and the architectural and structural plans. The use of weather-resistant wooden stakes is recommended.

b. During execution.

The location and layout of axes, levels, and alignment of the construction must be approved by the Contractor and periodically verified. The reference points of the work will be set exactly and must be marked by stakes in a stable and clear way.

c. Post execution.

It is necessary to maintain permanent references from an external reference station (landmark), so that it is not altered with the execution of the work, it remains accessible and visible to carry out periodic checks. The total verification of the layout will be carried out, by means of the triangulation method, verifying the total accuracy and concordance with the measurements determined in the layout. The stakeout and leveling will be repeated, as many times as necessary, until achieving total agreement with the layout.

d. Execution and complementation.

After verifying the accuracy of the topographic survey data and solving any divergence, it begins with the location of a reference point external to the construction, to then locate axes and points that define the foundation of the construction. At the same time, platforms and other elements that can define and delimit the construction will be rethought.

Measurement and payment: The measurement of this item will be the meters actually executed, according to the plan. Work should be indicated to be accepted and measured by the Contracting Officer or his designated representative on site. No measurements or direct payments will be made for formwork, false work, shoring or scaffolding.

Unit: m2

Minimal materials: Does not apply.

Minimum equipment: Minor tool, survey equipment, total station, pickup.

Skilled labor: Surveyor, chain worker.

· ITEM: Removal of debris by machine

CODE: 103

Description: It considers the removal of excavation material as a result of cleaning the topsoil and large volume movements, of the soil and other existing materials in it, through the use of adequate machinery and other mechanical equipment. All the material resulting from the unclassified excavation that is adequate and usable, must be used for the construction of embankments or fillings, or otherwise incorporated into the work, according to what is indicated in the plans. The removal of any existing layer of the running surface, except concrete pavement, will be considered as part of the excavation corresponding to the sector in which said layers are located, and no separate payment will be made for such removal.

Process:

a. Prerequisites.

· Determination of the work plan to be executed and security measures to be implemented. Location of ditches and form of water evacuation. Determination of the places of evacuation of the excavated material.

· The final excavation work will be carried out as soon as possible, in order to prevent the ground from being weakened or altered by the weather. No excavation may be carried out in the presence of water, whatever its source, except in the case of having a high- water table.

b. During execution.

· Hauling and permanent evacuation of the material that is being excavated.

· Verification of the optimal state of the machinery.

· When unforeseen or inconveniences are found, they must be overcome jointly with the Contractor.

· To protect excavations, systems with resistant capacity must be used to prevent collapses.

· Verification of heights and levels of excavations.

· Verification of continuous water evacuation.

c. Post execution.

For the eviction, 8 m3 dump trucks will be used which will operate at the hours established by the Municipality and will dump the waste in the sites indicated for the purpose according to the Municipality.

Measurement and payment: The intervened area of the land will be measured and its payment will be made by m3, with an approximation of two decimal places. Work should be indicated to be accepted and measured by the Contracting Officer or his designated representative on site.

Unit: m3.

Minimal materials: Does not apply.

Minimum equipment: Minor tool, dump truck, loader.

Skilled labor: Supervisor, dump truck driver, front loader operator, backhoe, gardener.

B. LANDSCAPE

· ITEM: Top Soil

CODE: 201

Description: It refers to all the activities that are required for the correct installation of improved soil for outdoor gardening.

Process: This item includes the works to establish levels of Landscaping, which must be executed according to plans. The contractor must clearly materialize in the field the axes and lines according to plans, which will be reviewed and approved by the Contractor, before starting any other work.

The work begins with the layout of the areas destined for vegetation. A macro leveling should be done, adjusting to the level always considering a minimum slope for adequate rain and irrigation water runoff. Once the thick level of soil in each area to be planted has been reached, the irrigation laying must be carried out, according to the project and specifications. In the areas where plant species will be planted, their physical-chemical composition will be improved, to obtain a material rich in nutrients and with a frankly light texture. The general soil that will serve as a base, especially for planting plants or grass, will have a thickness of 30 cm. of selected agricultural land, of very good quality.

Filler mix: For the filling of the tree and shrub planting wells, and for the leveling of the plantation sectors in general, the mixture of substrates described below will be used:

· 80% Black soil.

· 10% Rice husk.

· 10% Cascajo (fine ground pumice stone).

Measurement and payment: The measurement will be made per cubic meter. Work should be indicated to be accepted and measured by the Contracting Officer or his designated representative on site.

Unit: m3.

Minimal materials: Does not apply.

Minimum equipment: Minor tool, surveying equipment.

Skilled labor: Supervisor, surveyor, chain keeper, gardeners.

· ITEM: Fertilizer

CODE: 202

Description: Fertilization or edaphic amendments are of great importance for soil preparation and can be done through organic fertilizers or chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers must be spread evenly over the sowing area, with a density between 6 to 8 kg / ha, using adequate mechanical equipment or manual procedures in accordance with the Contractor's proposal and the Contractor's approval.

Process: When soils are poor in nutrients, manures or fertilizers must be supplied to enrich them. The fertilizer or compost, is intended to compensate the deficit between the needs of the plant and the amounts of nutritive elements provided by the soil.

Soils become depleted of nutrients over time, not only due to their absorption by plants, but also due to erosion, washing and runoff caused by the physical and chemical agents that act on them. Among the nutrients most exposed to decrease are nitrogen, calcium, potassium, magnesium and sulfur.

Fertilizers should be placed in areas where they can be absorbed by the roots and where there is a certain degree of humidity so that they can be dissolved.

They can be applied in a "broadcast" way, that is, spreading them evenly over the surface of the land before watering. You can also make a trench around the tree 10 to 15 cm deep where the end of the roots reach, deposit the fertilizer in it, cover the trench with soil and then water.

Trees absorb nutrients through the "absorbent hairs" at the end of the main roots, so fertilizers should be placed some distance away from the trunk. When the plants are tender, it is not advisable to fertilize near them, as there is a risk of burning them.

The main nutrients that plants require are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, which to a greater or lesser extent are found in the soil. Other important nutrients such as magnesium, sulfur, calcium, manganese, zinc, boron and copper that exist in small quantities and are called microelements. Nitrogen promotes stem and leaf development. Phosphorous stimulates root growth and promotes flower and fruit development. Potassium is involved in photosynthesis and increases the resistance of plants to pests and diseases.

a. Organic fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers are all materials of organic origin that can be decomposed by the action of microorganisms and human labor, also including manures of animal origin.

Properties of organic fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers have properties that exert certain effects on the soil, which increase its fertility. Basically, they act in the soil on three types of properties:

· Physical properties.

· Organic fertilizer, due to its dark color, absorbs more solar radiation, so that the soil acquires more temperature and nutrients can be absorbed more easily.

· Organic fertilizer improves the structure and texture of the soil, making clay soils lighter and sandy soils more compact.

· They improve the permeability of the soil, since they influence its drainage and aeration.

· They reduce soil erosion, both water and wind.

· They increase water retention in the soil, so water is absorbed more when it rains or is watered, and they retain water in the soil for a long time during the summer.

· Chemical properties.

· Organic fertilizers increase the buffering power of the soil, and consequently reduce the fluctuations in pH of the soil.

· They also increase the cation exchange capacity of the soil, thereby increasing fertility.

· Biological properties.

· Organic fertilizers favor the aeration and oxygenation of the soil, so there is greater root activity and greater activity of aerobic microorganisms.

· Organic fertilizers are a source of energy for…