19GE5024R0126_Gardening Kolonia.pdf

SOLICITATION DOCUMENT

Gardening Services U.S. Embassy Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated

States of Micronesia

SOLICITATION NO. 19GE5024R0126

Issued by:

U.S. Consulate General Regional Procurement Support Office

Giessener Strasse 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Germany

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL

Regional Procurement Support Office

Giessener Strasse 30

60435 Frankfurt

Germany

Tel: +49 60 7535 3317 Email: FischerK1@state.gov

August 22, 2024

Subject: Solicitation No.: 19GE5024R0126 Gardening Services at the U.S. Embassy in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, The Regional Procurement Support Office (RPSO) would like to invite your company to submit a proposal for gardening services at the U.S. Embassy Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. This solicitation may result in issuance of a firm fixed-price Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity contract for one (1) base year with four one-year optional periods to renew.

Use of the specifications for purposes other than submitting a proposal under this solicitation is prohibited. All discussions pertaining to these services will be in the English language. If you intend to submit a proposal, you should thoroughly examine all documents contained in the solicitation package.

Offerors planning to attend the Site Visit must register by email the names of their company’s representatives (maximum of two) to the attention of Mr. Rommel Lemana, email:

LemanaRP@state.gov and Ms. Leila Tober, email: toberld@state.gov at least 2 working days prior to the scheduled date. The offeror is responsible for providing their own transportation.

Questions shall be submitted as soon as possible but not later than September 13, 2024, by 15:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST). Any questions you may have concerning the solicitation document should be submitted in writing via email to Katy Fischer at FischerK1@state.gov and copy to FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov so that a response can be provided prior to the solicitation closing date.

mailto:GruenbeckP@State.gov mailto:GruenbeckP@state.gov mailto:FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov mailto:FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov

The proposal shall be submitted as a pdf document emailed to FischerK1@state.gov and copy to FrankfurtRPSO@state.gov as soon as possible but not later than September 20, 2024, by 15:00 hours Central European Summer Time (CEST). The email subject line must read “Proposal 19GE5024R0126”. The email size shall not exceed 45MB.

No proposal will be accepted after the specified time.

Each offeror will be responsible for pricing their proposal. Further, each offeror is responsible for furnishing complete information to its subcontractors. Subcontractors shall not be referred to the U.S. Government concerning the requirement. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive any information or minor irregularities in proposals received. In addition, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to establish a competitive range of one or more offerors and to conduct further negotiations concerning price and other terms before awarding a contract, or to award the contract based upon initial proposals received without holding discussions.

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Katy Fischer, Contract Specialist, tel:

+49 69 7535 3317, or email: FischerK1@state.gov.

Sincerely, Nicolas A. Wilhelm

Contracting Officer mailto:GruenbeckP@state.gov

19GE5024R0126

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24 & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

19GE5024R0126

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

08/22/2024

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

Katy Fischer

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

c. EMAIL FischerK1@state.gov

8. OFFER DUE DATE / LOCAL

TIME

CODE FRANK

AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT

GIESSENER STRASSE 30

ATTN: RPSO

60435, FRANKFURT, GERMANY

9. ISSUED BY X UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (WOSB)

ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

10. THE ACQUISITION IS

SEE

SCHEDULE

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION

UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS

RATED ORDER UNDER DPAS

(15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

RFQ IFB X RFP

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE15. DELIVER TO CODE OPEAQM16. ADMINISTERED BY

RPSO Frankfurt OPE/AQM/IP/RPSO Frankfurt Office of Acquisition (AQM) Frankfurt

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

Contact UEI:

Telephone No.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

OPEAQMCODE18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

AMERICAN EMBASSY KOLONIA

PO BOX 1286

ATTN: FMC

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF 96941

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER SEE ADDENDUM

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS

CHECKED

19. ITEM NO. 20. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

21. QUANTITY 22. UNIT 23. UNIT PRICE 24. AMOUNT

See Line Items Section

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

X 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA X ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN ____ COPIES TO

ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH

OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _____________________________ OFFER

DATED _________________ . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5)

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH HEREIN,

IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) Nicolas Wilhelm

31c. DATE SIGNED 08/22/2024

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

CGFS // CGFS

Line Item Summary

Solicitation Number:

19GE5024R0126

Contract Number: Title: KOLON Gardening/landscaping services

Date of Solicitation:

08/22/2024

Line Item No.

Description Quantity Unit Unit Price Total Cost

001 BASE YEAR:

CLIN 0001 Standard Gardening Services CLIN 0002 Temporary Additional Services CLIN 0003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable Type of Contract Pricing: FFP

Doc Ref No:

Delivery Date FOB:

0.00 SV $0.00 $0.00

BASE PERIOD

002 FIRST OPTION YEAR:

CLIN 1001 Standard Gardening Services CLIN 1002 Temporary Additional Services CLIN 1003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable Type of Contract Pricing: FFP

Doc Ref No:

Delivery Date FOB:

0.00 SV $0.00 $0.00

003 SECOND OPTION YEAR:

CLIN 2001 Standard Gardening Services CLIN 2002 Temporary Additional Services CLIN 2003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable Type of Contract Pricing: FFP

Doc Ref No:

Delivery Date FOB:

0.00 SV $0.00 $0.00

004 THIRD OPTION YEAR:

CLIN 3001 Standard Gardening Services CLIN 3002 Temporary Additional Services CLIN 3003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable Type of Contract Pricing: FFP

Doc Ref No:

Delivery Date FOB:

0.00 SV $0.00 $0.00

005 FOURTH OPTION YEAR:

CLIN 4001 Standard Gardening Services CLIN 4002 Temporary Additional Services CLIN 4003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable Type of Contract Pricing: FFP

Doc Ref No:

Delivery Date FOB:

0.00 SV $0.00 $0.00

Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

• SF 1449 cover sheet

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number 19GE5024R0126, Prices, Block 23

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number 19GE5024R0126, Schedule of Supplies/Services, Block 20 Description/

Specifications/Work Statement

Section I - The Schedule

TABLE OF - CONTENTS

Section II - Contract Clauses

• Contract Clauses

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

Section III - Solicitation Provisions

• Solicitation Provisions

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

Section IV - Evaluation Factors

• Evaluation Factors

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

Section V - Representations and Certifications

• Offeror Representations and Certifications

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

SECTION I - THE SCHEDULE

I. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

A. The purpose of this firm fixed price Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract is to provide for Gardening Services in accordance with the Statement of Work.

B. This is an IDIQ type of contract against which task orders may be placed. The quantities set forth in the pricing section are estimates for evaluation purposes only; the Government does not guarantee that such quantities will be ordered. The contract will be for a one-year period from the date of the contract award, with four (4) one-year options.

C. The Firm-Fixed Price shall include all materials, equipment, labor, overhead, profit, general liability insurance, and transportation necessary to deliver the required services. No additional sums will be payable on account of any escalation in the cost of materials, equipment, or labor, or because of the Contractor's failure to properly estimate or accurately predict the cost, or difficulty in achieving the results required by this contract. The contract price will not be adjusted because of fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Changes in the contract price, or time to complete, will be made only for changes made by the Government in the work to be performed, or by delays caused by the Government. Any costs not priced will be considered to be included in the overhead and other indirect costs.

D. The general liability policy required of the Contractor shall name “the United States of America” as additional insured. The general liability insurance shall be as required by law or as ordinarily 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. The Contractor agrees that the Government shall not be responsible for personal injuries or for damages to Government’s property in Contractor’s custody, any property of the Contractor, its officers, agents, servants, and employees, or any other person, arising from, and incident to, the Contractor's performance of the work detailed herein. The Contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the Government from any and all claims arising therefrom, except in the instance of gross negligence on the part of the Government. The Contractor shall submit evidence of general liability insurance within 10 calendar days after award.

E. Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT is not applicable to this contract and will not be included in the CLIN rates. Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) does not have VAT in the country.

F. Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance:

(a) The Department of Labor has waived the DBA insurance for the countries in paragraph (b) of this subsection. United States citizens or residents and individuals hired in the United States, regardless of citizenship shall be required to obtain DBA insurance.

Evidence of DBA insurance shall be submitted within 15 days of award. The DBA Insurance shall be obtained from any U.S.

Department of Labor (DOL) authorized DBA insurance broker. A list of DOL-authorized insurance brokers is available at the following address:

http://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm.

DBA insurance cost will be evaluated as part of the total evaluated firm fixed price and included in the firm fixed price of the task order. The Contractor shall be reimbursed for the cost of DBA insurance only upon providing proof of payment.

(b) The DoL has waived DBA insurance for the following countries of performance under this contract: https://www.dol.gov/owcp/ dlhwc/dbawaivers/dbawaivers.htm:

(c) The Federated States of Micronesia are not listed on the DOL Active DBA Waiver list and therefore DBA insurance for Host Country Nationals (HCNs) and Third Country Nationals (TCNs), performing under this contract is required. In adiition DBA Insurance for U.S. citizens performing under this contract is required. The successful Contractor shall be required to purchase DBA insurance for all his employees working on the project, regardless of nationality.

(d) The Contractor will be reimbursed for DBA insurance only to the extent the contractor provides documentary proof that DBA insurance has been paid and only to the extent quoted in CLINs 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003 and 4003.

G. Minimum and Maximum Amounts: During life of this contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $5,000.00 or local currency equivalent. This reflects the contract minimum for this period of performance. The amount of all orders shall not exceed $950,000.00 or local currency equivalent, which reflects the contract maximum.

H. James Zadroga 9/11 Victims Health and Compensation Act of 2010 Notice: Unless a waiver or exception applies, payments subsequent to this procurement are subject to an excise tax of 2% pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5000C.

I. Acquisition Method. This is a commercial acquisition as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101, Definitions, and as described in FAR part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services. Pursuant to FAR 12.102(b), the policies in FAR part 12 are used in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation and award prescribed in FAR part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

II. PRICING

BASE YEAR

A B C D E F CLIN Description Unit Estimate Quantity* Firm-Fixed Unit

Price Amount [D x E]

0001 Standard Gardening Services as specified in the SOW

Month 12

0002 Temporary Additional Services as specified in the

SOW

Month 12

0003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable

Lot 1

Total Firm Fixed-Price (CLINs 0001-0003)

* Estimated quantity for evaluation purposes only. Actual number may be lower or higher than the estimates in the solicitation/contract.

FIRST OPTION YEAR

A B C D E F

CLIN Description Unit Estimate Quantity* Firm-Fixed Unit Price

Amount [D x E]

1001 Standard Gardening Services as specified in the SOW

Month 12

1002 Temporary Additional Services as specified in the

SOW

Month 12

1003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable

Lot 1

Total Firm Fixed-Price (CLINs 1001-1003)

* Estimated quantity for evaluation purposes only. Actual number may be lower or higher than the estimates in the solicitation/contract.

SECOND OPTION YEAR

A B C D E F CLIN Description Unit Estimate Quantity* Firm-Fixed Unit

Price Amount [D x E]

2001 Standard Gardening Services as specified in the SOW

Month 12

2002 Temporary Additional Services as specified in the

SOW

Month 12

2003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable

Lot 1

Total Firm Fixed-Price (CLINs 2001-2003)

* Estimated quantity for evaluation purposes only. Actual number may be lower or higher than the estimates in the solicitation/contract.

THIRD OPTION YEAR

A B C D E F CLIN Description Unit Estimate Quantity* Firm-Fixed Unit

Price Amount [D x E]

3001 Standard Gardening Services as specified in the SOW

Month 12

3002 Temporary Additional Services as specified in the

SOW

Month 12

3003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable

Lot 1

Total Firm Fixed-Price (CLINs 3001-3003)

* Estimated quantity for evaluation purposes only. Actual number may be lower or higher than the estimates in the solicitation/contract.

FOURTH OPTION YEAR

A B C D E F

CLIN Description Unit Estimate Quantity* Firm-Fixed Unit Price

Amount [D x E]

4001 Standard Gardening Services as specified in the SOW

Month 12

4002 Temporary Additional Services as specified in the

SOW

Month 12

4003 Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, if applicable

Lot 1

Total Firm Fixed-Price (CLINs 4001-4003)

* Estimated quantity for evaluation purposes only. Actual number may be lower or higher than the estimates in the solicitation/contract.

State Currency: __________________

Summary:

Total Base Year __________________ Total First Option Year __________________ Total Second Option Year __________________ Total Third Option Year __________________ Total Fourth Option Year __________________

Grand total (estimated contract amount): __________________

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449,

RFP NUMBER 19GE5024R0126

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

1. STATEMENT OF WORK

The purpose of this firm-fixed price contract is to obtain gardening services for real property owend or managed by the U.S Government at the U.S. Embassy Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. The Contractor shall perform gardening services in all designated spaces that have live plants that will need tending and maintained properly as described in the Statement of Work Attachment A.

The contractor shall furnish all administrative, supervision and direct labor personnel that are necessary to accomplish the work in this contract.

Contractor employees shall be on site only for contractual duties and not for other business purposes.

2. 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 paragraph 15 of this Statement of Work. 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.

3. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

3.1 The Contractor shall designate one (1) representative who shall be responsible for on-site supervision of the Contractor's workforce at all times. The 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.

During the entire performance period of this contract, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of supervisor unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by Part 3.1 to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions. The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitution, complete resume for the proposed substitute, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. The proposed substitute shall possess qualifications comparable to the original supervisors, as well as satisfying any minimum standards set forth elsewhere in the solicitation/contract. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on the substitution. This clause will be modified to reflect any changes in key personnel.

3.2 The Contractor shall maintain 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. 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.

3.3 The Contractor shall be responsible for quality control. The Contractor shall perform inspection/Quality checks visits to all work sites on a regular basis. The Contractor shall coordinate these visits with the COR or a designated U.S. Government representative. These visits shall be surprise inspections to those working on the contract.

3.4 Schedules:

The Contractor shall maintain work schedules. The schedules shall take into consideration the hours that the staff can effectively perform their services without disturbing occupants or 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. Work schedules for each location covered by this contract shall be submitted to the COR for approval. Certain areas in the Chancery building require an Escort and can only be entered during scheduled times. 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.

3.4.1 The Contractor shall control overtime through efficient use of the work force. Individual work schedules shall comply with local labor laws to avoid overtime being part of the standard services provided under the contract. Overtime may be necessary under Temporary Additional Services.

3.5 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 perform monthly 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. A copy of the inspection report shall be provided to the COR withing five business days of inspection. The Contractor shall meet monthly with the COR to address any issues in this contract. The Contractor shall take meeting notes (minutes) and send them to the COR within four business days after the meeting for COR acceptance and approval.

3.6 Technical Guidance:

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

3.6 Grounds Maintenance Plan:

The Contractor shall submit an annual Grounds Maintenance Plan 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, and must be updated at least quarterly, or as needed.

The Grounds Maintenance Plan shall include a timeline, broken down daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual activities, and shall also include the following:

a) Confirmation of all grounds and landscaping services performed for that previous month for each location. This report shall provide a detailed description of what was performed, what tasks were completed, and where.

b) The planned schedule for the upcoming month covering all applicable services under this contract. The method, frequencies, dates of grass cutting, hedging, trimming, weeding, and turf repair for each property. Depending on the weather, dates may be flexible for relevant activities.

c) Problems/damages found or anticipated on vegetation, ground soil, and manmade or natural installations, e.g., planters, ponds, stone lanterns, and corrective measures for those problems/damages, if any.

d) Logs of any measurements taken required under this contract, such as irrigation penetration.

e) Suggestions for improving aesthetics and value of landscapes.

f) Other matters concerning grounds maintenance and landscaping services, if any.

The contractor shall propose in the Grounds Maintenance Plan any new planting of trees, shrubs, or bushes, and shall not commence with new plantings until approved by the COR. Any unauthorized plantings will be immediately removed by the contractor and the areas restored to acceptable conditions.

4. LAWN & GROUND-COVER CARE

All areas of lawn and groundcover to be maintained in this contract are shown on the site plan in Attachment 1 as part of

Attachement A (SOW).

4.1 Grass Cutting: The Contractor shall maintain the height of grass between 4 and 6 centimeters, as well as maintain control against grass browning. The Contractor is responsible for all equipment and fuels needed to complete this task. The contractor shall provide sufficient equipment and labor to complete one full cycle of grass cutting within two business days start to finish.

a) Wedelia. Ground cover species, requires trimming. Does not require mowing or cutting.

b) Peanut grass. Ground cover grass species requiring edging, and removal of thread-like vine. Does not require trimming, mowing or cutting.

c) Bermuda and blue grass. Ground cover species requiring mowing between 3 cm (1”) and 6 cm (2-1/2”) by height, and a distance of 15 cm (6”) of ground cover from roots of plants and shrubberies.

d) Carabao grass. Ground cover species requiring mowing between 6 cm (2-1/2”) and 12 cm (5”).

e) Other types of ground cover grass not specified above shall be mowed and maintained at a height of between 4 cm (1-1/2”) and 6 cm (2-1/2”).

4.2 Edging: The Contractor shall edge all sidewalks, driveways, and curbs each time the adjacent grass is cut. Edging shall result in crisp, clean cuts that create straight lines that follow the outline of the adjacent spaces.

4.3 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.

4.4 Weeding: The Contractor shall weed the grounds and gardens on a continuous basis to prevent the growth of weeds (or other unintentional vegetation) into on lawn and landscapes. The contractor shall control weeds to maintain uniformity of vegetation that follows the landscape design. For example, expanses of grass lawn shall be one species of grass and free of other types of vegetation.

The contractor shall maintain all sidewalks, curbs, paved surfaces, and landscaping rocks free of weeds. 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, but alternative weed removal techniques such as consistent manual removal is preferred. The Contractor shall submit the weed killer MSDS to the COR for review and approval by the Post Occupational Safety Health Officer (POSHO) prior to use.

4.5 Turf Repair, Soil Erosion and Re-Establishment: The Contractor shall, whenever necessary, repair areas damaged by vehicular traffic, oil and gas, building repairs, and normal foot traffic, and any type of soil erosion regardless of the cause, at no increase to the contract price. The damaged area shall be filled in and leveled and then seeded or sodded and maintained to conform to adjacent areas. The Contractor shall level the seeded or sodded area and apply additional soil over lawns or around rots of plants.

Maintain drainage over root area and cover up exposed root areas.

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

4.7 Flowerbed and Planter Maintenance:

The Contractor shall maintain the established flowerbeds and planters. All flowerbeds and planters to be maintained in this contract are shown on the site plan in Attachment 1 as part of Attachemt A. The flowering annual plants, except flowering perennial plants, shall be replaced three (3) times per year with those seasons. The flowering perennial plants shall be replaced at times as required to maintain the flowerbeds for good appearance.

5. PRUNING AND TREE TRIMMING

5.1 The Contractor shall maintain trees, shrubs, hedges, bushes, vines, ground cover and flowers.

5.2 The Contractor shall prepare a written schedule, as part of the Grounds Maintenance Plan, showing the method, frequencies, and dates of pruning. The Contractor shall ensure that all heavy pruning is accomplished during the proper season according to best horticultural practice.

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

a) Direct and encourage plant growth in directions desired,

b) Remove dead and unsightly growth, and

c) Maintain a neat and attractive appearance, and maintain proper shape at all times

d) Maintain a clear zone along perimeter walls as instructed by the COR

e) Prevent growth from blocking or inhibiting sidewalks, walk-ways, and roads.

The Contractor shall regularly trim trees and remove vines or other vegetation growing over perimeter walls. All concertina and razor wire must be free from vegetation at all times.

5.4 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.

5.5 Quarterly, the Contractor shall trim trees and tree components up to 10’ (3 meters) above ground, or up to 30’ (9 meters) where hand tools on telescopic poles can be effectively used. For example, trimming of palm trees with telescopic hand saw. Trees to be trimmed and maintained are shown on the site plan at Attachment 1 as part of Attachment A.

5.6 When the Contractor is pruning, any cuts greater than 25 millimeters in diameter shall be covered with a commercial tree wound dressing compound to protect against rotting, insect entry, or disease. The Contractor shall be responsible to provide the proper equipment for pruning and trimming.

5.7 Permits:

The Contractor shall process and obtain the necessary permits or permission(s) needed from the appropriate authorities in order to trim the trees or any other service which requires legal permissions for the services provided in this Contract. The Contractor shall initiate the process with sufficient lead time in order to execute the services in a timely manner. The Contractor will not provide these services until the necessary permission is legally granted.

6. LEAF REMOVAL

The Contractor shall daily remove leaves from all surfaces (hardscape & softscape) at all service locations listed in paragraph 15 of this Statement of Work, using rakes, brooms, and leaf blowers. Leaf blowing will only be allowed near residential areas during hours approved by the COR.

6.1 In order to limit noise and air pollution, any gasoline-powered leaf blowers used shall be 4-stroke engine only, if available.

The contractor shall include leaf removal activities in the monthly Grounds Maintenance Plan and Work Schedule and include hours of operation of noise-producing equipment.

The Contractor shall remove leaves and other debris from the Chancery Parking Building (all surfaces, including stairwells) weekly.

7. RECYCLED MATERIALS

The Contractor shall promote recycled uses for lawn and tree debris in meeting other gardening needs, such as mulch and compost.

Salvaged plastic or metal containers may not be reused in place of plant pots..

8. REMOVAL OF DEBRIS AND TRASH

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 areas, at all service locations listed in paragraph 15 of this Statement of Work.

8.1 The Contractor shall remove all debris and equipment from the work site before the end of each workday to prevent unsightly accumulation. The Contractor shall promptly remove collected debris to an authorized disposal sites designated by the COR. The Contractor is responsible for all expenses incurred in the collection and disposal of debris.

8.2 At the CMR, the Contractor shall, according to the collection schedule, routinely move all solid waste bins (including household trash and recycling) from the designated disposal site to the front gate for collection by the solid waste contractor and return them to the disposal site once emptied. Weekly, the Contractor shall wash and clean all garbage containers and clean the garbage dumpsite at the CMR.

9. WATERING

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.

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 take into account the kinds of vegetation, local soil conditions, and the seasonal variations in plant moisture requirements.

9.3 The Contractor shall provide all hoses, portable sprinklers, and other similar irrigation equipment to ensure sufficient irrigation in all applicable areas covered by this contract.

9.4 The Government shall furnish the supply of water.

9.5 If any areas of the government furnished sprinkler system are not operational, or insufficient in any way, the Contractor shall use Contractor furnished irrigation equipment to ensure all ground cover areas are adequately irrigated to ensure moisture levels are sufficiently maintained as specified in paragraph 9.1.

10. FERTILIZER AND AERATION

10.1 The Contractor shall fertilize, aerate 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.

10.2 The Contractor shall present the method of application, fertilizer type, frequencies, and dates of fertilizing, aerating and liming in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The fertilizer type must be approved by the COR prior to use. Organic fertilizer is preferred. If artificial or chemical fertilizers are to be used, the Contractor shall submit the relevant MSDS to the COR for review and approval by the Post Occupational Safety Health Officer (POSHO) prior to use.

10.3 The Contractor shall fertilize the lawn areas a minimum of two times per year and aerate lawn areas a minimum of once per year.

10.4 The Contractor shall fertilize and aerate soil under the trees, shrubs, bushes, hedges and plants a minimum of once a year.

11. PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

The Contractor shall maintain a program for controlling pests and plant disease so as to maintain flowers, shrubs, vines, trees and other planted areas in a healthy and vigorous condition. The Contractor shall submit pesticide MSDS to the COR for review and approval by the POSHO prior to use.

The Contractor shall present a plan for pest and disease control as a part of its Grounds Maintenance Plan.

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. Use of such substances are subject to POSHO approval by submitting relevant MSDS via the COR. The Contractor shall report all instances of chemical safety mishap to the COR.

12.1 Labelling:

All chemicals used for the provision of services under this contract shall be properly labelled in English. All chemicals must be labeled (according to OSHA standards using the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) forms and methods) and approved by the COR and A/ POSHO, in writing, prior to their utilization. Chemicals shall remain in their original containers to preserve the manufacturers information and warnings. If another container is to be used, it must contain the same safety information and labeling as the original packaging.

12.2 Safety Measures.:

The Contractor shall submit a plan for safety measures to be taken regarding hazardous and toxic products. This plan shall be updated in accordance to both U.S. and local health and safe regulations, as well as whenever the COR considers it necessary.

13. TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Temporary Additional Services are services that are defined as Standard Services but are required at times other than the normal workday. These services shall support special events at the Post. The Contractor shall provide these services in addition to the scheduled services required by Part 3 of this SOW. The COR shall order these services as needed. This work shall be performed by trained employees of the Contractor and shall not be subcontracted. The COR may require the Contractor to provide temporary additional services with 24-hour advance notice.

Because Temporary/Additional Services are based on indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity, the minimum and maximum amounts are defined below:

Minimum: The Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of 2,000 square meters. This reflects the contract minimum for the base year and option period.

Maximum: The amount of all orders shall not exceed 5,000 square meters. This reflects the contract maximum for the base year and each option period for temporary/additional services.

The Contractor shall include in its next regular invoice details of the Temporary Additional Services, if applicable, provided and requested under Temporary Additional Services. The Contractor shall also include a copy of the COR’s written confirmation for the Temporary Additional Services.

14. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

The Government shall provide items listed in Attachment 2, Government Furnished Property. The Contractor has the option to reject any or all Government furnished property or items. However, if rejected, the Contractor shall provide all necessary property, equipment, or items, adequate in quantity and suitable for their intended purpose, to perform all the work and provide all the 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 the time of receipt until properly relieved of responsibility in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Contractor shall inform the COR of any malfunction or damage to Government furnished property.

The Contractor shall pay all costs for repair or replacement of Government furnished property that is damaged or destroyed due to Contractor negligence.

14.1 The Government shall provide items listed in Attachment 2, Government Furnished Property. The Contractor has the option to reject any or all Government furnished property or items. However, if rejected, the Contractor shall provide all necessary property, equipment, or items, adequate in quantity and suitable for their intended purpose, to perform all the work and provide all the 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 the time of receipt until properly relieved of responsibility in accordance with the terms of the contract. The Contractor shall inform the COR of any malfunction or damage to Government furnished property.

The Contractor shall pay all costs for repair or replacement of Government furnished property that is damaged or destroyed due to Contractor negligence.

14.2 The Contractor shall provide the tools and equipment as described in Attachment 3, Contractor-Furnished Property. The Contractor shall be responsible for any additional materials and equipment beyond what is described in Attachment 3 that may be necessary to perform services required by the SOW at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall provide industrial type, commercial-grade heavy equipment, appropriate for the work to be undertaken, and include all standard safety features.

14.3 The Contractor shall maintain all Contractor provided equipment in good and safe working order and shall make timely repairs to all contractor provided equipment. Failure to fully meet the requirements of the statement of work due to inoperable equipment is not acceptable under this contract.

14.4 The Contractor shall routinely inspect all garden hoses and immediately repair or replace any leaking hose or hose connection.

When not in use, the contractor shall keep all materials and equipment in the areas designated by the COR at each service location.

These areas must be kept tidy and orderly, and must be free of non-gardening service related materials or equipment, including personal property of contract employees. All equipment and materials must be returned to a designated area at the completion of the workday. Equipment, tools, and materials shall not be left at a site for continuation of work at a later time.

14.5 Equipment and materials in use must never be left unattended. Equipment must be secured before Contractor’s employees go on break or depart the worksite for any reason. Contactor provided carts, wheeled bins, dollies or other means of transporting debris, materials, tools, and equipment throughout the service sites must be of a design intended for the applied use. For example, a wheeled dumpster is not an acceptable means for transporting tools. Furthermore, all transportation equipment must be kept in a clean and presentable condition so that they will not detract from the overall appearance of the grounds.

14.6 The Contractor shall store all flammables, such as fuel, in an appropriate flammables-rated storage cabinet. Flammables cabinets may not be used for general-purpose storage. The Contractor shall operate all equipment in the manner intended by the manufacturer and only with the appropriate expendable materials. For example, weed trimmers must use weed trimmer line intended for that purpose, use of zip-ties in place of trimmer line is prohibited. Furthermore, any manufacturer installed safety features shall not be disabled or removed.

Required Equipment includes but not limited to:

1. Lawn mower

2. Trimmer

3. Hedge cutter

4. Secateur

5. Hedge cutting scissor

6. Looper

7. Looper with long handle

8. Khurpa

9. Spade

10. Tiller

11. Wheelbarrow

12. Garden racks

13. Garden forks

14. Watering can

15. Garden hoses

16. Shovel

17. Tree Saw

18. Chain saw

19. Hoe

20. Pots

Biological and Chemical Fertilizers:

1. Bone meal

2. Agromeal

3. Neem oil cake

4. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) in the form of urea, potassium and potash

5. Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP)

6. Cow dung (farmyard manure)

7. Bavistin

Weedicide shall not be used as per Safety, Occupational Health, And Environmental Management (SHEM) Program’s guidelines.

15. LOCATIONS FOR GARDENING SERVICES

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

a) Chancery Compound 12,140 square meters

b) Chief of Mission's Residence (CMR) 2,955 square meters

c) Deputy Chief of Mission's Residence (DCMR) 1,741square meters

*Actual addresses shall be provided after contract award.

Detailed reference site plan is provided in Attachment 1 as part of Attachment A (SOW).

16. WORKING HOURS

All work shall be performed during Monday through Friday except for the holidays identified in the Attachment 4, between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. 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.

17. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

17.1 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. The Contractor’s personnel must be able to understand and speak English. The Contractor shall provide a training program for its personnel for continuous improvement of performance and services.

17.2 Standard of Conduct

17.2.2 Uniforms and Personal Equipment: The Contractor's employees shall wear clean, matching, neat and complete uniforms including shoes when on duty. All employees shall wear uniforms approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

17.2.3 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.

17.2.4 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.

17.2.5 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.

17.2.6 Criminal Actions: Contractor employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by local 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.

17.2.7 Personnel Health Requirements: All gardening staff shall be in good general health without physical disabilities that would interfere with acceptable performance of their duties. All employees shall be free from communicable diseases.

17.2.8 Key Control: If the Contractor should receive keys to complete their duties. 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.

17.3 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.

17.4 Personnel Security

17.4.1 Within 10 days 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 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 1-2 weeks to perform. Each individual must submit:

a) Valid original local police clearance.

17.4.2 The 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.

17.5 General Safety Responsibilities

a) Contractor shall demonstrate understanding of their responsibilities under Post Managed Construction Project safety program by addressing hazards in preplanning processes and meetings, Prior to starting a new assignment, the Contractor shall be required to review the work site and identify hazards that may occur while performing the job.

b) The Contractor shall provide their employees with a safe and healthful condition of employment. The Contractor shall ensure that these individuals are provided with proper safety equipment to prevent accidental injury in accordance with the requirements of the contract and all international and local safety laws. The Contractor shall make sure that the safety features of the equipment like proper guards are installed and not to be removed during the performance of the services.

c) The contractor shall be responsible for the removal and/or disposal of hazardous waste generated from the project. Hazardous waste generated from the project must be removed and disposed of in accordance with the Department's Hazardous Waste Management Policy as…