RFQ 19GT5024Q0012 - Gardening services.pdf

Date: Guatemala, February 26, 2024

Dear Prospective Quoter:

Subject: Request for Quotations number 19GT5024Q0012

Enclosed is a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for Gardening Services. If you would like to submit quotation, follow the instructions in Section 3 of the solicitation, complete the required portions of the attached document, and submit it to the address shown on the Standard Form 1449 that follows this letter.

The U.S. Government intends to award a contract/purchase order to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the lowest price. We intend to award a contract/purchase order based on initial quotations, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so.

The Embassy intends to conduct a pre‐quotation conference at the sites. The site visits will be held as follows:

New Embassy Compound: March 12, 2024, at 09:30 am at Boulevard Austriaco 11‐51, Zona 16

Old Embassy Compound: March 12, 2024, at 11:00 am at Avenida Reforma 7‐01, Zona 10

Prospective offerors/quoters should contact Ingrid Cifuentes at CifuentesIG@state.gov providing a list of attendees including full name and personal identification number not later than March 5, 2024, by 17:00 hours.

Quotations are due by March 26, 2024, by 17:00 hours. No quotations will be accepted after this time. Proposals must be in English and incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

Your quotation must be submitted electronically to GuatemalaBids@state.gov It is important to make sure the submission is made in specific size and format; in MS‐Word 2007/2010 or MS‐Excel 2007/2010 or Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file format. The file size must not exceed 30MB. If the file size should exceed the 30MB, the submission must be made in separate files and attached to separate emails with less than 30MB each.

In order for a quotation to be considered, you must also complete and submit the following:

1. SF‐1449

2. Section I, Pricing

3. Section 5 Representations and Certifications

4. Additional information as required in Section 3

5. “The Offeror should submit a completed IRS Form W‐14, found at www.irs.gov/w14, to ensure compliance with FAR 52.229‐11;”]

6. Proof of SAM Registration

Offerors shall be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) database at https://www.sam.gov prior to submittal of their offer/proposal as prescribed under FAR 4.1102. Failure to be registered at time of proposal submission may deem the offeror’s proposal to be considered non‐responsible and no further consideration will be given. Therefore, offerors are highly encouraged to register immediately if they are interested in submitting a response to this requirement.

Sincerely, Julie A. Espinosa Contracting Officer

Enclosure

AUTORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Computer Generated Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF 76 PAGES

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/ EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

19GT5024Q0012

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

02/26/2024

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME Ingrid G Cifuentes

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect calls) +502 3071-9635

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

03/26/2024 / 17:00

9. ISSUED BY CODE 19GT50 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS x UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELLIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM NAICS:

EDWOSB EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS

AMERICAN EMBASSY GUATEMALA CITY

Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zona 16, ATTN: GSO -

PROCUREMENT SECTION

Guatemala

GUATEMALA

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS 8 (A) SIZE STANDARD:

13b. RATING11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINAT-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

x SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

x RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

AMERICAN EMBASSY GUATEMALA CITY

Boulevard Austriaco 11-51 Zona 16, ATTN:

GSO

GUATEMALA CITY

GUATEMALA

AMERICAN EMBASSY GUATEMALA CITY

Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zona 16, ATTN: GSO - PROCUREMENT SECTION Guatemala

GUATEMALA

CODE FACILITY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFERER

TELEPHONE NO.

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

AMERICAN EMBASSY GUATEMALA CITY

Boulevard Austriaco 11-51 Zona 16, ATTN: GSO

GUATEMALA CITY

GUATEMALA

CODE

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

OFFER

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

BELOW IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

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

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 HEREIN.

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 CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

The US Embassy in Guatemala requires the acquisition of gardening services as detailed in the statement or work. Please see attached.

19GT50

19GT50

19GT50

Julie A. Espinosa

ITEM NO. 20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: _______________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL FINAL COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NO. 40. PAID BY

41.a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print) 41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41C. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – THE SECHEDULE

1. SF 1449 cover sheet

2. Continuation To SF‐1449, RFQ Number 19GT5024Q0012, Prices, Block 23

3. Continuation To SF‐1449, RFQ Number 19GT5024Q0012, Schedule of Supplies/Services, Block 20

Description/Specifications/Work Statement

4. List of Attachments

Attachment 1 ‐ Government Furnished Property Attachment 2 ‐ Contractor Furnished Material/Equipment Attachment 3 ‐ Department‐Recommended EPA‐Registered Self‐Help Pesticides for Common Pests Attachment 4 ‐ Department‐Authorized EPA‐Registered Professional‐Use Pesticides for Common Pests Attachment 5 ‐ Safety Management Plan

SECTION 2 – CONTRACT CLAUSES

5. Contract Clauses

6. Addendum to Contract Clauses ‐ FAR and DOSAR Clauses not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 3 – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

7. Solicitation Provisions

8. Addendum to Solicitation Provisions ‐ FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 4 – EVALUATION FACTORS

9. Evaluation Factors

10. Addendum to Evaluation Factors ‐ FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 5 – REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

11. Offeror Representations and Certifications

12. Addendum to Offeror Representations and Certifications ‐ FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 1 ‐ THE SCHEDULE

CONTINUATION TO SF‐1449

RFQ NUMBER 19GT5024Q0012 ‐ PRICES, BLOCK 23

1. SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The Contractor shall perform gardening services, including furnishing all labor, material, equipment, and services, for the U.S. Embassy Guatemala. The price listed below shall include all labor, materials, insurance (see FAR 52.228‐3 and 52.228‐5), overhead, and profit. The Government will pay the Contractor the fixed price per month for standard services that have been satisfactorily performed.

After contract award and submission of acceptable insurance certificates, the Contracting Officer shall issue a Notice to Proceed. The Notice to Proceed will establish a date (a minimum of ten (10) days from date of contract award unless the Contractor agrees to an earlier date) on which performance shall start.

The performance period of this contract is from the start date in the Notice to Proceed and continuing for 12 months, with four one‐year options to renew. The initial period of performance includes any transition period authorized under the contract.

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 Temporary Additional Services in addition to the scheduled services specified in this contract. The COR shall order Temporary Additional Services on an as needed basis. This work shall be performed by Contractor trained employees 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 50 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.

2.0 PRICING

2.1 VALUE ADDED TAX

VALUE ADDED TAX. Value Added Tax (VAT) is not included in the CLIN rates. Instead, it will be priced as a separate Line Item in the pricing chart. The U.S. Embassy – Guatemala will issue an IVA form for 12% tax.

2.2. BASE PERIOD

1. Base Year Firm‐Fixed Price for Standard Services for this Contract:

1a.

Location New Embassy Compound – Zone 16 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

1b.

Location Old Embassy Compound – Zone 10 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

2. Base Year Firm‐Fixed Price for Temporary Additional Services for this Contract:

2a. Price per Square Meter* *

2b. Estimated Number of Square Meters for Base Year 1,000

2c.

Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed (NTE) Price for Base Year (Total = items 2a x 2b) **

3. Base Year Total for All Services (Total = items 1a+ 1b +2c) **

4. Liability Insurance *

5. Defense Base Act *

6.. VAT *

7. Base Year Total for All Services plus VAT (Total = items 3 +4+5+6) ** *[Offeror/Bidder: Insert price] **[Offeror/Bidder: Insert total price]

2.3. FIRST OPTION YEAR PRICES

1. Option Year 1 Firm‐Fixed Price for Standard Services for this Contract:

Location New Embassy Compound – Zone 16 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

1b.

Location Old Embassy Compound – Zone 10 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

2. Option Year 1 Unit Firm‐Fixed Price for Temporary Additional Services for this Contract:

2a. Price per Square Meter* *

2b. Estimated Number of Square Meters for Option Year 1 1,000

2c.

Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed (NTE) Price for Option Year 1(Total = items 2a x 2b) **

3. Option Year 1 Total for All Services (Total = items 1a+1b +2c) **

4. Liability Insurance *

5. Defense Base Act *

6. VAT *

7. Option Year 1 Total for All Services plus VAT (Total = items 3 +4) **

2.4 SECOND OPTION YEAR PRICES

1. Option Year 2 Firm‐Fixed Price for Standard Services for this Contract:

Location New Embassy Compound – Zone 16 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

1b.

Location Old Embassy Compound – Zone 10 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

2. Option Year 2 Unit Firm‐Fixed Price for Temporary Additional Services for this Contract:

2a. Price per Square Meter* *

2b. Estimated Number of Square Meters for Option Year 2 1,000

2c.

Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed (NTE) Price for Option Year 2 (Total = items 2a x 2b) **

3. Option Year 2 Total for All Services (Total = items 1a+1b +2c) **

4. Liability Insurance *

5. Defense Base Act *

6. VAT *

7. Option Year 2 Total for All Services plus VAT (Total = items 3 +4) **

2.5 THIRD OPTION YEAR PRICES

1. Option Year 3 Firm‐Fixed Price for Standard Services for this Contract:

Location New Embassy Compound – Zone 16 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

1b.

Location Old Embassy Compound – Zone 10 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

2. Option Year 3 Unit Firm‐Fixed Price for Temporary Additional Services for this Contract:

2a. Price per Square Meter* *

2b. Estimated Number of Square Meters for Option Year 3 1,000

2c.

Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed (NTE) Price for Option Year 3 (Total = items 2a x 2b) **

3. Option Year 3 Total for All Services (Total = items 1a+1b +2c) **

4. Liability Insurance *

5. Defense Base Act *

6. VAT *

7. Option Year 3 Total for All Services plus VAT (Total = items 3 +4) **

2.6 FOURTH OPTION YEAR PRICES

1. Option Year 4 Firm‐Fixed Price for Standard Services for this Contract:

Location New Embassy Compound – Zone 16 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

1b.

Location Old Embassy Compound – Zone 10 Price per Month* x 12 months **Price per Year

2. Option Year 4 Unit Firm‐Fixed Price for Temporary Additional Services for this Contract:

2a. Price per Square Meter* *

2b. Estimated Number of Square Meters for Option Year 4 1,000

2c.

Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed (NTE) Price for Option Year 4 (Total = items 2a x 2b) **

3. Option Year 4 Total for All Services (Total = items 1a+1b +2c) **

4. Liability Insurance *

5. Defense Base Act *

6. VAT *

7. Option Year 4 Total for All Services plus VAT (Total = items 3 +4) **

2.7 GRAND TOTAL

Base Year *

First Option Year *

Second Option Year *

Third Option Year *

Fourth Option Year *

Grand Total – Base plus All Option Years **

CONTINUATION TO SF‐1449 ‐ RFQ NUMBER 19GT5024Q0012

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

1. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The purpose of this contract is to obtain gardening services for real property owned or managed by the U.S.

Government at Guatemala. The Contractor shall perform gardening services in all designated spaces.

1.2. 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 1.13. The Contractor shall include all planning, administration, and management necessary to assure that all services comply with the contract, the COR's schedules and instructions, and all applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor shall meet all of the standards of performance identified in the contract. The Contractor shall perform all related support functions such as supply, subcontracting, quality control, financial oversight, and maintenance of complete records and files.

1.3. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

1.3.1. SUPERVISION

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

The Contractor’s Supervisor designated under this Contract is:

Supervisor:

Telephone Number(s):

E‐mail:

1.3.1.1 Replacement of the Supervisor after First 90 Days

After the first 90 days, the Contractor may replace the Supervisor if the Contractor determines the change to be necessary. Before the first 90 days the Supervisor can only be changed if requested by the COR. However, prior to making any replacement the contractor shall provide a resume that adequately demonstrates the proposed replacement possesses the necessary qualifications to perform all Supervisor activities required under this contract.

1.3.1.2 COR Approval of Supervisor Replacement

Whenever a Supervisor replacement is requested, the Contractor shall sign the resume of the proposed replacement certifying that the resume is accurate and complete and that the proposed replacement possesses the required qualifications. The COR will notify the Contractor in writing within five (5) business days after receipt of the resume whether the proposed replacement is acceptable. If needed, the COR may request additional information if a determination of acceptability cannot be made based on the resume alone. If the COR determines that a proposed replacement is not acceptable, the COR will provide the contractor with the reason that led to this determination. The Contractor will then be required to propose another replacement to the COR for consideration.

1.3.2. SCHEDULES

The Contractor shall maintain work schedules. The schedules shall take into consideration the hours that the staff can effectively perform their services without placing a burden on the security personnel of the Post. The Contractor shall deliver standard services between the 6:30 and 17:00 hours, Monday through Friday.

For those items other than routine daily services, the Contractor shall provide the COR with a detailed plan as to the personnel to be used and the time frame to perform the service. This schedule shall be outlined and approved as part of the Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.3.3. QUALITY CONTROL

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

The Contractor shall submit a written summary of the site visit, to include deficiencies founds and actions taken/to be taken to resolve the deficiencies, monthly.

1.3.4 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

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

The horticulturist shall accompany the Contractor at least once every three (3) months during Quality Control visits to review the health and state of the landscape and to advise/direct the Contractor. The horticulturist shall provide a written report of the visit. This report shall be delivered to the COR within five (5) working days of the visit.

The horticulturist will visit all properties one (1) time per year as part of the formation of the annual Grounds Maintenance Plan and shall sign off on the plan. The horticulturist credentials shall be provided to the COR as part of the solicitation package and any change shall be approved by the COR.

1.3.5. 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 30 days after contract award.

1.4 LAWN CARE

1.4.1. GRASS CUTTING

The Contractor shall maintain the height of grass between 4 and 6 centimeters. The Contractor will mow the grass in an acceptable pattern according to industry standard and shall alternate patterns to avoid forming ruts.

The Contractor is responsible for all equipment and fuels needed to complete this task.

1.4.2 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.

1.4.3. 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.

1.4.4. WEEDING

The Contractor shall weed the grounds and gardens on a continuous basis to prevent the growth of weeds into lawn and landscapes. 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.

The Contractor shall trim the weeds and shall apply herbicide around the perimeter walls inside and outside. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all applications of weed killers.

1.4.5. TURF REPAIR AND RE‐ESTABLISHMENT

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

1.4.6. SOIL SUPPLY

The Contractor shall supply organic black soil and mixed soil as needed to be used in regular gardening care and reforestation. Also, see Attachment 2 – Contractor Furnished Material/Equipment.

1.4.7 SOD SUPPLY

The contractor shall provide sod (that matches the existing species) as required to cover any damaged area at the locations included in this contract, as requested by the COR. Any materials to be used under this section shall first be approved by the COR. The Embassy expects a maximum annual expense to be $1,000.

1.4.8 TURF AERATION

The turf/grass shall be aerated using approved methods (by the COR). This shall occur twice each year (every six months). The Contractor is responsible for ensuring the irrigation system is not damaged during aeration. The Contractor is responsible for repairing any irrigation system that is damaged during aeration.

1.4.9 METHOD AND FREQUENCIES

The method, frequencies, and dates of grass cutting, hedging, trimming, weeding, and turf repair shall be part of the contractor's Grounds Maintenance Plan for each location included in this contract.

1.5. PRUNING

1.5.1 MAINTENANCE

The Contractor shall maintain trees, shrubs, hedges, bushes, vines, ground cover and flowers. The Contractor shall provide and maintain plants in all exterior planters.

1.5.2. PRUNING

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

Direct and encourage plant growth in directions desired, Remove dead and unsightly growth, Ensure the health and safety of the vegetation, and

Maintain a neat and attractive appearance.

1.5.3. REPLACEMENT

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

1.5.4. METHOD AND FREQUENCIES

The Contractor shall prune according to the schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan to ensure that all heavy pruning is accomplished during the proper season according to best horticultural practice. The Contractor shall prune all hedges and shaped shrubs to always maintain proper shape.

The Contractor shall prune according to the schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan to ensure that all heavy pruning is accomplished during the proper season according to best horticultural practice. The Contractor shall prune all hedges and shaped shrubs to maintain proper shape (as always agreed upon with the COR).

1.5.5 MULCH

The contractor shall ensure a 2–4‐inch (5–10 cm) layer of mulch is maintained in all garden beds. If the mulch is less than 2 inches (5 cm), the Contractor shall inform the COR. At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall supply all labor to apply Government furnished mulch to all garden beds to a level of 2‐4 inches (5‐ 10 cm). The Contractor must ensure mulch covers all soaker hoses/drip irrigation systems in all garden/planter beds.

1.5.6 PERMITS

The Contractor shall process and obtain the necessary 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 to execute the services in a timely manner. The Contractor will not provide these services until the necessary permission is legally granted.

1.6. LEAF REMOVAL

The Contractor shall, monthly, remove leaves and pine needles from the properties listed in Exhibit A. This includes raking the yards, sweeping terraces and sidewalks, and keeping the domes clean, to include the areas located between the New Embassy Compound and Blvd. Austriaco and 12 Calle.

1.7. RECYCLED MATERIALS

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

1.8. REMOVAL OF DEBRIS

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

1.9. WATERING

The Contractor shall water lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide for moisture penetration to a depth of 7 centimeters at all the locations stated in this contract, to include the areas located between the New Embassy Compound and Blvd. Austriaco and 12 Calle. If natural precipitation is sufficient to fulfill this requirement, the Contractor may request the COR's permission to suspend watering to avoid too much water in the soil.

1.9.1 METHOD AND FREQUENCIES

The Contractor shall present the method, frequencies, and dates of watering in a written schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan and with concurrence of the trained horticulturist. The schedule shall take into account the kinds of vegetation, local soil conditions, and the seasonal variations in plant moisture requirements for each location included in this contract.

1.9.2 IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall provide all hoses, portable sprinklers, and other similar irrigation equipment in the areas not covered by an automatic irrigation system or provide a supplement irrigation system when the government owned irrigation systems are not in good working condition in order to ensure Contractor compliance of section 1.8 Watering.

1.9.3 WATER SUPPLY

The Government shall furnish the supply of water.

1.9.4 DAMAGE

The Contractor is responsible for any damage caused by the Gardeners on the irrigation system, like head sprinklers, pipes, manual and solenoid valves.

1.10. FERTILIZER

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

1.10.1. METHOD AND FREQUENCIES

The Contractor shall present the method of application, fertilizer type, frequencies, and dates of fertilizing and liming in the Grounds Maintenance Plan for each location included in this contract. All fertilizers shall meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and be approve by the department’s Safety, Health, and Environmental Management (SHEM) through posts Assistant Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer

(A/POSHO).

1.10.1.1 Lawn Areas

The Contractor shall fertilize the lawn areas a minimum of two times per year in accordance with the approved Grounds Maintenance Plan and coordinated with the COR.

1.10.1.2 Weed Killer

The Contractor shall apply weed killer as needed and approved in writing by the COR. The Contractor shall avoid unnecessary weed killer applications.

1.10.1.3 Trees, shrubs, etc.

The Contractor shall fertilize trees, shrubs, bushes, hedges, and plants a minimum of once a year in accordance with the approved schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan and in coordination with the COR.

1.11 PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

The Contractor shall maintain a program for controlling pests and plant disease to maintain flowers, shrubs, vines, trees and other planted areas in a healthy and vigorous condition. The general plan shall be included in the Grounds Maintenance Plan and agreed upon with the trained horticulturist. The Contractor shall obtain prior approval of the COR and A/POSHO for all pesticides and their application times and dates. A list of approved chemicals is found in attachment 3 and 4.

1.11.1 METHOD AND FREQUENCIES

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

1.12. HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES

It is the Contractor's responsibility to ensure the safe handling, application, removal, and environmentally sound disposal of all hazardous or potentially hazardous fertilizers, weed killers, and pest control products utilized in this requirement.

1.12.1 LABELLING

All chemicals used for the provision of services under this contract shall be properly labelled in both English and Spanish.

All chemicals must be labeled (according to OSHA standards using the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) forms and methods, OSHA Hazard Communication standard 1910.1200, aligned with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 3) 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.

1.12.2 SAFETY MEASURES

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

1.13. LOCATION FOR GARDENING SERVICES

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

Paragraph Location Address Description

1.13.1 New Embassy Compound

(NEC)

Boulevard Austriaco 11‐51, Zona 16 Guatemala City, Guatemala

Approximately 14,700 square meters To include:

Large planters in the Consular

Exterior Patio Green Roofs on the SPX Building and SCAP.

1.13.2

Old Chancery (including Facilities Office, perimeter walkways, streets, two parking lots and planters)

Avenida Reforma 7‐01, Zona 10, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Approximately 1,750 square meters

2. WORKING HOURS

All work shall be performed Monday through Friday 06:30 hours to 1700 hours., except for the holidays identified in the Addendum in Section 2. Other hours may be approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative. The Contractor must provide at least 24‐hour advance notice to the COR who will consider any deviation from the hours identified above.

3.0 DELIVERABLES

The following items shall be delivered under this contract:

DESCRIPTION QUANTITY DELIVERY DATE DELIVER TO

1. Insurance 1 10 days after award Contracting Officer

2. Grounds Maintenance Plan – Draft

1 With proposal Proposal

3. Ground Maintenance Plan – Final Version

30 days after award or after exercising each option year

COR

4. Safety Plan 1 With proposal and as required by COR Proposal/COR

5. List of Personnel 1 10 days after award COR

6. Transition Plan 1 5 days after award COR

7. Payment Request 1 Monthly FMC/COR

8. Monthly Inspection Summary (1.2.3)

1 Monthly COR

9. Quarterly Horticulturist Report (1.2.4) (properties 1.13.1‐1.13.2)

1 Quarterly COR

4. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 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.

4.2 STANDARD OF CONDUCT

4.2.1 Uniforms and Personal Equipment. The Contractor's employees shall wear clean, neat, and complete uniforms when on duty. All employees shall wear uniforms approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative

(COR).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials.

Security violations; or, Organizing or participating in gambling in any form.

4.2.6 Safety Precautions.

Contractor employees shall follow proper safety policies and practices from the host country and U.S regulations, to include those found in the approved contractor safety plan. The COR reserves the right to remove an employee not following proper safety protocols or to stop work until proper protocols are followed.

The COR reserves the right to place additional safety protocols in place in case of a major event such as a natural disaster, pandemic, etc.

4.2.7 KEY CONTROL

The Contractor shall receive, secure, issue and account for any keys issued for access to buildings, offices, equipment, gates, etc., for the purposes of this contract. The Contractor shall not duplicate keys without the COR's approval. Where it is determined that the Contractor or its agents have duplicated a key without permission of the

COR, the Contractor shall remove the individual(s) responsible from this contract. If the Contractor has lost any such keys, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR. In either event, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the cost of rekeying that portion of the system.

4.3. 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.

4.4 PERSONNEL SECURITY

4.4.1 After award of the contract, the Contractor shall provide the following list of data on each employee who will be working under the contract. The Contractor 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 at least 30 days to perform. For each individual the list shall include:

Full Name Place and Date of Birth Current Address Identification number Certificate of lack of police records

4.4.2 Government shall issue identity cards to Contractor personnel, after they are approved. 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 the contract, when an employee leaves Contractor service, or at the request of the Government. The Government reserves the right to deny access to U.S.‐owned and U.S.‐operated facilities to any individual.

5. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

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

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that their employees have the proper equipment and materials to do the job. If a task/job normally requires a specific tool for completion, that tool shall be supplied to the employees.

The Contractor shall not require their employees to work using improper tools.

6. INSURANCE

6.1 AMOUNT OF INSURANCE

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

6.2 GENERAL LIABILITY

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

1. Bodily Injury in US Dollars

Per Occurrence $500,000.00

Cumulative $500,000.00

2. Property Damage in US Dollars

Per Occurrence $1,000,000.00

Cumulative $1,000,000.00

6.3 The types and amounts of insurance are the minimums required. The Contractor shall obtain any other types of insurance required by local law or that are ordinarily or customarily obtained in the location of the work.

The limit of such insurance shall be as provided by law or sufficient to meet normal and customary claims.

6.4 For those Contractor employees assigned to this contract who are either United States citizens or direct hire in the United States or its possessions, the Contractor shall provide workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with FAR 52.228‐4, or host country nationals that do not have a DOL waiver.

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

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

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

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

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

7. LAWS AND REGULATIONS

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

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

8. TRANSITION PLAN

Within 5 (five) days after contract award, the Contracting Officer may ask the Contractor to develop a plan for preparing the new Contractor to assume all responsibilities for gardening services. The plan shall establish the projected period for completion of all clearances of contractor personnel, and the projected start date for performance of all services required under this contract. The plan shall assign priority to the selection of all supervisors to be used under the contract.

9. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

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

Performance Objective Scope of Work Paragraph Performance Threshold

Services.

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

1 through 7

All required services are performed and no more than three (3) customer complaints are received per month. Complaints can originate from Government personnel or the

COR.

9.1 SURVEILLANCE.

The COR will receive and/or document any complaints regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action. Documented complaints will include those of the COR or GTM.

9.2 STANDARD.

The performance standard is that there are no more than three (3) complaints per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.212‐4, Contract Terms and Conditions‐Commercial Items), if any of the services exceed the standard.

9.3 PROCEDURES.

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

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

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

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

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

(6) If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint. If necessary, complaints from the COR will be verified by a third party.

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

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

4. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment # Description

Attachment 1 Government Furnished Property

Attachment 2 Contractor Furnished Material/Equipment

Attachment 3 Department‐Recommended EPA‐Registered Self‐Help Pesticides for Common Pests

Attachment 4 Department‐Authorized EPA‐Registered Professional‐Use Pesticides for Common Pests

Attachment 5 Safety Management Plan

ATTACHMENT 1

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

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

(a) U.S. Government Identification Badges Upon individual certification and clearance by the Regional Security Office, a Government Identification Badge will be issued for each contractor’s employee (see DOSAR 652.204‐70 provided in full text in Section 2, Addendum to Contract Clauses).

(b) Mulch The U. S. Government will provide mulch for the contractor to apply per section 1.4.5.

(c) Storage room:

The U. S. Government will provide storage room for the Contractor to store materials/items, equipment as stated below.

o NEC – Approximately 30 square meters o Old Chancery – Approximately 20 square meters

The materials/items and equipment which the Contractor shall store in the room shall only be used to provide the services to the U.S. Government. All materials must be secured, stored, and always locked in all locations, when not in use.

NOTE: Contractor furnished chemical products (see Attachment 2): chemical products shall be properly labeled according to OSHA Hazard Communication standard 1910.1200, aligned with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 3. Flammable products shall be stored in secured cabinets that comply with the NFPA Flammable Liquid Storage Code #30 and the OSHA standard 1910.106 for storage of class I, II and III liquids. Before storage of any chemical or flammable product the contractor shall submit the product specification sheets and SDS to the COR and A/POSHO for approval. Products shall not be unattended at any time and all SDS shall be kept on site and easily accessible to those using the products.

ATTACHMENT 2

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT

The contractor shall provide all equipment, materials, supplies, and clothing required to perform the standard and temporary additional services as specified in this contract. Such items shall be provided for each employee and each location, and shall include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Uniforms (per employee) o Two (2) uniforms per each employee per contract year, to include:

Industrial boots Industrial gloves Jacket and Raincoat Earplugs Safety glasses Safety personnel equipment and fall restraint harnesses.

(b) Materials (per location) o Materials per location will vary. The Contractor shall have on hand all materials necessary to fulfill the contract such as sod, fertilizers, plants for planters, seasonal flowers, pesticides, herbicides, etc.

(c) Tools and equipment (per location) o The Contractor shall provide all tools, materials, and equipment necessary to fulfill the requirements of this document.

(d) Other o Any other operational, safety or administrative items required for performance of the duties and requirements of this contract.

The contractor shall maintain sufficient parts and spare equipment for all contractor furnished materials to ensure uninterrupted services as required by the contract.

NOTE: Storage of Contractor furnished chemical products (see Attachment 1): chemical products shall be properly labeled according to OSHA Hazard Communication standard 1910.1200, aligned with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 3. Flammable products shall be stored in secured cabinets that comply with the NFPA Flammable Liquid Storage Code #30 and the OSHA standard 1910.106 for storage of class I, II and III liquids. Before storage of any chemical or flammable product the contractor shall submit the product specification sheets to the COR for approval. Products shall not be unattended at any time and all SDS shall be kept on site and easily accessible to those using the products.

ATTACHMENT 3

DEPARTMENT‐RECOMMENDED EPA‐REGISTERED SELF‐HELP PESTICIDES FOR COMMON PESTS

An active self‐help program can empower residents to address pest problems when the population is small. Traps, fly swatters, caulk, etc. can be highly effective pesticide‐free measures. The Department defines a self‐help pesticide as a consumer pesticide product intended for use by individuals with no special equipment or training. All pesticides must be appropriate for the target pest and situation, be free of highly toxic ingredients, and have clear instructions. Preferably, they should be “ready‐to‐use” (require no diluting). The EPA registered products listed are available from various sources including DSCR and UNIVAR. However, posts are not limited to using these self‐help pesticides and good products may be available locally. OBO/OPS/SHEM is available to review local self‐help products.

PEST(S) INDICATIONS PESTICIDE BRIEF USE INSTRUCTIONS

Cockroaches, indoors:

Use disposable bait stations or bait gels applied in daps smaller than a pea. Indoor use only.

Use large bait stations for large roaches Bait station, disposable. Indoor use only.

Use large bait stations for large roaches

Maxforce Quick Kill bait…