2_697DCK-25-R-00039_SOW_Consolidated Vegetation Control at HCF and Kauai SSC.pdf

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF WORK FOR

Services at Multiple Honolulu District Facilities

1. SCOPE: This document outlines the requirements for Vegetation Control services, at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) buildings and offices located below. Some locations may also include Landscape Services. The requirements for landscaping will be listed in each individual site specific Scope of Works:

A. HCF (6 Pages) B. KAUAI SSC (SOK VORTAC, LIH ASR, SOK NXRAD) (23 Pages)

C. **Facilities may be added or removed upon mutual agreement of the Government and Contractor.

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

Period of Performance: The period of performance must be for one (1) Base Year and four 12-month option years.

The Government reserves the right to extend the term of this contract at the prices set forth in Section B of the Contract in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in clause 3.2.4-34 Option to Extend Services.

Type of Contract: The Government will award a single firm fixed price contract

Quality Control: The contractor must develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor must develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. A draft Quality Control Plan will be provided with the offer and once selected for award, the contractor will provide the final plan within 30 days after award. After acceptance of the quality control plan the contractor must receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system.

Interference with Government Business: The Contractor must schedule and arrange work so as to cause the least interference with the normal occurrence of Government business and mission. In those cases where some interference may be essentially unavoidable, the Contractor must be responsible to make every effort to minimize the impact of the interference, inconvenience, customer discomfort, etc.

Protection of Government Property: During execution of the work, the Contractor must take special care to protect Government property including furniture, walls, baseboards, and other surfaces from materials not intended. Accidental splashes must be removed immediately. The Contractor must return areas damaged as a result of work under this contract to their original condition, to include painting, refinishing, or replacement, if necessary.

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Safety and Fire Prevention: The Contractor must be responsible for instructing their employees in appropriate safety measures. Housekeeping employees must not place mops, brooms, machines and other equipment in traffic lanes or other locations in such a manner as to create safety hazards.

Appropriate, neat appearing, well-kept signs must be provided by the Contractor to indicate, “Danger Hazardous Floors, Walk Left or Walk Right”, as applicable, and approved by the COR prior to use. Such signs must be displayed at all times in all areas where cleaning operations are in progress that necessitate use of any equipment or supplies such as buckets, wires, ladders, water, wax, etc., which may impose a traffic obstruction or personnel hazard. Contractor's employees will be required to interrupt their work to allow passage of personnel, equipment, or carts. When cleaning of a public traffic area (i.e., lobbies or corridors) results in a temporary hazard of wet/slippery floors, housekeeping personnel will use parallel wet mopping or cleaning procedures.

Quality Assurance: The government must evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

Recognized Holidays: The contractor will not be required to perform services on these Holidays unless specified:

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday President’s Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Day Independence Day

Labor Day Columbus Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

Facilities: The Government will furnish or make available to the Contractor the facilities described in herein. The Contractor will be responsible and accountable for such facilities accepted for use and must take adequate precautions to prevent fire hazards, odors, and vermin.

Vegetation Control services for Government furnished facilities will be provided by the Contractor. The Contractor will obtain written approval from the Contracting Officer prior to making any modifications or alterations to the facilities. Any such modifications or alterations approved by the Government will be made at the expense of the Contractor. At the completion of the contract, all facilities will be returned to the Government in the same condition as received, except for reasonable wear and tear. The Contractor will be held responsible for the cost of any repairs caused by negligence or abuse on his/her part, or on the part of his/her employees.

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Utilities: See individual Scopes of Work for site specific details.

The Government will furnish utility services at existing outlets, for use in those facilities provided by the Government and as may be required for the work to be performed under the contract: electricity, steam, natural gas, fresh water, sewage service, and refuse collection (from existing collection points). Information concerning the location of existing outlets may be obtained from the On-Site Contracting Officer Representative. The Contractor will provide and maintain, at his/her expense, the necessary service lines from existing Government outlets to the site of work.

The Contractor will be responsible for instructing employees in utilities conservation practices. The Contractor will be responsible for conserving utilities, which must include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Water faucets or valves will be turned off after the required usage has been accomplished. To conserve water, only the minimum quantity of water needed for the required usage will be expended.

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBLITIES

The Contractor will furnish all materials, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are listed in each SSC’s Scope of Work/Specifications.

a. All power equipment and attachments, including power cable and extension cords, must be free from any defects. The Contractor must use only the FAA furnished power outlets designated by the COR or CO.

b. No contractor furnished or owned commodity must be kept on FAA owned or leased space or property without approval in writing by the COR or CO. The Contractor must keep pilferable items under lock and key at all times and must provide the COR with a key in the event of an emergency.

c. The Contractor will provide the COR and Facility a binder with the complete list of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for ALL CHEMICALS being utilized to sanitize and clean the facility. The Contractor will also ensure that this list is updated whenever there are Chemical / Product changes.

5. SECURITY BADGING:

• Security badging time frame of new employees will take 4-6 weeks to process but can take longer depending on the situation.

• If a person has a felony, they will not be permitted to have a badge.

• Incumbent contractor employees will be required to rebadge if they move over to a new contractor. Badges will NOT be transferred from one contractor to another.

6. VEGETATION CONTROL SERVICES: Site specific performance requirements for each facility is stated below:

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LANDSCAPE and IRRIGATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

HONOLULU CONTROL FACILITY (HCF)

SCOPE OF WORK

1. General This section specifies the work required to provide landscape maintenance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Honolulu Control Facility (HCF) property, located on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH), 760 Worchester Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818.

2. Scope of Work The contractor must furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials, supplies and tools required to maintain landscaping by pruning shrubs, plants and trees, mowing lawns, irrigating, fertilizing, weed control, and maintaining the irrigation system at the Honolulu Control Facility, and by other methods specified in this specification.

Contractor must also provide transportation to and from work site for contractor personnel, equipment, materials, supplies and tools required.

All vehicles, mowing and spray equipment or other machines that are equipped with sparkp1ugs must be provided with appropriate radio frequency (RF) suppression devices.

Weed control must be controlled by herbicide. Dead weeds must be removed and properly disposed

of. The herbicide to be used will be "Rodeo" or approved equal, and must be applied only during calm weather conditions and with the nozzle of any spray equipment used, adjusted or modified to prevent over-spray. Trained personnel who are thoroughly familiar with this type of work must apply herbicides. Any required pre-treatment must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's recornn1endations.

All refuse and rubbish, such as fallen trees, pruned tree limbs, shrubbery, cuttings and leaves resulting from the contractor's work must be removed from the FAA HCF property and hauled away to a proper landfill.

The Scope of Work includes, but is not limited to, maintaining landscape and irrigation system in accordance with the attached sketches and accepted practices of the trade.

3. Work Required The work must be accomplished in accordance with these specifications and sketches, which portray the approximate boundaries of the areas where work is to be performed at the FAA HCF property:

A. All grass (lawn) areas within the perimeter shown on the sketches must be mowed and weeded on a weekly basis. All weeds, shoots of grass and other growth must be trimmed or pulled along the paved areas, walkways, curbs, and foundations, etc.

B. All grass and landscaped areas within the perimeter shown on the sketches must be fertilized in accordance with the attached FAA. specifications.

C. Honolulu Control Facility (HCF)

C. The landscaped areas (flowerbeds) around and outside the HCF building grounds must be kept free of weeds and neatly trimmed.

D. All palm trees around the HCF building grounds must be pruned and trimmed neatly for shape on a quarterly basis. This will include the removal of all branches or any other debris from the trees. All debris will be removed from the FAA grounds and hauled away to a proper landfill.

4. Utilities The Government will make available to the contractor from existing outlets all reasonably required amounts of power and water without charge. Utilities furnished the contractor without charge must be carefully conserved.

5. Work Schedule All work must be scheduled and performed during working hours (7:00am - 4:00pm) except when prior approval has been obtained by an FAA COR (Contracting Officer's Representative). Work must be performed weekly between Mondays through Fridays. If work needs to be perfom1ed on the weekend, prior coordination with the COR is required.

6. The COR The COR must meet with the Contractor to finalize and define the contract specifications. The COR must be informed when the services start and when completed in writing. All weeding, fertilizing and watering will also be on a written statement. This may be accomplished by having the contractor initialing a work performance invoice and submit this to the FAA representative. The FAA representative will validate the completion of work.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS

HONOLULU CONTROL FACILITY (HCF)

Section I - Maintenance Service

1. General: The intent of these specifications is that the Contractor provides care for and maintains a well-kept and cared-for appearance at all times. Overall results will be a major consideration in the acceptability of contractor performance.

2. Watering: The Government owns and operates the lawn sprinkling system and determines the amount of water necessary to assure adequate growth of all vegetation with due consideration for costs incurred by excessive runoff.

3. Mowing: Mowing of lawn areas will be done weekly to maintain grass at a minimum height.

Partial or patch mowing is not acceptable unless inclement weather prevents finishing work after it has been started. Work must be accomplished in a timely manner, consistent with the regular maintenance intervals (within the week). Care will be taken to avoid damaging plants, lawns, and sprinkler systems. Any damaged sprinklers or irrigation lines will be repaired by the contractor at their expense.

4. Clippings: Clippings are to be picked up in the mowing operation or swept clean after mowing and are to be removed from the premises by the contractor. They are not to be left overnight nor swept back into the lawn.

5. Edging: Trimming of edges must be done at each mowing to maintain a neat and uniform line separating the lawn from header boards, sidewalks, building, fences, and/or other obstacles. All edging ·will be done to retain the original size and shape of planter areas.

6. Pruning: Small trees and all shrubs are to be pruned each month to maintain existing shape and size and to remove all dead and/or diseased sections. The contractor will remove all cuttings from the premises.

7. Drainage Catch Basins: The Contractor must trim back ground covering blocking the drainage basins, drainage ditches and scuppers and must remove all trash and debris from the top and inside of drainage basins on the to insure unimpeded water passage.

8. Tile and Concrete Areas: The Contractor must power spray the tile and concrete areas in and around the main HCF building on a quarterly basis. This includes the picnic table area, breezeway, and main front entrance areas. Work must be scheduled in advance with the FAA COR.

9. Irrigation System: The Contractor must maintain all sprinkler heads on lawn areas so that they operate correctly. Sprinkler heads must be adjusted as needed and cleaned semi-annually. Broken sprinkler heads, while performing maintenance activities and their replacement are the responsibility of the contractor.

Section II - Fertilizing:

At least four (4) times a year, a weed-free fertilizer and/or other soil abatement will be applied to all lawn areas (including ground cover areas, flowers, shrubs and small trees and plants) in accordance with the manufacturer's directions and recommendations. The fertilizing agent and the application schedule will be approved by and coordinated with the COR.

Section III - Grounds C1eanup Weekly

1. Sidewalks and driveways must be swept clean.

2. Dead animals (rodents, toads, etc.) will be picked up and disposed of by the Contractor.

3. All debris and litter (including wastepaper, plant and tree leaves, nuts, seeds, etc.) must be removed from the parking area, driveways, around front of the facility and grounds inside the perimeter fence, and hauled to an approved dumpsite.

Note: In no case must contractor place trash, grass clippings, shrubs or any other material from any other job location other than HNL HCF, in the facility dumpsters.

Section IV - Weed Abatement and Control

All hazardous chemicals used on the job site will be submitted to the COR for approval prior to doing work.

Work under this section requires that all unwanted plant growth be controlled by approved chemical treatment methods and all remaining debris be removed from the facility premises at least twice a month:

1. Contractor will provide a complete list of Manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), as appropriate.

2. All lawns, planting beds, and non-planted areas must be cultivated, weeded, and/or treated as frequently as necessary to control weeds by preventing their growth and spread. Only recognized commercial herbicide products manufactured for this purpose and approved for use in the State of Hawaii must be used. Application must be done by the manufacturer’s recommendations with licensed and/or trained personnel doing the work.

3. In the 36" wide area adjacent and including the perimeter fence line, all weeds and other vegetation will be eliminated either by hand weeding or spraying. At no time will plants in this area be permitted to interfere with the security of the facility by restricting visibility beyond the fence, or by providing over-the-fence access to the premises.

4. At least twice each month, all unsightly vegetation (weeds, grass, etc.) must be removed from parking islands, curbs, fence lines, between cracks in concrete and asphalt, etc.

5. All landscaped plants must be examined for pests and diseases on a monthly basis. If any pests or diseases are found, an appropriate insecticide or remedy must be taken. If the diseased plant must be removed, inform the COR. All debris will be removed from the FAA grounds and hauled away to the proper landfill.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICE

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

1. Payment: Payment for work outlines in the specifications for this contract will be made in arrears for work performed and certified by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

2. Grounds Data: There are approximately 13 acres covered by this contract, divided roughly as follows:

• Asphalt parking and driveways ..………………...… 200,000 sq. ft.

• Concrete sidewalks, pads, etc. ….…………………. 40,000 sq. ft.

• Ground cover …………………………..………….. 175,000 sq. ft.

• Grass ………………………………………………. 50,000 sq. ft.

• Building area ……………………………………... 100,000 sq. ft.

• Perimeter fence ……………………………………... 2,400 sq. ft.

3. Submittals: Within ten (10) days after contract award, the Contractor must furnish the following for approval, to the COR:

A. A listing of all materials, equipment and supplies the Contractor proposes to use on the HNL HCF job site.

B. A complete set of Manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as appropriate.

C. A list of equipment the Contractor proposes to use for approval prior to start of work whether owned or rented.

D. A complete schedule of intended work and proposed time of year specialty work will be accomplished.

4. Responsibilities of the Contractor:

A. Furnish all supervision, equipment, labor, mate1ials, and transportation required to maintain the facility grounds in a healthy and attractive condition.

B. Ensure that work is accomplished so as to guarantee no interruption of or interference with the proper execution of Government business.

C. Comply with all local laws, ordinances, and Federal regulations; and obtains and pays for any or all necessary permits and licenses.

5. Rights and Authority of the Government: The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work, and the Contractor must fully cooperate with all other Contractors and the Government. The Contractor must schedule work to accommodate such additional work as directed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor must not interfere with the performance of work by any other Contractor or by the Government.

6. Supplies and Equipment:

A. The Government will furnish at the Government's expense the following:

1) Electrical power at existing power outlets

2) Water for grounds maintenance

3) Facility trash dumpster

4) Key cards from guards on as needed basis.

B. The Contractor must provide all supplies and equipment required for the performance of this contract. The supplies and equipment required, but not limited to, are as follows:

1) Fertilizer, sprays, soil conditions, and all other commercial products required.

2) Any and all equipment required to accomplish the work described in the contract specifications.

7. Failure to Perform: If the Contractor fails to accomplish the work described in the contract specifications, the Government may elect to have that work done by other contractors. In that event, Paragraph 5 above will apply, and costs incurred will be deducted from the contract price.

8. Security Access to HCF Facility: Contractor must provide in writing for approval to the COR, the following:

A. Name, Hawaii Driver's License (HDL) number or State of Hawaii identification card or other Government issued identification, living address and phone numbers of all supervisors and employees who may need access to the HCF site.

B. If substitutes for employees or new employees are required, forward a revised list of all employees with names, HDL numbers (or other Government issued identification) or Hawaii ID numbers, addresses and phone numbers to the COR, at least two working days in advance of site visit to perform work.

STATEMENT OF WORK

KAUAI SSC

Grounds Maintenance

Warning:

The Statement of Work (SOW) paragraphs, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items, and Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) identified for your type of acquisition are recommendations only.

You are expected to modify or add SOW paragraphs, CDRLs, or DIDs to address the specific requirements of your program.

Table of Contents

D. Kauai SSC (incl: SOK VOR, SOK NXRAD, LIH ASR)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this SOW is to obtain grounds maintenance services at SOK VORTAC, LIH ASR & SOK NXRAD by means of a combination firm fixed-price and indefinite quantity contract.

1.1 General Requirements

The Contractor must furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, and materials necessary to provide grounds maintenance services in accordance with the requirements specified herein.

The operations to be performed must include cutting grass, edging, fertilization, collection and disposal of litter and trash, vegetation cutting and removal, under brushing, grassing, sodding, sprigging, erosion control, tree and shrub pruning, tree and stump removal, irrigation, ditch cleaning, and other miscellaneous services as described herein. All operations will be performed pursuant to Executive Orders 13423 and 13514, and the FAA Green Procurement Plan (GPP). As such, the Contractor must use environmentally preferable products and services. These program elements include, but are not limited to: products and services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, bio based, non-ozone depleting, contain recycled-content, and non- toxic or less-toxic alternatives; diversion of non-hazardous waste and construction and demolition debris from landfills, including composting; alternative fuels use and fuel efficient vehicles and equipment, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and integrated pest management. These program elements are described on the Office of the Federal Environment Executive website (http://www.ofee.gov).

2.0 Reserved

3.0 Requirements

3.1 Work Outside Regular Hours

Except as may otherwise be specified, all work must be performed during regular hours. If the Contractor desires to carry on work on Saturday, Sunday, holidays, or outside regular hours, he/she may submit application to the ACO for approval.

3.2 Management

The Contractor must manage the total work effort associated with the grounds maintenance services required herein to assure fully adequate and timely completion of these services.

Included in this function will be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, report preparation, and quality control. The Contractor must provide an adequate staff of personnel with the necessary management expertise to assure the performance of the work in accordance with sound and efficient management practices.

3.2.1 Work Control

The Contractor must implement all necessary work control procedures to ensure timely accomplishment of work requirements, as well as to permit tracking of work in progress. The Contractor must plan and schedule work to assure labor, equipment, and material are available to complete work requirements within the specified time limits and in conformance with the quality standards established herein. Verbal scheduling and status reports must be provided when requested by the Government Representative.

3.2.3 Herbicides and Pesticides

The Contractor must manage pests and invasive and noxious weeds via the least toxic means available. Dirt, moisture, clutter, foodstuffs, and building penetration must be controlled and baits and traps must be used in lieu of pesticides. The Contractor must also use bio-based products (designated Bio-Preferred by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Herbicide and pesticide controls must be formulated to target specific pests and must be implemented only when pests have reached aesthetic or health thresholds verified by the ACO. The Contractor must not perform regularly scheduled, periodic pesticide or herbicide applications except in situations where no other approach or technology is available to protect personnel or property of high value. If herbicides or pesticides are to be used, the application must occur during unoccupied hours and the Contractor must be licensed by the applicable State agency to provide pesticide application in the categories specified in this contract. All work must be under the superintendence of a certified, responsible individual, and in accordance with Federal, State, local laws and requirements. The Contractor must submit Material Safety Data Sheets meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313 for all hazardous chemicals to be used.

3.2.3.1 Control Methods

The Contractor must utilize only herbicides registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Use must be in strict compliance with label directions for the control of the target weeds. Herbicides selected, application rates, and application techniques must have the prior approval of the ACO. Additionally, the Contractor must control pests using integrated pest management principles (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm).

3.2.3.2 Trash, Litter, and Vegetative Debris Collection and Disposal The Contractor must collect trash, litter, and vegetative debris (e.g., natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, limbs, and stumps) in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in all maintenance levels (further described below) at the frequency specified in Attachment 1 & 2 and dispose of it in the appropriate waste, recycling, or composting receptacles. In accordance with EO 13514, FAA is required to divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non-hazardous waste generated as a result of its operations.

In support of meeting this requirement, the Contractor must divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non- hazardous waste generated as a result of the Contractor’s work, to the maximum extent feasible. In doing so, the Contractor must appropriately utilize the facility’s existing waste, recycling and composting (either onsite or offsite composting) program. If no such program exists, the Contractor must http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm) develop and operate, at its own expense, a comprehensive waste, recycling, reuse and/or composting program for non- hazardous solid waste and vegetative debris resulting from its grounds maintenance operations. The Contractor must report non-hazardous waste diversion rates on a regular basis [refer to Solid Waste and Recycling DID]. The Whole Building Design Guide (http://www.wbdg.org) outlines recommended practices for waste and debris removal.

All trash, liter, and vegetative debris must be removed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.2.3.3 Contractor's Superintendent

During the execution of all work involving the handling and/or use of herbicides, the Contractor must give the job his personal supervision or must have on the job a responsible and competent representative with the authority to speak and act for him. The whereabouts on the activity of the supervisor must be made known to the Government Representative at all times when work is performed.

3.2.3.4 Uncertified Personnel

Uncertified personnel who apply pesticides must have been employed in weed control for a minimum of 30 days and have received training in:

a. Selection, application, and evaluation of appropriate control procedures.

b. Safe and effective application techniques, and the calibration and use of all equipment required.

c. Handling, storage, and transfer of pesticide materials as required.

d. (d) Reading, interpreting, and following herbicide label instructions.

e. Use and maintenance of all required safety equipment.

f. The consequences of preparing a herbicide to be given or sold to an individual other than an authorized employee of the Contractor or regulatory official.

g. Procedure for handling herbicide spills, including reporting procedures.

h. The security of vehicles and equipment.

3.2.3.5 Pesticide Use Records

The Contractor must prepare, submit, and maintain daily records of herbicide usage. This record must be filled out daily as weed control operations are performed, and all entries must be completed within 24 hours of chemical usage. Completed records must be made available upon request for inspection, and must be forwarded to the ACO with the monthly invoice for each month following the month of operation. Records which are rejected by the ACO due to improper preparation must be resubmitted by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.3 Continuity of Services.

To ensure continuity of essential services, the successful bidder must be prepared to fully commence work on the start date of this contract, and should not assume that Government or previous Contractor employees will be available to guide, direct, or specifically orientate each Contractor employee.

3.4 Maintenance Level I (Administrative Areas)

The Contractor must provide grounds maintenance services in maintenance level I areas at the times and frequencies specified in Attachment 1 & 2. Attachment 3 provides information of the size, location, and layout of the land parcels which make up maintenance level I areas.

3.4.1 Grass Cutting

All grassed areas located within this maintenance level must be cut to a uniform height between one inch at the frequencies specified in Attachment 1 & 2. If any bare ground within the limits of an area becomes vegetated with grass, weeds, or other similar growths through natural spread, i.e., not artificially planted, it must be maintained as part of the basic contract.

Prior to cutting, any trash, paper, or other debris that would detract from the finished appearance of the cut or present a safety hazard must be disposed of in the appropriate waste, recycling, and/or composting receptacles. Such debris includes but is not limited to paper, cans, bottles, limbs, pine cones, rocks, and other such objects within the maintenance area, and must include trash, paper, dead leaves, and other debris lodged in shrubs, hedges, fences, and along foundation and other walls. Debris must be disposed off the activity the same day as collected. Grass cutting is to be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting. Cutting equipment must have sharp cutting edges which produce a neat, clean, even cut. Use of cutting equipment which is out of adjustment, thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil must not be permitted.

Ground speeds and mower speeds must be synchronized to assure effective cutting action.

After cutting, grass must have a uniform height. Grass clippings must not be windrowed or allowed to be deposited in piles or clumps. Grass clippings must be uniformly distributed over the mowed area. Grass areas close or adjacent to buildings, hydrants, parking lots, manholes, fences, trees, hedges, and shrubs are included in mowing requirements, and may require hand mowing. Trimming around trees, shrubs, flower/shrub beds, cultivated areas, poles, walls, valves, and other similar objects must be accomplished to match the height and appearance of the surrounding mowed grass. Trimming may be accomplished by hand clipping, by use of "weed eater" type equipment, or by herbicide treatment. Trees and shrubs must not be damaged by trimming operations. Trimming with herbicide treatment must be confined to an area extending l2 inches from the object being trimmed.

Grassed areas, trees, or shrubs which are killed or damaged as a result of Contractor's work must be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no cost to the Government. Trimming operations must be considered a part of grass cutting and must be accomplished concurrently (same day) with grass cutting operations. Grass cutting will not be considered complete until all trimming operations are accomplished. Grass clippings and trimmings must be removed from sidewalks and other paved areas the same day the grass is cut.

3.4.2 Edging

All sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, other paved areas, and shrubbery areas located within this maintenance level must be edged in accordance with the frequencies specified in Attachment 1 & 2.

Edging must create a l/2 inch wide and l inch deep clear zone immediately adjacent to the paved surface. All edging must be by mechanical means. The edging operation must include removal of grass and other vegetation which has encroached onto street and other paved surfaces from adjoining grassed areas. Where driveway or street pavement edge is not discernable due to grass encroachment, a straight and even line approximating the edge of pavement must be established and maintained. The edging operation must produce neat, clean lines along the sides of sidewalks and other areas edged, and must be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, uneven and rough cutting. All vegetation growing in the following areas must be removed during the edging operation:

1. Sidewalk and driveway expansion joints and cracks.

2. Street/driveway curbing expansion joints.

3. Cracks between curbing and street/driveway pavement.

For continued maintenance of vegetation growing in cracks and expansion joints, herbicide treatment may be utilized to reduce the amount of mechanical work. The use of herbicides must not be allowed for the purpose of eliminating or reducing normal mechanical edging along straight paved edges (sidewalks, etc.). Debris generated by edging operations, which falls on or is thrown on sidewalks, on curbs, in gutters, streets, or is thrown on nearby sod, causing an unsightly appearance, must be removed from the site the day of the edging operation and disposed off the activity.

3.4.3 Plant and Shrub Pruning

Shrubs, bushes, hedges and cultivated plants must be pruned at the frequency shown in Attachment 1 & 2. All clippings and debris must be removed from the site the same day and disposed of, recycled, or composted off the activity [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. Pruning must be accomplished so as to:

1. Remove new growth attaining a length of 0 to 1/2 inch.

2. Reduce the size and growth rate of each shrub by clipping approximately 20% to 30% of the total surface area approximately 3 to 6 inches inside the normal "pruned surface". This interior clipping (20% to 30%) must be uniformly distributed over the entire shrub. This procedure must be performed as a part of the normal pruning operation (when new growth is removed).

3. Evenly form and balance the shrub, bush, or plant in order to shape it according to its natural growth habits. "Box" or "circular" shaping is not acceptable, except with hedges. Hedges must be sheared or pruned, as appropriate, to maintain their established shape and appearance.

4. Remove dead, damaged or diseased wood. If the entire shrub should die, remove the entire shrub to 6 inches below ground level. The hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked and seeded.

5. Remove vines, tree sprouts or any other extraneous vegetative growth from under or on the shrubbery.

6. Prune or remove growth in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, or where vision is obstructed at street intersections.

3.4.4 Cultivation and Mulching of Shrubs, Hedges, and Flower Beds Shrubs, hedges, and flower beds must be cultivated and mulched at the frequencies and times specified in Attachment 1 & 2. Cultivation includes weeding of shrubs, hedges, and flower beds. Cultivation must be extended a sufficient distance from bases of shrubs to ensure their protection from damage by lawn mowers, and trimmer/edgers, and to provide proper care for the plants, but in no case less than l8 inches. Cultivation must be extended to a depth of 2 inches, care being taken that the roots of the plants are not damaged. Removal of grass, weeds, rocks, and debris encountered during cultivation must be considered part of cultivation. All edges must be worked to a neat and true line. All timber, brick, concrete, aluminum, or plastic bed edging must be realigned as needed. Mulch in bed areas such as wood bark chips, pine straw, etc., must be well groomed after removal of weeds, rocks, etc.

Additional mulch, of the same type as existing, must be provided and placed around all shrubs and flower beds as required to maintain a minimum depth of three inches. Shrubbery without existing mulch must be mulched to a minimum depth of three inches with N/A mulch.

3.4.5 Fertilization

Fertilizers must be used only if determined necessary by the ACO, in order to minimize environmental impact. Synthetic chemical fertilizers must not be used. When fertilization is necessary as determined by the ACO, fertilizer must be comprised of either recovered organic material or bio-based material.

Fertilizer comprised of recovered organic material must conform to the EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (http://www.epa.gov/cpg). Bio-based product listings are obtainable from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (http://www.usda.gov). Fertilizer must be applied only when grass blades are free of moisture. Ground cover plants and shrubbery beds must be fertilized concurrently with lawn application, at the same rates. The Contractor's monthly work schedule must reflect planned fertilization dates.

3.4.6 Trash and Litter Collection and Disposal.

The Contractor must collect trash and litter in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in maintenance level I at the frequency specified in Attachment 1 & 2 and dispose it in the appropriate waste, recycling, or composting http://www.epa.gov/cpg) receptacles [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. Trash and litter does not include natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, and limbs. All trash and liter must be removed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.5 Maintenance Level II

The Contractor must provide grounds maintenance services in maintenance level II areas at the times and frequencies specified in Attachment 1 & 2. Attachment 3 provides information on the size, location, and layout of the land parcels which make up maintenance level II areas.

3.5.1 Grass Cutting

All grassed areas located within this maintenance level must be cut to a uniform height between 1/2 and 1 inch at the frequencies specified in Attachment 1 & 2. All other requirements for grass cutting and trimming are the same as for maintenance level I, as specified in paragraph 3.4.1.

3.5.2 Edging

All sidewalks, driveways, streets edges, curbs, other paved areas, and shrubbery areas located within this maintenance level must be edged in accordance with the frequencies in Attachment 1 & 2. All other requirements for edging are the same as for maintenance level I, as specified in paragraph 3.4.2.

3.5.3 Fertilization

The Contractor must furnish and uniformly apply fertilizer to all parcels within this maintenance level when determined necessary by the ACO. Fertilizer must be applied at the frequency and during the periods specified in Attachment 1 & 2. All other requirements for fertilization are the same as for maintenance level I, as specified in paragraph 3.4.5.

3.5.4 Trash and Litter Collection and Disposal

The Contractor must collect and dispose of trash and litter in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in maintenance level II at the frequency specified in Attachment 1 & 2. Trash and litter does not include natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, and limbs. All trash and liter must be disposed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.6 Maintenance Level III

All grassed areas located within this maintenance level, as delineated in Attachment 1 & 2, must be cut to a uniform height between 0 and 1inch at the frequencies specified in Attachment 1 & 2. All other requirements for grass cutting and trimming are the same as for maintenance level I, as specified in paragraph 3.4.1.

3.7 Maintenance Level IV (Railroad and Powerline Right-of-Ways) The Contractor must cut all brush, weeds, grasses, and small trees less than three inches in diameter at ground level. All such materials will be cut to within four inches of ground level.

Cuts on railroad right- of-ways must extend from edge of the ballast area to the wood line, to the top of backslope where no wood line exists, or to N/A feet on each side of the railroad center line, whichever is less. Work must be accomplished at the frequencies specified in Attachment 1 & 2. Parcel locations and sizes are indicated in Attachment 3.

3.8 Indefinite Quantity Work Items

All indefinite quantity work items will be ordered using SF 1442, as specified in the "ORDERING OF WORK" clause, Section G. Details of the work required will accompany the SF 1442, giving exact location and type work to be accomplished. The Contractor must be required to complete the required services within the timeframes specified in Attachment 1 & 2.

3.8.1 Raking

Includes the raking and removal of leaves, pine straw and pine cones, limbs, and other debris from the raked area. All debris must be disposed off the activity the day of collection.

3.8.2 Tree Removal

Trees, their stumps, and above ground roots must be removed to a depth of six inches below normal ground elevation. All debris must be disposed of the activity the day of removal [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. The stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, and seeded.

3.8.3 Stump and Above Ground Root Removal

Stumps and above grounds roots must be removed to a depth of six inches below normal ground elevation. Stump removal operations must avoid unnecessary soil excavation and ground disruption. All debris must be disposed off the activity the day of removal. The stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, and seeded.

3.8.4 Grassing

Bare and slightly eroded areas (areas which vary in size from l0 to l000 square feet and can be repaired with the placement of four inches or less of topsoil) must be filled with topsoil, raked, fertilized, seeded, and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. Establishment must include providing the necessary care to firmly establish new grass growth. The Contractor must water and otherwise care for new grassed areas sufficiently to ensure proper development. Grassed areas which die or fail to develop noticeable growth for a period of one year after seeding must be re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the

3.8.5 Erosion Control

Soil erosion damage which is beyond the scope of that defined in paragraph 3.8.4, must be repaired by filling in washed out/bare areas (areas requiring less than five cubic yards of fill soil) with N/A type soil to within four inches of normal ground elevation. This soil will be compacted to N/A. Top soil will then be placed to return the area to normal ground elevation;

raked; fertilized; seeded; covered with straw, matting, or other material suitable to reduce the effects of erosion; and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. Repaired areas must be watered and otherwise cared for until grass is firmly established. Repaired areas on which grass dies or fails to develop noticeable growth, or which again erode within one year must be repaired and re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.8.6 Underbrushing

All brush, weeds, and small trees (three inches and below in diameter at ground level) must be cut back to within one inch of ground level, removed from the site, and disposed off the activity. Any material to be saved will be marked by the ACO prior to starting work. Any debris (i.e., limbs, dead trees, trash, etc.) found in the underbrushing area must be removed from the site and disposed off the activity.

3.8.7 Tree Pruning

Trees must be pruned in accordance with the following guidelines to selectively remove unwanted growth and encourage trees to grow or respond in a desired manner. All tree pruning must be accomplished under the supervision of an individual furnished by the Contractor, who is trained, experienced, and otherwise qualified in proper tree pruning techniques. Verification of such training, experience, and qualifications must be acceptable to the ACO prior to initiation of any tree pruning. Prior to starting work the Contractor must propose a pruning plan for each tree for the approval of the ACO.

Trees must be pruned according to their natural growth habit to evenly form and balance the tree, to promote proper health and growth, to respond to damage inflicted by natural or human causes, and to prevent interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. All clippings and debris must be removed and disposed off the activity the same working day. Pruning must be accomplished in a manner so as to:

1. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, or structurally weak limbs that may cause a safety hazard or unsightly appearance, including the removal of dead palm fronds.

2. Remove branches that extend over buildings and endanger roofs, eaves, and windows, or hang within eight feet vertically of sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.

3. Provide clearance for buses, moving vans, and similar vehicles along streets.

4. Cut back branches that overhang or grow into powerlines. Anticipate the effects of wind on branches which might fall on powerlines. Shape the entire tree rather than notch the top.

5. Remove growth of small trees in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, and those which will obstruct vision at street intersections.

6. Remove sprouts which grow from the trunk. Remove sprouts to the height of the first major lateral limb.

7. Branch stubs must not be allowed. All branches must be pruned (removed) back to the next major limb or the tree trunk. Pruning cuts must be performed in a manner which leaves the branch collar exposed (with no stub beyond the branch collar).

3.8.8 Irrigation

Irrigation involves the artificial application of water to promote proper health, growth, color, and appearance of cultivated vegetation. Contractor must be WaterSense certified, and provide WaterSense certification to ACO, prior to contract award.

Grassed areas, shrubs, trees, and ground cover plants must be irrigated in accordance with the following directions.

1. Care must be exercised by regulating time and equipment to prevent wasting of water.

Watering must be accomplished in a manner that avoids erosion, run-off, or ponding due to excessive quantities or rate of application. The minimum amount of water to be applied to all lawns, and planted areas must be one inch of water per application. Irrigation operations must be completed by 3:00 PM daily.

2. The Contractor must be held responsible for any damage to plants, lawns, or buildings caused by careless handling of irrigation equipment. Sprinklers must not be set in such a position as to throw water into doorways, windows, porches, parked cars, parking areas, or to impede vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

3. Water will be furnished by the Government from the most convenient existing source of water.

If a fire hydrant must be used for watering, clearance must be obtained from the ACO before use.

All other required supplies must be furnished by the Contractor, except that Government owned and permanently installed sprinkler systems may be used where available. Where such installed sprinkler system equipment does not cover the area adequately, the Contractor must provide hoses and sprinklers to irrigate the entire area uniformly.

a. Sprinkler riser connections and sprinkler heads must be maintained, repaired, or replaced by the Contractor as necessary to eliminate obstructions, leaks, and other defects which would prevent proper operation, at no additional cost to the Government. Sprinkler heads must be maintained clear of dirt and other debris for approximately one inch around their outside circumference.

b. The Government will provide all other required maintenance to installed sprinkler systems due to normal wear and tear, to include time clocks, valve systems, and underground piping up to, but not including the sprinkler riser connection and sprinkler heads. Any damage to such systems caused by the Contractor must be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no expense to the Government. The Contractor must promptly report damage to or malfunction of any sprinkler system to the ACO.

4. Hoses, portable sprinklers, portable pipe, and similar irrigation equipment must be removed from lawn areas at the end of each work day or when not actually in use. All valves, covers, and valve box covers must be kept closed at all times except when in actual use.

5. The Contractor must abide by any local, state, or other water agency regulations or controls in force at the time of this contract.

6. For reimbursement purposes, irrigation must be ordered as follows:

a. Government System Application. When irrigation is ordered in an area covered by a

Gover…