36C24623Q0804.docx

36C24623Q0804

RFQ 36C24623Q0804

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND LANDSCAPE SERVICES

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a.

CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

UEI:

EFT:

PHONE:

FAX:

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.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

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 _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS AC

CEPTED 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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

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

36C24623Q0804 05-22-2023 Diane Stoskopf 757-728-3449 06-02-2023 3:30pm

EDT

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667 X X 561730 $8.5 Million N/A X SERVICE - See Schedule

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

Department of Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center

PO BOX 149971

Austin TX 78714-9971 512-460-5049 512-460-5221 X See CONTINUATION Page Service to provide grounds maintenance and landscaping at the Hampton VAMC, 100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, VA 23667.

This requirement is set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). All Offerors must be verified SDVOSB at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ at time of quote submission and at time of award.

See CONTINUATION Page X X x Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C246 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 6 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton VA 23667

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

B.2 SCHEDULE OF SERVICE

Service for grounds maintenance and landscaping services at the Hampton VA Medical Center, 100 Emancipation Dr, Hampton, Virginia. Scheduled Services, CLINs 001 through 007, are all Fixed-Price quantities for the Scheduled Items listed below. CLIN 008 is for Unscheduled Services. The Government may or may not request Unscheduled Services from the contractor over the life of the contract. When the COR requires an Unscheduled Item, the service(s) will be based on the unit price, and cost proposal that provide for the Unscheduled service (See PWS 4. Unscheduled services).

NAICS 561730 / FSC S208

BASE YEAR: 1 July 2023 through 30 June 2024

Plant Bed Maintenance (Cultivation, weeding and mulching of shrubs, hedges, and beds)

Routine Pruning (Hedge rows, and ornamental trees)

Sprout Growth Maintenance (All Trees)

Sq Ft

acre ea

0008AO

New Tree Maintenance

Total Estimated Cost of Base Year:

OPTION YEAR 1: 1 July 2024 through 30 June 2025

Plant Bed Maintenance (Cultivation, weeding and mulching of shrubs, hedges, and beds)

Routine Pruning (Hedge rows, and ornamental trees)

Sprout Growth Maintenance (All Trees)

acre

1008AO

Total Estimated Cost of Option Year 1:

OPTION YEAR 2: 1 July 2025 through 30 June 2026

Plant Bed Maintenance (Cultivation, weeding and mulching of shrubs, hedges, and beds)

Routine Pruning (Hedge rows, and ornamental trees)

Sprout Growth Maintenance (All Trees)

acre

2008AO

Total Estimated Cost of Option Year 2:

OPTION YEAR 3: 1 July 2026 through 30 June 2027

Plant Bed Maintenance (Cultivation, weeding and mulching of shrubs, hedges, and beds)

Routine Pruning (Hedge rows, and ornamental trees)

Sprout Growth Maintenance (All Trees)

acre

3008AO

Total Estimated Cost of Option Year 3:

OPTION YEAR 4: 1 July 2027 through 30 June 2028

Plant Bed Maintenance (Cultivation, weeding and mulching of shrubs, hedges, and beds)

Routine Pruning (Hedge rows, and ornamental trees)

Sprout Growth Maintenance (All Trees)

acre

4008AO

Total Estimated Cost of Option Year 4:

Total Estimated Cost of Base and Four Option Years: $_______________

B.3 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping Services

1. General. Special Requirement -- Contractor shall provide all labor, material, equipment and tools necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance is performed at the Hampton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,100 Emancipation Drive, Hampton, VA 23667 (hereinafter referred to as the VA), following VA standards as established in the contract. Period of performance will be from 1 July 2023 through 30 June 2024 for a base year with four (4) option years. The contractor shall ensure that all work is accomplished in accordance with all applicable federal, state, local laws, and regulations. Contractor shall maintain and present a healthy, clean, neat, and professional appearance to all grounds covered by this contract.

NOTE: Work is being completed in a hospital environment. The Contractor must take all precautions to ensure all tools and materials are under continuous observation and accountability. At no time shall tools be left unattended or unsecured.

2. Coordination. Maintenance and Operations Services shall serve as the focal point and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for this contract.

(a) The Contractor shall pre–coordinate work and if needed, associated outages with the COR. This work shall be accomplished during regular work hours. The contractor shall respond to Building 28, Room 103-A on the prescheduled date/time, and the COR. Contact must be made with the COR prior to accomplishing the starting any work.

(b) The COR will be immediately notified whenever the garden installation, or related activities interfere with normal VA operation.

(d) When complete, notify the COR to inspect and accept all accomplished work.

(e) Provide the COR all documentation and warranty information concerning installed components/equipment and work accomplished.

3. Other Station Rules and Guidelines. The Contractor shall adhere to the following station rules.

3.1. All work shall be accomplished to industry standards and compliant with all current CODE requirements (Life Safety, NFPA, Electrical and Building). All Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Federal regulations and codes shall be complied with.

3.2. This is a hospital environment. The Contractor and his personnel are expected to be appropriately dressed (preferably uniformed) and to conduct themselves professionally.

3.4. Parking shall be in designated lots. Consult with the COR as to allowable parking and material drop-off.

3.5. Any work requiring a shutdown or utility outage shall be requested in advance and scheduled by the COR prior to the work being accomplished.

3.6. The Contractor shall coordinate his activities with the COR to identify any smoke or fire barriers that must be penetrated or disrupted as a result of this contract and shall restore the fire barrier to its rating through the use of fire stopping. The Contractor and his personnel shall be trained and certified to use and apply fire stopping prior to its application and at the Contractor’s expense.

3.7. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all the employees and other personnel visiting the work site have and are using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that addresses the particular hazards found at the site. The Contractor shall be responsible for the upkeep, issue, and training for the PPE used and maintaining all required documentation

3.8. Since the incidents of September 11, 2001, the Federal Government has begun to implement new security measures to help protect federal facilities. The Contractor shall provide to the COR a list of employees expected to work on this contract. This list will be on company letterhead and contain the employees’ name, driver’s license number, address, and nationality. This list shall be verified and signed by a corporate officer. These personnel are subject to a background check and fingerprinting to be eligible to receive a security badge.

3.9. Identification Badges shall be picked up from Work Order Desk Room EB22 in Building 47.

3.10. Compliance Awareness Training shall be completed by vendor prior to access to the Hampton VAMC. Vendor has responsibility for “Duty to Report” any fraud, waste and abuse witnessed while on VA premises to the Compliance Officer.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

1. SCHEDULED SERVICES

a. CLASSIFICATION OF GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AREAS. The level of effort and materials required to maintain certain areas on the Hampton VAMC facility will vary throughout the Hampton VAMC. This Performance Work Statement (PWS) describes the work that shall be performed for each area. The estimated area of each classification of grounds maintenance is shown in Appendix A – the Grounds Maintenance Map and Appendix B – the Landscaping Map.

b. MAINTENANCE AREAS. VAMC Hampton map attachment provides information on the location and geographic boundaries of the land parcels that make up the Maintenance Area, and a summary of the types and quantities of vegetation they contain.

c. MOWING GRASS: All lawn areas within the improved areas shall be mowed by the contractor on a regular basis including ditches, swales, and all areas where the ground is covered with grass of any type. See Appendix A for aerial map

d. GRASS CUTTING SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS. All grassed areas located within this maintenance area shall be cut and maintained to a uniform height between 2 ½ and 3 ½. See Appendix A. 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/push mowing. If any bare ground within the limits of a lawn area becomes vegetated with grass, weeds, or other similar growths through natural spread, it shall be maintained as part of the basic contract.

(1) Prior to cutting, any debris that would detract from the finished appearance of the cut or present a safety hazard shall be removed from within the maintenance area. This includes removal of debris lodged in shrubs, hedges, fences, and along foundations and other walls. Debris shall be collected, removed from the area, and transported to the specified disposal site the same day as collected.

(2) Grass cutting shall be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting. Cutting equipment shall have sharp cutting edges that produce a neat, clean, evenly cut. Use of cutting equipment that is out of adjustment, thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil, is not permitted. After cutting, grass shall have a uniform height. Grass clippings shall be uniformly distributed over the mowed area and shall not be windrowed or deposited in piles or clumps. Grass clippings and trimmings shall be removed from sidewalks and other paved area on the day the grass is cut.

NOTE 1: GRASS CLIPPINGS WILL NOT BE DISCHARGED WITHIN 50FT OF OUTDOOR HVAC EQUIPMENT.

NOTE 2: CARE WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE GRASS CLIPPINGS ARE DISCHARGED AWAY FROM PARKED VEHICLES.

e. EDGING SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: The contractor shall edge the lawn adjacent to all sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and other concrete (except against asphalt edges) located in the improved areas to present a neat appearance. The contractor shall remove all edging debris the same day that edging is performed.

f. EDGING. All sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, and other paved areas located within this maintenance area shall be edged in accordance with the frequencies specified. Edging shall create a ½-inch wide and 1-inch-deep clear zone immediately adjacent to the paved surface. Edged lines shall be neat and clean, and shall be free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting. Vegetation that has encroached onto paved areas shall be removed and disposed of off the activity.

(1) All edging shall be performed by mechanical (non-herbicidal) means, except where driveway and street pavement edges are not discernible due to grass encroachment. In these cases, a straight and even line approximating the pavement edge shall be established and maintained using a contact herbicide or by mechanical means; herbicides shall not be used to eliminate or reduce normal mechanical edging.

(2) In conjunction with the performance of edging, all vegetation shall be removed from expansion joints and cracks in all paved surfaces in the parcel being edged. Herbicides may be used to reduce the amount of mechanical work.

(3) Debris generated by edging operations which falls or is thrown on sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets, or nearby grass, shall be collected, removed from the area, and transported to the specified disposal site the same day as collected.

g. TRIMMING: The contractor shall trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumpers, boulders, and all other fixed objects that project above the ground. Trimming shall also include removal of all vegetation from cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and curbs and gutters. The grass or weeds shall be trimmed to the same height as the adjacent mowed grass. Trimming work shall be performed concurrently with mowing the adjacent grass. The contractor shall repair any damages to trees and shrubs caused by trimming. If a plant damaged by trimming dies or becomes unhealthy, the contractor shall replace the damaged plant with a plant of the same size and type at no additional cost. Plant replacement shall be performed within 15 days of the date the contractor is notified to replace the plant. The contractor shall remove all trimming debris the same day that trimming is performed. See App B.

(1) Trimming around trees, shrubs, flower, and shrub beds, cultivated areas, poles, walls, valves, and other similar objects shall be accomplished to match the height and appearance of the surrounding mowed grass. Trimming may be accomplished by hand clipping, portable string trimmer equipment, or herbicides. Trimming operations shall not damage trees and shrubs. Herbicide treatment shall be confined to an area extending 3 inches from the object being trimmed. Grassy areas, trees, or shrubs which are killed or damaged as a result of the Contractor's work shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no cost to the Government. Trimming operations shall be considered a part of grass cutting and accomplished concurrently with grass cutting operations. Grass cutting will not be considered complete until all trimming operations are accomplished.

h. MAINTAIN SHRUBS, HEDGES, SOD, FLOWERS, AND TREES.

(1) PRUNING SHRUBS/OTHER PLANTS: The contractor shall maintain shrubs and other plants in accordance with the American Society of Landscape Architect’s Standards. Shrubs and other plants shall be trimmed and pruned as required to maintain their natural growth characteristics and to enhance the beauty and health of the plant. Hedges shall be maintained to their natural mature height and shape. Shrubs and other plants shall be pruned as required to maintain a minimum three (3) inch clearance from buildings, sidewalks, or other obstructions.

(2) MAINTAIN BEDDING/PLANTED AREAS: The contractor shall fertilize, water, edge, trim, prune shrubs, eliminate weeds, maintain bedding material, and repair or replace damaged plants in shrub and plant beds identified in Appendixes A and B.

i. SPECIAL LANDSCAPED/FLOWER/ROCK/PLANT BED MAINTENANCE: Beds can include shrub beds, hedge beds, flower beds, or a mixture of all types of vegetation arrangements to include individual trees. Maintenance activities include pruning shrubs, hedges, and trees, trimming flowers, adding soil amendment/fertilizing, weed eradication, trash/debris removal, replacement of plants and or shrubs.

(1) Plant beds will be maintained free of weeds. Weeds will be removed manually or destroyed with herbicides.

(2) The contractor will supply top quality red hardwood mulch to cover shrub beds to a depth of 2.5 – 3 inches. Beds will be mulched twice per year. Preparation of plant beds shall include removal of all weeds, cultivating existing mulch into the soil, edging the bed (create no deep “V” ditch). The contractor will remove mulch more than 3 inches from plant bed. Special care will be taken in the mulching process not to over mulch or cover the base of plants. The contractor shall remove and dispose of any refuse present in the plant beds at the time mulching is performed.

j. ROUTINE PRUNING. All Trees, ornamental trees, hedges, and shrubs shall be pruned away from buildings, to remove dead or damaged branches. In addition, the trees will be maintained from root to canopy allowing for no limb growth. Except for desired hedges all pruning and thinning (not shearing) of plants shall be done to retain their natural shapes. Shearing is prohibited except for hedges unless approved by COR. The contractor shall remove and dispose of any refuse present in the shrub beds at the time pruning is performed (including all clippings).

(1) Trees shall 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 severe tree pruning shall be accomplished under the supervision of a certified tree worker or arborist furnished as directed by the COR. This individual shall be trained, experienced, and otherwise qualified in proper tree pruning techniques. Verification of such training, experience, and qualifications must be acceptable to the COR before tree pruning commences. For severe tree pruning, the Contractor shall propose a pruning plan for each tree for approval by the COR prior to starting work. Trees shall 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. Debris shall be collected, removed from the area, and transported to the specified disposal site the same day as collected. Pruning shall be accomplished to:

(2) 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.

(3) Remove branches that extend over buildings and endanger roofs, eaves, and windows; or hang within 8 feet vertically of sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.

(4) Provide clearance for buses, moving vans, and similar vehicles along streets.

(5) Cut back branches that overhang or grow into power lines. The Contractor shall anticipate the effects of wind on branches that might fall on power lines and cut back accordingly. The entire tree shall be shaped vice notching the top.

(6) Remove tree growth in front of windows, over entranceways or walks, and including growth obstructing vision at street intersections.

(7) Remove branch stubs. All branches shall be removed back to the next major limb or the tree trunk. Pruning cuts shall be performed in a manner that leaves the branch collar exposed (with no stub beyond the branch collar).

k. COURTYARD / COURTYARD PODS MAINTENANCE. Courtyard/Courtyard PODS areas will be maintained as prescribed.

Special Note: Initial Maintenance of the Domiciliary Courtyards PODS in building 148 will require all trees to be removed from these courtyard pods via crane or other appropriate means. Crane use will need a Crane Permit to operate on the facility grounds. All sidewalk and walkways inside the Domiciliary Courtyards building 148 will be repaired. All damaged or rotten benches, pergolas, or wood landscaping structures are to be removed not replaced. All work shall be accomplished to industry standards and compliant with all current CODE requirements (Life Safety, NFPA, Electrical and Building). All Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Federal regulations and codes shall be complied with.

2. SPECIAL ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AREAS. Maintenance on these areas (i.e., Storm water management area (Near Building 14); fence lines-east, west and north) will be performed one (1) time in the FY first quarter (Sep-Oct).

3. SPROUT GROWTH MAINTENANCE. Removal of sprout growth on tree trunks two (2) times (May and Sep) per year. Remove sprouts that grow from the trunk to the height of the first major lateral limb.

4. UNSCHEDULED SERVICES. COR will submit a request for contractor services on an as-needed basis, which must be routed through the Contracting Officer. At such time, the contractor will submit a cost proposal for Unscheduled Services, and funding for these services will be added to the contract. All Unscheduled work will be coordinated and validated through the COR. The modification will specify the exact locations and type of work to be accomplished.

a. RAKING. This work includes the raking and removal of leaves, pine straw and pinecones, limbs, and other debris from the raked area. All debris shall be disposed of off the activity the day of collection.

b. TREE REMOVAL. Trees, their stumps, and above ground roots shall be removed to a depth of 6 inches below normal ground elevation. Removal operations shall avoid unnecessary soil excavation and ground disruption. Debris shall be collected, removed from the area, and transported to the specified disposal site the same day as collected. If in a lawn area, the stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal shall be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, seeded, and grass established. Fertilization, seeding, and grass establishment shall be performed in accordance with the requirements in this PWS; however, the cost of all work shall be included in the unit price for tree removal. If the hole is not in a lawn area, it shall be filled with topsoil and the surface prepared to match the surrounding surface.

c. STUMP AND ABOVE GROUND ROOT REMOVAL. Stumps and above ground roots shall be removed to a depth of 6 inches below normal ground elevation. Removal operations shall avoid unnecessary soil excavation and ground disruption. Debris shall be collected, removed from the area, and transported to the specified disposal site the same day as collected. If in a lawn area, the stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal shall be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, seeded, and grass established. Fertilization, seeding, and grass establishment shall be performed in accordance with the requirements outlined in this PWS; however, the cost of all work shall be included in the unit price for stump removal. If the hole is not in a lawn area, it shall be filled with topsoil and the surface prepared to match the surrounding surface.

d. GRASS SEEDING. Bare and slightly eroded areas (areas which vary in size from 10 to 1000 square feet and can be repaired with the placement of 4 inches or less of topsoil) shall be filled with topsoil to a minimum depth of 2 inches, raked, fertilized, seeded, and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. If existing in sufficient depth, topsoil shall be scarified to a depth of 1 to 2 inches prior to application of fertilizer and seed. Fertilizer shall be uniformly applied at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Seed shall be KY-31 Fescue or approved equal, and the area completely but lightly covered with straw mulch, then watered. Matting or other suitable erosion control material shall be placed in steep terrain areas and along natural and man-made drainage ways. Establishment shall include watering and providing other continuing care as necessary to firmly establish new grass growth and ensure proper development. Grassed areas that die or fail to develop noticeable growth for a period of one year after seeding shall be re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

e. APPLY FERTILIZER AND/OR LIME: The contractor shall apply commercial fertilizer and/or lime to all improved areas at a sufficient rate to provide a healthy growth rate of grass and other vegetated areas. Fertilizer/lime shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Fertilizer/lime amendments shall be approved and cleared through the Facilities & Engineering Division, located at 100 Emancipation Dr., Bldg. 36, Hampton VA, 23667

f. FERTILIZATION / LIMING. The Contractor shall take soil tests on an annual basis to determine the need for lime. If the test results in the need for lime application, the Contractor shall specify the rate and submit for approval to the COR. The Contractor shall furnish and uniformly apply fertilizer in early spring at a rate of .75 pounds of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet to all parcels within this maintenance area as specified in App A. The Contractor shall furnish and uniformly apply fertilizer in early fall (September 25 to October 25) at a rate of 1 pound per of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet to all parcels within this maintenance area as specified. The Contractor shall furnish and uniformly apply fertilizer in late fall (November 15 to December 15) at a rate of 1 to 1 ½ pounds of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet to all parcels within this maintenance area as specified in. Fertilizer shall be a balanced all-purpose fertilizer 50% organic and at least 25% shall be of a slow-release nature. Fertilizer shall be delivered to the site in original, unopened containers bearing the manufacturer's chemical analysis, name, trade name, trademark, and indication of conformance to state and federal laws. Fertilizer may be furnished in bulk only if accompanied by a certificate providing the same information mentioned above with each delivery. Fertilizer shall be applied only when grass blades are free of moisture. Ground cover plants and shrubbery beds shall be fertilized concurrently with lawn application, and at the same rates. Contractor shall adhere to manufacturers’ recommended dosage.

g. WEED CONTROL: The contractor shall identify weeds and perform weed control during performance of grounds maintenance services.

h. HERBICIDES AND FERTILIZERS. All herbicides and fertilizers and Snow Removal chemicals used by the Contractor shall be registered with the EPA and the applicable state lead agency for the intended use. For each proposed herbicide, the Planned Pesticide Use Sheet, including labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), shall be submitted through the COR to the VA Industrial Hygienist for approval at least 15 calendar days prior to the contract start date. USE OF 2-4D IS PROHIBITED. Any changes in herbicide and fertilizer usage shall be submitted for approval at least five working days prior to application. The VA Industrial Hygienist retains the right to add any pesticide to the prohibited listing at any time. Contractor shall adhere to manufacturers’ recommended dosage.

•Special Requirement. The Contractors work shall include, but not be limited to:

•Early Spring Service: Contractor shall provide (2 Months with 4 visits) Pre-emergent Herbicide Application to all Landscape Beds and turf areas at a minimum of 4 visits. Provide granular slow-release Fertilizer Application to all Landscape Shrubs and Trees. Fertilizer Application to all Turf areas. Core Aerate and Over seed all Turf Areas.

•Late Spring Service: Provide (2 Months 4 Visits) Liquid Fertilizer Application to all Perennial Beds, Liquid Iron, and Merit Application to all Landscape Hemlocks (Less than 10’) and Hollies, General Property Cleanup, mow all Turf Areas, Post Emergent Application to all Turf Areas Bed Maintenance.

•Summer Service: Provide (3 Months 6 visits) Pre-emergent Herbicide Application all Landscape beds, deadhead all Shrub and Perennials as needed, mow all Turf Areas, Post Emergent Applications to all Turf Areas, General Property Cleanup.

•Pine Straw Application as needed and Mulch Application.

•Fall Service: Provide (2 Month 4 Visit) Fall Fertilizer Application to all Landscape Shrubs and Trees, General Property Clean up, Leaf Removal, Gutter Cleaning.

•When complete, notify the COR to inspect and accept all accomplished work.

•Provide the COR all documentation and warranty information concerning installed components/equipment and work accomplished.

•Ensure all invoicing documents are submitted in-accordance with the instructions provided in the formal contract.

i. LOW AREA BACKFILLING/EROSION CONTROL. Unless otherwise specified, soil erosion damage shall be repaired by filling in washed out/bare areas (areas requiring less than five cubic yards of fill soil) with select fill to within 4 inches of normal ground elevation. This soil shall be compacted to provide suitable stability, and then topsoil placed to return the area to normal ground elevation. Subsequently, the area shall be raked, fertilized with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet, seeded with KY-31 fescue; covered with straw, matting, or other material suitable to reduce the effects of erosion; and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. Repaired areas shall 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, shall be repaired and re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

j. CANOPY MAINTENANCE. Remove branches that extend or hang within eight (8) feet vertically of sidewalks, parking lots and driveways.

k. TREE AND SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT. All plants shall be nursery grown and bear certification indicating species, common name, and grade. Plants shall be healthy living specimens considered number one grade stock. Planting procedures shall be in accordance with accepted nursery standards. The Contractor may invoice, and payment will be made when initial planting is complete; however, the Contractor shall water and provide continuing care to ensure new plants develop properly. All plants that die or fail to develop noticeable growth within one year of planting shall be replaced by the Contractor with plants of like size and type, at no additional cost to the Government.

(1) PLANTING TREES. Trees shall be established in the task order, with trunk diameters (measured 6 inches up from the ground) of at least two (2) or three (3) inches. Trees shall be planted in accordance with accepted horticultural standards, including fertilization, mulching, and watering. Trees shall be guyed and staked in at least three directions.

(2) SHRUBS. Shrubs established shall be of a variety of species of the one- and five-gallon size. Shrubs shall be planted in accordance with accepted horticultural standards, including fertilization, mulching, and watering.

(3) SEVERE SHRUB PRUNING. Severe pruning of shrubs shall consist of removal of all or a major portion of the total shrub growth. The extent of pruning will be indicated by the KO, but generally shall consist of pruning large shrubbery to a level approximately 1 to 3 feet above ground level. Debris shall be collected, removed from the area, and transported to the specified disposal site the same day as collected.

l. AERATION. Aeration shall be accomplished with a core type aerator in all grassed areas. Equipment will penetrate the ground a minimum of two (2) inches.

m. SEEDING. Seed shall be delivered to the site in original, unopened containers bearing the certification.

(1) The Contractor shall furnish and uniformly apply KY-31 fescue grass seed at a rate of 6 pounds per 1000 square feet to all grassed areas.

(2) The Contractor shall furnish and uniformly apply Southern Bell grass seed at a rate of 6 pounds per 1000 square feet to all grassed areas.

(3) Contractor shall furnish and uniformly apply Common Bermuda grass seed at a rate of 4 pounds per 1000 square feet to all grassed areas. “Hulled” type seed will be used for spring planting, and “Un-hulled” will be used in the fall.

n. TRASH AND LITTER COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL. The Contractor shall collect trash and litter in all grassed areas, flower and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in the Maintenance Area at the frequency specified. Trash and litter do not include natural vegetation such as leaves, pine straw, and limbs. All trash and litter shall be disposed of off the activity the same day as collected.

5. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS AND SERVICES.

a. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED FACILITIES. The Government will not provide office space or operational facilities to the Contractor. The Contractor shall secure and maintain the necessary office space and other facilities required for the performance of this contract at his/her own expense.

b. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED EQUIPMENT. The Government will not provide tools or equipment to the Contractor. The Contractor shall furnish all tools and equipment required for the performance of this contract. Through the COR the Government will provide access keys to locked areas. The Contractor will pick-up and return the keys daily. The Contractor will be responsible for all costs associated with lost keys.

c. AVAILABILITY OF UTILITIES. The Government may furnish utilities on a case-by-case basis to include water and electricity in order for the contractor to perform required tasks.

d. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS. The Contractor shall provide all facilities, equipment, materials, and services to perform the requirements of this contract.

6. WORK CONTROL. The Contractor shall plan and schedule work to assure material, labor, and equipment are available to complete work requirements with regard to the established time limits and quality standards. Verbal scheduling and status reports shall be provided when requested by the Contracting Officer or the COR. The status of any item of work must be provided within 24 hours of the inquiry during the Contractor's regular working hours, and within 48 hours after regular working hours. In addition, under some situations (VIP visits, inclement weather, damaged landscaping, and safety hazards) it will be necessary for the contractor to respond to a task within one hour and have this reasonable request completed within four hours.

7. WORK HOURS.

The Contractor shall pre–coordinate work and if needed, associated outages with the COR. This work shall be accomplished during regular work hours. The contractor shall respond to Building 28, Room 103-A on the prescheduled date/time, and the COR. Contact must be made with the COR prior to accomplishing the starting any work. Occasional weekend work is acceptable but must pre-coordinate with COR to schedule.

a. WORK SCHEDULE. The Contractor shall arrange work to prevent interference with the normal occurrence of Government business. In those cases where some interference is unavoidable, the Contractor shall make every effort to minimize the impact of the interference and its effects.

b. DISPERSAL EQUIPMENT. All tanks, hoses, pumps, control valves, and gauges shall be free of visible deterioration, shall not leak, and shall operate at the manufacturer's recommended rates and pressures. Equipment that has failed shall be repaired and/or replaced by the Contractor prior to resuming operations. Extreme care shall be exercised to avoid entry of herbicides into the Chesapeake Bay, rivers, drainage structures, streams, ditches, etc.

c. IDENTIFICATION AND LABELING. All containers used in the application process, will be labeled according to applicable regulations.

d. RECORDS AND REPORTS. The Contractor shall maintain daily records of all herbicide and fertilizer applications and provide a copy to the COR within 24 hours. Reports rejected by the COR for improper preparation shall be corrected and returned by the Contractor at no additional cost to the government.

8. PERSONNEL IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES

a. The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer the name or names of the responsible supervisory person or persons authorized to act for the Contractor.

b. The Contractor shall furnish sufficient personnel to perform all work specified within the contract.

c. Contractor employees shall conduct themselves in a proper, efficient, courteous, and businesslike manner.

d. The Contractor shall remove from the site any individual whose continued employment is deemed by the Contracting Officer to be contrary to the public interest.

e. No employee or representative of the Contractor will be admitted to the site of work unless he furnishes satisfactory proof that he is a citizen of the United States, or, if an alien, his residence within the United States is legal.

f. All contractor/subcontractor employees working under this contract shall be identified by a distinctive nameplate, emblem, or patch attached in a prominent place on an outer garment. Employee identification shall not be substituted for station required passes or badges.

B.4 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

1. NO SMOKING

Per VHA Directive 1085 Dated 3/15/19 All VA Health Care Facilities shall be smoke free. This directive applies to all patients, visitors, contractors, volunteers, and vendors.

2. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

The Government intends to utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to monitor the quality of the contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the order and in the QASP will help to ensure that service levels reach and maintain the required levels throughout the contract term. Further, the QASP provides the Facility POC with a proactive way to avoid unacceptable or deficient performance and provides a verifiable input for the required Past Performance Information Assessments. The QASP will be finalized immediately following award and a copy provided to the Contractor after award. The QASP is a living document and may be updated by the Government as necessary.

3. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS

A full background check is not required for this position; however, all contract employees must bring photo identification and advance notice from the requiring service to obtain a VA Badge in order to work on a VA facility. Upon award, the CO shall provide the contractor with detailed instructions on fulfilling security requirements.

The Contractor shall provide to the COR a list of employees expected to work on this contract. This list will be on company letterhead and contain the employees’ name, driver’s license number, address, and nationality. This list shall be verified and signed by a corporate officer.

4. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REORTING SYSTEM (CPARS)

(a) FAR 42.1502 direct all Federal agencies to collect past performance information on contracts. The Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented use of the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to comply with this regulation. One or more past performance evaluations will be conducted in order to record your contract performance as required by FAR Subpart 42.15 Contractor Performance Information.

(b) The past performance evaluation process is a totally paperless process using CPARS. CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. Once the report is processed, it is available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) for Government use in evaluating past performance as part of a source selection action.

(c) Please furnish the Contracting Officer with the name, position title, phone number, and email address for each person designated to have access to your firm’s past performance evaluation(s) for the…