36C24822Q1843.docx

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND RELATED SERVICES AT VA CARIBBEAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

The VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has a requirement for grounds maintenance and related services. The VA anticipates issuing a solicitation for this requirement on or about November 6, 2022. This requirement will be 100% set-aside for Service Disable Veteran Own Small Business (SDVOSB). A site visit will be conducted on November 18, 2022 at 9:00 am. Details of the same will be available in the solicitation. Questions shall be submitted IN WRITING via e-mail address to israel.rodriguez-perez@va.gov on or before November 23, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Response to questions will be provided via amendment to solicitation. Applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for this acquisition is 561730 and the size standard is $8 Million. Period of performance for this acquisition will consist of a Base Period and four (4) twelve (12) months Option Periods. Solicitation and amendments will be available in electronic format ONLY. Once the solicitation is posted, interested vendors are responsible to review and monitor this website frequently to ensure that they have most up to date information about this acquisition. Offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments. This acquisition will be solicited, evaluated and awarded following the procedures of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Parts 13 and 12, Subparts 13.5 and the evaluation criteria stated in the solicitation package. The Government intends to award a firm fixed price type contract.

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 ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

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

672-23-1-516-0001 36C24822Q1843 11-07-2022 Israel Rodriguez 787-641-7582, 134973 12-05-2022

4:30 PM

EST

36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) VA Caribbean HCS (Admin Bldg) #10 Calle Casia Suite #4M440 San Juan

PR

00921-3201 X X Y 561730 $8.5 Million N/A X See Delivery Schedule

36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) VA Caribbean HCS (Admin Bldg) #10 Calle Casia Suite #4M440 San Juan

PR

00921-3201

Financial Services Center P.O. Box 149971 Austin

TX

78714-9971 See CONTINUATION Page ** See Section A.2 Price/Cost Schedule page 2 ** Grounds maintenance and related services at VACHS See CONTINUATION Page x X Baryan Sierra 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 36C248

Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) VA Caribbean HCS (Admin Bldg) #10 Calle Casia Suite #4M440 San Juan PR 00921-3201

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.

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

B.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

36C24822Q1843

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GROUNDS MAINTANANCE AND RELATED SERVICES AT VA CARIBBEAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

1.0 Introduction. This is a non-personal services contract to provide Grounds Maintenance and Related Services at Veterans Affairs (VA) Caribbean Healthcare Systems (VACHS). The government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform the required service at VACHS as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS), section three (3.0) except for those items specified as Government-furnished property and services.

1.1 Mission. The Facilities Management Service (FMS) provide, operate, and maintain a "State of the art" facility service program in support of our Veterans Health Care System; carry out a program of education and development of personnel involved in the health care environment, promote environmental research and development of technologies in support of health care and provide these services in a cost effective, compassionate, humanitarian and ethical manner.

1.2 Background. The VA Caribbean Healthcare System provides services to a population of 150,000 Veterans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, the VA Caribbean Healthcare System registered 66,955 unique patients with 11,428 inpatients treated and provided 927,072 outpatient visits at all clinic areas in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The VACHS is located at 10 Casia St. San Juan, Puerto Rico.

1.3 Scope. The Contractor shall perform these requirements in accordance with this PWS, manufacturer's manual, local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and Veteran Affairs (VA) regulations. In addition, the contractor shall follow the National Arborist Associate, American Society of Landscape Architects, accepted trade practices, standards or norms within the industry, local regulations standards and commonly accepted commercial practices. In the event of conflict between regulatory guidance, the most stringent requirement shall apply. The contractor shall provide Grounds maintenance and related services at VACHS.

2.0 General Requirements. This section describes the general requirements for this effort. The following sub-sections provide details of various considerations on this effort.

2.1 Non-Personal Services. The Government shall neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual contractor employees. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to manage its employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services or give the perception of personal services. If the contractor believes that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the contractor's responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer (CO) immediately.

2.1.1 Type of Contract. The Government will award a firm-fixed price contract.

2.1.2 Period of Performance. The period of performance for this effort will be a base year of 12 months and four (4) one-year option periods. The base period and options will be established after the effective date of contract award. Each option will be exercised at the government’s discretion. In addition, the resulting contract will have an additional option to extend the services for up to six (6) months at the government’s discretion.

2.1.3 Location and Hours of Work. Due to the nature of the work, the service requires responding to services calls and providing coverage seven (7) days per week, including weekends and federal holidays. The contractor shall provide the services at VACHS during the core hours of operation from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday and 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays.

2.1.4 Recognized Government Holidays. The Contractor will be required to work on the legal public holidays listed below. Holidays occurring on weekends will be observed as directed by the published United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) calendar.

2.1.5 Medical Emergency Services. The Contractor shall make available competent personnel trained and capable of dealing with minor personnel injuries. The contractor or their employees shall immediately notify their supervisor of any accident requiring emergency medical treatment. In case of emergency the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Emergency medical treatment and services for Contractor personnel is the responsibility of the Contractor.

2.2 Business Relations. Contractor has the responsibility to integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the requirement in this procurement. Poor quality performance and potential problems shall be provided with a corrective action plan to be submitted as fast as the situation required. This action include work provided by any subcontractor. All personnel assigned shall provide and maintain satisfactory customer service, professional conduct and acceptable ethical behavior. Within the bounds of acquisition policy, the VACHS intends to work to find solutions that will be beneficial to both the Government and its Contractors.

2.3 Contract Administration and Management

2.3.1 Post Award Conference/Performance Evaluation Meetings. The Contractor may be required to attend a post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 42.5. This meeting may be conducted virtually. Written minutes of such meetings will be recorded by the Contractor and signed by the Program/Project Manager and the CO and/or COR and distributed within five (5) workdays after the meeting.

2.3.1.1 Performance/Progress Meetings will be held as necessary. There may be occasions when subsequent meetings will be called by either party to reconfirm mutual understandings and/or address deficiencies in the Quality Control (QC) system or procedures which may require corrective action by the Contractor. The Contractor Representative shall meet with the COR and/or CO as required. A mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified. The Contractor Representative and the COR shall sign the written minutes of these meetings.

2.3.2 Contract Administration. Notwithstanding the contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract requires maximum coordination between the government and the contractor.

2.3.2.1 Contracting Officer (CO). The CO is the only person authorized to direct changes in any of the requirements under this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, said authority remains solely in the CO. In the event the contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the CO, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and solely at the risk of the contractor. All contract administration will be affected by the CO. Communications pertaining to contractual administrative matters shall be addressed to the CO. No changes in or deviation from the terms and conditions shall be affected, without a written modification to the contract, executed by the CO authorizing such changes.

2.3.2.2 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). In accordance with Veteran Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.270-1, Representatives of the Contracting Officers, the CO reserve the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitation of the designee’s authority. A copy of the designation shall be furnished to the contractor.

2.3.3 Contractor Employees. The contractor shall accomplish the assigned work by employing and utilizing qualified personnel with appropriate combinations of education, training, and experience. The contractor shall match personnel skills to the work specified herein. The contractor shall ensure the labor categories/occupation code as defined by the Department of Labor are aligned to those tasks delineated in this PWS. The contractor shall comply with the minimum rates established in the applicable wage determination for this service. The Contractor shall provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to manage, perform, and administer the contract.

2.3.3.1 Contractor Identification. All contract personnel shall be identified as a Contractor (i.e., badge, company logo, or uniform). All contract personnel are required to identify themselves such that they avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all correspondence (documents, emails, etc.) or reports produced by the Contractor are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

2.3.4 Key Personnel. The contractor shall provide a point of contact to administer this contract. All key personnel shall have means of verbal and e-mail communication with the COR. Key personnel and alternates must be able to communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.

2.3.5 Personnel Qualification:

2.3.5.1 Contractor personnel shall be trained and certified to provide the services requested under this PWS. Contractor shall have previous experience in design skills, architectural landscaping course, horticultural information related to landscaping industry and green areas such as types of lawn coverings; building a healthy lawn, planting techniques, materials to use for specific applications and solutions low maintenance gardening, fundamentals of landscape design, plant selection, safety, green landscape/grounds techniques and practices, and maintain grounds and landscape in an aesthetically pleasing and safe condition.

2.3.5.2 All supervisory/working leader personnel engaged in directing the work to be accomplished under this contract shall possess at least two (2) years of recent experience in grounds maintenance and related services in medical facility type operations and supervisory capacity for buildings and grounds of the approximate size and complexity under this contract. The on-site supervisory/working leader shall be fully conversant in English, must have knowledge of principles and practices of ground maintenance management, including knowledge of forestry, horticulture, and landscape design. Must have knowledge of materials, equipment, methods and practices essentials to maintenance of grounds facilities, pest control and interior/exterior cleaning services.

2.3.5.3 Contractor representative or his supervisors/working leaders shall be available at all times, when the contract work is in progress, for communication, reports or requests from the Contracting Officer or his representatives. The contractor shall provide in writing to the Contracting Officer at least five working days prior to the contract starting date the name, telephone number and address of onsite supervision.

2.3.5.4 Work force assigned to perform grounds management maintenance, housekeeping maintenance, integrated pest management maintenance and related service type work shall have at least one (1) year of experience performing these services is a medical facility. All personnel shall receive first line supervision by the contractor. Training for personnel shall include but may not be limits to the following: security and privacy awareness trainings, safety, infection control, customer service, grounds, management procedures, lawn management and other.

2.3.5.5 Pest Management Professionals (PMP) (Certified applicators) are required in the performance of the work under this contract. The applicable license for technician under this service is 8-A, which is provided by the PR Department of Agriculture are required in the performance of the work under this contract, ((Procedimiento para obtener certificaci\363n plaguicidas \(Read-Only\)) (uprm.edu).. These documents shall be provided before any work is performed. NOTE: Certification shall mean a current Certificate of Competency in Pest Management in all categories or sub-categories as identified. All other definitions are as defined in CER 40 subchapter E, parts 162-180. Have a certification on pest control and shall be fully certified in all pest management categories in which work is to be performed. Contractor shall have a current certification on pest control categories issued by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture. The Contractor shall be licensed by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as a pesticide application business (see Act No. 49 of June 10, 1953, Pesticide Act of Puerto Rico, as amended).

2.3.5.5.1 The Contractor shall provide photocopies of current State-issued Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificates or Licenses in the Category IV for every Contractor employee who will be applying on-site pesticides under this contract.

2.3.5.5.2 All PMPs working under this service, shall have at least two (2) years of experience working as PMPs in a medical facility.

2.3.6 Standards of Conduct. Standards of Conduct. Contractor personnel’s conduct shall not reflect discredit upon the Government. The Contractor shall ensure that personnel present a professional appearance. Contractor’s employees shall observe and comply with all local policies and procedures concerning fire, safety, environmental protection, sanitation, security, and possession of firearms or other lethal or illegal weapons or substances. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that any contractor employees providing services under this contract conduct themselves and perform services in a professional, safe, and responsible manner. The contractor shall remove, from the job site, any employee for reasons of misconduct or security. The contractor shall ensure employee conduct complies with 41 U.S.C. 423, Procurement Integrity. The contractor shall also ensure that no contractor employees conduct political related activities or events on VACHS facilities.

2.3.7 Contractor personnel and property shall be subject to search and seizure upon entering and leaving the confines of VACHS facilities. The Contractor shall be responsible for assuring that all personnel authorized to perform work under this contract obtain facilities’ access as required. The Contractor shall provide to the COR a personnel roster listing. The Contractor shall always maintain an updated listing. New employees shall comply with the minimum requirements listed in this PWS. Contractor access to the VA facilities shall be exclusively for work in connection with this contract.

2.3.8 Contractor is responsible for the supervision of all their employees while on government property. It is the Contractor's responsibility to assure compliance with this PWS and requirements referenced in this contract. Provisions provided in the PWS are not intended to relieve the Contractor of this responsibility.

2.3.9 Contractor personnel may be required to interrupt their work at any time so as riot to interfere, with the normal functioning of the facility, including utility services, fire protection systems, and passage of facility patients, personnel, equipment, and carts.

2.3.10 All work shall comply with the Joint Commission Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) requirements. To comply with JCAHO requirement a written confirmation will be provided that employees are competent to perform the task as described in this Performance Work Statement. This written confirmation shall specify in which areas each contract employees are competent.

2.3.11 The contractor personnel must possess the required Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training and certifications to provide the services requested in this PWS. The contractor shall assume full responsibility and liability for compliance with all applicable regulations pertaining to the health and safety of personnel during the execution of work.

2.3.12 Health and Safety. The contractor and its subcontractors, if any, shall comply with Public Law 91-596, Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). In addition, the contractor shall comply with 29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, 29 CFR 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, and all other applicable federal, state, and local requirements for protecting the safety of the contractor's employees, building occupants and the environment. All applicable standards of the OSHA shall be followed when working in accordance with this project.

2.3.13 Occupants Safety. The contractor shall take all safety precautions and safety measurement necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the building and user of the equipment. No process or materials shall be employed in such a manner that they will introduce additional hazards into occupied space. In addition, shall have in place and be responsible of enforcing it, a safety program/procedure, which shall be followed by their employees in the performance of their duties.

2.3.13.1 In performance of this contract, the Contractor shall follow Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) Directive 7710, Occupational Safety and Health, for safe work practices. The Contractor shall comply with VACHS smoking policy, which designates all space as non-smoking areas.

2.3.13.2 The contractor shall use established roadways and have to schedule the delivery of materials and equipment. The contractor shall exercise caution when transporting materials to working areas, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State or local law or regulation.

2.3.14 The Contractor is responsible to identify, provide and maintain all personal protective equipment (PPE) required to perform the duties outlined in the contract. In addition, the contractor is responsible for identifying and providing all applicable safety programs (i.e., lockout/tag out, universal precautions, etc.) required to perform the work. Training on required safety programs and the proper use of PPE's shall be provided, and documentation maintained by the contractor.

2.3.15 The Contractor shall adhere to all applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Safety Codes, American National Standards (ANSI), Joint Commission Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and all other regulatory requirements.

2.3.16 Materials and Equipment. All materials to be used in this contract, shall be in accordance with the Environmental Requirements section within this PWS. Contractor shall take very precaution to ensure that environmentally friendly products are used.

2.3.16.1 All necessary equipment/materials including but not limited to: power tools, power operated equipment such as: lawnmower, tractors, sweepers with vacuum dust control system, edge trimmer, string trimmer, hand tools such as garden hoe, trash bags, brooms, weeding fork, garden trowel, hand fork, manual and electrical cleaning equipment, products, vacuum cleaners, buffers, housekeeping cart, etc. needed for the performance of the work of this contract shall be furnished by the contractor and need to be readily available. Such equipment shall be of the size and type customarily used in the work of this kind and shall meet the approval of the COR. Equipment deemed to be of improper type or design or inadequate for the purpose intended shall be replaces.

2.3.16.2 Contractor’s vehicles shall be used for their designated purpose only; in operable condition and shall meet all local, state and federal safety regulations; operated in accordance with al medical center traffic regulations; identified by company name and logo.

2.3.16.3 Operational scissor lift or man lift shall have appropriate certification for usage and personnel that operates the equipment have to be trained and comply with all regulations.

2.3.16.4 All equipment must be properly guarded and meet all applicable OSHA standards. Equipment shall be used only for their intended purpose.

2.3.16.5 All electrical equipment shall be self-grounded using three (3) loners with ground plug, Hospital Grade 20 amp. Electrically operated equipment shall be equipped with hospital quiet motors, be third wire grounded and be equipped with an appropriate length of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved three conductor cords. The cord shall be permanently attached to the machine. The contractor equipment shall be compatible with existing sources of Government furnished electrical power. Certification by an Electrical Engineer shall be submitted to comply with all safety standards.

2.3.16.6 Equipment Repairs. No major equipment repairs shall be conducted in the government facilities.

2.3.17 Injury or Accident Reporting. The Contractor shall maintain an accurate record of accidents resulting in injury or death and accidents resulting in damage to government property, supplies, and equipment.

2.3.18 As defined by OSHA, EPA, ANSI, and all other regulatory requirements any incident of a major malfunction, accident or injury, a written report shall be submitted by the Contractor to VACHS within five (5) working days following the incident. The report shall state the cause, what, where and when and why the incident happened and the repairs and tests that were or are to be made to correct the cause of the incident.

2.4 Environmental Requirements.

2.4.1 Executive Orders (EOs) 13990, Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis and 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability applies to this service. A copy of EO 13990 can be found at the Federal Register webpage at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01765/protecting-public-health-and-the-environment-and-restoring-science-to-tackle-the-climate-crisis; EO 14057 can be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/12/13/2021-27114/catalyzing-clean-energy-industries-and-jobs-through-federal-sustainability.

2.4.2 Environmental Compliance. The Contractor shall comply with all federal, state, local and facility environmental laws, rules and plans.

2.4.3 Pesticides, Herbicides, and other Chemicals. The contractor shall provide prior to initial application of pesticides the labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) of all pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals to be used, and brand names of pesticide application equipment, rodent bait boxes, insect and rodent trapping devices, pest monitoring devices, pest surveillance and detection equipment, and any other pest control devices or equipment that may be used to provide service. SDS for new chemicals shall be furnished concurrently with arrival of the chemical on site. Contractor shall maintain the SDS in a location accessible to all employees and shall advise the COR of their location. The contractor shall not apply any pesticide product that has not been approved by the COR. Products shall not contain the selective herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or products containing this herbicide are not to be used on the facility grounds. Contractor personnel should not enter facility elevators that are occupied by food service equipment while having in their possession pesticide or application equipment.

2.4.4 Contractor personnel shall utilize pesticide and other chemicals with as low volatility and as odor free as possible in order to avoid odor levels affecting patients and visitors. Nonchemical control alternatives shall be considered before chemical use.

2.4.5 The contractor shall not use any material that the Contracting Officer and/or COR determines would be unsuitable for the purpose of harmful to any part of the building, its contents, equipment, or person occupying for the building. Protect the health as well as the environment, by minimizing use of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides) plant selection emphasizes native plants and ornamental plant to prevent pest and the use of harmful chemicals. Pest, weed, and disease problems that arise are managed through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring the approved products and materials are properly stored and used for their intended purpose and cause no harm to humans and/or building materials.

2.4.6 All containers holding chemicals and/or cleaning solutions shall be properly labeled with the name and strength of the agent therein.

2.4.7 The materials shall not be corrosive nor primary skin irritants, nor be considered a flammable substance as defined by OSHA standards. All flammable liquids shall be handled, stored, and used in accordance with NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. Materials to be used on this contract shall meet Federal, State and/or local codes.

2.4.7.1 The materials shall not contain ammonium, butol, carcinogen, asphyxiant, caustics (acid based), nor para-tertiary product. The Contractor shall give preference to floor finishes and floor maintenance products that are free of metals, such as zinc, arsenic, lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, nickel, or selenium.

2.4.8 The contractor shall use green cleaning products and processes including, but not limited to products containing recycled content, environmentally preferable products and equipment, vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration, bio-based products and equipment that minimize the use of energy, water, and other resources.

2.4.9 Energy and Water Conservation. Conservation is a planned and organized approach designed to conserve energy in our buildings and reduce our dependency on non-renewable sources of energy. Contractor shall ensure that work under this contract is performed in a manner that conserves energy and other Government resources. Contractor shall take the necessary steps through training, communication, and implementing appropriate procedures in their use of energy consuming equipment. This will ensure that their employees are assisting the VACHS in conserving energy.

2.4.9.1 Water faucets or valves shall be turned off after the required usage has been completed.

2.5 Physical Security. The Contractor shall protect existing buildings, facilities, utilities, vegetation, and equipment during working period and shall be responsible for any damages resulting from operation and/or execution of this contract. The Contractor shall conduct his operations to cause the least possible interference with normal operations of the government because the facilities will remain in operation during the entire maintenance period.

2.5.1 Contractor shall remove trees when specifically authorized to do and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performances, or by the careless operation of equipment, or by workmen, the contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut and paint the cut with a tree pruning compound as directed by the CO.

2.5.2 Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities at or near the work site and on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the contractor. The contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing work. If the contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the CO may have the necessary work performed and charged the cost to the contractor.

2.5.3 The contractor shall keep roads, walks and entrances to buildings, parking and occupied areas clear of equipment, debris and materials as not interfere with the Medical Center traffic, pedestrians, and/or work being done by others. The contractor shall receive prior authorization from the COR before closing an area to perform a service.

2.5.4 Historic Preservation. Contractor shall notify immediately to the COR verbally and written the discovery of any possible archeological, historical and or cultural resources.

2.6 Liability and Responsibility for Damaged Property.

2.6.1 Damage to Government Property. The contractor shall be held responsible for cleaning up all spillage and/or leakage at no additional cost to the government. The contractor shall be held liable for damage or destruction of Government property (e.g., buildings, vehicles, sidewalks, fences, etc.) caused by the contractor, contractor personnel or representatives of the contractor in the performance of services on this contract. The contractor shall submit their damage report to the COR within 24 hours of damage and shall include the repairs and corrective action plan, as applicable. If the contractor fails to take the required corrective action, the government retains the right to exercise other rights or remedies available to the CO.

2.6.2 Damage to Privately-Owned Property. The Contractor shall be held liable for damage or destruction of privately owned property (e.g., privately owned vehicles), as defined in this PWS, caused by the contractor, contractor personnel or representatives of the contractor in the performance of services in this contract. The contractor shall take corrective action within 5 working days to repair damages or replace destroyed property. Contractor shall purchase and always maintain a general third-party liability insurance policy of not less than $500,000 per event coverage (See FAR Clause 52.228-5).

2.6.3 Damage Reports. The contractor shall submit a damage report to the CO and designated representative within 24 hours of damage or destruction to government property or privately owned property caused by the contractor, contractor personnel or representatives of the contractor. The damage report shall detail the facts and the extent of damages or destruction, and the corrective action taken by the contractor to repair damages or replace destroyed property.

2.7 Fraud, waste, and abuse. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining proper conduct and good discipline within Contractor occupied work area(s). Contractor personnel shall be encouraged to be alert to and report suspected situations of fraud, waste, and abuse, or other intentionally dishonest conduct against the government observed during or in the performance of this contract. The contractor lines of communication are with the COR and the CO.

2.8 Influenza vaccine.

2.8.1 “Flu Shot” is mandatory for all VHA employees and contractors as per VHA Directive 1192.0. Contractor shall provide a list of employees under contract performance with their vaccination compliance. This requirement is to be submitted annually. Employees and Contractors who are not vaccinated as per authorized exclusions on VHA Directive are to be documented as such and always required to wear healthcare face mask while on VHA premises.

2.9 Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.

2.9.1 Contractor employees who work in or travel to VHA locations must comply with the following:

2.9.1.1 Documentation requirements:

2.9.1.1.1 If fully vaccinated, shall show proof of vaccination.

NOTE: Acceptable proof of vaccination includes a signed record of immunization from a health care provider or pharmacy, a copy of the COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (CDC Form MLS-319813_r, published on September 3, 2020), or a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination.

2.9.1.1.2 If unvaccinated and granted a medical or religious exception, shall show negative COVID-19 test results dated within three calendar days prior to desired entry date. Test must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use or full approval. This includes tests available by a doctor’s order or an FDA approved over-the-counter test.

2.9.1.1.3 Documentation cited in this section shall be digitally or physically maintained on each contractor employee while in a VA facility and is subject to inspection prior to entry to VA facilities and after entry for spot inspections by Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) or other hospital personnel.

2.9.1.1.4 Documentation will not be collected by the VA; contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

2.9.2 Contractor employees are subject to daily screening for COVID-19 and may be denied entry to VA facilities if they fail to pass screening protocols. As part of the screening process contractors may be asked screening questions found on the COVID-19 Screening Tool. Check regularly for updates.

2.9.2.1 Contractor employees who work away from VA locations, but who will have direct contact with VA patients shall self-screen utilizing the COVID-19 Screening Tool, in advance, each day that they will have direct patient contact and in accordance with their person or persons who coordinate COVID-19 workplace safety efforts at covered contractor workplaces. Contractors shall, at all times, adhere to and ensure compliance with federal laws designed to protect contractor employee health information and personally identifiable information.

2.9.3 Contractor must immediately notify their COR or Contracting Officer if contract performance is jeopardized due to contractor employees being denied entry into VA Facilities.

2.9.4 All contractors’ employees and its representative, to include subcontractors, are required to wear surgical masks face covering during their time at the VACHS.

2.9.5 Vendors that are located outside of Puerto Rico must comply with the entry requirements established by the Government of Puerto Rico and by VACHS to access the hospital premises. Requirements may vary; therefore, the contractor shall comply with the stringent one.

2.10 Addition and/or removal of work areas and services. VA reserves the right to add and/or remove locations within this contract. All changes, if any, will be made via a supplemental agreement to the contract.

2.10.1 VACHS will be constructing of a new multi- level parking garage building. The proposed parking structure is anticipated to be seven (7) floors accommodating approximately (seven hundred fifty-two) 752 cars. Upon knowledge of the Beneficial Occupancy Date (BOD) of the new multi-level garage building, a supplemental agreement will be issued to remove several services from this requirement. The projected beneficial occupancy date is by mid-2025.

3.0 Performance Requirements. The following section specifies the Performance Objectives and Performance Elements for the contract.

3.1 Contractor shall provide grounds maintenance and related services for all exterior space located within VACHS premises, in a manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees shrubs, plants and all other related services and present a clean, neat and professional appearance. The work area consists of approximately 25.8 acres, 1,335,122 ft2; 155 trees; 88 palm trees; 334,000 sq ft lawn area; 6,345 sf planting area; 6,000 lineal feet sidewalk.

3.1.1 The services required weeding, cultivating, trimming, pruning, mowing, edging, application of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, cleaning of temporary offices, sidewalks, stairs including but not limited to the following areas: Lawn and garden care, Flower beds/planters, Interior plants/planters, Tree and Shrubs maintenance, Fences, Install sod, Plant perennial flowers and accent plants, Plant trees and shrubs, Tree trimming and pruning, Mulch bedding areas, Fertilize and add soil amendments, Integrated Pest Management, Exterior Stairways, Fountains, Patios, Courtyard, Terraces, Loading Docks, Guard Booths, Trailers, Entrances, Driveways, Roads, Sidewalks (all stairs, ramps leading to all entry ways), Pedestrian bridges, Electrical Substation area, Chiller plant, Electrical Distribution, Generator bank access area, Gas station tank area, Cistern water top area, Interior/exterior/terrace/parking garage planters/pots programs, ISO tanks, Hert Trailers, SBT Terrace and Ceiling, Main Building Entrance Roof, CLC Terrace and plaza cleaning including ceilings, Subbasement Cleaning, Electronic Building including warehouse and stairs.

3.1.2 The Government will not be responsible for any error or variation in the square footage listed above. The contractor is responsible for verifying the square footage by means of a proper site visit and shall be responsible with the intent of the areas covered in this contract.

3.2 Initial Assessment and Schedule. The Contractor shall complete an initial assessment of all areas within five (5) working days of the contract effective date. The purpose of initial inspection is to evaluate need and to identify problem areas, structural features, or management practices that may impact in the services required to be performed. The Contractor shall provide in writing the final assessment and work plan, and projected schedules. The written assessment plan shall be provided to the government within five (5) working days after the assessment is completed.

3.2.1 Scheduling. A task and frequency schedule of grounds maintenance should be developed, and the indicated time frames should be the minimum basis for the scheduling of the tasks. The contractor will submit the work scheduling of the services that should be performed and submitted to the CO/COR. Designed areas for working space, materials storage and routes of access must be agreed upon by CO/COR. The services shall be scheduled so as to be performed on definite appointed days and in no event shall be carried on outside the agreed schedule without prior approval of the COR.

3.2.2 If severe weather conditions become unsuitable for work or may induce an environmental hazard, the work shall be rescheduled as to mutually agreed upon time. Postponement due to severe weather conditions will not reflect any penalties to contractor.

3.2.3 Cleanliness of all grounds is required even on days on which it is raining. Normal rain is not sufficient cause to delay performance of tasks.

3.3 Lawn Care Services.

3.3.1 Contractor shall maintain the growth of grass height on improved grounds between 1 to 2 inches depending upon the type of grass. Grass clippings shall be removed or mulched when after mowing. The height is a guideline for a neat and professional appearance. All improved grounds shall always look well-manicured. The contractor shall fertilize the grass, over seeding, and/or place pod/plugs when bare spots appear in the lawn areas.

3.3.1.1 The contractor shall mow the grass, taking precautions to prevent scalping, uneven mowing, rutting by equipment and damage to trees, shrubs, and sprinklers. The contractor will be responsible for repairing damages that occurred during mowing operations. This includes damage to turf, fences, structures, trees, and shrubs.

3.3.1.2 The contractor shall eliminate weeds in areas that are covered under mowing by manual, mechanical eradications, or chemicals, when necessary.

3.3.1.3 Contractor shall be responsible for mowing, trimming, edging, fertilizing, and watering grass within the grounds intervals and frequency as may be necessary to ensure it is maintained.

3.3.2 Trimming: grass and weeds shall be trimmed around trees, shrubs, fences, poles, posts, fire hydrants, signs, and buildings. This task shall be done in accordance with industry standards and best commercial practices. Trimming height shall match surroundings area grass heights. All areas shall be trimmed concurrent with mowing. Grass and weeds from trimming shall be removed and disposed the same day the service is performed.

3.3.2.1 Pleasing appearance of lawn skillfully blended into the landscape is to be maintained.

3.3.3 Edging: Sidewalks, driveways, other concrete or asphalt edges and curbs located in the improved areas shall be accomplished so that the grass does not extend over the edge of the walks, driveways, or curbs more than 1” inch and is not cut back from the edge of the walks more than 1” inch. Edging shall include removal of vegetation from cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and curbs. Contractor will sweep all sidewalks and driveways for clippings after each edging.

3.3.3.1 Expansion joints and cracks in traffic surfaces shall be treated to eliminate growth. Herbicides/pesticides shall not be used to control grass and weeds for edging and trimming operations.

3.3.4 Fence lines/vegetation control. The contractor shall remove and maintain free of vegetation the perimeter fence and all other interior fencing. The contractor shall cut and remove all vegetation, including undesirable weeds and vines, off the fence line and from top to the bottom of the fabric or mesh, barbed wire, and posts. Vegetation removal shall also include adjacent tree branches touching or overhanging the fence up to the height of 3 feet above the top of the fence outriggers. Special care shall be taken to protect desired plants in these fence areas.