36C26224Q0874_1.docx

Tree Trimming and Brush Clearance Performance Work Statement

GENERAL INFORMATION

Network Contracting Office 22 4811 Airport Plaza Drive Suite 600 Long Beach CA 90815

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Tracey Williams-Douglas tracey.williams-douglas@va.gov 562-766-2283

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

11301 Wilshire Blvd

Los Angeles CA

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

Tree Trimming and Brush Clearance Services for Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) – SOURCES SOUGHT and ANNOUNCEMENT of INDUSTRY DAY

1. Responses to this Sources Sought must be in writing. The purpose of this Sources Sought Announcement is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of businesses, including Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), interested and capable of providing Tree Trimming and Brush Clearance Services, per paragraph five (5) below, for the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.

2. The NAICS for this requirement is 561730 – Landscaping Services.

3. Interested and capable Contractors should respond to this notice not later than May 10, 2024 by providing the following via email only to Tracey.Williams-Douglas@va.gov.

a. Company Name:

b. Address:

c. Point of Contact:

d. Phone:

e. Fax:

f. Email:

g. Contractor’s Unique Entity ID:

Business size information

Select all that applies:

☐ Small Business ☐ Emerging Small Business ☐ Small Disadvantaged Business ☐ Certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act ☐ HubZone ☐ Woman Owned ☐ Certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business ☐ Veteran Owned Small Business

FSS/ GSA Contract Number

Effective Date / Expiration Date

Are you a Verified SDVOSB?

Expiration date:

Contractor’s Unique Entity ID:

Yes ☐ No ☐

(f) A capability statement that addresses the organization’s qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor specifically for the work described in paragraph 5 below. Respondents are also encouraged to provide specific examples (e.g., contract number, point of contact information) of the Contractor’s experience providing the same or similar supplies/services to that described in paragraph 5 below.

4. SDVOSB/VOSB respondents.

(a) SDVOSB/VOSB respondents are encouraged to provide proof of registration in the Veteran Information Pages at https://www.va.gov/osdbu/. Further, SDVOSB and VOSB Contractors are asked to acknowledge that they understand the limitations on sub-contracting pursuant to FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Sub-Contracting, which will be included in the impending solicitation. Further SDVOSB/VOSB contractors are asked to respond that they can provide the requested services keeping within the parameters of this clause.

(b) SDVOSB/VOSBS are also advised that per 13 CFR, § 125.6 the prime contractor's limitations on subcontracting are as follows:

5. Required Services. Please see attached Draft SOW. The Contractor shall furnish all necessary and appropriate labor, materials, supplies and equipment to successfully perform all landscape maintenance services at 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073.

6. Estimated Period of Performance start date: 08/01/2024.

7. Please note that if VA’s pending market research establishes that two or more VOSB or SDVOSB, who are certified in VA’s Vendor Information Pages (VIP) can perform the required services, the VA will set aside the underlying solicitation per 38 U.S.C. §8127.

Sources Sought Notice Sources Sought Notice --End of Sources Sought Announcement—

Sources Sought Notice

1. Contract Title: Tree Trimming/Pruning, Dead/Disease Tree Removal, Brush Clearance, and Debris Removal Services.

2. Place of Performance: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073

3. Introduction: The Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 22, Network Contracting Office (NCO) intends to establish an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide all tree trimming/pruning, dead/diseased tree removal as required and shrub/brush debris removal at Veteran Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare Systems (VAGLAHS). The purpose of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to outline the tasks and responsibilities of the contractor in providing tree trimming/pruning of all trees including Palms, dead/diseased tree removal and brush clearance as required for the Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS).

4. Scope: The Contractor shall provide all supplies, labor, tools, materials, waste bins and equipment necessary to accomplish tree trimming, tree removal and brush removal which includes disposal of waste and debris. The Contractor shall have their Arborist review and certify all work to be accomplished before and after tree trimming or removal. The Tree Trimming Zones/brush clearance Zones outline is a part of the PWS for the VA 388-acre campus. The Tree Trimming Zone outline is a part of the PWS.

5. Period of Performance: This requirement is for a base year plus four (4) option years. Estimated Base Year Period of Performance is 08/01/2024 – 07/31/2025.

6. Qualifications: The Contractor shall be C61 and D49 (C61-Speciality Class; D-49 Tree Service) licensed by the state of California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractor’s State License Board. Contractor shall provide all supplies, labor, tools, materials, waste bins and equipment necessary to accomplish tree trimming, tree removal and brush removal which includes disposal of waste and debris. The Contractor shall have an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified Arborist review and certify all work to be accomplished before and after tree trimming or removal.

NOTE: Response must confirm licensure or will be able to obtain licensure by 07/01/2024.

7. Specific Tasks: VAGLAHS has broken down specific zones where tree trimming, and brush clearance shall be performed. The Contractor shall submit an itemized proposal for each zone. The VA will provide zone maps at the time of the site walk/visit. All zones will be included in the final award therefore it is important that contractor/s submit one proposal per zone itemizing each requirement. Each proposal for the zones will be evaluated based on complete information for work that will be accomplished. The contractor shall provide all professional advice/guidance, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel, to provide these services.

7.1. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that all pruning cuts shall be made just outside the collar or shoulder ring (branch bark ridge/swollen trunk collar) close to parent stem so that healing can readily start under normal conditions.

7.2. The contractor shall be responsible to ensure that when reducing the tree height and spread, he/she shall retain the natural shape of the tree by removing the entire lateral branches back to their point of origin also known as thinning.

7.3. The contractor shall be responsible to ensure that all limbs do not split. All branches and/or tree material 3 ½” in diameter or larger shall be lowered by proper lowering methods, such as using ropes and methods that will not cause damage/injury to tree and workers.

7.4. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that all trees shall be pruned and shaped to retain the trees natural crown characteristics and patterns.

7.5. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that all trees shall have the live branches removed to permit penetration of sunlight and circulation of air through the canopy in conjunction to the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics, and growth patterns.

7.6. The contractor shall be responsible to ensure care when removing living and/or dead crossed or rubbing branches, where practicable, so the removal will not leave large holes in the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the tree.

7.7. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that, when pruning trees known to be diseased or susceptible to diseases, tools are disinfected with alcohol after each cut and between trees, where there is known to be danger of transmitting the disease on the tools.

7.8. The Contractor shall be responsible for reporting to the COR all of the following conditions: when old scars are not healing properly; where callus growth is not already established; visible girding roots, and when there are any structural weaknesses such as but not limited to decayed trunk or branches, and split trunk/branch crotches.

7.9. The following methods of pruning are NOT acceptable therefore, the contractor shall be responsible to ensure that these methods are never performed: topping, stubbing, de-horning, and pollarding.

7.10. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that in lifting the bottom branches of the trees for under clearance, care shall be given to symmetrical appearance, esthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the trees.

7.11. In general, the Contractor shall ensure when reducing the size of a tree and with respect to retaining the tree’s natural crown characteristics and patterns, not more than 1/4 of the total area shall be reduced at a single operation, unless instructed in writing to do so by the COR.

7.12. The contractor shall be required to dispose of all debris and other waste materials generated by his/her work at a licensed off-site landfill or recycling center, unless otherwise directed in writing by the Contracting Officer. NOTE: The Government will NOT provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

7.13. The Contractor will take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to trees while performing pruning. The use of climbing spikes is prohibited, unless prior permission is obtained from the COR and VA Safety Office in writing, determination will be on a tree-by-tree basis. This permission will only be granted in cases where there are no other means to access the work to be performed, as determined by the COR.

7.13.1. Several species protected under the City of Los Angeles Native Tree Protection Ordnance number 177404 occur on the West Los Angeles VA Campus in various locations. The VA shall provide a site plan where protective native trees are located at time of award. Prior to any work involving protected species, the Contractor shall be required to document the Health of these trees and submit their action plan for pruning/trimming. Protected species known to exist are California Bay (1), California Live Oak (10), Engelmann Oak (1) Western Sycamore (39)

7.14. Clean Up: The Contractor shall dispose of all waste materials off the facility grounds. At the COR’s request, Mulch or wood chips may be used by the VA as directed by the COR to reduce waste going to landfill. Waste and debris shall be removed off facility grounds in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations.

8. General Parameters: The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that all work be done in a manner that safeguards all VA visitors, employees, and the public. The Contractor shall be throughout this PWS solely responsible for any and all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees. Furthermore, the Contractor and his/her employees shall have a clear understanding of, and be sensitive to, such environmental issues as contamination, local wildlife, etc., and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

8.1. The contractor shall be responsible for cleaning any structures that are soiled or stained as a result of contractor’s performance. The contractor shall clean up and/or wash-down with detergent water all soiled or stained structures and grounds at the end of each workday. No hazardous chemicals are to be used at any time on Government Property. The contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

8.2. At the end of each day the contractor shall remove all debris from the site resulting from the work, unless otherwise specified by the COR. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. NOTE: The Government shall NOT provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

8.3. Adequate warning devices, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor for the protection, safety, and warning of all pedestrians and vehicular traffic within any area/s the Contractor is at work. The Contractor shall be required to obtain any city permits for any work requiring such permits (for example city street closures (full or partial) overhead utilities.

8.4. The Government may undertake or award other contracts for unrelated facility work at or near the site of work for this contract. Hours work may be performed is Monday – Saturday 7:00am – 4:00pm, excluding Government holidays. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with any other Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, and any directions or instruction if needed, it shall be provided by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for reporting to the COR any problems or questions that may arise with any other personnel on site during the period of performance of this contract. The contractor shall not take it upon him or herself to resolve any problems or issues with other on-site contractors or employees, but rather will leave it to the COR to resolve the issue.

8.5. The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except when authorized in writing by the COR.

8.6. Contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure, and stability at all times.

8.7. The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items.

8.8. Electricity and water will be furnished by the Government.

8.9. The COR may designate an area for the contractor to use or store a limited number of supplies or equipment, if available.

8.10. The Contractor may be required to perform work on weekend in areas where traffic and daily patient/visitor/staff activity will impede work to be performed in a safe manner.

8.11. Emergency work to remove fallen limbs and trees will part of the Contractors responsibility. Response to emergency work shall be within 24 hours of notification.

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