36C78618Q0351-004.pdf

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. DUNS: DUNS+4:

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. 2/2012)

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

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

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

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 94

8658-000004

36C78618Q0351 06-18-2018

Anthony Q. Hawley anthony.hawley@va.gov 540-658-7211 07-09-2018

4PM

X 100

X

Y

561730

$7.5 Million

N/A

Department of Veterans Affairs

National Cemetery Administration

Nashville National Cemetery

1420 Gallatin Pike South

Madison TN 37115

43C1

NCA Contracting Service

75 Barrett Heights Road, Suite 309

Stafford VA 22556

Financial Services Center

P.O. Box 149971 www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campai

AIRS/ TX 78714-8971

See CONTINUATION Page

The Nashville National Cemetery has a need for Grounds and

Headstone Maintenance Services. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, and supervision to ensure that Grounds and Headstone Maintenance Services are performed in a manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout the cemetery grounds.

Proposals Due: July 09, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. (EST)

Questions shall be emailed to anthony.hawley@va.gov by

5:00 p.m. (EST) Thursday July 05, 2018.

CONTRACTOR NAME/POC:

CONTRACTOR DUNS NUMBER:

CONTRACTOR EMAIL ADDRESS:

CONTRACTOR PHONE NUMBER:

SUBMIT PROPOSAL VIA VA eCMS VENDOR PORTAL WEBSITE AT

HTTPS://WWW.VENDORPORTAL.ECMS.VA.GOV

THIS IS A 100% SET ASIDE FOR SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED

SMALL BUSINESSES (SDVOSB).

See CONTINUATION Page

X X mailto:anthony.hawley@va.gov

SOLICITATION #: 36C78618Q0351

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (JAN 2017)

C.2 SBA ACT 8(d) (13) (B)

C.3 DIGNITY CLAUSE FOR NCA CONTRACTS

C.4 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017) .. 43

C.5 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.6 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

C.7 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.8 52.216-21 REQUIREMENTS (OCT 1995)

C.9 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.10 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.11 VAAR 852.203-71 DISPLAY OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS HOTLINE

POSTER (DEC 1992)

C.12 VAAR 852.219-10 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (JUL 2016)(DEVIATION)

C.13 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2012)

C.14 VAAR 852.237-70 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES (APR 1984)

C.15 VAAR 852.246-70 GUARANTEE (JAN 2008)

C.16 VAAR 852.246-71 INSPECTION (JAN 2008)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 ATTACHMENT 1 – WAGE DETERMINATIONS AND REQUESTS – SERVICE CONTRACT

ACT (SCA) – NASHVILLE NATIONAL CEMETERY (MADISON, TN (DAVIDSON COUNTY)

D.2 ATTACHMENT 1 – PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (FEB 2012)

E.2 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2015)

E.3 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JUL 2013)

E.4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.5 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.6 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (JAN

2008)

E.7 VAAR 852.270-1 REPRESENTATIVES OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS (JAN 2008)

E.8 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

E.9 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

ITEMS (NOV 2017)

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

All contract administration matters will be handled by the following:

CONTRACTOR:

GOVERNMENT:

National Cemetery Administration Contracting Service (43C1) 75 Barrett Heights Road, Suite 309 Stafford, VA 22556

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

[X] 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - Other Than System for Award Management

2. INVOICES:

A. Invoices shall be submitted in arrears for cumulative work performed no more frequently than weekly within thirty (30) calendar days after the contractor has completed the work and the Government has accepted the items/services rendered.

B. Invoices shall be submitted electronically.

C. Contractors shall not invoice for single orders of a shipment. Shipments will be invoiced for the complete shipment when completed and accepted by the Government.

D. Required Contents of Invoice: If any information below is missing from an invoice, the invoice shall be subject to being rejected and returned for revision.

• Contractor Information (Name, Complete Address, Telephone Number)

• Date of Invoice

• Unique Invoice Number

• Each invoice may be submitted only once. If the need exists to submit a corrected invoice, the original invoice number should be noted with “COR” added at the end of the invoice number on the revised invoice. Where possible, CORRECTED INVOICE shall be clearly noted

• Contract/Purchase Order Number (Only one contract/purchase order may be included on each invoice submitted)

• Shipment Number (If there is not enough space on an invoice, an attachment to the invoice shall list the Shipment Number(s)

• Cemetery Name

• Unit Cost

• Total Dollar Amount Invoiced

• Certificate of Conformance o This certifies that (Contractor’s Name) furnished the above listed supplies or services called for by the above listed purchase order number in accordance with all applicable requirements. We further certify that the supplies or services are the quality specified and conform in all respects with the contract requirements.

3. 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.

Financial Services Center (FSC)

P.O. Box 149971 Austin, Texas 78714 www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaiAIRS/

4. SOLICITATIONS: Proposals for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the address specified in Block 9 of SF 1449, or if hand carried, to the address shown in block 9, until the date and time specified in Block 8. CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See provision 52.212-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions of this solicitation.

5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS:

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

AMENDMENT NUMBER DATE

6. MISSING PAGES: It is the responsibility of the offeror to examine this solicitation to verify that he or she has received all pages. In addition, in compiling this package, some pages may have been duplicated. If the offeror feels that pages are missing or duplicated, the offeror is encouraged to contact the Contracting Officer at the telephone number shown in Block 7B, Standard Form 1449, Solicitation / Contract / Order for Commercial Items.

7. ORDER PROCESSING SEQUENCE: The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery

Administration, Contracting Service (43C1), is the only activity authorized to issue orders under this contract.

8. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTOR(S): Prospective awardees MUST be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM )at http://www.sam.gov , PRIOR TO AWARD and through final payment, and must complete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://www.sam.gov prior to award and through final payment.

CONTRACT WILL NOT BE AWARDED UNTIL SAM REGISTRATION HAS BEEN

COMPLETED. This is a 100% SDVOSB set-aside. Therefore, prospective awardees MUST also be registered within the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) and the Verification Case Management System (VCMS) via www.vip.vetbiz.gov (VetBiz.Gov) PRIOR TO AWARD.

9. GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:

Holidays observed by the Federal Government (The contractor is not required to work on Federal Holidays):

New Year’s Day January 1st

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Third Monday in January

President’s Day Third Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Independence Day July 4th

Labor Day First Monday in September

Columbus Day Second Monday in October

Veterans Day November 11

Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day December 25

If a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as the legal holiday.

When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a legal holiday http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaiAIRS/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.vip.vetbiz.gov/ by U.S. Government agencies. Also included would be any day specifically declared by the President of the United States of America as a national holiday.

10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS:

Contract Type: This solicitation is for a Requirements Contract in accordance with FAR

16.503. Attention should be directed to FAR Clauses 52.216-18 “Ordering” and 52.216- 19 “Order Limitations”, which are a part of this solicitation/contract.

Non-Personal Services Contract: The services provided in the contract will involve non-personal services. The personnel rendering the services of the contract are not subject, either by contract terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees.

The pre-award question and answer period commences on June 18, 2018 and concludes on July 05, 2018 by 5:00 P.M. (EST). Email questions to anthony.hawley@va.gov

To maintain this procurement’s integrity, Nashville National Cemetery Staff should only be contacted during the designated site-visit dates and times only. Contacts made to any Cemetery Staff outside of these periods and/or prior to contract award shall result in the rejection of your offer. No additional written questions or inquiries will be accepted after July 05, 2018. No telephone calls will be accepted.

SITE VISITS: Offerors are encouraged and expected to visit and inspect the site where services are to be performed, prior to submitting their quote. FAR Provision 52.237-1 “Site Visit” is a part of this solicitation. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

SITE VISITS shall be conducted between:

o DATES: June 26, 2018 to June 28, 2018 o TIMES: Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. (CST) ONLY o LOCATION: Nashville National Cemetery – Administration Building, 1420

Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115.

IMPORTANT: ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS/QUOTERS MUST CONTACT MR.

CHARLES ARNOLD (PHONE NUMBER: 423-855-6590, EMAIL:

CHARLES.ARNOLD2@VA.GOV) OR MR. WILLIAM CATOE (PHONE NUMBER: 423-

855-6590, EMAIL: WILLIAM.CATOE@VA.GOV) TO SET UP A SITE VISIT

APPOINTMENT DURING THE AFOREMENTIONED SITE-VISIT DATES LISTED

ABOVE. AN APPOINTMENT MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT

THE CEMETERY.

NOTE – Potential Bidders/Quoters will not be allowed to conduct unscheduled site visits/tours before or after the designated solicitation site-visit timeframes for the duration of the pre-solicitation, solicitation, and pre-award phases through contract award.

mailto:anthony.hawley@va.gov mailto:CHARLES.ARNOLD2@VA.GOV mailto:WILLIAM.CATOE@VA.GOV

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

The Nashville National Cemetery, located at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115 has a need for Grounds and Headstone Maintenance Services. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that Grounds and Headstone Maintenance Services are performed in a manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout the cemetery grounds. The Period of Performance of this requirement is as follows:

BASE PERIOD: Date of Award through September 30, 2018 OPTION YEAR 1: October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 OPTION YEAR 2: October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 OPTION YEAR 3: October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 OPTION YEAR 4: October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022

All work shall be performed during normal working hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except with the written permission of the Contracting Officer’s Representative(s) COR(s). Work may also be required during designated Federal Holidays and on weekends.

In the event climate or weather conditions become unsuitable for work or may induce an environmental hazard, work shall be rescheduled to a date and time satisfactory to the Contractor, COR, and Cemetery Management. Postponement due to climate or weather conditions shall not be cause for penalties to the Contractor nor additional costs to the Government.

The Contractor shall phase all work in such a manner as not to impact on or interfere with cemetery operations. Contractor shall cease work within 100 yards of any committal service in progress while performing under the contract. Contractor and contractor's employees shall cease work upon arrival of the funeral party at the committal shelter and shall not recommence operations until the funeral service is completed while performing under the contract. The COR may direct and arrange the contractor’s performance in specific areas of the cemetery to coordinate with the cemetery’s mowing operations and/or committal services.

Grounds Maintenance Services include but are not limited to:

1. Mowing

2. Trimming

3. Edging

4. Sunken Grave Repair

5. Leaf Collection

6. Grounds Cleanup, Trash & Debris removal

7. Fertilizing

8. Weed/Disease control

9. Fire Ant/Pest Control

10. Sodding/Seeding Gravesites

11. Mulching

12. Shrub and Tree Maintenance

BACKGROUND:

National cemeteries are a resting place for our nation's heroes and as such, the standards for management, maintenance, and appearance of these cemeteries have been established by the National Cemetery Administration to reflect this nation's concern and respect for those interred there. The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan, coordinate, organize, manage, and perform the activities described herein, which are required to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds.

The Nashville National Cemetery is comprised of 64.5 acres. The cemetery contains the remains of 36,703 veterans, spouses, and dependent children. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications is required as well as National Cemetery Administration standards.

The Southeast District (SED) Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Area Office, 1700 Clairmont Road., 4th Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4032, has the responsibility for the National Cemeteries. The administration of this contract will be by the Contracting Officer (CO). The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for the contract will be designated in a separate letter under the direction of the Director, Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tennessee.

CONTRACTOR STAFFING REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor shall supply a minimum of one (1) Grounds Employee and one (1) Site-Supervisor dedicated to performing all services outlined in this SOW.

Contractor employee work may be supplemented with additional employees to accomplish ALL Contract Line Items (CLINS) successfully in a timely manner if required.

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and shall administer disciplinary action as required. The Contractor shall remove employees for cause, to include, but not limited to, misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the best interests of the Government.

SITE SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS:

Site Supervisor: A competent and experienced English-speaking Site-Supervisor shall be provided by the Contractor at all times while work is being performed. The Site-Supervisor shall be knowledgeable in all areas of the contract and shall direct all work being performed as part of the contract and shall have direct supervision over all contractor employees. The Site Supervisor shall provide daily onsite quality control over all work performed as part of the contract. The Site -Supervisor shall have regular communication with the COR and shall submit daily, weekly, and monthly inspection reports to the COR.

The Site-Supervisor must have at least three (3) years of experience as a direct supervisor of grounds maintenance operations that include mowing, trimming, edging, and cleanup in industrial, commercial, or public sites. The Site-Supervisor shall ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained. Site-Supervisor shall prevent any disruption to the cemetery operations including funerals, visitor privacy, internal traffic, and utilities

EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS:

Contracted grounds maintenance employees must have at least 1-year of experience in landscaping maintenance operations, experience working on a National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance contract, or similar projects. Employees shall have demonstrated education or experience in turf grass maintenance, horticulture, and headstone maintenance. Employees shall be fully trained in safe equipment operations, proper turf grass maintenance techniques such as mowing and trimming, and Cemetery etiquette.

Employees applying herbicide shall be fully trained in safe application techniques and licensed with the State of Tennessee. The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. The Contractor shall be responsible to provide all labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines. The Contractor shall provide all necessary resources to complete the efforts assigned under the scope of this contract.

Employee Identification: The Contractor’s employees shall always wear visible Company and employee name identification while on the premises of the Cemetery.

Training: The Contractor shall also be responsible for training and safety precautions for Contractor employees performing work under these specifications. OSHA standards shall be observed by the Contractor in all work performed. Appropriate safety equipment shall be furnished by the Contractor to Contractor personnel and shall be used as prescribed by OSHA standards, including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection devices. The following OSHA and NFPA standards and codes are to be adhered to:

1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): 10-1998 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910 Safety and Health

Regulations for Personal Protection, Safety Color Codes, Portable Power Tools, Electrical Safety and Portable Electric Equipment.

3. Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT:

Contractor and Contractor personnel, to include all contractors’ temporary workers, shall be required to adhere to the following standards of dress and conduct while performing work in the National Cemetery.

These standards and regulations are enforceable under CFR-2017-Title 38 Vol 1- Sec 1-218: See Attachment A.

1. An approved uniform consists of:

Long slacks or pants and shirt, buttoned up from neck to waist. Shirt shall have company name and or logo and Employee name. Hats shall be plain or bear the company name or logo only.

Clothing shall be clean each day. Any soiled clothing should be cemetery work-related to that day. No ripped or torn clothing shall be worn. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited as are any garments which have a message or slogan affixed thereto. Shoes/boots shall have no holes or loose soles. Steel-toed shoes shall be required in accordance with OSHA requirements. Contractor employees shall maintain personal hygiene.

2. Contractor personnel must maintain a neat and professional appearance throughout the workforce, vehicles, equipment, and staging areas. Matching uniforms (pants and shirt, plus jacket in the cool season) for all employees are required- in addition to all state and federally mandated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliant protective gear.

3. Contractor personnel shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior or use profane or abusive language. Shall show proper reverence during committal services.

4. Contractor personnel shall not eat or drink beverages except water or non-alcoholic drinks while in work area nor in site of committal shelter during a service. Use of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited.

5. Contractor personnel shall not lean, sit or stand on or against headstones or monuments. No tools, equipment or other items shall be placed or leaned on headstones or monuments.

6. The only designated tobacco use areas for the Nashville National Cemetery is located by the maintenance building. All other areas to include all interment sections are designated as tobacco free, this includes vaping and all forms of electronic cigarettes.

PARKING, AND VA REGULATIONS:

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure his employees park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the COR at their own risk. The Cemetery will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor’s employees under any conditions. Tobacco use is prohibited inside any buildings at the Cemetery. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

The Government will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of Contractor items, nor shall free telephone service be provided. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities used by Contractor's employees.

A. The Government may allow the use of the maintenance building at the cemetery site for optional use by the Contractor to store supplies and equipment. However, the Government will not be responsible for any damage to or loss of the Contractor's equipment and supplies stored on the Government's premises. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. Should the maintenance building become unavailable, the Contractor will be given a minimum of 60 days from the notice of building unavailability to find storage off the cemetery grounds. The Contractor would then be responsible for delivering and removing all necessary equipment and supplies daily. Inability to use the maintenance building will in no way alter the contract.

B. While utilizing the maintenance building the contractor shall maintain the building to NCA Standards. Building and restrooms shall be cleaned daily and documented on required checklists that shall be maintained by the contractor and sent to the COR on a weekly basis. Daily Cleaning shall include sweeping the floor, emptying trash, removing cobwebs from all areas, sanitizing sinks, toilets and floors, cleaning mirrors, windows and glass tops and of the like etc. All items stored in service building shall be in a neat orderly safe fashion.

C. The Contractor shall be responsible for safely storing any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning solutions, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is required for all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and cleaning solutions.

D. Only the designated restroom facilities in maintenance shop will be available to Contractor personnel. Locations will be COR identified at time of contract award.

E. Electricity and water will be furnished by the Government except for any additional water needed other than on site water.

CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for any injury to themselves, their employees, or others, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by their or their employees’ fault or negligence. Further, it is agreed that any negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants and employees, shall not be the responsibility of the Contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting therefrom. The Contractor shall maintain workmen’s compensation, personal liability, automobile liability, and property damage insurance, as prescribed by the laws of the state of Tennessee, and in accordance with FAR 52.228-5, Section B. Evidence of coverage is required before commencing work under this contract (copy of Certificate of Insurance), and it may not be changed or cancelled without thirty calendar days prior written notice to the Contracting Officer.

INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

A. The Contractor shall perform a weekly inspection. During this inspection the appearance of the cemetery will be observed, and any deficiencies noted within the scope of the contract will be documented by the COR on a weekly inspection sheet. Any deficiencies or ratings of marginal or unsatisfactory noted in the weekly inspection sheet shall be corrected by the contractor within the following time:

a. Grounds Maintenance (i.e. mowing, removal of leaves and debris, sweeping or blowing off roads and walkways, trash removal– 2 business days after receipt of weekly inspection sheet.

b. Sunken Grave Repair – 5 business days after receipt of weekly inspection sheet. Any graves deemed safety hazards shall be secured for safety or repaired by close of the same business day noted.

B. Items that need correcting outside the scope of the contract will be reported to the Contracting

Officer or his representative.

C. The Contractor shall be required to submit inspection reports and work accomplished to the COR weekly. The inspection forms will document date, location and type of work completed, certification of inspection for quality control by site supervisor and weather or other issues.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER:

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall be under the supervision of the Foreman and Director, Chattanooga National Cemetery. Only the Contracting Officer can make changes in the scope of work. The Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to administration.

Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes, which will affect the price, quantity or delivery terms of this contract.

MAINTENANCE DURING CEMETERY FUNCTIONS:

Contractor personnel shall not operate motorized equipment or conduct other commercial activities during interment services. The COR or his/her representative shall furnish the Contractor with a schedule of all interments and/or ceremonies no later than the close of business of the day prior to the scheduled internment, and a minimum of three (3) days before any ceremonial events.

CONTRACTOR’S QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP):

(a) The Contractor shall establish and maintain a complete QCP to assure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. This QCP will be forwarded to the CO along with the requested initial proposal. The CO will review the QCP and list any needed clarifications, and return to Contractor for response, if necessary. The Contractor’s QCP shall include the following or have incorporated into during performance of contract, at a minimum:

(b) An inspection plan covering all services required by this contract. The inspection plan must specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis, how often inspections will be accomplished and documented, and the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspections.

(c) On-site records of all inspections conducted by the Contractor noting necessary corrective action taken. The Government reserves the right to request copies of any and/or each inspection.

(d) Incorporation of either active or established internal policy and procedures for updating equipment and procedures, that may affect performance of contract.

(e) The methods for identifying and preventing deficiencies in the quality of service performed, before the level of performance becomes unacceptable, and organizational functions noting intermediate supervisory responsibilities and overall management responsibilities for ensuring total acceptable performance.

(f) On-site records identifying the character, physical capabilities, certifications and ongoing training of each employee performing services under this contract.

(g) A log to account for all requests for immediate service. The log shall indicate the date and time of services, and description of results and completion of these services and a name and signature of the person inspecting and certifying the work as completed.

(h) On-site records of any complaints or problems, with procedures taken to allow for corrections and/or elimination before effects caused interruption of performance of contract.

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR)

a) The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) shall be issued when work is found to be below the Minimally Acceptable Level listed in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan or if found to be unsafe, or in violation of Contract Requirements.

b) The CDR will require the Contractor to explain in writing why performance was unacceptable, how performance will be returned to an acceptable level, and how recurrence of the problem will be prevented in the future. The Contractor will not be paid for services not rendered in accordance with the standards set forth in this contract.

c) If the Government created any of the discrepancies, these will not be counted against the Contractor's performance. When the Government has caused the Contractor to perform in an unsatisfactory manner, the COR will forward a written notice to the responsible organizational element requesting corrective action be taken.

d) Normally, the COR will verbally advise or give a written inspection report to the Contractor of discrepancies the first time they occur and ask the Contractor to correct the problem. A notation will be made on the COR checklist of the date and the time the deficiency was discovered and the date and time the Contractor was notified. Failure to correct discrepancies in the required time frame or repeated occurrences of discrepancies will result in issuance of a CDR.

e) When the Contractor is not meeting the limits of satisfactory performance, a CDR will be issued to the

Contractor. The seriousness of the failures should govern whether to issue CDR at the end of the period, or as soon as the limits of satisfactory performance are exceeded.

f) A CDR will be prepared by the COR and forwarded to the CO and Contractor.

g) The Contractor shall respond to any complaints and/or ratings of deficient performance within five (5) calendar days, after receipt of the report.

h) All visitor complaints deemed by the COR to require a written response to the Contractor, or administrative action, will be forwarded to the CO, as soon as possible, for action.

i) When a CDR is issued for a service, the Contracting Officer must deduct from the periodic payment, a percentage of that payment as indicated in the Performance of Work Requirements Summary as attached hereto.

j) If the Contractor does not achieve satisfactory performance by the end of the next period or agreed suspense date, another CDR will be issued and the appropriate amount deducted from the periodic payment.

k) A third CDR will be the cause for a Cure Notice. However, the Contracting Officer may issue a Cure

Notice at any time he/she deems appropriate. Depending on the overall performance of the Contractor, an unsatisfactory reply to the Cure Notice should require a Show Cause letter to be issued, followed by consideration of termination of the contract.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION:

Where the Contractor or any of the Contractor's employees, prior to, or during the service work, are advised of or discover any possible archeological, historical and/or cultural resources, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR verbally, and then with a written follow up.

SALES OF COMPANIES OR NAME CHANGES:

The Contractor, gaining award of the contract, shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing immediately upon entering an agreement (either oral or written) to sale or transfer all or part of its stock or other ownership interest to any other party. This Contractor shall also contact the Contracting Officer immediately in writing in the event a company name change will happen, with information as to the reasons and/or determinations causing this action.

STATEMENT OF WORK REQUIREMENTS

FERTILIZING, WEED AND PEST CONTROL

1. GENERAL

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements there under.

The contractor will provide a written turf management plan to the COR for approval by no later than April 15 of each year or within 2 weeks of award.

2. SCOPE

NCA STANDARD:

Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

Contractors shall be responsible for maintaining the turf area of the cemetery and the immediate area surrounding the cemetery in a healthy condition by proper application of fertilizers, chemicals (to control weeds, diseases and insect pests) and lime (if soil tests indicate it is needed). Turf in burial areas should be generally weed free. Pest and disease-free turf should cover at least 95 percent of the area. The turf is to be aerated in the spring. Approximately 62 acres of turf shall be treated.

3. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

A. The Contractor shall supply all necessary licenses, applicators, hoses and other equipment.

B. Herbicide and Pesticide applications over large areas shall be applied by machine designed to apply products in a safe and uniform manner. Blanket application of the Cemetery with a back-pack sprayer is not acceptable.

C. Fertilizer and lime are to be applied by a mechanical spreader designed to apply the product safely and uniformly.

D. The Contractor shall furnish all required chemicals, fertilizers and any other supplies. The

Contractor shall determine the necessary formulation of fertilizers and the required amount of lime as indicated by the soil tests.

E. Soil tests are obtained by the contractor annually and the results submitted with the Turf plan to the COR. Soil samples shall be sent to an accredited lab for analysis. Test results will show any deficiencies and the needed corrections.

4. PROCEDURE

A. The Contractor shall be responsible for taking all precautions to prevent damage to the cemetery, in any manner, including headstones, markers, monuments, flower vases, trees and other structures during maintenance operations. The Contractor shall be charged current replacement costs for headstones/markers, other cemetery structures, or property damaged as a result of actions by contractor personnel.

5. Fertilizer:

A. Fertilizer shall be applied based on the results and recommendations of a soil test for each section. The soil test will be conducted by the Contractor and will provide a copy of the results to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

B. Fertilizer shall be applied throughout the spring, summer and fall of each year per the soil sample recommendation and schedule, unless local practice indicates a more favorable time.

C. There shall be (5) applications per year unless prohibitive due to dry weather.

D. Only fertilizer that is recommended by the test results shall be used and nitrogen formulated used should be slow release. This shall be reported to the COR on the appropriate form when it is applied.

6. Lime:

When soil tests indicate a need for lime, it shall be applied at the rate indicated in those tests. Time of application shall be in late fall or early winter after aeration, unless local practice indicates a more favorable time. Lime should be applied in granulates, not powder.

7. Weed Control

A. All weed growth and disease shall be controlled by means of mowing, trimming and spray or any other method approved by the COR. All personnel using such sprays shall be properly trained and licensed according to the State of Tennessee, and Company or person directly in charge of the applicators shall be duly licensed and chartered by the State of Tennessee to purchase and apply herbicides and pesticides.

B. Pre-Emergent treatment for weeds shall be accomplished in the spring (March or April) of each year.

C. A post emergent will be applied as needed to control weed growth. Turf in high maintenance areas shall be maintained generally weed free. Applications shall be made as recommended by the turf plan provided by the contractor for COR’s approval. Turf in all maintenance areas shall be maintained as generally weed free.

D. Roads, walls, and none turf areas shall be maintained as weed and turf free by regular application of non-selective herbicide.

8. Pest Control:

A. Gophers and moles, Fire Ants and any other pest in turf, trees or ornamental beds shall be controlled by elimination of their food source and through the use of pesticides applied by a licensed applicator for the State of Tennessee.

B. The Contractor shall ensure that soil shall be tamped into holes or mounds and turf replaced or reseeded to insure acceptable appearance at all times.

C. Blanket application for fire ants shall be a product that kills and controls fire ant mounds by broadcast application covering the Cemetery property of approximately 62 acres.

D. Spot application for fire ants shall be individual treatments of mounds to kill and control individual mounds for between 1 and 25 mounds.

E. Blanket application for pests other than fire ants shall be treatment of the entire Cemetery grounds of approximately 62 acres.

F. Spot application for pests other than fire ants shall be for localized areas requiring treatment of up to 5 acres.

9. Pesticides and Herbicides

A. Contractor shall keep record of all pesticides/herbicides applied and furnish copy to COR within one (1) working days of application.

B. Records shall show type of product, amount applied and application rate, application area, and weather conditions.

C. A copy of the label and MSDS shall be maintained by contractor and provided to COR after each application.

D. Signs shall be posted informing the public that a chemical has been applied (Date and Time of Application).

E. Turf in visually prominent areas shall be at least 95 percent pest and disease free.

10. AERATION:

A. Contractor to aerate approximately 62 acres, once in the Spring.

B. Aeration shall be conducted with a mechanical plug type aerator which removes cores of approximately 3/4 inch in diameter and 2-4 inches in depth.

C. Prior to aeration the contractor will flag all irrigation heads and boxes to ensure no damage during aeration. Flags will be removed immediately after aeration is completed. Any irrigation components damaged during aeration will be replaced at contractor expense.

SOD AND SEEDING

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements and Contract Documents to Bidders, which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements there under.

2. SCOPE

NCA STANDARD: Turf used shall be compatible with the geographic region and adheres to the Cemetery Master Plan, where applicable. (Guidance from expert sources (e.g. local county agricultural extension agent or arborist, agronomists in SED Offices or landscape architects in NCACO) is adhered to regarding turf selection.

Active growing season is considered to be April through October with variation according to the weather patterns. Work consists of sod bed preparation and sodding/seeding of areas of the cemetery where the turf has been disturbed or has died. In particular, all newly dug or refilled graves shall be re-sodded.

Approximately 400 graves will require re-sodding or seeding annually. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal and disposition of dead ground and shall refill the site with quality topsoil and perform the sodding or seeding to include the bare areas to ensure a quality turf. Delivery tickets, indicating date, weight, analysis, purity, State Certification (Blue Tags) and vendor’s name, etc. are to be submitted to the COR.

3. Kind of Sod/Seed % Purity % Germination Bermuda(Celebration) 98 – 99 86 - 90

Only cultivars of grass sod/seed that have been adapted in the State of Tennessee and certified by the State Agronomy Testing Laboratory will be accepted. Any substitution of sod/seed type, weight or application must be specifically approved by the COR in writing. Sod/seed is to be free of all noxious weeds. Celebration Bermuda is to be the primary grass to be developed.

% Purity % Germination Rye/Fescue 98 – 99 86 – 90

Rye/Fescue is to be used during the wintertime to prevent washouts and in areas where it is necessary to establish turf, i.e. under trees and shady areas.

4. Equipment

A. Overseeding shall be done with a spreader capable of providing even distribution of seed without clumping or dumping. Overseeding large areas by hand is not permitted.

B. Sod shall be cut by mechanical means allowing for uniform depth so as to create a safe even walking surface.

C. Contractor shall have a means to water new sod or seed by portable tanker any time irrigation system is not operational. Irrigation system shall not be relied upon for watering new seed or sod.

5. Procedure

A. The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and watering all sodded/seeded areas and maintaining them in a healthy and vigorous condition. Newly sodded/seeded areas shall be hand mowed until it is established enough to support riding mowers without damage.

B. An area where sod is to be placed shall have a minimum of two (2) inches of topsoil placed on it and be prepared for sod by bringing ground surface to adjacent grades, (with allowances for sod thickness, where applicable) free of sticks, stones, or other foreign material.

C. Sod shall be laid with seams tightly matched, then rolled, then watered thoroughly. Sod must be kept moist until it is well rooted and able to survive with standard watering. Daily watering of new seed or sod shall be by portable tanker or other means and shall not rely on the Cemetery irrigation system.

D. Healthy turf shall be re-established by sodding within fourteen (14) calendar days of internment on all gravesites or areas damaged by internment operations during the growing season.

Internments outside of the growing season shall be sodded within thirty (30) calendar days of the beginning of the growing season.

E. Healthy turf shall be re-established by sodding on all filled or repaired gravesites within fourteen

(14) calendar days of gravesite repair. Gravesites filled or repaired outside of the growing season shall be sodded within thirty (30) calendar days of the beginning of the growing season.

F. Establishment period for new sod is thirty calendar (30) days after sod has been laid. Sod will be inspected by COR and any sod determined to be unsatisfactory shall be replaced within five (5) business days of notification.

G. An additional period of thirty calendar (30) days after the sod establishment period for daily maintenance shall be provided to ensure establishment.

5. GUARANTEE

The Contractor shall, at his own expense, replace any sod which has died or been damaged during the establishment period.

MOWING, TRIMMING & EDGING

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements and contract documents which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements there under.

2. SCOPE

NCA STANDARD: Turf shall be maintained at a height within one-inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region. Optimally, the height is no more than half an inch above that range. Turf surrounding a headstone or marker shall be trimmed to its recommended height. There shall be no signs of “grass burns” caused by mowers. There shall be no signs of turf being “scalped” by string trimmers. Thatching of grass clippings/leaves is not permitted.

The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing, edging, and trimming all grass within the cemetery and outside perimeter enclosure walls, to include removal of all grass clipping & leaves from roads and walkways as specified by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). This encompasses approximately 62 acres.

Mowing, trimming and edging shall be accomplished a minimum of weekly during the growing season and as need outside of the growing season. Mowing, trimming and edging cycles shall be completed regardless of weather or burials unless approved by the COR in writing.

Regular mowing is required to be performed before trimming. If ground is wet, to the point of causing rutting, mowers will not be used until ground conditions permit. COR will be notified immediately.

Minor accumulation of leaves, or leaves from storms will be mulched by mowing and shall be considered part of the regular mowing cycle.

3. EQUIPMENT

A. The Contractor shall use mowers with mulching decks with a fully enclosed mowing deck with baffles or a mowing deck with mulch kit designed to fully enclose blades with baffles with scalp preventing wheels only. A standard mowing deck with a chute blocker is not sufficient. Mowers shall be sized according to the area to be mowed. Small push or self-propelled mowers are required in areas too small for riding machines. At no time is freshly mowed grass to be blown onto headstones. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of from headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks, or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edger’s will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc. String trimming shall be accomplished with commercial trimmers with nylon/plastic string and shall be operated with all guards in such a fashion so that no damage is done to headstones, trees, or property. The contractor will use trimmers with a plastic blade attachment to cleanly trim edges around all flat markers. Care must be taken not to chip flat markers with blades.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut- - not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is what is measured to get correct cutting height. 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.

D. No thatch is permitted after mowing. All thatch must be removed or remediated each day.

E. Storage space for…