36C78618Q9697-001.doc

36C78618Q9697

ATTACHMENT A – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

B.1 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS (1.0)

1.1. THE NCA MISSION

The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. National cemeteries are national shrines. The standards of maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor at this cemetery shall reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the specifications shall be required and shall be essential.

1.2 outline OF SERVICES

Except where otherwise stated the Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, management, tools, materials, equipment, facilities, transportation, and other items necessary to provide the service outlined below and described in this Work Statement.

1.3 PROJECT LOCATION(s)

The services shall be performed at the following location(s):

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Road

San Antonio, Texas 78209

1.4 Contract Definitions/Acronyms

Business Hours & Days of Operation: Normal cemetery business hours/days of operation are 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

Contracting Officer (CO): VA official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts. The Contracting Officer shall delegate one or more representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). All administrative functions remain with the Contracting Officer.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer. COR responsibilities include certification of invoices, placing orders for service, providing technical guidance to the Contractor and overseeing technical aspects of the contract.

Cemetery Director (Administrator/Management Official): The Cemetery Director is the VA Official responsible for day-to-day oversight of a National Cemetery, including burying veterans and eligible family members, and maintaining cemetery grounds as a national shrine. The Cemetery Director and/or designee (hereon referred to as COR) are responsible for contract oversight.

Contractor: The term “Contractor” as used herein refers to the prime Contractor, his/her employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor is responsible for assuring its employees and subcontractors comply with all contract terms, conditions and provisions.

National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Operational Standards & Measures: Provides standards for performance in the key cemetery operational areas of interments, grounds maintenance, headstones, markers and equipment & facilities maintenance. A copy of NCA Operational Standards shall be provided to the Contractor by the COR.

NCA Turf & Landscape Handbook 3420: An excerpt from Handbook 3420 is provided in Appendix C. Only the “Mowing/Trimming/Edging” portions indicated in the handbook shall apply to this contract.

NCA Integrated Pest Management Procedures Handbook 3410 – An excerpt from Handbook 3410 is provided in Appendix D. Only the “Weed Control in Turf grass Areas” portions indicated in the handbook shall apply to this contract.

2. MANAGEMENT AND ADMNISTRATION

The Contracting Officer shall designate a representative to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally directing the work to be performed under the contract. Such designation shall be in writing and shall define the scope and limitations of the COR’s authority. A copy of the designation(s) shall be furnished to the contractor at award.

The COR may direct and arrange the Contractor’s work schedule in specific areas of the cemetery to coordinate with daily cemetery activities and operations.

The Contractor shall provide the COR with detailed schedules no later than the Friday before the following week of any application. The Contractor shall be required to report on a daily basis to the Cemetery Director or the COR at the main office of the National Cemetery. Contractor shall log in and obtain funeral and or special schedules. This check in is mandatory.

All administrative contract functions are the responsibility of the Contracting Officer. Any modifications to the contract, including those involving no-cost changes, increases and decreases in cost or level of services provided, termination or extension of the contract (in part or in whole) and decisions concerning claims or disputes, must be authorized in writing by the Government Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall provide a “Site Manager” who shall be on-site at all times during contract performance. The Site Manager must be able to speak and understand English. The Site Manager shall be responsible for the following:

· Directing, overseeing and coordinating the work involved.

· Staying abreast of all upcoming cemetery functions including special holiday events and interment activities.

· Ensuring that contract work does not cause any committal service, ceremony, procession or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity, security, or safety of the event or visit is compromised.

· The Site Manager shall re-direct work throughout the rest of the Cemetery so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided. If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR may then do so.

· Communication with the COR (or designee) is required. Burial activities at NCA shall take precedence over contract work activities. Work activity and noise cannot disturb burial services. Trucks and workmen are prohibited from passing through the service area during this period.

· Note: To cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities, contract personnel shall stop (cease) all work in areas where burials are taking place. As a general "rule-of-thumb", work should not take place within 1,000 feet of an ongoing committal service or ceremony.

· Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract shall require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government shall provide, at the time of contract award, a list of Government personnel authorized to act as COR.

2.1

INSPECTION & MONITORING PROCEDURES

A record keeping system of Contractor work performance shall be established and implemented by the COR for the services involved. The COR shall inspect all work performed and submitted by the Contractor for acceptance. The Government reserves the right to reject any work that does not meet contract specifications. Work rejected by the COR shall be re-performed without cost to the Government.

Progress Report: On a per application basis, the Contractor shall provide a written progress report to the COR of all work completed at the cemetery location (see Exhibit A). If there are problems or issues adversely affecting progress of the work involved, a detailed explanation shall be indicated on the report.

Payment: The Contractor shall submit a monthly invoice in arrears for all services rendered. Prior to certification of payment, invoices shall be verified by the COR for accuracy.

Federal Holidays: All work required under this contract shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation. Work is normally not conducted on Federal holidays. The following is a list of all Federal holidays:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King's Birthday

President's Day

Memorial Day

Fourth of July Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

2.2 Contractor Responsibilities

The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Inclement weather - other than prolonged snow cover, shall not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications. The government expects the Contractor to work through all weather conditions and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines.

Damage to Government Property:

The Contractor (including his or her employees, subcontractor, consultants or the like) shall be responsible for replacement of any contractor damaged cemetery structures, to include: turf, trees, beds, curb, road pavement, headstones or markers, monuments, valve boxes, grid monument control markers, sprinkler heads, flower vases, which are chipped, marred, damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor. Contractor shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to repair/replacement/installation.

At the Government’s discretion, the Contractor shall either repair or replace the property, or reimburse the Government the full amount for all property damage(s).

Contractors shall be responsible for, and advise the COR when cleaning any performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained cemetery structures that are soiled or stained as a result of contractor’s structures at the end of each work day. No unapproved chemicals are to be used at any time on Government property.

Cooperation with other Contractors: The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with other Contractors and with Government employees.

The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, or other heavy equipment on any turf areas except as provided in this contract or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor regardless of weather conditions, and at no additional cost to the government.

The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure all work shall be done in a manner that safeguards all visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be 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 ground water contamination, wetlands, 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.

Matters related to safety, and any actions of the Contractor shall meet all safety requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs, OSHA, and the State. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to be familiar with these requirements.

The Contractor shall provide adequate safety warning devices, barricades and cover boards, etc., at all work sites to eliminate hazards from public visitors and cemetery employees at no additional cost to the government.

At the end of each day, the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site. At all times, rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor shall be kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. Debris, trash, rubbish, and non-useable material resulting from the work under this contract shall be disposed of off cemetery property by the Contractor. If the Contractor provides his/her own refuse facilities, these shall only be located in the COR approved “Storage Area”.

The Contractor shall possess and maintain all necessary insurance, licenses and permits required for contract performance. Contractor is responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees fault or negligence, and shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the state where contract is performed.

Reporting "on-the-job" Injuries: The Contractor is required to report all "on-the-job" injuries incurred by the Contractor, its agents or employees, resulting from performance of this contract. Contractor shall notify the COR (either orally or via telephone) within twenty-four (24) hours of the injury and provide details and exact location of the incident. This shall be followed up by a written notice to the COR. Any Contractor (including its agents and employees) that knowingly files a false claim may be criminally prosecuted.

The Contractor shall, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting Officer or COR, use only established roadways. When materials are transported in prosecuting the work, 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. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage.

The Contractor shall keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, buildings and parking clear of equipment, materials, debris, and other vehicles at all times. At least one lane must be open to traffic at all times.

Spill Prevention, Containment, and Clean-up: The Contractor shall contain, clean up, and report all spills on Government property in a manner that complies with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations or otherwise stated herein, and the facility’s spill control plan at no cost to the Government.

2.3

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with FAR 28.307-2 and FAR 52.228-5, the following minimum coverage shall apply to this contract:

Workers' compensation and employers’ liability: Contractors are required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 is required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit workers' compensation to be written by private carriers.

General Liability: $500,000.00 per occurrences.

Automobile liability: $250,000.00 per person; $500,000.00 per occurrence and $100,000.00 property damage.

The successful bidder must present to the Contracting Officer, prior to award, evidence of general liability insurance without any exclusionary clauses for asbestos that would void the general liability coverage.

2.4 Standards Of Employee Conduct

Contractor and Contractor personnel are required to adhere to the following standards of dress and conduct while performing work in the National Cemetery. It shall be subject to immediate enforcement action by the Contracting Officer if these standards are not adhered to during the period of performance of this contract. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C. Section 218. Contractor and Contractor Personnel –

Shall be fully clothed at all times, to include long slacks or pants and shirt, buttoned up from neck to waist. Clothing shall be clean each day. Any soiled clothing should be cemetery work-related that day. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited. Shoes/boots shall have no holes or loose soles. Steel-toed shoes shall be required in accordance with OSHA. Contractor employees shall maintain personal hygiene.

Contractor personnel shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at anytime on Government premises. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices shall only be done at lunchtime and in a designated break area. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, Contractor employees shall come into daily contact with grieving individuals, therefore Contractor employees shall exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, courtesy, and respect while within the cemetery or at its perimeter or entrances. Inquiries from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred to Government cemetery staff. Gratuities of any kind are strictly prohibited.

Contractor personnel shall consume food and beverage only within areas designated by the COR(s). Intoxication, and violence or criminal acts of any kind shall not be tolerated - and is cause for immediate removal from Government property. Use or sale of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited, and use of tobacco products is only allowed in specific areas designated by the COR. SMOKING is not permitted in any buildings within the National Cemetery. This restriction includes offices, restrooms, stairwells, entrances, exits or any other public area. Smoking is also prohibited on gravesites and the columbaria sites.

Contractor personnel shall only take breaks/rest periods and lunch breaks at the Contractor Staging Area, not in the field. Workers shall utilize contractor provided temporary chemical toilet facilities located only in the Contractor Staging Area. Misconduct shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

Contractor personnel shall park only in the COR approved “Contractor Staging Area” identified for this project. Workers are not allowed to park throughout the cemetery grounds, and violation of this requirement shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from 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.

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.

Contractor personnel are subject to rules of the Cemetery applicable to their conduct.

2.5

USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

The Government shall 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 Affair’s facilities used by Contractor's employees.

Storage Area: Based on availability of space, and at the discretion of the COR, a limited storage area may be provided. Space offered shall be in “as-is" condition. Prior to making any modifications or alterations to the space, Contractor shall obtain written approval from the COR. Any such modifications or alterations shall be at the expense of the Contractor. Upon completion of the contract, the facility shall be returned to the government in the same condition as received, at the expense of the Contractor, except for reasonable wear and tear. The government is not responsible for any costs associated with repairing or replacing Contractor(s) property while on cemetery property.

The Government shall not provide the Contractor with any fuel storage, equipment or telephones. If available, electric and/or utilities at the designated work and storage areas may be provided for purposes of contract performance only. The Contractor shall take adequate safety precautions to prevent hazardous product spills, fire hazards, odors and unsanitary conditions.

If space is provided, only the Contractor’s equipment, supplies and property necessary to perform work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area. No maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall be done on cemetery property without the COR’s approval.

The contractor shall provide portable chemical toilets for use by workmen as necessary to comply with OSHA requirements. These portable toilet facilities shall be kept clean and free of excessive odors, insects, etc. Locate portable toilet facilities in the COR approved storage area only. It shall not be permissible to locate portable toilet facilities in any other locations throughout the cemetery. Use of the permanent cemetery toilet facilities by workmen is strictly prohibited throughout the duration of this contract.

2.6 Supervision & Training:

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.

The Contractor is responsible for safety/precaution training of Contractor’s employees performing work under this contract. 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.

3.

Technical Specifications: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE –WEED CONTROL/FERTILIZATION

3.1 SCOPE: The Contractor shall be responsible for fertilizer and herbicide applications on all improved turf within the Cemetery. All improved turf shall be maintained in the same manner as a high quality residential lawn under contract from a professional lawn maintenance service.

3.2

NCA STANDARDS:

Standard 2.1a: 100% of visually prominent areas are generally weed-free. Generally weed free: Population of weeds is very widely scattered and visually insignificant when the total expanse to the cemetery turf grass is observed. They in no way distract from the visual attractiveness of the landscape (page 34 – NCA Operational Standards and Measures).

3.3

EQUIPMENT:

The Government shall not be held responsible for any damage to the Contractor’s equipment, materials, supplies or the like which may result from vandalism, theft, etc. while on site.

3.4

FERTILIZATION PROCEDURES:

The fertilizer program shall consist of three applications per year according to the following schedule:

Application #1 – Spring – upon order and approval of the COR, after turf has emerged from winter dormancy, has new green flush growth, and has been mowed 1 to 2 times. This is usually in the March-April time period.

Application #2 – Summer – upon order and approval of the COR- usually in the May-June time period.

Application #3 – Fall – upon order and approval of the COR – usually in the August-September time period.

The fertilizer shall be a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio (N-P-K) complete fertilizer with 30% to 50% slow release nitrogen. The current formulation used at Fort Sam Houston NC is a 21-7-14. The fertilizer shall contain micro nutrients. The fertilizer can be a different analysis than 21-7-14 as long as it is approved by the COR and District Agronomist prior to application.

All fertilizer applications shall only be applied after being ordered by the COR. The contractor shall schedule to apply fertilizer on the days ordered and agreed to by the COR.

The fertilizer shall be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The fertilizer shall be applied at a rate to achieve 4 to 5 pounds of N (nitrogen) per 1000 square feet per year.

The fertilizer application equipment shall be correctly calibrated and the application made to achieve a uniform distribution of the fertilizer throughout the application area.

The contractor shall ensure that the fertilizer is properly watered in by coordinating the watering schedule with the COR.

The contractor shall make sure that all headstones, flat markers, monuments, sidewalks, patios, and other like surfaces are free of fertilizer granules immediately after the application and before watering in of fertilizer occurs. This shall aid in avoiding staining of surfaces.

The contractor shall be responsible for removal of any staining, marking, of headstones, flat markers, monuments, sidewalks, patios, and other like surfaces that occurs as result of a fertilizer application made by the contractor.

The contractor shall schedule the fertilizer application with the COR and only apply once given approval by the COR. The contractor shall give the COR a minimum one week notice prior to application.

3.5 HERBICIDE TREATMENT PROCEDURES (reference Exhibit D)

The herbicide program, in general, shall consist of two (2) pre-emergent herbicide applications and three (3) post-emergent herbicide applications per contract year. These applications shall be applied in such a manner as to bring about the total control of all broadleaf and grassy weeds in the improved turf areas of the cemetery. The table below serves as a guideline for when the herbicide applications shall be made:

General Schedule for Herbicide Applications

The contractor shall be responsible for any and all repeat, follow-up, and/or spot spray herbicide applications, as needed between scheduled sprays, to control and maintain a generally weed free cemetery. These repeat, follow-up, and spot spray treatments shall be provided at no additional charge to the government.

The herbicides used by the contractor shall be specifically labeled for control of weeds in the Bermuda and any other types of turf at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The Cemetery turf is pre-dominantly Hybrid Bermuda.

The herbicide applications shall be applied directly by or under the supervision of a current commercially licensed Texas Certified Pesticide Applicator. All applications shall be performed as per the Rules and Regulations of the Texas Department of Agriculture and/or the Texas Structural Pest Control Board, whichever has jurisdiction over the contractor’s applicator.

The contractor shall contact the COR, in writing, for permission to spray at least five (5) business days in advance of each and any application. The COR shall coordinate each spray application with the contractor. The contractor shall be responsible for the proper timing of each application so that the highest resulting weed control for that application shall be attained.

The COR shall order each application as needed, and the Contractor shall coordinate the application date and time with the COR. The Contractor shall coordinate the application date and time with the COR within three business days of receiving the order.

The Contractor is responsible for specifically following all label directions on the bag/container of herbicide at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, all safety, mixing, weather conditions, and application directions and information.

The Contractor shall always mix and apply herbicide so as to provide optimum control of target weeds, according to label directions.

The Contractor shall provide to the COR, in writing, a list of all herbicides, mixes, and related surfactants or other chemicals, along with the amount of product per acre, percentage of solution, and/or application rate per 1000 square feet (and/or per acre), prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall also provide the COR with a copy of the label for any and all herbicides and other chemicals or surfactants, prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall NOT begin any application without providing this information to the COR, and obtaining the approval of the COR to proceed.

A written record of the application shall be delivered to the COR immediately following the application, whether completed or not, before leaving the cemetery on the day of any application. The written record shall show the name of the company and the names and titles of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall show all areas treated, the chemicals used, and the temperature and the average wind speed during the time of application.

All contractor personnel shall be properly clothed and wearing proper safety equipment during any and all applications.

All mixing of chemicals and filling of tanks shall be performed off site or only in an appropriate area of the cemetery as determined and directed by the COR.

Performance of work shall not impede nor disturb any burial or memorial service, or burial operation at any time. As a general “rule of thumb” work should not take place within 1000 feet of a committal shelter during a service, or during a ceremony in the cemetery.

The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR any watering requirements to activate chemicals, as needed. The Cemetery shall schedule and perform this watering requirement.

3.6

FIRE ANT CONTROL TREATMENT PROCEDURES

Fire Ant Control

Contractor shall make two (2) applications of a broadcast treatment for native and imported fire ant control per contract year. Each treatment shall cover all turf areas within the perimeter boundaries of the National Cemetery site. These applications shall be performed upon order of the COR. One (1) broadcast application shall be performed in spring, and One (1) broadcast application shall be performed in Late Summer/Early Fall.

The Contractor shall apply a broadcast granular type Fire Ant Control bait product containing the following two (2) active ingredients:

· Hydromethylon – for quick kill of worker ants

· Methoprene – an IGR (insect growth regulator) that the worker ants shall feed to the queen for sterilization of egg production

The product used to accomplish fire ant control that contains these two active ingredients shall be the brand name Extinguish Plus (manufactured by Wellmark International) or similar product that is acceptable by the COR and the District Agronomist.

The Contractor shall make any repeat applications or spot treatments as deemed necessary by the COR to achieve control of fire ants in the National Cemetery at no additional expense to the government.

The Contractor shall follow all label directions in the use of any pesticide products.

The Contractor shall abide by all Rules and Regulations in mixing, loading, and applying pesticide as set forth by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The applicator shall be a Licensed Pesticide Applicator as regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture and any other applicable state agency.

A written record of the application shall be delivered to the COR immediately following the application, whether completed or not, before leaving the cemetery on the day of any application. The written record shall show the name of the company and the names and titles of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall show all areas treated, the chemicals used, and the temperature and the average wind speed during the time of application.

SECTION C - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

Exhibit 1 through Exhibit 7 Exhibit 1

Summary Delivery Summary

Exhibit 2

Work Summary and Progress Report

Exhibit 3

Site Plan- Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Exhibit 4

Excerpt from NCA Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Procedures Handbook 3410

Exhibit 5

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) Exhibit 6

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Exhibit 7

Employee Statement of Compliance

EXHIBIT 1

SERVICES DELIVERY SUMMARY (SDS)

1. The purpose of this exhibit is to:

a. List the contract requirements considered most critical to acceptable contract performance.

b. Show, where applicable, the maximum allowable degree of deviation from perfect performance for each requirement that shall be allowed by the Government before contract performance is considered unsatisfactory.

c. Define the procedure the Government shall use in reducing the Contractor’s monthly payment if satisfactory performance is not rendered.

2. The Government's quality assurance procedures are based on actual performance of the contract and all areas will be reviewed periodically, (e.g. weekly, monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually).

3. The criteria for acceptable and unacceptable performance are as follows:

a. Contract requirements. The criteria for requirements are the level of performance deemed acceptable to the Government.

b. If the quality of work does not comply with the contract requirements the COR will initiate and the Contractor shall be required to complete a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR).

c. 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.

d. It the level of performance is deemed unacceptable to the Government, payment may be reduced for unsatisfactory performance by the percentage as shown in the chart below:

PERFORMANCE STANDARD CHARTS

EXHIBIT 2

WORK SUMMARY AND PROGRESS REPORT

To:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Project Title:

Cemetery Operations Contract

Contract No:

Inspection / Acceptance: The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test some or all of the services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require re-performance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. The Government shall exercise its post-acceptance rights:

1. Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

2. Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

WORK COMPLETED & SUBMITTED FOR ACCEPTANCE

(This form is not to be used as an Invoice)

Date Completed:

Date Completed:

Date Completed:

Date Completed:

Report below any circumstances which may have adversely affected work progress such as weather, strikes, delays by the Government, etc.

Note: Contractor shall sign confirming that services indicated have been completed. Government shall also sign in acknowledgment of receipt of the Progress Report.

EXHIBIT 3 - SITE PLAN

EXHIBIT 4

Excerpt from NCA Handbook 3410

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Procedures for VA National Cemeteries

APPENDIX E – WEED CONTROL IN TURFGRASS AREAS

1.

BACKGROUND

a. A weed is a plant growing where it is not wanted, or essentially, a plant out of place. Weed encroachment into an established turf usually results when the turf has become weak and thin due to environmental stress, damage by pests and diseases, improper cultural practices, or intense wear from foot or vehicle traffic. Weed control is the process of limiting a weed infestation so that turf grass can grow properly. Weed control practices are not effective on a long-term basis unless the original cause of weed encroachment is corrected. When properly maintained, warm- and cool-season turf grasses are highly competitive with weeds. Providing ideal agronomic conditions is the preferred method for managing weeds in turf grass. When weed populations exceed NCA standards of appearance, chemical weed control can be practiced. There are two types of herbicides to control weeds.

(1) Pre-emergence herbicides are applied prior to weed germination and are used for the control of crabgrass, goosegrass, annual bluegrass, and certain annual broadleaf weeds. Pre-emergence herbicides are usually applied to the entire turf grass area to rid it of broadleaf weeds.

(2) Post-emergence herbicides are applied after the weed has germinated and is growing, and are generally used to control weeds not controlled by a pre-emergence herbicide. Post-emergence herbicide can be applied on a "spot-treatment" or "as-needed" basis directly to the weed infestation. Weed species vary in their susceptibility to herbicides. The most important factor in selecting a post-emergence herbicide is the tolerance of the turf grass to the herbicide.

b. Correct weed identification is necessary to select an appropriate herbicide. The herbicide label should contain information about what weeds can be controlled. Timing of application is important, for example, certain herbicides can only be applied to Bermuda grass when the grass is dormant.

NOTE: Proper storage requirements and safe handling and application procedures must be adhered to at all times for all herbicides. All chemical herbicides must be applied by a State licensed applicator. Records must be kept of the day, time, weather, name of product applied and manufacturer, and quantity used, as specified in Section IV of this handbook.

2.

SELECTIVE BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL

a. Cultural Practices: The best way to avoid broadleaf weeds in turf grass stands is by producing a healthy, vigorous, dense stand of the desired turf grass species. Using appropriate cultural practices shall reduce the need for chemical control measures (see current NCA Handbook 3420 – Turf grass Maintenance in VA National Cemeteries, for detailed information on these practices).

(1) The most common cultural control technique is routine mowing, as only a limited number of broadleaf weed species can tolerate frequent mowing. However, many of the species that can tolerate frequent mowing are difficult to control and quite competitive once established. The most difficult species of broadleaf weeds to deal with in turf grass are those that have a low, spreading growth and can tolerate the mowing heights commonly employed for turf grasses. Some of the most troublesome are clover, black medic, wild violet, ground ivy, knotweed, prostrate spurge, veronica, and chickweed.

(2) Other cultural practices that have a significant impact on weed encroachment are fertilization, irrigation, and aerification.

(a) Proper timing, quantity, and nutrient content of fertilizer products can encourage the growth of the desired turf grass species while discouraging weed species. For example, cool season turf grass species shall benefit most with spring and fall applications of fertilizer. Mid-summer applications would encourage the growth of summer annual weeds.

(b) Established stands of perennial turf grass should be irrigated infrequently (in sufficient quantity to penetrate to a minimum soil depth of 6 inches), and then allowed to dry before being irrigated again. Water applied in frequent light quantities shall encourage the germination of weed seeds located near the soil surface and help them to become established.

(c) Core aerification can injure plants that are not actively growing, and can bring weed seeds to the surface where they shall germinate. Core aerification should never be done in spring. Aerification should not be done during high temperature stress periods, or when common weeds are germinating. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide after aerification shall help keep weed seeds from germinating.

b. Mechanical Control: If the number of weeds is small, removal by hand is recommended. It may be necessary to use a broadleaf herbicide to control an infestation of unwanted weed species.

c. Chemical Control:

NOTE: See paragraph Application/Disposal Instructions in Section IV – Chemical Pesticides, for detailed information about application procedures and required notification of staff, visitors, and neighboring individuals. Consult the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling, storage, and safety information.

(1) Herbicide Selection: Current practice is to use pyridine-based herbicides (where practical and appropriate) to replace 2,4-D and other earlier products. Triclopyr and clopyralid - sold as Turflon, Confront, and Millennium, and under other trade names - are pyridine products available for use on turf grasses. These products work well on commonly grown cool season turf grasses. Warm season turf grass species tolerance to these herbicides varies and should be confirmed prior to use.

(2) Herbicide Application Techniques:

(a) Scattered small patches of broadleaf weeds should be selectively controlled and removed by spot treating the affected area(s). Small hand-held or backpack style sprayers can hold 2 to 4 gallons of spray solution. The spray solution should be delivered in a single pass over the target area so that the foliage of the weeds is uniformly wet.

(b) If the broadleaf weeds affect a large area, tractor or utility cart-mounted spray equipment should be used to apply the selective herbicide. September 9, 2008 NCA HANDBOOK 3410 E-3

(3) Herbicide Application Timing: Although selective broadleaf herbicides can be used anytime that the target weeds are growing and the turf grass is mature and actively growing, applications at certain times shall deliver the best results.

(a) Summer annual broadleaf weeds germinate during the spring, grow rapidly into early summer, flower and produce seed during the summer, and usually die as a result of the first killing frost in fall. If herbicide treatment is necessary for summer annual species, it should be completed well before the plants have a chance to produce seed. Common summer annual broadleaf weeds include pigweed, prostrate spurge, black medic, and yellow wood sorrel (this can be perennial in some areas).

(b) Winter annual broadleaf weeds germinate during late summer and early fall, grow rapidly through the fall, overwinter in a semi-dormant state, and resume active growth the following spring; then flower and produce seed and die during the warmer temperatures of summer. Treatment for winter species can be made during the late summer/fall growing period or in the following spring (prior to flowering and seed production). Common winter annual broadleaf weeds include chickweed, henbit, Virginia pepper weed, and corn speedwell.

(c) Perennial broadleaf weeds live two or more seasons and do not need to come back from seed each year. Treatment to control perennials should be made in early fall when plants are moving carbohydrates into their root systems as storage reserves for winter survival. The applied herbicides shall move into the root system and facilitate a complete kill of the target weed plant. Common examples of perennials broadleaf weeds include Canada thistle, wild carrot, ground ivy (creeping Charlie), white clover, wild violet, and dandelion.

3.

PRE-EMERGENCE CONTROL OF CRABGRASS AND OTHER ANNUAL GRASS WEEDS

Crabgrass is the most common weed in established stands of cool season turf grass. Several other annual weed grasses are common across the country, including yellow and green foxtail, barnyard grass, goosegrass, and annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Annual bluegrass is a winter annual and germinates around Labor Day; all of the others are summer annuals and germinate during the spring.

a. Herbicide Selection/Performance Factors: There are commercially available herbicide products that shall effectively control the germinating seeds of crabgrass and other annual grass weeds. The best choice for each depends upon factors such as cost, formulations available, soil residual properties, turf grass species tolerance, effectiveness, and user handling and safety.

(1) In order to perform effectively, all pre-emergence herbicides: must be active in the soil in order to kill weed seeds as they germinate; must remain near the soil surface where the weed seeds germinate and not penetrate into the soil where they could affect the turf grass root mass; must remain effective during the primary germination period of the target weeds–but should not harm reseeding or overseeding operations; and must be tolerated by all commonly grown turf grass species. NCA HANDBOOK 3410 September 9, 2008 E-4

(2) Any pesticide product registered for general use under existing Federal and State guidelines has successfully cleared all environmental, ecological, and human safety test hurdles. All of the products listed below have been in use for some time and have been established as highly effective herbicides when properly used.

NOTE: Available products include benefin (trade name Balan), trifluralin+benefin (trade name Team and Team Pro), pendimethalin (trade name Pendulum and Pre-M), prodiamine (trade name Barricade), dithiopyr (trade name Dimension), and quinclorac (Trade name Drive). The first four products belong to the same chemical family – dinitroanalines – and clearly dominate this category of herbicide usage. Dithiopyr and quinclorac are not members of the dinitroanaline family.

b. Application Timing:

(1) Herbicide application(s) should be made 1 to 2 weeks prior to weed germination, which depends upon soil temperature. Soil temperatures are slow to rise in the spring. If the soil has been more moist than usual the warming process shall be even slower, as water is a very poor conductor of heat.

(2) Several inexpensive soil thermometers should be placed at strategic locations around the property at a soil depth of 2 inches. When they record mid-afternoon temperatures of over 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 consecutive days, pre-emergent can be applied.

(3) If the herbicide is applied 4 to 6 weeks before germination, a significant percentage of the active ingredient shall be wasted, since the active ingredient begins to degrade as soon as it is applied. Application should not be delayed until after weed germination. For example, crabgrass begins to germinate in the spring after soil temperatures in the top 1 to 2 inches of soil have reached between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The germination process shall not begin just because there have been a few unseasonably warm days in March or April. Although all of the herbicides mentioned in the NOTE above shall control a young one- to two-leaf stage crabgrass plant, only quinclorac can control relatively mature crabgrass plants.

c. Formulation Options: All of the herbicide products discussed in the NOTE above is commercially available from numerous sources and in several different formulations. They can be purchased in sprayable formulations, true liquids, wettable powders, flowables, or dry flowables blended with fertilizers.

(1) Uniform application to the target area is essential. Most users shall find that a granular product or fertilizer combination that includes the selected herbicide is easier to apply. Using fertilizer spreading equipment is generally more efficient and accurate than spraying.

(2) In most cases a single, properly timed herbicide application shall control over 90% of the annual weed grass seeds that germinate during a normal spring season. NOTE: For areas with consistent crabgrass problems, two sequential crabgrass control applications are recommended to ensure complete full season control.

EXHIBIT 5

CONTRACT DISCREPANCY REPORT (CDR)

Contract Discrepancy Report

Contract Number:

Report No. for this Discrepancy:

To: (Contractor/Manager’s Name)

From: (Name of COR)

5. Dates

5a. Prepared:

5b. Returned by Contractor:

5c. Action Complete:

Discrepancy or Problem: (Describe in detail. Include reference to PWS Directive; attach additional sheet if necessary.)

Signature of Contracting Officer or COR:

8a. To: (Contracting Officer and/or COR)

8b. From: (Contractor)

9. Contractor Response as to Cause, Corrective Action and Actions to Prevent Recurrence: (attach additional sheet if necessary.)

10a. Signature of Contractor Representative:

10b. Date:

11. Government Evaluation: (Acceptance, partial acceptance, reflection; attach additional sheet if necessary.)

12. Government Actions: (Reduced payment, cure notice, show cause, other)

13. Close Out

Contractor Notified

b. COR

c. CO

EXHIBIT 6

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

1. Fundamental Government Responsibilities: The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) is responsible for representing the Contracting Officer in all facets of service quality.