36C78618R0107-013.docx

36C786-18-R-0107

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 A

RE

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 CONDITIO

NS 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

8318-000001 36C78618R0107 01-29-2018 Mr. Charles A. Daniels 803-699-2246, x417 02-27-2018

1:00 PM EST

43C1 Department of Veterans Affairs NCA Contracting Service 75 Barrett Heights Rd. Suite 309 Stafford VA 22556 X X 561730 $7.5 Million N/A X Department of Veterans Affairs Beaufort National Cemetery 1601 Boundary Street, Attn: Mr. Sonny Peppers, 843-524-3925 Beaufort, SC 29902 43C1 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) CSD Southeast District Acquisition 4170 Percival Road, Fort Jackson NC Columbia SC 29229

43C1 http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer -campaigns/veterans-affairs/

SEE VAAR 852.232-72

ELECTRONIC

SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

1-877-752-0900 This is a SDVOSB set aside. Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business Set-Aside, Authority, 38 USC 8127(d).

The contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, and supplies necessary to service:

Total Grounds Maintenance Service for a Base and Four (4) one-year option years, reference to statement of work for Beaufort National Cemetery, located at 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902.

Faxed and emailed offers will not be accepted: All proposals must be sumitted through the Department of Veterans Affairs Electronic Mgt System (eCMS) at the Vendor Portal website https://www/vendorportal.ecms.va.gov to be considered.

CONTRACTOR DUNS NO. ________________________________________

CONTRACTOR EMAIL ADDRESS:___________________________________

CONTRACTOR PHONE NUMBER:____________________________________

X X X Table of Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

(continuation from Standard Form 1449, block 18A.)

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Mr. Charles A. Daniels, Contracting Officer, (803) 699-2246, Ext. 417, email address: Charles.Daniels2@va.gov.

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) NCA Southeast District Contracting Service 4170 Percival Road, Fort Jackson NC Columbia, SC 29229

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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

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

5. MISSING PAGES, LOST OR MISSING PROPOSALS

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for furnishing the commercial services in the Schedule. Proposals shall be received at the address specified in Block 20, i.e. https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov by the date and time specified in Block 8 of SF 1449.

Offerors shall examine this solicitation to verify that all pages have been received. 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 email address shown in Block 7a, Standard Form 1449. The offeror is responsible for the results of any failure to check for completeness or page duplication.

To address potential lost, delayed, or mis-delivered proposals, please email the Contracting Officer by the due date to ensure your offer was received. Offerors have the burden to make sure proposals are received at VA by the date and time specified above. The Offerors bear the risk of having proposals rejected and not considered if filing is not completed by the date/time required.

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See provision 52.212-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions of this solicitation.

6. CONTRACTOR’S FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR

Contractor shall provide an English speaking Foreman/Supervisor at all times while performing the duties of this contract. This is to ensure proper communication between parties.

On-site Contractors shall sign in daily, for security reasons, at location identified by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or cemetery personnel.

7. GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS

Holidays observed by the Federal Government:

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 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.

8. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

Prospective offerors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) website and complete representations and certifications at https://www.sam.gov.

Offers received from concerns that are not Service-disabled Veteran-owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns shall not be considered. SDVOSBs must be verified for ownership and control and listed in the Vendor Information Pages at https://www.vip.vetbiz.gov prior to the due date for proposals. (See Provision 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside.)

Questions pertaining to this solicitation must be sent by e-mail to: charles.daniels2@va.gov no later than 4:30 PM, EST, February 14, 2018. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Questions received after this date and time will not be considered.

Offerors shall inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to understand all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance (See Provision 52.237-1 Site Visit). In no event shall failure to inspect constitute grounds for a claim or request for equitable adjustment after contract award. For directions to attend the Official Site Visit at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29902, currently schedule for Tuesday, February 13, 2017 at 10:00AM, EST, contact the following: Mr. Sonny Pepper, Assistant Cemetery Director, Phone number: 843-524-3925.

B.2 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING-- MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE (JUN 2011)

This solicitation includes . Accordingly, any contract resulting from this solicitation will include this clause. The contractor is advised in performing contract administration functions, the CO may use the services of a support contractor(s) retained by VA to assist in assessing the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirements specified in the clause. To that end, the support contractor(s) may require access to contractor's offices where the contractor's business records or other proprietary data are retained and to review such business records regarding the contractor's compliance with this requirement. All support contractors conducting this review on behalf of VA will be required to sign an “Information Protection and Non-Disclosure and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest Agreement” to ensure the contractor's business records or other proprietary data reviewed or obtained in the course of assisting the CO in assessing the contractor for compliance are protected to ensure information or data is not improperly disclosed or other impropriety occurs. Furthermore, if VA determines any services the support contractor(s) will perform in assessing compliance are advisory and assistance services as defined in FAR 2.101, Definitions, the support contractor(s) must also enter into an agreement with the contractor to protect proprietary information as required by FAR 9.505-4, obtaining access to proprietary information, paragraph (b). The contractor is required to cooperate fully and make available any records as may be required to enable the CO to assess the contractor's compliance with the limitations on subcontracting or percentage of work performance requirement.

B.2 Price/Cost Schedule- Barrancas National Cemetery Contract period will consist of a base period from Date of Award through September 30, 2017, with four one-year options to extend the term of the contract through September 30, 2021. Units and services to be in accordance with Statement of Work, attached technical specifications, and the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

BASE YEAR (Date of Award – Sep 30, 2018)

Total Estimated Price:

OPTION YEAR 1 (1 Oct 2018 – 30 Sep 2019)

Total Estimated Price:

OPTION YEAR 2 (1 Oct 2019 – 30 Sep 2020)

Total Estimated Price:

OPTION YEAR 3 (1 Oct 2020 – 30 Sep 2021)

Total Estimated Price:

OPTION YEAR 4 (1 Oct 2021 – 30 Sep 2022)

Total Estimated Price:

BASE YEAR

OPTION YEAR 1

OPTION YEAR 2

OPTION YEAR 3

OPTION YEAR 4

Grand Total Estimated Price:

The period of performance is from date of award through September 30, 2022, with four (4) one (1) year options, if exercised. Note: all Option Years are subject to the availability of appropriated funds; options are not guaranteed, and the Government’s decision not to exercise an option shall not be understood, construed, or intended as a termination.

Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

General Information

1. Title Of Project: Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

2. Scope Of Work: The contractor should provide all resources necessary to accomplish the deliverables described in this Statement of Work, except as may otherwise be specified.

a) This is a service contract for cemetery grounds maintenance services at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902. 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 and facilities in accordance with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures.

b) 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 National Cemetery Administration (NCA) mission: the NCA honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation.

3. Background:

a) The Beaufort National Cemetery is located at 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902.

b) Site features consist of preset and conventional casket sections, cremation burials and a columbarium.

c) The cemetery’s anticipated burial rate is 590 - 600 per year.

d) The cemetery comprises 50 acres land. The developed acreage is approximately 49 acres with approximately 49 irrigated turf acres.

e) Site features include a main entrance with floral beds, flag circle with floral bed, administration building with floral beds, 2 maintenance buildings with floral beds, 2 visitor restrooms, 2 committal shelters with floral beds, columbarium with floral beds, an East and West entrance both with planting beds, extensive landscaping with trees, shrubs and ground cover. Turf is Centipede.

f) National Cemeteries are National Shrines, as codified in 38 U.S. Code § 2403 (c), “All national and other veterans’ cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall be considered National Shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead …”. Therefore, 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 described in the attachments, which are based on the National Cemetery Administration, National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures, is mandatory.

g) A national shrine is a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor or family member who views it that, within its majestic setting, each and every Veteran may find a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice and nobility of purpose. Each visitor should depart feeling that the grounds, the gravesites and the environs of the national cemetery are a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

h) The NCA National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures should be considered as goals and requirements for the performance of key operational processes and should be applied at both open and closed national cemeteries where work is done by either a Federal or contract workforce.

4. Performance Period: The contractor shall complete the work required under this statement of work in 14 days or less from the date of award, unless otherwise directed by the contracting officer. If the contractor proposes an earlier completion date, and the government accepts the contractor’s proposal, the contractor’s proposed completion date shall prevail.

5. Type Of Contract: Firm Fixed Price B. Contract Award Meeting

1. The contractor shall not commence performance of the tasks in this Statement of Work until the contracting officer has conducted a “kick-off” meeting or has advised the contractor that a “kick-off” meeting is waived.

C. General Requirements

1. For every task, the contractor shall identify in writing all necessary subtasks (if any), associated costs by task, together with sub-milestone dates. The contractor’s subtask structure shall be reflected in the technical proposal and detailed work plan.

2. All written deliverables shall be phrased in layperson language. Statistical and other technical terminology shall not be used without providing a glossary of terms.

3. Where a written milestone deliverable is required in draft form, the VA will complete their review of the draft deliverable within 7 calendar days from the date of receipt. The contractor shall have 7 calendar days to deliver the final deliverable from date of receipt of the Government’s comments.

D. Specific Mandatory Tasks and Associated Deliverables:

1. Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables: The contractor shall provide the specific deliverable described below within the performance period stated in Section E and Attachments A – R of this Statement of Work.

2. NCA National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures:

a) Scope and Purpose:

(1) The purpose of these standards is to promote general grounds appearance that is aesthetically pleasing, is generally consistent throughout all the national cemeteries, and allows us to fulfill our national shrine commitment.

(2) Grounds maintenance standards have been developed and include actions necessary for the initial establishment of turf on a gravesite and the perpetual maintenance of a cemetery’s gravesites, assembly areas, committal shelters, visitor information areas, administration buildings, and other areas, as appropriate. Each standard is supported by measures that will be used to gauge success at meeting the established standards. Several standards may require geographically defined Standard Operating Procedures to account for variances throughout the system.

b) General:

(1) Generally, turf should be healthy, trees and shrubs should be properly maintained, roadways, curbs, and walkways should be edged and have appropriate drainage. Perpetual care requires regular and consistent maintenance procedures.

c) Levels of Maintenance:

(1) To establish maintenance priorities, areas of the cemetery are described here in order of their potential to affect the visual impression of families and visitors.

(2) Visually Prominent Areas:

(a) Interment areas

(b) Public information building

(c) Committal service shelters

(d) Visitor entrance to the administration building

(e) Columbaria

(f) Entrance gate

(g) Areas adjacent to the main entrance road

(h) Primary roads and routes to the committal service shelters

(i) Turf, trees and planting areas adjacent to flagpole/assembly area

(j) Memorial walkways / paths / Monuments

(k) Lodges and other buildings in prominent locations

(3) Medium Visual Impact Areas:

(a) Non-burial areas adjacent to secondary roads

(b) Areas adjacent to the maintenance building and yard

(c) Areas adjoining the memorial walkways/paths

(4) Low Visual Impact Areas:

(a) Non-use areas

(b) Areas viewed at considerable distance

(c) Soil spoils areas

3. Description of Services:

a) The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supplies, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that total cemetery maintenance is performed at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in a manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

b) Services include, but are not limited to maintenance of grounds and facilities, regular mowing, trimming, edging, removal of leaves and debris, as well as, sweeping or blowing off roads and sidewalks, maintenance of gravesites and headstones, and the alignment and washing of headstones, headstone installation and maintenance, turf maintenance, plant and tree maintenance, sunken grave repair, trash removal, and janitorial services. Additionally, trash and debris removal, janitorial operations, window cleaning, cleaning of building exteriors, including windows, shelters, columbarium and flag plaza, and power washing sidewalks, curbs and fencing when required.

c) Annually at the beginning of the new fiscal year, provide a ground to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for inclusion in the cemetery Grounds Maintenance Plan. Include approximate dates for various grounds/turf maintenance milestones:

(1) Pesticide, pre-emergent, herbicide, fungicide applications.

(2) Soil samples.

(3) Fertilizer and soil amendment applications.

(4) Pesticide and herbicide applications.

(5) Bed and buffer treatments.

(6) Mow/trim operations.

(7) Leaf and debris pickup.

(8) Floral pickup.

(9) Sweeping/Blowing of road, walkways, columbaria and prominent areas.

(10) Pine straw placement.

(11) Aeration, dethatching and top dressing.

d) All work will be done during normal Federal workdays in daylight hours. Contractor shall accomplish all work in accordance with the technical specifications that have been provided as Attachments A through J to this solicitation. Overall work shall conform to the NCA National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures.

(1) Standard 6.1: Daily grounds maintenance activities do not detract from the dignity and solemnity of the cemetery.

(a) Measure 6.1: The number of complaints that are received because of operations, noise, equipment, etc. that intruded on the visitor’s experience.

(b) Target 6.1: 0 complaints.

(2) Standard 6.2: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

(a) Requirement 6.2a: Debris, equipment, tools and supplies are removed after each task or at the end of the workday.

(b) Requirement 6.2b: Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of grounds maintenance debris by the end of the workday.

e) The Contractor shall be responsible for:

(1) Grounds and Facilities Maintenance; Grounds Maintenance Services to include turf maintenance, plant and tree maintenance, mowing, trimming and edging; tree wells maintenance and edging, maintenance and labor for mulch beds (Main Entrance, East and West Entrance, Flag Circle, Administration Building, 2 Shelter beds, 2 Maintenance Buildings, Beds upon entry into expansion area, Columbarium, etc.) Sweeping or blowing off of roads and walkways; power washing sidewalks, curbs, shelters and site facilities as required; trash and floral removal; daily refilling and cleaning floral vase holders (vases provided by GOV); debris removal; (approximately 40 acres).

(2) Turf Maintenance; Fertilization Applications; Soil Testing; Weed & Disease Control application. Spot spraying. Fire Ant Control & Pest Control as required. Aeration, dethatching, top dressing, maintaining and adjusting grade as required.

(3) Buffer Areas; Edge and perimeter spray treatment to include complete Buffer Areas with non-selective herbicide with first edging to be trench treatment. Treat Buffer Areas with a pre-emergent herbicide 2 times per year. Dress Buffer Areas with pine straw once annually in the spring, including material and labor (pine straw to be furnished by the contractor). Removal of fallen trees, pruning dangerous limbs, removing suckers, weeds and unsightly undergrowth.

(4) Gravesite Maintenance; Sunken Grave Repair. Repair of damaged turf. Top dressing/grade adjustment. Sod placement of casketed sites. Mowing and trimming of gravesites.

(5) Headstone Maintenance; Headstone receiving and setting, Headstone cleaning and maintenance, Headstones raise, lower, realign, reset and backfill, Headstone replacements, including pulling and setting R2's.

(6) Support Services; Support Services for Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Wreaths Across America, and other weekend special events as needed. Manpower and equipment for high priority events and services at the cemetery. Support Services for weekend or holiday burials as per NCA’s Standardized Burial Schedule for Federal Holidays, as required. This includes Active Duty KIA interments scheduled on a weekend.

f) Provide a safe working environment for Contractor, cemetery staff and the public.

g) Ensuring all work conforms to the NCA’s established National Standards.

4. Standards of Employee Conduct:

a) Contractor and Contractor personnel 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 Title 38, U.S.C., Part I, Chapter 9, Section 901.

(1) Be fully clothed always in matching uniforms, 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. Tank tops and short pants as outer garments are prohibited. Shoes/boots will have no holes or loose soles. Steel-toed shoes or equivalent will be required in accordance with OSHA requirements. Contractor employees will maintain personal hygiene.

(2) Shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior or use profane or abusive language. Shall show proper reverence during committal services.

(3) Shall neither eat nor drink beverages (except water or non-alcoholic drinks) in the work areas, nor in sight of committal shelter during a service. Use of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited.

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

(5) The only designated smoking area for the Beaufort National Cemetery is located behind the maintenance building. All other areas are designated as NO SMOKING.

(6) Contracted personnel are required to report the damaging of any cemetery facility, equipment, grounds or headstones to the COR as soon as occurs.

5. Parking and VA Regulations:

a) Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the COR. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure his employees park in the appropriate designated parking areas. The Cemetery will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor’s employees under any conditions. Smoking 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.

b) All contractor personnel operating vehicles on government property must possess a valid state driver’s license.

6. Use of Cemetery Facilities:

a) The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of Contractor items. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Cemetery facilities used by Contractor's employees.

b) The Government will not furnish a storage building at the cemetery site for use by the Contractor to store supplies and equipment. 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.

c) The Contractor will 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, with a copy provided to the COR, pesticides, herbicides and cleaning solutions. Additionally, copies of pesticide applicators license (if required) will be provided to the COR.

d) Electricity and phone service will NOT be furnished by the Government for the contractor’s work area. However, government will provide all electricity and water used on and for the cemetery facility.

e) Contractor employees will not be allowed to use cemetery staff or public restrooms. Contractor must provide restroom facilities for their employees.

7. Inspection and Cleaning of Cemetery:

a) The Contractor, Project Manager or Site Supervisor will, at minimum, perform a weekly site inspection.

(1) During this inspection, the appearance of the cemetery will be observed, and any deficiencies noted within the scope of the contract will be corrected as soon as practicable.

(2) Any items that cannot be corrected within a reasonable time frame or items that need correcting outside the scope of the contract will be reported to the Contracting Officer or his representative (COR).

b) The Contractor will be required to submit inspection reports and work accomplished to the COR weekly. The inspection forms will be provided to the Contractor.

8. Supervision, Work Hours and Training:

a) Project Manager: A competent and experienced “Project Manager” shall be provided by the Contractor for not less than two (2) hours per day whenever work is being performed. In the absence of the Project Manager, the Contractor will appoint a crew foreman or employee who will be responsible to ensure that the work is (i) being accomplished in an expeditious manner, (ii) performed in accordance with the contract specifications, and (iii) progress is being made without undue delay. The Project Manager must have no less than two (2) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial construction operation that includes surveying, soil excavation, and site construction in industrial, commercial and/or public sites. The Project Manager will 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. BOTH PROJECT MANAGER AND CREW FOREMAN ARE REQUIRED TO BE FLUENT IN ENGLISH.

b) Work Hours: Work may be performed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday unless otherwise directed by the COR. At the Contractor’s request, and with the written permission of the COR, work may also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and/or Holidays. In emergency situations caused by the Contractor, or when severe adverse weather prohibits work during the week, the Contractor shall arrange with the COR to work on weekends and/or holidays to meet performance time frames. The Government shall not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration. No work will be permitted during Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day weekend activities. Notwithstanding, if any work under this contract will be required outside of the VA's normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), the Contractor shall request for a deviation in writing to the COR at least 24 hours in advance. The COR will notify the appropriate individuals regarding Contractor's anticipated schedule and will provide written approval or disapproval to the Contractor.

(1) FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

(a) New Year’s Day (January)

(b) Martin Luther King’s Birthday (January)

(c) President’s Day (February)

(d) Memorial Day (May)

(e) Fourth of July (July)

(f) Labor Day (September)

(g) Columbus Day (October)

(h) Veterans Day (November)

(i) Thanksgiving Day (November)

(j) Christmas Day (December)

c) 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.

d) 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.

9. Work Scheduling and Maintenance During Cemetery Functions:

a) The Contractor shall coordinate a work schedule with the COR(s) daily to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment. These daily meetings are also an opportunity for the Contractor to ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary, depending on the…