36C78619Q0297-010.docx

B.3 STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATION

1. Background

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA) furnishes headstones, markers and niche covers for the graves of United States veterans worldwide. Memorial headstones, markers and niche covers are also furnished to memorialize veterans whose remains are non-recoverable.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this contract is to manufacture, inscribe and deliver replica historic marble headstones to the United States Navy Hospital Plot located at Mount Moriah Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA.

1. General

This contract shall include all labor and materials necessary to furnish replica historic inscribed upright marble headstones per cemetery section as listed in the Orders by Section spreadsheet, Attachment A.

The contractor shall be responsible for identifying and providing the replica historic fonts per headstone type that are to be used to produce the inscriptions. All labor and materials needed to produce and inscribe the headstones per attached drawings, (.pdf and .dwg formats), packaging/labeling/palletizing delivery of the finished product to the delivery address is the responsibility of the contractor.

The contractor shall be responsible for the following:

1. Labeling of each headstone and marker with the appropriate section/row/gravesite number. This will be accomplished by utilizing a permanent black marker on the front bottom and the bottom of each. (e.g. 1-3-55, section 1, row 3, gravesite 55)

1. Headstones will be manufactured, inscribed and palletized by section according to the Orders by Section spreadsheets. There may be instances where different types of upright headstones will be mixed on a pallet.

1. There will be a maximum of (12) headstones per pallet or a maximum of 2,000 lbs. whichever is lower.

1. All pallets will be of the heavy-duty type (48”x42” minimum), in good condition with all boards present and all nail heads hammered below the surface.

1. Flat corrugated board (350 psi, double wall) will be laid on top of the pallet covering all boards before the headstones are loaded onto the pallet.

1. All headstones will be separated by corrugated board (350 psi, double wall) not allowing headstones to be able to rub against each other, alleviating any chipping or breakage at corners.

1. All shipments will be FOB Destination, consignee site.

1. Contractor will work with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for manufacturing scheduling, shipment pick-up and the generation of required shipping documentation.

3.1 Performance Period: A post-award meeting will be scheduled to discuss with the contractor an agreeable delivery schedule based on Attachment A, Orders by Section. Once a schedule is established and agreed upon, the contractor will be held accountable for adhering to it. The first delivery will be no more than 60 days after the award of the contract.

3.2 Unit Price: The unit price is all-inclusive and covers the headstone type and complete inscription ordered regardless of the total number of lines or characters and regardless of whether one or two sides are inscribed. The total price shall be the total price paid for each monument delivered (FOB Destination) to the delivery address listed. This all-inclusive price includes all items, product and service as shown on drawings listed below and Attachment A.

1. Product Specifications

1. XX - USNH Type 1.0, Upright Marble, Peak Top (11-1/2” W x 42-1/2”H x 2” D) Attachment B

1. XX - USNH Type 2.0, Upright Marble, Peak Top (10-3/4” W x 39-3/4”H x 2-1/2” D) Attachment C

1. XX - USNH Type 3.1, Upright Marble, Round Top (10-3/4"W x 39-3/4"H x 2-1/2"D) Attachment D

1. XX - USNH Type 3.2, Upright Marble, Round Top (15-1/2"W x 43-3/4"H x 1-3/4"D) Attachment E

1. XX - USNH Type 4.0, Upright Marble, Round Top (15-3/4"W x 42-3/4"H x 1-3/4"D) Attachment F

1. XX - USNH Type 5.1, Upright Marble, Round Top (15-3/4"W x 46"H x 1-3/4"D) Attachment G

1. XX - USNH Type 5.2, Upright Marble, Round Top (15-3/4"W x 46"H x 1-3/4"D) Attachment H

1. Type XA, Upright Marble, Old Style, Raised Lettering (12" X 42" X 3") Attachment I

1. Type XC, Upright Marble, Old Style, Raised Lettering (10" X 42" X 3") Attachment J NOTE: All dimensions for USNH Type 1.0 thru Type 5.2 are ± ¼”. Type XA and XC dimensions are noted on the drawings.

1. Material: Marble shall be sound and compact, free from cracks, spalls, chips, holes, calcite lines more than two inches in length, open seams, pits, or other defects that would impair its strength, durability or appearance.

5.1 Color: The overall color of the marble exclusive of allowable coloration shall be (N8.5 or higher) judged against the Munsell Neutral Value Scale, Matte 31 – step scale. Various colored veins, no darker than N6 of the Munsell Neutral Value Scale may blend gradually into the white background. Blotches of color veining which are in sharp contrast with the background whiteness, which would inhibit legibility of the inscription, or which present an objectionable appearance, shall be cause for rejection. Traits causing unacceptable appearance that appear above 18” from the bottom of the headstone include:

1. Headstones with multiple, long, straight streaks;

1. Colors which appear as draining or dripping down the stone;

1. Coloring which would be mistaken for black microbial growth or markings which would be mistaken for dirt;

1. Headstones with veining of blatantly dissimilar material susceptible to differential weathering;

1. Lines likely to be misinterpreted as cracks;

1. Broad dark markings or splotches that interfere with legibility or that create a strong visual distraction (e.g. resembling paint splatter), regardless of where the distraction is located;

1. Headstones which lack a dominant background color (i.e. more than 33% is color of veins);

1. Headstones having 5 or more veins that are greater than 1-1/3 inches thick;

1. Headstones having wide (other than pencil-mark thin) veins which do not gradually blend with the background color;

1. Headstones with horizontally oriented veining haphazardly mixed with other orientations. Veining should occur across the stone primarily following the long vertical dimension or slanted by as much as +/- 45 degrees from the vertical.

5.2 Finishing: The front, back, top and sides of each monument must be uniformly machine honed with an 80-grit pad or stone to a smooth satin finish, free of scratches, saw marks, rust spots and skips. The bottom 16” shall be a smooth sawn finish.

5.3 Source of Supply: All stone shall be obtained from quarries within the United States having adequate capacity and facilities to meet the specified requirements. Cutting and finishing shall be done by a manufacturer equipped to process the material promptly and in strict accordance with these specifications.

5.4 Workmanship: Each headstone shall be free from defects in workmanship. Chips, cracks, open seams or abraded edges, shall not be permitted and the repair or patching of any such defects is prohibited and shall be cause for rejection. The blanks shall be free of ink, oil, crayon marks, dirt, coatings, sealers and stone dust. Inscribed headstones shall be free from defects due to broken or blown cut lettering. Workmanship and production shall be in accordance with industry standards, practices and regulatory safety requirements.

5.5 Testing: Stone supplied under this contract shall conform to the following specifications and physical requirements. Stone shall be tested, as listed below, by an approved testing laboratory and test results shall be submitted to the Memorial Products Service, Program Support Unit for approval prior to the production of the sample. Testing is required only once and shall be from a representative sample of the quarry. Testing results are required for new sources of stone.

NOTE: Testing results are not required for the sources of marble in the following areas:

1. Marble Valley, Coosa County, Alabama

1. Marble, Gunnison County, Colorado

1. Danby, Rutland County, Vermont

1. Tate, Pickens County, Georgia

5.6 Marble Testing Specifications

1. Abrasive hardness: Marble shall have an abrasive hardness value (Ha) of not less than 10 when tested as specified in ASTM C241.

1. Absorption: Marble shall absorb not more than 0.15 percent of moisture by weight when tested for a 48-hour period as specified in ASTM C97.

1. Compressive strength: Marble shall have a minimum compressive strength of 7500 psi or (5.27 kg/mm2) when tested as specified in ASTM C170.

1. Modulus of rupture: Marble shall have a minimum modulus of rupture of 1000 psi (or 0.70 kg/mm2) when tested as specified in ASTM C99.

5.7 Applicable Publications

1. Munsell Neutral Value Scale, Matte (31-step scale) 617 Little Britain Road New Windsor, NY 12553-6148 Phone: (800) 622-2384

1. ASTM, Sections C97, C99, C170, C241 American Society for Testing and Materials 1220 L Street, NW, Suites 100-167 Washington, DC 20005

1. Dimension Stones of the World Marble Institute of America, Inc.

28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100 Cleveland, OH 44145

1. Inscription Specifications

6.1 Inscription Font Styles: Each headstone type drawing noted in 4.0 above has the specifications for the font to be used on each specific monument type. The letters and numbers that will be needed to inscribe the headstones for each type are listed on each drawing along with the specific dimensions to be used. Photos of the original headstones will be forwarded for reference upon request.

IMPORTANT: Each USNH type headstone has its own font style and size. Fonts are not to be intermingled between USNH monument types.

6.2 Product: The contractor shall inscribe all information as listed on the attached Orders by Section, Attachment A spreadsheets. There will be no deviation from the information or inscription layout submitted. Any questions will be directed to the COR.

Inscriptions shall be made using an air blast abrasion method. The inscription shall be laid out as noted and a depth consistent with the technical drawings for each headstone type and shall conform to the dimensions of letters and numbers noted on those drawings.

6.3 Lithichrome Application: Lithichrome shall not be used on inscriptions provided under this contract.

1. Sample Submittals by Potential Offerors

Due to the importance of matching headstone and font styles to the original historic headstones, the following sample submittals will be required from all interested contractors. A 6x6 substitute will not be accepted for this contract.

Potential offerors will submit at their expense three (3) inscribed marble headstone samples according to the specifications listed in Sections 4.0 and 5.0 above. Marble shall be representative of the stone to be used in production, the inscriptions shall be representative of the final product along with the final finish to be attained. Testing results for the sample will be submitted per Sections 5.5 and 5.6. The sample shall be marked clearly on the back with indelible marker, showing contractor name, solicitation number, quarry source of stone, name of stone and statement identifying the type of honing pads or stone used for the finish and its grit rating. Any sample which arrives damaged will not be accepted.

The samples shall be the basis for comparison of all inscribed headstones produced under this contract. The dimensions of the sample submittal shall match exactly the dimensions outlined in drawing with the exception of thickness which will be ¾” and total headstone height of 24”.

Samples shall be received by Memorial Products Service (MPS) prior to the closing date of the solicitation. If the sample is disapproved by MPS, BUT the solicitation is still open, you will receive notification by the Contracting Officer and will have until the closing date of solicitation to resubmit samples.

NO samples will be accepted after closing date.

Hand delivered samples will not be accepted.

Once submitted, all samples become the property of the Department of Veterans Affairs and will not be returned. Submit sample and test results to the following address:

Department of Veteran Affairs

7.1 Refer to Attachment A, Orders by Section, for the inscriptions to be used for sample submissions:

1. Sample 1: Section 1, Row 1, Grave 4

1. Sample 2: Section 2, Row 1, Grave 8

1. Sample 3: Section 3, Row 1, Grave 3

0. Drawings (.pdf format) for the monument types and required fonts shall be attached to the contract for reference. AutoCad (.dwg) for the monument types and required fonts will be available by request.

1. Quality Assurance

8.1 Government Quality Assurance (QA)

1. Site Inspections Quality assurance inspections of the contractor’s production processes or the contractor’s manufacturing facility may be conducted during the contract period by the designated CORs of the Memorial Products Service (MPS) to assure contract performance and adherence. Visits to the contractor will be scheduled at a time so as to ensure inspection of the contractor’s marker production. The Government reserves the right to perform quality audit inspections without prior scheduling or notification to the contractor.

During each QA visit, a complete assessment of the contractor’s operation will be made, to include the following areas:

1. Packaging and palletizing of product to ensure compliance with all contractual requirements.

1. Contractor’s execution of quality control procedures.

1. Contractor is accurately maintaining all QA records as required, with the records indicating the quality of the headstones as shipped.

1. Contractor’s handling of inventory or backlogged orders.

The contractor must assist the designated COR by providing an adequate, well-lit inspection area. Contractor personnel will provide assistance lifting, handling and moving of product as necessary.

1. Quality Complaints The receipt of complaints concerning unsatisfactory quality indicating non-compliance with the contract specifications will be considered reason for an immediate visit and review of the contractor’s quality assurance program. The Government reserves the right to impose 100% Government Quality Inspections for an indefinite period due to quality problems. Indicative, but not all-inclusive, examples are:

1. Nonconforming product shipped to fill Government orders.

1. Deficiencies that adversely affect performance of the contract existing in areas such as:

1. Craftsmanship

1. Safety

1. Knowledge/training of processes and measuring tools

9.0 Packaging

1. Materials All headstones shall be packed in accordance with normal industry standards and commercial best practices to assure acceptance by the common carrier.

Non-metal bands shall be secured around the pallet or crating for its entire height (from top to bottom) and two additional bands shall secure the pallet or crating around the width. Banding pressure should be such that it causes no damage to the edges of the stone when packaged. Colored materials or materials capable of staining the stone (ex. uncoated cardboard, certain kinds of wood) during outdoor storage is not permitted.

The packaging and crating should protect the headstones throughout the handling and storage process and during shipment and comply with the National Motor Freight Classification.

1. Ensure that the pallet is in good condition with all nails hammered down so they do not protrude through the cardboard. The quantity of headstones that can be placed on the pallet will depend upon the pallet’s build quality and product to pallet dimensions.

1. Ensure that there is no product overhang. The pallet shall be taking the initial side impacts. Ensure that the pallet extends 1-2” away from the edges of the product.

1. Corrugated board that is being used to wrap around the product shall be 350 psi, double wall corrugated board.

1. Reinforce and protect the edges of the headstone/marker with corner fiber boards.

1. Ensure that the headstones are properly unitized and secured onto the pallet.

9.1 Single Packaging

Packaging for headstone shall consist of a two-part carton constructed of a double wall corrugated fiberboard. The front of the carton shall fit completely over the front of the headstones with the top, bottom and two side flaps folding over each respective surface of the headstone/marker to protect at least half of that surface. The back of the carton shall fit completely over the back of the headstone-marker with the top, bottom and two side flaps folding each respective surface of the headstone/marker to protect at least half of that surface. That flaps of the carton halves shall be secured with ½” plastic banding or 2” filament tape. Two bands shall be secured around the carton its entire height (from top to bottom) and two additional bands shall secure the carton around the width of the headstone/marker. Banding pressure shall be such that it causes no damage to the edges of the stone when packaged.

The packaging shall protect the headstone/marker from abuse during shipping and handling and comply with the National Motor Freight Classification.

9.2 Palletizing

Each crate or pallet shall not exceed 2,000 lbs. or contain more than twelve (12) headstones. All orders produced by this contract will be shipped to the same consignee. Headstones are shipped together on pallets with sufficient non-steel banding in conjunction with stretch wrap along with individual packaging material shall be used to prevent damage to the headstones during shipment. Banding shall be in cross-directional pairs, four per pallet with non-staining corner cards provided between the band and the headstones at each corner of the banding (uncoated cardboard against the stone is unsatisfactory due to the tendency for discoloration). The following specifications shall be used in conjunction with heavy duty 42” x 48” 4-way wood pallets.

Headstones shall be placed on the pallet in layers of three, not exceeding four layers, OR standing upright on their sides, not totaling more than 12 headstones per pallet. Upright headstones will be shipped by section/row/grave # according to the attached spreadsheet. Contractor to ensure that the product is strapped tightly to the pallet to eliminate any movement.

Any protruding metal fasteners (nails screws, staples) should be hammered back into the wood or replaced to avoid tearing the packaging or scratching the headstone.

A sheet of double wall corrugated material shall be inserted between the finished surface of one headstone/marker and adjoining headstones to protect against damage during shipping. The contractor shall ensure that non-coloring materials are used for packing and that packing materials are not prone to compression which shall cause load shifts or damage from the ensuring loose banding.

The headstones shall be packed in such a manner that any adhesive, glue or coloring from the packaging does not transfer and adhere to the stone during shipment or during interim storage prior to use. All headstones and packing material shall be contained within the dimensions of the pallet with no overhang. The contractor shall palletize headstones on pallets in good repair with three stringers having lift access capability from all four directions.

The contractor shall replace headstones at no additional cost to the Government if the damage is due to unacceptable packing, unacceptable palletizing arrangements or faulty pallets. The MPS Program Support Unit reserves the right to notify the contractor by email within 5 days of any product damaged during transportation. Upon notification, the contractor shall replace the damaged headstone/marker within ten (10) calendar days from the date the email was sent by MPS to the contractor.

9.3 Labeling

Product (Pre-packaging): IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT. Each individual headstone shall have written in permanent black ink on the front bottom and the bottom of the headstone, the section/row/grave numbers as noted on the attached spreadsheet.

Product (Packaged): IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT. Each packaged individual headstone shall have written in permanent black ink on the bottom of the packaging (not the crown or curved top) the section/row/grave number. A heavy-duty adhesive label stating the same can be used as well and placed on the bottom of the package.

Palletized Packaged Product: IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT. As stated, no more than 12 headstones can be placed on one pallet. Arrange the product to show the section/row/grave number from one side of the pallet. Once product is arranged on the pallet following the material requirements above, and the section/row/grave number showing specifically from one side, the pallet can be pallet wrapped utilizing corner protectors and banded. After the pallet is loaded and secured, a packing list or a label listing the section/row/grave numbers that are secured to the pallet will be attached to the outside of the pallet wrapping. Packing list or labels will be secured to the loaded pallet on all four sides in a way to ensure it is not torn off during transit.

IMPORTANT: The contractor must note on the Bills of Lading that palletized or crated monuments must be placed at the rear or side of delivery vehicles so that direct access is permitted for off-loading with a forklift.

10.0 Points of Contact

MPS: Email MPSProgSupport@va.gov of the projected delivery following the notice to proceed and of the delivery date/time following actual delivery.

Delivery:

Consignee must be contacted 24 hours prior to delivery to ensure appropriate personnel and equipment is on-site to off load product. Delivery should occur between 8:30am to 3:30pm unless other arrangements are made during the pre- notice of impending delivery.

Washington Crossing National Cemetery 830 Highland Road Newtown, PA 18940 Attn: Richard McNulty 215-504-5610 Richard.McNulty@va.gov

END STATEMENT OF WORK

Created on 01/02/2013 Page 1 of 7