36C78619Q0426-001.docx

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

3. DATE ISSUED

PAGE OF PAGES

4. CONTRACT NUMBER

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

6. PROJECT NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE

DOCUMENTS (

Title, identifying number, date) 12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

12b. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014)

STANDARD FORM 1442

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 52.236-1(d)

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within ____________ calendar days and complete it within calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See _____________________________).

YES

NO

a.

Sealed offers in original and ___________________copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ (hour) local time _____________________ (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, the date and time offers are due.

b.

An offer guarantee is, is not required.

c.

All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

d.

Offers providing less than _______________________ calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

36C78619Q0426 08-07-2019 8889-000019 Shrine 36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 155 Van Gordon Street Lakewood CO 80228 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 155 Van Gordon Street Lakewood CO 80228 Kelly Rima 303-914-5710

FORT LOGAN NATIONAL CEMETERY

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price Contract for the following project:

Raise and realignment of flat markers as well as turf renovation in Section U at the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado in accordance with the attached Scope of Work Dated April 4, 2019, specifications and exhibits.

Interested Offerors must be registered in www.sam.gov in order to be eligible and considered for award.

The magnitude of construction project is between $250,000 and $500,000.

NAICS Code 238990, Size Standards $15 Million (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors Construction)

The preferred method for submission of quotes is electronically to Kelly.Rima@va.gov

SOLICITATION CLOSES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 AT 2:00 PM EASTERN TIME.

Bid Bonds are not required, but Performance and Payment Bonds or an Irrevocable Letter of Credit is Mandatory.

X X Evaluation Factor 4 X 14:00 09-11-2019 X

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

15. TELEPHONE NUMBER

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

CODE

FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within __________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT

NUMBER

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (

26. ADMINISTERED BY

27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

PHONE:

FAX:

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

29. AWARD

Your Contractor agrees offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further cont-this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract ractual document is necessary.

shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

TO SIGN

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. AWARD DATE

BY

OFFER

AWARD

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

(Include ZIP Code) (Include area code) (Include only if different than Item 14.)

(Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13d.)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each) (Type or print) (4 copies unless otherwise specified) (Type or print) (Type or print) (Contractor is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to issuing office.)

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

(Must be fully completed by offeror) (To be completed by Government)

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer -campaigns/veterans-affairs/

1-877-752-0900

Table of Contents

PRICE SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

The quantity listed below are estimates. Actual amounts may vary and will be paid by actuals.

Fort Logan Flat Marker Project: 270 Calendar Days

CLIN

No.

Description:

Grounds Maintenance Services

Page 1 of Page 1 of

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

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 work, appearance, and procedures performed by the contractor at this cemetery shall reflect precision and the most pleasing appearance for those interred there. Attention to detail and accuracy are critical performance requirements for projects performed at these National Shrines. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure, and stability at all times.

Dignity Clause: Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledge the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness required of the Contractor employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

Requests for Information (RFI): To obtain additional information concerning contract specifications, Offerors are encouraged to submit a written request via email to Kelly.Rima@va.gov . Email shall include the solicitation number and title, contractor name, address, city, state, zip, telephone, email address, date submitted and the RFI questions(s). Questions must be specific and must address the appropriate section, paragraph, and page. All questions submitted must be in question format. All questions regarding this project must be submitted by August 28, 2019. No questions will be answered after this date unless deemed to be in the best interest of the Government as deemed by the Contracting Officer. Questions submitted without the required information shall be considered nonresponsive.

Pre-bid Site Visit: It is highly recommended that Interested Offerors perform a thorough field survey of the existing conditions and features. Any conditions which may cause significant deviation shall be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for clarification prior to submission of an offer. Interested Offerors planning to conduct a site visit shall contact the following:

Stan Simmons 4400 W Kenyon Avenue Denver, CO 80235 303-961-7920 Stanley.Simmons3@va.gov Safety: The Contractor shall assume sole responsibility for safety of all persons on or about the construction site, in accordance with applicable laws and codes. Contractor shall guard all hazards in accordance with the safety provisions of the latest manual of accident prevention published by the Associated General Contractors of America and OSHA. All actions of the Contractor shall meet safety requirements of San Joaquin Cemetery Safety Officer, Department of Veteran Affairs, OSHA, and the State of California. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to be familiar with these requirements. "Safety" shall also include the Contractor having a safety representative who maintains regular and routine contact with the Safety Officer at SJVNC. Contractor shall provide training of the contractor’s and subcontractor’s workers as necessary to meet these requirements.

Warranty: Contractor shall guarantee that all work done under this contract shall be guaranteed from faulty materials or workmanship and hereby agrees to repair or replace without additional cost to the Government any defects or imperfections appearing in said work. Contractor’s Warranty shall be for a period of one year after the final date of acceptance of all work by the COR or cemetery representative. Additionally, the Contractor is responsible for the repair and replacement of any existing structure or conditions that may have been damage or altered during contract performance.

Wage Determination: Currently, Wage Determination Number CO2, 05/10/2019 and WD 15-5419 (Rev.-11), 01/01/2019 are applicable to any resultant contract. It is the responsibility of the Offerors to ensure that the correct, most current, wage determination is utilized when submitting a proposal. Please refer to Wage Determination OnLine.gov, www.wdol.gov, in order to obtain a copy of the most current wage rate for the specific state, county in which this construction contract is being performed.

Offerors Submission: Proposal will be accepted and considered for award of a firm-fixed price contract. Submitted proposals that do not meet the following instructions may be determined to be nonresponsive and will not be considered for award. Proposals may be submitted via email to Kelly.Rima@VA.GOV .

EVALUATION PROCESS

Evaluation Process: The Government will award a firm fix contract, using FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. A comparative Evaluation (CE) will be performed on all acceptable quotations received in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3) Evaluation of Quotations or Offers. Comparative evaluation is the direct comparison of one quotation/offer with another in an equitable manner to determine which quote/offer provides the Government what it needs, where, and when, as identified in the RFQ. It is an assessment of which response is “best” overall. While the Government reserves the right to select quotation(s) that exceeds the minimum, it is absolutely not required to do so. Although the evaluation of an Offeror and award of a contract will be made without discussion, the Government nevertheless reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer determines it to be necessary.

Price: Proposed price will be evaluated for Reasonableness and Realism.

Proposal Requirements:

Two volumes should be submitted. Volume 1 is Pricing and Volume 2 is Technical -Volume 1 - Pricing

· Offer letter on Company letterhead which includes the following:

· Legal Business/Company Name (as listed in www.sam.gov )

· DUNS Number

· Point of Contact/Authorized Negotiator

· Telephone number for contact

· Email address for contact person

· List any exceptions to the requirements.

· One (1) properly completed, signed and dated SF 1442

· One (1) Schedule of Supplies/Services with Quoted amounts.

· A completed copy of 52.204-8, Representation and Certifications. Offerors who fail to provide Representation and Certification may be considered nonresponsive.

· Acknowledgement of any amendments if applicable.

-Volume 2 - Technical Package for Evaluation

· One (1) Technical Approach that addresses the 5 Evaluation Factors and the Scope of Work (SOW).

· Experience of Contractor and/or Subcontractors.

· Key Personnel Experience

· Staffing Plan

· Scheduling and Phasing

· Equipment List.

Technical Approach: The Technical approach shall include a brief yet comprehensive narrative that details the Contractor’s efforts. Offer shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria contained in this solicitation and on how well the technical approach meets the Government requirements. Failure to provide the required narrative will result in the Contractor being considered nonresponsive. Specifically, address the following:

Evaluation Factors:

Factor 1: Experience of Company and/or Subcontractors.

In describing project experience, provide the following information:

1) Project title, location, dollar amount, and a brief description of the work effort.

2) Project owner, name, telephone number and email of owner’s point of contact person or persons.

3) Project prime contractor and major sub-contractors and names and telephone numbers of each point-of-contact. Note: Each firm and managing person(s), project manager/superintendent/foreman as applicable for the project.

4) Project status. Include the date the notice to proceed was issued, the original contract completion date and the revised contract completion date. Include information regarding any change orders, or modifications to the contract and the extent of each change order or modification thereof.

5) Include any experiences with working on projects for the National Cemetery Administration, or any other Federal Agency.

Factor 2: Key Personnel Experience.

As a minimum, the Offeror shall provide the following information for both a Project Manager and Project Superintendent:

1) Name the proposed person and position.

2) The firm at which the person is currently employed.

3) Provide the number of years the person has with the company.

4) Describe work experiences of the person.

5) Describe the position or responsibility the person will hold in regards to the project team and provide a description of their duties.

6) Describe familiarities with working on projects similar in size, scope and complexity, and include information regarding market conditions for the Denver, Colorado area as it may relate to managing and overseeing this project.

7) The project superintendent must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a direct supervisor of site work, reinforced concrete foundations, and horizontal construction.

Factor 3: Staffing Plan.

The Offeror shall describe the proposed staffing plan with any subcontracting. The Offeror should describe why the range of proposed staff is appropriate to complete the work within the given Period of Performance. The Offeror shall indicate how long it will take to fully staff the contract and how peak workloads, overlapping or simultaneous task assignments, as well as sick and vacation leaves will be covered, and other contingency plans to manage resources. Additionally, the Offeror shall include a discussion of how his/her personnel are allocated per task, how the Offeror plans to retain the proposed staffing levels, information on turnover rates, and related recruiting efforts.

Factor 4: Scheduling and Phasing.

The Offeror shall demonstrate their approach for this project to include providing a progress schedule. The Offeror shall provide a proposed project schedule in either a bullet pointed narrative form or bar graph. The schedule will be evaluated on the basis of technical merit and approach to complete the project within the specified project duration. All schedule items will show a start date and a completion date. The schedule will indicate specific tasks with dates for each step of the process including but not limited to document submission, mobilization, estimated start and completion dates for each burial section of turf renovation, and estimated start and completion dates for each section of headstone raise and realignment. The Offeror shall provide a narrative specifying how allowances have been made for weather delays, holidays and burial services; the days of the week and the hours of construction operations during each phase of the work.

**The period of performance for this project is 270 calendar days. It is possible to have a stop of work in the middle of the performance period due to winter weather. Please provide how your company plans to address the performance period with an estimated contract award date of September 25, 2019.**

Factor 5: Equipment List.

The Offeror shall provide a thorough list of equipment, vehicles, supplies, products and materials that it proposes to use under the contract. Equipment model, type, age, and methodology should be addressed for work to be performed with explanation of how the proposed method selected is more beneficial to the Government. This list shall include any equipment being provided by a proposed subcontractor.

The Government reserves the right to reject all quotes/proposals if doing so is in the best interest of the Government.

ATTACHMENT A - PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONAIRE

INSTRUCTIONS: Contractor must identify previous federal, state, local government and or private contracts completed that are similar in size and scope to the contract being evaluated. List at least three (3) contracts for evaluation. Contracts must be either completed or current within the last (5) years. One contract reference per form. Contract must be Relevant to current requirements.

Note: List any National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts currently working or previously worked first followed by Non-NCA contracts.

Past Performance Questionnaire

Contract Number

Contractor ( Name Address, Zip Code)

Telephone Number

Email Address

Type of Contract

Contract Dollar Value

Date of Award (if not completed provide status)

Type/Extent of Subcontracting

Percentage of Work completed by the Contractor

Description of Supply/Services provided, location & relevancy of work

Address, Telephone Number & Email of the Contact Person and Position

Form may be duplicated

SCOPE OF WORK

Fort Logan Flat Marker and Turf Renovation Project April 4, 2019

A. SCOPE

The Contractor shall furnish labor, supervision, quality control, transportation, parts, materials, equipment, supplies, necessary or incidental to remove, raise, realign, reset, and clean designated flat markers; renovate turf in designated burial sections with additional earthwork in certain sections; at the Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO, and hereafter referred to as “Fort Logan National Cemetery” or “Cemetery” as required by Section A1, “PRICE SCHEDULE OF SERVICES.”

i. All contract work shall be completed as required under the terms of this contract in each Burial Section as defined in the Work Statement (designated on the contract drawings and provided to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer and/or Contracting Officer Representative, COR) AND accepted by the COR PRIOR to any work beginning in the NEXT Burial Section, unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer/COR.

B. THE NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION MISSION

The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorial that commemorate their service to our Nation. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. Therefore, the standards for management, maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor have been established by the National Cemetery Administration to reflect this Nations’ concern and respect for those interred there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the Performance Work Statement, Performance Work Requirements Summary and Guidance Specifications shall be required and shall be essential. Critically important is the awareness required of the Contractor employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

C. BACKGROUND

i. In 1999 Congress passed legislation requiring VA to ensure that National Cemeteries serve as a dignified and respectful setting. Each Cemetery is to be an expression of appreciation and respect of a grateful Nation for the service and sacrifice of her veterans.

ii. Further, each National Cemetery is to be maintained as a National Shrine. A National Shrine is defined as a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor/family who views it as a majestic setting, offering a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice and nobility of purpose. The National Cemetery is a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

D. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veteran Affairs, Fort Logan National Cemetery intends to award a fixed price contract to remove, raise, realign, reset, and clean designated flat markers; and renovate designated sections of turf in designated burial sections with additional earthwork in certain sections. The Fort Logan National Cemetery is located at 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236.

E. CONTRACT OBJECTIVES

To complete the flat marker raise and realignment and turf renovation project at the Fort Logan National Cemetery, following the technical approach in this Statement of Work (SOW) in order to maintain the highest level of standards of appearance as a National Shrine, in accordance with best commercial practices and the requirements identified in the solicitation.

F. SUMMARY OF WORK

i. The Contractor shall raise/lower, realign, reset, backfill, and clean flat markers at the Cemetery in a manner that will meet or exceed the requirements to present a clean, neat, professional, and aesthetic headstone appearance and in accordance with Contract Specifications. Services include, but are not limited to work consisting of extracting, resetting, aligning, backfilling, and compacting flat markers that are already in place which have shifted out of vertical and/or horizontal alignment and plumb, as well as inventorying and ensuring accurate placement on each gravesite.

ii. The Contractor shall remove and restore Cemetery turf grass in designated burial sections, which includes, but is not limited to: killing and removing existing turf grass, rototilling the existing topsoil, adding or removing topsoil to establish a new finish grade, installing new turf grass sod, and establishing new turf grass sod, preservation of existing cemetery features (lawns, paving, roads, stones and markers). In designated burial sections (as annotated on the Site Plan) the Contractor shall remove the top six inches of soil and import and grade six inches of clean topsoil after turf removal but prior to new turf installation; and in one burial section the Contractor shall not remove existing soil but shall still be required to import and grade new topsoil.

iii. The Contractor shall restore cemetery features disturbed or removed as a result of performing new work, as well as, repair, replace, or reinstall any damaged cemetery property, such that at the end of the day the condition is as good as before commencement of work. Scheduling of services shall be coordinated with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to avoid disruption of ongoing cemetery operations. All work will be done during normal Federal workdays during cemetery workday hours. No work will be allowed during special weekend, or Federal Holiday, activities.

G. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The performance period of the contract is planned for 270 days.

H. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

i. The Contractor shall be responsible for full management of the facility’s flat marker raise and realignment and turf renovation services described herein. The Government’s requirements are described in the National Cemetery Administration’s (NCA’s) “Operational Standards and Measures” (provided by the Contracting Officer upon request), the Contract Specifications and other requirements identified herein, as they are applicable to the services required in the Pricing Schedule.

ii. In accordance with the contract requirements, the Contractor shall be responsible for:

1. Flat Marker Setting, Raising, and Realignment onto the new grass paving support system;

1. Cleaning Flat markers;

1. Turf grass Renovation;

1. Layout of the work and for all measurements in connection with the layout;

1. Utilizing existing burial section grid monumentation for all headstone row layout work;

1. Executing the work to the lines and grades needed to accomplish the work and to ensure that flat markers are correctly and accurately located on their associated gravesites;

1. Debris and trash removal;

1. Maintaining a safe presentable working environment for Contractor, cemetery staff, and the general public;

1. Preventing any disruption to the cemetery operations, including funerals, visitor privacy, internal traffic, and utilities;

1. Preserving the environment and following applicable regulations;

1. Preserving existing cemetery features (lawns, paving, roads, stones, and markers);

1. Restoring cemetery features disturbed or removed as a result of performing new work;

1. Ensuring all work conforms to the NCA’s established National Standards;

1. Timely submission of required reports and documentation.

I. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RAISE AND REALIGNMENT PROJECTS

To ensure the accuracy of flat markers placement during raise and realignment (R&R) activities, the following procedures shall be followed by the Contractor, cemetery personnel, and COR before the Raise and Realignment (R&R) process begins:

i. The Continental District (NCA-CD) office will provide each Cemetery with the correct Gravesite Layout Map(s) prior to beginning the R&R project. The COR or Cemetery Director/designee shall conduct an initial gravesite verification survey prior to the R&R of any headstone in the Cemetery. The COR will obtain a copy of the Burial Register Report from the Burial Operation Support System (BOSS) and current gravesite layout map(s) obtained from the NCA-CD for the verification survey. The Burial Register Report and gravesite layout map(s) will be used to verify the section, row, grave number, first and last name of each decedent and the condition of the headstone included in the Scope of Work. All inconsistencies will be researched, discussed and resolved with the NCA-CD Executive Director prior to the R&R of any headstone. Upon completion of the verification survey and corrective actions as necessary, the COR shall certify the survey by signing the Headstone/Marker Raise & Realign Verification Survey sheet (see Exhibit 4). A copy of the signed Headstone/Marker Raise & Realign Verification Survey sheet shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer (CO) which will be incorporated into the contract files and provided to the Contractor prior to R&R; a copy of the survey will be maintained by the Cemetery. Additional copies of the survey will be retained by the COR for the official contract files. The CO will give the approval to begin R&R process.

ii. The Contractor shall complete and submit DAILY, prior to the completion of each work day during which R&R activities take place, a Daily Headstone/Marker Raise & Realign Verification Survey for all headstones and markers raised & realigned (see Exhibit 5). The COR/Cemetery Director/designee will verify the accuracy of the placement of headstones on the correct gravesite using the same Burial Register Report and gravesite layout map(s) that were used for the initial headstone/marker verification survey. DAILY, the COR will inform the Contractor Supervisor of all identified inconsistencies and ensure corrective actions are completed that day. The Daily Headstone/Marker Raise & Realign Verification Survey will be maintained by the COR for certifying payments for completed work, tracking project progress and other administrative needs.

iii. When site conditions are restrictive and it is not possible to safely operate equipment while keeping the headstones on the gravesite, the Contractor shall prepare these sites by hand. At no time may headstones/markers be removed from the gravesites.

iv. The Contractor is responsible to protect headstones during the raise and realignment, and turf renovation process from damage or being discolored from contact with dirt, soil or other contaminants.

v. Headstones shall not be physically removed from the gravesite during the raise and realignment or turf renovation projects.

J. LAYOUT OF WORK

i. The Contractor shall lay out the work and shall be responsible for all measurements in connection with the layout. Where burial section grid monumentation exists, it shall be utilized for all flat marker row layout work, and contractor shall coordinate all associated field layout dimensions with COR prior to start of work. The Contractor shall furnish, at Contractor's own expense, all stakes, templates, platforms, equipment, tools, materials, and labor required to layout any part of the work. The Contractor shall execute the work to the lines and grades needed to accomplish the work and to ensure that flat markers are correctly and accurately located on their associated gravesites. The Contractor shall maintain and preserve all temporary and permanent stakes and other marks until authorized by the COR to remove them. If such marks are destroyed by the Contractor or through Contractor's negligence before their removal is authorized, the Contracting Officer may replace them and deduct the expense of the replacement from any amounts due or to become due to the Contractor.

ii. A registered professional land surveyor or registered civil engineer whose services are retained and paid for by the Contractor shall be used for layout control of work and to restore any grave section corner monuments that may be disturbed as a result of the Contractor’s performance of the contract work.

K. STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

Contractor personnel shall be required to adhere to the following standards of dress and conduct, as briefly mentioned here, while performing work in the National Cemetery. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C., Part I, Chapter 9, Section 5901. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that Contractor employees coming to the work site will receive complete information on safety, environmental protection, and fire safety; project work schedule, rules pertaining to employee requirements and conduct, general parameter job related issues; disaster procedures; and all technical requirements and work procedures of the contract.

i. Clothing shall be presentable and suitable to the work while maintaining proper appearance and decorum indicative for a National Shrine. Uniform shirts and hats are preferred. Clothing shall be clean and cleanliness and personal hygiene are imperative. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited. Protective/safety clothing and shoes shall meet or exceed OSHA and state requirements.

ii. Behavior and language must be appropriate, reverent, and respectful at all times.

iii. Eating and drinking (except water) is prohibited in the work areas and within sight of a committal shelter during a service.

iv. Use of intoxicating beverages, any tobacco products, and illegal drugs on the Cemetery premises is strictly prohibited.

v. Contractor personnel shall not lean, sit, or stand on or against flat markers or monuments. Nor can they drive over them. Contractor personnel should use tools approved by the COR, such as shovels, pry bars or pinch bars to lift flat markers out of the ground; pick axes are not an acceptable tool.

vi. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on flat markers or monuments.

vii. The Contractor shall discuss the guidance in this paragraph and in Exhibit 8 with his/her employees and all subcontractors. Any doubts as to proper procedures shall be brought to the attention of the COR, Cemetery Director, and/or CO for guidance or resolution. Each contractor and subcontractor employee shall sign a Statement of Compliance (Exhibit 8); the Contractor shall deliver the signed statements to the COR before work may begin or before any new employee is allowed to work on Cemetery grounds.

L. PARKING AND VA REGULATIONS

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 validate 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/summons answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, or other appropriate jurisdiction/agency.

M. USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

i. 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.

ii. The Government will not furnish a storage building at the Cemetery site for use by the Contractor to store supplies and equipment. However, the Government will provide an area designated for the Contractor’s use. The Contractor can establish facilities to include but not limited to office site, covered storage, portable toilet facilities etc. on or in the designated area after such facilities are approved by the COR and Contracting Officer. All utilities to this area are the responsibility of the Contractor. 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.

iii. 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, pesticides, herbicides and cleaning solutions.

iv. Electricity and phone service will NOT be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s work area.

N. SUPERVISION AND TRAINING

i. The Contractor shall provide a supervisor who speaks and writes fluent English on site, and at all times when Contractor personnel are on the premises.

ii. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and shall administer disciplinary action as required. The Contractor is expected to remove any employees from the Cemetery for cause, to include, but not limited to, safety violations, other misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the best interests of the Government. If the Contractor fails to act in this regard, or the reason for a removal is immediately required to protect the interests of the Government, the COR may direct the removal of an employee from the premises. Contractor objections to any such action will be referred to the Contacting Officer (CO) for final resolution; however, the Contractor will first immediately comply with COR direction pending any CO final resolution at a later time or date. The Contractor will not be due any type of compensation for their costs incurred as a result of an employee being removed for cause; unless the removal is directed by the COR, and is later found invalid and/or unreasonable by the Contracting Officer.

iii. 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. Contractor shall ensure that appropriate safety equipment is used by 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, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.

1. 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.

1. 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.

O. INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

i. The Contractor will perform a weekly inspection. During this inspection the appearance of the Cemetery will be observed, and any deficiencies from the contract will be noted. Deficiencies shall be corrected as soon as practicable. Items that need correcting outside the scope of the contract will be reported to the COR or his/her representative.

ii. The Contractor will be required to submit inspection reports and work accomplished to the COR weekly. The COR is located at Fort Logan National Cemetery. The inspection forms will be provided to the Contractor. (See “Work Summary and Progress Report”, Exhibit 2).

P. INSTALLATION DURING CEMETERY FUNCTIONS

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

Q. PHASING AND WORK SEQUENCING

i. Contract work shall be accomplished in a sequenced manner, with work limited to occurring in no more than three (3) burial sections at any given time in order to minimize overall disruption to the cemetery. Work cannot begin in subsequent burial section areas until such time that work has been completed in prior burial section areas. Submit proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project.

ii. Surface renovation work shall typically occur either in conjunction with or prior to specified flat marker raise and realign work in order to achieve the specified requirements for flowing precision uniformity of flat markers with the leveled burial section surface terrain.

R. CONTRACTOR RESPONSE TIMES

i. During Normal Working Hours: The Contractor shall be prepared to shift workers and work areas as necessary to safeguard the cemetery and its visitors and restore the work area(s) to a safe condition. The Contractor shall respond to all normal working hours’ requests made by the COR within 30 minutes of the initial notification.

ii. After Normal Hours: After Hours requests warrant rapid response in order to safeguard the cemetery and its visitors and restore the work area(s) to a safe condition. The Contractor shall respond to all after normal hours requests made by the COR within one (1) hour of the initial call.

iii. Calls by other Government employees other than the COR shall not be acted upon, but shall be referred to the COR for review. Repairs shall begin as expeditiously as circumstances allow and should normally be completed within (24) hours of the initial emergency call. The Contractor shall keep the COR fully informed of the situation and what action will be taken to secure and correct the situation.

S. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETING

i. The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR), found at Exhibit 3, may be cause for the scheduling of a meeting among the Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR. A mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified. The Government will prepare written minutes of the meeting. The Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR will sign minutes of the meeting(s).

ii. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, they will so state their objections in writing to the Contracting Officer, within ten calendar days, and also explain the reasons for non-concurrence. The Contracting Officer will review and consider the reasons submitted for the Contractor's non-concurrence and make a decision to revise or uphold the comments as written. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of the decision in writing within ten calendar days of submission of any objections.

T. CONTRACTOR’S QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP)

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

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

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

iii. Incorporation of either active or established internal policy and procedures for updating equipment and procedures that may affect performance of contract.

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

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

vi. A log to account for all requests for immediate service. The log shall indicate the date and time of services, and description of results and completion of these services.

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

U. QUALITY ASSURANCE

i. The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance. The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance through on-site inspections, evaluation of the Contractor's quality control program and receipt of complaints from cemetery personnel.

ii. The COR may inspect each task as completed or increase the number of quality control inspections if called for by repeated failures discovered during inspections or repeated customer complaints. Likewise, the COR may decrease the number of quality control inspections if performance dictates.

iii. The COR will also receive and investigate complaints from various customers visiting the Cemetery. The Contractor shall be responsible for initialing validated visitor complaints. The COR shall make final determination of the validity of visitor complaint(s).

V. FAIR ACCEPTANCE

The work shall be deemed acceptable when the Contractor clearly evidences compliance, without exception, in meeting contract requirements. The Government has the right to either reject or to require correction when the work is not in conformity with contract requirements. Acceptance (in part or whole) shall be in writing.

i. Raise and Realign Flat markers: Raised and realigned flat markers are acceptable when the sections are vertically plumb in all directions, in all cases in a line vertically and laterally, and where possible transversely. Maximum vertical, lateral, and transverse tolerance shall be 1/8” or less to the complete satisfaction of the COR.

ii. Re-establish and/or Renovate Turf: A re-established and/or renovated turf area is acceptable when 100% turf grass coverage is established to complete satisfaction of the COR and the District Agronomist. Acceptance is defined as the point in time which the Government takes back control and physical possession of the re-established and/or renovated turf area(s).

iii. Clean Flat markers: Flat markers are acceptable when there is no discoloration, environmental deposits, mold, mildew, moss, algae, lichen, dirt/mud, grass clippings, grass marks, bird droppings to the complete satisfaction of the COR.

W. ACTIONS

i. Normally, the COR will verbally advise or give a written inspection report to the Contractor of discrepancies the first time they occur and ask the Contractor to correct the problem. A notation will be made on the COR checklist of the date and the time the deficiency was discovered and the date and time the Contractor was notified.

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

iii. When the Contractor is not meeting the…