36C78619R0041-000.docx

RFI

FedBizOpps Sources Sought Notice

CLASSIFICATION CODE

SUBJECT

CONTRACTING OFFICE'S

ZIP-CODE

SOLICITATION NUMBER

RESPONSE DATE (MM-DD-YYYY)

ARCHIVE

DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS

SET-ASIDE

NAICS CODE

CONTRACTING OFFICE

ADDRESS

POINT OF CONTACT

(POC Information Automatically Filled from User Profile Unless Entered)

DESCRIPTION

See Attachment

AGENCY'S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT'S EMAIL

ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

ADDRESS

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

* = Required Field FedBizOpps Sources Sought Notice Rev. March 2010 S New contract - Mow/Trim/Spray - Rock Island National Cemetery 22556 36C78619R0041 03-11-2019 N 561730 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 75 Barrett Heights Road, Suite 309 Stafford VA 22556 Katherine E Iacovelli Contract Officer 540-658-7231 Rock Island National Cemetery Rock Island Arsenal, Bldg 118 Rock Island, IL 61299

USA

www.va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Katherine.Iacovelli@va.gov Contract Specialist's Email OPEN TO ALL BUSINESSES: SDVOSB, VOSB, SB and LARGE

This Sources Sought is for information and market research only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA is currently conducting market research to locate qualified experienced and interested potential sources. Responses will NOT be considered as proposals, nor will any award be incurred by interested parties in responding to this sources sought announcement.

The purpose of this sources sought synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business or Small Business) relative to NAICS 561730, Landscaping size standard $7.5M. Responses to this sources sought will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this sources sought synopsis, a solicitation announcement may be published on FEDBIZ OPPS website.

Contracting Service is seeking interested sources (contractors) for a near-future solicitation and procurement for the following:

Work consists of some landscaping services at Rock Island National Cemetery; Rock Island, IL.

Please see following pages for details.

At this time, no solicitation exists. Therefore, DO NOT REQUEST A COPY OF THE SOLICITATION.

THERE IS NO INCUMBENT.

The period of performance shall be a 12 month base period and four (4) option years to be exercised at the Government’s discretion. All work will be performed during the normal work week and shall not take place on Federal Holidays or weekends.

Responses must be sent to the following address and received no later than 10am on March 11, 2019 though the vendor portal:

https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov

Your responses must include you’re a rough estimate of the annual cost, capabilities statement and 3 references of equal or larger scope projects. Submission must be on letterhead and signed and dated.

If you have not used the portal please register EARLY!!

There will be only one organized site visit. Bidders are highly encouraged to attend the site visit.

SITE VISIT

Special note: these cemeteries are located on a Military Installation and as such the Contractor and staff need to pass a background investigation in order to clear the security gate for entrance. Please use the Moline, IL bridge for access and proceed to the security building located to the right of the guard gate for background check. Two forms of ID are required including a valid state driver’s license.

Date: Friday March 8, 2019 Time: 2:30 am local Meet: Building 118

If you cannot arrange to be present, but would like to make a visit such visits must be pre-scheduled and arranged by contacting the Rock Island National Cemetery office at (309) 782-2094.

However, no one is available to give you a tour or offer questions at any time other than the organized site visit listed above.

DISCLAIMER

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.

Base Period: Date of award through 365 days

Unit Year Total

51.75 acres per cycle

Trimming 25,935 headstones per cycle

2620 markers per cycle

19,300 linear feet per cycle

Core Aerification

51.75 acres

51.75 acres

51.75 acres

51.75 acres

51.75 acres

51.75 acres

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Job Foreman/Site Supervisor: A Job Foreman/Site Supervisor shall be on site the whole time whenever work is being performed to ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained. Job Foreman/Site Supervisor shall be fluent in English and the language of the majority of those s/he is supervising. Job Foreman/Site Supervisor shall have 5 years of documented landscaping experience and 3 years of supervising experience. Job Foreman/Site Supervisor shall have a valid driver’s license at all times during the Contract period of performance.

Period of Performance: The period of performance of the base contract is from the date of award through 365 days plus four (4), one-year options, if exercised. If for any reason any deliverable cannot be delivered within the scheduled time frame the Contractor is required to explain why in writing to the Contracting Officer, including a firm commitment of when the work shall be completed. This notice to the Contracting Officer shall cite reasons for the delay, and the impact of the overall project. The Contracting Officer will review the facts and issue a response in accordance with applicable regulations.

Contractor shall be fully staffed as listed in their approved staffing plan with provided proof (if requested) no later than 10 calendar days after start date on the Notice to Proceed. Contractor shall maintain approved level of staffing at all times or shall replace lost staff within 10 calendar days.

Work Hours: All work shall be performed between the normal business hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except for the following Federal Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Exceptions must be approved by the COR.

Invoicing is based on work completed.

The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all work shall be done in a manner that safeguards all NCA visitors, employees, and public. A competent crew leader shall be provided by the Contractor for whenever work is being performed to ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained.

NCA Standards and Measures:

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

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

(2) Target 6.1: 0 complaints.

b) 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.

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

(2) Requirement 6.2b: Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of ground maintenance debris by the end of each work day.

1. STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

a. 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.

b. Clothing shall be presentable and suitable to the work while maintaining proper appearance and decorum indicative for a National Shrine. Contractor personnel are required to be fully clothed at all times 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. T-shirts and/or tank tops 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. Good personal hygiene is required. Protective/safety clothing and shoes shall meet or exceed OSHA and state requirements.

c. Behavior and language must be appropriate, reverent, and respectful at all times. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure, and stability at all times. The Contractor/personnel shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at any time on Government property. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices, is not permitted. Personnel shall show proper reverence during committal services.

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

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

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

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

h. 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/her employees park in the appropriate designated 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.

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

2. CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for any injury to himself, his employees, or others, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his or her employees’ fault or negligence. Further, it is agreed that any negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants and employees, will not be the responsibility of the Contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting there-from. The Contractor shall maintain workmen’s compensation, personal liability, automobile liability, and property damage insurance, as prescribed by the laws of the state of Indiana, and in accordance with FAR 5.2282-5(c). Evidence of coverage is required before commencing work under this contract (copy of Certificate of Insurance), and it may not be changed or cancelled without thirty calendar days prior written notice to the Contracting Officer.

a. The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning cemetery structures, headstones, monuments, and roadways that are soiled or stained as a result of Contractor’s performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures, headstones, and monuments at the end of each workday. Any dirt, debris, or applied products resulting from Contractor activities shall be swept or blown off from roads, walks, and other hardscapes by Contractor personnel before they leave the area. No hazardous chemicals shall be used at any time on Government property. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

b. At the end of each day the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. The Government will not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

e. The Contractor (including his or her employees, subcontractors, consultants or the like) shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except as provided in this contract to perform work or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor‘s equipment and staff at no additional cost to the Government.

3. DISPOSAL OF WASTE

The Contractor shall not dispose of any waste materials at any location on the cemetery premises. All waste materials shall be removed from cemetery property and disposed of in full accordance with local and state requirements.

4. USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

a. The Cemetery shall provide the contractor space for supplies and equipment storage.

c. Electricity and water WILL be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s use. Phone service will NOT be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s use.

5. INSPECTION OF COMPLETED WORK

The Contractor shall perform a daily inspection for quality and redo any work not conforming to specifications and measures. During this inspection the appearance of the Cemetery will be observed, and any deficiencies noted within the scope of the contract will be corrected, before turning those section over to the COR for inspection. Items that need correcting outside the scope of the contract will be reported to the COR or his/her representative. No completed sections shall be turned over to the COR for inspection until that have been inspected by the Contractor’s Quality Control person. If completed sections are not turned over to the COR in a timely fashion, i.e. before there is time in that day for the Contractor to perform corrections before the end of the day, the COR has the right to inspect in order to return the cemetery to order. However, this problem which would be caused by the contractor does not give the Contractor the ability to consider a conversion of Personal Services and determine remuneration is owed or the Contract invalid.

6. QUALITY ASSURANCE:

The Government COR will conduct surveillance activities and evaluate the Contractor’s performance to ensure services are received in accordance with requirements set forth in this contract. These surveillance activities will be accomplished in a manner which is timely to ensure no defects are initiated after Contractor has provided the services. The COR will utilize the Contractor’s work schedule, to plan their inspections and surveillance activities. The COR will record inspection and surveillance results which then become the official National Cemetery Administration record of the Contractor’s performance.

7. REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING. The Contractor Superintendent or his designee shall provide the COR the following documentation:

a. WEEKLY the Contractor Superintendent shall provide an accurate written report identifying all work that took place within the previous seven calendar days. The contractor shall document services performed, indicate the location where work was to be performed, and provide information to the COR as required. This report shall include the completed Employee Statement of Compliance found in Attachment 5 of Section D for all new employees.

b. SUBMITTALS - The Contractor shall submit the following documents or information in accordance with the table below.

TURF MAINTENANCE STATEMENT OF WORK

To achieve and maintain healthy and aesthetic turf, the Contractor is to plan, coordinate, organize, manage, and perform the specified work to achieve and maintain turf at the quality required for a national shrine. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, professional expertise, equipment and supplies for:

A- owing B- Trimming C- Stick Edging Flat Markers (Rock Island NC only) D- Edging Curb E- Core Aerification F- Overseeding G- Pre-emergence Herbicide Applications (starting spring 2019) H- Post-emergence Herbicide Applications (starting October 2019) I- Japanese Beetle Applications (starting summer 2019) J- Grub Control Insecticide Application K- Yellow Nutsedge Control

All equipment, supplies and activities shall be maintained, operated and performed in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, County, Village, and Township laws, ordinances and regulations including, but not limited to OSHA standards. Any damage to turf, landscaping, sprinkler heads, infrastructure, headstones, etc., by the Contractor shall be repaired or replaced at Contractor's expense, as directed by the COR.

(a) This service contract for Rock Island National Cemetery and Rock Island Confederate Cemetery, located on the Rock Island Arsenal, hereafter referred to as “Cemetery” or “Cemeteries,” requires a contractor with past professional experience in turf maintenance. Cemetery Management/COR will provide contractor a map showing the areas.

(c) At the end of the workday all areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean and free of debris and equipment.

(3) Debris, equipment, tools and supplies shall be removed at the conclusion of each task or at the end of the workday either to the Contractor’s staging area or from the Cemetery grounds.

(4) Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections shall be free of ground maintenance debris by the end of each work day.

MOWING

The turfgrass is composed of typical lawn-type cool season species, mainly Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. The Contractor shall begin mowing at start of contract when directed by the COR and continue throughout entire growing season, with the final mowing occurring as seasonal growth has ceased, ending in the fall as directed by the COR. Mowing season generally begins in late March or early April and extends into November.

Turfgrass shall be mowed as needed, generally weekly once growth has begun in the spring, but may be required more frequently in early spring and less frequently during hot summer months. Mowing height shall be three (3) inches unless otherwise specified by the COR. Turfgrass shall be mowed often enough that excessive clippings are not produced, and that no more than 1/3 of the grass height is removed at any mowing.

On occasions when grass height exceeds 4.5 inches, such as when weather delays mowing, cutting heights shall be raised to remove only 1/3 of the grass height, and then mowing frequency increased, with each cutting removing 1/3 of the height until the 3-inch target is again achieved. Optimally, the height shall be no more than half an inch above that range. This may cause the Contractor with the permission from the COR, to complete more than one cycle or partial cycle per week as needed and invoice for that completed work.

Where practical, Contractor shall reverse direction of mower travel with each mowing and vary mower wheel patterns. Any clumps or windrows of clippings left from mowing shall be dispersed or removed and any clippings adhering to headstones shall be cleaned off before the Contractor leaves the cemetery for the day. Visually prominent areas with established turf shall be generally free of bare areas, there shall be no signs of “grass burns” caused by improper use of mowers.

Contractor shall blow grass clippings off flat markers, roads, committal shelter sidewalks, columbarium, and all other walkways/sidewalks in the cemetery.

Contractor shall clean all mowing and trimming equipment prior to arrival at the cemetery to assure that only clean and weed/grass free equipment is unloaded at the cemetery. Riding mowers shall not be operated within six inches of headstones, monuments, tree trunks, other upright structures, or flat markers, and at no time shall mowers be operated over the top of flat markers. Mower operators shall take utmost care not to damage headstones, markers, floral or commemorative items, structures, survey monuments, irrigation equipment, etc., while performing mowing services. When such items are present, the Contractor shall remove and replace all floral or commemorative items, etc., to their proper place. The Contractor shall repair or replace all items damaged by the Contractor at no additional cost to the cemetery as directed by the COR.

At turning areas, such as at ends of grave rows and around trees and other objects, mower operators shall reduce ground speed and exercise care to prevent damaging turfgrass, or creating turn or ring patterns in turf from the mower tires. Contractor shall carry sanding blocks to clean minor damage to headstones; this shall be reported to the COR.

The Contractor shall promptly notify the COR verbally or in writing of any defects or problems noticed in the cemetery (such as sunken spots, pest damage, downed tree limbs), especially if they are a safety concern or affect mowing operations.

Equipment Requirements (contractor shall provide an equipment list in the proposal):

· Equipment shall be commercial grade.

· Mower type, size, and tire style shall be designed for use on high quality turf.

· Mowers shall not have side discharge, to prevent blowing of clippings onto headstones.

· Mulching blades shall be used.

· Blades shall be kept sharp so grass is cleanly cut, not torn or damaged.

· Riding mowers shall have “trim” feature on both sides to facilitate mowing either direction beside objects.

· Push mowers shall have minimum 6 HP and riding mowers shall have minimum of 25 HP.

NCA Standards and Measures:

a) Standard 2.1: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

(1) Measure 2.1a: Visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

(2) Measure 2.1b: Visually prominent areas with established turf is generally free of bare areas, there shall be no signs of “grass burns” caused by improper use of mowers.

(3) Measure 2.1c: Turf in visually prominent areas is maintained within one inch above the range of that which is professionally recommended for that type and region according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan. Optimally, the height is no more than half an inch above that range.

TRIMMING

Trimming of turfgrass shall be done immediately FOLLOWING (not prior to) each mowing operation, unless otherwise directed by the COR. Contractor shall trim all standard turfgrass areas that cannot be maintained by traditional mowing equipment. The Contractor shall trim around all headstones and other vertical surfaces with commercial grade, hand-held string trimmers at the same three (3) inch height as mowed, and no shorter. There shall be no signs of turf being scalped by string trimmers. Scalping weakens and thins turf and allows weed growth.

Care shall be taken to avoid contact with headstones, monuments, trees, shrubs, flowers, and any other desirable plant materials, etc., or any other structure that can be damaged by contact with the trimmer. Any clumps of grass clippings resulting from trimming shall be dispersed before the Contractor leaves the cemetery. Any trimmer string refuse (pieces longer than an inch or two that break off with regular wear) shall be picked up and properly disposed of.

NCA Standards and Measures:

a) Standard 2.6: Visually prominent areas in the cemetery are properly trimmed and edged.

(1) Measure 2.6a: Headstones show turf trimmed to the recommended mowing height. There shall be no signs of turf being scalped by string trimmers.

(2) Requirement 2.6c: Other features on cemetery grounds are trimmed or edged within appropriate limits.

EDGING FLAT MARKERS AND CURBING

Edging along the sidewalks and curbs as well as flat markers (RINC only) will be completed 15 times during the growing season, including one week prior to Memorial Day. Flat markers shall show turf edged vertically even with the marker and shall be free of trimming debris.

Edging will be performed with push edgers or stick edgers using poly blades. A trimmer will not be permitted to be used for any edging work. The utmost care shall be exercised by Contractor personnel to not scratch, chip, or mark grave markers with edging equipment.

NCA Standards and Measures:

a) Standard 2.6: Visually prominent areas in the cemetery are properly trimmed and edged.

(1) Standard 2.6b: Flat markers show turf edged vertically even with the marker and are free of trimming debris.

(2) Requirement 2.6c: Other features on cemetery grounds are trimmed or edged within appropriate limits.

CORE AERIFICATION & OVERSEEDING – September

Aerification - When conditions are favorable (i.e., grass not stressed and is actively growing, soil not too wet or dry) in September (possibly late August if conditions are right) all accessible turf at Rock Island National Cemetery and Rock Island Confederate Cemetery shall be core aerified as follows:

A rotary, pull-behind core aerator may be used, but two or more passes may be required to achieve 12 holes per square foot. Turf immediately within headstone rows (immediately between and along adjacent headstones, and to a distance of about one foot on either side of the rows, or as directed by the COR) shall not be aerified to reduce risk of damage to the headstones and markers. It is imperative that headstones, grave markers, and section markers not be chipped, scratched or otherwise damaged in any way. In sections with irrigation, the Cemetery staff will locate all spray heads and box covers with flags, with a minimum 48-hour notice from the Contractor. The Contractor shall prevent damage to any irrigation components by aerification equipment and will be responsible for damage. Aerification cores are to be left on the turf surface. Contractor shall clean any soil or other debris resulting from this operation off all roads and sidewalks immediately following the work. In addition, to prevent importation of weeds or other pests, the equipment shall be cleaned prior to bringing it to the cemetery.

Overseeding - The cemetery shall be overseeded by the Contractor at a rate of 3.5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet immediately following core aerification. Turfgrass seed shall be provided by the Contractor, and shall be quality, fresh, new crop, with germination of 90% or above, purity of 98% or more, and contain no noxious weed seeds. It shall be 100% Tall Fescue, utilizing the A List from Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance protocols. Only cultivars that perform well in northern Illinois are allowed. Any substitution of seed type, weight or application must be specifically approved, in writing, by the NCA District Agronomist through the COR. Copies of the seed labels shall be submitted to the COR prior to overseeding. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the required seed in sufficient time for application.

HERBICIDE AND PEST CONTROL

Visually prominent areas shall have a well-established, healthy stand of turf and shall be generally weed free. The Contractor employee performing the applications shall have a license in their name or the name of the Contractor. The Subcontractor employee performing the application shall have a license in their name or the name of the subcontractor.

PRE-EMERGENCE HERBICIDE APPLICATION – Late April & June

Dithiopyr (e.g., Dimension, or equivalent) or prodiamine (e.g., Barricade) pre-emergence herbicide shall be uniformly applied to all turfgrass areas at both cemeteries twice per year for annual grassy weed control at the maximum label rate allowed for the site. Applications shall be when soil temperature approaches 45 degrees F, and again approximately seven weeks later. Contractor shall post signs at each section indicating a pesticide application is ongoing or recently completed, and any restrictions as indicated by the herbicide label. If a granular product is used, any deposited on impervious surfaces (walks/pavement) shall be removed or blown onto the turf immediately following application. Contractor will not spray on or near any freshly seeded areas, and must verify areas with COR.

Work to be performed during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless arranged otherwise with the COR. No work will be performed on Federal Government Holidays. Work dates and locations are to be coordinated with the COR in advance to accommodate burials or other activities. All 58.04 acres of turfgrass areas of both cemeteries shall be treated, unless the COR specifies certain sections or parts of sections that are not to be treated. To schedule an application the contractor must coordinate the date and time with the COR. The government reserves the right to reschedule an application at no additional cost if 24 or more hours prior notice is given.

Contractor shall provide SDS documents prior to or at time of application. Equipment, herbicides, or other supplies shall not be stored on site. Any re-treatment needed as a result of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense.

POST-EMERGENCE HERBICIDE SPRAYS FOR BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL – October & Early May

Herbicides for broadleaf weed control shall be sprayed by a licensed commercial applicator to all turf areas at both cemeteries when weeds are actively growing and weather is conducive to effective weed control. Product label directions are the law and must be followed. Rate of each product shall be that recommended on the product label for all 51.75 acres to control broadleaf weeds present in the cemetery, including common turf weeds such as dandelion, white clover, plantains, knotweeds, wild violets, and black medic. The COR may require evidence at the time of application that an adequate rate is being mixed/applied, such as seeing the amount of product (emptied containers) used for treatment. Contractor shall post signs at each section indicating a spray operation is ongoing or recently completed, and any restrictions as indicated by the herbicide label.

Spraying shall be done twice annually: once in the spring about or slightly before mid-May to kill dandelions and other broadleaf weeds before Memorial Day; then again in October. Weather and field conditions must be favorable for herbicide efficacy, as well as for minimal risk of damage such as herbicide injury to off-target plants, or of equipment making ruts. Work to be performed during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless arranged otherwise with the COR. No work will be performed on Federal Government Holidays. Work dates and locations are to be coordinated with the COR in advance to accommodate burials or other activities. All turfgrass areas of both cemeteries shall be treated, unless the COR specifies certain sections or parts of sections that are not to be treated. To schedule an application the contractor must coordinate the date and time with the COR. The government reserves the right to reschedule an application at no additional cost if 24 or more hours prior notice is given.

The herbicide product(s) shall be effective at controlling broadleaf weeds, and shall result in a spray mixture containing three or more active ingredients.

Preparation of the spray mixture may be done on site at Rock Island National Cemetery. Contractor shall provide SDS documents prior to or at time of application. Equipment, herbicides, or other supplies shall not be stored on site. Any re-treatment needed as a result of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense.

JAPANESE BEETLE SPRAY – June & July

Approximately 75 of the trees (generally mature trees, including the lindens and others to be specified by the COR) at Rock Island National Cemetery are to be sprayed with insecticide to prevent damage from Japanese beetles. Generally three applications are needed from late June through July or early August. The product used must be labeled for and effective on Japanese Beetles, and treatments timed to optimize adult beetle control.

INSECTICIDE TREATMENT FOR GRUBS – June or July

A preventative grub insecticide shall be uniformly applied to up all turfgrass at the cemeteries between mid-June and mid-July (for most products). The maximum commercial label rate for the site of one the following insecticides shall be used:

· clothianidin (e.g., Arena)

· imidacloprid (e.g., Merit)

· thiamethoxam (e.g., Meridian)

· Chlorantraniliprole (e.g., Acelepryn) if applied in May or June

If a granular product is used, any deposited on impervious surfaces (walks/pavement) shall be removed or blown onto the turf immediately following application.

HERBICIDE FOR YELLOW NUTSEDGE CONTROL - June

Yellow nutsedge and other susceptible weeds in turfgrass shall be controlled by spraying a mix of the following herbicide active ingredients in early to mid-June when conditions are appropriate for efficacy:

· sulfentrazone at least 0.187 lbs per acre

· quinclorac at least 0.562 lbs per acre

For example, the commercial product “Solitaire” 75 WG could be applied at 1.0 lb of product per acre to achieve the specified rates. A possible 2nd or 3rd application may be needed for areas missed or where spray did not take, at no charge to the government.

END OF STATEMENT OF WORK

End of Document Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of Page 1 of