36C78619R0073-002.docx

36C78619R0073

PAGE 1 OF

1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NO.

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

UNRESTRICTED OR

SET ASIDE:

% FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

IFB

RFP

15. DELIVER TO

CODE

16. ADMINISTERED BY

CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

DUNS:

DUNS+4:

PHONE:

FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

ITEM NO.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

QUANTITY

UNIT

UNIT PRICE

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only) 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER) 30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

(REV. 2/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

8949-000022 36C78619R0073 Katherine Iacovelli 540-658-7231 06-28-2019 Noon EST 43C1 Department of Veterans Affairs NCA Contracting Service 75 Barrett Heights Rd. Suite 309 Stafford VA 22556 X 561730 $7.5 Million X N/A X Fargo National Cemetery 708 40TH Avenue North Harwood, ND 58042 43C1 Department of Veterans Affairs NCA Contracting Service 75 Barrett Heights Rd. Suite 309 Stafford, VA 22556

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

1-877-752-0900 See CONTINUATION Page Fargo Grounds Maintenance Base +4 Only one site visit: June 12, 2019 at 11am local time There will be no one to give tours at any other time.

Questions due by June 24, 2019 at noon to katherine.iacovelli@va.gov Proposals to be submitted through the Vendor Portal

COR: TBD

Invoicing number: 894J950XX

PLEASE FILL THESE IN:

Email Address:

Best phone number:

DUNS

Please be aware that this contract B+4, is valued at under $900,000 $0.00 See CONTINUATION Page 894-570400-2549 010070600 0129A1 2019 X X Katherine Iacovelli Contract Officer

36C78619R0073

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Page 1 of

Contents

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

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

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs NCA Contracting Service 75 Barrett Heights Rd. Suite 309 Stafford, VA 22556

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

c. Other [X] monthly after acceptance by Government

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

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

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

5. CONTENTS OF INVOICE:

1. Contractor Information (Name, Complete Address, Telephone Number, Taxpayer Identification Number)

1. Date of Invoice

1. Date of Period of Invoice Performance

1. Invoice Number

1. Obligation/Invoice Number (Only one purchase order may be included on each invoice submitted)

1. Cemetery Name

1. Unit Cost

1. Total Invoice Amount

1. Service/Item(s) provided

6. SOLICITATIONS:

Failure to submit all required documentation as required may result in the submission being determined non-responsive and removed from further consideration.

7. MISSING PAGES:

It is the responsibility of the offeror to examine this solicitation to verify that he or she has received all pages. In addition, in compiling this package, some pages may have been duplicated. If the offeror feels that pages are missing or duplicated, the offeror is encouraged to contact the Contracting Officer at the telephone number shown in Block 7B, Standard Form 1442, Solicitation / Contract / Order for Commercial Items.

8. TIME OF DELIVERY:

Work is to be performed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., except Federal Holidays and except as defined in Block 8 of the SF 1449.

9. POST AWARD CONFERENCE:

Prior to commencement of work, contract awardee and a representative of all subcontractors are required to attend a post award conference with Contracting Officer’s Representative and Contracting Officer/Specialist to assure that all parties understand all contractual obligations and the role that each party serves.

10. GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:

Holidays observed by the Federal Government:

If a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as the legal holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a legal holiday by U.S. Government agencies. Also included would be any day specifically declared by the President of the United States of America as a national holiday.

B.2 PRICE SCHEDULE

Base Year: October 1, 2019 thru September 30, 2020

Grounds & Bldg. Maintenance Services

(5 acres; Oct. & May)

Estimated Total Base Year:

Option Year I - October 1, 2020 thru September 30, 2021:

Grounds Maintenance Services

(5 acres; Oct. & May)

Estimated Total OPT 1:

Option Year II - October 1, 2021 thru September 30, 2022:

Grounds Maintenance Services

(5 acres; Oct. & May)

Estimated Total OPT 2:

Option Year III - October 1, 2022 thru September 30, 2023:

Grounds Maintenance Services

(5 acres; Oct. & May)

Estimated Total OPT 3:

Option Year IV - October 1, 2023 thru September 30, 2024:

Grounds Maintenance Services

(5 acres; Oct. & May)

Estimated Total OPT 4:

SUMMARY TOTALS

Total

Base Year:

Option Year I:

Option Year II:

Option Year III:

Option Year IV:

Summary Grand Total (Base + all Option Years):

The schedule price shall be all-inclusive, including all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies to complete the Contract Line Item (CLIN(s)).

B.3 SCOPE OF WORK AND REQUIREMENTS

See Attachments for all information to complete CLINS in the manner to meet National Cemetery Standards.

B.4 GENERAL INFORMATION

1. 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 Statement of Work, Performance Work Requirements Summary and Guidance Specifications shall be required and will 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 that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

2. BACKGROUND

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.

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.

The Fargo National Cemetery is located at 8708 40TH Avenue N.; Harwood, ND 58042 (east of the existing Maple Sheyenne Church Cemetery located in a rural area Northwest of the City of Fargo). The Cemetery is composed of 5 developed acres. The Cemetery contains the remains of veterans, spouses and dependent children whose graves are identified by upright headstones and columbarium niche covers.

3. PRE-BID SITE VISIT:

Pre-bid site visit inspection is scheduled for May 16, 2019 at 1:00 to 2:00pm local time. Meet at the church parking lot.

Please wear safety shoes, this is an active construction site. Questions will be written to have the answers posted afterwards.

If you are unavailable at this time, you may visit on your own, but there will not be anyone to give you a t tour and the present contractor will not answer questions.

B.5 GENERAL INFORMATION

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that interment operations are performed at the Cemetery in a manner that shall maintain proper decorum and respect; and grounds maintenance operations are performed at the Cemetery in a manner that shall maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants; and present a groomed, clean, neat, and professional appearance. Services include, but are not limited to maintenance of grounds, regular mowing, weed eating, blade edging, trimming, removal of leaves and debris, as well as, sweeping or blowing off roads and sidewalks, irrigation system maintenance and operation, maintenance of gravesites and headstones, the raising and realignment of headstones, washing headstones, initial and replacement headstone installation and maintenance, turf maintenance, mulched planting bed maintenance, plant and tree maintenance, sunken grave repair, transporting casketed and cremated remains from the committal service area to the gravesite, interments of casketed and cremated remains, disinterment’s, grave excavation and backfilling, trash removal, snow and ice removal, placement and removal of flags. The Contractor may be required to be on-site Memorial Day weekend and other special days as requested by the COR. No materials, tools (to include casket cart and lowering device), vehicles, sod, staging area or rest room facilities to include temporary port-o-lets will be provided by the National Cemetery Administration and Fort Snelling. It is the contractor’s responsibility to supply all within NCA Standards.

2. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Under this effort, the successful contractor shall be responsible for full management of the Cemetery operations and maintenance as described herein.

All services described in the Statement of Work, including technical specifications, schedules, addenda, clauses, terms and conditions of the contract shall form the complete scope of work.

We are seeking to hire a Contractor who will be responsible for:

1. Providing all grounds maintenance services including, but not limited to: maintenance of grounds, regular mowing, weed eating, blade edging, trimming, removal of leaves and debris, sweeping or blowing off roads and sidewalks, and trash removal

2. Turf Maintenance: Proper fertilizing, weeding, sodding and seeding of turf;

3. Trimming turf surrounding a headstone is to its recommended height;

4. Irrigation system regular maintenance and operation;

5. Plant and tree maintenance, to include mulch beds;

6. Initial and replacement headstone setting and niche cover setting;

7. Maintenance of gravesites headstones and re-establishment of turf;

8. Headstone cleaning and raise and realignment maintenance;

9. Sunken grave repair;

10. Grave excavation and backfilling, interments, and disinterment (casketed and cremains) and re-establishment of turf;

11. Snow and ice removal.

12. Clean gravesite locator directory container, committal service area.

13. Provide all tools (to include casket cart and lowering device), vehicles, sod etc. to perform the required duties.

14. Provide a safe working environment for contractor, as well as, cemetery staff.

15. Shall reference back to and follow the National Standards and a copy will be provided by COR.

3. STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

Contractor and contractor personnel shall be required to adhere to the following standards of dress and conduct while performing work in the National Cemetery. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C. Section 218.

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.

1. 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.

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

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

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

5. 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.

6. There is no designated smoking area at the cemetery ground.

The Contractor shall discuss the guidance in this paragraph and in the Attachments 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, included in the Attachments. 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.

4. USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

a. The Government will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items, nor will free telephone service be provided. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of both the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and Contractor-installed facilities used by the Contractor's employees.

b. The Government will NOT furnish a storage building or area at the Cemetery site for use by the Contractor to store supplies and equipment. Contractor shall be responsible and required to provide and remove the material, equipment, tools and supplies to perform operations daily.

c. The Government will NOT furnish a rest room facility to include temporary port-o-lets and will not be allowed on the grounds.

d. Any hazardous substance that is used and which is a standard practice within the cemetery industry must be handled, stored, and transferred in accordance with all OSHA, EPA, and DOT laws, regulations, and recommendations.

e. 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.

f. Electricity, water and phone services will NOT be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s work area.

g. Parking: 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 another appropriate jurisdiction/agency.

5. SITE VISIT INSPECTION OF PREMISES

Offerors should inspect the premises prior to submitting quotes in order to be fully aware of the scope of services required. Failure to do so shall not relieve the successful offeror from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the specifications without additional cost to the Government.

6. CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. He/she shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. He/she shall be responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her 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 him/her or his/her employees' fault or negligence. The Contractor shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance prescribed by the laws of the State of North Dakota.

7. SUPERVISION AND TRAINING

a. The Contractor shall provide a Supervisor who speaks and writes fluent English and the language of the majority of the employees being supervised to be on site at all times when Contractor personnel are on the premises. The Contractor Supervisor must have not less than five (5) years of experience as a direct Supervisor of grounds maintenance operations that included mowing, trimming, edging, and cleanup in industrial, commercial or public sites. Site Supervisor/foreman is required to hold a 10-hour OSHA certification.

b. The Contractor Supervisor shall ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained.

c. In the absence of the Supervisor, the Contractor shall appoint an English-speaking crew foreman or an employee who shall be responsible to ensure that the work is being accomplished in an expeditious manner, is performed in accordance with the contract specifications and that the work will progress without undue delay.

d. 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 shall first immediately comply with COR direction pending any CO final resolution at a later time or date. The Contractor shall 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.

e. 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): 10-1998 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

2) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910 Safety and Health Regulations for Personal Protection, Safety Color Codes, Portable Power Tools, Electrical Safety and Portable Electric Equipment.

3) Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

8. INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

a. The Contractor shall perform a daily inspection. During this inspection the appearance of the Cemetery shall be observed, and any deficiencies noted within the scope of the contract shall be corrected as soon as practicable. Items that need correcting outside the scope of the contract shall be reported to the Contracting Officer or his representative.

b. The Contractor shall keep the gravesite locator directory container, and committal service area free of debris regularly.

c. The Contractor shall be required to submit daily inspection reports/checklists and work accomplished to the COR weekly. The inspection forms/checklists shall be provided to the Contractor (see “Work Summary and Progress Report”, Attachment F)

9. MAINTENANCE DURING CEMETERY FUNCTIONS

a. The burial activities at a National Cemetery will take precedence over contract activities. The Contractor shall cooperate and coordinate with the COR or authorized designee, in arranging schedule to cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities in actual burial areas. The COR or a 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 event.

b. Work noise during the interment services shall not disturb the service. Trucks and workmen shall not pass through the service area during this period. Contractor personnel shall not operate motorized equipment or conduct other commercial activities during interment services.

c. Contractor shall execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by others. Contractor shall minimize contract activity interference with flow of cemetery traffic, keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, parking and occupied areas of buildings clear of materials, debris and standing equipment/vehicles at all times. At least one lane must be open to traffic at all times.

10. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETING

a. The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR), found at Attachment D, 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).

b. 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.

11. ACTIONS

a. 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.

b. 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.

c. When the Contractor is not meeting the acceptable limits of satisfactory performance, a CDR will be issued to the Contractor. The seriousness of the failures should govern whether to issue CDR at the end of the period, or as soon as the limits of satisfactory performance are exceeded.

d. When a CDR is issued for a service, the Contracting Officer and/or the COR may exercise any contractual remedy available for non-performance, in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, “Inspection and Acceptance”.

e. If the Contractor does not achieve satisfactory performance by the end of the next period or agreed suspense date, further actions may be considered including, but not limited to termination for default.

12. 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:

a. An inspection plan covering all services required by this contract. The inspection plan shall 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.

b. 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. Failure to maintain these records may result in adverse Government actions.

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

d. 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.

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

f. 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.

g. 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.

13. HISTORIC PRESERVATION

When the Contractor or any of the Contractor's employees, prior to, or during the service work, are advised of or discover any possible archeological, historical and/or cultural resources, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR verbally, and then with a written follow up.

14. PLACEMENT OF ORDERS

Task Orders for services at the Fargo National Cemetery in Fargo, ND will be placed by the CO.

15. BILLING/INVOICE FOR PAYMENT

Invoices shall be submitted in monthly in arrears through Tungsten.

16. AUTHORITIES OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government will provide, by the time of contract post award conference, a COR and/or Alternate COR delegation letter.

17. EXPOSURE OR ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY OF REMAINS

a. Should any on-site activity, incident, emergency, or disaster result in exposure and/or damage to any remains, container for remains (i.e., casket or urn), or outer burial container, the Contractor shall IMMEDIATELY notify the Fort Snelling National Executive Cemetery Director, the COR and/or the CO; take immediate steps to protect and render safe any exposed remains; and stop any further work until the Executive Cemetery Director provides the Contractor guidance regarding disposition of the remains and permission to proceed.

18. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

a. All work under this service contract shall be performed primarily out-of-doors and personnel performing these services will be exposed to wind, sun, cold, dampness, frost, fog and rain. These conditions, may, at times, be extreme. The contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect his/her employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent. Weather will not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications or project schedule. The Contractor understands that it may be necessary to work throughout all weather conditions (unless highly extreme, causing equipment rutting and/or hazards, and dangerous to employees or public) and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines, at no additional cost to the Government.

b. Due to the sensitive mission of the Cemetery, the work could occasionally involve contact with and/or exposure to grieving individuals. Contractor personnel shall exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure and stability at all times and refer such individuals to Cemetery Staff.

19. SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

a. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure all work shall be done in a manner that safeguards all VA visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for any and all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees. Furthermore, the Contractor and his/her employees shall have a clear understanding of, and be sensitive to, such environmental issues as ground water contamination, wetlands, etc., and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

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

c. Adequate warning devices, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor at all work sites to eliminate hazards and for the protection, safety, and warning of all public visitors, pedestrians, cemetery employees, and vehicular traffic within the area. All open and unattended holes in the ground must be covered with plywood and/or barricaded for pedestrian safety.

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

e. Dust Control: Keep dust down at all times, including during nonworking periods. Sprinkle or treat with dust suppressants, soil at the site, haul roads, and other areas disturbed by operations. Street sweeping or vacuuming methods shall minimize the introduction of fugitive dust and fine particulates into the air. Sweeping shall be collected and disposed of as municipal waste.

20. FIRE SAFETY

a. Applicable Publications: Publications listed below form part of this Article to extent referenced.