36C78619R0082-008.docx

36C78619R0082

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 SI

GN 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. SIGN

ATURE 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

7759-000036 36C78619R0082 07-25-2019 Valerie Wallace valerie.wallace1@va.gov

(703) 630-9363 08-22-2019 6:00 p.m. (EST) 36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Rd Triangle VA 22172 X X 561730 $7.5 Million N/A X Fort Lawton Post Cemetery Discovery Park Blvd Seattle WA 98199 36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Rd Triangle VA 22172 http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer -campaigns/veterans-affairs/

1-877-752-0900 Fort Lawton Post Cemetary Contractor shall provide interments and full service grounds and facility maintenance.

SEE SECTION B (SCHEDULE AND DELIVERY) FOR DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES / SERVICES.

919-570500-2549 010070700 0129A1 2020 X X

MARY ACCOMANDO

Table 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 Mary Accomando Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Rd Triangle VA 22172

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

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

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

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

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

36C78619R0082

Page 1 of Page 1 of

I. PART I - THE SCHEDULE

II. SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

PRICE SCHEDULE: The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, and supplies to perform interments, inurnments, and grounds and facility maintenance services at Fort Lawton Cemetery, located in Seattle, Washington. Fort Lawton Cemetery is a satellite cemetery to Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

All work shall be performed in accordance the Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, contained in this contract; National Cemetery Administration National Shrine Commitment Operational Standards and Measures (Version 5.1 July 2014 or the most current version); Handbook 3120: Interment Area Layout; Handbook 3410: Integrated Pest Management Procedures for VA National Cemeteries; Handbook 3420: Turfgrass Maintenance in VA National Cemeteries; the most current Organizational Analysis and Improvement Guide (OAI); and in accordance with the NCA Environmental Management System (EMS). Copies of these documents may be obtained from the cemetery director, Thomas L. Yokes (Tel.: 425-413-9614); or online at:

http://vaww.nca.va.gov/leg_reg/leg_reg_dirhand.asp

The base contract performance period is from October 1, 2019 (or Date of Award), through September 30, 2020 with four (4) one-year options beginning on October 1 through September 30, if exercised.

BASE PERIOD – OCTOBER 1, 2019 (or DATE OF AWARD) THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

QTY

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of casketed remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of cremated remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes inspection, proper alignment, setting and cleaning of all new and replacement stones year-round, along with the proper disposal of shipping refuse and old headstones.)

(Complete alignment without removal of headstone from ground of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete the cleaning of all headstones as needed with minimum two cleanings per year as indicated.)

(Complete raise and realignment of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete restoration of up to 50 individual sunken gravesites each season as directed by the COR.)

(Daily, weekly, monthly Grounds Maintenance Schedule showing frequency of all activities for the contract year, including monthly updates.)

(Includes pest control, winter damage prevention, floral pick-up, tree, shrub & plant winterization, drainage management and debris management.)

(Includes sweeping, gravel replenishment, rolling and grading.)

(Includes plowing, snow and ice removal.)

Total Contract Price for Base Period:

OPTION YEAR 1 – OCTOBER 1, 2020 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

QTY

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of casketed remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of cremated remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes inspection, proper winter preparation, alignment, setting and cleaning of all new and replacement stones year-round, along with the proper disposal of shipping refuse and old headstones.)

(Complete alignment without removal of headstone from ground of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete the cleaning of all headstones as needed with minimum two cleanings per year as indicated.)

(Complete raise and realignment of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete restoration of up to 50 individual sunken gravesites each season as directed by the COR.)

(Daily, weekly, monthly Grounds Maintenance Schedule showing frequency of all activities for the contract year, including monthly updates.)

(Includes pest control, winter damage prevention, floral pick-up, tree, shrub & plant winterization, drainage management and debris management.)

(Includes sweeping, gravel replenishment, rolling and grading.)

(Includes plowing, snow and ice removal.)

Total Contract Price for Option Year One:

OPTION YEAR 2 – OCTOBER 1, 2021 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

QTY

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of casketed remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of cremated remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes inspection, proper alignment, setting and cleaning of all new and replacement stones year-round, along with the proper disposal of shipping refuse and old headstones.)

(Complete alignment without removal of headstone from ground of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete the cleaning of all headstones as needed with minimum two cleanings per year as indicated.)

(Complete raise and realignment of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete restoration of up to 50 individual sunken gravesites each season as directed by the COR.)

(Daily, weekly, monthly Grounds Maintenance Schedule showing frequency of all activities for the contract year, including monthly updates.)

(Includes pest control, winter damage prevention, floral pick-up, tree, shrub & plant winterization, drainage management and debris management.)

(Includes sweeping, gravel replenishment, rolling and grading.)

(Includes plowing, snow and ice removal.)

Total Contract Price for Option Year 2:

OPTION YEAR 3 – OCTOBER 1, 2022 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

QTY

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of casketed remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of cremated remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.)

(Includes inspection, proper alignment, setting and cleaning of all new and replacement stones year-round, along with the proper disposal of shipping refuse and old headstones.)

(Complete alignment without removal of headstone from ground of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete the cleaning of all headstones as needed with minimum two cleanings per year as indicated.)

(Complete raise and realignment of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete restoration of up to 50 individual sunken gravesites each season as directed by the COR.)

(Daily, weekly, monthly Grounds Maintenance Schedule showing frequency of all activities for the contract year, including monthly updates.)

(Includes pest control, winter damage prevention, floral pick-up, tree, shrub & plant winterization, drainage management and debris management.)

(Includes sweeping, gravel replenishment, rolling and grading.)

(Includes plowing, snow and ice removal.)

Total Contract Price for Option Year 3:

OPTION YEAR 4 – OCTOBER 1, 2023 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

QTY

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of casketed remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.

(Includes ceremony set up and protocol, and completion of all interments of cremated remains as first interment or subsequent interment for traditional burials as needed year-round, and after-action reporting.

(Includes inspection, proper alignment, setting and cleaning of all new and replacement stones year-round, along with the proper disposal of shipping refuse and old headstones.)

(Complete alignment without removal of headstone from ground of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete the cleaning of all headstones as needed with minimum two cleanings per year as indicated.)

(Complete raise and realignment of up to 50 individual headstones each year as directed by the COR.)

(Complete restoration of up to 50 individual sunken gravesites each season as directed by the COR.)

(Daily, weekly, monthly Grounds Maintenance Schedule showing frequency of all activities for the contract year, including monthly updates.)

(Includes pest control, winter damage prevention, floral pick-up, tree, shrub & plant winterization, drainage management and debris management.)

(Includes sweeping, gravel replenishment, rolling and grading.)

(Includes plowing, snow and ice removal.)

Total Contract Price for Option Year 4:

NOTE: The quantities given are only estimates of work to be performed. The Contractor shall be paid only for services approved by the COR and actually rendered or performed. The Contactor shall communicate with the COR at least weekly to plan the work to be performed as indicated on the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan. The COR will provide the Contractor with the interment schedule as needed. The Contractor shall not be compensated for work unauthorized by the COR.

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

1. BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 135 National Cemeteries in 39 states that receive visitors, hold ceremonies and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis. Because of the special significance and attention our National Cemeteries receive from the public, strict adherence to the specifications is essential.

The Fort Lawton Cemetery is located on the Fort Lawton Army Post in Seattle, Washington. The cemetery is comprised of 4.4 total acres of which approximately 2.8 are considered improved grounds. It contains the remains of approximately 1,099 veterans, spouses and dependent children. Fort Lawton Cemetery is a “closed cemetery” which means that the cemetery is generally “not open” for first interment requests. Interments are limited mainly to second interments of a spouse and/or dependent child.

1. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Interment and Grounds Maintenance Services at Fort Lawton Cemetery, hereby known as “the Cemetery”. The cemetery location, acreages, and services required are as follows:

Discovery Park Blvd.

Seattle, Washington 98199

4.4 Total Acres

2.8 Developed Acres

Interment and Full Grounds Maintenance Services

1. MAINTENANCE AREAS

The physical area of the contract includes the cemetery proper, structures, paving, and landscaped grounds, maintenance areas, roadways, perimeter landscaped areas, forested lands, and all of its landscape elements. A portion of the cemetery may be under renovation by another contractor at any time; and specific grounds maintenance activities may be under separate contract with another vendor.

1. CONTRACT OBJECTIVES

National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to these specifications as well as the National Cemetery Administration National Shrine Commitment Operational Standards and Measures (Version 5.1 July 2014, or latest version) is essential. The contractor is encouraged to use an innovative and creative technical approach, in addition to standard commercial practices to manage the grounds maintenance operation at the Cemetery in order to maintain the high standards of appearance as a National Shrine.

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

SERVICES PROVIDED: The Contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to perform the following Interments and Full Grounds Maintenance Services at the Fort Lawton Cemetery. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE MANPOWER & RESOURCES NECESSARY TO PERFORM AND COMPLETE MULTIPLE JOBS SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Services to be provided include the following:

B.5.1 Interments B.5.2 Headstone Setting B.5.3 Headstone “Bump & Run” B.5.4 Headstone Cleaning B.5.5 Headstone “Raise & Realign” B.5.6 Gravesite Renovation B.5.7 Cemetery Grounds Management Plan B.5.8 Grounds Maintenance B.5.8.1 Turf Renovation B.5.8.2 Turf Maintenance – Fertilization B.5.8.3 Turf Maintenance – Pest Control B.5.8.4 Turf Maintenance – Mowing, Trimming & Edging B.5.8.5 Turf Maintenance – Aerification B.5.8.6 Turf Maintenance – Dethatching B.5.8.7 Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance B.5.8.8 Tree, Shrub & Groundcover Planting B.5.8.9 Irrigation System Management and Maintenance B.5.8.10 Drainage System Maintenance B.5.8.11 Trash & Debris Removal (Waste Management) B.5.9 Walkways, Roads & Parking Lot Maintenance B.5.9.1 Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning B.5.9.2 Snow & Ice Removal and Ice Prevention B.5.10 Snow & Ice Removal and Ice Prevention B.5.11 Public Ceremony Set-Up/Protocol B.5.12 Contractor Responsibilities B.5.13 Contractor Supervision, Work Hours, and Training B.5.14 Government Contacts

B.5.1 INTERMENTS

A. NCA STANDARDS

1. Each gravesite is excavated to assure uniformity with other gravesites in that burial section.

2. Integrity of existing graves, grave markers and other objects around the worksite shall be preserved and protected.

3. Open graves are identified and protected by guards and markers appropriate to cemetery operations.

4. Outer burial receptacles awaiting installation are placed in an orderly manner.

5. Committal services are conducted in clean and orderly shelters that provide for the safety, privacy, and special needs of the family.

6. All remains shall be handled in a manner that assures accurate placement and validation, and causes no damage to the casket or urn.

7. Each day's burials are covered, initially groomed, marked and presentable for visitors before close of business each day.

8. Graves and niches are marked with an accurate, complete and properly aligned temporary marker on the day on interment/inurnment.

B. SCOPE

1. Work consists of excavation in preparation for interments, backfilling, compacting, placement of topsoil with amendments, and establishing turf for interments specified by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). There may be approximately 1 casketed and 5 in-ground cremain interments per year. The COR will notify the contractor electronically via FAX or e-mail of any scheduled interments no less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance. The Contractor will acknowledge that the COR’s message has been received. Normally interments shall be accomplished Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, there may be instances where the Contractor shall be required to perform interments on weekends and/or holidays and outside the regular hours.

2. The COR or designated individual will bring the appropriate interment paperwork on the day of the service.

C. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Gravesite Preparation:

a. Prior to any interment, the Contractor shall consult with the COR to determine the exact location, the dimensions of each grave and specific placement of the casket/cremains.

b. When entering gravesite sections during winter months or wet weather conditions, ‘Mobi-mat’ or plywood boards will be used to bring equipment on the grounds for the interment and all damages to the existing and surrounding turf, graves or grounds will be repaired by the contractor at no additional cost to the Government. Submit a plan for repair to the COR by the COB of the day of the interment. Repairs will be completed within 5 days of interment.

c. No grave shall be pre-dug the day before a scheduled interment. Any exceptions must be authorized by both the COR and Cemetery Director. The Contractor shall properly open and close the required gravesite before the close of business each day.

d. When unattended the grave site shall be secured to prevent unauthorized and accidental entry, and the excavation covered with heavy-duty sheets of plywood and barrier chain or other COR approved device surrounding the gravesite to the satisfaction of the COR or his designee.

e. It shall be the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that any underground utilities near gravesite excavation are identified prior to opening the gravesite.

f. Once the area to be excavated is defined, sod shall be cut, removed, and either salvaged for reuse, or removed from the gravesite prior to excavation and disposed of off-site.

g. If the grave has an existing headstone, it shall be removed and carefully placed in an area near the gravesite. Headstones removed for preparation of a second interment shall be disposed of as directed by the COR.

h. Headstones, tools or equipment are never to be stored or left on another gravesite if gravesite is left unattended.

i. A temporary marker with the names of all interments for that gravesite shall be placed on the gravesite after proper closing of the gravesite. Temporary markers as with permanent markers shall always be placed in proper height and alignment.

j. Safety boards or mud tracks will be placed along the edges of the excavation to provide personnel working around the gravesite excavation a safe base to work from and reduce the chance of falling into the excavation should the edge fail. Personnel should avoid working or standing near the edge of the excavation whenever possible.

k. When a grave is opened, the Contractor shall remove adjacent headstones as needed to minimize the chance that the existing headstones or markers will be damaged during the interment operation. Once removed, these headstones shall be placed in protective collars. Adjacent headstones not removed shall be protected by means of a Plexiglas sheath, or other COR-approved material. After the remains are placed and the gravesite closed all headstones and interferences that were removed will be replaced at proper height and alignment then verified by the COR. These headstones will not be included in the overall count of headstone work performed by contract.

l. Sod shall be removed from the gravesite prior to excavation and may be reused on the gravesite. If sod shall be reused, it shall be cut 1 to 2 inches deep to keep roots healthy. If the sod is not reusable, gravesite shall be either resodded or reseeded as directed by the COR. Gravesite shall have turf re-established within 30 days during the growing season or within 60 days after the beginning of the growing season. Dispose of sod that is not reused on gravesites off-site in a lawful manner.

2. Excavation of Graves:

a. Gravesites excavations for caskets shall be completed and the approved casket grave liner placed and the casket lowering device (CLD) set-up and readied a minimum of one hour prior to the scheduled time of gravesite service/interment. (Time of interment can be different than time of services.) Cremation excavations do not require a casket lowering device but must be made ready a minimum of one hour prior to the scheduled time of gravesite service/interment.

b. Soil excavated from the gravesite shall not be placed on any occupied gravesite. Soil to be reused as backfill may be placed on plywood sheets on unoccupied gravesites, or in the case where there are no unoccupied gravesites, a COR-approved open area. Soil left near the gravesite shall be covered with green carpet or tarp. Any excess backfill shall be removed from the site and disposed of at an appropriate landfill, other off-site facility, or be hauled to Tahoma National Cemetery and dumped at a designated area in the spoils yard.

c. Traditional graves shall measure 6' x 10' unless otherwise advised by the COR and shall be excavated to five (5) feet or seven (7) feet in depth, depending on the number of interments.

d. Graves for cremated remains shall be large enough to accommodate the urn/container and a minimum approximately 18 inches square and three (3) feet deep. Dimensions of urn will be provided by COR when provided by family or Funeral Home.

e. The COR shall advise the Contractor of the required depth of excavation based upon burial container, and position within the gravesite, (i.e. CL, RH, LH) prior to any excavation operation. Contractor should probe all full interments prior to excavation to assure adequate depth for a second interment. The COR shall be notified immediately of insufficient depth to accomplish interment.

f. If the excavation is five feet deep or deeper, a worker is prohibited from entering into the grave until the sides of the grave are shored in a safe manner in accordance with OSHA standards.

g. The Contractor shall cover the excavation, place four (4) COR-approved stanchions, chain/rope to cordon off all casket gravesites 5 feet from the all sides of open gravesite while unattended. A designated member of the Contractor’s staff shall be posted to keep visitors away from open gravesite and man the gate fifteen (15) minutes prior to interment service and provide other duties as assigned by the COR.

h. When a grave is opened to receive a second interment and is found to be of insufficient depth to permit interment due to a vault/container not being deep enough, the COR shall be immediately notified. The Cemetery Director will notify COR/Contractor when authorized to continue the interment process. The remains of the first interment shall be removed and the grave excavated to a depth to accommodate both interments. Excavating the grave to a greater depth to accommodate the second interment is the responsibility of the contractor; and is considered as a part of the regular grave excavation price. COR or his representative will be present and will be responsible for insuring the gravesite is deepened to accommodate both interments. The gravesite shall be screened from the public view during the removal and reinterment of any remains.

i. For traditional burials, a Government-provided Polyguard® grave liner/vault will be installed by the Contractor. The gravesite excavation shall be completed and the grave liner/vault pre-set at the gravesite one hour and fifteen minutes prior to the service. Each grave liner shall be installed according to procedures as demonstrated by the Government.

j. If damage to a grave liner occurs, both the casket and grave liner shall be removed from the grave and replaced with a new grave liner. Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the cost of damaged grave liner based on the actual price paid by the Government.

3. Interment Service Set-Up:

a. The Contractor shall furnish and set up a temporary shelter consisting of a funeral bier, twelve (12) folding chairs and a white 13’x13’ canvas pop-up tent structure at or near the gravesite. These items shall be set up for each interment service, at least one (1) hour prior to the interment service, and returned to the storage area within one (1) hour after conclusion of the interment service.

b. Seating cushions shall be placed upon the folding chairs. Brush/rolled clean before each day’s service(s).

c. Presentation bier shall be readied for remains unless COR directs contractor to have a church cart available.

d. The area around the interment shall be cleaned and the tent and chairs shall be clean, free of webs and any other dirt or debris prior to each interment service.

e. Flag shall be lowered to half-staff prior to the first service of the day. Flag shall be brought to full staff not less than 30 minutes after last service of the day.

f. The Contractor shall provide means to play music if requested by the family.

4. Burial Service:

a. General: The Contractor is responsible for the transport and lowering of remains. All equipment/cart required for transport and lowering of remains are to be Contractor-provided.

b. The Contractor shall transfer the remains in a dignified manner from the interment service to the proper gravesite following all NCA policies. The means of transportation shall be approved by the COR.

c. The Contractor shall provide a minimum of two (2) employees to remove the casket from the hearse and transport to the bier, or directly to the CLD at the gravesite. A Contractor-provided cart shall be used to transport the casket from the hearse to the burial service location or directly to the gravesite.

d. The Contractor shall provide a Government-approved, commercially-available, mechanical casket lowering device (CLD) and set it up at the grave site. The CLD shall be equipped with two sets of straps: primary lowering straps and secondary safety straps. The CLD will be inspected for damage and defective/worn straps, prior to being set up over the crypt. The CLD shall be mechanically and aesthetically maintained by the Contractor at all times. The CLD stand shall be equipped with a commercially-available green skirt/drape to screen the CLD mechanism and the open grave from public view.

e. The Contractor shall lower casketed remains into gravesite using the casket lowering device in a safe and efficient manner, with dignity, and without damage to casket. Contractor shall use lowering device wheel rails and safety bars for increased safety during the transferring of remains and the lowering of the casket.

f. All cremated remains will be transported to the cremains burial site by the Contractor, and lowered by the Contractor in a dignified manner.

5. Backfill of Graves:

a. Gravesites shall be backfilled, topdressed with topsoil, and ready for visitation by the close of business.

b. Prior to backfilling grave sites, CLD shall be removed, and lids/tops shall be securely placed.

c. Backfill material surrounding the grave liner/vault shall be sufficiently flowable to allow voids to be filled for solid compaction and to reduce subsequent ground settlement. Initial backfill material for interments and inurnments shall consist of 5/8-inch minus crushed aggregate.

d. Full caskets burials shall be backfilled with the crushed aggregate to 1/2-inch above the grave liner or vault. The remaining backfill material shall be clean fill excavated from the grave site.

e. Cremain urns shall be set on a 3-inch minimum bed of compacted crushed aggregate and backfilled to 12 inches above the urn with sand. The remaining backfill material shall be clean fill excavated from the grave site.

f. Soil backfill shall be brought up to2-3 inches of established grade in 12-inch lifts. Each lift shall be thoroughly compacted by means of a COR-approved/Contractor-provided mechanical or hand tamper. Backfill should not be mounded, but should conform to existing grades. The Contractor shall remove all unusable dirt, rocks, roots and other types of objects from the cemetery grounds.

g. After backfilling is complete and compacted, the remaining 2-3 inches shall be filled with clean, screened topsoil and the sod shall be replaced and tamped to ground level. The sod shall be thoroughly hand-watered as needed to re-establish sod.

h. All grounds, headstones, floral arrangements, etc. of a burial area which may have been disturbed to facilitate cemetery operations shall be returned to their original location and prior condition or better before close of business.

i. See Attachment A for “Diagram of Graves” and handling of multiple interments.

6. Marking Gravesite:

a. Where there is no existing headstone, a temporary marker shall be placed at the grave by the Contractor or his/her representative.

b. The temporary marker for a second interment shall also list the first interment. All headstones of 1st interments will be removed from the gravesite prior to excavation and disposed of by either placing it in the casketed gravesite or disposed of as per Government policy provided by COR. (See “Headstone Setting”.)

7. Turf Repair: After backfilling is complete and compacted, and the final two inches of screened topsoil has been placed and tamped, the gravesite shall be either seeded and mulched, or sodded by the COB of the day of the burial per “Turf Renovation”.

a. Sod: The grade will be brought up to depth relative to the adjacent gravesites to accommodate for sod thickness to replant the gravesite, whether reusing existing turf or planting new sod.

b. Seed: The grade will be brought up to 3/8 inch relative to the adjacent gravesites to accommodate for seeding and compost covering to replant the gravesite.

8. Floral Arrangements: All floral bouquets and arrangements left at the gravesite by the funeral party shall be neatly arranged upon the grave and removed when they become unsightly or when necessary to accomplish grounds maintenance activities but not less than four work days. All stands from floral wreaths shall be removed before placing the wreath flat on the grave.

D. EXCEPTIONS

1. See attached Attachment A for “Diagram of Graves” and handling of multiple interments.

2. Diagram “D” - Attachment A. The conditions shown in "D" shall occur only rarely, and usually when the minor dependents predecease their parents or in extremely rare cases when an accident takes the lives of a family group.

3. Diagram "E" Attachment A. When the remains are in a small casket, they shall be placed in the lower corner of the gravesite, at a depth of five (5) feet, permitting room for an additional like burial at the head of the first at a depth of seven (7) feet and the second at five (5) feet.

4. When it is necessary to make side-by-side burials in a single gravesite, extreme care shall be exercised to accurately locate the sideline of the site. Where a burial vault is used in such cases, it may be necessary to encroach several inches on adjacent site(s). This is permissible provided the site encroached upon has been or shall be utilized as shown in Diagram "A" or "B" in Attachment A.

5. Unusual conditions may require occasional deviations from the methods indicated. For cases not covered herein, the Contractor shall consult with the COR for advice on determination of action to be taken.

E. DISINTERMENTS & DISINURMENTS

1. Work consists of removal of remains from a burial plot.

2. Disinterments/disinurnments shall be billed for at the same rate for interments/inurnments.

3. On occasion, next-of-kin may elect to disinter/disinurn the remains of a loved one. All administrative procedures shall be completed by cemetery administrative staff. If disinterment is approved, Contractor shall be notified of date, time and performing entity (contracted personnel, funeral director, family member, etc.).

4. Special care shall be shown to adjacent graves and headstones to avoid or minimize damage. Contractor personnel shall reopen the grave to one foot above the top of the casket or casket container. Family-contracted personnel (e.g., Funeral Home), shall complete disinterment, including removal of liner/vault, removal of casket and/or human remains. Cemetery contracted staff are prohibited from any activities other than the aforementioned opening of the grave.

5. Cremated remains that are inurned may be fully uncovered. Contractor personnel shall not remove urn/liner or otherwise participate in any other aspect of the disinterment operation. Only family contracted personnel, funeral directors and/or family members are authorized to actually remove the container.

6. Damaged urns/containers should be reported immediately to COR and/or cemetery director.

7. Headstones and/or markers of disinterment/disinurnment sites shall be removed and destroyed in accordance with established policy.

B.5.2 HEADSTONE SETTING

1. Headstones are properly installed.

2. Headstones are aligned in accordance with the section plan or historic pattern.

3. Proper height and alignment of each headstone is maintained.

4. Headstones are clean, free of debris and objectionable accumulations.

5. Inscriptions are visible and legible as appropriate for the age of the headstone.

6. Headstones are disposed of in a manner that prevents reuse.

B. SCOPE

1. Work consists of setting new or replacement headstones on gravesites. It also includes receiving, uncrating, inspecting, and reporting physical defects to the Contracting Officer or his/her authorized representative. Contractor shall set, align and level an estimated 10 upright headstones per year.

C. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The type of headstone to be used shall be determined by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) through direction of the National Cemetery Administration, Central Office (in accordance with the general plan of the cemetery).

2. Headstones shall be installed within five (5) working days of delivery to Fort Lawton Cemetery as weather and soil conditions permit. Headstones shall be cleaned after setting. Cost for cleaning to be included in work for headstone setting.

3. Acceptability. The "Setting & Alignment" of new or replacement headstones is considered "acceptable" when the Contractor clearly evidences compliance in meeting contract requirements.

4. Inspection & Acceptance: Acceptance is defined as the point in time which the COR has determined the work performed is satisfactory. The Government reserves the right to inspect any/all services rendered and either reject or require correction when headstone setting & alignment are not in conformity with contract specifications.

5. Upright headstones for individual graves shall be erected on the center line at the head of the grave with the inscription facing the grave. They shall be set plumb and aligned laterally, transversely, and diagonally with the headstones on other graves.

6. Headstones that are set by the Contractor shall maintain the proper height and alignment for a period of 90 days after being initially set. Any settlement or misalignment of headstones during this 90 day period will be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. The Government may require the contractor to re-perform any non-conforming services at no increase in contract price.

D. PROCEDURE: NEW & REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES

1. Tahoma National Cemetery (TNC) is responsible for ordering headstones, inscription guideline adherence, initial delivery inspection for damages, and signing the Bill of Lading from the transportation company.

2. Headstones are delivered to TNC. The COR will arrange for the forward delivery of the headstones to Fort Lawton Cemetery.

3. The Contractor is responsible for off-loading headstones. Contractor shall in unison with the COR or designee, inspect headstones for damage immediately upon delivery.

4. Contractor shall set headstones at appropriate gravesites by close of business on the day of receipt at the cemetery. Contractor is responsible for the movement of headstones from the delivery vehicle, to the inspection area, and to the corresponding gravesites.

5. The contractor will be responsible for all damage that occurs after delivery/inspection is completed. Headstones shall be protected from the possibility of damage, employees shall use available PPE and equipment. Headstones may be stored by resting on their bottom edge and leaning against the wall at a safe and stable angle. Several stones may be stacked against the first stone to conserve space with proper separation in all cases (e.g., cardboard spacers). If there is any breakage or damage in any form due to the Contractor's handling or negligence, the cost for replacement shall be borne by the Contractor. The COR shall designate a suitable area for inspection of the headstones at Fort Lawton Cemetery. Initial inspection shall be accomplished at TNC by COR or designee upon receipt. Defective headstones shall be rejected. Replacement headstone shall be ordered by Tahoma National Cemetery.

6. Trees or shrubs obstructing headstones shall be noted and the COR shall determine remedial action, and any modification needed for installation of a headstone. Any such action/modification shall be included in the cost of setting the headstone.

7. Headstones shall be lifted and transported or set by at least two (2) people unless special one-person lifting devices are approved by the COR.

8. See “Headstone Raise & Realign” for specific procedures for setting new and replacement upright headstones.

9. Realignment, referred to as a “Bump & Run”, when consisting merely of straightening the headstone, may be accomplished by one person. See “Headstone Bump & Run” below for procedures.

10. Older markers shall be realigned laterally, transversely and diagonally in the same manner as new headstones.

11. Damaged headstones shall be identified and immediately brought to the attention of the COR via a digital picture and electronic communications.