36C78620Q0338.docx

Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

PRODUCT SERVICE CODE

SUBJECT

CONTRACTING OFFICE'S

ZIP-CODE

SOLICITATION NUMBER

RESPONSE DATE/TIME/ZONE

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 Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice S208 FY21 New - North Atlantic - National Cemetery of the Alleghenies - Base year with Four (4) Option Years - ending 9/30/25). Subject to FY21 Funding Availability.

22172 36C78620Q0338 09-18-2020 16:00

EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA

N

SDVOSBC

561730 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 Kenneth Randle 703-630-9356 National Cemetery of the Alleghenies 1158 Morgan Road Bridgeville

PA

15017

USA

https://www.va.gov https://www.va.gov Kenneth.Randle@va.gov Contracting Officer

RFQ FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bridgeville, PA 15017

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 36C78620Q0338

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2020-7.

This is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

The applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730, with a business size standard of 8 Million.

This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to an acquisition approach.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, anticipates the award of a Firm Fixed Price Requirement Contract for Grounds Maintenance Services at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

POST AWARD CONFERENCE: To be determined (TBD)

SITE VISIT:

Offerors are urged and expected to inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance. In no event shall failure to inspect one or all sites constitute grounds for a claim after contract award. If you plan to conduct a site visit / inspection of the National Cemetery of the Alleghanies , YOU MUST CONTACT one of the following personnel to make arrangements:

Mr. William Webb, Contracting Officer Representative, National Cemetery of the Alleghenies: 724-746-4363 Mr. Edward Hajduk, Director, National Cemetery of the Alleghenies: 724-746-4291

RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ): Quotes are due to the Contracting officer no later than 16:00 on 18 Sep 2020. Responses to this announcement will result in a Firm-Fixed Priced Requirement Contract. The Government intends to make award without discussions. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary and the Government will not pay for information provided nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided for the Government. Offerors are responsible for obtaining any and all amendments or additional information concerning this announcement at beta.sam.gov.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS:

Questions pertaining to this announcement must be sent by email to Kenneth.Randle@va.gov. by no later than close of business, 1 Sep 2020. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted., SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

PRICE SCHEDULE: The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Grounds Maintenance Services to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Services provided under this contract include the following:

· Turf fertilization, pre / post -emergent crabgrass and broadleaf weed control

· Mowing services (including trimming, edging)

· Trash & debris removal

· Headstone setting, headstone raise & realign, headstone bump & run

· Sodding of newly dug & refilled graves

· Repairing sunken graves

· Unloading of blank headstones

The tentative period of performance is from October 1, 2020 or from Date of Award through September 30, 2021, with four (4) one (1) year renewal options, if exercised.

NATIONAL CEMETERY OF THE ALLEGHENIES

Base Period: October 1, 2020 of from Date of Award thru September 30, 2021

Qty

41 acres)

41 acres)

41 acres)

NATIONAL CEMETERY OF THE ALLEGHENIES

Option Year I: October 1, 2021 thru September 30, 2022

Qty

41 acres)

NATIONAL CEMETERY OF THE ALLEGHENIES

Option Year II: October 1, 2022 thru September 30, 2023

Qty

41 acres)

NATIONAL CEMETERY OF THE ALLEGHENIES

Option Year III: October 1, 2023 thru September 30, 2024

Qty

41 acres)

NATIONAL CEMETERY OF THE ALLEGHENIES

Option Year IV: October 1, 2024 thru September 30, 2025

Qty

41 acres)

SUMMARY GRAND TOTAL

Base Period

Option Year 1

(End of Price Schedule)

SECTION - B

B.2 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

B.3 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 131 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 following specifications is essential.

B.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Grounds Maintenance Services to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies (NCOTA). Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery is as follows:

Bridgeville, Pa. 15017

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

SERVICES PROVIDED: The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to perform the following Grounds Maintenance Services at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE MANPOWER & RESOURCES NECESSARY TO PERFORM AND COMPLETE MULTIPLE JOBS SIMULTANEOUSLY. Services provided include the following:

B.5.1 Headstone: Setting & Alignment B.5.2 Headstone: Raise, Lower, Realign & Reset, Bump & Run B.5.3 Lawn Maintenance: Fertilization & Weed Control B.5.4 Lawn Maintenance: Sodding, Seeding, Repair Sunken Graves & Prepare Subsequent Interment Grave Sites for Sod B.5.5 Lawn Maintenance: Mowing, Trimming & Edging B.5.6 Trash & Debris Removal: Regular Floral Pickup B.5.7 Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance: Mulching & Weed Control B.5.8 Cemetery Road Cleaning: Water & Sweeping B.5.9 Snow Removal B.5.10 Unloading of Blank Headstones

B.5.1 HEADSTONE -- SETTING & ALIGNMENT

(a) SCOPE

(i) NCA OPERATIONAL STANDARD (4.2): Proper height and alignment of each headstone is maintained.

(ii) Work consists of setting new or replacement headstones on gravesites. It includes reporting physical defects to the COR or designee.

(b) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(i) 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).

(ii) Headstones shall be installed within three to five (3 to 5) days of delivery to National Cemetery of the Alleghenies as weather and soil conditions permit.

(iii) Acceptability. The "Setting & Alignment" of new or replacement headstones is considered "acceptable" when the Contractor clearly evidences compliance in meeting contract requirements set forth in accordance with NCA’s Operational Standards.

(iv) Inspection & Acceptance: Acceptance is defined as the point in time which the COR or designee has determined the work performed is satisfactory and meets the criteria set forth in NCA’s Operational Standards. 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.

(v) 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 re-performance of non-conforming services at no increase in contract price.

(c) PROCEDURE: NEW & REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES

(i) National Cemetery of the Alleghenies is responsible for ordering headstones, checking for proper wording and initial inspection for damages. Contractor is responsible to ensure the correct headstone is installed in the correct gravesite by verifying that the temporary marker, headstone and list provided by the cemetery match prior to setting.

(ii) Upright headstones for individual graves shall be erected on the centerline 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. Measurements shall be taken from the section layout control points, and not from headstones or keystones previously set.

(iii) In new sections of National Cemeteries, all upright headstones shall be set at a height of 24 to 26 inches from the finished grave to the top of the arc. Where headstones have been previously set at other heights above grade, but in general, at a uniform height throughout an area, and otherwise present a neat overall appearance with the inscription visible, resetting for the sole purpose of attaining the stated height is necessary. The nominal height of 24 to 26 inches given for the current standard of headstone setting is the standard height. Minor deviations in the less than nominal height are permissible to provide a uniform appearance in the top line to compensate for slight ground rises or depression within a burial section. Where a considerable number of adjacent stones are set or reset in a section, and ground conditions are known to require an allowance for vertical settlement, an extra inch may be permissible in the above ground projection when the stone is initially set. If ground conditions are known to require an allowance for settlement, headstones will be installed with a gravel base and will conform to a uniform height. The height must permit passage of lawn mowing equipment without damage to the headstones. Raise and realignment of headstones will occur every month. The COR will inspect to insure completion and correctness of the section. This procedure will continue throughout the entire contract.

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

(v) Older headstones shall be realigned laterally, transversely and diagonally in the same manner as new headstones.

(vi) Damaged headstones and replacement headstones ordered would be, upon receipt of the new headstones, destroyed by the Contractor by means of breaking the headstone with a maul or sledgehammer in such a manner that obliterates the inscription. Resultant debris will be placed in the dumpster provided by the National Cemetery.

(vii) Headstone(s) shall be set within 3 to 5 days after receipt at the cemetery.

(viii) Contractor personnel are responsible for the unloading of headstones from the delivery truck and initial inspection.

B.5.2 HEADSTONE -- RAISE, LOWER, REALIGN & RESET, BUMP & RUN

(a) SCOPE

(i) NCA OPERATIONAL STANDARDS (4.2): Proper height and alignment of each headstone is maintained. Older headstones shall be realigned laterally, transversely and diagonally in the same manner as new headstones.

(ii) All headstone alignments that are not set or reset properly shall be reworked without cost to the government.

(b) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(i) Work consists of raising, lowering, realigning and resetting existing upright headstones. Standard upright marble headstones are approximately 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, 4 inches thick, and weigh approximately 230 pounds each.

(ii) Acceptability. The "Raise, Lower, Realign & Reset" of existing upright headstones is considered "acceptable" when the Contractor clearly evidences compliance in meeting contract requirements set forth in Section A.3.2.

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 time will be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

(iii) Inspection & Acceptance: Acceptance is defined as the point in time which the COR or designee has determined the work performed is satisfactory and meets the criteria set forth in NCA’s Operational Standard. The Government reserves the right to inspect any / all services rendered and either reject or require correction when Raise, Lower, Realign & Reset are not in conformity with contract specifications.

(iv) The Government may require re-performance of non-conforming services at no increase in contract price.

(c) PROCEDURE: UPRIGHT HEADSTONES RAISE/ LOWER / REALIGN & RESET

(i) All temporary markers, floral, commemorative, or other types of decorations (arrangements) causing interference with the raise and realignment of upright headstone operation shall be carefully, and in an orderly manner moved from, and upon completion of work, moved back to all gravesites by the Contractor. Prior to removal, the contractor shall verify the numbering sequence and location of the headstone and associated decorations.

(ii) Headstones shall be removed from their sockets by using wooden and/or metal clamps. If metal clamps are used the area that contacts the headstone shall be protected with a rigid fabric that will prevent damage to, and marking of, the headstone. Clamps may be attached to a Bob Cat or similar Machine to extract headstone from socket. Use care not to scratch or damage headstones in any manner. Contractor is responsible for restoring all damages caused to turf and headstones during performance of this work. Headstones are to be raised and/or lowered in the following manner; (Note: In areas where smaller than standard size headstones may occur, coordinate specified measurements and dimensions of required work with COR)

(iii) All shallow and correct depth headstone sockets are to be dug to a bottom depth of 21” below finished grade, and then fill material is to be added and heavily tamped to full compaction in the bottom of the socket to provide a minimum 3” footing for the headstone to set on prior to the installation of the headstone to the required depth so that 24-26” of the headstone is extending from the soil level to the top of the arc on the headstone. Fill Material is to be placed around all sides of the headstones and heavily tamped to full compaction at each three (3) inch vertical interval, leaving the last 3 inches at the top to have tamped topsoil and seed/sod applied.

(iv) Deep headstone sockets are to be filled at bottom with a minimum of 3” of Fill Material added and tamped to full compaction in the bottom of the socket to achieve a bottom depth of 18” below finished grade for the headstone to set on prior to the installation of the headstone to the required depth, so that 24- 26” of the headstone is extending from the soil level to the top of the arc on the headstone. Fill Material shall be placed around all sides of the headstones and thoroughly tamped to full compaction at each three (3) inch vertical interval, leaving the last 3 inches at the top to have tamped topsoil and grass seed/sod applied.

(v) For Straight Rows: Headstones shall be set vertically plumb in all directions, in all cases in a line vertically and laterally, and where possible transversely (coordinate with COR), with headstones of other graves using a top string, a back of headstone string line, and a side of headstone string line. Maximum vertical, lateral, and transverse tolerance of any headstone off the alignment string lines and/or marks shall be 1/8”, or less. All measurements and string line set ups shall be taken from established section layout control points, not from previously set headstones or keystones, unless otherwise directed by the COR. In irregular terrain where sloping and uneven ground conditions exist, all headstones shall be set at proper heights and levels to provide a flowing transition through uneven terrain. Raised and realigned headstones in all soil and terrain conditions shall be firmly in place so that the headstones are rigid with no give or play.

(vi) Removal/Handling/Storage of Headstones: If headstones are removed from a section, they shall be verified by the contractor using gravesite layout maps. Verify these maps with COR prior to removing any headstones. Headstones shall be stacked on a pallet for storage. Cardboard shall be placed between each headstone will be separated by cardboard not to exceed 8 headstones per pallet. Headstones shall be handled and stored in a dignified manner. Coordinate with COR to locate appropriate areas for temporary storage.

(vii) In cases where headstone sockets need to be realigned/shifted, and/or re-dug, the headstone sockets (holes) to receive headstones shall be dug by hand and/or mechanical devices to a sufficient depth so that 24-26 inches of the headstone is extending from the soil level to the top of the arc on the headstone. Contractor shall not dig a headstone socket wider than twelve (12) inches, twenty (20) inches in length, or exceed a depth of 21 inches that may cause the headstone to settle below height requirement.

(viii) The measurements between rows of headstones and headstones within each row may differ from one section to the next due to the use of differing burial patterns; discuss with COR where this is found to occur. These measurements shall be adhered to as closely as possible. Headstones shall be accurately and precisely reinstalled on the correct gravesites with the utilization of grave plot maps.

(ix) Headstones are chosen to be “key” stones. All headstones determined to be keystones are stones identified by the COR that are set off the burial section’s permanent control markers. All keystones are to be identified at beginning, middle, and the end of 72’ grids. These keystones are to be aligned by leveling front and back and side-to-side, and raised or lowered to a height of 24-26 inches above topsoil level. Constant quality control is to be maintained and is required on all keys.

(x) At the start of work in each burial section, the first row of reset/realigned headstones in each burial section is to be inspected by COR for appearance, spacing, depth, alignment, plumbness, height, accuracy, and smoothness in grade transition. No further setting of headstones shall be done until this first row has been inspected and accepted by the COR. If the first row is rejected by the COR, the contractor shall at no additional cost to the Government reset the rejected stones before proceeding in that section. It is the Contractors responsibility to notify the COR 24 hours in advance of when each of these inspections will be needed.

(xi) Heavy strings or lines must run along the backs, sides, and tops of these keystones. The string or line is required to be provided by the contractor and must be approved for use before by the COR before used. These lines are to be marked with the proper measurements- (size of section) for the section being aligned. All remaining headstones in the row are then aligned along the strings front to back and side-to-side even with the measured marks on the line. Each headstone is leveled and plumbed front to back and side-to-side keeping the back of the headstone along the string and the side of the headstone along the measured mark. Maximum vertical, lateral, and transverse tolerance of any headstone off the alignment string lines and/or marks shall be 1/8”, or less. Each headstone is also raised or lowered as necessary to ensure a uniform measurement of 24-26 inches above topsoil level. The headstone is then aligned along the string front to back and side-to-side even with the measured mark on the line. The headstone is leveled and plumbed front to back and side-to-side keeping the back of headstone along the string and the side of the headstone along the measured mark.

(xii) The alignment of the headstones shall be checked frequently during this process because the tamping may move the headstone out of level or off the mark on the line. This process of raising and realigning is repeated for each row of headstones. Upright headstones in all completed work areas shall be firmly set and anchored in place with no movement from forces subjected by the COR. The Government reserves the right to require the contractor to pull suspect stones to verify that the correct base material and specified depths have been achieved. Any stone pulled under this requirement will be pulled and reset at no additional cost to the Government. Upon completion of the installation the headstones will be cleaned, and the area will be raked and free of debris.

(d) PROCEDURE: BUMP & RUN:

(i) The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to realign (Bump & Run) headstones that have shifted out of alignment.

(ii) General Requirements: Work consists of realigning upright headstones that have shifted out of alignment, but do NOT need to be removed from their sockets and reset as required under Section B.3.2 (Headstone Raise, Lower, Realign & Reset).

(iii) Procedures: The Contractor shall use a wooden tamper to bump the headstone into alignment. A post level shall be attached to the headstone and bumped to both horizontally and vertical alignment. The soil around the perimeter of the headstone shall be firmly tamped so that headstone shall not move when exposed to force. Topsoil and grass seed shall be applied and lightly tamped, then raked lightly with a fan rake removing any debris.

(e) NOTE: The COR shall determine and specify to the Contractor which Upright Headstones require Raise & Realignment or Bump & Run services.

(f) Any upright headstones broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the COR by close of business each working day in order that the grave can be properly marked. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the headstone replacement. All headstone replacements must be coordinated with the COR. Any grid or sectional monuments disturbed, displaced, or broken shall be replaced by the Contractor at his cost. All grid or sectional monuments disturbed, etc., shall be properly reset by a licensed land surveyor at Contractor’s expense. Curbs, roads, walks, turf, trees, utilities, etc. existing above and below the ground that are damaged or disturbed by the contractor during performance of contract work shall be repaired at the expense of the contractor. Repairs to the above shall be corrected by the Contractor within fourteen (14) workdays, unless otherwise agreed to with the COR in writing.

B.5.3 LAWN MAINTENANCE -- FERTILIZATION & WEED CONTROL

(a) SCOPE

(i) NCA OPERATIONAL STANDARD (2.1): All visually prominent areas have a well-established, generally weed free, healthy stand of turf. Turf in burial areas is to be 90 percent weed free.

(ii) Contractors shall be responsible for maintaining the turf area of the cemetery and the immediate area surroundings of the cemetery in a healthy condition by proper application of fertilizers, chemicals (to control weeds, diseases and insect pests) and lime (if soil tests indicate it is needed). Pest and disease-free turf should cover at least 95 percent of the area.

(iii) The turf is to be aerated in September as provided in the Turf Application Schedule. Approximately 41 acres of turf will be treated.

(b) EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

(i) The Contractor shall furnish all required chemicals, fertilizers and any other supplies as indicated in the turf application schedule.

(ii) Contractor shall provide all necessary applicators, hoses and other equipment. Water will be furnished by the Government at no cost to the Contractor.

(iii) Soil tests will obtained by the COR or designee as determined by the COR. Soil samples shall be sent to the local county agricultural extension office for analysis. Test results will show any deficiencies and the needed corrections.

(iv) The COR will furnish a copy of the soil test results to the Contractor. The Contractor shall determine the necessary formulation of fertilizers and the required amount of lime as indicated by the test results.

(c) PROCEDURE

(i) Fertilizer: Fertilizer shall be applied based on the results and recommendations of soil tests for each section. The COR or designee will conduct the soil test with a copy provided to the Contractor. Fertilizer shall be applied in spring and fall of each year as this is the optimum time for fertilization of cool season turf grasses. Only fertilizer that is recommended for the test results will be used and nitrogen formulated used should be a 60% slow release from sulfur coated urea or SCU. This shall be reported to the COR on the appropriate form no later than 5 working days.

(ii) Lime: When soil tests indicate a need for lime, it shall be applied at the rate indicated in those tests. Time of application shall be in late fall or early winter, unless local practice indicates a more favorable time.

(iii) Weed Control: Any weed growth and disease shall be controlled by means of mowing, trimming and pesticide application or any other method approved by the COR. All personnel using such sprays shall be properly trained, and the person in charge shall be duly licensed by the State of Pennsylvania to use pesticides. Treatment for weeds shall be accomplished in the spring and the fall as specified in the Turf Application Schedule. Turf in burial and high visibility areas shall be maintained at 90 percent weed free.

(iv) Gophers and Moles and any other Pest: Gophers and moles and any other pest shall be controlled by elimination of their food source with pesticides applied by a licensed applicator. The Contractor shall ensure that soil shall be tamped into holes and turf replaced or reseeded to insure acceptable appearance at all times. This will be completed under Turf Application #12 as determined by the COR.

(v) Pesticides and Herbicides: Contractor shall keep a record of all pesticides/herbicides applied and furnish a copy to COR along with all supporting MSDS sheets for any chemicals used within five working days of application. Records will show type, amount, application area, and weather conditions. Signs will be posted informing the public that a chemical has been applied (Date and Time of Application). Turf in high visibility areas shall be at least 95 percent pest and disease free.

(vi) Crabgrass Pre-Emergent: Contractor shall apply Barricade crabgrass pre-emergent herbicide in granular form when treating for crabgrass at manufactures recommended rate allowable for the northeast region and cool season turf grasses. Pre-emergent must be applied with calibrated spreading equipment. The vendor is solely responsible for damage caused as a result of any pre-emergent application or herbicidal treatment to headstones or any other structures.

(vii) Broadleaf Weed Control: Broadleaf herbicides shall be applied with calibrated measured spraying equipment (not a hose end sprayer). The chemical must address issues of various broadleaf weed types which include clover, dandelions and broadleaf or narrow plantain. Applications shall be timely and at the proper dosage so that perennial weeds do not go to seed. Chemicals shall be applied between headstones and along section perimeters.

(viii) Fertilization: The Contractor shall apply a granular, slow release (see application schedule), sulfur coated urea fertilizer with a guaranteed analysis of 24-0-12 NPK at the rates listed in the turf application schedule, using a properly calibrated broadcast spreader.

(ix) Core Aeration & Over Seeding: The Contractor shall aerate all turf areas using a core aerator at a depth of 3-6 inches to improve air, water and nutrient penetration to the turf canopy and root zone. After completion of the aeration, the Contractor shall over seed all turf areas with a seed mixture that contains 60% Kentucky Bluegrass (cultivars “Midnight” and “Total Eclipse”) and 40% Perennial Rye grass (cultivar “Brightstar”). All grass seed must be Blue Tag certified that is designated as “Sod Quality”, with a satisfactory (90%) germination rate.

(x) All application methods of fertilization and treatments of annual grasses / broadleaf weeds shall be in strict accordance with manufacturer, Department of Environmental Protection and all federal, state and local laws.

(xi) All applications shall be made in accordance with manufactures label instructions to ensure proper rate and timing of application. Prior to any application, the Contractor shall provide to COR, a copy of product label for each chemical used and appropriate supporting MSDS sheets. The Contractor shall provide the COR with MSDS sheets one (1) week in advance of any application.

(xii) Contractor personnel applying turf applications shall possess a current / valid State of Pennsylvania commercial pesticide/herbicide application license. A copy of the license will be provided to the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage resulting from the application of any fertilizer or herbicide treatments.

(xiii) All turf applications shall be applied with appropriate calibrated spreading and spraying equipment. Liquid and pellet surface applications shall be uniformly distributed within the cemetery’s defined area of coverage. Surface applications shall not be made where surface run-off is likely to occur or near a water source.

(xiv) Appropriate flags or markers shall be posted in all treated areas for a period of 24 hours after a fertilizer and/or herbicidal treatment has been applied. The Contractor shall remove all flags upon expiration of the 24-hour period.

(xv) Each turf application shall be completed within each “Annual Application Date” (weather permitting) specified in the Schedule. All applications shall be applied in accordance with manufactures label instructions to ensure proper rate and timing.

(xvi) Thirty (30) days after completion of the application, the Contractor and COR will jointly inspect and assess results. In areas where results are less than acceptable*, the Contractor shall re-perform the application at no additional cost to the Government. (*Acceptable is defined as 95% of actively growing broadleaf weeds are eliminated).

(xvii) The Contractor shall not use any herbicide or fertilizer in either granular or liquid form that will stain or discolor any headstones and will notify the COR of all materials scheduled for use on turf before beginning any turf application. Contractors shall be responsible for cleaning cemetery structures, headstones, monuments, and roadways that are soiled or stained because of Contractor’s performance.

(xviii) The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures headstones, and monuments at the end of each workday. No hazardous chemicals are to 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 Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to washing/cleaning.

(xix) The Contractor and its 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.

(xx) The Contractor shall be responsible for taking all precautions to prevent damage to the cemetery, in any manner, including headstones, monuments, flower bases, trees and other structures during maintenance operations. The Contractor shall be charged current replacement costs for headstones, other cemetery structures or property damaged because of actions by contractor and/or its personnel.

(xxi) Turf / Landscape Planting Bed Application Schedule: Fertilizer & Herbicides shall be applied to meet NCA Turf standards. Any deviation from this Schedule must be approved by the COR or designee. Contractor shall provide fertilization, pre-emergent crabgrass & broadleaf weed control services only to turf areas that are mowed weekly in strict accordance with the following:

Application Date Description

#9

NOTE: VA National Cemetery anticipates ordering and the Contractor furnishing the quantities & types of services stated in the Price Schedule and Turf Application Schedule. The Government, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to modify turf application dates or increase/decrease estimated quantities based on unforeseen circumstances including changes in weather and / or turf conditions.

Any such changes effecting the scope or price shall require a written modification to the contract executed by the Government Contracting Officer. Except as this contract may otherwise provide, if the Government's requirements result in changes to the application schedule and / or estimated quantities stated in the contract, that fact shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment.

B.5.4 LAWN MAINTENANCE – SODDING, SEEDING & REPAIR SUNKEN GRAVES

(i) NCA STANDARD (2.2): Turf used shall be compatible with the geographic region and adheres to the Cemetery Master Plan, where applicable. Guidance from expert sources (e.g. local county agricultural extension agent or, agronomist in Memorial Service Network 1 Offices or landscape architects in NCACO) is adhered to regarding turf selection.

(ii) Work consists of sod bed preparation and sodding of areas of the cemetery where the turf has been disturbed or has died. In particular, all newly dug or refilled graves will need re-sodding.

(iii) The Contractor will be responsible for the removal and disposition of dead ground and shall refill the site with quality topsoil to prepare the designated area for sod for all subsequent interments. The contractor will place the sod to cover all bare areas to ensure a quality turf.

(b) TYPE OF SOD

(i) Sod shall be used to establish turf coverage in all burial sections. Kentucky Blue / Perennial Rye are to be the primary grass to be developed. Only cultivars of grass sod / seed that have been adapted in the State of Pennsylvania and certified by the State Agronomy Testing Laboratory will be accepted.

(ii) Any substitution of sod/seed type, weight or application must be specifically approved by the COR in writing. Sod / seed are to be free of all noxious weeds. Rye is to be used during the wintertime to prevent washouts.

(c) REPAIR SUNKEN GRAVESITES & PREPARE SUBSEQUENT INTERMENT GRAVESITE FOR SOD:

(i) The following procedures shall be used when an individual or limited number of gravesites have settled over time and have created an unsatisfactory appearance and maintenance situation. A sunken grave is defined as any gravesite that has receded two inches (2”) from the existing adjacent grave. Standard graves dug and backfilled are approximately five feet (4’) wide and approximately ten feet (8’) long. Holes 2” in depth shall be classified as sunken graves even if entire grave(s) has not receded. The existing turf grass will be removed from the gravesite before the backfill / repair process begins.

(ii) When backfilling the sunken grave, the Contractor shall use cemetery spoils to fill the sunken grave minus the final four inches of the finished gravesite. The Contractor shall make sure to remove any large particles, soil clumps or debris (twigs, stones, etc.) from the spoils before backfilling the grave. The grave shall be tamped accordingly while backfilling with the final four inches of the sunken grave being filled with clean, high quality topsoil that is to be provided by the Contractor.