36C78621Q0133.docx

Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

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DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS

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* = Required Field Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice S208 NAD-C08390000-Fertilization-FY21 New - North Atlantic District -C08390000-FERTILIZATION CONTRACT for Culpeper National Cemetery 22172 36C78621Q0133 04-05-2021

3:00 PM

EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA

N 561730 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Paul.Zagaruyka@va.gov 18434 Joplin Road Triangle, VA 22172 Department of Veterans Affairs Culpeper National Cemetery 305 U.S. Avenue Culpeper

VA

22701

US

https://www.va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Paul.Zagaruyka@va.gov

RFQ FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Culpeper, Va. 22701

Attachments: Wage Determination for 2015-4283 Rev. No. 17 Dated 12/21/2020

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; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 36C78621Q0088.

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2019-01 Effective 20 Dec 2018.

SOLICITATION NOTICE OF TIERED EVALUATIONS

This procurement is set-aside based on an order of priority as established in 38 U.S.C. 8127.

TIERED EVALUATIONS INCLUDING SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS: This solicitation is being issued as a tiered evaluation for SDVOSB concerns, or in the alternative, a tiered evaluation for VOSB concerns, or in the alternative, a set-aside for other small business concerns with HUBZone small business concerns and 8(a) participants having priority. If award cannot be made, the solicitation will be cancelled, and the requirement resolicited.

Any vendor claiming SDVOSB or VOSB status must be registered as such at https://www.vip.vetbiz.va.gov/ before the solicitation closes. Any offer rendered, of which SDVOSB or VOSB status is claimed which are not registered, will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted.

The applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730, with a business size standard of $7.5 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 a particular acquisition approach.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, anticipates the award of a Firm Fixed Priced Contract.

Scope: The contractor shall be responsible for providing Herbicide / Fertilization Turf Application Services at Culpeper National Cemetery.

Responses to this Request for Quotation (RFQ) are due to the Contracting Officer no later than 3:00 pm on 4/5/2021. Responses to this announcement will result in a Firm-Fixed Price Contract and 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 all amendments or additional information concerning this announcement at beta.sam.gov.

All questions regarding this solicitation are to be submitted to the contracting officer, via email, no later than 3:00 PM on 3/29/2021. Questions will not be addressed using the telephone. Answers to questions will be posted on the vendor portal.

Proposal Format and Submission Information:

Offers must be submitted on company letterhead. All offerors shall include the following information as part of their quote:

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

· DUNS Number

· Point of Contact Name

· Telephone number

· Email Address

-Pricing shall be submitted as requested in the Schedule of Supplies/Services -Technical Package for Evaluation -Past Performance Questionnaire

Proposals shall be submitted via the Vendor Portal. See below for registration and submission information.

VENDOR PORTAL USAGE INFORMATION

· The Vendor Portal is a module of the Electronic Contract Management System (eCMS) that serves as a central location that allows for communication between VA Acquisition Staff and potential vendors.

· Vendors will need to visit the Vendor Portal (https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov) to register.

· In the event an Offeror is unable to register for a user account and/or submit a proposal through the Vendor Portal prior to the proposal closing date, the vendor is to contact the VAAS helpdesk at 1-877-634-3739, or via email at VA.Acquisition.Systems@va.gov.

· If the deadline hits as you are uploading your documents, the portal will shut without giving notice it is doing so. The upload appears to be happening however, it never finishes.

· Once registered, vendors will be able to access/edit their profile, view solicitations/awards and submit bids/proposals as instructed.

· Vendors can submit questions via the Vendor Portal which can be answered directly within the Vendor Portal.

· Submission of Quotes: All quotes must be submitted through the Department of Veterans Affairs – Electronic Management System (eCMS) Vendor Portal website to be considered for Award.

Quote transmission/uploads must be completed by the deadline for submission of Quotes.

Offerors unable to submit a quote through VA eCMS Vendor Portal, may submit their quotes via email to: Paul.Zagaruyka@va.gov provided the VA eCMS Vendor Portal registration requirements have been fulfilled AND Offerors have contacted the VAAS helpdesk for assistance in their quote submission.

A copy of the email correspondence with the VAAS helpdesk shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer Paul Zagaruyka via email at Paul.Zagaruyka@va.gov as proof of email correspondence. If a request for assistance with the VAAS helpdesk proves unsuccessful in an Offeror’s ability to submit a quote prior to the closing date, via the Vendor Portal, the Offeror shall submit to the Contracting Officer correspondence that contains the date, time, and name of helpdesk representative the Offeror contacted to include the reasons why the Offeror could not submit a quote via the Portal. This document shall be submitted with the Offeror’s quote.

In the event an Offeror has not requested quote submission assistance from the VAAS help desk prior to the closing date, nor has submitted correspondence that identifies reasons why the Offeror could not submit a quote via Vendor Portal, the Offeror will be considered technically non-responsive and the quote, if late, will not be accepted.

FYI: If after documents have been submitted, the Offeror decided to revise a document and resubmit it, the instructions in the VENDOR PORTAL GUIDE must be followed or risk all original documents being deleted.

Any proposals not received through the vendor portal in response to this announcement will be rated as technically unacceptable and removed from consideration.

Questions pertaining to this announcement shall be sent by email to: Paul.Zagaruyka@va.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

Evaluation Process:

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation that provides the best benefit to the Government, price and other factors considered. Offers will be evaluated on the basis of lowest priced, technically acceptable offer.

The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Pricing: The sum of all the CLINs will represent the total evaluated price. Proposed price must be determined to be fair and reasonable in order to be eligible for award.

2. Technical Acceptability

1. Demonstrated experience performing this requirement

2. Demonstrated qualifications to perform services

3. Use of Sub-Contractors

3. SDVOSB Status verification in CVE

Proposal Contents:

-Pricing shall be submitted as requested in the Schedule of Supplies/Services.

-Technical Package for Evaluation

The following shall be included as part of the offeror’s submission:

· Experience of company and subcontractors anticipated to perform work under this contract

· Managerial & Technical Qualifications of key personnel

· Qualifications of any proposed sub-contractors and the percentage of work they will be performing.

Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses The full text of FAR/VAAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Jul 2016) VAAR 852.270-1 Representatives of Contracting Officers (Jan 2008)

Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at http://orca.bpn.gov in accordance with FAR 52.212-3 “Offerors Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items.” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following solicitation clauses apply to this acquisition:

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Oct 2018) applies to this acquisition.

Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Oct 2018):

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Maintenance (Oct 2018) FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Jul 2016) FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013) VAAR 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (Jan 2008) VAAR 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (Jul 2016) (DEVIATION) VAAR 852.219-74, Limitations on Subcontracting – Monitoring and Compliance (Jul 2018) VAAR 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payments Requests (Nov 2012) VAAR 852.237-70 Contractor Responsibilities (Apr 1984)

The clause at 52.212-5 “Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders” (Jan 2019) applies to this acquisition. The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable: (b)(4), (b)(22), (b)(25), (b)(27), (b)(28), (b)(30), (b)(33)(i), (b)(42), (b)(49), (b)(56), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(8), and (c)(9).

(c)(3) 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67)

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

PRICE SCHEDULE: The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Turf Fertilization and Pre / Post-Emergent Crabgrass / Broadleaf Weed Control, Turf Aeration & Over seeding Services at the Culpeper National Cemetery. Performance includes six (6) scheduled applications of fertilizer and herbicides / aeration – over seeding.

POST AWARD CONFERENCE: Prior to commencement of work, contract awardee is required to make an appointment for a conference with the COR and/or Contracting Officer to assure that all parties understand all contractual obligations and the role that each party serves.

SITE VISIT: If you plan to conduct a site visit / inspection at the Culpeper National Cemetery, YOU MUST CONTACT one of the following cemetery personnel to make arrangements:

Jason Hogan, Cemetery Director, Culpeper, National Cemetery………………… (540) 825-0027 Willie Davis, Foreman, Culpeper National Cemetery………………………………. (540) 825-0027 Facsimile # ……………………………………………………………………………… (540) 825-6684

The period of performance is from 8 April 2021 (or Date of Award – whichever is sooner) through 7 April 2022, with four (4) one (1) year renewal options. All services shall be provided in accordance with Section A (Application Schedule & General Requirements) including all specifications, terms and conditions of the contract.

CULPEPER NATIONAL CEMETERY

BASE YEAR: APRIL 8, 2021 OR FROM DATE OF AWARD thru April 7, 2022

Core Aeration of turf including between all headstones with soil cores removed to a depth of 4 inches. After completion of soil aeration, an over seeding of the cemetery turf will be completed utilizing a Turf Type Tall Fescue mixture applied from a broadcast spreader at a rate of 8-10 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft. A granular turf fertilization will also be applied using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 4 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

Granular turf fertilization using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 5 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

OPTION YEAR I: April 8, 2022 thru April 7, 2023

Core Aeration of turf including between all headstones with soil cores removed to a depth of 4 inches. After completion of soil aeration, an over seeding of the cemetery turf will be completed utilizing a Turf Type Tall Fescue mixture applied from a broadcast spreader at a rate of 8-10 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft. A granular turf fertilization will also be applied using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 4 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

Granular turf fertilization using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 5 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

OPTION YEAR II: April 8, 2023 through April 7, 2024

Core Aeration of turf including between all headstones with soil cores removed to a depth of 4 inches. After completion of soil aeration, an over seeding of the cemetery turf will be completed utilizing a Turf Type Tall Fescue mixture applied from a broadcast spreader at a rate of 8-10 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft. A granular turf fertilization will also be applied using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 4 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

Granular turf fertilization using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 5 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

OPTION YEAR III: April 8, 2024 through April 7, 2025

Core Aeration of turf including between all headstones with soil cores removed to a depth of 4 inches. After completion of soil aeration, an over seeding of the cemetery turf will be completed utilizing a Turf Type Tall Fescue mixture applied from a broadcast spreader at a rate of 8-10 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft. A granular turf fertilization will also be applied using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 4 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

Granular turf fertilization using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 5 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

OPTION YEAR IV: April 8, 2025 through April 7, 2026

Core Aeration of turf including between all headstones with soil cores removed to a depth of 4 inches. After completion of soil aeration, an over seeding of the cemetery turf will be completed utilizing a Turf Type Tall Fescue mixture applied from a broadcast spreader at a rate of 8-10 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft. A granular turf fertilization will also be applied using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 4 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

Granular turf fertilization using a fertilizer with a 26-0-12 NPK ratio with a minimum 50% slow release SCU (sulfur coated urea). Fertilizer shall be applied to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 5 lbs. of total fertilizer per 1000 sq. ft.

SUMMARY GRAND TOTAL COST

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

A.1 BACKGROUND

The Culpeper National Cemetery is located approximately 70 miles southwest of Washington D.C. in the community of Culpeper, VA., with cemetery grounds encompassing approximately 29.5 acres of land. This cemetery is a National Shrine that honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. The cemeteries receive visitors, hold ceremonies and conduct committal services. Because of their special significance and attention they receive from the public, strict adherence to contract specifications is essential.

A.2 TYPE & TERM OF CONTRACT

The VA shall award a single “firm-fixed price / requirements service contract” pursuant to this solicitation for commercial items. The contract shall contain one (1) base year and four (4) renewable option years. This contract is SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF VA FUNDS. No services shall be performed by the Contractor after April 7th of each year, until the Contracting Officer authorizes such services in writing.

A.3 PLACE(S) OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide turf fertilization and broadleaf / crabgrass weed control services to the following VA National Cemeteries:

SERVICES

Culpeper, Va. 22701

A.4 TURF APPLICATION SCHEDULE

Contractor shall provide turf fertilization, pre-emergent crabgrass & post emergent broadleaf weed control services at the Culpeper National Cemetery in accordance with the following Application Schedule:

APPLICATION DATE

DESCRIPTION

A.5 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

(a) Crabgrass Pre-Emergent Application: Contractor shall apply herbicide for pre-emergent crabgrass control at manufactures recommended rate allowable for cool season grasses. Pre-emergent herbicide must be applied with properly calibrated spraying equipment. The contractor shall begin the application after the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees for three consecutive days. This is the time that crabgrass seeds begin active germination in the soil. Any application that is completed before this time may not be as effective in overall crabgrass control. This shall be determined by cemetery staff with the use of a soil thermometer placed at a 1-inch soil depth in various sections of the cemetery to accurately gauge soil temperature. The dates for application listed in the application schedule are only an estimated time frame and could begin earlier or later depending upon the soil temperatures and weather conditions. Herbicide will be applied on all cemetery turf including in between and around the base of all headstones / markers.

(b) Second (Split) Crabgrass Application: Contractor shall apply herbicide when treating for pre-emergent crabgrass control at manufactures recommended rate allowable for cool season grasses. Pre-emergent herbicide must be applied with properly calibrated spraying equipment. This application shall occur between 6-8 weeks after initial crabgrass application to help insure full season long control of crabgrass and other weed grasses and should control any early tiller stages of crabgrass that has already germinated.

(c) Broadleaf Weed Control: Broadleaf herbicides must be applied with properly calibrated spraying equipment. Post–emergent herbicides must control various broadleaf weed species that are common to cool season turf grass such as clover, dandelion, prostrate spurge etc. Applications must be timely and at the proper dosage so that perennial weeds do not go to seed. Herbicide shall be applied to all turf acreage, in burial sections and including areas between and around all headstones and along section perimeters and will be applied in liquid form.

(d) Fertilization: Contractor shall apply a granular turf fertilizer, which is specified in the application schedule to all turf areas using a properly calibrated spreader/sprayer. The fertilizer shall have a guaranteed NPK analysis of 24-0-12 and consist of a minimum 50% slow release nitrogen from sulfur coated urea. Fertilizer shall be applied to all turf areas at the times and rates that are listed in the turf application schedule and will be applied in granular form only. The Contractor is not to deviate from this granular form of application for fertilizer.

(e) Aeration & Over Seeding: Contractor will core aerate the entire cemetery turf (including in between headstones) beginning in early September. Soil cores will be removed to a depth of 4 inches with a between core spacing of 6 inches and can be left on the soil surface. After aeration has been completed, over seeding will be done with a turf type Tall Fescue mix being used and applied at a rate of 8-10 lbs. / 1000 sq. ft. Seed will be applied using a calibrated broadcast spreader. If aeration equipment cannot get between headstones then contractor will be sure to heavily rake between headstones to remove excessive thatch so that the new grass seed can make good soil contact for better germination results. Since turf between the headstones tends to dry out quicker due to the underground headstone support system and tends to die back, it is imperative that the turf be re established during the aeration / over seeding process.

(f) All application methods of herbicides and treatments of annual grasses shall be in strict accordance with manufacturer, Department of Environmental Protection and all applicable federal, state and local laws.

(g) All applications must be made in accordance with manufactures label instructions to insure proper rate and timing of application. The contractor shall apply all liquid herbicides no earlier than 6 hours before anticipated rainfall to allow herbicide sufficient time to be absorbed into plant tissue to maximize the herbicide’s full potential. Any rainfall that is received within this six-hour time frame after the application shall require the contractor to treat all turf areas a second time at the contractor’s expense. Prior to any application, the Contractor shall provide to the COR, a copy of product label for each chemical used and appropriate supporting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

(h) Contractor personnel applying herbicides shall possess a current / valid State of Virginia commercial pesticide/herbicide application license. The Contractor is responsible for any damage resulting from the application of any herbicide treatments.

(i) 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.

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

(k) 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. Fourteen (14) days after completion of herbicide applications, the Contractor and COR shall 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 90% of actively growing broadleaf weeds are eliminated).

(l) The contractor shall not dispose of, rinse, mix nor store any herbicide containers/bags on cemetery premises except as authorized by cemetery management.

(m) Storage of herbicide application equipment on cemetery premises is prohibited when the contractor is not working.

A.6 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

A.6.1 SITE MANAGER

(a) The Contractor shall provide an English speaking “Site Manager” who shall be responsible for the following:

(i) Directing, overseeing and coordinating the work involved.

(ii) Staying abreast of all upcoming cemetery functions including special holiday events and burial activities.

(iii) Ensuring that contract work does not cause any committal service, ceremony, procession or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity, security, or safety of the event or visit is compromised.

(Note: To cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities, contract personnel shall stop (cease) all work in areas where burials are taking place. As a general "rule-of-thumb", work should not take place within 1,000 feet of an ongoing committal service or ceremony. The Site Manager shall re-direct work throughout the rest of the Cemetery – so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided. If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR may then do so.)

(b) Communication & Coordination of Work with COR: Contractor shall participate in regular meetings with Government personnel and other Contractors at the cemetery to coordinate contract work schedules and contract related issues. Communication with the COR is strongly encouraged. Burial activities at NCA shall take precedence over contract work activities. Work activity and noise cannot disturb Burial Services. Trucks and workers are prohibited from passing through the service area during this period.

(c) Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract shall require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government shall provide, at the time of contract award, a list of Government personnel authorized to act as Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives.

A.6.2 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER

(a) The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally supervises the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation shall be in writing and shall define the scope and limitations of the designee's authority. A copy of the designation(s) shall be furnished to the Contractor at time of award.

(b) The VA Contracting Officer shall delegate one (or more) representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COR). The COR may direct and arrange the Contractor’s work schedule in specific areas of the cemetery to coordinate with daily cemetery activities and operations. Duties and responsibilities of the COR include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i) Provides contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contractor.

(ii) Acts as technical liaison between the National Cemetery and the Contractor and between the cemetery and the Contracting Officer. (Note: The COR may not modify the intent or the terms and conditions of the contract.)

(iii) Placing orders for services.

(iv) Determining whether contract deliverables meet functional, technical and performance specifications.

(v) Verification / certification of payments to the Contractor for services rendered.

(vi) Assuring that any changes effecting work involved, price, terms and/or conditions under the contract are not implemented before written authorization is issued by the Contracting Officer.

(c) VA Contracting Officer: All administrative functions remain with the VA Contracting Officer. Any modifications to the contract, including those involving no-cost changes, increases and decreases in cost or level of services provided, termination or extension of the contract (in part or in whole) and decisions concerning claims or disputes, must be authorized in writing by the Government Contracting Officer.

A.6.3 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

(a) All work required under this contract shall be performed during normal business days and daylight hours between 7:45 am and 4:15 pm, local time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Deviations from the work schedule shall require prior written permission from the COR. The following is a list of the Federal holidays:

New Year's Day Martin Luther King's Birthday President's Day Memorial Day Fourth of July Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

A.7 RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Inclement weather - other than prolonged snow cover or unusual amounts of rain shall not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications. The government expects the Contractor to work throughout all weather conditions and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines.

(b) The Contractor shall be aware of performance requirements necessary to meet contract specifications and deadlines. If the Contractor's work force is unionized, the Contractor shall ensure the labor agreement has a “no-strike” provision to ensure Government contract requirements are met.

(c) Cooperation with other Contractors: The government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with other Contractors and with Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, adhering to any direction provided by the COR.

(d) More than one Contractor may have access to storage areas designated by the COR. The Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for costs associated with claims, damages, loss or replacement of equipment or personal property while on Cemetery property.

(e) The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, or other heavy equipment on any turf area except as provided in this contract or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor during all weather conditions that is deemed excessive by the COR at no additional cost to the government.

(f) The Contractor shall provide adequate safety warning devices, barricades and cover boards, etc., at all work sites to eliminate hazards from public visitors and cemetery employees at no cost to the government.

(g) At the end of each day, the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site and store excess soil resulting from work to an area designated by the COR. At all times rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor shall be kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. The government shall not provide receptacles for the disposal of debris related to this contract.

A.8 STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

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

(a) Shall be fully clothed at all times, to include long slacks or pants and shirt, buttoned up from neck to waist. Clothing shall be clean each day. Any soiled clothing should be cemetery work-related that day. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited. Shoes/boots shall have no holes or loose soles. Steel-toed shoes shall be required in accordance with OSHA. Contractor employees shall maintain personal hygiene.

(b) Shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior or use profane or abusive language. Shall show proper reverence during committal service.

(c) Shall not eat or drink beverages except water or non-alcoholic drinks while in the work area or in site of committal shelter during a service. Use of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited.

(d) 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.

(e) SMOKING is not permitted in any buildings within the Culpeper National Cemetery. This restriction includes offices, restrooms, stairwells, entrances, exits or any other public area.

(f) It shall be the discretion of the COR to implement immediate removal of Contractor and/or Contractor personnel from cemetery grounds if these standards are not adhered to during the performance of the contract. Contractor shall administer disciplinary action immediately as required to Contractor employees.

A.9 SUPERVISION & TRAINING

(a) The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and shall administer disciplinary action as required.

(b) The Contractor shall remove employees for cause, to include, but not limited to, misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the best interests of the Government.

(c) 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. Appropriate safety equipment shall be furnished by the Contractor to contractor personnel and shall be used as prescribed by OSHA standards, including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection devices.

A.10 USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

(a) The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items, nor shall free telephone service be provided. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affair’s facilities used by contractor's employees.

(b) The Government shall provide limited storage, housing and shop area. Space offered shall be in “as-is" condition. Prior to making any modifications or alterations to the space, Contractor shall obtain written approval from the COR. Any such modifications or alterations shall be at the expense of the Contractor. Upon completion of the contract, the facility shall be returned to the government in the same condition as received at the expense of the Contractor, except for reasonable wear and tear.

(c) The Government shall not provide the Contractor with any fuel storage, equipment or telephones. If available, electric and gas utilities at the designated work and storage areas shall be provided for purposes of contract performance only. The Contractor shall take adequate safety precautions to prevent hazardous product spills, fire hazards, odors and unsanitary conditions.

(d) The Contractor is responsible for safely handling any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning solutions, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is required for all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and cleaning solutions.

(e) Only the Contractor’s equipment, supplies and property necessary to perform work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area at the end of each workday. No maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall be conducted on cemetery property without the COR’s written approval.

(f) Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the COR.

A.11 INSPECTION & MONITORING PROCEDURES

(a) A record keeping system of Contractor work performance shall be established and implemented by the COR for the services involved. The COR shall inspect and verify that fertilizer and herbicide applications are applied in accordance with the Turf Application Schedule and at the appropriate turf application rate.

(b) Payment: Upon completion of each turf application, the Contractor shall submit an invoice in arrears for services rendered. Prior to certification of payment, invoices shall be verified for accuracy by the COR. The COR shall verify the services provided and authorize payment as indicated in the Price Schedule. VA reserves the right to reject any work that does not meet contract specifications.

[END OF STATEMENT OF WORK / SPECIFICATIONS]

End of Document See attached document: 15-4283.

See attached document: PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE New.