36C78622B0006_1.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FORM

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

3. DATE ISSUED

PAGE OF PAGES

4. CONTRACT NUMBER

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

6. PROJECT NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying number, date) 12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

12b. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014)

STANDARD FORM 1442

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 52.236-1(d)

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within ____________ calendar days and complete it within calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See _____________________________).

YES

NO

a.

Sealed offers in original and ___________________copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ (hour) local time _____________________ (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, the date and time offers are due.

b.

An offer guarantee is, is not required.

c.

All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

d.

Offers providing less than _______________________ calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

36C78622B0006 X 02-09-2022 7741-000025

852-MM20-02A

36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle

VA

22172 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services claude.humphrey@va.gov

Claude Humphrey 703-630-9362 Sinkhole Remediation, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration has a requirement for a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for a Contractor to provide all Management and Supervision, Labor, Equipment, Material, Supplies, etc., necessary for the Remediation of indicated Sinkhole areas and demolition/construction of storm drainage at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as required by the attached Drawings and Specifications.

This Invitations for Bids (IFB) procurement opportunity is 100% Set-Aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small-Business, (SDVOSB) firms; Authority 38 U.S.C. 8127 (Public Law 109-461)

BIDDERS MUST BE CVE VERIFIED PRIOR TO SUBMITTING A BID IN ACCORDANCE WITH VAAR 819-7003(B) AND FAR PROVISION 52.204-7(a) Bidder must represent that it is a SDVOSB concern under NAICS code assigned to this acquisition and is CVE-verified for eligibility in the VIP database. In accordance with VAAR 819.7003 (b), SDVOSB firms must be verified in the VIP database (www.vip.vetbiz.va.gov) or hold a re-verification symbol next to the firm's name prior to contract award.

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 237110

- Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction The Size Standard for this procurement is $36.5 million dollars.

The project magnitude of construction range is estimated to be between $250,000.00 and $500,000.00

There is an organized pre-bid site visit scheduled. See 52.236-27 Site Visit for detailed site visit information.

Interested Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid Site Visit Conference.

All Requests for Information (RFI) must be sent in writing to the Contracting Officer. See section A.3 8 QUESTIONS

X X 52.211-10 X 15:00

EDT

04-08-2022 X

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

15. TELEPHONE NUMBER

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

CODE

FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within __________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT

NUMBER

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (

26. ADMINISTERED BY

27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

PHONE:

FAX:

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

29. AWARD

Your Contractor agrees offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further cont-this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract ractual document is necessary.

shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

TO SIGN

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. AWARD DATE

BY

OFFER

AWARD

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

(Include ZIP Code) (Include area code) (Include only if different than Item 14.)

(Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13d.)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each) (Type or print) (4 copies unless otherwise specified) (Type or print) (Type or print) (Contractor is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to issuing office.)

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

(Must be fully completed by offeror) (To be completed by Government)

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

$ _____________________________ Grand Total Base Bid

774--3223 CM3921 0111B5 20212025 16

36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle

VA

22172 http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer -campaigns/veterans-affairs/

1-877-752-0900 X Claude Humphrey

VA-NCA-2021-5F4C545C

Table of Contents

A.3 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individual(s):

a. CONTRACTOR: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ DUNS Number: _____________________ Contact Person: _____________________ Telephone #: _____________________ e-Mail Address: ___________________ Tax Identification Number: _____________________

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer (36C786) Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration Contracting Service

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: Effective January 1, 1999 all payments by the Government to the Contractor will be made in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer. Contractor must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database in accordance with FAR Clause 52.212-1(k).

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted within ten (10) business days after performance and acceptance of services and must include the VA Project Number, Contract Number, Purchase Obligation Number, Dates of Service, Detailed description of the services provided and Total Amount Due. Payment for services provided under the terms of this contract will be made in arrears, within thirty (30) calendar days, upon receipt of properly executed invoice(s) in accordance with:

· 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2012)

· UPON ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICES

· In order to comply with the Improper Payment Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA), the VA has mandated electronic invoice submission to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC). VAFSC has partnered with OB10 e-Invoicing network, for submissions of all electronic invoices to VA. OB10 electronic invoicing is free to all VA vendors. In order to submit electronic invoices, all VA vendors must register with OB10 by submitting an email to VA.Registration@ob10.com or calling 1-877-752-0900 option 2 for Enrollment.

· Contractor shall submit an electronic invoice within ten (10) business days after performance and acceptance of services to the Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) e-Invoice through the website at https://portal.tungsten-network.com/Login.aspx . For questions regarding the submission of VA electronic invoices, OB10 customer service may be contacted at 1-877-489-6135.

· All invoices shall reference the vendor name and address, customer name, contract number, appropriate obligation/funding order number, description of services provided, quantity provided, unit price, and total invoice amount (any additional info). Invoices shall also include any payment discount terms.

· For questions regarding invoice receipt or payment, please call VAFSC directly at 1-877-353-9791 or email vafsccshd@va.gov

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.” to the following web address: http://www.fsc.va.gov/einvoice.asp.

FACSIMILE, E-MAIL, AND SCANNED DOCUMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF SUBMISSION FOR PAYMENT REQUESTS.

For assistance setting up e-Invoice, the below information is provided:

* Tungsten Network e-Invoice Setup Information: 1-877-489-6135

* Tungsten Network e-Invoice email: VA.Registration@ob10.com <http://VA.Registration@ob10.com/>

* FSC e-Invoice Contact Information: 1-877-353-9791

* FSC e-invoice email: vafsccshd@va.gov <http://va.gov/>

5. CONTRACT AUTHORITY: The Contracting Officer acting within the scope of the contract and his/her duties and responsibilities is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements of this request. The Contractor shall communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters pertaining to Contract Administration. Only the Contracting Officer is authorized to make commitments or issue changes that affect pricing, quantities or quality of performance, delivery terms and conditions, or the term of the contract.

6. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE: Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of the contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the project, of which all work coordination shall be made through the COR. The Contractor shall be provided a copy of the COR’s Delegation of Authority letter outlining the scope of the COR’s duties and responsibilities. No other person shall be authorized to act in such capacity unless appointed in writing by the Contracting Officer.

7. SUBMITTAL OF BIDS: All bids must be submitted to the attention of the Contracting Officer identified No Later Than the date/time specified. E-mail bids will be acceptable at claude.humphrey@va.gov until the date and time specified.

NO FAX/ FACSIMILE SUBMITTED BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

All transmittals shall be clearly addressed/marked with the Solicitation number, project title/description and bidder’s Company name. Bids shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the solicitation.

8. QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable) to: Claude Humphrey (claude.humphrey@va.gov) No Later Than, 3:00 p.m., local time (CST) five (5) days before/prior to the Offer Due Date. Any prospective bidder desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. No phone responses will be accepted. NOTE: All questions must reference the Solicitation number, project title/description and Company name in the Header or Opening Statement.

9. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM:

a. FAR 42.1502 directs all Federal agencies to collect Past Performance information on contracts. The Department of the Interior (DOI) has implemented the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to comply with this regulation. One (1) or more past performance evaluations will be conducted in order to record your contract performance as required by FAR 42.15.

b. The Past Performance evaluation process is a totally paperless process using CPARS. CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. Once the report is processed, it is available in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) for Government use in evaluating past performance as part of a source selection action.

c. It is requested that you furnish the Contracting Officer (CO) with the name, position title, phone number, and email address for each person designated to have access to your firm's past performance evaluation(s) for the contract no later than thirty (30) days after award. Each person granted access will have the ability to provide comments in the Contractor portion of the report and state whether or not the Contractor agrees with the evaluation, before returning the report to the Assessing Official (AO). Information in the report must be protected as source selection sensitive information not releasable to the public.

d. When your Contractor Representative(s) are registered in CPARS, they will receive an automatically generated email with detailed login instructions. Further details, systems requirements, and training information for CPARS is available at https://www.cpars.gov/.

e. Within sixty (60) days after the end of a performance period, the AO will complete an interim or final past performance evaluation, and the report will be accessible at https://www.cpars.gov/.

1. Contractor Representatives may then provide comments in response to the evaluation or return the evaluation without comment.

2. Your comments should focus on objective facts in the AO's narrative and should provide your views on the causes and ramifications of the assessed performance.

3. All information provided should be reviewed for accuracy prior to submission.

4. If you elect not to provide comments, please acknowledge receipt of the evaluation by indicating "No comment" in the space provided, and then selecting “Accept the Ratings and Close the Evaluation”.

5. Your response is due within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of the CPAR. On day fifteen (15), the evaluation will become available in PPIRS-RC marked as “Pending” with or without comments and whether or not it has been closed.

6. If you do not sign and submit the CPAR within sixty (60) calendar days, it will automatically be returned to the Government and will be annotated: "The report was delivered/received by the contractor on (date). The contractor neither signed nor offered comment in response to this assessment."

f. The following guidelines apply concerning your use of the past performance evaluation:

1. Protect the evaluation as source selection information. After review, transmit the evaluation by completing and submitting the form through CPARS. If for some reason you are unable to view and/or submit the form through CPARS, contact the CO for instructions. Strictly control access to the evaluation within your organization. Ensure the evaluation is never released to persons or entities outside of your control.

2. Prohibit the use of or reference to evaluation data for advertising, promotional material, pre-award surveys, responsibility determinations, production readiness reviews, or other similar purposes.

g. If you wish to discuss a Past Performance evaluation, you should request a meeting in writing to the CO no later than seven (7) calendar days following your receipt of the evaluation. The meeting will be held via telephone or other means during your sixty (60) calendar day review period.

h. A copy of the completed past performance evaluation will be available in CPARS for your viewing and for Government use supporting source selection actions after it has been finalized.

(End of Administration Data)

A.3 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Sinkhole Remediation, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Contractor shall perform and complete all work including, but not limited to, providing demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnishing labor, materials, equipment, and services and as required by drawings and specifications, all work for the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Page 1 of Page 1 of

STATEMENT OF WORK

Solicitation Number: 36C78622B0006 Project Number: 852-MM21-02A Project Title: Sinkhole Remediation, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Contractor shall provide all Management, Supervision, Labor, Materials, Equipment, Parts, Tools, etc., required and necessary for project number 852-MM21-02A: to provide Sinkhole Remediation at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri in accordance with the Scope of Work and associated project Specifications and Drawings as described and included herein.

I. SCOPE

Contractor shall but will not be limited to completely preparing the site for building operations, including demolition and removal of existing structures, and furnish labor, materials, equipment and services and perform and complete all work for Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery Sinkhole Remediation as required by drawings and specifications. Installation of all work shown on the plans and described in the specifications including but not limited to: Remediation of indicated sinkhole areas and demolition/construction of storm drainage, per the associated project Specifications and Drawings.

Work shall be performed in a professional workmanship like manner. All adjacent disturbed surfaces shall be repaired to the same quality standards of the existing work and shall also match the adjacent areas. Contractor shall Guarantee that all work done under this contract shall be free from defaults and no faulty materials or workmanship with no less than a ‘One (1) Year Warranty’. Contractor hereby agrees to repair or replace deficiencies within the specified time frame by the direction of the Contracting Officer at Contractor's own expense and shall be corrected to the satisfaction of the Government.

II. INSPECTION OF PREMISES

Contractor should survey / inspect the site prior to submitting a bid/proposal/quote in order to be fully aware of the scope of services required and to adequately gather existing unit’s product information, model numbers and all necessary and matching standards and requirements. Failure to do so shall not relieve the successful offeror from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the specifications without additional cost to the Government.

Contractor shall perform a ‘Site Investigation’ to verify all dimensions/measurements and site conditions before start of the work and the ordering of any equipment, parts and or materials. All work shall be performed in a professional workmanship like manner, adhere to NCA standards, be done in strict accordance with the requirements set forth herein, manufacturer’s requirements, installation guidelines; and be in accordance with applicable Federal, State and Local codes and regulations; inclusive of applicable OSHA Construction Safety Guidelines. All electrical work shall be in accordance with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes. Failure to do so shall not relieve the Contractor from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the specifications without additional cost to the Government.

III. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall complete all work including submittals, reviews, quality control, construction services, punch list corrections, clean up, invoicing and closeouts documentation submittal within One Hundred Thirty-Five (135) calendar days from issuance of the Government’s Notice to Proceed letter.

The Contractor shall develop and provide the Contracting Officer with a Project Schedule and Cost Schedule within ten (10) calendar days of Government issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

The Project Schedule shall consist of the following estimated timeline:

Total # days 135 After issuance of Notice to Proceed.

IV. WORK HOURS

Normal construction services work hours for this project shall be 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Saturday, Sunday and Federal Holidays. Contractor work hours may be modified only by written approval of the Contracting Officer, at no additional cost to the Government.

The Contractor may request authorization in advance from the Contracting Officer to work outside of normal service hours at no additional cost to the Government. Written Authorization must be pre-approved in advance and prior to working and is at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Contractor, Contractor’s employees and sub-contractors must check-in with the COR, daily, upon arrival at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, prior to beginning any work and prior to departing the facility/property after the day’s work is completed.

V. HOLIDAYS

The following federal holidays are observed:

· New Year's Day - January 1

· Inauguration Day (DC Metropolitan Area Only) - January 20 every 4 years

· Martin Luther King's Birthday - 3rd Monday in January

· President's Day - 3rd Monday in February

· Memorial Day - Last Monday in May

· Juneteenth- June 19

· Independence Day - July 4

· Labor Day - 1st Monday in September

· Columbus Day - 2nd Monday in October

· Veterans Day - November 11

· Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November

· Christmas Day - December 25

And any other holiday proclaimed by the President as a Federal Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a legal holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed as a holiday.

VI. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor’s Site Superintendent will:

a. be on site, at all times, whenever work is being performed by Contractor or subcontractors’ employees, to ensure adequately supervision and communication;

b. review and approve submittals;

c. inspect the quality of work performed; and

d. certify the completed work for payment and other purposes.

Note that there may be infrequent stoppages in work at the order of the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) due to burial services being conducted in the area. Contractor will meet with COR at the start of each workday to ensure that no construction activities will interfere with burials on that specific day.

VII. CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all work is done in a manner that safeguards NCA visitors, employees, and the public. Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. Contractor shall be responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, or others, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by him/her or his/her employees' fault or negligence. Contractor shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance prescribed by the laws of the State of Missouri.

VIII. NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION DIGNITY STANDARDS

1. Every action by contractor personnel at a National Cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledge the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice those service members, Veterans, and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness, required of the contractor employees, of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

a. Contractors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit or jump on headstones or markers. Nor can they drive over them. Contractor personnel should use tools approved by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), such as shovels, pry bars or pinch bars to lift flat markers out of the ground; pickaxes are not an acceptable tool.

b. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or markers. Once headstones/markers are removed from the socket, do not place on dirt piles or mud; they should be carefully placed on each associated gravesite and protected in such a way as to prevent any soiling and be out of the way of any other work.

c. Headstones shall be removed from their sockets using wooden and/or metal clamps. If metal clamps are used, the area that contacts the headstone must be protected with a rigid fabric that will prevent damage to and marking of the headstone. Clamps may be attached to a skid steer loader (i.e., Bobcat®) or similar machine to extract the headstone from the socket. When headstones are removed from their sockets, they shall be carefully stored on each associated gravesite; do not lean headstones against each other. Use care not to scratch or damage headstones in any manner. The headstones shall be laid with front inscription side up while the headstone is lying horizontally on the ground. The headstone shall be protected from direct ground contact while lying horizontally. The protection method shall be as approved by the COR and shall be free of deterioration in weather. An approved method is to support each headstone with two wood 4X4’s. Alternate methods can be approved. Cardboard shall not be used. Wood or other suitable appropriate and attractive material shall be used to keep the headstones from contact with the soil while lying horizontally during the construction period. This also shows respect towards the families visiting the gravesites and the remains that are buried.

d. Contractor shall be responsible for replacing damaged headstones and markers and for restoring turf damaged during performance of this work.

e. Additionally, should any activity result in the exposure and/or damage to any remains, container for remains (i.e., casket or urn), or outer burial container, the Contractor must contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, and Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance.

1. Any doubts as to proper procedures shall be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, and CO for guidance or resolution.

1. The Contractor is required to discuss the guidance with their employees and have each employee sign a statement of compliance and deliver the signed statement to the COR before work may begin.

IX. STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) are national shrines that honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. The standards of work, appearance, and procedures performed by Contractors at National Cemeteries shall reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, Contractor’s personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure, and stability at all times.

As the work being performed is at a National Cemetery all Contractor’s employee must always look professional and neat in appearance; and be fully clothed to include upper garment to cover the body from the waist to neck and long pants or slacks. The Contractor shall require its employees, including subcontractors, to wear distinctive visible identification at all times for easy identification while on NCA premises. Contractor and Contractor’s personnel (including subcontractor and their employees) shall be required to adhere to the standards of dress and conduct while performing work on the National Cemetery. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C. Section 218.

Contractor’s personnel shall:

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

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

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

d. not lean, sit or stand on or against headstones, markers, or monuments. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or monuments at any time. Contractor personnel shall not drive over headstones, markers, or monuments.

e. only smoke in smoking areas, as designated by the COR. All other areas are designated as NO SMOKING.

Contractor shall discuss the guidance in this paragraph with its employees and all subcontractors. Any doubts as to proper procedures shall be brought to the attention of the COR and Contracting Officer for guidance or resolution. Contractor and subcontractor employee shall sign a Statement of Compliance (if applicable); and shall deliver the signed statements to the COR before work may begin or before any new employee is allowed to work on Cemetery grounds.

Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and shall administer disciplinary action as required. Contractor is expected to remove any employees from the Cemetery for cause, to include, but not limited to, safety violations, other misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the best interests of the Government. If the Contractor fails to act in this regard, or the reason for a removal is immediately required to protect the interests of the Government, the COR may direct the removal of an employee from the premises. Contractor’s objections to any such action will be referred to the Contacting Officer for final resolution; however, the Contractor will first immediately comply with the COR’s direction pending the Contacting Officer final resolution at a later time or date. The Contractor will not be due any type of compensation for their costs incurred as a result of an employee being removed for cause; unless the removal is directed by the COR and is later found invalid and/or unreasonable by the Contracting Officer.

X. USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

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

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

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

d. Any hazardous substance that is used and which is a standard practice within the cemetery industry must be handled, stored, and transferred in accordance with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) laws, regulations, and recommendations.

e. The Contractor will be responsible for safely storing any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning solutions, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is required for any/all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and cleaning solutions.

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

XI. CONSTRUCTION DURING CEMETERY FUNCTIONS

a. The burial activities at a National Cemetery will take precedence over other contract activities. Contractor shall cooperate and coordinate with the COR or authorized designee, in arranging schedule to cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities in actual burial areas. The COR or a representative shall furnish the Contractor with a schedule of all interments and/or ceremonies no later than the close of business of the day prior to the scheduled event.

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

c. Execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by others. To minimize contract activity interference with flow of cemetery traffic, keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, parking and occupied areas of buildings clear of materials, debris and standing equipment/vehicles at all times. At least one (1) lane must be open to traffic at all times.

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

XII. HISTORIC PRESERVATION

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

XIII. AUTHORITIES OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government will provide, at the time of contract award, a list of Government personnel authorized to act as CORs.

XIV. EXPOSURE OR ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY OF REMAINS

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

XV. GENERAL

Contractor shall NOT mobilize on site until all Kick-Off meeting, Documentation and Submittals have been submitted, reviewed and accepted by the NCA. The COR shall provide written notification approval to mobilize.

1. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

a. All work under this service Contract will be performed outdoors and personnel performing these services will be exposed to wind, heat, sun, cold, dampness, frost, fog, and rain. These conditions, may, at times, be extreme. The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect his/her employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent. Weather will not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications or project schedule.

b. The Contractor understands that it may be necessary to work throughout all weather conditions and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines, at no additional cost to the Government. If weather conditions are such that the work performed may cause more damage to the Cemetery grounds than good, the COR has the authority to stop work until conditions improve and the COR directs continuation of performance.

c. If adverse weather conditions are the basis for a Claim for additional time, such Claim shall be documented by data substantiating that weather conditions were abnormal for the period of time, could not have been reasonably anticipated and had an adverse effect on the scheduled construction.

2. OPERATIONS

a. It is understood the Government will not be held responsible for any damage to or loss of the Contractor’s equipment, materials, supplies or the like which may result from vandalism, theft etc. while on site. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining fire extinguishers and other safety equipment.

b. The Contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor's performance.

c. All utilities to this area are the responsibility of the Contractor. Electrical power is to be supplied by either a Contractor-owned generator or by the local power company. Secondary service runs and the cost of power are the Contractor’s responsibility.

d. The Contractor would then be responsible for delivering and removing all necessary equipment and supplies daily.

3. DISPOSAL AND RETENTION

a. The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning cemetery structures, headstones/flat makers, monuments, and roadways that are soiled or stained as a result of Contractor’s performance.

The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures headstones/flat markers, and monuments at the end of each workday Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

b. At the end of each workday the Contractor shall properly remove and dispose all debris from the Cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall always ensure that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site.

c. The Government will not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract. The Contractor shall provide its own means of removing debris. The Contractor shall dispose of all debris and other waste materials at a licensed off-site landfill unless otherwise directed by the COR.

d. The Contractor shall haul away and dispose of all hazardous waste in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and all other applicable Federal, State, and Local law and regulations. On-installation storage or disposal of hazardous waste is NOT allowed.

e. At the completion of the project the Contractors shall be responsible for properly removing and disposing of all debris from Government property. All debris and packaging shall be properly removed and disposed of by the Contractor to an approved offsite disposal site or recycling center in compliance with State and Local ordinances.

4. PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, AND IMPROVEMENTS

a. Restore any areas disturbed in performance of this contract which may require restoration (as deemed appropriate by the COR); and will be deemed incidental to the contract. Areas outside of the construction limits impacted by operations of the contract shall be returned to the state it was found prior to the construction services. All adjacent disturbed surfaces shall be repaired to the same quality standards of the existing work and shall also match the adjacent areas.

b. Damage to Government property: The Contractor (including Contractor’s employees, subcontractors, consultants or the like) shall be responsible for repair or replacement of any Contractor damaged cemetery structure, to include turf, curb, road pavement, headstones or markers, valve boxes, grid monument control markers, trees, plant beds, etc., which are chipped, marred, damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. All adjacent disturbed surfaces shall be repaired to the same quality standards of the existing work and shall also match the adjacent areas. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to repair, replacement, or installation.

c. The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site that are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so by the COR and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place.

If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance, or by the careless operation of equipment, or by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut and remove and properly dispose of from the site as defined herein.

d. The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities at or near the work site and on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR of any such occurrence and repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

e. Protection of Existing Utilities: Contractor shall be responsible for damages to utilities, above and below ground.

5. RESTORATION

a. Contractor shall remove, cut, alter, replace, patch and repair existing work as necessary. Except as otherwise shown or specified, do not disturb any water, steam, gas, or electric services without prior approval of the COR or Contracting Officer. Existing work to be altered or extended and that is found to be defective in any way, shall be reported to the COR before it is disturbed. Materials and workmanship used in restoring work shall conform in type and quality to that of original construction, except as otherwise shown or specified.

b. Upon completion of the contract work any existing cemetery features (lawns, paving, roads, and walks) disturbed or removed as a result of performing required new work, shall be patched, repaired, reinstalled, or replaced with new work, and refinished and left in as good condition as existed before commencing work. All restoration work shall be accomplished without undue delay.

c. At Contractor's own expense, Contractor shall immediately restore to service and repair any damage caused by Contractor's workmen/subcontractors to existing cemetery infrastructure.

6. USE OF ROADWAYS

The Contractor will be responsible for traffic control and shall obtain, erect, maintain and remove all signs, barricades, flagmen and other traffic control devices as may be necessary for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic. All traffic control protection will be considered incidental to the cost of the contract.

The Contractor shall, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting Officer or COR, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Contractor when and as authorized by the COR or Contracting Officer. The route of construction traffic to and from the project site shall be clear of debris at all times as well as the required safety signage and barricades for the safe passage of visitors.