36C78622B0022_1.docx

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.

36C78622B0022 X 08-03-2022

TBD

36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172

Auvorie Benson auvorie.benson@va.gov Multi-Award Shrine Project: The Department of Veterans Affairs, Nalt Cem Adm. (NCA), anticipates Awarding a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract; In Accordance With FAR Part 14, Sealed Bidding; at Multiple National Cemeteries. Which these Multi-Award Shrine Projects will be a Hybrid Construction/Service Contract, and Shall include both the Davis-Bacon Wages AND Service Wages. The Construction and Service Contractor shall provide labor, material, tools, equipment, and professional supervision required for the construction & Services of Shrine Projects; In Accordance With (IAW) Specs, SOW, Drawings, and per Construction Documents for these Shrine Projects.

This is a 100% competitive Set-Aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) In Accordance With (IAW) the Veterans First Program, 38 USC 8127 and 8128. Only SDVOSB firms verified eligible in Vetbiz.gov, with the Certified Veteran Enterprise (CVE) Seal on their registration will beconsidered. The Vetbiz database will be checked both upon receipt of an offer and prior to award. Firms must also have current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at www.Sam.gov and have completed online Representatives and Certifications prior to award.

NOTE: Bidders MUST complete below information, failure to fill out required Fill-Ins may result in your BID submission being determined Non-Responsive and or Unacceptable and your BID may be removed for further consideration.

DUNS NO. _________________________ | UEI NO. ___________________________ | TAX ID NO.____________________

E-MAIL:_______________________________________ | PHONE#________________________

1A.) This Bidding is for Multiple Awards. Contractor shall submit a Bid for one or multiple projects. Contract Award will be made to the responsible Bidder whose BID conforming to the Invitation, will be most advantageous to the Government, considering only Price and Price-Rated Factors included in the Invitation.

NOTE: Contractor SHALL Fill ALL CLINS with a Price or a notation of "NO BID" in the CLIN Lines, if the contractor fails to fill out a CLIN Line, his or her Bid will be considered Non-Responsive.

Please See clause 52.236-27 for Site-Visit information: Site Visits will be schedule at each individual Cemetery, no later than 09 Sept.2022. Please contact Cemetery Director to schedule the Site Visit. Questions shall be submitted to auvorie.benson@va.gov, NLT, 19 Sept 2022 at 3:00 P.M. (EST), NO EXCEPTIONS. Answers will be posted via an Amendment to this IFB Solicitation. All email correspondence must contain the following in the subject line: "36C78622B002"

1.) BID DUE DATE & TIME: 22 SEPT 2022 @ 13:00 (1:00 P.M.) EST. Electronic BIDs received after 1:00 PM (EST) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. VITRUAL BID OPENING: COMMENCE/START @ 1:45 P.M. EST; ON 22 Sept 2022 to allow the CO to download Bids.

2.) NOTE: Each individual project has its own period of performance (POP).

3.) IAW VAAR 836.204; The Magnitude of Construction is listed with each individual construction CLIN. The NAICS Codes are also listed in CLINS for this Shrine Project.

4.) These projects are Hybrid Contracts that consist of both Construction and Service

CLINS,

and both Construction and and Service Wage Determinations.

**THIS PROCUREMENT IS A 100% COMPETITIVE SET-ASIDE FOR SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWN SMALL BUSINESS (SDVOSB)** X X 52.211-10 X 14:30

EDT

09-22-2022 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

All CLINS Must be filled-out with a “PRICE” or NO BID".

Please See Section B; Pages 23 Thru Page 31.

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 Auvorie Benson Contracting Officer (CO)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A.3 IFB SOLICITATION DESCRIPTION FOR NATIONAL MULTIPLE AWARDS SHRINES

(FY-22) PROJECTS

PROJECT TITLE: This Acquisition is an Invitation for Bid (IFB), for National Multi-Award Shrine Projects

PROJECT NUMBER: Multiple Projects

STATEMENT OF WORK SUMMARY:

Contractor shall furnish all tools, labor, materials, equipment, and professional supervision to perform work described in the Statement of Work (SOW), Specification & Drawings, for Construction CLINS & Service CLINS; for the “Multi-Award Shrine Project” at Multiple National Cemeteries. These “Multi-Award Shrine Project” projects will be a Hybrid Construction/Service Contracts, which Shall assessed Davis-Bacon Wages, AND Shall assessed Service Wages.

PROJECT LOCATIONS/MULTIPLE NATIONAL CEMETERIES:

Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038

Keokuk National Cemetery 1701 J Street Keokuk, IA 52632

Fort Douglas Post Cemetery 405 Chipeta Way Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road Fort Sam Houston, TX 78209

Corinth National Cemetery 1551 Horton St.

Corinth, MS 38834

Nashville National Cemetery 1420 Gallatin Pike South Madison, TN 37115

Camp Butler National Cemetery 5063 Camp Butler Road Springfield, IL 62707

Fort Custer National Cemetery 15501 Dickman Road Augusta, MI 49012

Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55450-1199

Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX 75211

Fort Bliss National Cemetery 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue El Paso, TX 79906

Rock Island National Cemetery Rock Island Arsenal, Bldg. 118 Rock Island, IL 61299

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B-1 THE NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION MISSION:

The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorial that commemorate their service to our Nation. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. Therefore, the standards for management, maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor have been established by the National Cemetery Administration to reflect this Nations’ concern and respect for those interred there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the scope of work and Guidance Specifications shall be required and shall be essential.

1. BACKGROUND:

0. In 1999 Congress passed legislation requiring VA to ensure that National Cemeteries serve as a dignified and respectful setting. Each Cemetery is to be an expression of appreciation and respect of a grateful Nation for the service and sacrifice of her veterans.

0. Further, each National Cemetery is to be maintained as a National Shrine. A National Shrine is defined as a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor/family who views it as a majestic setting, offering a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice and nobility of purpose. The National Cemetery is a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

B-2 PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

The Contractor shall be responsible for full management of the facility’s upright headstone raise and realignment with turf renovation services described herein. The Government’s objectives are described in the National Cemetery Administration’s (NCA’s) “Operational Standards and Measures” http://vaww.nca.va.gov/business_imp/ bus_stdmeasure.asp (provided by the Contracting Officer upon request), the scope of work and other requirements identified herein, as they are applicable to the services required in the Pricing Schedule.

i. The Contractor’s “Technical Approach” from its proposal contains solutions to accomplish the Government’s Objectives. The Contractor may use whatever method it chooses to meet the objectives, as long as the end result satisfies the minimum acceptable levels of performance as defined in the scope of work.

ii. All contract work shall be completed as required under the terms of this contract in each Burial Section as defined in the Work Statement (designated on the contract drawings and provided to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer and/or Contracting Officer Representative, COR) AND accepted by the COR PRIOR to any work beginning in the NEXT Burial Section, unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer/COR.

iii. The Contractor shall be responsible for:

1. The removal and care for the headstones as required to raise and realign them.

1. Care and protection of each headstone during the construction period. All headstones to remain on their original gravesite or as approved by the COR.

1. Headstone Installation including Upright Headstone Setting, Raising, and Realignment in accordance with the contract requirements.

1. Cleaning upright Headstones.

1. Turfgrass Renovation

1. Maintaining a safe presentable working environment for Contractor, Cemetery staff, and the general public.

1. Care and protection for each headstone at the Cemetery.

1. Ensuring all work conforms to the National Cemetery Association’s (NCA) “Operational Standards and Measures”.

1. Maintaining an updated Quality Control Plan.

1. Timely submission of required reports and documentation, including as-built drawings that include real-world geographic coordinate information for surveyed points.

B-3 HANDLING OF MARKERS AND HEADSTONES:

Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that 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 that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

1) Contractors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit or jump on headstones or markers. Nor can they can 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 headstones out of the ground; pick axes are not an acceptable tool.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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 4X4s. 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.

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

6) 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, or Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance immediately.

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

ii. The contractor is required to discuss this guidance with his contractor employees and have each employee sign a statement of compliance and deliver the signed statement to the COR before work may begin.

B-4 STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT:

Contractor personnel shall be required to adhere to the following standards of dress and conduct, as briefly mentioned here, while performing work in the National Cemetery. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C., Part I, Chapter 9, Section 5901.

i. Clothing shall be presentable and suitable to the work while maintaining proper appearance and decorum indicative for a National Shrine. Uniform shirts and hats are preferred. Clothing shall be clean and cleanliness and personal hygiene are imperative. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited. Protective/safety clothing and shoes shall meet or exceed OSHA and state requirements.

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

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

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

0. 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.

B-5 PARKING AND VA REGULATIONS:

Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the COR. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure his employees park in the appropriate designated parking areas. The Cemetery will not validate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor’s employees under any conditions. Smoking is prohibited inside any buildings at the Cemetery. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation/summons answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, or other appropriate jurisdiction/agency.

B-6 USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

i. The Government will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of Contractor items. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Cemetery facilities used by Contractor's employees.

ii. The Government will not furnish a storage building at the Cemetery site for use by the Contractor to store supplies and equipment. However, the Government may provide an area designated for the Contractor’s use. The Contractor can establish facilities to include but not limited to office site, covered storage, portable toilet facilities etc. on or in the designated area after such facilities are approved by the COR and Contracting Officer (CO). The Government will not provide water to the Contractor’s designated area; all other utilities to this area are also the responsibility of the Contractor. The Government will not be responsible for any damage to or loss of the Contractor's equipment and supplies stored on the Government's premises. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining fire extinguishers and other safety equipment.

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

iv. Electricity and phone service will NOT be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s work area. (See also B.6(f) and B.9(b)).

B-7 SUPERVISION AND TRAINING:

i. The Contractor shall provide a supervisor who speaks and writes fluent English on site, and at all times when Contractor personnel are on the premises.

ii. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and shall administer disciplinary action as required. The Contractor is expected to remove any employees from the Cemetery for cause, to include, but not limited to, safety violations, other misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the best interests of the Government. If the Contractor fails to act in this regard, or the reason for a removal is immediately required to protect the interests of the Government, the COR may direct the removal of an employee from the premises. Contractor objections to any such action shall be referred to the Contacting Officer (CO) for final resolution; however, the Contractor shall first immediately comply with COR direction pending any CO final resolution at a later time or date. The Contractor 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.

iii. The Contractor shall also be responsible for training and safety precautions for Contractor employees performing work under these specifications. OSHA standards shall be observed by the Contractor in all work performed. Contractor shall ensure that appropriate safety equipment is used by Contractor personnel and shall be used as prescribed by OSHA standards, including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection devices. The following OSHA and NFPA standards and codes are to be adhered to:

1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): 10-1998 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

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

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

B-8 INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

1. The Contractor shall perform a weekly inspection. During this inspection the appearance of the Cemetery will be observed, and any deficiencies from the contract will be noted. Deficiencies shall be corrected as soon as practicable. Items that need correcting outside the scope of the contract shall be reported to the COR or his/her representative.

1. The Contractor shall be required to submit inspection reports and work accomplished to the COR weekly. The COR is located at Keokuk National Cemetery. The inspection forms will be provided to the Contractor. (See “Work Summary and Progress Report”, Attachment C).

B-9 INSTALLATION DURING CEMETERY FUNCTIONS:

Contractor personnel shall not operate motorized equipment or conduct other commercial activities within the designated area during interment services. The COR shall identify the designated area. The COR or his/her representative will 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 interment, and a minimum of three (3) days before any ceremonial events.

B-10 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETING:

1. The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR), found at Attachment D, may be cause for the scheduling of a meeting among the Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR. A mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified. The Government will prepare written minutes of the meeting. The Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR will sign minutes of the meeting(s).

1. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, they will so state their objections in writing to the Contracting Officer, within ten calendar days, and explain the reasons for non-concurrence. The Contracting Officer will review and consider the reasons submitted for the Contractor's non-concurrence and make a decision to revise or uphold the comments as written. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of the decision in writing within ten calendar days of submission of any objections.

A. ACTIONS:

1. Normally, the COR will verbally advise or give a written inspection report to the Contractor of discrepancies the first time they occur and ask the Contractor to correct the problem. A notation will be made on the COR checklist of the date and the time the deficiency was discovered and the date and time the Contractor was notified.

1. If the Government created any of the discrepancies, these will not be counted against the Contractor's performance. When the Government has caused the Contractor to perform in an unsatisfactory manner, the COR will forward a written notice to the responsible organizational element requesting corrective action be taken.

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

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

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

B-11 CONTRACTOR’S QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP):

The Contractor shall establish and maintain a complete QCP to assure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. This QCP will be forwarded to the Contracting Officer along with the requested initial proposal and may be revised as necessary during the life of the contract, with concurrence of the COR and Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will review the QCP and list any needed clarifications, and return to Contractor for response, if necessary. The Contractor’s QCP shall include the following or have incorporated into during performance of contract, at a minimum:

1. An inspection plan covering all services required by this contract. The inspection plan shall specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis, how often inspections will be accomplished and documented, and the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspections.

1. On-site records of all inspections conducted by the Contractor noting necessary corrective action taken. The Government reserves the right to request copies of any and/or each inspection. Failure to maintain these records may result in adverse Government actions.

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

1. The methods for identifying and preventing deficiencies in the quality of service performed, before the level of performance becomes unacceptable; and the organizational functions, intermediate supervisory responsibilities, and overall management responsibilities for ensuring total acceptable performance.

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

1. A log to account for all requests for immediate service. The log shall indicate the date and time of services, and description of results and completion of these services.

1. On-site records of any complaints or problems, with procedures taken to allow for corrections and/or elimination before effects caused interruption of performance of contract.

B-12 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.

B.-13 CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor will obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. He or she shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. He shall be responsible for any injury to himself, his 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 his or his employees’ fault or negligence. Further, it is agreed that any negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants and employees, will not be the responsibility of the Contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting there-from. The Contractor shall maintain workmen’s compensation, personal liability, automobile liability, and property damage insurance, as prescribed by the laws of the state of Indiana, and in accordance with FAR 52.282-5, Section C. Evidence of coverage is required before commencing work under this contract (copy of Certificate of Insurance), and it may not be changed or cancelled without thirty calendar days prior written notice to the Contracting Officer.

B-14 CONTRACTOR DUTIES AND PERFORMANCE:

(a) Contractor Superintendent: A competent and experienced Contractor Superintendent shall be provided by the Contractor for not less than two (2) hours a day whenever work is being performed - other than trash and debris pick-up. In the absence of the Superintendent, the Contractor shall appoint a crew foreman or an employee who shall be responsible to insure that the work is being accomplished in an expeditious manner, is performed in accordance with the contract specifications and that the work will progress without undue delay. The Contractor Superintendent shall have not less than three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial service operation that included surveying, soil excavation, site construction in industrial, commercial or public sites. The Contractor Superintendent shall ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained.

(c) A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided the week prior to the event, and a list of scheduled funerals will be provided daily. The Contractor is solely responsible for ensuring that no contract work causes any funeral, ceremony, procession or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity or security of the event is compromised. The Contractor is solely responsible for staying abreast of all such upcoming events and when in doubt, he/she shall ask the COR(s). The Contractor shall meet with the COR or authorized designee, at the end of each day to determine work completed and ensure that work is on schedule.

(d) The Contractor’s performance and progress on this contract will be measured weekly based on how timely, accurately, and adequately he/she accomplishes and completes the weekly work schedules needed to systematically accomplish the contract work over the duration of the project. In instances where the COR determines that the work is behind schedule, he will notify the Contracting Officer and the Contractor shall increase workforce and/or hours of operation at no additional cost to the Government in order to achieve completion of the contract work within the specified timeframe.

(e) Where work conflicts with existing utility/service lines (above ground/below ground), the corresponding utilities company and the COR will be notified and the Contractor shall obtain any necessary permits/ blue prints and cooperate with the utilities company/cemetery staff to avoid any damage or liability, and provide a safe work environment for his/her employees. Contractor shall be responsible for damages to utilities, above and below ground.

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

(g) Damage to Government property: The Contractor 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 and shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to repair/replacement/installation. The failure to notify the Government immediately, the failure to remediate damages per Government standards, or concealing any such damage shall be considered material breaches of this contract, giving rise to adverse Government action, including, but not limited to Termination for Default.

(h) The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning cemetery structures, headstones, monuments, and roadways that are soiled or stained because of Contractor’s performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures headstones, and monuments at the end of each workday. Roadways shall be cleaned with a street sweeper each day, as needed, to keep the existing roads free from dirt and mud resulting from Contractor operations. No hazardous chemicals shall 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 COR prior to washing/cleaning.

(i) At the end of each day the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. The Government will not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract. The Contractor will be permitted to place his trash receptacle dumpsters in the COR approved “Contractor Staging Area.”

(j) Adequate warning devices, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor at all work sites to eliminate hazards and for the protection, safety, and warning of all public visitors, pedestrians, cemetery employees, and vehicular traffic within the area. All open and unattended holes in the ground must be covered with plywood and/or barricaded for pedestrian safety. The Contractor shall place two (2) 2’ high x 2’ wide temporary plastic placard sign in front of each and every burial section where work is occurring stating “Burial Section Renovations In Progress”

(k) 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 any other contractors and with Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, and needing any direction, it will be provided by the COR(s). The Contractor shall be responsible for reporting to the COR(s) any problems or questions that may arise with any other personnel on site during the period of performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not take it upon him or herself to resolve any problems or issues with other on-site contractors or employees, but rather shall leave it to the COR(s) to resolve the issue.

(l) The Contractor (including his or her employees, subcontractors, consultants or the like) shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except as provided in this contract to perform work or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor‘s equipment and staff at no additional cost to the government.

B-15 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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

(b) Work Hours: Work may be performed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday unless otherwise directed by the COR. At Contractor request and with the written permission of the COR, work will also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and/or Holidays. When emergency situations, that are caused by the Contractor or severe adverse weather prohibits work during the week, then he/she shall make arrangements with the COR to work on weekends in order to meet the period of performance. The Government will not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration time frame. No work will be permitted during Memorial Day weekend activities. Notwithstanding, if any work under this contract will be performed outside of the VA’s normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), then Contractor shall notify the COR at least 24 hours in advance.

(c) The Contractor shall be required to report on a daily basis to the Cemetery Director or COR in the cemetery office. Contractor shall log in and obtain funeral and/or special schedules as defined herein. This check in is mandatory. The contractor shall provide an anticipated work schedule on a daily basis or as agreed upon with the COR, and to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. The contractor shall document services performed and provide information to the COR as required during specific time frames. These daily meetings are also an opportunity for the Contractor to ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary, depending on the event. The site manager can thus assign tasks accordingly 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(s) may then assist in doing so. Daily in-person meetings will be at an agreed upon time between the COR and the Contractor.

B- 16 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS:

(a) The Contractor shall be responsible for supplying all equipment, personnel, tools, supplies and materials necessary to perform the services required by this contract.

(b) Contractor-furnished items necessary to perform work as required under this contract shall be furnished, maintained and operated by the contractor and shall be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable OSHA, Federal, State, County, City laws, ordinances and regulations. This includes, minor maintenance/repair and minor operating parts for equipment such as lubrication, oil changes, spark plugs, gaskets, cotter pins/keys, electric extension cords, etc., to keep all equipment in good operational condition throughout the period of performance of this contract.

(c) Contractor Staging Area: Staging area is to be located where shown or where approved by the COR. The Contractor shall install a 6’ high chain link fence with gates around this entire area for duration of the contract work. Contractor shall base operations out of this staging area, using it for materials, equipment storage, administration, employee toilets, trash dumpster area, employee parking, employee lunch/break area, etc. After completion of project work, Contractor shall remove fencing and restore area back to original condition.

(d) The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all of his/her motor vehicles and equipment meet State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

(e) ELECTRICITY: In case the Contractor requires electricity while in performance of this contract, the Contractor shall provide and utilize portable generators as necessary to complete the work.

(f) The Contractor shall provide his/her own REFUSE FACILITIES, and these will only be located in the COR approved “Staging Area”. Do not place dumpsters or refuse facilities in any other location at the Cemetery other than the approved staging area. The contractor shall be required to dispose of all debris and other waste materials generated by his/her work at a licensed off-site landfill unless otherwise directed by the COR(s). The Government will not provide receptacles for disposal of debris because of the services provided under this contract. In case of Hazardous Materials contractor shall be required to obtain required disposal permits from the State regulatory agency.

(g) The contractor shall provide portable chemical toilets for use by workmen as necessary to comply with applicable OSHA requirements. These portable toilet facilities shall be kept clean and free of excessive odors, insects, etc. Locate portable toilet facilities in the COR approved Contractor Staging Area only. It will not be permissible to locate portable toilet facilities in any other locations throughout the Cemetery. The use of the permanent cemetery toilet facilities by workmen is strictly prohibited throughout the duration of this contract.

B-17 ORIENTATION FOR CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES:

1. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that Contractor employees coming to the work site will receive complete information on each of these subjects;

a. Fire and Safety

b. Project Work Schedule, Rules Pertaining to Workers, General Parameter Job Related Issues

c. Disaster procedures

d. All technical requirements of the project

e. Proper respect for the site and of the honored dead

2. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure Contractor employees providing work on this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required work.

B.18 PHASING AND WORK SEQUENCING:

Submit proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project. Headstone permanent support system raise/realign work is limited to no more than one (1) headstone row at any given time. All headstones must remain on their specific gravesite at all times. Lay headstones onto 4x4 lumber flat on surface of gravesite and prop it off the grass with the 4x4’s. All headstones shall be placed back in their sockets prior to the end of the workday.

B.19 INSPECTIONS AND SURVEYS:

A. PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING SERVICES - A registered professional land surveyor or registered civil engineer whose services are retained and paid for by the Contractor shall be used for precision layout control of work to ensure that all headstone vertical and horizontal control…