36C78624B0003 Amendment 0002.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 32

7744-000013

940-MM23-002

36C786

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

36C786

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

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C78624B0003

12-01-2023

X

X X

Thursday, March 7, 2024; 3:00 p.m., CST

X 1

Develop In-Ground Cremains (IGC) and Various Site Improvements, Fargo National Cemetery Amendment 0002 is issued to provide clarifications, to simplify the SOW and expound on the requirements.

See Continuation page for details/clarifications.

The Bid Opening Time/Date is hereby extended from February 29, 2024, to March 7, 2024, the due time of 3:00 p.m., CST is unchanged and remains the same.

No other changes are made at this time.

All other solicitation Terms and Conditions remain unchanged.

Claude Humphrey Contracting Officer

VA-NCA-2023-0006

CONTINUATION PAGE

AMENDMENT 0002

Solicitation Number: 36C78624B0003 Project Description: 940-MM23-002: IGC Section, Survey, & Site Improvements, Fargo National Cemetery

CHANGES:

1. Change to the Bid Opening Due date/time:

The Bid Opening Due date/time is hereby change from February 29, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., C.S.T. to March 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., C.S.T.

2. Delete/remove in its entirety the SOW and replace with the attached revised SOW.

Note: Be advised that Amendment 0001 is to be taken into consideration and is a part of the overall solicitation requirement.

RFIs:

The following Request for Information (RFI) questions have been submitted to the Contracting Officer regarding this solicitation. The questions and responses represent all questions submitted to the Contracting Officer prior to the deadline established in the Solicitation. The following questions and responses are provided for bidder’s information and use.

RFI 1. Page 14 of 97: SITE SURVEY - As-built survey – Is the topographic survey of the entire site or just a portion of the area? Contractors are not usually asked to stake irrigation lines; will Contractors require survey to layout the proposed irrigation locations?

Response: CLIN 1 is limited to the IGC Section 1 construction boundaries. As-builts are provided as reference to indicate what known utilities (irrigation, etc.)

are present within the construction boundaries so they may be properly identified and marked to avoid disturbance during construction. Any utility connections to be made during construction are the responsibility of the Contractor making those connections.

CLIN 2 requires licensed professional to locate and install control markers used to properly identify precise location of gravesites. Grid Coordination for existing control markers will be provided by the NCA.

RFI 2. Page 15 of 97: SURVEYED CONTROL MONUMENTS – The 3-foot-long precast monuments are on a site with 6-8 feet of fill. The monuments will move. A more stable monument will need to be 8+ feet below the finished grade to get below the frostline as well as into undisturbed soil. Will the NCA be open to figuring out an alternative solution to setting precast monuments other than what is shown in the specs?

Response: CLIN 2 indicates that the control marker foundation must extend below the freeze line. Gravesite marker detail indicates foundation to be a minimum of 6’ or 8’ below the finish grade to get below the frostline as well as into undisturbed soil for an established stable monument. Bidders are to use these parameters for consideration when determining their proposal.

A.5 STATEMENT OF WORK (rev)

Contractor shall provide all Management, Supervision, Labor, Equipment, Materials, Parts, Tools, etc., required, and necessary to provide construction services to provide Survey and Development of Section 1 In-Ground Cremations (IGC) and various Site Improvements at Fargo National Cemetery located at 8709 40th Ave., N, Hardwood, North Dakota 58042, as stated, described, required and in conjunction with the attached and associated NCA Specifications and Drawings:

i. NCA Handbook 3120, Interment Area Layout Standards

ii. NCA MCS 01 57 19

iii. NCA MCS 02 21 00

iv. NCA MCS 02 41 10

v. NCA MCS 03 30 53

vi. NCA MCS 32 05 23

vii. NCA MCS 32 20 00

viii. NCA MCS 32 31 13

ix. NCA MCS 32 31 19

x. NCA MCS 32 84 00

xi. NCA MCS 32 90 00

xii. NDDOT Spec 302.04

xiii. NDDOT Spec 550.04

I. PRE-BID SITE INSPECTION

Interested bidders should survey / inspect the site prior to submitting a bid 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 bidder from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the specifications without additional cost to the Government.

The awarded Contractor must perform a ‘Site Inspection’ to verify all dimensions/measurements and site conditions before start of the work or the ordering of any equipment, parts and or materials.

Failure of the Contractor 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.

II. POST AWARD SITE INVESTIGATION INSPECTION

Per FAR 52.236-3, Contractor should survey / inspect the site prior to submitting a bid/proposal/quote 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. Within fifteen (15) calendar days after issuance of the Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall perform a ‘Site Investigation’ to verify the magnitude of all dimensions/measurements and site conditions before start of the work or the ordering of any equipment, parts and or materials. 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.

The Contractor shall submit an ‘After Inspection Report’ of Contractor’s findings, listing any deficiencies found and provide written recommended repair/work solutions to the COR and Contracting Officer for review and approval No Later Than five (5) calendar days after completion of the Site Investigation Inspection. Prior to beginning any work, the Contractor shall survey the site and review the Statement of Work to determine the extent of the work.

Any 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. SCOPE

Contractor shall inspect the grounds where the work is to be completed and ascertain the work deemed necessary and required to complete the work outlined herein, failure of the Contractor to fully inspect grounds and Administration Building prior to performing the work shall not relieve the Contractor from performing in accordance with the strict intent and meaning of the specifications without additional cost to the Government.

1. The Contractor shall submit an ‘After Inspection Report’ of Contractor’s findings, listing any deficiencies found and recommendations, to the COR and Contracting Officer for review and approval prior to commencing the work.

2. The report will include all aspects of the construction services needed to provide Improvement at the Fargo National Cemetery as specified herein.

3. Prior to beginning any work, the Contractor shall survey the site and review the Statement of Work to determine the extent of the work.

4. The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to avoid damages to existing items to remain in place, to be reused, or to remain the property of the Cemetery.

5. Any damaged items shall be repaired or replaced as approved by the COR.

6. The Contractor shall locate, tag and identify any utilities irrigation system piping, sprinkler heads, and other components and make all necessary adjustment or connections from the existing utilities and shall reroute any utility line, which may impact construction.

7. The Contractor shall grade the site within the construction limits to maintain proper site drainage; all ground surfaces shall be graded to provide runoff toward drains and/or swales.

8. The Contractor shall repair and restore any damage to roads, turf or surrounding area that occurs during construction.

All work shall be performed In Accordance With (IAW) the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Master Construction Specifications (MCS) as indicated in herein.

All materials and layout of site will be pre-approved by CO, COR and District Engineer before materials are ordered or work commences.

All 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. At the completion of the work and upon satisfactory acceptance by the Government, the Contractor shall provide to the COR and Contracting Officer any applicable Operation and Maintenance Manuals, a certificate of Warranty / Guarantee that all work done under the contract shall be free from defaults, faulty materials or workmanship for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of final acceptance. Contractor hereby agrees to repair or replace deficiencies within the specified time frame by the direction of the COR or Contracting Officer at Contractor's own expense and shall be corrected to the satisfaction of the Government.

The work shall include full compliance with all related specifications requirements, including, but not limited to, the Contractor providing all requirements necessary permit(s). All work required to achieve these results shall be at the Contractor's expense with no additional costs to the Government.

IV. CLINs CLIN 1: Survey and Develop In-Ground Cremains (IGC) Section 1.

1. In-Ground Cremation sites must adhere to NCA Handbook 3120, Interment Area Layout

Standards. A minimum of twelve feet shall separate adjacent burial section boundaries and provide burial operations heavy equipment access. This separation shall not contain irrigation or function as irrigation aisles. As-Built drawings will be provided as reference.

2. SITE SURVEY, IAW NCA MCS 02 21 00: Locate and stake/flag all underground utilities, irrigation system piping, sprinkler heads, and other components. As-Builts will be provided as reference. Coordinate shutdown and operation of the existing irrigation system with the COR to accomplish the work.

3. SURVEYED CONTROL MONUMENTS, IAW NCA MCS 02 21 00: Contractor’s professional licensed land surveyor shall layout one (1) Inground Cremains Burial Section per the cemetery masterplan.

a. Locate and install approximately six (6) precast concrete monuments and aluminum monument markers in a configuration equal to the existing burial section two (2) as-builts.

Monument depth per section 2 as-built plans shall be increased by approximately two (2) feet to reach suitable soil conditions. Section Marker Easting and Northing grid points shall be provided on Section 1 As-built drawings.

b. Contractor shall provide Section Marker Easting and Northing grid points on Section 1 As-built drawings.

CLIN 2: Survey Control Points Current Control Markers are heaving and shifting, losing their precise location per the as-built drawings.

SURVEYED CONTROL MONUMENTS, IAW NCA MCS 02 21 00:

1. Contractor’s professional licensed land surveyor shall verify location to remove, repair, and reinstall approximately twenty-two (22) precast concrete monuments and aluminum monument markers in the quantity and locations as specified on the drawings. Depth per as-built plans shall be increased by approximately two (2) feet to reach suitable soil conditions.

2. Control Monuments shall meet or exceed the below specifications:

a. Basis of Design: Berntsen.com

b. Grid Monuments: Bronze survey marker (monument marker) set into precast concrete base field set in concrete.

c. Monument Base: Precast concrete monument base shall be minimum of 24.1 MPa

(3,500 psi) @ 28 days, reinforcement and dimensions as indicated on Drawings.

d. Monument Marker: Domed-top, 89 mm (3 1/2") diameter, bronze concrete survey marker with integral locator magnet, and flared anchor post for concrete installation.

e. Text and Cross-hairs: Top text as indicated on Drawings.

i. Text: All caps, 4.75 mm (3/16 inches) high.

ii. Cross hairs: Field engrave as indicated on Drawings. Align gravesite grid and engrave based on surveyed location data.

3. Refer to Work Section F for concrete specifications.

SECTION 1 Master Plan

CLIN 3: Repair Perimeter Fence Sections, IAW NCA MCS 32 31 13.

1. Contractor will demo approximately 300 linear feet of damaged chain link fence and broken, or damaged fence posts and any other fence components as illustrated and in coordination with the COR and/or district engineer.

2. Contractor will install approximately 300 linear feet of chain link fence, along with the associated fence components, ensuring the fence is plum, square, and touching the ground in all locations.

3. Refer to Statement of Work Section F for concrete specifications.

CLIN 4: Repair Ornamental Fence, IAW NCA MCS 32 31 19.

1. Ornamental Fence and Gate.

a. Contractor shall inspect all fence posts for proper footing size and depth according to manufacturer’s specifications and UFGS specifications as referenced in Statement of Work section (F), following whichever provides the greatest protection. Findings shall be documented in writing, illustrated using photography, and provided to COR and district engineer.

b. Contractor shall inspect entire Fence and Gate for worn or damaged components, peeling paint, rust, and any recommended repairs. Findings shall be documented in writing, illustrated using photography, and provided to COR and district engineer.

c. Contractor shall recommend repair or replacement along with unit pricing, in writing and provide to COR and district engineer.

d. All repair and replacement shall be approved by COR and district engineer prior to work being performed.

2. Ornamental Cantilever Slide Gate.

a. Contractor shall remove and replace all cantilever slide gate brackets and associated hardware, replace with new color matched components per manufacturer specifications, ensuring proper spacing, torque, and alignment in order to achieve smooth operation of gate.

b. Contractor shall provide and install new color matched nylon cantilever rollers with sealed bearings and color matched nylon roller covers per manufacturer’s specifications and as approved by COR and district engineer.

c. Refer to Work Section F for concrete specifications.

d. Contractor shall repair any damage to turf or surrounding area that occurs during construction.

CLIN 5: Repair Concrete at Columbarium

1. Columbarium, IAW NCA MCS 03 30 53:

a. Contractor will remove various sections of concrete totaling approximately three (3) cubic yards at Columbarium A, as illustrated and in coordination with the COR and District Engineer.

b. Contractor will replace various sections of concrete totaling approximately three (3) cubic yards at Columbarium A, as illustrated and in coordination with the COR and District Engineer.

c. Refer to Work Section F for concrete specifications.

d. Contractor will repair any damage to turf or surrounding area that occurs during construction.

V. WORK SECTION F

CONCRETE, IAW NCA MCS 03 30 53 unless otherwise specified:

1. Contractor will conduct all work associated with replacing damaged concrete.

2. All damaged concrete will be removed by contractor.

3. All waste material will be disposed offsite at contractor’s expense.

4. Compact aggregate base in accordance with NDDOT Spec 302.04.

5. Contractor will install all forms necessary for concrete pour.

6. Concrete flat work will be poured to a minimum thickness of 4”.

7. footings will be dug with a wider base, similar to a bell shape, and will extend below the freeze depth.

8. Concrete will meet NDDOT Spec 550.04.

9. Concrete will be chemically treated to provide increased stability during freeze/thaw cycles.

10. Concrete will be protected to maintain no less than 55-degree temperature during curing cycle.

11. Concrete will be pinned to all adjacent concrete to prevent movement.

12. Contractor will finish exposed concrete with a broom finish.

13. Concrete will be poured level with adjacent concrete, so it is not a tripping hazard.

14. Cut expansion joints in concrete within twenty-four (24) hours.

15. Expansion joints shall be filled with elastomeric sealant.

VI. MATERIAL SUBMITTALS

All submittals, samples, etc., called for by the specification requirements shall be approved by the COR and/or the Contracting Officer before any work associated with or required by said submittal, samples, etc., is to begin. The Contractor shall prepare and submit all material submittals as specified in the contract or as requested by the COR and/or the Contracting Officer.

a. Be advised and reminded that the COR cannot approve submittals that would result in a change to the contract terms or conditions, or that would affect a cost or time change; The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve and issue supplemental agreements, change orders, stop order, modifications, payments, etc., on the Government behalf.

The Contractor must acquire the NCA’s written acceptance approval on All materials prior to using or installing such material. 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. Any 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.

VII. SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS DISCREPANCIES

In the case of any differences between the Statement of Work, Specification and/or Drawings, the specifications will prevail and govern over the Statement of Work and/or Drawings. Any Statement of Work, Specification and/or Drawings discrepancies should be brought to the immediate attention of the Contracting Officer and COR for clarification. Any errors or omissions in the Statement of Work, Specification and/or Drawings must be provided promptly to the Contracting Officer and COR, but in no case later than the start of related work.

VIII. CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

During the construction through completion, Contractor shall provide photographic documentation of construction progress and at selected milestones per the Contracting Officer and/or the COR.

The photos shall meet the following qualifications:

a. Digital image shall be taken with a professional grade camera with minimum size of 6 megapixels (MP) capable of producing 200x250mm (8 x 10 inch) prints with a minimum of 2272 x 1704 pixels and 400x500mm (16 x 20 inch) prints with a minimum 2592 x 1944 pixels.

b. Before construction services work, the area, building, adjacent streets, roadways, parkways, driveways, curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, adjacent utilities and adjacent structures surrounding the site shall be photo documented. Overlapping photographic techniques shall be used to ensure maximum coverage.

c. If site work or area preparation is extensive, this documentation may be required immediately before construction services work begins and at several pre-determined intervals during work commencement.

Photography of employees, visitors, volunteers, and others on NCA premises is strictly prohibited.

Photographing of NCA premises (buildings, grounds, property, site) is allowed ONLY with written permission from the COR.

IX. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall complete all work including submittals, reviews, quality control, repair/construction services, punch list corrections, clean up, invoicing and closeouts documentation submittal within one hundred and sixty-five (165) calendar days of Government issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

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.

X. WORK HOURS

Normal construction services work hours for this project shall be 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., CST 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 shall coordinate with the COR to establish a work schedule and to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. The Contractor shall be 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 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 Fargo National Cemetery prior to beginning any work and prior to departing the facility/property after the day’s work is completed.

XI. 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.

XII. 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.

XIII. 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 will be responsible for and obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the 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 North Dakota.

XIV. 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.

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

3. 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.

XV. 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 must 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.

XVI. 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.

XVII. 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.

d. 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.

XVIII. 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.

XIX. 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.

XX. 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.

XXI. 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 Contracting Officer 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.

c. 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.

d. 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.

d. The Contractor shall dispose of all debris and other waste materials at a licensed off-site landfill unless otherwise directed by the COR.

e. The Contractor shall haul away and dispose of all 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.

f. 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.

d. 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.

e. 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.

f. 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. When materials are transported in prosecuting the work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, or similar construction the Contractor shall protect them from damage by well-constructed bridges. The Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

7. AVAILABILITY AND USE OF UTILITY SERVICES

a. Water: A water system is not available. The Contractor shall provide and utilize portable water when needed.

b. 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.

8. WORK PERFORMED ON SITE BY OTHERS

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 shall be provided by the COR.

The Contractor’s Superintendent shall be responsible for reporting to the COR any problems or questions that may arise with any other personnel on site during the period of performance of this contract. The Contractor’s Superintendent shall not take it upon him or herself to resolve any problems or issues with other on-site Contractors or employees, but rather will leave it to the COR to resolve the issue.

9. REPORTING AND RECORD KEEPING

a. Contractor’s Superintendent shall report on a daily basis to the COR at the Cemetery and log in. This DAILY check-in is mandatory and shall be at a time agreed upon by the COR and the Contractor’s Superintendent within the requirements of paragraph “b” below.

b. A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided to the Contractor’s Superintendent the week prior to the scheduled events, and a list of scheduled committal services will be provided daily. Contractor’s Superintendent shall be solely responsible for ensuring that no contract work causes any committal service, 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.

c. The Contractor shall be solely…