Solicitation - 36C78624R50137 - SFNC Ground Maintenance Services - Updated 8-6-2024.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 163 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C78624R50137 07-23-2024

Janice Brooks 08-12-2024

10:00 AM EDT

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

X 100

X

561730

$9.5 Million

N/A

X

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

See CONTINUATION Page

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, Tools, and supplies required to perform grounds maintenance Services at the Florida National Cemetery.

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

X 1

LARRY CURTIS

CONTRACTING OFFICER

36C78624R50137

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

C.2 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.3 52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE

(AUG 2020)

C.4 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021)

C.5 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.6 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.7 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.8 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.9 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) . 112

C.10 52.222-32 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—PRICE

ADJUSTMENT (ACTUAL METHOD) (AUG 2018)

C.11 52.228-5 INSURANCE—WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN

1997)

C.12 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

C.13 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR

1984)

C.14 52.237-3 CONTINUITY OF SERVICES (JAN 1991)

C.15 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022)

C.16 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.17 VAAR 852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL (MAY 2020)

C.18 VAAR 852.211-72 TECHNICAL INDUSTRY STANDARDS (NOV 2018)

C.19 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.20 VAAR 852.219-74 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR VERIFIED

VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (NOV 2022)

C.21 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.22 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS

(NOV 2018)

C.23 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.24 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020) 126

C.25 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 ATTACHMENT A - SOUTH FLORIDA NC GMC STATEMENT OF WORK

D.2 ATTACHMENT B - SOUTH FLORIDA NC GMC COST SCHEDULE

D.3 ATTACHMENT C - 41-SOP-021 Turfgrass Maintenance in VA National Cemeteries -

SFN GM

D.4 ATTACHMENT D - ANSI 300- Pruning Standards - SFNC GM

D.5 ATTACHMENT E - PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE SOUTH FLORIDA

NATIONAL CEMETERY

D.6 ATTACHMENT G - SFNC - CONSTRUCTION WAGE DETERMINATION

D.7 ATTACHMENT F - VAAR Clause 852.219-75 - VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting 02

D.8 ATTACHMENT H - SFNC - SERVICES WAGE DETERMINATION

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

E.2 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.3 52.201-1 ACQUISITION 360: VOLUNTARY SURVEY (SEP 2023)

E.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

E.5 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.6 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.7 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(OCT 2018)

E.8 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.9 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.10 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C786 Larry Curtis Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

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

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

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

5. Dignity Clause Respect for Headstones and Markers in National Cemeteries; Handling of Markers and Headstones. Every action by Offeror 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 Offeror 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. Offerors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit or jump on headstones or markers. Nor can they drive over them. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or markers. Use care not to scratch or damage markers in any manner.

Offeror shall be responsible for replacing damaged headstones and markers and for restoring turf damaged during performance of this work. Additionally, should any activity result in the exposure and/or damage to any remains, container for remains (e.g., casket or urn), or outer burial container, the Offeror must contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance. Any doubts as to proper procedures shall be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO for guidance or resolution. The Offeror is required to discuss the guidance with employees and/or subcontractors and have each employee sign a statement of compliance and deliver the signed statement to the COR before work may begin.

Contracted Site Supervisor will ensure that no Offeror personnel work will cause any funeral, ceremony, procession, or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity, security, or safety of the event or visit is compromised. A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided the week prior to the event, and a list of scheduled committal services will be provided on the day of the service. The Site Supervisor shall communicate not less than daily with the COR, to ask questions and ensure he/she and contracted personnel understands the off-limit areas.

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

Marcos DeJesus DeJesus, Administrative Officer, Marcosdejesusdejesus@va.gov Please cc Contract Specialist Janice Brooks at Janice.Brooks@va.gov.

Site Visit will be held on 07/29/2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm and will not be rescheduled.

7. Instructions to Offerors:

Interested Offerors MUST be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov and must complete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://www.sam.gov prior to the solicitation closing date. Failure to comply will result in the offeror being considered non- Responsive.

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) socioeconomic category concerns MUST have an active/current registration with www.verterans.certify.sba.gov.

Failure to comply will result in the offeror being considered non-Responsive.

Interested Offerors who do not have a current/active Sam account registration or who are not certified as a Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business in the SBA website (veterans.certify.sba.gov) upon solicitation close date will be considered non-responsive.

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

8. Proposal Submission Instructions:

This section provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on format and content of the proposal. The Offeror’s proposal must include all data and information requested herein and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Nonconformance with the instructions provided herein may result in an unfavorable evaluation. Proposals shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of the stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Governments’ requirements but shall address how the Offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall http://www.sam.gov/ assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their abilities and experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offeror’s proposal. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements.

9. Solicitation Questions:

Questions concerning the solicitation will be accepted from the solicitation posting date until 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, August 2, 2024. Questions will only be accepted by email to Janice.Brooks@va.gov and cc Larry.Curtis@va.gov.

10. Information Regarding Submission of Proposal:

Proposals will be only accepted electronically via email to Janice Brooks at Janice.Brooks@va.gov and cc Larry.Curtis@va.gov no later than August 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Offerors proposals are to be submitted in three parts:

(1) Technical

(2) Past Performance

(3) Price The offeror shall include only one copy of each part.

11. Proposal Preparation Instructions:

Offerors shall submit offer in four (4) separate Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents identifying each .pdf document as Volumes A, Volume B, Volume C, and Volume D. Interested Offerors who fail to submit the four (4) separate pdf. documents will be considered non-responsive. If one document is submitted the offeror will be considered non-responsive. Volumes A through C must be a separate pdf files. Volume D must be submitted in an excel file.

Company Information (Volume A)

The following information shall be included in Volume A:

• Legal Business/Company Name (as listed in www.sam.gov)

• Complete Company Address (No P.O. Boxes)

• Duns Number

• SAM UID

• Company Point of Contract Name and Title

• Telephone Number

• Email Address

• Company Capabilities Statement

• One (1) Signed Copy of all Solicitation Amendments

• One (1) Copy of completed FAR Clause 52.223-3 “Hazardous Material Identification and

Material Safety Data” (if applicable).

• One (1) copy of Completed FAR Provisions 52.212-3 “Certifications and Representations” or indicate whether contractor has completed the annual representation and certifications electronically at www.sam.gov (copy of current SAM status)

• In accordance with Public Law 116-183 a Small Business claiming Veterans First Status, Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), or Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), must certify in writing that their firm are performing 50 percent of the work. Therefore, Interested Offerors who claim SDVOSB or VOSB status shall provide (1) document stating their compliance with PL 116-183. Failure to provide such document will result in the Interested Offeror being considered Non-Responsive. Should award be made to an SDVOSB or a VOSB who is suspected of violating PL 116-183 this Agency will refer suspected violators to its department’s inspector general for investigation and possible fines, suspensions, or debarments.

Technical Proposal (Volume B)

The following shall be included as part of the Offeror’s technical submission, Volume B:

(4) Company relevant experience descriptions

(5) Managerial & Technical Qualifications of Key Personal to include Resumes.

mailto:Janice.Brooks@va.gov mailto:Larry.Curtis@va.gov mailto:Janice.Brooks@va.gov mailto:Larry.Curtis@va.gov

(6) Work Plan/Staffing Plan to accomplish the required services to include man hours, methodology, list of equipment/vehicles to be used, licenses, permits and insurance information.

(7) GANTT Chart: GANTT Chart needs to demonstrate the amount of work done or production completed in certain periods of time in relations to the amount planned for those periods.

Past Performance (Volume C)

The following shall be included as part of the Offeror’s Past Performance submission, Volume C:

• Past performance Questionnaire (Attachment D) from at least three (3) references in the last five

(5) years. Past Performance information provided must be similar or somewhat similar to the required services(s). Interested Offerors shall list any National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts currently working or previously worked first followed by Non-NCA contracts.

Pricing (Volume D)

The following information shall be included in Volume D

• Proposed pricing shall be submitted on the Price/Cost Schedule of Services (Attachment B)

Price Schedule:

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, and supplies necessary to provide complete Ground Maintenance Services at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449. Services shall be provided in accordance with terms, conditions, specification, requirements, and schedules of the contract, including National Cemetery Administration Standard Operating Procedures and Operational Standards & Measures.

Contract period will consist of a base period from Date of Award through 1 year, with four (4) one year renewal options if exercised. Task Orders will cross fiscal years.

This is a Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract issued in accordance with FAR 15 – Contracting by Negotiation. The one-time minimum guarantee amount for this award is $480,000 The awarded contract shall have a ceiling of $1,500,000. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amount.

South Florida National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - STATEMENT OF WORK

B.1 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the basic objectives of South Florida National Cemetery.

B.2 INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. South Florida National Cemetery is one (1) of nine (9) Florida cemeteries that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

B.3 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 155 National Cemeteries in 39 states that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis. As the final resting place for our nation’s heroes, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have been established by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this nation’s concern and respect for those interred there, therefor strict adherence to the following specifications is essential.

Every action by contracting 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 when scheduling and performing work to not interrupt or disrupt cemetery operations.

1. The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan and perform the activities associated with statements of work as described herein, which are required to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds in accordance with National Cemetery Administration Operational Standards and Measures.

2. National cemeteries are a resting place for our nation’s heroes and as such, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have. been established by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this.

3. National Cemeteries are our nation’s concern and respect for those interred there. The NCA mission: The NCA honors Veterans, active-duty Service Members, and eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our nation.

The South Florida National Cemetery is in Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, Florida which is approximately 45 minutes north of Ft. Lauderdale. The address is 6501 S State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449. The physical location is on the west side of SR7/Hwy 441, north of Hypoluxo Blvd, and south of Lantana Blvd. The cemetery’s anticipated burial rate will be 2900 per year.

National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications is required as well as National Cemetery Administration standards.

a. Site features include a main entrance with floral beds, administration building, maintenance building with truck entrance, maintenance compound and contractors’ compound, 4 committal shelters, a flag assembly plaza, columbarium with floral beds, memorial trail with floral beds, extensive landscaping with trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Turf is Celebration Bermuda, Empire Zoysia, St. Augustine and Argentine Bahia.

b. National Cemeteries are National Shrines, as codified in 38 U.S. Code § 2403 (c), “All national and other veterans’ cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall be considered National Shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead …”. Therefore, the standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications described in the attachments, which are based on the National Cemetery Administration, National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures, is mandatory.

c. A national shrine is a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor or family member who views it that, within its majestic setting, every Veteran may find a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose. Each visitor should depart feeling that the grounds, the gravesites, and the environs of the national cemetery are a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

d. The NCA National Shrine Commitment and Operational Standards & Measures should be considered as goals and requirements for the performance of key operational processes and should be applied at both open and closed national cemeteries where work is done by either a Federal or contract workforce.

B.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Grounds Maintenance Services to the South Florida National Cemetery. Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Cemetery Address Acreage Required Services

South Florida National Cemetery

6501 S State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449

149 Turf Acres Current

20_Turf Acres after Phase II = 169 Turf Acres

121 Irrigated Acres Current

9 Irrigated Acres after Phase II = 130 Irrigated Acres

Grounds Maintenance Services

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

B.4.a SERVICES PROVIDED

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to perform the following Grounds Maintenance Services at South Florida National Cemetery. The contractor shall provide the workforce and all resources necessary to perform and complete multiple grounds maintenance requirements simultaneously to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds.

B.4.b DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), South Florida National Cemetery has an immediate need for Grounds, Turf, Headstone, Columbarium, Lawn, Tree, Shrub, Plant bed, Maintenance, Interment services, Irrigation System Maintenance and Testing, and Trash, Debris, and Leaf Removal. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure total cemetery maintenance is performed at South Florida National Cemetery in a manner that shall maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

Services include, but are not limited to: maintenance of grounds, to include regular mowing, weed eating, edge trimming of roadways, removal of trash, leaves, grave decorations, unsightly floral arrangements and debris, as well as, sweeping/blowing off walkways and roadways, and irrigation system operation, inspection and maintenance (to include pump house monitoring and irrigation pond maintenance, irrigation pipe maintenance and repairs 1”-10”, valve and head replacement, Monitoring Rainbird system); gravesite maintenance, to include sunken graves and grounds repair, cleaning and trimming around headstones and markers; plant material maintenance, to include maintenance of planting and mulch beds (to include tree rings), and tree & shrub trimming and pruning; lawn / turf maintenance, to include sod installation, aerification, de-thatching, overseeding, application of fertilizers and herbicides/pesticides, lime application (as indicated by soil tests), and weed control; pest control; storm debris clean-up, support services, to include casket transport, daily committal setup/teardown, headstone services, to include proper storage, transport and setting of all initial, subsequent, and replacement headstones at correct gravesite; cleaning and pressure washing of headstones, committal shelters, Administration Building, Maintenance Building, Entrance and Exit signs at both the main entrance and the maintenance entrance, and walkways/sidewalks and curbs.

Contractor shall keep drainage ditches clean and free from trash, debris, plant growth, and any manner of moss or algae formation.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm local time (Monday thru Friday - excluding Federal Holidays where NO burials are scheduled). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the VA Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COR).

The Period of Performance for this project shall consist of a Base Year (12 Months) and 4 Option years (if exercise).

Table of Contents

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

B.4.1.2 MOWING NON-TURF AREA

B.4.1.3 EDGING OF WALKWAYS AND CURBS

B.4.1.4 TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER

VERTICLE SURFACES

B.4.1.5 TRASH, DEBRIS, AND GRAVE DECORATION/FLORAL REMOVAL

B.4.1.6 SWEEPING/BLOWING OFF WALKWAYS & ROADWAYS

B.4.1.7 UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM OPERATION, INSPECTION, AND

MAINTENANCE

B.4.2 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

B.4.2.1 SUNKEN GRAVE REPAIR & GROUNDS REPAIR

B.4.2.1a SUNKEN CREMATION AND SMALL AREA GROUNDS REPAIRS

B.4.2.1b SOD REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION

B.4.3 LEAF AND TRASH COLLECTION & REMOVAL

B.4.4 PLANT MATERIAL MAINTENANCE

B.4.4.1 PLANTING BEDS

B.4.4.2 MULCHING

B.4.4.3 TREE TRIMMING / PRUNING /SHRUB MAINTENANCE

B.4.5 LAWN / TURF MAINTENANCE

B.4.5.1 SUPPLY & INSTALL SOD ON ALL 1ST & SUBSEQUENT GRAVESITES

B.4.5.2 CORE AERIFICATION

B.4.5.3 FERTILIZATION

B.4.5.4 GIPSUM APPLICATION

B.4.5.5 WEED CONTROL

B.4.6 PEST CONTROL

B.4.6.1

ARMADILLOS/MOLES, IGUANAS AND OTHER PEST

B.4.6.2 FIRE ANT CONTROL

B.4.6.3 PESTICIDES AND INSECTICIDES

B.4.6.4

OPERATIONAL FLOW CHART WARM SEASON TURFGRASS AREAS

B.4.7 STORM DAMAGE AND DEBRIS CLEAN-UP

B.4.8 SUPPORT SERVICES

B.4.8.1 DAILY INTERMENT SHELTER SETUP/TEAR DOWN

B.4.8.2 HOLIDAY DECOR

B.4.9 HEADSTONE SETTING, AND REALIGNMENT (INITIAL)

B.4.9.1 HEADSTONE TRANSPORT TO GRAVESITE

B.4.9.2 HEADSTONE SETTING

B.4.9.3 HEADSTONE REALIGNMENT

B.4.10

B.4.10.1

B.4.10.2

B.4.10.3

B.4.11

B.4.11.1

B.4.11.2

B.4.12

B.4.13

INTERMENT SERVICES

CASKET TRANSPORTATION

CHAIN OF CUSTODY

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

CLEANING AND PRESSURE WASHING

CLEANING OF HEADSTONES AND MARKERS

ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE BUILDINGS

WALKWAYS AND CURBS

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

B.4.13.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER

B.4.13.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

B.4.13.3 CONTRACTOR STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

B.4.13.4 SITE SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS

B.4.13.5 EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

B.4.14

CONTRACTOR/EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT

B.4.15 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

B.4.16 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE-

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Bases

Standard 2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

Standard 2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare Areas.

• Measure 2.4b: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are maintained within one inch above the range of that which is professionally recommended for that type of turf and geographic region according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

Standard 2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

• Measure 2.6: Other features (any additional turf areas requiring edging or trimming such as sidewalks, curbs, monuments) are trimmed or edged according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan

Standard 2.7: Avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf during grounds maintenance operations.

• Measure 2.7: Turf damage due to grounds maintenance tasks is identified and corrective action initiated by close of business the same day.

The contractor shall mow, edge, and trim all grass within the cemetery and the perimeter tree line, entry gates, and walls. All damage due to contractors’ equipment or operations shall be repaired and/or replaced by the contractor at no cost to the government. Contractor is responsible to report any damages immediately to the COR.

Note: Bermuda Grass and Zoysia Empire Grass height shall be maintained at 1 ½ to 2 inches or as directed by the COR. St Augustine turf and Argentine Bahia shall be maintained at 3 ½”-to 4” inches or as directed by the COR. Cutting height shall be established as per required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District Agronomist.

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is YEAR-ROUND.

The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing no more than one half (1/2”) inch above the maximum recommended height of 2 inches for Celebration Bermuda and Empire Zoysia turfgrass. No more than one half (1/2”) inch above the maximum recommended height of 4 inches for Argentine Bahia and St. Augustine turfgrass.

Advanced Written Notice and COR /Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at any 1(one) mowing.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government. When scalping is a result of ruts, contractor shall ensure top dressing is completed in the ruts to not scalp the center of the gravesite.

After mowing, no excessive thatch will be permitted to remain on the turf. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch, or paved areas.

Turf in burial and public areas should be maintained at a height within one-inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Mowing equipment shall be kept 6 (six) to 12 (twelve) inches from upright headstones and other vertical structures and/or fixtures.

Top dressing areas with ruts from turf mowing to be completed once a year or on an as needed bases, requested by the COR. Proper top-dressing techniques shall be utilized (example – sand) and shall be approved by the COR prior to completion.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall be responsible for mowing: edging and trimming all grass within the cemetery as specified by COR.

Turf shall be cut to maintain heights as set forth below (this may change if grounds require such height change):

Cutting Height, Inches Turf grass Species

1 ½” – 2” Celebration Bermuda

1 ½” – 2” Empire Zoysia

3” – 4” St. Augustine

3” – 4” Argentine Bahia Grass

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is year-round or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing above the maximum recommended height of 1.5”-2” inches.

Advanced Written Notice and COR/Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at anyone mowing.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

After mowing no excessive thatch/clippings will be permitted to remain. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas or paved areas.

All grass clippings clumped together excessively due to rapid growth or wet grass; the contractor will remove immediately after mowing.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Contractor shall utilize commercial grade mowers with mulching decks and mulching blades. Cutting blades on mowing equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut - not torn or damaged.

Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The height of grass is what is measured to get correct cutting height. Contractor shall indicate cutting deck height on weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut—not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching checks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s).

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest, in writing, that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged turf at the Contractor’s expense no more than 72 hours after identification.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched, raked, or otherwise collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created. Multiple passes of mowing equipment may be necessary to thoroughly mulch clippings.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of grass clippings allowed to remain on grounds. All clippings must be removed from the site. No excess clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

The walkways (inside and out), interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, edging, and trimming, etc.). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of grounds maintenance operations.

If additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the COR for approval. Overtime / weekend work will be at no cost of the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from COR is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel shall be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete job.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

B.4.1.2: MOWING NON-TURF AREA:

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

The contractor shall mow all non turf areas within the cemetery grounds and the perimeter tree line and walls.

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is year-round or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing above the maximum recommended height of 1.5”-2” inches.

Advanced Written Notice and COR/Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at anyone mowing.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

After mowing no excessive thatch/clippings will be permitted to remain. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas or paved areas.

All grass clippings clumped together excessively due to rapid growth or wet grass; the contractor will remove immediately after mowing.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Contractor shall utilize commercial grade mowers with mulching decks and mulching blades. Cutting blades on mowing equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut - not torn or damaged.

Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The height of grass is what is measured to get correct cutting height. Contractor shall indicate cutting deck height on weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut—not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching checks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s)

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest, in writing, that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged turf at the Contractor’s expense no more than 72 hours after identification.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched, raked, or otherwise collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created. Multiple passes of mowing equipment may be necessary to thoroughly mulch clippings.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of grass clippings allowed to remain on grounds. All clippings must be removed from the site. No excess clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

The walkways (inside and out), interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, edging, and trimming, etc.). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of grounds maintenance operations.

If additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the COR for approval. Overtime / weekend work will be at no cost of the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from COR is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel shall be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete job.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

B.4.1.3: EDGING OF WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL SURFACES:

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

All edging of walkways, curbs, and other horizontal surfaces will be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season, year-round or as directed by the COR.

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, and crypt field drain clean-out covers shall be vertically edged with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds.

All streets, curbs, walkways, entry gates including walls, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, and crypt field drain clean-out covers will be blown clean after mowing, trimming, and edging before close of business on the day edging occurs.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All edging will be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season, which is YEAR- ROUND, or as directed by the COR.

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control / valve boxes, control markers, manhole covers, all tree rings and planting beds shall be vertically trimmed with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds. The desired result will be a ½” wide clear gap between the turf/grass and the horizontal surface.

Street edges, with no discernable curbing, shall be edged in such a manner as to eliminate turf/grass from overlapping the roadway.

All edging shall be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the grass. Turf along the edged areas shall be trimmed to ensure the height of the turf matches the entire turfed area. Turf shall not be higher near the edged area than the turf in the mow-able area. Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (1/2) above specified range of turfgrass.

All edging will be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the grass.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

Care shall be taken that no clippings are blown into mulch beds. Clippings shall be removed from mulch beds by close of business on the day they were created.

The walkways and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, string trimming, and edging). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of ground maintenance operations.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

The COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete semi-annual aeration.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

B.4.1.4: TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER

VERTICLE SURFACES

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

Work consists of trimming all un-mowed grass around headstones, monuments, markers, and other vertical surfaces to the recommended…