913-SJVNC-NS-FY25-001 - SOW_Rev.docx

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. SPECIFICATIONS

· SECTION 01 33 23 - SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES

· SECTION 01 45 29 - TESTING LABORATORY SERVICES

· SECTION 02 21 13 - SITE SURVEYS (LIMITED)

· SECTION 31 00 00 - EARTHWORK

· SECTION 32 39 20 - HEADSTONE SETTING, ALIGNMENT, AND CLEANING

· SECTION 32 92 24 - TURF RENOVATION

1. LIST OF EXHIBITS

1. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

A. STATEMENT OF WORK

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 SUMMARY OF WORK:

A. WORK AREA: All work is to be performed on San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, in the burial sections and surrounding areas listed in the work area schedule. (See Exhibit ‘A’ –San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery Renovation Areas.)

B. CEMETERY SECTION RENOVATION – Flat Markers: The Contractor gaining award shall provide all personnel, management, supplies, transportation, equipment and supervision necessary to perform and complete all work to construct, remove, and replace Headstone Support System for the cemetery sections indicated that include, but not limited to: site surveying; preparing grading plans and headstone realignment plans; clearing and grubbing vegetation, grading and drainage, excavation and backfill; marker identification/tagging; marker handling; marker geogrid support system; marker re-installation; marker cleaning; turf renovation; and site restoration work.

C. The Contractor will complete Base Bid work within Three-hundred and sixty-five (365) calendar days after receipt of Notice of Award, subject to all terms, conditions, provisions, and schedules of the contract. Performance shall be in accordance with the requirements, conditions, terms, and representations contained in this solicitation.

D. The appearance of the finished work shall be gravesite section(s) that shall be contoured grass landscape, with headstones set in a support system, and the headstones aligned with each other in the vertical, horizontal, lateral, and diagonal directions within the tolerances specified herein. It is critical that existing conditions are surveyed, and contours adjusted as necessary and approved by the COR to produce such an appearance. Failure to achieve this finished work will be basis for accepting or not accepting the finished work.

E. Provide all work to complete a single gravesite and the immediate surrounding turf in accordance with the statement of work, drawings, and specifications. Immediate surrounding turf is that turf that begins at the gravesite and runs up to the adjoining gravesites, section boundaries, fences, curbs, sidewalks, garden, or tree lines and as further defined on the drawings. Award will be made based on entire cemetery Sections listed including “Row or “Rows” of gravesites containing Government Flat Marker Headstones as defined herein. A single “Row” of gravesites is defined as an array of continuous gravesites that begins and ends at the limits of a single section. The number of actual gravesites in each row may and does vary.

F. Prior to beginning work of gravesite renovation, the Contractor shall survey the area within the scope of work. They will locate the control markers and physical boundaries of the limit of work shown on the Drawings, gravesites markers, marker type (flat), reserved gravesites, section markers, control monuments, edge of pavement, curb lines, walkways, trees, valve boxes, vaults, sprinkler heads, walls, fences, and all other visible structures within the limit-of-work. They will provide a summary table listing total quantities of each type of gravesite marker (flat markers) within each burial section and total area of turf renovation. Quantities listed must be certified by the professional land surveyor. (See Section "SITE SURVEY" for additional requirements.) Based on the survey, the actual quantities of gravesites and area of turf renovation will be determined.

G. TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF MARKER PLACEMENT DURING THE RAISE AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT, THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WILL BE FOLLOWED BY CEMETERY PERSONNEL / CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) AND THE CONTRACTOR BEFORE THE RAISE / REALIGNMENT PROCESS BEGINS:

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the Contractor or designee as listed in the official contract documents shall conduct a joint gravesite verification and inspection prior to work beginning. The COR will provide a copy of the Burial Register Report from the Burial Operation Support System (BOSS) to the Contractor. The Burial Register Report will be used to verify the section, row, grave number, first and last name of each decedent and the condition of the headstone/marker included in the scope of work (SOW). All inconsistencies will be researched, discussed, and resolved with the Cemetery Director prior to work. Upon completion of the joint survey and corrective actions as necessary, the COR and the Contractor shall certify the verification and inspection, by signing the Burial Register Report printout. The CO/COR will give the approval to begin the project. When the Contractor finishes working each day, they will provide a written report with photographs showing each marker worked on that day. Copies of the daily report will be provided to the Contracting Officer and COR for their official contract files.

The Contractor will protect all headstones and markers from damage during the process. The Contractor will ensure that headstones and markers are protected from damage or being discolored from dirt or soil contact. Contractor shall submit transmittals to the COR on the method of elevating headstones and markers for approval.

HEADSTONES AND MARKERS WILL NOT BE PHYSICALLY REMOVED FROM THE GRAVESITE DURING THE PROJECT.

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

BASE BID PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 365 DAYS

FULL SECTION RENOVATION

(SECTIONS: C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, and C18)

RAISE AND REALIGN FLAT MARKERS

(SECTIONS: 1 and 9)

In addition to above Base Bid, provide pricing for OPTION 1.

BID OPTION NO. 1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 240 DAYS

RAISE AND REALIGN FLAT MARKERS

(SECTIONS: 2, 3, 4, 10, and 12)

TOTAL OF BASE BID; OPTION NO. 1; OPTION NO. 2; and OPTION NO. 3

Note (1): The Contractor shall measure the total square feet of area to receive turf replacement/renovation to include all of the cemetery sections defined in the work area. Excluded from the total square-footage calculation for turf replacement/renovation are the footprint of paving, gravesite markers, headstones, section markers, valve boxes, trees, and any other site feature which deducts from the area of turf.

Note (2): Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems are to be protected in place. Any damage to the irrigation system shall be repaired by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

1.2 DEFINITIONS

A. Full Section Renovation: Includes Raise & Realign Flat Markers; Turf Renovation; and Headstone Cleaning.

B. Raise and Realign (R&R) Flat Markers: Includes flat marker removal, existing flat marker support system removal; new flat marker support system installation; flat markers raising, lowering, realignment, reset in accordance with the plans and specifications; and Headstone Cleaning.

C. Turf Renovation: Includes sod removal; soil amendment; import topsoil; fine grading; new sod planting; and turf establishment in accordance with the plans and specifications.

1.3 BURIAL SECTION DATA:

· Full Section Renovation as described herein includes all of the following: Headstone Support System, Marker Raise, Reset, & Realign, Complete Turf Renovation, and Headstone Cleaning.

· Raise & Realign as described herein includes all of the following: Headstone Support System, Marker Raise, Reset, & Realign, Turf Renovation as needed, and Headstone Cleaning.

BASE BID

BID OPTION NO. 1

Footnote (1): Represents the approximate total turf area of the Burial Section. See description of Work Type for actual Turf Renovation requirements.

1.4 THE NCA MISSION: The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. National cemeteries are national shrines. The standards of maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor at this cemetery shall reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the specifications shall be required and shall be essential. The Contractor shall demonstrate a clear understanding of, and the sensitivity to, environmental issues during the performance of the contract.

1.5 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR):

A. San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery COR for the project is the COR Team. The COR Team can be contacted through the administration building, at email COR.SJVNC@VA.GOV or at phone (209) 854-1040.

B. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) responsibilities will include, but not be limited to surveillance of services required under this contract; determining the adequacy of Contractor performance according to the specifications of this contract; acting as the Government’s representative; ensuring compliance with contract requirements insofar as the work is concerned; and advising the CO of any contract issues. The COR cannot authorize deviations from the specifications and requirements of this contract. In the event the Contractor deviates without approval from the CO, such deviation shall be at the risk of the Contractor and any cost related thereto shall be borne by the Contractor. The COR designated for this proposed contract will be officially appointed in writing by the CO.

C. If work is authorized to be performed after hours or on weekends/holidays and an emergency should occur, the Contractor shall contact the VA Police Office in the absence of the COR or his designee. The VA Police will then contact the COR or take appropriate action.

1.6 CEMETERY LOCATION: The services will be performed at one (1) location:

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY NATIONAL CEMETERY

32053 McCabe Road Santa Nella, CA 95322 Phone: 209-854-1040 Fax: 209-854-3944

1.7 CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

A. The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for any injury to themselves or their 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 themselves or their employees’ fault or negligence. Any negligence on the part of the Government, its officers, agents, servants, and employees, shall not be the responsibility of the Contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting there-from.

1.8 CONTRACTOR DUTIES:

A. Contractor Site Manager: A competent and experienced Contractor Site Manager shall be provided by the Contractor whenever work is being performed. The Contractor Site Manager shall have not less than three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial service operation that included surveying, soil excavation, and site construction in industrial, commercial, or public sites. The Contractor Site Manager shall ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure that employees are adequately supervised, and proper conduct is maintained. In the absence of the Site Manager, the Contractor shall appoint an English-speaking crew foreman or an employee who shall be responsible to ensure that the work is being accomplished in an expeditious manner, is performed in accordance with the contract specifications and that the work shall progress without undue delay. The Contractor Site Manager and all alternates shall be designated in writing by name prior to being placed in charge.

B. Work Hours: Work shall be performed between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Holidays, unless otherwise directed by the COR. At Contractor’s written request made at least one week prior, work may be permitted for weekends and/or Holidays if approved in advance by the Cemetery Director. and with the written permission of the COR, work shall also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and/or Holidays. The Government will not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration time frame. No work shall be permitted on Veterans Day, Independence Day, and Memorial Day..

C. Federal Holidays: Federal law (5 U.S.C. 6103) establishes the following public holidays for Federal employees. Please note that most Federal employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. For these employees, when a holiday falls on a non-workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).

1. New Year’s Day,

2. Martin Luther King, Jr.,

3. Presidents’ Day,

4. Memorial Day,

5. Juneteenth,

6. Independence Day,

7. Labor Day,

8. Veterans Day,

9. Columbus Day,

10. Thanksgiving Day,

11. Christmas Day, *

1.9 WORK SCHEDULE

A. Prior to Notice to Proceed (NTP), the Contractor must provide a Work Plan in the form of a critical path timeline schedule (i.e., Gantt chart) includes, at a minimum, the date of Notice to Proceed, the submittal period, the mobilization date, the start and completion dates of each major work element, showing sequence of section renovations listing each task and subtask, and total time required to complete the renovation, testing and inspection dates, punch list/correction period, demobilization, project completion date, and subsequent maintenance periods. The schedule should prove that the work will be completed within the allotted time for completion of the contract.

B. Submit proposed Work Plan in electronic and hard copy formats for COR review and approval prior to start of project. The Work Plan should make considerations for weather delays, limitations on planting seasons (if any), Federal holidays, and burial services. The schedule accounts for all work, is logical in its progression through the Cemetery, and is realistic and feasible given daily operations and delays which occur at the cemetery. The Work Plan must be updated weekly to accurately reflect the work that has been completed and any adjustments to milestones and target completion dates. The updated Work Plan must be distributed to the project team and presented to the COR prior to the beginning of weekly progress meetings.

1.10 PROJECT MEETINGS and REPORTING:

A. The Contractor must report each workday to the COR at the main office of the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. Contractor must check in with the COR Team and obtain the interment service schedule and/or special schedules as defined herein. This check in is mandatory. Daily meetings will be at an agreed upon time between the COR and the Contractor. The Contractor must provide an anticipated work schedule each workday or as agreed upon with the Cemetery Director or COR, and to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. These daily meetings shall also be an opportunity for the Contractor to ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which will vary, depending on the event. The Contractor’s Site Manager can thus assign tasks so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided. Work shall be done in one grave section at a time subject to operational requirements of the national cemetery. If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR will then assist in doing so.

B. A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided the week prior to the event, and the interment schedule will be provided daily. The Contractor 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. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for staying abreast of all such upcoming events and when in doubt, he/she shall ask the COR.

C. The Contractor Supervisor must provide WEEKLY work schedules to the COR. The Contractor is required to schedule all required services and is further required to comply with his schedule except for delays beyond his control. Such delays shall be coordinated through the COR. The work schedule shall include deficient work identified by Contractor's quality control inspections and not yet corrected.

D. The Contractor shall submit the WEEKLY schedule every Friday by 3:00 P.M. indicating the work to be performed during the following week.

E. The Contractor shall provide a daily written report with photographs showing each marker worked on that day along with details regarding schedule compliance with steps planned to recover delays if behind schedule.

F. The Contractor Site Manager must provide weekly an updated Project Work Plan to prove that the work in progressing according to schedule. (See Article 1.21 – “Phasing and Work Sequencing” for requirements of the Project Work Plan.)

G. In instances where the COR determines that the work is behind schedule, he/she will notify the Contracting Officer and the Contractor shall provide a plan to resolve the issue at no additional cost to the Government in order to achieve completion of the contract work within the specified timeframe.

H. The VA will set-up and conduct regular virtual Project Meetings. The frequency of these meetings shall be at least weekly or as determined by the CO. The Contractor’s Project Manager and Site Manager at a minimum must attend these meetings. The Contractor’s subcontractor(s) may be asked to attend as appropriate. Be prepared to discuss matters such as procedures, progress, problems, scheduling, coordination, changes, discrepancies, submissions, etc. The Contractor will record and distribute meeting minutes to all parties.

1.11 SCHEDULE OF VALUES:

A. Two weeks prior to Notice to Proceed, the Contractor must provide the CO and COR with a Schedule of Values for each major work element in the contract to assist the COR with verification of work performed and to justify progress payments for work completed.

1.12 CLEAN UP AND DISPOSAL:

A. The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning cemetery structures, headstones, 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, and monuments at the end of each workday. The Contractor shall not use abrasive blasting or cleaning solutions such as bleach to clean. Only products specifically designed for use in cleaning markers shall be used such as ‘D/2 Biological Solution’ by D/2 Biological Solutions, Inc. or ‘Weatherzyme’ by United Laboratories, Inc. The Contractor shall not use pressure washing methods that exceed 800 psi. Roadways shall be cleaned daily as needed to keep the existing roads free from dirt and mud resulting from Contractor operations. No hazardous chemicals shall be used in cleaning operations. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

B. The Government will not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract. The Contractor shall be permitted to place his/her trash receptacle dumpsters in the COR approved “Contractor Staging Area”.

C. At the end of each day the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site.

D. The Contractor shall dispose of all hazardous waste in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and all other applicable Federal, State, and Local law and regulations. The Contractor is required to obtain required disposal permits from the State regulatory agency. On-installation storage or disposal of hazardous waste is NOT allowed.

1.13 WORK PERFORMED BY OTHERS ON SITE:

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

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

1.14 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

A. All work under this contract shall be performed primarily outdoors and personnel performing these services shall be exposed to wind, sun, cold, dampness, frost, fog, and rain. These conditions, may, at times, be extreme. The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect his/her employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent. The Contractor understands that it shall be necessary to work throughout all weather conditions (unless highly extreme, causing equipment rutting and/or hazards, and dangerous to employees or public) and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines, at no additional cost to the Government. If weather conditions are so extreme such that work performed on that day may cause more damage to the cemetery grounds than good, (e.g., equipment rutting) and/or posing hazards to employees or public, the CO will review the matter on a case-by-case basis and appropriate action will be determined by the CO.

B. 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 all visitors to Cemetery Staff.

1.15 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS:

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

B. Contractor-furnished items necessary to perform work as required under this contract shall be furnished, maintained, and operated by the Contractor and shall be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable OSHA, Federal, State, County, City laws, ordinances, and regulations.

C. The Contractor must be responsible for the supply, maintenance, and repair of all Contractor-owned equipment. This includes minor maintenance/repair and minor operating parts for equipment such as lubrication, oil changes, spark plugs, gaskets, cotter pins/keys, electric extension cords, etc., to keep all equipment in good operational condition throughout the period of performance of this contract. No Contractor equipment maintenance repairs of any kind can be done on cemetery property without COR approval.

D. The Contractor must be responsible for ensuring that all of the motor vehicles and equipment meet State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

E. Only Contractor equipment and supplies (property) required to perform work under this contract may be stored at the Contractor’s designated storage area at the end of each workday. No personal property, equipment, or vehicles shall be stored on the cemetery premises.

F. 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.

G. Water: Non-potable water will only be made available via Contractor connection to existing Cemetery water system in existing locations where connection is available, at no cost to the Contractor for purposes of this contract only. The Contractor shall be responsible for making connections to this water supply in accordance with local regulations. Coordination and COR-approval is required for water connection assemblies. Water outlets shall be equipped with shut-off valves to prevent water waste. Contractor shall not obstruct normal traffic flow on adjacent roads while water is being obtained. In locations where Cemetery water system is not readily available, the Contractor shall provide and utilize portable water tanks and/or water trucks as necessary to transport water to areas where needed in order to complete the work required by this contract, at no additional cost to the Government.

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

I. Portable Toilets: The Contractor shall provide portable chemical toilets for use by workmen as necessary to comply with applicable OSHA requirements. These portable toilet facilities shall be kept clean and free of excessive odors, insects, etc. Locate portable toilet facilities in the COR approved Contractor Staging Area only. It shall not be permissible to locate portable toilet facilities in any other locations throughout the cemetery. The use of the permanent cemetery toilet facilities by workmen is strictly prohibited throughout the duration of this contract. All connections and appliances connected therewith shall be removed prior to completion of contract, and premises left perfectly clean.

J. Identification, Parking, Smoking, and VA Regulations: The Contractor's employees shall wear visible identification at all times while on the premises of the Cemetery. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. The Government is not responsible for theft and/or damage to Contractor and/or Contractor’s employees from environmental events, wildlife, and/or non-Government personnel. The Cemetery will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions. Smoking shall be prohibited in all areas except where designated. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations will result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

1.16 STANDARDS OF CONTRACTOR AND EMPLOYEE CONDUCT:

A. Contractor personnel shall be required to adhere to the following standards of dress, conduct, supervision, and training while performing work on Government property. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C., Part I, Chapter 9, Section 5901. It will be subject to immediate enforcement action by the Contracting Officer if these standards are not adhered to during the period of performance of this contract. Contractor management shall be responsible for training and safety precautions prescribed by OSHA regarding safety equipment and devices.

B. Contractor personnel shall be fully clothed at all times, to include upper garment to cover body from the waist to the neck and long pants or slacks. Clothing shall be clean, and presentable and suitable to the work while maintaining proper appearance and decorum indicative for a National Shrine. Overall cleanliness and personal hygiene are imperative. Uniform shirts and hats are preferred. If uniforms are used, they shall be in unison among all employees. Garments, which have a message, slogan, or printing of any kind other than the Contractor’s business attire, shall be prohibited. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited. Protective/safety clothing and shoes shall meet or exceed OSHA and state requirements. The Contractor shall maintain a neat and professional appearance throughout its workforce, vehicles, equipment, and maintenance areas.

C. The Contractor/personnel shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at any time on Government premises. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices is prohibited. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, Contractor employees shall come into daily contact with grieving individuals, therefore Contractor employees shall exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, courtesy, and respect while within the cemetery or at its perimeter or entrances. Inquiries from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred to Government cemetery staff. Gratuities of any kind shall be strictly prohibited.

D. Contractor personnel shall consume food and beverage only within areas designated by the COR(s). Intoxication, and violence or criminal acts of any kind will not be tolerated and is cause for immediate removal from Government property. Use or sale of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited (including legalized marijuana use). Use of tobacco products is only allowed in specific areas designated by the COR/Cemetery Director.

E. Contractor employees shall only take breaks/rest periods and lunch breaks at the Contractor Staging Area, not in the field. Eating and drinking (except water) is prohibited in the work areas and within sight of a committal shelter during a service.

F. Workers shall utilize Contractor-provided temporary chemical toilet facilities located only in the Contractor Staging Area. Misconduct shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

G. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or monuments. Contractor personnel shall not lean, sit, or stand on or against headstones or monuments. Nor can they drive over them. Contractor personnel should use tools approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), to lift markers out of the ground; pickaxes are not an acceptable tool for moving markers.

H. Identification, Parking, Smoking, and VA Regulations: The Contractor's employees shall wear visible identification at all times while on the premises of the Cemetery. Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the COR. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. The Government is not responsible for theft and/or damage to Contractor and/or Contractor’s employees from environmental events, wildlife, and/or non-Government personnel. The Cemetery will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions. Workers are not allowed to park throughout the cemetery grounds, and violation of this requirement shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery. Smoking is prohibited at all areas except where designated. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

I. Orientation for Contractor Employees:

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

a. Safety and Environmental Protection, and Fire Safety.

b. Project Work Schedule.

c. Rules Pertaining to Workers.

d. General Parameter Job Related Issues.

e. Disaster procedures.

f. All technical requirements of the project.

g. Treatment of Headstones

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

J. Labor Force and Equipment:

1. The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Contractor shall be responsible to provide, labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall provide additional resources necessary to meet or return to specified work requirements after special events and/or services. The Contractor shall determine the number of employees and the amount and kinds of equipment needed during the period of performance.

2. Employee Listing: The Contractor shall maintain and provide the COR a current list of all employees on site including subcontractor personnel. The list shall include the employee’s name, job title, and driver’s license number.

3. Employee Identification: The Contractor's employees shall wear visible identification at all times while on the premises of the Cemetery.

4. The Contractor’s employees shall wear safety gear and PPE. Reflective vests must be worn whenever working in and/or near roadways.

1.17 SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:

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

B. Matters related to safety, and any actions of the Contractor, shall meet all safety requirements of San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery's Safety Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, OSHA, and the State. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to be familiar with these requirements. "Safety" shall also include the Contractor having a safety representative who maintains regular and routine contact with the Safety Officer at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.

C. Adequate warning devices, barricades (such as orange construction fence), guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor at all work sites to eliminate hazards and for the protection, safety, and warning of all public visitors, pedestrians, cemetery employees, and vehicular traffic within the area. No holes in the ground shall be created in the course of this work. All work areas shall be barricaded for pedestrian safety while work is being done.

D. Contractor fuel storage containers shall be limited to those less than 55-gallon storage capacity. Any fuel storage shall comply with environmental laws and regulations.

E. Spill Prevention, Containment, and Clean-up: The Contractor shall contain, clean up, and report all spills on Government property in a manner that complies with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations or otherwise stated herein, and the installation spill control plan at no cost to the Government.

F. Dust Control: Keep dust down at all times, including during nonworking periods. Sprinkle or treat with dust suppressants, the soil at the site, haul roads, and other areas disturbed by operations. Dry power brooming will not be permitted. Instead, use vacuuming, wet mopping, wet sweeping, or wet power brooming.

1.18 FIRE SAFETY:

A. Applicable Publications: Publications listed below form part of this Article to the extent referenced. Publications are referenced in text by basic designations only.

1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

a. 10-2013 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

b. 70-2017 National Electrical Code

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

a. 29 CFR 1910 Safety and Health Regulations for Personal Protection, Safety Color Codes, Portable Power Tools, Electrical Safety and Portable Electric Equipment.

B. Fire Safety Plan: Establish and maintain a fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing service-specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports and submit to COR for review.

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

D. Separate temporary facilities, such as trailers, storage sheds, and dumpsters, from existing buildings and new construction by distances in accordance with NFPA 241. For small facilities with less than 6 m (20 feet) exposing overall length, separate by 3m (10 feet). Locate only in staging area approved by COR.

E. Temporary Electrical: Install, use, and maintain installations in accordance with 29 CFR 1910, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70. If temporary electrical is required, the Contractor shall notify the COR prior to use of Temporary Electrical Services.

F. Means of Egress: Do not block exiting for occupied buildings, including paths from exits to roads.

G. Fire Extinguishers: Provide and maintain extinguishers in service areas and temporary storage areas in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, 29 CFR 1910, NFPA 241 and NFPA 10.

H. Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Store, dispense and use liquids in accordance with 29 CFR 1910, NFPA 241 and NFPA 30.

I. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas.

1.19 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS:

A. Working space and space available for storing materials is to be where approved by COR in the Contractor’s “Staging Area”. The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the COR or Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall provide a keys to the COR for use in case of emergency.

B. Contractor Staging Areas: Primary staging area shall be directed by the COR, or Cemetery Director. The Contractor must install a 6-foot high chain link fence with no privacy screen fabric around this entire area for duration of the work in those sections. Contractor must base operations out of these staging areas, using it for materials, equipment storage, administration, employee toilets, trash dumpster area, employee parking, employee lunch/break area, etc. After completion of project work, Contractor must remove fencing and restore the area back to original condition.

C. Fence: Before work operations begin, Contractor shall provide a chain link fence, six feet minimum height, around the staging area. Provide gates as required for access with necessary hardware, including hasps and padlocks. Fasten fence fabric to terminal posts with tension bands and to line posts and top and bottom rails with tie wires spaced at maximum 15 inches. Bottom of fences shall extend to one inch above grade. After completion of project work, Contractor shall remove fencing and restore area back to original condition.

D. 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. It is understood that the VA will not be held responsible for any damage to the Contractor’s equipment, materials, supplies or the like which shall result from vandalism, theft etc. while on site.

E. Temporary buildings (e.g., storage sheds, shops, offices) and utilities shall be erected by the Contractor only with the approval of the COR and shall be built with labor and materials furnished by the Contractor without expense to the Government. The temporary buildings and utilities shall remain the property of the Contractor and shall be removed by the Contractor at its expense upon completion of the work.

F. 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. 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, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. The Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

G. Execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by others. Keep roads clear of service materials, debris, standing service equipment and vehicles at all times.

H. To minimize interference of service activities with flow of Cemetery traffic, comply with the following:

1. Keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, to parking and to occupied areas of buildings clear of materials, debris and standing service equipment and vehicles. At least one lane shall be open to traffic at all times.

2. Coordination of work with COR: The burial activities at the San Joaquin National Cemetery will take precedence over service activities. The Contractor shall cooperate and coordinate with the COR/Cemetery Director or authorized designee, in arranging schedule to cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities in actual burial areas. Work noise during the interment services shall not disturb the service.

1.20 THE GOVERNMENTS RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Upon award of the contract, the Government will inform the Contractor prior to commencing the work, of any known damages to the cemetery grounds, headstones/markers or any other areas that the Contractor is unaware of and not responsible for. In addition, upon award of the contract, a walk-through of the cemetery grounds will be scheduled by mutual agreement of the Government and Contractor, and will be attended by the COR, and appropriate Contractor personnel (to include the Contractor Supervisor and Project Manager). The Contracting Officer is an optional attendee.

B. The Government will not provide the Contractor with any furnishings, fuel storage, equipment, materials, restrooms, or telephones.

C. Notification of Non-Compliance: The COR will notify the CO of any detected non-compliance with the foregoing requirements. The Contractor shall take immediate corrective action after receipt of such notice from the CO. Such notice, when delivered to the Contractor at the work site, shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of notification. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order ceasing all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action has been taken. No part of the time lost due to such cessation direction shall be made the subject of claim for extension of time for excess costs or damages by the Contractor.

1.21 PHASING AND WORK SEQUENCING:

A. Contract work shall be accomplished in a sequenced manner, with work limited to occurring in no more than one contiguous area at any given time in order to minimize overall disruption to the cemetery. Requests to work on more than one contiguous area at a time may be submitted to the COR for approval. Approval/disapproval will be based on the impact to the cemetery operations and the progress and workmanship of the Contractor, as determined by the COR. Work cannot begin in subsequent areas until such time that work has been completed in prior areas. Submit proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project.

B. The Contractor shall provide a Work Plan in the form of a critical path timeline schedule (i.e., Gantt chart) showing sequence of section renovations listing each task and subtask, and total time required to complete the renovation. Submit proposed Work Plan in electronic and/or hard copy formats for COR review and approval prior to start of project. The Work Plan shall make considerations for weather delays, Federal holidays, and burial services. The schedule accounts for all work, is logical in its progression through the Cemetery, and is realistic and feasible given daily operations and delays which occur at the cemetery.

1.22 USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

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

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

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

D. Electricity and phone service will NOT be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s work area. (See “Contractor-Furnished Items”.)

1.23 SUPERVISION AND TRAINING:

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

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

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

1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): 10-2013 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

2.