SOW SOD MNC FY27 DRAFT.docx

Statement of Work (SOW) — Installation of Sod Massachusetts National Cemetery (MNC), Bourne, MA 02532 — FY26

1. Scope This Statement of Work (SOW) defines the requirements for furnishing and installing turfgrass sod, including delivery, installation, protection of property, and post-installation establishment activities at Massachusetts National Cemetery (MNC). The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, transportation, and supervision necessary to perform the work in accordance with this SOW.

2. Background MNC is a National Shrine that honors Veterans and their eligible family members. Cemetery operations include daily committal services and ceremonial events that take precedence over all contract work. Work must be coordinated to avoid interference with burial services and visitor activities.

3. Period and Place of Performance Place of Performance: Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne, MA 02532.

Period of Performance: Date of Award through 12 months, with two (2) optional 12‑month renewal periods, subject to Government need and funding.

4. Estimated Quantities and Ordering Estimated annual quantity: approximately 38,000 square feet of sod. The Government will place orders on an as‑needed basis in increments up to approximately 5,000 square feet per order.

Ordering method: Written orders by email from the COR or designated ordering official. The Contractor shall confirm receipt in writing within one (1) business day.

Advance notice: The Government will provide 48–72 hours notice before the required installation date.

5. Submittals Product Data: Sod farm source, harvest date/time, sod age, netting type (if any), and grass cultivar blend.

Certification: Weed-free and pest-free certification; statement of compliance with state and local agricultural regulations.

Quality Control Plan: Contractor’s plan for handling, storage, installation, seam closure, and protection of adjacent graves and markers.

Delivery Schedule: Proposed delivery and installation schedule for each order.

6. Materials Sod Composition: A premium cool-season turfgrass blend suitable for southeastern Massachusetts cemetery conditions. Unless otherwise directed by the Government, Kentucky bluegrass-dominant sod with compatible cultivars is required; blends may include fine fescue or perennial ryegrass to improve establishment and durability. The specific cultivar mix shall be proposed and approved by the COR before delivery.

Sod Roll Dimensions: Rolls shall be uniform; width shall not vary by more than 0.5 inches.

Sod Thickness: 0.75 to 1.0 inch soil thickness, measured exclusive of leaf blade length and thatch.

Sod Condition: Freshly cut on the day of installation; free of yellowing, mold, mildew, desiccation, or mechanical damage.

7. Site Preparation and Installation Site Preparation (by Contractor unless otherwise specified):

Scarify/loosen the top 1–2 inches of soil; remove stones >1 inch and debris; shape and grade to match adjacent surfaces.

Apply soil amendments if directed by the COR (e.g., lime or starter fertilizer) based on site conditions or soil tests provided by the Government.

Installation:

Lay sod tightly with staggered joints; do not overlap; close seams so that no visible gaps remain after installation.

Roll sod to ensure firm contact with subgrade and a smooth surface; maintain headstone alignment and avoid contact with markers.

Protect sod from drying and wind from harvest to installation; cover and shade as needed; installation shall occur the same day as harvest.

Equipment Restrictions: No trucks or delivery vehicles may enter pre‑placed crypt fields. Use lightweight equipment and approved routes designated by the COR.

8. Watering and Establishment Default: The Government will perform watering following installation.

Option (if selected by the Government at order level): Contractor shall provide initial watering at installation and daily watering for seven (7) calendar days or as directed by the COR. Pricing for this option shall be provided on the Price Schedule.

9. Protection of Property and Safety The Contractor shall protect all gravesites, markers, structures, utilities, and vegetation. Any damage caused by Contractor operations shall be repaired or replaced at no cost to the Government.

Comply with VA, NCA, OSHA, EPA, and applicable state/local safety and environmental regulations. Provide barricades and flaggers as needed.

10. Scheduling Constraints and Conduct Work Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; weekend work (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) requires advance notice and COR approval.

Burial Services Precedence: Cease work within approximately 1,000 feet of an active committal service; avoid noise and traffic through service areas during ceremonies.

Personnel Appearance and Conduct: Maintain professional attire (contractor-branded uniform or badge) and decorum appropriate to a National Shrine.

11. Quality Assurance and Acceptance Government Quality Assurance: The COR will inspect deliveries and installation, verify quantities, and confirm compliance.

Acceptance Criteria: Uniform coverage with seams closed; sod firmly rooted within 21–30 days; surface even with adjacent grades; ≤0.25 inch gap at seams; no disease or weeds observed at acceptance.

Warranty/Replacement: The Contractor shall replace at no cost any sod that fails to establish due to Contractor materials or workmanship within 30 days of installation (or within the establishment period defined by weather).

12. Communications and Ordering Authority The Contracting Officer (CO) is the only official authorized to modify contract terms, conditions, scope, price, or period of performance. The COR provides technical direction and day-to-day coordination but may not change contract terms.

The Government will provide a written COR designation letter at award defining COR authority and limitations.

13. Debris and Waste Removal The Contractor shall remove from the cemetery all debris generated by deliveries and installation at the end of each workday; the Government will not provide disposal receptacles for Contractor waste.

14. Holidays and Weather Contract work will not occur on Federal holidays observed by the Department of Veterans Affairs unless specifically authorized by the CO. When a holiday falls on a weekend, the Government will observe the holiday per Federal guidelines.

Adverse Weather: Suspend operations in conditions that would cause rutting, tracking, or damage to turf; resume only when conditions permit.

15. Invoicing and Payment Submit invoices after acceptance of each order through the VA Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) or other system specified in the contract. Invoices shall include order number, quantity (square feet), unit price, extended price, and date of installation.

16. Price Schedule (Example)

- Line Item 0001: Sod delivery and installation, per square foot.

- Option Service: Contractor watering (if exercised), per square foot or per day.