4_PWS.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES

AT THE OGDEN, UTAH

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE CENTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

C.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C.2. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - Recurring Weekly/Monthly

C.2.1. Lawn Mowing, Trimming, and Edging C.2.2. Weed Control (Non-Lawn Areas) C.2.3. Irrigation/Sprinkler System C.2.4. Landscaped Areas C.2.5. Shrubbery and Vegetation C.2.6. Tree Maintenance C.2.7. Policing of Grounds

C.3. GROUNDS SERVICES - Set Rate of Service/As Needed

C.3.1. Irrigation/Sprinkler System C.3.2. Irrigation/Sprinkler Parts C.3.3. Lawn Applications C.3.4. Aeration and De-Thatching C.3.5. Lawn Repair C.3.6. Landscaped Areas C.3.7. Shrubbery and Vegetation C.3.8. Tree Services C.3.9. Insects, Diseases, and Vegetation Health C.3.10. North and East Fields C.3.11. Sweep Parking Lot/Roadways/Gutters

C.4. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLANS AND REPORTS

C.5. WORK HOURS

C.6. CLEANUP AND DISPOSAL

C.7. CHEMICAL USE

C.8. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

C.9. HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND INJURIES

C.10. LOST AND FOUND PROPERTY

C.11. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

C.12. INSPECTION BY THE GOVERNMENT

C.13. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

C.14. PERSONNEL SECURITY CLEARANCES

SCOPE OF WORK

C.1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C.1.1. The Contractor shall provide grounds maintenance services at the Ogden IRS Service Center located at 1160 West 1200 South, Ogden, UT 84404. The property borders 1200 South and 1200 West and is located in Ogden, Utah.

C.1.2. The anticipated period of performance for this contract is March 1 through November 30, weather permitting.

C.1.3. The Contractor shall provide all management, supervision, administration, labor, quality control, expertise, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, and transportation, etc. necessary to fulfill this contract at the highest quality while ensuring effective and timely performance of all services described. Services contained in this contract will require work in a variety of weather conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, rain, wind, etc. The Contractor shall coordinate, communicate, and report to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at all times and in all circumstances.

C.1.4. This grounds maintenance contract covers the entirety of the Ogden IRS Service Center property including but not limited to lawns, flowerbeds, shrubs, trees, paved surfaces, sidewalks, parking lots, atrium's, driveways, outside loading docks, sprinkler systems, irrigation systems, weed control, chemical applications, and grounds outside the fence lines but within the facility borders. The Contractor shall schedule and perform all work as to cause the least interference with the normal operation of the facility. In those cases where some interference may be unavoidable the Contractor shall make every effort to minimize the impact while coordinating with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

C.2. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

-Ensures basic continuous operation, maintenance, services, tasks, etc. needed for standard operation and functionality of the IRS Service Center property. Recurring regularly throughout contract season weekly and monthly. Invoiced at regular monthly rate inclusively. Provide cost breakdown for each included service.

C.2.1. Lawn Mowing, Trimming, and Edging.

C.2.1.1. Mowing of all lawn areas shall be accomplished weekly during the contract season which is estimated to be from March 1 to November 30. Weekly the Contractor will mow all lawn areas including but not limited to lawns, along sidewalks, near shrubs, rock landscaped areas, flowerbeds, buildings, and other structures to maintain an even height between 3 and 5 inches. The childcare lawn area shall be mowed when no children are present. Childcare lawn area shall be mowed 2 to 3 inches high during the season due to insects impacting the children.

Lawns shall be mowed to an even and consistent height across the entire lawn. Mowing shall be accomplished in a manner that is free of including but not limited to scalping, rutting, uneven height, rough cutting, damaging actions, damage from equipment tires, etc. The Contractor shall coordinate a dedicated mowing & service time for the childcare area, Café West area, and to service the atriums and cooling tower areas with the COR.

C.2.1.2. The lawns may be mowed with a mulching mower except for the childcare grounds.

After mowing no visible grass clippings shall be left including but not limited to lawns, landscaping, walks, roads, & driveways, and clumps of mowed grass on lawns or otherwise.

When bagging the grass clippings, the clippings shall be collected and disposed of appropriately.

Leaves, branches, twigs and debris shall not be mulched and must be picked up or bagged. No mowing equipment shall leave tire marks on any hard surfaces and shall be removed if left including but not limited to rubber from tires, dirt, or grass stains on pavement, concrete, walks, & driveways.

C.2.1.3. Trimming operations shall be considered a part of the grass cutting and shall be accomplished concurrently with grass cutting operations. Grass cutting will not be considered complete until all trimming and edging operations are accomplished. The Contractor shall trim and edge the property including but not limited to around sidewalks, driveways, curbing, rock landscaped areas, concrete mow strip, any paved surfaces, fence lines, etc. The edges of all paved surfaces, including curbs, sidewalks, concrete mow strip, driveways, and any other paved surfaces shall be trimmed or edged in a clean line so that there is no vegetation closer than 1/4 inch to the concrete or paved area. Trimming and edging shall be accomplished in a manner that is free of scalping, rutting, damage, uneven height or rough cutting. Those areas inaccessible to mowers including but not limited to under fences shall also be trimmed and maintain a uniform height to match the height and appearance of adjacent mowed lawn.

C.2.1.4. After services all cuttings and debris shall be cleaned up including but not limited to sidewalks, mow strip, flowerbeds, landscaped areas, paved areas, all driveways, parking areas, sidewalks, gutters, etc.

C.2.2. Weed Control (Non-Lawn Areas).

C.2.2.1. All areas shall be kept weed free and control undesired vegetation with weekly weeding and as needed throughout the contract season. Weeds shall be eliminated as they become visible.

All weeds taller/wider than 3 inches must be pulled. Weeds under the 3 inches may be sprayed and then pulled immediately after dying. Exceptions to this can be coordinated with the COR.

Upon COR approval herbicides or sterilant may be employed for weed elimination where no desired vegetation is impacted.

C.2.2.2. Weekly and as needed weeding and undesired vegetation control shall include but not limited to all landscaped areas, rock areas, sidewalks, pavement, parking lots, driveways, curbs, paved areas, flowerbeds, the entire length of perimeter fence, inside and out along the 12th Street roadway and Tomlinson roadway, etc. The Contractor shall control weed and vegetation at and around all Security gate areas. All areas shall be kept weed free and free from all undesired vegetation, tree sprouts, unintended growths, etc.

C.2.2.3. The cooling tower yard, enclosed utility meter, atriums, and north enclosure areas shall be kept free of debris, grass, tree growth, weeds, any undesired vegetation, etc. weekly and as needed. Access to these areas must be coordinated with the COR.

C.2.2.4. The field walking path on the north and east sides of the beltway shall be maintained weekly within the path to eliminate weeds and undesired vegetation. The Contractor shall control weeds and vegetation within 1 foot of the railroad ties along the beltway boarding the fields.

Vegetation shall not be higher than the top of the railroad ties. The north and east perimeter fence line shall be free of all vegetation up to a level where the bottom of the fence can be visually inspected.

C.2.3. Irrigation/Sprinkler System.

C.2.3.1. The Contractor shall provide all equipment, tools, supplies, materials and any other items necessary to start up the sprinkler system at the Ogden IRS Service Center. The startup and first checkout of all sprinkler timers, stations, valves, sprinklers, etc. shall be done at the beginning of the season. The Contractor shall provide and install the backup batteries in each sprinkler timer during startup and any other tasks needed for sprinkler startup. The Contractor shall coordinate the startup schedule with the COR.

C.2.3.2. The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, tools, supplies, parts, materials and any other items necessary to maintain the sprinkler system at the Ogden IRS Service Center.

Regular maintenance on a weekly basis shall include minor repairs not requiring extensive digging including but not limited to nozzles, broken heads, and broken drip lines, exposed drip and sprinkler lines in landscaped areas, etc.

C.2.3.3. Contractor shall continually and regularly program timers and adjust sprinklers to provide adequate coverage of all areas as needed. Contractor shall monitor all areas covered by the sprinkler system at least on a weekly basis. The Contractor is responsible for adjusting the sprinkler system so as not to spray on building, windows, vehicles, etc. Additional watering may be needed in areas through the use of a hose or other means which will be provided by the Contractor.

C.2.3.4. The Contractor must meet all watering restrictions or watering schedule as directed by the COR. The watering schedule shall be submitted and approved by the COR. The watering cycles will be timed to cause the least inconvenience to the building occupants and visitors.

Lawn areas shall be water between dusk and 6am. The COR may request emergency water shut offs or changes to the sprinkler system schedule.

C.2.3.5. Contractor shall provide all equipment, tools, supplies, materials and any other items necessary to winterize the sprinkler system at the Ogden IRS Service Center. Winterizing of the system shall at a minimum consist of opening bleeds, blowing lines out, shutting off main water supply, and any other necessary steps needed to ensure the irrigation system remains in working condition. Contractor shall coordinate the winterizing schedule with the COR.

C.2.4. Landscaped Areas.

C.2.4.1. At the beginning of the contract season the landscaped areas, flowerbeds, and flowerpots, etc. shall be cleared of weeds, debris, etc. and prepared for the growing season according to the best practices of the trade. All bed edging shall be realigned as needed.

C.2.4.2. All landscaped area including but not limited to rock/mulch/bark in areas shall be well groomed and maintained weekly throughout the contract season. All landscaped areas shall be kept free of weeds and debris throughout the contract season weekly. Rock/bark/mulch shall be raked as needed to keep a consistent natural appearance. Landscape materials found displaced shall be returned accordingly. Drip and sprinkler lines that become exposed shall be covered.

C.2.5. Shrubbery and Vegetation.

C.2.5.1. All shrubbery shall be maintained throughout the contract season to maintain health, growth, and appearance as needed weekly. Dead, diseased, or damaged areas shall be pruned weekly. The Contractor shall prune or remove growth including, but not limited to in front of windows, entranceways, walks, and where vision is obstructed, obstructed areas, etc. weekly and as directed by the COR. The Contractor shall notify the COR in writing of the type and location of dead plants needing to be removed and recommended replacement. All plantings shall be maintained throughout their life at all flowerbed locations. Plantings in flowerbeds, flowerpots, rose bushes, etc. shall be kept free of faded, dead, and spent blooms and plants weekly.

C.2.5.2. The Contractor shall insure correct soil conditions, watering, etc. are maintained to provide the correct environment, health conditions, and promote growth for the species of plant, shrub, tree, flowers, etc. throughout the contract season.

C.2.5.3. Shrubs, rose bushes, etc. shall be pruned, or cut back as needed or direct, fully twice in the contract season to maintain their natural growth characteristics, to manage, maintained, and promote health. Pruning shall be even in form and balance to shape the plant according to its natural growth habits and best practices of the trade. This full pruning is in addition to regular maintenance.

C.2.5.4. At the end of the season the Contractor shall complete a third full property trimming, pruning, cut back of all shrubbery including but not limited to shrubs, plants, flowers, and trees in preparation for winter according to the best practices of the trade. At the end of the growing season the Contractor shall remove and dispose of all dead plants, annuals, and debris in the flowerbeds and flowerpots. Flowerbeds and flowerpots shall then be prepared for the next growing season according to the best practices of the trade.

C.2.6. Tree Maintenance.

C.2.6.1. The Contractor shall ensure all tree limbs along sidewalks, walking paths, driveways, parking areas, and in all atriums, etc. are kept trimmed to 7 feet above ground level weekly. The Contractor shall ensure all tree limbs along the sides of the buildings in their entirety are trimmed 7 feet away from buildings weekly. Tree pruning is required throughout the contract season for security reasons, to prevent trees from being hazardous to pedestrians, vehicular traffic, damaging to power lines, structures, obstructions, etc. within the 7-foot minimum weekly. The Contractor shall remove sprouts that grow from the trunk to the height of the first major lateral limb weekly. The Contractor shall remove unintended growths of trees and downed branches throughout the property weekly and as needed.

C.2.6.2. Leaves, branches, twigs, pinecones, and pine needles etc. shall be removed weekly across property with extra attention paid in the autumn season.

C.2.7. Policing of Grounds.

C.2.7.1. All IRS grounds shall be policed weekly in its entirety and at the end of each workday at the location where work was performed for debris of any kind including but not limited to tree branches, twigs, leaves, weeds, trash, paper, rubbish, pinecones, pine needles, any other debris, etc. This shall include inside and outside the perimeter fences along 12th street and Tomlinson roadway. All landscaped areas shall be kept free of weeds and all debris throughout the contract season weekly.

C.2.7.2. The north and east perimeter fence line shall be visually inspected. When gaps are noticed along the bottom of the fence the Contractor shall notify the COR and fill the gaps up to the bottom of the fence line.

C.2.7.3. At the end of the contract season the Contractor shall complete a full property wide cleanup including but not limited to debris types of any kind including but not limited to tree branches, twigs, leaves, weeds, trash, paper, rubbish, pinecones, pine needles, any other debris, etc.

C.3. GROUNDS SERVICES

-Occurring at a set rate of service and/or as needed. Invoiced per job individually.

C.3.1. Irrigation/Sprinkler System.

C.3.1.2. The Contractor shall be responsible to maintain and service all irrigations needs on the property including but not limited to major repairs, capping, installing, removing sprinkler systems, broken lines, leaks, valves, drip systems, and electrical connections/components or sprinklers, etc. Sprinkler services, installations, repairs, etc. shall be completed with 72 hours of beginning service, unless arranged with the COR. Sprinkler services, installations, repairs, etc.

where lawn, shrubs, flowers, landscaping are impacted, the Contractor shall return area to original condition within 48 hours after repair is completed. All work must be approved and authorized by the COR. Summary, documentation, and status of work progress shall be included in weekly reports.

C.3.2. Irrigation/Sprinkler Parts.

C.3.2.1. All parts used must be of at least equal quality and specifications to parts being replaced or high-quality products in accordance with industry standards for commercial/large scale properties. Contractor shall include an itemize list of parts needed and the costs in the written proposal submitted to the COR.

C.3.3. Lawn Applications.

C.3.3.1. The Contractor shall account for the climate and geographical area while performing all chemical applications including but not limited to fertilization, herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, etc. in a manner that promotes proper health, growth, weed control, color and appearance of all lawn areas. Chemicals used shall contain the appropriate nutrients for lawn needs and seasonal conditions. The Contractor shall apply balanced commercial chemicals to entire lawn areas and any other areas requiring chemicals. In conjunction with full chemical applications to the entire lawn areas, but not to replace, the Contractor may also spot treat as needed.

C.3.4. Aeration & De-thatching.

C.3.4.1. Plug aeration shall be accomplished to the entire lawn areas and should achieve a 2 to 3 inch penetration of soil.

C.3.4.2. If needed and approved by COR, De-thatching it will be done using a vertical powered de-thatcher and any debris collected and disposed of.

C.3.5. Lawn Repair.

C.3.5.1. Grass repair may be repaired with the placement of topsoil that is raked, fertilized, seeded, or sodded, or overseeded and watered to reestablish healthy grass as the situation warrants or as directed by the COR. Establishment shall include watering and providing any other continuing care as necessary to firmly establish new grass growth and ensure proper development. Grass repaired areas that die or fail to develop noticeable growth for a period after seeding or sodding shall be repaired again by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

C.3.6. Landscaped Areas.

C.3.6.1. As directed by the COR, landscape materials shall be installed in the landscaped areas where needed. The landscape material installed shall be of the same type, consistency, color, and quality level as the original landscape design, unless directed differently by the COR.

C.3.7. Shrubbery and Vegetation.

C.3.7.1. The Contractor shall plant annual flowers, perennials, and shrubs in existing flowerbeds.

This shall be done as soon as possible at the beginning of the growing season. Quantities needed and varieties necessary shall be coordinated with the COR.

C.3.7.3. All dead shrubs shall be removed as directed by the COR. Contractor shall replace any dead shrubs that have been removed with new shrubs coordinated with the COR. At the direction of the COR additional plantings may be needed. Holes resulting from removed shrubs shall be filled in and the surface prepared to match the surrounding surface. Establishment of shrubs and plants shall include watering, fertilizing and provide all other continuing care as necessary to firmly establish the new planting and ensure proper development. Unsuccessful plantings shall be warrantied by the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

C.3.8. Tree Services.

C.3.8.1. Trees shall be pruned to control growth, remove unwanted growth, and encourage trees to grow or respond in a desired manner. Tree pruning is required throughout the year for security reasons and to prevent trees from being hazardous to pedestrians, vehicular traffic, damaging to power lines, structures, etc. beyond the 7-foot maintenance standard minimum. Contractor shall ensure that tree limbs are kept trimmed from blocking security cameras as directed and first approved by the COR. All pruning must be done in a manner consistent with the standard anatomical requirements of the specific tree type, location, and size according to best practices of the trade. The Contractor shall remove all dead, damaged, diseased wood, structurally weak limbs, etc. that may cause a safety hazard, unsightly appearance, or affect the health of the tree.

The Contractor may also be directed by the COR to prune certain branches.

C.3.8.2. Tree removal and planting may be needed throughout the contract season as directed by the COR. All tree removal must be performed with expert capabilities, equipment, and best practices and safety standards of the industry. After tree removal, stumps shall be ground down to a minimum of 6 inches below level ground. The Contractor shall replace any trees removed as directed by the COR. At the direction of the COR new trees may need to be planted on the property. Establishment of new trees shall include watering, fertilizing, and provide all other continuing care as necessary to firmly establish the new tree and ensure proper development.

When needed the Contractor shall provide and use sufficient stakes and guide wires to keep trees standing in an upright position. Unsuccessful plantings shall be warrantied for time and labor by the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

C.3.9. Insects, Diseases, and Vegetation Health.

C.3.9.1. The Contractor shall protect all cultivated vegetation on the property including but not limited to trees, lawns, shrubs, plants, roses, flowers, ground cover, fields, and other vegetation from disease, insects, and other pests, etc. as is necessary with COR approval and coordination.

C.3.9.2. The Contractor shall account for the geographical area and climate while performing all chemical applications including but not limited to fertilization, herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, etc. in a manner that promotes proper health, growth, weed control, color, and appearance of all of cultivated vegetation on the property.

C.3.10. North and East Fields.

C.3.10.1. The north and east fields between the IRS perimeter fence and the beltway shall be mowed up to three times annually as needed to a height of 5 to 7 inches. In areas of the fields where mower access is not possible the Contractor shall use other means to cut all vegetation to the mowed height. This includes but not limited to, around trees, tables, benches, rocks, and other debris.

C.3.11. Sweep Parking Lot/Roadways/Gutters.

C.3.11.1. The Contractor shall commercially sweep the entire parking lot, roadways, driveways, gutters, gate entrances, paved access roads, and areas leading up to the building. Sweeping shall be completed two times per year or as directed by the COR. Debris shall be manually removed from those areas that cannot be reached by a commercial sweeper such as corners, uneven surfaces of parking lot, and gutters, etc. The first sweeping shall be completed at the beginning of the contract season.

C.4. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLANS AND REPORTS

C.4.1. An Annual Grounds Maintenance plan shall be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to the COR for review and approval prior to the contract start date. The plan shall include the anticipated schedule for all services to be performed for the entire contract season. The plan shall also include security clearances needed, submission of personnel names, onsite supervisory personnel with decision making authority to direct the work and accept work assignments from the COR and manage contractor personnel, and contact information for daily and after-hours personnel. Submission of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and methods of application, submission of Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP), and any other relevant or requested information.

C.4.2. The Contractor shall turn in a detailed weekly written summary report which specifically provide where, when, who, and what work was performed, the progress/status of any ongoing projects, and any other relevant information. In addition, due normal adjustments throughout the season, the weekly summary shall include the anticipated work plan for the upcoming week with the details as previously stated. The weekly summary report shall be turned into the COR no later than Monday. If Monday fall on a holiday, the logs shall be submitted the next business day. The reports shall also include additional security clearances required, all additional MSDS required not already submitted, and any other required or requested documentation. If corrections need to be made to a prior weekly report the Contractor shall submit a revised complete report including the incorrect information listed with the now corrected information provided and noted.

C.4.3. For any Time and Materials work, a written proposal must be first submitted to the COR for approval before any work can begin. No contract work shall commence until the COR’s written approval is given, unless already approved prior. The COR will provide a written approval and authorization to begin work. The proposal at a minimum should include a detailed description of service being performed, location, labor hours, cost as accurately as is possible, parts cost, completion timeframe, and any other relevant information and documentation. Changes to the plan shall be requested in writing and submitted to the COR and written approval will be given prior to implementation. If additional work still needs to be done above the original proposal parameters, the Contractor will stop work and shall submit an additional written proposal with explanation for the additional work and must receive the COR’s written approval and authorization before proceeding beyond the original proposal parameters.

C.5. WORK HOURS

C.5.1. The preponderance of the work required under this contract shall be accomplished during the contracted season. All work must be scheduled at an appropriate time so as not to interfere with agency activities. Work shall normally be performed during the working hours of 5:00 a.m- 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and weekends unless prior approval from the COR is arranged. The Contractor and the COR may agree to have work performed other than the standard working days and hours. Weekend work may be required for certain grounds maintenance services in this contract and at no additional expense to the government. Such arrangements shall be made with the COR.

C.6. CLEANUP & DISPOSAL

C.6.1. The Contractor is responsible for gathering, transporting, and disposing of all materials resulting from work processes off IRS property the same day as work performed. Debris shall be disposed of appropriately and shall not be disposed of in any IRS dumpster, or anywhere on IRS property. The Contractor shall be responsible for any and all hauling and disposal costs.

C.7. CHEMICAL USE

C.7.1. All chemicals shall be approved by the COR and shall be accompanied by the required MSDS before use. All chemical applications shall be accomplished in coordination with the COR. All chemicals shall be applied in strict accordance with the product manufacturer's recommendations/labeling and the applicable EPA, federal, state, local laws, and regulations.

Any chemical application shall be done in accordance with the best practices of the trade and follow procedures recommended by the manufacturer of the product. All chemicals shall be delivered in the original unopened containers bearing the manufacturer’s chemical analysis, name, trade name, trademark, and indication of conformance to state, local, and federal laws and regulations.

In lieu of containers, fertilizer may be furnished in bulk if accompanied by a certificate indicating the above information with each delivery.

C.7.2. Any granule or sprayed chemicals that are not in their intended location shall be cleaned up promptly and appropriately. Chemicals in the Childcare area shall be applied when no children are present. No chemical shall be applied in non-lawn play areas.

C.7.3. Any areas determined to have been omitted, overlooked, or unsatisfactorily addressed during an application will be redone by the Contractor within one week of notification by the COR at no additional expense to the Government.

C.8. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

C.8.1. All associated expenses that may result from any damage to any IRS property including but not limited to vegetation, plants, trees, structures, buildings, fences, windows, sprinklers, vehicles, personnel, employee property, etc. by means of including but not limited to physical, chemical, accidental, neglect, performance, or improper care, etc. shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to correct, repaired, or replaced timely as set by the COR and at no additional cost to the Government. Replacement shall be of equal quality and specifications and shall be approved in advance by the COR. Any other replacement will be at the COR’s discretion. Any and all instances shall be reported to the COR within 2 hours. The Contractor will not drive anything on the lawns except for authorized equipment approved by the COR.

C.8.2. Before any digging or associated work involving utilities or IRS property occurs, Blue Stakes and any other required or needed surveyors/companies/experts shall be contacted and scheduled by the Contractor to assess the property in order to survey the area and mark for utilities, lines, pipes, etc. to prevent any damage to underground installations, utilities, or IRS property before any work begins with COR coordination and approval. The Contractor shall communicate with the local electric company, any other agencies, surveyors, experts, etc. as required before cutting branches or performing tree removal.

C.9. HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND INJURIES

C.9.1. Supervisors shall report all injuries, loss of or damage to government property, badges, access cards, keys, etc., and any and all hazardous conditions to the COR immediately after occurring or identifying. The Contractor may be liable for all expenses that may occur.

C.9.2. Any holes, tree work, heavy equipment work, etc. and any other situations/conditions that are potentially a safety issue resulting from work under this contract will be required have the area secured appropriately and clearly marked.

C.10. LOST AND FOUND PROPERTY

C.10.1. The Contractor shall ensure that all property, personal property, or items of monetary value found by any contractor personnel shall be turned over to the COR that day.

C.11. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

C.11.1. The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) that contains, at a minimum a description of the Contractor’s inspection system to cover all tasks and services listed in this performance work statement and contract. The description shall include specifics as to the quality standards, areas to be inspected on a scheduled and unscheduled basis, frequency of inspections, submission of quality control inspections, and the title and organizational placement of the inspectors.

C.11.2. The Contractor is required to provide a schedule indicating when each of these inspections will be performed. The Contractor shall implement and be accountable for all necessary work control procedures at the highest quality while ensuring timely accomplishment of work requirements as well as to permit tracking of work in progress before inspection by the Government. The Contractor shall plan and schedule work to assure labor, equipment, materials, and expertise are available to complete the tasks to the highest quality standards. Written status reports shall be provided as directed in the contract and when requested by the COR.

C.11.3. Services performed under this contract shall be subject to inspection and approval.

Quality work is required, and careless performance or unsatisfactory work shall not be allowed.

The Contractor shall have 2 business days to correct deficiencies once notified in order to improve the work results, except in emergency/urgent situations determined by the COR. If performance of any service is unsatisfactory the Government may reduce the contract payments to reflect the decreased value of the services rendered in accordance with the PRS and/or applicable laws and regulations.

C.12. INSPECTION BY THE GOVERNEMENT

C.12.1. The Government has assigned a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to ensure compliance with all contract specifications, terms, and conditions, and to perform those services as provided under the "Inspection and Acceptance" clause of the General Provisions. The COR will, on a periodic basis, (1) review the performance of services under the contract; (2) check and report progress to the Contracting Officer in accordance with the Contractor's submitted work schedule;(3) receive, check and verify complaints related to alleged contractor non-compliance and; (4) re- inspect those areas reportedly corrected.

C.12.2. The COR and other designated monitors will make periodic inspection of these areas for which contractual services are to be provided. Deficiencies found by or reported to the COR shall be brought to the attention of the Contractors designated personnel. Any and all deficiencies so identified must be corrected by the Contractor within 2 business days of notification, except in emergency/urgent situation determined by the COR.

C.13. CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

C.13.1. Contractor shall designated personnel in a supervisory position who have authority to directly manage the work force and act for the Contractor with decision making authority and shall be on the premises and available during any work and/or when any Contractor personnel are onsite. The designated supervisors shall have the authority to accept and sign for notices of deduction, inspection reports, requests from the COR for additional work, and any other discussions or correspondence that may arise, etc. The Contractor shall provide adequate on-site supervisory supervision while contract work is in progress to ensure that all contract requirements are met. All supervisor personnel engaged in directing the work to be accomplished shall be expertly experienced in working tasks similar to the scope of the work needed to maintain the IRS grounds. The Government will not directly or indirectly supervise contract personnel. In addition, all supervisors shall be able to speak, read, understand, and write the English language and be able to apply written/verbal rules and follow written/verbal instructions.

C.13.2. All Contractor personnel coming onsite must sign in and then sign out each workday in the provided logbook located at the main security station.

C.13.3. Parking while on the property shall be done in available parking stalls, yellow line areas, or as directed by security or the COR. No parking is allowed curbside to the building. Only temporary and immediate unloading or loading may be done curbside to the building. All equipment and materials including but not limited to gas cans, trash containers, tools, mowing equipment, etc. must not be left unattended on the property or must be secured on the Contractor’s vehicles/trailers at all times.

C.13.4. The Contractor shall provide the COR with at least two names with contact information as point of contacts able to respond to emergencies/urgent situations including but not limited to irrigation, downed branches/trees, etc. The Contractor personnel shall respond and be on-site within 2 hours after notification. Emergency/urgent point of contacts shall be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the duration of the contract season.

C.14. PERSONNEL SECURITY CLEARANCES

C.14.1. All contractor personnel shall be subject to a security check by the Government to establish eligibility to perform under this contract. The IRS shall clear each employee through its security check procedures before acceptance. The Contractor shall send clearances to the COR at least 48 business hours prior for any personnel coming onsite, which shall include the full name listed on a legally accepted government Id and the company name they are employed with. If a person is not a U.S. citizen or a legally admitted alien with a valid work permit, conviction of a felony, has a crime of violence, or a serious misdemeanor, or a record of arrests for continuing offenses they shall not be allowed to work under this contract.

C.14.2. The Contractor shall not employ persons for work on this contract if such employee is considered by the COR to be a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general wellbeing, or operational mission, etc. to the IRS installation and/or its population. Employees with unsatisfactory or derogatory reports are subject to IRS rejection and may be barred from working under the contract. If the COR receives an unsuitable report on any Contractor personnel or if the COR finds prospective personnel to be unsuitable or unfit for the assigned duties, the Contractor shall be advised immediately that such employee cannot continue to work or be assigned to work under the contract.

(a) Removal from Duty - The Contracting Officer or the COR may require the Contractor to immediately remove any employee from the work site should it be determined that individuals are being assigned to duty who have been disqualified for suitability or security reasons or found to be otherwise unfit to perform their duties.

(b) Neglect of duty, including sleeping while on the work site, unreasonable delays or failure to carry out assigned tasks, and conducting personal affairs during official time.

(c) Falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omissions from official documents or records.

(d) Disorderly conduct, use of abusive language, quarreling, unjustified intimidation by words or deeds or fighting. Also, participation in disruptive activities, which interfere with the normal and efficient operation of the Government, is ground for removal.

(e) Theft, vandalism, immoral conduct, or any other criminal actions shall not be tolerated.

(f) There shall be no selling, consuming, or being under the influence of intoxicants, drugs, or substances which produce similar effects.

C.14.3. If staff-like badges are determined by the COR to be issued to Contractor personnel working inside the building, the Contractor shall submit to the COR the required documentation and forms for badge issuance and security background checks and clearances. Badging clearances will include a complete background investigation and fingerprinting. The Government shall provide all necessary forms and information. The Contractor shall provide time for his employees to accomplish these processes at no additional cost to the government. If issued, the Contractor shall return all badges and any keys, etc. to the COR at the end of the contract season or completion of work.