4 SOW Grounds Maintenance 8-28-24.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

ZSU CERAP and Puerto Rico NAVAIDS Facilities Grounds Maintenance i

Table of Contents

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.0 RESERVED

3.0 REQUIREMENTS

3.1 WORK OUTSIDE REGULAR HOURS

3.2 MANAGEMENT

3.2.1 Work Control

3.2.3 Herbicides and Pesticides

3.3 CONTINUITY OF SERVICES

3.4 MAINTENANCE (FACILITIES AREAS)

3.4.1 Grass Cutting

3.4.2 Edging

3.4.3 Plant and Shrub Pruning

3.4.4 Cultivation and Mulching of Shrubs, Hedges, and Flower Beds

3.4.5 Fertilization

3.4.6 Trash and Litter Collection and Disposal

3.5 INDEFINITE QUANTITY WORK ITEMS

3.5.1 Raking

3.5.2 Tree Removal

3.5.3 Stump and Above Ground Root Removal

3.5.4 Grassing

3.5.5 Erosion Control

3.5.6 Underbrushing

3.5.7 Tree Pruning

3.5.8 Irrigation

3.5.9 Ditch Cleaning

3.5.10 Tree and Shrub Establishment

4.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICE

4.1 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES

4.2 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT

4.3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIAL

4.4 AVAILABILITY OF UTILITIES

4.5 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

5.0 DEFINITIONS

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this SOW is to obtain grounds maintenance services at the ZSU CERAP and Puerto Rico NAVAIDS facilities by means of a combination firm fixed-price and indefinite quantity contract.

1.1 General Requirements

The Contractor must furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, and materials necessary to provide grounds maintenance services in accordance with the requirements specified herein. The operations to be performed must include cutting grass, edging, fertilization, collection and disposal of litter and trash, vegetation cutting and removal, underbrushing, grassing, sodding, sprigging, erosion control, tree and shrub pruning, tree and stump removal, irrigation, ditch cleaning, and other miscellaneous services as described herein. All operations will be performed pursuant to Executive Orders 13423 and 13514, and the FAA Green Procurement Plan (GPP). As such, the Contractor must use environmentally preferable products and services. These program elements include, but are not limited to: products and services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, bio based, non-ozone depleting, contain recycled-content, and non-toxic or less-toxic alternatives; diversion of non-hazardous waste and construction and demolition debris from landfills, including composting; alternative fuels use and fuel efficient vehicles and equipment, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and integrated pest management. These program elements are described on the Office of the Federal Environment Executive website (http://www.ofee.gov).

2.0 Reserved

3.0 Requirements

3.1 Work Outside Regular Hours

Except as may otherwise be specified, all work must be performed during regular hours. If the Contractor desires to carry on work on Saturday, Sunday, holidays, or outside regular hours, he/she may submit application to the ACO for approval.

3.2 Management

The Contractor must manage the total work effort associated with the grounds maintenance services required herein to assure fully adequate and timely completion of these services. Included in this function will be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, report preparation, and quality control. The Contractor must provide an adequate staff of personnel with the necessary management expertise to assure the performance of the work in accordance with sound and efficient management practices.

3.2.1 Work Control

The Contractor must implement all necessary work control procedures to ensure timely accomplishment of work requirements, as well as to permit tracking of work in progress. The Contractor must plan and schedule work to assure labor, equipment, and material are available to complete work requirements within the specified time limits and in conformance with the quality standards established herein. Verbal scheduling and status reports must be provided when requested by the Government Representative.

3.2.3 Herbicides and Pesticides

The Contractor must manage pests and invasive and noxious weeds via the least toxic means available.

Dirt, moisture, clutter, foodstuffs, and building penetration must be controlled and baits and traps must be used in lieu of pesticides. The Contractor must also use bio-based products (designated BioPreferred by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Herbicide and pesticide controls must be formulated to target specific pests and must be implemented only when pests have reached aesthetic or health thresholds verified by the ACO. The Contractor must not perform regularly scheduled, periodic pesticide or herbicide applications except in situations where no other approach or technology is available to protect personnel or property of high value. If herbicides or pesticides are to be used, the application must occur during unoccupied hours and the Contractor must be licensed by the applicable State agency to provide pesticide application in the categories specified in this contract. All work must be under the superintendence of a certified, responsible individual, and in accordance with Federal, State, local laws and requirements. The Contractor must submit Material Safety Data Sheets meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313 for all hazardous chemicals to be used.

3.2.3.1 Control Methods

The Contractor must utilize only herbicides registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Use must be in strict compliance with label directions for the control of the target weeds. Herbicides selected, application rates, and application techniques must have the prior approval of the ACO. Additionally, the Contractor must control pests using integrated pest management principles (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm).

3.2.3.2 Trash, Litter, and Vegetative Debris Collection and Disposal The Contractor must collect trash, litter, and vegetative debris (e.g., natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, limbs, and stumps) in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in all maintenance levels (further described below) at the frequency specified in Attachment #5, dispose of it in the appropriate waste, recycling, or composting receptacles. In accordance with EO 13514, FAA is required to divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non-hazardous waste generated as a result of its operations. In support of meeting this requirement, the Contractor must divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non-hazardous waste generated as a result of the Contractor’s work, to the maximum extent feasible. In doing so, the Contractor must appropriately utilize the facility’s existing waste, recycling and composting (either onsite or offsite composting) program. If no such program exists, the Contractor must develop and operate, at its own expense, a comprehensive waste, recycling, reuse and/or composting program for non-hazardous solid waste and vegetative debris resulting from its grounds maintenance operations. The Contractor must report non-hazardous waste diversion rates on a regular basis. The Whole Building Design Guide (http://www.wbdg.org) outlines recommended practices for waste and debris removal. All trash, liter, and vegetative debris must be removed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.2.3.3 Contractor's Superintendent

During the execution of all work involving the handling and/or use of herbicides, the Contractor must give the job his personal supervision or must have on the job a responsible and competent representative with the authority to speak and act for him. The whereabouts on the activity of the supervisor must be made known to the Government Representative at all times when work is performed.

3.2.3.4 Uncertified Personnel

Uncertified personnel who apply pesticides must have been employed in weed control for a minimum of 30 days and have received training in:

a. Selection, application, and evaluation of appropriate control procedures.

b. Safe and effective application techniques, and the calibration and use of all equipment required.

c. Handling, storage, and transfer of pesticide materials as required.

d. (d) Reading, interpreting, and following herbicide label instructions.

e. Use and maintenance of all required safety equipment.

f. The consequences of preparing a herbicide to be given or sold to an individual other than an authorized employee of the Contractor or regulatory official.

g. Procedure for handling herbicide spills, including reporting procedures.

h. The security of vehicles and equipment.

3.2.3.5 Pesticide Use Records

The Contractor must prepare, submit, and maintain daily records of herbicide usage. This record must be filled out daily as weed control operations are performed, and all entries must be completed within 24 hours of chemical usage. Completed records must be made available upon request for inspection, and must be forwarded to the ACO with the monthly invoice for each month following the month of operation. Records which are rejected by the ACO due to improper preparation must be resubmitted by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.3 Continuity of Services.

To ensure continuity of essential services, the successful bidder must be prepared to fully commence work on the start date of this contract, and should not assume that Government or previous Contractor employees will be available to guide, direct, or specifically orientate each Contractor employee.

3.4 Maintenance (Facilities Areas)

The Contractor must provide grounds maintenance services in maintenance level I areas at the times and frequencies specified in Attachment #5. Attachment #5 provides information of the size and location of the land parcels which make up maintenance level I areas.

3.4.1 Grass Cutting

All grassed areas located within this maintenance level must be cut to a uniform height between one inch (1”) and two inches (2”) at the frequencies specified in Attachment #5. If any bare ground within the limits of an area becomes vegetated with grass, weeds, or other similar growths through natural spread, i.e., not artificially planted, it must be maintained as part of the basic contract. Prior to cutting, any trash, paper, or other debris that would detract from the finished appearance of the cut or present a safety hazard must be disposed of in the appropriate waste, recycling, and/or composting receptacles. Such debris includes but is not limited to paper, cans, bottles, limbs, pine cones, rocks, and other such objects within the maintenance area, and must include trash, paper, dead leaves, and other debris lodged in shrubs, hedges, fences, and along foundation and other walls. Debris must be disposed off the activity the same day as collected. Grass cutting is to be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting. Cutting equipment must have sharp cutting edges which produce a neat, clean, even cut. Use of cutting equipment which is out of adjustment, thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil must not be permitted. Ground speeds and mower speeds must be synchronized to assure effective cutting action. After cutting, grass must have a uniform height.

Grass clippings must not be windrowed or allowed to be deposited in piles or clumps.

Grass clippings must be uniformly distributed over the mowed area. Grass areas close or adjacent to buildings, hydrants, parking lots, manholes, fences, trees, hedges, and shrubs are included in mowing requirements, and may require hand mowing. Trimming around trees, shrubs, flower/shrub beds, cultivated areas, poles, walls, valves, and other similar objects must be accomplished to match the height and appearance of the surrounding mowed grass. Trimming may be accomplished by hand clipping, by use of "weed eater" type equipment, or by herbicide treatment. Trees and shrubs must not be damaged by trimming operations. Trimming with herbicide treatment must be confined to an area extending l2 inches from the object being trimmed. Grassed areas, trees, or shrubs which are killed or damaged as a result of Contractor's work must be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

Trimming operations must be considered a part of grass cutting and must be accomplished concurrently (same day) with grass cutting operations. Grass cutting will not be considered complete until all trimming operations are accomplished. Grass clippings and trimmings must be removed from sidewalks and other paved areas the same day the grass is cut.

3.4.2 Edging

All sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, other paved areas, and shrubbery areas located within this maintenance level must be edged in accordance with the frequencies specified in Attachment #5. Edging must create a l/2 inch wide and l inch deep clear zone immediately adjacent to the paved surface. All edging must be by mechanical means. The edging operation must include removal of grass and other vegetation which has encroached onto street and other paved surfaces from adjoining grassed areas.

Where driveway or street pavement edge is not discernable due to grass encroachment, a straight and even line approximating the edge of pavement must be established and maintained. The edging operation must produce neat, clean lines along the sides of sidewalks and other areas edged, and must be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, uneven and rough cutting. All vegetation growing in the following areas must be removed during the edging operation:

1. Sidewalk and driveway expansion joints and cracks.

2. Street/driveway curbing expansion joints.

3. Cracks between curbing and street/driveway pavement.

For continued maintenance of vegetation growing in cracks and expansion joints, herbicide treatment may be utilized to reduce the amount of mechanical work. The use of herbicides must not be allowed for the purpose of eliminating or reducing normal mechanical edging along straight paved edges (sidewalks, etc.). Debris generated by edging operations, which falls on or is thrown on sidewalks, on curbs, in gutters, streets, or is thrown on nearby sod, causing an unsightly appearance, must be removed from the site the day of the edging operation and disposed off the activity.

3.4.3 Plant and Shrub Pruning

Shrubs, bushes, hedges and cultivated plants must be pruned at the frequency shown in Attachment #5.

All clippings and debris must be removed from the site the same day and disposed of, recycled, or composted off the activity [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. Pruning must be accomplished so as to:

1. Remove new growth attaining a length of four inches (4”).

2. Reduce the size and growth rate of each shrub by clipping approximately 20% to 30% of the total surface area approximately 3 to 6 inches inside the normal "pruned surface". This interior clipping (20% to 30%) must be uniformly distributed over the entire shrub. This procedure must be performed as a part of the normal pruning operation (when new growth is removed).

3. Evenly form and balance the shrub, bush, or plant in order to shape it according to its natural growth habits. "Box" or "circular" shaping is not acceptable, except with hedges. Hedges must be sheared or pruned, as appropriate, to maintain their established shape and appearance.

4. Remove dead, damaged or diseased wood. If the entire shrub should die, remove the entire shrub to 6 inches below ground level. The hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked and seeded.

5. Remove vines, tree sprouts or any other extraneous vegetative growth from under or on the shrubbery.

6. Prune or remove growth in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, or where vision is obstructed at street intersections.

3.4.4 Cultivation and Mulching of Shrubs, Hedges, and Flower Beds Shrubs, hedges, and flower beds must be cultivated and mulched at the frequencies and times specified in Attachment #5. Cultivation includes weeding of shrubs, hedges, and flower beds. Cultivation must be extended a sufficient distance from bases of shrubs to ensure their protection from damage by lawn mowers, and trimmer/edgers, and to provide proper care for the plants, but in no case less than l8 inches.

Cultivation must be extended to a depth of 2 inches, care being taken that the roots of the plants are not damaged. Removal of grass, weeds, rocks, and debris encountered during cultivation must be considered part of cultivation. All edges must be worked to a neat and true line. All timber, brick, concrete, aluminum, or plastic bed edging must be realigned as needed. Mulch in bed areas such as wood bark chips, pine straw, etc., must be well groomed after removal of weeds, rocks, etc. Additional mulch, of the same type as existing, must be provided and placed around all shrubs and flower beds as required to maintain a minimum depth of three inches. Shrubbery without existing mulch must be mulched to a minimum depth of three inches with colored wood mulch.

3.4.5 Fertilization

Fertilizers must be used only if determined necessary by the ACO, in order to minimize environmental impact. Synthetic chemical fertilizers must not be used. When fertilization is necessary as determined by the ACO, fertilizer must be comprised of either recovered organic material or bio-based material.

Fertilizer comprised of recovered organic material must conform to the EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (http://www.epa.gov/cpg). Bio-based product listings are obtainable from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (http://www.usda.gov). Fertilizer must be applied only when grass blades are free of moisture. Ground cover plants and shrubbery beds must be fertilized concurrently with lawn application, at the same rates. The Contractor's monthly work schedule must reflect planned fertilization dates.

3.4.6 Trash and Litter Collection and Disposal.

The Contractor must collect trash and litter in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in maintenance level I at the frequency specified in Attachment #5, dispose it in the appropriate waste, recycling, or composting receptacles [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. Trash and litter does not include natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, and limbs. All trash and liter must be removed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.5 Indefinite Quantity Work Items

All indefinite quantity work items will be ordered using SF 1442, as specified in the "ORDERING OF WORK" clause, Section G. Details of the work required will accompany the SF 1442, giving exact location and type work to be accomplished. The Contractor must be required to complete the required services within the time-frames specified in Attachment #5.

3.5.1 Raking

Includes the raking and removal of leaves, pine straw and pine cones, limbs, and other debris from the raked area. All debris must be disposed off the activity the day of collection.

3.5.2 Tree Removal

Trees, their stumps, and above ground roots must be removed to a depth of six inches below normal ground elevation. All debris must be disposed of the activity the day of removal [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. The stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, and seeded.

3.5.3 Stump and Above Ground Root Removal

Stumps and above grounds roots must be removed to a depth of six inches below normal ground elevation. Stump removal operations must avoid unnecessary soil excavation and ground disruption. All debris must be disposed off the activity the day of removal. The stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, and seeded.

3.5.4 Grassing

Bare and slightly eroded areas (areas which vary in size from l0 to l000 square feet and can be repaired with the placement of four inches or less of topsoil) must be filled with topsoil, raked, fertilized, seeded, and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. Establishment must include providing the necessary care to firmly establish new grass growth. The Contractor must water and otherwise care for new grassed areas sufficiently to ensure proper development. Grassed areas which die or fail to develop noticeable growth for a period of one year after seeding must be re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.5.5 Erosion Control

Soil erosion damage which is beyond the scope of that defined in paragraph 3.8.4, must be repaired by filling in washed out/bare areas (areas requiring less than five cubic yards of fill soil) with as existing type soil to within four inches of normal ground elevation. This soil will be compacted to match existing ground level. Top soil will then be placed to return the area to normal ground elevation; raked; fertilized;

seeded; covered with straw, matting, or other material suitable to reduce the effects of erosion; and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. Repaired areas must be watered and otherwise cared for until grass is firmly established. Repaired areas on which grass dies or fails to develop noticeable growth, or which again erode within one year must be repaired and re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.5.6 Underbrushing

All brush, weeds, and small trees (three inches and below in diameter at ground level) must be cut back to within one inch of ground level, removed from the site, and disposed off the activity. Any material to be saved will be marked by the ACO prior to starting work. Any debris (i.e., limbs, dead trees, trash, etc.)

found in the underbrushing area must be removed from the site and disposed off the activity.

3.5.7 Tree Pruning

Trees must be pruned in accordance with the following guidelines to selectively remove unwanted growth and encourage trees to grow or respond in a desired manner. All tree pruning must be accomplished under the supervision of an individual furnished by the Contractor, who is trained, experienced, and otherwise qualified in proper tree pruning techniques. Verification of such training, experience, and qualifications must be acceptable to the ACO prior to initiation of any tree pruning. Prior to starting work the Contractor must propose a pruning plan for each tree for the approval of the ACO. Trees must be pruned according to their natural growth habit to evenly form and balance the tree, to promote proper health and growth, to respond to damage inflicted by natural or human causes, and to prevent interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. All clippings and debris must be removed and disposed off the activity the same working day. Pruning must be accomplished in a manner so as to:

1. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, or structurally weak limbs that may cause a safety hazard or unsightly appearance, including the removal of dead palm fronds.

2. Remove branches that extend over buildings and endanger roofs, eaves, and windows, or hang within eight feet vertically of sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.

3. Provide clearance for buses, moving vans, and similar vehicles along streets.

4. Cut back branches that overhang or grow into powerlines. Anticipate the effects of wind on branches which might fall on powerlines. Shape the entire tree rather than notch the top.

5. Remove growth of small trees in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, and those which will obstruct vision at street intersections.

6. Remove sprouts which grow from the trunk. Remove sprouts to the height of the first major lateral limb.

7. Branch stubs must not be allowed. All branches must be pruned (removed) back to the next major limb or the tree trunk. Pruning cuts must be performed in a manner which leaves the branch collar exposed (with no stub beyond the branch collar).

3.5.8 Irrigation (Not applicable at Puerto Rico)

3.5.9 Ditch Cleaning

Vegetative growth in drainage ditches must be cut to a height of two inches (2”) on bottom and sides. All wood and brush cuttings, trash, and debris must be removed and disposed off the activity the same day of cleaning. Mouths of ditches, inlets, and outlets must be cleared of sediment, vegetation, and debris to allow unrestricted flow of water. Where ditch bottoms are paved, all mud and debris must be removed from the paved surface and disposed off the activity the same day of cleaning. Where ditch bottoms are not vegetated and have intermittent water flow, woody and aquatic vegetation must be removed or chemically treated. Approved herbicides for vegetation control will be permitted.

3.5.10 Tree and Shrub Establishment

Establishment must include providing necessary care to firmly establish the new plantings. All plants must be nursery grown and must bear certification indicating species, common name, and grade. Plants must be healthy, living specimens which are considered to be number one grade stock. Native plants and/or plants suited to the climate must be established, in order to minimize the need for irrigation and maintenance. Planting procedures must be in accordance with accepted nursery standards. The Contractor may invoice and payment will be made when initial planting is complete; however, the

Contractor must water and otherwise care for new plants sufficiently to ensure proper development. All plants which die or fail to develop noticeable growth within one year of planting, must be replaced by plants of like size and type by the Contractor, at no additional cost to the Government.

3.5.10.1 Trees

Trees established must be of same or similar species as specified in the delivery order, with trunk diameters (measured 4.5 feet up from the ground) of at least 3 inches. Trees must be planted in accordance with accepted nursery standards, including fertilization, mulching, and watering. Trees must be guyed and staked in at least three directions.

3.5.10.2 Shrubbery

Shrubbery ordered must be shrubs of species as existing of the three gallon class size. Shrubs must be planted in accordance with accepted nursery standards, including fertilization, mulching, and watering.

3.5.11 Severe Shrub Pruning

Severe pruning of shrubs must consist of removal of all or a major portion of the total growth of the shrub. The extent of pruning will be indicated by the ACO, but generally must consist of pruning large shrubbery to a level approximately one to three feet above ground level. Debris resulting from the pruning process must be disposed off the activity the same day of pruning.

3.5.12 Vegetation Removal

Vegetation removal must consist of the removal of grass, weeds, trees (less than three inches at ground level), and all other vegetative growth to ground or pavement level within thirty six inches (36”) on both sides of fence lines. Mechanical methods of vegetation removal must be used. If mechanical methods are not feasible, chemical methods may be used with approval by the ACO. If chemical methods are approved, the Contractor must submit Material Safety Data Sheets meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313, as stated in paragraph 3.2.3., for any hazardous chemicals to be used.

Debris generated by vegetation removal operations must be removed and disposed of off the activity the same working day [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements].

3.5.13 Sodding

Sod must be of the same type as existing. It must be dense, uniform, weed free, be certified to be free of disease, insects, and nematodes, have minimum thatch, and good sod strength. Strength will be assessed by lifting a piece by one end with no tearing and little stretching. It must have been mowed to a height of one to two inches within 24 hours of lifting. It must have soil depth of 0.5 to l.25 inches. Sod must not be allowed to become dry and when stacked it must not be allowed to heat up above l00 degrees F. Soil must be moist just prior to laying sod on well graded surface free of vegetation and properly prepared for accepting the sod. Sod blocks must be placed in rows butting each piece firmly against the last. Joints in successive rows must be staggered. Slopes must be sodded by beginning at the bottom and laying sod in rows across the slope. Sod on slopes steeper than 2:l must be held in place with wooden pegs.

Immediately following placing, the sod must be rolled to provide firm contact with soil. Cracks must be filled with topsoil. As soon as this process is complete, sodded area must be irrigated by uniform application of one half inch of water. No more than 60 minutes should elapse from the time sod is placed until it has been irrigated. The Contractor must provide the necessary care to firmly establish new grass growth and must water and otherwise care for sodded areas sufficiently to ensure proper development.

All grass which dies or fails to develop noticeable growth within one year of sodding must be replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.5.14 Sprigging

Sprigs must be fresh, healthy, living stems (stolons or rhizomes with 50 percent or more of the stems being rhizomes). Sprigs must be obtained from approved sources where the sod is heavy and thickly matted, and free from ground pearl and fairy rings. Sprigs must be free of nut grass (cyperus rotundus), Johnson grass (sorghum halepense), and other objectionable weeds, and must not contain material which might be detrimental to the development of the turf. Sprigs must be planted within 48 hours of harvesting. In addition sprigs must not be left unprotected in the sun for longer than l5 minutes. Sprigs must be planted in l00 linear inches of sprigs per square yard on well graded surface free of vegetation and properly prepared for accepting the sprigs. Distribution must be sufficiently uniform to insure that the maximum spacing of sprigs must not exceed l2 inches. Immediately after opening furrows, sprigs must be placed and covered to a depth of approximately 2 l/2 inches after compaction, leaving a portion of each sprig protruding above the soil level. The furrows must be filled in such a manner that the surface is left even at the designated grade, and compacted with a roller weighing 60 to 90 pounds per linear foot of roller. Sprigged area must then be watered not later than 30 minutes after sprigging has been completed. At least l/2 inch of water must be applied over the area sprigged in a manner which will prevent erosion due to the application of excessive quantities in a concentrated area, and with watering equipment that will not damage the finished surface. The Contractor must provide the necessary care to firmly establish new grass growth and must water and otherwise care for sprigged areas sufficiently to ensure proper development. All grass which dies or fails to develop noticeable growth within one year of sprigging must be replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

4.0 Government Furnished Property and Service

4.1 Government Furnished Facilities

1. The Government will not provide office space operational facilities, or lay down areas to the Contractor. The Contractor must secure and maintain the necessary office space, facilities, and equipment storage areas required for the performance of this contract at his/her own expense.

4.2 Government Furnished Equipment

1. The Contractor must furnish all tools and equipment required for the performance of this contract. The Government will not provide tools or equipment to the Contractor.

4.3 Government Furnished Material

1. The Government will not provide any materials to the Contractor.

4.4 Availability of Utilities

The Government will furnish the following utility services at existing outlets for use in those facilities provided by the Government and as may be required for the work to be performed under the contract:

electricity and fresh water, and sewage service where available. Information concerning the location of existing outlets may be obtained from the Government Representative. The Contractor must provide and maintain, at his/her expense, the necessary service lines from existing Government outlets to the site of work.

1. Utilities specified above will be furnished at no cost to the Contractor.

2. The Contractor must be responsible for instructing employees in utilities conservation practices. Water faucets or valves must be turned off after the required usage has been accomplished. To conserve water, only the minimum quantity of water needed for the required usage must be expended.

4.5 Contractor Furnished Items

Except for the items listed in the "GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES" clause, the Contractor must provide all equipment, materials, and services to perform the requirements of this contract. The Contractor must ensure that all items furnished exclusively for use in support of government contracts are:

• Less toxic or non-toxic.

Examples include:

o Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label (http://www.epa.gov/dfe) o Green Seal certified (http://www.greenseal.org) o CRI Green Label (http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/green-building-and-the-environment/green-label-plus) o Products that meet/exceed DfE, Green Seal, CRI Green Label, and/or SCAQMD specifications;

• Environmental Protection Agency designated recycled content items

(http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/index.htm);

• Designated as BioPreferred by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

(http://www.biopreferred.gov);

• WaterSense certified (http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense) or meets/exceeds WaterSense specifications.

• Non-ozone depleting chemical substitutes identified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s

Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) (http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/index.html)

These program elements are described on the Office of the Federal Environment Executive website (http://www.ofee.gov).

5.0 Definitions

As used throughout this sow, the following terms must have the meaning set forth below. Additional definitions are in the "DEFINITIONS" clause, Section I.

a. Where "as shown", "as indicated", "as detailed", or words of similar import are used, it must be understood that reference is made to this specification and the drawings accompanying this specification unless stated otherwise.

b. Where "as directed", "as required", "as permitted", "approval", "acceptance", or words of similar import are used, it must be understood that direction, requirement, permission, approval, or acceptance of the ACO is intended unless stated otherwise.

c. Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO). The individual designated by the Contracting

Officer to administer the contract. Throughout this contract, the term ACO will be used to refer to the individual designated to administer the contract or his/her designated representative. See the "DEFINITIONS" clause, Section I.

d. Contractor. The term Contractor as used herein refers to both the prime Contractor and any subcontractors. The prime Contractor must ensure that his/her subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

e. Contractor Representative. A foreman, superintendent, or manager assigned in accordance with the "CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES" clause, Section H.

f. Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR). A report issued by the ACO to the Contractor when performance is unsatisfactory. The Contract Discrepancy Report requires the Contractor to explain, in writing, why performance is unsatisfactory, how performance will be returned to satisfactory levels, and how reoccurrence of the problem will be prevented in the future.

g. Debris. Debris includes, but is not limited to, paper, cans, bottles, limbs, pine straw and pine cones, leaves, rocks, and other similar items.

h. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). Diameter at Breast Height, as measured 4.5 feet above ground level.

i. Engineered Performance Standards (EPS). Engineered Performance Standards is a

Department of Defense standard for determining man-hour requirements to perform various types of maintenance, repair, and housekeeping tasks.

j. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Federal agency delegated with authority to enforce the Federal laws which are concerned with pollution of the environment.

k. Fertilization. Fertilization is the process of applying nutrient elements to the soil where the soil has become deficient in nutrients essential for proper plant growth.

l. Government Representative. The person(s) whom the ACO will designate by name and/or position title to conduct liaison between the Contractor and the ACO on matters pertinent to this contract and be his/her authorized representative.

m. Grass Cutting. Grass cutting must include cutting and trimming, within the designated area, all grasses, weeds, and other vegetation which is one inch or less in diameter (at ground level).

n. Maintenance Level. A designation used to specify the frequency of services and type of grounds maintenance required on a land parcel.

o. Parcel. A given area of land. Each area shown on maps accompanying this specification is divided into various parcels.

p. Pruning. Pruning is selectively removing unwanted growth to make a plant or tree grow or respond in a desired manner. Pruning differs from "shearing". Pruning involves selection and judgment. "Shearing" means clipping all growth on a plant at a uniform distance and shape.

q. Quality Assurance Program. A program implemented by the Government to provide some measure and control over the quality of services received. It is emphasized that the Government's quality assurance program is not a substitute for the quality control program implemented and administered by the Contractor.

r. Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE). The Government employee responsible for the daily monitoring of Contractor performance.

s. Quality Control (QC). A method used by the Contractor to control quality of goods and/or services provided.

t. Regular Hours. The Government's regular (normal) hours are from 7:00AM to 4:00PM, Mondays through Fridays, except (a) Federal Holidays and (b) other days specifically designated by the ACO.

5.0 Definitions