Statement of Work.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Grounds Maintenance

PIT ARSR

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

101 MESSERSCHMITT ROAD

OAKDALE, PA 16071

ii

Table of Contents

2.2.3 Control Methods……………………………………………………………………………………………………..2

2.2.4 Trash, Litter, and Vegetative Debris collection and Disposal………………………………………………….2

2.2.5 Pesticide Use Records……………………………………………………………………………………………….2

DEFINED

3.5.7 Vegetation Removal………………………………………………………………………………………...………7

i

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this SOW is to obtain grounds maintenance services at PIT ARSR, 101 Messerschmitt Road, Oakdale, PA 16071 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, , tree and shrub pruning, tree and stump removal, 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 Requirements

2.1 Work Outside Regular Hours

Except as may otherwise be specified, all work must be performed during regular hours of 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM Local Time, Monday thru Friday, excluding Holidays.

2.2 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.

2.2.1 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.

2.2.2 Herbicides and Pesticides

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

2.2.3 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 COR. Additionally, the Contractor must control pests using integrated pest management principles (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm).

2.2.4 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 as work is performed. Then disposing 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 [refer to Solid Waste and Recycling DID]. 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.

2.2.5 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 COR with the monthly invoice for each month following the month of operation. Records which are rejected by the COR 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 Level I (Administrative Areas)

The Contractor must provide grounds maintenance services in maintenance level I inside the entire FAA facility compound. This will also include all areas twenty (20) feet outside the fence line. Maintain the grounds in a manner that promotes proper health, growth, rich natural green color and neat appearance. Lawn cutting is to be accomplished in a manner as to prevent slaping, rutting, bruising, uneven and rough cutting. Cutting equipment shall produce an even cut without producing frayed grass blades. Clippings shall either be caught in a standard grass catcher, or removed immediately after cutting. “weed eaters” shall not be used for cutting operations, but can be used for trimming only. If any bare ground within the limits of the area included in this contract becomes populated with grass or weeds through natural spread, the contractor shall maintain such areas(s). Prior to cutting, the contractor shall remove all rubbish, debris, trash, leaves, fallen limbs, portable objects, ets. From the areas of the contract. The contractor shall also remove all debris and trash lodges in shrubs, hedges, fences, and along foundation walls.

Lawn Maintenance Schedule as follows:

· May – two visits (1st and 3rd week, or 2nd and 4th week)

· June – two visits (1st and 3rd week, or 2nd and 4th week)

· July – two visits (1st and 3rd week, or 2nd and 4th week)

· August – two visits (1st and 3rd week, or 2nd and 4th week)

· September – two visits (1st and 3rd week, or 2nd and 4th week) On the first visit of each month, the contractor shall eradicate all weeds and remove any weeds that entagle in the perimeter fence. For site inspection, contact Kevin Weinheimer, PIT SSC Manager at 412-589-0151.

3.4.1 Grass Cutting

All grassed areas located within this maintenance level must be cut to a uniform height which is considered standard, and all other areas shall be uniform. A twenty (20) foot minimum width shall be made as part of the scheduled cuts away from the exterior fence perimeter. 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, pinecones, 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 of 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 [INSERT ATTACHMENT NUMBER]. 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 of the activity.

3.4.3 Plant and Shrub Pruning

Shrubs, bushes, hedges and cultivated plants must be pruned at the frequency shown in Attachment [INSERT ATTACHMENT NUMBER]. 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 [INSERT LENGTH] inches.

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 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, and 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 timeframes specified in Attachment [INSERT ATTACHMENT NUMBER].

3.5.1 Raking

Includes the raking and removal of leaves, pine straw and pinecones, limbs, and other debris from the raked area. All debris must be disposed of 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 of 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 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 of the activity. Any material to be saved will be marked by the COR 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 of the activity.

3.5.5 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 COR 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 COR. 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 of 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 power lines. Anticipate the effects of wind on branches which might fall on power lines. Shape the entire tree rather than notch the top.

5. Remove growth of small trees in front of windows, over entranceways 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).

3.5.6 Irrigation

Irrigation involves the artificial application of water to promote proper health, growth, color, and appearance of cultivated vegetation. Contractor must be WaterSense certified, and provide WaterSense certification to CO, prior to contract award.

Grassed areas, shrubs, trees, and ground cover plants must be irrigated in accordance with the following directions.

1. Care must be exercised by regulating time and equipment to prevent wasting of water. Watering must be accomplished in a manner that avoids erosion, run-off, or ponding due to excessive quantities or rate of application. The minimum amount of water to be applied to all lawns, and planted areas must be one inch of water per application. Irrigation operations must be completed by 3:00 PM daily.

2. The Contractor must be held responsible for any damage to plants, lawns, or buildings caused by careless handling of irrigation equipment. Sprinklers must not be set in such a position as to throw water into doorways, windows, porches, parked cars, parking areas, or to impede vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

3. Water will be furnished by the Government from the most convenient existing source of water. If a fire hydrant must be used for watering, clearance must be obtained from the CO before use. All other required supplies must be furnished by the Contractor, except that Government owned and permanently installed sprinkler systems may be used where available. Where such installed sprinkler system equipment does not cover the area adequately, the Contractor must provide hoses and sprinklers to irrigate the entire area uniformly.

a. Sprinkler riser connections and sprinkler heads must be maintained, repaired, or replaced by the Contractor as necessary to eliminate obstructions, leaks, and other defects which would prevent proper operation, at no additional cost to the Government. Sprinkler heads must be maintained clear of dirt and other debris for approximately one inch around their outside circumference.

b. The Government will provide all other required maintenance to installed sprinkler systems due to normal wear and tear, to include time clocks, valve systems, and underground piping up to, but not including the sprinkler riser connection and sprinkler heads. Any damage to such systems caused by the Contractor must be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no expense to the Government. The Contractor must promptly report damage to or malfunction of any sprinkler system to the CO.

4. Hoses, portable sprinklers, portable pipe, and similar irrigation equipment must be removed from lawn areas at the end of each workday or when not actually in use. All valves, covers, and valve box covers must be kept closed at all times except when in actual use.

5. The Contractor must abide by any local, state, or other water agency regulations or controls in force at the time of this contract.

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.

3.5.7 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 the FAA compound and twenty (20) feet outside the fence line. Mechanical methods of vegetation removal must be used. If mechanical methods are not feasible, chemical methods may be used with approval by the COR. 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].

4.0 Government Furnished Property and Service

4.1 Government Furnished Facilities

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.

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.

4.2 Government Furnished Material

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

4.3 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, steam, natural gas, fresh water, and sewage service. 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.

4.4 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:

· Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label (http://www.epa.gov/dfe)

· Green Seal certified (http://www.greenseal.org)

· CRI Green Label (http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/green-building-and-the-environment/green-label-plus)

· 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 COR is intended unless stated otherwise.

c. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The individual designated by the Contracting Officer to administer the contract. Throughout this contract, the term COR 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 CO 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 CO will designate by name and/or position title to conduct liaison between the Contractor and the CO 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 [INSERT TIME] to [INSERT TIME], Mondays through Fridays, except (a) Federal Holidays and (b) other days specifically designated by the COR.