951700-24-R-0039- Botswana Landscaping.pdf

U.S. Agency for Global Media

Botswana Transmitting Station

LANDSCAPING SERVICES FOR BOTSWANA TRANSMITTING STATION

Issue Date: 27 September 2024

To: Prospective Offerors

Subject: Request for Proposal No. 951700-24-R-0039

Enclosed is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Landscaping and Grounds keeping services for the Botswana Transmitting Station. If you would like to submit a proposal, follow the instructions provided in the solicitation, complete the required portions of the attached document, and submit it to the emails provided.

The U.S. Government intends to award a firm-fixed-price (FFP) commercial contract to the responsible offeror submitting a proposal, which has been determined to be the best value to the Government. USAGM intends to award a contract based on initial proposals, without holding discussions, although USAGM reserves the right to conduct discussions with the offeror or offerors.

A site visit will be held 10/02/2024 at 2 PM (Botswana Time). Contractor Questions are due by 10/04/2024 at 12:00PM EST. It is anticipated that USAGM will provide answers to contractor questions by 10/07/2024. Proposals are due by 10/11/2024, 12:00 PM EST. All questions and proposals shall be submitted to Contract Specialist Brittany Vandiver, at bvandiver@usagm.gov and Contracting Officer David P. Wallace, at dwallace@usagm.gov.

Mr. David P. Wallace Contracting Officer USAGM, Office of Contracts mailto:bvandiver@usagm.gov mailto:dwallace@usagm.gov

Section L- Instructions to Offerors

GENERAL

ALL ATTACHMENTS MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED AND SENT IN “PDF

FORMAT” AND INCLUDE THE SOLICITATION NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT

LINE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOTAL SIZE OF ALL ATTACHEMNTS

MUST NOT EXCEED 23MB.

NOTICE TYPE: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation.

(ii) Solicitation No. 951700-24-R-0039 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).

(iii) This solicitation document Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through 2023-04 effective June 2, 2023.

(iv) This is a full and open competition using the North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) code for this acquisition is: 561730, Landscaping Services.

(v) The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) seeks Landscaping Services for Botswana Transmitting Station.

Objective and Needs:

See Statement of Work below.

(vi) Interested Offeror(s) will be required to provide Landscaping Services for Botswana Transmitting Station for one year starting from date of award, with the possibility of four 1-year option periods.

As a result of this solicitation, the Government intends to award a definitive contract.

Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of the company's capability and experience. The basis of the Government’s evaluation is the information offerors present in their proposals.

Emailed copies (softcopy) of the proposals are due to David Wallace, at DWallace@usagm.gov and Brittany Vandiver at, bvandiver@usagm.gov. Offers must be received no later than 12:00:00 pm, ET, Friday, October 11, 2024. Email is the only acceptable method for submitting offers and no other method will be accepted. Proposals arriving after exact date and time specified herein will be considered "late" and will not be evaluated. The format of the proposal shall be standard PDF searchable. The use of hyperlinks within the quote is prohibited.

A site visit for landscaping services will be held 10/02/2024 at 2 PM (Botswana Time).

Please contact Mr. Chuck Sheppard at, CSHEPARD@usagm.gov to enquire how to gain access to the building. Prospective offerors should contact Mr. Sheppard for any site visit coordination. There will only be one group site visit. Offerors must email all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to David Wallace, at DWallace@usagm.gov and Brittany Vandiver at, bvandiver@usagm.gov no later than 12:00:00 pm, ET, Friday, October 04, 2024. Questions will not be accepted after specified date and time. Responses to questions will be provided in writing only. No telephone inquiries will be accepted.

mailto:DWallace@usagm.gov mailto:bvandiver@usagm.gov mailto:CSHEPARD@usagm.gov

When submitting questions and comments please refer to the specific text of the solicitation in the following format:

Subject: RFP NO. 951700-24-R-0039 Reference: RFP Section ____, Paragraph (s) ____, Page(s) ____.

If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing with supporting rationale.

Proprietary data contained in the proposal must be clearly marked by the offeror and will be handled as such.

CONTENTS OF OFFER SUBMISSION.

Offerors shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the offer in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of the proposal. Offerors are cautioned that a restatement of the technical requirements in the Solicitation does not demonstrate an understanding of the requirement or capability to perform. Offerors are responsible for including sufficient details to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked.

Offer Preparation Costs. The Government will not reimburse the offeror for any cost incurred for the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation.

The offeror is advised that the Contracting officer is the only person who can legally obligate the Government for the expenditure of public funds in connection with this procurement.

SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

Offer Organization: The proposal must be compliant with the requirements as stated in the solicitation herein. Nonconformance with the solicitation requirements may result in an unfavorable quote evaluation and elimination from consideration for award.

Offerors shall provide a proposal in four separate volumes and a cover letter.

• Volume I, Technical and Management Acceptability.

• Volume II, Staffing Approach

• Volume III, Past Performance

• Volume IV, Price

The Government will evaluate proposals in accordance with the evaluation factors set forth in Section M of this solicitation. Each proposal volume shall be separate and complete so the evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of evaluation of any.

The proposals submitted are “For Official Use Only” and contains “Source Selection Sensitive Information.

Proposals shall be typed. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the font shall be Times New Roman, the font size shall be no less than 12 point; print pages shall have at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom and 3/4-inch side margins. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, any readable font is acceptable, but the font size shall be no smaller than 10 point.

Information submitted more than the page limitations identified for each offer section will not be evaluated. Use of dividers/separators in any part of your offer is acceptable and will not count toward any page limitation. A cover sheet, table of contents, definitions/terms page or any similar reference type information used in any part of your proposal will not count toward any page limitation.

By submission of its proposal, the offeror accepts all Solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements. All technically acceptable offerors shall be treated equally except for their prices.

All additional contract requirements, terms, conditions, provisions, and clauses applicable to this acquisition are contained herein and below.

Offers shall be prepared and divided as follows.

Volume I – Technical and Management Acceptability (shall not exceed 3 pages)

Offerors shall demonstrate understanding capability to complete all factors explained in Section M of this Solicitation.

Volume II – Staffing Approach (shall not exceed 3 pages)

Offerors shall demonstrate understanding capability to complete all factors explained in Section M of this Solicitation.

Volume III- Past Performance (shall not exceed 3 pages) Offerors shall demonstrate understanding capability to complete all factors explained in Section M of this Solicitation.

Volume IV – Price Offerors shall provide pricing in an Excel Spreadsheet (unlocked and editable) or use CLIN structure provided below.

ALL pricing information shall be confined to Volume IV and not referenced elsewhere in the offer.

Include a 6-month option period into price proposal, in accordance with FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services clause in the basic contract award. This 6-month option period should be broken out separately from the CLINs already established in the solicitation and should be readily identifiable in the Offeror’s proposal.

Assumptions, Exceptions , and Conditions The offeror shall identify any/all assumptions, conditions, or exceptions to the terms and/or conditions of this solicitation. If none are noted, the quoter agrees to comply with all the terms and conditions. It is not the responsibility of the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to seek out and identify assumptions, conditions, or exceptions contained in an offerors proposal.

The Government requires a quote effective period of at least 60 days. The offeror may specify a period longer than the stated minimum effective period but may not specify a period shorter than the stated minimum effective period. Any offer specifying less than the Government’s minimum effective period may be rejected.

The offeror’s signature on the cover page of the SF1449 indicates that the offeror has read and agrees to comply with all the conditions and instructions of this solicitation.

Section M- Evaluation Factors (Technical and Management Approach, Staffing approach, Past Performance, and Price)

The Government intends to establish a firm fixed price contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible contractor whose quotation conforms to the solicitation and represents the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered utilizing FAR 12 and 13.

This selection process will utilize FAR 12 and 13 procedures.

COMPLIANCE REVIEW

The preliminary evaluation process shall include the following:

The Government will perform an initial review of proposals received to determine completeness and compliance with the terms of the solicitation. The Government may reject as unacceptable proposal that does not conform to the solicitation. Offers must provide evidence that minimum technical requirements as expressed in the statement of work are met as a condition to entering into the comparative evaluation phase of the acquisition.

After the compliance review, which will be a preliminary consideration of all offers, the Government will no longer consider offers that do not meet the solicitation’s minimum technical requirements to be eligible for award

The evaluation criteria will serve as the standard against which all proposals will be evaluated and will serve to identify the significant discussion items that Offerors should address in their proposals.

EVALUATION

The government will evaluate the Offeror’s Technical and Management Approach (Volume I) based upon the following:

Technical acceptability will include a review of the Project Manager; experience (and references); personnel, equipment, supplies and equipment; licenses/permits; and management plan, etc., along with any technical information provided by the offeror with its proposal.

The government will evaluate the Offeror’s Staffing Approach (Volume II) based upon the following technical factors:

The staffing approach will be evaluated based on the extent to which the Offeror’s proposal demonstrates effectiveness, completeness, and adequacy of the proposed staffing approachand how it will satisfy the contract requirements.

The agency will evaluate the Offeror’s staffing approach to assess the ability of the Offeror to supply a sufficient workforce to meet the agency’s requirements.

The agency will evaluate for the effectiveness and adequacy of any proposed strategy to overcome shortfalls in the primary staffing strategy and the approach to providing backup in the event of absences or vacancies.

The agency will evaluate for effectiveness, adequacy, and responsiveness of the Offeror’s approach to staffing for fluctuating requirements.

The agency will evaluate for adequacy the Offeror’s comprehensive hiring plan, which presents those to be transferred from within the Offeror’s own organization, and those from other sources.

The agency will assess the Offeror’s planned rate, and proposals to recruit new hires.

The Offeror shall provide a list of key personnel along with resumes.

The Government will evaluate Factors 1 and 2 using the following adjectival ratings:

Adjectival Description Exceptional Greatly exceeds all minimum requirements of the criteria; has a high probability of success; contains no weaknesses or deficiencies.

Good

Exceeds all the minimum requirements of the criteria; has an above average probability of success; contains no significant weaknesses and only minor, correctable weaknesses exist.

Acceptable Meets all the minimum requirements of the criteria; has an average probability of success; no significant weaknesses and any deficiencies can be readily corrected.

Marginal

Fails to meet one or more of the minimum requirements of the criteria; low probability of success; major weaknesses and/or significant number of deficiencies exist.

Unacceptable Fails to meet any of the minimum requirements of the criteria; proposal needs major revisions; very low probability of success.

The government will evaluate the Offeror’s Past Performance (Volume III) based upon the following technical factors:

The Offeror will be evaluated with respect to its past performance of projects similar in size and scope to the requirements in this solicitation. Offeror shall use the table provided below to enter information.

This assessment will consider the three (3) most recent relevant survey ratings. USAGM could provide the survey template at the time of solicitation; however, the surveys must be from companies the offeror had worked for in the last 10 years and relevant to the work under the solicitation. The past performance must be of similar size and scope to the work effort described in this solicitation.

Past performance will be evaluated by assigning an adjectival rating based on:

• Relevant History. Degree to which the Offeror demonstrates relevant history of projects and contracts of similar size and scope to the services sought in this solicitation.

• Customer Satisfaction. Level of customer satisfaction with delivering services on projects and contracts of similar size and scope to those sought in this solicitation.

Regarding the government’s evaluation of past performance, Offerors should note:

In the case of an Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the Offeror will receive a neutral rating.

The Government reserves the right to contact references to evaluate the Offeror's past performance. The Government is not limited to the references listed by the Offeror.

The Government reserves the right to contact any relevant references. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to make certain that the information provided for reference checks is complete, accurate and current as of the month of issuance of this solicitation. USAGM will make two attempts to contact any given reference. The Government does not guarantee, however, that all citations/references provided will be contacted and/or used in performing this evaluation.

The Government will evaluate the Factor 3 Past Performance using the following adjectival ratings.

Rating Symbol Definition

Neutral N No past performance available for evaluation. Offeror has asserted it has no equal or similar relevant past performance.

Outstanding O The Offeror’s past performance demonstrates no issues, concerns, or risks associated with delivering timely services and performance. Past performance surveys and the Offeror’s experiences indicate that the Offeror is capable of exceeding requirements of the contract.

Good G The Offeror’s record of past performance indicates there is very little risk associated with receiving quality products, timely services and full contract performance. Past performance surveys indicate the Offeror will meet or exceed requirements of the contract.

Acceptable A The Offer’s record of past performance indicates that there is some potential risk associated with receiving quality products, timely services, and contract performance. Past performance surveys indicate the Offeror may have some problems during performance of the contract..

Unsatisfactory U The Offeror’s record of past performance indicates it will be unable to perform successfully on the contract.

Price (Volume IV). No adjectival ratings are assigned to the price proposal evaluation.

Offerors must complete the above provided price table in full. A Contractor’s price proposal will be evaluated against the Government’s independent cost estimate. Pricing shall only be part of Volume IV and shall not be mentioned in any other Volume.

VALUE ADDED TAX. Value Added Tax (VAT) is not applicable to this contract and shall not be included in the CLIN rates or Invoices because the USAGM Kuwait Transmitting Station has a tax exemption certificate from the host government. All Prices Shall Be Quoted in PULA and USD.

All four factors are equal in weight, and each comprise 25% of the overall proposal rating.

Best Value Determination. The best value will be determined by evaluating Volume I-IV as defined above. To be eligible for award, the contractor must be responsible; the Government will make a responsibility determination (see FAR 9.1).

ADDENDUM TO EVALUATION FACTORS, FAR PROVISION(S) NOT

PRESCRIBED IN PART 12

The following FAR provision(s) is/are provided in full text:

52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(End of clause)

SELECTION FOR AWARD

The Government shall perform a “best value analysis” and the award shall be made to the Offeror/s whose proposal is most advantageous to the Government, taking into consideration the evaluation factors listed above.

Past Performance Chart

Past Performance Project #1

Elements to address Response (Offeror to Complete)

1. Contract Identifier or Name

2. Agency/Company/Network

3. Contract Number

4. Duration of the Project/Contract

5. Contract Value

6. Description of the Project

7. End-User Point of Contact

(POC)

8. Offeror’s Comments

Statement of Work USAGM Botswana Landscaping/Gardening Services

1.1. STANDARD SERVICES

The Contractor shall maintain the appearance of grass, shrubbery, garden areas, trees, and related landscape elements for the U.S. Government leased residential housing and at the United States Agency for Global Media, Botswana Transmitting Station, Selibe- Phikwe, Botswana. The Government will measure the Contractor’s work by the appearance of the landscape covered by this contract. The Contractor shall perform complete gardening and landscaping maintenance services as described in this contract for all areas identifies in Attachment 5 drawings (approximately 100 hectares). The Contractor is also responsible for garbage/trash collection, hauling and disposal services at the same Government facilities. The Contractor shall ensure that trucks are empty upon arrival at the first collection point. From the collection points, the garbage/trash shall be disposed to a location authorized by the Botswana Government. This includes transporting from the different collection points to the point/s of disposal. The Contractor shall include all planning, administration, and management necessary to assure that all services comply with this contract, and all applicable laws and regulations.

The Contractor shall meet all of the standards of performance identified in the contract.

The Contractor shall perform all related support functions such as supply, subcontracting, quality control, financial oversight, and maintenance of complete records and files.

The Contractor shall perform grass cutting, ground maintenance of the antenna fields.

The Contractor’s work shall be measured by the appearance of grass, bridges, fences and efficiency of the water flow of the landscape covered by this contract. The Contractor shall perform complete antenna field maintenance. The Contractor shall include all planning, administration, and management necessary to assure that all services comply with the contract, and all applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor shall meet all of the standards of performance identified in the contract.

The Contractor shall perform all related support functions such as financial oversight, supply, quality control, subcontracting, and maintenance of complete records and files.

1.2. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION. The Contractor shall designate a representative who shall be responsible for on-site supervision of the Contractor's workforce at all times. This supervisor shall be the focal point for the Contractor and shall be the point of contact with U.S. Government personnel. The supervisor shall have sufficient English language skill to be able to communicate with members of the U.S. Government staff. The supervisor shall have supervision as his or her sole function.

1.2.1. SCHEDULES. The Contractor shall maintain work schedules. Maintenance Services and garbage collection/hauling shall be performed between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, except for approved holidays. For maintenance items other than routine daily services (i.e. – monthly, quarterly, annual services), the Contractor shall provide the COR with a detailed plan as to the personnel to be used and the time frame to perform the service. Other hours may be approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative. The Contractor must provide at least 24-hour advance notice to the COR who will consider any deviation from the hours identified above.

1.2.2. QUALITY CONTROL. The Contractor shall be responsible for quality control. The Contractor shall perform inspection visits to the work site on a regular basis. The Contractor shall coordinate these visits with the COR. These visits shall be surprise inspections to those working on the contract.

1.2.3. TECHNICAL GUIDANCE. The Contractor shall have the services of a trained horticulturist with experience in the climate and soil conditions found locally to give technical guidance to the Contractor's work force, and to develop and guide the Contractor's programs for lawn, flower and tree care.

1.2.4. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLAN. The Contractor shall submit an annual Grounds Maintenance Plan that reflects the proposed frequency for meeting the requirements of this contract. The Grounds Maintenance Plan will be developed to fit the requirements of local conditions, types of vegetation, and climate factors.

The Contractor shall submit the Grounds Maintenance Plan to the COR for approval within 30 days after contract award, and annual updates thereafter 30 days prior to option year renewal.

The requirements for the Grounds Maintenance Plan addressed in this performance work statement shall be broken down into Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM(as described in Section 2), weekly and monthly activities

1.3. LAWN CARE

1.3.1. GRASS CUTTING. The Contractor shall maintain the height of grass between 4 and 6 centimeters at the main compound area, as well as maintain control against grass browning. The Contractor shall maintain the height of grass between 10 and 15 centimeters at the antenna field. The Contractor shall maintain the height of grass between 4 and 6 centimeters 2 meters from the edge of the roads and 1 meter on each side of the perimeter fence.

1.3.2. EDGING. The Contractor shall edge all sidewalks, driveways, and curbs each time the adjacent grass is cut.

1.3.3. TRIMMING. The Contractor shall trim grass around trees, shrubs, cultivated areas, sprinkler heads, valves, fences, buildings, poles, and structures, so that grass height does not exceed the height of the adjacent grass.

1.3.4. TURF REPAIR AND RE-ESTABLISHMENT. The Contractor shall, whenever necessary, repair areas damaged by vehicular traffic, oil and gas, building repairs, and normal foot traffic, and any type of soil erosion regardless of the cause at no increase in the contract prices. The damaged area shall be filled in and leveled, seeded or sodded, and maintained to conform to adjacent areas. The Contractor shall apply additional soil over lawns or around roots of plants, maintain drainage and cover up exposed root areas.

1.3.5. The method, frequencies, and dates of grass cutting, hedging, trimming, and turf repair shall be part of the Contractor's Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.4. PRUNING

1.4.1. The Contractor shall maintain trees, shrubs, hedges, bushes, vines, ground cover and flowers.

1.4.2. The Contractor shall prepare a written schedule, as part of the Grounds

Maintenance Plan, showing the method, frequencies, and dates of pruning. This typically requires Bi-annual tree pruning during the start of the rainy season and the start of the dry season.

1.4.3. The Contractor shall prune all shrubs, vines, bushes, ground cover, and trees to:

• Direct and encourage plant growth in directions desired,

• Remove dead and unsightly growth, and

• Maintain a neat and attractive appearance

The Contractor shall prune according to the schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan to ensure that all heavy pruning is accomplished during the proper season according to best horticultural practice. The Contractor shall prune all hedges and shaped shrubs to maintain proper shape at all times.

1.4.4. At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall replace any tree, bush or shrub that is killed or rendered unusable for its intended purpose through negligent or irresponsible practices that are attributable to the Contractor. In addition, the Contractor shall obtain approval from the COR prior to the relocation of any tree, shrub, arbor, or plant life.

1.5. REMOVAL OF DEBRIS. The Contractor shall remove cuttings, grass, leaves, branches, bark, palm fronds, dead vegetation, paper, trash, and other foreign materials from the maintained areas, including walkways, road ways, open drainage systems, smoking stations, and curbs within or adjacent to the area. The Contractor shall remove all debris and equipment from the work site before the end of each workday. Debris removal shall prevent unsightly accumulation. The Contractor shall promptly remove collected debris to an authorized disposal site. The Contractor is responsible for all expenses incurred in the collection and disposal of debris. The Contractor shall clean gutters and down spouts of all collected debris annually.

1.6. WATERING

1.6.1. The Contractor shall water lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide for moisture penetration to a depth of 7 centimeters in the areas designated by the COR. If natural precipitation is sufficient to fulfill this requirement, the Contractor may request the COR's permission to suspend watering to avoid too much water in the soil.

1.6.2. The Contractor shall present the method, frequencies, and dates of watering in a written schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The schedule shall consider the kinds of vegetation, local soil conditions, and the seasonal variations in plant moisture requirements.

1.6.3. The Government shall provide all hoses, portable sprinklers, and other similar irrigation equipment.

1.6.4. The Government shall furnish the supply of water and electricity.

1.7. FERTILIZER

1.7.1. The Contractor shall fertilize and lime the soil to promote proper health, growth, color, and appearance of cultivated vegetation, following proper horticultural practice for the types of vegetation, soil, weather conditions, and seasons of the year.

1.7.2. The Contractor shall present the method of application, fertilizer type, frequencies, and dates of fertilizing and liming in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The fertilizer type shall be approved by the COR.

1.8. WEEDING

1.8.1. The Contractor shall weed the grounds and gardens on a continuous basis to prevent the growth of weeds into lawns and landscapes. The Contractor may use weed-killing chemicals to prevent the growth of weeds to eliminate grass and weeds in the cracks and joints within or along sidewalks and curbs.

1.8.2. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all applications of weed killers.

1.9. PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

1.9.1. The Contractor shall maintain a program for controlling pests and plant disease so as to maintain flowers, shrubs, vines, trees and other planted areas in a healthy and vigorous condition.

1.9.2. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all pesticides.

1.9.3. The Contractor shall present a plan for pest and disease control as a part of its Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.10. PRESSURE WASHING.

The Contractor shall complete annual pressure washing, but more frequently if required, to prevent the unsafe build-up of slime/moss, and to otherwise prevent an unsightly appearance of the following items/structures:

1.10.1. All inner-compound road-ways.

1.10.2. Walkways and porches.

1.10.3. Open-air workshop areas.

1.10.4. Exterior furnishings / patio furniture.

1.10.5. Exterior walls.

1.10.6. Parking area and building entrances roof.

1.11. HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES.

It is the Contractor's responsibility to ensure the safe handling, application, removal and environmentally sound disposal of all hazardous or potentially hazardous fertilizers, weed killers, and pest control products utilized in this contract.

1.12. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) AND MATERIALS (GFM).

Unless otherwise specified, the Government is responsible for providing all tools, equipment, and fuels (collectively referred to as Government Furnished Property) needed to perform this contract.

1.12.1. MAINTENANCE OF GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE).

The Contractor shall perform on-site preventive maintenance and repair of all Government-furnished equipment (GFE) at the COR-designated workshop area at the inner Compound. The Contractor shall provide an experienced mechanic to perform preventive maintenance and repair of all GFE. The GFE assigned to the Contractor shall be stored at the COR-designated Storage area. The Contractor shall record all preventive and breakdown maintenance work using the form under (Attachment 3) - Maintenance Record. Major breakdowns, any part found damaged, in need of repair or replacement shall be immediately reported to the COR. For all GFE, the Government will provide all components, single parts and sub-assemblies, replacement parts, including GFE-related tools as well as routine maintenance expendables such as spark plugs, filter element, flushing oil, engine oil, fuel filter, gasket, O-rings, seal ring, lubrication ring, bolts, nuts, screws, fuses, cable assemblies, brake pads, exhaust pipes, manifolds and bearing components. The Government shall also provide all types of fuel (diesel and unleaded gas), fuel container, additive (2T oil) and lubrication supplies necessary for all types of GFE.

Repair and/or replacement work shall be performed by the Contractor’s personnel as soon as parts are received. Preventive maintenance tasks shall be performed for the below listed GFE. The Contractor shall perform routine lubrication and accomplish equipment routine maintenance and operation in compliance with any maintenance operation specifications issued by the equipment manufacturer.

1.12.2. EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE RECORDS. The Contractor shall develop, maintain and update maintenance records for each of the Assigned Government Provided equipment (see Attachment 3). The Contractor shall maintain written records of work performed and report the need for major repair, replacement and other capital rehabilitation work for U.S. Government property in its control. The Contractor shall ensure that Government property will be used only for those purposes authorized in the contract and that any required approvals for use will be obtained prior to use.

1.12.3. STORAGE. This storage space is provided for the safe keep of gardening tools, equipment, and consumables related to the contract services only. A dedicated cabinet inside the storage space is provided for hazardous materials/consumables such as fuel and fertilizer. These storage facilities should be locked when not in use. Key control procedures shall be coordinated with the COR.

1.12.4. MAINTENANCE CHECKPOINTS. The following checkpoints will be observed for the corresponding equipment:

1) Walk Behind Lawn Mower – This applies to gasoline, hand operated rotary mower. Perform maintenance after every 50 hours or every 3 months of operation whichever comes first. Routine lubrication and cleaning shall be accomplished by the operator. Checkpoints:

a) Change engine oil, clean air filter and clean and re-gap spark plug every 50 hours, otherwise replace spark plug every 100 hours or 6 months whichever comes first.

b) Service carburetor every 50 hours or 3 months whichever comes first.

c) Sharpen cutting blade. Replace when the blade is bent or deformed and/or the cutting edge is extremely damaged or cannot be balanced properly after sharpening.

d) After each use, remove debris buildup under the mower deck, wipe clean body from fume exhaust and clean engine with a cloth or brush.

e) Inspect unit and clean debris from cooling air passages. Clean air filter after every use. Replace when damaged.

f) Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the engine case, air intake louver and combustion exhaust outtake, cutting tool head, gear case shaft, under gear case cap and inside of muffler.

g) Adjust brakes, clutch cable assembly, brushes and operating mechanical link.

h) Hand Mower, Trimmer, Edger and Sweeper – This applies to mix gasoline and oil type, (2T), engine with different attachments designed to cut areas around shrubs, foundation walls, along fences, sidewalks and patios checkpoints.

i) Clean and re-gap spark plug every 50 hours, otherwise replace spark plug every 100 hours or 6 months whichever comes first.

j) Clean air filter after every use. Replace when damaged.

k) Service carburetor every 50 hours or 3 months whichever comes first.

l) Refill cut head with nylon material for hand mower. Sharpen cutting blades for hand trimmer. Sharpen blade or replace nylon material for hand edger. Trim or replace nylon bristles for hand sweeper.

m) After each use, remove debris buildup under the mower deck, wipe clean body from fume exhaust and clean engine with a cloth or brush. Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the engine case, air intake louver and combustion exhaust outtake, cutting tool head, gear case shaft, under gear case cap and inside of muffler.

n) Lubricate gear case every 50 hours of operation. Check every 3 months and refill to level.

o) Check and tighten all screws, bolts, nuts and mating parts.

2) Hand Pruner and Chain Saw – This applies to mix gasoline and oil type, i.e.

2T, engine used for wood and tree cutting. Checkpoints:

a) File saw chain every use. Replace when saw chain teeth has low grit contact.

b) After each use, wipe clean body from fume exhaust and clean engine with a cloth or brush. Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the engine case, air intake louver and combustion exhaust outtake, cutting tool head, gear case shaft, under gear case cap and inside of muffler.

c) Refill chain lube oil reservoir to level before and during use.

d) Fill grease level the gear case every start of use.

e) Check and tighten all screws, bolts, nuts and mating parts.

3) Back Pack Blower – This applies to mix gasoline and oil type, i.e. 2T, engine designed for blowing debris on grass, tight and covered space. It is an operator back carried and hand operated air blower. Perform maintenance after every 50 hours or every 3 months of operation whichever comes first. The operator shall accomplish routine lubrication and cleaning. Checkpoints:

a) Clean and re-gap spark plug every 50 hours, otherwise replace spark plug every 100 hours or 6 months whichever comes first.

b) Clean air filter after every use. Replace when damaged.

c) Service carburetor every 50 hours or 3 months whichever comes first.

d) After each use, wipe clean body from fume exhaust and clean engine with a cloth or brush. Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the engine case, air intake louver and combustion exhaust outtake.

e) Check and tighten all screws, bolts, nuts and mating parts.

4) Walk Behind Vacuum/Blower – This applies to gasoline, hand operated vacuum blower. Perform maintenance after every 50 hours or every 3 months of operation whichever comes first. The operator shall accomplish routine lubrication and cleaning. Checkpoints:

a) Change engine oil, clean air filter. Re-gap spark plug every 50 hours, otherwise replace spark plug every 100 hours or 6 months whichever comes first.

b) Service carburetor every 50 hours or 3 months whichever comes first.

c) After each use, wipe clean body from fume exhaust and clean engine with a cloth or brush.

d) Inspect unit and clean debris from cooling air passages. Clean air filter after every use. Replace when damaged.

e) Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the engine case, air intake louver and combustion exhaust outtake, debris collector, gear case shaft, under gear case cap and inside of muffler.

5) Zero Turn Mower – This applies to zero turn mower, automatic drive operation, and hydraulic clutch operated mower, blower and cart carry-on mount option. Perform maintenance after every 100 hours or every 3 months of operation whichever comes first. The operator shall accomplish routine lubrication and cleaning. Checkpoints:

a) Change engine oil, clean radiator core and air filter, and replace spark plug every 100 hours or 6 months whichever comes first.

b) Change oil filter cartridge every 200 hours.

c) Change transmission fluid and replace oil filter cartridge every 300 hours.

d) Sharpen cutting blade. Replace when cutting edge is damaged.

e) After each use, wipe clean body from fume exhaust and clean engine with a cloth or brush. Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the engine case, air intake louver and combustion exhaust outtake, debris collector, gear case shaft, under gear case cap and inside of muffler.

f) Inspect unit and clean debris from cooling air passages. Clean air filter after every use. Replace when damaged.

g) Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the cutting tool head.

h) Adjust brakes, clutch cable assembly, brushes and operating mechanical link.

6) Pressure washer (gasoline engine) – This applies to gasoline pressure washer.

Perform maintenance after every 50 hours or every 3 months of operation whichever comes first. The operator shall accomplish routine lubrication and cleaning. Checkpoints:

a) Change engine oil, clean air filter and, clean and re-gap spark plug every

50 hours, otherwise replace spark plug every 100 hours or 6 months whichever comes first.

b) Service carburetor every 50 hours or 3 months whichever comes first.

c) After each use, wipe clean body from fume exhaust and clean engine with a cloth or brush.

d) Inspect unit and clean debris from cooling air passages. Clean air filter after every use. Replace when damaged.

e) Remove all dirt, carbon build-up and combustible debris from the engine case, air intake louver and combustion exhaust outtake, debris collector, gear case shaft, under gear case cap and inside of muffler.

1.13. COLLECTION AND HAULING OF GARBAGE / TRASH

1.13.1. The Contractor shall pick up all kinds of debris that are found in the designated garbage collection stations, including all kinds of waste materials, plastic, paper, carton boxes, scrap wood products, scrap metal sheets, scrap steel or pipes, broken glass, grass trimmings, plants and tree debris. After trash collection, the Contractor shall remove scattered trash and ensure that the immediate surrounding areas of the collection points are maintained with a high degree of cleanliness. The Contractor shall collect, haul and dispose garbage/trash in compliance with the waste segregation program of the Botswana Government.

1.13.2. Schedule During Inclement Weather

The Contractor shall collect garbage/trash during periods of inclement weather.

Exceptions to this may be authorized by the Contracting Officer in cases of unduly severe weather. When exceptions are granted, the Contractor shall accomplish all collections for each missed day within 24 hours after the severe weather has abated.

If make-up collections cannot be completed within 24 hours, the Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer a revised schedule for approval. The revised schedule shall clearly indicate the completion date for make-up collections.

Rescheduling to perform make-up collections shall not be a basis for a claim by the Contractor for additional compensation or permission to defer other regular scheduled collections.

1.13.3. Abnormal Quantities of Garbage

The Contractor shall dispose of excess garbage/trash resulting from special events or typhoons, at no additional cost to the Government. This shall be accomplished with minimum interference to the regular collection schedules. After each typhoon, the Contractor shall promptly collect and haul out accumulated branches, leaves and other waste materials at no additional cost to the Government. If there is a need for the Contractor to make additional trips to adequately dispose of extra garbage/trash, a request shall be sent by the Contractor to the COR for approval. The request shall provide adequate details as to the number of trips and proposed schedule. Once approved, these extra trips shall be charged in accordance with the rates indicated under Section 1 Temporary Additional Services, and corresponding option years.

However, if the service truck being used for routine garbage/trash collection can still accommodate the additional waste materials during the regular pick-up schedule, no additional cost will be paid by the Government.

1.13.4. Apparent Serviceable Materials/Documents

The Contractor shall not collect or dispose of any material, which has obvious value and appears to have been inadvertently placed near the collection point, unless such material is designated by the COR as garbage/trash. In the event that the Contractor collects such items, the COR shall have the right to instruct the Contractor to return such items to the Station as soon as possible and at no additional cost to the Government.

1.13.5. Disposal of Garbage/Trash

The Contractor shall dispose all garbage/trash collected from the Botswana Transmitting Station at a designated dumping site by the Botswana Government or the appropriate agency of the Botswana Government. Disposal of garbage/trash shall be in accordance with existing Botswana laws. In the event of closure of a dumping site, it shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to immediately locate an alternate site. The change in dumping sites shall not be grounds for upward adjustment in contract cost. The Government shall be responsible for any permits or fees associated with the use of local disposal locations.

1.13.6. Disposal of Construction Debris

Construction debris is classified as dismembered concrete-made finishes, cement, asphalt, tiles, wood, steel, pipes, wiring and conduit, gravel and stones, sand and soil. The Contractor shall schedule one trip a month to haul all construction debris collected from Government construction projects/renovation work performed by USG personnel and not by other contractors, at no additional cost to the Government. In the event that one trip will be insufficient to haul all construction debris, the COR may request the Contractor to perform additional trips as part of Temporary Additional Services. The pick-up location/s, schedule and number of extra trips (if any) will be coordinated with the COR.

1.13.7. Vehicles

All garbage collection vehicles to be used under this contract shall be in operable, well-maintained condition and satisfactorily meet local safety and registration requirements. Vehicles shall be washed and painted, as necessary, to present a neat appearance.

2. WORKING HOURS. All work shall be performed during Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM, except for the holidays. Other hours may be approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative. The Contractor must provide at least 24-hour advance notice to the COR who will consider any deviation from the hours identified above.

3. DELIVERABLES. The following items shall be delivered under this contract:

DESCRIPTION QTY DELIVERY DATE DELIVER

TO

Insurance 1 10 days after award CO Grounds Maintenance Plan

1 30 days after award and 30 days prior to option year thereafter

COR

List of Personnel 1 10 days after award for the initial list and updated monthly; or for replacement or new personnel, 30 days prior to their proposed utilization

COR

Transition Plan 1 15 days after award COR Payment Request 1 monthly COR

4. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

4.1. GENERAL. The Contractor shall maintain discipline at the site and shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unlawful, riotous or disorderly conduct by Contractor employees at the site. The Contractor shall preserve peace and protect persons and property on site. The Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove an employee from the worksite for failure to comply with the standards of conduct. The Contractor shall immediately replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional costs to the Government.

4.2. STANDARD OF CONDUCT

4.2.1. Uniforms and Personal Equipment. The Contractor's employees shall wear clean, neat and complete uniforms when on duty. All employees shall wear uniforms approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

4.2.2. Neglect of duties shall not be condoned. The Contractor shall enforce no sleeping while on duty, unreasonable delays or failures to carry out assigned tasks, conducting personal affairs during duty hours and refusing to render assistance or cooperate in upholding the integrity of the worksite security.

4.2.3. Disorderly conduct, use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by words, actions, or fighting shall not be tolerated. Also included is participation in disruptive activities, which interfere with normal and efficient Government operations.

4.2.4. Intoxicants and Narcotics. The Contractor shall not allow its employees while on duty to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs or substances that produce similar effects.

4.2.5. Criminal Actions. Contractor employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by law in certain circumstances. These include but are not limited to the following actions:

1) Falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records;

2) Unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct;

3) Unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials;

4) Security violations; or,

5) Organizing or participating in gambling in any form.

4.2.6. KEY CONTROL. The Contractor shall receive, secure, issue and account for any keys issued for access to buildings, offices, equipment, gates, etc., for the purposes of this contract. The Contractor shall not duplicate keys without the COR's approval. Where it is determined that the Contractor or its agents have duplicated a key without permission of the COR, the Contractor shall remove the individual(s) responsible from this contract. If the Contractor has lost any such keys, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR. In either event, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the cost of rekeying that portion of the system.

4.3. NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF LABOR DISPUTES. The Contractor shall inform the COR of any actual or potential labor dispute that is delaying or threatening to delay the timely performance of this contract.

4.4. PERSONNEL SECURITY

4.4.1. Within 10 days after award of the contract, the Contractor shall provide the following list of data on each employee who will be working under the contract.

The Contractor shall include a list of workers and supervisors assigned to this project. The Government will run background checks on these individuals. It is anticipated that security checks will take 21 days to perform. For each individual, the Contractor shall provide:

1) Completed RSO Biographic Data Form (Attachment 4)

2) Local police clearance

* For replacement or new personnel, the above information shall be submitted 30 days prior to their proposed utilization.

4.4.2. Government shall issue identity cards to Contractor personnel, after they are approved. Contractor personnel shall display identity card(s) on the uniform at all times while providing services under this contract. These identity cards are the property of the US Government. The Contractor is responsible for their return at the end of the contract, when an employee leaves Contractor service, or at the request of the Government. The Government reserves the right to deny access to

U.S.-owned and U.S.-operated facilities to any individual.

5. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT. The Contractor shall provide the listed tools and…