Amended_ATTACHMENT_1_-_Lawn_Maintenance_SOW.docx

AG-4670-S-16-0007

AMENDMENT 1 ATTACHMENT 1

AMENDED STATEMENT OF WORK

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC

100. GENERAL.

110. SCOPE. Ground maintenance will be performed on approximately five (5) acres of land in a manner that will maintain a healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants. The grounds will present a clean, neat, and professional appearance. Except for items listed under the Government Furnished Property, the contractor shall furnish all labor, supplies, materials, equipment, transportation, incidentals, and supervision necessary to perform lawn services at the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 3041 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 in accordance with the terms, specifications, and provisions of this contract. All lawn supplies used for this contract will be in accordance with the Sustainable Acquisition Policy (FAR 23.1). Contractors interested in this project must have a business office within a 100 mile radius of the work site.

120. SITE DESCRIPTION. The site consists of approximately five (5) acres of land containing a Laboratory, Headhouse/Greenhouse, four smaller structures, and a nursery bed. See Attachment 2 – Site Map for more details.

130. DEFINITIONS TECHNICAL. As used throughout this contract, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below.

131. Ground Maintenance. "Yard Maintenance" shall be defined as mowing, trimming, edging, clipping, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, mulching/raking, soil sampling/analysis/tending, and policing the grounds to provide a neat and professional appearance.

132. Sustainable acquisitions. Products that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, biobased, environmentally preferable, non-ozone depleting, and products made with recovered material.

133. Frequency of Service.

133-1 Weekly. Services performed once each standard calendar week during business hours. Weekly services will be required during the typical growing season from April through October.

133-2 Bi-Weekly. Bi-weekly. Services performed twice each standard calendar week during business hours (i.e. 104 services).

133-3 Annual. Services performed once during a standard calendar year.

133-4 As-Needed. These are services that are provided in as-needed. Services outside the scope of this contract must be approved in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO) prior to any services being performed. If unsure if the services being requested is outside the scope of the contract, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to ask the COR and/or CO for further clarification.

133-5 Growing Season. Normal growing season is from April to mid-October.

140. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY.

141. The government shall make available the items below. The Contractor will take care to not damage any government property. Maliciously damaging government property will result in termination of this contract and potentially financial and/or civil actions.

141-1. Dumpster. The Contractor will dispose of the trash and refuse in the dumpster located in the immediate vicinity or as directed by the COR. Dumpster doors shall be closed after each use.

141-2. Utilities. Water and electricity will be provided to operate equipment as necessary to complete these services.

141-3. Storage. The Government does not have any storage available.

141-4. Restrooms. Contractor will be permitted to utilize restroom facilities.

200 - CONTRACTOR FURNISHED PROPERTY

201. GENERAL. Except for those items or services specifically stated to be Government furnished, the contractor shall furnish everything (equipment, materials, supplies, incidentals, etc.) required to perform the tasks identified in this contract.

202. EQUIPMENT CONDITION. All Contractor equipment will be of commercial size, quality, and type sustainable for accomplishing the work specified in this contract. All equipment shall meet federal, state, and local laws and safety regulations, shall be in good repair, shall operate properly without non-factory modifications, and shall be maintained in to present a neat and professional appearance. The CO, COR, or Inspector may inspect the Contractor’s equipment at any time and direct the removal of any unsafe equipment.

300 – ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS

310 – BIOBASED/BIOPREFERRED PRODUCTS

The Contractor shall utilize sustainable materials for this contract as is adequately and financially feasible. The biobased supplies and materials shall be of a type and quality that conform to applicable federal specifications and standards. All supplies and materials to be used in the performance of work described herein are subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The following biobased/biopreferred products may be used in this contract (this list is not all inclusive): oil, gas, strings, and environmentally friendly equipment. USDA’s BioPreferred program can be found at www.biopreferred.gov.

320. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND DISPOSAL.

321. Pollution abatement. The Contractor shall perform all work in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations to include Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and applicable EPA regulations and criteria to minimize pollution, explosions, and degrading natural habitats.

322. Debris removal. All debris shall be removed from the premises and disposed of in accordance to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Transporting debris and materials from the site shall be accomplished in a manner that prevents particles from becoming airborne (i.e. covered vehicle). Any material dropped or blown off vehicles shall immediately be picked up by the Contractor.

323. Spill containment kit. The Contractor shall carry a spill containment kit capable of reasonably containing spills until first responders arrive.

324. Burning. Burning is prohibited on government lands and property.

325. Erosion Control. Drainage ways, sanitary, and storm sewers shall not be polluted by fuels, acids, pesticides, and other harmful material. If any of these materials inadvertently spill into these areas, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR or Inspector.

326. OSHA. All OSHA safety and health standards shall be followed to include but not limited to helmets, safety glasses, and ear protection.

327. MSDS. All Material and Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be kept on record and available to the CO, COR, or Inspector upon request.

330. MANDATORY SOURCES OF SUPPLY OR SERVICE REQUIREMENT

Certain supplies to be provided under this contract must use mandatory sources (FAR 52.208-9). One of the mandatory sources for Bio-Based and Bio-Preferred products can be found at the GSA Bio-Preferred website: www.gsa.gov/portal/content/105368.

340. MONTHLY REPORTS

The Contractor shall provide a monthly report to the COR outlining the biobased product used. This information will be used for reporting purposes and are to be used in carrying out the requirements of the contract. These reports will be attached and submitted with their invoice for payment via the Invoice Processing Platform or given to the COR within the first 10 days of the month, whichever occurs first. See Appendix A for a sample monthly report.

400 – ADMINISTRATIVE

410. WORK SCHEDULE. There are no work hour restrictions for this contract. The Contractor will meet with the COR prior to beginning work and provide a work schedule to the COR. The work schedule will inform the COR of days work should be expected and alternative days due to delays (i.e. maintenance will occur on Mondays and Wednesday; if unable to work on those days due to weather, work will commence the day following the weather event).

420. OFFICE HOURS. Normal office hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except for holidays. The COR may be reached during normal office hours.

430. FEDERAL HOLIDAYS. Federal buildings will be closed during federal holidays.

New Year’s Day - 1 January

If these holidays fall on Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed. If these holidays fall on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed. If a holiday falls on a scheduled service day, the Contractor will be responsible for rescheduling services for the first day post the holiday observance.

440. CONDUCT. All work under this contract shall be performed in a safe and professional manner. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, appearance and integrity, and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to the employee (s) as may be necessary. Alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited on the premises. Employees using prescribed drugs that explicitly prohibit the use of machinery will not operate any machines while on the premises. The COR may have the Contractor remove any employee whom (s)he deems contrary to safety interests and/or public interest.

450. SAFETY. The Contractor shall ensure that all individuals assigned have all necessary training prior to performing said tasks. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all individuals to be assigned have been thoroughly indoctrinated concerning safety as it relates to performing the required tasks, operating any equipment, inspections, use of any chemicals, or preventative maintenance of equipment. The Contractor shall comply with all OSHA regulations and any other special requirements or regulations required by federal, state, or local laws and regulations.

460. PROTECTION OF PROPERTY. The Contractor shall take precautions to prevent scalping, uneven mowing, and damage to trees, shrubs, and sprinkler heads. The Contractor shall repair damaged turf and repair or replace any flowers, shrubs, trees, and sprinkler heads damaged during lawn maintenance operations. Contractor will minimize flying debris to the best of his/her ability; if lawn maintenance cannot be performed due to a high risk of debris hitting government or personal property, it will be considered an interruption or delay of performance (see 480. Interruption or Delay of Performance).

470. LOST/FOUND ARTICLES. Turn in lost and found articles to the COR noting where and when found.

480. INTERRUPT OR DELAY OF PERFORMANCE. The Contractor shall notify the COR of any conditions that may interrupt or delay performance under this PWS such as vehicles parked on the grass, displays prohibiting access, or personnel who refuse to move themselves prohibiting services. The Contractor will not be penalized for any interruptions or delays that are deemed acceptable by the CO, COR, or Inspector.

500. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE. Inspection of work performed under this contract will be made by the CO, COR, or Inspector as work progresses at such intervals as are necessary to insure compliance with the contract specifications and provisions. If the work is not accepted by the COR, the contractor shall complete any remedial work required for acceptance.

501. INSPECTION METHODS.

501-1. After Service. This methods required the COR to inspect the service each time it occurs. Any deficiency shall be documented and the contractor shall re-perform the service, if appropriate, at no increase in contract amount.

501-2. Periodic Inspections. This method requires the COR to employ a “spot check” style of evaluation based on the contractor’s cleaning schedule. Any deficiency shall be documented and the contractor shall re-perform the service, if appropriate, at no increase in contract amount.

501-3. Customer Complaints. The COR will receive and investigate complaints. The COR shall be responsible for initially validating customer complaint. The Contracting Officer shall make the final determination of the validity of customer complaint’(s) in cases of disagreement with the COR and the contractor. Any validated customer complaint shall be documented and the contractor shall re-perform the service, if appropriate, at no increase in contract amount.

502. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETING. The Contractor may be required to meet with the CO or COR during the first month of the contract. Meetings shall be as often as necessary thereafter as determined by either party. The meetings shall focus on Contractor’s performance and actual or potential problems. A mutual good faith effort shall be made by all parties to resolve all issues. The written minutes of these meetings shall be signed by the parties to the discussion. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, the Contractor shall so state any areas of non-concurrence in writing to the Contracting Officer within seven work days of receipt of the minutes.

600. LAWN MAINTENANCE – SPECIFIC TASKS.

610. MOWING.

611. Normal Growing Season. Mow all improved lawn areas on a weekly basis during the normal growing season (April through mid-October). Grass shall be well groomed at a height acceptable to acceptable lawn maintenance standards (typically between two (2) to four (4) inches in height). Clippings must be mulched and dispersed or removed; no clippings will remain seen and unsightly.

612. Dormant Season. Mowing will be performed on an as-needed basis to maintain a well-groomed appearance as outlined in 611.

610. EDGING. Mechanically edge sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and other concrete or asphalt edges located in improved ground areas every other mowing throughout the normal growing season and as needed during the dormant season. Edging includes removing vegetation from cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and along curbs. Edging should be approximately 0.5 inches in width and two (2) inches deep. Grass and weeds shall be removed and disposed of immediately after each edging. Herbicides may be used as needed to control weeds and other invasive species along edges.

620. TRIMMING. Trimming shall occur each mowing and the height of the trimming shall match the mowing height. Trim around all obstacles such as trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, and other fixed obstacles.

630. PRUNING. Prune shrubs, groundcovers, and Ornamental Trees within the improved lawn area as needed to maintain a clean and professional appearance. In addition to appearance, pruning will be used to provide safety, clearance, and prevent structural damage. Large tree canopies not being pruned for safety, clearance, or to prevent structural damage will be pruned at a height of eight (8) to nine (9) feet from the ground around the tree. Pruned clippings/trimmings shall be removed from premises.

640. WEED CONTROL. The Contractor shall control weeds in plant beds, improved natural areas, and other locations within the improved lawn area not already specified. The Contractor shall control weeds on an as needed basis. Weeds shall be controlled using acceptable lawn maintenance standards.

650. ORGANIC DEBRIS REMOVAL. Hard surfaced areas shall be free of all organic debris at the conclusion of each mowing, edging, trimming, or pruning event. Removal of organic debris will be at the discretion of the Contractor (i.e. tractor, blower, broom).

660. LEAVES. Falling leaves shall be removed from hard surfaces, plant beds, and improved lawn areas to maintain a well-groomed appearance at least once every two weeks during the Fall Season (typically between mid-October through mid-December). How leaves are removed will be at the discretion of the Contractor.

670. POLICING THE AREA. Trash, sticks, and other debris will be removed from hard surfaces, plant beds, and improved lawn areas. Areas will be policed each visit by the Contractor for lawn maintenance. In the months between falling leaves and growing season (typically between mid-December to beginning of April), Contractor will police the area every other week.

680. SOIL SAMPLING. The Contractor shall take soil samples at least annually in maintained areas. Soil samples will be sent to the state’s Land Management University or equivalent commercial soil sampling laboratory for testing. Soil samples will be utilized to determine how much, if any, fertilizer and lime will be required.

690. FERTILIZER, LIME, AND HERBICIDES. Federal, state, and local laws shall apply for the use and distribution of fertilizer, lime, herbicides, and any other chemicals applied.

691. Fertilizer. Fertilize lawn areas prior to the normal growing season allowing sufficient time for fertilization to take effect (i.e. each March) utilizing the recommendations of the soil sampling results. Mix no less than one (1) pound of elemental Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet at each application.

692. Lime. Lime shall be applied any time soil sampling indicates a deficiency of at least half (1/2) ton per acre.

APPENDIX A – Monthly Report. This is only an example. Monthly reports may be revised if the Contractor and COR both agree to the revision.