Attachment 3-USAG ST BASOPS FY26 Annex F_GROUNDS.docx

Annex F

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Base Operations (BASOPS)

Grounds Maintenance Services

Jul 13, 2026

Contents

GENERAL INFORMATION

Overview and Scope The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, and materials necessary to inspect, maintain, and landscape the grounds of USAG Stuttgart to ensure they are safe, compliant, and maintained to a high aesthetic standard. The scope includes all mowing, trimming, turf care, leaf removal, tree/shrub maintenance, and cleaning of areas for debris across all designated USAG Stuttgart properties. The exact physical boundaries of the Contractor's responsibility are defined in TE-F-03 "Consolidated Grounds Maintenance Maps."

Grounds Categories and Classifications For the purposes of this contract, "grounds" are defined as all land and water acreage for which the installation commander has responsibility, including all outlying and satellite areas. To align with Army Regulation (AR) 420-1, grounds are categorized and managed under the following four (4) distinct classifications:

a. Installation Cantonment Area(s): The geographic area(s) comprising the most urbanized sectors of the installation. These areas are characterized by high concentrations of pedestrians and permanent assets. The cantonment area includes but is not limited to family and unaccompanied housing, schools, medical clinics, offices, airfields, industrial facilities, and community activity spaces. It also includes the main access roads and their shoulders (within 10 feet of the road edge) leading from the primary controlled security access points. Cantonment areas may contain Improved, Semi-Improved, or Unimproved grounds depending on the specific location and usage.

b. Improved Grounds (Level I Maintenance): Acreage on which intensive, recurring landscape maintenance must be planned and performed annually as Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) scheduled requirements (OWO-F). Maintenance activities include frequent mowing, irrigation, fertilization, aeration, seeding, sodding, pruning, and weed/litter control. Examples include lawns and landscaped areas surrounding buildings, parade grounds, community common areas, playgrounds, and non-synthetic turf athletic fields.

c. Semi-Improved Grounds (Level II Maintenance): Areas on which periodic, recurring maintenance is performed, but to a lesser degree of intensity than on Improved Grounds. Maintenance activities are performed primarily for safety, security, weed and brush control, erosion control, and drainage. Examples include mowed road shoulders, small arms ranges, antenna facilities, ammunition storage areas, airfield shoulders/clear zones, and firebreaks.

d. Unimproved Grounds (Level III Maintenance): All other installation acreage not classified as Improved or Semi-Improved. Maintenance activities are generally unpredictable, low-frequency, and are performed primarily for soil and water conservation, fire prevention, and safety. Examples include forest areas, impact areas, training and maneuver fields, agricultural lands, and remote military training zones.

Governing Procedures and Liability All work performed under this Annex shall be executed in strict accordance with the administrative, management, safety, and personnel qualification requirements detailed in the Overarching PWS (Annex A).

Asset Protection and Damage: The Contractor shall protect all Government assets (including tree trunks, sprinkler heads, and exterior lighting). All landscape or property damage caused by the Contractor's operations shall be reported to the COR within two (2) hours and repaired at no cost to the Government, in strict accordance with the liability clauses in Annex A.

GFEBS Work Order and Funding Classifications (OWO-F vs. OWO-D) To ensure compliance with Army financial regulations and GFEBS cost-accounting rules, all work performed under this Annex shall be categorized and funded under one of two distinct GFEBS work order types:

a. Scheduled Recurring Services (OWO-F):

All routine, scheduled grounds maintenance services (such as mowing, trimming, edging, and leaf removal) are performed on a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) basis, funded via Operations allocations. The Contractor is not required to create individual GFEBS work orders for these routine services. Payment is processed monthly under the master FFP CLIN.

b. On-Demand / Unscheduled Services (OWO-D):

All non-routine, on-demand, or "one-off" grounds and landscaping tasks (such as soil testing, tree relocation, or emergency storm cleanup) shall be initiated, approved, and executed as individual Operations Work Orders On-Demand (OWO-D) in GFEBS.

· Funding and Cost Clearing: In accordance with GFEBS financial standards, all OWO-D costs are charged to Operations funds and against a specific Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) element, not a real property Functional Location (FLOC).

· DMO Prohibition: Demand Maintenance Orders (DMOs) are strictly reserved for Class 1 Real Property Maintenance (Annex H) and shall not be utilized for any grounds or landscaping tasks under this Annex.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Program Management and Scheduling All recurring grounds maintenance tasks shall be managed through a comprehensive, proactive program to ensure a neat, professional, and aesthetically pleasing installation.

a. Annual Grounds Maintenance Plan (Deliverable F-001): The Contractor shall develop a comprehensive Annual Grounds Maintenance Plan detailing the complete schedule, routing, and frequency for all recurring seasonal tasks for the entire year. The initial plan shall be submitted to the COR for approval no later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the of the phase-in period. Updates for subsequent option years shall be submitted 30 days prior to the start of that option year.

b. Weekly Execution Schedule: Based on the approved annual plan, the Contractor shall maintain a rolling Weekly Work Schedule on the Government SharePoint (GSP). This schedule shall be updated no later than the close of business each Thursday to detail the specific areas and tasks to be serviced the following week. The Government will utilize this GSP schedule to perform unannounced Quality Assurance (QA) inspections.

Green Waste Disposal The Contractor is strictly prohibited from storing or accumulating green waste on the installation. The Contractor shall collect and transport all green waste (grass clippings, leaves, branches, etc.) generated during work and dispose of it at a certified Host Nation off-post facility on the same day it is generated. The tonnage and volume of all green waste disposed of shall be tracked, documented with disposal receipts, and submitted to the COR monthly as Deliverable F-002 (Monthly Green Waste Disposal Report)

RECURRING LAWN, TURF, AND BED CARE

The Contractor shall perform intensive, recurring landscape maintenance across all developed areas of the installation. All work shall be performed in conformance with the Service Performance Standards detailed in TE-F-02. All vegetation shall be maintained in accordance with all applicable Host Nation laws, including DIN 18917 (Lawns and lawn development) and DIN 18919 (Development and maintenance of green spaces). The Contractor shall strictly abide by installation quiet hours when operating equipment IAW Overarching paragraph 2.11.

Mowing Operations by Area Type The Contractor shall mow all grassed areas between 1 April and 31 October to ensure a healthy, neat, clean, and even mowing pattern. Grass and weeds shall be maintained at a height consistent with the surrounding area and shall not be allowed to accumulate on or within fences. The Contractor shall utilize equipment appropriate for the area being serviced.

a. High-Visibility (Improved) Areas (Level I Maintenance)

· Scope: Includes lawns in high-traffic areas, Army Family Housing, playgrounds, and other designated zones as shown on the maps in TE-F-03.

· Equipment Restrictions: All rotary mowers used in these areas shall be equipped with mulching blades and have discharges blocked. All mowing and leaf removal equipment must be equipped with turf-type tires. Heavy equipment with agricultural tires, wheel weights, or accessories that may cause compaction, rutting, or scalping is strictly prohibited on High Visibility Areas.

· Procedure: The Contractor shall clean the area for trash and debris before mowing. All clippings shall be mulched or removed to ensure a uniform appearance free of skips, gaps, or scalping. Paved areas shall be cleared of clippings the same day.

· Parade Fields (Special High-Visibility): The Contractor shall maintain parade field turf to the highest standard. The grass shall be mowed whenever its height approaches 10 cm. The "after-cut" height shall be maintained between 5-6 cm.

b. Semi-Improved Areas (Level II Maintenance):

· Scope: Includes common areas, roadsides, and other general-use green spaces.

· Procedure: The Contractor shall mow these areas to maintain a neat and orderly appearance. Grass and weed height shall not exceed 15 cm at any time. Clippings may be left in place unless they are thick enough to damage the underlying turf.

c. Unimproved Grounds (Level III Maintenance)

· Scope: Includes low-traffic, non-public areas where the primary goal is to control vegetation for safety, security, and fire prevention. This includes areas along perimeter fences, fuel storage areas, utility substations, and training areas.

· Procedure: A rotary mower capable of negotiating steep slopes and cutting heavy clumps and brushy vegetation shall be used to service Unimproved Grounds and perform grassland habitat maintenance. Grass and weed height shall not exceed 30 cm at any time. Rotary mowers are strictly prohibited on bunker roofs.

Trimming and Edging The Contractor shall perform all edging and trimming concurrently with, and at the same frequency as, the mowing operations defined in Section 3.1. All debris generated from edging and trimming shall be collected and disposed of on the same day the service is performed.

a. Edging Requirements: The Contractor shall edge all flowerbeds, mulched areas, sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, and other concrete surfaces (excluding asphalt edges) within Improved Grounds to present a neat, professionally manicured appearance. Edging must include the complete removal of all grass or weeds sprouting from cracks in sidewalks, pavement, and concrete curb joints.

b. Trimming Requirements: The Contractor shall trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, and all other fixed objects projecting above the ground. The trimmed height shall remain consistent with the adjacent mowed turf.

· Obstructions: The Contractor shall request the COR to have vehicles moved as required to access areas temporarily obstructed by vehicles.

· Mower Blight and Tree Damage Liability: The Contractor is responsible for damage to trees, shrubs, or other woody vegetation during trimming operations. If a tree or plant is damaged by trimming and subsequently dies or becomes unhealthy, the Contractor shall replace it with an identical plant of the same size and species at no additional cost to the Government. All replacement trees and shrubs shall carry a mandatory one (1) year warranty, and replacements must be physically completed within fifteen (15) calendar days of Government notification.

Turf Restoration, Aeration, and Seeding The following tasks shall be performed as part of the annual, recurring FFP for Grounds Maintenance. The Contractor shall perform all required turf restoration, seeding, sodding, and aeration to maintain all turf areas in a healthy, green, and uniform condition. All soil preparation, planting, and turf establishment shall comply with the technical standards of DIN 18917 and DIN 18915.

a. Seeding and Reseeding: The Contractor shall repair damaged or bare lawn areas. The process shall include excavating and removing unsuitable soil/debris, backfilling with clean, sieved topsoil, leveling, seeding, and rolling to match adjacent turf.

· Materials and Standards: The Contractor shall only use a COR-approved seed mixture, specifically RSM 7.1.1 (per the Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung und Landschaftsbau e.V. - FLL guidelines) or an equivalent Host Nation certified mix. All soil preparation shall comply with DIN 18915.

· Mulching: Immediately after seeding, the Contractor shall cover all seeded areas with a uniform layer of 2-3 cm (up to 5-7 cm as approved by the COR) of loose straw mulch to retain moisture and prevent bird or wind damage.

b. Hydroseeding: The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, and materials to perform large-scale hydroseeding. The Government estimates a workload of approximately one hundred (100) acres annually. All designated areas shall be hydro-seeded, mulched, and tacked to ensure 100% complete, uniform coverage at the manufacturer's specified application rates.

c. Sodding and Hand Mowing: The Contractor shall perform professional sodding for areas requiring immediate turf establishment. The Government estimates a workload of approximately ten (10) acres annually.

· Procedure: The Contractor shall remove old, damaged turf, excavate to the required depth, prepare and level the soil with clean topsoil, and lay and roll the sod. The Contractor shall perform daily watering of newly laid sod to ensure deep root establishment.

· Hand Mowing Rule: To prevent tearing or displacing the new turf before it has firmly rooted, the Contractor shall mow all newly laid sod exclusively with hand-push mowers. Standard commercial mowing machinery shall not be permitted on sodded areas until the root system has fully established and is formally accepted by the COR.

d. Core Aeration and Overseeding: The Contractor shall perform annual core aeration across all high-visibility (Improved) turf areas during periods of optimum soil moisture (typically spring or fall).

· Aeration Standard: Aeration must be performed with complete coverage, and all pulled soil cores shall remain on-site to break down naturally.

· Overseeding: The Contractor shall perform overseeding across approximately three hundred and twenty-two (322) acres annually using a specialized no-till drill. The seed must be inserted directly into the soil without disturbing the existing vegetative cover. To facilitate efficient equipment operation, overseeding shall be executed immediately following a scheduled mowing.

Watering and Irrigation Systems The Contractor shall operate, maintain, and adjust all permanently installed lawn irrigation systems and deploy portable irrigation equipment as required to maintain an adequate water supply for the health, color, and appearance of all grass, flowers, shrubs, hedges, and trees. The irrigation systems and associated workload data are identified in TE-F-01. All watering shall be conducted in accordance with established installation water conservation and restriction policies.

a. Watering Operations and Restrictions: The Contractor shall irrigate parade fields, athletic fields, and tennis courts as required to promote healthy lawn and vegetation growth.

· Water Management: Irrigation shall be carefully monitored to prevent water waste, soil erosion, runoff, or ponding. The Contractor shall adjust sprinklers, so they do not impede traffic or spray water onto doorways, windows, porches, parked vehicles, or paved parking areas.

· Cleaning Equipment: Water hoses, portable sprinklers, and all similar irrigation equipment shall not be left unattended. They must be removed from lawn areas at the end of each workday or immediately when not in use.

· Die-Back Liability: Any vegetation, turf, or newly planted trees that die due to the Contractor’s failure to provide adequate irrigation shall be replaced (e.g., with sod or identical tree species) at no additional cost to the Government. Newly planted or transplanted trees and plants shall be irrigated in strict accordance with DIN 18916.

b. Automatic Sprinkler Systems (Specific Locations): The Contractor shall provide comprehensive maintenance for the automatic sprinkler systems at Husky Field, Patch Tennis Courts, the Golf Course, and the lower ball field in Robinson Barracks to ensure fully effective operation. The Contractor shall actively manage these systems—activating or deactivating zones based on current precipitation rates—to maintain healthy grass and minimize dust on brick-sand athletic areas.

c. Seasonal System Activation and Winterization: The Contractor shall manage the strict seasonal lifecycles of all installed irrigation systems:

· Activation: Sprinkler systems shall be fully activated during the last week of March.

· Deactivation (Winterization): Systems shall be fully deactivated prior to the onset of freezing weather in the fall. Complete deactivation requires the Contractor to turn off the primary water supply, drain and/or blow out the entire pipe network to prevent freeze damage, and deactivate the automatic control system panel.

· The Contractor shall formally notify the COR upon the completion of both the spring activation and fall deactivation cycles.

Planted Area and Flower Bed Maintenance The Contractor shall provide comprehensive, recurring maintenance for all designated indigenous flower beds, rose beds, and planted areas within High-Visibility (Improved) Grounds, including those located at the primary entrances to Army Family Housing (AFH) buildings.

a. Core Maintenance Standards: The Contractor shall keep all planted areas free of weeds, grass, and debris. Maintenance shall include tilling, fertilizing, adding compost, and applying a uniform 5 cm layer of bulk organic mulch.

· Watering and Survival Guarantee: The Contractor shall water all flower and rose beds to maintain healthy growth when natural rainfall is insufficient. Any plant, shrub, or flower that dies due to a lack of adequate watering or Contractor negligence shall be replaced with a healthy plant of identical species and size at no additional cost to the Government.

· Herbicide Restriction: The use of chemical herbicides in flower or planting beds is strictly prohibited without prior, written COR approval.

b. Rose Bed and AFH Entrance Maintenance: The Contractor shall maintain all rose beds in a highly manicured state, which includes weeding, mulching, spraying for destructive pests (e.g., aphids/lice), and annual pruning. To prevent winter-kill and frost damage, the Contractor shall complete all winter-preparation measures (pruning, mounding soil, and mulching) for all rose beds no later than 1 October of each contract year.

c. Annual Autumn Overhaul: No later than 1 October of each contract year, the Contractor shall perform a comprehensive autumn overhaul of all annual flower beds. This includes: the complete removal and disposal of all spent annual plants, tilling organic compost into the soil, and applying a protective winter layer of shredded hardwood mulch.

d. Annual Perennial Replenishment Proposal (Deliverable F-003): No later than 1 April of each contract year, the Contractor shall perform a comprehensive survey of all planting beds and submit a written proposal to the COR identifying beds requiring new perennial plants (Koniferen) and specifying the exact quantities and species required. This constitutes Deliverable F-003 (Perennial Replenishment Proposal).

· Upon receiving written COR approval, the Contractor shall purchase and plant the approved perennials in strict accordance with the planting and soil standards of DIN 18916.

e. On-Demand Planted Area Changes (OWO-D):

Any Government-directed creation of a new flower bed, the decommissioning and sodding-over of an existing bed, or major non-routine landscape remodeling shall be ordered and executed as an individual, funded OWO-D in GFEBS.

Athletic Fields Grounds Maintenance The Contractor shall maintain all baseball, softball, and multi-purpose recreational fields in a clean, safe, and professional condition in accordance with TE-F-03 and the sports grounds standards DIN 18035-4 (Lawns), DIN 18035-6 (Synthetic surfaces), and DIN 18035-7 (Synthetic turf).

a. Grass Athletic Areas: The Contractor shall mow and maintain grass sports fields weekly by Fridays at 12:00 p.m. to support weekend activities. Grass height shall be maintained between 4-5 cm, and all clippings must be collected and removed. Fields shall be leveled in April to remove holes. Annual regeneration (scarifying, aeration, sanding) shall be performed in March/April, and fertilization shall be performed in April and September based on soil tests.

b. Tamped-Sanded Areas: The Contractor shall prepare all in-fields prior to the playing season in April, including removing old and spreading new brick dust, rolling, watering, re-leveling, and edging. The Contractor shall maintain these areas monthly from April through October. Holes and depressions shall be filled with brick sand (0-5 mm) and compacted monthly.

c. Husky Field Long Jump: The Contractor shall replace and replenish the sand in the long jump box once a year in April.

d. Tennis and Pickleball Courts (Deliverable F-006): Clay tennis courts shall be maintained weekly on Thursdays throughout the playing season from 01 April to 31 October, to include watering the clay courts for dust control, compacting, and spreading brick sand as needed in accordance with TE-F-02. The Contractor shall inspect all court lines in April and submit a comprehensive maintenance report and repair recommendation to the COR no later than 01 May of each contract year, constituting Deliverable F-006 (Annual Tennis Court Line Inspection Report). No chemical herbicides shall be used on any portion of the athletic fields.

e Artificial Turf Field Maintenance: The Contractor shall perform recurring, specialized maintenance for the artificial turf fields at Panzer Kaserne and Patch Barracks (Bowman Field) to ensure player safety and extend the life of the asset. All work shall be performed in accordance with the turf manufacturer's recommendations and DIN 18035-7.

1. Weekly Recurring Service (During Playing Season, 01 Apr - 31 Oct): The Contractor shall perform a weekly service that includes: removing all surface debris (leaves, lint, organic matter); performing single-pass grooming with a non-abrasive turf brush to level the infill and maintain a vertical pile; and using an Infill Depth Gauge to measure and replenish infill in high-traffic zones (e.g., penalty spots, goal areas) to ensure proper fiber exposure (typically 0.5" to 0.75").

2. Semi-Annual Recurring Service: Twice per year (April and October), the Contractor shall perform a comprehensive deep cleaning and maintenance service. This shall include: thorough removal of all fine debris and dust; mechanical decompaction of the rubber infill using a specialized rotary aerator; and application of a manufacturer-approved, non-foaming antimicrobial or disinfectant treatment.

3. Weed & Moss Control: As part of the recurring service, the Contractor shall treat the turf edges and base borders with targeted, synthetic-safe herbicides to stop vegetation growth without damaging the turf backing.

4. On-Demand Repairs: Minor repairs, such as gluing or taping loose seams and frayed edges, are not part of the recurring service. They shall be ordered as individual On-Demand (OWO-D) work orders in accordance with the DMO/PWO Boundary Matrix (TE-A-33).

Sandbox and Play Area Maintenance The Contractor shall maintain playgrounds in a clean, safe, and serviceable condition in accordance with DIN EN 1176.

a. Playground Cleaning: The Contractor shall rake and clean all foreign materials from all playgrounds twice a month from 01 April to 31 October IAW TE-F-03.

b. Sand Replacement: Sand replacement at all play areas and sandboxes shall be accomplished once a year in April in accordance with DIN EN 1176 and DIN 18034 regulations. Old sand shall be disposed of off-post. New sand must be certified river-washed sand (0-2mm or equivalent) spread to the depth specified in the safety regulations.

RECURRING LANDSCAPE, TREE, AND VEGETATION CARE

The Contractor shall provide professional tree care, shrub maintenance, and weed control services to ensure safety, structural integrity, and environmental compliance across all USAG Stuttgart installations.

Tree Pruning and Safety Cuts All tree pruning, canopy shaping, and safety cuts shall be executed in strict accordance with the ZTV Baumpflege (Zusätzliche Technische Vertragsbedingungen und Richtlinien für Baumpflege) and the Richtlinien für Baumpflege und Baumsanierung.

a. Certified Arborist Requirement: This is a high-risk technical service. All personnel performing tree climbing, trimming, or canopy pruning must hold a current, valid certification as a European Tree Worker (Fachagrarwirt Baumpflege) or an approved Host Nation equivalent. Proof of certification must be maintained in the master Employee Log (Deliverable A-011) prior to any individual performing work.

b. Annual Programmed Tree Pruning: The Contractor shall prune a minimum baseline of 300 trees annually during the optimal pruning window of March and April. The COR will provide the specific list of 300 trees at least 30 days prior to the start of the pruning cycle.

c. Clearance Pruning (Lichtraumprofil): To ensure public safety and prevent vehicle/pedestrian collisions, the Contractor shall perform annual clearance pruning (Lichtraumprofil) on all trees along roads, sidewalks, and walkways during March and April.

· Walkways: Branches must be pruned to maintain a minimum clear vertical height of 2.5 meters above all sidewalks and pedestrian paths.

· Roadways: Branches must be pruned to maintain a minimum clear vertical height of 4.5 meters above all streets, parking areas, and vehicle routes.

Perimeter Security Fence Line Clearing (Clear Zones) The Contractor shall maintain established clear zones along all perimeter security fences on both the inside and outside of the fence line twice a year, in May and September.

a. Clear Zone Width: The bases of fence lines shall be kept 100% free of vegetation in an area of 1.20 meters inside and 1.20 meters outside the fence. The use of chemical herbicides is strictly prohibited.

b. Overhang Pruning: The Contractor shall prune any branches from neighboring trees that overhang the clear zone to a height of at least one (1) meter above the top of the security fence line. All work shall be conducted IAW TE-F-03.

Shrub, Hedge, and Groundcover Maintenance The Contractor shall trim and shape all hedges, bushes, and shrubs to maintain their natural growth pattern, keep them clear of building envelopes, windows, and foundations, and ensure they do not obstruct traffic signs, lighting, or security sightlines.

a. Mulching and Fertilization: When directed by the COR, the Contractor shall uniformly mulch and fertilize designated hedge and shrub beds. Mulch shall be applied to maintain a uniform depth of 7.5 to 10 cm, keeping mulch clear of plant crowns and building foundations. The Contractor shall annually cultivate all mulched areas to maintain soil aeration and water percolation and shall manually remove all encroaching grass and weeds. Only organic wood chips generated from on-installation tree pruning shall be used first. Once that stock is exhausted, the Contractor shall purchase and provide high-quality hardwood bulk mulch.

Mechanical and Manual Weed Control (Non-Chemical) The Contractor shall perform all routine weed and vegetation control using mechanical or manual methods to prevent damage to real property and maintain a professional appearance. The use of chemical herbicides on any paved surface, sidewalk, gravel area, or hardscape is strictly prohibited.

a. Hardscapes and Paved Areas: Twice annually, during May/June and August/September, the Contractor shall utilize specialized non-chemical equipment—specifically hot foam water systems and/or steel wire wheel brush machines—to destroy and remove weeds, moss, and grass from all roads, sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and parking lots.

b. Edges, Fences, and Trash Islands: The Contractor shall perform monthly manual/mechanical weeding from 15 April until 15 October along all building foundations, fence lines, trash enclosures, and other structures across all Cantonment Areas. Weeds and tall grass shall not be allowed to accumulate in these areas.

c. Gravel Areas: The Contractor shall manually remove all weeds growing within designated gravel beds, ensuring the entire root system is extracted. Upon completion, the Contractor shall rake, level, and replenish the gravel with matching material as needed.

Herbicide Application (Chemical Control) The use of chemical herbicides is restricted exclusively to parade fields and athletic fields, and may only be executed with prior written approval from the appropriate German Host Nation environmental authorities and the COR.

a. Annual Herbicide and Pesticide Application Plan: The Contractor shall develop a comprehensive Annual Herbicide and Pesticide Application Plan in strict compliance with the USAG Stuttgart Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP). This plan shall detail the proposed chemicals, target areas, application schedules, and safety protocols for the year. The initial plan shall be submitted to the COR for approval no later than 30 calendar days prior to conclusion of the phase-in period and annually thereafter, constituting Deliverable F-004 (Annual Herbicide Plan).

b. Certified Applicators: All personnel performing chemical herbicide application must possess a current, valid Host Nation herbicide applicator license (Sachkundenachweis Pflanzenschutz). The Contractor shall upload a copy of this license to the GSP and record the certification dates in the Employee Log (Deliverable A-011). No employee or subcontractor shall perform any herbicide application until their license has been verified and logged in Deliverable A-011. The Government reserves the right to immediately halt any chemical application performed by an unlogged or uncertified individual.

c. Safety and Signage: All herbicide mixing and storage shall be performed off-installation. Immediately upon application, the Contractor shall post highly visible warning signs around the treated area, written in both English and German, detailing the chemical used and the mandatory safe "stay-off" duration specified by the manufacturer.

d. Monthly Usage Report: No later than the 10th of each month, the Contractor shall submit a consolidated Monthly Herbicide Usage Report to the COR and the Environmental Division. This report must contain a detailed log of all applications performed during the previous month, including: the exact dates, locations, chemical names, quantities used, and copies of all signed Host Nation approvals. The timely and accurate submission of this report constitutes Deliverable F-005 (Monthly Herbicide Usage Report).

e. Spill Notification: In the event of a hazardous substance spill or release during application, the Contractor shall verbally notify the USAG Stuttgart Fire Department, COR and Environmental Division immediately, followed by a written report within one (1) hour.

RECURRING SEASONAL AND SITE CLEANUP SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide comprehensive seasonal leaf removal, routine grounds cleaning, and trash receptacle management across all USAG Stuttgart installations.

Fall Leaf Removal Between October and February, the Contractor shall collect, remove, and dispose of all fallen leaves across all designated High-Visibility and Common Areas shown in TE-F-05.

a. Scope of Cleaning: Leaf removal shall include clearing all lawns, beds, window shafts, exterior building stairs, and the roofs of all gazebos, bus stops, and bike racks.

b. Performance Standard: The Contractor shall ensure that leaf removal operations do not damage existing green foliage or turf. All collected or bagged leaves shall be hauled off-post and disposed of on the same day in accordance with the Green Waste Disposal rules in Section 2.2.

Debris Removal and Litter Control The Contractor shall perform routine cleaning and sweeping of all common areas, parking lots, roads, sidewalks, curbstones, fence lines, and lawns to ensure they are free of litter, trash, and natural debris.

a. Pre- and Post-Mowing Cleaning: Prior to performing any mowing, the Contractor shall clean the entire turf area to remove all trash, paper, rocks, and branches. Immediately following mowing, the Contractor shall conduct a post-mowing sweep to collect and remove any debris or litter that was missed or shredded by the mowing machinery.

b. Trash Receptacle Management: The Contractor shall monitor and empty all exterior trash receptacles (up to 240-liter capacity) and facility entrance ashtrays/receptacles at a sufficient frequency to preclude overflow, including during weekends, holidays, and special athletic events. The Contractor shall replace the plastic liners during each emptying cycle. All collected waste shall be disposed of in Government-furnished refuse containers.

c. Receptacle Maintenance and Washing: Twice annually, during the month of July and the last week of September, the Contractor shall thoroughly wash, disinfect, and dry all exterior trash receptacles listed in TE-F-04 to prevent foul odors and pest attraction. The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR of any damaged or broken receptacles.

d. Animal Waste Stations: The Contractor shall monitor, empty, and replace the plastic bags for all designated 56-liter animal waste stations listed on the maps in TE-F-04 to prevent overflow.

e. Hardscape Sweeping: The Contractor shall sweep and clean all driveways, sidewalks, and paved common areas to ensure they are free of sand, gravel, weeds, and litter, disposing of all swept waste.

f. Airfield Mowing Best Practices: For any mowing performed adjacent to the airfield, the Contractor shall, to the maximum extent practicable, direct all clippings and discharge away from the paved surfaces. The final clearing of the pavement is the responsibility of the on-demand Foreign Object Damage (FOD) removal service under Annex J.

ON-DEMAND AND SPECIALIZED GROUNDS SERVICES

The Contractor shall perform the following specialized, non-recurring grounds services on an on-demand basis, to be ordered and executed as individual Operations Work Orders On-Demand (OWO-D) in GFEBS.

On-Demand Turf Restoration (Sodding & Hydroseeding) Any requirement for turf restoration that exceeds the annual baseline quantities defined in paragraphs 3.3.b and 3.3.c of this Annex shall be ordered as a separate, on-demand Operations Work Order (OWO-D). The classification of this work (Band 1-4 or PWO) shall be determined by the scope of the task in accordance with the Grounds Maintenance section of the DMO/PWO Boundary Matrix (TE-A-33), and it shall be priced using the pre-priced unit rates in the Bidding Schedule.

The following work is considered on-demand turf restoration:

a. Seeding and Reseeding

b. Hydroseeding

c. Sodding and Hand Mowing

d. Repair of Tracks and Ruts On-Demand Tree and Shrub Care Any requirement for tree or shrub removal, relocation, or major pruning shall be ordered as a separate, on-demand Operations Work Order (OWO-D). The classification of this work (Band 1-4 or PWO) shall be determined by the scope of the task (e.g., Diameter at Breast Height of the tree) in accordance with the Grounds Maintenance section of the DMO/PWO Boundary Matrix (TE-A-33), and it shall be priced using the pre-priced unit rates in the Bidding Schedule.

All specialized tree work shall be performed by certified European Tree Workers in accordance with ZTV Baumpflege and safety standards DIN 4426 and BGV C22.

a. Tree Cutting and Removal: The Contractor shall cut down and remove trees only as directed by the COR. Tree cutting season is restricted to 1 October – end of February (per § 39 BNatSchG), unless an emergency safety hazard exists. All debris and stumps shall be removed, leveled, and reseeded within ten (10) calendar days of tree removal.

b. Debris Management: The Contractor shall mechanically chip limbs <10 cm in diameter. Limbs and trunks >10 cm shall be cut into 25 cm lengths and transported/stacked at the designated collection area beside Bldg #3360 on Kelley Barracks for Government use.

c. Emergency Tree Removal: To eliminate safety hazards or restore traffic flow, the Contractor shall complete emergency removals within two (2) hours of COR notification.

d. Reforestation (New Trees): Upon COR approval, the Contractor shall purchase and plant trees in accordance with DIN 18916. Soil from excavation shall be exchanged for sieved topsoil. Young trees must be safely anchored to maintain a <5-degree angle.

· Warranty on New Plantings: The Contractor shall provide a one-year warranty on all newly planted trees and shrubs. If a new plant fails to establish or dies within one (1) year of planting due to issues with the plant's health at the time of planting or improper installation, the Contractor shall replace it with a new, healthy specimen of the same species and size at no additional cost to the Government.

· Ongoing Maintenance: The routine, ongoing care for newly planted trees (including watering, mulching, and weeding) is part of the standard, recurring grounds maintenance services required for the area in which the tree was planted.

e. Relocation of Trees and Plants: The Contractor shall relocate trees/plants in accordance with DIN 18916 and in coordination with the Bundesforstverwaltung, ensuring root-balls are fully intact and wrapped.

f. Wild Grown Sprouts: The Contractor shall remove wild-grown sprouts from tree trunks in Improved Grounds Areas.

On-Demand Hardscape and Bed Management Any requirement for the repair of hardscape features, planting of new hedges, or removal of flower beds shall be ordered as a separate, on-demand Operations Work Order (OWO-D). The classification of this work (Band 1-4 or PWO) shall be determined by the scope of the task (e.g., square meters of pavers to be reset) in accordance with the Grounds Maintenance section of the DMO/PWO Boundary Matrix (TE-A-33), and it shall be priced using the pre-priced unit rates in the Bidding Schedule.

The Contractor shall perform the following on-demand services:

a. Perennial Planting: The Contractor shall prepare planting beds IAW DIN 18916, and plant approved perennials (Koniferen) based on the annual survey.

b. Gravel Area Maintenance: The Contractor shall manually remove weeds from graveled areas, level, and fill the areas with matching material. No chemical herbicides are permitted.

c. Planting Hedges: The Contractor shall purchase and plant hedges in accordance with DIN 18916.

d. Flower Bed Removal: The Contractor shall remove designated flower beds (including curbs and plants), level, and reseed the area.

e. Mulch Application: The Contractor shall provide and spread bulk mulch to a depth of 5 cm in designated areas, keeping mulch clear of building foundations and plant crowns.

On-Demand Sandbox and Play Area Maintenance Any requirement for the complete replacement of playground sand shall be ordered as a separate, on-demand Operations Work Order (OWO-D). The classification of this work shall be determined by the scope of the task in accordance with the Grounds Maintenance section of the DMO/PWO Boundary Matrix (TE-A-33), and it shall be priced using the pre-priced unit rates in the Bidding Schedule. (Note: Routine raking is a recurring task covered in Section 5).

On-Demand Perimeter Security Fence Line Clearing The recurring, bi-annual clearing of the 1.2-meter clear zone is a standard FFP service. Any requirement for additional clearing outside of this schedule shall be ordered as a separate, on-demand Operations Work Order (OWO-D), priced per linear meter in accordance with the Bidding Schedule.

On-Demand Athletic Fields Maintenance While routine mowing and fertilization are recurring services, any specialized repair or non-routine maintenance for athletic fields (e.g., re-leveling an infield, repairing a backstop) shall be ordered as a separate, on-demand Operations Work Order (OWO-D). The classification and pricing shall be determined by the specific task in accordance with the applicable line item in the DMO/PWO Boundary Matrix (TE-A-33).

PROJECT WORK ORDERS (PWOs) FOR SPECIALIZED SERVICES Special Event Support The Government may require the Contractor to provide additional grounds maintenance support for special events (e.g., ceremonies, VIP visits, community festivals).

a. Scope: The scope of support may include, but is not limited to, pre-event turf grooming and cleanup, temporary landscape installations, and post-event site restoration.

b. Execution: All such support shall be considered out-of-scope from recurring and on-demand services. It will be ordered and funded via a separate, individual Project Work Order (PWO), for which the contractor shall provide a detailed cost proposal.

APPLICABLE SPECIALIZED PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS).

The Contractor shall comply with the most current editions of all applicable publications, regulations, and technical standards listed in Table 7-1. In the event of a conflict between U.S. and Host Nation standards, the more stringent standard shall govern.

Annex F (404) - Grounds Maintenance Service PWS, USAG Stuttgart

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS) MATRIX

This table summarizes the most critical performance standards for Annex F. these standards do not supersede any other requirement in this contract.

DELIVERABLES.

The Contractor shall provide the deliverables listed in the table below in accordance with the specified timelines, frequencies, and formats. Unless otherwise directed by PWS or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), all deliverables shall be submitted electronically. The primary method of submission and official archive for all contract deliverables is Government SharePoint (GSP), as governed by TE-A-11.

The Contractor is responsible for tracking all deliverable deadlines. The Government's acceptance of a deliverable does not relieve the Contractor of their responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the submitted data or their obligation to meet all performance standards defined in this contract.

TECHNICAL EXHIBITS.

TE-F-01 – Historical Data for Grounds Maintenance

1.0 Purpose: This Technical Exhibit provides historical workload data for ground maintenance activities.

2.0 Distinction Between Physical Inventory (TE-A-01) and Historical Workload (TE-F-01): The Government provides two distinct sets of data to assist the Contractor in understanding the scope of work: Physical Inventory (TE-A-02) and Historical Workload (TE-F-01). The Contractor shall note that these documents serve different purposes and their quantitative measurements will not necessarily align.

· TE-A-02 (Space Assignment & Equipment): Represents the total physical footprint of Government-owned assets on the installation (e.g., total linear feet of fence, total square footage of facilities). It defines the absolute boundaries of the Contractor's potential area of responsibility.

· TE-F-01 (Historical Workload): Represents an estimate of the actual recurring effort (workload) performed in previous years (e.g., the actual linear feet of fence line that required weed trimming).

Variance…