Attachment A - SOW - Marietta NC.pdf

Marietta National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - STATEMENT OF WORK

B.1 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the basic objectives of Marietta National Cemetery.

B.2 INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. Marietta National

Cemetery is one (1) of 2 cemeteries in the State of Georgia that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

B.3 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 155 National Cemeteries in 39 states that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis. As the final resting place for our nation’s heroes, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have been established by the National

Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this nation’s concern and respect for those interred there, therefor strict adherence to the following specifications is essential.

Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our

Nation. Critically important is the awareness required when scheduling and performing work to not interrupt cemetery operations.

1. The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan and perform the activities associated with statements of work as described herein, which are required to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds in accordance with National Cemetery Administration Operational

Standards and Measures.

2. National cemeteries are a resting place for our nation’s heroes and as such, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have. been established by the

National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this.

3. Nation’s concern and respect for those interred there. The NCA mission: The NCA honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation.

The Marietta National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the city of Marietta in

Cobb County, Georgia. It encompasses 23.3 acres, and as of the end of 2006, had 18,742 interments. It is closed to new interments and is satellite cemetery of the Georgia National Cemetery. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications is required as well as National Cemetery Administration standards.

a. Site features include a masonry archway entry gate, lodge building with public restrooms, maintenance building, marble rostrum, 1 committal shelters, a flag assembly plaza, POW /

MIA plaza, memorial plaza, extensive landscaping with trees, shrubs, and ground cover.

Turf is Zeon Zoysia.

b. National Cemeteries are National Shrines, as codified in 38 U.S. Code § 2403 (c), “All national and other veterans’ cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery

Administration shall be considered National Shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead …”.

Therefore, the standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications described in the attachments, which are based on the National Cemetery

Administration, National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures, is mandatory.

c. A National Shrine is a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor or family member who views it that, within its majestic setting, every Veteran may find a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose. Each visitor should depart feeling that the grounds, the gravesites, and the environs of the national cemetery are a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

d. The NCA National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures should be considered as goals and requirements for the performance of key operational processes and should be applied at both open and closed national cemeteries where work is done by either a Federal or contract workforce.

B.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide

Grounds Maintenance Services to the Marietta National Cemetery. Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Cemetery Address Acreage Required Services

Marietta National

Cemetery

500 Washington Ave NE, Marietta, GA 30060

23.3 acres developed turf

Grounds Maintenance

Services

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

B.4.a DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Marietta National Cemetery has an immediate need for

Grounds Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Interment Support, and Headstone Services. Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supervision, and supplies to complete Grounds Maintenance, Facilities

Maintenance, Interment Operations, and Headstone Services necessary to ensure the services are performed at Marietta National Cemetery in a manner that will promote and maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants while presenting a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

Services include, but are not limited to, maintenance of grounds, regular mowing, trimming, edge trimming of roadways and walkways, removal of leaves and debris, as well as, cleaning and pressure washing of headstones and facilities, storm debris clean-up, turf maintenance, chemical turf applications/treatments, core aerification, the maintenance and upkeep of mulching beds, columbarium and committal shelter cleaning, holiday support services, sweeping or blowing off cemetery roadways and sidewalks, maintenance of gravesites by cleaning and trimming around headstones. Turf maintenance, plant and tree maintenance, sunken grave repair, trash removal, removal of Floral arrangements as required from graves, interment, and disinterment operations for casket and inground cremations, maintenance of gravesites and headstones, and the alignment and washing of headstones and headstone maintenance.

The contractor shall provide all supervision, personnel, equipment, tools, and other items and/or services necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance is performed at Marietta National Cemetery in a manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm local time (Monday thru

Friday - excluding Federal Holidays). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the Cemetery Leadership in conjunction with the VA Contracting Officer's

Technical Representative (COR).

The Period of Performance for this project shall consist of a Base Year (12 Months) and (4) -1-Year

Option periods (if exercised):

• Base Year: June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026

• Option Year One: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027

• Option Year Two: June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028

• Option Year Three: June 1, 2028 – May 31, 2029

• Option Year Four: June 1, 2029 – May 31, 2030

Contractor shall perform all work utilizing best management and safety practices.

Contractor shall understand and meet all current applicable NCA Operational Standards and Measures

(Attachment or Appendix). Minor changes to standards and measures shall be at no cost to the government (i.e., timeline to perform tasks).

Contractor shall coordinate work in advance with COR to minimize the impact to cemetery operations.

COR shall be notified in writing of all completed work by COB or no later than 10:00am the next business day.

All facilities under contractor control, vehicles, equipment, and materials will be maintained within compliance with OSHA and Annual Workplace Evaluation Standards. All areas on the cemetery grounds are subject to inspection by the Collateral Duty Safety Officer (CDSO) to ensure compliance. Violations will be mitigated or resolved within 30 days of written notice by the COR.

Table of Contents

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

B.4.1.3

EDGING OF WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL

SURFACES

B.4.1.4

TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND

OTHER VERTICLE SURFACES

B.4.1.5

GRAVESITE TRASH, DEBRIS, AND DECORATION/FLORAL

REMOVAL

B.4.1.6 TRASH, LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION AND REMOVAL

B.4.1.7 Mass Gravesite Floral, Decorations, Trash and Debris Pick-up/Removal

B.4.1.8 Sweeping/Blowing Off Roadways and Concrete Surfaces

B.4.1.9

UNDERGOUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM OPERATION, INSPECTION,

AND MAINTENANCE

B.4.2 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

B.4.2.1 Sunken Grave Repair and Turf Repair (Casket Sites)

B.4.2.2 SUNKEN CREMATION AND SMALL AREA GROUNDS REPAIRS

B.4.2.3 Sod Repairs and Installation

B.4.2.4 Mulch/Install and Replenish to include all trees, shrubs, and planting beds

B.4.3 PLANT MATERIAL AND TREE MAINTENANCE

B.4.3.1 Maintenance of All Plant Beds, Shrubs, and Bushes

B.4.3.2 Tree Maintenance

B.4.4 TURF MAINTENANCE

B.4.4.1 Casket/Vault Gravesite Sod Installation

B.4.4.2 Core Aerification

B.4.4.3 Fertilization

B.4.4.4 WEED CONTROL: Herbicide Treatment/Application

B.4.4.5 Gypsum or Dolomitic Lime Application

B.4.5 PEST CONTROL

B.4.5.1 Insecticide Treatment/Application

B.4.5.2 Daily Fire Ant Control/Treatment/Monitoring

B.4.6 Operational Flow Chart Warm Season Turfgrass Areas

B.4.7 Extreme Weather Storm Damage and Debris Clean-up

B.4.8 HEADSTONE RECEIVING, SETTING, AND REALIGNMENT

B.4.8.1

HEADSTONE RECIEVING (ALL FIRST, SUBSEQUENT AND

REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES

B.4.8.2 Headstone Setting of All Headstones (ALL FIRST, SUBSEQUENT AND

REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES)

B.4.8.3 Headstone Raise/ Realign

B.4.8.4 Fine Tune Alignment (Bump and Run)

B.4.9 INTERMENT SERVICES

B.4.9.1 CASKET TRANSPORTATION

B.4.10

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE, CLEANING AND PRESSURE

WASHING

B.4.10.1 Headstone Cleaning

B.4.10.2 Curbs, Parking Lots, Parking Blocks

B.4.10.6 Committal Shelters

B.4.10.7 Buildings and Surrounding Concrete Surfaces

B.4.10.8 Floral Vase Bin and Trash Receptacle Cleaning

B.4.11 SUPPORT SERVICES

B.4.11.1 Daily Committal Shelter Setup, Take Down, and Cleaning

B.4.11.2 Weekend/Holiday Burial Support

B.4.11.3 Ceremony Support to include set-up and take-down

B.4.11.4 Janitorial Services for the Lodge and Maintenance Building

B.4.12 Government Contract Management

B.4.12.1 Contracting Officer

B.4.12.2 Contracting Officers’ Representative (COR)

B.4.12.3 CONTRACTOR STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.4 SITE SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.5 EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

B.4.13 CONTRACTOR/EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT

B.4.14 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

B.4.15 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Bases

Standard 2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

Standard 2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare

Areas.

• Measure 2.4b: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are maintained within one inch above the range of that which is professionally recommended for that type of turf and geographic region according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

Standard 2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

• Measure 2.6: Other features (any additional turf areas requiring edging or trimming such as sidewalks, curbs, monuments) are trimmed or edged according to the Cemetery Grounds

Management Plan

Standard 2.7: Avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf during grounds maintenance operations.

• Measure 2.7: Turf damage due to grounds maintenance tasks is identified and corrective action initiated by close of business the same day.

The contractor shall mow, edge, and trim all grass within the cemetery and the perimeter tree line, entry gates, and walls. All damage due to contractors’ equipment or operations shall be repaired and/or replaced by the contractor at no cost to the government. Contractor is responsible to report any damages immediately to the COR.

Note: Zeon Zoysia height shall be maintained at 1 ½ to 2 inches or as directed by the COR. Cutting height shall be established as per required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District

Agronomist.

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

The contractor shall mow, stick edge, and trim all sodded areas within and around the outside wall of the cemetery.

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

Turf Type Zeon Zoysia height of cut (H.O.C) shall be maintained at 2” inches or as directed by the COR.

Cutting height shall be established as required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the

District Agronomist.

Turf shall be cut to maintain heights as set forth below (this may change if grounds require such height change):

Cutting Height, Inches Turf grass Species

2” Zeon Zoysia

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping and damage from mowers making sharp turns is not acceptable. Where scalping and damage is evident and does not recover the Contractor shall be responsible for repair of the damage (THE SAME

DAY) at no cost to the Government.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched or raked, collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of turf clippings allowed to remain on turf areas. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

If any additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the

COR and/or Cemetery Leadership for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost of the

Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR/Cemetery Leadership for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from

Cemetery Leadership is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel will be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

The walkways (inside and out), flagpole bases, interment area, and roads will be cleaned up of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming. These areas will be blown off immediately after completion of mowing operations daily.

Turf in burial and public areas should be maintained at a height within one-inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Mowing equipment shall be kept two (2) inches from upright headstones and other vertical structures and/or fixtures.

Top dressing areas with ruts from turf mowing to be completed once a year or on an as needed bases, requested by the COR. Proper top-dressing techniques shall be utilized (example – sand) and shall be approved by the COR prior to completion.

Contractor shall be responsible for mowing, edging, and trimming all grass within the cemetery as specified by COR.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Contractor shall utilize commercial grade mowers with mulching decks and mulching blades. Cutting blades on mowing equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut - not torn or damaged.

Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified in the Grounds

Maintenance Plan. The height of grass is what is measured to get correct cutting height. Contractor shall indicate cutting deck height on weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces. Push mowers may be required for steep inclines and areas with stressed turf.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut—not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching checks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage to pipes, boxes, or lids will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s)

Contractor shall supply commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers to be used to trim grass from around the boarders of all streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, and crypt field drain clean-out covers inside and outside cemetery grounds.

Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut-not torn or damaged. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharpened or replaced weekly so that grass tips are properly cut and not torn or damaged. Documentation must be provided upon request indicating weekly blade sharpening and/or replacement. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified. The height of grass is what is measured to get correct cutting height.

All mowers must have mulching decks with mulching blades. (No Side Discharged Decks)

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of diseases, fungi, and/or insect. All equipment must be cleaned and inspected by COR or designated cemetery staff prior to being allowed to drive on cemetery grounds. Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest, in writing, that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged turf at the Contractor’s expense no more than 72 hours after identification.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched, raked, or otherwise collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created. Multiple passes of mowing equipment may be necessary to thoroughly mulch clippings.

Rotation of directional mowing shall be performed each mowing in best effort practice to prevent ground rutting from mowing equipment and promote turf health.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of grass clippings allowed to remain on grounds. All clippings must be removed from the site. No excess clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

The walkways (inside and out), interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, edging, and trimming, etc.). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of grounds maintenance operations.

The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing; edging and trimming all grass within and around the outside of the cemetery as specified by COR, which is a minimum of once (1) weekly. Regular mowing is required to be performed before trimming. If ground is wet, to the point of causing rutting, mowers will not be used until ground conditions permit. COR will be notified immediately. Walk-behind, push type machines, handheld weed trimmers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc. Mowing of new sod, new seed, pine bark and mulched areas with riding mowers is not permitted When grass in these areas gets tall enough and requires mowing, it shall be carefully mowed with a push mower at 3 inches until sod is established well enough to support riding mowers without damage to the grass or soil surface. Areas shall be properly marked by the Offeror “NEW SOD, etc., for public knowledge.

*NOTE: Mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damage at the Contractor’s expense no more than one (1) business day after identification.

If additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the

COR for approval. Overtime / weekend work will be at no cost of the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from COR is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel shall be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete job.

operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

B.4.1.3 EDGING OF WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL SURFACES

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

All edging of walkways, curbs, and other horizontal surfaces will be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season (Typically Mid-February through November) or as directed by the COR.

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, signage mowing strips, and crypt field drain clean-out covers shall be vertically edged with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds.

All streets, curbs, walkways, entry gates including walls, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, signage mowing strips, and crypt field drain clean-out covers will be blown clean after mowing, trimming, and edging before close of business on the day edging occurs.

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control / valve boxes, control markers, manhole covers, signage mowing strips, all tree rings and planting beds shall be vertically trimmed with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds. The desired result will be a ½” wide clear gap between the turf/grass and the horizontal surface.

Street edges, with no discernable curbing, shall be edged in such a manner as to eliminate turf/grass from overlapping the roadway.

Refueling of equipment will not be done on turf areas. Fuel cans will not be set on turf areas. Any damage to turf due to fuel spills will be repaired the same day.

All edging shall be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the grass. Turf along the edged areas shall be trimmed to ensure the height of the turf matches the entire turfed area. Turf shall not be higher near the edged area than the turf in the mow-able area. Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (1/2) above specified range of turfgrass.

All turf edging shall begin at the back of the cemetery and progress towards the front so that the freshest cut is in the high visibility areas prior to the weekends. All turf edging shall be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers.

The COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

Care shall be taken that no clippings are blown into mulch beds. Clippings shall be removed from mulch beds by close of business on the day they were created.

The walkways and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, string trimming, and edging). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of ground maintenance operations.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

The COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing; edging and trimming all grass within the cemetery as specified by COR, which is a minimum of once (1) weekly. Grass areas not mowed around headstones, monuments, markers, and other vertical surfaces shall be trimmed with each mowing and within 3 days prior to Memorial Day, Veterans Day. Additional trimming outside of the regular schedule may be required for additional federal holidays as identified by the COR. Trimming around headstones shall leave grass at 1.5-2.5 inches tall, the same height as mowing. Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, Offeror will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government. Trimming must be performed after mowing not before. Trimming around headstones shall leave grass the same height as mowing.

*NOTE: Mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damage at the Contractor’s expense no more than one (1) business day after identification.

If any additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the

COR and/or Cemetery Leadership for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost of the

Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR/Cemetery Leadership for consideration in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from Cemetery Leadership is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel will be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete semi-annual aeration.

operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.4 TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER VERTICLE

SURFACES

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Work consists of trimming all un-mowed grass around headstones, monuments, markers, and other vertical surfaces to the recommended mowing height using string line-type trimmers.

Mowing shall be performed prior to trimming or edging. All trimming shall be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season (Typically Mid-February through November), following the approved mowing schedule.

All trimming shall be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers.

Will be done a minimum of once a week during growing (Typically Mid-February through November) or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require trimming twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing more than ½” inch above the maximum recommended height of 2 inches. Advanced Written Notice and COR Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to trimming more than once a week.

All trimmings shall follow the mowing schedule.

Trimming will be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers. All un-mowed grass around headstones, monuments, markers, rocks, trees, and other vertical surfaces shall be trimmed to keep the grass at the height standard described in NCA Operational Standards and Measures (Attachment or

Appendix).

Turf in burial and public areas should be maintained at a height within ½” range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Care will be taken near headstones to prevent damage to the headstone, vases, and floral arrangements.

Grass clippings/stains will be removed from headstone bases after trimming.

Refueling of equipment will not be done on turf areas. Fuel cans will not be set on turf areas. Any damage to turf due to fuel spills will be repaired the same day.

Scalping is not acceptable. Trimmers will be kept level to prevent scalping between and around headstones. All string trimmers shall always have anti-scalping devices attached. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the

Government. All string trimmers shall always have anti-scalping devices attached. Scalping is not acceptable. Discarded trimmer string shall be removed from the grounds after trimming operations are complete.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by

Discarded trimmer string shall be removed from the grounds after trimming operations are complete.

Care will be taken that no clippings will be blown into mulch beds. Any clippings will be cleaned from mulch beds by close of business on the day trimming occurs.

The walkways and non-grass surfaces (inside and outside the cemetery), flagpole bases, interment areas, and roads will be cleared of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, string trimming, and edging.

Visibly prominent areas, such as administrative offices, public restrooms, shelters, pavilions, and columbarium, will have clippings blown or swept from roads and walkways as soon as the operation causing debris is completed.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds, or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

Extra care shall be exercised when visitors are in the vicinity of trimming operations. At no point shall trimming operations disrupt a visitor or family member when visiting a gravesite.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by

The walkways and non-grass surfaces (inside and outside the cemetery), flagpole bases, interment areas, and roads will be cleared of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, string trimming, and edging.

Visibly prominent areas, such as administrative offices, public restrooms, shelters, pavilions, and columbarium, will have clippings blown or swept from roads and walkways as soon as the operation causing debris is completed.

The COR will conduct inspections of trimming weekly.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete job.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.5 GRAVESITE TRASH, DEBRIS, AND DECORATION/FLORAL REMOVAL (daily pickup)

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Category 3, Facilities Maintenance

Sub-Category 4: Waste Management o Standard 4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

• Measure 4.1a: The cemetery's central trash collection points are in areas that minimize public visibility.

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 5.1: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean, and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

• Measure 5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the conclusion of each task and at the end of the workday.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of the daily collection and removal of all trash (i.e., paper, cans, bottles, cigarette butts, etc.), debris, dead or unsightly flowers, tree limbs, etc. from the cemetery grounds to include the exterior trash receptacles and the immediate area outside the cemetery walls and/or fences bordering the cemetery grounds. All trash, debris, contents of trash cans, dead or unsightly flowers, and all fallen tree limbs and branches not attached to the tree shall be removed from the Cemetery areas.

Any limbs or branches attached to the tree hanging down shall be reported to the COR as soon as possible for action.

All unsightly grave decorations and/or flowers will be removed daily or as needed in accordance with cemetery floral regulations. Serviceable floral cone vases will be cleaned and placed in the floral vase containers near the burial sections and admin. American flags will be disposed of appropriately. NOTE:

Changes in floral policy will affect the below rules. Current floral policy will be adhered to.

a. Potted plants and other decorative items are only allowed on gravesites 5 days before through 5 days after Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and Yom Kippur.

(Potted plants and baskets kill the grass, they are generally not allowed)

b. Seasonal Holiday Adornments for Christmas and Hanukkah, such as wreaths, potted plants and other seasonal items may be placed on graves from December 15th through January 10th.

c. Traditional gravesites: fresh cut flowers may be placed any time of the year and will be removed when they become unsightly and/or to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing or trimming. (If purchased, ornamental, vases are removed, follow the rules below for grave decorations)

d. Artificial flowers are permitted between November 10th and March 1st. Faded or unsightly arrangements will be removed daily and placed in appropriate bin.

e. All grave decorations once picked up, will be placed in the 30-day bin with a tag annotating the section and gravesite on it. It will be held for a minimum of 90 days in a designated location. If not retrieved by NOK, they will be discarded.

f. The designation will consist of (1) bin for only artificial flowers, (3) separate bins which represent 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days.

g. At the beginning of each month, the bins will be rotated to the next bin and then after the 90 days will be placed in the dumpster.

Unsightly (withered/dead flowers) and/or unauthorized decorations are to be removed daily from the cemetery grounds.

The contractor shall provide the necessary labor and suitable conveyance each workday for pickup of trash, debris, grave decoration, and unsightly floral arrangements from the Cemetery’s grounds.

The Contractor shall be responsible for supplying a dumpster for placement in the designated area, and trash removal services. Dumpster and trash removal/waste management services shall be at the expense of the Contractor.

All interment section trash/waste receptacles shall be emptied a minimum of once a week or as designated by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). No trash shall be left in the interment section trash receptacles over the weekend.

Any damage to, cemetery fixtures, structures, grounds, or equipment during trash removal operations must be reported to the COR immediately.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.6 TRASH, LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION AND REMOVAL (Invoiced Monthly)

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Sub-Category 4: Waste Management o Standard 4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

• Measure 4.1a: The cemetery's central trash collection points are in areas that minimize public visibility.

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 5.1: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean, and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

o Measure 5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the conclusion of

Trash/Waste Management (Daily Occurrence – Invoiced Monthly)

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of the daily collection and removal of all trash (i.e., paper, cans, bottles, cigarette butts, etc.), debris, dead or unsightly flowers, tree limbs, etc. from the cemetery grounds to include the exterior trash receptacles and the immediate area outside the cemetery walls and/or fences bordering the cemetery grounds.

The Contractor shall be responsible for supplying a dumpster for placement in the designated area of the contractor maintenance yard and trash removal services. Dumpster and trash removal/waste management services shall be at the expense of the Contractor.

The Contractor supplied dumpster must be onsite no later than fourteen (14) days after contract award and arrival on site. Exceptions must be approved in writing by COR or Cemetery Leadership. Dumpster will be of sufficient size to ensure there is no trash overflow or spillage.

All interment section trash/waste receptacles shall be emptied a minimum of once daily, or as designated by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). No trash shall be left in the interment section trash receptacles over the weekend.

Any damage to, cemetery fixtures, structures, grounds, or equipment during trash removal operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repaired at contractor’s expense.

Empty and clean ashtrays; remove debris from sand urns, smooth sand and replace when necessary (sand to be furnished by the VA) each task and at the end of the workday.

Leaf and Debris collection/removal (Weekly Occurrence-Invoiced Monthly)

Work consists of collecting and removing all fallen leaves, nuts, twigs, and other natural debris from the cemetery grounds in its entirety to include the immediate area outside the cemetery walls and/or fences bordering the cemetery grounds.

All fallen leaves, nuts, twigs, pinecones, and other natural debris must be removed to keep a debris free appearance throughout the cemetery in accordance with the NCA Standards and Measures.

At no point shall debris, to include, but not limited to, leaves and or grass clippings be blown onto bordering roadways as a means of removal from cemetery grounds. All fallen leaves must be collected and removed from the site daily or as needed until all fallen leaves are removed.

Leaf and debris collection and removal shall be accomplished throughout the year (January 1 through

December 31) as required. All fallen leaves and debris must be removed during this period, except when delayed by the onset of severe weather conditions. Random inspections shall be conducted daily by the

COR. All fallen leaves must be collected and removed from the gravesites, turf areas, sidewalks, roads, and other areas daily or as needed until all fallen leaves are removed.

The Contractor shall conduct daily inspections of the entire cemetery throughout the year to ensure there is no accumulation of leaves, nuts, twigs, and/or natural debris in any area.

Leaf collection/clearing must be performed a minimum of once per week in accordance with NCA

Standards and Measures. Leaf collection/clearing shall follow the same schedule as identified in the mowing schedule.

Heavy accumulation of leaves, nuts, twigs and/or natural debris as seen during severe weather, hurricane season, and/or peak leaf season may require certain areas to be collected daily as directed by the COR or

Cemetery Leadership.

Peak leaf season typically occurs annually between October and January, subject to weather conditions.

Leaves, nuts, twigs, and other natural debris shall be hand raked, vacuumed or machine blown from the interment areas into the roadways and then collected and properly disposed. Cemetery grounds, as defined above, include the areas outside of the perimeter fence to adjacent roadways.

Any accumulation of mulched leaves or natural debris shall be removed by the Contractor no later than the next business day.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures (to include fences), grounds or equipment during leaf and debris removal must be reported to the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership immediately.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.7 Mass Floral, Decorations, Trash and Debris Pick-up/Removal

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Sub-Category 4: Waste Management o Standard 4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

• Measure 4.1a: The cemetery's central trash collection points are in areas that minimize public visibility.

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 5.1: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean, and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

• Measure 5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the conclusion of each task and at the end of the workday.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of collecting, and removing all flags, grave decorations, and floral arrangements in preparation for special events or chemical turf treatment. During times of mass pick-up, all live floral arrangements shall be discarded. Cemetery provided floral vases that are clean and in serviceable condition upon removal of live floral arrangements shall be returned in the floral vase containers near the burial sections and administrative office. All other floral vases/containers shall be placed in the floral/gravesite decoration retention area in the Cemetery Holding area.

All artificial floral arrangement, flags, and/or decorations collected and removed from gravesites shall be retained by the Contractor for a minimum of ninety (90) days after removal. The cemetery shall be responsible for designating an artificial floral/gravesite decoration retention area in such a manner that enables Contracting and/or cemetery staff to assist inquiring families retrieve recently removed/relocated arrangements/decorations.

The Contractor shall provide all the necessary labor, equipment, and transportation necessary for the collection, removal, and disposal of all trash and debris.

The Contractor is responsible for supplying a dumpster for placement in the contractor maintenance yard to include trash removal services. Dumpster and trash removal/waste management services shall be at the expense of the Contractor.

The Contractor supplied dumpster must be onsite no later than fourteen (14) days after contract award and arrival on site. Exceptions must be approved in writing by COR or Cemetery Leadership. The dumpster will be of sufficient size to ensure no trash overflow or spillage.

SPECIAL GUIDANCE

In preparation for Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and various ceremonies, the Contractor shall be responsible for repositioning gravesite florals/decorations in such a manner that all florals/decorative items are placed to left of the gravesite headstone and flags are placed on the right.

Gravesite floral/décor relocation shall be completed two (2) days prior to Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and various ceremonies unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or

Cemetery Leadership.

The Contractor shall return repositioned florals/décor and flags to the front of the headstone immediately following flag or wreath pick up unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer Representative

(COR) or Cemetery Leadership.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.8 Sweeping/Blowing Off Roadways and Concrete Surfaces

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 5.1: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean, and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

• Measure 5.1b: Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of grounds maintenance debris by the end of the workday.

Work consists of clearing/sweeping/blowing off all paved, rocked, and concreted surfaces to include all walkways, sidewalks, roads/roadways, flag and rostrum area, memorial walk areas, committal shelters, service roads, and parking areas of debris twice a day: once at the beginning of the day, once prior to interment services, and once before the end of the workday, or as instructed by the COR.

All concrete surfaces around the Administrative Building, Public Information Center, as well as all concrete surfaces in the committal shelters, columbaria, memorial wall area and flag assembly area shall be swept/blown off prior to 9:00am daily.

All high visibility areas must be clear of debris (i.e., mud, dirt, twigs, leaves, grass clipping, animal excrement, etc.) at all times.

The Contractor shall be responsible for taking all precautions to prevent damage to the cemetery, in any manner, including headstones, markers, monuments, flower bases, trees, structures, fixtures (to include fences) and equipment during maintenance operations.

The Contractor shall be required to utilize a shovel or other device to clean up any dirt or animal excrement that remains after clearing/sweeping/ blowing off efforts have been completed. At times these areas may require washing to eliminate mud and dirt build up before COB.

Light pressure power spray with water to clean exterior will be conducted monthly at the PIC/Admin and

Committal Shelters, then quarterly at the maintenance building (break room and honor guard locations).

If the windows are dirtied during the process of the cleaning, they will be cleaned to keep a neat appearance. Brown, directional / wayfinding signs, around the cemetery will be washed monthly with light pressure spray (high pressure will damage signage) and wiped to keep free from dirt and bird droppings.

Additional spot/section road clearing may be required throughout day to maintain the esthetically pleasing appearance of the cemetery as directed by the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership

Storm Clean-up (wind, rain, hail, etc.): Cemetery should be checked and cleaned up the next working day following the storm unless the extent of the storm prompts civil defense authorities to declare emergency movement only. Should this occur, clean-up should be done as soon as emergency restrictions are lifted.

Any damage to cemetery property or grounds shall be reported to the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership immediately.

The Contractor shall provide all necessary supervision, labor,…