Attachment B- Danville Grounds Maintenance Performance Work Statement (PWS).pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

GROUND MAINTENANCE, IRRIGATION AND JANITORIAL SERVICE

DANVILLE NATIONAL CEMETERY, 1900 E Main St, Danville, IL 61832

NCA MISSION

NCA honors Veterans and their eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our Nation.

NATIONAL CEMETERY BACKGROUND AND SOW STANDARDS:

National Cemeteries are National Shrines that honors our Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. The standards of maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor at this cemetery shall reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there.

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 of the Contractor employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed.

The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) All work shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation 8:00AM, through 4:30PM local time Monday through Friday. Work performed outside of normal work hours may be required for interments or ceremonies on Federal Holidays or weekends and must be coordinated in advance. Contractor may make a written request to the Contracting Officer (CO), in advance, to work outside of the normal work hours when needed to carry out the requirements of this contract.

Contractor must conduct services outlined below and according to the contract during all interment and operational days when the cemetery is open regardless of weather conditions.

(b) Federal Holidays: All work required under this contract shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation. Except for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, work is normally not conducted on Federal holidays.

The following is a list of all Federal holidays:

FEDERAL HOLIDAYS (Holidays observed by the Federal Government, per the US Office of Personnel Management website, Federal Holidays (opm.gov)

SECTION A: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The following list, with subsequent corresponding descriptions of services, describe the contractor requirements. The Contractor through innovation, technology, or other means, shall perform the required grounds maintenance services, janitorial service, interments, headstone cleaning and irrigation system management as stated in this PWS. Performance will be based on the Government’s evaluation of results, and the frequency or methods of the Contractor's performance of the required/agreed upon descriptions of services.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=2024

BASE YEAR

LINE ITEM

NUMBER

SECTION DESCRIPTION

A.1.1 Transport Urn and Floral Arrangements, tagging of floral arrangements, completion of "chain of custody documents, Place

Urn into Columbarium, replace niche cover and temporary tag, Complete chain of custody documents for all interment days including weekend and Holiday burials, includes first and subsequent interments/ reinterments and dis-interments.

A.1.2 Transport Casket and Floral Arrangements from Committal Shelter, and Place Casket onto lowering device over gravesite for all

Casket interments including weekend and Holiday burials, includes first and subsequent interments/ reinterments and dis-interments.

A.1.3 Remove Sod, excavate assigned casket and cremation gravesite, place and lower casket/urn, backfill grave, tamp grave, place

Temporary Marker on gravesite, and properly dress gravesite with approved materials to cover exposed soil and or sod replacement.

Tag floral arrangement with grave number and completion of

"chain of custody" documents, includes first and subsequent interments/ reinterments/ dis-interments, weekend, and Holiday burials

A.1.4 Mow and Trim ALL turfgrass areas including headstones; edge all sidewalks and curbs; blow/sweep/remove grass clipping/debris and fence line treatment

A.1.5 Mow ALL Native and Prairie Grass Areas and unimproved native turf areas

A.1.6 Fertilizer: Provide and Apply ALL turfgrass areas (JUNE, SEP., &

OCT) /Pre/Post-emergence Herbicide, including grub control insecticide: Provide and Apply on All turfgrass areas -Appropriate to the USDA Hardiness Zone (APR, MAY, JUN, & OCT)

0007 A.1.7 Core Aeration of all turfgrass areas

0008 A.1.8 Overseed all turfgrass areas

0009 A.1.9 Debris Removal from any/all cemetery grounds

A.1.10 Pressure Wash Committal Shelter, Columbaria, Hardscapes, Bathroom, and Pump House Building

A.1.11 Committal Shelter/Flag – Daily Set-up and Cleaning, and Lowering and Raising U.S. Flag for all interment days including weekend and

Holiday burials as required

0012 A.1.12 Placement and removal of Flags (Grave Flags)

0013 A.1.13 Placement and Removal of Flags (50 Avenue Flags) (twice yearly)

A.1.14 Turfgrass Renovation: Seed, Sod, establishment for spotty/bare areas

A.1.15 Planting Beds and Tree Rings - Maintain edging, mulch and weed-free all planting beds and tree rings. Seasonal removal and replacement of mulch on all trees.

0016 A.1.16 Shrub Tree Maintenance/Pruning/Shaping

0017 A.1.17 Mole, Gopher, and Rodent Control

A.1.18 Maintenance of rock-filled ditch maintenance and treatment, known as “Rip Rap North” and “Rip Rap South”

A.1.19 Irrigation System – Full operation and maintenance, including repairs to maintain operation and adjustments as necessary, 1 Fall Shut-Down, 1 Spring Start-Up, Backflow Testing

A.1.20 Road parking lots and sidewalk Cleaning/Sweeping/Blowing, includes maintaining free from hazards such as snow and ice

(apply ice melt to remove/prevent ice) including weekends and

Holidays

0021 A.1.21 Cleaning & maintenance of public restrooms and shop areas

A.1.22 Headstones – receiving shipments, storage, initial setting within 10 calendar days, replacing within 10 calendar days

0023 A.1.23 Storage and disposal of old/replaced/monuments and niche covers

0024 A.1.24 Headstone Cleaning

0025 A.1.25 Headstone Fine Tune Alignment

0026 A.1.26 Headstone Raise & Realignment

A.1.1 Transport Urn and Floral Arrangements, tagging of floral arrangements, completion of "chain of custody documents, Place Urn into Columbarium, gather and submit global positioning system/geographic information system data and replace niche cover and temporary tag, Complete chain of custody documents for all interment days including weekend and Holiday burials, includes first and subsequent interments/ reinterments and dis-interments.

Work consists of verification and transfer of remains and opening and closing the niche. The National Scheduling Office will schedule committal services (i.e., services held at the committal service area) Monday through Friday and some weekends where Federal Holidays require Saturday burials.

The Contractor shall provide interment services described herein, with preparation services performed before these times and interment services accomplished after the committal service is complete. The Contractor shall be responsible for the opening and closing of graves/columbarium niche and transfer of the remains in a dignified manner according to National Cemetery Administration National Shrine Commitment Operational Standards and Measures, from the committal service area and into the proper gravesite/niche following all NCA policies including verification processes. Contractor shall also comply with all safety measures set forth by NCA policy and Standards and Measures in addition to current applicable OSHA standards for all procedures conducted on Cemetery grounds.

NCA National Cemetery Administration National Shrine Commitment Operational Standards and Measures and or policies will be provided to contractor along with instruction on interment verification processes. Contractor will communicate with Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to allow for 2nd verifications to be made, ensuring the proper niche covers are removed.

Only through coordination with the COR shall the Contractor move remains. Remains must be accounted for by the Contractor once they have entered the cemetery until they are properly placed in the columbarium niche.

Upon proper notification by COR, the Contractor shall be required to transport and place the remains into niche in a safe and efficient manner, with dignity, and without damage to urn.

Contractor will also properly document location and take photo using a global positioning system/geographic information system along with chain of custody documents provided in compliance with NCA policy and directives.

The Contractor shall place the temporary marker onto the verified correct gravesite. The contractor will verify decedent information using cemetery gravesite verification and accounting for remains SOP. This is a critical step for ensuring the remains are placed in the correct gravesite.

All floral bouquets and arrangements left by the funeral party shall be tagged with the appropriate niche number, then moved to and neatly arranged below the niche beside the columbarium wall. Stands for floral arrangements shall be removed prior to placement at the columbarium.

Floral arrangements shall be removed by the contractor when they become unsightly. After the committal service, COR will notify Contractor if any items are to be removed after verifying with funeral party.

A.1.2 Transport Casket and Floral Arrangements from Committal Shelter, and Place Casket onto lowering device over gravesite for all Casket interments including weekend and Holiday burials, includes first and subsequent interments/ reinterments and dis-interments.

Work consists of transporting the casket and floral arrangements from the committal shelter to the burial section.

The Contractor shall provide a minimum of four (4) employees and a new or like new unmarked, windowless/dark tinted vehicle, equipped with casket rollers, to remove the casket and or urn from the committal shelter and transport the remains to the burial section.

The Contractor will place the casket onto the lowering device and complete chain of custody form and then depart the burial section.

The Government will then complete the interment process. The Contractor is responsible for transporting the floral arrangements from the committal shelter to the burial site and will tag floral arrangements to identify which grave/decedent they belong with for both cemeteries. The driver of the vehicle must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Contractor will be provided a cemetery radio and a daily interment schedule to prevent delays.

The Contractor personnel shall report to the committal shelter for remains transportation as discreetly as possible and no more than 10 minutes after the committal service arrives at the shelter. Contractor personnel must be in clean, presentable uniforms (see Section B.8

STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT).

A.1.3 Remove Sod, excavate assigned casket and cremation gravesite, place, and lower casket/urn, gather and submit global positioning system/geographic information system data, backfill grave, tamp grave, place Temporary Marker on gravesite, and properly dress gravesite with approved materials to cover exposed soil and or sod replacement. Transport Casket and Floral Arrangements from Committal Shelter, and Place Casket onto lowering device over gravesite. Tag floral arrangement with grave number and completion of "chain of custody" documents, includes first and subsequent interments/ reinterments/ dis-interments, weekend, and Holiday burials.

Turfgrass sod over cremains and casket burial sites shall be removed by the Contractor, then later replaced on the gravesite to conclude the backfill operation. Contractor shall provide new sod in cases where the existing sod/turfgrass is not suitable to be replaced on the gravesite.

Care must be taken to keep the final grass surface smooth and graded with the surrounding area, and to best facilitate re-establishment of the turfgrass.

The Contractor shall prepare the gravesite with topsoil (tamp, level, and rake). Contractor shall remove sod prior to opening gravesites and replacement back on gravesite upon closing and dressing of gravesite. Contractor is responsible for taking necessary steps to re-establish sod on gravesites. Sod shall be hand-watered daily until sod is fully established; the irrigation system will not be used for the purpose of establishing sod on individual gravesites. If sod fails to take and blend with adjacent turf within three weeks (21 days), contractor is responsible for providing and replacing sod and ensuring gravesite has well maintained appearance that blends with adjacent turf.

No gravesite shall have bare areas. An exception to the sod requirement is during winter/non-growing season; during this time, the contractor shall maintain the appearance of the gravesites by raking the earth over the gravesite and or by placing matting/straw/mulch to reduce mud and an unkept appearance. When the growing season begins, the contractor will be responsible for providing and replacing sod on all winter graves within 30 days on the gravesites where there has not been any sod placed and removing any matting/straw/mulch.

All gravesite excavations for casketed and cremated remains (cremains) shall be completed by the Contractor no less than one and one-half (1 ½) hours prior to the committal service.

Gravesite excavations will not be performed by the Contractor prior to the duty day without prior approval from the CO. If a private concrete vault is used, the gravesite excavation shall be completed to allow the vault to be pre-set in the grave one (1) hour prior to the service. Each new gravesite shall be finished and ready for viewing by the next of kin (NOK) no later than one and one-half (1 ½) hours after the committal service.

It will be the COR’s responsibility to notify the Contractor of any underground utilities (see ATTACHMENT G) in the vicinity of gravesite excavation. In turfgrass areas, prior to permitting excavation equipment in the burial section, the Contractor shall provide and place turf protection mats/panels along the path of entry to the gravesite and on the turf area surrounding the gravesite to protect the turf from damage from the equipment used to excavate the graves, exceptions will be requested through the CO on a case by case basis.

Gravesites measure 3’ x 8’ for preplaced crypts and 4’ x 10’ for traditional and oversized preplaced crypts, 3’ x 3’ and 4’ x 4’ for in-ground cremation. The Contractor shall follow the required type (See below), depth, and position prior to any excavation or niche opening operation. Contractor should probe all full interments prior to excavation to assure adequate depth for 2nd interment. COR shall be notified immediately of insufficient depth to accomplish interment.

(A) Caskets, Traditional: The graves shall be excavated to five (5) feet in width by ten

(10) feet in length and to a depth of seven (7) feet (first interment) or to five (5) feet (second interment), to be determined by the COR.

(B) Caskets, Crypts (Pre-Placed Crypts -PPCs): The graves shall be excavated to three

(3) feet in width by eight (8) feet in length and to a depth sufficient to expose and allow the lifting of the crypt lid.

(C) Cremains, In-Ground (IGC): The graves shall be excavated to approximately 18 inches square and three (3) feet deep, or to a depth to ensure there is at least 18 inches of fill on top of the Urn.

(D) Cremains, Columbarium: The niche cover will be removed momentarily in preparation to receive the cremation urn.

When a grave is opened to receive a second interment and is found to be of insufficient depth to permit interment due to an existing vault, poly or concrete liner, or casket not being deep enough, the Contractor shall notify the COR immediately. After notification to the COR, the remains of the first interment shall be removed.

All excavated soil shall be removed from the gravesite area prior to the scheduled interment and brought back in to backfill the grave. Excess backfill may be stored in the cemetery spoils area;

however, once this area becomes full, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to remove excess backfill and spoils from the Cemetery and properly disposed of at the Contractor’s expense.

For burials in pre-placed crypts (PPCs), the Contractor shall excavate down to the crypt lid and remove the crypt lid using appropriate and safe techniques. All lifting and lowering straps/devices shall be provided by the Contractor and must be inspected and properly tagged/marked according to NCA safety and OSHA regulations.

A Contractor-provided spotter MUST be always present during the operation of an excavator or similar heavy equipment within any burial section on cemetery grounds. At least one person with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall assist the equipment operator with the lid lifting device and spotting the operation. The spotter shall ensure the strap or chain hooks/vault lid lifting device is/are seated safely to the four attachment points. At that time the spotter shall move safely out of the grave and assist with guiding the lid as the equipment operator carefully lifts the lid off the crypt and to the side of the excavation. The operator shall lift the lid straight up and ensure the lid does not swing excessively while moving it to the side.

When the grave is opened, the Contractor shall be responsible for removing any headstone(s) needed to ensure access for the vault and the remains and subsequently reinstalling headstone(s) removed. All open excavated graves, including pre-placed crypts, shall be properly protected, and secured to prevent unauthorized access to the excavation by visitors, NCA staff, or contractor employees.

The Contractor shall transfer the remains in a dignified manner from the committal service area to the proper gravesite following all NCA policies. The Contractor shall be required to lower casketed remains into the gravesite with a mechanical lowering device (Contractor furnished) in a safe and efficient manner, with dignity, and without damage to the casket. For burials in pre-placed crypts, the Contractor shall lower casketed remains directly down into the open crypt, place the provided inside shelf (divider) and position the concrete lid bevel along the entire perimeter.

The Contractor shall be required to place the government-furnished poly or concrete liner around the casket for a traditional gravesite. Backfill material immediately between the government-furnished poly or concrete liner and the excavation shall be sufficiently non-compressive to allow for more solid compaction without the aid of equipment to reduce subsequent ground settlement. The material should be relatively uniform in size to aid in self-compaction and large enough to avoid migration into surrounding soils, for example, sand.

Backfill material on top of the government-furnished poly or concrete liner and or on top of the concrete lid shall be sufficiently pliable to allow voids to be filled for more solid compaction to reduce subsequent ground settlement. Backfill shall be brought to established grade in one (1) foot intervals, maximum. Each interval shall be thoroughly compacted by means of an approved mechanical or hand tamper. Backfill should not be mounded but should conform to existing grades. The Contractor shall remove all unusable dirt, rocks, roots, and other types of objects from the cemetery grounds.

If the excavation is five (5) feet or deeper, a worker is prohibited from entering the gravesite until the sides of the grave are stowed in a safe manner in accordance with OSHA standards.

If the grave has an existing headstone, it shall be removed and carefully placed in an area near the gravesite on a stand such as 4” x 4” blocks and covered with proper protection. If the gravesite is a casket, then the headstone may be placed on top of the PPC and covered when backfilled. If the site is an IGC, then the headstone shall be removed from the site and destroyed to no longer be recognized or legible in anyway as a headstone and then the fragments disposed of properly. The Contractor must place a new temporary marker with both names (first and second interment in accordance with proper NCA policy), centered and level in place of the previous headstone.

As backfilling is completed and compacted, the remaining three (3) inches shall be filled with topsoil and then place the sod and ensure level and with grade.

The Contractor shall place the temporary marker on the grave so that it is in alignment with other temporary markers and other headstones ensuring an aligned, dignified, and uniform appearance.

All floral arrangements left at the gravesite by the funeral party shall be neatly arranged upon the grave and removed when they become unsightly. All stands from floral wreaths shall be removed prior to placing the wreath flat on the grave.

See below for gravesite diagram and handling of multiple interments. The conditions in diagram “D” will occur only rarely, usually when the minor dependents predecease their parents or in extremely rare cases when an accident takes the lives of a family group. When the remains are in a small casket (diagram “E”), they shall be placed in the lower corner of the gravesite, at a depth of seven (7) feet, permitting room for an additional like burial at the head of the first at a depth of seven (7) and the second at five (5) feet.

When it is necessary to make side-by-side burials in a single gravesite, extreme care shall be exercised to accurately locate the sideline of the site. Where a burial vault or poly or concrete liner is used in such cases, it may be necessary to encroach several inches on adjacent site(s).

This is permissible provided the site encroached upon has been or shall be utilized as shown in diagram “A” or “B” below.

Unusual conditions may require occasional deviations from the methods indicated. For cases not covered herein, the Contractor shall consult with the COR for advice on determination of action to be taken with he approval of the CO. Contractor is responsible for performing the movement of caskets and or vaults and urns where necessary for second/subsequent interments and for the opening and closing of gravesites for the facilitation of dis-interments when requested.

The casket or cremated remains may on occasion be removed from the national cemetery upon request of the next of kin. When this is allowed, the Contractor shall be notified of the name, gravesite number, date, time, and the entity removing the remains.

Special care shall be shown to adjacent graves and headstones to avoid or minimize damage.

Contractor personnel shall reopen the grave to one (1) foot above the top of the casket or casket container. The family-contracted personnel (e.g., Funeral Home), shall complete the disinterment, including removal of liner/vault, removal of casket and or remains. Cemetery contracted staff are prohibited from any activities other than the opening of the grave other than to close the grave in accordance with proper procedures outlined above as when interring remains. Cremated remains that are inurned may be fully uncovered.

Contractor personnel shall not remove urn/liner or otherwise participate in any other aspects of the disinterment operation. Only family contract personnel and or family members are authorized to remove the container. Following the disinterment, the Contractor shall return the gravesite to normal by backfilling and removing the headstone or marker and conducting proper disposition of the headstone or marker in accordance with NCA and Cemetery Policy.

Damaged urns/containers shall be reported immediately to the COR.

Contractor will also properly document location and take photo using the global positioning system/geographic information system provided in compliance with NCA policy and directives.

A.1.4 Mow and Trim ALL turfgrass areas including headstones; edge all sidewalks and curbs;

blow/sweep/remove grass clipping/debris and fence line treatment

The Contractor shall mow, which includes string trimming and edging in conjunction with each mowing - all turfgrass areas to present a well-manicured, neat, professional appearance always and in accordance with NCA Operational Standards and Measures Guidebook. A complete mow/trim/edge cycle is required during the growing season and to be considered a complete mow/trim/edge event, all turfgrass areas must be completely mowed/trimmed/edged and removed of debris within a one-week (Monday-Friday) time period. Each burial section shall be mowed/trimmed/edged and cleared of debris prior to moving to the next section. Mowed areas shall be uniform in appearance, free of skips, gaps, scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting.

Mowing:

A) Mowing height shall generally be 3.0 inches.

B) Mowing frequency shall be often enough that:

1) Excessive clippings are not generated, and

2) No more than one third of the grass height is removed per mowing.

If mowing is delayed by weather or some other reason and grass height becomes excessive, then mowing height shall be increased so no more than one third of the grass height is removed, shall then be mowed twice per week at a height not to exceed 1/3 grass height each time until the target height is achieved.

C) Clippings shall normally be left on the turf if they are well dispersed and don’t inhibit grass growth or detract from the appearance of the cemetery, but excessive quantities or accumulations of clippings shall be dispersed or removed. Windrows or clumps shall not remain after mowing but shall be promptly dispersed or removed.

Any grass clippings on headstones, flat markers, monuments, mulch beds, or impervious surfaces such as walks and roads shall be blown or swept onto adjacent turf, or collected and disposed of, before workers leave the section being mowed.

Any clippings or edgings deposited on sidewalks or at public visitor areas including the Committal Shelter areas will be removed (by sweeping or mechanical blower) at same time mowing work is occurring.

D) Contractor is responsible for collection and disposal of all unsightly flowers, debris, and trash before and after each mowing and trimming event within the Cemetery.

Debris and Trash is any item, material, or foreign object not permanently attached to or planted within the Cemetery grounds and boundaries. Items include, but are not limited to, fallen twigs and branches that are under ten (10) inches (25.40 cm) in diameter, paper products, cigarette butts, gum, glass and metal products, plastic and any other synthetic items, loose rock and stone over three (3) inches (7.62 cm) in diameter that are not the apparent result of an interment.

E) Mowers shall be commercial grade and designed to produce a professional, high-quality cut, and they shall be properly maintained and adjusted. Rear or Mulching decks are required on all mowers to assist in keeping headstones free from debris.

Removable rear or mulching decks may also be permitted for use in the event they prevent damage to property.

F) Mulching blades shall be used and shall be kept sharp, so grass is cut cleanly, not torn or shredded. Push mowers shall be used in selected locations designated by the contract where there are numerous monuments or other obstacles.

G) Mowing direction shall be changed or reversed from one mowing cycle to the next, wherever doing so is practical. Mowers shall not be operated within four inches of monuments, tree trunks, or other vertical surfaces.

H) Mowing patterns in open areas shall be deliberate, precise (straight lines), and attractive to enhance the cemetery’s appearance. Mowing direction shall be alternated between mowing events to prevent rutting/grooving.

I) Mower ground speed (and turning) shall be slow enough to provide a complete, clean cut, without turf damage. At turning areas, such as at ends of grave rows and around trees and other objects, mower operators shall reduce ground speed and exercise care to prevent tearing or otherwise damaging turfgrass or creating turn or ring patterns in turf from the mower tires. This is especially critical when soils are wet. Any damage to turf from mower tires at these turn points will be repaired within 1/2 day of identification by COR.

J) Floral and commemorative items on grave sites shall be removed prior to mowing and trimming, and then replaced afterward in their same locations by the Contractor.

K) Cleaning of mowing equipment shall NOT be done on Cemetery property, and only clean equipment shall be brought to the Cemetery to reduce the risk of introducing contaminant weed seeds in the cemetery turf.

L) Newly repaired turf areas (newly sodded or seeded) shall be mowed with a push mower until the turfgrass is well enough established that it will not be damaged by riding mowers.

M) Unsuitable mowing conditions are likely at times due to heavy rain, lightning, or other extreme conditions. The CO authority to stop work if conditions are such that work that day will do more damage than good to the Cemetery grounds or is dangerous to workers.

N) The Contractor shall take the utmost care not to damage headstones, markers, floral or commemorative items, structures, survey monuments, and irrigation equipment while performing mowing and trimming services.

O) Contractor is responsible for removal and replacement of all lawn, shrubs, and trees due to damage by the Contractor. Contractor shall provide replacement plants and shall be of the same type and size. The Cemetery is responsible for plants damaged by the Cemetery or third parties, storms, flood or frost damage and trees beyond their normal life span.

P) The Government shall not be held responsible for any damage to the Contractor’s equipment, materials, supplies or the like which may result from vandalism, theft, etc.

while on site.

String Trimming:

The Contractor shall trim grass and vegetation around headstones and other upright surfaces and along planting beds and other edges and spots that mowers miss. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable. Objects and areas to be trimmed around include headstones, section markers, monuments, trees, planting beds, shrubs, buildings, curbs/curbing, fences, walls, poles, signs, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, utility/valve boxes and covers.

A) Trimming height shall be the same as mowing height, and no shorter. There shall be no scalping.

B) Trimming frequency is the same as mowing, and trimming shall be considered a part of mowing, but mowing shall be done first so trimming height can be matched to the mowed height.

C) Clippings shall be dispersed, removed, or mulched with mowers if visually objectionable after trimming, and before proceeding with work in other sections.

D) All fuel cans must be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. When not in use, cans must be store in the fuel can storage building (Bldg. #137).

E) Caution shall be exercised to avoid any damage to headstones, markers, monuments, building walls, trees, other desirable plant materials, or any other assets. Any damage shall be promptly reported to COR.

F) Equipment - commercial grade string trimmers shall be used.

G) String Litter - Trimmer string pieces (longer than short pieces of perhaps an inch or two long that break off with regular wear) shall not remain on the grounds.

Edging:

The Contractor shall blade edge all streets, curbs, walkways, tree rings/wells, permanent building/structure lines, flat markers, and planting beds. Edging shall provide a clear zone ½” wide by 2” to 3” deep with all vegetation removed from joints and cracks. Damage to asphalt/concrete shall be avoided.

A.1.5 Mow ALL Native (Prairie) Grass and Unimproved Native Turf Areas

The Contractor shall mow prairie grass areas as directed using a flail or rotary mower to prevent musk and Canadian thistle from producing seed by removing flowering stocks (but not mowing off the lower leaves) and chop other overgrowth which may intercept herbicide spray. Mowing height may vary, but generally 6” during the first week of May for musk thistle and generally no shorter than 8” later in the season. Native turf areas around the perimeter of the cemetery grounds shall be mowed in conjunction with regular mowing of turfgrass.

A.1.6 Fertilizer: Provide and Apply ALL turfgrass areas (OCT, JUNE, SEP.), Pre/Post-emergence Herbicide: Provide and Apply All turfgrass areas (APR, MAY, JUN, OCT), Prairie Grass Thistle Herbicide: Provide and apply. Mid- MAY; Spot Spray April – October (Please see Attachment H for chemical Schedule)

Fertilizer shall be applied to all turfgrass areas at a rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet three times each year:

- Late May/early June,

- Early September, and

- Mid to Late October (or about the time of the final mowing for the season).

A) Fertilizer shall be applied with a properly adjusted and calibrated spreader. Overlap of spread pattern from adjacent passes shall be adequate to ensure uniform application.

Streaks appearing in turf any time during the year because of non-uniform application are not acceptable. Fertilizer deposited on impervious surfaces (walks/pavement) shall be removed or blown onto the turf immediately following application. If weather conditions warrant, such as severe drought or extended wet conditions, applications can be delayed until conditions are suitable, but may not be made to frozen soil. The first seasonal application is near Memorial Day. Care will need to be taken to not interfere with Memorial Day preparations or events. Application could possibly be made prior to the week before Memorial Day, or soon after Memorial Day. Options for applying the May/early June fertilizer with pre-emergence herbicide or grub insecticide are mentioned below in those respective sections.

B) The fertilizer shall have the following properties:

- The nitrogen (N) content shall be at least 18%.

- 50% or more of the nitrogen in the fertilizer shall be in a slow or controlled-release form (e.g., sulfur coated, polymer coated, urea-form, isobutylidene diurea, etc.).

- Phosphate (P) percentage shall be at least one fourth of the nitrogen percentage (examples below).

- Potash (K) content percentage shall be one third or more of the N percentage (e.g., 16-4-8, 21-6-7, 20-5-10, 30-8-12 would all be acceptable).

- It shall contain no iron (to prevent headstone staining).

C) Variations of this regime may be acceptable, in consultation with the MWD Engineering Department, if needed, based on soil test results or extreme weather conditions.

Pre/Post-emergence Herbicide: Provide and Apply All turfgrass areas (APR, MAY, JUN, OCT) Pre-emergence herbicide shall be uniformly applied to turfgrass areas twice per year for annual grassy weed control. Applications shall be in late March or early April when soil temperature approaches that necessary for crabgrass germination, and again approximately seven weeks later. Either dithiopyr (e.g., Dimension) or prodiamine (e.g., Barricade) shall be used at the maximum label rate allowed for the site.

A) The spring fertilizer application may be combined with the pre-emergence herbicide applications if no more than one half of the spring fertilizer is applied at the early (March/April) time, and then the remainder applied at the regular time.

Post-Emergence weeds shall be controlled by spraying turfgrass areas with the proper type and rate of herbicides that will control the weeds present (typically clover, dandelion, plantain, oxalis, chickweed, henbit, etc.). The spray mixture or herbicide product used shall contain three or more ingredients effective in controlling broadleaf weeds.

A) Spraying of all turfgrass areas shall be done twice each year: in early-mid May to clean up weeds prior to Memorial Day, and in October to have maximum effect on perennial weeds and reduce winter-annual weed establishment. Weather and field conditions at the time of application must be favorable for herbicide efficacy, as well as for minimal risk of damage such as herbicide injury to off-target plants, or of equipment making ruts.

Preparation of the spray mixture may be done on site but water availability at the cemetery is unknown at the time of the writing of this contract. Any re-treatment needed because of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense.

Prairie Grass Thistle Herbicide: Provide and apply. Mid- MAY; Spot Spray April – October

The Contractor Shall spray herbicide to control thistles in prairie grass areas as directed in mid-

May. Use the maximum rate of Chaparral or Opensight herbicide (or approved equal) for

Canada thistle control in non-crop or natural areas, which is 3.3 ounces of product per acre

(equal to 2.046 oz of aminopyralid plus 0.312 oz metsulfuron methyl per acre). Spray volume must be 10 gallons per acre or more, and a crop oil concentrate or non-ionic surfactant must be included as prescribed by the label. Follow all label directions. Do not broadcast spray within 10 feet of trees to prevent non-target injury, though patches of thistles near trees may be carefully spot treated. Intended timing is mid-May, 7-14 days after mowing to remove early musk thistle flower heads. Spot spray in areas where thistles have an outbreak as requested by the COR

April through October.

A.1.7 Core Aeration of Turfgrass

Once a year during the fall (usually September) the contractor shall perform core aeration of all accessible turfgrass areas. A rotary, pull-behind core aerator may be used, but two or more passes may be required to achieve 12 holes per square foot. In all sections between and along adjacent headstones, extreme care must be taken to reduce risk of damage to the headstones and markers. It is imperative that headstones, grave markers, and section markers not be chipped, scratched, or otherwise damaged in any way. Sprinkler heads and other irrigation components in the cemeteries shall be flagged prior to aeration and not damaged. Aeration cores are to be left on the turf surface. Contractor shall clean any soil or other debris resulting from this operation off all roads and sidewalks immediately following the work. In addition, to prevent importation of weeds or other pests, the equipment shall be cleaned prior to bringing it to the cemetery.

Core depth – 3” or more Dore diameter – 5/8 to 1.0 inch Density – 12 or more cores per square foot

A.1.8 Overseed Turfgrass

Contractor shall uniformly overseed turfgrass areas to increase the density and overall health of the turf. This is generally done immediately after core aeration. The COR shall notify the Contractor which sections of the cemetery and the number of acres that will be overseeded in a particular year. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the required seed in sufficient time for application.

A) Contractor shall use an approved RTF type tall fescue at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000

sq. feet. Contractor will provide sufficient evidence that this rate has been achieved (bags used per section of turf is acceptable.)

B) Care will be taken to ensure that seed lost to areas such as roadways and any other areas where turf is not intended will be kept to a minimum. Any seed on hard surfaces shall be blown back into the turf before moving on to the next area.

A.1.9 Debris Removal from any/all cemetery grounds

Contractor shall maintain all the cemetery grounds and burial sections free of debris.

A) The Contractor shall provide the necessary labor and suitable conveyance each workday for pickup of debris and emptying trash receptacles from the Cemetery grounds.

B) Work consists of collecting and removing all trash, debris, fallen leaves, buckeyes, seed pods and branches, dead and unsightly flowers from the cemetery grounds, driveways, parking areas, and areas within the public right-of-way between the cemetery proper.

C) Contractor shall maintain the cemetery substantially free of all leaves, branches, seed pods, acorns, pinecones, and any other similar debris; including periods of tree fall cycles. All debris shall be raked and or collected and disposed of through a similar process and not mowed/mulched Leaves and debris shall not be allowed to build up on turf grass.

D) Debris piles, equipment, tools, and supplies shall be removed at the conclusion of each task or at the end of each workday.

E) All roads, driveways, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of grounds maintenance debris by the end of the workday.

F) All floral decorations shall be removed as needed and/or in accordance with Cemetery floral regulations.

G) Storm Clean-Up (wind, rain, hail, snow, ice, etc.): Cemetery grounds shall be checked for debris and down/broken branches and cleaned up following storms, generally the next working day following afternoon or nighttime storms 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.

A.1.10 Pressure Wash Committal Shelter, Columbaria, Hardscapes, Bathroom, and Pump House Building

Prior to Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, and at other times as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, the Contractor shall pressure wash the columbarium, committal shelter, sidewalks, curbs, fencing as necessary, bathroom, and pump house building at cemetery property. The natural surfaces shall be retained. Contractor is to remove objectionable material and discoloration, such as environmental deposits, accumulations of bird droppings or dirt/mud, tire and hose markings, grass stains, residue from trees, mold, mildew, moss, algae, lichen, fungus, and so forth.

Spray pressure shall not exceed 500 psi while cleaning niche covers. Excessive soil, staining and/or discoloration may be removed with plain water and a stiff brush (no wire brushes, bleach, solvents, or abrasive cleaners/blasting shall be permitted), followed by rinsing with clear water.

Protect plant materials from damage.

A.1.11 Committal Shelter/Flag – Daily Assembly and Cleaning, and Lowering and Raising U.S.

Flag for all interment days including weekend and Holiday burials as required

The Contractor shall maintain the committal service area clean and free of webs and other dirt or debris and shall check and ensure cleanliness and proper setup/order before each committal service day or as required when debris is left by the prior party. The contractor shall wipe down the visitor benches before every committal and in between committals. The contractor shall place the casket mover in the committal for the casket burial and the placement table for cremation prior to the service.

The Contractor shall bring the flag of the United States of America to half-staff each day one-half (½) hour before the start of the first committal service and raise it to full-staff one-half (½) hour after the conclusion of the last committal service and all family members have departed the committal service area each day. The Contractor shall also bring the US flag to half-staff within one hour of notice by the COR, as authorized by a Presidential proclamation to commemorate the death of distinguished individuals, and the US flag shall be returned to full staff when notified by the COR. The US flag shall be flown during the hours of daylight and shall be flown during non-daylight hours so long as at least two flagpole lights are functional between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

A.1.12 Placement and removal of Flags (Grave Flags) Flags placed at graves should be erected in a uniform matter, usually one foot, centered and in front of the headstone or grave marker. Depending on the logistics of decorating a cemetery, the National Cemetery Administration does allow graves to be adorned with flags the weekend before Memorial Day and the flags can be removed shortly after the holiday. When removing flags, make sure they are inspected, dried and stored properly.

A.1.13 Placement and Removal of Flags (50 Avenue Flags) (twice yearly)

The Avenue of Flags shall flank both sides of the curb line – along the main entrance road – with approximately 50 flags mounted at grade in support sleeves inside the cemetery entry gate and along the entrance and exit roads. The sleeves are mounted at grade level in a permanent anchor. The flags are nylon (preferably) for wind and weather resistance and may be small in size, rather than large. The height of the poles may be 10-12 feet in height and spaced at approximately 15 -20 feet minimum distance apart, or 30 feet maximum distance apart, depending on the trees and plantings. Depending on the logistics of decorating a cemetery, the National Cemetery Administration does allow graves to be adorned with flags the weekend before Memorial Day and the flags can be removed shortly after the holiday. When removing flags, make sure they are inspected, dried and stored properly.

A.1.14 Turfgrass Renovation

For areas where turfgrass has been damaged or died, or the smoothness of surface disrupted such as by a sunken grave, the Contractor will restore that area to match the surrounding grade and type and quality of turfgrass, which shall be free of weeds or non-matching grass. Quality topsoil shall be used for any fill that is needed, and the soil shall be appropriately compacted to prevent additional settling. Starter fertilizer shall be used to help re-establish the grass. New sod will be used in reestablishing the turfgrass, but the COR will provide guidance if seed should be used instead, or if existing sod may be cut and reused. Contractor shall ensure adequate irrigation is provided to the area to maintain the new turfgrass in good health to match the surrounding turfgrass through the growing season. The establishment period for turf shall begin immediately after installation, with the approval of the COR. Maintenance shall be done by the Contractor with proper mowing, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation as needed until final acceptance is made by the Government. In addition, sod installed during the spring and summer shall be maintained after the 60-day period to at least the same quality (greenness) of established, nearby turf with proper fertilization, pest control, and irrigation. If the sod, all, or part, dies during the growing season (unless surrounding turf also dies due to weather extremes) the contractor is responsible to replace the dead sod and maintain all replacement sod. Any sod laid after September 1 that dies before or is obviously in poorer condition than the surrounding turf, established turf by the following May 1 shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor and maintain all replacement sod.

A.1.15 Planting Beds and Tree Rings - Maintain edging, mulch and weed-free all planting beds and tree rings

Shredded hardwood, natural color mulch shall be applied as needed but not less than all planting beds and rings one time each year (preferably within a two week period prior to Memorial Day) to freshen the appearance of beds and maintain mulch depth at approximately 3 inches, with depth in tree rings diminishing up to the tree so as to not be piled against the base (trunks) of trees (i.e., mulch should lightly cover the soil near the trunk, but not be in contact with it). Mulch must match color and texture of existing mulch. Break up any hardened existing mulch to allow air and water movement through mulch layer. If mulch builds up to greater than 4-inch depth remove enough old mulch to bring the depth to about 3 inches after adding new.

Edge beds in conjunction with mowing to maintain clean/crisp bed edges and remove encroachment of turfgrass and weeds. The contractor is responsible for maintaining all mulch and planting beds and tree rings supplied with mulch and weed free as long is there is no snow cover throughout the year. Contractor shall maintain border between prairie grass and turfgrass to prevent prairie grass from encroaching into turfgrass and vice versa.

A.1.16 Shrub and Tree Maintenance/Pruning/Shaping

Maintain shrubs and trees in a healthy, attractive condition with hand pruning, shearing, and branch removal as necessary. Dead, diseased, crossing, and other problem branches shall be removed. Natural shape and appropriate size of the species shall be maintained. Trees will be trimmed in such a way as to keep the roadways free of overhanging branches which may impede traffic/cause damage to vehicles that may pass under the overhanging branches;

however, the trees will not be cut back in such a way as to make them look unsightly or unnatural in their shape and appearance. Any issues/concerns on branch removal should be addressed through the COR for coordination and approval of trimming plan. Non-flowering shrubs will be evaluated in early spring prior to growth and trimmed as needed maintain healthy, uniform growth and appearance. Flowering shrubs will be maintained as needed during the growing season to promote flowering, and maintain uniform growth, and appearance. Flowering shrubs will be trimmed/pruned as needed following flowering to maintain healthy, uniform growth, and appearance. Shrub areas shall be kept free of shrub trimmings or any other debris.

Shrubs will be properly fertilized two (2) times per year with proper slow-release type shrub fertilizer; one (1) application in Spring, and one (1) application in Fall.

A.1.17 Mole, Gofer, and Rodent Control

Moles and rodents shall be controlled as needed using accepted industry practices (poison baits and/or traps) and standards and in conformance with state pest control licensing requirements.

Baits used for moles shall be…