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

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

GROUND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

ROCK ISLAND NATIONAL CEMETERY, Bldg, 118, Rodman Ave, Moline, IL 61265

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. For this reason, in addition to the Dignity Clause, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the specifications of the Operational Standards and Measures (please review this additional attached document file) shall be required and shall be 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 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.

The guaranteed minimum amount for this contract is $10,000. The maximum aggregate value of the orders that can be placed under this contract is $8,200,000. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum amount.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) All work shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation 7:30AM, through 4:00PM 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 all coordination shall be made through the CO not the COR. 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 specifications of this contract.

(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) New Year's Day 1st day of January Martin Luther King's Birthday President's Day Third Monday in January Presidents’ Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth Day 19th day of June Independence Day 4th day in July Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veterans Day 11th day in November Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day 25th day of December

(a) Place(s) of Performance:

ROCK ISLAND NATIONAL CEMETERY, Bldg, 118, Rodman Ave, Moline, IL 61265

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 at frequencies agreed upon by the Contractor, and coordination as appropriate. Performance shall 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.

A.1.01 Mow All Turfgrass Areas (60.87 Acres):

The Contractor shall mow all turfgrass areas to present a well-manicured, neat, professional appearance always, in the same manner as a high-quality residential lawn under contract from a professional lawn maintenance service and in accordance with NCA Operational Standards and Measures Guidebook. A complete mow cycle is usually required each week during the growing season and to be considered a complete mow event, all turfgrass areas must be completely mowed and removed of debris within a one-week (Monday-Friday) time-period. Each burial section shall be mowed 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.

a) Mowing height shall be at 3 inches, or as specified by the COR.

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.

i. 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, and it shall then be mowed twice per week at a slightly lower height each time until the target height is again 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 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 shall 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.

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 COR 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 shall be repaired within 1/2 day of identification.

j) Floral and commemorative items on grave sites shall be removed prior to mowing 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 shall not be damaged by riding mowers.

m) Unsuitable mowing conditions are likely at times due to heavy rain, lightning, or other extreme conditions. The COR, Cemetery Foreman, or Cemetery Director has authority to stop work if conditions are such that work that day shall 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. Any damage shall be reported to the COR and/or CO as appropriate immediately.

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.

A.1.02 Headstone Trimming:

The Contractor shall string trim turf and vegetation around all upright headstones. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable.

a) Trimming height shall be the same as mowing height, and no shorter or higher. There shall be no scalping (defined as cutting the grass so short that the green leaf cover has been eliminated and the stems are left exposed).

b) Trimming frequency shall run concurrently with mowing, but mowing shall be done first so trimming height can be matched to the mowed height. Cemetery Headstone Markers of each section shall be trimmed before progressing through the cycle to the next section. At no time can the headstones of a section not be trimmed by COB if the section has been mowed.

c) Clippings shall be dispersed or removed if visually objectionable after trimming, and before proceeding with work in other sections or areas. Mechanical means of removal maybe required when excess clippings are abundant.

d) All fuel cans must be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. All fuel storage containers and storage areas must meet OSHA requirements.

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 immediately reported to COR.

f) The Contractor shall be responsible for removal of flower cones, flowers, flags, and other items off the ground damaged by trimming operations. No loose or damaged items shall be left in the section before the Contractor moves on to another section. This includes flowers, plastic flower cones, trash, and temporary headstone markers. All temporary headstone markers that are displaced from trimming operations shall be replaced at the proper gravesite. Damaged flags are never to be thrown in the trash, instead shall be removed from the sections to the designated area specified by the COR.

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

h) String Litter - Trimmer string pieces (longer than short pieces of perhaps an inch or two in length that break off with regular wear) shall not remain on the grounds. COR reserves the right to have Contractor pick up and dispose of trimmer strings left on the site or sites where 2 or more strings are found.

A.1.03 String Trim Other Areas (Approx 4000 Linear Feet):

The Contractor shall trim grass and all vegetation that mowers miss, such as around structures, posts, trees, buildings, columbarium’s, service shelters, floral stations, and other vertical surfaces. Objects and areas to be trimmed around include but are not limited to section markers, monuments, trees, mulch beds, planting beds, shrubs, buildings, curbs/curbing, fences, walls, poles, signs, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, utility/valve boxes and covers. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, scalping, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable.

(a) Trimming height shall be the same as mowing height, and no shorter or higher. There shall be no scalping (defined as cutting the grass so short that the green leaf cover has been eliminated and the stems are left exposed).

(b) Trimming frequency shall run concurrently with mowing, but mowing shall be done first so trimming height can be matched to the mowed height.

(c) Clippings shall be dispersed or removed if visually objectionable after trimming, and before proceeding with work in other sections or areas. Mechanical means of removal maybe required when excess clippings are abundant.

(d) All fuel cans must be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. All fuel storage containers and storage areas must meet OSHA requirements.

(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 immediately 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 in length that break off with regular wear) shall not remain on the grounds. COR reserves the right to have Contractor pick up and dispose of trimmer strings left on the site or sites where 2 or more strings are found.

A.1.04 Blade Edge All Flat Markers:

The Contractor shall blade edge turf and vegetation around flat markers. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable.

a) Blade edging frequency shall run complete up to 18 cycles of all flat markers, some of which shall run concurrently with the government mowing. Cemetery flat markers of each section will be edged before progressing through the cycle to the next section. At no time can the flat markers of a section not be edged by COB if the section was mowed.

b) Clippings shall be dispersed or removed if visually objectionable after edging, and before proceeding with work in other sections or areas. Mechanical means of removal may be required when excess clippings are abundant.

c) All fuel cans must be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. All fuel storage containers and storage must meet OSHA requirements.

d) 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 immediately reported to COR.

e) Equipment – commercial grade blade edgers and shall be used.

f) Metal blades shall NOT be used to edge around flat markers. The Contractor shall exercise caution not to chip flat markers with blades. Most flat markers are grouped together in the same burial sections, but a few (which also require edging) are by trees in sections with upright headstones.

A.1.05 Blade Edge All Curbing and Sidewalks (19,300 Linear Feet):

The Contractor shall blade edge grass and all vegetation around all roads, curbs, and walkways. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, scalping, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable.

a) Blade edging frequency shall run complete up to 18 cycles of all flat markers, some of which shall run concurrently with the government mowing. Cemetery flat markers of each section will be edged before progressing through the cycle to the next section. At no time can the flat markers of a section not be edged by COB if the section was mowed.

b) Clippings shall be dispersed or removed if visually objectionable after edging, and before proceeding with work in other sections or areas. Mechanical means of removal may be required when excess clippings are abundant.

c) All fuel cans must be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. All fuel storage containers and storage must meet OSHA requirements.

d) 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 immediately reported to COR.

e) Equipment – commercial grade blade edgers and shall be used.

f) The Contractor shall blade edge all streets, curbs, walkways, tree wells, permanent building/structure lines, flagpoles, monuments, columbaria, 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. The first edging cycle is to be completed at the start of the mowing season, and subsequently monthly thereafter. All debris shall be blown into the turf before moving on to next site.

A.1.06 Core Aerate (60.87 Acres):

Once a year during the fall (Mid-September through Mid-October) the Contractor shall perform a broad core aeration of all turf areas.

a) Aeration shall remove at least nine 3-inch plugs per square foot.

b) Care shall be taken to ensure that no damage is done to turf grass, irrigation heads, control points, headstones, or cemetery property. All damage shall be immediately reported to COR and/or CO as appropriate, and repair operations shall be initiated before COB.

A.1.07 Provide and Apply Overseed to Turfgrass (60.87 Acres):

Contractors shall provide seed and apply overseeding operations to all turfgrass. Overseeding shall commence immediately after core aeration operations (Sept-Oct).

a) Each section must be mowed to 3 inches before overseeding operation commences.

b) Contractors shall use a cemetery mix comprised of approx. 50-80% Kentucky Blue Grass / 10-30% Perennial Ryegrass / 0-30% Tall or Fine Fescues, at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. feet and 8 pounds per 1,000 sq feet for bare areas. Comment by Ismail, Olalekan K: I suggest working with the arborist to justify this in writing or adjust the requirement, its too restrictive that you may be protested. If these blend/ percentage links to a specific manufacture, you may need a brand name justification. Comment by Tomes, Matthew D.: Updated.

c) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that this rate has been achieved for all established turfgrass (Delivery and receivables must be verified by the COR).

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

A.1.08 Provide and Apply Pre-emergence Herbicide to Turfgrass:

Contractor shall provide and apply Pre-emergence herbicide to control weeds to all existing established turfgrass. Pre-emergence herbicide shall be uniformly applied to all 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 commercial label rate allowed for the site.

a) If the product is properly formulated, 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 later time.

b) Any re-treatment needed as a result of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense. Repeat, follow-up, and/or spot spray herbicide applications, as needed.

c) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that the maximum commercial label rate for all established turf has been achieved (Delivery and receivable must be verified by the COR).

d) Headstones must be kept in clean and presentable condition within NCA Standards. Failure by the Contractor to meet standards, shall be corrected by the Contractor before COB.

A.1.09 Provide and Apply Post-Emergence Broadleaf Herbicide to Turfgrass:

Contractor shall provide and apply herbicide to control Broadleaf weeds by spraying all established turfgrass areas with the proper type and rate of herbicides that shall control 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) Broad 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 tire ruts. Preparation of the spray mixture may be done on designated area by the COR and water is available at the cemetery for mixing.

b) Any re-treatment needed as a result of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense. Repeat, follow-up, and/or spot spray herbicide applications, as needed.

c) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that the maximum commercial label rate for all established turf has been achieved (Delivery and receivable must be verified by the COR).

d) Headstones must be kept in clean and presentable condition within NCA Standards. Failure by the Contractor to meet standards, shall be corrected by the contractor before COB.

A.1.10 Fertilize: 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. The COR will request fertilizer usually:

- Late May/early June,

- Early September, and

- Late October/early November (about the time of the season’s final mowing).

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 shall 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 approved by the CO, in consultation with the COR, if needed, based on soil test results or extreme weather conditions.

A.1.11 Yellow Nutsedge Herbicide (60.87 Acres):

Contractor shall provide and apply herbicide to control Yellow Nutsedge and other susceptible weeds in all established turfgrass.

a) Yellow Nutsedge and other susceptible weeds shall be controlled by spraying a mix of one the following herbicide active ingredients in mid-June:

· Halosulfuron-methyl

· Sulfentrazone Comment by Ismail, Olalekan K: I suggest working with the arborist to justify this in writing or adjust the requirement, its too restrictive that you may be protested. If these blend/ percentage links to a specific manufacture, you may need a brand name justification. Comment by Tomes, Matthew D.: Updated

· Imazosulfuron

b) Any re-treatment needed as a result of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense. Repeat, follow-up, and/or spot spray herbicide applications, as needed.

c) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that the maximum commercial label rate for all established turf has been achieved (Delivery and receivable must be verified by the COR).

d) Headstones must be kept in clean and presentable condition within NCA Standards. Failure by the Contractor to meet standards, shall be corrected by the contractor before COB.

A.1.12 Grub Insecticide (60.87 Acres):

Contractor shall provide and apply a preventative application of granular Acelepryn (Chlorantraniliprole) grub insecticide and shall be uniformly applied to all turfgrass areas between (April, May, or June at COR and/or CO as appropriate, discretion). In addition, when COR and/or CO as appropriate or Contractor identifies a grub infestation, within 2 workdays of identification, Contractor shall provide and apply an additional curative liquid Dylox (Trichlorfon) treatment that shall be applied at affected sites in August/September. The maximum commercial label rate for the site shall be used from one of the herbicide active ingredients:

· Preventive: Chlorantraniliprole 0.067% (e.g., Acelepryn), if applied April, May, or June. If a proper formulation is available this could potentially be applied with the first seasonal fertilizer as appropriate discretion.

· Curative: Trichlorfon 37.3% (e.g., Dylox) (Must be applied before forecasted rain in non-irrigated sections)

a) If a granular product is used, any deposited on impervious surfaces (walks/pavement) shall be removed or blown onto the turf immediately following application.

b) Variations of this regime must be approved by the COR and /or CO as appropriate.

c) Any re-treatment needed as a result of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense. Repeat, follow-up, and/or spot spray herbicide applications, as needed.

d) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that the maximum commercial label rate for all established turf has been achieved (Delivery and receivable must be verified by the COR).

Note: When proper Preventive manufacturer recommendations are followed, and “good industry practice” applications are performed, there should never be a need for Curative applications.

A.1.13 Irrigation Start-Up in the Spring:

The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR prior to the Contractor blowout of the irrigation system. The Contractor shall commence clearing system lines from debris, and settlements that hinder proper and safe functionality (weather permitting), with all irrigation lines and pump station cleared according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

a) This work includes any State or local testing such as backflow prevention devices. The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring the backflow testing results are properly reported to requesting agencies within the requested time. This is generally an annual inspection.

b) The Contractor shall exercise all manual control and shut-off valves at least twice per year according to American Water Works Association (AWWA) guidelines. Exercising the valve is operating the valve at least on full cycle until the valve operates freely with little resistance; this may take several full cycles and should be done slowly to avoid damage due to water hammer.

A.1.14 Irrigation Winterization in Late Fall:

The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR prior to the Contractor winterizing the irrigation system. The Contractor shall commence winterizing systems (weather permitting) no later than November 30, with all irrigation lines and pump station winterized according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

a) This work includes any State or local testing such as backflow prevention devices. The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring the backflow testing results are properly reported to requesting agencies within the requested time. This is generally an annual inspection.

b) The Contractor shall exercise all manual control and shut-off valves at least twice per year according to American Water Works Association (AWWA) guidelines. Exercising the valve is operating the valve at least on full cycle until the valve operates freely with little resistance; this may take several full cycles and should be done slowly to avoid damage due to water hammer.

A.1.15 Floral Pickup:

Work consists of collecting and removing all dead or unsightly flowers within the cemetery sections and columbarium walls. This includes any items that do not comply with the Rock Island National Cemetery Floral Policy, such as artificial flowers (specific times of the year), balloons, pinwheels, glass items, and potted plants. Work may also include wreath and wreath blanket pickup after the holiday season, or artificial pick up prior to the start of mowing operations. This work is to be coordinated via the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

a) Contractor shall also pickup and return any of the cemetery’s unused floral cones to the labeled floral vase containers outside the sections.

b) Contractor shall pickup and dispose of any trash found during the floral pickup.

c) Any dead flowers or trash removed from the gravesites may be disposed of in the cemetery’s main dumpster.

d) Artificial flowers and other commemorative or religious items that are placed on gravesites in violation of the Floral Policy will be collected and placed in a cemetery identified holding area for 30 days to allow visitors time to retrieve their items.

A.1.16 Col Wall/Committal Shelter Cleaning:

Work consists of power washing both columbarium walls, both committal shelters, and all concrete surfaces. This includes walls, benches, concrete pads and walkways, and caps. Cemetery will provide water. This work is to be coordinated via the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

a) 500 – 800 PSI, 12”-18” away from the limestone surfaces and no rotary/turbo nozzles – only use a wide fan spray (25 - 40 degrees). High pressure may etch or erode soft surfaces such as limestone, sandstone, marble, etc.

b) For algae, mildew, or biological stains, a biocidal cleaner (D/2 Biological Solutions, EnviroKlean ReVive, Prosoco products) is recommended.

c) Any damage caused by contractor operations shall be repaired at contractor expense. Use extreme caution during pressure washing operations. If etching or eroding happens, immediately stop and notify COR.

A.1.17 Headstone Cleaning:

Headstone cleaning cycles should begin 2 calendar months prior to the Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Holidays, so that cleaning may be concluded prior to the start of the respective holidays. This work is to be coordinated via the COR and/or CO as appropriate, prior to the start of the cleaning cycles.

d) Remove loose debris (leaves, soil, bird droppings, etc.) with a soft bristle brush and clean water or pressure washer (cemetery will provide water). Allow stone to dry before applying cleaner.

1) Less than 200 PSI, 12”-18” away from the stone, is required if using a pressure washer.

2) No rotary/turbo nozzles – only use a wide fan spray (40 degrees or greater).

3) Use extreme caution pressure washing stones 50 years or older. If etching or letter eroding happens, immediately stop and notify COR.

4) Any damage to headstones, caused by contractor operations, will be replaced at the contractor’s expense.

e) Apply D/2 Biological Solution to the entire headstone surface using a pump sprayer or hand sprayer. Allow the stone to air dry without rinsing (“spray and walk away”) method.

A.1.18 Japanese Beetle Spray (35 Trees):

Contractor shall provide and apply a preventative application of Japanese Beetle pesticide to be uniformly applied to 35 trees on cemetery grounds upon identification of said trees following coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, within 2 workdays of identification. The contractor shall provide and apply the maximum commercial label rate for the site.

a) Variations of this regime must be approved by the COR and /or CO as appropriate and must be in compliance with all State of Illinois pesticide treatment regulations and law.

b) Any re-treatment needed as a result of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense. Spot treat per section Curative insecticide, as needed.

c) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that the maximum rate for Preventive and/or Curative application has been achieved. (Delivery and receivable must be verified by the COR).

Note: When proper Preventive manufacturer recommendations are followed, and “good industry practice” applications are performed, there should never be a need for Curative applications.

A.1.19 Tree Pruning:

Work consists of tree/shrub limb removal and/or pruning and perimeter vegetation management. Application and maintenance/repair schedules shall be coordinated with the COR. The contractor shall:

f) Limb, hedge and/or prune.

g) Remove dead or dying branches injured by disease, insect infestation, animals, storms or mechanical damage. Remove any branches that have weak crotches, are crossing or rubbing one another, or are growing back towards the center of the tree.

h) Remove tree limbs that interfere with sunlight and mowing/trimming equipment. Gradually remove lower branches on younger deciduous trees to raise their crown. Evergreen trees, however, generally look best with their lowest branches allowed to drape to ground level. If it is necessary to remove lower evergreen branches for safety or other practical reasons, remove no more than the lowest 25% of branches.

i) Estimated three (3) times each year, based on industry standards for each species of vegetation. Work shall be completed in April, July, and October or as coordinated with the COR.

A.1.20 Tree Removal (12 Inches or Larger):

Work consists of tree removal at the CORs request. Application and maintenance/repair schedules shall be coordinated with the COR. The contractor shall:

a) Remove all trees 12 inches or larger identified by COR and/or CO as appropriate.

1) Contractor will use extreme caution when removing trees inside a burial section. Any damage to surrounding headstones, caused by contractor operations, will be replaced at the contractor’s expense.

b) Remove dead or dying trees injured by disease, insect infestation, animals, storms or mechanical damage.

A.1.21 Tree Removal (Less Than 12 Inches):

Work consists of tree removal at the CORs request. Application and maintenance/repair schedules shall be coordinated with the COR. The contractor shall:

a) Remove all trees less than 12 inches identified by COR and/or CO as appropriate.

1) Contractor will use extreme caution when removing trees inside a burial section. Any damage to surrounding headstones, caused by contractor operations, will be replaced at the contractor’s expense.

b) Remove dead or dying trees injured by disease, insect infestation, animals, storms or mechanical damage.

A.1.22 Tree Stump Removal (12 Inches or Larger):

Work consists of tree/shrub stump removal at the CORs request. Application and maintenance/repair schedules shall be coordinated with the COR. The contractor shall:

a) Remove all tree stumps 12 inches or larger identified by COR and/or CO as appropriate.

b) Remove existing stumps or stumps from trees removed due to dead or dying trees injured by disease, insect infestation, animals, storms or mechanical damage.

A.1.23 Tree Stump Removal (Less Than 12 Inches):

Work consists of tree stump removal at the CORs request. Application and maintenance/repair schedules shall be coordinated with the COR. The contractor shall:

c) Remove all tree stumps less than 12 inches identified by COR and/or CO as appropriate.

d) Remove existing stumps or stumps from trees removed due to dead or dying trees injured by disease, insect infestation, animals, storms or mechanical damage.

A.1.24 Sunken Grave Repair:

Work consists of refilling sunken graves or cremains with suitable soil to match existing adjacent graves, and re-establishing the turfgrass. Repair schedules shall be coordinated with the COR. The contractor shall:

a) A sunken grave is defined as any gravesite that has receded two (2) inches or more from the existing adjacent grade. Standard graves excavated and backfilled are approximately three and one-half feet wide and approximately eight feet long. The Contractor will identify sunken graves or cremains requiring repair. The contractor shall report all identified sunken graves by section and grave number prior to being repaired/fixed to the COR for verification and inspection.

b) Refilling of sunken graves shall be accomplished as soon as possible but not more than two (2) business days after receipt of weekly inspection sheet.

c) Partially sunken graves may occur after weather events. This can appear as a small to medium hole outlining the grave or headstone setting. This type of grade issue can cause injury to visitors and staff and must be repaired same day observed.

d) Any graves identified as sunken must be secured by the contractor with safety barriers until repairs can be affected, by grave boards or cones to prevent injury to visitors and personnel.

e) Pest holes and all other holes shall be repaired same day found to prevent injury to visitors and workers.

f) Sunken graves shall have sod cut out and be filled with approved select backfill and tamped to within two (2) inches of established grade. Topsoil capable of growing healthy grasses shall be added, then sod replaced to bring the gravesite to established grade. The disturbed area shall then be raked free of stones and any debris larger than one (1) inch measured in any direction.

A.1.25 Turf Renovation:

For areas where turfgrass has been damaged or died, or the smoothness of surface disrupted such as by a sunken grave, the Contractor shall restore that area to match the surrounding grade, type, and quality of turfgrass, which shall be free of weeds and non-matching grass. The establishment period for turf shall begin immediately after installation, with notification to the COR and the approval of the CO. Maintenance shall be done by the Contractor for at least 60 days with proper mowing, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation as needed until final acceptance is made by the Government

a) Quality topsoil shall be used for any fill that is needed, and the soil shall be appropriately compacted to prevent additional settling.

b) Starter fertilizer shall be used to help re-establish the grass.

c) Generally, new sod shall be used in reestablishing the turfgrass. However, collaboration with the CO and/or COR as appropriate may result in the suggestion of specific area seeding instead of sod, or if existing sod may be cut and reused.

d) 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.

e) 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 through the rest of the growing season with proper fertilization, pest control, and irrigation as needed. If the sod, all, or part, dies during the growing season (unless surrounding turf also dies due to weather extremes) the contractor is responsible for replacing the dead sod and the maintenance process begins anew.

f) Any sod laid after September 1 that dies before or is obviously in poorer condition than the surrounding established turf, by the following May 1, shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor and the maintenance process begins anew.

A.1.26 Raise and Realignment:

All work is to be accomplished in a sequential manner, with the raise and realign work limited to no more than one (1) row of headstones or flat markers at any given time in order to minimize overall disruption to the cemetery. Work cannot begin in subsequent burial rows until such time that work has been completed in prior burial rows. The Contractor shall submit a proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project. Raise, lower, realignment, reset, and backfill services, defined as work consisting of extracting, resetting, aligning, backfilling, and compacting upright headstones and/or flat markers that are identified in this contract. The process includes inventorying and assuring accurate placement on each gravesite at the cemetery. The contractor shall provide all supervision, professional advice/guidance, professional land surveys, labor, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel, to provide the services defined herein.

The COR will determine the beginning point and ending points in each gravesite section. The contractor shall limit headstone or flat marker (herein referred to as marker) raise and realignment activities to one section at a time. Upon satisfactory completion of the marker raise & realignment in that section and with approval of the COR/Cemetery Director, the contractor may proceed to the next section scheduled for raise & realignment activities. After satisfactory raise & realignment of a section and with the approval of the COR/Cemetery Director, turf renovation activities may commence in that section. Marker raise & realignment activities will not be permitted simultaneously in two or more sections of the cemetery unless the contractor receives prior approval from the Cemetery Director or Cemetery Foreman/COR in writing.

a) Upright Headstones and Flat Marker Descriptions:

1) Standard upright marble or granite headstones are approx. 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, 4 inches thick, and weigh approx. 230 pounds.

2) Civil War type (older) upright marble headstones are typically around 39 to 42 inches long, 9-1/2 to 13 inches wide, 3 to 4 inches thick, and weigh approx. 130 to 160 pounds.

3) Flat marker types are approx. 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, 4 inches thick, and weigh approx. 70 pounds and are typically granite.

b) All in-ground vases, temporary markers, floral, commemorative, or other types of decorations (arrangements) causing interference with the raise and realignment operation shall be carefully, and in an orderly manner, moved from and after completion of the work, moved back to all gravesites by the Contractor. Prior to removal, the contractor shall verify the numbering sequence and location of the marker and associated decorations or vases. If the vases are in poor condition their replacement back to the gravesites can be waived at the approval of the COR.

c) Do not remove markers from the burial section as part of this project. Markers are to always remain on their respective gravesites. Markers must be handled and stored on each gravesite in a dignified manner. The Contractor will coordinate with COR the appropriate method for temporary storage for unique situations and site conditions. Typically, this requires laying each marker onto 2x4 lumber supports directly on each gravesite. Attachment G will be used to record the names/locations of each specific marker on each specific gravesite before starting any work. The contractor and cemetery will verify the locations of the markers prior to renovation work and after renovation work, and shall sign the spreadsheet where indicated. All markers will be properly placed in their sockets prior to the end of each workday.

d) Markers shall be removed from their sockets by hand or using wooden and/or metal clamps. If metal clamps are used, the area that contacts the marker must be protected with a rigid fabric that will prevent damage to and marking of the marker. Clamps may be attached to a skid steer loader (i.e. Bobcat®) or similar machine to extract the marker from the socket. When markers are removed from their sockets, they shall be carefully stored on each associated gravesite. Use care not to scratch or damage markers in any manner. The marker shall be laid with front inscription side up while the marker is lying horizontally on the ground. The marker shall be protected from direct ground contact while lying horizontally. Cardboard shall not be used. Wood or other suitable appropriate and attractive material shall be used to keep the markers from contact with the soil while lying horizontally during the construction period. Contractor shall be responsible for replacing damaged markers and restoring all damages caused to turf during performance of this work.

e) Crushed Rock Base Material Specifications:

1) Crushed Rock shall be composed of limestone, granite, dolomite, or any other hard, sound rock that is produced by blasting and then crushing.

2) Crushed Rock shall be clean, hard, tough, and durable fragments (excluding schist, shale or slate) of uniform quality throughout and free of any detrimental quantities of soft, friable, thin, elongated or laminated pieces, disintegrated material, dirt, organic matter, oil, alkali, or other deleterious substance.

3) Crushed Rock shall consist of hard durable fragments of particles of rock, free of stripping dirt, vegetation, and other foreign substances. Hardness: Resistant to breaking, crushing or crumbling.

4) Shape: Sharp and angular (Do not use rounded pea gravel.)

5) Gravel or Crushed Gravel mixed with filler, sand, crushed rock, or crushed stone is NOT an acceptable substitute.

6) Crushed Rock shall consist of the product obtained by crushing rock or stone so that is meets the following graduation requirements:

Sieve Size % Passing

7) The gradation of crushed rock shall comply with ASTM D- 448. Sampling and sieve analysis shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D-75 and ASTM C- 136.

f) Compaction of Crushed Rock Base Material:

1) The Crushed Rock Base Material shall be compacted in lifts not exceeding 1 1/2” in thickness. Before compaction, moisten or aerate each layer as necessary to provide optimum moisture content. If the fines are dry at the time of compaction, use a very fine mist type hose and spray the Base Material sparingly. The moisture content of the material during placing operations shall be within ± 2% of the optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM D 1557. Compact each layer to 90% to 95% relative density. Do not perform compaction operations on excessively wet soils.

2) Tamping Tools: Shall be approved by COR prior to use. Tamping tools shall have sufficient impact area and weight to achieve 90% to 95% compaction of the Crushed Rock Base Material. Tamping tools made of wood or containing wood (such as wood handles) are not acceptable.

3) The use of a backhoe to tamp as the sole means of compaction is prohibited.

g) Upright Headstone Setting:

1) The headstones shall be removed from their sockets as per paragraph A.1.20 b and A.1.20 c. All headstone sockets shall be dug with a three (3) inch clearance at the front, back, sides and underneath the headstone. Headstone sockets shall be dug to the required depth to meet the height and alignment requirements. All headstone sockets shall be clean and free of loose dirt and debris prior to adding Crushed Rock Base Material. Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material shall be added and heavily tamped to 90% to 95% compaction in the bottom of the sockets to provide a minimum three (3) inch footing under the base of the headstone prior to the reinstallation of the headstones. Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material shall be placed around all four sides of the headstones and compacted per the requirements of paragraph A.1.20 e, providing for a minimum fourteen (14) inches depth of Crushed Rock Base Material along the sides of the headstone as measured from the bottom of the headstone. Typically, there should be three (3) inches of space remaining from the top of the compacted Crushed Rock Base Material to the ground surface to allow tamped topsoil and grass seed to be applied.