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

CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

GROUND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

OHIO WESTERN RESERVE NATIONAL CEMETERY, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273

AND

WOODLAND CEMETERY SOLDIER'S LOT, 6901 Woodland Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44104

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

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This is an Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite Quantity requirement. The term of this contract shall be for a period from Date of contract award through 365 calendar days plus four (4) 1-year Options through 2030, if exercised. Contractor shall submit an invoice electronically, in arrears, at the end of each month.

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. Contractor may make a written request to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), in advance, to work outside of the normal work hours when needed to carry out the specifications of this contract.

(b) 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.

FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

The contractor shall reference the OPM website, OPM Home - OPM.gov for holidays

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 coordinated through the COR and/or CO 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.

LINE ITEM

NUMBER SECTION DESCRIPTION

1 A.1.1 Mow all turf areas (95 acres) (OWRNC Only) 2 A.1.2 Mulch Planting Beds & Tree Rings (OWRNC Only) 3 A.1.3 Wedding Planting Beds & Tree Rings (OWRNC Only) 4 A.1.4 String Trim Upright Headstones (OWRNC Only) 5 A.1.5 String Trim in approved areas (OWRNC Only) 6 A.1.6 Blade Edge All Curbing and Sidewalks (OWRNC Only) 7 A.1.7 Edge Flat Markers in Section G3 (OWRNC Only) 8 A.1.8 Shrub and Tree maintenance (OWRNC Only) 9 A.1.9 Leaf Removal (OWRNC Only) 10 A. 1.10 Core Aerate of Turfgrass (95 Acres) (OWRNC Only) 11 A.1.11 Overseeding of Turfgrass (95 Acres) (OWRNC Only) 12 A.1.12 Pre-emergence Broadleaf herbicide application (95 Acres per occurrence)

(OWRNC Only) 13 A.1.13 Post Emergence Broadleaf (grass like weeds) Herbicide Application, (95

Acres per occurrence) (OWRNC Only) 14 A.1.14 Granular Fertilizer 95 Acres per occurrence) (OWRNC Only) 15 A.1.15 Grub Insecticide Application (95 Acres per occurrence) (OWRNC Only) 16 A.1.16 Mole Control (95 acres) (OWRNC Only) 17 A.1.17 Sod Installation (OWRNC Only) 18 A.1.18 Soil Sample (OWRNC Only) 19 A.1.19 Sunken Grave and Turf Repair in Casket Sections (OWRNC Only) 20 A.1.20 Sunken Cremation and Small Area Grounds Repairs (OWRNC Only) 21 A.1.21 Emptying of Trash Cans (OWRNC Only) 22 A.1.22 Tree Removal (OWRNC Only) 23 A.1.23 Tree Stump Removal (OWRNC Only) 24 A.1.24 Pressure Washing (OWRNC Only) 25 A.1.25 Floral Pickup (OWRNC Only) 26 A.1.26 Street Sweeping (OWRNC Only) 27 A.1.27 Mowing Turfgrass (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 28 A.1.28 String Trim Around Upright Headstones (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 29 A.1.29 Fertilization (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 30 A.1.30 Pre-Emergence Herbicide (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 31 A.1.31 Post-Emergence Broadleaf Herbicide (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 32 A.1.32 Yellow Nutsedge Herbicide (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 33 A.1.33 Grub Insecticide (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) https://www.opm.gov/

34 A.1.34 Core Aerate (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 35 A.1.35 Overseed (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 36 A.1.36 Leaf Mulching/Removal (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 37 A.1.37 Other String Trimming in improved Areas (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only) 38 A.1.38 Cemetery Clean up (Woodland Soldiers' Lot Only)

A.1.1 MOW ALL TURFGRASS AREAS, INCLUDING AROUND HEADSTONES (95 acres) The Contractor shall mow, as coordinated by the COR and/or CO as appropriate, which includes string trimming and edging in conjunction with each mowing - 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. Turf areas consist of different blends of fescue grasses, Kentucky bluegrasses or both mixed varieties. The contractor shall meet the proper maintenance requirements of all varieties of grasses. A complete mow/trim/edge cycle is usually required each week during the growing season and to be considered a complete mow/trim/edge event, all turfgrass areas shall 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 be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, generally 3 inches.

b) Mowing frequency shall be often enough that:

1) Excessive clippings are not generated, and

2) No more than one and a half inches (1.5”) of new grass growth be 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 at once, and it shall then be mowed twice per week at a slightly lower height each time until the COR and/or CO as appropriate -coordinated 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 removed. Windrows or clumps shall not remain after mowing but shall be promptly removed. Any grass clippings on headstones, flat markers, monuments, mulch beds, or impervious surfaces such as walkways 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. Mechanical means of removal maybe required.

d) Contractor is responsible for removal and replacement of all items on graves that may impair mowing/trimming operations. Collection and disposal of Debris and Trash within the Cemetery grounds and boundaries may include items, 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. Tree limbs and sticks that impair mowing shall be removed from sections upon discovery and removed to the designated area through coordination with or through the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

e) Contractors shall be responsible for removal of flower cones, flowers, flags, and other items off the ground damaged by mowing/trimming operations. No loose damaged items shall be left in the section before Contractor moves on to another section. Damaged flags are never to be thrown in the trash, instead shall be removed from the sections to the designated area coordinated through the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

f) Mowers shall be commercial grade and designed to produce a professional, high-quality cut, and they shall be properly maintained, adjusted, and kept clean and presentable.

Mowers shall be sterilized when there is a possibility of disease transmission.

Appropriate size of mowers shall be used in all locations coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate where confined areas, numerous monuments or other obstacles are present.

g) Mulching blades shall be used in all mowers and shall be kept sharp, so grass is cut cleanly, not torn, or shredded. Rear or Mulching decks are preferred on all mowers to assist in keeping headstones free from debris. Mulch kits shall be removable, and removal maybe requested by COR and/or CO as appropriate.

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

i) Mowing patterns in open areas shall be precise, and attractive to enhance the cemetery’s appearance. The Contractor shall provide a diagram of mowing patterns before first mowing of the season.

j) 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, 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 day of identification by COR and/or CO as appropriate.

k) 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.

l) 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.

m) Newly seeded/sodded in burial and non-burial areas are common throughout the cemetery property. Such areas shall be marked for ease of identification, push mowers shall be used, and clippings removed until the turfgrass is well enough established that it shall not be damaged by riding mowers.

n) Unsuitable mowing conditions are likely at times due to heavy rain, lightning, or other extreme conditions. The COR and/or CO as appropriate may request the Contracting Officer stop work, if conditions are such that work that day shall do more damage than good to the Cemetery grounds if or is dangerous to workers.

o) When Contractor drives equipment over a fresh gravesite, it is the Contractor responsibility to re-rake the gravesite and leave to its original condition, acceptable to NCA Shrine Standards.

p) 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.

q) All mower decks shall utilize a non-smudging rubber or polycarbonate protective guard/bumper on the edge of the mowing deck closest to the headstone to help protect the headstones from damage and to absorb the shock if contact is made with a headstone. The contractor is responsible for all damage, repair or replacement of all headstones as coordinated by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

r) 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.

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

The Contractor shall trim grass and vegetation around headstones that mowers miss. Grass around flat markers shall at times also be trimmed rather than edged. 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 or higher. There shall be no scalping.

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 mowed and trimmed before progressing through the cycle to the next section. At no time can the headstones of a section be mowed and not trimmed by

COB.

c) Clippings shall be mulched, 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 shall be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. All fuel storage containers and storage shall 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 the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

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 and/or CO as appropriate may coordinate to have Contractor pick up and dispose of trimmer strings left on the site or sites where 2 or more strings are found.

For Flat Marker Blade Edging, the Contractor shall edge around flat grave markers to remove grass/vegetation that is growing around or over the markers. This shall be done with each mowing cycle. The depth of the vertical cut at the edge of the flat markers shall be 1” to 2” deep and the width of the cut shall not exceed ½”. There shall be a clean and neat vertical edge left around each flat marker.

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.1.2 MULCH PLANTING BEDS AND TREE RINGS

The contractor shall maintain edging, mulch and weed-free all planting beds and tree rings.

Before purchasing the mulch, coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate shall include the Contractor providing a sample for agreement to use on cemetery grounds. Before the first mulching cycle all existing mulch shall be removed and Preen/Snapshot shall be applied to all mulch beds and rock beds.

a) Triple 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 three (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 shall match color and texture of existing mulch.

b) Break up any hardened existing mulch to allow air and water movement through mulch layer. If mulch builds up to greater than four (4) inch depth, the contractor shall remove enough old mulch to bring the depth to about three (3) inches after adding new.

c) Edge beds in conjunction with mowing to maintain clean/crisp bed edges and remove encroachment of turfgrass and weeds.

d) 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.

e) Contractor shall maintain border between prairie grass and turfgrass to prevent prairie grass from encroaching into turfgrass and vice versa.

A.1.3 WEEDING IN PLANTING BEDS AND TREE RINGS

Weeds shall be controlled by spraying planting beds and tree rings with the proper type and rate of herbicides that shall control the weeds present (typically clover, dandelion, plantain, oxalis, chickweed, henbit, etc. grass like weeds/ broad leaf). The spray mixture or herbicide product used shall contain three or more ingredients effective in controlling broadleaf weeds. Spraying of planting beds and tree rings shall be done once per month for the duration of each year to have maximum effect on perennial weeds and reduce winter-annual weed establishment.

Weather and field conditions at the time of application shall be favorable for herbicide efficacy, as well as for minimal risk of damage such as herbicide injury to off-target plants. Preparation of the spray mixture may be done on site with water availability available as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate. Any re-treatment needed because of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense.

A.1.04 STRING TRIM AROUND UPRIGHT HEADSTONES

The Contractor shall trim Turf and vegetation around upright (24,224) headstones. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable. Trimming shall be done in a manner that disperses the clippings away from headstones/mulch beds/buildings.

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 the government mowing, but their 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 be not trimmed by COB if cemetery staff have mowed that section.

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 shall be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. All fuel storage containers and storage shall 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 and/or CO as appropriate.

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 and/or CO as appropriate may coordinate to have Contractor pick up and dispose of trimmer

A.1.05 STRING TRIM IN APPROVED AREAS, AROUND SECTION MARKERS, PLANTING

BEDS AND DRAIN CULVERTS

The Contractor shall trim grass and all vegetation that mowers miss, such as around headstones, by 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 only subject to are 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) String trim the ditch along the property line (1,750 feet) on Rawiga Road.

b) The trimming height shall be the same as mowing height. No shorter or higher. No exceptions. There shall be no scalping. Trimming should be observed by the On-Site Manager daily to ensure scalping is not occurring. The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall also visually inspect sections often to ensure scalping is not occurring regularly.

c) Trimming frequency shall run concurrently with mowing, but mowing shall always be done first so trimming height can be matched to the mowed height. Cemetery headstone markers of each section shall be mowed and trimmed before progressing through the cycle to the next section. At no time can the headstones of a section be mowed and not trimmed by COB. Mowing first, then trimming second shall be strictly enforced.

d) No trimming shall occur in sections specified by the COR and/or CO as appropriate when trimming is not needed due to extreme conditions, like drought, where work shall do more harm than good. Especially in our non-irrigated sections. The COR and/or CO as appropriate may coordinate a stop to work if conditions are such that work that day or for an extended period when work shall do more damage than good to the Cemetery grounds or is dangerous to workers.

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

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 official OWRNC 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. Debris and trash left on the grounds as a result of trimming operations does not count toward a clean sweep. The COR and/or CO as appropriate may coordinate with the Contractor to remove debris caused by trimming operations if requested at the Contractor’s expense.

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

h) 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 and/or CO as appropriate.

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

j) String Litter - Trimmer string pieces longer than short pieces (i.e., 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.1.06 BLADE EDGE ALL CURBING AND SIDEWALKS—approximately 40,000 Linear Feet The Contractor shall blade edge grass and all vegetation that mowers miss, such as around headstones, by structures, posts, trees, buildings, columbarium’s, service shelters, floral stations, and other vertical surfaces. Objects and areas to be blade edged around include but are not only subject to are 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) Blade edging 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) 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 maybe required when excess clippings are abundant.

c) All fuel cans shall be kept, stored, carried, or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces. All fuel storage containers and storage shall 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 and/or CO as appropriate.

e) Equipment - commercial grade blade edgers shall be used.

f) Litter – Edger 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 and/or CO as appropriate reserves the right to have Contractor pick up and dispose of edger blades left on the site or sites where 2 or more blades are found.

g) 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.1.07 BLADE EDGE FLAT MARKERS IN SECTION G3—1,105 MARKERS

The Contractor shall blade edge grass and all vegetation that mowers miss around all flat markers in Section G3. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, scalping, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable.

a) Blade edging 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) Blade edging frequency shall run complete 16 cycles of all flat markers, some of which shall run concurrently with the government mowing, which shall be done first so edging height can be matched to the mowed height. Cemetery flat markers of each section shall be edged before progressing through the cycle to the next section. At no time can the flat marker of a section not be edged by COB if cemetery staff have mowed that section on concurrent mowing and flat marker edging instances.

c) 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 maybe required when excess clippings are abundant.

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

e) Caution shall be exercised to avoid any damage to markers, trees, other desirable plant materials, or any other assets. Any damage shall be immediately reported to COR and/or CO as appropriate.

f) Equipment - commercial grade blade edgers shall be used.

g) Litter – Edger 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 and/or CO as appropriate reserves the right to have Contractor pick up and dispose of edger blades left on the site or sites where 2 or more blades are found.

h) 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.1.08 SHRUB AND TREE MAINTENANCE

The contractor shall 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 shall 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 shall 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 and/or CO as appropriate for coordination of trimming plan. Non-flowering shrubs shall be evaluated in early spring prior to growth and trimmed as needed maintain healthy, uniform growth and appearance. Flowering shrubs shall be maintained as needed during the growing season to promote flowering, and maintain uniform growth, and appearance. Flowering shrubs shall 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 shall 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.1.09 LEAF REMOVAL

The contractor shall remove all fallen broad and narrow leaves, including conifer needles (e.g., pine, spruce, cedar and fir). This includes such material fallen into the gutters of all buildings.

Leaves shall be removed from cemetery grounds. Leaves are not to be blown back into the tree line. Leaves shall be removed as stated.

Contractor shall be responsible for removal of all leaves on cemetery grounds during the autumn as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, from October through April. All leaves that have dropped are to be removed from the entire cemetery when a leave removal has been requested by the COR Specifically, when leaves begin to drop, several daily cycles may be required for the entire cemetery until weather conditions prevent leaf pick up i.e. snow fall and freezing.

Leaf removal shall be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate. COR and/or CO as appropriate shall notify contractor when to start leaf pickups and the cycle shall continue until coordinated by COR and/or CO as appropriate to stop daily leaf pickups.

All buildings, to include Public Information Center, shelters, Administration Building, and maintenance and storage buildings, shall have the gutters free and clear of debris on a daily basis. All areas around Committal shelters, shall be completed by 0900 and ready for services that day.

A.1.10 CORE AERATION OF TURFGRASS

Once a year during the fall (Mid-August through Mid-September) the Contractor shall perform a broad core aeration of all turf areas. Secondly, following coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in late April through May, only heavily compacted areas prior to Pre-emergence application). Aeration shall remove at least nine 3-inch plugs per square foot. 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 and repair operations shall be initiated before COB.

A.1.11 PROVIDE AND APPLY OVERSEED TO TURFGRASS

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

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

Commercial equipment shall be utilized with blades capable to set at ¼ inch deep enough to penetrate the soil, and no greater than ½ inch deep.

b) Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and/or CO as appropriate and apply 40% Perennial Ryegrass/60% Kentucky Blue Grass (Or other seed variants and compositions at COR and/or CO as appropriate, discretion), at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. feet and 8 pounds per 1,000 sq feet for bare areas.

c) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that this rate has been achieved for all established turfgrass (Delivery and receivables shall be coordinated the COR and/or CO as appropriate).

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.1.12 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.

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. 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.

Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that the maximum commercial label rate for all established turf has been achieved. Delivery and receivable shall be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

Failure by the Contractor to meet standards, shall be corrected by the Contractor before COB.

A.1.13 PROVIDE AND APPLY POST-EMERGENCE BROADLEAF AND GRASS LIKE

WEEDS HERBICIDE TO TURGRASS

Contractor shall provide and apply herbicide to control Broadleaf and Grass like 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 and Grass like weeds.

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 shall 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 areas coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate and water is available at the cemetery for mixing.

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.

Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that the maximum commercial label rate for all established turf has been achieved. Delivery and receivable(s) shall be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

Failure by the Contractor to meet standards, shall be corrected by the contractor before COB.

Spot spray Nutsedge weeds when visible during broad leaf and grass like weed application.

A.1.14 GRANULAR FERILIZER APPLICATION

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).

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, in coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate 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.

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.

Variations of this regime may be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, if needed, based on soil test results or extreme weather conditions.

A.1.15 PROVIDE GRUB INSECTICIDE TO TURFGRASS

The Contractor shall provide and apply a preventative application of granular Acelepryn (Chlorantraniliprole) grub insecticide shall be uniformly applied to all turfgrass areas between April-June in coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate. In addition, in coordination with the 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 at COR and/or CO as appropriate discretion).

- Curative: Trichlorfon 37.3% (e.g., Dylox) (Shall 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 shall be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in consultation with the District Agronomist (as applicable).

c) Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that maximum rate for Preventive and/or Curative application of all established turf has been achieved (Delivery and receivable shall be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate).

d) 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.

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.1.16 MOLE 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 the product Talpirid or equal. The Contractor shall ensure that soil shall be tamped into holes and turf replaced or reseeded to always insure acceptable appearance.

A.1.17 SOD INSTALLATION

The contractor shall prep areas, furnish, deliver and install Kentucky Blue rye grass sod in cemetery burial section and/or areas as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery shall not provide any equipment, personnel or assistance to the contractor for the installation of sod. All work normally associated with the placement of the sod shall be the contractor's responsibility. Sufficient manpower and equipment shall be provided by the contractor for acceptable and timely installation of the sod.

a) At no time shall motorized equipment be allowed on turfed areas. That is to include watering and prepping areas or the laying of sod.

b) The contractor shall properly prepare each gravesite, road edge or area with in the

a. cemetery as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate before installation of sod. Contractor shall sod cut the perimeter of area for installation for blended even transition to existing turf. The Contractor shall remove any debris, rake (break up hard soil to allow root growth), level (bring to grade) with the surrounding area and ensure a firm grade of the ground before the installation of sod. Screened topsoil shall be applied after. To ensure the installed headstone remains at the proper height, each gravesite shall be raked and leveled to allow 26 inches of exposed headstone (26 inches: measured from where the top of the ground meets the bottom of the headstone to the top of the arch) or as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate. When sod is installed, the height of the exposed headstone shall be no less and no more than 25 inches or as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate. A 1/8-inch tolerance is allowed. (25 inches: measured from where the top of the ground meets the bottom of the headstone to the top of the arch) or as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

c) The sod shall be cut in approximately 2’ by 4’ widths. The pieces not varying more than

0.5 inches to ensure installation ease and a uniform initial appearance and shall be cut at a thickness of no more than 0.75 -1-inch-thick excluding thatch and leaf length. All sod shall be delivered to the work site and installed the day it is harvested.

d) The Contractor shall make all necessary arrangements to protect sod from excessive drying and wind damage from the time it is harvested at the sod farm until it is delivered to the cemetery and installed.

e) The individual sod pieces shall be laid expeditiously without interruption, until the work area is completely covered. All pieces of sod shall be cut and tightly fitted against one another without overlapping to eliminate any gaps or visible seams and shall be fitted around all upright markers and any other obstructions.

f) When laying the sod, the Contractor shall stagger each row so that the ends of each piece of sod do not line up with the ends of each piece from the previous row thus ensuring a tighter fit. To stabilize sod during the rooting process and to eliminate the chances of erosion, the Contractor shall use sod pins in adequate amounts during sod installation on any steep slopes if needed.

g) After all the sod has been installed the Contractor shall roll the sod with a mechanical roller to smooth the surface and to help bring the sod layer into a good contact with the soil surface.

h) Sod areas that are susceptible to animals rolling or digging shall be covered with netting to deter animals. These areas shall be coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

i) Watering of all newly installed sod shall be completed by the contractor on an as needed basis (7 days a week) until the sod installation is accepted by the COR. A water fill station shall be provided by the cemetery at a site coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

j) Sod shall not be installed until it is fully rooted and with a green healthy look in appearance and shall not pull up when inspected by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

Sod that is not green and becomes stressed (brown in appearance) shall be removed and replaced with healthy sod within 96 hrs. at no additional cost to the government.

Contractor motorized equipment shall remain on all roadways or access roads for watering operations.

k) The Government shall not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract. Removal of all debris / waste away and off cemetery grounds is the Contractor's responsibility. Any debris left after the sod installation shall be cleaned up thoroughly and removed from the cemetery. At the end of each day, the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that debris and waste generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site.

A.1.18 SOIL SAMPLE

High profile turfgrass sections shall have soil samples taken and analyzed by an accredited laboratory, one sample each summer, or more if requested by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

A.1.19 SUNKEN GRAVE AND TURF REPAIR IN CASKET SITES

Work consists of compacting and leveling sunken grave sites with suitable material (soil) to match existing adjacent graves and reestablishing the turfgrass. The cemetery shall be checked for holes and washouts, which when found, shall be filled immediately. Sites shall be visually appealing with no gaps or exposed soil between turf sections and level with adjacent sites.

Damage to the grounds occurs due to pests and can be the cause of injury to visitors and personnel. The cemetery shall be checked for pest holes regularly and when found they shall be filled as soon as possible but no later than the close of business on the day of discovery.

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide sunken grave, grounds, and turf repair services.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A sunken grave is defined as any gravesite that has receded one (1) inch from the existing adjacent grade. Standard graves excavated and backfilled are approximately three and a half feet wide (42”) and approximately eight feet long (96”) in standard pre-crypted areas. In the oversize vaulted area, and traditional (private vaults) area, the excavated and backfilled gravesites are approximately four feet (48”) in width by ten feet (120”) in length. In the In-ground cremation area, gravesites are excavated and backfilled approximately four feet (48”) by four feet (48”).

**Damage to grounds caused by Contractor negligence shall be repaired by the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) shall identify sunken graves requiring repair and shall provide a detailed list for the Contractor to repair. Once identified, all sunken graves shall be secured with safety barriers, cones, or covered with grave boards until repairs can be completed to prevent injury to visitors and personnel.

Refilling of sunken grave sites shall be accomplished as soon as possible but no later than two

(2) business days after coordination by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

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 shall be repaired as soon as possible, but not later than one (1) business day after coordination by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

**NOTE: If repairs are not completed once identified due to weather conditions, extensive cemetery operations, and/or cemetery events, gatherings, or meetings the Contractor shall provide a traffic cone/safety marking device to ensure no injuries or accidents are sustained by cemetery staff, contractors, or customers prior to repair being completed. ** The Contractor shall keep a Sunken Grave / Damaged Grounds Log which shall be provided to the COR monthly, or more frequently if requested by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

PROCEDURE

All areas requiring repair shall have sod removed, with a sod cutter or spade, and be filled with appropriate backfill and be tamped to within two (2) inches of established grade. Area shall be tamped level after filling.

Sunken grave site or inground cremation burial site 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. Sod shall then be replaced to bring the gravesite to established grade.