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

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Ground maintenance, head stone cleaning & fine tune alignment RI/KEOKUK NATIONAL CMETERY, 1701 J St, Keokuk, IA 52632

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.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) All work shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation 7:00AM, through 3:30PM local time Monday through Friday. Work performed outside of normal work hours may be required for interments or ceremonies on Federal Holidays or weekends. 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, per the US Office of Personnel Management website, Federal Holidays (opm.gov)

SECTION A: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The following list, with subsequent corresponding descriptions of services, describe the contractor requirements. The Contractor through innovation, technology, or other means, shall perform the required grounds maintenance services 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.1.1 Mow ALL turfgrass areas including headstones; edge all sidewalks and curbs; blow/sweep/remove debris and fence line treatment.

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. The contractor shall provide supporting information for the grass seed planned for use (type, purity…etc).

Mowing:

1. Mowing height shall generally be 3.0

1. Mowing frequency shall be often enough that:

1) Excessive clippings are not generated, and

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

If mowing is delayed by weather or some other reason and grass height becomes excessive, then mowing height shall be increased so no more than one third of the grass height is removed, and it shall then be mowed twice per week at a slightly lower height each time till the COR-specified target height is again achieved.

1. Clippings shall normally be left on the turf if they are well dispersed and don’t inhibit grass growth or detract from the appearance of the cemetery, but excessive quantities or accumulations of clippings shall be dispersed or removed. Windrows or clumps shall not remain after mowing but shall be promptly dispersed or removed. Any grass clippings on headstones, flat markers, monuments, mulch beds, or impervious surfaces such as walks and roads shall be blown or swept onto adjacent turf, or collected and disposed of, before workers leave the section being mowed. Any clippings or edgings deposited on sidewalks or at public visitor areas including the Committal Shelter areas shall be removed (by sweeping or mechanical blower) at same time mowing work is occurring.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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 by COR.

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

1. 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.

1. 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 per the COR’s guidance.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.1.2 String Trim Around Upright Headstones:

String Trimming:

The Contractor shall trim Turf and vegetation around upright (31) 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 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 will 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 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.

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.1.3 Blade Edge All Curbing and Sidewalks (19,300 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) 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 will 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 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.

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 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 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.

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.1.4 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, COR designated, in late April through May, only heavily compacted areas prior to Pre-emergence application).

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

(a) 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.1.5 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 must 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 must be verified by 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.1.6 Provide and Apply Pre-emergence Herbicide to Turfgrass, Provide and Apply Post Emergence Broadleaf 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) 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.

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

- Late May/early June,

- Early September, and

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

A) Fertilizer shall be applied with a properly adjusted and calibrated spreader. Overlap of spread pattern from adjacent passes shall be adequate to ensure uniform application. Streaks appearing in turf any time during the year because of non-uniform application are not acceptable. Fertilizer deposited on impervious surfaces (walks/pavement) shall be removed or blown onto the turf immediately following application. If weather conditions warrant, such as severe drought or extended wet conditions, applications can be delayed until conditions are suitable, with concurrence of the COR, 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.1.8 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 and type and quality of turfgrass, which shall be free of weeds or non-matching grass. Quality topsoil shall be used for any fill that is needed, and the soil shall be appropriately compacted to prevent additional settling. Starter fertilizer shall be used to help re-establish the grass. 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. Contractor shall ensure adequate irrigation is provided to the area to maintain the new turfgrass in good health to match the surrounding turfgrass through the growing season. The establishment period for turf shall begin immediately after installation, with notification to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and the approval of the Contracting Officer (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. In addition, sod installed during the spring and summer shall be maintained after the 60-day period to at least the same quality (greenness) of established, nearby turf 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 to replace the dead sod and the maintenance process begins anew. Any sod laid after September 1 that dies before or is obviously in poorer condition than the surrounding turf, established turf by the following May 1 shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor and the maintenance process begins anew.

A.1.9 Yellow Nutsedge Herbicide Contractor shall provide and apply herbicide to control Yellow Nutsedge and other susceptible weeds in all established turfgrass. Herbicide must be COR and/or CO as appropriate, approved.

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

Sulfentrazone at least 0.187 lbs. per acre Quinclorac at least 0.562 lbs. per acre (For example, the commercial product “Solitaire WG” could be applied at 1.0 lbs. of product per acre to achieve the specified rates)

b) 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).

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) 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 Provide Grub Insecticide to Turfgrass in April and June: 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, 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 at COR and/or CO 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, 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 must be verified by 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.1.11 Japanese Beetle: The Contractor shall provide and apply a preventative application of Japanese Beetle pesticide to be uniformly applied to 45 trees on cemetery grounds upon identification of said trees following coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, within 2 workdays of identification. Contractor shall provide and apply the maximum commercial label rate for the site.

Variations of an approved regime must be approved by the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in consultation with the District Agronomist (as applicable), and must be in compliance with all State of IL pesticide treatment regulations.

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

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.

-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.1.12 Headstone cleaning (twice year prior to Memorial Day and Veteran's Day): 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 be coordinated via the COR and/or CO as appropriate, prior to the start of the cleaning cycles.

A.1.13 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 and/or CO as appropriate.

The contractor shall:

(a) Limb, hedge and/or prune:

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) Estimated three (3) times each year, based on industry standards for each species of vegetation and at the discretion of the COR and/or CO as appropriate. Work shall be completed in April, July and October or as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate. All work shall be scheduled with COR and/or CO as appropriate, prior to commencing.

A.1.14 Tree Removal: Work consists of tree/shrub removal. Application and maintenance/repair schedules shall be coordinated with COR and/or CO as appropriate.

(a) The contractor shall remove all tree/shrub identified by COR and/or CO as appropriate:

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

A.1.15 Tree Stump Removal: Work consists of tree/shrub stump removal. Application and maintenance/repair schedules shall be coordinated with COR and/or CO as appropriate.

(a) The contractor shall remove all tree/shrub stumps 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) inspection.

A.1.16 Irrigation Startup in Spring & State or local testing such as backflow prevention devices: The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR prior to the Contractor blowout of the irrigation system. The Contractor shall commence clearing system line 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) The contractor shall be responsible for State or local testing such as backflow prevention devices, 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.1.17 Irrigation Winterization in Fall & State or local testing such as backflow prevention devices: The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and/or CO as appropriate prior to the Contractor winterizing the irrigation system. The Contractor shall commence winterizing systems (weather permitting) no later than October 31, with all irrigation lines and pump station winterized according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

a) The contractor shall be responsible for State or local testing such as backflow prevention devices, 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.1.18 Headstone- Fine Tune Alignment: The Contractor shall meet or exceed the requirements of this Guidance Specification in its proposed technical approach.

Phasing and Work Sequencing: 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 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 the COR and/or CO as appropriate, for review and and coordination prior to start of project

(a) Work shall consist of adjusting alignment of headstones already in place that have shifted out of vertical or horizontal alignment. Fine tuning of headstone alignment, or “Bump and run,” shall be ongoing to keep stones plumb and aligned, and those headstones that are below or above allowable grade shall be fixed to proper height.

(b) Upright headstones for individual graves shall be set plumb and aligned laterally, transversely, and diagonally with the headstones on other graves. Measurements shall be taken from the selection layout control points and not from headstones previously set. All upright headstones shall be set and maintained at a height of 24-26 inches from the finished grave to the top of the arc or as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate. Minor deviations in the less than nominal height are permissible to provide a uniform appearance in the top line to compensate for slight ground rises or depression within a burial section. Where a considerable number of adjacent stones are set or reset in a section, and ground conditions are known to require an allowance for vertical settlement, an extra inch may be permissible in the above ground projection when the stone is initially set.

(c) Minor realignment, consisting merely of straightening the headstone, is called fine tune alignment with a wooden tamping/pry stick, string line, and level.

(d) The headstone shall not be removed from its socket to adjust its height. It shall not be removed from the gravesite and shall not be left unattended. If required, an adequate amount of moistened, crushed limestone can be added to and compacted, or removed from the socket for proper height adjustment.

(e) Headstones shall not be removed from their respective gravesites.

(f) The contractor is responsible to protect headstones from damage or being discolored from contact with dirt, soil, tools, or other contaminants during realignment or other maintenance operations.

SECTION B: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

B.1 USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES AND UTILITIES

(a) The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of Contractor equipment, supplies, items, or personal property. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affair’s facilities used by Contractor's employees.

(b) The Government shall provide limited space assigned by the COR and/or CO as appropriate. Space offered shall be in “as-is" condition. Any such modifications or alterations shall be at the expense of the Contractor. Upon completion of the contract, the facility shall be returned to the government in the same condition as received at the expense of the Contractor, except for reasonable wear and tear.

(c) The Government shall not provide the Contractor with any equipment, supplies, fuel storage, or telephone and utility services. If available, only water utilities at designated work and storage areas shall be provided for purposes of contract performance only. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cleaning and maintaining of any Government spaces provide for their use. The Contractor shall also be responsible for the cost of any utilities, such as sewer, water, electric, heat (gas), internet services, and trash removal, associated with their use of the Government facility. The Contractor shall take adequate safety precautions to prevent hazardous product spills, fire hazards, odors, unsightly appearances, and unsanitary conditions.

(d) The Contractor is responsible for safely handling and disposition of all fluids, oil, cleaning solutions, hazardous materials, used parts, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, OSHA standards, State and Federal regulations.

(e) Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking.

(f) Government buildings, service shelters and customer public bathrooms are off limits except for necessary work such as trash or debris removal.

(g) Back fill and black dirt materials shall be provided by RI/KEOKUK NATIONAL CEMETERY

B.2 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS

(a) The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas through coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

(b) Due to the location of the RI/KEOKUK NATIONAL CEMETERY, building of temporary shelters or facilities for use by the Contractor is not allowed.

(c) The Contractor shall, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Government. When materials are transported in performance of work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. The Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads that has been caused by the Contractor.

(d) The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall designate working space and space available for storing materials.

(e) Contract personnel are subject to the Cemetery rules of conduct. In addition to items listed elsewhere in this contract, the Contractor is responsible for ensuring that no contract work causes any committal service, ceremony, procession, or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity, security, or safety of the event or visit is compromised.

(f) Contractor shall execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by other contractors. Keep roads clear of materials, debris, standing equipment and vehicles at all times. Materials and equipment shall not be stored in other than assigned areas.

B.3 UTILITY INTERRUPTIONS

(a) No utility services such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without prior notification to the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

(b) Contractor shall submit a notice to and shall coordinate with the COR and/or CO as appropriate regarding the interruption of any such services, in writing, 48 hours in advance of interruption. Notification shall state reason, date, exact time of, and approximate duration of such interruption.

(c) Contractor shall be advised (in writing) of concurrence or rejection of request or of which other date and/or time such interruption shall cause least inconvenience to operations of Cemetery. Interruption time may occur at other than Contractor's normal working hours.

(d) To minimize interference of daily operational activities with flow of Cemetery traffic, the Contractor is to keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, parking and occupied areas of buildings clear of materials, debris, and equipment. At least one lane must be always open to traffic.

B.4 PROTECTION & DAMAGE

(a) The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, grounds, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, gravesites, and grass) within the cemeteries which are not to be removed and which do not interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees after coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate permits the contractor to do so, and shall avoid damaging vegetation that shall remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance or by the careless operation of equipment by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut, apply tree bandage spray to tree stub, and properly dispose of broken limb from the site as defined herein.

(b) The Contractor shall preserve all grounds (such as turf, gravesites etc.). For example, Contractor shall not create or produce tire ruts with equipment in cemetery property. driving over recently dug gravesites. All damage caused by Contractor to cemetery property shall be repaired at Contractor’s expense.

(c) The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities at or near the work site and on adjacent property of a third party. The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR and/or CO as appropriate of any such occurrence and repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

B.5 RESTORATION

(a) Except as otherwise shown or specified, contractor shall not disturb any water, steam, gas, internet, telephone, electric or other services. Existing work to be altered or extended that is found to be defective in any way, shall be reported to the COR and/or CO as appropriate before it is disturbed. Materials and workmanship used in restoring work shall conform in type and quality to that of original construction, except as otherwise shown or specified.

(b) Upon completion of contract, existing work (lawns, paving, roads, walks, buildings, utilities, facilities, etc.) disturbed, removed, or damaged as a result of performing required services, shall be patched, repaired, reinstalled, or replaced as determined necessary by the COR and/or CO as appropriate. Lawns, paving, roads, walks, buildings, utilities, facilities, etc. shall be repaired / refinished and left in as good condition as existed before contract commencement. All restoration work shall be accomplished without undue delay and jointly inspected by the COR and/or CO as appropriate and Contractor thirty (30) days prior to contract completion.

(c) The Contractor, at its own expense, shall immediately restore to service and repair any damage caused by Contractor's workmen/sub-contractors to existing piping, conduits, wires, cables, etc., of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone - if applicable), to the work performed under this agreement, which are not scheduled for discontinuance or abandonment.

B.6 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

(a) Representatives of the Contracting Officer: The VA Contracting Officer shall designate one (or more) representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally coordinating the work to be performed under the contract. Such designation shall be in writing and shall define the scope and limitations of the COR’s position. A copy of the designation(s) shall be furnished to the Contractor at time of award.

(b) Contractor’s work schedule shall account for daily cemetery activities and operations and minimize any disruptions. Duties and responsibilities of the COR include day-to-day monitoring of the contract as follows:

(i) Providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contractor.

(ii) Verification / certification of payments to the Contractor for services rendered.

(c) All administrative contract functions are the responsibility of the VA Contracting Officer. Any modifications to the contract, including those involving no-cost changes, increases, and decreases in cost or level of services provided, termination or extension of the contract (in part or in whole) and decisions concerning claims or disputes, must be provided in writing by the Government Contracting Officer.

(d) Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract shall require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government shall provide a list of Government personnel designated to act as COR.

B.7 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Inclement weather - other than prolonged snow cover, shall not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications. The government expects the Contractor to work throughout all weather conditions and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines.

(b) The Contractor is responsible for taking all precautions to prevent damage to the cemetery, in any manner, including headstones, markers, monuments, flower bases, trees and other structures during maintenance operations. The Contractor shall be charged current replacement costs for headstones, markers and other cemetery structures or property damaged because of actions by the Contractor and/or its personnel.

(c) Use of Cemetery Facilities: The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of Contractor items, nor shall free telephone service be provided. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cleaning and maintaining of Government spaces provided for their use. The Contractor shall also be responsible for any utilities such as sewer, water, heat(gas), electric, internet services, and trash/recycling removal associated with their use. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affair’s facilities used by Contractor's employees.

(d) The Government shall not provide the Contractor with any fuel storage, equipment, trash/recycling, electricity, telephones, or utilities. The Contractor shall take adequate safety precautions to prevent hazardous product spills, fire hazards, odors, unsightly appearance, and unsanitary conditions.

(e) The Contractor is responsible for safely handling any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning solutions, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, and Federal and State guidelines. A MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is required for all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning solutions. The Contractor shall comply with State of Illinois pesticide regulations, and is responsible for obeying all Federal & State Pesticide/Herbicide and Fertilization applicator laws in the performance of work on cemetery property. Pesticide Management Sheets shall be submitted to COR and/or CO as appropriate by COB of all applications performed per State of Illinois pesticide and fertilizer regulations and laws.

(f) If space is provided, only the Contractor’s equipment, supplies, and property necessary to perform work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area. No maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall be done on cemetery property. Maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall only be conducted in designated area by the COR.

(g) Cooperation with other Contractors: The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with other Contractors and with Government employees.

(h) More than one Contractor may have access to storage areas designated. The government is not responsible for any costs associate with repairing or replacing Contractor(s) property while on cemetery property.

(i) The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, or other heavy equipment on any turf areas except as provided in this contract or as unless coordinated through the COR and/or CO as appropriate. The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor regardless of weather conditions, and at no additional cost to the government.

(j) The Contractor shall provide adequate safety warning devices, barricades, and cover boards, etc., at all work sites to eliminate hazards from public visitors and cemetery employees at no cost to the government.

(k) At the end of each day, the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site. At all times rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor shall be kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. The government shall not provide receptacles for the disposal of debris related to this contract.

(l) The Contractor shall possess and maintain all necessary insurance, licenses and permits required for contract performance. Contractor is responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees’ fault or negligence and shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the State of Illinois.

Reporting "on-the-job" Injuries: The Contractor is required to report all "on-the-job" injuries incurred by the Contractor, its agents, or employees, resulting from performance of this contract.