Attachment B - Performance Work Statement Ft Sheridan National Cemetery.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

GROUND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

FORT SHERIDAN NATIONAL CEMETERY

April 1, 2025

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. C&A requirements do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required. 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.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Performance Period: 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 8:00AM, through 4:30PM local time Monday through Friday. Work performed outside of normal work hours may be required for interments or ceremonies on Federal Holidays or weekends and must be coordinated in advance, outside of COR’s general authority through the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (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. Contractor must conduct services outlined below and according to the contract during all interment and operational days when the cemetery is open regardless of weather conditions.

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

The following is a list of all Federal holidays:

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

*This holiday is designated as "Washington’s Birthday" in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees. Though other institutions such as state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, it is our policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated in the law.

Place of Performance:

LOCATION

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, the Contracting Officer Representative (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:

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 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.

Mowing:

A. Mowing height shall generally be 3.0 to 3.5 inches B. Mowing frequency shall be often enough that:

1) Excessive clippings are not generated, and

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

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

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

D. Contractor is responsible for collection and disposal of all unsightly flowers, debris, and trash before and after each mowing and trimming event within the Cemetery. Debris and Trash is any item, material, or foreign object not permanently attached to or planted within the Cemetery grounds and boundaries. Items include, but are not limited to, fallen twigs and branches that are under ten (10) inches (25.40 cm) in diameter, paper products, cigarette butts, gum, glass and metal products, plastic and any other synthetic items, loose rock and stone over three (3) inches (7.62 cm) in diameter.

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

F. Mulching blades shall be used and shall be kept sharp, so grass is cut cleanly, not torn or shredded. Push mowers shall be used in selected locations coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate where there are numerous monuments or other obstacles.

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

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

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

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

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

L. Newly repaired turf areas (newly sodded or seeded) shall be mowed with a push mower until the turfgrass is well enough established that it shall not be damaged by riding mowers per the COR and/or CO as appropriate’ s coordination.

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

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

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

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

Q. The Contractor shall string trim all signposts, around trees, buildings, and fence line.

R. 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.

S. The fence line shall remain clear of weed growth

A.1.2 Trim ALL turfgrass areas including headstones, street signs, buildings, fences, monuments:

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

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

B. Trimming frequency shall run concurrently with 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. The Contractor shall string trim all signposts, around trees, buildings, and fence line.

D. 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.

E. The fence line shall remain clear of weed growth

F. 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. At no time shall fuel cans be left unattended in the cemetery.

G. 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.

H. Equipment - commercial grade string trimmers shall be used.

I. 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 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 Edge- All Flat marker, Sidewalks, roads:

A. 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.

B. The contractor shall Edging all curbs, walkways, tree rings/wells, flat markers, and planting beds. 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.

C. All flat headstone, Sidewalks and roads where mowing or edging operation occurred shall be blow off prior to the completion of that day’s work. Removing all grass clippings or dirt that may have blown onto the above listed locations.

A.1.4 Soil testing The contractor shall test the soil for nutrient content and provide the results to the Cemetery and a plan to improve soil quality. The results of the testing shall directly affect the Fertilizer, Pre and Post Emergence, Insecticide, pest control, over seeding of the turf and application of gypsum.

A) The soil testing shall be completed Early Spring because it allows both the Cemetery and Contractor time to make adjustment before the first turf application.

B) The Soil test shall determine the level of the following phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper and zinc and shall measures soil pH, Humic Organic matter.

C) The Soil test shall include soil testing from three (3) separate locations throughout the cemetery, and each test shall produce its own individual report. Testing locations shall be coordinated by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

A.1.5 Fertilizer:

All application must be submitted to COR and/or CO as appropriate, three weeks prior to usage and must be approved prior to application. The submitted shall be based off the Soil sample.

The Contractor shall supply the COR and/or CO as appropriate with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical used at the Cemetery. The Contractor shall ensure that all waring signage is in place in treated areas while applying any chemicals. Fertilizer shall be applied to all turfgrass areas at a rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet as the base needs for health turf grass but may be adjusted per the soil sample needs. The Cemetery shall be fertilized three times each year:

- Late May/early June,

- Early September, and

- Late October early November (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 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.

B. The fertilizer shall have the following properties unless the soil sample dictates a need to change rate of application:

· 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. The fertilizer application equipment shall be correctly calibrated, and the application made to achieve a uniform distribution of the fertilizer throughout the application area.

D. The Contractor shall remove any fertilizer remaining on hardscape areas after application.

E. The Contractor shall be responsible for removal of any staining, marking, of headstones, monuments, sidewalks, patios, and other like surfaces that occurs as result of a fertilizer application made by the Contractor F. The Contractor shall provide to the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in writing, a list of all herbicides, mixes, and related surfactants or other chemicals, along with the amount of product per acre, percentage of solution, and/or application rate per 1000 square feet (and/or per acre), prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall also provide the COR with a copy of the label for any and all herbicides and other chemicals or surfactants, prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall NOT begin any application without providing this information to the COR and/or CO as appropriate and obtaining the approval of the COR and/or CO as appropriate to proceed.

G. A written record of the application shall be delivered to the COR and/or CO as appropriate within five working days of application. The written record shall show the name of the company and the names and titles of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall show all areas treated, the chemicals used, and the temperature and the average wind speed during the time of application.

A.1.6 Pre-emergence Herbicide: Provide and Apply All turfgrass areas:

All application must be submitted to COR and/or CO as appropriate three weeks prior to usage and must be approved prior to application. The Contractor shall supply the COR and/or CO as appropriate with SDS for all chemical used at the Cemetery. The Contractor shall ensure that all waring signage is in place in treated areas while applying any chemicals.

1. Pre-emergence herbicide shall be uniformly applied to turfgrass areas once per year for annual grassy weed control. Applications shall be in late March to mid-April when soil temperature approaches that necessary for crabgrass germination. Either dithiopyr (e.g., Dimension) or prodiamine (e.g., Barricade) shall be used at the maximum label rate allowed for the site.

A.1.7 Post-emergence Herbicide- May, September/October Post-Emergence weeds shall be controlled by spraying turfgrass areas with the proper type and rate of herbicides that shall control the weeds present (typically clover, dandelion, plantain, oxalis, chickweed, henbit, etc.). The spray mixture or herbicide product used shall contain three or more ingredients effective in controlling broadleaf weeds. The Contractor shall supply the COR and/or CO as appropriate with SDS for all chemical used at the Cemetery. The Contractor shall ensure that all waring signage is in place in treated areas while applying any chemicals.

A. Spraying of all turfgrass areas shall be done twice each year: in early-mid May to clean up weeds prior to Memorial Day, and in September/October to have maximum effect on perennial weeds and reduce winter-annual weed establishment. Weather and field conditions at the time of application must be favorable for herbicide efficacy, as well as for minimal risk of damage such as herbicide injury to off-target plants, or of equipment making ruts. Preparation of the spray mixture may be done on site but water availability at the cemetery is not available at the time of the writing of this contract. Any re-treatment needed because of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense.

B. The Contractor shall provide to the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in writing, a list of all herbicides, mixes, and related surfactants or other chemicals, along with the amount of product per acre, percentage of solution, and/or application rate per 1000 square feet (and/or per acre), prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall also provide the COR with a copy of the label for any and all herbicides and other chemicals or surfactants, prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall NOT begin any application without providing this information to the COR and/or CO as appropriate and obtaining the concurrence of the COR and/or CO as appropriate to proceed.

C. A written record of the application shall be delivered to the COR and/or CO as appropriate within five working days of application. The written record shall show the name of the company and the names and titles of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall show all areas treated, the chemicals used, and the temperature and the average wind speed during the time of application.

A.1.8 Post- Emergence Prairie Grass Thistle Herbicide: Provide and apply June/July:

Post emergence prairie grass thistle herbicide weeds shall be controlled by spraying turfgrass areas with the proper type and rate of herbicides that shall control the weeds present (Yellow nutsedge creeping charilie, Glechoma hedcracea, ground ivy herbicide and other susceptible weeds,). The spray mixture or herbicide product used shall contain ingredients effective in controlling broadleaf weeds. Such as 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 The Contractor shall supply the COR and/or CO as appropriate with SDS for all chemical used at the Cemetery. The Contractor shall ensure that all waring signage is in place in treated areas while applying any chemicals.

A) Spraying of all turfgrass areas shall be done once each year: in June/July to clean eliminate any of the above types of weeds. Weather and field conditions at the time of application must be favorable for herbicide efficacy, as well as for minimal risk of damage such as herbicide injury to off-target plants, or of equipment making ruts. Preparation of the spray mixture may be done on site but water availability at the cemetery is not available at the time of the writing of this contract. Any re-treatment needed because of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense.

B) The Contractor shall provide to the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in writing, a list of all herbicides, mixes, and related surfactants or other chemicals, along with the amount of product per acre, percentage of solution, and/or application rate per 1000 square feet (and/or per acre), prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall also provide the COR and/or CO as appropriate with a copy of the label for any and all herbicides and other chemicals or surfactants, prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall NOT begin any application without providing this information to the COR and/or CO as appropriate and obtaining the concurrence of the COR and/or CO as appropriate to proceed.

C) A written record of the application shall be delivered to the COR and/or CO as appropriate within five working days of application. The written record shall show the name of the company and the names and titles of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall show all areas treated, the chemicals used, and the temperature and the average wind speed during the time of application.

A.1.9 Insecticide:

Insect shall be controlled by granular application in turfgrass areas with the proper type and rate of Insecticide that shall control white grub species and weevil family, fire ants, moles, crickets, ticks, and other insect problems in turfgrass. The Contractor shall supply the COR and/or CO as appropriate with SDS for all chemical used at the Cemetery. The Contractor shall ensure that all waring signage is in place in treated areas while applying any chemicals.

A) Contractor shall post signs of pesticide application as required by the product label and state law B) Chlorantraniliprole insecticide (such as “Acelepryn,” or equal) shall be applied uniformly to all turfgrass/mulched areas one time per year in late May or early June.

C) Insecticide shall be applied at the Maximum rate permitted by the approved product.

D) The Contractor shall provide to the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in writing, a list of all herbicides, mixes, and related surfactants or other chemicals, along with the amount of product per acre, percentage of solution, and/or application rate per 1000 square feet (and/or per acre), prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall also provide the COR and/or CO as appropriate with a copy of the label for any and all herbicides and other chemicals or surfactants, prior to any and all applications being performed. The Contractor shall NOT begin any application without providing this information to the COR and/or CO as appropriate and obtaining the concurrence of the COR and/or CO as appropriate to proceed.

E) A written record of the application shall be delivered to the COR within five working days of application. The written record shall show the name of the company and the names and titles of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall show all areas treated, the chemicals used, and the temperature and the average wind speed during the time of application.

A.1.10 Pest Control

A) Gophers, Prairie dogs, voles, moles, raccoons, skunks, mice any other pest shall be controlled by accepted industry practices and standards appropriate for the pests present or by elimination of their food source through the use of pesticides. This also includes the removal of any animal that may impales themselves on or in the Cemetery Fence. All measures to eliminate or control pests shall be performed and supervised by a state licensed applicator/pest control specialist. Contractor shall apply/treat for Gophers, voles, moles, mice as coordinated by the COR and/or CO as appropriate. One treatment consists of the entire the cemetery and any unimproved land belonging to the cemetery. The Contractor shall ensure that soil shall always be tamped into holes and turf replaced or reseeded to ensure acceptable appearance.

A.1.11 Core Aeration

A) Core Aeration of turf grass in Cemetery shall be completed once per year. Typically, in Mid-September or early October when the grass is not stressed, is actively growing, still not too wet or dry. This shall be conducted prior to over-seeding. A rotary walk behind core aerator shall be used. Pull behind core aerators are not authorized for use on cemetery grounds. To prevent importation of weeds or other pest, the equipment shall be cleaned prior to bringing it to the cemetery. COR and/or CO as appropriate shall inspect aerator prior to performing aeration.

B) Depth: 3 or more inches Density: 12 or more holes per square foot Core Diameter: 5/8 to 1.0 inch C) Two or more passes may be required to achieve 12 holes per square foot. Turf in the headstone and grave marker rows one foot along adjacent headstones or grave markers, and to about one foot on either side of the rows of headstones or grave markers or as coordinated by the COR and/or CO as appropriate. This shall reduce the risk of damage to the headstones and markers. Aerification cores are to be left on the turf surface.

D) The Contractor shall be responsible for repair or replacement of any contractor damaged cemetery structure, to include turf, curb, road pavement, sited walks, headstones or markers, valve boxes, grid monument control markers, trees, plant beds, etc. Contractor shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation of any of the abovementioned items that are chipped, marred, damaged and or ruined at the fault of the Contractor.

E) The Contractor shall be responsible for removal of any core cylinders (plugs) that land on headstones, monuments, sidewalks, patios, and other like surfaces that occurs as result of aerating operation made by the Contractor.

A.1.12 Overseed Turfgrass Contractor shall uniformly overseed turfgrass areas to increase the density and overall health of the turf. This is generally done immediately after core aeration. The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall notify the Contractor which sections of the cemetery and the number of acres that shall be overseeded in a particular year. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the required seed in sufficient time for application.

1. Contractor shall use an approved blue or gold tagged seed shall be used, consisting of improved 24.75% Dauntless Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.72% Shamrock Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.29% Greenville 4 perennial ryegrass and 24.25% Virte Perennial Ryegrass in full sun areas. In shaded areas 78.80% Resolute hard fescue and 19.69% Shadow III Chewings Fescue. Cultivars of all species shall be appropriate for use in Northern Illinois at rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. feet. Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that this rate has been achieved (bags used per section of turf is acceptable.) If specific seed breakdown cannot be located, an equivalent substitute shall be recommended to be concurred by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

1. 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 area.

A.1.13 Seeding Bare Spots:

Contractor shall seed bare turfgrass areas to increase the density and overall health of the turf. The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall work in collaboration with the Contractor in identifying sections of the cemetery and bare areas that shall be seeded. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the required seed in sufficient time for application.

A) Contractor shall use an approved blue or gold tagged seed shall be used, consisting of improved 24.75% Dauntless Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.72% Shamrock Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.29% Greenville 4 perennial ryegrass and 24.25% Virte Perennial Ryegrass in full sun areas. In shaded areas 78.80% Resolute hard fescue and 19.69% Shadow III Chewings Fescue. Cultivars of all species shall be appropriate for use in Northern Illinois at rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. feet. Contractor shall provide sufficient evidence that this rate has been achieved (bags used per section of turf is acceptable.) If specific seed breakdown cannot be located, an equivalent substitute shall be recommended to be concurred by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

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 area.

A.1.14 Dethatching Dethatching shall be completed prior to the second mow and trim cycle of the new growing season. A vertical mower/power rake shall be used for dethatching, with blades adjusted so they barely scratch the soil surface beneath the thatch. Debris resulting from this operation shall be picked up and removed from the area by the contractor, leaving a clean surface. All markers, or any other in-lawn structure shall be flagged by contractor before dethatching equipment is operated in the turn areas. Any damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

A.1.15 Gypsum application Contractor shall uniformly apply gypsum turfgrass areas that run alongside roads and sidewalks to eliminate salt deposit and improve overall health of the turf. This is generally done prior to first snow of the year and shortly after all snow has melted. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the required seed in sufficient time for application.

A) Prior to the application of gypsum, the contractor shall remove any debrief like small rocks, cigarette buts from the edge of the roadways and sidewalks.

B) The Contractor application shall extend from the road edge to eight feet into the turf area.

C) The contractor shall apply Gypsum at rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 sq. feet.

A.1.16 Prairie Maintenance The Contractor shall mow the prairie grass aera around the Cemetery up to six times a year, depending on cemetery need and concurrence from COR and/or CO as appropriate. (Mowing to include open fields, wooded area, and property fence perimeters. The mowing shall be cut at a height of 6-8 inches and aesthetically improve the appearance of the landscape.

A) Contractor shall demonstrate competency of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surrounding areas and take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Contractor shall be familiar with different mowing patterns, mowing speeds, mowing safety on slopes/inclines, and change of turf conditions.

B) The equipment used for Prairie Area Maintenance shall not be used for the weekly cemetery mowing and shall not be brought inside the cemetery with prior cleaning performed off cemetery grounds. The only exception is for loading the equipment onto the trailer, and excess grass must be blown off the equipment prior to entering the cemetery to load onto a trailer.

A.1.17 Tree Pruning:

Trees and shrubs are to be maintained in a healthy, vigorous condition free of pests and disease. Trees and Shrubs shall be trimmed and maintained at a proper size, form and shape for its particular size and type according to industry standards. Trees shall be maintained in a condition that is free of broken limbs or branches. Pruning should focus on maintaining tree structure, form, health and appearance by: Removal of dead, dying, diseased branches by the Contractor. This includes tree in the prairie area.

A. The types of pruning generally used in the tree industry are as follows: Crown Cleaning, Crown Thinning, Crown Raising, Crown Shaping and Crown Restoration as found in ANSI A300 standards.

B. CROWN CLEANING: Crown Cleaning shall consist of the selective removal of one or more of the following items: dead, dying, diseased, weak branches and water sprouts from a tree’s crown.

C. CROWN THINNING: Crown Thinning shall consist of the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration, air movement and reduce weight.

D. CROWN RAISING: Crown Raising shall consist of the removal of the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance.

E. CROWN SHAPING: Crown Shaping reduces the height and/or spread of a tree. Consideration should be given to the ability of a species to sustain this type of pruning. The Contractor shall not be required to reduce the height of a tree. The Contractor shall only reduce the spread of a tree, as needed to perform proper crown raising (removal of bottom branches for clearance), if any.

F. CROWN RESTORATION: Crown Restoration should improve the structure, form and appearance of trees that have been severely headed, vandalized or storm damaged.

G. When pruning/trimming trees, drop crotch as much as possible and avoid cutting back to small suckers. Remove smaller limbs and twigs in such a manner as to leave the foliage pattern evenly distributed.

H. In pruning/trimming the bottom branches of trees for under clearance, care should be given to symmetrical appearance, and cuts should not be made so large they shall prevent normal sap flow. The under clearance of trees shall be maintained at ten (10) to fifteen (15) feet, depending on the species and maturity of the trees, and as coordinated by the COR and/or CO as appropriate. The bottom canopy shall be trimmed/pruned to maintain consistent height from ground level throughout the canopy.

I. When trimming/pruning any diseased and/or insect infested/damaged branches, care shall be taken to properly clean and sanitize all cutting tools before and during the operation to prevent spread or transfer of any disease and/or insects to other healthy plant tissue or plant material.

J. Newly planted and younger developing (non-mature) trees shall be trimmed/pruned to promote healthy, vigorous, and aesthetically pleasing growth and shape, keeping in mind the species of the tree. Remove any inward growing or crossing branches. Crown-raising on newly planted or younger developing trees shall only be done to promote proper growth, and not to specifically meet above stated ground clearance.

A.1.18 Mulch Bed maintance Work consists of maintain, redefining the edges, applying Snapshot or like product and replenishing mulch in beds Cemetery where the turf has been disturbed or has died not with in burial areas.

A) The contractor shall maintain much beds weed and debris free.

B) The contractor shall use a Hardwood mulch that is free of dies C) The contractor shall apply Snapshot or like product twice per year D) The contractor shall redefine the edges as need to ensure there is a clear finning line between the turf and mulch bed.

A.1.19 Turf Repair Work consists of sod bed preparation and sodding/seeding of areas of the Cemetery where the turf has been disturbed or has died not with in burial areas. In particular, in the springtime where damage accrued over the winter month, Gate entrance and exits, around round committal shelter and monuments. The Contractor shall add quality topsoil as needed and perform sodding/seeding to ensure a quality turf. Delivery tickets, indicating date, weight, analysis, purity, and vendor’s name, etc. are to be submitted to the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

A) Kind of Sod Blue or gold tagged seed or sod shall be used, consisting of improved Kentucky bluegrass cultivars (60% or more), but may contain up to 20% perennial ryegrass and/or 20% fine fescues. Cultivars of all species shall be appropriate for use in northern Illinois.

B) Seed Mixture 24.75% Dauntless Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.72% Shamrock Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.29% Greenville 4 perennial ryegrass and 24.25 Virte Perennial Ryegrass C) The Contractor shall supply all necessary clean black dirt, seed, watering equipment and other equipment.

D) The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall provide a list of Gravesite to the Contractor to repair. The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall accompany the Contract to verify the graves site/sites that have sunk or need to be sodded. The Contractor shall be responsible for replacing topsoil in sunken graves and bring those graves to proper grade. Sunken graves shall be identified by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

E) The contract shall have up to 30 days to reestablish ground level and cover sunken graves once the site has been identified.

F) The Contractor shall remove old turf, fill area so that it is level and blends in with adjacent gravesites, contractor shall compact the area with pneumatic, gas, or diesel tamper, contractor shall seed or sod site and ensure site has healthy reestablished turf within 60 days of repair.

G) The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and watering all sodded/seeded areas and maintaining them in a healthy and vigorous condition.

H) The Contractor shall, at his own expense, replace any sod which has died or been damaged during the establishment period.

A.1.20 Sunken Grave Repair:

Work consists of sod bed preparation and sodding/seeding of areas of the Cemetery where the turf has been disturbed or has died. In particular, all newly dug, refilled graves and sunken graves shall need re-sodding/seeding. The Contractor shall add quality topsoil as needed and perform sodding/seeding to ensure a quality turf. Delivery tickets, indicating date, weight, analysis, purity, and vendor’s name, etc. are to be submitted to the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

I) Kind of Sod Blue or gold tagged seed or sod shall be used, consisting of improved Kentucky bluegrass cultivars (60% or more), but may contain up to 20% perennial ryegrass and/or 20% fine fescues. Cultivars of all species shall be appropriate for use in northern Illinois.

J) Seed Mixture 24.75% Dauntless Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.72% Shamrock Kentucky Bluegrass, 24.29% Greenville 4 perennial ryegrass and 24.25 Virte Perennial Ryegrass K) The Contractor shall supply all necessary clean black dirt, seed, watering equipment and other equipment.

L) The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall provide a list of Gravesite to the Contractor to repair. The COR and/or CO as appropriate shall accompany the Contract to verify the graves site/sites that have sunk or need to be sodded. The Contractor shall be responsible for replacing topsoil in sunken graves and bring those graves to proper grade. Sunken graves shall be identified by the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

M) The contract shall have up to 30 days to reestablish ground level and cover sunken graves once the site has been identified.

N) The contract shall remove old turf, fill area so that it is level and blends in with adjacent gravesites, contractor shall compact the area with pneumatic, gas, or diesel tamper, contractor shall seed or sod site and ensure site has healthy reestablished turf within 60 days of repair.

O) The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and watering all sodded/seeded areas and maintaining them in a healthy and vigorous condition.

P) The Contractor shall, at his own expense, replace any sod which has died or been damaged during the establishment period.

A.1.21 Plant Material maintenance:

Shrubs, flower, ornamental grasses are to be maintained in a healthy, vigorous condition free of pests and disease.

A) Shrubs, flower, ornamental grasses shall be trimmed and maintained at a proper size and shape for its particular size and type according to industry standards.

B) Trees shall be maintained in a condition free of broken limbs or branches.

C) Ornamental trees and shrubs shall be maintained so that they enhance and do not detract from the appearance of public areas.

D) Shrubs, flower, ornamental grasses shall be pruned in a manner that ensures they do not pose a hazard to staff and visitors.

E) Cemetery planting beds are well maintained and attractive.

F) High maintenance areas, in which turf is not a part of the Cemetery design, shall be maintained in a manner that is appropriate for the medium in place.

G) Work consists of, but is not limited to, maintaining Shrubs, flower, ornamental grasses in a healthy and attractive condition by proper watering, pruning, removal of dead branches, cultivation and mulching. Notify COR and/or CO as appropriate of any pest infestation in trees and obtain further guidance from the COR and/or CO as appropriate.

A.1.22 Leaf Removal:

During the fall months the cemetery becomes covered in leaves to the point where they shall inhibit turf growing.

A) All leaves shall be removed from cemetery grounds and disposed off site by the contractor.

B) Leaves shall be removed from each section prior to mowing. Mulching leaves as a means of disposal shall not be permitted.

C) Leaves shall not be allowed to build up to more the 1 inch of cover on turf grass.

D) Leaves shall be removed prior to mowing in heavy built-up section. When mowing less dense section during this time special care shall be taken to ensure that leaf clippings do not build up between headstones A.1.23 Floral Pick up:

A) Floral and commemorative items on grave sites shall be removed on the 1st and 15th of each month. These items shall be tagged (not to damage the item) COR and/or CO as appropriate shall specify tagging method. The items removed shall be placed in a location determined by the COR and/or CO as appropriate. The tagged commemorative items shall be placed in a bin coordinated by the COR and/or CO as appropriate and disposed of by the contractor after 30 calendar days.

A.1.24 Trash and debris removal, Floral vase cleaning:

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

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

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

C) All vases and Vase containers shall be cleaned and placed back in appropriate area. Cemetery shall provide vases. All broken vases shall be turned into the cemetery for disposal.

D) All trash containers shall be emptied and cleaned weekly by the contractor.

A.1.25 Clean buildings and monuments:

A) Pressure wash the exterior of all buildings (Committal Shelters and storage building). Remove efflorescence, stains and debris from building faces. Use lowest possible pressure setting while cleaning concrete to prevent reoccurrence of efflorescence. Apply non-toxic efflorescence remover to concrete following manufacturer’s printed instructions when pressure washing alone does not remove deposits. Clean the standing-seam metal roof, skylights, fascia, and gutters. Any leaks that develop due to Contractor negligence shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense by a professional licensed roofing Contractor approved by the Government including replacing damaged roof panels, and skylight panes. Protect plant materials from damage. This includes gutter and downspout cleaning.

B) Contractor shall pressure wash the sidewalks, curbs, entrance gate C)) Pressure wash or hand wash all signs and monument thought the Cemetery. Remove efflorescence, stains, debris, algae. Use lowest possible pressure setting while s concrete to prevent damage, use scrub brush or similar means for signs. If monument or signs are damage due to Contractor negligence the contractor shall repair or replace at the Contractor’s expense by a professional Contractor approved by the Government. Contractor must make protect plant and trees from damage.

A.1.26 Cleaning of storm water basins:

A) The contractor shall remove all debris from all stormwater basins. All debris shall be properly removed from cemetery.

B) Basins shall then be flushed out or vacuumed with water to ensure no buildup of sand, or any other particulate matter remains in basin to hinder the flow of storm water.

C) The contractor must obey all confined space permitting requirement.

A.1.27 Headstone fine tune and alignment:

Fine tune alignment of the headstones shall be done in accordance with NCA policies and standards. COR and/or CO as appropriate shall provide a copy of the applicable NCA policies and standards to the Contractor prior to contract start. Contractor shall bring the headstone back to within one (1.0) degree of plumb (vertical).

A.1.28 Headstone Cleaning:

All upright headstones, flat marker, private markers (hereafter referred to as “headstones”) shall be clean, free of debris and objectionable accumulations. The headstones located within the Cemetery are marble. Work consists of cleaning all headstones as specified by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to remove objectionable material and discoloration, such as environmental deposits, accumulations of bird droppings or dirt/mud, tire and hose markings, grass stains, residue from trees, mold, mildew, moss, algae, lichen, fungus, and so forth. Do not use D/2 Bioligical solution on any stone other than upright marble.

A) All headstones shall be cleaned prior to Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day and any other time as coordinated with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, with a washing of two (2) times per year minimal along with pressure washing and cleaning of the flagpole area. During the two cleanings of headstones the Contractor shall pressure wash the flagpole area, sidewalks, and curbs. The natural surfaces shall be retained. They shall not be painted, whitewashed or calcimined. Any headstones that have any dirt splash up or grass debris from mowing/trimming shall be promptly cleaned when found at the contractor’s expense. All equipment and supplies maintained and operated by the Contractor shall be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, and County laws, ordinances and regulations and meet State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

B) “D/2 Biological Solution” is the only authorized cleaner for marble headstones and markers within National Cemeteries.

C) Clean water shall be used to wet the stone prior to washing, to apply the cleaning product and to rinse the stone after washing. Once the stone is wet, cleaning techniques with water shall include low pressure water spraying with the wand affixed with a fan tip. The distance between the fan tip and the headstone surface shall be a minimum of 12”. Due to the age or many of the headstone low pressure water spraying may not be used. The recommended cleaning method for this headstone is soft non-metallic bristle brush and water along with D/2.