Attachment B-SOW GM FPNC.docx

Finns Point SOW

SITE VISIT: Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance Site visits will be determinized by Contracting Officer Representative. If you plan to conduct a site visit/inspection of the Finns Point National Cemetery, YOU MUST CONTACT THE FOLLOWING FOR ATTENDING THE SITE VISIT ONLY:

Greg Whitney, Director, Washington Crossing National Cemetery… (215) 504-5610

Date/Time: Tuesday after solicitation is posted at 10:00AM EST.

All services described in the Work Statement, including technical specifications, schedules, addenda, clauses, terms, and conditions of the contract shall form the complete scope of work.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: This will be a base year and (4) 1-year Options contract.

Finns Point National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Statement of Work

Description/Specifications/Work Statement

A.1 BACKGROUND

Finn’s Point National Cemetery is a National Shrine that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honors our Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. Each cemetery receives visitors and standards of maintenance & appearance must reflect the Nation’s concern for those interred there. Because of the special significance and attention each cemetery receives from the public, strict adherence to contract specifications, terms and condition is essential. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

a. All correspondence concerning Finn’s Point National Cemetery must be addressed to the Director, Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

b. Utilities: Water and electricity are not available at Finn’s Point National Cemetery. The Contractor is required to furnish all water and electricity necessary for contract performance.

c. Storage: There are no facilities for storage of equipment or materials at Finn’s Point National Cemetery. The Contractor shall remove all equipment and materials used for contract performance from the cemetery at the end of each workday. No maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall be done on cemetery property without the COR’s concurrence.

d. Parking: Contractor employees shall park in the Public Parking Area and not near the buildings due to the narrow roadways.

e. All services shall be performed in strict accordance with NCA Operational Standards/NCA Handbook 3420. A copy of NCA Operational Standards and Turf & Landscape Handbook 3420 will be provided to the Contractor by the Cemetery Director or COR.

All activities carried out by contractor personnel within a national cemetery must be executed with exceptional caution, reverence, dignity, and respect. These actions should recognize the cemetery as the ultimate resting place, honoring the service and sacrifices made by service members, Veterans, and their families for our nation. It is of utmost importance that the contractor employees are fully aware of the presence of interred remains within the grounds where they are working. The highest level of care must be extended to these remains, as well as to the upright headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of our Nation’s Veterans.

Finns Point SOW

A.2 CONTRACT DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

a. Business Hours & Days of Operation: Normal cemetery business hours/days of operation are 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

b. Contracting Officer (CO): VA official with the authority to enter, administer, and/or terminate contracts. The Contracting Officer shall delegate one or more representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). All administrative functions remain with the VA Contracting Officer.

c. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer. COR responsibilities include certification of invoices, providing technical guidance to the Contractor, and overseeing technical aspects of the contract.

d. Cemetery Director (Administrator/Management Official): The Cemetery Director is the VA Official responsible for day-to-day oversight of a National Cemetery, including burying veterans and eligible family members, and maintaining cemetery grounds as a national shrine. The Cemetery Director and/or designee (hereon referred to as COR) are responsible for contract oversight.

e. Contractor: The term “Contractor” as used herein refers to the prime Contractor, his/her employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor is responsible for assuring its employees and subcontractors comply with all contract terms, conditions, and provisions.

f. National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Operational Standards & Measures: Operational standards for performance in key cemetery operations that includes Interments, Grounds Maintenance, Headstones, Markers, Equipment, Safety & Facilities Maintenance.

g. NCA Turf & Landscape Handbook 3420: Procedures for the proper establishment and care of turf-grass in VA National Cemeteries. A copy of the handbook shall be provided to the Contractor by the COR.

h. Pest: any plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns including weeds, fungi, molds, vertebrates, and invertebrates.

i. Animal: any living thing that is not a human being or plant.

j. Pesticide: Chemical compounds that are used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi and unwanted plants (weeds).

k. “Clean”: under this contract means the headstones/markers shall contain NO discoloration, environmental deposits, mold, mildew, moss, algae, lichen, dirt/mud, grass clippings, grass marks, bird droppings, etc.

A.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

a. Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, materials, tools, supplies and equipment necessary to provide grounds maintenance services at Finns Point National Cemetery as specified herein.

b. All work shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation (8:00am - 4:30pm local time/Monday thru Friday). Work performed outside of normal work hours may be required for interments or ceremonies on Federal Holidays or weekends at the request or agreement of the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Contractor may make a written request to the COR to work outside of the normal work hours when needed to carry out the specifications of this contract.

c. Place of Performance:

Finns Point Nation Cemetery

Ft. Mott Road, Salem, NJ 08079

A.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The following index of services briefly describes the work involved. All services described in the Schedule, including Technical Specifications, Addenda, Terms, Conditions and Clauses of the contract shall form the complete requirement.

SECTION

DESCRIPTION

A.4.1GENERAL GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Work consists of General, on-going and recurring Cemetery Grounds Maintenance to include the following: (a) Mowing & removal of Debris & Grass Clippings, (b) Trimming/edging, (c) sweeping and/or blowing, (d) Trash. Debris & Leaf Removal, (e) Snow & Ice Removal, and (f) Pest Control.

A.1.1a MOWING & REMOVAL OF DEBRIS & GRASS CLIPPINGS

a. SCOPE:

The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and removal of debris and grass all clippings within the cemetery boundaries. The cemetery turf encompasses approximately 4.6 acres of lawn area.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established, healthy stand of turf.

ii. Standard 5.2.2: All sand, mineral, or turf is free of debris (i.e., leaves, fallen branches, and trash).

iii. Measure 5.2.2b: Sand, mineral, or turf areas are cleared of leaves and other natural debris, as needed, or at least weekly.

iv. Measure 5.2.4b: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are maintained within one inch above the range of that which is professionally recommended for that type of turf and geographic region according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

c. PROCEDURES:

i. Equipment: The Contractor shall use rear-discharge mowers only. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

ii. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are cleanly cut and not torn or damaged. The height of grass is what is measured to get the correct cutting height. The cutting height of all mowing equipment shall be set to maintain a turf height of three inches (3.5"). At no time shall more than one and a half inches (1.5") of new growth be removed during any single mowing.

iii. Mowing: The Contractor shall maintain all turf areas consistently at a turf height of 3 ½ inches throughout the growing season. Mowing shall be accomplished as necessary (or as otherwise requested by the COR) to meet this standard. If grass clippings are evident, the Contractor shall remove and dispose of the clippings at no extra cost to the Government.

iv. Turf: During general mowing operations the Contractor shall take extreme care and caution to avoid and prevent unnecessary damage (i.e., scalping of turf, uneven mowing, excessive build-up of clippings, creation of divots, etc). Contractor may be held liable for repair or replacement of any damaged turf due to negligence.

v. Memorial Day Ceremonies: Unless otherwise requested by the COR, mowing of cemetery grounds shall be performed within three (3) days prior to the Memorial Day Weekend.

vi. Any clippings deposited on roadways or other non-turf grass areas shall be removed the same day as the mowing event that produced them. Any clippings deposited on sidewalks or at public visitor areas including at the Committal Shelter areas shall be removed at same time mowing work is occurring.

vii. Contractor shall be familiar with and utilize different mowing patterns. Changing direction and patterns reduces turf wear providing a cleaner cut. Contractor shall clean all mowing and trimming equipment before unloading at the cemetery. This shall minimize the possibilities of weed contaminates to cemetery turf from outside mowing areas. The contractor shall take the utmost care not to damage headstones, markers, floral or commemorative items, structures, survey monuments, irrigation equipment, etc. while performing mowing services.

viii. The Contractor shall remove and replace all floral or commemorative items, etc. to their proper place while performing mowing services. The Contractor shall repair or replace all damaged items caused by the contractor at no additional cost to the cemetery.

ix. New seed shall be present at all newly buried gravesites, second interment gravesites, and repaired gravesite locations. All mowing around trees shall be accomplished in a manner that prevents a “ringing pattern” around the tree and associated damage to turf. Contractor shall vary wheel-width patterns and mowing patterns after each mowing to prevent and avoid wheel rutting from occurring.

x. Turf in burial and public areas should be maintained at a height within one inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region. Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch above that range. For example, the height of Tall Fescue/Perennial Rye grass should be 3.5”. Grass is trimmed on borders.

xi. The walkways (inside and out), flagpole bases, interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of any grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming.

A4.1b TRIM/EDGE

a. SCOPE: Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, and materials necessary for the provision of trimming, edging services at Finns Point National Cemetery. Required services include the following:

i. Trimming around upright headstones

ii. Trimming flat grave markers

iii. Trimming around trees

iv. Trimming around monuments

v. Edging of miles of curbs and fence lines, and

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Measure 4.1.1c: Turf around headstones is trimmed to the recommended height according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

ii. Measure 4.1.1d: The percent of gravesites where turf around flat markers is edged (not trimmed) according to the Grounds Management Plan and are free of trimming debris.

iii. Standard 5.2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

iv. Measure 5.2.6: Other features (any additional turf areas requiring edging or trimming such as sidewalks, curbs, monuments) are trimmed or edged according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

c. PROCEDURES:

i. UPRIGHT HEADSTONES: The Contractor shall use nylon string trimmers that do not damage upright headstones. Trimming around upright headstones will begin in conjunction with mowing operations once turf comes out of winter dormancy and begins active growth and will cease in late fall once turf has stopped active growth for the season.

ii. Grass shall be trimmed and consistently maintained at the standard mowing height around the perimeter of each upright headstone. The trim extends approximately 12 inches from the headstone.

iii. The extended trim area will also include a 5’.0” band between the upright headstones across the width of the row.

iv. FLAT GRAVE MARKERS: The Contractor shall use nylon string trimmers that do not damage flat grave makers Trimming around upright headstones will begin in conjunction with mowing operations once turf comes out of winter dormancy and begins active growth and will cease in late fall once turf has stopped active growth for the season.

v. Trimming of flat markers will be accomplished and consistently maintained as follows:

(a) The Contractor will use commercially acceptable mechanical trimming equipment with nylon string. There will be no damage to any flat grave/marble markers or items requiring maintenance under this contract.

(b) Flat grave markers will be trimmed and consistently maintained so that the grass is 2½ inches above the top surfaces of the flat marker (grass will not be scalped). The Contractor shall edge, utilizing stick edgers, turf at a minimum of 90 degrees (perpendicular to the base/marker) for flat grave markers to remove all grass/vegetation that is growing around or over the entire perimeter of the marker/base.

(c) For markers that have sunk below the thatch level of existing turf, the Contractor will avoid scalping the turf and exposing the soil and the 90-degree (perpendicular) cut may be extended to, but will not exceed, 135 degrees away from the base.

vi. TREES, CURB LINES & FENCE L INES: Trimming around trees, curb-lines and fence-lines shall begin once turf growth begins for the season and will be performed in conjunction with mowing operations. Tree, curb & fence line trimming will be accomplished and consistently maintained as follows:

(a) Trees: One (1) foot will be trimmed around the perimeter of all trees.

(b) Curb-lines: A distance one (1) foot will be trimmed along all curb lines. All curbs will be edged.

(c) Fence-lines: One (1) foot will be trimmed on each side of fence lines (total: two (2) feet in width).

(d) Edging: All sidewalks, plazas, parking lots, walkways, flat markers, and roadway curbs adjoining a turf area shall be cleanly edged and consistently maintained with power edgers (with blades) throughout the growing season.

A.4.1c SWEEPING & BLOWING ROADWAYS:

a. SCOPE:

i. All walkways, roads, and parking areas will be swept or blown prior to interment services or as instructed by the COR. All roads, streets, committal shelters and public areas (to include the service roads behind committal shelters) will be cleaned daily prior to the start of daily burial operations and at the conclusion of burial operations.

ii. The roads, streets, committal shelters and public areas will be cleaned of all debris (i.e., mud, dirt, twigs, leaves, grass clippings, animal excrement, spider webs, bird, or insect nests, etc.). All roads and walkways will be blown at the end of the day.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.5.1: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean, and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

ii. Measure 5.5.1b: Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of grounds maintenance debris by the end of the workday.

c. PROCEDURES:

i. The walkways around the Administrative Building and committal shelters shall be swept/blown off daily. All pavement areas, benches, and signs (to include pavement under benches) around the Administrative Building will be cleaned of debris, spider webs, and animal droppings each workday.

ii. Debris shall not be swept/blown into flower/planting beds, mulch areas, paved areas, nor left in rows or clumps on turf areas.

iii. Committal Shelters will be swept free of bugs and debris on a daily basis. Ensure all spider webs and/or bugs are swept from corners, ceilings, chairs and/or around the shelter daily.

iv. Light pressure power spray with water to clean exterior will be conducted monthly at the Administrative Building and Committal Shelters, then quarterly at the maintenance building (break room and honor guard locations). If the windows are dirtied during the process of the cleaning, they will be cleaned to keep a neat appearance. Brown, directional / wayfinding signs, around the cemetery will be washed monthly with light pressure spray and wiped to keep free from dirt and bird droppings.

v. The cemetery property includes all surrounding areas inside and outside the entrance to the main road.

A.4.1d TRASH, DEBRIS, LEAF & FALL LEAF REMOVAL:

a. SCOPE:

i. Work consists of collecting and removing all trash from cemetery trash receptacles, removing dead or unsightly flowers, holiday wreaths, tree limbs/branches/twigs, dead leaves, as well as any other debris within the cemetery grounds and along the cemetery fence line.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Measure 5.2.2a: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas is free of trash.

ii. Measure 5.2.2b: Sand, mineral, or turf areas are cleared of leaves and other natural debris, as needed, or at least weekly.

iii. Standard 3.4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

c. PROCEDURES:

i. Contractor shall inspect cemetery grounds daily to ensure all wilting, dead, or unsightly flowers are picked up daily.

ii. All trash, debris, leaves (includes leaves to be removed during the fall and early winter) contents of trash cans, dead or unsightly flowers and fallen tree limbs shall be removed daily.

iii. All grave decorations shall be removed according to the cemetery floral regulations.

iv. Removal of debris and disposal away from the cemetery grounds shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

v. All fallen leaves and tree debris must be removed daily, except when delayed by the onset of severe weather conditions (Snow and Ice). The Contractor shall schedule removal work accordingly and coordinate with the COR.

vi. Due to the high number of deciduous shade trees on the cemetery property, there are a great number of leaves that need to be cleaned up during the fall and early winter. For fall leaf removal, the Contractor shall begin removing fallen leaves beginning in early - mid October and continue throughout the fall and winter until all leaves have fallen off the trees and removed from cemetery grounds. Leaves shall be hand raked, vacuumed, or blown (i.e., backpack blower, walk-behind blower) from turf within and immediately outside cemetery property and along cemetery fence lines onto the roadways and then collected and properly disposed of. Any accumulation of mulched leaves shall be removed from the cemetery.

vii. The Contractor shall inspect all areas of the cemetery during this period and ensure that there is no accumulation of debris in any area.

A.4.1e SNOW & ICE REMOVAL:

a. SCOPE:

i. Work consists of removal of snow and ice from the cemetery roads, driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, walkways, steps/entrances to buildings, structures, committal shelter.

ii. In the event of a scheduled interment, the Contractor shall be responsible for clearing passages from the roadway to the gravesite.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Measure 8.1.2a: Roads, sidewalks, paths and parking lots open to the public or for cemetery operations during adverse conditions are safe and accessible (e.g., clear of ice and snow or storm debris).

c. PROCEDURES:

i. Snow removal shall be accomplished by using a snowplow truck attachment or a self- propelled unit, snow blower or shovel. Trucks, Tractors and self-propelled units are restricted to paved areas. Snow and ice removal operations must be completed by 8:00 a.m. or sooner seven (7) days a week.

ii. Ice removal shall be accomplished by applying a deicer. This chemical must be of the type that shall not stain or damage carpeting, flooring, turf, shrubbery, trees, walkways, and driveways.

iii. Contractor shall take precautions to prevent damage to buildings, roadways, sidewalks, curbing, trees, headstones, and markers by equipment used to remove snow and ice. Contractor is responsible for repairing any damage caused by equipment in the performance of snow and ice removal.

A.4.1f PEST CONTROL

a. SCOPE:

i. Work consists of regularly monitoring turf damage caused by vertebrate pests (i.e., gophers, moles, voles, ground squirrels, rabbits, skunks, raccoons,) shall be controlled by trapping, elimination of their food source, or other effective methods. Trapping shall be performed by licensed professionals permitted to trap the target pest.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.2.7: Avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf during grounds maintenance operations.

b. PROCEDURES:

i. Turf may become damaged by moles. Due to the size of the cemetery, it is virtually impossible to eliminate all moles, but the goal is to try and minimize their damage.

ii. Work consists of regularly monitoring turf damage caused by moles and setting traps in active mole runs to limit the mole population and subsequent damage caused by their digging. Mole activity in turf usually appears as ridges of upheaved soil. These ridges are created where the runways are dug as the moles move about foraging for food.

iii. Shooting of animals will not be authorized. Contractor shall comply with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and state Fish and Game Code rules, laws and regulations, about baiting and trapping. All animals shall be disposed of or relocated in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

iv. Harpoon mole traps will be utilized by the Contractor to trap and kill moles. Trapping moles requires Contractor be familiar with active mole runs and how to properly set traps.

v. Traps will be checked daily to see if moles have been caught. Moles will be removed from the trap and trap will be reset. Traps will be moved several times weekly throughout the cemetery where mole damage is evident to. The Contractor will be careful to set traps where they do not interfere with cemetery visitors’ access to a loved one’s grave or pose a tripping or walking hazard.

vi. Within 10 calendar days from start of the contract period, the Contractor shall conduct a thorough inspection of the cemetery grounds and document all vertebrate pest damage using Attachment D.

vii. The Contractor shall provide the completed “Pest Inspection Sheet” to the COR within 15 calendar days from the start of the contract period. The Contractor shall have treated with bait, and/or set traps to eliminate the pests.

viii. The Contractor shall inspect for pest damage each workday. If any additional signs of pest damage are found the Contractor shall set baits and/or traps the day of discovery. The inspections shall be documented by the Contractor and reported to the COR on a weekly basis.

A.4.2 RAISE & LOWER US FLAG (0002)

a. SCOPE:

i. Work consists of lowering the flag to half-staff 30 minutes prior to a committal service and raising the flag to full staff 30 minutes after the last committal service of the day.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. NCA Directive 3220, Flags in VA National Cemeteries (August 3, 2018) Appendix A 2.b.(1-5).

c. PROCEDURES:

i. An all-weather U.S. flag will be displayed on the main flagpole each day of the year during daylight hours.

ii. The United States of America Flag shall be placed at full staff from 8:00am to 5:00pm, seven (7) days a week, unless lowered for the service of a veteran.

iii. The U.S. Flag shall not be flown at half-staff except for occasions prescribed above or when requested by the COR.

A.4.3 HEADSTONE & MARKER CLEANING (0003)

a. SCOPE:

i. Work consists of cleaning approximately 2000 headstones and markers at Finns Point National Cemetery prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 1.1.6: Headstones, markers, and niche covers are clean, free of debris and Objectionable Accumulations.

ii. Measure 4.1.1a: The percent of headstones, markers, and niche covers that do not show evidence of debris or Objectionable Accumulations.

c. PROCEDURES:

i. HEADSTONE CLEANING GENERAL INFORMATION: The Contractor shall provide all labor, parts, equipment, supplies, transportation, and personnel required to provide headstone/marker cleaning services.

ii. CONTRACTOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 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.

iii. The Contractor's Site Manager shall provide the COR(s)weekly reports identifying the following:

(a) All headstones/markers cleaned, include section, grave number, and name.

(b) These lists shall be provided on weekly basis.

(c) All headstones shall be cleaned prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

iv. CLEANING UPRIGHT HEADSTONES: All floral, commemorative items, or other types of decorations (arrangements) causing interference with the cleaning of upright headstones/markers will be carefully and orderly moved from its location to the other side of the marker by Contractor and upon completion of the cleaning of the headstones/markers, placed back to its respective location.

v. Cleaning Techniques will be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State and County laws, ordinances, and regulations. General requirements for application of the cleaning product:

(a) Most headstones and markers can be cleaned with water alone.

(b) If the headstone or marker displays biological growth (algae, mildew, moss, lichens), water with a product formulated for cleaning these growths may be required, such as Weatherzyme or D/2 Biological Solution, or any other approved biological solution.

(c) NOTE: Mention of specific cleaning products is for illustration only and is not intended as NCA's endorsement of those commercial products.

(d) Extreme caution must be exercised when using a pressure washer. When applying water, a pressure washer is authorized ensuring pressure will not be greater than 500 psi and work will be accomplished in a manner that does not cause any etching of the stone surface to occur. A test cleaning will be conducted in an inconspicuous area of a headstone (based on age and or style) and evaluated by the COR prior to cleaning. The older the headstone or marker the more likely that power washing can cause damage, lower psi (up to 200 psi) is recommended.

(e) Hand scrubbing may be used as needed. Only a soft bristle (synthetic or natural) brush shall be used; metal or stiff plastic shall not be used because it can scratch the stone.

(f) Thoroughly rinse the headstone or marker surface using clean, water under low pressure or without pressure.

(g) https://www.cem.va.gov/hmm/cleaning.asp

vi. Site disturbance: If water used in cleaning should soften the soil around the base of the headstone or marker so it is loosened, care will be taken not to tip the headstone out of plumb or alignment.

vii. Care will be taken to protect the turf area from damage. Any turf damaged by the Contractor will be restored at Contractor’s expense.

viii. APPLICATION OF BIOLOGICAL SOLUTION PROCEDURES:

(a) Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and the procedures found in the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet for each product, which provides the properties of each chemical; physical, health, and environmental-health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting chemicals.

(b) Test products on the headstone or marker first by applying a small amount to an inconspicuous location and let it dry to ensure it does not discolor the stone.

(c) Always pre-wet the stone liberally with water before using a cleaner. By soaking the porous stone beforehand, the cleaner will stay on the surface of the stone and minimize penetration of the cleaner into the stone — minimizing adverse effects.

(d) Apply water/product to keep the headstone or marker wet throughout the cleaning process.

(e) Agitate surface gently in a circular motion. Work in small areas. Start at the bottom and move upward.

(f) Rinse the entire headstone or marker thoroughly, especially if using a cleaning solution, to ensure no cleaner is left behind.

(g) The effect of using a Biological Solution will not be immediate. It will take 2 to 3 weeks for the full appearance of a clean stone to become apparent. For this reason, retreatment should not occur within (3) three weeks of the first cleaning and only with the concurrence of the Contracting Officer.

(h) Headstones that become discolored, dirt covered, or muddied etc. after initial cleaning has been completed but prior to overall project completion will be re cleaned at no additional cost to the government. All headstones are to be clean at the time of project completion final inspection. The definition of clean is as specified in Section A.2 (l), page 4.

A.4.4 OVER-SEED, AERATE, & DETHATCH (0004)

(a.) SCOPE:

i. Soil compacted by heavy foot or vehicle traffic shall be relieved by aerification to improve air, water, and nutrient penetration into the turf grass canopy and root zone. The procedure is necessary to open the soil to allow penetration of soil amendments.

ii. Core aerification uses specialized equipment to remove numerous soil cores (from 4 to 6 inches long) as it passes across the turf grass surface. The cores are to be removed from the site or left on the turf grass surface as recommended by the COR. Drum/roller-type aerators may be used, but if core plugs are less than 4 inches long, a mechanized piston type aerator will be required. Soil must not be too dry, or the cores will not be extracted.

iii. Tine aerification uses solid spikes or blades (shatter tines) to shatter the soil at greater depths (8 to 10 inches) than core aerators without removing soil plugs. Drum/roller-type aerators may be used, but if soil penetration is less than 6 inches, a mechanized piston type aerator will be required. Soil must not be too moist when using tines, or the soil will not shatter.

iv. The turf (both irrigated and non-irrigated) is to be aerated in late summer, as provided in the “Turf Application Schedule”. All turf will be treated in each application.

v. Vert cutting uses specialized equipment to cut straight lines or rows into the turf and soil with closely spaced blades attached to a rotating drum to a depth of 1 to 2 inches.

vi. In preparation for over-seeding, areas of bare or thin turf are to be aerated by Vert cutting to create a loose texture soil suitable for placing seed into the ground. The blades are to be spaced at 1/2-inch apart and set to slice into the soil to a depth of 1-inch. A specialized seeder machine which simultaneously verti-cuts and places the seed in direct contact with the soil may be used.

vii. No more than 1/2-inch thatch layer shall exist at any time throughout the growing season.

viii. The turf is to be dethatched in September before aeration and over seeding, every other year, as provided in the “Turf Application Schedule”. Approximately 4.6 acres or 100% of the site turf will be treated per specified years.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established, healthy stand of turf.

ii. Standard 5.2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

iii. Measure 5.2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare Areas.

c. PROCEDURES:

i. Preparation: Do not damage surrounding vegetation or structures, including but not limited to, vases, valve boxes, control markers, and flat markers etc.

ii. Core Aeration: Use core aeration equipment to extract minimum 4-inch and maximum 6-inch core plugs at not less than 6-inch square spacing over all cemetery turf. Remove cores from turf prior to topdressing and when recommended by the COR. Process and disperse aeration cores prior to broadcasting soil amendments.

iii. Tine Aeration: Use solid needle or blade tine aeration equipment to shatter soil at a minimum depth of 6- inches and maximum of 8-inches at not less than 4-inch spacing over all cemetery turf. Approved needle tine equipment: ‘Toro’ ProCore series; Approved blade tine equipment: ‘Aerway’ Shattertines, or equal.

iv. Verticutting: Verticut turf areas in preparation for over seeding.

v. Over seeding: After completion of the verti-cutting, and removal of loose vegetation, mechanically slit-seed bare or thin areas of turf.

(a) Delivery tickets for grass seed indicating date, weight, analysis, purity, and vendor’s name, etc. are to be submitted to the COR. Guidance from expert sources (e.g., local county agricultural extension agent or, agronomist in North Atlantic District Offices or landscape architects in NCACO) is adhered to regarding turf selection. Work also consists of performing annual turf maintenance activities to include aeration and over seeding.

(b) Type of Seed: Certified (Blue Tag) 30% Perennial Rye/70% Tall Fescue is to be the primary grass seed mixture to be developed. Only cultivars of grass seed that have been adapted to the Northeast region of the United States shall be accepted. Any substitution of seed type, weight or application must be agreed upon with the COR in writing. Seed is to be free of all noxious weeds.

70% Turf Type Tall Fescue/30% Perennial Rye

(c) When a hydro-seed mixture is not used, the top soiled area must be free of sticks, stones, or other foreign material over one (1) inch in any dimension. The soil shall be compressed and firmed into the finished look once the seed is in place; the easiest and suggested method is to use a roller designed to evenly distribute the weight over the soil and press it into place.

vi. TURF MAINTENANCE – DETHATCHING

(a) Use a vertical mower with steel blades mounted solidly to an axle to dethatch all turf area with more than 1/2-inch of thatch build-up. Adjust the blades of the device so that they barely scratch the soil surface. Flag control markers and other appurtenances which are not readily visible. Do not damage surrounding vegetation or structures, including but not limited to, vases, control markers, or flat markers etc.

(b) Remove thatch material immediately from the site in a lawful manner.

(c) For any Fungus Contractor shall employ IPM methods for reduction and treatment of fungi such as improving drainage through aeration and thatch removal; and proper mowing, fertilization, and irrigation techniques to eliminate the conditions favorable for the growth of fungus. Application of fungicides is generally not required.

A.4.5 TURF FERTILIZATION & WEED CONTROL (0005, 0006, 0007, & 0008)

a. SCOPE:

i. Contractors shall be responsible for maintaining the turf area of the cemetery and the immediate areas surrounding the cemetery in a healthy condition by proper application of fertilizers, and chemicals (to control weeds and diseases). Turf in high visibility areas shall be at least 90 percent pest, and disease free.

b. NCA STANDARDS:

i. Measure 5.2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

ii. Measure 5.4.1a: Planting beds are Generally Weed-Free.

iii. Measure 5.4.1a: Planting beds are Generally Weed-Free.

iv. Measure 5.4.1b: Plants in planting beds are healthy, free of pests and disease, and are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

c. PROCEDURES:

i. Safety/Regulatory Requirements:

(a) All application methods of shall be in strict accordance with manufacturer, Department of Environmental Protection, and all federal, state, and local laws.

(b) All applications shall be made in accordance with manufactures label instructions to ensure proper rate and timing of application.

(c) Ten (10) workdays prior to any scheduled application, the Contractor shall provide to COR, a copy of product label for each chemical used, the amount and application rate, and appropriate supporting Safety Data Sheets (SDS) sheets in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

(d) Contractor personnel applying turf applications shall possess a current, valid State of New Jersey ProFACT (Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification) for fertilizer applications or commercial Pesticide Applicator license for pesticide/herbicide applications. A copy of the license will be provided to the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage resulting from the application of any turf treatments.

(e) Contractor must be knowledgeable on environmental issues such as ground water contamination, wetland protection and must fully comply with all applicable Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

(f) Contractor is responsible for preventing exposure of fertilizer and pesticide/herbicide to the public, cemetery visitors and employees during an application or from encountering treated areas after the application has been applied. In compliance with these instructions, the Contractor shall provide safety warning devices, barricades, and signage, etc., at all work sites to eliminate hazards. that clearly states the following: "CAUTION – FERTILIZER/PESTICIDE/HERBICIDE APPLICATION IN PROGRESS."

(g) Prior to a turf application, the contractor shall at a minimum, post appropriate flags or markers in all areas to be treated for a period of 24 hours after a treatment has been applied accompanied by a sign informing the public and visitors of the date, time, and chemical applied. Remove all flags and signs upon expiration of the 24-hour period.

(h) The signage shall be uniformly spaced along all perimeters of the application area, and at all regular points of public entry, and shall remain standing for 24 hours after application is complete. If the chemical has a restricted entry interval, the signage shall be removed by the Contractor within 24 hours after the expiration of the restricted-entry interval. The Contractor is responsible for the removal and disposal of all signage, warning devices, etc.

(i) The contract work shall not jeopardize the safety of any persons, any plant material or property within the cemetery. Contractor shall not apply turf applications, particularly those involving hazardous materials, when people are present or passing by any such work area(s).Visually Prominent Areas, along major pedestrian routes, areas where a funeral or ceremony is taking place or will take place within 2-hours, shall be rescheduled by the Contractor to an earlier or later time, (i.e. before or after cemetery visiting hours) coordinated with the COR.

ii. Turf Weed Control - General:

(a) The Contractor shall control weeds throughout the cemetery year-round, using Contractor provided herbicides with emphasis given to Visually Prominent Areas. The result shall be that all Visually Prominent Areas (interment sections, committal shelters, and memorial walkways, flagpole/assembly area, public buildings, and entrance gate; areas adjacent to the main entrance road; and primary roads/routes to committal shelters, burial areas, the entrance way) shall be 90 percent weed free. Ninety percent weed free means that the population of weeds is very widely scattered and visually insignificant when the total expanse of the cemetery turfgrass is observed. The weeds in no way distract from the visual attractiveness of the landscape.

(b) All applications must be made in accordance with manufacture's label instructions to insure proper rate and timing of application. The Contractor will provide and apply liquid broadleaf herbicide no earlier than 6 hours before anticipated rainfall to allow herbicide sufficient time to be absorbed into plant tissue to maximize the herbicide's full potential. Any rainfall that is received within this six-hour time frame after the application will require the Contractor to treat all turf areas a second time at no additional cost to the Government.

(c) All personnel using such sprays shall be properly trained, and the person in charge shall be duly licensed by the State of New Jersey to use pesticides/herbicides. Broadcast applications of herbicides for weeds shall be accomplished in the spring and the fall as specified in the “Turf Application Schedule”.

(d) Spot treatments of herbicides for weed control shall occur by the Contractor monthly (outside of the normally scheduled turf applications) during the growing season to suppress tough to control broadleaf weeds in the turf grass unless noted otherwise.

(e) Follow herbicide manufacturers’ precautions on maximum applications per year for both spot and broadcast applications. Do not apply herbicides which may kill/damage turf. Do not apply herbicides which will inhibit the germination of grass seeds. Follow herbicide manufacturers’ precautions for timing use of product on seeded/over seeded turf. Do not apply herbicides on over seeded turf until turf has been mowed two times, or four weeks after emergence (whichever is longer) before making a post-emergence application. Weed control products shall be compatible with cool season turf grass and shall not damage the turf either by misapplication or inappropriate product selection.

iii. Pre-Emergent Weed Control:

(a) Contractor shall apply grass pre-emergent herbicide in granular form when treating for annual bluegrass, crabgrass, dallisgrass, goosegrass, johnsongrass, kikuyugrass, etc. at manufacturers’ recommended rate allowable for the east coast region and cool season turf grasses. Follow herbicide manufacturers’ precautions for timing use of product on seeded/over seeded turf. Apply pre- emergent one to two weeks prior to the anticipated weed seed germination when soil temperatures register between 50 to 55°F for 3 consecutive days. Apply a second sequential application of the same product 6 to 8 weeks following the first application. Pre-emergent must be applied with calibrated spreading equipment.

(b) The Contractor is solely responsible for damage to headstones, or any other structures, newly seeded turf grass caused because of any pre-emergent application or herbicidal treatment. Alternate between herbicide products to reduce herbicide resistance and to increase spectrum of control.

iv. Broadleaf Weed Control:

(a) Broadleaf herbicides shall be applied with calibrated measured spraying equipment (not a hose end sprayer). The chemical must address issues of various broadleaf weed types which include dandelion, white clover, speedwell, chickweed, curly dock, yellow wood-sorrel, black medic, plantain, spurge, prickly lettuce, purslane, etc.

(b) Applications shall be timely and at the proper dosage so that perennial weeds do not go to seed. Chemicals shall be broadcast and spot-applied to turf areas throughout the cemetery as appropriate for the degree of weed pressure. Use three-way herbicide products containing triclopyr; 2,4- D; and dicamba. Tank mix with MCPP or MCPA to increase spectrum of control.

v. Grass Weed Control:

(a) Grass weed herbicides shall be applied with calibrated measured spraying equipment (not a hose end sprayer). Applications shall be timely and at the proper dosage so that grass weeds do not go to seed. Chemicals shall be broadcast and spot-applied to grass weeds in turf areas throughout the cemetery as appropriate for the degree of weed pressure.

(b) Alternate between herbicides products containing dithiopyr in the spring and pronamide in summer to reduce herbicide resistance. Tank mix with MSMA or fenoxapropto increase spectrum of control. Do not apply herbicides which may kill/damage winter rye overseed until the spring transition back to bermudagrass is desired.

vi. Sedge Weed Control:

(a) Sedge weed herbicides shall be applied with calibrated measured spraying equipment (not a hose end sprayer). The chemical must address issues of various weeds which include green kyllinga, annual sedge, purple nutsedge, yellow nutsedge, and aquatic sedges.

(b) Applications shall be timely and at the proper dosage so that grass weeds do not go to seed. Chemicals shall be spot applied throughout the cemetery where infestations are evident, particularly in moist and low-lying areas prone to poor drainage. Tank mix with adjuvant per manufacturer’s printed instructions. Reapply 4 to 6 weeks per manufacturer’s printed instructions. Alternate between herbicides products containing halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, and sulfosulfuron to reduce herbicide resistance.

vii. Fertilizer and Pesticide/Herbicide Application:

(a) Turf applications shall be applied with appropriate calibrated spreading and spraying equipment.

(b) Liquid and pellet surface applications shall be uniformly distributed within the cemetery’s defined area of coverage. Herbicides shall be applied under calm wind conditions to eliminate any potential for drift. Surface applications shall not be made where surface run-off is likely to occur or near a water source.

(c) Use surfactants and adjuvants with herbicides to improve herbicidal activity or application characteristics when recommended by herbicide manufacturer.

(d) Complete each turf application within the “Annual Application Date” specified in the “Turf Application Schedule”, (weather permitting). Applications shall be provided in accordance with manufacturers label instructions to ensure proper rate of active ingredient (ai) and timing.

(e) The Contractor shall not dispose of, rinse, mix nor store any herbicide containers/bags on cemetery premises. No herbicide application equipment or agricultural chemicals may be kept or stored on the cemetery premises when the Contractor is not working.

(f) Ten (10) days after completion of the application, jointly inspect the pesticide/herbicide application with the COR and assess results. In areas where results are less than acceptable* re-perform the application at no additional cost to the Government. (*Acceptable is defined as 90% of target pest species are eliminated).

(g) Take precautions to prevent damage to the cemetery, in any manner, including headstones, monuments, shrub and flower beds, trees and other structures during turf applications. Current replacement costs for headstones, other cemetery structures or property damaged by the work under this contract will be deducted from the contract price.

(h) Do not use any herbicide or fertilizer in either granular or liquid form that will stain or discolor any headstones. Notify the COR of all materials scheduled for use on turf before beginning any turf application. Clean cemetery structures, headstones, monuments, and roadways that are soiled or stained because of the application.

(i) Wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures, headstones, and monuments at the end of each workday. Do not use hazardous chemicals at any time on Government property. The Contractor bears all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Notify the COR of any such soiling or staining of structures prior to washing/cleaning.

viii. TURF APPLICATION SCHEDULE

a) Contractor shall provide turf fertilization, pre-emergent crabgrass & post emergent broadleaf weed control services in accordance with NCA turf standards. Contractor shall prepare a detailed plan based on the Turf Application Schedule for the review by the COR. Plan shall present proposed products, rates, and application dates. Provide fertilization, pre-emergent weed control, post-emergent weed control, aerification, dethatching soil conditioning, and over seeding services to turf areas in accordance with the following:

b) Turf at a national cemetery must be maintained at NCA Shrine Standards, therefore it is imperative that the Contractor make sure that all weeds are treated judiciously during all herbicide applications and that the turf grass is maintained in a relatively weed free condition.

TURF APPLICATION

APPLICATION DATE

DESCRIPTION

#1

September 15th – 20th This application will be a granular turf fertilization using a fertilizer with a 4:1:2 or 26-4-12 NPK ratio with 40- 50% nitrogen from slow-release sulfur coated urea. This fertilizer will be applied at a rate of 4 lbs./1000 sq. ft. or 250 lbs. /acre.

#2

October 1st – 10th This application will be a post-emergent broadleaf weed…