Attachment B - SOW - GMS - Mobile NC.pdf

Mobile National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

SOW – 089 – Grounds Maintenance Services

Grounds Maintenance – Statement of Work

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the basic objectives of Mobile National Cemetery

II. INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. Mobile National

Cemetery is one (1) of four (4) Alabama National cemeteries and is satellite cemetery of Barrancas

National Cemetery located in Pensacola, FL that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

III. BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 155 National Cemeteries in 39 states that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis. As the final resting place for our nation’s heroes, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have been established by the National

Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this nation’s concern and respect for those interred there, therefor strict adherence to the following specifications is essential.

Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our

Nation. Critically important is the awareness required when scheduling and performing work to not interrupt cemetery operations.

The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan and perform the activities associated with statements of work as described herein, which are required to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds in accordance with National Cemetery Administration Operational Standards and

Measures.

National cemeteries are a resting place for our nation’s heroes and as such, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have. been established by the National Cemetery

Administration (NCA) to reflect this.

National Cemeteries are our nation’s concern and respect for those interred there. The NCA mission: The

NCA honors Veterans, active-duty Service Members, and eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our nation.

The Mobile National Cemetery is in Mobile, Alabama. The physical location is 1202 Virginia Street, Mobile, AL 3660. The cemetery is on both sides of Virginia Street. The Post Section, Memorial Section and Sections 1 through 4 are located on the east side of Virginia Street. Sections 5 through 8 are located on the west side of Virginia Street. Mobile National Cemetery is closed to new interments. The only interments that are being accepted are subsequent interments for veterans or eligible family members in an existing gravesite.

National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications is required as well as National Cemetery Administration standards.

Site features include a main entrance with floral beds, administration building, maintenance building, maintenance compound, flag assembly, landscaping with trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Turf is St.

Augustine.

National Cemeteries are National Shrines, as codified in 38 U.S. Code § 2403 (c), “All national and other veterans’ cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall be considered

National Shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead …”. Therefore, the standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications described in the attachments, which are based on the National

Cemetery Administration, National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures, is mandatory.

A national shrine is a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor or family member who views it that, within its majestic setting, every Veteran may find a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose. Each visitor should depart feeling that the grounds, the gravesites, and the environs of the national cemetery are a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our

Nation’s freedom and way of life.

The NCA National Shrine Commitment and Operational Standards & Measures should be considered as goals and requirements for the performance of key operational processes and should be applied at both open and closed national cemeteries where work is done by either a Federal or contract workforce.

IV. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide

Grounds and Facility Maintenance Services to the Cemetery. Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Cemetery, Address, Acreage, Required Services

Mobile National Cemetery, 1202 Virginia Street Mobile, AL 36604, 4.65 +/- acres developed, Grounds

Maintenance Services

V. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

a. SERVICES PROVIDED

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Mobile National Cemetery has an immediate need for

Grounds and Facilities Maintenance. The contractor shall provide all supervision, personnel, equipment, tools, and other items and/or services necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance is performed at the

Cemetery in a manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

b. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

Contractor shall understand and meet all current applicable NCA Operational Standards and Measures

(Attachment A). Minor changes to standards and measures shall be at no cost to the government (i.e., timeline to perform tasks).

The Period of Performance for this project shall consist of a Base Period of twelve (12) months and four

(4), one (1) year, Option Periods (if exercised).

Services include, but are not limited to, maintenance of grounds (regular mowing – both turf and non-turf areas, trimming of all vertical surfaces, edge trimming of roadways, planting beds, irrigation control boxes, removal of leaves, pinecones, pine needles, nuts, branches, trash and other debris, core aerification/dethatching, sunken grave repair, grounds and turf repair, ), setting and maintenance of headstones (cleaning and pressure washing, raise and realign, fine tune alignment), maintenance of turf

(soil test, chemical applications/treatments to include fertilizer and lime), maintenance of plants and trees, extreme weather event support (storm debris clean-up), maintenance of mulch/planting beds (upkeep of mulch, removal of weeds, chemical applications/treatments), maintenance of irrigation system, Support

Services (special event support services, placement and removal of grave flags, and avenue of flags, sweeping and/or blowing off of cemetery roadways and sidewalks, trash removal, removal of floral arrangements as required from graves, interment services set up / take down of interment shelter, interment services- both casket and cremation burials.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm local time (Monday thru

Friday - excluding Federal Holidays). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of Contracting Officer in conjunction with the National Cemetery Administration, Barrancas National Cemetery Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

Contractor shall coordinate work in advance with COR to minimize the impact to cemetery operations.

COR shall be notified in writing of all completed work by COB or no later than 10:00am the next business day.

No later than thirty (30) days after award, Contractor shall provide a projected work schedule that encompasses the entirety of year. Projected work schedules shall also be provided no later than thirty

(30) days prior to the start date of option years, if exercised.

Contractor shall perform all work utilizing best management and safety practices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5b DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

5b.1 HEADSTONE MAINTENANCE

5b.1.1 Headstone Raise and Realign

5b.1.2 Headstone Fine Tune Alignment (Bump and Run)

5b.1.3 Headstone Setting

5b.2 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

5b.2.1 Sunken Grave, Grounds and Turf Repair to include sod installation

5b.2.2 Weekly Gravesite Floral and Decoration, Pick-up and Removal

5b.3 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

5b.3.1 Irrigation System Operation and Monitoring

5b.3.2 Irrigation System Inspection, Maintenance and Repair

5b.3.3 Mowing (St. Augustine)

5b.3.4 Turf Edging

5b.3.6 Trimming of Headstones, Markers, Monuments and Other Vertical Surfaces

5b.3.7 Leaf, Trash and Debris Removal (Twice Weekly – Billed Monthly)

5b.3.8 Extreme Weather Event Damage and Debris Clean-up

5b.3.9 Sweeping/Blowing Off Roadways Twice Weekly – Billed Monthly)

5b.4 PLANT MATERIAL AND TREE MAINTENANCE

5b.4.1 Maintenance of Plant / Mulch Beds (to include tree rings), and trimming of bushes, shrubs, and hedges

5b.4.2 Tree Maintenance

5b.4.3

Install and Replenish Mulch to include all planting beds, tree rings, bushes, shrubs, and other designated areas as defined in the SOW

5b.5 TURF MAINTENANCE

5b.5.1 Core Aerification (Aeration)

5b.5.2 Dethatching

5b.5.3 Fertilization

5b.5.4 Weed Control: Herbicide Treatments/Applications

5b.5.4a Weed Control: Pre-Emergent

5b.5.4b Weed Control: Post-Emergent

5b.5.4c Weed Control: Planting Beds / Tree rings / All Mulched areas

5b.5.5 Gypsum Application (as indicated by soil test)

5b.6 PEST CONTROL

5b.6.1 Insecticide, Treatment/Application

5b.6.2 Fungicide Treatment / Application

5b.7

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE: CLEANING, PRESSURE WASHING

and PAINTING

5b.7.1 Cleaning and Pressure Washing of Headstones, Markers, and Monuments

5b.7.2 Cleaning and Pressure Washing of Entrance Ways, Retaining Walls, Caps, Areas under signs and Trash/Floral Receptacles

5b.7.2a Cleaning and Pressure Washing Floral Vase and Trash Receptacle Cleaning

5b.7.3 Painting of Signage, Walk Bridge, Retaining Wall, Fence

5b.8 SUPPORT SERVICES / SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORT

5b.8.1 Event Set-up and Tear Down

5b.8.2 Interment shelter setup / takedown

5b.9 INTERMENT SERVICES

5b.9.1 Casket / Cremation

Quality Assurance Plan

5b.1.1 Headstone Raise and Realign

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work completed under this section is subject to The Davis Bacon Act. The COR or Cemetery Leadership will identify the headstone(s) which are required to be Raised & Re-aligned. Headstones must not be removed from the gravesite. In the event the headstone marker is required to be removed from the socket, the headstone shall be placed on the ground horizontally, and propped up at the top and bottom ensuring no damage to turf around gravesite. Stone Dust, crushed aggregate (stone) or other approved material shall be used in Raise & Realign projects. Any headstone that is Raised & Re-aligned must utilize a top and back string to ensure headstones maintain the appropriate National Cemetery standards and measures.

Upon award, the COR shall provide Gravesite Layout Plan and conduct a walk through with the

Contractor Site Supervisor to address current condition of upright marble headstones prior to initiating headstone work.

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide headstone raise and realignment services.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Upright headstones for individual graves shall be erected on the centerline twelve (12) inches in from the head of the grave with the inscription facing the grave. They shall be set plumb and aligned laterally, transversely, and diagonally with the headstones on other graves with-in the designated section.

All upright headstones shall be set and maintained at a cemetery recommended height of 25.5 inches from the finished grave (soil surface) to the top of the arc. Any headstone that is raised or realigned must utilize a top and back string to ensure headstones maintain the appropriate National Cemetery standards and measures.

Minor deviations in height, 24 to 26 inches, are permissible to provide a uniform appearance in the top line to compensate for slight ground rises or depressions within a burial section. Where a considerable number of adjacent stones are set, or reset, in a section, and ground conditions are known to require an allowance for vertical settlement, an extra inch above the cemetery recommended height may be permissible in the above ground projection when the stone is initially set.

Minor realignment, consisting merely of straightening the headstone, is called fine tuning, or bump and run, and may be accomplished by one person by hand or with a wooden tamping/pry stick, but is usually more efficient with one or two others to sight along headstone rows and columns to guide the adjustment.

If a headstone needs to be removed from its socket to adjust its height, it shall not be removed from the gravesite and shall not be left unattended. In the event the headstone is required to be removed from the socket, the headstone shall be placed on the ground horizontally, and propped up at the top and bottom ensuring no damage to turf around gravesite. It shall be removed only briefly so an adequate amount of stone dust/crushed aggregate can be added to and compacted, or removed from, the bottom of the socket for proper height adjustment, then the headstone shall be replaced. No more than one headstone shall be removed from its socket at one time in a section.

The contractor is responsible to protect headstones from damage or being discolored from contact with dirt, soil or other contaminants during realignment or other maintenance operations. Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds, or equipment due to contractor error and/or negligence shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be repaired/replaced at Contractor’s expense.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: HEADSTONES SHALL NOT BE REMOVED FROM THEIR

RESPECTIVE GRAVESITES.

5b.1.2 Headstone Fine Tune Alignment (Bump and Run)

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Dec 2023

Category 6, Headstone, Marker, and Niche Cover Operations

Sub-Category 3: Installation

Standard 3.2: Headstones, markers, and niche covers are properly installed.

• Measure 3.2a: Upright headstones in current active burial sections are installed to be uniform in height (24”-26” above ground); horizontally, vertically, and diagonally aligned;

and inscription visible. A deviation from the height requirement is acceptable to ensure a

Pleasing Top Line is achieved to compensate for ground contours.

• Measure 3.2d: Headstones and Markers set in Existing Sections are installed to be uniform with only minor height deviations to achieve a Pleasing Top Line with like headstones and markers in that section, and/or are set to ensure the inscription is visible.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work shall consist of adjusting alignment of headstones already in place that have shifted out of vertical or horizontal alignment. Fine tuning of headstone alignment, or “Bump and run,” shall be ongoing to keep stones plumb and aligned.

Upon award, the COR shall provide Gravesite Layout Plan and conduct a walk through with the

Contractor Site Supervisor to address current condition of upright marble headstones prior to initiating headstone work.

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide headstone fine tune alignment services.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Upright headstones for individual graves shall be erected on the centerline twelve (12) inches in from the head of the grave with the inscription facing the grave. They shall be set plumb and aligned laterally, transversely, and diagonally with the headstones on other graves.

Minor realignment, consisting merely of straightening the headstone, is called fine tuning, or bump and run, and may be accomplished by one person by hand or with a wooden tamping/pry stick, but is usually more efficient with one or two others to sight along headstone rows and columns to guide the adjustment.

The contractor is responsible to protect headstones from damage or being discolored from contact with dirt, soil or other contaminants during realignment or other maintenance operations. Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds, or equipment due to contractor error and/or negligence shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be repaired/replaced at Contractor’s expense.

***IMPORTANT NOTE: HEADSTONES SHALL NOT BE REMOVED FROM THEIR

RESPECTIVE GRAVESITES.

No gravel placed up the sides of the socket. Only native soil or clay.

5b.1.3: HEADSTONE SETTING (ALL FIRST, SUBSEQUENT AND REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES)

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021

Category 6, Headstone, Marker Operations

Sub-Category 3: Installation o Standard 3.1: Headstones, markers and niche covers are set in a timely manner after receipt.

• Measure 3.1a: The percent of headstones, markers, or niche covers set within ten calendar days of receipt.

• Measure 3.1b: The percent of graves marked with a permanent headstone, marker, or niche cover and set within 60 calendar days of the interment.

• Measure 3.2d: Headstones and Markers set in Existing Sections are installed to be uniform with only minor height deviations to achieve a Pleasing Top Line with like headstones and markers in that section, and/or are set to ensure the inscription is visible.

• Measure 3.2e: Headstones and markers are located on the correct gravesite, consistent with the Gravesite Layout Plan (GLP).

Standard 3.2: Headstones, markers, and niche covers are properly installed.

• Measure 3.2a: Upright headstones in current active burial sections are installed to be uniform in height (24”-26” above ground); horizontally, vertically, and diagonally aligned;

and inscription visible. A deviation from the height requirement is acceptable to ensure a

Pleasing Top Line is achieved to compensate for ground contours.

SCOPE

Work shall consist of setting new or replacement headstones on gravesites and resetting or realigning those already in place that have shifted out of vertical or horizontal alignment. It includes reporting physical defects to the Contracting Officer or his authorized representative.

Upright white marble headstones are to be used at the Mobile National Cemetery as determined through direction of the National Cemetery Administration, Central Office (in accordance with the general plan of the cemetery).

Cemetery has an on-site inscription contract. Only blank headstones / markers are received.

Headstones shall be installed as soon as possible, but no later than ten (10) calendar days of receipt at the cemetery. Standard upright marble headstones are, approximately, 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, 4 inches thick, 230 pounds in weight.

PROCEDURE, NEW AND REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES

The responsibility for ordering headstones, checking for inscription accuracy, and initial inspection for damages shall be that of the Government.

Headstones are received at Barrancas National Cemetery and unloaded by Barrancas staff via forklift. The

Cemetery staff is responsible for the unloading of headstones from the delivery truck, inspecting the headstones for damage (documenting any damage and reporting to COR immediately) and breaking down packaging material. Cemetery staff shall remove glue, cardboard or crating material from the headstones that has adhered to the surface for quality and inscription inspection. Cemetery staff is responsible for removal of skids from cemetery property from delivered headstones.

COR and Cemetery staff will inspect headstones as they are removed from the pallet.

Note:

Following installation, Headstones identified by the COR as damaged or, after inspection of inscription, incorrect, shall be moved by the contractor to a designated area determined by the COR. Defective headstones will not be set. Replacement headstones will be ordered by Barrancas National Cemetery staff.

Headstones / markers shall be properly set on the correct gravesites within ten (10) calendar days of delivery to the cemetery. In transporting or storage of headstones, they shall be protected from the weather to avoid damage or staining from crating materials.

If there is any breakage or damage in any form due to the Contractor's handling or negligence, the cost for replacement will be borne by the Contractor.

Headstones shall be lifted and transported or set by at least two (2) people unless special one-person devices are approved.

Headstones shall be properly set on the centerline of the grave, in from the head of the grave, with the inscription facing the grave. Headstones shall be set vertically plumb in all directions, in all cases, in a line vertically and laterally, and transversely, with headstones of other graves using a top string, a back of headstone string line, and a side of headstone string line (note: high winds in the area at times, string lines may need to be pinned more frequently at these times to set headstones). In the case of

In irregular terrain where sloping and uneven ground conditions exist, all headstones and markers will be set at proper heights and levels to provide a flowing transition through uneven terrain unless otherwise specified by the COR. Headstones shall be anchored firmly in place so that they are rigid with no give or play.

If there are cases where headstone sockets need to be realigned/shifted, and/or re-dug, the headstone sockets (holes) to receive headstones shall be dug by hand and/or mechanical devices to a sufficient depth so that 24-26 inches of the headstone is extending from the soil level to the top of the arc on the headstone. Contractor shall not dig a headstone socket wider than twelve (12) inches, twenty (20) inches in length, or exceed a depth of 20 inches that may cause the headstone to settle below height requirement.

The alignment of the headstones should be checked frequently during this process because the tamping may move the headstone out of level or off the mark on the line. Upright headstones in a section shall be firmly set and anchored in place with no movement from forces subjected by the COR.

All in-ground burial sites shall be tamped, raked and ready for sod at close of business of the day, ready for end of the day inspections. If mowing activity occurs after the setting of a headstone, contractor is required to re-rake and re-tamp (if need) that site by end of the day inspection.

Headstones are to be set in the following manner:

On pre-placed crypts, sockets for headstones are to be dug down to the crypt lid (WITH AN

OFFSET – OFFSET TO MATCH EXISTING CASKETED SECTIONS), then, if needed to achieve the correct headstone height, moistened, Crushed Limestone Base Material supplied by the contractor (graded aggregate sizes ranging from crushed powder fines up to 3/8 inches maximum) is to be added and tamped to full compaction in the bottom of each socket to the proper depth needed for the headstone to set on and extend 24-26 inches from the surface soil level to the top of the arc on the headstone. After each headstone is placed into its socket and its correct height confirmed. Moistened Crushed Limestone Base Material (graded aggregate sizes ranging from crushed powder fines up to 3/8 inches maximum) is to be placed around all sides of the headstone and heavily tamped to full compaction at each three (3) inch vertical interval, leaving the last 4 inches at the top to have tamped topsoil and sod applied. During this process it is critical that proper plumb, alignment, and height be frequently checked, corrected for, and ultimately achieved, with each headstone rigidly set.

If a headstone is to be installed where there is no pre-placed crypt or headstone containment box, the depth of the socket shall be dug in the soil to a maximum depth of 20 inches, and then a minimum of 3 inches of Crushed Limestone Base Material supplied by the contractor (graded aggregate sizes ranging from crushed powder fines up to 3/8 inches maximum) is to be heavily tamped to full compaction in the bottom of the socket to provide a footing for the headstone to set on, and to the proper depth so that 24-26 inches of the headstone extends from the surface soil level to the top of the arc of the headstone. After the headstone is placed into the socket and its correct height confirmed, Moistened Crushed Limestone Base Material (graded aggregate sizes ranging from crushed powder fines up to 3/8 inches maximum) is to be placed around all sides of the headstone and heavily tamped to full compaction at each three (3) inch vertical interval, leaving the last 4 inches at the top to have tamped topsoil and sod applied. During this process it is critical that proper plumb, alignment, and height be frequently checked, corrected for, and ultimately achieved, with each headstone rigidly set.

The contractor shall report at the end of the day on his/her daily headstone settings in writing to the

COR and provided the Daily Check list and Headstone set sheets no later than 2:00pm.

Any headstones broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the Cemetery Administrator or

COR by close of business each working day in order that the grave can be properly marked. The

Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the headstone replacement. All headstone replacements must be coordinated with the COR. Any grid or sectional monuments disturbed, displaced, or broken shall be replaced by the Contractor at his cost. All grid or sectional monuments disturbed, etc., shall be properly reset by a licensed land surveyor at Contractor’s expense. Curbs, roads, walks, turf, trees, utilities, etc. existing above and below the ground that are damaged or disturbed by the contractor during performance of contract work shall be repaired at the expense of the contractor.

Repairs to the above shall be corrected by the Contractor within fourteen (14) workdays, unless otherwise agreed to with the COR.

Headstones will be removed from their sockets by using wooden, and or metal clamps. If metal clamps are used the area that contacts the headstone must be protected with a rigid fabric that will prevent damage to, and marking of, the headstone. Clamps may be attached to a Bob Cat or similar Machine to extract headstone from socket. Use care not to scratch or damage headstones in any manner. Contractor is responsible for the correction and/or restoring to original condition all areas where damages were caused to turf and headstones during performance of this work.

Adjustment (raising, lowering, or otherwise realigning) newly set headstones due to initial settling, improper compaction or contractor error will be the responsibility of the Contractor, and will be at the

Contractor’s expense.

If there is a problem with realigning a specific marker, a report shall be sent to the COR providing a detailed explanation, the reasons the marker was not realigned.

Any and all headstones set by the Contractor shall maintain the proper height and alignment for a period of 365 days from date of install and compliance by the COR; any adjustment, raise, lower or realignment of headstones during this warranty period shall be at the Contractor’s expense. Adjustment, raising, lowering and/or realigning newly set headstones due to initial settling, improper compaction or Contractor error will not constitute Headstone Raise, Lower, Realign, Reset, Back-fill as described in the Price/Cost

Schedule and shall be at the Contractor’s expense.

After award and prior to headstone setting, the COR will work with the Awarded Contractor to provide specific details about sections and previous offsets of stone setting per section.

All in-ground burial sites shall be tamped, raked and ready for sod at close of business of the day, ready for end of the day inspections. If mowing activity occurs after the setting of a headstone, contractor is required to re-rake and re-tamp (if need) that site by end of the day inspection.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete job.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

5b.2 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

5b.2.1 Sunken Grave, Grounds and Turf Repair to include sod (St. Augustine) installation

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base

Standard 2.8: The grade of every gravesite blends in with adjacent grade levels.

Measure 2.8: Sunken graves have been identified and a plan of action developed to re-establish the ground level and cover within 30 calendar days of the date identified.

Category 8, Safety

Sub-Category 1: Operations

Standard 1.2: In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA)

Walking Working Surfaces: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean, and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

Measure 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).

Measure 1.2b: Safety hazards (holes, hazardous trees and branches, sprinkler heads, etc.)

identified and corrective action initiated within the same workday.

SCOPE OF WORK

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

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

Turf grass Species St. Augustine Sod

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Damage to the grounds occurs due to excessive rainfall, pests, fungus, or poor landscape and horticulture practices and can be the cause of injury to visitors and personnel. The cemetery shall be checked for sunken grave sites, holes, and/or washouts and, when found, shall be filled as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after discovery.

Prior to any Sunken grave, Grounds, and Turf repair work commencing, Contractor shall provide square footage of area(s) to be sodded to COR. CLIN shall be invoiced by the square foot.

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

The Contractor shall keep a Sunken Grave / Damaged Grounds Log which shall be provided to the

COR monthly, or more frequently if requested by the COR.

• A sunken grave is defined as any gravesite that has receded one (1) inch from the existing adjacent grade. Standard graves excavated and backfilled are approximately three and a half feet wide (42”) and approximately eight feet long (96”) in standard pre-placed crypt areas

(does not apply to this cemetery). In an oversize vaulted area, and traditional (private vaults) area, the excavated and backfilled gravesites are approximately four feet (48”) in width by ten feet (120”) in length.

• Partially sunken graves may occur after weather events that include excessive rainfall. They can appear as a small to medium depression or hole, outlining the grave or headstone setting. This type of grade issue can cause injury to visitors and staff and must be repaired as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days after notification by the COR.

• Small holes caused by pests or other means shall be secured with safety barriers, cones, or otherwise covered immediately after discovery due to the danger they pose to personnel visiting or working on the grounds. Repaired holes shall be filled, and hand tamped no later than 24 hours after discovery. The area shall then be sodded, following procedures as indicated below.

• Washouts occur from excessive rain or overuse of irrigation which erodes the topsoil and causes damage to the turf. Washouts shall have damaged turf removed, following procedures as indicated below, be brought to grade, adding suitable fill as necessary, and resodded, following procedures as indicated below.

• Turf repair shall be at the discretion of the COR. Areas identified as needing turf repair shall be discussed with the District Agronomist prior to any work commencing.

All Contractor identified areas requiring repair shall be reported to the COR the day they are identified.

Once identified, all area requiring repair must be secured with safety barriers, cones, or otherwise covered

/ cordoned off (marked with red marker flags) until repairs can be completed to prevent injury to visitors and personnel.

Red marker flags shall be placed in such a way as to effectively “box” the area needing repair. Each flag will indicate date of placement. Marker flags shall remain in place until repaired area has established healthy sod.

All sunken grave, grounds or turf repairs shall be accomplished as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after identification, unless otherwise noted.

**NOTE: If repairs are not completed once identified due to weather conditions, extensive cemetery operations, and/or cemetery events, gatherings, or meetings, the Contractor shall provide a traffic cone/safety marking device to ensure no injuries or accidents are sustained by cemetery staff, contractors, or customers prior to repair being completed. **

GUARANTEE

The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and watering all sodded areas and maintaining them in a healthy and vigorous condition. Spot watering will be accomplished with hoses or other watering methods; irrigation will not be used for watering individual sites.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any sod which has died, been damaged during the establishment period, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or turf maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during Contractor-lead grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds, or equipment due to contractor error and/or negligence shall be the responsibility of the

Contractor and shall be repaired/replaced at Contractor’s expense.

Sod Repairs and Installation

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Dec 2023

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base o Standard 2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare

Areas.

• Measure 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.

Work consists of sod bed preparation and sodding of areas of the cemetery where the turf has been disturbed or has died. The cemetery consists of 4.5 +/- acres of sodded ground.

Healthy turf shall be reestablished with in sixty (60) days during the growing season (which is March through December).

Turf type- Sod only:

Type Required % Purity

St. Augustine 98%-99%

Sod shall be square in shape and no less than 12 inches. Replaced sod borders shall be uniform in appearance. All borders of sod squares/sections shall be married, and hand tamped in such a manner as to prevent gaps, trip hazards, and encourage proper regrowth.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal and disposal of dead turf and shall refill the site with quality topsoil and perform the sodding to include the bare areas to ensure quality turf. The contractor shall be responsible for purchase, transportation, care, and storage of all sod that is required for gravesites and bare areas throughout the cemetery.

Delivery tickets, indicating date, weight, analysis, purity, and vendor’s name to be submitted to the COR prior to installation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Only the cultivars of St. Augustine sod that have been adapted in the State of Alabama and certified by the State Agronomy Testing Laboratory shall be accepted. Any substitution of sod type, weight, or application shall be specifically approved by the COR, and Southeast District Agronomist in writing. Sod shall be free of all noxious weeds.

No substitution of sod type, weight, or application without the specific requested to do so and is approved in writing by, the Contacting Officer Representative and Southeast District Agronomist. Sod is to be free of all noxious weeds, insects, and disease. St. Augustine is the turf that shall be used at cemetery.

The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and watering all sodded areas and maintaining them in a healthy and vigorous condition in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Plan. Newly placed sod shall not be mowed until fully established.

Rather than operating the irrigation system only for individual gravesites where sod is being established, those gravesites shall be spot watered with hoses or other watering methods as needed when routine irrigation or rainfall is insufficient for the new sod.

• Newly installed sod shall be watered within 1/2 hour of installation.

• Newly installed sod shall be watered daily - to the point of saturation - for the first two weeks. The Contractor shall begin less frequent and deeper watering after the first two weeks.

• Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering.

All repaired areas shall be sodded within thirty (30) days of repair.

Healthy turf shall be re-established within sixty (60) days during the growing season. The Contractor shall, at his/her own expense, replace any sod which has died or been damaged during the establishment period.

NOTE: Newly placed sod shall not be mowed until fully established or until leaf blades are one (1) inch above the recommended mowing height.

PROCEDURE

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

The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal and disposal of dead turf and shall refill the site with quality topsoil, or topsoil/fertilizer mix, capable of growing healthy grasses shall be added. The disturbed area shall then be raked free of stones and any debris larger than one (1) inch measured in any direction.

The contractor shall be responsible for purchase, transportation, care, and storage of all sod that is required for gravesites and bare areas throughout the cemetery. Delivery tickets, indicating date, weight, analysis, purity of sod, and vendor’s name shall be submitted to the COR upon request.

Sod shall be square in shape and no less than 12 inches. Replaced sod borders shall be uniform in appearance. All borders of sod squares/sections shall be married, and hand tamped in such a manner as to prevent gaps, trip hazards, and encourage proper regrowth. Sod shall then be replaced as specified to bring the gravesite to established grade. All edges of sod/turf on shall be brought together, edges married together and tamped.

Healthy turf must be reestablished within sixty (60) days of repair.

**NOTE: COR(s) shall inspect sunken grave, grounds, and turf repair, to ensure it meets the

National Cemetery Administration standards and measures.

GUARANTEE

Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and watering all sodded areas and maintaining them in a healthy and vigorous condition. Spot watering will be accomplished with hoses or other watering methods provided by the contractor; irrigation will not be used for watering individual sites.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any sod which has died, been damaged during the establishment period, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or turf maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

**Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during Contractor-lead grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds, or equipment due to contractor error and/or negligence shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and shall be repaired/replaced at Contractor’s expense.

5b.2.2 Weekly Floral, Decoration, Pick-up/Removal and Disposal

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Dec 2023

Category 1, Customer Satisfaction

Sub-Category 1: Survey o Standard 1.6: Headstones, markers, and niche covers are clean, free of debris and

Objectionable Accumulations.

o Measure 1.6: The percent of respondents to the annual CSS who agree or strongly agree that the upkeep of headstones, markers, and niche covers is excellent.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of weekly collection and removal of dead or unsightly floral arrangements and unauthorized gravesite adornments/decorations from the interment sections, in accordance with the floral regulations of the cemetery.

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide weekly floral and unauthorized decoration pick-up, removal, and disposal.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All artificial floral arrangement, flags, and/or decorations collected and removed from gravesites, shall be clearly labeled with a section and gravesite number, and retained by the Contractor for a minimum of thirty (30) days after removal. Cemetery provided floral vases will be returned to the floral vase receptacle.

The COR shall be responsible for designating an artificial floral/gravesite decoration retention area on the

Cemetery Grounds that enables the Contractor and/or cemetery staff to assist inquiring families in retrieving recently removed/relocated arrangements/decorations. The retention bin shall be emptied no later than the 10th of each month.

The Contractor shall provide all the necessary labor, equipment, and transportation necessary for the collection, removal, and disposal of all “unsightly floral arrangements”, artificial floral arrangements and unauthorized gravesite adornments/decorations.

For clarity, “unsightly floral arrangements” refers to artificial floral arrangements that are severely faded, ripped, torn, or strewn about the cemetery in such a manner that their designated location cannot be readily identified and/or floral arrangements that have died or withered and detract from the beauty and dignity of the cemetery.

Unauthorized gravesite adornments/decorations include flat-bottomed vases, balloons, solar lights, glass of any kind, pinwheels, unsecured items left on the gravesite, and decorations that are secured to the headstone or stand higher than the top of the headstone. A complete list of unauthorized gravesite adornment/decorations shall be provided by the COR upon Contractor arrival onsite.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete job.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

5b.3 IRRIGATION SYSTEM OPERATION, MONITORING, INSEPCTION

AND MAINTENANCE

5b.3.1 Irrigation System Operation, Inspection and Monitoring

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of the yearly startup, weekly operation, monthly monitoring & inspection, and yearly shutdown (winterization, if required) of the irrigation system and corresponding system components. This includes, but is not limited to, the backflow preventer (Watts LF909M1-QT 2), pump (Sta-Rite Model

JMET-40), control box (Rainbird ESP-ME3), valves, lines, wiring, pipes, and sprinkler heads.

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials, transportation, and supplies necessary to provide irrigation system operation and monitoring.

Cemetery shall provide all irrigation parts.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The work specified herein shall be provided to facilitate the successful and ongoing operation of a manually set, automatically controlled underground landscape irrigation system.

This contract shall cover yearly start-up/shut-down, weekly operation, monthly monitoring and inspection, troubleshooting, and repair service, which includes emergency callback service, and preventative maintenance of the irrigation system and corresponding system components.

This includes, but is not limited to, the backflow preventer, pump, control box, valves, lines, wiring, pipes, and sprinkler heads and provide reports to COR no later than the 5th of each month.

The contractor shall be required to perform the following:

Perform all system inspection and maintenance tasks for the irrigation system and system components at minimum 1x monthly.

Check program schedules for proper operation and adjust if necessary. Verify all field controllers have back-up programs, adjust programs as necessary to allow for changing site conditions, seasonal changes, and cemetery staff needs. Perform annual preventive maintenance inspection/service to the RPV backflow valve to meet manufacturer's recommendations.

WORK NOT INCLUDED:

Maintenance service shall not include the performance of any work required as a result of improper use, accidents, or negligence for which the contractor is not directly responsible.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during irrigation system operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

5b.3.2 Irrigation System, Inspection, Maintenance and Repair

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of operation, inspection, maintenance, and minor repair of the installed irrigation system.

The Cemetery has approximately 4.5+/_ acres of irrigated turf. The Contractor shall assume responsibility for the irrigation system “as is”; as irrigation system is operational and fully functional as per manufacturer specifications.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work specified herein shall be provided to facilitate the successful and ongoing operation of an automatically controlled underground landscape irrigation system, including system controllers and control devices, control valves, sprinkler heads and accessible field wiring, and startup in the spring and shutdown in the fall if required or designated by COR.

Irrigation parts required for repair(s) shall be supplied by the government.

All labor for repairs shall be charged at the hourly rate indicated in the schedule and broken down into quarterly hours (15 min) increments as appropriate. Labor Rates for Irrigation repairs to be provided on an “As-Needed/ As-Requested” bases.

Contractor and COR will inventory parts needed for frequent repairs. Designated location of parts will be established and maintained by the government. If additional parts are needed for a repair and not on hand, Contractor will notify COR with a list and specifics of what is needed for repair for the government to purchase.

The Contractor shall keep an Irrigation Repair Log, which shall be provided to the COR monthly, or more frequently if requested by the COR.

DESCRIPTION

The work specified herein shall be provided to facilitate the successful and ongoing…