ATTACHMENTS A - PUERTO RICO NC GMC STATEMENT OF WORK.docx

MOROVIS NATIONAL CEMETERY

General Maintenance Services

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - STATEMENT OF WORK

B.1 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the primary complete grounds maintenance service objectives for Morovis National Cemetery.

B.2 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. Morovis National Cemetery is one (1) of two (2) cemeteries in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

B.3 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 contracting 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 or disrupt cemetery operations.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 Morovis National Cemetery is in Morovis, Puerto Rico (PR) which is approximately 3 miles NW and about 23 miles from San Juan. The address is 900 Carretera 137, Morovis, PR 00687. The cemetery’s anticipated burial rate will be 100 to 1000 per year.

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.

a. Site features include a main entrance with floral beds, administration building, maintenance building, maintenance compound and contractors’ compound, 2 committal shelters, a flag assembly plaza, columbarium with floral beds, memorial trail with floral beds, extensive landscaping with trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Turf is Zoysia manila.

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. 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.

B.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide General Maintenance Services to the Morovis National Cemetery. Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Morovis, PR 00687-2213 50 Turf Acres Current

50 Manually Irrigated Acres Current

General Maintenance Services

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

B.4.a COMPLETE GROUNDS MAINTENANCES SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED:

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to perform the following General Maintenance Services tasks at Morovis National Cemetery. The contractor shall provide the workforce and all resources necessary to perform and complete multiple maintenance requirements simultaneously to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery.

B.4.b DESCRIPTION OF COMPLETE GROUNDS MAINTENANCES SERVICES:

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Morovis National Cemetery has an immediate need for Grounds, Turf, Headstone, Lawn, Tree, Shrub, Plant bed, Maintenance, Irrigation System Maintenance and Testing, and Trash, Debris, and Leaf. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure total cemetery maintenance is performed at Morovis National Cemetery in a manner that shall maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

Services include, but are not limited to: maintenance of grounds, to include regular mowing, weed eating, edge trimming of roadways, removal of trash, leaves, grave decorations, unsightly floral arrangements and debris, as well as, sweeping/blowing off walkways and roadways, gravesite maintenance, to include sunken graves and grounds repair, cleaning and trimming around headstones and markers; plant material maintenance, to include maintenance of planting and mulch beds (to include tree rings), and tree & shrub trimming and pruning; lawn / turf maintenance, to include sod installation, aerification, de-thatching, overseeding, application of fertilizers and herbicides/pesticides, lime application (as indicated by soil tests), and weed control; pest control; storm debris clean-up, support services, daily committal setup/teardown, headstone services, to include proper storage, transport and setting of all initial, subsequent, and replacement headstones at correct gravesite; cleaning and pressure washing of headstones, committal shelters, Administration Building, Maintenance Building, Entrance and Exit signs at both the main entrance and the maintenance entrance, and walkways/sidewalks and curbs.

Contractor shall keep drainage ditches clean and free from trash, debris, plant growth, and any manner of moss or algae formation.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm local time (Monday thru Friday - excluding Federal Holidays where NO burials are scheduled). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the VA Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COR).

The Period of Performance for this project shall consist of a Base Year (12 Months) and 4 Option years (if exercise).

Base Year: August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026 Option Year 1: August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027 Option Year 2: August 1, 2027, to July 31, 2028 Option Year 3: August 1, 2028, to July 31, 2029 Option Year 4: August 1, 2029, to July 31, 2030

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

Contractor shall understand and meet all current applicable NCA Operational Standards and Measures (Attachment or Appendix). Minor changes to standards and measures shall be at no cost to the government (i.e., timeline to perform tasks).

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 8:15 am the next business day.

** IMPORTANT NOTE: Contractor will be required daily to return the “Daily Headstone Installation Sheet” no later than 3:00 pm to the Primary COR or Alternate COR. Therefore, the COR or Alternate COR can initiate the daily headstone location validation and the Headstone NCA Standard of Measure inspection. **

Table of Contents

B.4.1

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.1

MOWING TURF AREA

B.4.1.2a

MOWING AND TRIMMING OF NON-TURF AREAS

B.4.1.2b

TRIMMING AND CHEMICAL MOWING OF PERIMETER FENCE

B.4.1.3

EDGING OF WALKWAYS AND CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL SURFACES

B.4.1.4

TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER VERTICAL SURFACES

B.4.1.5

TRASH, NON-MINERAL DEBRIS, AND GRAVE DECORATION/FLORAL REMOVAL

B.4.1.6

SWEEPING/BLOWING OFF WALKWAYS & ROADWAYS

B.4.2

GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

B.4.2.1a

SUNKEN GRAVES, SOD REPAIR AND INSTALLATION

B.4.3.1

LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION & REMOVAL

B.4.4

PLANT MATERIAL MAINTENANCE

B.4.4.1

PLANTING BEDS

B.4.4.2

MULCHING

B.4.4.3

TREE TRIMMING / PRUNING /SHRUB MAINTENANCE

B.4.4.4

TOPDRESSING OF TURF AREAS

B.4.5

LAWN / TURF MAINTENANCE

B.4.5.2

CORE AERIFICATION

B.4.5.3

FERTILIZATION

B.4.5.5

WEED CONTROL

B.4.5.5a

PRE-EMERGE APPLICATIONS: Zoysia Turf

B.4.5.5b

PRE-EMERGE APPLICATION: Planting Beds

B.4.5.5c

POST-EMERGE APPLICATION: Spot treatment Zoysia Turf and Planting Beds

B.4.5.5d

POST-EMERGE APPLICATION: Blanket treatment Zoysia Turf

B.4.5.5e

BERMUDAGRASS CONTROL in Zoysia Turf

B.4.5.5f

NON-SELECTIVE HERBICIDE APPLICATION on access roads

B.4.6

PEST CONTROL

B.4.6.1

GREEN IGUANAS - STRAY DOGS AND OTHER PEST

B.4.6.2

FIRE ANT CONTROL

B.4.6.3

INSECT/PEST/DISEASE CONTROL

B.4.7

STORM DAMAGE AND DEBRIS CLEAN-UP

B.4.8

SUPPORT SERVICES

B.4.8.1

DAILY COMMITAL SHELTER SETUP

B.4.8.3

CEREMONY SUPPORT TO INCLUDE SET-UP AND TAKE-DOWN

B.4.9

HEADSTONE SETTING, RAISE & REALIGNMENT

B.4.9.1

HEADSTONE TRANSPORT TO GRAVESITE

B.4.9.1a

HEADSTONE SETTING

B.4.9.2

HEADSTONE FINE TUNE ALIGNMENT

B.4.10

CLEANING AND PRESSURE WASHING

B.4.10.1

PRESSURE WASHING: All Headstones Section Markers and Niche Cover

B.4.10.2

PRESSURE WASHING: Committal Shelters A & B

B.4.10.3

PRESSURE WASHING: Administration Building/PIC & Maintenance Building

B.4.10.4

PRESSURE WASHING: Flag Assembly & Columbarium Area

B.4.10.5

PRESSURE WASHING: Walkways, Curbs, Signs, Water drains, Decorative Fence, Front & Maintenance Gates

B.4.12

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

B.4.12.1

CONTRACTING OFFICER

B.4.12.2

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

B.4.12.3

CONTRACTOR STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.4

SITE SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.5

EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

B.4.13

CONTRACTOR/EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT

B.4.14

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

B.4.15

QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

B.4.16

SAFETY DISCLAIMER

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, DEC. 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Bases Standard 2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established healthy stand of turf.

· Measure 2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

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.

Standard 2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

· Measure 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 Standard 2.7: Avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf during grounds maintenance operations.

· Measure 2.7: Turf damage due to grounds maintenance tasks is identified and corrective action initiated by close of business the same day.

The contractor shall mow, edge, and trim all grass within the cemetery and the perimeter tree line, entry gates, and walls. All damage due to contractors’ equipment or operations shall be repaired and/or replaced by the contractor at no cost to the government. Contractor is responsible to report any damages immediately to the COR.

Note: Zoysia grass height shall be maintained at 1 ½ to 2 inches or as directed by the COR. Cutting height shall be established as per required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District Agronomist.

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

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

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is YEAR-ROUND. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing no more than one half (1/2”) inch above the maximum recommended height of 2 inches for Zoysia turfgrass. Advanced Written Notice and COR /Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at any 1(one) mowing.

The contractor will encounter sloped turf areas. It is imperative that these areas be maintained at the recommended height of 2 inches for Zoysia as the flat areas to ensure a consistent appearance throughout the cemetery. Careful attention must be given when mowing these sloped regions, and all procedures and equipment employed must adhere to safety standards and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor is responsible for mowing all turf and non-turf areas located on steep hillsides and flat areas to include any other areas designated by COR within the cemetery grounds in its entirety.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government. When scalping is a result of ruts, contractor shall ensure top dressing is completed in the ruts to not scalp the center of the gravesite.

After mowing, no excessive thatch will be permitted to remain on the turf. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch, or paved areas.

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 (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Mowing equipment shall be kept 6 (six) to 12 (twelve) inches from upright headstones and other vertical structures and/or fixtures.

Top dressing areas with ruts from turf mowing to be completed once a year or on an as needed bases, requested by the COR. Proper top-dressing techniques shall be utilized (example – sand) and shall be approved by the COR prior to completion.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall be responsible for mowing: edging and trimming all grass within the cemetery as specified by COR.

Turf shall be cut to maintain heights as set forth below (this may change if grounds require such height change):

Cutting Height, Inches Turf grass Species

1 ½” – 2” Zoysia Manila

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is year-round or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing above the maximum recommended height of 1.5”-2” inches. Advanced Written Notice and COR/Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at anyone mowing.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

After mowing no excessive thatch/clippings will be permitted to remain. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas or paved areas.

Due to rapid growth or wet conditions, some grass clippings may clump together excessively. The contractor will promptly remove these clippings following the mowing process.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The contractor shall utilize commercial-grade mowers that are equipped with mulching decks and blades specifically rated for mowing slopes exceeding 3% or line trimmers to safely accomplished this task. It is essential that the cutting blades on all mowing equipment remain sharp to ensure a clean cut of grass tips, thereby preventing any tearing or damage. Furthermore, the cutting heights of all mowing equipment must align with the specifications detailed in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The contractor shall indicate the cutting deck height in the weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within six (6) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut—not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching decks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s).

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use in writing (email) to COR.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged turf at the Contractor’s expense no more than 72 hours after identification.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched, raked, or otherwise collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created. Multiple passes of mowing equipment may be necessary to thoroughly mulch clippings.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of grass clippings allowed to remain on grounds. All clippings must be removed from the site. No excess clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

The walkways (inside and out), interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, edging, and trimming, etc.). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of grounds maintenance operations.

If additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the COR for approval. Overtime / weekend work will be at no cost of the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from COR is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel shall be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

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

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.

B.4.1.2a: MOWING AND TRIMMING OF NON-TURF AREAS:

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

The contractor shall mow or trim all non-turf areas within the cemetery grounds.

The contractor will encounter sloped turf areas. It is imperative that these areas be maintained at the recommended height of 2 inches for Zoysia as the flat areas to ensure a consistent appearance throughout the cemetery. Careful attention must be given when mowing these sloped regions, and all procedures and equipment employed must adhere to safety standards and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor is responsible for mowing all turf and non-turf areas located on steep hillsides and flat areas to include any other areas designated by COR within the cemetery grounds in its entirety, as well as along the perimeter tree line and walls.

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

All Mowing on non-turf areas will be done as directed by the COR. The growing season which is year-round may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the area from growing above the maximum recommended height of 2.5”- 3” inches. Advanced Written Notice and COR/Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at anyone mowing.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

After mowing no excessive thatch/clippings will be permitted to remain. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas or paved areas.

Due to rapid growth or wet conditions, some grass clippings may clump together excessively. The contractor will promptly remove these clippings following the mowing process.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The contractor shall utilize commercial-grade mowers that are equipped with mulching decks and blades specifically rated for mowing slopes exceeding 3% or line trimmers to safely accomplished this task. It is essential that the cutting blades on all mowing equipment remain sharp to ensure a clean cut of grass tips, thereby preventing any tearing or damage. Furthermore, the cutting heights of all mowing equipment must align with the specifications detailed in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The contractor shall indicate the cutting deck height in the weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within six (6) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut—not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching checks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s) Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest, in writing, that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged turf at the Contractor’s expense no more than 72 hours after identification.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched, raked, or otherwise collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created. Multiple passes of mowing equipment may be necessary to thoroughly mulch clippings.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of grass clippings allowed to remain on grounds. All clippings must be removed from the site. No excess clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

The walkways (inside and out), interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, edging, and trimming, etc.). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of grounds maintenance operations.

If additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the COR for approval. Overtime / weekend work will be at no cost of the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from COR is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel shall be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

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

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.

B.4.1.2b: TRIMMING AND CHEMICAL MOWING OF PERIMETER FENCE:

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

The contractor shall trim and apply non-selective herbicide (Chemical Mow) to all chain link fence (perimeter fence +/- 4000 linear feet).

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

All trimming will be done a minimum of once a quarter or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require mowing more services due to favorable weather conditions to keep weeds from growing around perimeter fence. Advanced Written Notice and COR/Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to trim more than the quantity previously establish. All areas surround chain link fence within 10’ front and backside of fence shall be trimmed with a bladed edger, string trimmer, or hedge mower inside and outside cemetery grounds.

All trimming/cutting shall be followed with a suitable mower to dress the top line of the grass. Vegetation along the edged areas shall be trimmed to ensure the height of the turf matches the entire turfed area. Turf shall not be higher near the edged area than the turf in the mow-able area. Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (1/2) above specified range of turfgrass.

Non-Selective Herbicide shall be applied no less one to two days following trimming.

ONLY herbicides (based on active ingredients) shall be used (see approved list below). Rotation of Pre-emergence herbicides must be observed.

No Pre-Emerge herbicide will be allowed for consecutive use for more than a 12-month period. Best management practices shall be observed to manage resistance management of weeds.

ALL Pesticide Applications Contractor must keep application records of all herbicides and furnish a copy to the COR within five (5) working days of application.

Records must show type, amount, application area, EPA registration number and weather conditions as required by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Contractor shall place chemical application signs (to include date and time of application) on all sides of the treatment area and shall be placed no less than 25 feet apart for visibility from entry and exit points of cemetery. The Contractor shall also be responsible for removal of the chemical application signs no less than 24 hours after application.

Note: The Contractor shall follow the Chemical Application Plan as set forth in the Operational flow chart Warm Season Turfgrass Areas.

*See Operational Flow Chart included below*

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

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT

Commercial Applicators are required to be licensed by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico when applying any pesticide. Refer to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Code of Laws, Standards for certification of pesticide applicators, applicators’ licenses.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The Contractor shall furnish all required liquid or granular chemicals/herbicides, OSHA approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and any other supplies. The Contractor in collaboration with the Southeast District Agronomist shall determine the necessary formulation of herbicides required to maintain the cemetery turf.

Water, to administer herbicide and/or fertilize applications, will be furnished by the Government.

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.

B.4.1.3: EDGING OF WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL SURFACES:

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

All edging of walkways, curbs, and other horizontal surfaces will be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season, year-round or as directed by the COR.

All streets, curbs, walkways, entry gates including walls, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, water drainage systems and crypt field drain clean-out covers shall be vertically edged with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds.

All streets, curbs, walkways, entry gates including walls, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, water drainage systems, and crypt field drain clean-out covers will be blown clean after mowing, trimming, and edging before close of business on the day edging occurs.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All edging will be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season, which is YEAR-ROUND, or as directed by the COR.

All streets, curbs, walkways, entry gates including walls, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, water drainage systems, crypt field drain clean-out covers and all tree rings and planting beds shall be vertically trimmed with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds. The desired result will be a ½” wide clear gap between the turf/grass and the horizontal surface.

Street edges, with no discernable curbing, shall be edged in such a manner as to eliminate turf/grass from overlapping the roadway.

All edging shall be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the grass. Turf along the edged areas shall be trimmed to ensure the height of the turf matches the entire turfed area. Turf shall not be higher near the edged area than the turf in the mow-able area. Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (1/2) above specified range of turfgrass.

All edging will be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the grass.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

Care shall be taken that no clippings are blown into mulch beds. Clippings shall be removed from mulch beds by close of business on the day they were created.

The walkways and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, string trimming, and edging). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of ground maintenance operations.

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

The COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

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.

B.4.1.4: TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER VERTICAL SURFACES

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

Work consists of trimming all un-mowed grass around headstones, monuments, markers, and other vertical surfaces to the recommended mowing height using line-type trimmers.

Mowing shall be performed prior to trimming or edging. All trimming shall be performed weekly during the growing season, following the approved mowing schedule. All trimming shall be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is Year-Round, or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require trimming twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing more than One (1) inch above the maximum recommended height of 2 inches. Advanced Written Notice and COR Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to trimming more than once a week.

All trimmings shall follow the mowing schedule.

Trimming will be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers. All un-mowed grass around headstones, monuments, markers, rocks, trees, and other vertical surfaces shall be trimmed to keep the grass at the height standard described in NCA Operational Standards and Measures (Attachment or Appendix).

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 (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Care will be taken near headstones to prevent damage to the headstone. Grass clippings/stains will be removed from headstone bases after trimming.

Scalping is not acceptable. Trimmers will be kept level to prevent scalping between and around headstones. All string trimmers shall always have anti-scalping devices attached. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

Discarded trimmer string shall be removed from the grounds after trimming operations are complete.

Care will be taken that no clippings will be blown into mulch beds. Any clippings will be cleaned from mulch beds by close of business on the day trimming occurs.

The walkways and non-grass surfaces (inside and outside the cemetery), flagpole bases, interment areas, and roads will be cleared of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, string trimming, and edging.

Visibly prominent areas, such as administrative offices, public restrooms, shelters, pavilions, and columbarium, will have clippings blown or swept from roads and walkways as soon as the operation causing debris is completed.

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

The COR will conduct inspections of trimming weekly.

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.

B.4.1.5: TRASH, NON-MINERAL DEBRIS, AND GRAVE DECORATION/FLORAL ARRANGEMENT REMOVAL:

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 3, Facilities Maintenance Sub-Category 4: Waste Management

· Standard 4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

· Measure 4.1a: The cemetery's central trash collection points are in areas that minimize public visibility.

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 5: General Management

· Standard 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.

· Measure 5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the conclusion of each task and at the end of the workday.

SCOPE

All trash, non-mineral debris, trash blown in bushes and/or lakes, contents of trash cans, dead or unsightly flowers, along front entrance/property right of way roadside and all fallen tree limbs and branches not attached to the tree shall be removed from the Cemetery areas a minimum of once each workday or as necessary. Any limbs or branches attached to the tree hanging down shall be reported to the COR as soon as possible for action.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All trash, non-mineral debris, trash blown in bushes and/or lakes, along front entrance/property right of way roadside, contents of trash cans, dead or unsightly flowers, and all fallen tree limbs, palm fronds and branches not attached to the tree shall be removed from all areas of the cemetery areas; to includes along front side and along roadway of front of cemetery at a minimum of once (1x) each workday or as necessary. Any limbs or branches attached to the tree hanging down shall be reported to the COR as soon as possible for action.

All unsightly grave decorations and/or flowers will be removed weekly or as needed in accordance with cemetery floral regulations. Serviceable floral cone vases will be cleaned and placed in the floral vase containers near the burial sections and admin. American flags will be disposed of appropriately.

1. Potted plants and other decorative items are only allowed on gravesites 5 days before through 5 days after Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and Yom Kippur. (Potted plants and baskets kill the grass, they are generally not allowed)

1. Seasonal Holiday Adornments for Christmas and Hanukkah, such as wreaths, potted plants and other seasonal items may be placed on graves from December 1st through January 20th.

1. Traditional gravesites: fresh cut flowers may be placed any time of the year and will be removed when they become unsightly and/or to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing or trimming. (If purchased, ornamental, vases are removed, follow the rules below for grave decorations)

1. All grave decorations once picked up, will be placed in the 30-day bin with a tag annotating the section and gravesite on it. It will be held for a minimum of 90 days in a designated location. If not retrieved by NOK, they will be discarded.

1. The designation will consist of (1) bin for only artificial flowers, (3) separate bins which represent 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days.

1. At the beginning of each month, the bins will be rotated to the next bin and then after the 90 days will be placed in the dumpster.

Unsightly (withered/dead flowers) and/or unauthorized decorations are to be removed daily from the cemetery grounds.

The contractor shall provide the necessary labor and suitable conveyance each workday for pickup of trash, debris, grave decoration, and unsightly floral arrangements from the Cemetery’s grounds.

A dumpster placement area shall be in a designated area of the cemetery and screened from public view.

Removal and disposal of debris from the Cemetery’s grounds shall be the responsibility of the contractor for all items found in and around the Cemetery.

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.

B.4.1.6: SWEEPING/BLOWING OFF WALKWAYS & ROADWAYS:

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 5: General Management

· Standard 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.

· Measure 5.1b: Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of grounds maintenance debris by the end of the workday.

SCOPE

All walkways, roads, front entrance, road along front of cemetery and parking areas will be swept 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 or as instructed by the COR prior to the start of daily burial operations or at the conclusion of burial operations.

The roads, streets, committal shelters and public areas will be cleaned of all debris (i.e., mud, dirt, twigs, leaves, grass clippings, animal excrement’s, spider webs, bird, or insect nests, etc.). All roads and walkways will be blown at the beginning of the day (before - 09:00 am) and at the end of the day (no later than 4:15pm)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The walkways around the Administrative Building and committal shelters shall be swept/blown off prior to 9:00am daily. All pavement areas, benches, and signs (to include pavement under benches) around the PIC will be cleaned of debris, spider webs, and animal droppings each workday.

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

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

Light pressure power spray with water to clean exterior will be conducted monthly at the PIC/Admin 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.

Storm Clean-up (wind, rain, hail, etc.): Cemetery should be checked and cleaned up the next working day following the storm unless the extent of the storm prompts civil defense authorities to declare emergency movement only. Should this occur, clean-up should be done as soon as emergency restrictions are lifted.

The cemetery property includes all surrounding areas inside and outside the entrance to the main road, extending outside the stucco wall, to the end of the metal fence and a minimum of 300 feet on either side of the maintenance exit.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The Contractor shall provide all necessary supervision, labor, supplies, OSHA approved personal protective equipment (PPE), and grounds maintenance equipment required for clearing/sweeping/blowing off all roadways, concrete surfaces, and designated areas.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is…