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

Puerto Rico National Cemetery

Grounds Maintenance Services

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - STATEMENT OF WORK

B.1 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the basic objectives of Puerto Rico 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. Puerto Rico

National Cemetery is one (1) of two (2) Puerto Rico cemeteries 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.

Puerto Rico National cemetery is located approximately 1.5 miles Northwest of Bayamon and about 13 miles from San Juan. The address is Avenue Cementerio Nacional #50, Bayamon, PR 00961. Puerto Rico

National Cemetery became a national cemetery on July 12, 1948. The cemetery serves over 150,000 veterans in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Caribbean Region, and Central and South America. The cemetery accommodates casketed and cremated remains. Over 1,900 burials are conducted each year.

This 1 of 2 only national cemeteries located outside of the United States. In 1962, the remains of those interred on all other five military cemeteries on the island were transferred here.

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, 2 committal shelters, a flag assembly plaza, columbarium with floral beds, memorial trail with floral beds, landscaping with trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Turf is Zoysia Manila and native turf species.

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

Puerto Rico National Cemetery is in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

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

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

Cemetery Address Acreage Required Services

Puerto Rico

National Cemetery

50 Ave. Cementerio

Nacional, Bayamon PR

00961-3887

55 acres of turf Grounds Maintenance

Services

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

B.4.a SERVICES PROVIDED

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to perform the following Grounds Maintenance Services at Puerto Rico National Cemetery. The contractor shall provide the workforce and all resources necessary to perform and complete multiple grounds maintenance requirements simultaneously to maintain a National Shine Standard appearance of the cemetery grounds.

B.4.b DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Puerto Rico National Cemetery has an immediate need for Grounds, Facilities Maintenance, and Flat Marker clean up Services. Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supervision, and supplies to complete Grounds Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, and Flat Marker clean up Services necessary to ensure the services are performed at Puerto Rico National

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

Services include, but are not limited to maintenance of grounds, regular mowing, weed eating, edge trimming of roadways, removal of leaves and debris, as well as, cleaning and pressure washing of headstones, turf maintenance, chemical turf applications/treatments, columbarium and committal shelter floor pressure wash cleaning, maintenance of gravesites by cleaning and trimming around headstones.

Turf maintenance, plant and tree maintenance, maintenance of gravesites and headstones, and the alignment and washing of headstones, headstone maintenance and irrigation maintenance.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 7:00am – 3:30pm local time (Monday thru

Friday - excluding Federal Holidays). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the Cemetery Leadership in conjunction with the VA Contracting Officer's

Technical Representative (COR).

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).

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). 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 advanced 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 9:00am the next business day.

The contractor shall provide a “Site Manager” (Supervisor, Foreman, or Work Leader) to be at the work site for not less than eight (8) hours a day whenever work is being performed - other than trash and debris pick-up. The “Site Manager” must have not less than five (5) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of employees supervising and performing all tasks set forth in the scope of work and must provide a statement of qualifications with the quote. The contractor shall furnish a copy of the specifications contained in this contract to the site manager to ensure complete familiarity with the requirements stated herein.

The “Site Manager” shall ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained. At all times when any performance of the work at the site is being conducted by any employee of the Contractor or his subcontractors, the Contractor shall always have the “Site Manager” present during all times of the performance of this contract who has the capability of receiving instructions Spanish and English language, fluently speaking both languages, and explaining the work operations to persons performing the work in the language that those performing the work are capable of understanding.

Contractor's employees shall wear all required safety equipment such as, but not limited to, goggles or face shield, hearing protection, hard hats, respirators, if required, and uniforms identifying them as an employee of the contractor. The contractor shall be responsible for training and safety precautions prescribed by OSHA standards. The contractor and contractor's employees shall observe all traffic, parking, directional signs, and regulations when using the cemetery roadways. Contractors and contractor employees shall park only on cemetery roads or area as directed by the Cemetery Director or his/her representative. At no time shall the contractor’s vehicles block any roads within the cemetery enclosure.

Vehicles shall never be parked on a gravesite. The contractor agrees to leave all work areas free of debris and in the same condition as before the work commenced. The contractor agrees to take all necessary precautions to protect vegetation, as appropriate, in the immediate work area(s).

CLIN DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

2.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE 2.1

2.1.1 Mowing (Zoysia Manila and Native Grass) 2.1.1

2.1.2 Edging of Markers, Walkways, Curb, and other Horizontal Surfaces 2.1.2

2.1.3 Trimming of monuments, Flat Markers, and other Vertical Surfaces 2.1.3

2.1.4 Mowing or Trimming (Detention Pond) 2.1.4

2.1.5 Irrigation System Operation, Inspections, Repairs and Maintenance 2.1.5

2.1.6 Pump Monitoring and Maintenance 2.1.6

3.1 TURF MAINTENANCE 3.1

3.1.1 Fertilization: Manila Zoysia and Native Turf 3.1.1

3.1.2 Gypsum Application 3.1.2

3.1.3 Weed Control: Herbicide Treatment/Application 3.1.3

4.1 PEST CONTROL 4.1

4.1.1 Control of Fire Ants and Mole Crickets 4.1.1

4.1.2 Insect/Pest/Disease Control 4.1.2

5.1

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE, CLEANING AND PRESSURE

WASHING

5.1

5.1.1 Flat Marker Cleaning 5.1.1

5.1.2 Flag Assembly Area, Plaza, and Roundabout 5.1.2

5.1.3 Columbarium, Memorial Walk, and Concrete Surfaces 5.1.3

5.1.4 Committal Shelters 5.1.4

5.1.5 Buildings and Surrounding Concrete Surfaces 5.1.5

5.1.6 Extreme Storm Damage and Debris Clean-up 5.1.6

2.1 GROUND 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 Manila and native turf 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.

2.1.1: Mowing (Zoysia Manila and Native grass) Weekly

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

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 manila and native turf.

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

2” – 2 1/2” Zoysia Manila

2” – 2 1/2” Native Turf

See Appendix C – PRNC Flower Pick-Up Plan & Mowing/Cut Legend

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

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.

Mowing shall be performed frequently so that no more than one-third (1/3) of the leafage is removed during a single mowing. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of turf clippings allowed to remain on turf areas. All clippings must be removed from the site by close of business on the day it was created.

No 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.

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.

The walkways (inside and out), flagpole bases, interment area, and roads will be cleaned up of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming. These areas will be blown off immediately after completion.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Contractor shall supply commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers to be used to trim grass from around the boarders of all streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, and crypt field drain clean-out covers inside and outside cemetery grounds.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) 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 than 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.

Turf surrounding an erected obstruction shall be trimmed to the recommended height without a “bowl effect”.

The walkways (inside and out), flagpole plaza, committal shelters, and roads will be cleaned up of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming. These areas will be blown off

During heavy rain seasons, the mowing of turf areas in some sections (weather determined) may require the mowing of turf by means of hand trimming equipment.

Zoysia Manila Turf Mowers shall be rotary mowers with free floating contour cutting decks that are a minimum cutting width of 110”; allow the mowing of undulating terrain without scalping, shall have leaf mulching kit that can pulverize fallen leaves into fine mulch, mulching blades that shreds grass and leaves into small particles.

Mowers used on native grass sections shall be completely cleaned, decontaminated before and after, if same mower is intended to be used on Zoysia Manila turfgrass. Mowers used on native grass shall have mulching kit and mulching blades.

Zoysia sod A, AC, C, D, DD, E, F, G, H (half left section), I, L, N, O, P, PC, Q, R, S, T, U, V, QC, OC, NC, Columbarium, Maintenance, Admin, Front Gate, Plaza

Native grass B, H (half right section), J, K, M, RC, TC, SC

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

*NOTE: 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 damage at the Contractor’s expense no more than one (1) business day after identification.

** Any identified wildlife, wildlife nesting shall be avoid and COR, cemetery staff notified immediately

This area shall marked and avoided until entrance in permissible.**

If any 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 and/or Cemetery Leadership for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost of the

Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR/Cemetery Leadership for consideration in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from Cemetery Leadership is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of 2 contractor personnel will be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

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.

2.1.2: EDGING OF MARKERS, WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL

SURFACES

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

SCOPE

All edging of walkways, curbs, and other horizontal surfaces will be done on a bi-weekly during the growing season, which is year-round or as directed by the COR.

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, and crypt field drain clean-out covers, flat markers 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, 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.

See “PRNC mowing plan” Appendix C.

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

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control / valve boxes, control markers, manhole covers, 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 5/16” +/- 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.

Hitting markers with the edger blades is not acceptable, any damage to markers (such chipped corners, rust spots, etc.) due to this task must be reported to COR for assessment, remediation, to include replace marker, needs to be taken by contractor, identified in markers due to this task needs to be removed by contractor at no cost to the government.

Trimmers shall be kept level to prevent scalping.

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

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

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are > 3% (greater than 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.

The walkways (inside and out), flagpole plaza, committal shelters, and roads will be cleaned up of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming. These areas will be blown off

The COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

** Any identified wildlife, wildlife nesting shall be avoided and COR, cemetery staff notified immediately This area shall marked and avoided until entrance in permissible. **

If any 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 and/or Cemetery Leadership for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost of the

Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR/Cemetery Leadership for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from

Cemetery Leadership is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of 2 contractor personnel will be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

2.1.3: TRIMMING OF MONUMENTS, FLAT MARKERS, AND OTHER VERTICLE

SURFACES

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Work consists of trimming all un-mowed grass around flat markers, monuments, markers, and all other vertical surfaces to the recommended mowing height using blade edgers.

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

All turf edging will begin at the back of the cemetery and progress towards the front so that the freshest cut is in the high visibility areas prior to the weekends.

See Appendix C – PRNC Flower Pick-Up Plan & Mowing/Cut Legend

Will be done a minimum of bi-weekly during growing season, which is Year-Round, or as directed by the

COR. The growing season may require 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 weekly.

All trimmings shall follow the mowing schedule.

Edgers shall be use as intended by manufacturer at all times, no parts will be removed.

Safety guards must be always on units, edger wheels must be in consistent contact with ground/flat marker while edging.

Edger depth must always be adjusted in a way that will not remove more than one quarter of soil between flat marker and ground to prevent the flat marker from shifting.

Care must be taken when edging flat markers to prevent damages (damage, chip, stains, ding, dent, break, move). Grass clippings and any grass stains will be removed from any flat marker after edging/trimming on the same day.

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 than 3 percent) shall be rated by

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.

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.

The walkways (inside and out), flagpole plaza, committal shelters, and roads will be cleaned up of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming. These areas will be blown off immediately after completion.

Flowers, floral arrangement and/or flower vases placed on graves that interfere with edging/trimming operation must be lifted/moved and put back in the same place after edging all side of the flat marker.

Any damages to flowers, floral arrangement and/or flower vases during operations must be reported to the

COR immediately. Pieces of flowers or any other object that is damage, scattered and creates a dirty area due to operation must be picked up immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

Extra care shall be exercised when visitors are in the vicinity of edging/trimming operations. At no point shall edging/trimming operations disrupt a visitor or family member when visiting a gravesite.

Any damage to flat markers during grounds maintenance edging/trimming operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

** Any identified wildlife, wildlife nesting shall be avoid and COR, cemetery staff notified immediately

This area shall marked and avoided until entrance in permissible.*

The COR will conduct inspections of trimming weekly.

If any 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 and/or Cemetery Leadership for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost of the

Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR/Cemetery Leadership for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from

Cemetery Leadership is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of 2 contractor personnel will be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

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

2.1.4: Mowing or Trimming (Detention Pond) Monthly All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

The mowing and trimming of all turf areas within the detention pond and the perimeter tree line and fences.

Mowing and trimming shall be performed one time (1x) monthly during the growing season, typically year-round following the approved mowing schedule.

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

3” – 4” Zoysia Manila

3” – 4” Native Turf

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

Contractor shall remove grass clippings buildup setting inside the basin, rock deterrent, pond inlet, pond outlet, pipes and riser orifice, anything that might obstruct water flow or create standing water.

Contractor shall supply commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers to be used to trim grass from around and within the detention pond and the perimeter tree line and fences.

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 in this SOW.

All mowers must have mulching checks with mulching blades.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are > 3% (greater than 3 percent) shall be rated by

Zoysia Manila Turf Mowers shall be rotary mowers with free floating contour cutting decks that allow mowing of undulating terrain without scalping, shall have leaf mulching kit that pulverize fallen leaves into fine mulch, mulching blades that shreds grass and leaves into small particles.

Mowers used on native grass shall be completely cleaned, decontaminated before and after, if same mower is intended to be used on Zoysia Manila turfgrass. Mowers used on native grass shall have mulching kit and mulching blades.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

*NOTE: 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 damage at the Contractor’s expense no more than one (1) business day after identification.

** Any identified wildlife, wildlife nesting shall be avoid and COR, cemetery staff notified immediately

This area shall marked and avoided until entrance in permissible.**

If any 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 and/or Cemetery Leadership for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost of the

Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR/Cemetery Leadership for consideration in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from Cemetery Leadership is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of 2 contractor personnel will be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

2.1.5: Irrigation System Operation, Inspections, Repairs and Maintenance

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Work consists of operation, inspection, and maintenance of the installed sprinkler system. Puerto Rico

National Cemetery has five areas of automated irrigation system. These areas consist of Administration building, two committal shelter, Flag Assembly area, Ceremonial area, Columbarium area and Memorial

Walk. The Contractor shall assume responsibility for the irrigation system.

The cemetery shall provide irrigation system repair parts as requested to COR in writing.

Contractor shall provide labor quotes for irrigation when damages are identified.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

DESCRIPTION

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, decoders, decoders fuses, solenoids, and accessible field wiring. Buried and inaccessible system piping and wiring, while not specifically excluded, are not included under inspection and maintenance requirements of this document.

INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE

This contract includes irrigation system startup and operation, as well as shutdown if required. It also includes regular diagnostic and repair service, including emergency callback service, and periodic inspections and preventative maintenance of all above-ground system components, controllers, control devices, and pump stations.

System shall be operated efficiently to keep turfgrass and other landscape plants healthy, without being over-watered or drought stressed. The contractor shall be required to perform the following:

Underground Irrigation Systems with Stand-Alone Controllers

• The Contractor shall provide detailed monthly report outlining the status of ongoing, completed, and upcoming repairs required for operations. The Government may request copies of receipts, and/or expenditures to verify ongoing maintenance is being completed in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, the Contractor shall provide a monthly examination of irrigation system by walking site and performing a thorough inspection of grounds and irrigation components. Contractor shall observe the sprinkler for 2 full rotations in all zones.

• During each inspection, the Contractor shall prepare a detailed list of all trouble spots and problem issues that are visibly identifiable. Additionally, review system operation with on-site operators to determine and record additional issues experienced during daily operation that may not be readily observable.

• In accordance with inspection notes, physically inspect all field controllers, including visible wiring in controller cabinet. Adjust controller programs to reflect site specific requirement, seasonal changes, and cemetery staff needs.

• Visibly inspect controller grounding grid for good mechanical connection.

• Verify operation of all irrigation valves and spray devices by manually running each station on each controller.

• When necessary, adjust spray devices to assure proper spray pattern and radius of water pattern. In the event of or in areas with known irrigation deficiencies, the Contractor shall manually operate the system by opening and closing the valves within the irrigation boxes located throughout the cemetery to ensure planting beds remains well irrigated.

• When necessary, repair or replace any broken or malfunctioning spray devices or solenoids.

Repair and replacement parts shall be furnished by the government. When replacing malfunctioning spray devices ensure the inserted spray nozzle corresponds to the correct spray pattern.

• If installed, verify that all flow sensors are operating properly. Recalibrate as required to meet manufacturer’s recommendations.

• If installed, verify that all system master valves are operating properly. Perform preventive maintenance service to valves to meet manufacturer’s recommendations.

• As required, clean all filtering devices on irrigation system, including but not limited to mainline filters, drip line filter, and spray head filter devices.

• At least once annually, test all controller grounding for proper resistance according to equipment manufacturers recommendations. Provide written report detailing grounding resistance for each controller, highlighting deficient ground locations, and notifying the site manager of required action.

• Ensure irrigation heads are ground level and do not present a safety concern/trip hazard.

The Contractor shall raise or lower irrigation heads as necessary.

• Repair and replace all PVC irrigation leaks/irrigation breaks in all irrigation pipes with a diameter of 4-inches or below.

• If irrigation control or station fail to work manual operation is required daily to proper irrigate areas until repairs are completed and fully operational.

• Ensure irrigation heads are ground level and do not present a safety concern or trip hazard.

The Contractor shall raise or lower irrigation heads as necessary.

When notified by the COR of possible damaged, broken, or inoperable irrigation turf rotors and irrigation box lids, the contractor shall schedule an inspection of the identified damaged, broke, or inoperable irrigation turf rotors and irrigation box lids within 72 hours. The contractor shall supply the COR a written report as to his or her finding no more than five (5) days after being notified. The cemetery shall furnish exact replacement items and equipment for any item needing to be replaced. The contractor shall coordinate with the COR for a service repair start date and time range if approved first.

WORK NOT INCLUDED

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

Maintenance shall not include the pump hours or filters located inside the pump hours.

Any work determined to still be under warranty from another entity shall be identified to the COR immediately. Remedial action may be taken to mediate damage to government property.

The COR may request contractor to make irrigation repairs as listed and as identified in separate CLINS.

These repairs shall be separate from system maintenance and inspection.

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

operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

2.1.6: Pump Monitoring and Maintenance All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

The work specified herein shall be provided to facilitate the successful and ongoing operation of an automatically controlled underground irrigation pump station system.

This contract will cover quarterly diagnostic, preventive maintenance service troubleshooting, and repair service, which includes emergency callback service, periodic inspections, and preventative maintenance for all pump stations at cemetery.

A preventative maintenance service shall be performed 1x quarterly as recommended per manufacturer specifications.

Contractor shall provide reports to COR no later than the 5th of each month.

Perform all system inspection and maintenance tasks for the irrigation pumps, control skid and water holding tank(s) for proper function and preventative maintenance.

Daily computer monitoring during the growing season and once monthly during the fall and winter seasons.

Check software event logs weekly to verify system has been operating properly. Adjust program settings in the software and make required program modifications to respond to site issues or problems as necessary.

Verify communication is intact between Central Control computer, pump station and all field controller devices, if applicable.

Check program schedules for proper operation and adjust if necessary. Verify system back-up function is programmed and working properly.

Maintenance shall include the pump filters located inside the pump station.

WORK NOT INCLUDED

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

Any work determined to still be under warranty from another entity shall be identified to the COR immediately. Remedial action may be taken to mediate damage to government property.

The COR may request contractor to make irrigation repairs as listed or identified. These repairs shall be separate from system maintenance and inspection.

GUARANTEE

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

3.1: TURF MAINTENANCE

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

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.

Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the turf area of the cemetery and the immediate surrounding areas of the cemetery in a healthy condition by proper application of fertilizers and chemicals

(to control weeds, diseases, and pests).

Turf in burial and non-burial areas should be 95% weed free. Pest and disease-free turf should cover at least 95 % of the area. The Cemetery will provide the Contractor a map to show this area.

The Contractor shall provide all the supervision, labor, equipment, tools, applicators, hoses, and other supplies necessary to control weeds, disease, and pests for Puerto Rico National Cemetery.

The Contractor shall provide at least one (1) State Certified Chemical Applicator, licensed by Puerto Rico

Government with CAT 3 onsite when administering any/all pesticides.

The Contractor shall furnish all required chemicals, fertilizers, and any other supplies.

The Contractor shall determine the necessary formulation of fertilizers and the required amount of lime as indicated by the soil test.

Soil tests are performed quarterly and provided by the Contractor to the COR. The results will be shared with the COR and Cemetery to select the correct formulation of fertilizer and gypsum applications. Soil samples are sent to certified soil testing labs with “Soil Science of America” (SSSA), “Certified

Professional Soil Scientist” (CPSS), “Associate Professional Soil Scientist” (APSS) accreditation(s).

Copy of results are mailed to the COR and Contractor. Test results will show any deficiencies and the need for corrections.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer shall be applied based on “operational flow chart warm season turfgrass areas” listed below in this SOW and results of a soil tests for cemetery. The Contractor shall conduct the soil test at a minimum one time (1x) annually and provide a copy to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) within 5 days of receipt of soil test. Fertilizer shall be applied during the growing period (January-December) per recommendation. Only fertilizer that is recommended or listed within this SOW shall be used and nitrogen formulated used specified below in this SOW. This will be reported to the COR on the appropriate form no later than 5 working days.

Gypsum

Gypsum shall be applied at the rate indicated in those tests. Time of applications shall be in late fall or early winter unless local practice indicates a more favorable time.

Weed Control

All weed growth and turf disease shall be controlled by means of mowing, trimming and pesticide application or any other method approved by the COR. All personnel using such spays shall be properly trained, and the person in charge shall be duly licensed by the Puerto Rico government to use pesticides.

Treatment for weeds will be accomplished in the spring, summer, and the fall of each year. Turf areas shall be maintained at 95% percent weed free.

Pesticides and Herbicides

Contractor will keep record of all pesticides/herbicides applied and furnish copy to COR within five working days of application. Records will show type, amount, application area, and weather conditions.

Signs will be posted informing the public that a chemical has been applied (Date and Time of

Applications). Turf shall be at least 95 percent pest and disease free at all times.

Control of Invasive Mimosa plant species

Contractor shall make a weekly inspection for Invasive Mimosa plant(s) in all sections of tropical (native) grass areas. Contractor shall Perform all necessary efforts to control and eradicate Invasive Mimosa plant(s) in all sections of tropical (native) grass areas.

Control of Fire Ants and other Ant species

Contractor shall make a weekly inspection for fire ants and/or other ant species will apply necessary chemicals applications to control ants. After ants are killed, mounds will be leveled. Necessary repairs to turf will be made by Contractor.

Control of Mole Crickets

Contractor shall make a weekly inspection for Mole Crickets will apply necessary chemicals applications to control Mole Crickets. Necessary repairs to turf will be made by Contractor.

Termite, grub worm or other damaging insects:

Contractor shall make a weekly inspection for wasps, grub worm or other damaging insects. Contractor shall apply necessary chemicals applications to control as chemical label allows by law.

operations must be reported to the COR immediately.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees or shrubs which have died or were damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

3.1.1: Fertilization: Manila Zoysia and Native Turf

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these

Contractor shall be responsible for collaborating with the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership to maintain the cemetery turf and surrounding areas in a healthy condition. The Contractor shall submit a detailed turf maintenance and fertilizer plan to the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership no later than 30 days following the award and arrival onsite. The Contractor submitted turf maintenance and fertilizer plan shall directly correspond to the scope of work specified in the provided statements of work. Turf shall be 95% weed, pest and disease-free.

Shall be applied based on the results and recommendations of a soil test for each section. A minimum of 4 sections in cemetery must be done for soil test to give full comparison average. Soil tests must be done at a minimum, but not limited to-quarterly.

The soil test shall be done by Contractor with a copy of the results going to…