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

Puerto Rico National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

GROUND 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, therefore strict adherence to the following specifications is essential.

Every action by contracting personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with 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

Figure 1: Location Map

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

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.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 ground 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 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).

Base Year: June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027 Option Year 1: June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2028 Option Year 2: June 1, 2028, to May 31, 2029 Option Year 3: June 1, 2029, to May 31, 2030 Option Year 4: June 1, 2030, to May 31, 2031

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

Contractors 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).

Contractors 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 9:00am on 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 with 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 wear all required safety equipment such as, but not limited to, goggles or face shields, 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 areas 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) Applicable to only Option Year 3 and 4 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 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 Flag Assembly Area, Plaza, and Roundabout 5.1.2

5.1.2 Columbarium, Memorial Walk, and Concrete Surfaces 5.1.3

5.1.3 Committal Shelters 5.1.4

5.1.4 Buildings and Surrounding Concrete Surfaces 5.1.5

2.1 GROUND MAINTENANCE

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 for reporting any damage immediately to 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 s per required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District Agronomist.

2.1.1: Mowing (Zoysia Manila and Native grass) Weekly - Applicable to Option Year 3 and 4 Only

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 Plan

See Appendix D– 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 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 flexing 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 immediately after completion.

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 with no more than one (1) business day after identification.

** 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 for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost to the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from the COR in coordination with 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

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/Cut Legend” Appendix D.

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 edgings 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 turf 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 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 immediately after completion.

The COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

** Any identified wildlife or wildlife nesting area shall be avoided. The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR upon discovery. The affected area shall be clearly marked and shall remain off-limits until the COR authorizes the Contractor to resume work in that area. **

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 for approval. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost to 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 the COR 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.

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

SURFACES

SCOPE

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 for no more than one workday behind the mowers.

All turf edgings 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 approval is required prior to trimming weekly.

All trimmings shall follow the mowing schedule.

Edgers shall be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety requirements at all times. The contractor shall ensure that all guards and protective devices remain installed and in proper working condition while edging is being performed.

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 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 for 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 clipping/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 so 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 damage 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 damaged, scattered and creates a dirty area due to operation must be picked up immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repairs 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 ground maintenance edging/trimming operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repairs or replacement of all damage.

** Any identified wildlife, wildlife nesting shall be avoided and COR, cemetery staff notified immediately This area shall marked and avoided until entrance is 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. Overtime/ weekend work will be at no cost to 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 the COR 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.

2.1.4: Mowing or Trimming (Detention Pond) Monthly

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.

Contractors 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 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.

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 shred 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 with no more than one (1) business day after identification

** Any identified wildlife or wildlife nesting area shall be avoided. The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR upon discovery. The affected area shall be clearly marked and shall remain off-limits until the COR authorizes the Contractor to resume work in that area. **

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 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 in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from the COR 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.

2.1.5: Pump Monitoring and Maintenance

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

Provide irrigation pump station(s) maintenance and service repairs. Service shall include the preventative maintenance and repair services for pressure booster pumps, jockey pumps, submersible pumps, electric motors, electrical switches, valves and filters and all other components required for full operations based on manufacturer's Operations and Maintenance manuals.

This service is designed to provide efficient equipment during full time operation(s); extend the life of the units; identify potential problems before major breakdowns occur; and reduce system downtime. Where the pump station requires “spring start-up” and “winterization”, the Irrigation Pump Station preventive maintenance service must provide step-by-step procedures for decommissioning and recommissioning of the pump station service that is performed to COR.

DESCRIPTION

Work must be performed by a qualified electrical and/or pump service technician. Pump service technicians must be certified by the pump station operations or have a minimum of 5 years’ experience servicing pumps by the pump station manufacturer. Prior to initiation of contract, provide copies of documents and/or certificates showing technicians meet this requirement to the COR.

Provide a minimum of 2 yearly preventative maintenance services, plus one or more additional emergency visits per year if required. At least 1 (one) of these preventative maintenances’ services shall be scheduled in late winter/early spring in preparation for spring growth season.

Irrigation Pump Station Services (as applicable).

Provide the routine irrigation pump station and well pump services listed below in accordance with the pump station manufacturer’s printed Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals. Obtain a copy of the O&M Manuals from the COR:

• Visual inspection of 1 pump station(s).

• Visual inspection of 2 well pumps.

• Evaluate pump station and well pumps operation at various flows. Take voltage and current rating and compare it to last report.

• Check all safety shutdown features.

• Confirm pump station is operating properly.

• Check tightness on flange and motor bolts.

• Check and verify PRV and High-Pressure Relief Valve operation. Adjust valves as required.

• Check coupling alignment on pump(s).

• Grease or oil motor bearing(s).

• Change motor bearing oil once a year.

• Check stuffing box/packing glands for leakage. Tighten/replace as needed.

• Open-wye strainer blow-down valve to provide heat exchanger flush.

• Inspect basket strainers, clean debris from interior and screens, check screen for wear, and reassemble.

• Inspect and tighten all electrical connections in electrical panel.

• Conduct Infrared Temperature Check (check electrical panels for hot spots, defective transformers and detect loose connections).

• Inspect contactors for pitting and excessive wear.

• Remove and clean diaphragm and pilots on safety relief valve.

• Inspect Inverter and PLC and/or Starting Equipment.

• Verify all surge devices are visually sound.

• Check pressurized water tanks for leakage and pressure holding capabilities. Note flow from well

(gpm), pump cut in (psi), pump cut out (psi), and tank pre-charge pressures (psi) on service record.

• Verify all electrical connectors are at proper torque settings.

• Verify electrical grounding of the motor armatures.

• Clean/change all cooling filters and grills.

• Remove all dirt and dust that has penetrated the unit interior, and that has accumulated on the processor board.

• Clean station pumps, motors, control panel and associated components.

• Clean pump house interior and/or clean pump station yards within the fenced enclosures of trash, dirt and debris.

• Clear water intake structure of debris.

• Repair any irrigation pump system component (quote for repairs shall be provided and approved to COR before repair work can be performed).

Pump Station Filters Services (as applicable).

Provide routine maintenance for pump station filters per the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manual.

Obtain a copy of the O&M Manual from the COR:

• Provide written service report to COR within 5 days of each visit, and alert COR of any recommended repairs above and beyond routine maintenance.

• Visual inspection of pump filter.

• Open and close by-pass valves to exercise valves.

• Clean mini filter.

• Inspect plastic tubing.

• Check flush valve for proper operation.

• Check wire and lug connections.

• Clean exterior of equipment.

• Remove the main filter screen and check for wear and tear. Re-install.

• Inspect dirt collector, flush valve, piston and differential pressure gauge.

• Annually, inspect for wear and tear: cover seal; fine screen; dirt collection nozzles; air/water connections; O-rings; piston; dirt collector.

COR shall be notified of any and all recommended or required service repairs above and beyond routine maintenance.

Contractor shall provide a written service report to COR within 5 days of each visit, and alert COR of any recommended/required service repairs above and beyond routine maintenance.

All quotes shall be submitted quote to COR. A notice to proceed must be given to contractor prior to any repair service is to be performed to irrigation pump station(s).

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 separated from system maintenance and inspection.

3.1: TURF MAINTENANCE

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

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Dec. 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base o Standard 2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

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

Areas.

• Measure 2.4b: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are maintained within one inch above the range of that which is professionally recommended for that type of turf and geographic region according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

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 with 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 the Certified soil test lab for analysis. Copies 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) to be 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 Contractors shall make a weekly inspection of 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 Contractors shall make a weekly inspection for Mole Crickets that 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:

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

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

3.1.1: Fertilization: Manila Zoysia and Native Turf

SCOPE

Contractor shall be responsible for collaborating with the COR 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 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.

This should 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 the COR and cemetery.

A complete fertilizer program will be applied during the growing season which is YEAR-ROUND.

In general, a fertilizer that is recommended by the test results and the nitrogen formula used should be slow release. The rate applied shall be at rates of .50lbs to 1.15lbs N (Nitrogen), shall contain minor nutrients (S, Mn, Mg, Fe) using a minimum of 30% slow-release nitrogen, following the ratio per the Grounds Maintenance Plan.

Rates are as follows.

Type Rate of Nitrogen(N) Zoysia Manilla .75lb- 1lb N per 1000. per app.

Native Turf .5lb N per 1000. per app.

SEE APPLICATION CHARTS BELOW

Zoysia Manila Fertilizer that is recommended by the soil test results shall be applied. The Nitrogen formula used shall be slow release. The rate of application shall be minimum of .75lbs to 1lbs N (Nitrogen) using a minimum of 30% slow-release nitrogen.

Organic fertilizers may be defined as organic being derived from poultry litter or refined sewer sludge as a substitute of urea-based fertilizers. These organic fertilizers shall be applied at rates shall be .75lbs-1lbs N (Nitrogen) max per application; shall contain minor nutrients (S, Mn, Mg, Fe).

Applications for Sulfate of Potash (SOP) shall be applied at a minimum rate of 4lbs/ P (Potassium) 3 times per year.

Following the ratio per the Grounds Maintenance Plan, see the example as follows:

Application DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATION: Date of

Application Acreage:

Ex. Fertilizer Applications: Manila Zoysia

#1 Fertilizer Application – 10-0-20 at 5lbs per 1000 sq ft January 1st Approx. +/-45

#2 Fertilizer Application – 0-0-44 at 9lbs per 1000 sq ft March 15th Approx. +/-45

#3 Fertilizer Application – 10-0-20 at 5lbs per 1000 sq ft May 1st Approx. +/-45

#4 Fertilizer Application – 0-0-44 at 9lbs per 1000 sq ft June 15th Approx. +/-45

#5 Fertilizer Application – 10-0-20 at 5lbs per 1000 sq ft August 1st Approx. +/-45

#6 Fertilizer Application – 0-0-44 at 9lbs per 1000 sq ft September 15th Approx. +/-45

#7 Fertilizer Application – 10-0-20 at 5lbs per 1000 sq ft November 1st Approx. +/-45

Contractor will keep application records of all fertilizations and furnish a copy to the COR within five (5) working days of application.

Records will show type, amount, application area, and weather conditions. The Contractor shall place chemical application signs (to include date and time of application) on all sides of the treatment area signs shall be placed no less than 25 feet apart for visibility from all burial section entry points. The Contractor shall also be responsible for removal of the chemical application signs no less than 24 hours after application or as directed per chemical label.

The Contractor shall develop a plan for fertilizer and chemical application as indicated by the results of soil testing. All soil tests are to be performed by the Contractor. The contractor shall provide a detailed fertilizer and chemical application plan within the first thirty (30) calendar days of the contract award to include each option year(s).

The results of all soil tests shall be shared with the COR, Cemetery Leadership, and/or the Southeast District Agronomist, within five (5) calendar days of receipt.

No fertilizer or chemical products shall be applied to cemetery grounds without prior written approval from COR. The COR may coordinate with the Southeast District Agronomist for technical review prior to granting approval.

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining adequate signage in all areas where fertilizer/chemical have been applied. Chemical application signs shall be placed on all sides and no less than 25 feet apart for visibility from all entry points. The Contractor shall also be responsible for removal of the chemical application signs no less than 24 hours after application or as directed per chemical label.

or as directed by chemical label.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT

Commercial Applicators are required to be licensed by the Puerto Rico Government with a commercial applicators license per Pesticide Act of Puerto Rico Regulation 7769 when applying for any pesticide.

Refer to the Puerto Rico Government, Pesticide Act of Puerto Rico Code of Laws, Standards for certification of pesticide applicators, Commercial applicators’ licenses.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Water will be furnished by the Government; manual watering may be required to maintain the cemetery ground(s) in prime grow seasons.

The Contractor shall furnish all required liquid or granular chemicals, fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, OSHA approved and/ or certified Contractor provided to include but limited to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and any other supplies.

The Contractor shall calibrate the necessary formulation of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and the required amount of lime as indicated by the soil test results. Soil tests are obtained by the contractor or their representative.