B08(a)_-_Attachment_1_-_PWS.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR

ROCK CREEK PARK: MOWING OPERATIONS

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, ROCK CREEK PARK

WASHINGTON, DC 20008

SECTION 1: PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PART 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 GENERAL: If there is conflict among any law, regulation, specification, standard or policy, the most stringent will apply. The following provisions shall apply to the performance of work under this contract:

1.1 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that seasonal grounds maintenance (turf mowing, line trimming, blade edging and roadway vegetation control at 77 reservations) is performed and Rock Creek Park, Fort Totten, Palisades, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Meridian Hill Park and Palisades Parkway (Canal Road) and surrounding areas in a manner that will maintain healthy grass and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance.

1.2 PERFORMANCE MONTHS / HOURS OF OPERATION / SCHEDULING AND COORDINATION

1.2.1 Performance months for this contract is April through December.

1.2.2 Within 2 weeks of receiving a signed contract, the Contractor shall establish contact with the designated park representative referred to as the COR indicated on the contract so that mutually agreeable time frames for scheduling and performing the prescribed work can be established. The Contractor shall begin operations within five (5) days notification from the CO. Note: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to determine when work is to begin and notify the COR of the dates. If the Contractor has not initiated work and the CO determines that work is required per the specifications herein, the CO shall contact the Contractor and work shall begin within two (2) working weeks. Once the mowing contract is initiated, and if the Contractor has not initiated the next mowing cycle in a timely manner and the CO determines that work is required per the specifications herein, the CO shall contact the Contractor and work shall begin within two working days.

1.2.3 Contractor Operating Hours shall be between the hours of 6:30AM and 3:00PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays, unless authorized by the COR. The Contractor can expect that a portion of the work may be performed outside of these core hours and on weekends or holidays. Work shall be scheduled and arranged in accordance with rush hour restrictions. The Contractor should note that Canal Road and Rock Creek Potomac Parkway only have two-way traffic between the hours of 9:30AM and 3:30PM. Traffic is one-way in-bound from 6:30AM until 9:30PM and is one-way out-bound from 3:30PM until 6:30PM. Roadway or lane closures are limited to the hours between the rush hour directional changes or weekends if pre-arranged with the COR at least 2 weeks in advance.

1.2.4 Trimming along Canal Road shall occur twice yearly. Typically, this will occur in late Spring and late Summer and is limited to the work hours between rush hour directional changes or weekends as authorized by the COR. Roadway or lane closures are limited to the hours between the rush hour directional changes or weekends if prearranged with the COR at least 2 weeks in advance. Contractor shall seek and obtain all necessary permits for District of Columbia closures deemed necessary to safely facilitate vegetation cutting along Canal Road.

1.2.5 Work on P Street bank will occur once yearly and is typically done in December after the first frost. The Contractor will provide the personnel, equipment, and materials for lane closures. The Contractor shall notify the COR at least 2 weeks in advance of planned work.

1.2.6 The Contractor is responsible for monitoring grass height and contacting The COR for approval 24 hours prior to beginning any work. From time to time the CO/COR may appoint an alternate COR when the COR is not available. The Contractor’s foreman shall contact the COR prior to each day of mowing operations to indicate where mowing operations will occur for the day. Mowing operations shall be scheduled on turf growth, not the passage of time. In the event the COR recognizes the need for mowing before the Contractor, the Contractor shall begin mowing not later than two (2) working days from notification.

1.2.7 Once mowing operations begin the contractor is expected to be on the job site each day in which weather conditions are favorable until all the tasks associated with a mowing cycle are completed. Mowing operations shall only be performed under favorable weather and soil conditions as determined by the COR. Working in these areas under conditions which may adversely affect soil structure and cause potential damage to plants and turf is to be avoided. The Contractor shall furnish transportation as necessary to deliver equipment, gasoline, and personnel to the jobsite and between work areas.

1.2.8 Edging, trimming, vegetation control, and cleanup shall occur the same day mowing occurs in any given area.

1.2.9 If, at any time, the COR determines that the work is unsatisfactory or being conducted in an unsafe manner, the contractor will be notified and shall immediately cease all work activities until corrections, satisfactory to the COR, have been accomplished. The Contractor’s foreman shall be responsible for making necessary contact with the Contractor management regarding stoppage of work.

1.2.10 All work shall be completed, inspected, and accepted by the COR in accordance with the procedures stated herein before beginning work on another cycle. An inspection shall be scheduled between the contractor and the COR after each mowing to determine the agreed upon tasks completed, inspected, and approved. The contractor is responsible for providing an acceptance report to be signed by the COR prior to submission of an invoice for payment. The COR will not sign the Acceptance Report until all discrepancies are corrected. Failure of the contractor to agree with the COR on work performed will be settled under the disputes clause of this contract. Discrepancies not corrected within the timeframe allowed in this contract shall receive deductions for services not performed as spelled out elsewhere in this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for procuring copies of signed Acceptance Reports which must be submitted with invoices to verify contract compliance and receive payment.

1.2.11 All work performed is subject to inspection, approval, and acceptance by the COR before the work is considered complete.

1.2.12 The Contracting Officer's Representative will be responsible for acting on behalf of the Contracting Officer on all matters of work within the scope of the contract. Approval of work beyond the scope of the contract is reserved for the Contracting Officer. The Contractor is responsible for notifying the COR in writing for all work that is beyond the scope of the contract. Notification shall include a proposal for performing the prescribed work that includes a breakdown with unit prices for labor, materials, equipment required and time frame(s) for completion. The COR will evaluate the proposal and if valid will seek approval from the Contracting Officer. Failure of the Contractor to obtain the approval of the Contracting Officer for work beyond the scope of the contract will release the Government from any obligation to pay for services claimed.

1.3 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL: For the purpose of this contract, the term “Contractor personnel” applies to all Contractor employees, subcontractor employees, or any other person(s) acting for or on behalf of the Contractor to perform work on this contract.

1.3.1 Project Manager: Prior to contract performance, the Contractor shall designate in writing, to the Contracting Officer Representative, a Project Manager (PM), who shall be responsible for the overall management, coordination, and supervision of the work performed. The PM shall have knowledge of the terms and conditions of the contract. This PM shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operations of this contract. The PM shall be available, by phone, anytime Contractor personnel are performing services.

1.3.2 Contractor Employees:

1.3.3 Employee Conduct: The Contractor shall not allow any employee to perform work who has illegal possession of, or who is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. Government rules, regulations, laws, directives, and requirements, which are in place or issued during the contract term shall be applicable to all Contractor employees or representatives who enter the Park or who travel using Government transportation. Violation of such rules, regulations, laws, directives, or requirements shall be grounds for removal (permanently or temporarily as the Government determines) from the work site. Individuals who violate such rules, regulations, laws, directives, or requirements may be denied access to the Park, either temporarily or permanently. Contractor personnel receiving a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction may be prohibited from driving at the Park.

1.3.4. Employee Appearance: Contractor employees shall be appropriately dressed including any necessary individual protective clothing and equipment.

1.3.5. Personnel Constraints:

1.3.5.1. Conflicts of Interest: The Contractor shall not hire for this contract, any person whose employment would result in a conflict of interest.

1.3.5.2. Restricted Personnel: The Contractor shall not employ persons for work on this contract if such employee is considered by the designated representative to be a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well being, or operational mission of the Park and its population.

1.3.5 Personnel Safety: All operations shall be conducted in accordance with all national and local fire and safety codes, laws, rules, regulations, OSHA, MUTCD and ANSI safety requirements. The Contractor shall be responsible for initiating, maintaining, and supervising all safety precautions and programs in connection with the work. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, local, laws and regulations including, but not limited to environmental, safety, and occupational health laws and regulations. Except as otherwise stated in the contract, if the Contractor encounters material on the project site reasonably believed to be hazardous, the Contractor shall immediately stop work in the affected area and give notice of the condition to the Contracting Officer Representative. Work in the affected area shall not resume without written permission of the Contracting Officer or designated representative.

1.3.5.1 All employees shall wear OSHA, MUTCD and ANSI required safety equipment. No one except the operator shall be within 10 feet of an operating mower or trimmer. Chutes on mower decks shall remain down at all times.

1.4 OPERATIONAL SAFETY

1.4.1 Warning Signs: All roadways and trails shall remain open to the public unless approved by the COR. The public ways shall not be encumbered or any unusual traffic situations created by reason of operations under this contract without approval of the COR. The contractor shall provide, erect and maintain all necessary signs, traffic cones, warning and danger signals and signs, and provide a sufficient number of watchmen and flagmen to ensure the safe flow of traffic, protection of the work area and the safety of the public in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) published by the Federal Highway Administration and ANSI Standard D6.1-1988 (or most current equivalent). Any partial or complete road closures necessary for the completion of this contract will be coordinated and approved by the COR at least two weeks in advance of need.

1.4.1.1 Failure to install and maintain proper advance warning, signing, and/or barricades during work operations as well as installing traffic control devices before rush hour is over, or failing to remove traffic control devices before rush hour begins will be considered noncompliance. Noncompliance will result in a penalty of $250 per hour, for each hour or portion thereof. Note: Use of this penalty does not waive the COR’s right to suspend work in whole or in part.

1.4.1.2 The Contractor shall post all warning signs to protect the public from work areas and to inform the public of any pesticide use. Pesticide application signs shall conform to District of Columbia laws.

1.4.2 Mower Decks shall be equipped and operated with discharge chutes in the down position at all times while on Park property.

1.4.3 All mowing equipment shall be mechanically sound. All blades shall be properly adjusted for height and cutting sharpness. Any manufacturer installed safety equipment must not be modified, removed, or rendered inoperable at any time.

1.4.4 At no time shall an operator of a piece of equipment leave the equipment unoccupied and running.

1.4.5 All tools and equipment shall be safeguarded from the public. Mowers and other equipment shall not be allowed to be unattended. Any tools not in immediate use shall be staged or stowed in such a manner so as not to create a hazard.

1.4.6 Vehicle permits must remain in the vehicle at all times. The use of vehicles other than those approved by the COR and permitted by the Park Superintendent is prohibited. Vehicles must clearly display the name or logo of the Contractor.

1.4.6.1 Vehicles and equipment deemed by the COR to be improper type, design, or inadequate for the purpose shall be removed from the premises and replaced with satisfactory equipment.

1.5 SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND INCIDENT REPORTING:

1.5.1 The Contractor shall report serious accidents and incidents incurred while performing work under this contract immediately by the most expeditious means possible but not more than one hour following the accident or incident to the Contracting Officer Representative. Examples are as follows: One or more lives lost, one or more persons critically injured, three or more persons hospitalized due to one incident, property damage estimated to exceed $2,000, fire causing major damage to structures, equipment, or vehicles, and HAZMAT, hazardous substances, and HAZWASTE incidents.

1.5.2. Record of Injury Form: Immediately after a job-connected injury, the Contractor shall prepare a record of the incident/accident and forward it to the Contracting Officer'’s Representative.

1.6 CLAIMS LIABILITY ARTICLE: The Contractor shall indemnify, save harmless, and defend the Government from and against any and all claims, damages, actions, debts, liabilities, and attorneys'’ fees arising out of or in any manner predicated upon loss of or damage to the property of and injury to or death of any and all persons whatsoever, in any manner caused or contributed to by the Contractor, his agents, servants, employees or subcontractors while in, upon, or about the Park wherein this work is located, or while going to or departing from the same; and to indemnify and save harmless the Government from, and on account of damage of any kind which the Government may suffer as the result of acts of negligence, fraud or misconduct of any of Contractor'’s agents, servants, employees, or subcontractors in or about said Park.

1.7 SITE ACCESS:

1.7.1 The Fort Totten area, Fort Slocum, Bunker Hill and Barnard Hill areas of Rock Creek Park are historic portions of Fort Circle Parks, which are important Civil War sites. Every effort must be made by the Contractor to take precautions to preserve the historic elements within these areas. Battleground National Cemetery is a specific reservation where historic headstones and other elements must not be damaged by mowing operations. Access to Battleground National Cemetery is limited. The Contractor should consider access limitation and precautions to preserve historic elements in the Cemetery as well as other areas of the park when preparing a proposal. Some portions of the park are gated and will need to be opened by the Contractor to conduct mowing operations, and then closed following mowing operations.

1.7.1.1 Keys will be provided. Refer to 1.7.4.

1.7.2 Meridian Hill Park is a National Historic Landmark with limited access and many historic features.

1.7.2.1 Meridian Hill has open access with no locked gates. Access to the park is limited due to walls surrounding the park and very limited parking. The Contractor should consider access limitation and precautions to preserve historic elements in the cultural landscape as well as other areas of the park when preparing a proposal.

1.7.3 Contractor should note that Canal Road and Rock Creek Potomac Parkway only have two-way traffic between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Traffic is one-way in-bound from 06:30 AM until 9:30 AM and is one-way out-bound from 3:30 PM until 6:30 PM. Roadway or lane closures are limited to the hours between the rush hour directional changes or weekends if prearranged with the COR at least 2 weeks in advance.

1.7.4 The Contractor shall be responsible for contacting the Park Representative, Doug Rowley at (202) 895-6061, to gain access to gated areas in order to complete mowing. Keys will be provided for gated area access and shall be returned at final billing. Any lost or missing keys will be charged against the final payment at a rate of $500.00 per key.

1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE:

1.8.1 The Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State, and local regulations covering environmental protection. In case of a conflict among these laws and regulations, the most stringent law or regulation shall apply. If a Federal, State, or regulatory agency assesses any fine, penalty, or fee against the Government that is attributable to Contractor noncompliance with any environmental law or regulation, the Contractor shall indemnify the Government for the amount of the fine and other Government costs attributable to the violation (e.g., the cost of cleaning up a hazardous waste spill). In the event of Contractor noncompliance with any applicable environmental law or regulation, the Contracting Officer will determine whether the Government or the Contractor is responsible for abating or correcting the violation. This provision is not intended in any way to waive the Government’s rights under any other provision of this contract. The Contractor shall fully comply with current and future Park regulations, plans and changes.

1.8.2 Non-Hazardous Products: In all instances where a product containing non-hazardous components can be substituted for a product with hazardous components, the Contractor shall use the product containing non-hazardous components. Provide information on substitutions to the Contracting Officer.

1.8.3 Biobased Reporting Requirements

1.8.3.1 Pursuant to a legislative mandate in the 2008 Farm Bill, prime contractors are required to report the category of product, type of product, and dollar value of all USDA designated biobased products that were purchased in the performance of federal contracts. Federal contractors are required to report annual biobased product purchases made under their service and construction contracts. Based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products under Service and Construction Contracts, reporting of biobased product purchases is completed through a portal in the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov | Home.

If a contract contains FAR Clause 52.223-2, the contractor must report all biobased purchases through SAM.

The Reporting Requirement(s):

The reporting requirement became effective September 3, 2013; It applies to services and construction contractors where contracts have a FAR Clause 52.223-2 Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products under Service and Construction Contracts, requiring the reporting of biobased product purchases; Contractors must report their purchases of biobased products to a reporting portal within SAM; Contractors must report the category, product type and dollar value of any USDA designated biobased products purchased by the Contractor; and Reporting must be completed by October 31st for the previous entire fiscal year (October 1 – September 30).

To Meet the Requirement(s) Contractors must: · Access SAM.gov | Home; Complete the required information within the portal and provide documentation to the Contracting Officer; If the applicable contract is not accessible in SAM, the contractor should contact their Contracting Officer.

Actions that may be taken to Meet Reporting Requirement(s) by Contracting Officer:

Require a copy of the reporting data from the Contractor as required in FAR Clause 52.223-2;

Remind the contractor, as necessary, of the requirement to report BioPreferred product types and dollar value, if any, into SAM at http://www.sam.gov. This includes any BioPreferred products used in performing contract-related services or in delivering contract-related products;

Cure Notice may be issued by Contracting Officer as required by termination clauses.

Upon failure to correct deficiency issued through Cure Notice contract may be terminated for Cause (FAR 52.212-4) of Terminated for Default under FAR Part 49.

1.8.4 Air and Water Pollution Control: The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to prevent runoff, soil erosion, air, and water pollution by any material and/or equipment used during construction. The Contractor shall keep the site clean and free of trash and debris.

1.9 RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING EXISTING STRUCTURES, UTILITIES, EXISTING PLANT MATERIAL AND OTHER LANDSCAPE FEATURES

1.9.1 The Contractor will be held responsible for any damages to, and for maintenance and protection of, existing utilities and structures. The Contractor shall preserve and protect all existing vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and grass areas. The contractor shall be responsible for all damage to trees and shrubs due to careless operation of equipment, stockpiling of materials or tracking of grass and other surfaced areas by equipment. Such damaged areas or materials shall be restored, repaired, or replaced by the contractor, as directed by the COR, at no additional cost to the Government.

1.9.2 In instances where the Contractor finds pre-existing conditions or damage to park resources which may reflect upon the quality of his work or cause him undue liability, the Contractor shall not start work until the Contractor and COR have agreed on the responsibility for these pre-existing conditions.

1.10 REPORTS

1.10.1 The Contractor shall complete responses in a timely manner to all requirements for reports and requests for information and data, both one-time and recurring.

1.10.2 The Contractor shall maintain a daily work log; recording by area, the day(s) when tasks were accomplished. The daily work log shall be submitted to the COR for inspection after each cycle and as requested by the CO or COR. In the event the COR and Contractor disagree on work completed and accepted, his or her comments shall be noted thereon or attached thereto.

1.10.3 The COR shall provide the Contractor with an Acceptance Report form, which will become verification that the work has been performed by the Contractor on this Contract. An Acceptance Report which has been signed by the Contractor and the COR must be submitted with billing for payment.

1.10.4 The Contractor shall note and report to the COR in writing the presence of any damaged turf or disease conditions that my affect the visual quality or the Contractor’s ability to perform the work as specified by the PWS. The Contractor shall note and report to the COR any maintenance issues or problems that arise that are not within the scope of work.

1.10.5 The Contractor shall report emergency situations, such as accidents involving property and/or personal injury or other unforeseen circumstances and shall follow required emergency reporting procedures. Emergency reporting procedures will be delineated in writing by the COR before any work begins.

1.10.6 The use of pesticides (including herbicides) must be approved by the National Park Service. The Contractor shall maintain a daily pesticide use log for all areas treated with a pesticide. A copy shall be filed monthly with the COR as part of the acceptance report.

1.11 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP):

The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires. The Contractor shall submit its QCP to the Contracting Officer not later than five calendar days after contract award. The format of the QCP shall be in Microsoft Word on company letterhead.

PART 2: DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

2.1 DEFINITIONS

The definitions set forth below are those unique to this contract. Definitions for technical terms or words that are included in this contract can be found in the technical documents referenced in the individual functional areas of the PWS. The definitions provided below are oriented to this PWS. In many cases, definitions are specific by situation. The listing of definitions is not all-inclusive, but it has been derived from official publications (e.g., regulations and technical manuals) when available.

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): The AQL is a designated value (percent) of defective outcomes/service that the Government indicates will be accepted using acceptable sampling techniques and procedures.

Business Day: Monday through Friday, except for Government recognized holidays Contracting Officer (CO): An individual with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer'’s Representative (COR): An individual from the functional activity appointed by the Contracting Officer and delegated specific authority to monitor contract performance and to perform specific contract administration functions.

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR): A formal method documenting unsatisfactory Contractor performance (contract deficiencies and defects against the AQL) in the contract file.

Cultural Landscape: The National Park Service defines a cultural landscape as a geographic area, including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein, associated with a historic event, activity, or person, or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values.

Cycle: A “cycle” is defined as complete mowing, trimming, edging and cleanup services when appropriate.

Defective Service: A unit of service, which contains one or more defects and does not conform to specified requirements.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): Provides uniform policies and procedures for acquisitions by executive agencies of the federal Government.

Government Furnished Property: All tangible property of Government furnished to Contractor.

Hazardous Waste: A waste as defined in title 40, CFR, Part 261.3. Special handling procedures and disposal facilities are required for their disposal in compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS): The PRS identifies key performance indicators and standards that represent logical service outputs that will be evaluated by the Government to assure the Contractor is fulfilling the terms of the contract.

Performance Standard: A measurable output or result associated with the performance-based description of a requirement found in the PWS.

Turf: Defined as vegetation growing in designated mowing areas, including grass, weeds and seed heads.

Quality Control: Those actions taken by the Contractor to control the in-process performance of goods or services to ensure that contract quality standards are met.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document used by the Government for quality assurance surveillance.

2.2 ACRONYMS:

For the purpose of the resultant contract, the acronyms listed below shall apply:

PART 3: GOVERNMENT FURNISHED RESOURCES

3.1 GENERAL

This section describes those items that will be furnished by the Government to the Contractor for performance of the requirements of this contract. The Contractor shall not make use of any property or services described in this section for any purpose other than performing the requirements of this contract. Contractor personnel are responsible for safeguarding GFP, equipment, and facilities. The Contractor shall be required to reimburse the Government for lost, damaged, or misappropriated property for which Contractor personnel are responsible.

3.2 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED SERVICES: None

3.3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED SUPPLIES: None

3.4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY:

3.4.1 The Government will provide keys for the gated areas. Arrange for key pick-up with the COR. Keys shall be returned at final billing of the contract. Any lost or missing keys will be charged against the final payment at a rate of $500.00 per key.

3.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES: None

3.6 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION:

3.6.1 Maps are provided within the Task details.

3.6.2 Historical mowing cycle times

PART 4: CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4.1 GENERAL

With the exception of items specifically identified as Government furnished in Part 3, the Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, supervision, materials and services necessary to perform the requirements of this contract.

4.2 PERMITS, TAXES, LICENSES, ORDINANCES, AND REGULATIONS:

The Contractor shall, at his own expense, obtain all necessary permits, give all notices, pay all license fees and applicable taxes, comply with municipal, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations applicable to the business carried on under this contract.

4.3 CONTRACTOR OWNED PROPERTY

4.3.1. Condition of Property: All Contractor property shall be in an operable condition and meet all applicable Federal, State, Local, and Installation requirements for its operation. Equipment shall also have complete and intact design and safety features as if they were new excluding the appearance of fair wear and tear on the equipment.

4.3.2. Identification and Markings:

4.3.2.1. Equipment: All Contractor furnished equipment shall be inscribed, engraved, stamped, or otherwise permanently marked to identify it as Contractor Owned property. The method of marking and information shall be at the Contractor'’s discretion except that it shall minimally identify the name of the Contractor’s concern.

4.3.2.2. Vehicles: The Contractor shall provide and maintain sufficient vehicles required to fulfill the terms of this contract. Contractor Vehicles shall bear the name of the Contractor'’s concern on both right and left side of the vehicle. Identification affixed to vehicles shall be in bold text letters not less than one half (1/2) inch in stock and not less than three (3) inches high. Color and style of text are at the Contractor’s discretion providing the text is in clear and sharp contrast to the surrounding area.

4.3.2.3. Operation: All Contractor owned equipment shall be operated according to applicable Federal, State, Local, and Installation laws and regulations as they apply to the equipment. This includes the requirement that Contractor personnel shall be adequately trained and possesses all necessary licenses, certification, or other required documents to operate the equipment.

PART 5: SPECIFIC TASKS

5.1 GENERAL

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that seasonal grounds maintenance (turf mowing, line trimming, blade edging and roadway vegetation control at 77 reservations) is performed and Rock Creek Park, Fort Totten, Palisades, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Meridian Hill Park and Palisades Parkway (Canal Road) and surrounding areas in a manner that will maintain healthy grass and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance.

5.1.1 Period of Performance

The Government reserves the right to exercise any of the options, as the prices stated in the pricing schedule. IAW FAR 17.205(a), the Government shall give the Contractor written notice of its intent to exercise options as least sixty (60) days before the contract expires.

IAW FAR 17.206(a), prices for options will be included in the price schedule. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement.

The Government reserves the right to exercise or not exercise any option in accordance with FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract and FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services.

5.1.2 Mowing Operation Schedule

Task 5.7.2 P Street Bank Once Yearly (typically in December after the first frost)

Task 5.7.3 Canal Road Twice Yearly (typically late spring/late summer)

The mowing operation schedule includes the quantities for special mowing event cuts.

5.2 Tasks

5.2.1 Mowing: The Contractor is responsible for mowing entire sites, including gated areas. The Contractor is not responsible for mowing areas designated by the Park as construction areas.

5.2.2 Prior to commencing the first mowing cycle, the COR will indicate the mow lines by staking, flagging, painting or as otherwise required. Turf, which includes grass, weeds, and seed heads within mowing areas are subject to the 3”- 6” requirement. A spring cleanup which includes the removal of fallen branches and other debris from mowing areas is considered a part of the first mowing cycle.

5.2.3 The Contractor is responsible for conducting a visual verification prior to start of mowing operations to ensure that the areas are free from trash and debris that would interfere with mowing operations. Note: The National Park Service removes litter and debris on a regular basis. However, litter and debris accumulation in the Park is a dynamic event. Consequently, the contractor shall remove any litter or debris encountered before mowing operations begin. Any litter cut up by the Contractor shall be picked up and removed by the Contractor on the same day the turf is cut.

5.2.4 If moving causes an excessive amount of clippings on the lawn or if the clippings are matted and wet, the clippings shall be eliminated by whatever means are available to the Contractor and at no expense to the Park.

5.2.5 Turf shall be cut to a uniform height. Skips and patches of uncut grass or windrows are not permitted.

5.2.6 All turf areas shall be maintained at a height of 3-6 inches throughout the mowing season. Mowing operations shall be initiated before the height exceeds 6 inches and the mower height shall be adjusted to 3 inches. In rare circumstances mowing heights may be adjusted at the discretion of the COR as necessary to adapt to seasonal conditions. The COR will notify the Contractor of any adjustment in height.

5.3 Mowing Service: Rock Creek Park Fort Totten, Palisades and Core Areas

5.3.1 The total acreage for mowing is estimated at 372 acres and 52,000 linear feet of edging. It should be noted that these figures are estimates only, and the Contractor must verify acreage and linear feet to be blade edged to satisfaction (identified in Matrix). Edging is expected even if there is no estimated linear feet listed in the tables below. Refer to Paragraph 1.7 to review site access information for this task.

Table 1 Mowing Area 1: Rock Creek Park Fort Totten Areas

a. Nicholson St. & Kansas St., NW.

b. East of Blair Road, NE around Blair Road Community garden.

c. South Dakota Ave., and New Hampshire Ave., NE

d. 1st St. and Madison St., NW to tree line.

e. 1st St. and Madison St., NW behind houses.

f. Longfellow St., NW behind houses.

g. 1st. and Kennedy St., to Riggs Road, NW.

Table 2 Mowing Area 2: Rock Creek Park Palisades and Areas West

Table 3 Mowing Area 3: Rock Creek Park Core

5.4 Mowing Operations at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

5.4.1 All areas are developed and contain high densities of vehicles, utilities, and structures. Access to some areas may be limited at times due to scheduled or unscheduled events. Ball Fields at the Washington Tennis Center are heavily used, requiring mowing operations to occur early in the day for most of the season. The park as 30 picnic groves which experience heavy usage. Some activities may require the Contractor to skip over an area and return within the mowing cycle to complete any areas skipped due to events. On rare occasions the COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative) will require the Contractor to mow a specific area prior to an event in the Park. Notification will be provided 1 week prior to the special mowing event. Special mowing event pricing is not separately priced; quantities are accounted for in the pricing schedule.

5.4.2 The Park routinely removes litter and debris from turf within the Rock Creek Park areas. The Contractor should coordinate mowing operations with the COR to ensure that mowing operations occur when most of the reservations have been cleaned by the Park. Residual debris and litter within the mowing areas shall be picked up prior to starting mowing operations; and any litter caused from mowing operations shall be removed the same day of mowing operations.

Table 4 Mowing Operations at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

Refer to Map on next page

Map for Table 4

Table 5 Mowing Operations at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

*Note – Once yearly Refer to Map Below

Map for Table 5

Table 6 Mowing Operations at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

*Note – this is a National Historic Landmark with limited access and many historic features.

Refer to Map Below

Map for Table 6

Table 7 Mowing Operations at Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

*Note – includes Line trimming, brush cutting, mowing, and debris removal from roadway Refer to Map on next page

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Table 7 Map

5.5 Line Trimming

Line trimming is defined as cutting turf where conventional mowing equipment cannot operate or is inaccessible for conventional mowing equipment. Line trimming is to include the backside of the road way guard rails and walls, leaving a mow strip of 2 feet. Line trimming close enough to any tree or shrub to cause damage to bark or roots must be prevented.

5.5.1 Line Trimming is to be performed in any area inaccessible with mowing equipment. This includes trees, shrubs, signs, guardrails, retaining walls, utilities fence lines, statues, back stops, play areas (including play equipment), next to buildings where established plantings are not present and around all obstacles such that a neat, even appearance to the total turf area is achieved. Care must be taken to prevent damage from line trimming to these Park features.

5.5.2 Trimming shall be performed at the same time as mowing. Line Trimming shall also include maintaining vegetation at the edge of all adjoining hard surfaces that are blade edged (per 2.4 below) during periods between blade edgings.

5.5.3 The height for line trimming shall be the same height at which the grass is cut. Any vegetation extending over the edges of walks, curbs, or roadways shall be neatly cut.

5.5.4 Grass or other vegetation around or encroaching on hedgerows or tree mulch rings shall be neatly cut in such a manner as to leave a well-defined edge between the lawn and the mulched areas. Note: Maintenance of the mulch ring and keeping these areas free of weeds and unwanted vegetation will be the responsibility of the National Park Service. The Contractor is responsible for notifying the COR if improper maintenance is being performed.

5.6 Blade Edging

All turf termination at various paving and cement details shall be vertically edged to remove turf overgrowth two (2) times each season. This task is distinctly different than the requirement for string trimming. Debris from edging is to be removed and paved areas blown clear. First occurrence shall be within the first two (2) weeks of May. The second occurrence shall be within the last two (2) weeks of August. Contractor shall notify COR upon completion of each edging occurrence within 2 days of completion.

5.7 Vegetation Control

5.7.1 Vegetation control in curb cracks, between the curb and asphalt, and on concrete or stone road medians may be performed by line trimming or with Park approved chemicals under the following conditions:

i. The Contractor shall not apply any herbicides without the Park’s written preapproval.

ii. A District of Columbia licensed or registered applicator under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator performs the job.

iii. Mixing of chemical solutions shall not be performed in the Park.

iv. Residual solutions in tanks must be properly disposed of out of the Park.

v. Proper records are kept and copies furnished to the COR on a monthly basis.

vi. Under no circumstances will “edging” of concrete surfaces be done with chemicals.

5.7.2 Work on P Street bank shall be considered as vegetation control/removal. This work will occur once per year. The Contractor shall be responsible for cutting all brush and weeds and removing same from the Park. Rock Creek Park maintenance will be responsible for all tree work and traffic control during this operation. Once work has started on this operation it must be pursued daily until completed. Debris and brush must be removed the same day it is cut/generated.

5.7.3 Work along Canal Road will occur twice yearly. The Contractor shall arrange for road closure, furnish traffic control to meet DDOT requirements. The Contractor shall furnish all other machinery and labor needed to cut back brush, grass, and weeds along the road edge and to remove any resulting debris from the roadway. The width of work will vary from one to approximately thirty feet. Possible machinery needed will include riding mower, push trim mower, line trimmers, brush cutter, tractor rotary mower, and appropriate blowers. Contractor shall consider that this road can only be closed, and the work performed, between the hours of 09:30 AM and 2:30 PM. On weekdays. Arrangements may be made with the COR for weekend work with a 2-week advance notice and with the approval of the COR.

5.8 Clean-up

5.8.1 Spring clean-up of fallen branches, debris and smoothing rough soil surface…