Combined Synopsis Solicitation 36C78625Q50082.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/ SOLICITATION

Tree Maintenance Services at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery

i. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

ii. Solicitation 36C78625Q50082 is issued as a Request for Quote.

iii. This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses of those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-07 effective 29 Aug 2024.

iv. This is a Service-Disable Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730 with a small business size standard of 9.5 million dollars.

v. National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Contracting Services, intents to award a

Firm Fixed Price IDIQ Contract for Tree Maintenance for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Base and 4 with a minimum Guarantee of $5000 dollars.

vi. Place of performance:

Fort Bliss Cemetery

520 Fred Wilson Ave

El Paso, TX 79906

vii. SITE VISIT:

Offerors are urged and expected to inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance. In no event shall failure to inspect a one or all sites constitute grounds for a claim after contract award. If you plan to conduct a site visit / inspection of the Fort Bliss National Cemetery, YOU MUST CONTACT the following personnel to make arrangements for a site visit.

Chris G. Smith, COR/Gardener, Fort Bliss National Cemetery: 915-564-0201 x5111

EMAIL: chris.smith@va.gov

viii. SOLICITATION QUESTIONS:

All solicitation questions must be submitted through email to the Contracting Officer:

david.hester@va.gov. Vendor questions must be received by 11:00 am EST on Dec 17, 2024, and will be answered via solicitation amendment no later than Dec 20, 2024.

Questions submitted after the Q&A due date will not be answered.

ix. The following clauses and provisions are applicable to this combined synopsis/solicitation: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors; 52.212-3 Offeror

Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/ SOLICITATION

Tree Maintenance Services at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery

Conditions—Commercial Items; 52-212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to

Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items.

a. The FAR may be obtained at: Home | Acquisition.GOV

x. The following factors will be evaluated as part of Lowest Priced Technically

Acceptable (LPTA).

xi. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award without discussion but reserves the right to conduct discussions. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

The right to make multiple or no award is reserved in the event it is advantageous to the Government to do so.

xii. Submission Due: 12/24/2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST

xiii. Point of Contacts:

a. David Hester, david.hester@va.gov

xiv. It is the responsibility of the offeror to review the posting for any changes or amendments that may occur concerning this RFQ. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure all proposals and/or questions are submitted in a timely manner by specified due date.

xv. Mandatory Registrations. To be eligible for award, registration with the System for

Award Management (SAM). If this requirement is a SDVOSB set aside, the Offeror shall have an active and current registration in VetCert, at the time of submission and will maintain its status throughout the performance of the contract.

xvi. Notice to Offeror. The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, either before or after suspense date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the

Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs. The contractor shall not request, nor will the Government make, payments for any preliminary measurement, quotes, bids, site visit, time or proposal cost incurred.

https://www.acquisition.gov/ mailto:david.hester@va.gov https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 3 of 69

Table of Contents

Section Description Page Number

1 Continuation Sheet 1 - Statement of Work

2 Contract Clauses 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Jan 2011) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2024) 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (Oct 1995) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year (Apr 1984) 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991)

852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (MAY

2020)

852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR VERIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (NOV 2022)

852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

3 Documents, Exhibits, or Attachments 4 Solicitation Provisions

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Nov 2024) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)

EOD End of Document Wage Determination 2015-5229.pdf

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 4 of 69

Section 1 - Continuation Sheet

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0001 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

15.000000 EA

Description: Palm Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment A.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 0001

Pricing Options: Base

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0002 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

5.000000 EA

Description: Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 0002

Pricing Options: Base

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0003 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

10.000000 EA

Description: OPTION Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 0003

Pricing Options: Base

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

10001 See Description Below

PSC: S208

20.000000 EA

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 5 of 69

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

Description: Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 10001

Pricing Options: 0001

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

10002 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

10.000000 EA

Description: OPTION Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 10002

Pricing Options: 0002

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

20001 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

15.000000 EA

Description: Palm Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height) -Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment A.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 20001

Pricing Options: 0001

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

20002 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

5.000000 EA

Description: Large Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height or over 24 inches in DBH) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 20002

Pricing Options: 0002

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 6 of 69

20003 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

10.000000 EA

Description: OPTION Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 20003

Pricing Options: 0003

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

30001 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

15.000000 EA

Description: Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 30001

Pricing Options: 0001

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

30002 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

5.000000 EA

Description: Large Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height or over 24 inches in DBH) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 30002

Pricing Options: 0002

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

30003 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

10.000000 EA

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 7 of 69

Description: OPTION Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 30003

Pricing Options: 0003

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

40001 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

15.000000 EA

Description: Palm Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height) -Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment A.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 40001

Pricing Options: 0001

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

40002 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

5.000000 EA

Description: Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 40002

Pricing Options: 0002

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

40003 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

10.000000 EA

Description: OPTION Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

Reference Line: F367465-25-2000007 - 40003

Pricing Options: 0003

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 8 of 69

SCOPE OF WORK

National Cemetery Administration

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

El Paso, TX 79916

Tree Maintenance

A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration intends to award a firm, fixed price contract for the procurement of tree maintenance services at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. The

Contractor(s) gaining award shall provide all labor, tools, materials, and equipment necessary to accomplish tree and/or stump removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, cavity repair, root pruning, and the removal and disposal of resulting waste and debris for the National Cemeteries listed below, on an annual basis. The contractor shall provide all professional advice/guidance, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel, to provide these services.

1. LOCATION:

These services will be performed at the following location:

Fort Bliss National Cemetery

5200 Fred Wilson Blvd

El Paso, TX 79916

2. WORK SUMMARY:

As indicated on the CLIN Sheet (Attachment A), work to be done to trees shall consist of one or more of the following; tree removal, pruning, trimming, stump removal, and removal and disposal of resulting waste and debris. Each year 20 total trees (with an option for 10 additional) will be pruned rotating among Palm Trees, Medium Trees, and Large Trees (Table 1).

- Fifteen (15) palm trees (over 40 feet in height) are to be trimmed every other year – starting in the base year.

o The palm trees are to be trimmed in the base year, OY2, and OY4.

o Each time, it will be the same palm tree individuals trimmed as indicated in the Palm

Tree Worksheet (Attachment B).

- Over the lifespan of the contract forty-five (45) medium trees are to be pruned. Medium trees have a DBH from 12-24 inches and a height less than 40 feet.

o Five (5) medium trees are to be trimmed in the base year, twenty (20) in OY1, fifteen

(15) in OY3, and five (5) in OY4.

o Each year has an optional additional 10 Medium Trees for pruning.

o Examples of medium trees are indicated on the Medium Tree Worksheet (Attachment

C). This is for planning and pricing purposes only. Individual trees will be indicated per task order.

- Over the lifespan of the contract ten (10) large trees are to be pruned. Large trees have a DBH greater than 24 inches or a height greater than 40 feet.

o Five (5) large trees are to be trimmed in OY2 and five (5) in OY3.

o Examples of large trees are indicated on the Large Tree Worksheet (Attachment D).

This is for planning and pricing purposes only. Individual trees will be indicated per task order.

Table 1. Summary of Palm Tree, Medium Tree, and Large Tree Trimmings by Contract Year.

Contract Year

# of Palm Trees

Trimmed

# of Medium

Trees Trimmed

# of Large

Trees Trimmed

Total Trees

Trimmed

Base 15 5 20

OY1 20 20

OY2 15 5 20

OY3 15 5 20

OY4 15 5 20

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 9 of 69

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND STATEMENT OF WORK:

1. CERTIFIED ARBORIST:

A “Certified Arborist” shall serve as the “site manager” for this contract and will be provided by the

Contractor for not less than eight (8) hours a day whenever work is being performed - other than trash and debris pick-up. The Certified Arborist must have not less than three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial tree maintenance operation that included removal, trimming, and stump removal in commercial, industrial, or public sites. The Certified Arborist will 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. The certified arborist must be certified by International Society of Arboriculture, or other acceptable national or state certifying agency, society, or association.

2. PALM TREE MAINTENANCE

a. Maintenance will consist of removal of dead fronds ONLY.

b. No green plant material shall be trimmed or removed.

c. Dead petioles (attachment point for the fronds to the truck) are to be removed. This is done by hand only. The petiole will easily separate from the truck. If the petiole is green or does not separate easily by hand, it shall remain on the truck until next maintenance cycle.

d. Only clean, disinfected pruning tools shall be used. Clean between each tree maintenance to avoid possible cross contamination of disease to other trees.

e. At no time shall the truck of a palm be stripped or otherwise be altered.

3. TREE REMOVAL/STUMP GRINDING:

a. Existing trees and stumps indicated on the Tree Work Sheet (See Attachment A) for removal shall be cut down under the instruction/guidance of a Contractor provided Certified Arborist.

b. All trees shall be topped prior to falling and all limbs over 3 ½” in diameter must be lowered to the ground by ropes. The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent any falling branches or trees from damaging any headstones, adjacent plant material or structures.

c. The stumps are to be ground to a minimum of 6” and a maximum of 8" below soil level, or to the lateral roots, if reached before the specific depth. The Contractor shall never grind the stumps to the depth that would interfere with the roots of any adjacent tree(s) that the

Government will retain. The cavity of the stump is to be filled with high quality, weed free topsoil and tamped to meet the existing grade. See E.3. regarding Utility Lines Compliance.

d. All wood, chip particles, and debris from the tree and stump removal shall be cleaned up thoroughly and removed from the cemetery grounds.

e. Any damage or breakage during the performance of these services by the Contractor shall be repaired, replaced, given remedial and/or corrective treatment and cleaned up by the Contractor at the Government’s satisfaction and at no additional cost to the Government.

4. PRUNING/TRIMMING STANDARDS:

a. All work shall comply with: Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning (2018 ISA or latest edition) companion publication to the ANSI A300 (Part 1) -2017 or latest edition: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices, Pruning.

b. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all pruning cuts shall be made just outside the collar or shoulder ring (branch bark ridge/swollen trunk collar) close to parent stem so that healing can readily start under normal conditions.

c. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that when reducing the tree height and spread, he/she shall retain the natural shape of the tree by removing the entire lateral branches back to their point of origin also known as drop crotching or thinning.

d. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all limbs one inch in diameter or over must be precut to prevent splitting. All branches and/or tree material 3 1/2" in diameter or larger shall

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 10 of 69 be lowered by proper lowering methods, such as using ropes.

e. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall be pruned and shaped to retain the trees natural crown characteristics and patterns.

f. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall have the live branches removed to permit penetration of sunlight and circulation of air through the canopy in conjunction to the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics, and growth patterns.

g. The Contractor is responsible to ensure care when removing living and/or dead crossed or rubbing branches, where practicable, so the removal will not leave large holes in the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the tree.

h. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that, when pruning trees known to be diseased or susceptible to diseases, tools are disinfected with alcohol after each cut and between trees, where there is known to be danger of transmitting the disease on the tools.

i. The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR all of the following conditions: when old scars are not healing properly; where callus growth is not already established; visible girdling roots, and when there are any structural weaknesses such as but not limited to decayed trunk or branches, and split trunk/branch crotches.

j. The following methods of pruning are NOT acceptable therefore, the contractor is responsible to ensure that these methods are never performed: topping, heading-back, stubbing, de-horning, lion-tailing, and pollarding.

k. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that in lifting the bottom branches of the trees for under clearance, care shall be given to symmetrical appearance, esthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the trees.

l. In general, the Contractor shall ensure when reducing the size of a tree and with respect to retaining the tree’s natural crown characteristics and patterns, not more than 1/4 of the total area shall be reduced at a single operation, unless instructed in writing to do so by the COR.

m. The Contractor is required to dispose of all debris and other waste materials generated by his/her work at a licensed off-site landfill or recycling center, unless otherwise directed in writing by the COR. NOTE: The Government shall NOT provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

n. The contractor will take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to trees while performing pruning. The use of climbing spikes is prohibited, unless prior permission is obtained from the COR in writing, and on a tree by tree basis. This permission will only be granted in cases where there are no other means to access the work to be performed, as determined by the

COR.

C. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall complete these services within a period of thirty (30) business days from award of contract and/or notice to proceed with work to completion.

D. WORK HOURS AND MEETINGS

All work shall be performed during the normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except with the written permission of the COR. All work shall be scheduled and coordinated with the COR. When emergency situations are caused by the Contractor, then he/she shall make arrangements with the COR to work on weekends to correct/eliminate the emergency in order to meet the period of performance. The Government shall not compensate the Contractor for emergency situations caused by the Contractor.

E. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING:

1. WEEKLY REPORT: The Contractor's site manager or his designee shall provide the COR with weekly written accurate reports identifying the following: All trees per species and location that have been removed and the stump removed (stump grinding), and/or all trees per species and location that have been trimmed/pruned to completion. These lists will be provided on not less

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 11 of 69 than a weekly basis, and shall identify all of the above work that took place within the previous seven days. The site manager will also provide upon request a plan of action for the upcoming week, regarding what removal and stump grinding shall occur for specific areas.

2. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary and current licenses, Arborist certification, permits, vehicular insurance and registration, Workman’s Compensatory Liability Insurance, property liability insurance etc., prior to the start date of these services. The Contractor gaining award shall provide the Contracting Officer copies of these required documents immediately after award of contract.

3. UTILITY LINES COMPLIANCE: Where pruning/stump grinding/tree removal conflicts with existing utility/service lines (above ground/below ground), the corresponding utilities company/cemetery staff shall be notified and the Contractor shall obtain any necessary permits/ blue prints and cooperate with the utilities company/cemetery staff to avoid any damage or liability, and provide a safe work environment for his/her employees.

4. INSPECTION: At the completion of the work, the COR shall inspect the contracted tree maintenance in the company of the Contractor’s site manager. Work determined by the COR to be incomplete shall be completed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

Disputes arising regarding the status of the work will be reported to the CO for final resolution.

F. GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all work shall be done in a manner that safeguards all

VA visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for any and all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees. Furthermore, the Contractor and his/her employees shall have a clear understanding of, and be sensitive to, such environmental issues as ground water contamination, wetlands, etc., and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

2. The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning any cemetery structures that are soiled or stained as a result of Contractor’s performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures and grounds at the end of each workday. No hazardous chemicals are to be used at anytime on Government property. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

3. At the end of each day the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work, unless otherwise specified by the COR. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. NOTE: The Government shall not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

4. Adequate warning devices, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor for the protection, safety, and warning of all pedestrians and vehicular traffic within the area.

5. The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with any other Contractors and with

Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, needing any direction, it shall be provided by the COR. The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the

COR any problems or questions that may arise with any other personnel on site during the period of performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not take it upon him or herself to resolve any problems or issues with other on-site Contractors or employees, but rather will leave it to the COR to resolve the issue.

6. The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except when authorized in writing by the COR. Contractor shall “Board-in” and “board-out” when moving heavy equipment over turf. That is, the Contractor shall place plywood sheets or mud tracks to protect turf from damage from heavy equipment. Protection boards shall be removed from turf by the close of business each day to avoid damaging turf.

7. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, the work often requires contact with, and exposure

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 12 of 69 to, grieving individuals. Contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure and stability at all times.

8. The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items.

Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities used by Contractor's employees.

9. Electricity and water will be furnished by the Government.

10. The COR may designate an area for the Contractor to use to store a limited amount of supplies or equipment, if available.

11. The COR will designate an area for Contractor employees to take lunch and other breaks.

G. DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT PROPERTY

1. Contractors shall be responsible for replacement of any cemetery structure, to include: turf, curb, road pavement, headstone or marker, valve boxes, control markers, sprinkler heads, which is chipped, marred, damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed COR prior to repair/replacement/installation.

2. At the Government's discretion, the Contractor shall either repair or replace the property, or reimburse the Government the full amount for all property damage(s). The Contractor shall be aware that Government property - beyond standard structures and equipment - also includes headstones, monuments, trees, beds, and turf (i.e., wounded trees or damaged turf).

H. CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS

1. The Contractor is responsible for supplying all equipment, personnel, tools, supplies and materials to perform these services. All pruning tools shall be kept sharp and properly functioning.

2. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all of his/her motor vehicles and equipment meet

State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

I. CONTRACOTR CONDUCT:

Contractor personnel shall:

1. Be required to adhere to the following standards of dress, conduct, supervision and training while performing work on Government property. It shall be subject to immediate enforcement action by the Contracting Officer if these standards are not adhered to during the period of performance of this contract. Contractor shall be responsible for training and safety precautions prescribed by

OSHA regarding safety equipment and devices.

2. Be fully clothed at all times, to include upper garment to cover body from the waist to the neck and long pants or slacks. Garments, which have a message, slogan or printing of any kind other than the Contractor’s business attire, are prohibited. Uniforms are acceptable.

3. Maintain a neat and professional appearance throughout its workforce, vehicles, equipment, and maintenance areas. Uniforms are acceptable. If uniforms are used, they must be in unison among all employees.

4. The Contractor/personnel shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at anytime on Government premises. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices, shall only be done at lunchtime and in a designated break area. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, Contractor employees will come into daily contact with grieving individuals, therefore Contractor employees will exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, courtesy, and respect while within the cemetery or at its perimeter or entrances. Inquiries from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred to Government cemetery staff. Gratuities of any kind are strictly prohibited.

5. Consume food and beverage only within areas designated by the COR. Intoxication, and violence or criminal acts of any kind will not be tolerated - and is cause for immediate removal from

Government property. Use or sale of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited, and use of tobacco products is only allowed in specific areas designated by the COR.

6. Contractor employees shall only take breaks/rest periods and lunch breaks at the Contractor

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 13 of 69

Staging Area, not in the field. Workers are to utilize contractor provided temporary chemical toilet facilities located only in the Contractor Staging Area. Misconduct shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

7. Worker parking: All contractor employees are to park only in the COR approved Contractor

Parking Area identified for this project. Workers are not allowed to park throughout the cemetery grounds, and violation of this requirement shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

8. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that his/her employees (including contractor’s consultants, subcontractors, etc.) are aware of all the terms and conditions set forth above in this solicitation package regarding their performance and conduct during the performance period of this contract.

End of Scope of Work

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 14 of 69

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A CLIN Sheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Attachment B Palm Tree Worksheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Attachment C Medium Tree Worksheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Attachment D Large Tree Worksheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Attachment E Site Plan for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 15 of 69

Attachment A

CLIN Sheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery Tree Maintenance

Base Period:

CLIN DESCRIPTION

EST

QTY

UNIT UNIT COST

EST.

TOTAL

COST

Palm Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment A.

15 EA $__________ $__________

Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of

Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

5 EA $__________ $__________

OPTION Medium Tree Prune

(height between 25-40 feet AND

DBH between 12-24 inches) –

Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and

Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment B.

10 EA $__________ $__________

Total Estimated Cost = $__________

OPTION YEAR 1:

EST

QTY

UNIT UNIT COST

EST.

TOTAL

COST

Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of

Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

20 EA $__________ $__________

OPTION Medium Tree Prune

(height between 25-40 feet AND

DBH between 12-24 inches) –

Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and

Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment B.

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 16 of 69

OPTION YEAR 2:

CLIN DESCRIPTION

EST

QTY

UNIT UNIT COST

EST.

TOTAL

COST

Palm Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height) -Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment A.

15 EA $__________ $__________

Large Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height or over 24 inches in DBH) –

Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and

Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment B.

5 EA $__________ $__________

OPTION Medium Tree Prune

(height between 25-40 feet AND

DBH between 12-24 inches) –

Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and

Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment B.

OPTION YEAR 3:

EST

QTY

UNIT UNIT COST

EST.

TOTAL

COST

Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of

Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

15 EA $__________ $__________

Large Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height or over 24 inches in DBH) –

Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and

Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment B.

5 EA $__________ $__________

OPTION Medium Tree Prune

(height between 25-40 feet AND

DBH between 12-24 inches) –

Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and

Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment B.

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 17 of 69

OPTION YEAR 4:

CLIN DESCRIPTION

EST

QTY

UNIT UNIT COST

EST.

TOTAL

COST

Palm Tree Prune (over 40 feet in height) -Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment A.

15 EA $__________ $__________

Medium Tree Prune (height between 25-40 feet AND DBH between 12-24 inches) – Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and Disposal of

Waste and Debris, see Attachment B.

5 EA $__________ $__________

OPTION Medium Tree Prune

(height between 25-40 feet AND

DBH between 12-24 inches) –

Pruning, Trimming, Cleanup and

Disposal of Waste and Debris, see

Attachment B.

SUMMARY TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS

Proposed

EST. TOTAL COST

Base Year – Date of Award through Jan 2026 $_______________________

Option Year 1 – Jan 2026 -Jan 2027 $ ______________________

Option Year 2 – Jan 2027 -Jan 2028 $ ______________________

Option Year 3 – Jan 2028 -Jan 2029 $ ______________________

Option Year 4 – Jan 2029 -Jan 2030 $ ______________________

Est. Grand Total (Base + all Option Years): $ ______________________

PRICE SCHEDULE: Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, material, equipment, tools and supplies to complete tree maintenance services at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, following National Cemetery

Administration standards. The schedule price shall be all-inclusive, including all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies to complete the Contract Line Item (CLIN(s)).

Contract period will consist of a base period from date of contract award through 30 November 2025, with up to four (4) one-year options to extend the term of the contract through 30 November 2029. Units and services to be in accordance with the Statement of Work, including technical specifications, schedules, addenda, clauses, terms and conditions of the contract.

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 18 of 69

Attachment B

Palm Tree Worksheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Line item Section Site ID# Species Height Maint. Req.

1 Mall Drive 2699 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

2 Mall Drive 2698 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

3 Mall Drive 2696 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

4 Mall Drive 2695 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

5 Mall Drive 2684 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

6 Mall Drive 2683 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

7 Mall Drive 2682 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

8 Mall Drive 2702 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

9 Mall Drive 2701 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

10 Mall Drive 2700 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

11 I I 1119 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

12 I I 419 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

13 I I 428 Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

14 I I 698 left Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

15 I I 698 right

Palm, California Over 40' Trim/Prune

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 19 of 69

Attachment C

Medium Tree Worksheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Line item Section Site ID# Species DBH Height Maint. Req.

1 M M 834 Honey Mesquite 13 30' and under Trim/Prune

2 K K 708 Mulberry 13 30' and under Trim/Prune

3 I I 2804 Live Oak 13 30' and under Trim/Prune

4 M1 M1 26 Honey Mesquite 13 30' and under Trim/Prune

5 C C 2372 Mulberry 13 30' and under Trim/Prune

6 J J 3960 Honey Mesquite 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

7 M M 574 Honey Mesquite 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

8 C C 1233 Mulberry 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

9 I I 3163 Live Oak 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

10 Post F 25 L Live Oak 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

11 D D 2975 Chinese Pistache 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

12 C C 937 Mulberry 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

13 I I 37 Live Oak 14 30' and under Trim/Prune

14 F F 705 Honey Mesquite 15 30' and under Trim/Prune

15 M M 2186 Honey Mesquite 15 30' and under Trim/Prune

16 F F 1152 Honey Mesquite 15 30' and under Trim/Prune

17 K K 934 Mulberry 15 30' and under Trim/Prune

18 E E 11153 Honey Locust 15 30' and under Trim/Prune

19 G G 248 Live Oak 15 30' and under Trim/Prune

20 G G 1899 Honey Mesquite 16 30' and under Trim/Prune

21 I I 1388 Live Oak 16 30' and under Trim/Prune

22 E E 9046 Live Oak 16 30' and under Trim/Prune

23 H1 H1 825 Mulberry 17 30' and under Trim/Prune

24 I I 3438 Live Oak 17 30' and under Trim/Prune

25 G G 1139 Honey Mesquite 17 30' and under Trim/Prune

26 M1 M1 33 Honey Mesquite 17 30' and under Trim/Prune

27 C C 2749 Mulberry 18 30' and under Trim/Prune

28 C C 75 Arizona Ash 18 30' and under Trim/Prune

29 H1 H1 1743 Chinese Pistache 18 30' and under Trim/Prune

30 C C 2818 Mulberry 18 30' and under Trim/Prune

31 C1 C1 1037 Mulberry 19 30' and under Trim/Prune

32 C1 C1 44 Live Oak 19 30' and under Trim/Prune

33 O O 3 Arizona Ash 20 30' and under Trim/Prune

34 G G 2837 Live Oak 20 30' and under Trim/Prune

35 I I 5687 Palo Verde 20 30' and under Trim/Prune

36 F F 1113 Mulberry 21 30' and under Trim/Prune

37 H1 H1 1000 Mulberry 22 30' and under Trim/Prune

38 F F 1142 Mulberry 23 30' and under Trim/Prune

39 H1 H1 200 Live oak 23 30' and under Trim/Prune

40 O O 841 Palo Verde 24 30' and under Trim/Prune

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 20 of 69

Attachment D

Large Tree Worksheet for Fort Bliss National Cemetery

Line item Section Site ID# Species DBH Height Maint. Req.

1 Admin 2793 Live Oak 21 Over 40' Trim/Prune

2 I I 88 Live Oak 23 Over 40' Trim/Prune

3 D D 2982 Live Oak 25 Over 40' Trim/Prune

4 D D 501 Live Oak 25 30' and under Trim/Prune

5 Post G G 10K Live oak 25 30' and under Trim/Prune

6 H H 2626 Mulberry 26 30' and under Trim/Prune

7 Admin 2792 Live Oak 27 Over 40' Trim/Prune

8 Mall Drive 2685 Live Oak 28 Over 40' Trim/Prune

9 Mall Drive 2687 Live Oak 28 Over 40' Trim/Prune

10 Mall Drive 2688 Live Oak 28 Over 40' Trim/Prune

11 Admin 2791 Live Oak 29 Over 40' Trim/Prune

12 PIC 2763 Live Oak 29 Over 40' Trim/Prune

13 Mall Drive 2697 Live Oak 30 Over 40' Trim/Prune

14 Mall Drive 2686 Live Oak 30 Over 40' Trim/Prune

15 PIC 2762 Live Oak 32 Over 40' Trim/Prune

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 21 of 69

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 22 of 69

Section 2 - Contract Clauses

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/ these address(es):

www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR) www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR) [Insert one or more Internet addresses]

(End of clause)

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023)

(a) This contract and employees working on this contract will be subject to the whistleblower rights and remedies established at 41 U.S.C. 4712 and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 3.900 through 3.905.

(b) The Contractor shall inform its employees in writing, in the predominant language of the workforce, of employee whistleblower rights and protections under 41 U.S.C. 4712, as described in FAR 3.900 through 3.905.

(c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts.

(End of clause)

52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Jan 2011)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24 and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

(b) The Contractor shall account for all forms of Government-provided identification issued to the Contractor employees in connection with performance under this contract. The Contractor shall return such identification to the issuing agency at the earliest of any of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Government:

(1) When no longer needed for contract performance.

(2) Upon completion of the Contractor employee's employment.

(3) Upon contract completion or termination.

(c) The Contracting Officer may delay final payment under a contract if the Contractor fails to comply with these requirements.

(d) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts when the subcontractor's employees are required to have routine physical access to a Federally-controlled facility and/or routine access to a Federally-controlled information system. It shall be the responsibility of the prime Contractor to return such identification to the issuing agency in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(End of clause)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 23 of 69

"Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator" means a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the commercial, nonprofit, or Government entity to establish additional System for Award Management (SAM) records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity.

"Registered in the System for Award Management (SAM)" means that--

(1) The Contractor has entered all mandatory information, including the unique entity identifier and the EFT indicator (if applicable), the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, as well as data required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (see subpart 4.14), into the SAM;

(2) The Contractor has completed the Core, Assertions, Representations and Certifications, and Points of Contact sections of the registration in SAM;

(3) The Government has validated all mandatory data fields, to include validation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Contractor will be required to provide consent for TIN validation to the Government as a part of the SAM registration process; and

(4) The Government has marked the record "Active".

"System for Award Management (SAM)" means the primary Government repository for prospective Federal awardee and Federal awardee information and the centralized Government system for certain contracting, grants, and other assistance-related processes. It includes--

(1) Data collected from prospective Federal awardees required for the conduct of business with the Government;

(2) Prospective contractor-submitted annual representations and certifications in accordance with FAR subpart 4.12; and

(3) Identification of those parties excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain types of Federal financial and non-financial assistance and benefits.

"Unique entity identifier" means a number or other identifier used to identify a specific commercial, nonprofit, or Government entity.

See www.sam.gov for the designated entity for establishing unique entity identifiers.

(b) If the solicitation for this contract contained the provision 52.204-7 with its Alternate I, and the Contractor was unable to register prior to award, the Contractor shall be registered in SAM within 30 days after award or before three days prior to submission of the first invoice, whichever occurs first.

(c) The Contractor shall maintain registration in SAM during contract performance and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement. The Contractor is responsible for the currency, accuracy and completeness of the data within SAM, and for any liability resulting from the Government's reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data.

To remain registered in SAM after the initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and update on an annual basis, from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates, its information in SAM to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in SAM does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.

(d) (1) (i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name or "doing business as" name (whichever is shown on the contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding novation and change-of-name agreements in subpart 42.12, the Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a minimum of one business day's written notification of its intention to--

(A) Change the name in SAM;

(B) Comply with the requirements of subpart 42.12 of the FAR; and

(C) Agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall provide with the notification sufficient documentation to support the legally changed name.

(ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the agreement at paragraph (d)(1)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, the SAM information that shows the Contractor to be other than the Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be incorrect

Document Number: 36C78625Q50082 PROCESSED Page 24 of 69 information within the meaning of the "Suspension of Payment" paragraph of the electronic funds transfer (EFT) clause of this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in SAM record to reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see FAR subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately registered in the SAM. Information provided to the Contractor's SAM record that indicates payments, including those made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the "Suspension of Payment" paragraph of the EFT clause of this contract.

(3) The Contractor shall ensure that the unique entity identifier is maintained with the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishment of the unique entity identifier throughout the life of the contract. The Contractor shall communicate any change to the unique entity identifier to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on the contract. A change in the unique entity identifier does not necessarily require a novation be accomplished.

(e) Contractors may obtain additional information on registration and annual confirmation requirements at https://www.sam.gov.

(End of clause)

52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016)

(a) Definitions.

"First-tier subcontract" means a subcontract awarded directly by the Contractor for the purpose of acquiring supplies or services (including…