Attachment 1- Grounds Maintenance Performance Work Statement REV 1.pdf

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Original: 31 May 2024

Revision 1: 19 July 2024

For:

PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, FL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.1 MAINTAIN IMPROVED GROUNDS

1.1.1 MOW

1.1.2 EDGE

1.1.3 TRIM

1.1.4 REMOVE DEBRIS/POLICE GROUNDS

1.1.5 FERTILIZATION

1.1.6 PEST AND WEED CONTROL

1.1.7 LAWN REPAIR

1.1.8 PRUNE SHRUBS, HEDGES AND OTHER PLANTS

1.1.9 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

1.2 MAINTAIN SEMI-IMPROVED GROUNDS

1.2.1 MOW

1.2.2 TRIM

1.2.3 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

1.3 MAINTAIN BIRD AREA STRIKE HAZARD (BASH)

1.3.1 MOW

1.3.2 EDGING

1.3.3 AIRFIELD LIGHT FIXTURES AND PERIMETER

1.3.4 AIRFIELD COORDINATION

1.3.5 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

1.4 UN-IMPROVED GROUNDS

1.4.1 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

1.5 MAINTAIN VEGETATIVE BEDS, INERT BEDS, AND RELATED AREAS

1.5.1 MULCH

1.5.2 PROHIBITIONS

1.5.3 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

1.6 MAINTAIN SURFACE DRAINAGE DITCHES

1.6.1 SURFACE DRAINAGE DITCH INTERIOR MAINTENANCE

1.6.2 SURFACE DRAINAGE DITCH LAND CLEARING

1.7 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1.7.1 PRUNE/TRIM TREES

1.7.2 EMERGENCY AND SPECIAL EVENTS SERVICES

1.7.3 XERISCAPING, PLANTING TREES, SHRUBS, AND VEGETATIVE BEDS

1.7.4 SPECIALTY SERVICES

1.7.5 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

2 SERVICE SUMMARY

3 QUALITY CONTROL

3.1 PRE-PERFORMANCE CONFERENCE

3.2 SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN/SCHEDULE

3.2.1 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

3.2.2 CONTRACTOR SAFETY PLAN

3.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

3.3.1 PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT METHODS

3.4 PERIODIC PROGRESS MEETINGS

4 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

4.1 FACILITIES

4.1.1 LOCATION

4.1.2 FACILITY COMPLIANCE

4.2 UTILITIES

4.2.1 NON-POTABLE WATER

4.2.2 WASTEWATER

4.3 SECURITY, FIRE, AND MEDICAL SERVICES

4.4 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL

4.4.1 PROHIBITIONS

5 GENERAL INFORMATION

5.1 DAMAGES TO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, OR VEGETATION

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

5.2.1 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

5.2.2 SPILL CONTROLS

5.2.3 PESTICIDES

5.2.4 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY

5.2.5 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

5.2.6 FINAL REPORT

5.2.7 PROTECTION OF ESA

5.2.8 ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTIONS

5.3 PERMITS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

5.3.1 ARBORIST

5.3.2 PEST CONTROLLER

5.4 HOURS OF OPERATION

5.4.1 MILITARY CONTINGENCIES/DISASTER EXERCISES

5.5 RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS

5.5.1 BASE CLOSURES

5.6 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

5.6.1 ENTRY CONTROL CARD MAINTENANCE

5.6.2 ENTRY CONTROL CARD LOSS

5.6.3 VEHICLES

5.6.4 SEARCHES

5.6.5 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

5.7 PERFORMANCE OF SERVICE DURING CRISIS OR HEIGHTENED SECURITY

5.8 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES

5.8.1 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE APPEARANCE

5.8.2 LANGUAGE

5.9 INTERFACES

5.10 CONTRACTING OFFICER AND CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (QUALITY ASSURANCE

PERSONNEL)

5.11 WORK CLEARANCE REQUESTS

5.12 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTS

5.12.1 SAFETY PROGRAM

5.12.2 INCIDENT REPORTING

5.13 SERVICES SCHEDULE

6 PHASE-IN/PHASE OUT

6.1 PHASE-IN

6.2 PHASE-OUT

7 EXHIBITS

8 APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS

9 APPENDIX B – GROUNDS DESCRIPTION/WORKLOAD

10 APPENDIX C – FLORIDA INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL (FISC) LIST

11 APPENDIX D – PUBLICATIONS/WEBSITES

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide non-personal services, to include all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance is performed at Patrick Space Force Base (PSFB), Florida in a manner that will promote the growth of healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance.

The Contractor’s performance will be based on the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer’s (CO) evaluation of the results required by the Service Summary (SS) and not the method of performance. The evaluation of results will be based on COR surveillance, tenant satisfaction, and customer complaints. Final results of the evaluations will be the determining factor for the success or failure of this contract. The Contractor shall comply with applicable federal, regional, state, and local laws and commercial standards, including DoD and Space Force Directives and Instructions.

The growing season is considered to be 1 April through 30 November. All damage caused by the Contractor or its employees to government property and personal property (to include facilities, fences, equipment, trees and shrubs, etc.) due to Contractor operations shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor within 15 days after identification/notification at no additional cost to the Government. If a plant should die or become unhealthy due to damage, the Contractor will be responsible for replacing the damaged plant with a plant of same size and type. Plant replacement shall occur within 15 days after identification or notification or as otherwise agreed to by the parties.

MISSION

The overall Civil Engineer mission at Patrick Space Force Base is to plan, maintain, operate, and protect the infrastructure, facilities, and environment for assigned airmen, families, civilian employees, and mission partners. Grounds maintenance services are needed to ensure this mission by performing in a secure, safe, and environmentally acceptable manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants, as well as present a clean, neat, and professional appearance on the installation.

1.1 MAINTAIN IMPROVED GROUNDS

Improved grounds are identified in Exhibit A – Patrick Grounds Map.

1.1.1 MOW

The Contractor shall mow all improved grounds to look well-manicured, with a neat and professional appearance. This includes stormwater swales and dry retention ponds. Maintain grass height between 2- and 4-inches uniform in appearance, free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping. Grass height standard includes all vegetation, including grass seed heads (i.e., Bahia) and weeds. The tops of the surface drainage ditches shall be mowed. The tops shall not be scalped to prevent erosion. Operators of mower heads will avoid injuring wildlife (turtles, birds, etc.) by surveying the area and scaring off wildlife before mower arm is lowered to mowing height. The Contractor shall avoid injuring wildlife when at all possible. The Contractor shall contact the COR to coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental Flight for assistance with wildlife. The Contractor shall protect the integrity of the stormwater dry ponds and swale slopes from erosion and sedimentation. The slopes shall have a uniform appearance, free of skips, rutting, and or scalping.

The Contractor shall be required to pick up debris, natural and manmade, prior to mowing any area. The Contractor shall remove or mulch grass clippings when visible after mowing, before leaving work area. Removed debris shall be disposed of in accordance with the base’s solid waste management plan.

1.1.2 EDGE

The Contractor shall edge sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, culverts, mitered-in structures, stormwater overflow structures and other hard surfaced areas located within the improved grounds so that grass height matches surrounding area grasses. Edging shall include removal of vegetation from expansion joints and cracks in sidewalks, driveways, curbs, parking lots, medians, and other hard surfaces. Grass, vegetation, and weeds shall be cut back no more than ½-inch from the surface edged, maintaining an even contour with the edged surface, uniform in appearance and free of scalping, rutting, and uneven or rough cutting.

1.1.3 TRIM

The Contractor shall trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, fire hydrants, parking lots, bumper blocks, boulders, water piping, culverts, mitered-in structures, stormwater overflow structures and other fixed obstacles and temporary obstacles/objects on improved grounds. Fence lines shall be trimmed to prevent vegetation growth in the fence, including removal of vegetation growing up the links of the fence.

Avoid damaging trees and tree roots by bumping with string trimmers and mowing equipment. Trees showing excessive trimming damage with impending death will require the contractor to replant with like species per the review by CO, COR and Base Environmental. Trimming height shall match surrounding area grass height. All areas shall be trimmed concurrent with mowing. The Contractor shall remove or mulch grass clippings when visible after trimming, before leaving work area.

TRIMMING HERBICIDES

The use of herbicides for trimming purposes is prohibited.

1.1.4 REMOVE DEBRIS/POLICE GROUNDS

The Contractor shall perform general litter patrol in all areas of improved grounds.

Remove and dispose of natural debris, (tree limbs, palm fronds, dry brush, rodent habitats, etc.), and man-made debris. Debris will be discarded in the proper waste or recycling containers. The Contractor shall police areas to maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.

DEAD ANIMALS

All dead animal removal is the responsibility of the Government. The Contractor shall contact 45 CES Pest Management Section and the COR to report all dead animals.

1.1.5 FERTILIZATION

The Contractor shall have a pH adjustment and fertilizer application program. The Contractor shall perform a laboratory test of the soil in improved grounds and apply fertilizer and other soil amendments to bring soil condition to that suitable for the vegetation being treated. This work will be issued as a work order by the COR. The Contractor shall perform fertilization as required by the specific work order.

1.1.6 PEST AND WEED CONTROL

The Contractor shall provide all management, licenses, laboratory testing, tools, supplies, equipment, transportation, and labor to develop and implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan in the areas covered by this Grounds Maintenance PWS in a manner that will ensure the health and general wellbeing of installation personnel. The Contractor shall employ IPM practices such as surveying, identification of pest(s), cultural control, physical controls, biological control, and only when required, use of chemical control methods IAW DoDM 4150.07. The Contractor shall use only approved pesticides as stated in DOD Manual 4150-07, DOD Pest Management Program, Encl 4.6 and AFM 32-1053, Pest Management Program, para 4.7. All pesticides are defined in DoD and Air Force documents. The Contractor shall comply with current federal, state, local, DoD, and Air Force regulations, plans, and policies. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable parts of 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910, Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, 29 CFR 1925, Labor, Safety and Health Standards for Federal Service Contracts, 40 CFR 150-189, Protection of Environment, Pesticide Program, and 49 CFR 171, Transportation, General Information, Regulations, and Definitions. The Contractor shall ensure that all workers have current state certification for the pest control services being performed. The following types of pests are common on this installation and their abatement should be specifically addressed in the Integrated Pest Management Plan and used to determine the workload: Insects, fire ants, moles, chinch bugs, mole crickets, slugs, snails, and fungus. The Contractor shall inspect, control, and treat for pests and weeds on hard surfaces and in vegetative beds.

Pest and weed control over and above this level of effort would be ordered as needed under a separately negotiated task order.

WEED CONTROL

Control weeds in improved grounds on hard surfaces and vegetative beds through execution of a weed control program appropriate for the area to maintain a professional appearance. Restore grounds made barren where weeds are removed to the level of care of the surrounding area. All joints and cracks in sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, curbs, asphalt, concrete pavements, restricted flight line, storage lots, and terraces shall present a neat, clean, manicured appearance. The Contractor shall use only herbicides and pesticides on the installation- approved inventory list and must be applied by certified personnel. The Contractor shall remove weeds and eliminate insects without damaging desirable plants. The Contractor shall employ proper procedures to prevent spread and regrowth of pest invasive species. The Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) list includes plants detrimental to native plant communities. Reference Appendix C.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

45 CES Environmental Flight and Pest Management Section must review and approve

ALL herbicide, insecticide, pesticide, and fungicide products prior to use. All pest control products must be on the installation-approved inventory list as stated in DoD Instruction 4150.07, DoD Pest Management Program, through the Armed Forces Pest Management Board. All pest control products must be identified in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. The IPM must be submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days after contract award and must be reviewed and accepted by the Government prior to the performance of any pest control operation. All pest control products must be applied by certified personnel.

When herbicide or insecticide is used for weeding or insect eradication, follow the most stringent local, state, and federal regulations. The Contractor shall submit a report to the COR within 10 working days following the end of each month. Include pesticide name, use concentration, amount applied, date, and detailed location of use. The contractor shall maintain all DD Forms 1532-1 to facilitate record keeping. The contractor is subject to inspection by DoD-certified applicators/inspectors as well as State Department of Agriculture Pesticides Division or equivalent agency.

The Contractor shall comply with current federal, state, local, DoD, and Air Force regulations, plans, and policies. The contractor shall comply with all applicable parts of 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910, Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, 29 CFR 1925, Labor, Safety and Health Standards for Federal Service Contracts, 40 CFR 150-189, Protection of Environment, Pesticide Program, and 49 CFR 171, Transportation, General Information, Regulations, and Definitions.

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

The 45 CES Pest Management Section will perform all pest control operations, other than those pesticide applications specified in this contract.

1.1.7 LAWN REPAIR (AS NEEDED)

When lawn repair is required, it shall only be accomplished through a work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order, unless the lawn damage was caused by the fault of the Contractor. Upon notification by the CO, the Contractor shall renovate lawns in improved grounds as identified in the task order. Renovate deteriorated lawn area to match surrounding areas. Lawn repair must be completed within the number of days specified on the work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. Work shall not be performed until a task order has been received by the Contractor, unless as follows:

1. Renovation due to damage caused by the Contractor shall be at the Contractor’s expense; or

2. Renovation due to damage caused by the Contractor failing to perform action within the scope of the contract shall be at the Contractor’s expense; also

3. Renovation due to damage caused by the Contractor shall be repaired within a timeframe appropriate to the amount of damage, to be discussed with the COR.

SEED AND SOD

All seed and sod shall be certified to be free of noxious weeds and exotic pest plants, plant parts or seed listed in the current Category I “List of Invasive Species” from the Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. Any such noxious, undesirable, or invasive plant or plant part found to be delivered/used in seed, sod, or mulch shall be removed and replaced by approved seed or sod at the Contractor’s expense.

1.1.8 PRUNE SHRUBS, HEDGES AND OTHER PLANTS

Areas to be pruned are identified in Exhibit B – Trees Shrubs and Vegetation Map. For Improved Grounds, the Contractor shall prune/trim shrubs and other plants to maintain their natural growth characteristics to enhance the beauty and health of the plant. Hedges shall be maintained to their natural mature height and shape. Shrubs, plants (including sea grapes), hedges, and ground cover/vines shall be pruned/trimmed 3 inches away from buildings, fences, curbing, sidewalks, parking areas, and other fixed obstacles. All ground cover and plants shall be kept within the bed borders. All plants around landscape and ground lights shall be pruned/trimmed to allow light usage for its intended purpose.

Shrubs and hedges located on street corners, curb easements, etc. shall be pruned/trimmed to keep from obstructing view of oncoming traffic. Areas beneath shrubs and hedges shall be kept free (clean) of all grass, weeds, vegetation, and debris.

Recruiting tree growth seedlings shall be removed.

1.1.9 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

The Performance Threshold for all areas of Improved Grounds are no more than five uncorrected defects per month, for regular and recurring services, or as specified by the task order, for individual task orders. The Contractor is required to re-perform any work that is found to be defective within eight (8) duty hours of notification by the CO or COR. The Performance shall be assessed by the Government by the CO or COR via validated customer complaint, Periodic Surveillance, and/or 100% Surveillance, as needed.

1.2 MAINTAIN SEMI-IMPROVED GROUNDS

Semi-improved grounds are identified in Exhibit A – Patrick Grounds Map.

1.2.1 MOW

The Contractor shall maintain grass height between 4- and 10-inches in all semi-improved grounds areas. Grass height includes all seedheads, weeds, etc. The Contractor shall be required to pick up any debris, natural or manmade, prior to mowing any area.

Maintain a uniform appearance in all areas. Where possible, maintain adjacent areas at or near the same grass heights. The tops of the surface drainage ditches shall be mowed. The tops shall not be scalped to prevent erosion. Operators of mower heads will avoid injuring wildlife (turtles, birds, etc.) by surveying the area and scaring off wildlife before mower arm is lowered to mowing height. The Contractor shall avoid injuring wildlife when at all possible. The Contractor shall contact the COR to coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental Flight for assistance with wildlife. The Contractor shall protect the integrity of the stormwater dry ponds and swale slopes from erosion and sedimentation.

The slopes shall have a uniform appearance, free of skips, rutting, and or scalping.

1.2.2 TRIM

The Contractor shall trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, fire hydrants, parking lots bumper blocks, boulders, culverts, mitered-in structures, stormwater overflow structures and other fixed obstacles and temporary obstacles/objects on semi-improved grounds. Trimming height shall match surrounding area grass height.

All areas shall be trimmed concurrent with mowing. The Contractor shall edge around culverts, mitered-in structures, stormwater overflow structures to ensure that vegetation and debris doesn’t interfere with water flow.

TRIMMING HERBICIDES

The use of herbicides by the contractor for trimming purposes is prohibited unless identified otherwise.

1.2.3 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

The Performance Threshold for all areas of Semi-Improved Grounds are no more than five (5) uncorrected defects per month, for regular and recurring services, or as specified by the task order, for individual task orders. The Contractor is required to re-perform any work that is found to be defective within eight (8) duty hours of notification by the CO or COR. The Performance shall be assessed by the Government by the CO or COR via validated customer complaint, Periodic Surveillance, and/or 100% Surveillance, as needed.

1.3 MAINTAIN BIRD AREA STRIKE HAZARD (BASH)

Bird Area Strike Hazard (BASH) grounds are identified in Exhibit A – Patrick Grounds Map.

BASH grounds are one of the most mission critical areas.

1.3.1 MOW

The Contractor shall be required to maintain grass height between 7- to 14-inches in all BASH areas. The grass shall not be shorter than 7-inches in height to prevent dust and debris on the airfield, and never be more than 14-inches in height to prevent bird habitation. The Contractor shall be required to pick up debris, natural and manmade, prior to mowing any area. The Contractor shall begin mowing operations at the active Airfield surfaces and move to the outermost area. This causes insects and animals to move toward the inside of the field and away from the runway. Maintain a uniform appearance in all areas. When possible, maintain adjacent areas at or near the same grass heights. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all foreign objects and debris produced by grounds maintenance is cleared off all taxiways, and aircraft parking aprons before leaving the work area. Prevent mowing along the wetland airfield river shoreline. A berm was created West of the shoreline/water’s edge and should be the indicator for the mowing boundary. Also, prevent mowing over wildlife burrows and avoid damage and death to burrowing wildlife. These areas can’t be staked off and provided signage like burrows off the airfield due to Foreign Object Damage (FOD). Gopher tortoises and burrowing owls have been found on the airfield and are state protected and federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Locations have been identified and will be provided to the contractor for direct avoidance. However, with disturbance, animals can and will move and create new burrows. Cease all operations and notify the COR immediately if new burrows are found and avoid animals and mowing directly over the burrow. The tops of the surface drainage ditches shall be mowed. The tops shall not be scalped to prevent erosion. Operators of mower heads will avoid injuring wildlife (turtles, birds, etc.) by surveying the area and scaring off wildlife before mower arm is lowered to mowing height. The Contractor shall avoid injuring wildlife when at all possible. The Contractor shall contact the COR to coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental Flight for assistance with wildlife. The Contractor shall protect the integrity of the stormwater dry ponds and swale slopes from erosion and sedimentation. The slopes shall have a uniform appearance, free of skips, rutting, and or scalping.

1.3.2 EDGING

The Contractor shall edge hard surfaced areas located within the semi-improved airfield (BASH) grounds so that grass height matches surrounding area grasses. Edging shall include complete removal of vegetation from expansion joints and cracks in taxiways, runways, aprons, overruns, and other hard surfaces. Grass, vegetation, and weeds in other areas shall be cut back no more than 6-inches from the surface edged, maintaining an even contour with the edged surface, uniform in appearance and free of scalping, rutting, and uneven or rough cutting. The Contractor shall edge and trim around culverts, mitered-in structures, stormwater overflow structures to ensure water flow.

EDGING HERBICIDES

The use of herbicides by the contractor for edging purposes is prohibited unless identified otherwise.

1.3.3 AIRFIELD LIGHT FIXTURES AND PERIMETER

The Contractor shall cut a 10-foot-wide path, between 4- and 6-inches in height, around the perimeter of the airfield pavement, to include trimming around runway, taxiway and distance lights and other fixed obstacles and temporary obstacles/objects, to ensure visibility at all times. Plant material, including but not limited to, grass, vegetation, crack grass, or weeds shall not extend over the edge of asphalt or concrete surfaces.

1.3.4 AIRFIELD COORDINATION

The Contractor shall coordinate all activities on the airfield by contacting Airfield Management. Work will be accomplished only after Airfield Management has approved scheduled times. Contact Airfield Management at 321-494-2222.

FLIGHT-LINE DRIVERS

Training must be completed prior to operating vehicles or mowers on the flight line. All Contractor employees working on airfield grounds shall be required to have an AF Form 483, Certificate of Competency (flight-line driver’s license), with them at all times.

Vehicles must have a valid POV pass issued by Airfield Management prior to operating on the flight line. No equipment will be left unattended while working in these areas. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all foreign objects and debris produced by grounds maintenance is cleared off of all taxiways, runways, and aircraft parking aprons immediately after completion of mowing, trimming, edging, and before leaving the work area.

AIRFIELD TOWER COMMUNICATIONS

The Contractor shall be radio-equipped to maintain constant two-way radio contact with the control tower and Airfield Management when operating near runways, overruns, and taxiways. The Contractor shall maintain contact with the control tower when operating on or within 150 feet of the runway. The Contractor shall provide all communication equipment required for this contract. The Government shall provide the transceiver frequency to the contractor. All equipment shall be VHF type with a minimum five-mile range and shall have private line capability. The Contractor shall be responsible for any changes to radio types that the base makes in the course of this contract, i.e., frequency changes. The Contractor shall respond immediately to the directions of the Air Traffic Control tower and Airfield Management personnel.

1.3.5 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

The Performance Threshold for all areas of BASH Grounds are no more than one (1) uncorrected defect per month. The Contractor is required to re-perform any work that is found to be defective within four (4) duty hours of notification by the CO or COR. The Performance shall be assessed by the Government by the CO or COR via validated customer complaint, Periodic Surveillance, and/or 100% Surveillance, as needed.

1.4 UN-IMPROVED GROUNDS

Un-improved grounds are identified in Exhibit A – Patrick Grounds Map. The Contractor shall mow grass and vegetation in un-improved grounds to prevent woody encroachment. The Contractor shall mow grass and vegetation to a height between 10- and 14-inches in all un-improved grounds areas.

1.4.1 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

The Performance Threshold for all areas of Un-Improved Grounds are no more than one

(1) uncorrected defect per month. The Contractor is required to re-perform any work that is found to be defective within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by the CO or COR.

The Performance shall be assessed by the Government by the CO or COR via validated customer complaint, Periodic Surveillance, and/or 100% Surveillance, as needed.

1.5 MAINTAIN VEGETATIVE BEDS, INERT BEDS, AND RELATED AREAS

Vegetative beds, inert beds, and related areas are identified in Exhibit B – Trees Shrubs and Vegetation Map. The Contractor shall maintain vegetative beds, inert beds, rock beds, and related areas to present a neat and professional appearance. Maintenance activities may include, but are not limited to, trimming, pruning, fertilizing, watering, weeding, and mulching.

1.5.1 MULCH

The Contractor shall maintain and replenish (rake, redistribute and top off) mulch for vegetative beds as specified in Appendix B to ensure a neat and professional appearance.

Top off with new mulch will be done once a year in January. The use of non-cypress mulches, other than pine straw, is required, as this helps protect native habitats and species. Additional mulching not specified in the PSFB Grounds Maintenance (Vegetation Beds and Trimming) Map shall only be accomplished when a work order is issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order.

1.5.2 PROHIBITIONS

The use of pine straw or treated wood mulch is strictly prohibited. All mulch shall be certified to be free of noxious weeds and exotic pest plants, plant parts, or seed listed in the current Category I, “List of Invasive Species” from the Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. Any such noxious, undesirable, or invasive plant or plant part found to be delivered/used in seed, sod, or mulch shall be removed and replaced by approved seed or sod at the Contractor’s expense.

1.5.3 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

The Performance Threshold for all areas of Vegetative Beds, Inert Beds, and Related Areas are no more than three (3) uncorrected defects per month. The Contractor is required to re-perform any work that is found to be defective within eight (8) duty hours of notification by the CO or COR. The Performance shall be assessed by the Government by the CO or COR via validated customer complaint, Periodic Surveillance, and/or 100% Surveillance, as needed.

1.6 MAINTAIN SURFACE DRAINAGE DITCHES

The Contractor shall mow the tops edges of all surface drainage ditches as part of Improved Grounds Mowing. The top shall not be scalped to prevent erosion. The Contractor shall avoid injuring wildlife when at all possible. The Contractor shall contact the COR to coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental Flight for assistance with wildlife.

1.6.1 SURFACE DRAINAGE DITCH INTERIOR MAINTENANCE

The Government is currently maintaining the internal surfaces of the surface drainage ditches. If needed, the Contractor shall, upon notification of a work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order, mow the insides of the drainage ditches and/or remove trash, shrubs, and trees to prevent erosion and ensure continuous flow of water with the terms identified in the task order.

1.6.2 SURFACE DRAINAGE DITCH LAND CLEARING

Surface Drainage Ditch Land Clearing shall only be accomplished through issuance of a work order by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. The Contractor shall perform land clearing in two acre increments, as required by the Government, for the purpose of removing overgrown vegetation (trees, shrubs, etc.) from the inside of the surface drainage ditches and around its components’ (culverts, drains, headwalls, etc.), with the terms identified in the task order.

1.7 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1.7.1 PRUNE/TRIM TREES

The Contractor shall prune or trim all trees, as necessary. The Contractor shall be responsible for identifying all trees that require pruning or trimming. Pruning or trimming shall be accomplished in accordance with the American National Standards Institute ANSI A300 Part 1 industry standards. Topping and de-horning of trees are not permitted.

The hurricane cut method (11-1 position) is not allowed. The Contractor shall be responsible for removing all debris generated from trimming or pruning operations.

Debris generated and or collected at the end of each workday, will be removed from the installation within 24 hours. Refer to 1.7.1.1

The Contractor shall trim or prune trees that touch or hang over energized utility poles or power lines. Minimum clearance from primary lines (over 600 volts) shall be 8 feet.

Minimum clearance from secondary lines (under 600 volts, i.e., electric service drops, telephone, and cable TV) shall be 4 feet.

The Contractor shall identify trees that pose public safety hazards or threats to structures/buildings. These hazards include minimum safety clearances, which are: 14 feet over streets, 12 feet over driveways, 8 feet over walk areas, 4 feet over buildings, and 1 foot from buildings. Trees that pose threats to structures or buildings shall be removed.

PROTECTED WILDLIFE REQUIREMENTS

If nesting birds, eggs, chicks, fledglings are observed in areas where trees will be pruned, trimmed, and or removed, the birds must be avoided and, if possible, protected from injury. The Contractor shall contact the COR to coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental Flight for assistance with wildlife.

Recent federal Endangered Species Act listing of the tricolored bat requires strict limitation for trimming. Bats are also protected by Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Chapter 68A-4.001 and 68A-9.010. Bats frequently roost in palm trees within fronds and peeling bark or cavities of trees. Tree pruning/trimming and tree removal shall be conducted via task order only. Trimming/pruning and or removal of all trees greater than 6 feet shall not occur between 15 April and 15 Aug. The Contractor shall contact the COR to coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental Flight for assistance with wildlife.

Refer to 1.7.2.1 for specific restricted dates.

TREE CARE

The Contractor shall brace, cable, guy (to keep tree vertical), and deep water all damaged trees after identification. The Contractor shall remove all guy wires, cables, straps, and stakes when the trees remain vertical (normally, after one growing season). The Contractor shall adjust wires, cables, and straps as required, to prevent girdling. The Contractor shall provide certified arborists, each having a valid ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certificate for performing arboriculture.

TREE STANDARDS

The Contractor shall attain all required permits and perform all tree work in accordance with contract specifications and the following tree care standards, latest addition, unless otherwise directed by the COR.

ANSI A300 - Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations including referenced Combined Federal Regulations (Utility Pruning and Emergency Service Restoration)

ANSI A300 (Part 1) – Tree Pruning ANSI A300 (Part 3) – Tree Support Systems (Cabling, Bracing, and Guying) ANSI Z60.1 – American Standards for Nursery Stock ANSI Z133.1 – Safety Requirements for Tree Care Operations

1.7.1.3.1 TRIM MANGROVES

Where mangrove trimming is required, the work shall be accomplished by a certified mangrove trimmer in accordance with Florida Statute Title XXIX, Chapter 403, Sections 403.9321-403.9333 (Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act), and under permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The Contractor shall coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental offices prior to trimming any mangroves.

1.7.1.3.2 TRIM SEA GRAPES/DUNE VEGETATION

Where dune vegetation cutting is required, the work shall be accomplished by a certified arborist and in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 161 and Chapter 370.12. The contractor shall coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental offices prior to trimming any dune vegetation. These areas are identified in Exhibit B – Trees Shrubs and Vegetation Map and are part of the quarterly trimming.

TREE AND STUMP REMOVAL

Tree and stump removal shall only be accomplished by a work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. The Contractor shall perform stump and perimeter roots removal by completely removing, by cutting and grinding all growth to a minimum of 8 inches below grade. Stumps shall be ground within one (1) workday after the tree removal date. Stump-grinding debris shall be removed the same day grinding is performed. The Contractor shall backfill with topsoil, and lay sod to match the existing ground grade and the type of grass. The Contractor shall maintain the patch area IAW manufacturer’s recommendation until the grass has become established.

Trees identified for removal shall be considered within the following categories, Large, Medium, Small, and Extra Small (Sapling), as based on their diameter. The diameter of the tree shall be determined by measuring 4.5 feet above the ground. Trees with multiple trunks shall be measured as follows: All trunk diameters shall be measured. The largest trunk diameter shall be recorded. Each remaining trunk diameter shall be halved. All values will then be added together to obtain the final tree diameter.

Large Trees: Diameter 36” and above, remove within ten (10) workdays from the task order date.

Medium Trees: Diameter 24” to less than 36”, remove within ten (10) workdays from the task order date.

Small Trees: Diameter 3” to less than 24”, remove within five (5) workdays from the task order date.

Dead trees/snags shall not be removed when active bird nesting and bat roosting is occurring (cavities/hollows) and palm trees shall not be removed during bat maternity season, from 15 April to 15 Aug. The Contractor shall contact the COR to coordinate with the 45 CES Environmental Flight for guidance if nesting birds or bats are observed.

1.7.2 EMERGENCY AND SPECIAL EVENTS SERVICES

Emergency and Special Event Services shall only be accomplished a work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. Upon notification of an emergency, the Contractor shall respond within one (1) hour to meet with the CO or COR and initiate emergency services. Upon receiving direction by the CO or COR, Contractor personnel shall begin emergency work within two (2) hours. Oral work orders for emergency services to minimize damages or mitigate hazardous conditions will be confirmed with written task orders. The CO or COR will notify the Contractor as soon as an Emergency and/or Special Event Service is known, but no less than 24 hours prior to the event. Upon notification by the CO, the Contractor shall perform emergency/special event services as required by the specific task order.

EMERGENCY TREE AND STUMP REMOVAL

Emergency tree and stump removal shall only be accomplished by a work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. The following timeframes shall be applied for emergency tree and stump removal by the contractor:

Large Trees: Remove within two (2) workdays from the task order date.

Medium Trees: Remove within two (2) workdays from the task order date.

Small Trees: Remove within one (1) working day from the task order date.

EMERGENCY SPOT PRUNING/TRIMMING

Refer t1o 1.7.1.1 for restrictions on specific dates for trimming and tree removal under the Endangered Species Act requirements. Emergency trimming/pruning shall not occur from 15 April to 15 August, however if there is a safety hazard the 45 CES Environmental will be coordinated with so the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be contacted to obtain approval during these dates.

HURRICANE SEASON PREPARATION

When Hurricane Season Preparation trimming is required, it shall only be accomplished by a work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. This task is to trim/prune tree limbs to prevent loose or frail limbs from becoming windborne projectiles in the event of a severe weather event. Services shall be accomplished in accordance with all guidelines in 1.7. The COR will identify all the trees that need to be trimmed. Topping and/or de-horning of trees shall not be permitted. The “Hurricane Cut” method (11-1 position) shall not be permitted. Debris shall be removed within 24 hours unless an extension is approved by the COR.

1.7.3 XERISCAPING, PLANTING TREES, SHRUBS, AND VEGETATIVE BEDS

Xeriscaping (including landscaping and urban forest creation), planting trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds shall only be accomplished by a work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. Upon notification by the CO, the Contractor shall perform Xeriscaping/landscaping/urban forest creation, planting of trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds. Planting of trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds includes, but is not limited to the removal and disposal of trees, shrubs, or vegetative beds being replaced and performance of maintenance after planting to include watering, pruning, and insect and disease prevention to promote survivability. Upon notification by the CO, the Contractor shall perform Xeriscaping/landscaping/urban forest creation, planting of trees/shrubs/vegetative beds, as required by the specific task order.

1.7.4 SPECIALTY SERVICES

Specialty cuts shall only be accomplished by work order issued by the COR in accordance with the applicable task order. Upon notification by the CO, the Contractor shall perform specialty cuts. Specialty cuts cover all cuts not encompassed by, or in excess of, the improved and semi-improved standards. Upon notification by the CO, the Contractor shall perform specialty cuts, as required by the specific task order.

1.7.5 PERFORMANCE THRESHOLD

The Performance Threshold for all areas of Special Requirements are for required work to be completed to the standard outlined in each applicable section with one or less defects. The Contractor is required to re-perform any work that is found to be defective within twenty-four (24) hours of notification by the CO or COR. The Performance shall be assessed by the Government by the CO or COR via validated customer complaint, Periodic Surveillance, and/or 100% Surveillance, as needed.

2 SERVICE SUMMARY

The contract service requirements are summarized in performance objectives that relate directly to essential service items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimally acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. The Services Summary (SS) and the contractor’s Quality Control Plan provide information on contract requirements, the expected level of contractor performance and the expected method of government validation and confirmation of services provided. These thresholds are critical to mission success. During the first initial 30 days of the contract, two additional errors on each work shall be allowed in an effort to identify normal phase-in problems.

Performance Objective (PO)

PWS

Section

Performance Threshold

PO1: Maintain Improved Grounds

1.1

Satisfactory: no more than 5 uncorrected defects per month Unsatisfactory: more than 5 uncorrected defects per month

PO2: Maintain Semi-Improved Grounds

1.2

Satisfactory: no more than 5 uncorrected defects per month Unsatisfactory: more than 5 uncorrected

PO3: Maintain BASH

1.3

Satisfactory: no more than 1 uncorrected defect per month Unsatisfactory: more than 1 uncorrected defect per month

PO4: Maintain Un-Improved Grounds

1.4 defect per month per month

PO5: Maintain Vegetative Beds, Inert Beds, and Related Areas

1.5

Satisfactory: no more than 3 uncorrected defects per month Unsatisfactory: more than 3 uncorrected

PO6: Surface Drainage Ditches

1.6

Satisfactory: no more than 3 uncorrected defects per month Unsatisfactory: more than 3 uncorrected

PO7: Special Requirements

1.7 defect

3 QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall provide a written description of the quality control system (Quality Control Plan) to include identification of the commercial practices and procedures to be used, such as those of the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), Tree Care Industry Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and local Extension Offices of the Federal Cooperative Extension Service. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-performance and continual repeat of defective service does not occur. A written Quality Control Plan shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for review and feedback. The plan shall be submitted no later than the date of the pre-performance conference.

The plan shall specifically address the Contractor’s strategy to provide quality workmanship, continual process improvement and for correcting deficiencies as required. When a performance threshold has not been met or Contractor performance has not been accomplished, the COR will initiate and provide the CO a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) for issuance to the Contractor.

The Contractor shall respond to each CDR in accordance with the instructions provided with the CDR and return it to the CO within the instructed timeframe.

3.1 PRE-PERFORMANCE CONFERENCE

The Contractor shall conduct a pre-performance conference. The pre-performance conference can occur prior to start of contract performance but shall be no later than five (5) business days after contract performance starts. The intent of the conference to ensure both the Government and the Contractor have a clear understanding of the requirements. At a minimum the conference shall include the Contracting Officer, the COR, Contractor key personnel, and any stakeholders for this requirement. The pre-performance conference shall go over expectations and the roles and responsibilities of the Contractor, COR(s), and the contracting office.

3.2 SERVICE DELIVERY PLAN/SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a service delivery plan and a performance schedule and provide them to the Government for review and approval. Address in the plan both management and operational procedures for the delivery of required services. Provide in the plan, a description of practices and procedures to be used with sufficient detail to demonstrate that the practices and procedures to be used are commercially acceptable and in compliance with applicable environmental and OSHA safety requirements. Identify equipment, products, and materials to be used and show suitability for their intended use. Identify in the schedule of services to be performed, including locations of performance and times. Any changes must be submitted to the CO/COR review and approval prior to use.

3.2.1 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

The Contractor shall submit a written Quality Control (QC) Plan explaining the method of inspecting, documenting, and reporting to the government the weekly conditions of the services under this PWS. Additionally, this Plan shall cover the method of reporting services completed in response to previously identified discrepancies, government inspection findings, customer complaints, etc. The QC Plan shall also include method of subcontractor oversight. All subcontracted work and compliance with applicable regulations are the responsibility of the contractor.

The contractor shall include in the Plan how they will ensure maintenance and repair services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify and prevent defective services from reoccurring. The QC Plan shall address all items in this PWS, including all required reports and submittal plan compliance. A copy of the contractor’s QC Plan shall be provided to the CO and COR not later than ten (10) days prior to contract start date. Updated copies shall be provided to the Government as changes occur. On-site records of all inspections conducted by the contractor, and corrective actions taken, will be made available to the Government during the term of the contract.

QUALITY CONTROL REPORTS

The contractor shall submit monthly QC Inspection Reports to the COR that include quality control inspections, findings and corrective actions and any other information pertaining to quality control, service delivery or scheduling as appropriate. These reports shall be submitted no later than the 5th workday following the end of the preceding month.

3.2.2 CONTRACTOR SAFETY PLAN

The contractor shall submit a Safety Plan describing the methods to be used for enforcing compliance with all applicable safety requirements. This Plan will be designed to ensure provision and proper usage of all Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) and that the integrity of all equipment is properly maintained in a safe configuration. The Plan will also address the safe use of all equipment including care and consideration of existing conditions, environmental and otherwise. All work will be accomplished in accordance with all federal, state, local, and base safety laws or instructions, and any other measures as deemed applicable by the Base Occupational Safety Office. The contractor shall initiate and maintain programs to comply with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act (OSHA) concerning entry requirements in confined spaces and handling potential hazardous substances.

3.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Government shall inspect and evaluate the Contractor’s performance to ensure services are received in accordance with requirements set forth in this PWS. The CO or COR shall inspect by validating actual work performance, physically checking an attribute of the completed task, checking a management information report, investigating customer complaints, conferring with facility managers, or otherwise inspecting the task or its results to determine whether or not performance meets the standards contained in this PWS. The CO or COR will use the contractor’s work schedule or modified version thereof, to record validation results. Results of the validation then become the official Air Force record of the Contractor’s performance. When a performance threshold has not been met or contractor performance has not been accomplished, the COR will initiate and provide the Contracting Officer a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) for issuance to the Contractor. The Contractor shall respond to the CDR in accordance with the instructions provided and return it to the CO within the instructed timeframe.

3.3.1 PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT METHODS

The Government shall assess the Contractor’s performance via one, or more than one, of the following methods:

CUSTOMER COMPLAINT

All customer complaints will be reviewed and validated. If a complaint is found to have merit, the Contractor will be found to be deficient and re-performance will be required.

PERIODIC VALIDATION

Periodic validation may be accomplished by a “spot check” evaluation of the Contractor’s work. It may be on any category of the PWS, at any time. Any deficiencies will be noted, and re-performance will be required.

100% SURVEILLANCE

100% Surveillance requires the CO or COR to inspect this service each time it occurs.

Any deficiencies will be noted, and re-performance will be required.

EXCESSIVE DEFICIENCEIS

Continual excessive deficiencies in either the same service area, or over the entire contract, may result in one or more of the following: Contract Discrepancy Report, Letter of Concern, negative CPARS evaluation, or contract termination action.

3.4 PERIODIC PROGRESS MEETINGS

The CO, COR, and the Contractor shall periodically meet to discuss the Contractor’s performance. The minutes of these meetings will be provided by the Contractor, in writing, to the CO and the COR within 3 working days of the meeting. The CO and COR will provide any additional comments and sign and return the minutes to the Contractor for their review.