Grounds-PWS-BOS-AnxF (Draft).pdf

Annex F

Grounds Maintenance

09 AUG 2021

1.0. General Information.

1.1. Overview. The contractor shall inspect, service, maintain, and landscape the grounds of US Army Garrison Miami (USAG-Miami) Doral/SOUTHCOM and Homestead/SOCSOUTH sites. The work shall include scheduling and performance of turf mowing, edging and trimming; leaf and debris removal; tree, hedge, and shrub pruning, maintenance, irrigation, and fertilization; policing of areas; and other associated work as directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor shall provide all work necessary to maintain the grounds to the standards specified herein.

2.0 Description of Services.

2.1. Scope. The contractor shall provide Grounds Maintenance for all Improved Grounds and Semi- Improved Grounds. The contractor shall ensure all work accomplished maintains and presents a healthy, clean, neat, and professional appearance to all grounds included and covered by this contract in support of mission requirements for users, residents, and visitors. The contractor shall mow grass only when the minimum height is reached or exceeded as indicated by the Work Capability Levels table in paragraph

3.0. The contractor shall set the mower height to three (3) inches for all areas. The contractor shall replace any new trees or shrubs planted that die within one (1) year, at no cost to the Government. All work shall be performed by personnel qualified in accordance with (IAW) applicable laws, regulations.

2.2. Improved Grounds. Developed areas of the installation that require an intensive level of maintenance. The work performed in these areas by the contractor shall include mowing grass, edging and trimming grass, removing grass trimmings from paved areas, irrigating, aerating lawn areas, applying fertilizer and/or lime, applying herbicide to lawn and landscape areas, maintaining athletic fields, plants, shrubs, and flowers, performing seasonal planting of plants and flowers, removing leaves, applying mulch, pruning trees, removing grass from cracks in sidewalks and pavements, and litter control.

Improved grounds areas to be maintained with tasks and estimated frequencies are indicated in the Installation Grounds Maps in Technical Exhibits F1A-F1C (Doral/SOUTHCOM Site) and F2A-F2C (Homestead/SOCSOUTH Site)

2.2.1. Mowing. The contractor shall remove trash, litter, tree limbs, debris, etc., prior to mowing. Paved areas and walkways shall be free of lawn clippings/debris the same day the mowing is performed. The contractor shall mulch mow the grass and remove visible grass clippings after mowing, before leaving the work area. The lawn shall be uniform in appearance, free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping. The contractor shall be responsible for any damage incurred as a result of grass cutting operations.

2.2.2. Edging. The contractor shall edge to present a neat appearance. Edging responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, flowerbeds, mulched areas, sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, and other concrete (except against asphalt edges) located in the Improved Grounds. Edging includes the removal of all grass or weeds sprouting from cracks in sidewalks, pavement, and curb joints. The use of post-emergent herbicides by the contractor, for edging purposes, is limited to grass in cracks and shall not be used to edge the entire area. The contractor shall collect and dispose of all edging debris the same day edging is performed.

2.2.3. Trimming. The contractor shall, in conjunction with grass cutting, trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, and all other fixed objects that project above the ground so grass height is maintained consistent with adjacent grass. The use of herbicides by the contractor shall be limited to the post perimeter fence line and for use in preventing grass growth on sidewalks. The contractor shall remove all trimming debris from sidewalks and driveways on the same day trimming is performed. The contractor shall repair any damages to trees and shrubs caused by trimming. If a plant damaged by trimming dies or becomes unhealthy, the contractor shall replace the damaged plant with a plant of the same size and type at no additional cost to the Government. The contractor shall provide a one (1) year warranty on all replacement trees and shrubs. Tree and shrub replacements shall be performed within fifteen (15) days of the date the contractor is notified to replace the plant.

2.2.4. Fertilization. The contractor shall perform fertilization of turf, shrubs, ground cover in accordance with the estimated frequencies and workloads in Technical Exhibits F1B and F2B.

2.2.4.1. Turf Fertilization. The contractor shall fertilize grass turf areas three (3) times per year. St.

Augustine turf areas that contain palms shall be fertilized with “Palm Special Fertilizer” with the formulation of 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg with micronutrients. 100% of the N, K, and Mg must be slow release with micronutrients in a water soluble form, applied according to label rates. All other turf grass areas shall be fertilized with N< P< K ratios based on the time of year and soil analysis results.

2.2.5. Seeding and Sodding. Not Applicable, when required, the Government shall perform this service through negotiated modification to contract for non-recurring services.

2.2.6. Maintain Flower Beds. Not Applicable, when required, the Government shall this service through negotiated modification to contract for non-recurring services.

2.2.7. Weed Control. The contractor shall keep all landscape areas, including lawns, shrub and ground cover beds, planters, and areas covered with concrete, pavers, gravel or shell, free of all weeds at all times. All concrete areas on medians, curbing around medians and along swales and all sidewalks are included. This means complete removal of all weed growth shall be accomplished with each Mowing, Edging and Trimming Service performed under 2.1.1-3 of this PWS. For the purpose of this specification, a weed will be considered as any undesirable or misplaced plant. Weeds shall be controlled either by hand, mechanical, or chemical methods.

2.2.7.1. Mechanical & Hand Weeding. Mechanical weed control shall not disturb the mulch layer so as to expose the underlying soil. Weeds are to be manually removed from shrub, hedge, ground cover or flower beds, unless chemical or mechanical means are specifically authorized by the COR. Persistent weed growth such as the growth of sedges shall be killed with "round up" or similar product whenever possible. Weeds are to be removed from walkways, curbs, expansion joints, and along fence lines and guardrails at each service or as otherwise directed by the COR.

2.2.7.2. Herbicidal Weed Control. The contractor shall add appropriate herbicides to the fertilizer or use a quality “Weed & Feed” product for no more than two (2) applications during the winter season (November through April) as needed to assist in the reduction of weeds. If infestations that cannot be controlled by hand-pulling where herbicide use will damage or kill the shrubs or ground-covers, the bed may be excavated, after removing all plants. Weeds may then be destroyed by any of the following methods:

2.2.7.2.1. Sterilize the soil, or

2.2.7.2.2. Allow weeds to reestablish a vegetative top and treat with a systemic herbicide, at least two (2) applications, about two (2) weeks apart, or until there is a 90% kill.

2.2.7.2.3. After the kill, apply, immediately after replanting, a pre-emergent herbicide, such as Treflan or prior to replanting a ground cover fabric.

2.2.7.3. Security Fence Lines & Similar Areas. The contractor shall apply pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to prevent all plant growth at the base of all Installation Anti-Personnel (AP) and Anti-Personnel/Anti-Vehicular (AP/AV) security fencing and/or in other areas where the use of mechanical or hand weeding is impractical. The contractor shall avoid damaging grass, trees and other plants in adjacent areas where growth is desired.

2.2.7.4. The contractor shall submit a consolidated list of all chemicals used for weed control in a quarterly herbicide application record to the COR. All mixing and storage of herbicide shall be performed off the installation. If the contractor spills or releases any hazardous substances, i.e., substances listed in 40 CFR 302, Designation, Reportable Quantities, and Notification, the contractor shall immediately notify the COR, followed by written notification within one (1) hour. The contractor shall submit an herbicide usage report of all herbicide use to the COR within one (1) day after application of any herbicide.

2.2.8. Remove Debris, Leaves, and Litter. The contractor’s responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the removal and disposal of all natural debris, (e.g., palm fronds, tree limbs, rodent habitats, etc.) litter, and trash. Removal of debris, leaves and litter shall be accomplished with each Mowing, Edging and Trimming Service performed under 2.1.1-3 of this PWS. Organic debris such as leaves, palm frons, grass clippings and tree trimmings, shall be disposed of off the installation. The contractor shall collect and dispose woody debris after pruning and removal of trees or stumps. The contractor shall remove and dispose limbs and trunks off post. The contractor shall remove and dispose of all natural organic debris off the installation unless otherwise directed by the COR.

2.2.9. Service/Maintain Trees. The trees to be maintained, tasks and estimated workload frequencies can be found in Technical Exhibits F1A-F1C (Doral/SOUTHCOM Site) and F2A-F2C (Homestead/SOCSOUTH Site).

2.2.9.1. Perform Mechanical Tree Spading and Transplanting. Not Applicable, when required, the Government shall this service through negotiated modification to contract for non-recurring services.

2.2.9.2. Tree Mulching. The contractor shall mulch landscaped trees. A circular, weed and grass free mulch ring of 60 inches or larger in diameter shall be maintained at depth of 3-4 inches around each tree.

2.2.9.3. Tree & Palm Fertilization. The contractor shall fertilize all trees, including saplings, medium to mature trees, and other trees. The contractor shall fertilize all trees with a complete fertilizer with a N, P, K ratio of 3:1:2 or 3:1:3 (e.g. 12-4-8 or 15-5-15, unless soil conditions or plant species dictate differently, with at least 60% of the nitrogen from a non-water soluble organic source.

2.2.9.3.1. Palms. All palms shall be fertilized four (4) times per year using a “Palm Special Fertilizer” with the formulation of 8N-2P2O5-12K2O +4Mg with micronutrients. 100% of the N, K, and Mg must be slow release with micronutrients in a water soluble form. The fertilizer shall be broadcast evenly under canopy area at a rate of 1.5 lbs of fertilizer (not N) per 100 sq. ft.

2.2.9.3.2. Other Trees. All other trees less than five (5) inches caliper (diameter) shall be fertilized three

(3) times per year by applying 1 pound of Nitrogen per 1000 square feet of area of root zone.

2.2.9.4. Tree Pruning. The contractor shall trim all tree limbs which are damaged, unsightly, or present unsafe conditions, and remove all associated debris. Pruning shall be accomplished IAW ANSI A300 (Part 1)-2001, Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices (Pruning) and ANSI Z133.1-2006, Arboricultural Operations – Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees and Cutting Brush – Safety Requirements, or the most current approved update, and

National Arborist Association standards. The contractor shall also prune to prevent encroachment of branches over streets, parking spaces, sidewalks, buildings, fences, or obscuring view of signs or traffic, particularly at intersections, or interference with lighting. Tree branches shall be pruned up to seven (7') feet over walkways and in areas so designated by COR. Hand-pruning shall be used as necessary for certain trees. All other pruning shall be performed by mechanical hedge trimmers.

2.2.9.4.1. Trees. The contractor shall prune, thin, and trim all trees to keep the trees healthy, to maintain the natural character of the variety/species, to control shape and to prevent crowding. Pruning in general shall consist of the removal of dead, broken, fungus infected, superfluous, and intertwining branches, vines, and the removal of dead or decaying stumps and other undesirable growth.

2.2.9.4.2. Palms. The contractor shall prune palms to remove fruit, inflorescence, dead fronds and weak stalks. Fruit and/or inflorescence must be removed from palms in locations where the dropping of fruit will cause an unsafe or unsanitary situation. Tools used to trim or prune palms shall be disinfected between palms by soaking in a (5.25%) - 25% dilution Chlorine bleach and water solution for a minimum of 5 minutes.

2.2.9.5. Staking and Guying Inspection & Adjustment. In conjunction with scheduled tree trimming and pruning, the contractor shall inspect and adjust any existing tree stakes, guy wires and hoses or blocks, until trees are capable of standing vertical and/or resisting normal winds. If the contractor discovers any staking and guying that is damaged to the extent that it should be replaced, the contractor will report the matter to the COR.

2.2.9.6. Dead or Damaged Trees & Palms. All trees that have died or have been blown or knocked over are to be reported immediately upon discovery to the COR.

2.2.9.7. Installation Perimeter Fence Clear Zone. The contractor will remove all small trees, shrubs and brush within 15-feet of the exterior Installation Perimeter Fence on the East, West and North sides (excluding the improved grounds section along NW 33rd Street, and those areas adjacent to improved landscape elements of adjoining properties or facilities on the east and west sides of the Installation). The contractor shall trim or prune all larger trees and shrubs that are located within or extend within 10-feet of the perimeter fence (or their limbs) so that they are no closer than 4-feet from the exterior perimeter fence and do not overhang the perimeter fence.

2.2.9.8. Tree Removal and Replacement. Not Applicable, when required, the Government shall this service through negotiated modification to contract for non-recurring services.

2.2.9.8.1. Emergency Tree Removal. When removal of a tree, or part thereof, is required to eliminate a safety hazard or restore traffic flow, the contractor shall accomplish the action within two (2) hours of notification by the COR.

2.2.9.9. Reforestation. Not Applicable.

2.2.10 Hedge and Shrub Maintenance. The hedges and shrubs to be maintained, tasks, estimated workload frequencies can be found in Technical Exhibits F1A-F1C (Doral/SOUTHCOM Site) and F2A- F2C (Homestead/SOCSOUTH Site).

2.2.10.1. Hedge and Shrub Mulching. The contractor shall uniformly mulch hedges and shrubs as required to maintain a depth of three to four inches (3 - 4”) and annually cultivate mulched areas to maintain adequate aeration and percolation and remove grass and weeds. The contractor shall ensure mulch is kept out of the crowns of shrubs and off buildings, sidewalks, lawn areas, etc.

2.2.10.2. Hedge and Shrub Fertilization. The contractor shall fertilize shrub and groundcover areas that contain palms with “Palm Special Fertilizer” with the formulation of 8N- 2P2O5-12K2O +4Mg with micronutrients. 100% of the N, K, and Mg must be slow release with micronutrients in a water soluble form, applied according to label rates. The fertilizer for all planted shrubs and groundcovers shall a complete, slow release fertilizer with minor elements; with an N, P, K ratio of 3:1:2, unless soil conditions or plant species dictate differently, with at least 60% of the nitrogen from a non-water soluble organic source. All shrubs and groundcovers shall be fertilized by broadcasting by hand over the beds.

2.2.10.3. Hedge and Shrub Pruning. The contractor shall maintain and prune hedges and shrubs. Hedges and shrubs shall be free of dead limbs. All clippings, branches and debris resulting from hedge and shrub trimming and pruning shall be removed the same day work is accomplished.

2.2.11. Irrigation Systems. The contractor shall operate and maintain the automatic irrigation system at the Doral/SOUTHCOM Site, ensuring that the entire system operates properly. The contractor shall ensure the turf, shrubs, trees and other plants receive adequate water through the installation’s permanent irrigation system, to supplement natural rainfall and maintain landscape in a healthy, stress-free condition regardless of weather conditions.

2.2.11.1. Irrigation System Operation, Inspection and Testing. The contractor shall operate the Government - owned Irrigation (Non-potable Water Distribution) systems on the installation as indicated below; services include operating government-owned irrigation pump, irrigation controls, distribution lines and components, and sprinkler heads indicated in Technical Exhibit F1D (Irrigation Plans & Specifications).

2.2.11.1.1. Irrigation Controls. The contractor shall adjust irrigation system controls as required. The irrigation system has over 50-zones. All irrigation will be conducted after normal duty hours between the hours of 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Do not overwater plantings. Use multiple-start times and short run times to prevent run-off.

2.2.11.1.2. Testing & Inspection. The contractor shall immediately report any and all problems with the irrigation system to the COR; and complete the following periodic inspections and tests:

2.2.11.1.3. Quarterly. Quarterly, the contractor shall visit the installation one time per quarter and shall visually examine/inspect the irrigation system for any damage and/or malfunction, and make any necessary adjustments to the system. Prior to beginning the inspection, the contractor shall check with the COR for any special guidance, and at the completion of the inspection, the contractor shall again meet with the COR to report the results of the inspection.

2.2.11.1.4. Annually. Annually, the contractor shall fully inspect and operate all the irrigation zones for proper operation and function. This inspection shall normally be conducted at night between the hours of 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM or weekends. The contractor shall schedule this inspection with the COR a minimum of one week prior to conducting it to ensure no Government planned operations or events are not disrupted. The contractor shall report the results of this inspection to COR within one week of completing the inspection.

2.2.11.1.5. Irrigation System Damage Incident to Grounds Maintenance. If the contractor damages irrigation system components during the course of performing other grounds maintenance tasks, , the contractor shall report the damage to the COR and the contractor shall be responsible for repairing any damage.

2.2.11.2. Irrigation System Maintenance & Repair.

2.2.11.2.1. Minor Repairs. The contractor shall perform minor repairs to the irrigation system and notify the COR of these repairs. Minor repairs consist of repair or replacement of damaged or clogged sprinkler nozzles, adjustment of sprinkler patterns or arcs, adjustment of sprinkler position (ie; raise, lower, or straighten sprinkler head), replacement of clogged, broken, or missing barbed- style drip emitters, replacement or repositioning of drip distribution tubing smaller than 1/2 inch or 15 mm diameter. These minor repair items shall be corrected by the contractor at contractor's expense.

2.2.11.2.2. Other Repairs & Improvements. If repairs or improvements above minor repair as described in 5.3.2.1 are required, the Government will request the services separately and they will be performed at additional cost to the Government under paragraph 5.5 (Additional & Unscheduled Services).

2.2.11.2.3. Irrigation Pump Station & Controls. The contractor shall not be responsible for maintaining or repairing the Irrigation Pump or Controls, the contractor shall report any malfunction or observed maintenance issues with this equipment to the COR immediately and it will be accomplished under a separate contract.

2.2.12 Service/Maintain Xeriscape Areas. Not Applicable.

2.2.13 Athletic Fields Grounds Maintenance. Not Applicable.

2.2.14. Special Services. The contractor shall provide additional services as necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to, Very Important Person (VIP) visits, retreats, ribbon cutting ceremonies, and open houses. The contractor shall provide extra labor and equipment to service pre-identified locations within the High Visibility and Common Areas beyond the normal grounds maintenance. The COR/ACOR will notify the contractor of special service requirements NLT forty-eight

(48) hours prior to the event. The contractor shall coordinate special service requirements with the existing grounds maintenance schedule.

2.2.14.1. Upon receiving direction from the COR, the contractor shall complete work prior to the event.

In the event the contractor must deviate from their schedule to meet special event requirements, the contractor shall do so at no additional cost to the Government. The contractor shall be authorized/entitled one (1) additional duty day to return to their normal operations. Furthermore, the contractor will not be held accountable for any unsatisfactory performance results, on a quality assurance inspection or complaint, due to KO-directed schedule change(s), until such point when the contractor resumes normal operations.

2.3. Semi-Improved Grounds. Semi-Improved Grounds used for operational and maintenance purposes.

Periodic Mowing and Erosion control and Tree Pruning for Safety and Security purposes only IAW shall be the predominant grounds maintenance work performed in this area by the contractor. Semi-Improved Grounds are indicated in the Installation Ground Maps Technical Exhibit F2A-C (Homestead/SOCSOUTH Site).

2.3.1. Mowing. The contractor shall mow the grass.

2.3.2. Tree Pruning. The contractor shall prune trees

2.3.3. Weed Control. The contractor shall perform weed control

2.4. Fire Breaks and Ranges. Not Applicable.

2.5. Unimproved Grounds. Not Applicable.

2.6. Service Specialized Locations.

2.6.1. Storm Water Retention Pond Management. The contactor shall perform monthly aquatic management services for the two (2) storm water retention ponds (approximately 5,687 linear foot perimeter, 1.08 miles) and connecting drainage areas the Doral/SOUTHCOM site, to include border grass and brush control, biological control of algae and aquatic plant growth; midge fly and mosquito control;

and monthly water testing and management reporting.

2.7. Other Special Services.

2.7.1. Additional & Unscheduled Grounds Maintenance. Repair and Improvement Services This work consists of additional and/or unscheduled grounds maintenance, repair and/or improvement services within the scope described in the contract that may be determined as necessary by the Government but are not included in the scheduled firm fixed priced services in the contract.

2.7.1.1. Types of Work. The types of work to be performed as requested by the Government under the procedures established in paragraph 5.4.2 include:

2.7.1.1.1. Grounds Repairs and Improvements. These services include unscheduled requirements for repairs or improvements to grading, drainage, or other improved grounds elements; due to storm damage or erosion, vehicle damage, and other causes.

2.7.1.1.2. Debris Removal. These services include unscheduled requirements for litter removal, storm debris collection and disposal, or dead animal removal.

2.7.1.1.3. Tree Removal/Replacement. These services include unscheduled requirements for removal and/or replacement dead or damaged trees, to include removal and disposal, stump removal, chipping and shredding, and grounds restoration in accordance with Installation Landscape Plans & Specifications.

2.7.1.2. Procedures. The Government shall provide the contractor a Request for Proposal (RFP) with specific and quantifiable scope of work for these services when required. This work will be requested and authorized as follows:

2.7.1.2.1. Demand Maintenance Orders equal to or less than $2,500. The contractor shall provide a lump sum firm fixed price proposal for the work requested within three (3) business days; and the Government will evaluate the proposal. If the Government determines that the price to be fair and reasonable, the Government will issue a written notice to the contractor to proceed within two (2) days of receiving the proposal. The contractor will then invoice and bill this CLIN appropriately during the next payment request.

2.7.1.2.2. Individual Job Orders greater than $2,500. The contractor shall provide a detailed priced proposal with labor, equipment and materials within seven (7) business days; and the Government will evaluate the proposal. If the Government determines that the proposal is both technically acceptable and the price fair and reasonable, the Government will issue notice to proceed within seven (7) business days of receiving the proposal. Once the work is completed, the contractor shall submit an invoice against this

2.7.1.3. Emergency & Urgent Work. Some work requested by the Government under this procedure may be determined as "Emergency" or "Urgent" in nature and require a more rapid response by the Contractor and/or require the contractor to provide a priced proposal and begin work.

2.7.1.3.1. Emergency Work. Emergency work typically involves correcting a Ground Maintenance condition that represents a significant safety concern and/or is impacting a utility such as electric, gas, water or sewer service. The contractor may be required, with appropriate compensation as agreed to with the Contracting Officer, to begin work immediately and continue until the work is completed or the condition sufficiently mitigated to the extent that it is no longer constitutes an "emergency" as determined by the Government.

2.7.1.3.2. Urgent Work. Urgent work typically involves an urgent or pressing ground maintenance issue that is adversely impacting the organizations efficiency or ability to accomplish its mission but is not determined to be an emergency. The contractor may be required, with appropriate compensation as agreed to with the Contracting Officer, to begin work within 24-hours and continue until work during normal duty hours until the work is complete or the condition sufficiently mitigated to the extent that it is no longer "urgent" as determined by the Government.

2.8 Special Equipment Requirements.

2.8.1 All rotary mowers used within High Visibility Areas shall be equipped with mulching blades and have discharges blocked.

2.8.2. All equipment used to perform grass mowing and leaf removal operations on High Visibility Areas shall be equipped with turf type tires. Equipment not essential for the performance of grass mowing or leaf removal functions (e.g., equipment with agricultural tires, wheel weights, snow blades, or other accessories that may damage turf or tree root zones by compaction, rutting, or scalping), shall not be permitted on High Visibility Areas.

2.8.3. The contractor shall submit a complete equipment list including make, model, specifications and catalog cut sheets for KO approval with the proposal.