Irrigation SOW and Specs.docx

GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL CEMETERY

Replace Irrigation System on Mound Hill Project No.: 895-MM-FY24-007

Table of Contents

DATE: 01-10-2024

1. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. SPECIFICATIONS

1. SECTION 01 33 24 – SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA and SAMPLES

2. SECTION 02 21 00 – SITE SURVEYING (Limited)

3. SECTION 31 00 00 – LANDSCAPE EARTHWORK

4. SECTION 32 84 00 – PLANTING IRRIGATION

5. SECTION 32 92 24 – TURF RENOVATION

6. SECTION 32 39 22 – CLEANING and REALIGNMENT of HEADSTONES

1. ATTACHMENTS

A. Cemetery Map B. Contract Drawings – (Irrigation Plans & Details) C. Contractor’s Employee Statement of Compliance D. Headstone Realignment Diagrams

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

QTY

BASE BID PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 150 DAYS

*Davis Bacon Wages*

OPEN MARKET ITEMS

Open Market Items: In accordance with FAR 8.402(f), for administrative convenience, an ordering activity contracting officer may add items not on the GSA Schedule (Multiple Award Schedule) contract — i.e., open market items — to a GSA Schedule an individual task or delivery order. Item No. 001 listed on the price/cost schedule is Davis Bacon Wages and open market item.

A. STATEMENT OF WORK

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 Summary of Work:

a. The Contractor gaining award must provide all personnel, management, supplies, transportation, equipment and supervision necessary to perform and complete all work to renovate existing irrigation system on Mound Hill that includes, but not limited to turf irrigation, and related restoration work including, but not limited to: turf replacement by sod, turf establishment, turf warranty and headstone cleaning. The Period of Performance is 150 days from Notice to Proceed. This Period of Performance must be in accordance with the requirements, conditions, terms, and representations contained in this solicitation.

b. The staking and layout of the proposed irrigation heads on Mound Hill must be certified by the professional land surveyor. (See SECTION 02 21 00 SITE SURVEYING for additional requirements.)

c. Irrigation Systems: Existing irrigation systems are to be protected in place, unless noted otherwise to be demolished/dispositioned. Any damage to the irrigation system must be repaired by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor must submit a request to the COR to make temporary adjustments to the irrigation system in the areas subject to the contract so as not to interfere with the Contractor’s activities. Temporary adjustments include temporary removal and capping of sprinkler heads; temporary adjustment of arc patterns of sprinkler heads; and temporary adjustments to irrigation scheduling. All irrigation adjustments must be restored to their original condition prior to installation of new sod.

1.2 Irrigation Work Area:

a. Selective irrigation system replacement is limited to Mound Hill and burial sections included in Mound Hill as shown on the Irrigation drawings.

b. Irrigation system replacement includes but is not limited to removal and replacement of remote control valve assemblies, lateral lines, and sprinkler head assemblies.

c. Remote control valve pressure regulating modules are to be added to all existing remote-control valves within irrigation work area.

d. Site preparation and restoration work includes cutting and removal of existing sod; trenching and backfill, sod replacement over trenches and disturbed areas; cleaning of headstones soiled by contractor activities; and realignment of headstones moved out of alignment by contractor activities.

e. General: Existing turf over trenches for irrigation equipment must be, removed, and replaced with new sod. The area must be expertly graded and re-sodded resulting in a uniform stand of turf, high quality in appearance, with the tops of flat markers at 1-1/2 inches above topsoil, or to the measurements as directed by the COR.

1.3 THE NCA MISSION: The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. National cemeteries are national shrines. The standards of maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor at this cemetery must reflect this nation’s concern for those interned there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the specifications must be required and must be essential. The Contractor must demonstrate a clear understanding of, and the sensitivity to, environmental issues during the performance of the contract.

1.4 DESIGNATED CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR):

a. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) responsibilities will include, but not be limited to surveillance of services required under this contract; determining the adequacy of Contractor performance according to the specifications of this contract; acting as the Government’s representative; ensuring compliance with contract requirements insofar as the work is concerned; and advising the CO of any contract issues. The COR cannot authorize deviations from the specifications and requirements of this contract. In the event the Contractor deviates without approval from the CO, such deviation must be at the risk of the Contractor and any cost related thereto must be borne by the Contractor. The COR designated for this proposed contract will be appointed in writing by the CO.

b. If work is authorized to be performed after hours or on weekends/holidays and an emergency should occur, the Contractor must contact the VA Police Office in the absence of the COR or his designee. The VA Police will then contact the COR or take appropriate action.

1.5 CEMETERY LOCATION: The services will be performed at one (1) location:

GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL CEMETERY

1300 Sneath Lane San Bruno, CA 94066

1.6 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

a. The Contractor must obtain all necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform this work. The contractor must take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. The Contractor must be responsible for any injury to themselves or their employees, or others, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by themselves or their employees’ fault or negligence. Any negligence on the part of the Government, its officers, agents, servants, and employees, shall not be the responsibility of the Contractor hereunder with the regard to any claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability resulting there-from. The Contractor must maintain workmen’s compensation, personal liability, automobile liability, and property damage insurance, as prescribed by the laws of the State of California, and in accordance with FAR 52.282-5, Section C. Evidence of coverage is required before commencing work under this contract (copy of Certificate of Insurance), and it will not be changed or cancelled without thirty calendar days prior written notice to the Contracting Officer.

1.7 CONTRACTOR DUTIES:

a. Contractor Superintendent: A competent and experienced Contractor Superintendent must be provided by the Contractor for not less than two (2) hours a day whenever work is being performed, other than trash and debris pick-up. In the absence of the Superintendent, the Contractor will appoint a crew foreman or an employee who will be responsible to ensure that the work is being accomplished in an expeditious manner, is performed in accordance with the contract specifications and that the work will progress without undue delay. The Contractor Superintendent must have not less than three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial service operation that included surveying, landscape irrigation, and landscape turf planting and establishment in industrial, commercial, or public sites. The Contractor Superintendent 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.

b. Work Hours: Work may be performed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Holidays, unless otherwise directed by the COR. At Contractor request and with the written permission of the COR, work will also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and/or Holidays. When emergency situations, that are caused by the Contractor or severe adverse weather prohibits work during the week, then he/she may seek approval from the COR to work on weekends to meet the period of performance. The Government shall not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration time frame. No work will be permitted on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and the two days immediately prior to Memorial Day for preparation. Notwithstanding, if any work under this contract will be performed outside of the VA’s normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), then Contractor must notify the COR at least 48 hours in advance.

c. Federal Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington’s Day*

Federal law (5 U.S.C. 6103) establishes the following public holidays for Federal employees. Please note that most Federal employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. For these employees, when a holiday falls on a non-workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).

*This holiday is designated as "Washington's Birthday" in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees. Though other institutions such as state and local Governments and private businesses may use other names, it is our policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated in the law.

d. After Normal Hours On-Call/Emergency Situations: The Contractor must establish and maintain a point-of-contact to receive emergency calls from the COR(s). The point-of-contact must be available on a 24-hour basis including during weekends, Federal Holidays and after normal hours of operation. The Contractor is to provide phone, pager, and cell phone numbers for emergency and/or after-hours situations. Repairs must be made as expeditiously as circumstances allow or within (24) hours upon initial emergency call.

e. The Contractor is required to report daily to the Cemetery Director or COR at the main office of the Golden Gate National Cemetery. Contractor must log in and obtain funeral and/or special schedules as defined herein. This check in is mandatory. The contractor must provide an anticipated work schedule daily or as agreed upon with the Cemetery Director or COR, and to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. The contractor must document services performed and provide information to the COR as required during specific time frames. These daily meetings are also an opportunity for the Contractor to ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary, depending on the event. The site manager can thus assign tasks accordingly throughout the rest of the work area - so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided. If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR(s) may then assist in doing so. Daily meetings must be at an agreed upon time between the COR and the Contractor.

f. A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided the week prior to the event, and a list of scheduled funerals will be provided daily. The Contractor is solely responsible for ensuring that no contract work causes any funeral, ceremony, procession, or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity or security of the event is compromised. The Contractor is solely responsible for staying abreast of all such upcoming events and when in doubt, he/she must ask the COR(s). The Contractor must meet with the COR or authorized designee, at the end of each day to determine work completed and ensure that work is on schedule. Contractor is to maintain and track these events during the Performance of Period (POP), so that performance delays due to these events justify a no cost POP extension if needed. The Contracting Officer will make the final determination for any request POP extensions.

g. The Contractor’s performance and progress on this contract will be measured weekly based on how timely, accurately, and adequately he/she accomplishes and completes the weekly work schedules needed to systematically accomplish the contract work over the duration of the project. In instances where the COR determines that the work is behind schedule, he will notify the Contracting Officer and the Contractor must increase workforce and/or hours of operation at no additional cost to the Government to achieve completion of the contract work within the specified timeframe. Consideration shall be required for POP extensions due to Contractor delay.

h. Where work conflicts with existing utility/service lines (above ground/below ground), the corresponding utilities company and the COR must be notified, and the Contractor must obtain any necessary permits/ blueprints and cooperate with the utilities company/cemetery staff to avoid any damage or liability and provide a safe work environment for his/her employees. Contractor is responsible for damages to utilities, above and below ground.

i. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all work must be done in a manner that safeguards all VA visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees. Furthermore, the contractor and his/her employees must 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.

j. Damage to Government Property: The Contractor must be responsible for repair or replacement of any contractor damaged cemetery structure, to include: turf, curb, road pavement, headstones or markers, valve boxes, grid monument control markers, trees, plant beds, etc., which are chipped, marred, damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor and must bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage must be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to repair/replacement/installation.

(1) The Contractor must be responsible for cleaning cemetery structures, headstones, monuments, and roadways that are soiled or stained because of Contractor’s performance. The Contractor must wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures headstones, and monuments at the end of each workday. Roadways must be cleaned with a street sweeper each day as needed to keep the existing roads free from dirt and mud resulting from Contractor operations. No hazardous chemicals are to be used at any time on Government property. The Contractor must bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning must be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

(2) At the end of each day the Contractor must remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor must ensure always that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. The Government shall not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract. The Contractor will be permitted to place his/her trash receptacle dumpsters in the COR approved “Contractor Staging Area.”

k. Adequate warning devices, barricades (orange construction fence), guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions must be provided by the Contractor at all work sites to eliminate hazards and for the protection, safety, and warning of all public visitors, pedestrians, cemetery employees, and vehicular traffic within the area. All open and unattended holes in the ground must be covered with plywood and/or barricaded for pedestrian safety. All work areas will be secured with barricades (orange construction fence) at the end of each workday.

l. The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor must fully cooperate with any other contractors and with Government employees and must carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, and needing any direction, it must be provided by the COR(s). The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR(s) any problems or questions that may arise with any other personnel on site during the period of performance of this contract. The Contractor must 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(s) to resolve the issue.

m. The Contractor (including his or her employees, subcontractors, consultants, or the like must not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except as provided in this contract to perform work or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor will be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor’s equipment and staff at no additional cost to the Government.

1.8 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

a. All work under this contract will be performed primarily outdoors and personnel performing these services will be exposed to wind, sun, cold, dampness, frost, fog, and rain. These conditions, may, at times, be extreme. The contractor must take all necessary precautions to protect his/her employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent. Weather will not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications or project schedule. The Contractor understands that it may be necessary to work throughout all weather conditions (unless highly extreme, causing equipment rutting and/or hazards, and dangerous to employees or public) and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines, at no additional cost to the Government.

b. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, the work could occasionally involve contact with and/or exposure to grieving individuals. Contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure, and stability always and refer such individuals to Cemetery Staff.

1.9 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS:

a. The Contractor is responsible for supplying all equipment, personnel, tools, supplies, and materials necessary to perform the work required by this contract.

b. Contractor-furnished items necessary to perform work as required under this contract must be furnished, maintained, and operated by the Contractor and must be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable OSHA, Federal, State, County, City laws, ordinances, and regulations. This includes minor maintenance/repair and minor operating parts for equipment such as lubrication, oil changes, spark plugs, gaskets, cotter pins/keys, electric extension cords, etc., to keep all equipment in good operational condition throughout the period of performance of this contract.

c. Contractor Staging Areas: Primary staging area is to be located on the cemetery road adjacent to the work area, and a secondary staging area must be where approved by the COR. The Contractor is to install a 6’ high chain link fence with gates around this entire area for duration of the work in those sections. Contractor must base operations out of these staging areas, using it for materials, equipment storage, administration, employee toilets, trash dumpster area, employee parking, employee lunch/break area, etc. After completion of project work, Contractor is to remove fencing and restore area back to original condition.

d. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all his/her motor vehicles and equipment meet State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

e. Only Contractor equipment and supplies (property) required to perform work under this contract must be stored at the Contractor’s designated storage area at the end of each workday. No personal property, equipment, or vehicles must be stored on the cemetery premises.

f. Electricity: In case the Contractor requires electricity while in performance of this contract, the Contractor must provide and utilize portable generators as necessary to complete the work. If Contractor hookup to Golden Gate National Cemetery electrical distribution system is approved by COR, the Contractor is to provide all necessary connections and complete connection work in accordance with NEC requirements, and at no additional cost to the Government.

g. Water: Water will only be made available via Contractor connection to existing Cemetery water system in existing locations where connection is available, and for purposes of this contract only. The Contractor is responsible for making connections to this water supply in accordance with local requirements. Coordination and approval of COR required. Contractor must not obstruct normal traffic flow on adjacent roads while water is being obtained. In locations where Cemetery water system is not readily available, the Contractor must provide and utilize portable water tanks and/or water trucks as necessary to transport water to areas where needed to complete the work required by this contract, at no additional cost to the Government.

h. The Contractor must provide his/her own REFUSE FACILITIES, and these shall only be located in the COR approved “Staging Area”. Do not place dumpsters or refuse facilities in any other location at the cemetery other than the approved staging area. The contractor is required to dispose of all debris and other waste materials generated by his/her work at a licensed off-site landfill unless otherwise directed by the COR(S). The Government shall not provide receptacles for disposal of debris because of the services provided under this contract. In case of Hazardous Materials contractor is required to obtain required disposal permits from the State regulatory agency.

i. Portable Toilets: The Contractor must provide portable chemical toilets for use by workmen as necessary to comply with applicable OSHA requirements. These portable toilet facilities must be kept clean and free of excessive odors, insects, etc. Locate portable toilet facilities in the COR approved Contractor Staging Area only. It will not be permissible to locate portable toilet facilities in any other locations throughout the cemetery. The use of the permanent cemetery toilet facilities by workmen is strictly prohibited throughout the duration of this contract.

j. Identification, Parking, Smoking, and VA Regulations: The Contractor's employees must wear visible identification always while on the premises of the Cemetery. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. The Cemetery will not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions. Smoking is prohibited inside any buildings at the Cemetery. Possession of weapons is prohibited. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

k. Orientation for Contractor Employees:

(1) The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that Contractor employees coming to the work site will receive complete information on each of these subjects;

(a) Fire and Safety,

(b) Project Work Schedule,

(c) Rules Pertaining to Workers,

(d) General Parameter Job Related Issues,

(e) Disaster procedures,

(f) All technical requirements of the project.

(2) The Contractor will be responsible to ensure Contractor employees providing work on this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required work.

1.10 STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT: (Contractor personnel must)

a. 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 management must be responsible for training and safety precautions prescribed by OSHA regarding safety equipment and devices.

b. Be fully clothed always, 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. The Contractor must maintain a neat and professional appearance throughout its workforce, vehicles, equipment, and maintenance areas. If uniforms are used, they must be in unison among all employees.

c. The Contractor/personnel must not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at any time on Government premises. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices is prohibited. 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.

d. Consume food and beverage only within areas designated by the COR(s). 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.

e. Contractor employees must only take breaks/rest periods and lunch breaks at the Contractor 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.

f. Worker parking: All Contractor employees are to park only in the COR approved Contractor Staging 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.

g. The Contractor must 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. Each contractor and subcontractor employee must sign a Statement of Compliance, (See Attachment 9); the Contractor must deliver the signed statements to the COR before work may begin or before any new employee is allowed to work on Cemetery grounds.

1.11 LABOR FORCE AND EQUIPMENT:

a. The Contractor must be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Contractor must be responsible to provide at no additional costs, labor, and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines. The Contractor must use any additional resources necessary to meet or return to specified work requirements after special events and/or services. The Contractor shall determine the number of employees, and the amount and kinds of equipment needed during the period of performance. Adequate warning devices, barricades (orange construction fence), guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions must be provided by the Contractor at all work sites to eliminate hazards and for the protection, safety, and warning of all public visitors, pedestrians, cemetery employees, and vehicular traffic within the area. All open and unattended holes in the ground must be covered with plywood and/or barricaded for pedestrian safety. All work areas will be secured with barricades (orange construction fence) at the end of each workday.

b. Contractor fuel storage containers shall be limited to those less than 55-gallon storage capacity. Any fuel storage shall comply with environmental laws and regulations.

c. Spill Prevention, Containment, and Clean-up: The Contractor must contain, clean up, and report all spills on Government property in a manner that complies with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations or otherwise stated herein, and the installation spill control plan at no cost to the Government.

d. Dust Control: Keep dust down at all times, including during nonworking periods. Sprinkle or treat with dust suppressants, the soil at the site, haul roads, and other areas disturbed by operations. Dry power brooming will not be permitted. Instead, use vacuuming, wet mopping, wet sweeping, or wet power brooming.

1.12 SAFETY and ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION:

a. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all work must be done in a manner that safeguards all VA visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees. Furthermore, the contractor and his/her employees must 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.

b. Matters related to safety, and any actions of the Contractor, must meet all safety requirements of Golden Gate National Cemetery's Safety Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, OSHA, and the State. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to be familiar with these requirements. "Safety" must also include the Contractor having a safety representative who maintains regular and routine contact with the Safety Officer at Golden Gate National Cemetery.

1.13 THE GOVERNMENTS RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. Upon award of the contract, the Government shall inform the Contractor prior to commencing the work, of any known damages to the cemetery grounds, headstones/markers, or any other areas that the Contractor is unaware of and not responsible for. In addition, upon award of the contract, a walk-through of the cemetery grounds will be scheduled by mutual agreement of the Government and Contractor and will be attended by the COR and appropriate contractor personnel (to include the Contractor Supervisor and Project Manager). The Contracting Officer is an optional attendee.

b. The Government shall not provide the Contractor with any furnishings, fuel storage, equipment, materials, restrooms, or telephones.

c. Notification of Non-Compliance: The COR will notify the Contractor of any detected non-compliance with the foregoing requirements. The Contractor must take immediate corrective action after receipt of such notice. Such notice, when delivered to the Contractor at the work site, shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of notification. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order ceasing all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action has been taken. No part of the time lost due to such cessation direction shall be made the subject of claim for extension of time for excess costs or damages by the Contractor.

1.14 PHASING AND WORK SEQUENCING:

a. Contract work is to be accomplished in a sequenced manner, with work limited to occurring in no more than ten (10) rows and a total of 250 gravesites at any given time to minimize overall disruption to the cemetery, or as permitted by the Cemetery Director. Work cannot begin in subsequent rows until such time that work has been completed in prior areas. Submit proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project.

b. See Contract Drawing Sheet Notes for Phase III construction restrictions.

c. The Contractor must provide a Work Plan in the form of a critical path timeline schedule (i.e., Gantt chart) showing sequence of section renovations listing each task and subtask, and total time required to complete the renovation. Submit proposed Work Plan in electronic and hard copy formats for CO and COR review and approval prior to start of project. The Work Plan must make considerations for weather delays, Federal holidays, and burial services. The schedule accounts for all work, is logical in its progression through the Cemetery, and is realistic and feasible given daily operations and delays which occur at the cemetery.

1.15 USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

a. The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of Contractor items. Contractor must be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of cemetery facilities used by Contractor's employees.

b. The Government will not furnish a storage building at the Cemetery site for use by the Contractor to store supplies and equipment. However, the Government will provide an area designated for the Contractor’s use. The Contractor can establish facilities to include but not limited to office site, covered storage, portable toilet facilities etc. on or in the designated area after such facilities are approved by the COR and Contracting Officer (CO). All utilities to this area are the responsibility of the Contractor. The Government will not be responsible for any damage to, or loss of the Contractor's equipment and supplies stored on the Government's premises. The Contractor must be responsible for maintaining fire extinguishers and other safety equipment.

c. The Contractor will be responsible for safely storing any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning solutions, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is required for all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning solutions.

d. Electricity and phone service will NOT be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s work area. (See “Contractor-Furnished Items.”)

1.16 SUPERVISION AND TRAINING:

a. The Contractor must provide a supervisor who speaks and writes fluent English on site, and at all times when Contractor personnel are on the premises.

b. The Contractor must be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and must administer disciplinary action as required. The Contractor is expected to remove any employees from the Cemetery for cause, to include, but not limited to, safety violations, other misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the best interests of the Government. If the Contractor fails to act in this regard, or the reason for a removal is immediately required to protect the interests of the Government, the COR may direct the removal of an employee from the premises. Contractor objections to any such action will be referred to the Contacting Officer (CO) for final resolution; however, the Contractor will first immediately comply with COR direction pending any CO final resolution at a later time or date. The Contractor will not be due any type of compensation for their costs incurred as a result of an employee being removed for cause; unless the removal is directed by the COR and is later found invalid and/or unreasonable by the Contracting Officer.

c. The Contractor must also be responsible for training and safety precautions for Contractor employees performing work under these specifications. OSHA standards must be observed by the Contractor in all work performed. Contractor must ensure that appropriate safety equipment is used by Contractor personnel and must be used as prescribed by OSHA standards, including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection devices. The following OSHA and NFPA standards and codes are to be adhered to:

1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): 10-2013 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910 Safety and Health Regulations for Personal Protection, Safety Color Codes, Portable Power Tools, Electrical Safety and Portable Electric Equipment.

3. Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police, and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

1.17 HISTORIC PRESERVATION:

a. Where the Contractor or any of the Contractor's employees, prior to, or during the services work, are advised of or discover any possible archeological, historical, and/or cultural resources, the Contractor must immediately notify the COR verbally, and then with a written follow up.

1.18 EXPOSURE OR ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY OF REMAINS:

a. Should any on-site activity, incident, emergency, or disaster result in exposure and/or damage to any remains, container for remains (i.e., casket or urn), or outer burial container, the Contractor must IMMEDIATELY notify the Cemetery Director, the COR and/or the CO for guidance; and stop any further work and await permission to proceed.

1.19 INSPECTION AND CLEANING OF CEMETERY FACILITIES:

a. The Contractor will perform a weekly inspection. During this inspection the appearance of the Cemetery will be observed, and any deficiencies from the contract will be noted. Deficiencies must be corrected as soon as practicable. Items that need correcting outside the scope of the contract will be reported to the COR or his/her representative.

b. The Contractor will be required to submit inspection reports and work accomplished to the COR weekly. The inspection forms will be provided to the Contractor. (See Attachment 3 – “Work Summary and Progress Report”.)

1.20 INSTALLATION DURING CEMETERY FUNCTIONS:

a. Contractor personnel must not operate motorized equipment or conduct other commercial activities within the designated area during interment services. The COR will identify the designated area. The COR or his/her representative must furnish the Contractor with a schedule of all interments and/or ceremonies no later than the close of business of the day prior to the scheduled interment, and a minimum of three (3) days before any ceremonial events.

1.21 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETING:

a. Normally, the COR will verbally advise or give a written inspection report to the Contractor of discrepancies the first time they occur and ask the Contractor to correct the problem. A notation will be made on the COR checklist of the date and the time the deficiency was discovered and the date and time the Contractor was notified.

b. If the Government created any of the discrepancies, these will not be counted against the Contractor's performance. When the Government has caused the Contractor to perform in an unsatisfactory manner, the COR will forward a written notice to the responsible organizational element requesting corrective action be taken.

c. When the Contractor is not meeting the acceptable limits of satisfactory performance, a CDR will be issued to the Contractor. The seriousness of the failures should govern whether to issue CDR at the end of the period, or as soon as the limits of satisfactory performance are exceeded.

d. When a CDR is issued for a service, the Contracting Officer and/or the COR may exercise any contractual remedy available for non-performance, in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, “Inspection and Acceptance”.

e. The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR), (See Attachment 6), may be cause for the scheduling of a meeting among the Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR. A mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified. The Government will prepare written minutes of the meeting. The Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR will sign minutes of the meeting(s).

f. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, they will so state their objections in writing to the Contracting Officer, within ten calendar days, and explain the reasons for non-concurrence. The Contracting Officer will review and consider the reasons submitted for the Contractor's non-concurrence and decide to revise or uphold the comments as written. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of the decision in writing within ten calendar days of submission of any objections.

g. If the Contractor does not achieve satisfactory performance by the end of the next period or agreed suspense date, further actions may be considered, to include a determination on whether continued performance by the contractor is feasible.

1.22 CONTRACTOR RESPONSE TIMES:

a. During Normal Working Hours: The Contractor must be prepared to shift workers and work areas as necessary to safeguard the cemetery and its visitors and restore the work area(s) to a safe condition. The Contractor must respond to all normal working hours’ requests made by the COR(s) within 30 minutes of the initial notification.

b. After Normal Hours: After Hours requests warrant rapid response to safeguard the cemetery and its visitors and restore the work area(s) to a safe condition. The Contractor must respond to all after normal hours requests made by the COR(s) within one (1) hour of the initial call.

c. Calls by other Government employees other than the COR(s) shall not be acted upon but shall be referred to the COR(s) for review. Repairs must begin as expeditiously as circumstances allow and should normally be completed within (24) hours of the initial emergency call. The Contractor must keep the COR(s) fully informed of the situation and what action will be taken to secure and correct the situation.

1.23 CONTRACTOR’S QUALITY CONTROL PLAN (QCP):

a. The Contractor must establish and maintain a complete QCP to assure the requirements of this contract are provided as specified. This QCP will be forwarded to the Contracting Officer along with the requested initial proposal and may be revised as necessary during the life of the contract, with concurrence of the COR and Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will review the QCP and list any needed clarifications, and return to Contractor for response, if necessary. The Contractor’s QCP must include the following or have incorporated into during performance of contract, at a minimum:

1. An inspection plan covering all services required by this contract. The inspection plan must specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis, how often inspections will be accomplished and documented, and the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspections.

2. On-site records of all inspections conducted by the Contractor noting necessary corrective action taken. The Government reserves the right to request copies of any and/or each inspection.

3. Incorporation of either active or established internal policy and procedures for updating equipment and procedures that may affect performance of contract.

4. The methods for identifying and preventing deficiencies in the quality of service performed, before the level of performance becomes unacceptable; and the organizational functions, intermediate supervisory responsibilities, and overall management responsibilities for ensuring total acceptable performance.

5. On-site records identifying the character, physical capabilities, certifications, and ongoing training of each employee performing services under this contract.

6. A log to account for all requests for immediate service. The log must indicate the date and time of services, and description of results and completion of these services.

7. On-site records of any complaints or problems, with procedures taken to allow for corrections and/or elimination before effects caused interruption of performance of contract.

1.24 QUALITY ASSURANCE:

a. The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance through on-site inspections, evaluation of the Contractor's quality control program and receipt of complaints from cemetery personnel.

b. The COR will also receive and investigate complaints from various customers visiting the Cemetery. The Contractor must be responsible for initialing validated visitor complaints. The COR shall make final determination of the validity of visitor complaint(s).

c. The COR may inspect each task as completed or increase the number of quality control inspections if called for by repeated failures discovered during inspections or repeated customer complaints. Likewise, the COR may decrease the number of quality control inspections if performance dictates.

1.25 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS:

a. Fire Safety:

(1) Applicable Publications: Publications listed below form part of this Article to the extent referenced. Publications are referenced in text by basic designations only.

(a) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

(b) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

(c) 10-1998 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

(d) 70-1999 National Electrical Code

b. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

(1) 29 CFR 1910 Safety and Health Regulations for Personal Protection, Safety Color Codes, Portable Power Tools, Electrical Safety, and Portable Electric Equipment.

(2) Fire Safety Plan: Establish and maintain a fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing service-specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports and submit to COR for review.

(3) Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police, and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

(4) Separate temporary facilities, such as trailers, storage sheds, and dumpsters, from existing buildings and new construction by distances in accordance with NFPA 241. For small facilities with less than 6 m (20 feet) exposing overall length, separate by 3m (10 feet). Locate only in staging area where approved by COR.

(5) Temporary Electrical: Install, use, and maintain installations in accordance with 29 CFR 1910, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70. If temporary electrical is required, the contractor must notify the COR prior to use of Temporary Electrical Services.

(6) Means of Egress: Do not block exiting for occupied buildings, including paths from exits to roads.

(7) Fire Extinguishers: Provide and maintain extinguishers in service areas and temporary storage areas in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, 29 CFR 1910, NFPA 241 and NFPA 10.

(8) Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Store, dispense and use liquids in accordance with 29 CFR 1910, NFPA 241 and NFPA 30.

(9) Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas.

1.26 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS:

a. The Contractor must confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the COR or Contracting Officer. The Contractor must hold and save the Government, its officers, and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature occasioned by the Contractor's performance. It is understood that the VA shall not be held responsible for any damage to the Contractor’s equipment, materials, supplies or the like which may result from vandalism, theft etc. while on site.

b. Temporary buildings (e.g., storage sheds, shops, offices) and utilities may be erected by the Contractor only with the approval of the COR and must be built with labor and materials furnished by the Contractor without expense to the Government. The temporary buildings and utilities shall remain the property of the Contractor and must be removed by the Contractor at its expense upon completion of the work.

c. The Contractor must, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting Officer or COR, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Contractor when and as authorized by the COR or Contracting Officer. Vehicles must not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor must protect them from damage. The Contractor must repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

d. Working space and space available for storing materials is to be where approved by COR in the Contractor’s “Staging Area.”

e. Contractor personnel are subject to the rules of the Cemetery applicable to their conduct.

f. Execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by others. Keep roads clear of service materials, debris, standing service equipment and vehicles always.

g. Do not store materials and equipment in other than assigned areas.

h. Fence: Before work operations begin, Contractor must provide a chain link fence, six feet minimum height, around the staging area. Provide gates as required for access with necessary hardware, including hasps and padlocks. Fasten fence fabric to terminal posts with tension bands and to line posts and top and bottom rails with tie wires spaced at maximum 15 inches. Bottom of fences must extend to one inch above grade. Fence fabric must be covered with HDPE privacy screen. Screen color must be dark green or black with 85% minimum density sufficient to obscure view of the items within.