Landscaping SOW.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Grounds Maintenance 2/8/2022

1. FAA Facility, 11 Murphy Dr, Nashua, NH 03062

2. FAA Child Care Center, 53 Northeastern Blvd, Nashua, NH 03062

3. FAA 35 Northeastern Blvd, Nashua, NH, 03062 i

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this SOW is to obtain grounds maintenance services at location #1, FAA Facility, 11 Murphy Dr, Nashua, NH, 03062, by means of a firm fixed-price contract.

1.1 General Requirements

The Contractor must furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, and materials necessary to provide grounds maintenance services in accordance with the requirements specified herein. The operations to be performed must include cutting grass, edging, fertilization, collection and disposal of litter and trash, vegetation cutting and removal, under-brushing, grassing, sodding, sprigging, erosion control, tree and shrub pruning, tree and stump removal, irrigation, ditch cleaning, and other miscellaneous services, to include restoration of the “snow disposal” area and removal of all debris and sand from all walks, parking lots, and roadways, and all other areas where snow was stockpiled, as described herein. All operations will be performed pursuant to Executive Orders 13423 and 13514, and the FAA Green Procurement Plan (GPP). As such, the Contractor must use environmentally preferable products and services. These program elements include, but are not limited to: products and services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, bio based, non-ozone depleting, contain recycled-content, and non-toxic or less-toxic alternatives; diversion of non-hazardous waste and construction and demolition debris from landfills, including composting; alternative fuels use and fuel efficient vehicles and equipment, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and integrated pest management. These program elements are described on the Office of the Federal Environment Executive website (http://www.ofee.gov).

2.0 Reserved

3.0 Requirements

3.1 Work Outside Regular Hours

Except as may otherwise be specified, all work must be performed during regular hours. If the Contractor desires to carry on work on Saturday, Sunday, holidays, or outside regular hours, he/she may submit application to the ACO for approval.

3.2 Management

The Contractor must manage the total work effort associated with the grounds maintenance services required herein to assure fully adequate and timely completion of these services. Included in this function will be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, report preparation, and quality control. The Contractor must provide an adequate staff of personnel with the necessary management expertise to assure the performance of the work in accordance with sound and efficient management practices.

3.2.1 Work Control

The Contractor must implement all necessary work control procedures to ensure timely accomplishment of work requirements, as well as to permit tracking of work in progress. The Contractor must plan and schedule work to assure labor, equipment, and material are available to complete work requirements within the specified time limits and in conformance with the quality standards established herein. Verbal scheduling and status reports must be provided when requested by the Government Representative.

3.2.3 Herbicides and Pesticides

The Contractor must manage pests and invasive and noxious weeds via the least toxic means available.

Dirt, moisture, clutter, foodstuffs, and building penetration must be controlled and baits and traps must be used in lieu of pesticides. The Contractor must also use bio-based products (designated BioPreferred by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Herbicide and pesticide controls must be formulated to target specific pests and must be implemented only when pests have reached aesthetic or health thresholds verified by the ACO. The Contractor must not perform regularly scheduled, periodic pesticide or herbicide applications except in situations where no other approach or technology is available to protect personnel or property of high value. If herbicides or pesticides are to be used, the application must occur during unoccupied hours and the Contractor must be licensed by the applicable State agency to provide pesticide application in the categories specified in this contract. All work must be under the superintendence of a certified, responsible individual, and in accordance with Federal, State, local laws and requirements. The Contractor must submit Material Safety Data Sheets meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313 for all hazardous chemicals to be used.

3.2.3.1 Control Methods

The Contractor must utilize only herbicides registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Use must be in strict compliance with label directions for the control of the target weeds. Herbicides selected, application rates, and application techniques must have the prior approval of the ACO. Additionally, the Contractor must control pests using integrated pest management principles (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm).

3.2.3.2 Trash, Litter, and Vegetative Debris Collection and Disposal The Contractor must collect trash, litter, and vegetative debris (e.g., natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, limbs, and stumps) in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in all maintenance levels and dispose of it in the appropriate waste, recycling, or composting receptacles. In accordance with EO 13514, FAA is required to divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non-hazardous waste generated as a result of its operations. In support of meeting this requirement, the Contractor must divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non-hazardous waste generated as a result of the Contractor’s work, to the maximum extent feasible. In doing so, the Contractor must appropriately utilize the facility’s existing waste, recycling and composting (either onsite or offsite composting) program. If no such program exists, the Contractor must develop and operate, at its own expense, a comprehensive waste, recycling, reuse and/or composting program for non-hazardous solid waste and vegetative debris resulting from its grounds maintenance operations. The Contractor must report non-hazardous waste diversion rates on a regular basis [refer to Solid Waste and Recycling DID]. The Whole Building Design Guide (http://www.wbdg.org) outlines recommended practices for waste and debris removal. All trash, liter, and vegetative debris must be removed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.2.3.3 Contractor's Superintendent

During the execution of all work involving the handling and/or use of herbicides, the Contractor must give the job his personal supervision or must have on the job a responsible and competent representative with the authority to speak and act for him. The whereabouts on the activity of the supervisor must be made known to the Government Representative at all times when work is performed.

3.2.3.4 Uncertified Personnel

Uncertified personnel who apply pesticides must have been employed in weed control for a minimum of 30 days and have received training in:

• Selection, application, and evaluation of appropriate control procedures.

• Safe and effective application techniques, and the calibration and use of all equipment required.

• Handling, storage, and transfer of pesticide materials as required.

• (d) Reading, interpreting, and following herbicide label instructions.

• Use and maintenance of all required safety equipment.

• The consequences of preparing a herbicide to be given or sold to an individual other than an authorized employee of the Contractor or regulatory official.

• Procedure for handling herbicide spills, including reporting procedures.

• The security of vehicles and equipment.

3.2.3.5 Pesticide Use Records

The Contractor must prepare, submit, and maintain daily records of herbicide usage. This record must be filled out daily as weed control operations are performed, and all entries must be completed within 24 hours of chemical usage. Completed records must be made available upon request for inspection, and must be forwarded to the ACO with the monthly invoice for each month following the month of operation. Records which are rejected by the ACO due to improper preparation must be resubmitted by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.3 Continuity of Services.

To ensure continuity of essential services, the successful bidder must be prepared to fully commence work on the start date of this contract, and should not assume that Government or previous Contractor employees will be available to guide, direct, or specifically orientate each Contractor employee.

3.4 Maintenance Level I (Administrative Areas)

The Contractor must provide grounds maintenance services in maintenance level I.

3.4.1 Grass Cutting

All grassed areas located within this maintenance level must be cut to a uniform height between two (2) inches and four (4) inches. If any bare ground within the limits of an area becomes vegetated with grass, weeds, or other similar growths through natural spread, i.e., not artificially planted, it must be maintained as part of the basic contract. Prior to cutting, any trash, paper, or other debris that would detract from the finished appearance of the cut or present a safety hazard must be disposed of in the appropriate waste, recycling, and/or composting receptacles. Such debris includes but is not limited to paper, cans, bottles, limbs, pine cones, rocks, and other such objects within the maintenance area, and must include trash, paper, dead leaves, and other debris lodged in shrubs, hedges, fences, and along foundation and other walls. Debris must be disposed off the activity the same day as collected. Grass cutting is to be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting. Cutting equipment must have sharp cutting edges which produce a neat, clean, and even cut. Use of cutting equipment which is out of adjustment, thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil must not be permitted. Ground speeds and mower speeds must be synchronized to assure effective cutting action. After cutting, grass must have a uniform height. Grass clippings must not be windrowed or allowed to be deposited in piles or clumps. Grass clippings must be uniformly distributed over the mowed area. Grass areas close or adjacent to buildings, hydrants, parking lots, manholes, fences, trees, hedges, and shrubs are included in mowing requirements, and may require hand mowing. Trimming around trees, shrubs, flower/shrub beds, cultivated areas, poles, walls, valves, and other similar objects must be accomplished to match the height and appearance of the surrounding mowed grass. Trimming may be accomplished by hand clipping, by use of "weed eater" type equipment, or by herbicide treatment.

Trees and shrubs must not be damaged by trimming operations. Trimming with herbicide treatment must be confined to an area extending l2 inches from the object being trimmed. Grassed areas, trees, or shrubs which are killed or damaged as a result of Contractor's work must be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no cost to the Government. Trimming operations must be considered a part of grass cutting and must be accomplished concurrently (same day) with grass cutting operations. Grass cutting will not be considered complete until all trimming operations are accomplished. Grass clippings and trimmings must be removed from sidewalks and other paved areas the same day the grass is cut.

3.4.2 Edging

All sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, other paved areas, and shrubbery areas located within this maintenance level must be edge. Edging must create a l/2 inch wide and l inch deep clear zone immediately adjacent to the paved surface. All edging must be by mechanical means. The edging operation must include removal of grass and other vegetation which has encroached onto street and other paved surfaces from adjoining grassed areas. Where driveway or street pavement edge is not discernable due to grass encroachment, a straight and even line approximating the edge of pavement must be established and maintained. The edging operation must produce neat, clean lines along the sides of sidewalks and other areas edged, and must be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, uneven and rough cutting. All vegetation growing in the following areas must be removed during the edging operation:

• Sidewalk and driveway expansion joints and cracks.

• Street/driveway curbing expansion joints.

• Cracks between curbing and street/driveway pavement.

For continued maintenance of vegetation growing in cracks and expansion joints, herbicide treatment may be utilized to reduce the amount of mechanical work. The use of herbicides must not be allowed for the purpose of eliminating or reducing normal mechanical edging along straight paved edges (sidewalks, etc.). Debris generated by edging operations, which falls on or is thrown on sidewalks, on curbs, in gutters, streets, or is thrown on nearby sod, causing an unsightly appearance, must be removed from the site the day of the edging operation and disposed off the activity.

3.4.3 Plant and Shrub Pruning

Shrubs, bushes, hedges and cultivated plants must be pruned. All clippings and debris must be removed from the site the same day and disposed of, recycled, or composted off the activity [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. Pruning must be accomplished so as to:

• Remove new growth attaining a length of three (3) inches.

• Reduce the size and growth rate of each shrub by clipping approximately 20% to 30% of the total surface area approximately 3 to 6 inches inside the normal "pruned surface". This interior clipping (20% to 30%) must be uniformly distributed over the entire shrub. This procedure must be performed as a part of the normal pruning operation (when new growth is removed).

• Evenly form and balance the shrub, bush, or plant in order to shape it according to its natural growth habits. "Box" or "circular" shaping is not acceptable, except with hedges. Hedges must be sheared or pruned, as appropriate, to maintain their established shape and appearance.

• Remove dead, damaged or diseased wood. If the entire shrub should die, remove the entire shrub to 6 inches below ground level. The hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked and seeded.

• Remove vines, tree sprouts or any other extraneous vegetative growth from under or on the shrubbery.

• Prune or remove growth in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, or where vision is obstructed at street intersections.

3.4.4 Cultivation and Mulching of Shrubs, Hedges, and Flower Beds Shrubs, hedges, and flower beds must be cultivated and mulched. Cultivation includes weeding of shrubs, hedges, and flower beds. Cultivation must be extended a sufficient distance from bases of shrubs to ensure their protection from damage by lawn mowers, and trimmer/edgers, and to provide proper care for the plants, but in no case less than l8 inches. Cultivation must be extended to a depth of 2 inches, care being taken that the roots of the plants are not damaged. Removal of grass, weeds, rocks, and debris encountered during cultivation must be considered part of cultivation. All edges must be worked to a neat and true line. All timber, brick, concrete, aluminum, or plastic bed edging must be realigned as needed.

Mulch in bed areas such as wood bark chips, pine straw, etc., must be well groomed after removal of weeds, rocks, etc. Additional mulch, of the same type as existing, must be provided and placed around all shrubs and flower beds as required to maintain a minimum depth of three inches. Shrubbery without existing mulch must be mulched to a minimum depth of three inches with peat moss or other organic matter except mulch in any manure form.

3.4.5 Fertilization

Fertilizers must be used only if determined necessary by the ACO, in order to minimize environmental impact. Synthetic chemical fertilizers must not be used. When fertilization is necessary as determined by the ACO, fertilizer must be comprised of either recovered organic material or bio-based material.

Fertilizer comprised of recovered organic material must conform to the EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (http://www.epa.gov/cpg). Bio-based product listings are obtainable from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (http://www.usda.gov). Fertilizer must be applied only when grass blades are free of moisture. Ground cover plants and shrubbery beds must be fertilized concurrently with lawn application, at the same rates. The Contractor's monthly work schedule must reflect planned fertilization dates.

3.4.6 Trash and Litter Collection and Disposal.

The Contractor must collect trash and litter in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in maintenance level I and dispose it in the appropriate waste, recycling, or composting receptacles [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. Trash and litter does not include natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, and limbs. All trash and liter must be removed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.8 Indefinite Quantity Work Items

N/A

3.8.1 Raking

Includes the raking and removal of leaves, pine straw and pine cones, limbs, and other debris from the raked area. All debris must be disposed of the activity the day of collection.

3.8.2 Tree Removal

Trees, their stumps, and above ground roots must be removed to a depth of six inches below normal ground elevation. All debris must be disposed of the activity the day of removal [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements]. The stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, and seeded.

3.8.3 Stump and Above Ground Root Removal

Stumps and above grounds roots must be removed to a depth of six inches below normal ground elevation. Stump removal operations must avoid unnecessary soil excavation and ground disruption. All debris must be disposed off the activity the day of removal. The stump hole and any other surface damage caused by removal must be filled with topsoil, fertilized, raked, and seeded.

3.8.4 Grassing

Bare and slightly eroded areas (areas which vary in size from l0 to l000 square feet and can be repaired with the placement of four inches or less of topsoil) must be filled with topsoil, raked, fertilized, seeded, and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. Establishment must include providing the necessary care to firmly establish new grass growth. The Contractor must water and otherwise care for new grassed areas sufficiently to ensure proper development. Grassed areas which die or fail to develop noticeable growth for a period of one year after seeding must be re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.8.5 Erosion Control

Soil erosion damage which is beyond the scope of that defined in paragraph 3.8.4, must be repaired by filling in washed out/bare areas (areas requiring less than five cubic yards of fill soil) with the best commercial brands available, carrying a familiar trade name as commonly used by nursery and landscape contractors type soil to within four inches of normal ground elevation. This soil will be compacted to a sufficient level. Top soil will then be placed to return the area to normal ground elevation; raked;

fertilized; seeded; covered with straw, matting, or other material suitable to reduce the effects of erosion;

and watered to establish a healthy grassed covering. Repaired areas must be watered and otherwise cared for until grass is firmly established. Repaired areas on which grass dies or fails to develop noticeable growth, or which again erode within one year must be repaired and re-grassed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.8.6 Underbrushing

All brush, weeds, and small trees (three inches and below in diameter at ground level) must be cut back to within one inch of ground level, removed from the site, and disposed off the activity. Any material to be saved will be marked by the ACO prior to starting work. Any debris (i.e., limbs, dead trees, trash, etc.)

found in the underbrushing area must be removed from the site and disposed off the activity.

3.8.7 Tree Pruning

Trees must be pruned in accordance with the following guidelines to selectively remove unwanted growth and encourage trees to grow or respond in a desired manner. All tree pruning must be accomplished under the supervision of an individual furnished by the Contractor, who is trained, experienced, and otherwise qualified in proper tree pruning techniques. Verification of such training, experience, and qualifications must be acceptable to the ACO prior to initiation of any tree pruning. Prior to starting work the Contractor must propose a pruning plan for each tree for the approval of the ACO. Trees must be pruned according to their natural growth habit to evenly form and balance the tree, to promote proper health and growth, to respond to damage inflicted by natural or human causes, and to prevent interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. All clippings and debris must be removed and disposed off the activity the same working day. Pruning must be accomplished in a manner so as to:

• Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood, or structurally weak limbs that may cause a safety hazard or unsightly appearance, including the removal of dead palm fronds.

• Remove branches that extend over buildings and endanger roofs, eaves, and windows, or hang within eight feet vertically of sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways.

• Provide clearance for buses, moving vans, and similar vehicles along streets.

• Cut back branches that overhang or grow into powerlines. Anticipate the effects of wind on branches which might fall on powerlines. Shape the entire tree rather than notch the top.

• Remove growth of small trees in front of windows, over entrance ways or walks, and those which will obstruct vision at street intersections.

• Remove sprouts which grow from the trunk. Remove sprouts to the height of the first major lateral limb.

• Branch stubs must not be allowed. All branches must be pruned (removed) back to the next major limb or the tree trunk. Pruning cuts must be performed in a manner which leaves the branch collar exposed (with no stub beyond the branch collar).

3.8.8 Irrigation

Irrigation involves the artificial application of water to promote proper health, growth, color, and appearance of cultivated vegetation. Contractor must be WaterSense certified, and provide WaterSense certification to ACO, prior to contract award.

Grassed areas, shrubs, trees, and ground cover plants must be irrigated in accordance with the following directions.

• Care must be exercised by regulating time and equipment to prevent wasting of water. Watering must be accomplished in a manner that avoids erosion, run-off, or ponding due to excessive quantities or rate of application. The minimum amount of water to be applied to all lawns, and planted areas must be one inch of water per application. Irrigation operations must be completed by 3:00 PM daily.

• The Contractor must be held responsible for any damage to plants, lawns, or buildings caused by careless handling of irrigation equipment. Sprinklers must not be set in such a position as to throw water into doorways, windows, porches, parked cars, parking areas, or to impede vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

• Water will be furnished by the Government from the most convenient existing source of water. If a fire hydrant must be used for watering, clearance must be obtained from the ACO before use.

All other required supplies must be furnished by the Contractor, except that Government owned and permanently installed sprinkler systems may be used where available. Where such installed sprinkler system equipment does not cover the area adequately, the Contractor must provide hoses and sprinklers to irrigate the entire area uniformly.

a. Sprinkler riser connections and sprinkler heads must be maintained, repaired, or replaced by the Contractor as necessary to eliminate obstructions, leaks, and other defects which would prevent proper operation, at no additional cost to the Government. Sprinkler heads must be maintained clear of dirt and other debris for approximately one inch around their outside circumference.

b. The Government will provide all other required maintenance to installed sprinkler systems due to normal wear and tear, to include time clocks, valve systems, and underground piping up to, but not including the sprinkler riser connection and sprinkler heads. Any damage to such systems caused by the Contractor must be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no expense to the Government. The Contractor must promptly report damage to or malfunction of any sprinkler system to the ACO.

• Hoses, portable sprinklers, portable pipe, and similar irrigation equipment must be removed from lawn areas at the end of each work day or when not actually in use. All valves, covers, and valve box covers must be kept closed at all times except when in actual use.

• The Contractor must abide by any local, state, or other water agency regulations or controls in force at the time of this contract.

• For reimbursement purposes, irrigation must be ordered as follows:

• Government System Application. When irrigation is ordered in an area covered by a Government owned, permanently installed sprinkler system, the Contractor must be required to turn on or otherwise open and close valves as necessary to uniformly apply water to the area. One inch of water must be applied unless a specific application time is specified by the ACO. As stated previously, in areas where the installed sprinkler system does not cover the area adequately, the Contractor must provide hoses and sprinklers to irrigate the entire area uniformly at no additional cost.

• Contractor System Application. When irrigation is ordered in an area which is 100 feet or less from a Government provided source of water, the Contractor must provide hoses, sprinklers, and/or other equipment as required to irrigate the entire area uniformly. One inch of water must be applied unless a specific application time is specified by the ACO.

• Site Specific Application. When irrigation is ordered at a point of application (such as an individual tree or shrub) which is 100 feet or less from a Government provided source of water, the Contractor must provide hoses and/or other equipment as required to provide a specified number of gallons at the specified site(s).

• Distant Site Application. When irrigation is ordered at a point of application (such as an individual tree or shrub) which is more than 100 feet from a Government provided source of water, the Contractor must provide water and equipment as required to transport and provide at least the sufficient amount of gallons of water at the specified site. The Government will furnish water from existing outlets, as specified by the ACO.

3.8.9 Ditch Cleaning

Vegetative growth in drainage ditches must be cut to a height of two (2) inches on bottom and sides. All wood and brush cuttings, trash, and debris must be removed and disposed off the activity the same day of cleaning. Mouths of ditches, inlets, and outlets must be cleared of sediment, vegetation, and debris to allow unrestricted flow of water. Included in the ditch maintenance is the detention basin drainage areas located near parking lot “A”. Where ditch bottoms are paved, all mud and debris must be removed from the paved surface and disposed off the activity the same day of cleaning. Where ditch bottoms are not vegetated and have intermittent water flow, woody and aquatic vegetation must be removed or chemically treated. Approved herbicides for vegetation control will be permitted.

3.8.10 Tree and Shrub Establishment

Establishment must include providing necessary care to firmly establish the new plantings. All plants must be nursery grown and must bear certification indicating species, common name, and grade. Plants must be healthy, living specimens which are considered to be number one grade stock. Native plants and/or plants suited to the climate must be established, in order to minimize the need for irrigation and maintenance. Planting procedures must be in accordance with accepted nursery standards. The Contractor may invoice and payment will be made when initial planting is complete; however, the Contractor must water and otherwise care for new plants sufficiently to ensure proper development. All plants which die or fail to develop noticeable growth within one year of planting, must be replaced by plants of like size and type by the Contractor, at no additional cost to the Government.

3.8.10.1 Trees

Trees established must be species as specified in the delivery order, with trunk diameters (measured 4.5 feet up from the ground) of at least 3 inches. Trees must be planted in accordance with accepted nursery standards, including fertilization, mulching, and watering. Trees must be guyed and staked in at least three directions.

3.8.10.2 Shrubbery and Flowers

The contractor shall provide a minimum of 250 assorted and continuously flowering/annual plants with showy blossoms which thrive in direct sun at 11 Murphy Dr. Annuals are to be installed and maintained by contractor in a healthy condition in locations coordinated with the COR. The contractor shall submit a list of types, color, and quantities for approval by the COR prior to planting. Two large flower pots with assorted flowers shall be placed at the front entrance (under the canopy). These flower pots will be watered once a week during the contract. Shrubs and flowers must be planted in accordance with accepted nursery standards, including fertilization, mulching, and watering. Any shrubs or flowers killed, damaged, or destroyed through neglect, non-performance, or incomplete performance of any type on the part of the contract shall be replaced by the contractor at no cost to the government. The item being replaced shall be of the same species and variety and or the same growth.

3.8.11 Severe Shrub Pruning

Severe pruning of shrubs must consist of removal of all or a major portion of the total growth of the shrub. The extent of pruning will be indicated by the ACO, but generally must consist of pruning large shrubbery to a level approximately one to three feet above ground level. Debris resulting from the pruning process must be disposed off the activity the same day of pruning.

3.8.12 Vegetation Removal

Vegetation removal must consist of the removal of grass, weeds, trees (less than three inches at ground level), and all other vegetative growth to ground or pavement level within 10 feet on both sides of fence lines per security rules. Mechanical methods of vegetation removal must be used. If mechanical methods are not feasible, chemical methods may be used with approval by the ACO. If chemical methods are approved, the Contractor must submit Material Safety Data Sheets meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313, as stated in paragraph 3.2.3., for any hazardous chemicals to be used. Debris generated by vegetation removal operations must be removed and disposed of off the activity the same working day [see Section 3.2.3.2 for waste management requirements].

3.8.13 Sodding

Sod must be similar to what is presently established. It must be dense, uniform, weed free, be certified to be free of disease, insects, and nematodes, have minimum thatch, and good sod strength. Strength will be assessed by lifting a piece by one end with no tearing and little stretching. It must have been mowed to a height of one to two inches within 24 hours of lifting. It must have soil depth of 0.5 to l.25 inches. Sod must not be allowed to become dry and when stacked it must not be allowed to heat up above l00 degrees F. Soil must be moist just prior to laying sod on well graded surface free of vegetation and properly prepared for accepting the sod. Sod blocks must be placed in rows butting each piece firmly against the last. Joints in successive rows must be staggered. Slopes must be sodded by beginning at the bottom and laying sod in rows across the slope. Sod on slopes steeper than 2:l must be held in place with wooden pegs. Immediately following placing, the sod must be rolled to provide firm contact with soil. Cracks must be filled with topsoil. As soon as this process is complete, sodded area must be irrigated by uniform application of one half inch of water. No more than 60 minutes should elapse from the time sod is placed until it has been irrigated. The Contractor must provide the necessary care to firmly establish new grass growth and must water and otherwise care for sodded areas sufficiently to ensure proper development.

All grass which dies or fails to develop noticeable growth within one year of sodding must be replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.8.14 Sprigging

Sprigs must be fresh, healthy, living stems (stolons or rhizomes with 50 percent or more of the stems being rhizomes). Sprigs must be obtained from approved sources where the sod is heavy and thickly matted, and free from ground pearl and fairy rings. Sprigs must be free of nut grass (cyperus rotundus), Johnson grass (sorghum halepense), and other objectionable weeds, and must not contain material which might be detrimental to the development of the turf. Sprigs must be planted within 48 hours of harvesting. In addition sprigs must not be left unprotected in the sun for longer than l5 minutes. Sprigs must be planted in l00 linear inches of sprigs per square yard on well graded surface free of vegetation and properly prepared for accepting the sprigs. Distribution must be sufficiently uniform to insure that the maximum spacing of sprigs must not exceed l2 inches. Immediately after opening furrows, sprigs must be placed and covered to a depth of approximately 2 l/2 inches after compaction, leaving a portion of each sprig protruding above the soil level. The furrows must be filled in such a manner that the surface is left even at the designated grade, and compacted with a roller weighing 60 to 90 pounds per linear foot of roller. Sprigged area must then be watered not later than 30 minutes after sprigging has been completed. At least l/2 inch of water must be applied over the area sprigged in a manner which will prevent erosion due to the application of excessive quantities in a concentrated area, and with watering equipment that will not damage the finished surface. The Contractor must provide the necessary care to firmly establish new grass growth and must water and otherwise care for sprigged areas sufficiently to ensure proper development. All grass which dies or fails to develop noticeable growth within one year of sprigging must be replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.8.15 Restoration of Snow Disposal Areas

As part of this contract, the contractor will perform all landscaping restoration, including removal of sand and debris or all snow disposal areas or other areas where snow was stockpiled or plowed. In addition to that the contractor will remove all sand and debris from all other landscaped areas, especially in those areas where snow removal operations have left mounded sand deposits, and removal of all sand and debris from all grass areas, walkways, roadways, storm drains, and parking lots, within three weeks after snow and ice have melted. All parking lots will be swept of sand after the snow season has ended. All sand and debris removed will be collected and removed from the work site.

4.0 Government Furnished Property and Service

4.1 Government Furnished Facilities

1. The Government will not provide office space operational facilities, or lay down areas to the Contractor. The Contractor must secure and maintain the necessary office space, facilities, and equipment storage areas required for the performance of this contract at his/her own expense.

4.2 Government Furnished Equipment

1. The Contractor must furnish all tools and equipment required for the performance of this contract. The Government will not provide tools or equipment to the Contractor.

4.3 Government Furnished Material

SELECT EITHER (1) OR (2)

• The Government will not provide any materials to the Contractor.

4.4 Availability of Utilities

The Government will furnish the following utility services at existing outlets for use in those facilities provided by the Government and as may be required for the work to be performed under the contract: , fresh water. Water is available at 11 Murphy Dr for the use by the contractor at three hose bib locations outside the building. There is a lawn sprinkler system available. The building maintenance manager can assist with those locations. Electricity is not available on site and there are no exterior outlets. Information concerning the location of existing outlets may be obtained from the Government Representative. The Contractor must provide and maintain, at his/her expense, the necessary service lines from existing Government outlets to the site of work.

1. Utilities specified above will be furnished at no cost to the Contractor.

2. The Contractor must be responsible for instructing employees in utilities conservation practices. Water faucets or valves must be turned off after the required usage has been accomplished. To conserve water, only the minimum quantity of water needed for the required usage must be expended.

3. The contract shall be required to winterize the lawn water systems. This shall consist of removing the water from the pipeline. The contractor will coordinate with the COR prior to winterization.

4.5 Contractor Furnished Items

Except for the items listed in the "GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES" clause, the Contractor must provide all equipment, materials, and services to perform the requirements of this contract. The Contractor must ensure that all items furnished exclusively for use in support of government contracts are:

• Less toxic or non-toxic.

Examples include:

o Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment (DfE) label (http://www.epa.gov/dfe) o Green Seal certified (http://www.greenseal.org) o CRI Green Label (http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/green-building-and-the-environment/green-label-plus) o Products that meet/exceed DfE, Green Seal, CRI Green Label, and/or SCAQMD specifications;

• Environmental Protection Agency designated recycled content items

(http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products/index.htm);

• Designated as BioPreferred by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

(http://www.biopreferred.gov);

• WaterSense certified (http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense) or meets/exceeds WaterSense specifications.

• Non-ozone depleting chemical substitutes identified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s

Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) (http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/index.html)

These program elements are described on the Office of the Federal Environment Executive website (http://www.ofee.gov).

The purpose of this SOW is to obtain grounds maintenance services at location #2, Child Care Center, 53 Northeastern Blvd, Nashua, NH, 03062, by means of a firm fixed-price contract.

The Contractor must furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, and materials necessary to provide grounds maintenance services in accordance with the requirements specified herein. The operations to be performed must include cutting grass, edging, fertilization, collection and disposal of litter and trash, vegetation cutting and removal, under-brushing, grassing, sodding, sprigging, erosion control, tree and shrub pruning, tree and stump removal, irrigation, ditch cleaning, and other miscellaneous services, to include restoration of the “snow disposal” area and removal of all debris and sand from all walks, parking lots, and roadways, and all other areas where snow was stockpiled, as described herein. The service work shall include areas both inside and outside of the fenced in areas. All operations will be performed pursuant to Executive Orders 13423 and 13514, and the FAA Green Procurement Plan (GPP). As such, the Contractor must use environmentally preferable products and services. These program elements include, but are not limited to: products and services that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, bio based, non-ozone depleting, contain recycled-content, and non-toxic or less-toxic alternatives; diversion of non-hazardous waste and construction and demolition debris from landfills, including composting; alternative fuels use and fuel efficient vehicles and equipment, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and integrated pest management. These program elements are described on the Office of the Federal Environment Executive website (http://www.ofee.gov).

Except as may otherwise be specified, all work must be performed during regular hours. If the Contractor desires to carry on work on Saturday, Sunday, holidays, or outside regular hours, he/she may submit application to the ACO for approval.

3.2 Management

The Contractor must manage the total work effort associated with the grounds maintenance services required herein to assure fully adequate and timely completion of these services. Included in this function will be a full range of management duties including, but not limited to, planning, scheduling, report preparation, and quality control. The Contractor must provide an adequate staff of personnel with the necessary management expertise to assure the performance of the work in accordance with sound and efficient management practices.

3.2.1 Work Control

The Contractor must implement all necessary work control procedures to ensure timely accomplishment of work requirements, as well as to permit tracking of work in progress. The Contractor must plan and schedule work to assure labor, equipment, and material are available to complete work requirements within the specified time limits and in conformance with the quality standards established herein. Verbal scheduling and status reports must be provided when requested by the Government Representative.

3.2.3 Herbicides and Pesticides

The Contractor must manage pests and invasive and noxious weeds via the least toxic means available.

Dirt, moisture, clutter, foodstuffs, and building penetration must be controlled and baits and traps must be used in lieu of pesticides. The Contractor must also use bio-based products (designated BioPreferred by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Herbicide and pesticide controls must be formulated to target specific pests and must be implemented only when pests have reached aesthetic or health thresholds verified by the ACO. The Contractor must not perform regularly scheduled, periodic pesticide or herbicide applications except in situations where no other approach or technology is available to protect personnel or property of high value. If herbicides or pesticides are to be used, the application must occur during unoccupied hours and the Contractor must be licensed by the applicable State agency to provide pesticide application in the categories specified in this contract. All work must be under the superintendence of a certified, responsible individual, and in accordance with Federal, State, local laws and requirements. The Contractor must submit Material Safety Data Sheets meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) and the latest version of Federal Standard No. 313 for all hazardous chemicals to be used.

3.2.3.1 Control Methods

The Contractor must utilize only herbicides registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Use must be in strict compliance with label directions for the control of the target weeds. Herbicides selected, application rates, and application techniques must have the prior approval of the ACO. Additionally, the Contractor must control pests using integrated pest management principles (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm).

3.2.3.2 Trash, Litter, and Vegetative Debris Collection and Disposal The Contractor must collect trash, litter, and vegetative debris (e.g., natural vegetation, such as leaves, pine straw, limbs, and stumps) in all grassed areas, plant and shrub beds, wooded areas, sidewalks, streets, and curbs in all maintenance levels and dispose of it in the appropriate waste, recycling, or composting receptacles. In accordance with EO 13514, FAA is required to divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non-hazardous waste generated as a result of its operations. In support of meeting this requirement, the Contractor must divert from landfill or incineration facility disposal a minimum of 50% of the non-hazardous waste generated as a result of the Contractor’s work, to the maximum extent feasible. In doing so, the Contractor must appropriately utilize the facility’s existing waste, recycling and composting (either onsite or offsite composting) program. If no such program exists, the Contractor must develop and operate, at its own expense, a comprehensive waste, recycling, reuse and/or composting program for non-hazardous solid waste and vegetative debris resulting from its grounds maintenance operations. The Contractor must report non-hazardous waste diversion rates on a regular basis [refer to Solid Waste and Recycling DID]. The Whole Building Design Guide (http://www.wbdg.org) outlines recommended practices for waste and debris removal. All trash, liter, and vegetative debris must be removed off the activity the same day as collected.

3.2.3.3 Contractor's Superintendent

During the execution of all work involving the handling and/or use of herbicides, the Contractor must give the job his personal supervision or must have on the job a responsible and competent representative with the authority to speak and act for him. The whereabouts on the activity of the supervisor must be made known to the Government Representative at all times when work is performed.

3.2.3.4 Uncertified Personnel

a. Selection, application, and evaluation of appropriate control procedures.

b. Safe and effective application techniques, and the calibration and use of all equipment required.

c. Handling, storage, and transfer of pesticide materials as required.

d. (d) Reading, interpreting, and following herbicide label instructions.

e. Use and maintenance of all required safety equipment.

f. The consequences of preparing a herbicide to be given or sold to an individual other than an authorized employee of the Contractor or regulatory official.

g. Procedure for handling herbicide spills, including reporting procedures.

h. The security of vehicles and equipment.

The Contractor must prepare, submit, and maintain daily records of herbicide usage. This record must be filled out daily as weed control operations are performed, and all entries must be completed within 24 hours of chemical usage. Completed records must be made available upon request for inspection, and must be forwarded to the ACO with the monthly invoice for each month following the month of operation. Records which are rejected by the ACO due to improper preparation must be resubmitted by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

3.3 Continuity of Services.

To ensure continuity of essential services, the successful bidder must be prepared to fully commence work on the start date of this contract, and should not assume that Government or previous Contractor employees will be available to guide, direct, or specifically orientate each Contractor employee.

3.4 Maintenance Level I (Administrative Areas)

The Contractor must provide grounds maintenance services in maintenance level I.

3.4.1 Grass Cutting

All grassed areas located within this maintenance level must be cut to a uniform height between two (2) inches and four (4) inches. If any bare ground within the limits of an area becomes vegetated with grass, weeds, or other similar growths through natural spread, i.e., not artificially planted, it must be maintained as part of the basic contract. Prior to cutting, any trash, paper, or other debris that would detract from the finished appearance of the cut or present a safety hazard must be disposed of in the appropriate waste, recycling, and/or composting receptacles. Such debris includes but is not limited to paper, cans, bottles, limbs, pine cones, rocks, and other such objects within the maintenance area, and must include trash, paper, dead leaves, and other debris lodged in shrubs, hedges, fences, and along foundation and other walls. Debris must be disposed off the activity the same day as collected. Grass cutting is to be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting. Cutting equipment must have sharp cutting edges which produce a neat, clean, and even cut. Use of cutting equipment which is out of adjustment, thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil must not be permitted. Ground speeds and mower speeds must be synchronized to assure effective cutting action. After cutting, grass must have a uniform height. Grass clippings must not be windrowed or allowed to be deposited in piles or clumps. Grass clippings must be uniformly distributed over the mowed area. Grass areas close or adjacent to buildings, hydrants, parking lots, manholes, fences, trees, hedges, and shrubs are included in mowing requirements, and may require hand mowing. Trimming around trees, shrubs, flower/shrub beds, cultivated areas, poles, walls, valves, and other similar objects must be accomplished to match the height and appearance of the surrounding mowed grass.