Mortuary Services PWS 10.30.23.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR MORTUARY SERVICES

TO SUPPORT

NELLIS, CREECH and NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE

PREPARED BY

99TH CONTRACTING SQUADRON

5865 SWABB BLVD

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA 89191-7063

DATE

30 OCTOBER 2023

1.0. Introduction

2.0. Description Of Services

3.0. Mortuary Services

4.0. Classification Of Remains

5.0. Preparation Of Remains

6.0. Embalming Of Remains

7.0. Casketing Standards

8.0. Transportation Of Remains

9.0. State, Territory, Local, or International Authority-Issued Permits and Certificates

10.0. Sheltering of Remains

11.0. Cremation

12.0 Facility Standards

13.0. Hygienic Compliance with Federal and State Laws

14.0. Records Management and Release of Information

15.0. Contractor Furnished Items

1.0. Introduction.

This PWS establishes the DoD standards for the operation of DoD facilities providing mortuary services, and funeral homes under contract for DoD mortuary services, and shall apply to all Military Service components. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) includes clauses unique to the procurement of mortuary services (DFARS 252.237, Sections 7000 through 7009 and 7011). Contracting officers must utilize the standards contained herein when contracting for mortuary services. The standards contained herein do not apply to deaths where the person authorized to direct disposition (PADD), or where the person with authority to effect disposition (PAED), elects to make all arrangements for the disposition of remains.

2.0. Description of Services.

2.1. Purpose. The 99th Force Support Squadron is acquiring mortuary services for the care and disposition of remains of authorized personnel. The 99th Contracting Squadron will award mortuary services contracts only to state licensed funeral home. The Contractor shall provide facilities, equipment, licensed personnel, motor vehicles, professional services, supplies, death certificates, caskets, urns, outer shipping containers, transportation, and perform hygienic practices as specified in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The Contractor shall comply with all existing federal, state, territory, and local licensing requirements and regulatory standards applicable in the area of performance of this contract.

2.2. Time Allotted to Perform. The Contractor shall furnish the materials ordered and perform the services specified by the Contracting Officer or Authorized Caller as promptly as possible.

The Contractor shall perform the services not later than 24 hours after receiving notification to remove the remains, or after the remains have been released to Government control, excluding the time necessary for the Government to inspect and check the results.

The time allotted to perform embalming and restoration work shall be based on the condition of the remains and procedures necessary to restore the remains to a condition that facilitates viewing and on the volume of work at the facility. At no time will preset time restrictions be placed on the amount of time a Contractor can take to restore remains to a viewable state. NOTE:

It is not unreasonable to expect an embalmer to spend several hours suturing extensive amounts of lacerations and wounds or working to restore the head/face to a condition that facilitates viewing. However, the contracted will notify the Military Service Mortuary Affairs Office if the procedure is expected to take more than 24 hours to complete (this does not include post-embalming surveillance). The Military Service Mortuary Affairs Office will keep the PADD or PAED informed on the time required to prepare the remains. The mortuary case file will be updated to reflect when the time required to prepare the remains exceeds the 24- hour time limit.

2.3. Area of Performance. All of Clark County, including Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and The Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). The area of performance are the geographic boundaries that determine whether the mortuary services contract applies to the services required by the Armed Services and whether or not transportation charges for removal or delivery of the remains, may be charged. (See DFARS 252.237.7004.)

2.4. Quality Assurance. The goods and services purchased from the Contractor or provided by a DoD Mortuary will meet or exceed the standards contained within this PWS. The Government reserves the right to perform inspections to ensure supplies and services conform to prescribed requirements as set forth in this document.

3.0. Mortuary Services.

3.1. General. The Contractor will provide complete disinfection, preservation and restoration of the remains as set forth in this document. The Contractor will practice hygienic measures that comply with applicable local, State, territory, and Federal laws, regulations, and rules. (Note:

Disciplinary action by a regulatory agency or licensing authority may be the basis for non-consideration or termination of a contract.)

3.2. Processing or Reprocessing of Remains.

3.2.1. Un-embalmed Remains: Remains will be placed in refrigeration at 36-38 degrees F (2.2-

3.3 degrees C) until the remains are identified and the disposition instructions have been received.

3.2.2. Processing of Remains: The embalming will ensure complete disinfection and preservation of all tissue. Additionally, when the condition of remains allow, all efforts will be made to restore remains in accordance with (IAW) paragraph 3.2.5 to facilitate viewing. The Contractor will ensure that cosmetics are applied to the deceased and that the remains are dressed or wrapped, casketed, and transported as directed by the Service’s mortuary affairs representative.

3.2.3. Chemical Preservative Preparation: Arterial, cavity, and other embalming chemicals will be used in the treatment of all remains IAW paragraph 6 of this document.

3.2.4. Reprocessing of Remains: When remains are received, either at the port mortuary or receiving funeral home, which require additional/corrective preparation or restoration, all discrepancies will be documented by the embalmer and corrected as directed by the Service’s mortuary affairs representative.

3.2.5. Restorative Art: Restorative art is defined as care of the deceased to recreate natural form and color to provide an opportunity for the family to view the deceased.

3.2.5.1. Minor Restorations. Include, but are not limited to, correcting a misaligned fracture, hypodermic tissue building, reduction of swelling, sub-tissue surgery (mouth or eye), waxing (lips, abrasions, sutures or razor burns), suturing clean cuts, small hair replacements (eyebrow, eyelash, or temporal hair), bleaching and concealing minor discolorations or removal and restoration of fever sores (scabs). Consent from the person with authority to direct or effect disposition is granted by signature on DoD, Service or local mortuary form or for civilian decedents the civilian mortuary equivalent form.

3.2.5.2. Major Restorations. Include, but are not limited to, the restoration of a full head of hair, sub-tissue surgery of a swollen neck, problems with misaligned or protruding teeth, deep wound preparation (after excision of necrotic, mutilated or diseased tissue), care of deep lacerations, repair (or reconstruction) of multiple fractures, third degree burns, skin slip, dismemberment of a limb (or head), and complete loss of a part. Technical skill is required to artificially construct a distorted portion of the face or cranium, wax surfacing over a large wound (cheek, forehead, or neck), modeling a facial feature, achieving a natural appearance when masking a completely discolored face (or large post-mortem stain) with opaque cosmetics or matching wax with the complexion. Consent from the person with authority to direct or effect disposition is granted by signature on a DoD, Service, and local, or civilian mortuary equivalent form.

3.2.5.3. Semblance of Limbs. The DoD mortuary facility or contract funeral home will not undertake the creation of the semblance of limbs without express written authorization on a DoD, Service, local, or civilian mortuary equivalent form, from the person with authority to direct or effect disposition. A copy of the written authorization will be placed in the deceased’s casualty/mortuary file.

4.0. Classification Of Remains.

4.1. General. The embalmer will make a recommendation to the Military Service representative regarding the ability to view the deceased. Remains will be classified in one of three categories:

viewable, viewable for identification, or nonviewable. Every attempt will be made to restore remains to a natural form and color that permits the PADD or PAED to decide whether the remains are to be viewed or not. The cultural and religious customs and traditions of the deceased, as well as the PADD’s or PAED’s preferences, should be taken into consideration for the remains preparation.

4.1.1. Viewable. Remains are considered viewable when the face and hands have only minor or no trauma, edema, dehydration, or discoloration. Remains may be fully restored to natural color and form. The condition of remains allows for dressing in uniform or other clothing selected by the PADD or PAED.

4.1.2. Viewable for Identification. Remains may or may not be fully intact, and the face and hands may have trauma, edema, dehydration, or discoloration. Although remains may be missing limbs or may have received other trauma, the condition of remains allows for dressing in uniform or other clothing selected by the PADD or PAED. Remains may be restored to an appearance suitable for visual recognition.

4.1.3. Nonviewable. Remains may or may not be fully intact and may manifest extreme trauma, edema, dehydration, discoloration, or decomposition. Remains may not be able to be restored to an appearance suitable for visual recognition. The condition of remains may not allow for dressing in uniform or other clothing selected by the PADD or PAED.

4.1.3.1. Head Wrap (Non-viewable). Remains are categorized as nonviewable with the face or head having severe trauma, edema, dehydration, or discoloration such that restoration to a condition of viewable recognition is not possible. However, the condition of remains allows for dressing in uniform or other clothing selected by the PADD or PAED. The head wrap will be accomplished as directed by Paragraph 6.5.3.

4.1.3.2. Full-body Wrap. Remains are categorized as nonviewable. Remains may not be intact or may have sustained severe trauma, edema, dehydration, advanced decomposition, or discoloration where restoration to a condition of viewable recognition is not possible and the remains cannot be dressed. In this situation, remains will be prepared using a full-body wrap.

The full-body wrap will be accomplished as directed by Paragraph 6.5.2.

5.0. Preparation Of Remains.

5.1. General. DoD mortuaries and funeral homes under contract to provide DoD mortuary services will prepare and embalm the remains unless embalming is expressly prohibited in writing by the person authorized to direct or effect disposition. Frequently, final disposition of processed or reprocessed remains may not be affected for a period of 10 days or more or the remains may be subjected to extreme weather conditions, or the remains may be transported over long distances. All remains, whether viewable or non-viewable, require variations in preservation techniques and procedures to accomplish maximum disinfection, preservation, and restoration of all body tissues. The following procedures will be accomplished in the course of processing or reprocessing all viewable remains, and to the extent possible, non-viewable remains. Please refer to DD Form 3045.

5.1.1. Insect Treatment. Maggots and other insect larvae will be destroyed and removed, and their breeding sites in or on the remains thoroughly treated with an appropriate chemical.

5.1.2. Disinfecting. All body orifices will be treated with a non-astringent disinfectant chemical.

5.1.3. Washing. All body surfaces will be thoroughly washed with warm water and germicidal soap. Special attention will be given to the viewable surfaces, e.g., the face and hands.

5.1.4. Grooming. Military personnel who are dressed in their Service uniform will be groomed per Military Service regulations and standards. Male facial and scalp hair shall be washed and groomed to conform to military standards; suitable hair preparation shall be accomplished for females to conform to military standards. If the PADD or PAED requests other accommodations, the preparing mortuary will consult with the appropriate Military Service to ensure compliance with Service standards. Fingernails shall be cleaned and trimmed. When the PADD or PAED has requested that the Service member not be dressed in the Service uniform, the mortuary representative will check with the PADD or PAED to determine the correct attire. For nonmilitary personnel, the Military Service mortuary representative will check with the family to ascertain personal preferences.

5.1.5. Setting Features. The mouth will be securely closed by needle injector, or muscular or mandibular suture, where the lips abut to form a natural expression. The eyes will be securely closed by the use of eye caps or other appropriate means, with proper attention given to prevent wrinkling of the eyelids and a sunken appearance.

5.1.6. Body Positioning. The body will be positioned to appear comfortable and restful. The head will be positioned straight, without any turn, and hands will be positioned left over right.

Deviation will be dependent upon the conditions of the remains and at the discretion of the embalmer.

5.1.7. Damaged Tissue. The embalmer will determine when, during the preparation process, ulcerated, burned, and necrotic tissue, and/or bedsores, shall be excised and/or treated either by hypodermic injection or by cavity pack application of deodorizing/preserving chemicals. All excised tissues will be retained with the remains and not disposed of as medical waste. The excised tissue will be treated with the organs and placed in the body cavity.

5.2. Preparation of Unembalmed Remains. When the PADD or PAED has requested the deceased be prepared for shipment to the receiving funeral home without embalming, the preparing mortuary will evaluate the condition of the remains and determine the feasibility of complying with the request based upon local and national regulations or laws at the place of origin and destination and any restrictions imposed by available transportation methods, such as air, train, or hearse. Unless prohibited by law, regulation, or the availability of transportation options, the preparing mortuary will prepare unembalmed remains, and to the extent possible, will adhere to religious preparation practices or other preferences as directed by the PADD or PAED. This section applies to subsequent remains recovered and identified after mortuary processing or interment or inurnment has occurred.

6.0. Embalming Of Remains.

6.1. Preparation of Viewable Remains. To obtain optimum results, a thorough pre-embalming case analysis will be completed by the embalmer utilizing the number of arterial injection sites necessary to ensure proper distribution of fluid. Case analysis is an iterative process that continues throughout the embalming operation. The embalmer will adjust the embalming treatment as case analysis dictates to include multiple site injection, if necessary, to ensure maximum disinfection and preservation. Post-embalming surveillance is crucial to ensure all areas are disinfected and preserved, or, if deficiencies are discovered, treated with further chemical treatment to ensure disinfection and preservation. The arterial chemical solution injected into the remains shall contain a minimum 5 percent concentration, by volume, of formaldehyde or isomer of formaldehyde derivative preservative agent(s). The total volume of arterial solution injected shall not be less than 1 gallon per 50 pounds of body weight. Unless the decedent is edematous, a humectant must be added in equal volume to the arterial chemical in the total fluid solution injected into the head and arms. It is permissible for a humectant-based arterial chemical to be used in place of humectant additive being incorporated into the total fluid solution. For non-autopsied cases, the thoracic, abdominal, male genitals, and cranial cavities shall be thoroughly aspirated and injected with full-strength cavity chemicals having a 36-index (percent) or greater. A minimum of 16 ounces of cavity chemical must be injected into the thoracic cavity, and a minimum of 16 ounces in the abdominal cavity and male genitals, and a minimum of 2 ounces of cavity chemical to ensure the preservation of contents of the cranial cavity, having a 36-index (percent) or greater. Hypodermic injections, packs, or other special treatments shall be accomplished, as required, to ensure the disinfection and preservation of all body tissues. A suitable cream or lotion shall be applied on the face and hands to prevent dehydration.

6.1.1. Treatment of Scalp (Viewable Remains). If the scalp was shaved because of medical treatment or surgery, processing or reprocessing shall be accomplished as specified for viewable remains, after which the cranium shall be neatly and professionally wrapped with gauze or equivalent. The Military Service retains the ability to use an authorized uniform hat or beret instead of gauze wrap. For remains requiring a partial head wrap, the remains will be prepared per Paragraph 4.4.4. The embalmer will ensure the tissue is firm, dry, and thoroughly preserved.

The wrapping will be accomplished per Paragraph 6.5.2. but will be limited to covering the affected area of trauma, providing the possibility of viewing if desired by the PADD or PAED.

6.1.2. Mutilated Hands (Viewable Remains). When the hands are mutilated to the point that restoration is not possible, or discolorations are present that cannot be cleared, the hands shall be treated in a manner that shall render all tissue firm, dry, and thoroughly preserved. The hands, regardless of condition, will then be placed in opaque, leakproof gloves followed by white (military) cloth gloves.

6.2. Preparation of Non-viewable Remains. To obtain optimum results, a thorough pre-embalming case analysis will be completed. Case analysis is an iterative process that continues throughout the embalming operation. The embalmer will adjust the embalming treatment as case analysis dictates to include multiple site injection, if necessary, to ensure maximum disinfection and preservation. Post-embalming surveillance is crucial to ensure all areas are disinfected and preserved, or, if deficiencies are discovered, treated with further chemical treatment to ensure disinfection and preservation. Each gallon of arterial fluid shall contain a minimum 10 percent concentration, by volume, of formaldehyde or isomer of formaldehyde derivative preservative agent(s).

6.2.1. Preservation Treatment. The total volume of arterial solution injected shall not be less than 1 gallon per 50 pounds of body weight. All body areas shall be further treated utilizing a hypodermic injection using undiluted cavity chemicals having a 36-index (percent) or greater concentration. In addition, packs, special gels, and/or dry sanitizers shall be used, as required, to ensure preservation, prevent leakage, and eliminate all offensive odors.

6.2.2. Cavity and Genital Treatment. The thoracic, abdominal, male genitals, and cranial cavities shall be thoroughly aspirated and injected with full-strength cavity chemicals having a 36-index (percent) or greater concentration. A minimum of 16 ounces of cavity chemical must be injected into the thoracic cavity, a minimum of 16 ounces in the abdominal cavity and male genitals, and a minimum of 2 ounces of cavity chemical in the cranial cavity to ensure the preservation of contents of the cranial cavity. Injected cavity chemical must have a 36-index (percent) or greater concentration.

6.2.3. Procedure When Arterial Injection and/or Cavity Treatment is Not Possible. When arterial injection and/or cavity treatment is not possible, all articulated and disarticulated anatomical portions shall be thoroughly disinfected and preserved via hypodermic injection and accessory chemical embalming techniques. Immersion and/or hypodermic injection with a trocar and/or syringe and needle, using full-strength cavity chemicals of a 36-index (percent) or greater concentration, is acceptable. Surface application of liquid, gel, or dry sanitizers and preservatives is also required to supplement primary needle and/or hypodermic injection techniques.

6.3. Autopsied Remains. If a partial or complete autopsy is performed, chemical injection and application with multisite drainage shall be accomplished, using the arterial chemical solutions requirements as specified in Paragraph 6.1. or 6.2. Hypodermic injection of the thoracic and abdominal walls, back, buttocks, male genitals, shoulders, and the vertebral column with an undiluted cavity chemical having a 36-index (percent) or greater concentration is required. The scalp will be injected by syringe and needle with the chemical solution used for the arterial injection.

6.3.1. Internal Organs (Viscera). Under no circumstances will the service provider dispose of or destroy any internal organs (viscera) or partial remains. The viscera from remains that have had a cranial, thoracic, and/or abdominal examination shall be removed, cut into sections not greater than 2 by 2 inches, and immersed in an undiluted cavity chemical having a 36-index (percent) or greater concentration, for an appropriate amount of time but typically a minimum of two hours.

The inner surfaces of the body cavities shall be given a liberal application of gel formaldehyde or isomer of formaldehyde derivative preservative agent(s).

The preserved organs are to be liberally coated with formaldehyde or isomer of formaldehyde derivative preservative agent(s) and drying compound (hardening compound) and placed directly (not in a bio-bag or other plastic bag) into the thoracic or abdominal cavities.

6.3.2. Cranial Cavity and Scalp. When a cranial autopsy is performed, the vertebral and internal carotid arteries must be sealed. The cranial cavity shall be packed with cotton and drying compound, both in the cranium and in the calvarium, and secured by cranial clamps or wiring.

The scalp shall be replaced over the calvarium, and the incision will be coated with drying compound and tightly and neatly sutured to avoid leakage and unnatural appearance. The color of the suture cord should blend with the deceased’s hair.

6.4. Wounds, Stains, and Discolorations. All lacerations, abrasions, incisions, excisions, and burn wounds shall be sealed and/or sutured to prevent leakage. Swollen or distorted features shall be reduced, if possible, to the normal contours. Applying packs and/or needle injection may be used to chemically bleach antemortem or postmortem stains. On viewable areas, masking cosmetics may be used to render stains/discolorations nondetectable.

6.5. Dressing Remains. The PADD or PAED will be consulted and provided the opportunity to determine the clothing in which the deceased is to be dressed, or to be displayed upon the top of wrapped remains, as the situation dictates.

The Contractor facility providing mortuary services will be provided the clothing selected by the PADD or PAED or will be provided a uniform by the Military Service. Before dressing, all remains will be placed in a white, opaque, or clear leakproof protective undergarment (one-piece plastic garment used to cover the entire body from the neck down, including the feet). Drying powder and/or preservative powders will be placed inside the protective undergarment to absorb any possible leakage or odors.

6.5.1. Viewable. Remains that have been processed or reprocessed as outlined in Paragraph 3.2.

will be dressed in the clothing provided by the Service mortuary representative.

6.5.2. Non-viewable with Fully Body Wrap. Remains that have been processed or reprocessed as outlined in Paragraph 6.1. or 6.2. and are mutilated, decomposed or have physical trauma to the extent that the remains cannot be dressed shall be wrapped.

6.5.2.1. Preparation for Full Body Wrap. Wrapping shall be accomplished as follows:

Polyethylene sheeting (5 millimeters or greater) and a wool blanket shall be furnished by the Military Service’s mortuary representative. The military wool blanket shall be spread on the dressing table with opposing corners at the head and foot ends of the table. The blanket is then covered with a white cotton sheet followed by a sheet of polyethylene. Cotton strips are laid down the center of the plastic sheet and liberally coated with a preservative/drying compound (hardening compound).

Procedure: The wrapping material on the left side of the remains shall be folded to the right. The right side, then folded to the left side of the remains, shall be secured with tape or pins, as applicable and described below.

All seams in the polyethylene sheeting shall be sealed with nylon filament packing tape to ensure no odor and/or fluid is emitted from the wrapping. When necessary, in extreme cases, duplicate layers of polyethylene sheets may be used. The white cotton sheet is then wrapped around the polyethylene- sheathed remains and secured with large safety pins (silver in color, 2 to 3 inches) placed no more than 4 inches apart. The wool blanket is then wrapped around the white cotton sheet, which shall have as few creases as possible, and secured with large safety pins (silver in color, 2 to 3 inches) placed no more than 4 inches apart. A tag identifying the deceased shall be attached to the foot end of the wrapped remains bearing the deceased’s name, rank, last four of the Social Security number or DoD identification number, and date of death.

Remains that have been processed or reprocessed as outlined in Paragraph 3.2. will be draped in the clothing provided by the Military Service mortuary representative.

6.5.2.1.1. Prevent Leakage. All lacerations, penetrating wounds, and autopsy incisions will be sutured closed to prevent leakage. In cases where there has been a significant loss of tissue due to dismemberment, blast damage, or charring and the tissue is unable to be closed, the embalmer will ensure exposed tissue is thoroughly embalmed, dried, and packed with drying powders, and secured with an absorbent material to prevent leakage and facilitate dressing in uniform or clothing provided by the PADD or PAED.

6.5.2.1.2. General Full Body Wrap Guidance. The use of full body wraps as prescribed in this document will be utilized as a last resort in cases where viewing is not recommended (e.g., severe charring of the upper torso and head, decapitation of the head, severe crushing of the head, uncontrolled odor caused by decomposition, etc.). The DoD facility or Contractor cannot justify the use of full body wrap to only prevent leakage or address missing limbs. There are procedures and supplies available for use by the preparing embalmer to prevent the leakage of bodily fluids onto the uniform and address missing limbs.

6.5.2.1.3. Communication Required with Full Body Wrap. The recommendation for the use of a full-body wrap must be a collaborative effort between the embalmer and Service liaison or case manager. Whenever possible, the Service liaison/case manager must view the remains and discuss preparation procedures with the DoD or contract embalmer so they can effectively communicate the condition of remains and reason for the recommendation of a full body wrap with the PADD or PAED. The final decision for the use of the full body wrap in circumstances as described in Paragraph 5.1.7. rests with the most senior licensed embalmer with supervisory responsibilities over the embalmers at the DoD mortuary facility, or the signatory on the contract for DoD mortuary services provided by a civilian mortuary facility.

All communication among the preparing embalmer, Service liaison/case manager, and the PADD or PAED shall be documented in writing and entered in the appropriate mortuary case file.

6.5.2.2. Ventral Side Preparation. The ventral side of the remains shall be liberally coated with a gel preservative followed by a liberal coating of drying compound (hardening compound).

6.5.2.3. Strips, Sheeting, and Blanket Preparation. Additional cotton strips shall completely cover the remains. The polyethylene sheet is then folded around the remains per Paragraph

4.4.2.1. The folding of the polyethylene sheeting, white cotton sheet, and wool blanket shall be uniform, with the head and foot ends folded in first.

6.5.3. Non-viewable Head Wrap. Before beginning the wrapping process, all tissue and hair shall be rendered as dry as possible. During the embalming process, the tissue shall be prepared to present as natural a head shape as possible once the head wrap process is complete.

6.5.3.1. Materials. Required materials to accomplish the head wrap process include: two clear or semitransparent plastic (0.78 millimeter or greater) liner bags approximately 24 inches by 23 inches; 2-inch white surgical tape or 2-inch clear strapping tape; 12 yards of 4.5-inch (sterile or nonsterile) gauze bandage (approximately three rolls); cotton prep towels (sterile or nonsterile);

and absorbent cotton or an absorbent sheet product.

6.5.3.2. Procedure. Wrapping shall be completed as follows: The Embalmer will place one clear or semitransparent bag over the head and tuck it down into the full-body plastic garment, as required in Paragraph 6.5.

The Embalmer will ensure all air is removed from the bag before securing the bag at the base of the neck with tape. Taping the bag around the forehead, over the nose, and over the chin may provide a more aesthetically pleasing shape. The embalmer will place a second clear or semitransparent bag over the head and repeat the above steps, taking care not to lose the shape of the facial features if present.

A minimum of three strips of gauze bandage will be prepared, side by side, overlapping one-quarter inch and centered over the crown of the head extending to the base of the skull and the base of the chin.

The bandage will be tightly stretched and unobtrusively secured by tape. Beginning at the natural hairline on the left side of the head, the embalmer will secure the end of the gauze bandage roll.

Once secure, the gauze bandage will be wrapped around the head, overlapping the previous row of bandages by one-half the width of the gauze bandage. This ensures no visibility of the underlying plastic bag and presents a neat and professional appearance.

The gauze bandage will continue to be wrapped around the head, down the neck until it reaches the base of the neck and will be secured with white surgical tape. The remains will then be dressed as described in Paragraph 6.5., ensuring no tape is visible above the collar of the shirt or blouse. Trauma that is isolated to a specific area will be neatly and professionally wrapped with gauze or equivalent.

6.6. Cosmetics. Cosmetics shall be applied only in the amount necessary to produce natural color and texture. For female Service members, the cosmetics will conform to military standards unless expressly requested otherwise in writing by the PADD or PAED.

6.7. Embalmer Evaluation. The Embalmer processing or reprocessing the remains shall critically evaluate the completed treatment to ensure all remains are effectively disinfected, uniformly preserved, and will arrive at their destination in excellent condition. The Military Service mortuary representative will authorize delivery or shipment of remains from a contracted facility when assured that the services and supplies furnished by the Contractor, including the signed DD Form 2062 (Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains Outside CONUS) or the signed DD Form 2063 (Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains, Contracted Mortuary Facility), meet the PWS, DoD standards within this document, and commercial item descriptions in their entirety.

6.8. Quality Assurance Evaluation.

6.8.1. Contracted Facility. Remains will be inspected after embalming, after dressing, and after placement of remains in a casket. Failure to pass these inspections will require the Contractor to remove the remains from the casket and perform one or more of the following services as directed by the contracting officer or designee: additional disinfectant or preservative treatment, re-dressing or rewrapping, or placement of remains in a new casket when the original casket is defective.

6.8.2. Corrective Action. When the Military Service mortuary representative directs corrective action under this paragraph, the Contractor shall perform the corrective measures and other required services again at no additional cost to the Government.

7.0. Casketing Standards.

7.1. General. Casket specifications are provided in Appendix A. Caskets will meet the specifications outlined and will be checked for defects (Appendix B) before casketing of remains. Defective caskets will not be used by a DoD mortuary facility or a contracted facility providing DoD mortuary services.

7.2. Placement in Casket. Remains shall be placed in the casket in a manner that will create an appearance of rest and repose. When remains are prepared for transit or shipping, body positioning devices may be placed around the remains to prevent shifting. Only positioning devices available from funeral service suppliers are authorized. A piece of plastic will be placed between the decedent’s head and the pillow. A piece of plastic will be placed under the hands and folded over the top of the hands, for transit, to ensure cosmetics are not transferred onto the uniform or clothing, or casket interior. When white gloves are utilized, no plastic is required for the hands. A clean piece of tissue will be placed over the face. The casket shall be of sufficient size to prevent the appearance of crowding and cramping. When an “oversize” casket is used, the preparing facility will notify the Military Service mortuary representative.

8.0. Transportation Of Remains.

References: DoDI 1300.18; 37 U.S.C. Section 453(f); 10 U.S.C. Sections 1036, 1482, 1484, 1485, 1486, 1490; Public Law 109-364, Section 562, “John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007”

8.1. General.

8.1.1. Removal. Within 24 hours of notification that remains are ready to be released, transport remains in a funeral coach, or appropriate first-call vehicle, from the place where death occurs, from where remains are released by convening medical authority, or from any place designated by the Service mortuary representative to the place where processing, reprocessing, or cremation is to be performed.

8.1.2. Unembalmed Remains. When unembalmed remains are transported, they shall be wrapped in a polyethylene sheet that is impervious to liquids, covered in such a manner that the body cannot be viewed, encased in a secure pouch, and placed on a cot, stretcher, or rigid tray and carried feet first. When unembalmed remains are transported by air, the remains will be placed in a transfer case after being placed in a secure pouch.

8.1.3. Embalmed Remains. When embalmed remains are transported, they must be enclosed in a casket or alternative container and an appropriate outside shipping container (as applicable).

All applicable regulations and policies of the jurisdiction and carrier must be followed.

8.1.4. Remains Movement and Transportation Vehicle. The deceased must be transported in a funeral coach or other appropriate vehicle authorized by the Military Service Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Office in a manner that promotes respect for and preserves the dignity of the deceased and shields the remains from being viewed from outside of the conveyance. The capacity of the transportation vehicle must be sufficient to permit loading and unloading of the remains without excessive tilting of the cot, stretcher, rigid tray, casket, alternative container, or cremation container, and to allow the remains to remain in a horizontal position during transport.

The remains will be secured to prevent the remains or container from excessive movement within the conveyance during transport.

8.2. Overland Transportation of Casketed Remains. Remains will be transported in a funeral coach or other appropriate vehicle authorized by the Military Service Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Office to a place designated by the PADD or PAED. This may include delivery directly to a common carrier, the receiving funeral home, or a government or nongovernment cemetery.

The vehicle carrying the remains shall arrive at the designated location at the time specified by the Military Service mortuary representative.

8.2.1. Preparing for Transport. If the casket has an adjustable bed, it will be lowered to the bottom before transport of the casketed remains. When applicable, the locking tube cap or memorial cap will be removed before air shipment. A casket key will be provided for all international shipments.

The casketed remains will be placed feet first in a funeral coach or other appropriate vehicle authorized by the Military Service Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Office. For authorized personnel, the casket will be flag-draped before transport.

8.3. Overland Transportation of Non-casketed Remains. Subsequently identified remains will be transported in a funeral coach or other appropriate vehicle authorized by the Military Service Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Office. When remains are transferred to a crematorium, the cremation container will be accompanied by a flag, when authorized, during the movement.

Cremated remains will be delivered to the designated location as directed by the PADD or PAED. When authorized an escort, the inurned remains will be transported in a government-provided vehicle (i.e., Government-owned vehicle or appropriate government-provided rental vehicle).

8.4. Transportation of Casketed Remains on a Common Carrier. The casket will be placed in a new outer shipping container as required. All shipping documents will be affixed to the outside of the shipping container. For authorized personnel, the casket will be flag-draped before being placed in the air tray. (See Appendix A for information on the air tray.)

Remains shipped by common carrier will be delivered to the airport, in compliance with local airport/common carrier requirements. Transfer from the preparing mortuary facility to a common carrier will be in a funeral coach or other appropriate vehicle authorized by the Military Service Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Office.

8.5. Employee Attire. Personnel providing any transportation of casketed/inurned remains will be dressed in traditional business attire. Traditional business attire includes business suits, dress shirts, and ties for men. It includes business-oriented suits for women, both skirted suits and tailored pantsuits. Appropriate dress shoes (closed-toe/closed-heel), socks, and/or hosiery are also a requirement for any outfit to qualify for traditional business attire.

9.0. State, Territory, Local, or International Authority-Issued Permits and Certificates.

9.1. Transit, Burial, Cremation Permits and Certificates. The preparing contracted facility representative will obtain the necessary permits, licenses, and documentation, issued by the appropriate authority, to remove, inter, cremate, or transport remains (e.g., burial/transit permits, a medical examiner cremation authorization certificate, or a cremation certificate), and provide two copies to the Military Service mortuary representative at the time the remains are inspected and accepted by the Military Service mortuary representative.

9.2. Death Certificates. The preparing facility representative will submit the necessary information and documents to the appropriate authority authorized to issue death certificates.

The Military Service mortuary representative or the Military Service Mortuary Affairs Office will obtain one certified copy of the death certificate from the issuing authority and will upload this document into the Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS).

The contracted facility representative will obtain 15 certified copies of the final death certificate from the issuing authority and will provide them to the Military Service mortuary representative or the Military Service Mortuary Affairs Office within 10 business days of issuance. The Military Service mortuary representative or the Military Service Mortuary Affairs Office will provide certified copies of the death certificate to the family per policy and Service regulations.

In the event a supplemental or amended death certificate is issued, the contracted facility representative will provide 10 copies of the supplemental/amended death certificate to the Military Service mortuary representative or the Military Service Mortuary Affairs Office within 10 business days of issuance and they will upload one certified copy into DCIPS. The Military Service mortuary representative or the Military Service Mortuary Affairs Office will provide certified copies of supplemental/amended death certificates to the family per policy and Service regulations.

10.0. Sheltering of Remains. All remains awaiting final disposition shall be kept in an appropriate holding facility or preparation and embalming room. The holding facility must be secure from access by anyone except the authorized personnel of the preparing facility; it must preserve the dignity and integrity of the human remains and protect the health and safety of the personnel working in the facility. Unembalmed remains will be sheltered in refrigeration until embalmed or released for final disposition. The unembalmed remains will be stored at a temperature between 38 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce decomposition. The Government may, at no additional charge, require the preparing facility to hold the remains for an additional period to accommodate the movement of escorts and/or family members. Such period is not to exceed seven days from the time the remains are casketed, and final inspection is completed, unless the state laws prohibit retaining the remains in storage for that period. For example, some states limit storage to six calendar days. Please reference applicable state laws to determine storage timelines.

11.0. Cremation. The only time cremations will be provided under provisions of this document are for subsequent portions or retained organs. Cremation of remains defined as whole body or a non-intact torso, may not be performed in a mortuary operated by a Military Service or through a funeral home or crematory under contract with a Military Service. DoD Directive (DoDD) 1300.22, Paragraph f, “authorizes cremation of biologically or chemically contaminated remains in a DoD or Department of Homeland Security-contracted or -operated crematory.” Please note that this PWS does not address the cremation of biologically or chemically contaminated remains within a DoD or DoD contracted crematory.

11.1. Facility Pre-inspection. Before delivery of remains to the crematorium, the preparing facility representative will ensure that the facility is compliant with all applicable local and state requirements and is approved for use as a crematorium in the state. The representative will ensure the retort (cremation chamber) and cremulator are operational. In the event either is inoperable, the preparing facility representative will arrange for cremation services to be performed to the standards of this section at another facility at no additional cost to the Government.

11.2. Payment for Cremation Services. When the preparing facility representative contracts with a crematorium to provide the cremation services, the preparing facility representative will directly pay the crematorium for the cremation services.

11.3. Remains for Cremation.

11.3.1. Subsequent Remains – PADD/PAED Disposition. When the PADD or PAED directs the cremation of subsequently identified remains, the alternative cremation container provided will meet the commercial item description in Appendix D, and it will be utilized for the cremation of all subsequent remains.

The PADD or PAED elections will be confirmed before the preparation or cremation of the subsequent remains or organ(s) collected at autopsy and released for disposition. Subsequently identified remains and organ(s) collected at autopsy and released for disposition will be prepared as a full-body wrap, as outlined in Paragraph 6.5.2.1., before cremation.

A tag identifying the deceased will be attached to the top of the blanket. The tag will bear the deceased’s name or name of the group designation, rank, last four digits of the Social Security number or DoD identification number, and date of death. The PADD or PAED will specify whether a solid bronze or solid walnut urn will be provided.

The preparing facility representative will provide an urn for entitled personnel that meets the applicable urn specification provided for in Appendix A. The urn will be engraved, either directly upon the urn or on a bronze plate affixed to the urn that has the engraved name, rank, date of birth, and date of death (Month, Day, and Year).

The preparing facility representative will ensure all the cremated remains recovered from the retort are placed in the urn and delivered to the destination designated by the PADD or PAED.

11.3.2. Subsequent Remains – Military Service Disposition. When the PADD or PAED directs cremation of subsequently identified remains or organ(s) collected at autopsy and released for disposition, the Military Service will affect disposition per DoD mortuary affairs instructions.

11.3.3. Cremation of Unidentified Subsequent Portions. The Military Service will affect the disposition of unidentified subsequent portions in accordance with DoD mortuary affairs instructions.

11.4. Crematorium and Cremation Procedures. This section establishes crematorium and cremation procedures, to include verification of identification of the remains to be cremated.

DoD or DoD contracted facilities will not perform whole-body cremations for noncontaminated remains. This section outlines the standards for delivery and receipt of remains from a facility identified by the PADD or PAED to ensure delivery and receipt of the correct remains. Remains will not be sent for cremation nor cremated until the PADD or PAED election has been verified.

In those instances where the option to cremate rests with the Service, this decision will be verified and documented before the cremation.

11.4.1. Receipt and Verification of Remains Within The Cremation Container At The Crematorium. Remains will be verified by the crematorium authority upon receipt by checking the tags affixed to the blanket against the documentation accompanying the remains. This will constitute adequate verification of identification of the remains by the crematory operator. Where there is a conflict with this policy, and the cremation container cannot be opened for identification purposes due to the crematorium regulations, or local laws, the accompanying documents will serve as adequate identification of the remains.

In the event the information on the tag is not in agreement with the documentation accompanying the remains, no cremation will be accomplished until the identification discrepancy is resolved.

The crematorium or the preparing facility representative will provide a receipt for the remains to the Service mortuary representative. The receipt must show the name and address of the crematorium, date, and time of delivery of remains, verified name of deceased or group designation, the type of container used to deliver the remains, and the type of urn provided. The receipt must be signed by both the person delivering the remains and the crematorium representative receiving the remains.

11.4.2. Sheltering of Remains for Cremation. When the crematory operator is unable to cremate the remains immediately upon taking custody of them, the remains will be placed in a holding area not accessible to the public. Remains will not be stored overnight at a crematorium unless it is attached to a funeral home.

11.4.3. Remains Accountability. Immediately before being placed within the retort, the crematorium authority will assign a cremation number that will correspond to the number on a metal ID disk, ceramic tile, or similar device. The numbered ID disk, ceramic tile, or similar device will be placed in the retort with the remains being cremated. The numbered disk, tile, or similar device will be maintained with the cremated remains from the retort until the cremated remains are placed in the urn. The numbered ID disk, ceramic tile, or similar device will then be affixed to the packaged cremated remains inside the urn.

11.4.4. Processing Cremated Remains. Upon completion of the cremation, the cremated remains will be removed from the cremation chamber and the retort swept clean. The cremated remains will be placed in a container or tray dedicated solely to that cremation. The identification disk, ceramic tile, or similar device will be attached to the container or tray to await final processing.

All body prostheses, bridgework, or similar items; metallic casket parts; and uniform accouterments not consumed or destroyed in the cremation process will be segregated from the cremated remains and disposed of as regulated medical waste.

All cremated remains will undergo final processing where each fragment is reduced to an unidentifiable dimension of no more than one-eighth inch in size.

11.4.5. Inurnment of Cremated Remains. After processing, the cremated remains will be placed in an urn, or temporary container, with the identification disk, ceramic tile, or similar device affixed to the top of the packaged cremated remains inside the urn/container.

If the cremated remains do not fill the urn, the extra space shall be filled with clean cotton.