STATEMENT_OF_WORK.docx

U. S. Navy Specifications for the Care of Remains

Statement of Work (SOW)

1. Purpose and Descriptions of Services

a. The Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Ca. is acquiring services for Mortuary Services for the handing of remains of authorized personnel. The U. S. Navy will award mortuary services contracts only to fully qualified professional funeral directors. The contractor shall provide facilities equipment, licensed personnel, motor vehicles, professional services, supplies, ten (10) death certificates, caskets, urns, outer shipping containers, transportation, and perform hygienic practices as specified in this Performance Work Statement.

b. These standards are applicable to regular funeral homes and the Port of Entry Mortuary at Dover, De. And describe the areas of performance and services required to meet the Navy’s minimum standard of acceptance for the care of remains of deceased personnel.

2. Mortuary Services

a. Scope of Work. The contractor shall be responsible for providing professional services of the highest quality to ensure viewing of the remains under optimal conditions. The contractor shall practice hygienic measures that will ensure complete and satisfactory disinfection and sanitation of the funeral establishment.

b. Processing or Reprocessing Remains (1.) Processing of Remains. The complete preservation (embalming) and disinfection, application of restorative art techniques and cosmetics, dressing or wrapping, casketing, and transportation of remains as directed by the services contracting officer or designee.

(2.) Reprocessing of Remains. The inspection of the remains, and correction, of all discrepancies noted regarding preservation of remains. Application of restorative art techniques and cosmetics, dressing and/or wrapping, casketing and transportation of remains as directed by the MAO or designee.

(3.) Unidentified Remains. If identification of remains is not officially established, the remains will be placed under refrigeration at 38-40 degrees F (3.3-4.4 degrees C) if mechanical refrigeration is not available within a reasonable distance, ice (bagged) or ice packs will be used in lieu of mechanical refrigeration. Processing (embalming) shall not be accomplished until remains are released as identified by a responsible official.

(4.) Restorative Art. Major restorative art is an integral part of the processing and/or reprocessing of remains. It includes, but is not limited to, rebuilding a large wound area, rebuilding of facial features such as ear, nose, eye, mouth, chin, etc. removal of damaged tissue followed by restoration, restoration of scalp hair, and the application of cosmetics to render restored surfaces undetectable. Restorative art must be accomplished in accordance with the highest professional standards.

(a.) Washing and Grooming. Remains will be bathed. When remains are to be buried in uniform, grooming will conform to military standards. Fingernails will be cleaned and trimmed. The mouth will be secured closed to form a natural expression. Proper attention will be given to prevent wrinkling of the eyelids and a sunken appearance of the eyes. Cosmetics will be applied only in the amount necessary to produce natural color and texture.

(b.) Wounds and Stains. All incisions, excisions, abrasions, lacerations and burn wounds will be sutured or sealed to prevent leakage. Swollen or distorted features will be reduced to the normal contours enjoyed during life. Postmortem stains will be chemically bleached by applying packs and/or needle infection. Masking cosmetics will be applied to render stains undetectable.

(c.) Body Orifices and Injured Tissue. All body orifices will be treated with a disinfectant non-astringent chemical (such as phenyl phenols and iodophors) and then packed with cotton. Bedsores, ulcerated, burned, and necrotic tissue will be treated either by hypodermic injection and/or pack application of deodorizing and preserving chemical.

(d.) Insect Treatment. Maggots and other insect larvae will be destroyed and their breeding sites in or on the remains thoroughly treated with an insecticide chemical.

(e.) Contractor’s Performance. All remains will be effectively disinfected, uniformly preserved and all offensive odors eliminated before the remains are casketed.

5. Preparation of Remains.

(a.) General. The U.S. Navy requires that all remains be processed or reprocessed in a manner reflecting the highest standards of the funeral service profession. Remains, viewable and non-viewable, requires some variation in the embalming treatment to accomplish the optimum results.

(1.) Non-Viewable Remains. In all instances, multi-site infection and drainage technique must be attempted. When arterial infection is possible, each gallon of arterial fluid will have a minimum concentration of 5 percent by volume aldehyde or aldehyde derivative preservative agent(s). The total volume of solution injected will not be less than one gallon per 50 pounds of body weight.

(a.) All body areas must be further treated by means of a trocar using undiluted cavity chemicals having a 30 index (%) or greater (b.) Cranial thoracic, and abdominal cavities, if present, will be relieved of gases and distention. The cavities will then be treated by injecting a minimum of 32 ounces of a concentrated cavity chemical, having a 30 index (%) or greater.

(c.) When arterial infection or cavity treatment is impossible, all articulated and disarticulate anatomical portions will be thoroughly disinfected and preserved via accessory chemical embalming techniques.

(d.) Non- Injectable intact remains and /or disarticulated anatomical portions must be immersed or injected, hypodermically, with trocar or syringe and needle, using full strength cavity chemicals 30 index (%) or greater. Surface application of liquid, gel, or dry sanitizer and preservatives is also required to supplement primary needle and hypodermic infection techniques.

(2.) Viewable Remains. A thorough pre-embalming analysis will be made for each case to determine the best embalming techniques to obtain optimum results. The technique of arterial injection and venous drainage as well as the need for adding humectants to the arterial solution injected are of utmost importance. Whenever necessary a multi-site arterial injection multisite drainage will be done.

(a.) The arterial chemical injection solution will contain a 2 to 3 percent concentration by volume of aldehyde or aldehyde derivative preservative agent(s) with equal parts of a humectants chemical also being added to the injection solution.

(b.) The thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities must be thoroughly aspirated and injected with full strength cavity chemicals having a 30-index (%) or greater, using a minimum of 16 ounces for each cavity. The use of needle injections, packs, or other special treatment will be accomplished to assure the preservation and disinfection of all body tissues including those associated with body cavities (organs). Lanolin based (or comparable) massage cream will be applied on the face and hands.

(3) Autopsied Remains. If a partial or complete autopsy has been performed, a 6-point injection with multi-site drainage must be accomplished, using arterial chemical injection solutions as specified for processing viewable remains

(a) Thoracic and abdominal walls must be hypodermically injected using the same strength solution as injected arterially. On thoracic or abdominal autopsies, the viscera will be removed, thoroughly sectioned, and immersed in concentrated cavity chemical having a 30-index (%) or greater.

(b) When a cranial autopsy has performed, the calvarium must be secured and stabilized, replaced over the carvarium and neatly sutured to avoid an unnatural appearance, and the hair must be washed.

(c) The inner surfaces of the body cavities must be given a liberal application of gel preservative, and the organs replace within the cavities and liberally covered with hardening compound.

(4) Treatment of Scalp (Viewable Remains) if the scalp has been shaved because of medical treatment or surgery, processing or reprocessing must be performed as specified for viewable remains, after which the cranium must be wrapped with gauze or equivalent in a neat and professional manner.

(5) Mutilate Hands (Viewable Remains) when the hands are mutilated to the point that restoration is not possible the hands shall be treated in a manner which renders all tissue firm, dry, thoroughly preserved. The hands shall then be covered by either wrapping with gauze (or equivalent) in a neat, professional manner or by placing surgical gloves on the hands followed by white (military gloves).

(6) Dressing or Wrapping Remains

(a.) Viewable remains will be prepared, cosmetized and dressed in the clothing provided.

(b) Identification tags (military issue, or remains identification body or toe tags) with name, rank, service, and SSN will be placed on the remains)

(c) Non-Viewable remains that cannot be restored, but dressing is possible, must be dressed following treatment and wrapping of non-restorable areas.

(d) Non-Viewable remains that cannot be dressed must be wrapped in the rubber or polyethylene sheeting and blanket furnished by the contracting officer. Each layer of wrapping must have some form of identification to include name, rank, service and SSN or the remains. The wrapping must be accomplished as follows:

(1.) The military specification blanket shall be spread on the dressing table with opposing corners at head and foot ends of the table. The blanket is then covered with a white cotton sheet followed by a sheet of polyethylene.

(2.) Two strips of roll type cotton are laid down the center of the plastic sheet and liberally sprinkled with hardening compound.

(3.) The remains are place on the cotton, coated with hardening compound and covered with an additional layer of cotton.

(4.) Polyethylene sheet is brought is brought up to wrap around the remains and secured with tape. Name and SSN may be written on the tape.

(5.) The cotton sheet is brought up, wrapped and secured, may be taped or pinned and identification added.

(6.) The blanket is wrapped with as few creases as possible and must be secured with large safety pins placed no more than 8 inches apart. Identification (military issue, or remains identification body or toe tags) with name, rank, service, and SSN will be fastened to the blanket.

(7.) The uniform will be placed on top of the wrapped remains following placement of the remains in the casket.

(7) Embalmer Evaluation

(a) Using DD form 2062 or 2063, the embalmer (contractor’s agent) and the inspector, will complete the embalming treatment section and certify that the services and supplies meet the specification in this appendix in it’s entirely.

(b) The inspector will critically evaluate the completed treatment to ensure that any remains called for under this contract are effectively disinfected, uniformly preserved, and will arrive at final or reprocessing destination in satisfactory condition.

(8) Placement in Casket

(a) Remains will be placed in the specified casket in a manner that creates an appearance of rest and composure and prevent shifting during transit.

(b) The casket will be of sufficient size to prevent the appearance of crowding and cramping.

(c) The pillow will be turned over and a clean sheet of plastic placed between head and pillow.

(d) The casket mattress will be lowered to prevent contact of remains with the lid of the casket.

(9) Quality Assurance Evaluation Failure to pass the inspector’s evaluation before dressing, after placement of the remains in the casket and before delivery, will require the contractor to remove the remains from the casket and perform one or more of the following as directed by the inspecting official.

(a) Additional disinfectant or preservative treatment

(b) Re-dressing

(c) Change or add decorations or insignia

(d) Placement of remains in a new casket NOTE: When services listed above are performed, services as set forth in paragraphs 5a (6), (7) and (8) must again be accomplished by the contractor.

6. Transportation of Remains

(a) Removal of Remains A suitable removal vehicle, (e.g. hearse, van, station wagon) will be used to transport remains from place of death, or other location designated by the MAO, to the location where processing of reprocessing will be performed.

(b) Encasing the Casket When directed by the inspector, the casket must be carefully and professionally placed in the protective outer shipping container (air tray). All shipping documents will be attached or enclosed according to shipping regulations

(c) Loading Remains the remains are carefully and professionally place the delivery vehicle designated by the contracting officer

(d) Delivery of Remains (to include escort) Remains will transported in the contractor’s funeral coach to a place of religious service, a common carrier, another funeral home, or a Government, or non-Government cemetery.

(e) Delivery to Common Carrier Remains shipped by common carrier will be delivered to the airport terminal, per requirements of the airline company, not later than 2 hours before scheduled departure or aircraft. Include additional time if the contractor needs to clear security/customs inspection.

(f) Employee Attire Personnel used in transportation of the remains or escort must be dressed professionally in a seasonal suit with shirt and tie.

(g) Transfer Case The reusable metal transfer case will be returned to a location as directed by the contracting officer or designee. The contractor will clean and sanitize the transfer case each time after removing remains from the case.

(7) Cremation

(a) Viewable This paragraph identifies services, supplies and transportation requirements for local cremation when recommended by the contracting officer or designee.

(1) Remains must be prepared, cosmetized, dressed and placed in the appropriate casket as specified.

(a) The casket provided must meet or exceed the hardwood casket standards as stated in paragraph 10

(b) At services desertion, an alternative cremation casket may be used if disposition instructions indicate direct cremation.

(2) A tag with the decedent’s name, rank, service, SSN and date of death of death should be attached to the head-end casket handle.

(3) Transportation of the remains (including escort) must be provided to the crematory in sufficient time to ensure cremation is accomplished and the cremains returned to the processing facility or the port mortuary on the same day returned the processing center facility or port mortuary on the same day.

(4) The contracting officer or designee must advise the contractor which urn has been selected by the PADD and the contractor will provide an urn ( either solid walnut or solid bronze )

(5) Cremator officials will place the cremated remains in the designated urn as soon as practical following the cremation process. The contractor will return the inured cremated remains to the funeral director.

(6) The urn shall bear the decedent’s name, rank, date of birth and date of death.

(a) The specified engraved plate must be affixed to the solid walnut urn.

(b) The engraved plate may be affixed to the bronze urn or the engraving may be placed directly on the bronze urn in lieu of a brass plate.

Non-Viewable Follow the same procedures described in paragraphs 7a (1) through 7a (6) in addition to the following:

(1) When remains are wrapped, attach tag listing the decedent’s name, rank, SSN and date of death to the top of the blanket.

(2)Attach tag listing the decedent’s name, rank, SSN, and date of death to the casket handle at the head end of the casket.

NOTE: The contractor will pay the cremation charges directly to the crematory.

(c) Crematory and Cremation Procedures

(1) Scope This PWS establishes crematory and cremation procedures for remains of members of the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps.

(2) Definitions

(a) Authorizing Agent(s) MAO of the military installation caring for the remains

(b) Casket The container in which the human remains will be delivered to, and placed in, the cremation chamber for cremation

(1) Hardwood casket refers to the standard hardwood casket

(2) Alternative cremation container may be used at the services discretion, when disposition instructions are for direct cremation.

(c) Cremains. The remaining bone fragments after the cremation process is completed.

(d) Cremation the heating process that reduces human remains to none fragments. The reduction takes place through combustion and evaporation

(e) Cremation Chamber: The enclosed space within which the cremation process takes place. Cremation chambers covered by these procedures will be used exclusively for the cremation of human remains.

(f) Crematory Authority: The legal entity or the authorized representative of the legal entity who conducts the cremation

(g) Cremator or Crematorium: The building that houses the cremation

(h) Holding Facility An area for the retention of human remains prior to cremation within the crematory facilities that will comply with any applicable public health laws and preserve the dignity of the human remains.

(I) Human Remains: The dead human body or portions thereof prior to cremation

(j) Processed Remains: The end result of pulverization, where the residual from the cremation process is cleaned leaving only none garment reduced to unidentifiable dimensions.

(k) Sealable Container: An appropriate container in which processed cremains can be placed and sealed so as to prevent leakage of remains or the entrance of foreign materials.

(3) Services: The contracted crematory authority will be responsible for providing professional crematory and cremation services. It will comply with all established principles, ordinances, and statutes of applicable agencies and licensing boards of the federal and state governments including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

(A) Pre-Cremation Accomplishment

(1) Receipt of Remains: The government contracted funeral service establishment will deliver the casketed remains to the crematory on the same day the cremation must be accomplished.

(2) Confirmation of Identification Upon receipt of the casketed remains at the crematory, confirmation of the identity of the remains will be accomplished by crematory authority. A tag affixed to the casket to the casket handle at the head end of the casket will bear the decedent’s name, rank, social security number, and date of death. This verification will be compared with the documentation accompanying the remains. This verification constitutes adequate identification. In the event the information exhibited on the tag is not in agreement with the documentation accompanying, no cremation will be accomplished until the identification discrepancy is resolved with authorizing agent.

(b) Holding Human Remains for Cremation

1. Holding Facility: When the crematory authority is unable to cremate the human remains immediately upon taking custody thereof, the crematory authority will place the remains in the holding facility.

2. Non-Acceptance for Holding: A crematory authority will not accept for holding any casketed remains with evidence of leakage.

3. Security of Facilities Holding facilities will be secure from access by anyone other than crematory authority personnel.

(c) Single Cremation

1. Simultaneous Cremation. The simultaneous cremation of more than one human remains within the same cremation chamber is specifically forbidden.

2. Identification Immediately prior to being placed within the cremation chamber, the identification of the human remains will be verified again by the crematory authority. The identification tag from the outside of the hardwood casket will be removed and placed near the cremation chamber control panel until the cremation process is complete.

(d) Processing Cremated Remains

1. Removal from Cremation Chamber Upon completion of the cremation, all residual of the cremation process will be removed from the cremation chamber and the chamber swept clean. The residual will be placed within a container or tray that ensures against commingling with other cremated remains. The identification tag will be removed from the control panel and attached to the container or tray to await final processing.

2. Final Processing all residual of the cremation process will undergo final processing. The residual will be manually cleaned of anything other than bone fragments and fragments will be processed, reducing them to unidentifiable dimensions, less than one-eighth inch in size.

3. Prostheses, Bridgework, or Similar items All body prostheses, bridgework, or similar items removed from the cremated remains shall be destroyed the crematory authority unless authorization to do otherwise is specifically granted, in writing, by the authorizing agent.

(e) Packaging of Cremated Remains

1. Sealable Container. The cremains will be placed in a sealable polyurethane bag.

2. Temporary Sealable Container(s) the sealed bag will be place in a temporary container. If the cremains within the sealed bag do not completely full the container, the space will be filled with clean absorbent cotton. I all of the cremains do not fit in the temporary container; the remainder will be placed in a second container. The lid or top of the temporary container(s) will be securely closed (sealed)

3. Boxed Sealable Container when a temporary container is used to return the processed remains, the container will be place within a corrugated box. All box seams will be taped closed. The outside of the container will be clearly identified with the name, rank, and SSN of the deceased person.

(f) Release of Containerized Cremated Remains The contractor will employ protective, precautionary, hygienic measures and techniques designed to accomplish concurrent and terminal to accomplish concurrent and terminal disinfection and decontamination of the entire funeral service establishment of POE mortuary preparation room and shipping area environment. The application of appropriate concentrations of chemical disinfectants (iodophors, phenyl phenols) to body surfaces and offices, instruments, preparation room, floor, walls, and equipment surfaces and general sanitation of pubic visitation areas will help prevent the transmission of pathogens to personnel.