Horticulture_Contract_Extension_SOW_(F1).pdf

ROCK CREEK PARK

HORTICULTURAL

STATEMENT OF WORK

SITE INFORMATION: 21 sites located within the jurisdiction of National Park Service-Rock Creek Park, totaling approximately 43 acres. Site list is attached.

Part I: SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, materials, tools, and labor necessary to perform all listed maintenance tasks according to stated specifications. Any items not specifically noted, but necessary for performance in accordance with accepted practices and industry standards, shall be furnished under this contract. Work is to be performed at the attached listing of parks under the management of Department of Interior, National Park Service, Rock Creek Park. All work shall be performed by trained workers in the disciplines required to perform the tasks. Workers shall maintain applicable certifications and licenses in the District of Columbia, where required. Work to be performed includes weed control, pruning, mulching, and care of perennials. This contract will be awarded as a five-year, firm-fixed contract with six (6) months of performance within each contract year. Contract will commence upon award – TBD.

Base Services

1. Weed Management

a. The Contractor shall remove weeds from walkways. The term “weeds” shall be defined as undesirable vegetation throughout this contract. Weeds growing in cracks or joints in walkway surfaces shall be removed or treated. The Contractor may physically remove weeds or use Park approved herbicides. All herbicide applications shall be made by a District of Columbia registered pesticide applicator under the Contractor’s Pesticide Basic Business License. Weeds killed by herbicides shall be physically removed within 10 days of application. Methods used shall not cause any staining or damage to the surfaces.

b. The Contractor shall remove weeds from planting beds and tree rings. The Contractor may physically remove weeds or use Park approved herbicides or a combination of methods. Methods used shall not cause any damage to desirable vegetation or to the edges of the beds. All herbicide applications shall be made by a District of Columbia registered pesticide applicator under the Contractor’s Pesticide Basic Business License. Weeds killed by herbicides shall be physically removed within 10 days of application. Methods used shall not cause any staining or damage to the surfaces. Methods used shall not damage or destroy desirable vegetation.

c. The Contractor shall have a complete label and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of the chemical being applied on site at all times during herbicide application.

d. The Contractor shall keep records of any herbicide applications according to District of Columbia regulations. Information recorded shall include the date and time, the applicators name, temperature, wind velocity and direction, the EPA registration number for the herbicide, the active ingredient, the area treated and the total amount of herbicide applied. The record shall include the results of application. These records are the property of the National Park Service and shall be submitted monthly to the COR as part of the acceptance report.

e. When herbicides are used, the area shall be posted with notification according to

District of Columbia regulations.

2. Pruning

The Contractor shall perform basic as well as technical pruning or shearing operations on plants throughout the Park on young trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. This pruning requires skilled personnel and shall be performed according to current industry standards.

All pruning personnel and pruning operations shall first be approved by the COR and/or the Park horticulturist.

3. Shrubs

a. Shearing shrubs shall be reserved for specified formal hedge areas. At no time will the Contractor shear plants that are not previously authorized by the COR to be sheared. The Contractor shall perform this work according to the COR direction.

b. All shrubs not to be formally sheared shall be pruned to maintain a natural form.

Ultimate height and width shall be determined by the COR. The COR will direct the Contractor when to prune specific types of plants.

c. Deadwood shall be removed when it is determined to be obviously dead. Shrubs shall be pruned out of walkways and bikepaths to maintain curb to curb passage.

This pruning shall follow the recommended type of pruning for the encroaching shrubs.

4. Mulching

a. The Contractor shall only use bulk shredded mulch provided by Rock Creek Park.

The Contractor shall supply all labor to complete mulching of beds and tree rings.

b. Tree rings shall be cut to a depth not to exceed 2” in depth and extend not less than 2.5’ from the trunk of the tree. As trees mature proportionately larger tree rings shall be maintained. Tree rings shall be completely circular and sizes larger than 2.5’ from the trunk shall be as directed by the COR.

c. All planting beds shall be edged and mulched. Thickness of the mulch shall be at least 2 inches and not more than 3 inches around trees and shrubs. Thickness of mulch around perennials shall not exceed 2 inches in depth. Mulch shall not be piled around the crowns of perennials. Edging of planting beds shall not exceed 3” depth.

d. Mulch shall be placed to uniformly cover the entire prepared area. The depth of mulch within 3-6” of the trunk/stem of a woody plant shall not exceed a loose measurement of one half inch. Mulch shall not be piled against trunks or stems of trees or shrubs.

e. Special plant or condition requirements. As identified by the COR certain plants or areas may require special mulching requirements. The depth of mulch to be maintained may need to be thicker or thinner in specific areas. Also, some plants or conditions may require other types of treatment.

f. Mulch pile shall be confined to an area designated by the COR.

g. The Contractor shall monitor depths of mulch prior to mulching. In the event the thickness of existing non-decomposed mulch does not warrant additional mulch, the Contractor shall remove an appropriate layer of mulch and replace with new fresh mulch. Mulch that is removed from the beds shall be disposed of outside the Park on the same day it is removed. Any mulch that has spilled onto turf shall be raked up and removed on the same day. Mulch that has spilled onto walkways and bikepaths shall be removed from these areas on the same day of the spill.

h. Timing. The Contractor shall perform mulching operations in early winter to early spring. Mulching operations shall be coordinated with the COR.

Part II: General Provisions

A. Quality Assurance

1. All work shall be under the direction and general supervision of a grounds maintenance foreman who possesses verifiable experience and technical competence in grounds maintenance and turf management. The foreman shall have a working knowledge of the English language and shall be present on site at all times work is being performed. The foreman must be approved in writing by the COR prior to the beginning of work. The foreman shall be responsible for controlling the quality of work and inspecting all completed work to ensure that contract performance requirements are met. The foreman will be the primary contact with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR). The foreman shall have a cell phone where he/she can be contacted 24 hours/per day, or a designated alternative contact site.

2. All workers shall, through related training and on the job experience, be familiar with the technical aspects of grounds maintenance, turf management, and other disciplines for this contract, as well as, equipment used in such operations. All workers shall abide by any code of ethics or professional conduct established by the Landscape Contractors Association MD-DC-VA. If the Contractor uses any pesticides in the implementation of this contract the Contractor shall be licensed to apply pesticides in the District of Columbia and the applicator shall be licensed or registered for the specified categories in the District of Columbia.

3. The Contractor shall submit copies of all licenses and certificates necessary for complying with Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations with proposals.

4. Identification of Employees

All workers shall be recognizable as employees of the Contractor by wearing uniform clothing bearing the name of the company and employee name.

5. The Contractor shall not subcontract any work required by this contract without written approval of the Contracting Officer (CO). If the CO approves the Contractor to subcontract any part of the work required under this contract, a copy of any such subcontract shall be provided to the CO.

6. At the time of proposal, a list of all potentially used equipment and workers as well as their positions (i.e.: Foreman, tractor/mower operator, laborer, etc.), affiliation with the company, and related certifications, training and on the job experience shall be submitted with proposal. The Contractor shall specify personnel or subcontractors who will be performing specific tasks such as pruning and pesticide application with proposal. If equipment or personnel is replaced or added during the duration of the contract the Contractor shall provide requested information to the CO upon request.

7. The Contractor shall comply with all federal, state, local, DOI, and NPS environmental laws, regulations, and policies regarding hazardous materials. Specifically: The contractor shall prepare and submit a Spill Prevention, Containment, and Cleanup Plan: The Contractor within thirty

(30) days of performance start date to the COR for review. The plan will address any chemicals the contractor uses in the performance of work on this contract such as gasoline, hydraulic fluid, bromine, and pesticides.

B. Adjustment for Inadequate Performance

1. Well maintained gardens and grounds are the National Park Service's goals and while the deduction provision for work omitted or improperly performed is designed to protect the National Park Service's interests, it is not a desirable substitute for accomplishing the job through the normal process. It is designed only to assure that the Park Service pays only for services provided and is fairly compensated for damage(s) resulting from such operations.

2. Failure to perform the required services as indicated in the specifications herein shall constitute a deficiency. All work will be regularly inspected by the COR and deficiencies will be reported to the Contractor's Foreman. Deficiencies in daily tasks shall be completed within the day the deficiency is noted. All other deficiencies shall be corrected within 24 hours or the period indicated by the COR. If such deficiencies are of a nature which precludes satisfactory re-accomplishment within the specified time frame, no further opportunity will be provided to the Contractor to cure the deficiencies and the provisions for monetary adjustments will apply.

3. In the event the Contractor, for any reason whatsoever, fails to successfully perform a task, the National Park Service has the right to:

a. Obtain performance of the deficient task from some other source or the in-house work forces. The costs of such performance, and any other additional costs incurred to the Park Service as a result of such actions shall be charged to the Contractor: or

b. At the discretion of the CO may terminate the contract for default under the Default Clause 52.249-8 (Fixed-Price Supply and Service) if the Contractor does not cure such failure within 10 days (or more if authorized in writing by the Contractor Officer) after receipt of the notice from the Contracting Officer specifying the failure.

4. It is mutually agreed that failure to satisfactorily accomplish work in accordance with the specifications and provisions stated herein when due to the fault of the Contractor, shall constitute a deficiency under this contract. If deficiencies are not corrected in a satisfactory and timely manner, a monetary reduction will be made as follows:

Damage to existing trees due to careless operations - damage shall be assessed at $200.00 dollars per caliper inch per occurrence. Irreversible damage to the tree(s) will be subject to liquidated damages in accordance with the Guide for Plant Appraisal (9th edition, 2000) authored by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers and the Mid-Atlantic Tree Species Rating Guide developed by the Mid- Atlantic Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture.

C. Scheduling and Coordination

1. The Contractor shall begin operations immediately upon award. Note: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to contact the COR to establish work dates within two business days of contract award.

2. The Contractor shall provide a 24-hours emergency contact number and POC.

3. Normal work shall be scheduled and arranged so as not to interfere with the normal activities of the Park. 48 hours notice will be given to the Contractor if a conflict is expected.

4. Work operations shall normally be performed between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday depending on the work to be performed, except as noted in the specifications.

5. Once work begins the Contractor is expected to be on the job site each day in which weather conditions are favorable as determined by the COR.

6. Planting bed maintenance work shall only be performed under favorable weather and soil conditions as determined by the COR. Working in these areas under conditions which may adversely affect soil structure and cause potential damage to plants and turf is to be avoided.

7. All work performed is subject to inspection, approval, and acceptance by the COR before the work is considered complete.

8. The Contracting Officer's Representative will be responsible for acting on behalf of the Contracting Officer on all matters of work within the scope of the contract.

Approval of work beyond the scope of the contract is reserved for the Contracting Officer. The Contractor is responsible for notifying the COR in writing for all work that is beyond the scope of the contract. Notification shall include a proposal for performing the prescribed work that includes a breakdown with unit prices for labor, materials, equipment required and time frame(s) for completion.

The COR will evaluate the proposal and if valid will seek approval from the Contracting Officer. Failure of the Contractor to obtain the approval of the Contracting Officer for work beyond the scope of the contract will release the government from any obligation to pay for services claimed.

9. If, at any time, the COR determines that the work is unsatisfactory or being conducted in an unsafe manner, the Contractor will be notified and shall immediately cease all work activities.

D. Reports

1. The Contractor shall maintain a daily work log recording the quantities of work performed and personnel hours. If requested a copy shall be filed with the COR on a weekly basis.

2. The Contractor shall report emergency situations, such as accidents involving property and/or personal injury or other unforeseen circumstances and shall follow required emergency reporting procedures. Emergency reporting procedures will be delineated by the COR before any work commences under the contract begins.

3. Within 5 calendar days prior to performance start date the Contractor shall provide to the COR a written list of key Points of Contact (POC) responsible for responding to emergency operations.

4. The Contractor shall note and report to the COR any maintenance issues or problems that are arise that are not within the scope of work.

5. The use of Pesticides must be approved by ROCR COR. The Contractor shall maintain a daily pesticide use log for all areas treated with a pesticide. A copy shall be filed monthly with the COR as part of the acceptance report.

6. The Contractor shall maintain a log of working days impacted by adverse weather.

The COR will review adverse weather days incurred to determine whether the Contractor is entitled to a time extension.

7. The Contractor shall provide the COR with a monthly report from a recycling transfer point indicating the weight of comingled materials recycled during the month. This monthly report will become part of the acceptance report.

E. Safety

1. All equipment must meet all federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements and must be properly licensed. A list of the equipment anticipated for use shall be submitted and include the make and model, year manufactured, tag number if applicable, and date of last inspection. The name or logo of the Contractor must be clearly displayed on all vehicles used on the job. This equipment submission must be received by the COR for approval at least 10 days prior to work.

2. All operations shall be conducted in accordance with all national and local safety codes, laws, rules, regulations and OSHA safety requirements.

3. All workers shall wear OSHA required safety equipment.

4. The Contractor shall post all warning signs to protect the public from work areas and to inform the public of any pesticide use. Pesticide application signs shall conform to District of Columbia laws.

5. No one except the operator shall be within 10 feet of an operating mower or trimmer, or edger.

6. All tools and equipment shall be safeguarded from the public. Mowers and other equipment shall not be allowed to be unattended unless immobilized and only for brief periods of time. Hand and other tools shall not be allowed to lie around except in the immediate work area. Any tools not in immediate use shall be staged or stowed in such manner so as not to create a hazard.

F. Work Area

1. Contractor shall confine his work, the storage of materials and equipment, the parking of vehicles, and all other operations in connection with this contract to the areas approved by the COR. The public ways shall not be encumbered with any of the above or any unusual traffic situations created by reason of operations under this contract without the approval of the COR.

2. The Contractor shall limit the weight of any utility vehicle or equipment used within the Park to 3,000 pounds. Any exceptions must be approved in advance by the

COR.

3. Contactor vehicles which are not directly involved in immediate operations shall not be parked within the Park. Personal vehicles shall not be allowed in the Park.

4. The Parks do not contain sanitary restroom or break/lounge facilities. The Contractor shall make arrangements to provide for these necessities.

5. The Park does not provide any parking for Contractor vehicles.

6. The Park does not provide any office or administrative space for the Contractor.

7. Storage of any Contractor equipment, supplies, or tools is not provided by the Park.

G. Responsibility Regarding Existing Plant Material And Other Landscape Features

The Contractor shall preserve and protect all existing vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and grass on or adjacent to the work areas. The Contractor shall be responsible for all unauthorized cutting or damage to trees and shrubs, including damage resulting from careless operation of equipment, stockpiling of materials or tracking of grass and other surfaced areas by equipment. Such damaged areas or materials shall be restored, repaired or replaced by the Contractor, as directed by the COR, at no expense to the National Park Service (NPS) prior to Initial Acceptance. Irreparable damage to trees will be subject to liquidated damages at the current value for a cross sectional square inch of dbh in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers and the International Society of Arboriculture. The most current value is $42.50 per cross sectional square inch putting a base value for a 32" elm at $23,919.

H. Patching Of Public Sidewalks, Curbs, Gutters, And Streets

Contractor shall patch, repair or replace portions of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets, manholes, and other park features that are damaged in connection with work under this contract or as a result of operations there under. Materials and methods shall conform to the current standards for the area damaged, match existing on-site materials, shall meet the approval of all cognizant officials and the CO. All damaged areas shall make smooth, satisfactory, and imperceptible transitions to existing adjacent work, and shall be performed without additional expense to the NPS.

I. Responsibility Regarding Existing Utilities And Structures

The Contractor will be held liable for any damages to utilities, and will be responsible for the protection of existing utilities and related structures. The Contractor shall locate utilities in the field prior to engaging work that could damage utilities by contacting a private utility locator company and having the area marked, forty eight (48) hours in advance of work.

Work involving excavations such as aerating and rotary tilling shall not commence until the COR has confirmed the inspection and clearance by the utility locator company.

J. Air And Water Pollution Control

The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to prevent runoff, soil erosion, air, and water pollution by any material and/or equipment used during construction. The Contractor shall keep the site clean and free of trash and debris.

K. Pre-Existing Damage

In instances where the Contractor finds pre-existing conditions or damage to park resources which may reflect upon the quality of his work or cause him undue liability, the Contractor shall not start work until the Contractor and COR have agreed on the responsibility for these pre-existing conditions.

L. Personal Property Damage

The Contractor shall assume the responsibility for accidents or damage caused to property as a result of performing the required services. An example of damage may include damaged / broken building or vehicle windows from projectiles thrown from mowers.

M. Cleanup And Restoration:

The Contractor will be required to furnish all labor, materials, and equipment for daily cleanup and restoration of all disturbed areas or features which have been damaged during the course of work. If so directed by the COR, the Contractor shall be prepared to sweep and wash paved surfaces daily or as needed.

N. Submittals In Proposal:

1. Personnel: A list of potential workers as well as their positions (i.e., Supervisor, tractor/mower operator, vehicle operator, laborer, etc.), affiliation with the company, and related certifications, training and on the job experience shall be submitted by the Contractor for all activities under this contract. Any changes to personnel once contract commences may be requested at any time by CO, as any point in the life of this contract.

2. Equipment: A list of potential equipment anticipated for use shall be submitted and include the make and model, year manufactured, tag number if applicable, and date of last inspection. Listed equipment must be on the job site when necessary during the execution of services.

3. Mulch : The Contractor shall submit a five (5) pound sample of all mulch that identifies the vendor and documentation and certification of composition and analysis. The sample shall be deemed representative of the material that is intended to be supplied.

4. Pesticides: The following shall be submitted five (5) working days prior to a pesticide application.

a. Pesticide/Herbicides: Product label(s) and mixing and application rates.

b. Applicator: The individual(s) who will be applying the pesticide.

c. Target Pest: The pest or pests to be controlled.

d. Method: The method of application, e.g., by hand, power sprayer.

e. Site: The specific site where the pesticide will be applied.

f. Posting Signage: 1 sample of each sign specified for use. Posting shall be in accordance with local regulations governing the specific areas.

5. Certifications/Licenses:

a. The Contractor shall submit copies of the Certifications / Registrations for all

Pesticide Applicators to the COR. This shall include the Categories of Certification appropriate to the type of application being performed. If the Contractor proposes to use pesticides the required categories of pest control in the District of Columbia are 3 Ornamental and Turf (a) Exterior Ornamental Plants; (b) Lawn and Turf; and 7 Industrial, Institutional Structural and Health Related (e) Rodent.

b. The Contractor shall submit copies of all licenses for the application and storage of pesticides for the District of Columbia

c. The Contractor shall submit certifications and licenses within thirty (30) days of performance start date.

6. Safety Plan: The Contactor shall provide a Safety Plan for review and approval by the NPS.

7. The Contractor shall maintain copies of all official submittals to the COR throughout the life of the contract. All proprietary information that the Contractor or the Government wishes to remain confidential shall be clearly marked. A due date that falls on a Saturday or Sunday shall be due by close of business the following Monday, or close of business on the first workday following a holiday.

O. Miscellaneous

1. The Park encourages the use of renewable products such as biolubricants, biodiesel, and ethanol in equipment and earth friendly cleaning solutions.

Also favored are environmentally friendly means of managing insects and diseases on plants. The Contractor shall submit documentation of the use of such products or methods to the COR prior to beginning work or as these products or methods are added to the Contractor’s operations.

2. The Contractor shall dispose of any debris such as weeds, leaves, and sweepings generated by work operations off Park property at the end of each day.

Part III: Acceptance, Measurement, and Payment

A. The Contractor shall include with all invoices for payment, an acceptance report signed by the COR. Failure to obtain a signed acceptance report will release the Government from any obligation to pay for services claimed, but not documented by a signed acceptance report.

B. Invoices should be presented by line items as presented in the contract and billed monthly.

C. Invoices accompanied by acceptance reports that have been signed by the COR must be submitted by the Contractor through the Internet Payment Platform (IPP) System.

Part IV: Evaluation Criteria

For purposes of this source selection, the offeror’s proposal will be evaluated under best value.

Relevant past performance, technical capabilities and pricing will all be of equal value.

Proposals shall address each evaluation criterion and sub-criterion with particular emphasis on areas of cited specialized work, illustrating type and extent of related experience and qualifications, and other pertinent data for evaluation panel's use in understanding and evaluating the proposal.

The CO and/or Technical Evaluation Panel may contact general and similar work references cited within submitted proposals.

A. Evaluation Factor: Technical Capability

1. Organization of Maintenance Team: Provide a description of the entire proposed maintenance team identifying Prime Contractor, all Subcontractors, and specific areas of responsibility. The description shall identify specific lines of communication, responsibility and highlight experience of the maintenance team in working jointly on similar projects.

2. Prime Contractor:

a. Provide a description of the prime contractor's qualifications to perform the work described. Specific areas that should be addressed include, but are not limited to:

• Professional organizations in which you or your firm have membership

• Professional awards received by your firm

• Number of key personnel including number of years experience especially for field personnel actually performing the work and any applicable certifications

• Organization of the company and any outstanding characteristics

• Ability to perform the work and manage the project within proposed time frame

• Ability to manage subcontractors

• Type and size of projects they have been actively involved in.

b. Key Personnel: Provide the qualifications of the company management, project manager, trade supervisor and technicians in the field, and other key personnel with regard to performing the work of the contract including but are not limited to:

• Years of experience

• Education

• Employment history with the company

• Type and size of projects they have been actively involved in.

• Professional organizations in which they have membership

• Professional awards received by team members who will participate in proposed project.

• Licenses and certifications related to this contract

3. Subcontractor (if applicable):

a. Provide a description of all subcontractors' qualifications and experience in performing the work described. Specific areas of experience that should be addressed are the same as above.

b. Key Personnel: Provide the training, experience and qualifications of the Superintendent(s), Foremen, and other Key Personnel with regard to performing the work of the contract including experience with similar type projects. Provide a description addressing the approach to the scope of work, and the work site. This discussion shall address concerns including, but not limited to:

• Sequencing of work including all tasks

• Contractor/Subcontractor/NPS coordination

• Material delivery coordination and storage of materials on and off site

• Procedures to be utilized

• Materials to be utilized

• Crew size and proposed scheduling

4. Methodology:

Provide a description addressing the approach to the scope of work, and the work site. This discussion shall address concerns including, but not limited to:

• Sequencing of work including all tasks

• /Subcontractor/NPS coordination

• Material delivery coordination and storage of materials on and off site

• Procedures to be utilized

• Materials to be utilized

• Crew size and proposed scheduling

5. Safety

Provide a comprehensive written Safety and Hazardous Materials Plan that includes but is not limited to:

• Type of PPE which shall be used by employees

• Employee safety training

• Emergency procedures for injuries to the contractor’s employees

• Protection of park visitors

• Protection of park resources, including any necessary environmental Safeguards

• Traffic control, if required

• Hazardous material control and disposal

B. Evaluation Factor: Past Performance

Prime Contractor shall demonstrate relevant past experience working on similar projects over the last (5)-five years.

Provide three similar work examples of a similar nature. Give date of contract, name and location, description of work, name of contact person and phone number, and size of project. Include performance record with respect to scheduling, budget, contract modifications, labor issues, etc.

C. Pricing (see bid sheet attachment)