Performance Work Statement.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Louisiana National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

12/05/2024

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. This is a performance-based contract for cemetery grounds maintenance services at Louisiana National Cemetery, Zachary, Louisiana and hereafter referred to as Louisiana or “Cemetery.” The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan, coordinate, organize, manage, and perform the activities of mowing and trimming; trimming around headstones, edging around flat markers; curb/sidewalk edging; weed control; providing fertilizer; and associated services described herein required to maintain a healthy and aesthetic appearance of the Cemetery grounds. The Cemetery is located at 303 W Mount Pleasant Road, Zachary, Louisiana 70791.

1.2. This Performance Work Statement describes the basic objectives of the Louisiana National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Program. The Performance Based Service Contract provides potential Offerors the flexibility to develop cost effective solutions and the opportunity to propose innovative alternatives to meet the stated objectives. It also presents the Government with an opportunity to assess the Offeror’s understanding of all aspects of the effort to be performed by eliminating the “how to” instructions to accomplish the required effort normally contained on the Statement of work that the Government traditionally provides to prospective Offerors. Minimum acceptable levels of performance to meet the minimum requirements are outlined in the “Services Delivery Summary” contained in Attachment 1.

1.3. The National Cemetery Administration Mission.

1.3.1. The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorial that commemorate their service to our Nation. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. Therefore, the standards for management, maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor have been established by the National Cemetery Administration to reflect this Nations’ concern and respect for those interred there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the Performance Work Statement, Performance Work Requirements Summary and Guidance Specifications shall be required and shall be essential.

1.4. Background.

1.4.1. In 1999 Congress passed legislation requiring VA to ensure that National Cemeteries serve as a dignified and respectful setting. Each Cemetery is to be an expression of appreciation and respect of a grateful Nation for the service and sacrifice of her veterans.

1.4.2. Further, each National Cemetery is to be maintained as a National Shrine. A National Shrine is defined as a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor/family who views it as a majestic setting, offering a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice and nobility of purpose. The National Cemetery is a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

1.4.3. The Louisiana National Cemetery contains the remains of approximately 3,000 veterans, spouses and dependent children. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at the cemeteries must reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications is required as well as the National Cemetery Administration standards.

2. DESCRIPTION OF CONTRACT OBJECTIVES

2.1. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, professional expertise, vehicles, tools, equipment, materials, and services necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance is performed in a manner that shall meet or exceed the requirements to maintain healthy turf grass and that presents a clean, neat, professional and aesthetic grounds appearance throughout the Cemetery. The Contractor’s performance will be based on the Contracting Officer’s (CO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) evaluation and of the results required by the Service Delivery Summary (SDS) and not the method of performance. It is at the Contractor’s discretion to determine the methods to attain the level of service at the best value. The evaluation of results will be based on COR performance assessment, tenant satisfaction, and customer complaints. Final results of the evaluations will be the determining factor for the success or failure of this contract. The Contractor shall comply with applicable federal, regional, state, local laws, and commercial standards.

2.2. Services include, but are not limited to, mowing, trimming (features and headstones), edging (features and monuments), weed control, providing fertilizer, removal of trash (generated by the Contractor), as well as sweeping or blowing off grass from sidewalks, roads and headstones. Scheduling of services shall be coordinated with the COR to avoid disruption of ongoing Cemetery operations. All work shall be done during normal Federal workdays during Cemetery workday hours. The exception is Memorial Day, which may be a workday for Federal employees, but not for the Contractor. No work shall be allowed during special weekend activities.

2.3. The Contractor shall be responsible for full management of the facility’s grounds maintenance services described herein. The Government’s objectives are described in the NCA’s “Operational Standards and Measures” (given upon request of the Contracting Officer), the Performance Work Statement (PWS), and other requirements identified herein, as they are applicable to the services required in the Pricing Schedule. The Contractor shall develop a “Performance Work Plan” that contains solutions to accomplish the Government’s objectives. The Contractor may use whatever method it chooses to meet the objectives, as long as the end result satisfies the minimum acceptable levels of performance as defined in Services Delivery Summary (SDS).

2.4. Contract Objectives.

2.4.1. To use an innovative and creative technical approach to manage the Cemetery grounds maintenance operation at the Louisiana National Cemetery in order to maintain the high standards of appearance as a National Shrine, in accordance with best commercial practices and the requirements identified in this solicitation.

2.4.2. To have the Contractor perform to its Technical Performance Approach focused on criteria designed to maintain healthy grass and a clean, neat and professional grounds appearance overall.

2.4.3. The minimum life of the contract is planned for one base period with up to four (4) one- year options individually exercised at the VA’s discretion and dependent on the availability of funds.

3. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES:

3.1. CLINs Ending in 01: Improved Grounds Mowing.

NCA STANDARD: Turf shall be maintained at a height within one-inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region. Optimally, the height is no more than one-half an inch (½”) above that range. Turf surrounding a headstone shall be trimmed to its recommended height. There shall be no signs of “grass burns” caused by mowers. There shall be no scalping of turf by mowers or trimmers.

The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing, edging and trimming all grass within the Cemetery and outside perimeter fence as specified by the COR and grounds map.

3.1.3.10.1. All trash, debris, and fallen tree limbs shall be removed from within the developed portion of the Cemetery grounds daily or more frequently as necessary. All trash, etc. shall be removed from the ditch line and right-of-way about every two weeks or more frequently as necessary.

3.1.3.10.2. Leaves, nuts, and twigs shall be hand raked, vacuumed or blown by walk-behind push type machines from interment areas into the roadways, and then collected and properly disposed of from Cemetery grounds which includes right of way outside Cemetery fence. Any accumulations of mulched leaves shall be removed from the Cemetery grounds and properly disposed of.

3.1.3.10.3. The Contractor shall provide the necessary labor and suitable conveyance each workday for pickup of this debris from the Cemetery grounds. A dumpster placement area is available at the Cemetery within the contractor laydown area.

3.1.3.10.4. Removal of debris and disposal away from the Cemetery grounds shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

3.1.3.10.5. All walkways, roads, and parking areas shall be swept on a weekly basis, or as approved by the COR.

3.1.3.10.6. Cemetery grounds area includes all of the Cemetery property to include surrounding areas of inside and outside the fence to the road.

3.2. CLINs Ending in 02 & in 03: Trimming The Contractor shall trim grass and vegetation around vertical surfaces or any other structure or area that cannot be maintained by traditional mowing equipment to match surrounding area grass height within Improved Grounds. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable. The vertical surfaces to be trimmed include headstones, section markers, monuments, trees, planting beds, shrubs, buildings, curbs/curbing, fences, walls, poles, signs, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, utility/valve boxes and covers.

3.2.1. The Contractor shall trim turfgrass surrounding headstones to its recommended height for the type of turf at the Louisiana National Cemetery after each mowing cycle.

3.2.2. The Contractor shall trim all areas concurrent with mowing. Trimming operations of all non-mowed turf areas shall be considered a part of mowing. The Contractor shall mow first, followed by trimming.

3.2.3. The Contractor shall remove or mulch grass clippings when visible after trimming, before leaving work area.

3.2.4. The Contractor shall exercise caution to avoid contact with headstones, monuments, building walls, trees, shrubs, flowers, any other desirable plant materials, etc. or any other structure than can be damaged by contact with the trimming device’s cutting instrument.

3.2.5. The Contractor shall use commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, section markers, etc. The Contractor shall use trimmers with a plastic blade attachment to cleanly trim edges around all headstones, monuments, section markers, etc. or as otherwise approved by the COR.

3.3. CLINs ending in 04: Feature Edging. The Contractor shall blade edge all streets, curbs, walkways, tree wells, permanent building/structure lines, and planting beds. Edging shall provide a clear zone ½” to 1” wide by 2” to 3” deep with all vegetation removed from joints and cracks. Damage to asphalt/concrete shall be avoided. Edging events shall be completed as ordered by the COR. The first edging cycle shall be completed approximately at the start of the mowing season, and additional edging events may be scheduled by the COR. The exact dates will be provided by the COR.

3.4. CLINs ending in 05, 06 &07: Weed Control. The Contractor shall control broadleaf and grassy weeds through execution of a weed control program appropriate for the area, in accordance with NCA Handbook 3410, Integrated Pest Management Procedures for VA National Cemeteries, and current federal, state, and local regulations. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable parts of 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910, Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Standards; 29 CFR 1925, Labor, Safety and Health Standards for Federal Service Contracts; 40 CFR 150-189, Protection of Environment, Pesticide Program; and 49 CFR 171, Transportation, General Information, Regulations, and Definitions.

All Turf areas shall be 95% weed free. The Contractor shall develop and submit a comprehensive herbicide application program/schedule to the COR and the Continental District Agronomist for written approval within thirty (30) days upon award to include each option year(s).

3.4.1 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

3.4.1.1 The Contractor shall supply all necessary applicators, hoses and other equipment.

3.4.1.2 Water shall be furnished by the Government at no cost to the Contractor.

3.4.1.3 The Contractor sha furnish all required herbicides and adjuvants.

3.4.1.4 The herbicide application program/schedule shall include the name and analysis of the product to be applied, the time frame for application, and the potential amount of product. The program/schedule shall consider the dominant weed pressure at the cemetery, herbicide mode of action, and environmental conditions. This requirement shall be submitted annually for approval prior to the growing season.

3.4.1.5 No fertilizers and/or chemicals shall be applied to cemetery grounds without prior approval from the COR and the Continental District Agronomist.

3.4.2 PROCEDURE

General Schedule for Herbicide Applications Pre-Emergent Application #1 Late Winter/Early Spring –exact timing of application based on soil temperature (55℉) and weather conditions. Prior approval from COR required before application. If split application are required, the timing of the split shall follow COR approval and specific herbicide labels (estimated 4-10 weeks following first pre-emergent application).

Pre-Emergent Application #2 Late Summer/Early Fall – exact timing based on soil temperature (70℉) and weather conditions. Prior approval from COR required before application. If split application are required, the timing of the split shall follow COR approval and specific herbicide labels (estimated 4-10 weeks following first pre-emergent application).

Post-Emergent Application #1 Early Spring/Mid Spring – exact timing based on weed development and residual period of previous applications. Prior approval from COR required before application.

Post-Emergent Application #2 Early Summer/Mid Summer – exact timing based on weed development and residual period of Post-Emergent Application #1. Prior approval from COR required before application.

Post-Emergent Application #3 Late Summer/Fall – exact timing based on weed development and residual period of Post – Emergent Application #2. Prior approval from COR required before application.

Post-Emergent Application #4 Winter – exact timing based on weed development, turf dormancy, and residual period of Post – Emergent Application #3. Prior approval from COR required before application.

3.5. CLINs ending in 08 & 09: Fertilizer Application and Soil Amendments. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the turf areas of the Cemetery and the immediate area surrounding the Cemetery in a healthy condition utilizing turf management best practices to include fertilization and soil amendments.

The Contractor shall develop and submit a comprehensive fertilizer application program/schedule to the COR and the Continental District Agronomist for written approval within thirty (30) days upon award to include each option year(s).

NCA STANDARD: High maintenance areas have a well-established and healthy stand of turf.

General Schedule for Fertilizer Applications Application #1 – Spring – upon order and approval of the COR, after turf has emerged from winter dormancy, has new green flush growth, and has been mowed 2 to 3 times. This is usually in the March-April time period .

Application #2 – Summer – upon order and approval of the COR – usually in the May-July time period. Do not fertilize in drought-stressed turf.

Application #3 – Fall – upon order and approval of the COR – usually in the August-September time period. It should occur a minimum 4 to 6 weeks before the historic first frost.

3.6. CLIN ending in 10: Fire Ant application

3.6.1. All turf damaging insects or those that present a hazard to cemetery visitors shall be controlled by means of mowing, trimming, pulling, harrowing, and spraying, or any other method approved by the COR and in accordance with the NCA Integrated Pest Management Plan.

3.6.2. Specifically for fire ants, the Contractor shall make three (3) applications of a broadcast treatment for native and imported fire ant control per contract year. Each treatment shall cover all turf areas within the perimeter boundaries of the National Cemetery site. One (1) broadcast application shall be performed in spring, and One (1) broadcast application shall be performed in Late Summer/Early Fall and One (1) application will be requested or on-Call by the COR.

3.6.3. The Contractor shall apply a broadcast granular type Fire Ant Control bait product containing the following active ingredients: Hydromethylon (for quick kill of worker ants) and Methoprene (an insect growth regulator that the worker ants shall feed to the queen for sterilization of egg production). The product must be approved by the COR and the District Agronomist.

3.6.4. The Contractor shall make any repeat applications or spot/mound treatments as deemed necessary by the COR to achieve control of fire ants in the National Cemetery at no additional expense to the government.

3.6.5. The Contractor shall follow all label directions in the use of any pesticide products.

3.6.6. The herbicide applications shall be applied directly by or under the supervision of a current commercially licensed Louisiana State Certified Pesticide Applicator. All personnel using herbicide sprays shall be properly trained. All applications shall be performed as per the Rules and Regulations of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, or other jurisdiction having authority over the Contractor’s applicator.

3.6.7. A written record of the application shall be delivered to the COR immediately following the application, whether completed or not, before leaving the cemetery on the day of any application. The written record shall show the company name, company contact information, and the names, titles and license information of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall specify application area, the chemicals used (trade name, chemical, amount/dose) and weather conditions (including the temperature and the average wind speed) during the time of application.

3.7. CLIN ending in 11: Aeration

3.7.1. Aeration: The cemetery shall be core aerated a minimum of one time per year, generally in the early fall. Compaction as measured in psi by a soil penetrometer may necessitate a second aeration, generally in the spring.

3.7.2. When conditions are favorable (i.e., grass not stressed and is actively growing, soil not too wet or dry), typically in early fall, all accessible turf shall be core aerified. Compacted and high traffic areas may need to be core aerified twice per year, once when conditions are favorable in late spring to early summer and once in late summer to early fall, at discretion of the COR. Scheduled time frames for aerification are subject to change and shall be based on annual weather conditions.

3.7.3. Prior to core aerification, but no earlier than 48 hours, the Contractor shall mark all irrigation heads with blue marker flags. Contractor shall remove flags once aerification is complete. Once initiated, core aerification of all cemetery turf shall be completed within three (3) business days.

3.7.4. Aerification must reach a minimum depth of 3 inches with a diameter of 5/8 to 1 inch. A minimum of 12 cores or holes per square foot should be achieved. Aerification cores are to be left on the soil surface.

3.7.5. A rotary, pneumatic or pull-behind core aerator may be used, but two or more passes may be required to achieve the minimum 12 holes per square foot.

3.7.6. Turf immediately within headstone rows and surrounding irrigation heads (within about one foot on either side of the headstone rows and irrigation heads) shall not be aerified to reduce risk of damage to the headstones, markers, and irrigation heads. It is imperative that headstones, grave markers, and section markers not be chipped, scratched, or otherwise damaged in any way.

3.7.7. Contractor shall clean any soil or other debris resulting from this operation off all roads and sidewalks immediately following the work.

3.7.8. To prevent importation of weeds or other pests, the equipment shall be cleaned and sanitized with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution prior to bringing it to the cemetery. All equipment shall be subject to inspection by the COR, or their designated representative, prior to use on cemetery grounds. Contractor shall attest, in writing, that all equipment has been cleaned/sanitized prior to use on cemetery grounds. Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

3.7.9. The contractor is responsible for all training, supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment, and/or tractor attachments required to complete semi-annual aeration.

3.7.10. Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

3.8. CLIN ending in 12: On Call Clean-UP (above and beyond normal leaf and debris removal) in circumstances like wind, rail, hail, snow, ice, etc. Cemetery grounds should be checked and cleaned up the next working day following the storm unless the extent of the storm prompts civil defense authorities to declare emergency movement only. Should this occur, clean-up should be done as soon as emergency restrictions are lifted.

3.8.1. These services will be provided on “as needed basis and by the request of the COR only.

3.8.2. The Contractor shall have all debris removed within 2 working days after notification and with the agreement of the COR.

3.9. CLIN ending in 13: Placement of Flags: A small flag shall be placed on each gravesite not more than (3) days prior Memorial Day (Boy Scouts and other volunteer organizations may assist the Contractor) and shall be removed on the first workday following Memorial Day, weather permitting. Flags shall be counted, bundled into bundles of 20 and placed back in storage. The Government shall furnish flags and storage space for the flags.

3.10. CLINs ending in 14: Custodial Services. Work consists of cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining all public restrooms and the buildings at the Cemetery.

3.10.1. Restrooms

3.10.1.1. All trash cans shall be emptied, cleaned and sanitized daily (Monday through Friday). Fresh garbage bags shall be used on each emptying.

3.10.1.2. All dirt, debris, urine, feces and water shall be removed from all floor surfaces daily or more frequently as required.

3.10.1.3. All sinks and counter tops shall be cleaned, sanitized and wiped to remove all excess standing water daily.

3.10.1.4. All glass surfaces shall be cleaned with an appropriate glass cleaner so that the surface is free of grease, dirt and smudge marks daily.

3.10.1.5. All toilets are to be cleaned and sanitized daily.

3.10.1.6. Any feminine hygiene disposal units shall be emptied, cleaned and sanitized in a method approved for cleaning and disposing of blood borne pathogens

3.10.1.7. Floors shall be mopped with a disinfecting cleaning solution daily.

3.10.1.8. An adequate supply of toilet paper, paper towels and soap shall be maintained on a daily basis so that there is always a roll on the dispensers and one back-up roll available for all restrooms.

3.10.1.9. Restroom Checklists. The Contractor’s employee(s) on duty shall sign off daily on the restroom checklists, which are generally located in the foyers of the public restrooms and staff restrooms.

3.10.2. Buildings.

3.10.2.1. Non-Carpeted Floors (Hard Floors: Ceramic Tile, VTC, etc.). Hard floors shall be maintained free of grit, soil, dust, scuff and heel marks, stains, spills, debris, litter and other foreign matter by effective daily cleaning. Cleaning shall be accomplished by the most appropriate method (vacuum, sweep, dust mop, damp mop, wet mop, spot clean, etc.) and with cleaning solutions if applicable, for the specific floor type. After cleaning, floor surfaces to include grout shall have a uniform, clean appearance without streaks, swirl marks, detergent residue, or any evidence of soil, stain, film, or standing water. Baseboards, corners, and wall/floor edges shall also be clean. Floors shall be continuously free of all debris such as paper, coins and so forth. Chairs, trash receptacles, and other easily moveable items shall be moved to maintain floors underneath these items and returned to their original and proper position after cleaning. A “Wet Floor” signs shall be used when the floor is wet.

3.10.2.2. Carpeted Floors. Carpets shall be maintained free of soil, dirt, debris, litter and other foreign matter by effective daily vacuuming. Efficient vacuum cleaners shall offer high airflow, high efficiency filtration, equipped with quiet-type motor in order to meet noise standards, and an adjustable rotating brush agitation for more effective soil removal. Any spots and/or spills shall be removed by the carpet manufacturer’s approved methods or other commercially accepted practices as soon as noticed. All tears, burns, and raveling shall be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Area and throw rugs shall also receive this service. Floors shall be continuously free of all debris such as paper, coins and so forth. Chairs, trash receptacles, and other easily moveable items shall be moved to maintain floors underneath these items and returned to their original and proper position after cleaning. Plastic protectors under desks shall be cleaned.

3.10.2.3. All trash cans shall be emptied, cleaned and sanitized at least weekly. Fresh garbage bags shall be used on each emptying.

3.10.2.4. Dust office furniture, file cabinets, and all other horizontal office furniture and accessories; includes surfaces within 6 feet of the floor and must be free of dust, lint, cobwebs, and litter.

3.10.2.5. Spot clean all doors, door frames, and areas around light switches. Thoroughly clean soiled wall covering and chairs.

3.10.2.6. Mats shall be free of all visible lint, litter, debris, soil and other foreign matter. Soil and moisture underneath mat(s) shall be removed and mat(s) returned to their normal location.

3.10.3. Site.

3.10.3.1. Contractor shall check all site trash receptacles daily and remove the contents as necessary when full, no less than weekly regardless. Contractor shall provide and place fresh garbage bags fitting the trash receptacles on each emptying

4. SERVICE DELIVERY SUMMARY (SDS). The contract service requirements are summarized in performance objectives that relate directly to requirements. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimally acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. The SDS and the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan provide information on contract requirements, the expected level of Contractor performance and the expected method of government validation and confirmation of services provided. These thresholds are critical to mission success. During the initial 30 days of the contract, two additional errors on each performance objective shall be allowed in an effort to identify normal “phase-in” problems.

4.1. Quality Control. The Contractor shall develop, submit for Contracting Officer and COR acceptance, and maintain a Quality Control program to ensure grounds maintenance services are performed in accordance with the requirements of this contract.

4.1.1. The Contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan (QCP) for Contracting Officer and COR acceptance within fourteen (14) calendar days after contract award. Any changes thereafter must also be provided to Contracting Officer and COR for acceptance.

4.1.2. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. As a minimum the Contractor shall develop Quality Control procedures addressing the areas identified in Paragraph 3, Description of Services. The Contractor shall provide at least one (1) full time person dedicated to Quality Control.

4.1.3. The Contractor’s QCP shall include the following or have incorporated into during performance of contract, at a minimum:

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

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

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

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

4.1.3.5. On-site records identifying the character specific to background investigations and citizenship, physical capabilities of personnel ability to lift over 50lbs, certifications and ongoing training of each employee performing services under this contract.

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

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

4.2. Quality Assurance. The COR will evaluate the Contractor’s performance through on-site inspections, evaluation of the Contractor’s quality control program and receipt of complaints from Cemetery personnel in accordance with the attached Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), Attachment 7.

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

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

4.3. Supervision.

4.3.1. Contractor Superintendent: The Contractor shall provide a competent and experienced supervisor who speaks and writes fluent English on site for at least four (4) hours a day whenever work is being performed, other than trash and debris pick-up.

4.3.2. The Contractor Superintendent must have not less than five (5) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of grounds maintenance operations that included mowing, trimming, edging, and cleanup in industrial, commercial or public sites.

4.3.3. The Contractor Superintendent shall ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained.

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

4.3.5. In the absence of the Superintendent, the Contractor shall appoint an English-speaking crew foreman or an employee who shall be responsible to insure that the work is being accomplished in an expeditious manner, is performed in accordance with the contract specifications and that the work will progress without undue delay.

4.4. Inspection and Cleaning of Cemetery Facilities.

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

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

4.5. Reporting and Record Keeping.

4.5.1. The Contractor Superintendent shall report on a daily basis to the COR at the Maintenance Building of the Cemetery and log in on days when work is being performed. This DAILY check-in is mandatory and shall be at a time agreed upon by the COR and the Contractor Superintendent. The purpose of the DAILY meeting is to coordinate and establish the daily work schedule to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment or ceremony, and to submit the required written reports to the COR. These Daily meetings are for the Contractor Superintendent to ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary depending on the event. The Contractor Superintendent can thus assign tasks accordingly throughout the rest of the Cemetery so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided. If the Contractor Superintendent fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR may then assist in doing so.

4.5.2. The Contractor Superintendent shall provide WEEKLY and DAILY work schedules to the COR. The Contractor is required to schedule all required services and is further required to comply with his schedule except for delays beyond his control. Such delays shall be coordinated through the COR. The work schedule shall include deficient work identified by Contractor’s quality control inspections and not yet corrected.

4.5.3. The Contractor shall submit the…