PWS for Grounds Maintenance 20201014.docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Grounds Maintenance

September 22, 2020 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.1 General

2.1.1 Scope

2.1.13 Business Relations……………………………………………………………………… 7

i

1.0 Introduction. This is a non-personal services contract to provide Grounds Maintenance Services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform grounds maintenance at Fort Benning, Georgia as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS), section three (3.0) except for those items specified as Government-furnished property and services. The Contractor shall perform to the standards of this PWS.

1.1 Background. Fort Benning is located in the state of Georgia and Alabama neighboring Columbus Georgia and Phenix City Alabama. Fort Benning consists of approximately 184,000 acres and over 5000 buildings. The population base consists of approximately 120,000 military and Government civilian and Contractor personnel, as well as resident family members. The installation consists of four (4) different training areas. Main Post, Sand Hill, Kelley Hill and Harmony Church. Since 1918, Fort Benning, Ga, has served as the Home of the Infantry. Since 1940, Fort Knox, KY., has served as the Home of the Armor. The Maneuver Center of Excellence transformation began as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission's decision to consolidate a number of schools and installations to create "centers of excellence." Included in this transformation was the move of the Armor School to Fort Benning. At the MCOE, those critical maneuver forces will train as they fight - together! - and together they will win.

1.2 Objectives. The Contractor shall ensure all work accomplished maintains and presents a healthy, clean, neat, and professional appearance to all grounds included and covered by this contract in support of mission requirements for users, residents, and visitors to the installation (in accordance with DA PAM 420-1-1, Housing Management, Table 2-14,). Objectives will be met in accordance with the FY19 CLS Communities of Practice and the Headquarters IMCOM Enterprise Municipal Grounds Maintenance Performance Standards.

1.3 Climatic Conditions. The average annual rainfall is 37 inches; with the wettest months being April through July. The average annual maximum and minimum temperatures are approximately 65 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively. Monthly normal temperatures ranged from a low of 23 degrees in January to a high of 86 degrees in July.

2.0 Requirements.

2.1 General.

2.1.1 Scope. The Contractor shall maintain Improved, Semi-Improved, and Unimproved Grounds as identified under Technical Exhibit (TE-1) in this PWS, utilizing accepted industry standards and practices, where practical.

Improved Areas. These areas are the developed areas of the installation and will require an intensive level of maintenance, Average cutting will be every (7 days) to maintain areas and . Improved grounds includes Lawson Army Airfield (LAAF) all facilities on Main Post, Brigade and above HQ, Benning Blvd., Dixie Road and 101st Airborne Div Road, Freedom Hall, 8th Div Road, Hospital Mall Complex, . The work performed in these areas by the Contractor shall include mowing grass, edging and trimming grass, removing grass trimmings from paved areas, irrigating, aerating lawn areas applying fertilizer and/or lime, applying herbicide to lawn and landscape areas, maintaining plants, shrubs, and flowers, performing seasonal planting of plants and flowers, removing leaves, applying mulch, pruning trees, removing crack grass from sidewalks, pavements, asphalt, curve side and litter control. The government estimates improve grounds is about 6400 acres, at Lawson Army Airfield, the area with lighting and 100ft from runway will be cut weekly.

2.1.1.2 Semi-Improved Areas. These areas are used for operational and maintenance purposes. Erosion control shall be the predominant grounds maintenance work performed in this area by the Contractor, average Cutting approximately every 14 days to maintain. This will include grassed areas, vegetated areas, trees, and pavements. These areas are Kelley Hill, Sand Hill and Harmony Church. The work performed in these areas by the Contractor shall include mowing grass, removing grass trimmings from pave areas and removing crack grass from sidewalks, pavements, asphalt, curve side and litter control. Fort Benning has approximately 200 acres of road shoulder need cut to the tree line or approximately 15 ft. from the road shoulder.

2.1.1.3 Unimproved Areas. Unimproved areas are acreage on which periodic recurring maintenance is performed. Activities include mowing for life, health, safety, security, weed and brush control, erosion control, dust control, and drainage maintenance, average cutting every 21 to 25 days to maintain. These areas may include but are not limited to antenna fields, airfield shoulders, clear zones, drop zones, ranges, ponds, Patton Park and picnic areas.

2.1.2 Description of Services. The Contractor shall maintain Improved, Semi-Improved, and Un-Improved Grounds as identified in this PWS. The Contractor shall provide all personnel, management, tools, supplies, transportation, labor, equipment, and other items and services necessary to perform Grounds maintenance services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS), The Contractor shall perform grounds maintenance services to the standards in this contract and in a manner that will maintain grounds in a satisfactory condition and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance. The Main Post Cemeteries, Golf Course, Snow Removal and Salting Sidewalks. MWR, AAFES, DECA, DOD Schools and Martin Community Hospital (MACH) not included in this PWS.

2.1.2.1 Non-Personal Services. The personnel rendering the services are not subject; either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees. Non personal service contracts are authorized by the Government in accordance with FAR 37.104, under general contracting authority, and do not require specific statutory authorization.

2.1.3 General Information.

2.1.3.1 Period of Performance. The period of performance (PoP) consists of a Base Year and two (2) option years.

The PoP is as follows:

2.1.4 Place of Performance and Hours of Operation.

2.1.4.1 Place of Performance. The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at the locations listed in Technical Exhibit (TE).

2.1.4.2 Hours of Operation. The Government's regular (normal) hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The Contractor is responsible for conducting business between these hours, if they desire to work outside of this hours or dates contractor must request permission from the MICC. Contractor will provide a monthly general schedule and a daily detail schedule showing areas been cut, and a rain delay schedule to COR. Contractor will provide weekly cut sheet to COR. If contractor falls behind schedule due to weather they will have 3 days to get back on schedule once weather clears.

2.1.5 Recognized / Government Holidays. The Contractor’s performance shall not be required on the legal public holidays listed below. Holidays occurring on weekends will be observed as directed by the published Army calendar.

2.1.5.1 The Contractor shall provide personnel support outside the normal hours of operation as required, including holidays, to support the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Maintenance Division mission. Prior to performance of services outside the locally established hours of operation, the Contractor shall request and obtain, in writing, approval from the Contracting Officer. The Program/Project Manager or the Alternate Project Manager shall be available after normal duty hours to serve as the central point of contact for Contractor operations. Contractor personnel shall not be scheduled for overtime work.

2.1.6 Travel / Temporary Duty. N/A

2.1.7 Emergency Services. (As required for special events and support of military missions).

2.1.7.1 The Contractor shall have make available competent personnel trained and capable of dealing with minor personnel injuries. The Contractor or their employees shall immediately notify their supervisor of any accident requiring emergency medical treatment. The Contractor will, in turn, notify the Contracting Officer (KO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within two (2) hours of the incident.

2.1.7.2. Emergency medical treatment and services for Contractor personnel is the responsibility of the Contractor.

Contractor will provide copy of their safety and emergency plan in writing.

Contractor is responsible with keeping their 144R current.

2.1.8 Contract Administration and Management. Administered by the MICC, Fort Benning Georgia department.

2.1.8.1 Post Award Conference/Performance Evaluation Meetings. The Contractor shall attend the post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 42.5. The KO and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. Written minutes of such meetings will be recorded by the Government and signed by the Program/Project Manager and the Contracting Officer, or COR and distributed within five (5) workdays after the meeting. The Contractor may request a meeting with the Contracting Officer or COR when the Contractor believes such a meeting is necessary. Written minutes of such meetings shall be recorded by the Contractor and signed by all participants involved and distributed within five (5) workdays after the meeting. In either case, if the Contractor does not concur with any portion of the minutes, recorded by the Government or the Contractor, such non-concurrence shall be provided in writing to the Contracting Officer within two (2) calendar days following receipt of the minutes.

2.1.8.2 Contract Administration. Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract requires maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor.

2.1.8.3 The following provides the roles and their respective authority during the performance of the contract:

2.1.8.3.1 Contracting Officer (KO). The KO is the only person authorized to direct changes in any of the requirements under this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, said authority remains solely in the KO. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the KO, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and solely at the risk of the Contractor. All contract administration will be effected by the KO. Communications pertaining to contractual administrative matters shall be addressed to the KO. No changes in or deviation from the terms and conditions shall be affected, without a written modification to the contract, executed by the KO authorizing such changes.

2.1.8.3.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The KO shall designate contract level CORs during the term of this contract, under Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause 252.201-7000 “Contracting Officer’s Representative.” The COR will provide assistance in identification and resolution of problems, conflicts in priority, subtask requirement definitions, and other operations type problems. The COR will perform in accordance with the responsibilities and duties identified in the Interim Army Contracting Command – Contracting Officer’s Representative Policy Guide Pamphlet 70-1, (ACC PAM 70-1, dated 26 March 2010).

2.1.8.3.2.1 COR Authority. A letter of designation issued to the COR by the KO, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

2.1.8.3.3 The Contractor shall not in any way represent that it is a part of the U. S. Government, or that it has the authority to contract or procure supplies for the account of the United States of America.

2.1.9 Quality Control (QC). Quality Control is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall provide and maintain a quality control system that is acceptable to the Government. (The QCP is addressed at paragraph 4.2)

2.1.10 Government POC. The Government COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notify both the KO and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of Government-furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel.

Name Sherry James Address 6650 Meloy Drive, Suite 250 Fort Benning, GA 31905 Email Sherry.d.james8.civ@mail.mil Phone number 706 545-7403 Name Crystal Provencher Address 6650 Meloy Drive, Suite 250 Fort Benning, GA 31905 Email Crystal.L.Provencher.civ@mail.mil Phone number 706 545-5428 Name Carmelo Cruz Address 6650 Meloy Drive Suite 313 Fort Benning, GA 31905 Email Carmelo.cruz.civ@mail.mil Phone number 706 545-1474

2.1.10.1 COR Functions. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notify both the KO and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of Government-furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel.

2.1.10.2 The COR Management System Tool (Virtual Contracting Enterprise (VCE) - Acquisition Resource Center (ARC) https://arc.army.mil/COR) will be used for nomination, tracking, documentation, and management of CORs.

2.1.11 Subcontract Management. Managed by the Prime Contractor.

2.1.12 Contractor Employees. Managed by the Prime Contractor.

2.1.12.1 Key Personnel. The following personnel are considered key personnel by the Government: Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager. The Contractor shall submit resumes and an organization chart (to include contact info) for initial key personnel and replacements, to the KO.

2.1.12.1.1 The Contractor shall provide a Program/Project Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate, who shall act for the Contractor when the manager is absent, shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Program/Project Manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The Program/Project Manager or alternate shall be available between 7:30 a.m. to 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed for administrative reasons.

2.1.12.2 Contractor Identification. All contract personnel shall be identified as a Contractor, i.e., badge, company logo, or uniform. All contract personnel are required to identify themselves such that they avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all correspondence (documents, emails etc.) or reports produced by the Contractor are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

2.1.12.3 Standards of Conduct. Contractor personnel’s conduct shall not reflect discredit upon the Government. The Contractor shall ensure that personnel present a professional appearance. The Contractor’s employees shall observe and comply with all local policies and procedures concerning fire, safety, environmental protection, sanitation, security, and possession of firearms or other lethal or illegal weapons or substance. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that any Contractor employees providing services under this contract conduct themselves and perform services in a professional, safe, and responsible manner. The Contractor shall remove, from the job site, any employee for reasons of misconduct or security. The Contractor shall ensure employee conduct complies with 41 U.S.C. 423 Procurement Integrity. The Contractor shall also ensure that no Contractor employees conduct political related activities or events on the installation.

2.1.12.4 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI). N/A

2.1.13 Business Relations. The Contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the requirement. The Contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness and quality of problem identification to a degree acceptable to the Government. The Contractor shall provide corrective action plans, timely identification of issues and effective management of subcontractors. The Contractor shall assure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all Contractor personnel.

2.1.14 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS:

2.1.14.1 Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by the government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by Installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

2.1.14.2 All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level 1 Awareness Training within 30 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within 30 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT Level 1 awareness training is available at the following website: https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at.

2.1.14.3 Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. Contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility, and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

2.1.14.4 iWATCH Training. The Contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program in coordination with information provided by the COR. This local developed training shall be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR. This training shall be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within 30 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR NLT 30 calendar days after contract award.

2.1.14.5 OPSEC SOP/Plan. The contractor shall adhere to the Government's Operations Security (OPSEC) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/Plan during the entire period of performance.

2.1.14.6 In accordance with AR 530-1, all personnel shall complete Level I Operations Security (OPSEC) training which is composed of both initial and continual awareness training (annually). All newly assigned personnel, within the first 30 days of arrival in the organization, shall receive initial training to include a briefing on the organizations critical information. The end state of initial and continual awareness training is that each individual should have the requisite knowledge to safeguard critical information.

2.1.14.7 Physical Security. The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for contractor use. At the close of each work period, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

2.1.14.8 Contractor Employees Who Require Access to Government Information Systems: All contractor employees, and associated subcontractor employees, with access to a government information system must be registered in the ATCTS (Army Training Certification Tracking System) at commencement of services and must successfully complete the DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge training prior to access to the information system and then annually thereafter.

2.1.14.8.1 - Information Assurance (IA)/Information Technology (IT) Certification: Per DoD 8570.01-M, DFARS 252.239.7001, and AR 25-2, contractor employees and associated subcontractor employees supporting IA/IT functions shall be appropriately certified for each category and level upon contract award. The baseline and computing environment certifications are stipulated in DoD 8570.01-M must be completed upon contract award. Upon request by the Government, the Contractor shall provide documentation supporting the IA certification status of personnel performing IA functions. Contractor personnel who do not have proper and current certifications shall be denied access to DoD information systems for the purpose of performing IA functions.

2.1.14.9 Conservation of Utilities. The contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities which includes turning off the water faucets or valves after using the required amount to accomplish the necessary cleaning.

2.1.14.10 Post-award conference or periodic progress meetings: The contractor agrees to attend any post-award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office. These procedures are identified in FAR Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer, COR, and other government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor’s performance. At these meetings, the Contracting Officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor’s performance, and the contractor shall apprise the government of any problems experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

2.1.14.11 COR: The COR for this contract is the DPW COR and Inspector located at 6650 Meloy Drive, address, Fort Benning, Ga 31905. The COR shall monitor all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure the contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, monitor contractor’s performance and notify both the Contracting Officer and contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of government-furnished property; and provide site-entry for contractor personnel. A letter of designation will be issued to the COR, a copy of which will be sent to the contractor detailing the responsibilities and limitations of the COR. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.14.12 Contract Manager: The contractor shall manage the contract or shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate who shall act for the contractor during absences shall be designated in writing and provided to the Contracting Officer. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

2.1.14.13 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contract personnel attending meetings, answering government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties shall be required to identify themselves as contractors to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are government officials. They shall also ensure all documents or reports produced by the contractor are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

2.1.14.14 Telephone Usage: NA

2.1.14.15 BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS: Contractor/Sub-Contractor employees providing services under contracts are subject to the following process:

2.1.14.16 Each employee (direct employee and sub-contractor employee) working under this contract who has contact with children under 18 years of age, shall be screened with the appropriate background checks as governed by the Army Directive 2014-23 “Conduct of Screening and Background Checks For Individuals Who Have Regular Contact With Children in Army Programs”, dated 10 September 2014. A copy of the Army Directive can be found at http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/ad2014_23.pdf. The background check requirements for Contractors can be found in Enclosure 3 – Screening and background checks for appropriated and non-appropriated fund personnel, military personnel, foreign national employees overseas, and contractors.

2.1.14.17 Background checks will be initiated and paid for by the Government. The cost for the pre-employment screening is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Commander Designated Entity (CDE) at the Installation supports IMCOM by coordinating, submitting, tracking child related background checks, and reviewing and compiling the results to identify whether they contain derogatory information to be passed on for a suitability determination. The CDE will advise and assist CONTRACTOR and sub- CONTRACTOR employees completing all required documents required for the background check process. CDE contact information will be provided upon contract award.

2.1.14.18 The following is a list of the required screenings per the Army Directive 2014-23.

2.1.14.19 (a) REGULAR/RECURRING contact with children:

Definition: Contact with children more than an average of one (1) day a week for three (3) or more months OR daily for a period of one (1) month or longer.

Required screening:

1.Pre-employment screening: 1) Application, 2) Interview, 3) Reference check, 4) Statement of Previous Arrest or Charge, 5) Assessment of individual’s eligibility, qualifications, temperament and suitability for work with children, 6) Tentative offer of employment (Proponent: Contractor is responsible organization);

2. Preliminary investigation: 1) Installation Record Check (if applicable), 2) FBI Fingerprint check, and 3) Local Civilian Law Enforcement Check (Proponent: Government/Commander Designated Entity is responsible organization);

3. CNACI – Child Care National Agency Check and Inquiries (Proponent: Government/Commander Designated Entity is responsible organization).

The CNACI will be initiated after successful completion of the preliminary investigation (1.3(a)(ii)). If deemed appropriate by the local Garrison Commander, a contractor can start working under Line Of Sight Supervision (LOSS) after successfully completing the preliminary investigation (1.3(a)(ii). If LOSS is not feasible, favorable CNACI (1.3(a) (iii) results are required BEFORE the contractor can start working under this contract.

2.1.14.20 (b) SHORT TERM/OCCASIONAL contact with children:

Definition: Contact with children that does not fall under the definition of Regular/Recurring contact.

Required screening:

1.Pre-employment screening: 1) Application, 2) Interview, 3) Reference check, 4) Statement of Previous Arrest or Charge, 5) Assessment of individual’s eligibility, qualifications, temperament and suitability for work with children, 6) Tentative offer of employment (Proponent: Contractor is responsible organization);

2. Preliminary investigation: 1) Installation Record Check (if applicable), 2) FBI Fingerprint check, and 3) Local Civilian Law Enforcement Check (Proponent: Government/Commander Designated Entity is responsible organization);

An employee must successfully complete the required screening (1.3(b)(i) and (ii) BEFORE working under this contract

2.1.14.21 No person, regardless of circumstances, will be approved to provide child care services if the individual has been convicted of a sexual offense, a drug felony, a violent crime or a criminal offense involving a child. If the background check investigation reveals any other derogatory information a suitability determination has to be made by the Army. The adjudication of derogatory information is processed through an Army Program Review Board (PRB). Further details about the adjudication process can be found in Enclosure 6 of the AD 2014-23. At any time a Contractor can decide not to proceed with the PRB process.

2.1.14.22 Additional information on the background check process can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/investigations/background-investigations.

2.1.14.23 Re-verification (IRC and FBI fingerprint check) is required every 5 years.

2.2.1.1 Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. The Contractor and all associated subcontractors’ employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility, and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by a Government representative). The Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DOD, Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA), and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in Contractor security matters or processes.

2.2.1.1.1 The Contractor shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements, to be accomplished by the installation Provost Marshall Office, Director of Emergency Services, or Security Office, and COR.

2.2.1.2 Physical Security: The Contractor shall safeguard all Government equipment, information and property provided for Contractor use. The Contractor shall maintain a physical security checklist/log (e.g., Army Standard Form (SF) 701 Activity Security Checklist), which will be forwarded to the COR, not later than (NLT) the 10th of each month, following the month of surveillance At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured by the Contractor.)

2.2.1.3 Key Control. NA

2.2.1.3.1 NA

2.2.1.3.2 NA

2.2.1.3.3 Lock Combinations. NA

2.2.3 Special Training / Qualifications.

2.2.3.1 The Contractor must be certified/licensed in appropriate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the state of Georgia and Alabama, Department of Agriculture categories for the application of herbicides. Required documentation of certification or licensure for new Contractor personnel shall be filed with the Contracting Officer, or COR, within 24 hours prior to performance of service by any Contractor personnel.

Georgia: The contractor (company) must have a 'Pesticide Contractor License' issued by the GA Department of Agriculture; license categories would be Right-of-Way - 27 (preferred) and/or Ornamental & Turf - 24 (acceptable). Any employee of the contractor who will apply pesticides (herbicide) must be licensed by the GA DA as a 'Commercial Applicator' with certification in categories of Right-of-Way - 27 (preferred) and/or Ornamental & Turf - 24 (acceptable). Contractor employees who lack a Commercial Applicator license are not authorized to apply pesticides on Fort Benning, regardless of supervisory oversight.

Alabama: The contractor (company) must have a 'Custom Applicators Business License' issued by the AL Department of Agriculture and Industries; license categories would be Right-of-Way - ROW (preferred) and/or Ornamental & Turf

- OTPS (acceptable). Any employee of the contractor who will apply pesticides (herbicide) must possess a 'Commercial Pesticide Applicator Permit' issued by the AL DAI with certification in categories of Right-of-Way - ROW (preferred) and/or Ornamental & Turf - OTPS (acceptable).

Contractor employees who lack a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Permit are not authorized to apply pesticides on Fort Benning, regardless of supervisory oversight.

For contractors that are headquartered in another state, it is acceptable for the company and applicator(s) to have a 'reciprocal' license issued by either of the above states in order to operate on Fort Benning.

Contractors applying herbicide/pesticide must comply with all applicable requirements in the Record of Environmental Consideration (Form FB 144-R, attached).

2.2.3.2 Other: N/A

2.2.4 Environmental Requirements.

2.2.4.1 Executive Order (EO) 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade. The Contractor shall comply with tenants of the EO and when practicable, shall use:

(a) products with post-consumer recycled content

(b) products that are recyclable

(c) low toxicity or non-toxic products

(d) low-maintenance products

2.2.4.2 Green Procurement. Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) requires the use of recycled and recovered products identified in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. The following items are currently listed for Landscaping Services in the EPA Guidelines:

a. Compost made from recovered organic materials.

b. Fertilizer made from recovered organic materials.

c. Garden and soaker hoses.

d. Hydraulic mulch.

e. Lawn and garden edging.

f. Plastic lumber landscaping timbers and posts

2.2.4.2.1 The Contractor is required to use these recycled or recovered products unless they cannot be procured within a reasonable period of time; at reasonable prices; or the product(s) does not meet technical or performance standards. EPA Guidelines are the minimum requirement. The Contractor is encouraged to use other materials and products not listed but commonly used in industry. The Contractor shall maintain records and submit an annual report to the COR, along with the annual certification required by FAR 52.223-9 Certification and Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA Designated Items, upon completion of the basic year and each option year.

2.2.4.3 Environmental Compliance. The Contractor shall comply with all federal, state, local and installation environmental laws, rules and plans. The Contractor shall use and store all materials, chemicals, and equipment used in the performance of services on the installation in accordance with industry standards, local, federal and state laws, and according to manufactures' recommendations. The Contractor will submit Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for approval on all materials, five (5) days before delivery of the material, to the COR. The Contractor shall make all environmental and hazardous material records available, at the beginning of the next duty day after the Government’s request to view the records.

2.2.5 Type of Contract: The Government will award a firm-fixed price single award contract.

3.0 Performance Requirements and Standards.

3.1 High Level Objective (HLO).

3.1.1 Performance Task Requirements, Standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs).

3.1.1.1 Grounds Appearance. Discretionary landscaping decisions by the Contractor shall be made in a manner to maintain current grounds appearance, and to maintain an appearance consistent with the surrounding installation.

3.1.1.2 Damage. As directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall repair Government property damaged by vehicles, erosion, drought or insect/diseases. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, and equipment to perform the repair work including cultivating and applying seed, sprigging, or placing sod. All turf repair work shall be maintained to ensure successful growth.

3.1.1.2.1 Third Party Repair Damaged Areas. In the event that the Contractor discovers damages caused by another party, the Contractor shall notify the COR of the extent of the damage and proposed corrective action. The Contractor shall make no repairs until authorized by the KO or their designated representative. Contractor reimbursement shall be based on itemized proposals negotiated by the Contracting Officer, and shall be executed under the Damage Repair Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).

3.1.1.2.2 Damage Caused by Contractor. During the execution of Contractor provided services, damages caused by its employees shall be repaired at no cost to the Government. The Contractor shall notify the COR and shall return the damaged area to its previous condition.

3.1.1.2.3 Damage Report. The Contractor shall submit a monthly damage report to the COR that annotates the damage, corrective action, and date corrected.

3.1.1.3 Snow Plowing and Ice Removal Standby. NA

3.1.1.3.1 Snow Plowing and Ice Removal. N/A

3.1.1.3.2 Snow Shoveling and Ice Removal. NA

3.1.1.4 Service Improved Areas.

3.1.1.4.1 Mowing. All lawn areas within the improved areas (including Airfield) shall be mowed by the Contractor according to the standards listed in TE-1 including ditches, swales, and all areas where the ground is covered with grass of any type. The Contractor will cut this area every 7 days for Bahia, Rye, Fescue, tall Fescue, St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Bent, Centipede, and Zoysia. Paved areas and walkways shall be free of lawn clippings/debris the same day the mowing is performed. The Contractor shall remove debris prior to mowing improved areas. The Contractor shall mow improved grounds to maintain two (2) to three (3) inches in areas where the grass exceeds four (4) inches in height. Mulch mowing is preferred. The Contractor shall remove visible grass clippings after mowing, before leaving work area. The lawn shall be uniform in appearance, free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping.

3.1.1.4.2 Edging. The Contractor shall edge all flowerbeds, mulched areas, sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, and other concrete and asphalt edges located in the improved and semi-improve areas to present a neat appearance. Edging includes the removal of all grass or weeds sprouting from sidewalks, pavement, and curb joints and asphalt. The use of post-emergent herbicides by the Contractor, for edging purposes, is limited to grass in cracks and shall not be used to edge the entire area. The Contractor shall remove all edging debris the same day that edging is performed.

3.1.1.4.3 Trimming. The Contractor shall trim grass and weeds around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumpers, boulders, and all other fixed objects that project above the ground. Trimming shall also include removal of all vegetation from cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and curbs and ground level gutters. The use of herbicides by the Contractor shall be limited to post-emergent crack grass and the base perimeter fence line. The grass or weeds shall be trimmed to the same height as the adjacent mowed grass. Trimming work shall be performed concurrently with mowing the adjacent grass. Grass, vegetation and weeds shall be trimmed to no more than ½-inch from the surface edged, maintaining an even contour with the edged surface, uniform in appearance and free of scalping, rutting, and uneven or rough cutting. The Contractor shall repair any damages to trees and shrubs caused by trimming. If a plant damaged by trimming dies or becomes unhealthy, the Contractor shall replace the damaged plant with a plant of the same size and type at no additional cost, to the Government. Plant replacement shall be performed within 15 days of the date the Contractor is notified to replace the plant. The Contractor shall remove all trimming debris from sidewalks and driveways the same day that trimming is performed.

3.1.1.4.4 Remove Debris, Leaves, and Litter from the Grounds. The Contractor shall perform litter patrol on improved grounds and airfield grounds. Those areas are identified in TE-2. Responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, the removal and disposal of all natural debris, (i.e. leaves, tree limbs, dry brush, rodent habitats, dead animals, etc.) litter, and trash. During tree shedding months, leaves shall be removed from improved grounds during the frequency indicated in TE-1.

3.1.1.4.4.1 Maintain Storm Drainage Systems and Storm Debris. The Contractor shall control vegetation for storm drainage systems, and remove obstructions for storm drainage systems. Storm debris shall be cleared within 48 hours after the cessation of a storm event.

3.1.1.4.5 Aerating and Overseeding Soil. Aerate and overseed soil annually to maintain roots in a healthy state as indicated in TE-1.

3.1.1.4.6 Apply Fertilizer and Lime. The Contractor shall apply commercial fertilizer and lime, approved by the COR, to all improved areas, at a sufficient rate to provide a healthy growth rate of grass and other vegetated areas. Fertilizer/lime shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation.

3.1.1.4.7 Weed Control. The Contractor shall perform weed control during grounds maintenance services. Herbicide application shall be limited to parade fields, ranges, drop zones, airfields and athletic fields. All contract employees that apply herbicide must have a (Federal/State/Local) herbicide application certificate/license. The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that the licenses/certificates and training of Contractor personnel are kept current. Copies of these licenses/certifications will be provided to the Contracting Officer, not later than 10 calendar days prior to the start of the contract period, and again within 10 calendar days upon a change in personnel. Contract herbicides management employees shall not apply herbicides under someone else’s certification. The Contractor shall submit a consolidated list of all chemicals used during the month, in a monthly herbicide application record to the COR. All mixing and storage of herbicide shall be performed off the installation. If the Contractor spills or releases any hazardous substances, i.e. substances listed in 40 CFR 302, Designation, Reportable Quantities, and Notification, the Contractor must immediately notify the KO and Contracting Officer’s Representative, followed by written notification within one (1) hour. The Contractor shall submit an herbicide usage report of all herbicide use to the KO within one day after application of any herbicide.

3.1.1.4.8 Service/Maintain Shrubs, Hedges, Sod, Plants, Flowers, and Trees.

3.1.1.4.8.1 Pruning Shrubs, Hedges and Other Plants. The Contractor shall employ established pruning techniques, to remove dead branches, thin out shrub density, simplify shrub structure, or reduce shrub size. Shrubs and other plants shall be pruned away from buildings, sidewalks curbs, and fire hydrants; under windows, around ground lighting to allow light usage for its intended purpose and shall be pruned to maintain a minimum of three (3) inches clearance from buildings, sidewalks, or other obstructions. The Contractor shall keep areas beneath shrubs and hedges free of all grass, weeds, vegetation, and debris. Additionally, the Contractor shall prune shrubbery, located on street corners and curb easements, to keep foliage from obstructing the view of oncoming traffic. The Contractor shall remove all pruning debris from beds, lawns, and adjacent paved surfaces before leaving the work area.

3.1.1.4.8.2 Service/Maintain Vegetative/Planter/Flower Beds. The Contractor shall fertilize, water, edge, trim, prune shrubs, eliminate weeds and involuntary seed growth, maintain bedding material, and repair or replace damaged plants in shrub and plant beds identified in TE-1.

3.1.1.4.8.2.1 The Contractor shall plant and maintain flowers. Only low maintenance, indigenous flowering plants shall be acceptable candidates for planting. Annual plants shall be removed at the end of each growing season respective of the geographic location. New flowers and annual plants shall be planted in accordance with best industry standards at the beginning of each growing season respective of the geographic location. Around Soldier Park and traffic circles.

3.1.1.4.8.2.2 The Contractor shall refresh planter beds by the removal of all existing mulch and replacement with a brown, medium grade, mulch that contains no factory dyes or preservatives, to the depth of 1.5 inches. Contractor shall ensure that mulch meets federal requirement all vegetation shall be cleared from an existing vegetative bed, so the customer can have new plants installed and new beauty bark/brown mulch spread. Around Soldier Park and traffic circles.

3.1.1.4.8.3 Service/Maintain Trees. As Ordered by the COR: The Contractor shall service all existing trees. Trees that become diseased or die shall be removed and replaced with like trees. Trees that are installed shall be two inch (2”) to two and a half inch (2½”) caliper. Installation of new shrubs and trees will be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable CLIN price in the bid schedule.

3.1.1.4.8.3.1 Tree, Brush and Stump Removal and Replacement. The Contractor shall identify dead or mortally damaged trees, to the KO, within seven (7) calendar days of identification by Contractor personnel. The Contractor shall only cut down and remove trees identified by the COR with an “X” painted on the trunk. The Contractor shall fell trees in a direction that will not cause collateral damage to surrounding trees, buildings, infrastructure(s) or property. Tree removal includes removal of the stump and perimeter roots, by chipping/grinding the tree stump to a depth of ten inches (10”) below ground level and disposal of all other debris. All debris shall be removed within ten (10) calendar days of tree removal and damaged area shall be raked, leveled and seeded.

3.1.1.4.8.3.2 Emergency Removal Operations. When urgent tree and stump removal is required,…