PWS - JBC Grounds Mx.docx

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

06 Feb 2024

Please Read Please read PWS carefully. Contractors are highly encouraged to mark-up and make recommendations. The Governments objective is to mirror the commercial market to the maximum extent practicable. Although we are soliciting feedback on the entire document, please be sure to review weed control, fertilization, leaf removal and unimproved grounds. Can these specific areas be improved?

Prepared by Joint Base Charleston

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide non-personal services, to include all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance is performed at Joint Base Charleston (JBC) in a manner that will promote the growth of healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance. Areas maps and workloads depicting the service described in this PWS are identified in the Appendices. The Contractor’s performance will be based on the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer’s (CO) evaluation of the results required by the Service Summary (SS) and not the method of performance. The evaluation of results will be based on COR surveillance, 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, and local laws.

The growing season at JBC is considered to be March 1st through October 31st. All damage caused by the Contractor or its employees to government property and personal property (to include facilities, fences, equipment, trees, and shrubs, etc.) due to Contractor operations shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor within 15 days after identification/notification at no additional cost to the Government. If a plant should die or become unhealthy due to damage, the Contractor will be responsible for replacing the damaged plant with a plant of same size and type. Plant replacement shall occur within 15 days after identification or notification or as otherwise agreed to by the parties.

Fence lines shall be trimmed to prevent vegetation growth in and on fences, including removal of vegetation growing up the links of chain-link fences, pillars of decorative fence, and between the boards of shadowbox fences. Application of nonselective herbicides to control grass, weeds, and vegetation around obstacles to include fence lines, fire hydrants, light poles, etc.… shall only be allowed with the COR approval.

maintain improved grounds Improved grounds are identified in Appendix (B).

mow The contractor shall maintain the height of grass and weeds between 2- and 4-inches uniform in appearance, free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping. The contractor shall be required to pick up debris, natural and manmade, prior to mowing any area. The contractor shall ensure that all mowing is accomplished in a manner that debris is blown away from streets, sidewalks, vehicles, and personnel when possible. The contractor shall remove or mulch grass clippings when visible after mowing and shall not blow grass clippings or other debris onto streets, curbs, sidewalks, or parking lots. Removed debris shall be disposed of in accordance with the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan. Where applicable, the contractor shall mow to the water’s edge to maintain an even appearance.

The contractor may submit to the CO/COR written requests for temporary waivers NTE 30 days to height standards for specific grass types when growth exceeds normally acceptable scheduled operations.

The contractor shall notify the COR when limbs that require trimming interfere with mowing operations and impact performance of mowing standards. Contractor must submit requests for work orders issued under section 1.11 Special Services.

WALKING PATHS AND JOGGING TRAILS

Where physical limitations do not apply, the contractor shall maintain to improved grounds standards, a width of 10-feet on either side of identified sidewalks within Military Family Housing (MFH), and physical training (PT) routes. The contractor shall maintain surfaces free of vegetation by removing crack grass, weeds, and controlling growth along their edges. Chemical edging is authorized when in compliance with section 1.1.5 Weed Control.

Edge The contractor shall edge sidewalks, driveways, street edges, curbs, and other hard surfaced areas located within the improved grounds. Vegetation shall be cut back no more than ½-inch from the surface edged and to a depth of at least 2-inches, maintaining an even contour with the edged surface, uniform in appearance and free of scalping, rutting, and uneven or rough cutting.

Trim Where mowing cannot be accomplished, the contractor shall trim vegetation, to include volunteer trees and “suckers”, around trees, shrubs, buildings, utility enclosures, fences, poles, fire hydrants, parking lots bumper blocks, boulders, and other fixed obstacles and temporary obstacles/objects on improved grounds. Trimming height shall match surrounding area performance standard. As much as practical, all areas shall be trimmed concurrent with mowing. The contractor shall remove or mulch vegetation clippings when visible after trimming, before leaving work area.

WEED CONTROL

Control weeds in identified improved grounds through implementation and execution of a weed control program appropriate for the area. A draft chemical weed control plan shall be submitted to the CO 30 days after award, and a final plan shall be submitted to the COR/CO 30 days after the period of performance and each option year. Appendix C lists, but is not limited to, the most common weeds found on Joint Base Charleston. The contractor shall be responsible for program adaptations and maintaining records available upon request from government personnel for the duration of the contract. The contractor shall restore grounds made barren where weeds are removed to the level of care of the surrounding area (i.e. semi-improved, improved, etc.). The Contractor shall use only approved pesticides as stated in DoD Instruction 4150.07, DoD Pest Management Program, Encl 4 para 4.2.2 and AFI 32-1053, Pest Management Program, para 4.7.4 and 4.7.6. All pesticides, herbicides, and rodenticides are defined in DoD and Air Force documents. The Contractor shall comply with current federal, state, local, DoD, and Air Force regulations, plans, and policies. 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. The Contractor shall ensure that all employees performing applications have current state certification for the pest control services being performed. Civil Engineer Asset Management Flight must approve all herbicides prior to use. All herbicides and pesticides used must be on the installation-approved inventory list and applied by certified personnel. Weeds that are treated or maintained shall be removed from the area or mulched in place.

TURF WEED CONTROL

The contractor shall control turf weeds in improved grounds areas identified in Appendix B in accordance with section 1.1.5. The contractor shall provide 24 hour notification, if variations to the provided plan or schedule are made, to the COR prior to application of any chemical control; notification should include impacted areas. Approved dyes may be used to track applications.

ELIMINATION OF VEGETATION

The contractor shall perform elimination of vegetation on non-turf areas within improved grounds through physical, chemical, or mechanical methods to prevent/eliminate unintended invasive growth. Elimination of vegetation shall include the removal of dead vegetation from areas in improved grounds.

LINEAR WEED CONTROL “CRACK CRASS”

The contractor shall perform linear elimination of vegetation within improved grounds areas on all expansion joints, sidewalks, driveways, curbs and gutters, and adjacent parking/staging areas. This standard is extended to include facilities and permanent equipment adjacent to or surrounded by hard surfacing material such as hangars, fuel pumping stations, etc.

area The contractor shall perform elimination of vegetation on all non-turf areas within improved grounds on all permeable and semi-permeable staging/parking areas, graveled enclosures, pavers, and tertiary roads identified in Appendix B.

Irrigation (Reserved) Playground Maintenance The Contractor shall maintain playgrounds as improved grounds in accordance with sections 1.1.1, 1.1.2, and 1.1.3, and weed free in accordance with section 1.1.5. All non-permanent surfacing material (e.g., sand, engineered wood chips, etc.) shall be replenished or replaced through issuance of a work order under section 1.11 Special Services to meet protective surfacing requirements.

Artificial Turf The contractor shall maintain artificial turf identified in Appendix B in accordance with all manufactures recommended maintenance practices and standards according to the turf manufactures products. Damages due to contractor negligence will be repaired immediately at no additional cost to the Government.

Non-Turf Surfaces At the time of scheduled service of adjacent areas, the contractor shall blow off all natural or man-made debris from playground surfaces.

Dead animals (RESERVED) Leaf removal The Contractor shall mulch in place leaves in all areas identified in Appendix B, to maintain a neat and professional appearance. Areas that cannot be mulched in place shall be removed. This work shall include leaves, pine needles and pinecones from all trees and shrubs and includes said debris that collect on curbs, in gutters, and on sidewalks. Leaves and debris will be disposed of in accordance with the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan. This task will be issued via a work order from the COR and will typically take place between the months of November and February, however the COR may issue work orders at any time necessary. The contractor shall have ten (10) working days from the date issued to complete each leaf removal work order.

Lawn Conditioning Fertilization The contractor shall have a pH adjustment and fertilization plan for turf areas identified in Appendix B. The contractor shall perform a minimum of two (2) laboratory tests of the soil in improved grounds and apply fertilizer and other soil amendments for the conditions, types of grass, and season to bring the soil to that which is suitable for the healthy growth of grass. Following fertilizer application, if required, all non-turf surfaces shall be cleared of debris or residue. Additional contractor recommendations for fertilization will be considered for turf quality improvement. This plan may be consolidated into the weed control plan.

Aeration The contractor shall aerate lawns on improved grounds once per year during the month that best suited for the grounds and type of grass. Aeration shall be performed with a core aerator to remove soil plugs at a minimum of 2-4 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart. Plugs will be left on the lawn to disintegrate. This work will be issued as a work order by the CO or COR with a map or drawing designating locations.

Pest control (insect/rodent) (RESERVED) Lawn Repair The contractor will perform lawn renovation services within improved grounds upon request. The CO or COR will issue a Statement of Work (SOW) and the contractor shall provide a quote. With CO approval, this work will be issued via a separate task order. Renovation services to restore damage or deteriorated lawn areas are expected to achieve results similar to existing adjacent areas. Lawn renovation services may include the following: tilling, grading, fill dirt, topsoil, sod, seed and straw, hydro-seeding, rolling, fertilization, weed control, and watering. The contractor will maintain areas for a period specified in the SOW prior to final acceptance.

Prune Shrub, Hedges and other Plants The contractor shall prune/trim shrubs and other plants to maintain their natural growth characteristics to enhance the beauty and health of the plant. Hedges shall be maintained to their natural mature height and shape. Shrubs, plants, hedges, and ground cover/vines shall be pruned/trimmed 6 inches away from buildings, fences, curbing, sidewalks, and other fixed obstacles. All ground cover and plants shall be kept within the bed borders. All plants around landscape and ground lights shall be pruned/trimmed to allow light usage for its intended purpose. Shrubs and hedges located on street corners, curb easements, etc. shall be pruned/trimmed to keep from obstructing view of oncoming traffic. Areas beneath shrubs and hedges shall be kept free (clean) of all vegetation, and debris.

Cemeteries (RESERVED) Maintain semi-improved Grounds Semi-Improved grounds include areas where frequent maintenance is not required such as rifle/pistol ranges, ammunition storage areas, secondary roads etc.

Mow The Contractor shall maintain vegetation height between 4- and 10-inches in all semi-improved grounds areas. Where possible, maintain adjacent areas at or near the same grass height. The Contractor shall be required to pick up debris, natural and man-made, prior to mowing any area.

The contractor shall notify the COR when limbs that require trimming interfere with mowing operations and will require work orders issued under section 1.11 Special Services.

Trim The Contractor shall trim vegetation around trees, curbs/roadsides, shrubs, buildings, fences, poles, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, and other fixed and temporary obstacles/objects on semi-improved grounds. Trimming height shall match surrounding area grass height. When possible, all areas shall be trimmed concurrent with mowing. The contractor shall trim back all vegetation encroaching onto semi-improved grounds roadways, and curbs.

Elimination of vegetation (Area weed control) The contractor shall perform elimination of vegetation on non-turf areas such as staging lots, gravel lots, enclosures, etc. adjacent to semi-improved grounds through physical, chemical, or mechanical methods to prevent/eliminate unintended invasive growth. Elimination of vegetation shall include the removal of vegetation.

Remove debris/Police grounds The contractor shall perform daily general litter/debris patrol (along 15 miles) (across 100\ acres) designated in the Appendix B. Remove and dispose of detritus, dry brush, rodent habitats, palm fronds, etc., and man-made debris in designated receptacles/solid waste collection points. This is in addition to the requirements in sections 1.1 and 1.2. Seasonal leaves are not included within policing grounds.

Munitions Storage Area (MSA) Munition Storage areas are located within the 2100 and 900 areas on the Air Base, and within 2 Naval Munitions Command (NMC) locations on the NWS. These locations are large, remote, require a wide range of grounds maintenance activities, and are a mission essential component to the installation.

MSA Improved Grounds Maintenance The contractor shall maintain all improved grounds within MSAs designated in Appendix B in accordance with section 1.1, Improved grounds maintenance. These areas include headquarters facilities, operational facilities, and their surrounding areas.

MSA Semi-Improved Grounds Maintenance Other than the areas within 1.4.1, the contractor shall maintain approximately 206 total earth covered magazines (ECM), magazines, revetments, igloo bunkers, and other munitions storage sites including Potential Explosive Site (PES) 50-foot fire breaks to a minimum semi-improved grounds maintenance standard. The contractor shall cut all magazines/revetments in a manner not to disturb the ground cover or to create erosion to magazine or ground cover. Damage because of mowing shall be repaired by the contractor immediately at no additional cost to the Government. Semi-improved maintenance standards shall apply to all berms, and elevated and low-lying areas within the MSA.

All primary munitions routes within MSAs shall maintain a minimum 10-foot shoulder on either side to semi-improved standards, including trimming of all signs, markings, and other obstacles.

A minimum 20-foot radius shall be maintained at semi-improved standards around all lightning arresting poles.

Chemical growth control may be used on and around bunkers when used in a manner not to cause erosion of earth cover and with written authorization form the COR.

LiDAR imagery may be provided which outlines the mostly rugged, undeveloped, and often marsh-like terrain. The contractor is encouraged to understand the level of effort and associated equipment requirements for maintenance within these areas.

MSA Improved grounds (Weed Control) The contractor shall maintain weeds in MSA improved grounds areas in accordance with 1.1.5 Weed control.

MSA Semi-improved grounds (Weed Control) The contractor shall maintain weeds in MSA semi-improved grounds areas in accordance with 1.2.3 Elimination of vegetation (weed control). This is to include munitions headwalls, loading docks, etc.

Fence line maintenance As designated in Appendix A and B, the contractor shall remove all vegetation going up or through 90-miles of base perimeter, interior, security fencing, facility, site security, athletic area fences, using standard mechanical, physical, and herbicide-application methods. The contractor may use nonselective herbicides to control vegetation growth along any fence line and any gravel or stone surface(s) along fence line only with the prior notification and approval of the COR.

Security and perimeter fence line The contractor shall maintain within the 90 miles of fence. These fences are the highest priority fence lines as they control entry to restricted areas. To limit visual obstruction for security purposes, these fences shall have a maintained horizontal clear zone of 10 feet inside and 10 feet outside at a minimum semi-improved height standard; this acreage is captured within maps and areas are included in the total acreage included in sections 1.1 and 1.2.

Security and perimeter fence clear zone exemptions Sections of security and perimeter fence lines shall have exemptions to the clear zone requirement based on either geographical or property-ownership restrictions. Exemptions may be made to one or both sides of the fence; these areas are not captured in maps, nor included in total acreages.

Maintain Bird Area Strike Hazard (BASH) BASH are identified in Appendix A and B.

Mow The contractor shall maintain vegetation between 7-14-inches. The vegetation shall not be shorter than 7-inches in height to prevent dust and debris on the airfield and never be more than 14 inches in height to prevent bird habitation. Approved plant growth regulators may be used in reducing mowing frequency; products and timing must be approved by ADCEC/COSC IAW para. 1.6.3. The Contractor shall begin mowing operations at the active Airfield surfaces and move to the outermost area. This causes insects and animals to move toward the inside of the field and away from the runway. The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all foreign objects and debris (FOD) produced by maintenance operations is cleared off all runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking aprons before leaving the work area. Where possible, maintain adjacent areas at or near the same grass heights. The Contractor shall keep all encroaching vegetation pushed back to the tree/fence lien.

Airfield Light Fixtures, other obstacles & buildings The contractor shall maintain a 10-foot-wide path between 4” and 6” in height around the perimeter of the airfield pavement to include trimming around buildings, runway and taxiway lights and other fixed obstacles and temporary obstacles/objects. Vegetation shall not extend over the edge of concrete, pads, taxiways, runways, and paved or asphalt areas.

Herbicides and Insecticides The Contractor shall follow the BASH plan to minimize seeds and flowers that attract insects/birds. The CO/COR shall review and approval the timing and frequency of herbicide/insecticide products. The Contractor shall ensure that all workers have current state certification for the pest control services being performed. Civil Engineer Asset Management Flight must approve all herbicides/insecticides prior to use.

Airfield Coordination The contractor shall coordinate all activities on the airfield by contacting Airfield Management. Work will be accomplished only after Airfield Management has approved scheduled times.

Flight-Line Drivers Training must be completed prior to operating vehicles or equipment on the flight line. All employees working on the airfield grounds shall be required to have an AF Form 483, Certificate of Competency (flight-line driver’s license) with them always. Vehicles must have a valid POV pass issued by Airfield Management prior to operating on the flight line. No equipment will be left unattended while working in these areas.

Airfield Tower Communications The contractor shall be radio-equipped to maintain constant two-way radio contact with the control tower and Airfield Management when operating near runways, overruns, and taxiways. The contractor shall maintain contact with the control tower when operating on or within 150 feet of the runway. The contractor shall provide all communication equipment required for this contract. The government shall provide the transceiver frequency to the contractor. All equipment shall be VHF type with a minimum five-mile range and shall have private line capability. The contractor shall be responsible for any changes to radio types that the base makes during this contract, i.e. frequency changes. The contractor shall respond immediately to the directions of the Air Traffic Control tower personnel.

un-improved grounds Un-improved grounds are identified in Appendix (B). The Contractor shall maintain vegetation in un-improved grounds to prevent woody encroachment and vegetation overgrowth. Unless otherwise directed or qualified by the CO/COR, vegetation under 2-inches diameter shall be cut down as un-improved grounds. The contractor shall manage un-improved grounds quarterly to maintain a height under 14-inches.

DETRITUS REMOVAL

The contractor shall remove and dispose of all accumulated detritus from improved, semi- improved, and unimproved areas when identified, or within 24 hours of COR identification and notification. Detritus is defined as any size of fallen or damaged tree limbs up to 24” in diameter, fallen saplings, organic debris, or any other natural or man-made debris. In the event fallen tree limbs exceed 24” in diameter, such work shall be identified as Emergency Tree and Stump Removal and accomplished through issuance of a work order by the CO or COR. Removal of accumulated debris through government cutting operations such as emergency power line tree trimming shall be accomplished through the work-order process on a case-by-case basis.

CONTRACTOR MAINTAINED TRASH RECEPTICALS

The contractor shall supply new 33-gallon liners and empty the government provided trash receptacles located throughout the playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields, and along jogging trails. The contractor shall determine the emptying schedule to ensure that the containers do not exceed 80% capacity. The contractor shall pick-up any trash that has overflowed onto the grounds surrounding the trash receptacle for a distance of 50 feet. The contractor shall notify the COR of issues including damaged and/or broken containers.

Maintain vegetative beds, inert beds, rock beds and related areas The contractor shall maintain vegetative beds, inert beds, rock beds, and related areas as identified in Appendix A and B to present a neat and professional appearance. Maintenance activities at a minimum shall include weeding, laying/replenishing of pine straw and manicuring of all vegetation.

Maintain surface drainage Ditches The contractor shall maintain surface drainage ditches, inlets, and outlets to be free of shrubs, trees, and trash to prevent erosion and ensure continuous flow of water. Drainage ditches to be maintained are identified in Appendix B. Category 5 (Aquatics) chemical applications which do not cause excessive erosion are acceptable with written authorization by the COR and Base Entomologist. Cut vegetation shall be removed or mulched in place.

The Charleston area has a low elevation with a rainy season normally between July and September. Excessive rains and limited drainage points can lead to areas of significant water retention across the installation; in some cases, exceeding 72 hours. Ditches provided in Appendix X attachment (X) outline “Area” (polygon) and “line” (polyline) storm water infrastructure. Area ditches are more likely to retain water or require additional levels of effort or equipment than required to maintain adjacent grounds. Ditches identified as line are less likely to retain water or require additional levels of effort or equipment than required to maintain adjacent grounds.

During the rainy season, where water retention exists and prevents the use of standard grounds maintenance equipment without turf damage, relief can be provided for improved grounds and semi-improved. “BASH” and “Unimproved grounds” are to be managed by the contractor through the COR. Infrastructure points of failure causing service delays shall be identified by the contractor, communicated to and validated by the COR, and addressed for correction by the 628th CES. The contractor will not be found deficient on validated infrastructure failures.

Linear ditch maintenance Linear ditches are to be maintained to the adjacent ground’s maintenance standards. These do not impact overall acreages but are represented to show locations for possible water conveyance/retention for contractor clarification.

Area ditch maintenance Area ditches are to be maintained to the adjacent ground’s maintenance standards. When maintenance is limited from water retention, the contractor shall maintain ditches to the water’s edge. Square footages are converted and included in the total acres for each ground’s maintenance standard.

Large surfaced and unsurfaced ditches Ditches identified in Appendix B identify the larger ditches to be maintained which have historically required the highest levels of effort, or use of specialized equipment. Large unsurfaced ditches shall be maintained to a vegetation height not to exceed 18”. These ditches range in width up to 60 feet, depth up to 20 feet, and length up to 4,300 feet. BASH standards shall apply to all ditches within the airfield.

Retention/Detention ponds and Bio-swales These areas are designed to hold water for periods of time and will likely be limited to access with equipment. Inlets, outlets, and grates shall be kept free of vegetation, trash, silt, and other obstructions inhibiting proper flow.

Retention Ponds Retention ponds are designed to hold water for extended periods of time, and some will retain water for up to 12 months. The contractor shall maintain these areas to the water’s edge to maintain an even appearance with adjacent grounds. Any additional maintenance required shall be issued under section 1.13.4 Special Cuts.

Detention Ponds Detention ponds are designed to hold water for up to 72 hours. Detention ponds shall be maintained when dry to the standards of adjacent grounds. During the rainy season, detention ponds shall be maintained to the adjacent ground’s maintenance standards to the water’s edge.

Bio-Swales Bio-swales located at NPTU shall be cut down, at a minimum, level to the parking lot, quarterly. Cut vegetation shall be removed where possible or mulched in place.

Right Of Way (ROW) Maintenance All work under this section shall be executed by the contractor. The contractor shall be responsible for removing all debris generated from tree related operations. All ROWs will be maintained in standard throughout the year.

Power Line ROW Power line right-of-way clearance shall be performed in accordance with UFC 3- 560-01. Emergency trimming or pruning of trees that touch or hang over energized utility poles or power lines is the responsibility of the contractor and must be always maintained. The contractor shall be responsible for initiating power outage requests or requests to perform work around energized power lines as needed through the COR. Contractor should make every effort to minimize the need for power outages to prevent negative mission impact. Government expectation is for contractor to perform tree pruning without the need for power outages. If a power outage is required, the contractor shall request the outage at least 30 days prior to performing the work.

Railroad ROW The contractor shall maintain railroad rights-of-way located in Appendix B. ROWs extend to 17 feet on each side of the railroad center line. Mowing equipment shall cross over railroad tracks only where graveled cross overs are located, or the contractor shall provide their own portable crossovers so as not to disturb the graveled ballast or tracks. Tree limbs/branches that protrude outward from wooded areas and extending toward railroads shall be cut to a minimum of an 18 feet vertical clearance and a 12 feet horizontal clearance measured from the ballasts of railroads.

Vehicle and Pedestrian ROW The contractor shall maintain all trees that encroach on the streets, driveways, and pedestrian sidewalk right of ways across approximately 72 miles to minimum clearances defined in section 1.13. The contractor will ensure all safety requirements are met prior to trimming. All debris shall be removed in accordance with the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan. When completed all debris will be blown from the roads, driveways, and sidewalks. All tree trimming will be accomplished in accordance with the American National Standards Institute ANSI A300 Part 1 industry standards. Trees trimmed will be reported to the COR when they are complete.

Special requirements All work under this section shall be executed via a work order (WO) or notice to proceed (NTP) by the CO or COR. The contractor shall be responsible for removing all debris generated from all trees related operations.

All non- emergency WOs/NTPs for services not pre-priced: A request for quote will be submitted to contractor by the COR/CO, along with a SOW, if applicable. A quote shall be returned within 5 business days unless otherwise agreed to by the COR/CO. Work shall be completed within five 5 business days from the WO/NTP unless otherwise noted. The contractor shall notify the COR within one business day of work order completion for acceptance.

Trees The contractor shall identify trees that pose public safety hazards or threats to structures/buildings. These hazards include minimum safety clearances, which are: 14 feet over streets, 12 feet over driveways, 8 feet over walk areas, 4 feet over buildings, and 1 foot from buildings.

Topping and de-horning are not permitted. Trimming or pruning of trees that touch or hang over energized utility poles or power lines is the responsibility of the contractor. Minimum clearance from primary lines (over 600 volts) shall be 8 feet. Minimum clearance from secondary lines (under 600 volts, i.e. electric service drops, telephone, and cable TV) shall be 4 feet.

Standard service provider scheduled rights of way trimming services in South Carolina operate on a 4–5-year cycle.

Tree Care The contractor shall brace, cable, guy (to keep tree vertical), and deep water all damaged trees after identification. The contractor shall remove all guy wires, cables, straps, and stakes when the trees remain vertical (normally, after one growing season). The contractor shall adjust wires, cables, and straps as required, to prevent girdling.

Tree Standards The contractor shall perform all tree work in accordance with contract specifications and the following tree care standards, latest addition, unless otherwise directed by the CO.

· ANSI A300 - Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations including referenced Combined Federal Regulations (Utility Pruning and Emergency Service Restoration)

· ANSI A300 (Part 1) – Tree Pruning

· ANSI A300 (Part 3) – Tree Support Systems (Cabling, Bracing, and Guying)

· ANSI Z60.1 – American Standards for Nursery Stock

· ANSI Z133.1 – Safety Requirements for Tree Care Operations

Emergency Spot Pruning/Trimming Emergency spot pruning/trimming will be issued via WO from the COR and typically includes removal of dead and/or broken limbs or removal of limbs for required safety clearances as noted in paragraph 1.11.1. The contractor shall complete emergency spot pruning/trimming within one (1) workday from the WO date unless otherwise noted.

Stump Removal The contractor shall perform stump and perimeter root removal by WO. The contractor shall completely remove stumps and roots by cutting and grinding all growth to a minimum of 8 inches below grade, preventing regrowth and pest accumulation. Stumps shall be ground within 5 days after approval of dig permit of the WO/NTP. Stump-grinding debris shall be removed the same day grinding is performed. The contractor shall backfill with topsoil, and lay sod to match the existing ground grade and the type of grass. The contractor shall maintain the patch area until the grass has become established. Established areas shall be maintained to adjacent area’s grounds maintenance standards.

Tree Removal Trees identified for removal shall be considered within the following categories, Large, Medium, Small and Sapling, as based on their diameter. The diameter of the tree shall be determined by measuring 4.5 feet above the ground. Trees with multiple trunks shall be measured as follows: All trunk diameters shall be measured. The largest trunk diameter shall be recorded. Each remaining trunk diameter shall be halved. All values will then be added together to obtain the final tree diameter. Tree removal must ensure no more than 24” in height remains above ground level. Trees allowed to mature into saplings through neglect of standard maintenance activities shall not be removed as an additional cost to the government.

· Large Trees: Diameter 36” and above, remove within 10 workdays from the work order date. [Due to the complexity and difficulty of removing large trees, the bid schedule should have large trees on a proposal basis and not a firm fixed cost]

· Medium Trees: Diameter 24” to less than 36”, remove within 10 workdays from the work order date.

· Small Trees: Diameter 3” to less than 24”, remove within 5 workdays from the work order date.

· Sapling: Diameter 3” and smaller, remove within 2 workdays from the work order date.

Removal of fallen trees, other than saplings, which do not require sectioning, hauling, and disposal shall be managed via WO/NTP on a case-by-case basis.

Emergency Tree Removal The following timeframes apply to emergency tree and stump removal by the contractor:

· Large Trees: Remove within 2 workdays from the work order date.

· Medium Trees: Remove within 2 workdays from the work order date.

· Small Trees: Remove within 1 working day from the work order date.

Emergency and special events services Upon notification of an emergency or special event, the contractor shall respond within one (1) hour to initiate emergency services. Upon receiving direction by the CO, contractor personnel shall begin emergency work within two hours. Verbally approved work for emergency services to minimize damages or mitigate hazardous conditions will be confirmed with written WOs.

Xeriscaping and Urban Forest Services.

The contractor shall follow the NTP process outlined in 1.13 before performance of Xeriscaping. Xeriscaping will primarily be used for removal of vegetative beds and replaced with maintainable turf or inorganic rock beds.

Special Cuts.

The contractor shall follow the NTP process outlined in 1.13 before performance of special cuts.

Planting trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds.

The contractor shall follow the NTP process outlined in 1.13 before planting of trees, shrubs, and vegetative beds.

SERVICE SUMMARY

The contract service requirements are summarized in performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimally acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. The Services Summary (SS) 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. Procedures as set forth in the FAR 52.212-4 (a), Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, Inspection/Acceptance, will be used to remedy all deficiencies. During the first initial 30 days of the contract, two additional errors on each work shall be allowed to identify normal phase-in problems.

QUALITY CONTROL

The contractor shall provide a written description of the quality control system to include identification of the commercial practices and procedures to be used, such as those of the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), Tree Care Industry Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and local Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS), Tree Care Industry Association, American Society of Landscape Architects, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and local Extension Offices of the Federal Cooperative Extension Service. Include the inspection system requirements of FAR 52.246-4 in this document. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-performance and continual repeat of defective service does not occur. A written Quality Control Plan shall be submitted to the CO for review and feedback. The plan shall be submitted no later than the pre-performance conference. The plan shall specifically address the contractor’s strategy to provide quality workmanship, continual process improvement and for correcting deficiencies as required.

QUALITY ASSURANCE.

The government shall inspect and evaluate the contractor’s performance to ensure services are received IAW requirements set forth in this contract. The CO/COR shall inspect results to determine whether performance meets the standards contained in this PWS. The CO/COR will use the contractor’s work schedule or modified version thereof, to record validation results. Results of the validation then become the official Air Force record of the contractor’s performance. When a performance threshold has not been met or contractor performance has not been accomplished, the COR will initiate and provide the CO a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) DD Form 2772 for issuance to the contractor. The contractor shall respond to the CDR IAW instructions provided and return it to the CO within 1 calendar day of receipt.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

The Government will provide the facilities identified below for contractor use in support of this contract. The facilities are provided “as is.” Obtain CO approval in advance of making any changes to the facilities. Such changes will be at no cost to the Government unless otherwise approved by the CO. The contractor shall ensure facilities are maintained in a neat, clean, and professional manner. The CO reserves the right to reallocate and relocate assigned facilities during the term of the contract. Upon completion or termination of this contract, or upon such reallocations or relocations, return facilities to the government in the same condition as received, fair wear and tear and approved modifications.

INTERIOR SPACE

The contractor will be provided with interior space located at building 377 on the Air Base. The facility restrooms and break room areas are shared but the contractor shall have isolated space to include:

· 21’ x 40’ open bay with overhead door

· 27’4” x 12’9” enclosed storage room

· 12’6” x 12”9” enclosed office space

EXTERIOR SPACE

Three exterior spaces are provided:

· Approximately 1 acre fenced and gated area at 377 (AB), including vehicle parking.

· Approximately .4 acres fenced and gated area at the intersection of Pomflant Access Road and Freedom Drive (NWS North Annex)

· Approximately .8 acres located at the end of 11th Street (NWS South Annex)

UTILITIES

The Government will furnish electricity, water, and sewage as necessary for accomplishment of work IAW this contract. All facilities do not receive the same utility services. The contractor shall not change or modify any utility system or component; or connect any contractor property, equipment or system without prior CO review and approval. The contractor shall practice energy conservation in the Government provided facilities.

EQUIPMENT

The government shall provide a ready for use computer to access the Air Force Network and Portal web-based maps which the contractor may use for detailed viewing of most requirements within this PWS.

MATERIALS

None.

SECURITY, FIRE, AND MEDICAL SERVICES

The Government will provide police and fire protection. In the event of a medical emergency, base ambulance service for transporting an injured employee to a local hospital is available on a cost reimbursement basis.

911 – Fire/Police/Ambulance 843-963-3777 – Base dispatch 843-963-1110 – Base Operator

TELEPHONE

The Government will provide telephone line(s) in the Government provided facility for contractor use in making local commercial calls and on base calls in support of contract requirements. Long distance calls and toll calls are not authorized on government phones.

SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL

The contractor shall use existing bulk containers to dispose of trash or solid waste generated from accomplishment of services detailed in this PWS. The contractor shall adhere to all base level recycling programs to include disposal of yard/tree waste in specified dumpster collection stations or at the recycling collection center on base. The CO or COR shall identify these specific dumpsters for yard/tree waste.

GENERAL INFORMATION

MISSION

The overall Civil Engineer mission at JBC to plan, maintain, operate, and protect the infrastructure, facilities, and environment for assigned airmen, families, and civilian employees. JBC has some showcase areas (NNPTC, NPTU), and areas visited by VIPS regularly (NIWC).

BACKGROUND

Considerations for the contractor:

Badge requirements for Joint Base Charleston. Badges require annual background checks for renewal and require 72 hours to process. The most up to date access requirements can be found at either Visitor Control Center.

NIWC offsite locations, NPTU, require an additional badging process similar to installation access. Employees who can access the installation will be able to be badged for these locations.

Munitions storage locations require each employee to sign in and out when accessing the sites. Escorts will be required within security fences at (5) locations within munitions storage. The contractor is responsible for all coordination with munitions personnel for escorted access.

Army Field Support Battalion (AFSBN), North Annex NWS, as well as the fenced in portion near Wharf Alpha will not be accessible on Fridays. Access to the north side munitions storage area can only be made through the AFSBN gate.

The wait time for accessing the secure area within NPTU can take up to an hour. The travel time from the north side of the weapon station to the south side can take up to 30 minutes. Short Stay Recreation area is 45 minutes from the Weapon Station.

DAMAGES TO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, OR VEGETATION

Damages to Government buildings, equipment, or vegetation are addressed in clause 52.237-2 – “Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation.”

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS.

In addition to all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental codes and regulations, the following specific guidance is provided:

Hazardous Materials The COR shall approve all hazardous materials brought on-site by the contractor prior to use. The contractor shall obtain approval using the application requirements of the AF Form 3952. Once the process is implemented and contractor is trained, the contractor may submit the AF Form 3952 electronically. The CO has the right to prohibit the use of hazardous materials it deems to be especially hazardous to human health and environment. In the event the CO does not approve a hazardous material for use, the CO may provide the contractor a list of suitable substitutes; however, the contractor shall retain responsibility for finding an acceptable substitute. The contractor shall take appropriate actions to comply with waste minimization and pollution prevention practices and policies.

Spill controls The contractor shall always maintain spill control material on hand sufficient to contain a worse case spill, both volume and hazard level.

Pesticides All pesticides must be approved prior to use by the Command Entomologist if not on base approved list (Submit list with intended uses via the CO). The contractor shall provide an inventory of hazardous materials with the applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS(s)) that will be used to perform the required services. In addition, use reasonable care to avoid releasing hazardous material or hazardous waste, which may cause environmental damage to government structures, public land, water, or other natural resources. If the contractor’s failure to use reasonable care causes damage to any of this property, the contractor shall replace or repair the damage at no expense to the Government as the CO directs. If the contractor fails or refuses to make such repair or replacement, the contractor shall be liable for the cost, which may be deducted from the contract price.

Pesticide Storage and Mixing All contractor pesticides shall be stored off the installation. Open air chemical mixing may be performed. Coordination may be made with the Base Pest Manager for additional mixing locations.

Monthly reports The contractor shall submit a report to the COR within 10 working days following each month listing all pesticide applications made. Include pesticide name, use concentration, amount applied, date, and detailed location of use. A DD Form 1532 will be provided upon request to facilitate record keeping. In the event no chemicals were used within any month, the contractor shall submit this in writing to the COR within 10 working days following each month.

The Contractor is subject to inspection by DOD certified applicators/inspectors as well as State Department of Agriculture Pesticides Division or equivalent agency.

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