PWS_Tree Shrub FY 26 Bridge PWS 12162025.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Tree & Shrub: Planting and Maintenance

Arlington National Cemetery & U.S. Soldier’s & Airmen’s Home National Cemetery

1. General Information:

1.1 Description of Services: This is a non-personal services contract in which the Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision necessary to perform tree planting and tree and shrub maintenance services at the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), Arlington, Virginia and the United States Soldier’s and

Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (USSAHNC), Washington, D.C. in accordance with this Performance Work

Statement (PWS).

1.2. Background: Arlington National Cemetery is our nation’s most sacred shrine and the final resting place for our most revered military and political leaders. Arlington Cemetery receives four to six million visitors per year

- including visits from the President of the United States, other heads of state, family members of the deceased, and millions of tourists from around the world. Approximately 6,000 funerals are conducted yearly – in addition to over 2,000 other ceremonies, such as commemorations, wreath ceremonies, and head-of-state visits. These ceremonies and funerals often receive the intense focus of the press and other media. Total acreage of ANC is approximately 639 acres. USSAHNC is small in comparison to ANC. However, it too is a national shrine and final resting place for those who have served our nation. The Cemetery is approximately 16 acres in area, receives visitors, and conducts approximately 8 funerals and 4 ceremonies annually. See Technical Exhibit 5 for area maps of ANC and USSAHNC. Because of the special significance and the attention both cemeteries receive, strict adherence to these specifications is essential. Failure to meet specifications could have a negative impact on our Nation’s image. Arlington National Cemetery grounds are comprised of more than 9 ,800 trees.

There are over 500 different species of flowering, coniferous, and shade trees and shrubs of various ages and sizes. There are approximately 200 trees of various species at USSAHNC, as well as hedges and shrubs. Trees and shrubs to receive maintenance, and tree planting locations can be located anywhere on ANC or USSAHNC property. ANC property includes all lands that are currently administered by ANC.

1.3. Objectives: The basic service objective is to maintain the health of the trees and shrubs, and plant quality specimen trees at both ANC and the USSAHNC.

1.4. Scope: The Contractor shall annually provide all labor, equipment, materials (unless otherwise noted), and supervision to prune approximately 2,500 trees, remove approximately 400 trees, prune between 11,000 and

16,000 linear feet of shrubs and hedges, prune the trees lining the Ceremonial Mall and Memorial Avenue, prune the wisteria vines at the James Tanner Amphitheater, provide emergency support, install/inspect/repair cabling and lightning protection systems and perform approximately 3,000 hours of additional ground pruning tasks annually. Tree and shrub maintenance includes air-spading, root pruning, watering small trees, watering large trees, and watering shrubs, spraying trees and shrubs with pesticides or other products, and applying soil injections of fertilizers, pesticides, and other products to trees and shrubs. Up to 310 trees are to be planted and warranted to be in a healthy, vigorous state for one year following initial post-planting acceptance, and the

Contractor shall provide all plant care and maintenance during that time. Contractor shall transplant up to 10 trees annually from one or more location(s) to others within ANC or at USSAHNC (included as part of “ANC” whenever reference henceforth in this document unless specifically noted).

1.5. Period of Performance: This contract shall be for a three-month extension to the contract from 27 December

2025 to 28 March 2026 with (3) 1-month Options. All terms and conditions remain the same.

1.6. General Information

1.6.1. Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is how he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in

“Performance Requirements Summary”. After acceptance of the quality control plan the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system. Quality

Control Plan shall be submitted with the contractor’s proposal.

1.6.2. Quality Assurance: The Government will monitor the Contractor’s performance under this contract using the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). All work performed under this contract will be subject to inspection at all times by the Government. See Technical Exhibit 4, Performance

Requirements Summary.

1.6.2.1 Progress Meetings: The Contracting Officer may require the Site Manager to meet with the

Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), as necessary to accomplish the goals of this contract and perform the tasks of this PWS. Written minutes of such meetings may be recorded by the Government and signed by the Site 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 may be recorded by the Contractor and signed by the Site Manager and the Contracting Officer or COR 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.

1.6.3 Federal Government Holidays: The Contractor is not required to perform on holidays listed below, unless otherwise noted. Holidays occurring on weekends will be observed as directed by the published Army calendar.

New Year’s Day 1st Day in January Martin

Luther King Jr.’s Birthday 3rd Monday in January

George Washington’s Birthday 3rd Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May Flag Day 14th Day of June

Independence Day 4th Day of July

Labor Day 1st Monday in September

Columbus’ Day 2nd Monday in October

Veteran’s Day 11th Day of November

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November

Christmas Day 25th Day of December

1.6.3.1. Other Than Normal Hours of Operation: The Contractor shall provide personnel support outside the normal hours of operation as required, including holidays, to support the Arlington

National Cemetery mission. The Site Manager or the Alternate Site Manager shall be available after normal duty hours or on working holidays to serve as the central point of contact for Contractor operations.

1.6.3.2. Interface with Government Operation: Performance of work by Contractor personnel under the terms of this contract shall not interfere with regularly scheduled Government operational activities.

1.6.4. Normal Hours of Operation: The Contractor shall perform work during the hours of 6:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Monday through Friday. Authorization to work outside of these hours must be coordinated in advance with the COR. Contractor is responsible for access to the cemetery. Access is subject to change, depending upon changes in the security requirements of the Cemetery. Spraying of trees or shrubs or soil injections conducted outside the normal hours of operation (Monday – Friday, 6:30-4:00) must be coordinated with the COR.

Generally, tree and shrub watering on weekends is allowable, provided advance coordination with the COR.

Hours of Operation for USSAHNC are 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and closed on Federal

Holidays.

1.6.5. Place of Performance: Contractor shall perform all work at ANC and at USSAHNC IAW the PWS.

1.6.6. Type of Contract: The Government will award a Firm Fixed Price contract.

1.6.7. Security Requirements: Contractor personnel or any representative of the Contractor entering Arlington

National Cemetery shall abide by all security rules and regulations. The Contractor shall coordinate with ANC

Directorate of Security (DES) in order to obtain all appropriate security background checks. Contractor shall receive security guidance upon award of contract. The Contractor shall carry passes issued by Arlington National

Cemetery for all vehicles entering the Cemetery, whether company-owned or for employees’ private vehicles.

The Contractor Site Manager shall maintain a current list of all vehicles and individuals issued such passes.

1.6.7.1. The Contractor shall ensure all names and social security numbers or Alien Registration

Numbers of contractor personnel performing under this contract are provided to the Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) Security & Safety Directorate (SSD) within 5 days of contract being awarded.

The HQDA SSD will perform a criminal records check on all proposed contractor employees and provide an approval or disapproval to the contractor within 2 business days. All contractor personnel who have not been approved for cemetery access may not be used to perform services on the ANC site of work

1.6.7.2. After contract award, the contractor shall provide the names and social security numbers or

Alien Registration Numbers of new/replacement personnel to HQDA SSD for approval prior to the proposed new/replacement hire performing on the contract. The HQDA SSD will perform a criminal records check on all proposed contractor employees and provide an approval or disapproval to the contractor within 2 business days. All contractor personnel who have not been approved for cemetery access may not be used to perform services on the ANC site of work.

1.6.7.3. Training: AT Level I Training: All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access to Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 15 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, within five (5) calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. At Level I Awareness training is available at the following website: https://jkodirect.jten.mil

Contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees will brief all employees on the local iWATCH/OPSEC program (training materials are available from the ANC Security Office). This locally developed training will 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 prior to beginning performance.

1.6.7.4. Physical Security: The Contractor shall safeguard all Government property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.6.7.5. Search and Seizure: Contractor personnel and property shall be subject to search and seizure upon entering the confines of Arlington National Cemetery and upon leaving the confines of Arlington National

Cemetery.

1.6.7.6. Cemetery Access: The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all Contractor personnel authorized to perform work under this contract obtain cemetery access. Within five (5) workdays after contract award, the Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer and COR the names of ALL personnel working under this contract. Changes of the Contractor personnel list shall be submitted within 24 hours of the change taking place. All Contractor employees shall have on them, at all times, positive, photographic identification.

1.6.7.7. Gate Access: The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all gate access codes are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall notify the COR when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations. These procedures shall be included in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan.

1.6.8. Special Qualifications: The Contractor is responsible for ensuring all employees possess all required state motor vehicle licenses for operating equipment and vehicles used in the execution of this contract. Anyone applying pesticides must be trained and certified in the appropriate pesticide applicator categories by the state of

Virginia, District of Columbia and/or Department of Defense (DoD). A pesticide technician is not a valid substitute for a state or DoD certified pesticide applicator. The Contractor shall comply with all required laws and regulations, to include Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines and applicable laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia and District of Columbia (DC) for licensed applicator requirements, when using any technical materials and the contractor may not use such materials without prior consent from the Government. The contractor may submit requests for review of its proposed use of materials to the KO and COR. In the event of a conflict between the laws and regulations of Virginia and DC, the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction where the materials are used shall take precedent.

1.6.8.1 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 include turning off the water faucets or valves.

1.6.9. Post Award Conference/Period Progress Meetings: The Contractor shall attend post-award conferences that may be convened by the contracting officer in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart

42.5. The Contractor shall meet periodically with the Contracting Officer, COR, and other Government personnel 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 issues that it may be experiencing. The Contractor shall resolve all issues identified by the

Contracting Officer. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. The Contractor's participation at these meetings and its follow-up efforts to resolve issues is an integral part of the Contractor's performance of the contract and PWS and the Contractor will receive no additional compensation for this performance.

1.6.10. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The COR will be nominated by the requiring activity and appointed by the contracting officer by separate letter. A copy of the COR’s appointment letter will also be sent to the awarded Contractor, identifying the designated duties and limitations of the COR. The CORs’ designated duties will describe the level of responsibility (inspection only or inspection and acceptance) and what technical or administrative aspects of the contract are to be monitored. The COR’s oversight responsibilities are not limited to the QASP since all listed contract requirements or tasks are expected to be met by the contractor at all times, the COR is authorized to conduct oversight on any and all tasks or requirements and report observations to the Contracting Officer. The COR is not authorized to change any terms or conditions in the contract that pertain to cost, schedule, performance, quality, quantity, or other legal aspects of the resulting order.

1.6.11 Key Personnel: The Government considers the following positions to be Key Personnel: Site Manager, General Tree Care Supervisor, and Quality Control Manager. These are the contractor personnel that will be evaluated in the source selection process. One (1) resume for each Key Personnel must be provided with the proposal; minimum requirements for each position detailed below. Any key personnel identified in the proposal shall be assigned positions as identified on the proposal. Offerors must provide, along with the resumes of its proposed Key Personnel, with a written commitment from the person the offeror proposes for each Key Personnel position. Offerors will be considered unacceptable for the submission related to the Key

Personnel without this written commitment and be rated as Unacceptable for the Key Personnel subfactor under the Technical Capabilities factor.

When departure of Key Personnel is anticipated, the Contractor shall submit a resume and any required supporting documents/certifications for the projected replacement to the COR thirty (30) days prior to the

Key Personnel’s departure. The Contractor is responsible for back filling the position in a manner that provides uninterrupted services with an employee that possesses equal, or better, qualifications as the original employee. The CO must approve the Contractor's proposed replacement before a new employee may assume the departed Key Personnel's duties.

When departure of Key Personnel is unexpected, the Contractor is responsible for back filling the position within fifteen (15) working days of the Key Personnel’s departure with an employee that possesses equal, or better, qualifications as the original employee. The Contractor must submit a resume for the proposed substitute and any required supporting documents/certifications for the projected replacement to the designated COR and the CO must approve the Contractor's proposed replacement before a new employee may assume the departed Key

Personnel's duties.

All key personnel shall have means of verbal communication and by e-mail and/or text with the COR, as the

Cemetery anticipates communication, at a minimum, twice daily. Key Personnel and alternates shall be able to communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.

1.6.11.1 Site Manager: The Contractor shall provide a site manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The site manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The site manager shall be available on-site whenever work is being performed (with the exception of weekend watering). The Site Manager shall have a minimum of six (6) years’ experience in the commercial tree care three (3) years’ experience as a direct manager on commercial or public facility comparable in scope and complexity to

ANC. The Site Manager shall have extensive knowledge in arboriculture practices, terminology, and urban forest management, that is necessary for performing job requirements. The Site Manager must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist in good standing.

1.6.11.2 General Tree Care Supervisor: The Contractor shall provide a General Tree Care Supervisor, full- time, whenever tree pruning, tree removal, shrub pruning, emergency tree pruning and removal, root pruning, tree planting, and air-spading are performed. The Supervisor shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the commercial tree care industry (and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a direct manager/supervisor on commercial or public facility comparable in scope and complexity to

ANC. The Supervisor shall have extensive knowledge in arboriculture practices, terminology, and urban forest management, that is necessary for performing job requirements. The General Tree Care

Supervisor shall be an ISA Certified Arborist in good standing.

1.6.11.3 Quality Control Manager: The Contractor shall designate an employee for quality control and shall submit a Quality Control Plan for assuring all line items are performed according to specification. This employee shall be available for consultation with the COR on a daily basis. The Quality Control Manager shall have a minimum of Six (6) years’ experience in the commercial tree care industry (with no less than three (3) years’ experience as a direct manager on commercial or public facility comparable in scope and complexity to ANC.

1.6.12 Identification of Contractor Employees: All Contractor personnel attending meetings and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractors are suitably marked as

Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.6.13. Supervision of Contractor Employees: The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over Contractor or subcontractor employees while performing work under the contract. Such employees shall be accountable solely to the Contractor, not the Government. The Contractor, in turn, shall be accountable to the Government for Contractor or subcontractor employees.

1.6.13.1 Employee Identification Badges: The Contractor shall provide ID badges. Each badge shall include, as a minimum, the company name, employee name, a photograph, the contract title, and the contract number and expiration date of the badge

1.6.13.2. Conflict of Interest: The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the United

States Government or the Department of Defense, either military or civilian, if such employment would create a conflict of interest or be contrary to the policies contained in Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Ethics

Regulation (JER), DOD 5500.7-R.

1.6.13.3. Conduct of Personnel: The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to remove from the job site any employee working under this contract for reasons of misconduct, security, or found to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other incapacitating agents. Contractor employees shall be subject to dismissal from the premises upon determination by the Contracting Officer that such action is necessary in the interest of the Government. In accordance with (IAW) Joint Ethics Regulations, DOD 5500.7-R, and 18

U.S. 1382 (1972), the cemetery Executive Director (who has authority such as an installation commander) has the authority to bar individuals from the cemetery. The removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement of providing sufficient personnel to perform the services as required by this contract.

1.6.14. PHASE IN /PHASE OUT PERIOD: To minimize any decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on additional services, the Contractor shall have key personnel on board, during the

20-day phase-in period except for those key personnel employed by the incumbent contractor and performing as part of the phase-out period. During the phase in period, the Contractor shall become familiar with performance requirements in order to commence full performance of services on the contract start. The new

Contractor will be required to supply or, if need be, acquire all deliverables identified in Tech Exhibit 3 during the phase in period (Vehicle Pass Information, Key Personnel List, and Equipment List).

The Contractor will be required to mobilize and stage all of their equipment, supplies, and materials on site at

ANC to be ready to perform all tasks identified in the PWS on the first day of the POP. This includes installation of office trailer(s) and associated office equipment, communication devices, etc. needed to perform the PWS duties with no lag in service between contractors. Coordination with the incumbent vendor is expected during this process as there is not enough space at ANC for two contractors to be collocated simultaneously. Both vendors will need to work together to accomplish the move-in / move-out simultaneously.

PART 2: DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. Definitions and Acronyms:

2.1. Definitions:

2.1.1 Brush and Debris: Brush shall be considered any vegetative material, including leaf litter, alive or dead plants, mulch or other highly organic material, with the exception of trees over ten inches in diameter or over 25 feet tall.

2.1.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A representative from the requiring activity appointed by the Contracting Officer to perform surveillance and to act as liaison to the

Contractor.

2.1.3 DBH (Diameter at Breast Height): The approximate diameter of the trunk(s), measured by the government, at breast height (four- and one-half feet above ground level). Trees that branch below 4 ½ feet, shall be measured at the smallest circumference below the first branch. If the tree is multi-stemmed (several trunks at ground level), DBH will be the sum of each stem’s circumference at 4 ½feet.

2.1.4. Fertilizer: Any material for dilution or suspension in water (with proper agitation) that is designed to provide benefits to trees or shrubs.

2.1.5. Girdling Roots: Roots located above or below ground whose circular growth around the base of a tree trunk or over individual roots applies pressure to the bark area, ultimately restricting the sap flow and trunk/root growth, frequently resulting in reduced vitality or stability of the tree.

2.1.6. Grindings: Grindings shall be considered the loose dirt and debris created by the act of grinding or otherwise removing the stump.

2.1.7 Hedge: A hedge shall be any series of adjacent, intermingled shrubs either in linear formation or grouped in a mass.

2.1.8 Hedge or Shrub Pruning: The removal, training, or reduction in size, of any plant less than fifteen feet in height or otherwise considered a hedge or shrub and shall include the removal of all dead or dying portions.

2.1.9 Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC): A DOD employee or Contractor officially designated by the installation commander to coordinate and oversee the ANC IPM Program.

2.1.10 Inch, for Tree Transplanting: Tree caliper inch is the diameter of the trunk at six (6) inches above the ground.

2.1.11. Non-personal services: Services contracts are classified as non-personal when contract personnel are not subject to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the

Government and its employees. When classifying a contract as non-personal, both the contract terms and the manner in which the contract is administered must be reviewed.

2.1.12. Pesticide: Any products intended to control or prevent pests on or in ornamental landscape plants.

2.1.13. Privately-Owned Property: For the purposes of this PWS, means property ownership by anon-governmental organization (e.g., privately owned vehicles).

2.1.14. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.15. Quality Assurance: A procedure or set of procedures taken by the Government to ensure that services under development (before work is complete, as opposed to afterwards) meets specified requirements of the PWS. Performed service adheres to and meets the requirements of the PWS.

2.1.16. Quality Control: A procedure or set of procedures implemented by the Contractor to ensure that the performed service adheres to and meets the requirements of the PWS.

2.1.17. Real Property. Means land and rights in land, ground improvements, utility distribution systems, and buildings and other structures. It does not include foundations.

2.1.18. Root Collar: The area where the roots join the main stem or trunk, typified by a flare leading to the major roots.

2.1.19. Root Flare: A root flare shall be considered any above-ground portion of a root extending a maximum of seven feet from the center of the trunk. Shrub: A woody ornamental plant, fifteen feet or less in height, multi or single-trunked, growing singly or in groups, and usually in a mulched planter, bed, or basin.

However, when identified by the COR for the purpose of watering or spraying (See specific tasks, below), a shrub may also be any herbaceous or semi-woody plant.

2.1.20. Shrub Mass: A shrub mass shall be, in general, any irregular grouping of multi-stemmed woody ornamentals less than 15 feet tall and with a normal height at maturity below 15 feet, or otherwise considered a hedge or shrub, by industry standards.

2.1.21. Shrub/Hedge Size: For the purposes of payment under this contract, shrub/hedge size shall be measured in feet. Size shall be measured as width, measured at the shrub’s widest point, for individual shrubs; length, for linear groupings of shrubs; or one-half circumference, for shrub masses. Size shall be measured regardless of the height of the hedge or shrub.

2.1.22. Stump: A stump shall be considered the above and below ground portions of a tree, including any above- ground roots that extend up to seven feet from the center of the trunk. The height of the stump above ground, measured from ground level, shall not exceed 18 inches.

2.1.23. Stump Cavity: The cavity in the earth created by the act of grinding or otherwise removing the stump, following the removal of all the loose dirt and debris.

2.1.24. Stump Removal: Stump removal shall be considered the removal of the stump including theroot flares and grindings to a depth of 18 inches below ground level.

2.1.25. Stump Size: The size of each stump shall be the diameter, measured 12 inches above ground level or less, at the widest point excluding root flares. The size measurement shall be rounded to the nearest inch. Exact half- inch measurements shall be rounded up.

2.1.26. Tree: A tree shall be, in general, any single or multi-stemmed woody ornamental with a normal height at maturity above 15 feet or otherwise considered a tree by the COR.

2.1.27. Vine Pruning: T o remove unwanted growth or vines, and to remove dead tissue

2.1.28. Contracting Officer: A person with authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.29. Contract Administrator: The official Government representative delegated authority by the

Contracting Officer to administer a contract. This individual is normally a member of the appropriate

Contracting/Procurement career field and advises on all technical contractual matters.

2.1.30. Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or services to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.31. Defective Service: A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.32. Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.33. Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.2 ACRONYMS:

ANC Arlington National Cemetery

D.C. District of Columbia

PWS Performance Work Statement

USSAHNC United States Soldier’s and Airmen’s Home National

Cemetery QC Quality Control

QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

IAW In accordance with

COR Contracting Officer Representative

MS4 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System

EMS Environmental Management System e.g for example

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Act

AR Army Regulation

FY Fiscal Year p.s.i Pounds per Square Inch

ISA International Society of Arboriculture

ANSI American National Standards Institute lbs. pounds scfm standard cubic feet per minute m.p.h. miles per hour psig pounds per square foot gauge i.e. that is

AM ante meridiem

PM post meridiem

DBH Diameter at Breast Height

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

PART 3:

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. Government Furnished Items & Services:

Services: The Government will provide the material listed below. The Contractor shall not use any property or services provided by the Government for any purpose other than in the performance of this contract. All requests for additional

Government furnished property and services shall be approved by the Contracting Officer inwriting.

3.1. Water: Water will be available at designated locations throughout the Cemetery

PART 4:

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4.1. Contractor Furnished Items & Services:

4.2. General: The Contractor shall furnish all property, services, transportation, permits, supplies, materials and equipment not specifically identified in Section 3 as government furnished, but which are necessary to perform the requirements of this contract. Contractor items and services shall be compatible with existing government systems and shall meet applicable Federal, Department of Defense, Army, Virginia, and District of Columbia laws, standards, codes, and directives.

4.3. Materials: The Contractor shall propose to the Government with the inclusion of materials as well as the maintenance supplies needed to perform the requirements of this contract (see technical exhibits 6 & 7). The contractor shall propose the unit cost to provide trees and shrubs and denoted in Technical Exhibit 10. The Contractor will supply all materials required for this contract.

4.4. Pesticides: Prior to application of any pesticides (Fungicides, Herbicides or Insecticides), the Contractor shall provide the COR the labels and MDS’s for all products. The COR will provide the documents to the ANC IPMC for

AEC approval.

4.5 Contractor Furnished Permits: Where the Contractor shall obtain all permits required in the performance of services on this contract. All permits obtained by the Contractor shall be maintained current throughout the entire period of performance of the contract. The ANC Engineering Directorate will issue dig permits when required as per the ANC business rule regarding excavation for tree work. Any other permits required will be on a case-by-case basis.

4.6. Equipment Guidelines: The Contractor shall furnish all equipment necessary to perform the requirements of this contract. The contractor’s equipment shall be commercial grade equipped with protective and safety features in good repair and clean IAW the requirements indicated in EM 385-1-1 Safety and Health Requirements. The Contractor shall submit, to the COR, an equipment list which includes, but is not limited to, quantities and descriptive data for all equipment prior to its use on ANC grounds.

PART 5: SPECIFIC TASKS

5. Specific Tasks:

5.1. Basic Services: The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials (unless otherwise noted), and supervision necessary to perform the following tasks at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, and at the

U.S. Soldiers’ and Airman’s Home National Cemetery, Washington, DC. (See Technical Exhibit 6, Historical Tree

Shrub Workload.) All fuel and oil and other direct overhead costs necessary to perform the duties in this PWS shall be included in the contractor’s operating budget, unless specifically separated out and noted in the contract.

5.2. Tree and Shrub Maintenance:

5.2.1. Prune Hedges and Shrubs: Hedges and shrubs will be reduced by 1/3 height and 1/3 spread using either hand or power pruners and trimmers IAW ANC Standard. Both hedges and shrubs shall have all dead or dying branches removed – as well as the spent flowering wood found on roses, viburnums, rhododendrons, and other ornamentals. Pruning assignments will be provided in writing and/or verbally.

5.2.2. Prune Vines at the James Tanner Amphitheater: The pruning of the wisteria vines at the amphitheater shall be assigned with at least one (1) week notice. Pruning will be conducted five (5) to six (6) times annually. The pruning of the wisteria vines shall include all work to train, redirect growth, and remove unwanted growth on vines, and to remove dead tissue. Additionally, all seed pods present should be collected and disposed of in order to prevent the spread of the plants to other areas. The Contractor shall supply all manpower and equipment (including ladders or other ascending apparatus) necessary for the completion of the job. All workers must be safely tied in to the structure as a fall arrest measure. All pruning cuts shall be made back to lateral growth. One main trunk shall be left on each vine extending from the ground to the top of the trellis. No vines shall be left on the undersides of the trellis rafters or support beams. Any vines wrapped around any trellis rafter or support beam shall be unwrapped and laid across the top of the trellis rafters. If it is impossible to unwrap the vine from the trellis rafter or support beam, the vine shall be cut back to lateral growth, and the severed portion removed. All brush and debris created from pruning the vines shall be removed from Cemetery grounds. The Contractor shall adjust the cables that support the vines and add any additional support cables as required. Pruning the vines at the Tanner Amphitheater shall be completed within ten (10) days of assignment.

5.2.3. Ground Pruning and Maintenance: The Contractor shall provide one or more work crews comprised of 2 or more workers per crew to perform, on average, 40 or more hours per week throughout the year. The contractor shall schedule a meeting with COR a week in advance prior to the upcoming work sites. The ground crew shall be available to respond to requests made via the Site Manager or General Tree Care Supervisor within one (1) hours’ notice.

These tasks are related to interment operations, and include, but are not limited to, removing, tying back, or pruning branches near gravesites, pruning individual branches, root pruning, brush removal, etc.. The ground crew may also be required to perform tasks related to special ceremonies and events throughout the cemetery, such as commemorations, wreath laying, heads-of-state visits, etc. Ground pruning and maintenance shall be comprised of work that is accessible by standing on the ground and utilizing pole pruners and saws as needed.

The following tasks to be performed by the Ground Pruning and Maintenance crew:

• The removal of trees less than ten (10) inches in diameter or twenty (25) feet in height.

This does NOT include the removal of the stump.

• The pruning of trees, or portions thereof, while standing on the ground and utilizing pole pruners and saws as needed.

• Removal of all dead or dying branches, basal suckers, water sprouts, and crossing or rubbing branches.

• The clearing of brush.

• The pruning and removal of lower live and healthy limbs, accessible from the ground, from trees specifically .

• The removal of vines – up to fifteen (15) feet off the ground – from the trunk of any tree or other structure, without the removal of the tree bark to which the vine is attached (COR is to be contacted if there is difficulty in performing this task.)

• The pruning of vines trained to grow on walls, trellises, or columns to the previous year’s growth.

• Tying low branches upward or horizontally to provide clearance for interment machinery or any other clearance needed to conduct burial operations, ceremonies, special events, and work by other contractors.

• Root pruning exposed roots or girdling roots, or excavating and pruning roots, at the indication of the COR.

• Scoring bark on tree trunks and/or limbs that have been damaged as indicated by the COR.

All pruning completed by the Ground Pruning and Maintenance crew shall conform and be completed in accordance with ANSI A-300 Pruning Standards and Best Management Practices for Tree Pruning.

5.2.4. Emergency Pruning and Removal: Emergency work is defined as any work performed to damaged trees that requires an immediate and rapid response when the response required is outside of the normal hours of operation

(Monday – Friday, 6:30AM-4:00PM). If a rapid response is required during normal hours of operation, the Contractor shall shift priorities and reallocate personnel and equipment to address the need, at no additional cost to the

Government. Emergency work shall consist of the removal of fallen trees, fallen limbs over 10 inches in diameter, and hanging limbs or tree parts that present an immediate hazard or impede regular cemetery operations. For example, blocking roads, sidewalks, highly prominent areas and/or having an immediate impact on ceremonies, events, or emergency response services (i.e., fire, police, EMS). Emergency work identify by the Government outside of the normal hours of operation will be approved by the Contracting Officer (KO) and ANC COR through contract modification.

5.2.4.1Emergency work identify by the COR and KO shall be approval by contract modification and shall commence within not less than two (2) hours’ notice.

5.2.4.2. Once the need for rapid and immediate response has passed, fallen trees, other broken or hanging branches and stubs will be assigned for removal and repair under the specific tasks for Tree Pruning (5.2.5), Tree Removal (5.2.8), Ground Pruning and Maintenance (5.2.3) and Other Tree Maintenance Services (5.2.14).

5.2.4.3. There will be no restrictions on assigned trees as to genus and species, location within a cemetery, crown size, or crown density.

5.2.4.4. Work may be assigned that will require prolonged periods (in excess of 8 hours). In case of extreme emergency, the Contractor may be summoned (with aforementioned notice) to work twelve (12) hours per day, six

(6) days per week. Work also may be assigned for tasks as short as one hour, and it is expected that the Contractor shall utilize personnel currently performing other tasks in the Cemetery, if needed. The Contractor may use a tree crew and equipment already working on an assigned project at the cemetery as long as the assigned project is completed within the specified timeframe (the emergency work shall not interfere with the performance of other assigned tasks).

5.2.4.5. Only work requiring an immediate and rapid response and identified by the COR as emergency work will be treated as such. Completion of other tasks outlined in the PWS (i.e., pruning, removal, etc.) outside of the normal hours of operation (Monday – Friday, 6:30-4:00).

5.2.4.6. Pruned branches and any other debris created at the job site shall be removed from Cemetery property by the Contractor. Pruning practices (how cuts are to be made, etc.) shall otherwise conform to ANSI A-300

Standards “Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance Standard Practices,” ANSI Z-133.1

Standards “Pruning Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees,” and the International Society of

Arboriculture’s (ISA) “Tree Pruning Guidelines”, all of which are available for review in the Cemetery Urban

Forester’s office.

5.2.5. Tree Pruning: Throughout the contract period, the COR shall identify trees for pruning. Information will include the location and the genus and/or species of the tree(s). Assignments shall be in writing, verbally, or identified in the field by the COR. Work shall begin within two weeks of receiving assignment and shall be completed within 30 days.

Exception: Throughout a 30-day period up to twenty trees may be assigned for pruning to begin within two (2) hours of assignment – and these trees shall be completed within 48 hours of start of work.

5.2.5.1. There will be no restrictions on assigned trees as to genus, species, and location within a cemetery, crown size, or crown density.

5.2.5.2. Pruning shall consist of the removal of all dead and/or dying branches having a minimum diameter of one half (1/2) inch at their widest point and corrective pruning as identified by the COR to modify tree form and structure. This may include thinning of the crown or the removal of individual unwanted, crossing, or conflicting live branches.

5.2.5.3. Pruned branches - and any other debris created at the job site - shall be removed from Cemetery property. (Exception: With advance notice, the COR may request that up to 1000 cubic yards of wood chippings be left on the cemetery property for use by the Government. The Contractor shall deliver and deposit wood chippings at a location within ANC identified by the COR).

5.2.5.4. Pruning practices (how cuts are to be made, etc.) shall otherwise conform to ANSI A-300 Standards

“Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices (Pruning),” ANSI Z-133.1 Standards

“Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees,” and ISA “Tree Pruning Guidelines.”

5.2.6. Prune Lindens at Ceremonial Mall: The COR will identify this work during the autumn or winter and the contractor shall begin work within three weeks of being notified and complete these tasks within 20 days of initiating work. Contractor shall carefully assess site conditions and structural components of the Mall (such as the flagstone walkways) to ensure proper equipment selection and avoid damage to Government property.

The hedge is to be pruned to meet the following specifications:

5.2.6.1 The two double-rows of Lindens (44 trees in total) shall be pruned to create two aerial hedges. Tree pruning will consist of maintaining the trees at a uniform height and width the ultimate goal of having the final exact dimensions of 225 feet long, 33 feet wide, and 28.5 feet tall. (Ultimately, sides will be straight to a height of 23.5 feet, at which point all sides shall be angled inward eight feet to a flat top approximately 19 feet wide.

All corners will receive one (1) to three (3) bevel cuts approximately 10 feet wide.) Trees shall be pruned to meet these ultimate dimensions by selective thinning and heading cuts, in coordination with the COR. The lowest limbs of the Linden trees shall not be removed unless by the Government.

5.2.6.2. The Contractor shall meet with the COR at least one (1) week prior to commencement of work to plan and coordinate the staging, planned equipment to be used, and dimensions of the hedge.

5.2.6.3. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to survey and set stakes and strings to obtain the required measurements. Exact measurements shall be confirmed and adjusted. (COR will assist with verbal and written directions at the work site). No cuts shall be made until the measurements are inspected and confirmed by the

COR.

5.2.6.4. Only pruners, loppers, and hand saws may be used (no hedge trimmers or other power trimmers). Pruning shall consist of clean cuts only, be made to a point of lateral growth, and shall otherwise conform to ANSI A-300 and ANSI

Z-133.1 Standards, and the ISA Guidelines. In addition, all dead limbs throughout the crowns shall be removed.

5.2.7 Prune Holly Hedges on Memorial Avenue: The two rows of Hollies (north and south sides of Memorial Avenue) shall be pruned to create two hedges each having the final exact dimensions of 1,150 feet long, 12 feet wide at the base and 11 feet wide at the top, and 10 feet tall. Trees shall be pruned to meet these ultimate dimensions by selective thinning and heading cuts, in coordination with the COR. The lowest limbs of the holly trees shall not be removed.

unless identified by the Government.

5.2.7.1 The COR will identify this work during the autumn and spring. Contractor shall carefully assess site conditions and structural components of the Avenue (such as the sidewalks, irrigation, and adjacent turf) to ensure proper equipment selection and avoid damage to Government property. The hedge is to be pruned to meet the following specifications:

5.2.7.2 The two rows of Hollies (north and south sides of Memorial Avenue) shall be pruned to create two hedges each having the final exact dimensions of 1,150 feet long, 12 feet wide at the base and 11 feet wide at the top, and 10 feet tall. Trees shall be pruned to meet these ultimate dimensions by selective thinning and heading cuts, in coordination with the COR. The lowest limbs of the holly trees shall not be removed unless identified by the COR.

5.2.7.3 The hedges shall be pruned three times a year, once in the spring prior to Memorial Day, summer, and early fall prior to Veterans’ Day. Pruning times may vary depending on the rate of growth and weather conditions. Pruning during excessive heat, temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, shall be avoided.

5.2.7.4 Pruning of the hedges shall be completed within 14 days of start date.

5.2.7.5 The use of power shears shall be limited to the removal of branches less 1/2 inch in diameter or less. Power shears and other pruning tools shall be sharpened to ensure clean cuts without tearing of the bark.

Bypass type hand pruners and saws shall be used to remove any branches larger than 1/2-inch diameter.

5.2.7.6 The hedge shall be 11 feet wide at the top, and approximately 12 feet at the base. The base of the hedges shall be wider than the top. Growth requiring removal to achieve the desired width shall be removed from the side of the hedge facing away from Memorial Avenue. The front of the hedges, or the sides facing

Memorial Avenue shall be maintained parallel to the curb, except in the locations of the monuments along the avenue.

5.2.7.7 The top and/or edge shall not be rounded.

5.2.7.8 Dead, diseased, or crossing branches shall be removed using hand pruners, loppers or saws.

5.2.7.9 All vines shall be removed from the hedge, including the stump and roots.

5.2.7.10 Sections that cannot be pruned from the ground shall be accessed by aerial lift and/or step ladders. Ladders or lift equipment shall not lean against or touch the hedge.

5.2.7.11 All trimmings shall be cleaned up and disposed of on the day they were cut.

5.2.7.12 Should any holly trees growing within the hedge die or decline to a point of needing replacement as determined by the COR, the trees will be…