Attachment B- SOW Grounds Maintenance Beverly National Cemetery.docx

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SITE VISIT: Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance. The site visit will be Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 9:00AM EST. The site visit will be held from 9:00AM EST-12:00PM EST. If you plan to conduct a site visit/inspection of the Beverly National Cemetery, YOU MUST CONTACT:

Antionette Collins by email at Antionette.Collins@va.gov . Do not contact the cemetery for scheduling the site visit. No questions shall be submitted or requested from cemetery personnel on the day of the site visit. All questions shall be written and submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer in email per the solicitation instructions.

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: This will be a base year and (4) 1-year Options contract. If the contractor proposes an earlier completion date, and the government accepts the contractor’s proposal, the contractor’s proposed completion date will prevail.

Beverly National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Statement of Work

The guaranteed minimum amount for the life of the contract is $5,000. The maximum aggregate value of the contract, inclusive of the Five One-Year ordering periods, shall not exceed $6,000,000. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract more than the guaranteed minimum amount. Task orders may be executed any time during the term of the IDIQ; however, each task order shall not exceed twelve (12) months. Quotes submitted shall not exceed the maximum aggregate, inclusive of the (Five, One-Year ordering periods), value of the contract.

Beverly National Cemetery

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

A.1 BACKGROUND

Beverly National Cemetery, established in 1864, holds a distinguished status as a National Cemetery. Its origins can be traced back to the Civil War era when soldiers who had passed away in the hospitals of Beverly, NJ were laid to rest within its grounds. The cemetery is not only recognized for its historical significance but also holds the esteemed distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a final resting place for five recipients of the Medal of Honor.

While the Beverly National Cemetery is closed to first interments, it does accommodate several second interments each year. As a satellite cemetery, it falls under the supervision of the Director and staff of the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, located at 830 Highland Rd., Newtown Pa. 18940, approximately 21 miles away.

The Beverly National Cemetery stands as a solemn tribute to our nation's veterans, providing a sacred space for their eternal repose and serving as a testament to their dedicated service. With both casketed and cremation burials conducted within its premises, the cemetery attracts numerous visitors. As such, it is of utmost importance that the maintenance and appearance of the cemetery adhere to the highest standards, reflecting the nation's profound respect for those interred there.

Given the special significance and attention that national cemeteries receive from the public, strict adherence to contract specifications, terms, and conditions is crucial in ensuring that the cemetery remains a dignified and reverential place of remembrance.

(a) All correspondence concerning Beverly National Cemetery must be addressed to the Director, Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940.

(b) Parking: Contractor employees must park in the Public Parking Area and not near the buildings due to the narrow roadways.

(c) All services must be performed in strict accordance with NCA Operational Standards/NCA Handbook 3420. A copy of NCA Operational Standards and Turf & Landscape Handbook 3420 will be provided to the Contractor by the VA National Cemetery Director or COR.

All activities carried out by contractor personnel within a national cemetery must be executed with exceptional caution, reverence, dignity, and respect. These actions should recognize the cemetery as the ultimate resting place, honoring the service and sacrifices made by service members, Veterans, and their families for our nation. It is of utmost importance that the contractor employees are fully aware of the presence of interred remains within the grounds where they are working. The highest level of care must be extended to these remains, as well as to the upright headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of our Nation’s Veterans.

A.2 CONTRACT DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

(a) Business Hours & Days of Operation: Normal cemetery business hours/days of operation are 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

(b) Contracting Officer (CO): VA official with the authority to enter, administer, and/or terminate contracts. The Contracting Officer must delegate one or more representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). All administrative functions remain with the VA Contracting Officer.

(c) Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer. COR responsibilities include certification of invoices, providing technical guidance to the Contractor, and overseeing technical aspects of the contract.

(d) Cemetery Director (Administrator/Management Official): The Cemetery Director is the VA Official responsible for day-to-day oversight of a National Cemetery, including burying veterans and eligible family members, and maintaining cemetery grounds as a national shrine. The Cemetery Director and/or designee (hereon referred to as COR) are responsible for contract oversight.

(e) “Clean”: under this contract means the headstones/markers must contain NO discoloration, environmental deposits, mold, mildew, moss, algae, lichen, dirt/mud, grass clippings, grass marks, bird droppings, etc.

(f) Contractor: The term “Contractor” as used herein refers to the prime Contractor, his/her employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor is responsible for assuring its employees and subcontractors comply with all contract terms, conditions, and provisions.

(g) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Operational Standards & Measures: Provides standards for performance in the key cemetery operational areas of Interments, Grounds Maintenance, Headstones, Markers and Equipment & Facilities Maintenance. A copy of NCA Operational Standards must be provided to the Contractor by the COR.

(h) NCA Turf & Landscape Handbook 3420: Outlines procedures for the proper establishment and care of turf-grass in VA National Cemeteries. A copy of the handbook must be provided to the Contractor by the COR.

(i) Applicable Publications: Every contractor and subcontractor must comply with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) safety and health standards published in 29 CFR Part 1925 (Safety & Health Regulations for Federal Service Contracts). OSHA Safety & Health Regulations and any other publication referenced in this contract must be with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.

(j) Pest any plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns including weeds, fungi, molds, vertebrates, and invertebrates.

(k) Animal: is any living thing that is not a human being or a plant.

(l) Pesticide: herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, and poisonous baits.

A.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) Contractor must furnish all supervision, labor, materials, tools, supplies and equipment necessary to provide grounds maintenance services at Beverly National Cemetery as specified herein.

(b) All work must be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation (8:00am - 4:30pm local time/Monday thru Friday). Work performed outside of normal work hours may be required for ceremonies on Federal Holidays or weekends at the request or agreement of the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Contractor may make a written request to the COR to work outside of the normal work hours when needed to carry out the specifications of this contract.

(c) Place of Performance:

916 Bridgeboro Road Beverly, NJ. 08010

A.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The following index of services briefly describes the work involved. All services described in the Schedule, including Technical Specifications, Addenda, Terms, Conditions and Clauses of the contract must form the complete requirement.

SECTION

DESCRIPTION

A.4.1 GENERAL GROUNDS MAINTANCE SERVICES

Work consists of general, on-going, and recurring cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services to include the following: Mowing & removal of Debris /Grass Clippings. Trimming of headstones, trees, curbs, and fence lines. Sweeping and/or blowing-off of roads and walkways. Leaf Removal – Including Fall Leaf Removal. Daily policing of cemetery grounds to include collection & removal of leaves, small branches & twigs, debris / trash, floral arrangements, and emptying trash receptacles. Control / Trapping of Vertebrate Pests (moles). Snow & Ice Removal to Include Roadways, Sidewalks, Building Entrances, Driveways & Parking Areas. Raising & lowering of U.S. Flag for scheduled Funeral Services.

A.4.1a Lawn Maintenance – Mowing and Removal of Debris & Grass Clippings

(a.) SCOPE: The Contractor is responsible for mowing and removal of debris and grass all clippings within the cemetery boundaries. The cemetery turf encompasses approximately sixty (60) acres of lawn area.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established, healthy stand of turf.

ii. Measure 5.2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

iii. Standard 5.2.2: All sand, mineral, or turf is free of debris (i.e., leaves, fallen branches, and trash).

iv. Measure 5.2.2b: Sand, mineral, or turf areas are cleared of leaves and other natural debris, as needed, or at least weekly.

v. Measure 5.2.4b: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are maintained within one inch above the range of that which is professionally recommended for that type of turf and geographic region according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

vi. Standard 5.2.7: Avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf during grounds maintenance operations.

vii. Measure 5.2.7: Turf damage due to grounds maintenance tasks is identified and corrective action (initiated by close of business the same day).

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. Equipment: The Contractor must use rear-discharge mowers only. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

ii. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are cleanly cut and not torn or damaged. The height of grass is what is measured to get the correct cutting height. The cutting height of all mowing equipment must be set to maintain a turf height of three inches (3.5"). At no time will more than one and a half inches (1.5") of new growth be removed during any single mowing.

iii. Mowing: The Contractor must maintain all turf areas consistently at a turf height of 3 ½ inches throughout the growing season. Mowing must be accomplished as necessary to meet this standard. If grass clippings are evident, the Contractor must remove and dispose of the clippings at no extra cost to the Government.

iv. Turf: During general mowing operations the Contractor must take extreme care and caution to avoid and prevent unnecessary damage (i.e., scalping of turf, uneven mowing, excessive build-up of clippings, creation of divots, etc.). Contractor may be held liable for repair or replacement of any damaged turf due to negligence.

v. Memorial Day Ceremonies: Mowing of cemetery grounds must be performed within three (3) days prior to the Memorial Day Weekend.

vi. Any clippings deposited on roadways or other non-turf grass areas must be removed the same day as the mowing event that produced them. Any clippings deposited on sidewalks or at public visitor areas including at the Committal Shelter areas must be removed at same time mowing work is occurring.

vii. Contractor must be familiar with and utilize different mowing patterns. Changing direction and patterns reduces turf wear providing a cleaner cut. Contractor must clean all mowing and trimming equipment before unloading at the cemetery. This must minimize the possibilities of weed contaminates to cemetery turf from outside mowing areas. The contractor must take the utmost care not to damage headstones, markers, floral or commemorative items, structures, survey monuments, irrigation equipment, etc. while performing mowing services.

viii. The Contractor must remove and replace all floral or commemorative items, etc. to their proper place while performing mowing services. The Contractor must repair or replace all damaged items caused by the contractor at no additional cost to the cemetery.

ix. Turf in burial and public areas should be maintained at a height within one inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region. Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch above that range. For example, the height of Tall Fescue/Perennial Rye grass should be 3.5”. Grass is trimmed on borders.

x. The walkways (inside and out), flagpole bases, interment area, and roads must be cleaned of any grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming.

A4.1b TRIM/EDGE

(a.) SCOPE: Contractor must furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, and materials necessary for the provision of trimming, edging services at Beverly National Cemetery. Required services include the following:

i. Trimming around 42,350 upright headstones

ii. Trimming 4,635 flat grave markers

iii. Trimming around 1300 trees

iv. Edging two (2.3) miles of curb and fence lines, and

v. Debris & trash removal

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Measure 4.1.1c: Turf around headstones is trimmed to the recommended height according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

ii. Measure 4.1.1d: The percent of gravesites where turf around flat markers is edged (not trimmed) according to the Grounds Management Plan and are free of trimming debris.

iii. Standard 5.2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

iv. Measure 5.2.6: Other features (any additional turf areas requiring edging or trimming such as sidewalks, curbs, monuments) are trimmed or edged according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. UPRIGHT HEADSTONES: The Contractor must use nylon string trimmers that do not damage headstones or grave makers. Trimming around upright headstones will begin in conjunction with mowing operations once turf comes out of winter dormancy and begins active growth and will cease in late fall once turf has stopped active growth for the season.

ii. Grass must be trimmed and consistently maintained at the standard mowing height around the perimeter of each upright headstone. The trim extends approximately 12 inches from the headstone.

iii. The extended trim area will also include a 5’.0” band between the upright headstones across the width of the row.

iv. FLAT GRAVE MARKERS: Trimming around flat grave markers will also begin in conjunction with trimming of upright headstones. Trimming of flat markers will be accomplished and consistently maintained as follows:

v. The Contractor will use commercially acceptable mechanical trimming equipment with nylon string. There will be no damage to any flat grave/marble markers or items requiring maintenance under this contract.

vi. Flat grave markers will be trimmed and consistently maintained so that the grass is 2½ inches above the top surfaces of the flat marker (grass will not be scalped). The Contractor must edge, utilizing stick edgers, turf at a minimum of 90 degrees (perpendicular to the base/marker) for flat grave markers to remove all grass/vegetation that is growing around or over the entire perimeter of the marker/base.

vii. For markers that have sunk below the thatch level of existing turf, the Contractor will avoid scalping the turf and exposing the soil and the 90-degree (perpendicular) cut may be extended to, but will not exceed, 135 degrees away from the base.

viii. TREES, CURB LINES & FENCE L INES: Trimming around trees, curb-lines and fence-lines must begin once turf growth begins for the season and will be performed in conjunction with trimming of upright and flat grave markers. Tree, curb & fence line trimming will be accomplished and consistently maintained as follows:

i. Trees: One (1) foot will be trimmed around the perimeter of all trees.

ii. Curb-lines: A distance one (1) foot will be trimmed along all curb lines. All curbs will be edged.

iii. Fence-lines: One (1) foot will be trimmed on each side of fence lines (total: two (2) feet in width).

iv. Edging: All sidewalks, plazas, parking lots, walkways, flat markers, and roadway curbs adjoining a turf area must be cleanly edged and consistently maintained with power edgers (with blades) throughout the growing season. This is in addition to the standard trimming done throughout the year on turf extending over curbs, plazas, and walkways.

A.4.1c Sweeping and/or Blowing off Roads & Walkways:

(a.) SCOPE:

i. All walkways, roads, and parking areas will be swept or blown prior to interment services or as instructed by the COR. All roads, streets, committal shelters and public areas (to include the service roads behind committal shelters) will be cleaned daily or as instructed by the COR prior to the start of daily burial operations or at the conclusion of burial operations.

ii. The roads, streets, committal shelters and public areas will be cleaned of all debris (i.e., mud, dirt, twigs, leaves, grass clippings, animal excrement, spider webs, bird, or insect nests, etc.). All roads and walkways will be blown at the end of the day.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.5.1: All areas where cemetery operations have been conducted are neat, clean, and free of debris and equipment at the end of the workday.

ii. Measure 5.5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the end of the workday.

iii. Measure 5.5.1b: Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of grounds maintenance debris by the end of the workday.

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. The walkways around the Administrative Building and committal shelters must be swept/blown off daily. All pavement areas, benches, and signs (to include pavement under benches) around the Administrative Building will be cleaned of debris, spider webs, and animal droppings each workday.

ii. Debris must not be swept/blown into flower/planting beds, mulch areas, paved areas, nor left in rows or clumps on turf areas.

iii. Committal Shelters will be swept free of bugs and debris on a weekly basis. Ensure all spider webs and/or bugs are swept from corners, ceilings, chairs and/or around the shelter daily.

iv. Light pressure power spray with water to clean exterior will be conducted monthly at the Administrative Building and Committal Shelters, then quarterly at the maintenance building (break room and honor guard locations). If the windows are dirtied during the process of the cleaning, they will be cleaned to keep a neat appearance. Brown, directional / wayfinding signs, around the cemetery will be washed monthly with light pressure spray and wiped to keep free from dirt and bird droppings.

v. Storm Clean-up (wind, rain, hail, etc.): Cemetery should be checked and cleaned up the next working day following the storm unless the extent of the storm prompts civil defense authorities to declare emergency movement only. Should this occur, clean-up should be done as soon as emergency restrictions are lifted.

vi. The cemetery property includes all surrounding areas inside and outside the entrance to the main road.

vii. Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately.

A.4.1d TRASH, DEBRIS, LEAF & FALL LEAF REMOVAL:

(a.) SCOPE:

i. Work consists of collecting and removing all trash from cemetery trash receptacles, removing dead or unsightly flowers, holiday wreaths, tree limbs/branches/twigs, dead leaves, as well as any other debris within the cemetery grounds and along the cemetery fence line.

ii. Regular floral pick-ups must take place at the cemetery on dates specified in the cemetery Floral Regulations Handout. A copy of the handout must be provided to the Contractor.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Measure 5.2.2a: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas is free of trash.

ii. Measure 5.2.2b: Sand, mineral, or turf areas are cleared of leaves and other natural debris, as needed, or at least weekly.

iii. Standard 3.4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

iv. Measure 3.4.1b: Public-use trash receptacles are clearly marked, clean, neat, and in good repair.

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. All trash, debris, leaves (including all leaves to be removed during the fall and early winter) contents of trash cans, dead or unsightly flowers and fallen tree limbs must be removed from the Beverly National Cemetery daily. All grave decorations must be removed according to the cemetery floral regulations.

ii. Removal of debris and disposal away from the cemetery grounds must be the responsibility of the Contractor.

iii. Storm Clean-Up (wind, rain, hail, snow, ice, etc.): Cemetery should be checked and cleaned up next working day following the storm unless the extent of the storm prompts municipal, state, or federal authorities to declare state of emergency. Should this occur, clean-up should be done as soon as emergency restrictions are lifted.

iv. Normal leaf and tree debris collection and removal must be accomplished daily as needed. All fallen leaves and tree debris must be removed daily, except when delayed by the onset of severe weather conditions (Snow and Ice). The Contractor must schedule removal work accordingly and coordinate with the COR.

v. Fall Leaf Removal: Due to the high number of deciduous shade trees on the cemetery property, there are a great number of leaves that need to be cleaned up during the fall and early winter. For fall leaf removal, the Contractor must begin removing fallen leaves beginning in early - mid October and continue throughout the fall and winter until all leaves have fallen off the trees and are removed from the cemetery grounds. Leaves must be hand raked, vacuumed, or blown by backpack style blower or a walk-behind push type machine from the turf and along cemetery fence lines onto the roadways and then collected and properly disposed of from the cemetery grounds and the immediate area outside the cemetery. Also, any accumulation of mulched leaves must be removed from the cemetery.

vi. The Contractor must inspect all areas of the cemetery during this period and ensure that there is no accumulation of debris in any area.

A.4.1e SNOW & ICE REMOVAL:

(a.) SCOPE:

i. Work consists of removal of snow and ice from the cemetery driveway, roads, sidewalks, parking areas, all walkways on the cemetery grounds, and all steps/entrances to buildings, structures, and interment shelters, city sidewalks surrounding the cemetery site, and areas outside the cemetery walls as communicated by the COR.

ii. In the event of an interment during the snow season, the Contractor must be responsible for clearing passages from the roadway to the gravesite.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Measure 8.1.2a: Roads, sidewalks, paths and parking lots open to the public or for cemetery operations during adverse conditions are safe and accessible (e.g., clear of ice and snow or storm debris).

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. Snow removal must be accomplished by using a plow attached to a tractor or a self- propelled unit, snow blower or shovel. Tractors and self-propelled units are restricted to paved areas. Snow and ice removal operations must be completed by 8:00 a.m. or sooner seven (7) days a week.

ii. Ice removal must be accomplished by applying a deicer. This chemical must be of the type that must not stain or damage carpeting, flooring, turf, shrubbery, trees, walkways, and driveways.

iii. Contractor must take precautions to prevent damage to buildings, roadways, sidewalks, curbing, trees, headstones, and markers by equipment used to remove snow and ice. Contractor is responsible for repairing any damage caused by equipment in the performance of snow and ice removal.

A.4.1f Raise & Lower US Flag:

(a.) SCOPE:

i. Work consists of lowering the flag to half-staff at least 30 minutes prior to a committal service and raising the flag to full staff at least 30 minutes after the conclusion of the last committal service.

ii. The U.S. flag must be flown at half-staff on authorized holidays and when notified by the COR.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. NCA Directive 3220, Flags in VA National Cemeteries (August 3, 2018) Appendix A 2.b.(1-5).

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. Each national cemetery will display an all-weather U.S. flag on the main flagpole each day of the year during daylight hours of operation.

ii. The U.S. Flag must not be flown at half-staff except for occasions prescribed above or when requested by the COR.

A.4.1g VERTEBRATE PEST CONTROL:

(a.) SCOPE:

i. Work consists of regularly monitoring turf damage caused by vertebrate pests. Pests include, but are not limited to gophers, moles, voles, mice, rats, ground squirrels, rabbits, skunks, raccoons, and snakes must be controlled by trapping, elimination of their food source, or other effective methods. Trapping must be performed by licensed professionals permitted to trap the target pest.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.3.1: Trees and shrubs are healthy and free of pests and disease, and/or are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

ii. Measure 5.3.1: Trees and shrubs are healthy and free of pests and disease, and/or are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

iii. Measure 5.4.1b: Plants in planting beds are healthy, free of pests and disease, and are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

(c) PROCEDURES:

i. The cemetery turf currently suffers from damage caused by moles. Due to the size of the cemetery, it is virtually impossible to eliminate all moles, but the goal is to try and minimize their damage. Work consists of regularly monitoring turf damage caused by moles and setting traps in active mole runs to try and limit the mole population and subsequent damage caused by their digging. Mole activity in turf usually appears as ridges of upheaved soil. These ridges are created where the runways are dug as the moles move about foraging for food.

ii. Shooting of animals will not be authorized. Comply with U.S. Fish and Wildlife laws and regulations, and state Fish and Game Code about baiting and trapping of animal pests. All animals must be disposed of or relocated in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

iii. Harpoon mole traps will be utilized by the Contractor to trap and kill moles. Trapping of moles will require that the Contractor become familiar with active mole runs and how to properly set traps.

iv. Traps will be checked daily to see if moles have been caught. If so, the mole will be removed from the trap and then the trap will be reset. Traps will be moved several times weekly throughout all areas of the cemetery where mole damage is evident to try and effectively trap and kill as many moles as possible. The Contractor will be careful to set traps where they do not interfere with cemetery visitors’ access to a loved one’s grave or where they may pose a tripping or walking hazard to a cemetery visitor.

v. If soil is disturbed by these pests, the Contractor must ensure that all holes/ruts be filled with soil or other material deemed appropriate by the COR, tamped and re-graded. Areas of repair include both turf and planting beds. When applicable, damage to turf areas must be sodded. When mowing, the Contractor must mark off and avoid newly sodded areas until the turf is established.

vi. The Contractor must: within 10 calendar days from start of the contract period conduct a complete inspection of the cemetery grounds and document all vertebrate pest damage using Attachment D.

vii. The Contractor will provide the completed “Vertebrate Pest Inspection Sheet” to the COR within 15 calendar days from the start of the contract period. The Contractor must have treated with bait, and/or set traps to eliminate the pests. With 20 calendar days from the start of the contract period the Contractor must have correctly repaired the areas damaged from pest activity with matching turf.

viii. Approximately 30 days after the start of the contract period, and every 15 days thereafter as required, the COR will inspect the cemetery grounds to determine if the vertebrate pest damage has been reduced to an acceptable level. Also at that time, the COR will determine if the damaged turf has been repaired to an acceptable level. (Acceptable is defined as 90% of vertebrate pests are eliminated).

ix. The Contractor must inspect for pest damage each workday. If any additional signs of pest damage are found the Contractor must set baits and/or traps the day of discovery. The inspections must be documented and reported to the COR on a weekly basis.

A.4.2 HEADSTONE & MARKER CLEANING

(a.) SCOPE:

i. Work consists of cleaning approximately 44,000 headstones/markers at Beverly National Cemetery prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 1.1.6: Headstones, markers, and niche covers are clean, free of debris and Objectionable Accumulations.

ii. Measure 1.1.6: The percent of respondents to the annual CSS who agree or strongly agree that the upkeep of headstones, markers, and niche covers is excellent (next of kin and funeral director).

iii. Standard 4.1.1: Gravesites and the appropriate Headstone, Marker, or Niche Cover are maintained within the guidelines and limits required to allow for a visually pleasing experience.

iv. Measure 4.1.1a: The percent of headstones, markers, and niche covers that do not show evidence of debris or Objectionable Accumulations.

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. HEADSTONE CLEANING GENERAL INFORMATION: The Contractor must provide all labor, parts, equipment, supplies, transportation, and personnel required to provide headstone/marker cleaning services.

ii. CONTRACTOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: All equipment and supplies maintained and operated by the Contractor must be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, and County laws, ordinances and regulations and meet State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

iii. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING: The Contractor's Site Manager must provide the COR(s) with weekly written accurate reports identifying the following:

iv. All headstones/markers cleaned must be recorded per gravesite location.

v. These lists must be provided on not less than a weekly basis and must identify all the above work that took place within the previous seven calendar days. All headstones should be cleaned prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

vi. CLEANING OF UPRIGHT HEADSTONES: All temporary markers, floral, commemorative, or other types of decorations (arrangements) causing interference with the cleaning of upright headstones /markers will be carefully and orderly moved from and upon completion of the cleaning of the headstones/markers, moved back to the gravesite by the Contractor.

vii. Cleaning Techniques will demonstrate a clear understanding of, and the sensitivity to, such environmental issues as ground water contamination, wetlands, etc. and will be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State and County laws, ordinances, and regulations. General requirements for application of the cleaning product:

a) As of June 2012, D/2 Biological Solution is the only authorized cleaner of marble headstones and markers at national cemeteries. General background on the use of this product can be found at the following website, but information in that report must not be submitted for requirements in the contract: http://ncptt.nps.gov/wp-content/uploads/Best-Practices-Final.pdf.

b) Clean water will be used to wet the stone prior to washing, to apply the cleaning product and to rinse the stone after washing. Once the stone is wet, cleaning techniques with water will include low pressure water spraying with the wand affixed with a fan tip. The distance between the fan tip and the headstone surface must be a minimum of 12”.

c) When water under pressure is used, such pressure will not be greater than 500 psi and work will be accomplished in a manner that does not cause any etching of the stone surface to occur. A test cleaning will be done in an inconspicuous area of a headstone (based on age and or style) and evaluated by the COR prior to cleaning all like headstones and markers. The older the headstone or marker the more likely that power washing can cause damage, lower psi (up to 200 psi) is recommended.

d) Hand scrubbing may be used as needed. If manual agitation is necessary to remove soiling, only a soft bristle (synthetic or natural) brush must be used; metal or stiff plastic must not be used because it can scratch the stone.

e) Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the headstone or marker surface using clean, clear water under low pressure or without pressure.

viii. Site disturbance: If water used in cleaning should soften the soil around the base of the headstone or marker so it is loosened, care will be taken not to tip the headstone out of plumb or alignment.

ix. Care will be taken to protect the turf area from damage. Any turf damaged by the Contractor will be restored at Contractor’s expense. Upright headstones will be set and anchored firmly in place with no movement from forces subjected by the COR or designee after cleaning has been completed.

x. APPLICATION OF D/2 BIOLOGICAL SOLUTION PROCEDURES:

a) After wetting the headstone or marker in accordance with paragraph b) above, apply a heavy spray application of “undiluted D2 Biological Solution” cleaner to all sides of the headstone. Do not dilute the cleaner with water.

b) Allow D/2 to soak into the stone for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse the product from all headstone or marker surface using clean, clear water under low pressure or without pressure.

c) The effect of using D/2 Biological Solution will not be immediate. It will take 2 to 3 weeks for the full appearance of a clean stone to become apparent. For this reason, re treatment should not occur within (3) three weeks of the first cleaning and only with the concurrence of the Contracting Officer.

d) Headstones that have been cleaned but become marked, discolored, dirt covered, or muddied due to subsequent contract work including but not limited to turf reestablishment issues will be re rinsed and scrubbed at no additional cost to the government. Headstones that become discolored, dirt covered, or muddied etcetera after initial cleaning has been completed but prior to overall project completion will be re cleaned at no additional cost to the government. All headstones are to be clean at the time of project completion final inspection. The definition of clean is as specified in Section A.2 (d), page3.

A.4.3 TURF FERTILIZATION & WEED CONTROL

(a.) SCOPE:

i. Contractors must be responsible for maintaining the turf area of the cemetery and the immediate area surroundings of the cemetery in a healthy condition by proper application of fertilizers, and chemicals (to control weeds, diseases, and invertebrate and vertebrate pests). Turf in high visibility areas must be at least 90 percent pest, and disease free.

ii. Conduct pest control in accordance with requirements as stated in NCA Handbook 3410 – Integrated Pest Management Procedures for VA National Cemeteries.

(b.) NCA STANDARDS:

i. Standard 5.2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established, healthy stand of turf.

ii. Measure 5.2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

iii. Standard 5.4.1: Cemetery Planting Beds are well maintained, attractive, and compatible with the geographic region.

iv. Measure 5.4.1a: Planting beds are Generally Weed-Free.

v. Standard 5.3.1: Trees and shrubs are healthy and free of pests and disease, and/or are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

vi. Measure 5.3.1: Trees and shrubs are healthy and free of pests and disease, and/or are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

vii. Standard 5.4.1: Cemetery Planting Beds are well maintained, attractive, and compatible with the geographic region.

viii. Measure 5.4.1a: Planting beds are Generally Weed-Free.

ix. Measure 5.4.1b: Plants in planting beds are healthy, free of pests and disease, and are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

(c.) PROCEDURES:

i. Safety/Regulatory Requirements:

a) All application methods of must be in strict accordance with manufacturer, Department of Environmental Protection, and all federal, state, and local laws.

b) All applications must be made in accordance with manufactures label instructions to ensure proper rate and timing of application. Ten (10) workdays prior to any scheduled application, the Contractor must provide to COR, a copy of product label for each chemical used, the amount and application rate, and appropriate supporting Safety Data Sheets (SDS) sheets in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

c) Contractor must keep a record of all pesticides applied and must submit to the COR within five (5) working days after application a fully completed “Pesticide Application Data Sheet” for review and approval, with a copy sent to the North Atlantic District Agronomist. (See Attachment D.) The COR will train the Contractor in the proper use of this form. Records will show type, amount, application area, and weather conditions.

d) Contractor personnel applying turf applications must possess a current, valid State of New Jersey commercial pesticide/herbicide application license. A copy of the license will be provided to the COR. The Contractor must be responsible for any damage resulting from the application of any fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide treatments.

e) Train employees on environmental issues such as ground water contamination, wetland protection, etc., and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

f) The Contractor is responsible for preventing the public and cemetery employees from accidentally becoming exposed to pesticides during an application or from encountering treated areas after the application have been made. In compliance with these instructions, the Contractor must provide the required safety warning devices, barricades, and signage, etc., at all work sites to eliminate hazards from public visitors and cemetery employees.

g) Prior to fertilizer and/or pesticide application, the contractor must at a minimum, post appropriate flags or markers in all areas to be treated for a period of 24 hours after a fertilizer and/or pesticide treatment has been applied accompanied by a sign informing the public of the time and date of the chemical application. Remove all flags and signs upon expiration of the 24-hour period.

h) In addition to, or in compliance with instructions from the Agricultural Commissioner's office on posting, prior to an herbicide application, the Contractor must provide and install signage that clearly states the following: "CAUTION - HERBICIDE APPLICATION IN PROGRESS."

i) The signage must be evaluated by the COR and must be uniformly spaced along all perimeters of the application area, and at all regular points of public entry, and must remain standing for 24 hours after application is complete. If the herbicide has a restricted entry interval, the signage must be removed by the Contractor within 24 hours after the expiration of the restricted-entry interval. The Contractor is responsible for the removal and disposal of all signage, warning devices, etc.

j) The contract work must not jeopardize the safety of any persons or jeopardize the protection any plant material or property within the cemetery. Contractor must not make turf applications, particularly those involving hazardous materials, when people are present in or passing by any such work area(s). Such work in Visually Prominent Areas and along major pedestrian routes, and in any area where a funeral or ceremony is taking place or will take place within 2 hours, must be rescheduled by the Contractor to an earlier or later time, or to a time before or after cemetery visiting hours and coordinated with the COR.

ii. Turf Weed Control - General:

a) The Contractor must control weeds throughout the cemetery year-round, using Contractor provided herbicides with emphasis given to Visually Prominent Areas. The result must be that all Visually Prominent Areas (interment sections, committal service shelters, columbaria and memorial walkways, flagpole/assembly area, public buildings, and entrance gate; areas adjacent to the main entrance road; and primary roads/routes to committal service shelters, burial areas, the entrance way) must be 90 percent weed free. Ninety percent weed free means that the population of weeds is very widely scattered and visually insignificant when the total expanse of the cemetery turfgrass is observed. The weeds in no way distract from the visual attractiveness of the landscape.

b) All applications must be made in accordance with manufacture's label instructions to insure proper rate and timing of application. The Contractor will provide and apply liquid broadleaf herbicide no earlier than 6 hours before anticipated rainfall to allow herbicide sufficient time to be absorbed into plant tissue to maximize the herbicide's full potential. Any rainfall that is received within this six-hour time frame after the application will require the Contractor to treat all turf areas a second time at no additional cost to the Government.

c) Weed growth and disease in turf must be controlled by means of mowing, trimming and pesticide application or any other method approved by the Contracting Officer. All personnel using such sprays must be properly trained, and the person in charge must be duly licensed by the State of New Jersey to use pesticides. Broadcast applications of pesticides for weeds must be accomplished in the spring and the fall as specified in the “Turf Application Schedule”. Spot treatments of herbicides for weed control must occur by the Contractor monthly (outside of the normally scheduled turf applications) during the growing season to suppress tough to control broadleaf weeds in the turf grass unless noted otherwise.

d) Follow herbicide manufacturers’ precautions on maximum applications per year for both spot and broadcast applications. Do not apply herbicides which may kill/damage over seed. Do not apply herbicides which will inhibit the germination of grass seeds. Follow herbicide manufacturers’ precautions for timing use of product on seeded/over seeded turf. Do not apply herbicides on over seeded turf until turf has been mowed two times, or four weeks after emergence (whichever is longer) before making a post-emergence application. Weed control products must be compatible with cool season turf grass and must not damage the turf either by misapplication or inappropriate product selection.

iii. Pre-Emergent Weed Control:

a) Contractor must apply grass pre-emergent herbicide in granular form when treating for annual bluegrass, crabgrass, dallisgrass, goosegrass, johnsongrass, kikuyugrass, etc. at manufacturers’ recommended rate allowable for the east coast region and cool season turf grasses. Follow herbicide manufacturers’ precautions for timing use of product on seeded/over seeded turf. Apply pre- emergent one to two weeks prior to the anticipated weed seed germination when soil temperatures register between 50 to 55°F for 3 consecutive days. Apply a second sequential application of the same product 6 to 8 weeks following the first application. Pre-emergent must be applied with calibrated spreading equipment.

b) The Contractor is solely responsible for damage to headstones or any other structures, and newly seeded turf grass caused because of any pre-emergent application or herbicidal treatment. Alternate between herbicide products to reduce herbicide resistance and to increase spectrum of control.

iv. Broadleaf Weed Control:

a) Broadleaf herbicides must be applied with calibrated measured spraying equipment (not a hose end sprayer). The chemical must address issues of various broadleaf weed types which include dandelion, white clover, speedwell, chickweed, curly dock, yellow wood-sorrel, black medic, plantain, spurge, prickly lettuce, purslane, etc. Applications must be timely and at the proper dosage so that perennial weeds do not go to seed. Chemicals must be broadcast and spot-applied to turf areas throughout the cemetery as appropriate for the degree of weed pressure. Use three-way herbicide products containing triclopyr; 2,4- D; and dicamba. Tank mix with MCPP or MCPA to increase spectrum of control.

v. Grass Weed Control: Grass weed herbicides must be applied with calibrated measured spraying equipment (not a hose end sprayer). Applications must be timely and at the proper dosage so that grass weeds do not go to seed. Chemicals must be broadcast and spot-applied to grass weeds in turf areas throughout the cemetery as appropriate for the degree of weed pressure. Alternate between herbicides products containing dithiopyr in the spring and pronamide in summer to reduce herbicide resistance. Tank mix with MSMA or fenoxapropto increase spectrum of control. Do not apply herbicides which may kill/damage winter rye overseed until the spring transition back to bermudagrass is desired.

vi. Sedge Weed Control: Sedge weed herbicides must be applied with calibrated measured spraying equipment (not a hose end sprayer). The chemical must address issues of various weeds which include green kyllinga, annual sedge, purple nutsedge, yellow nutsedge, and aquatic sedges. Applications must be timely and at the proper dosage so that grass weeds do not go to seed. Chemicals must be spot applied throughout the cemetery where infestations are evident, particularly in moist and low-lying areas prone to poor drainage. Tank mix with adjuvant per manufacturer’s printed instructions. Reapply 4 to 6 weeks per manufacturer’s printed instructions. Alternate between herbicides products containing halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, and sulfosulfuron to reduce herbicide resistance.

vii. Fungi: Employ IPM methods for reduction and treatment of fungi such as improving drainage through aeration and thatch removal; and proper mowing, fertilization, and irrigation techniques to eliminate the conditions favorable for the growth of fungus. Application of fungicides is generally not required.

viii. Invertebrate Pest Control: Pests that include but are not limited to insects (all life cycle stages), and spiders must be controlled by insecticides, biological controls, or other effective methods.

a) Bees must be live trapped and relocated by a specialist in bee keeping.

b) Keep buildings free of wasps and their nests with particular attention given to the Committal Shelters, and entries to PIC and Admin. Bldg.

ix. Fertilizer and Pesticide Application:

a) Turf applications must be applied with appropriate calibrated spreading and spraying equipment.

b) Liquid and pellet surface applications must be uniformly distributed within the cemetery’s defined area of coverage. Herbicides must be applied under calm wind conditions to eliminate any potential for drift. Surface applications must not be made where surface run-off is likely to occur or near a water source.

c) Use surfactants and adjuvants with herbicides to improve herbicidal activity or application characteristics when recommended by herbicide manufacturer.

d) Complete each turf application within the “Annual Application Date” specified in the “Turf Application Schedule”, (weather permitting). Applications must be provided in accordance with manufacturers label instructions to ensure proper rate of active ingredient (ai) and timing.

e) The Contractor must not dispose of, rinse, mix nor store any herbicide containers/bags on cemetery premises. No herbicide application equipment or agricultural chemicals may be kept or stored on the cemetery premises when the Contractor is not working.

f) Ten (10) days after completion of the application, jointly inspect the pesticide application with the COR and assess results. In areas where results are less than acceptable* re-perform the application at no additional cost to the Government. (*Acceptable is defined as 90% of target pest species are eliminated).

g) Take precautions to prevent damage to the cemetery, in any manner, including headstones, monuments, shrub and flower beds, trees…