Attachment A -SOW - Georgia NC.pdf

Georgia National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - STATEMENT OF WORK

B.1 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the basic objectives of Georgia National Cemetery.

B.2 INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. Georgia National Cemetery is one (1) of 2 cemeteries in the State of Georgia that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

B.3 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 155 National Cemeteries in 39 states that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis. As the final resting place for our nation’s heroes, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have been established by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this nation’s concern and respect for those interred there, therefor strict adherence to the following specifications is essential.

Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness required when scheduling and performing work to not interrupt cemetery operations.

1. The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan and perform the activities associated with statements of work as described herein, which are required to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds in accordance with National Cemetery Administration Operational Standards and Measures.

2. National cemeteries are a resting place for our nation’s heroes and as such, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have. been established by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this.

3. Nation’s concern and respect for those interred there. The NCA mission: The NCA honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation.

Georgia National Cemetery is located near the city of Canton, in Cherokee County, Georgia, which is approximately 45 minutes north of Atlanta. The physical location 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane Canton, GA 30114. The cemetery’s anticipated burial rate will be 2900 per year. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications is required as well as National Cemetery Administration standards.

a. Site features include a main entrance with floral beds, administration building, maintenance building with truck entrance, maintenance compound and contractors’ compound, bell tower, committal shelters, a flag assembly plaza, columbarium with floral beds, memorial trail with floral beds, extensive landscaping with trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Turf is 419 Bermuda.

b. National Cemeteries are National Shrines, as codified in 38 U.S. Code § 2403 (c), “All national and other veterans’ cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall be considered National Shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead …”.

Therefore, the standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications described in the attachments, which are based on the National Cemetery Administration, National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures, is mandatory.

c. A National Shrine is a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor or family member who views it that, within its majestic setting, every Veteran may find a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose. Each visitor should depart feeling that the grounds, the gravesites, and the environs of the national cemetery are a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

d. The NCA National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures should be considered as goals and requirements for the performance of key operational processes and should be applied at both open and closed national cemeteries where work is done by either a Federal or contract workforce.

B.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Grounds Maintenance Services to the Georgia National Cemetery. Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Cemetery Address Acreage Required Services Georgia National Cemetery

2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114

91.9 acres developed turf and irrigated and 778.4 acres undeveloped

Grounds Maintenance Services

Note:

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

B.4.a DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.

The contractor shall provide all supervision, personnel, equipment, tools, and other items and/or services necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance is performed at Georgia National Cemetery in a manner that will maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Georgia National Cemetery has an immediate need for Grounds, Facilities Maintenance, Interment Support, and Headstone Services. Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, supervision, and supplies to complete Grounds Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Interment Support, and Headstone Services necessary to ensure the services are performed at Georgia National Cemetery in a manner that will promote and maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants while presenting a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

Services include, but are not limited to, maintenance of grounds, regular mowing, weed eating, edge trimming of roadways, removal of leaves and debris, as well as, cleaning and pressure washing of headstones, storm debris clean-up, turf maintenance, chemical turf applications/treatments, core aerification, the maintenance and upkeep of mulching beds, columbarium and committal shelter cleaning, holiday support services, sweeping or blowing off cemetery roadways and sidewalks, maintenance of gravesites by cleaning and trimming around headstones. Turf maintenance, plant and tree maintenance, sunken grave repair, trash removal, removal of Floral arrangements as required from graves, maintenance of gravesites and headstones, and the alignment and washing of headstones, headstone maintenance, transportation of remains.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm local time (Monday thru Friday - excluding Federal Holidays). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the Cemetery Leadership in conjunction with the VA Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

The Period of Performance for this project shall consist of a Base Year (12 Months) and (4) -1-Year Option periods (if exercised):

• Base Year: June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026

• Option Year One: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027

• Option Year Two: June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028

• Option Year Three: June 1, 2028 – May 31, 2029

• Option Year Four: June 1, 2029 – May 31, 2030

Contractor shall perform all work utilizing best management and safety practices.

Contractor shall understand and meet all current applicable NCA Operational Standards and Measures (Attachment or Appendix). Minor changes to standards and measures shall be at no cost to the government (i.e., timeline to perform tasks).

Contractor shall coordinate work in advance with COR to minimize the impact to cemetery operations.

COR shall be notified in writing of all completed work by COB or no later than 10:00am the next business day.

All facilities under contractor control, vehicles, equipment, and materials will be maintained within compliance with OSHA and Annual Workplace Evaluation Standards. All areas on the cemetery grounds are subject to inspection by the Collateral Duty Safety Officer (CDSO) to ensure compliance. Violations will be mitigated or resolved within 30 days of written notice by the COR.

Table of Contents

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

B.4.1.2 Mowing Of Buffer Areas

B.4.1.3 EDGING OF WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL

SURFACES

B.4.1.4 TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND

OTHER VERTICLE SURFACES

B.4.1.5 GRAVESITE TRASH, DEBRIS, AND DECORATION/FLORAL

REMOVAL

B.4.1.6 TRASH, LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION AND REMOVAL

B.4.1.7 Mass Gravesite Floral, Decorations, Trash and Debris Pick-up/Removal B.4.1.8 Sweeping/Blowing Off Roadways and Concrete Surfaces

B.4.1.9 UNDERGOUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM OPERATION, INSPECTION,

AND MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.10 Mowing Sections with Push Lawn Mower

B.4.2 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

B.4.2.1 Sunken Grave Repair and Turf Repair(Casket Sites)

B.4.2.2 SUNKEN CREMATION AND SMALL AREA GROUNDS REPAIRS

B.4.2.3 Sod Repairs and Installation B.4.2.4 Mulch/Install and Replenish to include all trees, shrubs, and planting beds

B.4.3 PLANT MATERIAL AND TREE MAINTENANCE

B.4.3.1 Maintenance of All Plant Beds, Shrubs, and Bushes B.4.3.2 Tree Maintenance

B.4.4 TURF MAINTENANCE

B.4.4.1 Casket/Vault Gravesite Sod Installation B.4.4.2 Core Aerification B.4.4.3 Fertilization B.4.4.4 WEED CONTROL: Herbicide Treatment/Application B.4.4.5 Gypsum or Dolomitic Lime Application

B.4.5 PEST CONTROL

B.4.5.1 Insecticide Treatment/Application B.4.5.2 Daily Fire Ant Control/Treatment/Monitoring B.4.6 Operational Flow Chart Warm Season Turfgrass Areas B.4.7 Extreme Weather Storm Damage and Debris Clean-up

B.4.8 HEADSTONE RECEIVING, SETTING, AND REALIGNMENT

B.4.8.1 HEADSTONE RECIEVING (ALL FIRST, SUBSEQUENT AND

REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES

B.4.8.2 Headstone Setting of All Headstones (ALL FIRST, SUBSEQUENT AND

REPLACEMENT HEADSTONES)

B.4.8.3 Headstone Raise/ Realign B.4.8.4 Fine Tune Alignment (Bump and Run)

B.4.9 INTERMENT SERVICES

B.4.9.1 CASKET TRANSPORTATION

B.4.9.2 Maintenance of Benches and Rocked Areas

B.4.10 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE, CLEANING AND PRESSURE

WASHING

B.4.10.1 Headstone Cleaning B.4.10.2 Curbs, Parking Lots, Parking Blocks

B.4.10.3 Entrance Ways, Bridge concrete wall, Memorial Walk, Walls, Caps, Areas under signs, trash, and Floral Receptacles.

B.4.10.4 Flag Assembly Area and Ceremonial Pavilion area

B.4.10.5 Columbarium, Ceremonial Walls, and Marble Niche Covers/Memorial Markers

B.4.10.6 Committal Shelters B.4.10.7 Buildings and Surrounding Concrete Surfaces B.4.10.8 Floral Vase Bin and Trash Receptacle Cleaning

B.4.11 SUPPORT SERVICES

B.4.11.1 Daily Committal Shelter Setup, Take Down, and Cleaning B.4.11.2 Weekend/Holiday Burial Support B.4.11.3 Ceremony Support to include set-up and take-down

B.4.11.4 Janitorial Services for the Administration Building, Maintenance Building and Public Information Center.

B.4.12 Government Contract Management B.4.12.1 Contracting Officer B.4.12.2 Contracting Officers’ Representative (COR)

B.4.12.3 CONTRACTOR STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.4 SITE SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.5 EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

B.4.13 CONTRACTOR/EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT

B.4.14 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

B.4.15 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Bases

Standard 2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

Standard 2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare

Areas.

• Measure 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.

Standard 2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

• Measure 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

Standard 2.7: Avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf during grounds maintenance operations.

• Measure 2.7: Turf damage due to grounds maintenance tasks is identified and corrective action initiated by close of business the same day.

The contractor shall mow, edge, and trim all grass within the cemetery and the perimeter tree line, entry gates, and walls. All damage due to contractors’ equipment or operations shall be repaired and/or replaced by the contractor at no cost to the government. Contractor is responsible to report any damages immediately to the COR.

Note: Bermuda Grass height shall be maintained at 2 inches or as directed by the COR. Cutting height shall be established as per required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District Agronomist.

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

Bermuda Grass height of cut (H.O.C) shall be maintained at maximum height of cut of 2” inches. Cutting height shall be established as required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District Agronomist.

Turf shall be cut to maintain heights as set forth below (this may change if grounds require such height change):

Cutting Height, Inches Turf grass Species

2” 419 Bermuda

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All Mowing shall be done a minimum of once a week during the growing season, (Typically Mid- February through November) or as weather determines through growing season. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to weather conditions to keep the turf from growing more than One half (1/2) inch above the maximum height of 2” (Two) inches for Bermuda. Mowing shall be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at any single mowing. Mower blades shall be maintained as sharp as possible to provide the best cut to insure turf health. During dormant periods, mowing shall be done as necessary to maintain National Cemetery Standards. Advanced Written Notice and COR Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week.

Scalping and damage from cutting in wet turf, or making sharp turns exiting lanes, is not acceptable.

Where scalping or other damage is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government. When scalping is a result of ruts, contractor shall ensure top dressing is completed in the ruts to not scalp the center of the gravesite.

After mowing, no excessive thatch will be permitted to remain on the turf. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch, or paved areas.

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 (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Mowing equipment shall be kept 6 (six) to 12 (twelve) inches from upright headstones and other vertical structures and/or fixtures.

Top dressing areas with ruts from turf mowing to be completed once a year or on an as needed bases, requested by the COR. Proper top-dressing techniques shall be utilized (example – sand) and shall be approved by the COR prior to completion.

Contractor shall be responsible for mowing, edging, and trimming all grass within the cemetery as specified by COR.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Contractor shall utilize commercial grade mowers with mulching decks and mulching blades. Cutting blades on mowing equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut - not torn or damaged.

Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The height of grass is what is measured to get correct cutting height. Contractor shall indicate cutting deck height on weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut—not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching checks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s)

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest, in writing, that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged turf at the Contractor’s expense no more than 72 hours after identification.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched, raked, or otherwise collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created. Multiple passes of mowing equipment may be necessary to thoroughly mulch clippings.

Rotation of directional mowing shall be performed each mowing in best effort practice to prevent ground rutting from mowing equipment and promote turf health.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of grass clippings allowed to remain on grounds. All clippings must be removed from the site. No excess clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

The walkways (inside and out), interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, edging, and trimming, etc.). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of grounds maintenance operations.

If additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the COR for approval. Overtime / weekend work will be at no cost of the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from COR is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel shall be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

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

GUARANTEE

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

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

B.4.1.2 Mowing Of Buffer Areas All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall mow all buffer areas within the cemetery grounds and the perimeter tree line and walls.

All Mowing of buffer areas shall be done a minimum of once a week during the growing season, (Typically Mid-February through November) or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to weather conditions to keep the turf from growing more than One half (1/2) inch above the maximum recommended height of 2-1/2” to 3-1/2. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at any single mowing. During dormant periods, mowing shall be done as necessary to maintain National Shrine Standards. Advanced Written Notice and COR Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Cutting height shall be established as required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District Agronomist.

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Scalping and damage from cutting in wet turf, or making sharp turns exiting lanes, is not acceptable.

Where scalping or other damage is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

All grass clippings clumped together excessively due to rapid growth or wet grass; the contractor will remove immediately after mowing.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. Mowing shall be performed frequently so that no more than one-third (1/3) of the leafage is removed during a single mowing. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched or raked, collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of turf clippings allowed to remain on turf areas. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces. All clippings and thatch shall be mulched or removed by the end of the workday which they were created.

The walkways (inside and out), flagpole bases, interment area, and roads shall be cleaned up of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, weed eating, edging, and trimming. These areas shall be blown off immediately after completion.

Contractor shall utilize commercial grade mowers with mulching decks and mulching blades. Cutting blades on mowing equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut - not torn or damaged.

Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The height of grass is what is measured to get correct cutting height. Contractor shall indicate cutting deck height on weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut—not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching checks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s)

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest, in writing, that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged

If additional time, weekend or after hour work is needed due to scheduling conflicts, negative impacts to cemetery operations, weather conditions etc., the contractor shall submit a written/email request to the COR for approval. Overtime / weekend work will be at no cost of the Government. A written request/email must be submitted to the COR for consideration, a minimum of 24 hour(s) in advance of requested overtime/weekend work. Approval from COR is required prior to initiating any after-hours/weekend work or repairs. When after-hours/weekend work is authorized, a minimum of two (2) contractor personnel shall be on-site throughout the duration of work/repairs.

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

GUARANTEE

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

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.3 EDGING OF WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL SURFACES

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

All edging of walkways, curbs, and other horizontal surfaces will be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season (Typically Mid-February through November) or as directed by the COR.

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, signage mowing strips, and crypt field drain clean-out covers shall be vertically edged with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds.

All streets, curbs, walkways, entry gates including walls, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, signage mowing strips, and crypt field drain clean-out covers will be blown clean after mowing, trimming, and edging before close of business on the day edging occurs.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control / valve boxes, control markers, manhole covers, signage mowing strips, all tree rings and planting beds shall be vertically trimmed with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds. The desired result will be a ½” wide clear gap between the turf/grass and the horizontal surface.

Street edges, with no discernable curbing, shall be edged in such a manner as to eliminate turf/grass from overlapping the roadway.

Equipment will not be refueled over turf areas. Fuel cans will not be set on turf areas. Any turf area damaged by spilled fuel will be repaired immediately.

All edging shall be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the grass. Turf along the edged areas shall be trimmed to ensure the height of the turf matches the entire turfed area. Turf shall not be higher near the edged area than the turf in the mow-able area. Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (1/2) above specified range of turfgrass.

All edging will be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the grass.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

Care shall be taken that no clippings are blown into mulch beds. Clippings shall be removed from mulch beds by close of business on the day they were created.

The walkways and roads shall be cleaned of grass clippings, dirt, and leaves after all ground maintenance operations (mowing, string trimming, and edging). These areas shall be swept or blown off immediately after completion of ground maintenance operations.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

The COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

GUARANTEE

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

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.4 TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER VERTICLE

SURFACES

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

Work consists of trimming all un-mowed grass around headstones, monuments, markers, and other vertical surfaces to the recommended mowing height using string line-type trimmers.

Mowing shall be performed prior to trimming or edging. All trimming shall be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season (Typically Mid-February through November), following the approved mowing schedule.

All trimming shall be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers.

Will be done a minimum of once a week during growing (Typically Mid-February through November) or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require trimming twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing more than ½” inch above the maximum recommended height of 2 inches. Advanced Written Notice and COR Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to trimming more than once a week.

All trimmings shall follow the mowing schedule.

Trimming will be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers. All un-mowed grass around headstones, monuments, markers, rocks, trees, and other vertical surfaces shall be trimmed to keep the grass at the height standard described in NCA Operational Standards and Measures (Attachment or Appendix).

Turf in burial and public areas should be maintained at a height within ½” 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 (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Care will be taken near headstones to prevent damage to the headstone, vases, and floral arrangements.

Grass clippings/stains will be removed from headstone bases after trimming. Vases and floral arrangements must be moved to trim and then returned to the correct headstone. Damaging vases and floral arrangements is not acceptable.

Scalping is not acceptable. Trimmers will be kept level to prevent scalping between and around headstones. All string trimmers shall always have anti-scalping devices attached. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

Discarded trimmer string shall be removed from the grounds after trimming operations are complete.

Care will be taken that no clippings will be blown into mulch beds. Any clippings will be cleaned from mulch beds by close of business on the day trimming occurs.

Equipment will not be refueled over turf areas. Fuel cans will not be set on turf areas. Any turf area damaged by spilled fuel will be repaired immediately.

The walkways and non-grass surfaces (inside and outside the cemetery), flagpole bases, interment areas, and roads will be cleared of grass clippings and leaves after mowing, string trimming, and edging.

Visibly prominent areas, such as administrative offices, public restrooms, shelters, pavilions, and columbarium, will have clippings blown or swept from roads and walkways as soon as the operation causing debris is completed.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds, or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately. Contractor will be responsible for repair or replacement of all damage.

The COR will conduct inspections of trimming weekly.

GUARANTEE

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

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.5 GRAVESITE TRASH, DEBRIS, AND DECORATION/FLORAL REMOVAL (daily pickup) All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021 Category 3, Facilities Maintenance Sub-Category 4: Waste Management o Standard 4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

• Measure 4.1a: The cemetery's central trash collection points are in areas that minimize public visibility.

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 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.

• Measure 5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the conclusion of each task and at the end of the workday.

SCOPE OF WORK

All trash, debris, contents of trash cans, dead or unsightly flowers, and all fallen tree limbs and branches not attached to the tree shall be removed from the Cemetery areas daily.

Any limbs or branches attached to the tree hanging down shall be reported to the COR as soon as possible for action.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All unsightly grave decorations and/or flowers will be removed daily or as needed in accordance with cemetery floral regulations. Serviceable floral cone vases will be cleaned and placed in the floral vase containers near the burial sections and admin. American flags will be disposed of appropriately. NOTE:

Posted floral policy will be followed if different than below information.

a. Potted plants and other decorative items are only allowed on gravesites 5 days before through 5 days after Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and Yom Kippur.

(Potted plants and baskets kill the grass, they are generally not allowed)

b. Seasonal Holiday Adornments for Christmas and Hanukkah, such as wreaths, potted plants and other seasonal items may be placed on graves from December 15th through January 10th.

c. Traditional gravesites: fresh cut flowers may be placed any time of the year and will be removed when they become unsightly and/or to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing or trimming. (If purchased, ornamental, vases are removed, follow the rules below for grave decorations)

d. Artificial flowers are permitted between November 10th and March 1st. Faded or unsightly arrangements will be removed daily and placed in appropriate bin.

e. All grave decorations once picked up, will be placed in the 30-day bin with a tag annotating the section and gravesite on it. It will be held for a minimum of 90 days in a designated location. If not retrieved by NOK, they will be discarded.

f. The designation will consist of (1) bin for only artificial flowers, (3) separate bins which represent 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days.

g. At the beginning of each month, the bins will be rotated to the next bin and then after the 90 days will be placed in the dumpster.

Unsightly (withered/dead flowers) and/or unauthorized decorations are to be removed daily from the cemetery grounds.

The contractor shall provide the necessary labor and suitable conveyance each workday for pickup of trash, debris, grave decoration, and unsightly floral arrangements from the Cemetery’s grounds.

A dumpster placement area shall be in a designated area of the cemetery and screened from public view.

Removal and disposal of debris from the Cemetery’s grounds shall be the responsibility of the contractor for all items found in and around the Cemetery.

GUARANTEE

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

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.6 TRASH, LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION AND REMOVAL (Invoiced Monthly) All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021 Category 3, Facilities Maintenance Sub-Category 4: Waste Management o Standard 4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

• Measure 4.1a: The cemetery's central trash collection points are in areas that minimize public visibility.

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 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.

o Measure 5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the conclusion of

Trash/Waste Management (Daily Occurrence – Invoiced Monthly)

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of the daily collection and removal of all trash (i.e., paper, cans, bottles, cigarette butts, etc.), debris, dead or unsightly flowers, tree limbs, etc. from the cemetery grounds to include the exterior trash receptacles and the immediate area outside the cemetery walls and/or fences bordering the cemetery grounds.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall be responsible for supplying a dumpster for placement in the designated area of the contractor maintenance yard and trash removal services. Dumpster and trash removal/waste management services shall be at the expense of the Contractor. Dumpster will be of sufficient size to prevent overfilling and spillage.

The Contractor supplied dumpster must be onsite no later than fourteen (14) days after contract award and arrival on site. Exceptions must be approved in writing by COR or Cemetery Leadership.

All interment section trash/waste receptacles shall be emptied a minimum of once daily, or as designated by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). No trash shall be left in the interment section trash receptacles over the weekend.

Any damage to, cemetery fixtures, structures, grounds, or equipment during trash removal operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repaired at contractor’s expense.

Empty and clean ashtrays; remove debris from sand urns, smooth sand and replace when necessary (sand to be furnished by the VA) each task and at the end of the workday.

Leaf and Debris collection/removal (Weekly Occurrence-Invoiced Monthly)

Work consists of collecting and removing all fallen leaves, nuts, twigs, and other natural debris from the cemetery grounds in its entirety to include the immediate area outside the cemetery walls and/or fences bordering the cemetery grounds.

All fallen leaves, nuts, twigs, pinecones, and other natural debris must be removed to keep a debris free appearance throughout the cemetery in accordance with the NCA Standards and Measures.

At no point shall debris, to include, but not limited to, leaves and or grass clippings be blown onto the highway as a means of removal from cemetery grounds.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Leaf and debris collection and removal shall be accomplished throughout the year (January 1 through December 31) as required. All fallen leaves and debris must be removed during this period, except when delayed by the onset of severe weather conditions. Random inspections shall be conducted daily by the

COR.

The Contractor shall conduct daily inspections of the entire cemetery throughout the year to ensure there is no accumulation of leaves, nuts, twigs, and/or natural debris in any area.

Leaf collection/clearing must be performed a minimum of once per week in accordance with NCA Standards and Measures. Leaf collection/clearing shall follow the same schedule as identified in the mowing schedule.

Heavy accumulation of leaves, nuts, twigs and/or natural debris as seen during severe weather, hurricane season, and/or peak leaf season may require certain areas to be collected more frequently than weekly as directed by the COR or Cemetery Leadership.

Peak leaf season typically occurs annually between November and January, subject to weather conditions.

Leaves, nuts, twigs, and other natural debris shall be hand raked, vacuumed or machine blown from the interment areas into the roadways and then collected and properly disposed. Cemetery grounds, as defined above, include the areas outside of the perimeter fenced area.

Any accumulation of mulched leaves or natural debris shall be removed by the Contractor no later than the next business day.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures (to include fences), grounds or equipment during leaf and debris removal must be reported to the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership immediately.

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

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

B.4.1.7 Mass Floral, Decorations, Trash and Debris Pick-up/Removal All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021 Category 3, Facilities Maintenance Sub-Category 4: Waste Management o Standard 4.1: Trash is collected, disposed of, and does not detract from cemetery appearance.

• Measure 4.1a: The cemetery's central trash collection points are in areas that minimize public visibility.

Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 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.

• Measure 5.1a: Debris, equipment, tools, and supplies are removed at the conclusion of each task and at the end of the workday.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of collecting, and removing all flags, grave decorations, and floral arrangements in preparation for special events or chemical turf treatment. During times of mass pick-up, all live floral arrangements shall be discarded. Cemetery provided floral vases that are clean and in serviceable condition upon removal of live floral arrangements shall be returned in the floral vase containers near the burial sections and administrative office. All other floral vases/containers shall be placed in the floral/gravesite decoration retention area in the Cemetery Holding area.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All artificial floral arrangement, flags, and/or decorations collected and removed from gravesites shall be retained by the Contractor for a minimum of ninety (90) days after removal. The cemetery shall be responsible for designating an artificial floral/gravesite decoration retention area in such a manner that enables Contracting and/or cemetery staff to assist inquiring families retrieve recently removed/relocated arrangements/decorations.

The Contractor shall provide all the necessary labor, equipment, and transportation necessary for the collection, removal, and disposal of all trash and debris.

The Contractor is responsible for supplying a dumpster for placement in the contractor maintenance yard to include trash removal services. Dumpster and trash removal/waste management services shall be at the expense of the Contractor.

The Contractor supplied dumpster must be onsite no later than fourteen (14) days after contract award and arrival on site. Exceptions must be approved in writing by COR or Cemetery Leadership.

SPECIAL GUIDANCE

In preparation for Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and various ceremonies, the Contractor shall be responsible for repositioning gravesite florals/decorations in such a manner that all florals/decorative items are placed to left of the gravesite headstone and flags are placed on the right.

Gravesite floral/décor relocation shall be completed two (2) days prior to Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, and various ceremonies unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Cemetery Leadership.

The Contractor shall return repositioned florals/décor and flags to the front of the headstone immediately following flag or wreath pick up unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Cemetery Leadership.

GUARANTEE

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

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance operations must be reported to the COR immediately and repair / replacement shall be the responsibility

B.4.1.8 Sweeping/Blowing Off Roadways and Concrete Surfaces All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, Feb. 2021 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 5: General Management o Standard 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.

• Measure 5.1b: Roads, walkways, shelters, and burial sections are free of grounds maintenance debris by the end of the workday.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work consists of clearing/sweeping/blowing off all paved, rocked, and concreted surfaces to include all walkways, sidewalks, roads/roadways, flag assembly area, columbaria, memorial wall areas, memorial walk, committal shelters, service roads behind the committal shelters, and parking areas of debris twice a day: once prior to interment services, and once before the end of the workday, or as instructed by the

COR.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All concrete surfaces around the Administrative Building, Public Information Center, as well as all concrete surfaces in the committal shelters, columbaria, memorial wall area and flag assembly area shall be swept/blown off prior to 9:00am daily.

All high visibility areas must be clear of…