Attachment A - Statement of Work.pdf

Bay Pines 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 Bay Pines 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. There are approximately 156 National Cemeteries in 43 states and Puerto Rico that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

Bay Pines National Cemetery is one (1) of eight (8) Florida-based national cemeteries and is a satellite of Florida National Cemetery. Bay Pines National Cemetery is located on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Center (VAC) in Pinellas County, about 9 miles west-northwest of St. Petersburg, Fl. By Pines National Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of June 27, 2012, as part of the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Home and Hospital Historic District.

Site features include a main entrance, flag circle with mulch, administration building with floral beds, maintenance buildings with floral beds, 1 sets of visitor restrooms, 1 committal shelters with floral beds, columbarium with floral beds, entrances with planting beds, landscaping with trees, historic southern live oaks, shrubs, and ground cover. Turf is Empire Zoysia.

B.3 BACKGROUND

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 …”. 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.

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. Every action by contracting 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 or disrupt cemetery operations.

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.

B.3.a PLACE OF PERFORMANCE The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Grounds Maintenance Services to the Bay Pines National Cemetery. Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Cemetery Address Acreage Required Services

Bay Pines National Cemetery

10000 Bay Pines Blvd St. Petersburg, FL 33708

+/- 26 irrigated turf acres; FY25- 26 Expansion Project will add 3 irrigated turf acres for a total 29 irrigated turf acres

Grounds Maintenance Services

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

B.4.a COMPLETE GROUNDS MAINTENANCES SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED:

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to perform the following Grounds Maintenance Services at Bay Pines National Cemetery. The contractor shall provide the workforce and all resources necessary to perform and complete multiple grounds maintenance requirements simultaneously to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds.

B.4.b DESCRIPTION OF COMPLETE GROUNDS MAINTENANCES SERVICES:

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Bay Pines National Cemetery has an immediate need for Grounds, Columbarium, Turfgrass areas in entirety and All Plant Beds. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, training, safety and other items related to services necessary to ensure total cemetery maintenance is performed at Bay Pines National Cemetery in a manner that shall maintain healthy Turfgrass, trees, shrubs, and plants in accordance with NCA Operational Standards and Measures and the Bay Pines National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Plan, and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout the cemetery.

Services include, but are not limited to: maintenance of grounds, to include regular mowing, weed eating, edge trimming of roadways, cleaning and trimming around flat markers and markers; plant bed maintenance, to include maintenance/weed control of planting and mulch beds (to include tree rings), lawn / turf maintenance, aerification, de-thatching, application of fertilizers and herbicides / pesticides / fungicides, gypsum application (as indicated by soil tests), and weed control; pest control; storm debris clean-up; casketed interments and disinterment, cleaning and pressure washing of flat markers, markers and niche covers, committal shelters, Columbaria, Administration Building, Maintenance Buildings, Entrance and Exit signs main entrance of cemetery, and walkways/sidewalks and curbs.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 7:30am – 4:00pm local time (Monday thru Friday - excluding Federal Holidays where NO burials are scheduled). All times in this SOW and contract are Eastern Standard Time (EST). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the VA Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

The Period of Performance for this project shall consist of a Base Year (12 Months) and 4 Option years (if exercised).

• Base Year: August 1, 2025, to July 30, 2026

• Option Year 1: August 1, 2026, to July 30, 2027

• Option Year 2: August 1, 2027, to July 30, 2028

• Option Year 3: August 1, 2028, to July 30, 2029

• Option Year 4: August 1, 2029, to July 30, 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 EDGING OF FLATMARKERS, WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER

HORIZONTAL SURFACES

B.4.1.3 TRIMMING OF MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER VERTICAL

SURFACES

B.4.1.4 PLANT MATERIAL MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.5 PLANTING BEDS

B.4.2 LAWN / TURF MAINTENANCE

B.4.2.1 CORE AERIFICATION

B.4.2.2 FERTILIZATION

B.4.2.3 GYPSUM APPLICATION

B.4.2.4 WEED CONTROL

B.4.2.5 FUNGICIDE APPLICATION

B.4.2.6 WETTING AGENT APPLICATION

B.4.2.7 PEST CONTROL

B.4.2.8 CONTROL OF FIRE ANTS AND MOLE CRICKETS

B.4.2.9 OTHER INSECT / PEST / DISEASE CONTROL

B.4.3 OPERATIONAL FLOW CHART WARM SEASON TURFGRASS AREAS

B.4.4 EXTREME WEATHER STORM DAMAGE AND DEBRIS CLEAN-UP

B.4.5 CLEANING AND PRESSURE WASHING

B.4.5.1 PRESSURE WASH CLEANING OF FLAT MARKERS, MARKERS, NICHES

AND COLUMBARIA

B.4.5.2 COMMITTAL SHELTERS

B.4.5.3 ADMINISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE BUILDINGS

B.4.5.4 WALKWAYS, CURBS, SIGNAGE AND FRONT & SIDE GATES /

ENTRYWAYS

B.4.6 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

B.4.6.1 CASKETED INTERMENTS AND DISINTERMENT OPERATIONS

B.4.7 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

B.4.7.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER

B.4.7.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

B.4.7.3. CONTRACTOR STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

B.4.7.4. SITE SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS

B.4.7.5. CONTRACTOR/EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

B.4.7.6 CONTRACTOR/EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT

B.4.7.7 CONTRACTOR STAGING AREA

B.4.7.8 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

B.4.7.9 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, December 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

NCA Contractor Safety V4

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base Standard 5.2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well established, healthy stand of turf.

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

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

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

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

Standard 5.2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

Measure 5.2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare Areas.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Standard 5.2.8: The grade of every gravesite blends in with adjacent grade levels.

Measure 5.2.8: Sunken graves have been identified and a plan of action developed to re-establish the ground level and cover within 30 calendar days of the date identified.

Standard 5.2.9: Gravesite openers and re-openers avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf, presenting a disciplined evolution, not a construction site.

Measure 5.2.9a: Interments (first and subsequent) during the growing season that show healthy turf re-established within 60 days of the interment.

Measure 5.2.9b: Winter grave re-openers that show healthy turf re-established within 60 days of the start of the growing season.

Sub-Category 3: Trees and Shrubs 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.

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.

Note: The cemetery will need to implement a plan to remedy or remove any/all dead or dying tree(s).

Sub-Category 4: Planting Beds Standard 5.4.1: Cemetery Planting Beds are well maintained, attractive, and compatible with the geographic region.

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

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.

Sub-Category 5: General Maintenance 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.

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

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

Standard 5.5.3: Floral vases and its receptacles are well marked and in good condition.

Measure 5.5.3a: Floral vases are clean, free of water and debris, and in good repair.

Measure 5.5.3b: Receptacles for floral vases are well marked, clean, neat, and in good repair.

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.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, December 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

NCA Contractor Safety V4

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base Standard 5.2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

Measure 5.2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare Areas.

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.

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

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

SCOPE

Contractor shall be responsible for mowing, edging, and trimming all Turfgrass within the cemetery and the exterior wall areas surrounding the cemetery including the perimeter tree line, entry gates, street side entrances, street sides along outer wall and walls/fences. 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.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Cutting Height, Inches Turf Turfgrass Species 1 ½” – 2” Empire Zoysia

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is typically, but not limited to March thru December, or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing no more than one half (1/2”) inch above the maximum recommended height of 2” inches for Empire Zoysia Turfgrass.

Advanced written notice and COR /Contracting Officer approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at anyone (1) mowing.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping 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/clippings will be permitted to remain. 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 areas or paved areas.

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

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.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Contractor shall utilize commercial grade mowers with mulching decks and mulching blades. 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 Turfgrass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that Turfgrass 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 Turfgrass is measured to get the correct cutting height. Contractor shall indicate cutting deck height on weekly report.

D. 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.

E. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes and irrigation heads. Stress on boxes and heads causes broken equipment and 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).

F. Mowers will not be driven across gravesites without turf (i.e. winter graves, etc.). Damage (i.e. tracks, ruts, marks, etc.) to gravesites without turf caused by mowers driving across them will be repaired by the contractor at the Contractor’s expense.

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 Turfgrasses/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 Turfgrass 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

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.

The walkways and roads (inside and out), interment area, and roads shall be cleaned of Turfgrass clippings, soil, 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.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary supervision, labor, training, supplies, OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment required to complete the job.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees, or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance contracted 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 EDGING OF FLAT MARKERS, 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.

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, December 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

NCA Contractor Safety V4

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base Standard 5.2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

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.

SCOPE

All flat markers (Approximately 29,000 with the increase of approximately 1,000-1,500 additional markers per year), all streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control boxes, control markers, manhole covers, and crypt field drain clean-out covers, all Turfgrass within the cemetery, bench pads and the exterior wall areas surrounding the cemetery including the perimeter tree line, entry gates, street side entrances, street sides along outer wall and walls/fences shall be vertically edged with a bladed edger inside and outside cemetery grounds.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All marker edging will be done a minimum of once every two (2) weeks, allowing for a minimum of 14,500 (approximately) one week and the remaining 14,500 (approximately) the following week, during the growing season which is typically year-round, or as directed by the COR. This will be billed as one complete trimming once all 29,000 (approximately) are completed.

All edging will be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers.

All flat markers (Approximately 29,000 with the increase of approximately 1,000-1,500 additional markers per year), all streets, curbs, walkways, irrigation control / valve boxes, control markers, manhole covers, all tree rings and planting beds shall be vertically trimmed with a commercial grade bladed edger with poly-blades to reduce chance of marker damage inside and outside cemetery grounds. The desired result will be a ½” wide clear gap between the turf/Turfgrass and the horizontal surface.

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

All edging shall be followed with a string trimmer to dress the top line of the Turfgrass. 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 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.

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

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 COR will conduct random inspections of edging weekly.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary supervision, labor, training, supplies, OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment required to complete the job.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees, or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance

B.4.1.3 TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER VERTICAL

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, December 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

NCA Contractor Safety V4

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base Standard 5.2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

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.

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

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is typically year-round, or as directed by the COR.

Trimming will be performed no more than one workday behind the mowers. All un-mowed Turfgrass around headstones, monuments, markers, rocks, trees, and other vertical surfaces shall be trimmed to keep the Turfgrass 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 one-inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended Turfgrass type for that geographic region.

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

Care will be taken near headstones to prevent damage to the headstone. Turfgrass clippings/stains will be removed from headstone bases after trimming.

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. The walkways and non-Turfgrass surfaces (inside and outside the cemetery), flagpole bases, interment areas, and roads will be cleared of Turfgrass 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.

The COR will conduct inspections of trimming weekly.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary supervision, labor, training, supplies, OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment required to complete the job.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees, or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance contracted 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.4.1.4 PLANT MATERIAL MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.5 PLANTING BEDS

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, December 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

NCA Contractor Safety V4

Sub-Category 4: Planting Beds Standard 4.1: Cemetery Planting Beds are well maintained, attractive, and compatible with the geographic region.

Measure 4.1a: Planting beds are Generally Weed-Free.

Measure 4.1b: Plants in planting beds are healthy, free of pests and disease, and are maintained in accordance with the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

Standard 4.2: Grounds are maintained in a manner that avoids safety hazards for visitors and staff.

Measure 4.2a: Safety hazards (holes, pests, hazardous trees and branches, sprinkler heads, etc.) that are identified, and corrective action initiated within the same workday.

SCOPE

Work consists of maintaining all existing planting beds, edging of planting beds, shrubs, and specimen trees in a healthy and attractive condition by proper watering, pruning, removal of dead branches or plant material, cultivation, and mulching. Shrubs shall be trimmed monthly during summer months/growing season. Planting Beds, Bush and Shrub areas shall be edged and kept free of trimmings and any other debris.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Plants and planting beds are to be cleanly edged, maintained in a healthy, vigorous, condition 95% free of pests and disease at all times. Cemetery planting beds are well maintained and attractive and 95% weed free.

Weed Control: All mulched areas, to include rock/stone beds shall be kept 95% weed free by hand weeding or careful spot spraying with a non-selective herbicide Finale or Chaeta Pro (Glufosinate Ammonium product) all year round. To reduce weed emergence, the pre-emergence herbicide Snapshot (or equivalent) shall be applied at the maximum label-allowed rate to all mulched areas four times per year, or as needed. At no time shall there be weeds coming out of pavers or concreted areas. Contractor shall remove by hand or by other means.

NOTE: Glyphosate products are prohibited from use without the written permission of the District Agronomist.

Trees shall be maintained in a condition free of broken limbs or branches.

Ornamental trees and shrubs shall be pruned in a manner that ensures they do not pose a hazard to staff and visitors.

High maintenance areas, in which turf is not a part of the cemetery design, will be maintained in a manner that is appropriate for the medium in place.

Work consists of, but is not limited to, maintaining shrubs and trees in a healthy and attractive condition by proper watering, pruning, removal of dead branches, cultivation, and mulching. Notify COR of any pest infection in trees and obtain further guidance from the COR.

Contractors shall remove any dead plants, bushes, or trees in high visibility areas such as Administration building, by roadways or around shelters. If a tree needs to be taken down in a high visibility area, the Contractor shall coordinate time to not disturb or disrupt services. Contractor will remove the stump from that tree and replace with a like tree, fill in the hole and place mulch or replace with an approved plant as approved by the COR.

Note: The Contractor shall follow the Chemical Application Plan as set forth in the Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Plan/Warm season Turfgrass flow chart (B.4.6.)

*See Operational Flow Chart Warm Season Turfgrass Areas at B.4.3*

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT

Commercial Applicators are required to be licensed by the State of Florida when applying any pesticide in

Categories 3 Turf and Ornamental. Refer to the State of Florida Code of Laws, Standards for certification of pesticide applicators, applicators’ licenses.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The Contractor shall furnish all required liquid or granular chemicals/herbicides, OSHA approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and any other supplies. The Contractor in collaboration with the Southeast District Agronomist shall determine the necessary formulation of herbicides required to maintain the cemetery turf and plant bed areas.

Water to administer herbicide and/or fertilize applications, will be furnished by the Government.

Manual watering may be required to maintain the cemetery grounds.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary supervision, labor, training, supplies, OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment required to complete the job.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees, or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance contracted 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.4.2 TURFGRASS MAINTENANCE

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, December 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

NCA Contractor Safety V4

Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Base 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.

Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the turf area of the cemetery and the immediate surrounding areas of the cemetery in a healthy condition by proper application of fertilizers and chemicals (to control weeds, diseases, fungi, and pests).

Turf in burial and non-burial areas should be 95% weed free. Pest and disease-free turf should cover at least 95 % of the area. The Cemetery will provide the Contractor a map to show this area.

The Contractor shall provide all the chemicals, fertilizers, fungicides, supervision, labor, equipment, tools, applicators, hoses, and other supplies necessary to control weeds, disease, and pests for Bay Pines

National Cemetery.

The Contractor shall provide at least one (1) State Certified Chemical Applicator, licensed for the State of Florida with Turf and Ornamental onsite when administering restricted use products (RUP) and such others as: herbicides, pesticides, fungicide, and insecticides.

The Contractor shall determine the necessary formulation of fertilizers and the required amount of lime as indicated by the soil test.

Soil tests are performed quarterly and provided by the Contractor to the COR. The results will be shared with the COR and Cemetery to select the correct formulation of fertilizer and gypsum applications. Soil samples are sent to the University of Florida Extension for Analysis. Copy of results are mailed to the COR and Contractor. Test results will show any deficiencies and the need for corrections.

Fertilizer Fertilizer shall be applied based on the results and recommendations of a soil test for each section. The Contractor will conduct the soil test and provide a copy to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Fertilizer will be applied during the growing period (Typically February-November) per recommendation.

Only fertilizer that is recommended for the soil test results will be used and nitrogen formulated used specified below should be slow release. This will be reported to the COR on the appropriate form no later than 5 working days.

Gypsum When soil tests indicate a need for gypsum, it shall be applied at the rate indicated in those tests. Time of applications shall be in late fall or early winter unless local practice indicates a more favorable time.

Weed Control All weed growth and turf disease shall be controlled by means of mowing, trimming, herbicide, fungicide, and pesticide application or any other method approved by the COR. All personnel using such sprays shall be properly trained, and the person in charge shall be duly licensed by the State of Florida to use pesticides. Treatment for weeds will be accomplished in the spring, summer, and the fall of each year.

Turf areas shall be maintained at 95% percent weed free.

Pesticides, Fungicides and Herbicides Contractor will keep record of all pesticides/fungicides/herbicides applied and furnish copy to COR within five working days of application. Records will show type, amount, application area, and weather conditions. Signs will be posted informing the public that a chemical has been applied (Date and Time of Applications). Turf shall be at least 95 percent pest and disease free.

Armadillos, Moles, Iguanas, and any other Pests Armadillos, moles, iguanas, and any other pest shall be controlled by elimination of their food source using pesticides applied by a licensed applicator. The Contractor shall ensure that soil mounds shall be tamped into holes and turf replaced or reseeded to always insure acceptable appearance. If removal of a pest is required, contractor will remove according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission guidelines.

Control of Fire Ants and other Ant species Contractor shall make a weekly inspection for fire ants and/or other ant species will apply necessary chemicals applications to control ants. After ants are killed, mounds will be leveled. Necessary repairs to turf will be made by Contractor.

Other insect control-wasps, grub worm or other damaging insects:

Contractor shall make a weekly inspection for wasps, grub worm or other damaging insects. Contractor shall apply necessary chemicals applications to control as chemical label allows by law.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary supervision, labor, training, supplies, OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment required to complete the job.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees, or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance contracted 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.4.2.1 CORE AERIFICATION

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, December 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance

NCA Contractor Safety V4

Sub-Category 5: General Maintenance Standard 5.2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well established, healthy stand of turf.

SCOPE

When conditions are favorable (i.e., Turfgrass not stressed and is actively growing, soil not too wet or dry), typically in late spring to early summer, all accessible turf shall be core aerified. Compacted and high traffic areas may need to be core aerified twice per year, once when conditions are favorable in late spring to early summer and once in late summer to early fall, at discretion of the COR. Scheduled time frames for aerification are subject to change and shall be based on annual weather conditions.

GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

Prior to core aerification, but no earlier than 48 hours, the Contractor shall mark all irrigation heads with blue marker flags. Contractor shall remove flags once aerification is complete. Once initiated, core aerification of all cemetery turf shall be completed within three (3) business days.

Aerification requirements are as follows:

a. Depth: 3” or more inches

b. Density: 12 or more holes per square foot

c. Core Diameter: 5/8” to 1.0” inch.

A rotary, pneumatic or pull-behind core aerator may be used, but two or more passes may be required to achieve the minimum 12 holes per square foot.

Turf immediately within headstone rows and surrounding irrigation heads (within about one foot on either side of the headstone rows and irrigation heads) shall not be aerified to reduce risk of damage to the headstones, markers, and irrigation heads.

Aerification cores are to be left on the turf surface.

It is imperative that headstones, grave markers, and section markers not be chipped, scratched, or otherwise damaged in any way.

Contractor shall clean any soil or other debris resulting from this operation off all roads and sidewalks immediately following the work.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

To prevent importation of weeds or other pests, the equipment shall be cleaned and sanitized with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution prior to bringing it to the cemetery. All equipment shall be subject to inspection by the COR prior to use on cemetery grounds. Contractor shall attest, in writing, that all equipment has been cleaned/sanitized prior to use on cemetery grounds.

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

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary supervision, labor, training, supplies, OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment required to complete the job.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees, or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance contracted 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.4.2.2 FERTILIZATION: EMPIRE ZOYSIA

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

Contractor shall be responsible for collaborating with the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership to maintain the cemetery turf and surrounding areas in a healthy condition. The contractor shall provide a detailed fertilizer and chemical application plan within the first thirty (30) calendar days of the contract award to include each option year(s) to the COR and Cemetery Leadership. The Contractor submitted turf maintenance and fertilizer plan shall directly correspond to the scope of work specified in the provided statements of work. Turf shall be 95% weed, pest and disease-free.

Fertilizer shall be applied based on the results and recommendations of a soil test for each section. A minimum of 4 sections in cemetery must be done for soil test to give full comparison average. Soil tests must be done at a minimum, but not limited to, quarterly.

The soil test shall be done by Contractor with a copy of the results going to the COR and cemetery.

A complete fertilizer program will be applied during the growing season which is FEBURARY

THROUGH NOVEMBER.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Empire Zoysia Fertilizer that is recommended by the soil test results shall be applied. The Nitrogen formula used shall be slow release. The rate of application shall be minimum of .5lbs to .75lbs N (Nitrogen) using a minimum of 30% slow-release nitrogen, following the ratio per the Grounds Maintenance Plan.

Rates are as follows.

Type Rate of Nitrogen(N) Empire Zoysia .5lb-.75lb N per 1000. per app.

SEE APPLICATION CHARTS BELOW.

Organic fertilizers may be used as defined as organic being derived from poultry litter or refined sewer sludge in substitute of urea-based fertilizers. These organic fertilizers shall be applied at rates shall be .05 lbs-.75lbs N (Nitrogen) max per application; shall contain minor nutrients (S, Mn, Mg, Fe).

Applications of Sulfate of Potash (SOP) K shall be applied at a minimum rate of 4lbs/ P (Potassium) 3 times per year.

Following the ratio per the Grounds Maintenance Plan, see the example as follows:

Application DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATION: Date of

Application Acreage:

Ex. Fertilizer Applications: Empire Zoysia

#1 Fertilizer Application – 10-0-20 at 5lbs per 1000 sqft

February 1st Approx. 26

#2 Fertilizer Application – 0-0-44 at 9lbs per 1000 sqft

March 15th Approx. 26

#3 Fertilizer Application – 10-0-20 at 5lbs per 1000 sqft

April 15th: Approx. 26

#4 Fertilizer Application – 0-0-44 at 9lbs per 1000 sqft

June 1st Approx. 26

#5 Fertilizer Application – 10-0-20 at 5lbs per 1000 sqft

September 2nd Approx. 26

#6 Fertilizer Application – 0-0-44 at 9lbs per 1000 sqft

Oct 15th Approx. 26

No fertilizers and/ or chemicals shall be applied to cemetery grounds without approval from the COR and Cemetery Leadership to include the Southeast District Agronomist.

** NOTE: In the absence of a District Agronomist, the District Chief of Operations may issue an approval. **

All chemical turf applications (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, wetting agents, gypsum applications, etc.)

Contractor must keep application records of all chemical turf applications and furnish a copy to the COR within five (5) working days of application.

Records must show type, amount, application area, EPA registration number and weather conditions as required by State of Florida. The Contractor shall place chemical application signs (to include date and time of application) on all sides of the treatment area and shall be placed no less than 25 feet apart for visibility from entry and exit points of cemetery. The Contractor shall also be responsible for removal of the chemical application signs no less than 24 hours after application.

Note: The Contractor shall follow the Chemical Application Plan as set forth in the Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Plan/Warm season Turfgrass flow chart (B.4.6.)

*See Operational Flow Chart Warm Season Turfgrass Areas at B.4.3*

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The Contractor shall furnish all required liquid or granular chemicals, fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides, OSHA approved and/ or certified Contractor provided to include but limited to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and any other supplies.

Water will be furnished by the Government; this facility has an automatic irrigation system throughout which will be monitored and regulated by the Contractor under the supervision of the COR/Cemetery Leadership. Manual watering may be required to maintain the cemetery ground(s) in prime grow seasons.

GUARANTEE

The contractor is responsible for providing all necessary supervision, labor, training, supplies, OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment required to complete the job.

The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any turf, trees, or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

Any damage to headstones, cemetery fixtures, grounds or equipment during grounds maintenance contracted 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.4.2.3 GYPSUM APPLICATION

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

The Contractor shall be responsible for collaborating with the COR to maintain the cemetery turf and surrounding areas in a healthy condition with all gypsum applications as soil tests indicate it is needed for cemetery.

Time of application shall be in late spring or early summer unless local practice indicates a more favorable time.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall determine the necessary amount of gypsum to be applied as indicated by the soil test results. Soil tests shall be obtained by the contractor or their representative. (Soil samples shall go through the University of Florida Extension Office.) The soil test shall be conducted by the Contractor with a copy of the results provided to the COR. Soil testing is recommended every five years. If there are problematic soils at the cemetery, testing shall occur bi-annually to annually until the desired soil fertility/pH level is achieved.

When soil test indicates a need for sulfate inputs, Gypsum shall be applied at the minimum rate of 8lbs.

per 1000 sqft. The rate of application shall not to exceed 10lbs/1000sqft as reflected in the soil test.

All chemical turf applications (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, wetting…