Amendment 0001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 2

8/7/2025

36C786

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172

36C786

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172

36C78625Q50335

7/28/2025

X

X X

The purpose of this Amendment is to answer questions submitted by Potential Offerors. See Continuation Page.

Reminder: Include a signed and date copy of this amendment, and any potential future amendments, in your quotation package.

Sarah Poole Contracting Officer

Continuation Page

The following questions were received from Potential Offerors, along with the corresponding answers:

Question 1 - While on site, the site staff had a colorized map of the area that coincided with work to be performed. Please scan and distribute that map.

Answer 1 – Please see Attachment 1 - Tree Maintenance Map.

Question 2 - Please clarify the sizing of branches to be removed for pruning. The contract says ½” but site staff said that “2-3 branches removed per tree will be sufficient”. Which one will be in the final SOW version of the contract?

Answer 2 – Paragraph A.3.3(b) of the Statement of Work (SOW) state that “Pruning will consist of crown cleaning /deadwood pruning which includes the removal of all dead, dying, diseased or broken branches 1/2” in diameter or larger throughout the tree. Pruning will also include the removal of crossing / rubbing, weak branches that may compromise the structural integrity of the tree.”

Question 3 - The size and scope of this contract is so vast that any offeror would need to perform a full 30-day in-depth survey to accurately identify the locations and total number of all trees to be serviced within this contract. The government will need to provide an estimate of trees or a not-to-exceed number of trees to be pruned in this contract so that all responsive offerors are held to the same standards of performance. Please advise of either.

Answer 3 – The table in Paragraph A.2.2 of the Statement of Work lists all trees to be pruned/deadwood, removed. The revised Statement of Work (Attachment 2) includes numbers to further clarify the quantity of prunes and removals in each section. Each tree has a “nearest headstone/location.” All trees, roadways, and section perimeters are noted in the SOW and the Tree Maintenance Map also includes the roadways and perimeters. Potential Offerors have the ability to come out to the cemetery 7 days a week (no gates at the cemetery) to locate and identify each tree, if needed.

Question 4 - Please provide the elevation above ground level that all trees will need to be pruned up to. None is provided in the contract, and the lack of this number creates an extremely large discrepancy of assumption amongst interested offerors.

Answer 4 – Section A.3.3 of the SOW has a new paragraph added that provides additional language for safety pruning.

Question 5 - Is there a location available for staging equipment, trucks, wood logs, etc., or will the government guarantee the awardee access anywhere in each work area?

Answer 5 – Paragraph A.5.4.(c) of the SOW states “Only the Contractor’s equipment, supplies and property necessary to perform work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area at the end of each workday. No maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall be conducted on cemetery property without the COR’s written approval.”

Question 6 - Will the awardee need to protect the soil or turf if bringing in large equipment? (i.e.: will mats or boards need to be used? If so, please state the specific standard to be used.)

Answer 6 – Paragraph A.3.3.(f) of the SOW states “The Contractor shall be responsible for repair and or replacement to any damaged turf, headstones or other property. Contractor must board vehicles and other wheeled equipment in and out of the burial sections.”

Question 7 - What types of equipment cannot be used on-site? (i.e.:

cranes, yes or no)

Answer 7 – Only standard tree removal equipment should be used, provided it does not cause damage to turf, and is not incompatible with area conditions. The equipment should also be OSHA approved. Many of the trees needing to be pruned/removed are located near headstones, so special care and consideration need to be given when selecting the type of equipment used. Since we are not aware of the specific details of the crane, the Awardee would need to receive approval from the COR prior to use of any crane.

Question 8 - Please confirm that logs and/or woodchips can be dropped on-site in areas that are out of public view (e.g. fly chipping)? If so, what standard of fly-chipping is required?

Answer 8 – Additional language has been added to SOW Paragraph A.3.6 to answer this question. It states that “At the COR’s discretion, logs and/or woodchips may be disposed of in pre-approved wood lines out of public view.”

Question 9 - Extended hours of work (before 8AM and after 4:30PM, as well as working on Saturdays) will almost certainly be requested by the awardee of this contract. Will extended hours of work be granted if requested, and if so what days and times are the limitations?

Answer 9 – Paragraph A.4.5 of the SOW states “All work required under this contract will be performed during normal business days and daylight hours between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, local time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Deviations from the work schedule shall require prior written authorization from the COR.”

Question 10 - Please provide the contract award numbers of when this or any similar scope of work was last awarded and performed at Calverton National Cemetery?

Answer 10 – Purchase Order 36C78623P50213 was awarded in FY 23 but please note that the scope is not the same. The current requirement has a much larger scope.

(End of Document)

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ATTACHMENT 1

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

A.1 BACKGROUND

Calverton National Cemetery grounds encompass approximately 722 acres of developed land and the cemetery tree population consists of numerous deciduous hardwood and coniferous trees. The tree population is comprised of over several different species of trees representing 42 genera with several large hardwood shade trees on site. Calverton National Cemetery is a National Shrine that honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. The cemetery receives visitors, holds ceremonies and conducts committal services. Because of the cemetery’s special significance and attention it receives from the public, strict adherence to contract specifications is essential.

A.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.2.1 Place of Performance: The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials and supplies necessary to provide tree pruning, removal and stump grinding services at the following VA National Cemetery:

CEMETERY ADDRESS ACREAGE REQUIRED

SERVICES

Calverton National Cemetery

210 Princeton Blvd.

Calverton, NY 11933

(Developed)

Prune / Deadwood Tree Pruning / Crown Raising / Tree Removal & Stump Grinding

A.2.2 Tree Removal & Pruning List: Trees will be removed in accordance with all terms, conditions, specifications, and requirements provided herein:

BURIAL

SECTION /

CEMETERY

LOCATION

TREE LOCASTION TO

NEAREST HEADSTONE

REQUIREMENT

(TYPE/QUANTTY)

1 990, 2106, 2219, 2569 Prune / Deadwood Prune (4)

1 12, 15, 796, 982, 1292, 2743 Remove Trees (6)

2 329, 995, 778, 1275 Prune / Deadwood Prune (4)

2 11, 531, 622 Remove Trees (3)

4 690, 892, 1325, 1467, 2041, 2117, 4344, 4550

Prune / Deadwood Prune (8)

ATTACHMENT 2

1269, 4763 & two trees on north roadside perimeter

Remove Trees (4)

4 1117, 2279 Grind Stumps (2)

5 2795, 2827, 3495, 6993 Prune / Deadwood Prune (4)

5 426, 7221 Remove Trees (2)

401, 671, 966, 1485, 1773, 2042, 2256, 2568, 2703, 4181

Prune / Deadwood Prune (10)

6 4753, 4788, 4796 Remove Trees (3)

7 108 Prune / Deadwood Prune (1)

7 4 Remove Tree (1)

9 Two along roadside Prune / Deadwood Prune (2)

11 58, 73, 539 Remove Trees (3)

12 9472 Remove Tree (1)

15 2684 Remove Tree (1)

16 2389, 5895, 5107, 4975 Prune / Deadwood Prune (4)

16 5280 Grind Stump (1)

19 689, 778, 2 near 1733, 2 near 290

Prune / Deadwood Prune (6)

19 3736 Remove Tree (1)

23 139, 164 Prune / Deadwood Prune (2)

24 345, 1373, 1681 Prune / Deadwood Prune (3)

25 1205 Remove Tree (1)

24A 412, 546 (two) 2264, 2463 Prune / Deadwood Prune (5)

26 1498 (two), 1780 (three) Prune / Deadwood Prune (5)

27 492, 1822, 1886 (two), Prune / Deadwood Prune (5)

28 726, 1913, 987, 1337, Prune / Deadwood Prune (5)

2784, 2716, 2679, 2538, 2302, 2126 (three trees), 1832 (two trees), 1701(two trees), 1588, 1482, 1155, 1009, 825 (two trees), 800, 759, Roadside Oak on Northeast Side

Prune / Deadwood Prune (21)

41 2402, 3186, 3058, 3373, Prune / Deadwood Prune (5)

42 95, 191 (three), 1767 Prune / Deadwood Prune (5)

42 1050, 2349 Remove Trees (2)

44 2363 Prune / Deadwood Prune (1)

68 Island between 67-68 Prune / Deadwood Prune (1)

68 Near section (two trees) Remove Trees (2)

72 176 Remove Tree (1)

Committal Shelter Area

Two Beech by booth, Two Pines in A island

Prune / Deadwood Prune (4)

Committal Shelter Area

Beech in C Island & across from G Island Remove Trees (2)

Princeton

Along roadsides, around administration building, administration building parking lot, bathroom parking lot, assembly area & assembly parking lots

Safety Prune

Service Area

East side fence line in service yard, loading dock area perimeter, service lane roadsides

Safety Prune

Calverton Drive

Both sides of the road encompassing a 2.5 mile stretch from section 69 to section 44

Safety Prune

Corner of Service Lane & Calverton

Drive

Corner of Service Lane & Calverton Drive Remove Trees (2)

Sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 24, 24A, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 36, 41, 42, 44, 66, 68, 70, 71 & 72

Prune trees along perimeter of burial sections along wood lines (remove low hanging branches and any overgrowth)

Safety Prune

A.3 SPECIFICATIONS

A.3.1 CERTIFIED ARBORIST / SITE MANAGER & TREE CREW

A “Certified Arborist” shall serve as the “site manager” for this contract and will be provided by the Contractor for not less than eight (8) hours a day whenever work is being performed – other than trash and debris pick-up. The Certified Arborist must have experience direct supervising commercial tree maintenance operations that included tree removal, pruning, and stump removal in industrial, commercial or public sites and must be certified by International Society of Arboriculture. The Certified Arborist will ensure all pruning specifications are performed according to ANSI A300 standards for tree pruning, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained. ISA certification document must be provided by the Contractor when bidding on the contract.

SITE MANAGER

(a) Responsible for overall management of all on site activities related to the contract.

(b) Instructs and assigns crew duties to foreman, tree trimmers, grounds men, etc.

(c) Manages work schedule with the COR to ensure that all activities are performed in a non-intrusive manner with no disruption to cemetery operations.

(d) Supervises and assists in pruning, tree removal, operation of boom trucks, loaders, stump grinders, brush chippers, tractors, chainsaws and trucks.

(e) Defines the staging area and safe zones by placing proper barriers and signage in visible locations throughout the defined areas of work.

TREE CREW

(a) All other crew members shall follow the guidance of the Site Manager and adhere to any applicable laws or regulations that are required by their professional title/certification.

A.3.2 PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall complete all pruning / removal services within a period of forty-five (45) working days from start to finish (without exception). All services described in the Work Statement, including technical specifications, schedules, addenda, clauses, terms and conditions of the contract shall form the complete scope of work.

A.3.3 TREE PRUNING, REMOVAL / STUMP GRINDING

(a) Pruning and removal of all trees shall be accomplished under the direction and guidance of an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist provided by the Contractor. All pruning will be performed according to the ‘Tree Pruning Guidelines’ developed by the ISA and the ‘Tree Maintenance and Safety Standards ‘(ANSI Z133.1 & ANSI A300) developed by the American National Standards Institute.

These standards are the accepted standards of the tree care industry.

(b) Pruning will consist of crown cleaning /deadwood pruning which includes the removal of all dead, dying, diseased or broken branches 1/2” in diameter or larger throughout the tree. Pruning will also include the removal of crossing / rubbing, weak branches that may compromise the structural integrity of the tree.

(c) Safety Pruning of roadways and along perimeter of burial sections shall achieve a maximum vertical clearance of 20 feet, and a maximum horizontal clearance of 4 feet from the edge of pavement, curb, and section perimeter. The COR may have discretion to determine lower clearances based on specific operational needs and characteristics of each area. The Contractor shall adjust accordingly to meet the clearance requirements within the maximums (see Appendix A for estimated feet / miles of required safety pruning).

(d) All portions of the trunk and any tree limbs or branches over 3 ½ inches in diameter must be lowered to the ground by crane or ropes and may not be dropped. Any headstones / markers that may have to be removed in order to obtain access to a particular tree must immediately be communicated cemetery staff so they may properly remove and mark gravesite. The Contractor shall not remove any headstones / markers. At no time may the contractor drop any branches onto cemetery headstones or turf. To ensure protection of headstones that are in close proximity to trees being pruned or removed, the Contractor will use covers to place over the headstones while the work is being performed. The Contractor will be responsible for any damage to the turf, roads or headstones caused by dropping parts of the tree.

(e) All wood chip particles and debris from the tree removal shall be cleaned up thoroughly and removed from the cemetery daily. The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent any falling branches or trees from damaging any headstones, adjacent plant material or cemetery structures.

(f) All stumps shall be removed using stump-grinding equipment with the stump grinder making repeated passes over the stump. Stumps and all surface roots shall be ground to at least 4” below the soil surface and all stump/root grindings shall be removed.

Stump site will be leveled and graded out to the drip line. The stump cavity shall be filled with topsoil, compacted, and then seeded with a blend of Turf Type Tall Fescue grass seed. All wood chips and debris from stump removal shall be taken offsite the same day of the work and shall be properly disposed of. The cemetery shall water after seeding.

(g) The Contractor shall be responsible for repair and or replacement to any damaged turf, headstones or other property. Contractor must board vehicles and other wheeled equipment in and out of the burial sections.

(h) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all pruning cuts shall be made just outside the collar or shoulder ring (branch bark ridge/swollen trunk collar) close to parent stem so that healing can readily start under normal conditions.

(i) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that when reducing the tree height and spread, he/she shall retain the natural shape of the tree by removing the entire lateral branches back to their point of origin.

(j) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all limbs one inch in diameter or over must be undercut to prevent tearing of the bark. All branches 3 1/2" in diameter or larger shall be lowered to the ground using proper lowering devices such as ropes. At no time may the contractor drop any branches onto cemetery headstones or turf.

(k) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall be pruned to retain the tree’s natural crown characteristics and growth patterns.

(l) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall have branches removed to permit the sufficient penetration of sunlight and circulation of air through the canopy in conjunction to the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the tree. This process is also known as thinning.

(m) The Contractor is responsible to ensure care when removing living and/or dead crossing or rubbing branches, where practicable, so the removal will not leave large holes in the canopy of the tree natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the tree.

(n) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that, when pruning trees known to be diseased or susceptible to diseases, tools are disinfected with alcohol after each cut and between trees, where there is known to be danger of transmitting the disease on the tools.

(o) The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR all the following conditions:

when old scars are not healing properly; where callus growth is not already established; visible girdling roots, and when there are any structural weaknesses;

decayed trunk or branches; and split crotches, or branch exists.

(p) The following methods of pruning are NOT acceptable therefore, the contractor is responsible to ensure that these methods are never performed: topping, stubbing, de-horning, and pollarding. Equipment that may damage the tree bark or cambium layer should not be used on or in the tree. Unless removing the tree altogether, the Contractor is not permitted to use climbing spikes or spurs to climb any live tree scheduled for pruning.

(q) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that in lifting the bottom branches of the trees for under clearance, care shall be given to symmetrical appearance, aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the trees.

(r) In general, the Contractor shall ensure when reducing the size of a tree and with respect to retaining the tree’s natural crown characteristics and patterns, not more than 1/4 of the total area shall be reduced at a single operation.

A.3.4 UTILITY LINES COMPLIANCE: Where pruning, stump grinding, or tree removal conflicts with existing utility service lines (above or below ground), cemetery personnel and the appropriate utility company shall be notified by the Contractor. The Contractor shall obtain all necessary permits and cooperate with the utility company to avoid any damage or liability.

A.3.5 SAFETY: All equipment to be used and work to be performed will be in full compliance with the most current revision of the American National Standards Institute Z-133.1-2000 and A300- 1995. These guidelines provide safety standards for workers engaged in pruning, repairing, maintaining or removing trees. Tree care personnel will be sure not to position equipment that blocks any roads or walkways unless prior arrangements have been made with the COR. Tree care personnel will also make sure to provide adequate barricades, flag person, signs and or warning devices during the performance of tree work.

A.3.6 DEBRIS & WASTE REMOVAL: Removal of debris and waste away from the cemetery grounds shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. At the end of each day, the Contractor will remove all tree limbs, dead branches, bush / shrub / hedge clippings and other debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that debris and waste generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. NOTE: The Government will not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

At the COR’s discretion, logs and/or woodchips may be disposed of in pre-approved wood lines out of public view.

A.3.7 COMMUNICATION & COORDINATION OF WORK WITH COR: Contractor shall participate in regular meetings with Government personnel and other Contractors at the cemetery to coordinate contract work schedules and contract related issues. Communication with the COR is strongly encouraged.

A.3.8 Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government shall provide, at the time of contract award, a list of Government personnel authorized to act as Contracting Officer’s Representatives.

A.3.9 Meetings:

(a) Unless otherwise agreed, the Contractor shall meet with the COR / Grounds Foreman at the end of each day to determine the work accomplished and to coordinate the following day’s schedule. Daily meetings are also an opportunity for the Contractor to communicate, ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary, depending on the event.

(b) The Site Manager shall coordinate with the COR a work schedule to ensure that no work is being performed at the site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. Work will be assigned throughout the Cemetery Complex so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided.

(c) If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR may then do so. In addition to meeting with the COR, the Contractor may be required to attend meeting(s) with other Government personnel.

A.3.10 Work Environment:

(a) All work under this service contract will be performed primarily outdoors and personnel performing the services will be exposed to wind, sun, cold, dampness, frost, fog and rain. These conditions, may, at times, be extreme and dangerous.

(b) The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect its employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent.

(c) In the event climate or weather conditions become unsuitable for work, the work shall resume as soon as conditions permit.

A.4 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

A.4.1 Representatives of the Contracting Officer: The VA Contracting Officer will designate one

(or more) representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitations of the designee's authority. A copy of the designation(s) shall be furnished to the Contractor at time of award.

A.4.3 Contracting Officer: Contract Administration and administrative functions are the responsibility of the VA Contracting Officer. Any modifications to the contract, including those involving no-cost changes, increases and decreases in cost or level of services provided, termination or extension of the contract (in part or in whole) and decisions concerning claims or disputes, must be authorized in writing by the Government Contracting Officer.

A.4.4 Payment: Upon completion of all tree removals, stump grinding and soil and seeding of stump cavities the Contractor shall submit an invoice in arrears for services rendered. Prior to certification of payment, invoices will be verified for accuracy by the COR. The COR shall verify the services provided and authorize payment. VA reserves the right to reject any work that does not meet contract specifications.

A.4.5 Federal Holidays: All work required under this contract will be performed during normal business days and daylight hours between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, local time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Deviations from the work schedule shall require prior written authorization from the COR. The following is a list of the Federal holidays:

New Year's Day Martin Luther King's Birthday President's Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Fourth of July

Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

A.5 RESPONSIBILITIES & STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

A.5.1 Responsibilities

(a) The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Inclement weather - other than prolonged snow cover or unusual amounts of rain will not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications. The government expects the Contractor to work throughout all weather conditions and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines.

(b) Contractor will provide covers to place over any headstones that are in direct proximity to any trees being removed. This is to ensure that any branches or tree debris that may fall during the removal process does not hit and damage any headstones. If there are any headstones that may have to be removed in order to obtain access to a particular tree the Contractor will be responsible for alerting the COR and cemetery staff before doing any work in this location. The cemetery staff will be responsible for pulling and resetting the headstone or stones in question.

(c) The Contractor shall be aware of performance requirements necessary to meet contract specifications and deadlines. If the Contractor's work force is unionized, the Contractor will ensure the labor agreement has a “no-strike” provision to ensure Government contract requirements are met.

(d) Cooperation with other Contractors: The government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with other Contractors and with Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, adhering to any direction provided by the COR.

(e) More than one Contractor may have access to storage areas designated by the COR.

The Government will not be liable to the Contractor for costs associated with claims, damages, loss or replacement of equipment or personal property while on Cemetery property.

(f) The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, or other heavy equipment on any turf area except as provided in this contract or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor will be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor during all weather conditions that is deemed excessive by the COR at no additional cost to the government.

(g) The Contractor shall provide adequate safety warning devices, barricades and cover boards, etc., at all work sites to eliminate hazards from public visitors and cemetery employees at no cost to the government.

(h) Reporting "on-the-job" Injuries: The Contractor is required to report all "on-the-job" injuries incurred by the Contractor, its agents or employees, resulting from performance of this contract. Contractor will notify the COR (either orally or via telephone) within twenty-four (24) hours of the injury and provide details and exact location of the incident. This will be followed up by a written notice to the COR. Any Contractor (including its agents and employees) that knowingly files a false claim may be criminally prosecuted.

A.5.2 Standards of Employee Conduct: Contractor and contractor personnel are required to adhere to the following standards of dress and conduct while performing work in the National Cemetery. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C. Section 218. Contractor and Contractor Personnel --

(a) Shall be fully clothed at all times, to include long slacks or pants and shirt, buttoned up from neck to waist. Clothing shall be clean each day. Any soiled clothing should be cemetery work-related that day. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited. Shoes/boots will have no holes or loose soles. Steel-toed shoes will be required in accordance with OSHA. Contractor employees will maintain personal hygiene.

(b) Shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior or use profane or abusive language.

Will show proper reverence during committal service.

(c) Shall not eat or drink beverages except water or non-alcoholic drinks while in the work area or in site of committal shelter during a service. Use of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited.

(d) Contractor personnel shall not lean, sit or stand on or against headstones or monuments. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or monuments.

(e) SMOKING is not permitted within the Calverton National Cemetery. This restriction includes offices, restrooms, stairwells, entrances, exits or any other public area.

(f) It will be the discretion of the COR to implement immediate removal of Contractor and/or Contractor personnel from cemetery grounds if these standards are not adhered to during the performance of the contract. Contractor shall administer disciplinary action immediately as required to Contractor employees.

A.5.3 Supervision & Training

(a) The Contractor is responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and shall administer disciplinary action as required.

(b) The Contractor shall remove employees for cause, to include, but not limited to, misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the Government's best interests.

(c) The Contractor shall also be responsible for training and safety precautions for contractor employees performing work under these specifications. OSHA standards shall be observed by the Contractor in all work performed.

(d) Appropriate safety equipment shall be furnished by the Contractor to contractor personnel and shall be used as prescribed by OSHA standards, including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection devices.

A.5.4 Use Of Cemetery Facilities

(a) The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items, nor shall free telephone service be provided. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affair’s facilities used by contractor's employees.

(b) The Contractor is responsible for safely handling any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning solutions, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is required for all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and cleaning solutions, if applicable.

(c) Only the Contractor’s equipment, supplies and property necessary to perform work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area at the end of each workday. No maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall be conducted on cemetery property without the COR’s written approval.

(d) Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the COR.

A.5.5 Liability & Indemnification

(a) The Contractor shall possess and maintain all necessary insurance, licenses and permits required for contract performance. Contractor is responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees fault or negligence, and shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the State of New York.

(b) The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to headstones, markers, monuments, flower vases and other cemetery structures during execution of this contract. The Contractor shall be charged current replacement costs for headstones or other property damaged because of actions by Contractor personnel.

(c) Contractors shall provide proof of insurance, licenses and permits required for contract performance within ten (10) days of receipt of notification of contract award.

(End of Statement of Work / Specifications)

Appendix A

I. Sections

1: ~1,200 ft

2: ~920 ft

30: ~1,700 ft

29: ~1,200 ft

28: ~1,400ft

23: ~560ft

24a: ~1,600ft

24: ~900ft

27: ~1,500ft

26: ~1,240ft

19: ~1,500ft

36: ~1,250ft

41: ~1,900ft

42: ~980ft

44: ~1,600ft

6: ~1,700ft

7: ~1,000ft

5: ~1,600ft

11: ~1,500ft

10: ~2,100ft

12: ~1,700ft

13: ~1,500ft

14: ~890ft

15: ~1,700ft

72: ~1,200ft

66: ~1,000ft

68: ~850ft

70: ~1,400ft

71: ~1,500ft

II. Roadways Service Lane: ~530ft

Princeton Blvd.: ~2,400ft

Assembly Area: ~1,300ft

Calverton Drive: ~2.19mi

III. Facilities Maintenance Yard: ~460ft

Loading Dock: ~500ft

Admin: ~300ft