36C78626Q50152 0001 Amendment.docx

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8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

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10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

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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

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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)

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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) 04-23-2026 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 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C78626Q50152

X X X X This purpose of this amendment is to revise the Performance Work Statement and add CLIN 0039- Frame Tent and Chairs: Once a year for Memorial Day ceremonies.

Olalekan Ismail Contracting Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

See attached document: Attachment A Price Schedule Crown Hill National Cemetery REVISED.

STATEMENT OF WORK

CROWN HILL NATIONAL CEMETERY

INTERMENT AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide all management, manpower, supervision, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide interment of cremated remains into columbaria, grounds maintenance, facility cleaning and maintenance, and headstone and monument cleaning and alignment services as described herein. Work on this indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract will be performed at Crown Hill National Cemetery. Work under this solicitation is expected to commence on or about March/April 2026.

BACKGROUND

National Cemeteries are National Shrines that honor our Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. The cemeteries conduct both casketed and cremation burials, receiving many visitors, therefore, standards of maintenance & appearance must reflect the Nation’s concern for those interred there. Because of the special significance and attention each national cemetery receives from the public, strict adherence to contract specifications, terms and condition 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 of the Contractor employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. All work shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation, 7:30am - 4:00pm local time Monday thru Friday. Work performed outside of normal work hours may be required for interments or ceremonies on Federal Holidays or weekends at the discretion and approval of the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Contractor may make a written request to the COR to work outside of the normal work hours when needed to carry out the specifications of this contract.

2. Federal Holidays: All work required under this contract shall be performed during normal cemetery hours of operation. Except for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, work is normally not conducted on Federal holidays. The following is a list of all Federal holidays: Some specific dates of observed Federal holidays may vary based on the specific year and if the normally observed date were to fall on a weekend.

3. Place(s) of Performance: Crown Hill National Cemetery, which consists of three distinct parcels located within a mile of each other within the private Crown Hill Cemetery

Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex 15 acres; columbarium only

725 W 42nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46208

Indianapolis, IN 46208

Crown Hill National Cemetery Confederate Plot (hereafter called “Confederate Plot;” about 25’ x 40’ or 0.022 acre with 11 monuments)

700 W 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46208

4. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable VA, NCA, and national cemetery directives, handbooks, policies, operational standards and measures, and SOP(s) for all work performed including applicable OSHA safety requirements. The Contractor shall also adjust/modify work procedures, as required, to comply with updates, changes, or additions to directives, handbooks, policies, operational standards and measures, and SOP(s), from the VA, NCA, national cemetery or OSHA. This is to support NCA’s core mission by providing Veterans and their families comfort through accurate interment operations and accurate marker operations.

SECTION A: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The following list, with subsequent corresponding descriptions of services, describe the contract requirements.

A.1.1 Interment Shelter/Flag – Daily Set-up and Cleaning and Lowering and Raising U.S. Flag (Base): The Contractor shall maintain the committal service area clean and free of webs and other dirt or debris and shall check and ensure cleanliness and proper setup/order before each committal service.

The Contractor shall bring the flag of the United States of America at the Annex to half-staff each day one-half (½) hour before the start of the first committal service and raise it to full-staff one-half (½) hour after the conclusion of the last committal service and all family members have departed the committal service area each day. The Contractor shall also bring the US flags at both the Annex and Historic Cemetery to half-staff within one hour of notice by the COR, as authorized by a Presidential proclamation to commemorate the death of distinguished individuals, and the US flag shall be returned to full staff when notified by the COR. The US flag shall be flown during the hours of daylight and shall be flown during non-daylight hours so long as at least two flagpole lights are functional between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

A.1.2 Transport Urn and Floral Arrangements, and Place Urn into Columbarium (Base): Work consists of verification and transfer of remains and opening and closing the niche under the direction of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The National Scheduling Office will schedule committal services (i.e., services held at the committal service area) Monday through Friday. The Contractor shall provide interment services described herein, with preparation services performed before these times and interment services accomplished after the committal service is complete.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the opening and closing of the columbarium niche and transferring of the remains in a dignified manner from the committal service area and into the proper niche following all NCA policies including verification processes. Cemetery SOP will be provided to contractor along with instruction on interment verification processes. Niche covers will be removed in advance of scheduled interment times and the niche properly cleaned as needed prior to placement of remains. Contractor will communicate with COR so 2nd verifications can be made to ensure the proper niche covers are removed. Only upon request by the COR shall the Contractor move remains. Remains must be accounted for once they have entered the cemetery until they are properly placed in the columbarium niche. Upon proper notification by COR, the Contractor shall be required to transport and place the remains into niche in a safe and efficient manner, with dignity, and without damage to urn.

The Contractor or his/her representative shall place the temporary marker onto the verified correct niche cover. The contractor will verify decedent information using cemetery gravesite verification SOP. This is a critical step for ensuring the remains are placed in the correct niche.

All floral bouquets and arrangements left by the funeral party shall be tagged with the appropriate niche number, then moved to and neatly arranged below the niche beside the columbarium wall. Stands for floral arrangements shall be removed prior to placement at the columbarium. Floral arrangements shall be removed when they become unsightly. After the committal service, COR will notify Contractor if any items are to be removed after verifying with funeral party.

A.1.3 Receive and Install New and Subsequent Inscribed Niche Covers (Base): Newly inscribed niche covers are shipped to Crown Hill National Cemetery Annex. Contractor personnel are responsible for the unloading niche covers from the delivery truck, inspecting them for damage (documenting any damage and reporting to COR immediately) and removing niche covers from packaging for COR to conduct quality and inscription inspection. Contractor may re-use packaging material prior to disposing of it as part of safe transport to the niche. Niche covers identified by the COR as damaged or incorrect shall be moved by the contractor to a designated area determined by the COR. Defective niche covers shall not be used. Contractor shall protect niche covers from the weather to avoid damage or staining in transporting or storage.

The Contractor shall install niche covers on the correct niche within seven (7) calendar days of receipt/inspection/acceptance by the COR. This time frame must be met regardless of the quantity or type of installations requested or time of year. The Contractor shall contact the COR with questions concerning accessibility. Prior to setting any niche cover or removing any niche cover from its socket, the Contractor shall verify with certainty the correct location: that the niche cover number matches its location number and is in sequence with all adjacent covers to ensure the correct placement.

All temporary markers, floral arrangements, commemorative or other type of decorations that may interfere with setting a niche cover shall be carefully, and in an orderly manner, moved out of the way and then afterward replaced back.

Any niche covers broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the COR by close of business each working day in order that the grave can be properly marked. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the niche cover replacement. All niche cover replacements must be coordinated with the COR.

Old (replaced) blank niche covers shall be saved for inscription and placed by Contractor in a COR designated storage area at the cemetery. When the old (replaced) covers are inscribed the Contractor will destroy them by breaking them up, so they are no longer legible prior to disposing of them.

The Contractor’s Superintendent or his designee shall provide the COR with daily written reports accurately identifying all niche covers set and replaced, listed by deceased names and niche numbers. The Contractor shall report on his weekly inspection report to the COR the number of initial and subsequent covers installed and their location, as well as disposition of old (replaced) covers.

A.1.4 Support Services for Weekend and Holiday Interments (Base): The Contractor shall assist COR or representative with special services for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Wreaths Across America and other special events. This includes planning and conducting operations for the events. The COR will inform the Contractor of support functions that will include items such as parking control, staging of tents and chairs, PA system, etc.

As a service to all Veterans and their families, a national cemetery will never go more than two days without offering interment times and the NCA will accommodate interments when there is a three-day federal holiday; therefore, there may be instances where the Contractor shall be required to perform interments on weekends and/or holidays and outside the regular hours.

A.1.5 Support Services for Holidays and Special Events (Base): The contractor shall place a small flag on each gravesite (Historic Cemetery) and a flag at the bottom of each column (Annex) of columbarium walls with occupied sites not more than three (3) days prior to Memorial Day (Boy Scouts and other volunteer organizations may assist the contractor) and shall be removed by the contractor on the first workday following Memorial Day, weather permitting. Flags shall be counted by the contractor and bundled into bundles of 10 and placed back in storage. The Government will furnish flags and storage space for the flags.

On Memorial Day, the Contractor shall also furnish the following services:

a. The United States Flag (Annex and Historic Cemetery) will be flown at half-staff from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon, when it will be raised to full staff.

b. The Avenue of Flags (if flown) will be in place by 8:00 a.m. on Memorial Day and removed the following day or as soon as weather permits.

A.1.6 Mow Turfgrass (Base): The Contractor shall mow all turfgrass to present a well-manicured, neat, professional appearance at all times, in the same manner as a high-quality residential lawn under contract from a professional lawn maintenance service. A complete mow/trim cycle is usually required each week during the growing season. Mowed areas shall be uniform in appearance, free of skips, gaps, scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting.

a. The area of service will include the 2.2 acre historic cemetery/Confederate plot and the 14.2 acre columbarium annex.

b. Mowing height shall be, generally 3”-3.5”.

c. Mowing frequency shall be often enough that:

Excessive clippings are not generated, and No more than one third of the grass height is removed per mowing.

If mowing is delayed by weather or some other reason and grass height becomes excessive, then mowing height shall be increased so no more than one third of the grass height is removed, and it shall then be mowed twice per week at a slightly lower height each time till the COR-specified target height is again achieved.

(1) Clippings shall normally be left on the turf if they are well dispersed and don’t inhibit grass growth or detract from the appearance of the cemetery, but excessive quantities or accumulations of clippings shall be dispersed or removed. Windrows or clumps shall not remain after mowing but shall be promptly dispersed or removed. Any grass clippings on headstones, flat markers, monuments, mulch beds, or impervious surfaces such as walks and roads shall be blown or swept onto adjacent turf, or collected and disposed of, before workers leave the section being mowed. Any clippings or edgings deposited on sidewalks or at public visitor areas including the Committal Shelter areas will be removed (by sweeping or mechanical blower) at same time mowing work is occurring.

(2) Contractor is responsible for collection and disposal of all unsightly flowers, debris and trash before and after each mowing and trimming event within the Cemetery. Debris and Trash is any item, material, or foreign object not permanently attached to or planted within the Cemetery grounds and boundaries. Items include, but are not limited to, fallen twigs and branches that are under ten (10) inches (25.40 cm) in diameter, paper products, cigarette butts, gum, glass and metal products, plastic and any other synthetic items, loose rock and stone over three (3) inches (7.62 cm) in diameter that are not the apparent result of an interment.

(3) Mowers shall be commercial grade and designed to produce a professional, high-quality cut, and they shall be properly maintained and adjusted. Rear or Mulching decks are necessary on all mowers to assist in keeping headstones free from debris.

(4) Mulching blades shall be used and shall be kept sharp, so grass is cut cleanly, not torn or shredded. Push mowers shall be used in selected locations designated by the COR where there are numerous monuments or other obstacles.

(5) Mowing direction shall be changed or reversed from one mowing cycle to the next, wherever doing so is practical. Mowers shall not be operated within six inches of monuments, tree trunks, or other vertical surfaces.

(6) Mowing patterns in open areas shall be deliberate, precise, and attractive to enhance the cemetery’s appearance.

(7) Mower ground speed (and turning) shall be slow enough to provide a complete, clean cut, without turf damage. At turning areas, such as at ends of grave rows and around trees and other objects, mower operators shall reduce ground speed and exercise care to prevent tearing or otherwise damaging turfgrass or creating turn or ring patterns in turf from the mower tires. This is especially critical when soils are wet. Any damage to turf from mower tires at these turn points will be repaired within 1/2 day of identification by COR.

(8) Floral and commemorative items on grave sites shall be removed prior to mowing and trimming, and then replaced afterward in their same locations by the Contractor.

(9) Cleaning of mowing equipment shall NOT be done on Cemetery property, and only clean equipment shall be brought to the Cemetery to reduce the risk of introducing contaminant weed seeds in the cemetery turf.

(10) Newly repaired turf areas (newly sodded or seeded) shall be mowed with a push mower until the turfgrass is well enough established that it will not be damaged by riding mowers per the COR’s guidance.

(11) Unsuitable mowing conditions are likely at times due to heavy rain, lightning, or other extreme conditions. The COR, Cemetery Foreman, or Cemetery Director has authority to stop work if conditions are such that work that day will do more damage than good to the Cemetery grounds or is dangerous to workers.

(12) The Contractor shall take the utmost care not to damage headstones, markers, floral or commemorative items, structures, survey monuments, and irrigation equipment while performing mowing and trimming services.

(13) Contractor is responsible for removal and replacement of all lawn, shrubs and trees due to damage by the Contractor. Contractor shall provide replacement plants and shall be of the same type and size. The Cemetery is responsible for plants damaged by the Cemetery or third parties, storms, flood or frost damage and trees beyond their normal life span.

(14) The Government shall not be held responsible for any damage to the Contractor’s equipment, materials, supplies or the like which may result from vandalism, theft, etc. while on site.

A.1.7 String Trim Around Headstones, Upright Objects, Planting Beds (Base): The Contractor shall trim grass and vegetation around headstones and other upright surfaces and along planting beds and other edges and spots that that mowers miss. Streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil is unacceptable. Objects and areas to be trimmed around include headstones, section markers, monuments, trees, planting beds, shrubs, buildings, curbs/curbing, fences, walls, poles, signs, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, utility/valve boxes and covers.

(1) Trimming height shall be the same as mowing height, and no shorter. There shall be no scalping.

(2) Trimming frequency is the same as mowing, and trimming shall be considered a part of mowing, but mowing shall be done first so trimming height can be matched to the mowed height.

(3) Clippings shall be dispersed, removed, or mulched with mowers if visually objectionable after trimming, and before proceeding with work in other sections.

(4) All fuel cans must be kept, stored, carried or used outside of turf sections and on hardtop or concrete surfaces.

(5) Caution shall be exercised to avoid any damage to headstones, markers, monuments, building walls, trees, other desirable plant materials, or any other assets. Any damage shall be promptly reported to COR.

(6) Equipment - commercial grade string trimmers shall be used.

(7) String Litter - Trimmer string pieces (longer than short pieces of perhaps 1”-2” that break off with regular wear) shall not remain on the grounds.

A.1.8 Edge Along Sidewalks, Curbs, and Other Flat, Hard Surfaces (Annex only) (Base): The Contractor shall blade edge all streets, curbs, walkways, tree wells, permanent building/structure lines, and planting beds. Edging shall provide a clear zone ½” wide by 2” to 3” deep with all vegetation removed from joints and cracks. Damage to asphalt/concrete shall be avoided. This shall be completed monthly during turf growing season which generally occurs April-November. Dates of performance are at COR discretion.

A.1.9 Fertilizer: Provide and Apply (Base): Fertilizer shall be applied to all turfgrass areas at a rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet three times each year:

- Early May

- Early September, and

- Late November (or about the time of the final mowing for the season). Fertilizer shall be in a granular slow or controlled-release form. Dates of fertilizer application are at COR discretion.

a. Fertilizer shall be applied with a properly adjusted and calibrated spreader. Overlap of spread pattern from adjacent passes shall be adequate to ensure uniform application. Streaks appearing in turf any time during the year because of non-uniform application are not acceptable. Fertilizer deposited on impervious surfaces (walks/pavement) shall be removed or blown onto the turf immediately following application. If weather conditions warrant, such as severe drought or extended wet conditions, applications can be delayed until conditions are suitable, with concurrence of the COR, but may not be made to frozen soil. The first seasonal application is in early May. Care will need to be taken to not interfere with Memorial Day preparations or events.

b. The fertilizer shall have the following properties:

- The nitrogen (N) content shall be at least 18%.

- 50% or more of the nitrogen in the fertilizer shall be in a slow or controlled-release form (e.g., sulfur coated, polymer coated, urea-form, isobutylidene diurea, etc.).

- Phosphate (P) percentage shall be at least one fourth of the nitrogen percentage (examples below).

- Potash (K) content percentage shall be one third or more of the N percentage (e.g., 16-4-8, 21-6-7, 20-5-10, 30-8-12 would all be acceptable).

- It shall contain no iron (to prevent headstone staining).

c. Variations of this regime may be approved by the COR, in consultation with the District Agronomist, if needed, based on soil test results or extreme weather conditions.

A.1.10 Pre-emergence Herbicide: Provide and Apply (Base): Pre-emergence herbicide shall be uniformly applied to turfgrass areas twice per year for annual grassy weed control. Applications shall be in late March or early April when soil temperature approaches that necessary for crabgrass germination, and again approximately seven weeks later with a targeted month of late June. Either dithiopyr (e.g., Dimension) or prodiamine (e.g., Barricade) shall be used at the maximum label rate allowed for the site.

A.1.11 Post-Emergence Broadleaf Herbicide: Provide and Apply: (Base) Broadleaf weeds shall be controlled by spraying turfgrass areas with the proper type and rate of herbicides that will control the weeds present (typically clover, dandelion, plantain, oxalis, chickweed, henbit, etc.). The spray mixture or herbicide product used shall contain three or more ingredients effective in controlling broadleaf weeds.

Spraying of all turfgrass areas shall be done twice each year: in early-mid May to clean up weeds prior to Memorial Day, and in September to have maximum effect on perennial weeds and reduce winter-annual weed establishment. Specific application dates or questions will be addressed with COR. Weather and field conditions at the time of application must be favorable for herbicide efficacy, as well as for minimal risk of damage such as herbicide injury to off-target plants, or of equipment making ruts. Preparation of the spray mixture may be done on site but water availability at the cemetery is unknown at the time of the writing of this contract. Any re-treatment needed because of the Contractor’s failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions shall be done at the Contractor’s expense.

A.1.12 Post-Emergence Yellow Nutsedge Herbicide: Provide and Apply: (Base) Yellow nutsedge and other susceptible weeds in turfgrass shall be controlled by spraying a mix of the following herbicide active ingredients in June:

- Sulfentrazone at least 0.187 lbs. per acre

- Quinclorac at least 0.562 lbs. per acre

- For example, the commercial product “Solitaire WG” could be applied at 1.0 lbs. of product per acre to achieve the specified rates. Application date may be at COR discretion due to weather conditions.

A.1.13 Grub Insecticide: Provide and Apply: (Base) A preventative grub insecticide shall be uniformly applied to turfgrass areas in June. The maximum commercial label rate for the site of one the following insecticides shall be used:

- Clothianidin (e.g., Arena)

- Imidacloprid (e.g., Merit)

- Thiamethoxam (e.g., Meridian)

- Chlorantraniliprole (e.g., Acelepryn), if applied when specified on the label. If a proper formulation is available this could potentially be applied with the first seasonal fertilizer.

**If a granular product is used, any deposited on impervious surfaces (walks/pavement) shall be removed or blown onto the turf immediately following application.

A.1.14 Core Aeration of Turfgrass (Base): Once a year during the fall (usually September) the contractor shall perform core aeration of all accessible turfgrass areas. A rotary, pull-behind core aerator may be used, but two or more passes may be required to achieve 12 holes per square foot. In sections 9 and 10 turf immediately between and along adjacent headstones, and to about one foot on either side of the rows, or as directed by the COR, shall not be aeriated to reduce risk of damage to the headstones and markers. It is imperative that headstones, grave markers, and section markers not be chipped, scratched or otherwise damaged in any way. Sprinkler heads and other irrigation components in the Annex shall be flagged by the contractor prior to aeration and not damaged. Aeration cores are to be left on the turf surface. Contractor shall clean any soil or other debris resulting from this operation off all roads and sidewalks immediately following the work. In addition, to prevent importation of weeds or other pests, the equipment shall be cleaned prior to bringing it to the cemetery.

- Core depth – 3” or more

- Dore diameter – 5/8 to 1.0 inch

- Density – 12 or more cores per square foot

A.1.15 Overseed Turfgrass: (Base) Contractor shall uniformly overseed turfgrass areas to increase the density and overall health of the turf. This is generally done immediately after core aeration in September. The COR will notify the Contractor which sections of the cemetery and the number of acres that will be overseeded in a particular year. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining the required seed in sufficient time for application.

a. Contractor shall use an approved RTF type tall fescue at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 sq. feet. Contractor will provide sufficient evidence that this rate has been achieved (bags used per section of turf is acceptable.)

b. Care will be taken to ensure that seed lost to areas such as roadways and any other areas where turf is not intended will be kept to a minimum. Any seed on hard surfaces shall be blown back into the turf before moving on to the next area.

A.1.16 Fall Leaf Removal: (Optional) During the fall months parts of the cemetery may become covered in tree leaves which can inhibit turf growth.

a. Leaves will be shredded/mulched in place with a mulching mower (if not excessive) or be collected and removed from cemetery grounds and disposed of by the contractor.

b. Leaf pickups will be conducted in cycles that include removal from the Crown Hill Annex, Crown Hill historical sections 9, and 10, and the Confederate Plot. COR will have discretion on when to begin leaf removal cycle, or if leaves will be mulched in conjunction with a separate mowing event. One cycle/event is a complete pickup of all historical, Confederate, and annex areas.

c. At the Confederate Plot, leaves must be removed from the area. Regular removal of leaves that collect between the monuments is important to facilitate as much grass growth as possible.

A.1.17 Planting Beds and Tree Rings (Mulch Rings) - Mulch and Edge Maintenance (Base): In the Spring prior to Memorial Day shredded hardwood mulch shall be applied to freshen the appearance of beds and maintain mulch depth at approximately 3 inches, with depth in tree rings diminishing up to the tree so as to not be piled against the base (trunks) of trees (i.e., mulch should lightly cover the soil near the trunk, but not be in contact with it). Mulch must match color and texture of existing mulch. Break up any hardened existing mulch to allow air and water movement through mulch layer. If mulch builds up to greater than 4-inch depth remove enough old mulch to bring the depth to about 3 inches after adding new. Edge beds as needed to maintain clean/crisp bed edges and remove encroachment of turfgrass and weeds. There are approximately 50 planting beds totaling about 22,000 square feet of mulch in the Annex, plus approximately 152 trees in turfgrass areas in the Annex (plus 5 in the Historic Cemetery) with mulch rings, which add about 3,000 additional square feet of mulched area.

A1.18 Planting Beds and Tree Rings - Pre-Emergence Herbicide (Base): Apply Snapshot herbicide, or effective equivalent pre-emergence herbicide, in April and September at the full label rate to all mulched areas for weed control.

A1.19 Planting Beds and Tree Mulch Rings – Emerged Weed Removal/Control (Base): Maintain all mulched areas, including tree rings, free of weeds (April through October) weeds removed when they emerge throughout the month, either by hand or with carefully directed spot applications of a glufosinate herbicide (such as Finale), or other product approved by the Midwest District Agronomist. Ensure crusted/hardened mulch surfaces are broken up to allow air and water movement through the mulch layers.

A.1.20 Shrub Maintenance/Pruning (Annex only) (Base): Maintain shrubs in a healthy, attractive condition with hand pruning (not shearing). Dead, diseased, crossing and other problem branches shall be removed. Natural shape and appropriate size of the species shall be maintained. Non-flowering shrubs will be evaluated in early spring prior to growth and trimmed as needed maintain healthy, uniform growth and appearance. Flowering shrubs will be maintained as needed during the growing season to promote flowering, and maintain uniform growth, and appearance. Flowering shrubs will be trimmed/pruned as needed following flowering to maintain healthy, uniform growth, and appearance. Shrub areas shall be kept free of shrub trimmings or any other debris. Shrubs will be properly fertilized two (2) times per year with proper slow-release type shrub fertilizer; one (1) application in Spring, and one (1) application in Fall. Each event includes shrub maintenance for all shrubs in the Crown Hill Annex area.

A.1.21 Japanese Beetle Control on Trees and Shrubs (Annex only) (Optional): If Japanese beetles become problematic, and with approval of the COR, spray shrubs or young trees on which they feed with an effective insecticide to prevent excessive damage by the beetles. Plant species likely to need treating in an outbreak are crabapple, ornamental cherry, dawn redwood (36 total trees), and 55 rose bushes.

A.1.22 Mole and Rodent Control (Base): Moles and rodents shall be controlled as needed using accepted industry practices (poison baits and/or traps) and standards and in conformance with state pest control licensing requirements. Baits used for moles shall be the product Talpirid or equal. The Contractor shall ensure that soil shall be tamped into holes and turf replaced or reseeded to always insure acceptable appearance.

A.1.23 Soil Sampling/Testing (Optional): High profile turfgrass sections shall have soil samples taken and analyzed by an accredited laboratory, one sample each summer (or more if requested by the COR):

1st year, the northern half of the Annex 2nd year, the southern half of the Annex 3rd year, section 9 of the Historic Cemetery 4th year, section 10 of the Historic Cemetery 5th year, repeat the northern half of the Annex

A sample shall consist of at least 10 soil cores from across the high profile turfgrass areas. Soil cores shall be 0-6 inches deep, with plant residue excluded/discarded from the core samples. Soil tests will be performed at contractor expense. At a minimum, samples will be analyzed for phosphorous, potassium, and organic matter content, pH, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Should the soil test results necessitate changing the fertilizer application amount or rate, the contract will be modified accordingly. Soil test results must be provided to COR for review, planning and filing purposes. A good guide for soil sampling can be found at this link:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0979/5626/files/Soil_Sampling_Analysis.pdf?9125530855932982961

A.1.24 Sunken Grave Repair (Historic Cemetery) (Base): A sunken grave is defined as any gravesite that has subsided two (2) inches or more from the existing adjacent grade. Standard graves excavated and backfilled are approximately three and one-half feet wide and approximately eight feet long. The Contractor shall identify sunken graves requiring repair.

a. Repair of sunken graves shall be accomplished within 15 days of identification. Work consists of removal of existing turf, refilling sunken graves with approved backfill materials to match existing adjacent graves, and replacement of sod or establishment of new turf cover.

b. Few gravesites are expected to need repair each year. The cemetery shall be inspected no less than weekly for holes, washouts, and sunken graves.

A.1.25 Turfgrass Renovation (Base): For areas where turfgrass has been damaged or died, or the smoothness of surface disrupted such as by a sunken grave, the Contractor will restore that area to match the surrounding grade and type and quality of turfgrass, which shall be free of weeds or non-matching grass. Quality topsoil shall be used for any fill that is needed, and the soil shall be appropriately compacted to prevent additional settling. Starter fertilizer shall be used to help re-establish the grass. Generally, new sod will be used in reestablishing the turfgrass, but the COR will provide guidance if seed should be used instead, or if existing sod may be cut and reused. Contractor shall ensure adequate irrigation is provided to the area to maintain the new turfgrass in good health to match the surrounding turfgrass through the growing season.

The establishment period for turf shall begin immediately after installation, with the approval of the COR. Maintenance shall be done by the Contractor for at least 60 days with proper mowing, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation as needed until final acceptance is made by the Government. In addition, sod installed during the spring and summer shall be maintained after the 60-day period to at least the same quality (greenness) of established, nearby turf through the rest of the growing season with proper fertilization, pest control, and irrigation as needed. If the sod, all or part, dies during the growing season (unless surrounding turf also dies due to weather extremes) the contractor is responsible to replace the dead sod and the maintenance process begins anew. Any sod laid after September 1 that dies before or is obviously in poorer condition than surrounding, established turf by the following May 1 shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor and the maintenance process begins anew.

A.1.26 Irrigation System – Fall Shut-Down, Spring Start-Up, Backflow Testing (Annex only) (Base): The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR prior to the Contractor charging up the irrigation system. The Contractor shall commence charging of systems (weather permitting) early to mid-April, or at COR discretion.

The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR prior to the Contractor winterizing the irrigation system. The Contractor shall commence winterizing systems (weather permitting) mid-October, or at COR discretion with all irrigation lines and pump station winterized according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

This work includes any State or local testing such as backflow prevention devices. The contractor will be responsible for ensuring the backflow testing results are properly reported to requesting agencies within the requested time. This is generally an annual inspection.

The Contractor shall exercise all manual control and shut-off valves at least twice per year according to American Water Works Association (AWWA) guidelines. Exercising the valve is operating the valve at least on full cycle until the valve operates freely with little resistance; this may take several full cycles and should be done slowly to avoid damage due to water hammer

A.1.27 Irrigation System – Operation and Maintenance (Annex only) (Base): The Cemetery is an improved area requiring irrigation and shall receive sufficient amounts of water as necessary to present turf with a uniform green color without browning, no barren areas (where there is supposed to be turf) resulting from lack of water, and healthy foliage for trees, bushes, and plants. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the irrigation system in full working order and providing adequate coverage to maintain turf with a uniform green color without browning or barren areas, and adequate flow for trees, bushes, and plants. The Contractor will be responsible for the proper usage and maintenance of the Cemetery irrigation system.

The Contractor shall inspect irrigation system for proper operation each operational day throughout the irrigation season (typically mid-April through mid-October annually).

The Government does not guarantee 100 percent coverage by irrigation systems. The Contractor shall ensure all improved areas receive water and shall further prevent runoff into the streets or drainage ditches, or accumulation of water in low areas. The Government retains the right to operate all irrigation systems, to include the timers or main valves. The Contractor shall adjust watering times such that all systems have adequate pressure to function properly and do not reduce pressure in water mains such to cause operational problems. The irrigation schedule set at the main controller shall be adjusted in coordination with the COR.

The Contractor shall seek to improve the efficiency of the irrigation system. Irrigation heads shall be adjusted whenever their coverage or volume is inadequate, too plentiful, or misdirected. The Contractor shall abide by any local, state, or other water agency regulations or controls in force at the time of this contract.

Due to certain functions, events and practices, special request for timers and sprinkler systems adjustments may be required to meet these activities.

The Contractor shall provide all labor supervision, equipment, parts, replacement parts, materials, etc. to maintain sprinkler heads, bubblers, sprayers, and riser connections as necessary to eliminate obstructions, leaks, and other defects which would prevent proper operation of the irrigation system, at no additional cost to the Government. Sprinkler heads, bubblers and sprayers shall be maintained clear of dirt and other debris for approximately 1 inch around their outside circumference. Contractor shall notify the COR when a head cannot be repaired or maintained to functional condition and a replacement head is necessary. Replacement sprinkler heads, bubblers, and sprayers shall be of the same make, manufacturer, model, flow rate, and spray pattern as existing. The Contractor shall plan for replacing approximately 10% of the sprinkler heads annually. Additional costs for replacement heads above 10% when needed shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis through the change’s clause of this contract.

The Contractor shall provide all labor supervision, equipment, parts, replacement parts, materials, etc. to maintain the irrigation pump station, at no additional cost to the Government. The Contractor shall inspect the pump station for proper operation at least once per week during irrigation operation, checking all gaskets under pressure and checking the flow meter to ensure proper flow rate. The Contractor shall perform all weekly, monthly, quarterly, and seasonal maintenance according to the manufacturer’s preventative maintenance schedule.

The Contractor shall provide all required labor, supervision, equipment, parts, replacement parts, materials, etc. to maintain the installed sprinkler system, to include, but not limited to, valve systems, underground piping, sprinkler heads, bubblers, sprayers, and riser connections. Any damage to such systems caused by the Contractor shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no expense to the Government. The Contractor shall promptly report damage to or malfunction of any sprinkler system to the COR. The Contractor shall always operate and maintain the irrigation systems in good working order and repairable condition.

Hoses, portable sprinklers, portable pipe, and similar irrigation equipment shall be removed from areas at the end of each workday or when not actually in use. All valves, covers, and valve box covers shall be kept always closed except when in actual use.

The Contractor shall repair the sprinkler system by locating and repairing defective and broken electric and manual valves, valve control boxes, irrigation valve pit covers, controller, controller boxes, electrical wiring (between timer and valves), controller pedestals, sprinkler heads, bubblers, sprayers, risers, water lines, automatic and manual drains, backflow preventers, air vacuum breakers, all types of fittings (tees, unions, ells, nipples, clamps, etc.), and pipes. Sprinkler heads and valve control boxes shall be flush with the ground and level. The Contractor shall clean out sprinkler heads, bubblers, sprayers, and nozzles when plugged with debris. The Contractor shall regularly clean out or replace sprinkler head/sprayer filters. The Contractor shall regularly clean accumulated sediment from the valve boxes. When repair is not possible the Contractor shall notify the COR and additional costs for replacement parts shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis through the change’s clause of this contract.

The Contractor shall respond within thirty (30) minutes during business hours and within two (2) hours during non-duty hours, after notification, for repairing leaks, breaks, faulty controllers, valves not completely shut off or controllers identified as being stuck in the "on" position. When it is determined that there is a leak, break or stuck "on" situation, the Contractor shall immediately isolate the irrigation line using the nearest isolation gate valve at no additional cost to the Government. Additional costs for line or valve replacements shall be addressed on a case- by-case basis through the change’s clause of this contract. The Contractor may be required to flush out the systems with either water pressure, air pressure, or both to remove accumulation of debris from the water lines because of water line breaks. Faulty water main supply valves are the Government’s responsibility.

A.1.28 Road Cleaning/Sweeping/Blowing (Base): Contractor shall maintain all Annex roadways, cortege lanes, parking areas free of trash and debris. This is to be completed daily Mon-Fri or in conjunction with days the cemetery administrative office is open.

a. Work consists of removing all debris, fallen leaves, and branches from all cemetery roads. This will be completed using a blower attachment, or brush attachment.

b. Trash in the roadways will be picked up and disposed of in a trash receptacle.

A.1.29 Trash and Debris Removal (Base): Maintain all the cemetery grounds and burial sections free of trash and debris.

a. The Contractor shall provide the necessary labor and suitable…