SolicitationAmendment0003.pdf

Document Number: 36C78626R50070 PROCESSED Page 1 of 166

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 166

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

03/04/2026

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

36C786CODE

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMIN (786)

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMIN

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS-CENTRAL CO

5105 RUSSELL RD

QUANTICO, VA 22134

6. ISSUED BY CODE7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

36C78626R50070

CODE FACILITY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, country, state and ZIP Code) (X)

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

01/29/2026

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER

NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X XThe above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended, 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: (a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning __1__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 RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your 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.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

ORDER NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to change the response due date to March 10, 2026, incorporate the revised PWS, and post the responses to contractors questions.

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

03/10/2026 - 13:00 PT US/Pacific

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 (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) Brian Trahan

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED

By (Signature of Contracting Officer)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 16C. DATE SIGNED

03/04/2026

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV.

11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

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Table of Contents

Section Description Page Number

1 PWS Ground Maintenance-Fort Bayard_Revised 03-04-2026.pdf 3 Documents, Exhibits, or Attachments 4 ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1 and 52.212-2 revised.pdf

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PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Grounds Maintenance – Fort Bayard National Cemetery

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Description of Service

1.1 Background

1.2 Objective

1.3 Scope of Work

1.4 Period of Performance

1.5 Place of Performance

1.6 Type of Contract

1.7 General Information

2. Definitions & Acronyms

2.1 Definitions

2.2 Acronyms

3. Government Furnished Property, Equipment, and Services

3.1 General Information

3.2 Facilities

3.3 Equipment

3.4 Utilities

3.5 Headstones and Markers

3.6 Floral Vases:

4. Contractor Furnished Items, Services & Requirements

4.1 General Information

5. SPECIFIC CONTRACTOR TASKS AND ASSOCIATED DELIVERABLES

5.1 BASIC SERVICES

5.2 INTERMENT AND DISINTERMENT SERVICES

5.3 HEADSTONE SERVICES

5.4 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

5.5 TURF & GRASSES MAINTENANCE

5.6 TREE, SHRUB & PLANTING BED MAINTENANCE

5.7 IRRIGATION SYSTEM SERVICES

5.8 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

5.9 TRASH & DEBRIS REMOVAL

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5.10 PAVEMENT SWEEPING & CLEANING

5.11 ICE PREVENTION / SNOW and ICE REMOVAL

5.12 STRUCTURE CLEANING, LIGHT MAINTENANCE, & JANITORIAL

5.13 CEREMONIES ASSISTANCE

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

7. ATTACHMENT/TECHNICAL EXHIBIT LISTING

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PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

Grounds Maintenance – Fort Bayard National Cemetery

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Description of Service: This requirement is a non-personal services contract in which the contractor shall provide all personnel, materials, equipment, and maintenance necessary to ensure that grounds maintenance and improvement services are performed at for Fort Bayard National Cemetery FBNC located in Fort Bayard New Mexico hereby known as “Fort Bayard National Cemetery”. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 155 National Cemeteries in 41 states that receive visitors, hold ceremonies and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

Because of the special significance and attention our National Cemeteries receive from the public, strict adherence to specifications is essential.

Fort Bayard is located in southwestern New Mexico adjacent to the Gila National Forest. The site was chosen in 1863 for its springs and commanding view of the Apache war trails surrounding the nearby mining camps. In 1866, a permanent post was established here with the primary responsibility for protecting the Pinos Altos gold camp. The post was named Fort Bayard in honor of General G.D. Bayard, who died from wounds received during the Battle of Fredericksburg, and who had served in New Mexico and Arizona prior to the Civil War.

The U.S. Army launched numerous attacks against the Apache from Fort Bayard during the 1870–1880s, which ended only with the surrender of the Apache Chief Geronimo.

The first known interment at Fort Bayard was Sergeant David H. Boyd of the 3rd U.S. Cavalry, buried October 10, 1866. In 1899, the Army deactivated Fort Bayard and established it as a tuberculosis hospital and research center. In 1922, the hospital was transferred to the Veterans Bureau, which became part of the new Veterans Administration in 1930. Fort Bayard Cemetery was established the same year and became part of the National Cemetery System in 1973 when its administration was transferred from the Department of the Army to the Veterans Administration. In the 1990s, the state of New Mexico donated 3.95 acres to the cemetery.

Fort Bayard National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2002.

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1.2 Objective: The basic service objective is to maintain the cemeteries’ esteemed grounds with care resulting in aesthetically pleasing landscape, care for burial sections, and memorial sites to honor those who have served our nation.

1.3 Scope of Work: The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, and supervision of its employees to perform the service requirements under this contract for Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Service requirements include:

Interment and Disinterment Services Headstone Services Gravesite Maintenance Turf and Grasses Maintenance Tree, Shrub, Planting, and Bed Maintenance Irrigation System Services Drainage System Maintenance Trash & Debris Removal Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning Ice Prevention/Snow & Ice Removal Structure Cleaning, Light Maintenance, and Janitorial Ceremonies Assistance

1.4 Period of Performance: The contract shall be a twelve (12) month base year plus four (4) twelve-month option years if exercised.

1.5 Place of Performance: Fort Bayard National Cemetery FBNC, 200 Camino De Paz, Fort Bayard, New Mexico 88036. Mailing Address – P.O. Box 1111, Santa Clara, NM 88026

1.6 Type of Contract: The Government will award a hybrid fixed price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract consisting of services subject to the Service Contract Act (SCA) and construction efforts subject to the Davis Bacon Act (DBA). Multiple tasks and/or delivery orders incorporating this PWS will be issued based on the Governments requirements, each incorporating SCA or DBA components as applicable to their terms and conditions.

1.7 General Information:

1.7.1.1 Quality Control: The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. At a minimum, Document Number: 36C78626R50070 PROCESSED Page 8 of 166 the Contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the Performance Requirements identified in Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). After acceptance of the quality control plan, the Contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system. Quality Control Plan shall be submitted with the Contractor’s proposal. A formal QCP shall be delivered within 30 days after contract award and within five (5) working days following each update. The QCP and any proposed update are subject to approval by the Contracting Officer prior to implementation. The formal QCP and all updates shall be provided to the Contracting Officer and COR electronically.

1.7.1.2 Quality Assurance: The Government will monitor the Contractor’s performance under this contract using the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). All work performed under this contract will be subject to inspection at all times by the Government.

1.7.1.3 Progress Meetings: The Contracting Officer may require the Site Manager to meet with the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer Representative (COR), and other Government personnel as deemed necessary. Written minutes of such meetings may be recorded by the Government and signed by the Site Manager and the Contracting Officer or COR and distributed within five (5) workdays after the meeting. The Contractor may request a meeting with the Contracting Officer or COR when the Contractor believes such a meeting is necessary. Written minutes of such meetings may be recorded by the Contractor and signed by the Site Manager and the Contracting Officer or COR and distributed within five (5) workdays after the meeting. In either case, if the Contractor does not concur with any portion of the minutes, recorded by the Government or the Contractor, such non-concurrence shall be provided in writing to the Contracting Officer within two (2) calendar days following receipt of the minutes.

1.7.1.4 Normal Hours of Operation: The Contractor shall perform work during the hours of

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (local time) Monday through Friday at the Cemetery. Funerals and ceremonies occur regardless of weather conditions. The Contractor is responsible for access to all work areas during these hours. The Cemetery is open to the public daily from sunup to sundown and Memorial Day from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Government facility may be closed to the public, at times, due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Cemetery directed facility closings, as authorized.

1.7.1.5 Recognized Federal Holidays: Work is normally not conducted on Federal holidays unless otherwise authorized by the COR. The following is a list of the Federal holidays:

January New Year’s Day January Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday February Washington’s Birthday May Memorial Day

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June Juneteenth July Independence Day September Labor Day October Columbus Day November Veterans Day November Thanksgiving Day December Christmas

When a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a Federal Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed as a Federal Holiday by U.S. Government Agencies. Also included would be any day specifically declared by the President of the United States of America as a Federal Holiday.

1.7.1.6 Other than Normal Hours of Operation: At the Contractor’s request, and with the written permission of the COR, work may also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and Holidays. The Government must not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration. No work will be permitted during Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day weekend activities. Unless authorized. Notwithstanding, if any work under this contract will be required outside of the VA's normal working hours (7:00 a.m.

to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday), the Contractor must request a deviation in writing to the COR at least 24 hours in advance.

The Contractor shall provide personnel support outside their expected normal hours of operation (5:01 PM – 6:59 AM) as needed, typically including holidays, special events or ceremonies, and during certain weather events, to support the Cemetery mission as authorized by the COR. The Site Manager or the Alternate Site Manager shall be available after normal duty hours or on working holidays to serve as the central point of contact for Contractor operations.

1.7.1.7 Interference with Government Operations: Performance of work by the Contractor personnel under the terms of this contract shall not interfere with regularly scheduled Government operational activities.

1.7.1.8 Security Requirements: Contractor personnel or any representative of the Contractor entering the Cemetery shall abide by all security rules and regulations. The Contractor shall maintain a current list of all individuals working onsite. The Contractor shall maintain a list of all vehicles onsite, whether company-owned or employee-owned private vehicles.

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1.7.1.9 Physical Security: The Contractor shall safeguard all Government property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each work period. Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

1.7.1.10 Cemetery Access: The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all personnel are authorized to perform work under this contract obtain cemetery access. Within ten

(10) workdays after contract award, the Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer and COR the names of ALL personnel working under this contract. Changes to the Contractor personnel list shall be submitted within 24 hours of the change taking place. All Contractor employees shall have on them, at all times, positive, photographic identification.

1.7.1.11 Key/Lock Control and Reporting: The Contractor shall be responsible for keys/locks provided by the Government. Keys/locks shall not be duplicated by Contractor personnel, nor used by unauthorized Contractor personnel. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to ensure that keys/locks issued to the Contractor by the Government are safeguarded. The Contractor developed procedures covering key/lock control shall be included in the Quality Control Plan. Such procedures shall include turn-in of any issued keys/locks by personnel who no longer require access to locked areas.

The Contractor shall report any occurrence of duplicated, misplaced, or lost keys/locks to the Contracting Officer and COR within 24 hours after discovery of occurrence and submit a written report to the Contracting Officer by close of business the next workday.

The written report shall provide complete details relating to duplication, misplacement, or loss.

In the event a key is duplicated, misplaced, or lost, all locks and keys for that system will be replaced at the discretion of the Government. The Contractor shall reimburse the Government for replacement of locks or rekeying required as a result of keys being duplicated, misplaced, or lost by Contractor or Contractor personnel. The Contractor shall also reimburse the Government for any government property lost or stolen as a result of unauthorized key duplication, misplaced key, or loss of key by the Contractor or Contractor personnel.

The Contractor shall prohibit the use of Government issued keys/codes by any persons other than the Contractor’s employee, The Contractor shall prohibit the opening of locked areas by Contractor employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas, or personnel authorized entrance by the Contracting Officer.

1.7.1.12 Conservation of Utilities: The Contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The Contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities, which include turning off the water faucets or valves.

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1.7.1.13 Personnel: The Contractor shall provide a work force possessing the skills, knowledge, and training satisfactorily perform the services required by this contract.

Personnel performing work under this work statement shall remain employees of the Contractor and will not be considered employee of the Government.

1.7.1.14 Pesticide and/or herbicide application: The contractor must provide certification/license information with proposal and report applications to the Grant County Agriculture Commissioners Office. All Contractor personnel shall be trained on environmental issues such as ground water contamination, wetland protection, and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

1.7.1.15 Land survey work: Only licensed land surveyors are permitted to reset grid or sectional monuments disturbed during raise & realignment of headstones.

1.7.1.16 Conflict of Interest: The Contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the United States Government, either military or civilian, if such employment would create a conflict of interest or be contrary to the policies contained in the Joint Ethics Regulation.

1.7.1.17 Conduct of Personnel: The Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to remove from the job site, any employee working under this contract for reasons of misconduct, security, or found to be under the influence or alcohol drugs, or other incapacitating agents. Contractor employees shall be subject to dismissal from the premises upon determination by the Contracting Officer that such action is necessary in the interest of the Government. The removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement of providing sufficient personnel to perform the services as required by this contract.

1.7.1.18 Special Qualifications: The Contractor is responsible for ensuring all employees possess required state motor vehicle licenses for operating equipment and vehicles used in the execution of this contract. Anyone applying pesticides must be trained and certified in the appropriate pesticide applicator categories by the state of New Mexico. A pesticide technician is not a valid substitute for a state certified applicator. Use of any chemicals shall meet Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) Guidelines and State of New Mexico Law for licensed applicator requirements and shall not be used without prior review through a pre-application submittal and consent of the COR.

Site Manager: The On-site manager must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of commercial Landscape Maintenance/Installation operations and be accredited by the Landscape Contractors Association, or equivalent accreditation program, (e.g., PLANET). The Site manager must speak and write fluent English.

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Provide licenses/certificates regarding capabilities at time of contract award and annually when an Option Year is exercised. The Contractor must provide the on-site manager with mobile phone(s) and radio(s) (same channel/frequency as the cemetery). The on-site manager must immediately communicate to the COR, by radio, and by cell phone after hours) when an alternate on-site manager has been placed in charge. The Contractor shall provide a Site Manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work. The Site Manager shall have the skillset necessary for performing job requirements. The name of this person and an alternate who shall have full authority to act for the Contractor when the Site Manager is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer.

The Alternate Site Manager shall have similar qualifications as the Site Manager, and the alternate can be a key personnel position other than the Site Manager. The Site Manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract, and either the Site Manager or his/her alternate will be on job site during normal operation hours. The Site Manager – and in his or her absence, an alternate shall be available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and shall also have an email address which shall be checked for information from the Cemetery, prior to 7:00am and after 2:00pm each day Monday through Sunday, as the Cemetery anticipates messaging up to twice daily. The Site Manager is to report daily with the COR prior to 7:00am when work is being performed. Additionally, the Site Manager or an alternate must be available to meet the COR onsite within 12 hours’ notice, if requested by the COR. Also, the COR must be informed less than 24 hours in advance, anytime the Site Manager will be offsite for extended periods of time. One (1) resume and one letter of commitment from the individual proposed for: Site Manager.

1.7.1.19 Post Award Conference/Period Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the Contracting Activity in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The Contracting Officer, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor’s performance. At these meetings, the Contracting Officer will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor’s performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced.

Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.7.1.20 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be nominated by the requiring activity and appointed by the Contracting Officer by separate letter. A copy of the COR’s appointment letter will also be sent to the awarded Contractor, identifying the designated duties and limitations of the COR. The COR’s designated duties will describe the level of responsibility and what technical or administrative aspects of the contract are to be monitored. The COR’s oversight responsibilities are not limited to the QASP. Since all listed contract requirements or tasks are expected to be met by the contractor at all

Document Number: 36C78626R50070 PROCESSED Page 13 of 166 times, the COR is authorized to conduct oversight on any and all tasks or requirement and report observations to the Contracting Officer. The COR is not authorized to change any terms or conditions in the contract that pertain to cost, schedule, performance, quality, quantity, or other legal aspects of the resulting order.

1.7.1.21 Identification of Contractor Employees: All Contractor personnel attending meetings and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by the Contractor are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.7.1.22 Phase In/Phase Out: To minimize any decreases in productivity and to prevent possible negative impacts on additional services, the Contractor shall have personnel on board, during the phase in/phase out periods. The phase in period will begin on the first business day after the contract is awarded. During the phase in period, the Contractor shall become familiar with performance requirement in order to commence full performance of the services on the contract start date, submit lists of employees working under this contract, and move and stage all needed equipment, materials, and supplies onto the designated contractor area at Ft. Bayard. It is expected that this task will take no less than two weeks and no more than four weeks.

2. Definitions & Acronyms

2.1 Definitions: (See the “Glossary” of the National Cemetery Administration, Operational Standards and Measure Guidebook for a list of cemetery-specific definitions.)

2.1.1 Animal: any living that is not human being or a plant.

2.1.2 Backflow Preventer: A device which prevents any fluid from back-siphoning into the source water such as hydrants, spigots, pipes, or other water sources. Contractors shall ensure such devices are employed whenever watering, filling water or pesticide mix tanks, or mixing pesticides or any other product with water.

2.1.3 Clean: Free of all foreign matter.

2.1.4 Cleaning Agents: Products and substances (usually liquids, pastes, powders, sprays, or granules) used to remove dirt and detritus, including dust, stains, oxidation on surfaces.

2.1.5 Cleaning Equipment: Devices, tools, and machines designed for specific cleaning tasks, including pads and cloths.

2.1.6 Contract Administrator: The official Government representative delegated authority by the Contracting Officer to administer a contract. This individual is normally a member of the appropriate Contracting/Procurement career field and advises on all technical contractual matters.

2.1.7 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): A representative from the requiring activity appointed by the Contracting Officer to perform surveillance and to act as liaison to the Contractor.

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2.1.8 Crown Raising: The removal of the lower branches of a tree to provide clearance for buildings, signs, vehicles, pedestrians and vistas, also known as “limbing up” and “lifting”. Do not “limb up” coniferous trees.

2.1.9 Crown Thinning: The selective removal of dead, diseased, broken or weakly attached branches (Crown Cleaning) and: the removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown; thinning towards the branch tip to reduce the wind-sail effect of foliar clumps in the crown; and thinning to relieve the weight of heavy limbs.

Only 25 percent of a tree’s leaf area can be removed at any one time.

2.1.10 Crown Cleaning: The selective removal of dead, diseased, broken or weakly attached branches. This constitutes regular landscape maintenance pruning that will correct small growth problems before they become larger, more costly problems.

2.1.11 Crown Reduction: Pruning to reduce the size of the tree.

2.1.12 Cycle: The completion on one unit of work, from beginning to end, that involves a give distance or length of time (For example, picking up all trash once a week, or an edging of all curbs along all Cemetery roads).

2.1.13 Deadwood Pruning: Pruning to remove deadwood and/or broken branches that pose a potential risk that could result in personal injury or property damage. This category is used for any tree with broken, hanging, dead, or otherwise potentially dangerous limbs or those trees with a significant number of dead branches that require removal.

2.1.14 Decomposed Granite: Fine, crushed, screened, naturally friable granite rock, 1/4-inch minus material to match existing. Gradation as determined by ASTM C 136 with 50 to 100 percent passing the No. 4 sieve, with 5 to18 percent passing the No. 200 sieve.

Approved material: ‘Gail’s Gold’ decomposed granite as available from Gail Materials, Tel.: (951)667-6106; (or equivalent material as approved by the COR).

2.1.15 Defective Service: A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with it in the PWS.

2.1.16 Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non‐ manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.17 Drip Zone Assembly: Assembly consisting of remote-control valve, drip filter, drip pressure regulator, unions, shut-off valve, nipples, pipe, and valve box or vault.

2.1.18 Evapotranspiration: The combined loss of water from soil through evaporation and plant transpiration.

2.1.19 First Interment Area: Areas within the burial sections where the government is actively assigning new gravesites and conducting new interments.

2.1.20 Foreign Matter: Dirt, marks, stains which can be removed with reasonable cleaning effort and appropriate cleaning agents and equipment. Feces of all types.

2.1.21 Full Sun Areas: Areas receiving more than 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.

2.1.22 Government Furnished Equipment (GFE): Equipment in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently made available to the Contractor.

2.1.23 Government Furnished Property (GFP) or Government Property (GP): Property in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently made available to the Contractor.

2.1.24 Ground cover: Low growing plants growing over an area of ground. Ground covers include grasses, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

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2.1.25 Grounds and Boundaries: All developed land including turf, walks, beds, planter beds, drainage ditches, roads, steps, plazas, and parking lots within the property line of the Cemetery.

2.1.26 Headstone: include upright headstones and flat markers. The term headstone is synonymous with marker.

2.1.27 “Hot Spot”: An isolated patch of turf as evident by dry soil, hydrophobic soil, and brownish or yellowing leaf color.

2.1.28 Inorganic Mulch: Decomposed granite, path fines, gravel, pebbles, cobblestones, rip-rap, boulders, artificial bark mulch.

2.1.29 Interseeding: The practice of seeding the same species into itself for the purpose of increasing stand density and recovery of lost grass.

2.1.30 Irrigated Turf: Lawn that has permanent irrigation system installed.

2.1.31 Height of Turf: Height, if not readily obvious, shall be determined by the COR (in the presence of the Site Manager) by measuring the height of the turf plants with a yardstick in four locations – randomly selected by the COR – within the burial section or Highly Prominent area in question. The COR will then determine the average height of those measurements.

2.1.32 Irrigation Hours: Period during which landscape irrigation is permissible and does not interfere with visitation and cemetery operations; typically, between 7:00pm and 7:00am.

2.1.33 Master Valves: Mainline remote control valves controlling flow of water to mains.

Master valves may be normally open supplying water under pressure to mains, or normally closed shutting off water under pressure to mains when not irrigating.

2.1.34 Mulch Bed: Any area containing primarily organic and/or inorganic mulches.

2.1.35 Non-irrigated Turf: Low Maintenance Lawn, Slow-Growth Area, “Green” Burial

Section. Lawn does not have a permanent irrigation system installed and is allowed to go dormant during extremes of heat and cold.

2.1.36 Non-pressure Piping: Lateral line pipe that is not under water pressure until the control valves are opened. Pipe is typically downstream of the control valve.

2.1.37 Organic Mulch: Decorative tree bark, compost, nut shells.

2.1.38 Overseeding: The practice of seeding another species over an existing stand to produce viable turf when the existing stand has become dormant.

2.1.39 Part Sun Areas: Areas receiving less than 5 hours of direct sunlight per day normally due to shade from tree canopies.

2.1.40 Pest: Any plant or animal detrimental to humans or human concerns including weeds, fungi, molds, vertebrates, and invertebrates.

2.1.41 Pesticide: Includes herbicides, insecticides, horticultural oils, fungicides, poisonous baits, and fumigants.

2.1.42 Planting Bed: Any area planted with trees, shrubs, and ground covers.

2.1.43 Posting Signs: Industry standard warning signs stating that a pesticide application has been applied.

2.1.44 Performance Work Statement: The PWS is a detailed set of verifiable performance or quality standards for everything the Contractor is required to perform or produce.

Performance‐ based statements of work (referred to as a PWS) are the preferred method of stating needs in terms of performance outputs. A performance-based statement of work structures all aspects of an acquisition around the purpose of the work to be performed

Document Number: 36C78626R50070 PROCESSED Page 16 of 166 and does not dictate how the work is to be accomplished. It maximizes Contractor control of work processes and allows for innovation in approaching various work requirements.

2.1.45 Pressure Piping: Mainline and submain pipe that is constantly under water pressure.

Pipe that is typically upstream of the control valve.

2.1.46 Outlets: Sprinkler heads, drip emitters, drip flush valves, drip air relief valves, including pipe risers and swing joints.

2.1.47 Polished: Smooth and shiny as a result of being rubbed. Free of oxidation.

2.1.48 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of Contractor performance.

2.1.49 Quality Assurance: A procedure or set of procedures taken by the Government to ensure that services under development (before work is complete, as opposed to afterwards) meets specified requirements of the PWS.

2.1.50 Quality Control: A procedure or set of procedures implemented by the Contractor to ensure that the performed service adheres to and meets the requirements of the PWS.

2.1.51 Reasonable Cleaning Effort: Commercially reasonable amount of time and expenditure of physical effort needed to clean an element utilizing commercially available equipment and products designed specifically for that task.

2.1.52 Remote Control Valve Assembly: Assembly consisting of remote-control valve, unions, shut-off valve, nipples, pipe, and valve box or vault.

2.1.53 Removal: The transport of identified material, such as trash and debris, from the area it was found to a place of final repository – such as a dumpster or off the Cemetery grounds.

2.1.54 Routine Pruning: Regular maintenance to reduce the development of future problems or correct minor problems that could increase if not corrected. This primarily includes trees with minor amounts of deadwood less than two inches in diameter or with correctable structural problems. Trees with growth patterns that will eventually obstruct or interfere with understory plant growth and health, pedestrian or vehicular traffic clearance, and lines of sight are also included in this category.

2.1.55 RTF: Rhizomatous Tall Fescue. Turf-type tall fescue which produces rhizomes, underground stems that penetrates laterally through the soil to spread the plant while sending shoots up to the soil surface, forming a new plant.

2.1.56 Submaster Valves: Submain remote control valves controlling flow of water to submains. Master valves may be normally open supplying water under pressure to submains, or normally closed shutting off water under pressure to mains when not irrigating.

2.1.57 Training Pruning: Prune young or small trees less than 20 feet in height in order to reduce the development of future structural problems. Trees with growth patterns that will eventually obstruct or interfere with understory plant growth and health, pedestrian or vehicular traffic clearance, and lines- of-sight are also included in this category.

2.1.58 Stabilizer: A water-based polymer or organic powdered binder solidifying emulsion specifically manufactured to harden decomposed granite. The solidifying emulsion shall not alter the gravel color. A copy of the manufacturer’s product sheets and instructions for application shall be furnished to the COR for approval.

2.1.59 Topsoil: ASTM D 5268; natural or cultivated surface-soil layer containing organic matter and sand, silt, and clay particles, conforming to USDA classification for Loam or

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Sandy Loam; friable, pervious, and compatible in texture with the existing soil to prevent a perched water table; ECe less than 3 mmhos/cm; a minimum of 2 percent/maximum of 10 percent organic material content; pH range between 6 and 8; reasonably free of subsoil, clay lumps, gravel, rocks and other objects more than 13 mm (1/2-inch) in any dimension; and free of weeds, roots, and other extraneous materials harmful to plant growth.

2.1.60 Trash and Debris: Any item, material or foreign object not permanently attached to or planted within the grounds and boundaries. Items include – but are not limited to – fallen twigs and branches that are under ten (10) inches in diameter at their widest point, paper products, cigarette butts, glass and metal products, plastic and any other synthetic item, plus loose rock and stone three (3) inches in diameter or greater that are not the apparent result of an interment within the past 30 days. Not included are stains, loose soil, smaller stones, or leaves. Exception: Loose soil, smaller stones and leaves are included when part of blowing off a roadway or walk, and when performing a cleanup prior to a major ceremony. Items include, but are not limited to leaves, needles, flowers, seedpods, twigs, branches of all sizes, feces, paper products, cigarette butts, gum, glass and metal products, plastic and any other synthetic items, gravel, asphalt, concrete, loose rock and stones over two inches (2”) in diameter, and soils that are a result of interment operations.

2.1.61 Turf: Turfgrass, grass, lawn. Any ground cover consisting primary of cultivated turfgrass species, such as perennial ryegrass and tall fescue.

2.1.62 Valves: Backflow prevention devices, isolation valves, pressure regulating valves, automatic valves, hydrometers, master valves, air and vacuum release valves, remote control valves, blow-off valves, hose bibs, quick couplers.

2.1.63 Vegetation: All plant material including weeds.

2.1.64 “Water-Wise” burial section is an interment area with a ground surface consisting of non-living groundcover material such as a mineral mulch. The mineral mulch is typically a crushed aggregate surfacing such as decomposed granite, or other COR-approved 1/4-inch minus crushed aggregate material.

2.1.65 Water-wise cemetery is surfaced with a layer of sand or mineral-based ground cover, (e.g., decomposed granite).

2.1.66 Weed: Any non-desirable plant material, including escaped and invasive ornamental plants

2.1.67 Wildflowers: Annual and perennial flowering ground cover plants grown by sowing seeds.

2.1.68 Windrows of Turf Clippings: Any accumulation of turf clippings which cover or block sunlight from reaching the newly mowed or trimmed turf area.

2.2 Acronyms:

AM ante meridiem CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer Representative EMS Environmental Management System e.g. for example EA Each FY Fiscal Year IAW In accordance with

Document Number: 36C78626R50070 PROCESSED Page 18 of 166 i.e. that is IPM Integrated Pest Management JB Job JER Joint Ethics Regulation lbs pounds LMR Land Mobile Radio MO Months mph miles per hour NCA National Cemetery Administration NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Act OPT Option PWS Performance Work Statement PM post meridiem QTY Quantity QC Quality Control QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan SSD Security and Safety Directorate SF Square Feet TE Technical Exhibit VA Department of Veteran’s Affairs

3. Government Furnished Property, Equipment, and Services

3.1 General Information: The Government will provide the property and services listed below. The Contractor shall not use the property or services provided by the Government for any purpose other than in the performance of this contract. All requests for Government furnished property and services shall be approved by the COR and Contracting Officer in writing.

3.2 Facilities: The Government shall furnish a parking and staging area for vehicles and equipment with no guarantee of security for the designated area or any assurances of utilities or phone lines.

A temporary storage area for tree branches, sticks, and leaves will be provided. Maintenance of equipment must be conducted offsite (no hazardous materials), unless light routine repairs are needed, such as changing flat tires, blade sharpening, etc.

3.3 Equipment: The Government will provide a dumpster for trash and demolished headstones only.

3.4 Utilities: Non-potable Water will be available at various areas as designated by the COR through in-ground water sources throughout the cemetery. Electric, gas, or phone lines are not guaranteed for the Contractor in designated staging areas. The Contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The Contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities. If abuse or waste is suspected, the Government reserves the right, at any time during the contract performance period, to provide utilities to the Contractor on a few-for-use basis.

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3.5 Headstones and Markers: The Government shall provide new and replacement headstones and markers to the contractor for installation, ensuring proper wording and spelling.

3.6 Floral Vases: Floral vases for public use and stocking by the Contractor.

4. Contractor Furnished Items, Services & Requirements

4.1 General Information: The Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities, and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 2 of this PWS. The Contractor shall also provide transportation and permits necessary to perform the requirements of this contract. This includes having roll-off dumpsters for debris and soil removal. This does not include the Government furnished dumpster for trash and demolished headstones, as described in

2.3 of Government Furnished Property.

4.1.1 Equipment Guidelines: The Contractor’s equipment shall be commercial grade equipped with protective and safety features that are in good repair, and clean. The Contractor shall submit, to the Contracting Officer, and equipment list which includes, but is not limited to, quantities and descriptive data for all equipment prior to its use on CEMETERY grounds.

The Contractor shall inform the Contracting Officer, in writing, of any equipment list changes prior to implementing the changes. The equipment and supplies the Contractor uses shall not cause damage to ground areas, headstones, monuments, walkways, trees, or any other part of the landscape. It is expected that the Contractor will take preventative measures when entering soft grounds with equipment, such as the use of boards, to prevent ruts.

4.1.2 Potable water: Contractor shall provide potable drinking water for employees.

4.1.3 Comprehensive Grounds Management Plan: A draft Grounds Maintenance Plan (GMP) shall be submitted at proposal. A comprehensive Grounds Management Plan (GMP) submitted to the COR within 30 workdays following contract award. The GMP shall identify every task, frequency, and planned duration required under this contract. Changes to the plan must be approved by the COR prior to implementation and prior to any updates.

Pesticide and fertilizer applications must include a legend indicating the specific product, application rate (quantity and active ingredient per acre or 1000 square feet).

4.1.4 Weekly Work Plan: Weekly electronic notification to the COR Team outlining the work planned during the following workweek no later than noon on the final workday of each week. The plan shall include sufficient detail by day and area to allow meaningful quality control by the Contractor and quality assurance by the COR Team.

4.1.5 Daily work assessment report: Daily electronic assessment report shall be provided to the COR Team outlining the work completed in detail for the day, including specifics

Document Number: 36C78626R50070 PROCESSED Page 20 of 166 regarding marker settings, alignments, etc. No less than four sample pictures shall be submitted with the assessment report. The assessment report shall be submitted at the end of each workday.

4.1.6 Weekly work assessment report: Weekly electronic assessment report shall be provided to the COR Team outlining the work completed in detail for the day, including specifics regarding marker settings, alignments, etc. No less than fourteen sample pictures shall be of each work week.

4.1.7 Monthly work assessment report: Monthly electronic assessment report shall be provided to the COR Team outlining the work completed in detail for the day, including specifics regarding marker settings, alignments, etc. No less than twenty-four sample pictures shall be submitted with the assessment report. The assessment report shall be submitted at the end of each month.

4.1.8 Annual work assessment report: Annual electronic assessment report shall be provided to the COR Team outlining the work completed in detail for the day, including specifics regarding marker settings, alignments, etc. No less than forty sample pictures shall be of each contract year.

4.1.9 Pesticide Dispersal Equipment: The Contractor shall furnish pesticide dispersal equipment without visible deterioration or leaks in any component and shall operate the equipment IAW the manufacturer’s recommendations. All pesticide tanks of powered dispersal equipment shall be clearly and plainly labeled “Contaminated with Pesticides.”

All tanks of powered pesticide equipment dispersal equipment shall also have a license decal that is attached in a conspicuous location and contains an identification number and the name of the issuing agency.

4.1.10 Vehicles: The Contractor shall provide vehicles for the performance of services on this contract. This shall include a motorized casket carrier, etc. Contractor and Contractor employees shall abide by all speed limitations while operating a vehicle at the Cemetery.

The speed limit at the Cemetery is 15 mph on cemetery roads and 10 mph when passing pedestrians. The Contractor shall be responsible for all maintenance and repair of Contractor furnished vehicles. Contractor shall submit an electronic record of all vehicles, including vehicle identifiers, to the COR team within 30 days from the start of the contract.

4.1.11 Vehicle Safety Equipment: Contractor vehicles used to transport herbicides shall house a

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved spill and decontamination kit and shall be equipped with a fire extinguisher which has an ABC rating with minimum capacity of pounds.

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4.1.12 Communication Devices: The Key Personnel and vehicle drivers shall have radios turned on during normal operating hours as to be available to communicate with the COR/Cemetery manager at any time. Any employees performing during outside of normal operating hours (as authorized by the COR) shall also be available to communicate during those times. The Contractor shall be available by mobile phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the even they need to be contracted regarding an emergency, significant weather event, etc. All cost related to providing wireless communication devices are the responsibility of the Contractor.

4.1.13 Standards of Employee Conduct & VA Regulations: Contractor and contractor personnel shall be 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 all contractor personnel, shall follow all US Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, and Ft. Bayard National Cemetery environmental protection standards, policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the NCA Environmental Management System and Green Purchasing policies.

Contractor and contractor's employees shall be required to wear uniforms displaying the name of the company the employee's name, and status. Outer wear (including jackets, coats, hats, rain gear, etc.) must also comply with above.