RFQ_140P1323Q0071_Statement_of_Work__.doc

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, and Pruning Services

Table of Contents Section 1.0 Background Section 2.0 Scope Section 3.0 Schedule of Work Section 4.0 Task Requirements Section 5.0 Inspection Requirements Section 6.0 Safety Standards Section 7.0 Reports Section 8.0 Workmanship Section 9.0 Pre-Service/Performance Conference

Section 10.0 Definitions

1.0 Background

The Longfellow-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, also known as the Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House, is a historic site located at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For almost fifty years, it was the home of noted American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For a time, it had previously served as the headquarters of George Washington.

The house was built in 1759 for John Vassall, who fled the Cambridge area at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War because of his loyalty to the king of England. George Washington used the abandoned home as his first official headquarters as commander of the Continental Army; the home served as his base of operations during the Siege of Boston until he moved out in July 1776. Andrew Craigie, Washington's Apothecary General, was the next person to own the home for a significant period of time. After purchasing the house in 1791, he instigated the home's only major addition. Craigie's financial situation at the time of his death in 1819 forced his widow Elizabeth Craigie to take in boarders. It was as a boarder that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow came into the home. He became its owner in 1843, when his father-in-law Nathan Appleton purchased it as a wedding gift. He lived in the home until his death in 1882.

The last family to live in the home was the Longfellow family, who established the Longfellow Trust in 1913 for its preservation. The home was donated in 1972, along with all its furnishings, and was made part of the National Park Service. The home, which represents the mid-Georgian architectural style, is seasonally open to the public.

2.0 Scope

A site visit is highly recommended. All trees will be tagged by the park for either removal, removal and stump grinding, or removal and stump grinding and for pruning.

This contract is intended to provide arboriculture services for the Longfellow National Historic Site. The site has 34 trees that will need to be removed. They are listed under the task section.

Eleven of the 34 trees removed will be cut flush to grade and the stump will remain.

Twenty-three of the 34 trees removed will have their stumps ground down to a minimum of 20” below the adjacent grade.

Twenty-one trees on the property will be pruned. Seven of the twenty-one will receive “heavy” pruning. Fourteen of the twenty-one will receive “light” pruning. Pruning guidance is within this section.

Standards and Industry Guidance:

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that tree pruning, and removal is performed at Longfellow. This effort will require special techniques to preserve archeological and landscape resources; this includes using soft felling techniques, scheduling work when the ground is frozen (or firm enough so that no rutting occurs), use of terra mats made specifically for heavy machinery across sensitive landscapes, remove chips, and remove logs without dragging. Stumps will be ground, and chips removed. The stump holes will be prepped (leveled with soil and raked) and seeded with approved grass mix.

It shall be incumbent upon the Contractor to furnish first-class workers, take all necessary precautions and execute the work using equipment and skills as appropriate and specified herein and as directed by the Contracting Officer in compliance with said standards. The contractor shall provide workers that hold current arborist certification status. A person that is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture shall be present throughout this contract. Operators of chainsaws and chippers shall have current certification status. All work shall meet all OSHA safety requirements in the occupation of Arboriculture. All work shall be performed in accordance with the standards practice of Arboriculture.

Equipment: All Project materials, products and equipment products shall be furnished by Contractor.

Work shall be completed as depicted by the scope of work as specified herein, and as required by the job conditions, and the implied intent of the project to ensure the life safety, health, and well-being of all end users.

The work described is to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. This contract is to include all necessary supervision, tools, equipment (including safety equipment), labor, supplies, and transportation to:

Longfellow NHS 105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02135 Standards and Industry Guidance:

All this work is done on historic properties and on historic fabric. Extra care and attention must be given to these tasks. Some trees are considered “witness” trees and are considered national treasures.

The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure that tree pruning, and removal is performed at LONG. This effort will require special techniques to preserve archeological and landscape resources; this includes using soft felling techniques, scheduling work when the ground is frozen (or firm enough so that no rutting occurs), limit machinery to existing maintenance roads, remove chips, and remove logs without dragging. Stumps will be ground, and chips removed. The stump holes will be prepped (leveled with soil and raked) and seeded with approved grass mix.

3.0 Schedule of work

3.01

During Business Hours (7:00 AM-3:30 PM): Upon arrival, the Contractor shall contact the COR. If the COR is not available, a voice mail message shall be left on the COR’s phone or on his email.

Hours of operation shall only be between Monday and Friday. No work shall occur on federal holidays, weekends or outside the hours of 7:00am-3:30pm. All contractors shall be off the property by 3:30pm.

No work shall occur without the presence of a park service employee.

The COR for this contract is:

Scot Fletcher, Facility Manager Cell 617 201 7146 Email scott_fletcher@nps.gov

3.02 Interference with Business

The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work, and the Contractor shall fully cooperate with such other contractors and Government employees and carefully schedule its own work in consultation and direction of the COR. The Contractor shall not commit or permit any act that will interfere with the performance of work by any other contractor or by Government employees. The government will assist with the contractor’s schedule as to make the contract feasible for all parties involved. This will be a good faith effort to bring a schedule together that benefits all parties.

The services under this contract shall be performed in such a way that there will be no interruption to or interference with the normal operation of Government business on the premises. Persons employed by the contractor shall, while on the premises, comply with all applicable regulations.

4.0 Task requirements

1. Tree removal:

Below is a list of trees that are being removed to grade with stumps remaining. The quantity and DBH is included in this list.

2x- 8 DBH

2x- 10 DBH

2x- 7 DBH 1x- 5 DBH 1x- 13 DBH

1x- 16 DBH

1x- 17 DBH

1x- 18 DBH

The list below is for tree removal AND stump grinding.

10x- 4 DBH

7x- 5 DBH

1x- 18 DBH

1x- 14 DBH

1x- 15 DBH

1x- 19 DBH

2x- 36 DBH

Twenty-one trees will be pruned.

Pruning guidance:

1) The work to be performed under this section shall include pruning trees in accordance with the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations - Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance - Standard Practices, ANSI A300 (Part 1) -2010 Pruning.

a) General Requirements:

1. On the same day a tree is pruned, the contractor shall remove all wood, debris, and chips (if chipper used) from the site. Removal and disposal shall be the responsibility of the contractor. There shall be no sale of wood on government property. There may be instances when debris cannot be removed in the same day, this must be approved by the COR. Contractor will be responsible for safely securing the area.

2. No more than one-fourth (1/4) of the foliage on a mature tree shall be removed during a pruning operation. The COR shall be contacted prior to pruning any tree specified as Maintenance Pruning if said pruning will reduce the surface area of the tree by more than one-fourth.

3. Upon completion of pruning, one-half (1/2) of the foliage shall remain evenly distributed in the lower two-thirds (2/3) of the crown and individual limbs.

4. Branches shall be removed in such a manner to not cause damage to other parts of the tree. Branches too large to support with one hand shall be precut to prevent splitting or tearing of the bark. To prevent tree or property damage, branches or portions of branches shall be lowered to the ground by ropes or equipment where necessary.

5. When a branch is cut back to a lateral not more than one-fourth (1/4) of its leaf surface shall be removed. All efforts shall be made to cut back to a lateral, one-third (1/3) the diameter of the branch being removed.

6. When removing a lateral branch at its point of origin on the trunk or parent limb, the final cut shall be made in branch tissue sufficiently close to the trunk or parent limb starting just above a vigorous bud or shoot and running back across the limb at a 45-degree angle, without cutting into the bark branch ridge or branch collar or leaving a protruding stub. When removing a branch with a narrow branch attachment, the final cut should be made from the bottom of the branch up. Where branches cross and rub together or are forming a "V" crotch, one branch shall be removed with consideration of the tree's natural form and structure.

7. When removing a leader or length of a branch, the angle of the cut should bisect the angle between the branch bark ridge and an imaginary line perpendicular to the leader being removed. Trees which are developing more than one dominant leader shall be selectively pruned to promote a single dominant leader by sub-dominating the other competitive branches. Selection of the dominant leader shall be made with consideration of the tree's natural form and structure.

8. When removing a branch, the final cut shall be made just outside the collar of live tissue. If the collar has grown out along the branch stub, only the dead stub should be removed. The live collar shall remain intact and uninjured. Removing entire or large portions of healthy, sound limbs simply because the contractor chooses not to provide the necessary equipment or labor to remove only the dead or dying terminals of said limb is prohibited.

9. The use of chain saws and circular blade power saws shall be limited to the removal of limbs no less than two (2) inches in diameter.

10. When pruning elm trees (Ulmus genus) the contractor is responsible for sanitizing tree pruning equipment with de-natured alcohol before pruning and after pruning each tree to reduce the possibility of spreading diseases between trees.

11. Wounding paint shall not be used.

12. Climbing hooks shall not be worn while pruning.

b) Pruning Types:

1. Hazard Reduction: Shall consist of the removal of all visible hazards with potential for damage to property or personal injury. Removal shall include, but is not limited to dead wood, heavy or weak horizontal branches and weak crotches. Weak crotches are defined as split or rotted wood between two trunks of limbs that may break and fall during high wind.

2. Crown Cleaning: Shall consist of the removal of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable weakly attached, low vigor branches, and water sprouts on the main trunk as well as those within the leaf area one inch in diameter and greater. All dead wood greater than 2 feet in length shall be removed regardless of diameter. An occasional branch up one inch in diameter may remain within the main leaf area where it is not practical to remove.

3. Maintenance Pruning: Trees designated as Maintenance Pruning are generally located in special use areas containing lower densities of pedestrians, structures and vehicles than developed areas (i.e., picnic areas, trails, campgrounds, and natural areas adjacent to developed areas). Trees shall be pruned to maintain and/or improve health and structure of trees.

Removals: The work to be performed under this section shall include removing trees in accordance with the American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations - Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining and Removing Trees and Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements - ANSI Z133.1-2000.

c) General Requirements:

1. Removal of all wood and chips from the park and disposal is the responsibility of the contractor. There shall be no sale of wood on government property.

2. All trees identified for removal shall be marked as agreed upon, in writing, by the contractor and the COR prior to the contractor commencing work.

3. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to avoid damaging surrounding vegetation or lawn areas and prevent gouging and erosion of soils because of tree removal operations (i.e., removal of stubs that might dig in and blanketing the area with brush and/or logs to cushion the fall).

d) Safety Requirements:

1. Trees shall be felled only when there is an adequate felling area at least equal in radius to the height of the tree. Whenever possible trees should be felled on as level ground as possible avoiding stumps, rocks etc. which may cause the tree to roll when it falls. Trees that cannot be felled due to adjacent trees, vegetation, roadways, buildings, structures, utilities, and/or lack of an adequate felling area shall be topped and/or sectioned.

2. When topping and/or sectioning is required, the lower limbs shall be removed first working toward the top until the tree is stripped and sections shall be small enough to be safely handled by the worker on a rope. Sectioning shall continue until the tree is low enough for felling.

3. Pull ropes shall be used on all trees that have potential for damage to property or existing vegetation should they fall in any direction other than that intended. Pull ropes shall be installed before any cutting is done at the base.

4. Stake holdfasts and men pulling the rope shall be outside the striking distance of the tree. If conditions make this impossible, the tree shall be topped and/or sectioned.

5. Felling Leaning, Split, Twin, or Hollow Trees: The Contractor is responsible for taking all precautions including, but not limited to, chaining, roping, corner cutting and the use of felling wedges and securely anchored tackle blocks to ensure that the tree will fall where desired and prevent twisting and/or premature splitting or separation of the trunk. If a tree cannot be felled safely in one piece, the tree shall be topped and/or sectioned.

6. Felling Lodged Trees: Under no circumstances shall an attempt be made to fell the tree supporting the lodged tree or climbing up the inclined trunk of the lodged tree to shake it loose. If the butt of the tree is free of stump, a one-inch (1”) rope or winch cable long enough to place all men and equipment outside of the falling or kickback radius should be fastened to the tree butt. The rope or cable should be pulled as nearly directly back from the direction of fall as possible. If the tree is too firmly lodged to be pulled out the adjacent tree may be climbed and limbs from the lodged tree carefully removed. The pulling operation should then be resumed. Cutting off sections of the butt of the lodged tree should be avoided.

7. Notch: A Standard Notch should be used in most cases. The notch shall be at right angles to the direction of pull. Make two cuts, one parallel or horizontal to the ground, the other at an angle of 45 degrees. The depth should be from a quarter (1/4) to a third (1/3) the diameter of the tree.

8. Back cut: The back cut should be horizontal and about two inches above the horizontal cut of the notch. Bring the back cut in evenly until there is approximately two inches of holding wood left.

9. Felling: Before sawing into the two inches of holding wood, the power saw operator shall have an adequate and clear escape route to one side of, and away from, the direction of the fall and ensure that all is in readiness for the tree to fall safely. Once this is done the tree can be felled.

10. Where stumps remain, stumps shall be cut to a height not to exceed one inch (1”) from grade.

11. Except for stump grinding, all specified removals at any one location shall be completed, including removal of logs and debris, before initiating work in another location unless approved otherwise by the COR.

2) Stump Grinding:

a) General Requirements

1. Stumps indicated for grinding shall be ground with a stump grinder to a minimum depth of 20 inches below adjacent grade with the depression refilled with soil (chips removed).

2. Grinding shall include the main stump and all buttress (surface) roots, feeder roots and anchor roots greater than 3” in diameter to a minimum distance of 48” from the center of the stump in all directions.

3. Grubbing stumps shall not be permitted.

4. The resulting depression(s) shall be refilled with topsoil in uniform (8-10) inch layers and compacted by hand tamping or ramming to a maximum density of 75%. Topsoil to be approved by COR.

3) Seedbed Preparation in Stump and damaged areas:

a) General Requirements

1. Grade finish surface of the sod bed to the specified grade to a smoothness comparable to results obtained by hand raking, leaving it clean and free of stones, debris, and depressions. The final grade shall be blended with existing adjacent grades leaving the entire area drainable and free from abrupt changes in slope. To be approved by COR before grassing operations commence.

2. Protect all areas from pedestrian and vehicular traffic until the time of seeding.

3. Contractor to provide seed varieties requested by COR.

4. All seed shall have: a minimum purity of 98%, a minimum germination of 85%, and be certified free of Poa trivialis, timothy, bentgrass, Canada bluegrass, dock, cheat, chess, chickweed, plantain, crabgrass, Bermuda-grass and black medic. Fluorescence for perennial ryegrass shall not exceed three (3) percent.

5. Seed shall be stored in a manner to prevent wetting and deterioration in rodent proof containers until placement in the seeder. Seed which has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged in transit or storage will not be accepted.

4) Limitations:

a) The Contactor shall confine his operations to daylight hours and no work will be performed on Saturday, Sunday, or on Federal Holidays. The tree work portion of the contract will not be performed between March 15 to August 15.

b) The Contractor shall notify the COR a minimum of 24 hours prior to the beginning work.

c) When soil conditions are such that damage to the ground is caused by vegetation management equipment, operations will be temporarily discontinued or changed.

d) Trimming of trees and brush will be performed in accordance with the American Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 publication titled Standards for Tree Care Operations.

e) Contractor employees performing pruning or trimming of trees not to be removed will be accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association or Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.

5) Communication

a) Daily. The Contractor shall provide the status of on-going efforts and work plans for the day. The Contractor shall also notify the COR of circumstances that affect the work plan, as well as safety, health, and fire hazards.

b) Periodic Submittals. The Contractor shall submit the following documents upon request from the COR:

1. Revised Key personnel/ resumes (outline form) as personnel changes are made

2. Current copies of required professional licenses/certificates

3. Proof of successful completed training for all personnel as required by law and regulation

4. Safety meeting reports including, but not limited to content, attendance, instructor/meeting leader, location, length, etc.

6) Contractor Personnel

a) Supervision

1. The Contractor shall provide adequate and competent on-site supervision for all employees performing under this SOW. The Contractor shall name no less than one (1) Supervisor to direct the performance at any location for which a work is taking place. Any Supervisor shall:

2. Have the authority to act for the Contractor on a day-to-day basis, and to sign inspection reports and all other correspondence on behalf of the Contractor.

3. Be available during normal hours of operation (7:00am – 3:30pm) to receive notices, reports, or requests from the COR or an authorized representative.

4. Can understand, speak, and read English to successfully perform the requirements of this award.

5. All workers shall, through related training and on the job experience, be familiar with the technical aspects of this work as well as equipment used in such operations.

6. Identification of Employees

7. All workers shall be recognizable as employees of the contractor by wearing distinctive clothing bearing the name of the company and by wearing appropriate patches which show the contractors company name and employee name.

8. Distinctive clothing shall be uniform in appearance and include long pants, shirts, hats, and seasonal outerwear.

7) Temporary Facility, Storage, Staging, or Lay-down Area

1. Contractor will be responsible for construction and maintenance of Contractor's lay-down areas, landing area(s), parking, storage and work areas and roads within such areas.

2. Upon demobilization, the land previously occupied by Contractor's Temporary Facilities and lay-down area shall be restored to its pre-construction condition or better. This requirement shall also apply to all Temporary Roads, Parking, landing area(s), and Temporary Utilities.

3. Contractor will supply portable sanitary facilities for the project in the vicinity of the Contractor’s office and parking area.

4. Smoking Areas:

(1) No smoking will be allowed on government property.

(2) Follow good housekeeping practices

8) Fuel Storage and Dispensation

a) Oils, greases, and similar materials must be stored in nonflammable bins or buildings or in a fenced compound remote from other combustible materials in accordance with NFPA and as approved by COR.

b) The contractor shall comply with all federal, state, local, DOI, and NPS environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Specifically:

1. Hazardous Material and Waste Minimization: Hazardous materials used in performing work under this contract shall be handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. All hazardous materials used shall be accompanied with appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The contractor shall submit copies of SDS(s) to the COR and shall retain a copy of each applicable SDS on-site where they are always available to employees in accordance with (IAW) OSHA regulations. The Contractor shall maintain a viable hazardous waste minimization program that includes making every effort to identify and use nonhazardous or less hazardous materials than those currently in use and to recycle consumable wastes.

2. Hazardous Material Management: The contractor shall remove all hazardous materials from individual job sites upon completion of the work daily. All hazardous waste generated by the contractor shall be accumulated at approved accumulation sites in containers approved by Title 49 CFR, part 173.

3. All equipment must meet all federal OSHA, state and local safety requirements and must be properly licensed. The name or logo of the contractor must be clearly displayed on all trucks used on the job.

4. All work should be in accordance with industry or commercial practices.

5. All workers shall wear OSHA required safety equipment.

6. When conducting operations near or adjacent to roadways all employees shall wear reflective, bright orange or lime. Garment shall be an orange or lime ANSI/ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) Class 3 Garment (AVY725SC2) with a minimum of 201 square inches of reflectorized or high-visibility material.

5.0 Delivery

1) General Requirements:

a) Within two working days of receiving a task order, the contractor shall establish contact with the designated park representative indicated on the task order so that mutually agreeable time frames for scheduling and performing the prescribed work can be established. Note: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to determine when work is to begin and notify the COR of the date and locations. If the contractor has not initiated work and the COR determines that work is required per the specifications herein, the COR shall contact the Contractor and work shall begin within two working days.

b) The Contractor, in consultation with the COR, shall be responsible for staking and layout of all reference points necessary to perform work in accordance with specifications herein.

c) Work shall be scheduled and arranged so as not to interfere with the normal activities of the park. 48 hours advanced notice will be given to the Contractor if a conflict is expected (i.e., road or general access closures).

d) Once the time frames for performing the work are established, the Contractor shall notify the designated park representative 48 hours prior to beginning any work on a task order. Work shall be performed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Federal holidays excluded, unless directed and/or authorized otherwise in writing by the COR.

e) Once work begins the Contractor is expected to be on the job site each day in which weather conditions are favorable as determined by the COR.

f) Work shall only be performed under favorable weather and soil conditions as determined by the COR.

g) All work within a designated area shall be completed, inspected, and accepted by the COR and/or Designated Park Representative in accordance with the procedures stated herein before beginning work in another area.

h) The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

i) The COR will be responsible for acting on behalf of the Contracting Officer (CO) on all matters of work within the scope of the task order. Approval of work beyond the scope of the task order is reserved for the CO. The Contractor is responsible for notifying the COR in writing of any potential work they consider beyond the scope of the task order. Notification shall include a quote for performing the prescribed work that includes a breakdown with unit prices for labor, materials, equipment required and time frame(s) for completion. The COR will evaluate the quote and if valid will seek approval from the CO.

j) If, at any time, the COR determines that the work is unsatisfactory or being conducted in an unsafe manner, the Contractor will be notified and shall immediately cease all work activities.

k) All surfaces shall be protected using terra mats suitable for the work being performed.

2) RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING EXISTING PLANT MATERIAL AND OTHER LANDSCAPE FEATURES

a) The Contractor shall preserve and protect all existing vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and grass on or adjacent to the work areas. The Contractor shall be responsible for all unauthorized cutting or damage to trees and shrubs, including damage resulting from careless operation of equipment, stockpiling of materials, or tracking of grass and other surfaced areas by equipment. Such damaged areas or materials shall be restored, repaired, or replaced by the Contractor, as directed by the COR, at no expense to the National Park Service (NPS) prior to initial acceptance. Irreparable damage to trees will be subject to liquidated damages at the current value for a cross sectional square inch of dbh (Diameter at 4.5’ height) in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers and the International Society of Arboriculture.

b) Cultural resources in the park comprise of wide array of resource type, condition, and placement. All identified resources contribute to the National Register significance of the park. The most obvious are the historical farmsteads and structures. Less obvious are ground features, witness trees, small natural landmarks along with pre-contact Native American sites and archeological sites. All such resources, whether visible or hidden, need to be considered, and protected.

c) RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING EXISTING UTILITIES AND STRUCTURES:

d) The Contractor will be held liable for any damages to utilities and will be responsible for the protection of existing utilities and related structures. The Contractor shall locate utilities in the field prior to engaging work that could damage utilities by contacting Dig Safe.

e) AIR AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL

f) The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to prevent runoff, soil erosion, air, and water pollution by any material and/or equipment used during construction. The Contractor shall keep the site clean and free of trash and debris.

4) PRE-EXISTING DAMAGE

a) In instances where the contractor finds pre-existing conditions or damage to park resources which may reflect upon the quality of his work or cause him undue liability, the contractor shall not start work until the contractor and COR have agreed on the responsibility for these pre-existing conditions.

5) PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGE

a) The contractor shall assume the responsibility for accidents or damage caused to property because of performing the required services. An example of damage may include damaged/broken building or vehicle windows from projectiles thrown from equipment.

6) CLEANUP AND RESTORATION

a) The Contractor will be required to furnish all labor, materials, and equipment for daily cleanup and restoration of all disturbed areas or features which have been damaged during work. If so, directed by the COR, the Contractor shall be prepared to sweep and wash paved surfaces daily or as needed.

7) APPROVALS: All approvals shall be in writing.

6.0 Place of Performance

Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA 02138

7.0 Period of Performance

The period of will start no sooner than November 1, 2023. This will allow for the contractor to take advantage of optimal weather conditions (dry or frozen) to accomplish the tree tasks.

8.0 Site Visit

Contact Scott Fletcher to set up date and time for site visit

617 201 7146 or scott_fletcher@nps.gov

All offerors submitting a quote for this contract are strongly encouraged to attend the pre bid meeting at Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site for the purpose of examining the work site.

Failure to do so shall not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for having estimated properly the difficulty or cost of successfully performing the work.

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