RFQ 19AR2026Q0031 GARDENING MAINTENANCE SERVICES - 2026-2027 REV 1 final.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

Embassy of the United States of America

July 24, 2026

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dear Prospective Quoter:

Subject: Request for Quotations number 19AR2026Q0031

Enclosed is a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for Gardening and swimming pool maintenance services . If you would like to submit quotation, follow the instructions in Section 3 of the solicitation, complete the required portions of the attached document, and submit it to the address shown on the Standard Form 1449 that follows this letter.

The U.S. Government intends to award a contract/purchase order to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the lowest price. We intend to award a contract/purchase order based on initial quotations, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so.

Quotations are due by August 14, 2026 Noon. No quotations will be accepted after this time. Proposals must be in English and incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

Your quotation must be submitted electronically to BNS-Procurement@state.gov It is important to make sure the submission is made in specific size and format; in

MS-Word 2007/2010 or MS-Excel 2007/2010 or Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file format.

The file size must not exceed 30MB. If the file size should exceed the 30MB, the submission must be made in separate files and attached to separate emails with less than 30MB each.

In order for a quotation to be considered, you must also complete and submit the following:

1. SF-1449

2. Section I, Pricing

3. Section 5 Representations and Certifications

4. Additional information as required in Section 3

5. Proof of SAM Registration

Offerors shall be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) database at https://www.sam.gov prior to submittal of their offer/proposal as prescribed under FAR 4.1102. Failure to be registered at time of proposal submission may deem the offeror’s proposal to be considered non-responsible and no further consideration will be given. Therefore, offerors are highly encouraged to register immediately if they are interested in submitting a response to this requirement.

Sincerely, George Rivas

Contracting Office https://www.sam.gov/

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

PR16013360

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

19AR2026Q0031

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

July 24, 2026

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME

Marisol Pacheco– pachecom@state.gov

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect calls)

+5491156660764

8. OFFER DUE DATE/ LOCAL

TIME

August 14, 2026 NOON

9. ISSUED BY CODE 19AR20 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE:____ % FOR:

United States Embassy Buenos Aires

SMALL BUSINESS WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

General Services Office – Procurement Unit

Av. Colombia 4300 C1425GMN – Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELLIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM NAICS:

Argentina SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

EDWOSB

8 (A) SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINAT-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 19AR20 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 19AR20

United States Embassy Buenos Aires

Av. Colombia 4300

C1425GMN – Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Argentina.

Av. Colombia 4300

C1425GMN – Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Argentina.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFERER

TELEPHONE NO.

CODE FACILITY

CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

Financial Management Center – Vouchering Unit

CODE 19AR20

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Gardening and swimming pool maintenance services

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a.SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b.CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN ___1_

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL

ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. _________________ OFFER DATED

____________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY

ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS

TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30c. DATE SIGNED

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 02/2012)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Computer Generated Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: _______________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL FINAL

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO.

39. S/R VOUCHER NO. 40. PAID BY

41.a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41C. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC’D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 – THE SECHEDULE

• SF 1449 cover sheet

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19AR2026Q0031 Prices, Block 23.

• Continuation To SF-1449, RFQ Number 19AR2026Q0031 Schedule of Supplies/Services, Block 20 Description/Specifications/Work Statement.

• Attachment 1 – Scope of work – Frequency and specification of tasks.

• Attachment 2 – Procedures to coordinate visits and documents to submit.

• Attachment 3 -Access to government buildings and standards of conduct.

SECTION 2 – CONTRACT CLAUSES

• Contract Clauses

• Addendum to Contract Clauses - FAR and DOSAR Clauses not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 3 – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

• Solicitation Provisions

• Addendum to Solicitation Provisions - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part

SECTION 4 – EVALUATION FACTORS

• Evaluation Factors

• Addendum to Evaluation Factors - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 5 – REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Offeror Representations and Certifications

• Addendum to Offeror Representations and Certifications - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not

Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

RFQ NUMBER 19AR2026Q0031

PRICES, BLOCK 23

1. SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The Contractor shall perform gardening services, including furnishing all labor, material, equipment and services, for the U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina. The price listed below shall include all labor, materials, insurance (see FAR 52.228-3 and 52.228-5), overhead, and profit. The Government will pay the Contractor the fixed price per month for standard services that have been satisfactorily performed.

After contract award and submission of acceptable insurance certificates, the Contracting Officer shall issue a Notice to Proceed. The Notice to Proceed will establish a date (a minimum of ten

(10) days from date of contract award unless the Contractor agrees to an earlier date) on which performance shall start.

The performance period of this contract is from the start date in the Notice to Proceed and continuing for 12 months. The initial period of performance includes any transition period authorized under the contract.

2.0 PRICING

2.1 VALUE ADDED TAX

VALUE ADDED TAX. Value Added Tax (VAT) is not included in the CLIN rates. Instead, it will be priced as a separate Line Item in the contract and on Invoices. Local law dictates the portion of the contract price that is subject to VAT; this percentage is multiplied only against that portion. It is reflected for each performance period. The portions of the solicitation subject to

VAT are:

2.2. BASE PERIOD

Clin Description Qty Unit Total

1 OBC - Maintenance of grounds 12 month

2 OBC - Pruning of bougainvillea, laurustinus and bushes 6 each

3 CMR - Maintenance of grounds 12 month

4 CMR - Pruning of bamboo, and ivy - quarterly 4 each

5 CMR - Cleaning of gutters and terraces 12 month

6 CMR - Maintenance of tennis court 12 month

7 CMR- Maintenance of swimming pool 12 month

MSGR Seasonal pruning, Maintenance of garden and swimming pool, drains cleaning 104 each

DATTR Seasonal pruning, Maintenance of garden and swimming pool, cleaning of gutters and drains 104 each

DCMR- Maintenance of gardens and swimming pool;

vines trimming and cleaning of flowerbeds, gutters and drains. 104 each

11 VAT

12 TOTAL BASE YEAR + VAT

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

1. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The purpose of this contract is to obtain gardening services for real property owned or managed by the U.S. Government at Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Contractor shall perform gardening services in all designated spaces.

1.2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintenance and appearance of the grass, shrubbery, garden areas, trees, and related landscape elements like swimming pools and tennis court of the U.S. Post and properties are an important part of the representational responsibilities of the U.S. mission. The Government will measure the Contractor’s work by the appearance of the landscape covered by this contract. The

Contractor shall perform complete gardening and landscape maintenance services and swimming pool maintenance services accordingly., as described in this contract for the Government properties listed in Attachment 2. The Contractor shall include all planning, administration, and management necessary to assure that all services comply with the contract, the COR's schedules and instructions, and all applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor shall meet all the standards of performance identified in the contract. The Contractor shall perform all related support functions such as supply, subcontracting, quality control, financial oversight, and maintenance of complete records and files.

1.3. MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

1.3.1. SUPERVISION

The Contractor shall designate a representative who shall always be responsible for on-site supervision of the Contractor’s workforce. This supervisor shall be the focal point for the

Contractor and shall be the point of contact with U.S. Government personnel. The supervisor shall have sufficient English language skill to be able to communicate with members of the U.S.

Government staff. The supervisor shall have supervision as his or her sole function.

1.3.2. SCHEDULES/ WORKING HOURS

The Contractor shall maintain work schedules. The schedules shall take into consideration the hours that the staff can effectively perform their services without placing a burden on the security personnel of the Post. The Contractor shall deliver standard services between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday with one hour for lunch. For services in the residences, Saturdays can also be an option if approved by the occupants. For those items other than routine daily services, the Contractor shall provide the COR with a detailed plan as to the personnel to be used and the time frame to perform the service. No work shall be performed on

US Government and local holidays. A list of the US and local holidays will be delivered accordingly to each option year.

All work must be scheduled in advance in the work plan submitted to the COR for approval and can require adjustment to avoid conflict with the activities that may take place in the official properties such as, and not limited to, social events on the parks or public transit at Consulate area.

1.3.3. QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall be responsible for quality control. The Contractor shall perform inspection visits to the work site on a regular basis. The Contractor shall coordinate these visits with the

COR. These visits shall be surprise inspections to those working on the contract.

1.3.4 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

The Contractor shall have the services of a trained horticulturist with experience in the climate and soil conditions found locally to give technical guidance to the Contractor's work force and to develop and guide the Contractor's programs for lawn and tree care.

1.3.5. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLAN

The Contractor shall submit an annual Grounds Maintenance Plan that reflects the proposed frequency for meeting the requirements of this contract. The Grounds Maintenance Plan will be developed to fit the requirements of local conditions, types of vegetation, and climate factors.

The Contractor shall submit the Grounds Maintenance Plan to the COR for approval within 30 days after contract award.

1.4 LAWN CARE

1.4.1. GRASS CUTTING

The Contractor shall maintain the height of grass between 4 and 6 centimeters. The Contractor is responsible for all equipment and fuels needed to complete this task.

1.4.2 EDGING

The Contractor shall edge all sidewalks, driveways, and curbs each time the adjacent grass is cut.

1.4.3. TRIMMING

The Contractor shall trim grass around trees, shrubs, cultivated areas, sprinkler heads, valves, fences, buildings, poles, and structures, so that grass height does not exceed the height of the adjacent grass.

1.4.4. WEEDING

The Contractor shall weed the grounds and gardens on a continuous basis to prevent the growth of weeds into lawn and landscapes. The Contractor may use weed-killing chemicals to prevent the growth of weeds to eliminate grass and weeds in the cracks and joints within or along sidewalks and curbs. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all applications of weed killers.

1.4.5. TURF REPAIR AND RE-ESTABLISHMENT

The Contractor shall, whenever necessary, repair areas damaged by vehicular traffic, oil and gas, building repairs, and normal foot traffic. The damaged area shall be filled in and leveled and then seeded or sodded and maintained to conform to adjacent areas.

Embassy will provide flowers, soil, seeds and finishes when needed.

1.4.6. The method, frequencies, and dates of grass cutting, hedging, trimming, weeding, and turf repair shall be part of the contractor's Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.5. PRUNING

1.5.1 The Contractor shall maintain trees, shrubs, hedges, bushes, vines, ground cover and flowers.

1.5.2. The Contractor shall prepare a written schedule, as part of the Grounds Maintenance

Plan, showing the method, frequencies, and dates of pruning.

1.5.3. The Contractor shall prune all shrubs, vines, bushes, ground cover, and trees to:

direct and encourage plant growth in directions desired, remove dead and unsightly growth, and maintain a neat and attractive appearance.

The Contractor shall prune according to the schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan to ensure that all heavy pruning is accomplished during the proper season according to best horticultural practice. The Contractor shall prune all hedges and shaped shrubs to maintain proper shape at all times.

1.5.4. At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall replace any tree, bush or shrub that is killed or rendered unusable for its intended purpose through negligent or irresponsible practices that are attributable to the Contractor.

1.6. LEAF REMOVAL

The Contractor shall, monthly, remove leaves and pine needles from the properties listed in

Exhibit A

1.7. RECYCLED MATERIALS

The Contractor shall promote recycled uses for lawn and tree debris in meeting other gardening needs, such as mulch and compost.

1.8. REMOVAL OF DEBRIS

The Contractor shall remove foreign material, cuttings, grass, leaves, bark, limbs, dead vegetation, paper, and trash from the maintained areas including walkways, stairways and curbs within or adjacent to the area. The Contractor shall remove all debris and equipment from the work site before the end of each workday. Debris removal shall prevent unsightly accumulation.

The Contractor shall promptly remove collected debris to an authorized disposal site. The

Contractor is responsible for all expenses incurred in the collection and disposal of debris.

1.9. WATERING

1.9.1. The Contractor shall water lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide for moisture penetration to a depth of 7 centimeters. If natural precipitation is sufficient to fulfill this requirement, the Contractor may request the COR's permission to suspend watering to avoid too much water in the soil.

1.9.2. The Contractor shall present the method, frequencies, and dates of watering in a written schedule in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The schedule shall consider the kinds of vegetation, local soil conditions, and the seasonal variations in plant moisture requirements.

1.9.3. The Contractor shall provide all hoses, portable sprinklers, and other similar irrigation equipment.

1.9.4. The Government shall furnish the supply of water.

1.10. FERTILIZER

1.10.1. The Contractor shall fertilize and lime the soil to promote proper health, growth, color, and appearance of cultivated vegetation, following proper horticultural practice for the types of vegetation, soil, weather conditions, and seasons of the year.

1.10.2. The Contractor shall present the method of application, fertilizer type, frequencies, and dates of fertilizing and liming in the Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.10.3. The Contractor shall fertilize the lawn areas a minimum of two times per year.

1.10.4. The Contractor shall apply weed killer once a year. If weed killer is not required, the

Contractor shall request a waiver in writing from the COR.

1.10.5. The Contractor shall fertilize trees, shrubs, bushes, hedges and plants a minimum of once a year.

1.11 PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

The Contractor shall maintain a program for controlling pests and plant diseases so as to maintain flowers, shrubs, vines, trees and other planted areas in a healthy and vigorous condition.

The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all pesticides.

The Contractor shall present a plan for pest and disease control as a part of its Grounds

Maintenance Plan.

1.12. HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES

It is the Contractor's responsibility to ensure the safe handling, application, removal and environmentally sound disposal of all hazardous or potentially hazardous fertilizers, weed killers, and pest control products utilized in this requirement.

1.13. SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE

The contractor shall provide specialized labor and materials to perform the care and maintenance of the swimming pool placed on the CMR, DCMR, DATTR and MSGR: water condition, pumps, filters, and components of the system. PH and Chlorine levels must be maintained and tested.

Handling of chemicals must be carried out by qualified personnel, using appropriate personal safety equipment. The storage of said products must take place in cabinets designated for this purpose. Chemicals and products to maintain the swimming pool will be provided by the contractor.

2. DELIVERABLES FOR OFFERORS

Offerors will provide their proposal considering the following bullets, as a guide and organization of the files and/or folder:

GARDENING SERVICES

Company Name

Form SF1449

SAM registration ID

CAGE/ NCAGE Code

Presentation letter

CV - Past performance

Clients - Past performance & Points of contact information

AFIP/ ARCA Registration Financial support

Insurance support files

Team proposed

Work plan

Safety and methodology

Tools

Other considerations

DELIVERABLES BY AWARDED CONTRACTOR

The following items shall be delivered under this contract:

Description QTY Delivery Date Deliver to

Names, biographic data, police clearance on Contractor personnel

1 5 days after contract award COR

Certificate of Insurance 1 5 days after contract award CO

Access request list – Names of

Contractor’s

1 before e/visit

5 days before visit COR/

Foreman

Grounds Maintenance Plan and schedules

1 Within 30 days after contract award

COR

Safety Work Plan 1 per each hazardous task

20 days before work takes place

COR/

APOSHO

Report of progress of work or Check list of work performed (folder)

1 after e/visit

After completion of each workday

COR/

Foreman

Invoice 1 after e/ visit

After completion of each monthly maintenance service

FMC

3. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 General: The Contractor shall maintain discipline at the site and shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unlawful, riotous or disorderly conduct by Contractor employees at the site. The Contractor shall preserve peace and protect persons and property on site. The

Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove an employee from the worksite for failure to comply with the standards of conduct. The Contractor shall immediately replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional costs to the Government.

3.2 Uniforms and Personal Equipment. The Contractor's employees shall wear clean, neat and complete uniforms when on duty. All employees shall wear uniforms approved by the

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

3.3. Key control. The Contractor will not be issued any keys.

3.3. NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF LABOR DISPUTES

The Contractor shall inform the COR of any actual or potential labor dispute that is delaying or threatening to delay the timely performance of this contract.

3.4 PERSONNEL SECURITY

3.4.1 After award of the contract, the Contractor shall provide the following list of data on each employee who will be working under the contract. The Contractor shall include a list of workers and supervisors assigned to this project. The Government will run background checks on these individuals. For each individual the list shall include:

Full Name

Place and Date of Birth

Current Address

Identification number

3.4.2 Government shall issue identity cards to Contractor personnel, after they are approved.

Contractor personnel shall always display identity card(s) on the uniform while providing services under this contract. These identity cards are the property of the US Government. The

Contractor is responsible for their return at the end of the contract, when an employee leaves

Contractor service, or at the request of the Government. The Government reserves the right to deny access to U.S.-owned and U.S.-operated facilities to any individual.

4 INSURANCES

4.1 AMOUNT OF INSURANCE

The Contractor is required to provide whatever insurance is legally necessary. The Contractor shall, at its own expense, provide and maintain during the entire performance period the following insurance amounts:

4.2 GENERAL LIABILITY

(includes premises/operations, collapse hazard, products, completed operations, contractual, independent contractors, broad form property damage, personal injury)

Bodily Injury stated in U.S. Dollars

Per Occurrence USD 5,000 Cumulative USD 10,000

Property Damage stated in U.S.

Per Occurrence USD 5,000

Cumulative USD 10,000

4.3 The types and amounts of insurance are the minimums required. The Contractor shall obtain any other types of insurance required by local law or that are ordinarily or customarily obtained in the location of the work. The limit of such insurance shall be as provided by law or sufficient to meet normal and customary claims.

4.4 For those Contractor employees assigned to this contract who are either United States citizens or direct hire in the United States or its possessions, the Contractor shall provide workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with FAR 52.228-3, or host country nationals that do not have a DOL waiver.

4.5 The Contractor agrees that the Government shall not be responsible for personal injuries or for damages to any property of the Contractor, its officers, agents, servants, employees, or any other person, arising from an incident to the Contractor's performance of this contract. The

Contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the Government from any and all claims arising, except in the instance of gross negligence on the part of the Government.

4.6 The Contractor shall obtain adequate insurance for damage to, or theft of, materials and equipment in insurance coverage for loose transit to the site or in storage on or off the site.

4.7 Government as Additional Insured. The general liability policy required of the

Contractor shall name "the United States of America, acting by and through the Department of

State," as an additional insured with respect to operations performed under this contract.

4.8 Time for Submission of Evidence of Insurance. The Contractor shall provide evidence of the insurance required under this contract within ten (10) days after contract award. The

Government may rescind or terminate the contract if the Contractor fails to timely submit insurance certificates identified above.

5 LAWS AND REGULATIONS

5.1 Without additional expenses to the Government, the Contractor shall comply with all laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations required to perform this work. If there is a conflict between the contract and requirements of local law, the Contractor shall promptly advise the

Contracting Officer of the conflict and of the Contractor's proposed course of action for resolution by the Contracting Officer.

5.2 The Contractor shall comply with all local labor laws, regulations, customs and practices pertaining to labor, safety, and similar matters, unless they are inconsistent with the requirements of this contract.

5.3. If the local law or decree requires that one or both parties to the contract register the contract with the designated authorities to ensure compliance with this law or decree, the entire burden of this registration shall rest upon the Contractor. Any local or other taxes which may be assessed against the Contract shall be payable by the Contractor without Government reimbursement.

6 TRANSITION PLAN

Within 10 days after contract award, the Contracting Officer may ask the Contractor to develop a plan for preparing to assume all responsibilities for gardening services. The plan shall establish the projected period for completion of all clearances of contractor personnel, and the projected start date for performance of all services required under this contract. The plan shall assign priority to the selection of all supervisors to be used under the contract.

7 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

This plan provides an effective method to promote satisfactory contractor performance. The

QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor

Contractor performance, advise the Contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the

Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor, not the

Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract.

The role of the Government is to monitor quality to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Performance Objective Scope of Work Para Performance Threshold

Services.

Performs all gardening services set forth in the scope of work.

1.3.3 Quality control

All required services are performed and no more than one (1) customer complaint is received per month.

SURVEILLANCE. The COR will receive and document all complaints from Government personnel regarding the services provided. If appropriate, the COR will send the complaints to the Contractor for corrective action.

STANDARD. The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR

52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items), if any of the services exceed the standard.

PROCEDURES.

1. If any Government personnel observe unacceptable services, either incomplete work or required services not being performed they should immediately contact the COR.

2. The COR will complete appropriate documentation to record the complaint.

3. The COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The

COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

4. If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available.

The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

5. The COR shall, as a minimum, orally notify the Contractor of any valid complaints.

6. If the Contractor disagrees with the complaint after investigation of the site and challenges the validity of the complaint, the Contractor will notify the COR. The COR will review the matter to determine the validity of the complaint.

7. The COR will consider complaints as resolved unless notified otherwise by the complainant.

8. Repeat customer complaints are not permitted for any services. If a repeat customer complaint is received for the same deficiency during the service period, the COR will contact the Contracting Officer for appropriate action under the Inspection clause.

8 SMOKE FREE SPACE

The Embassy buildings are smoke-free. The Contractor and its employees shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations regarding the maintenance of a smoke-free environment at the worksites.

9 PERMITS, ROYALTIES, AND LICENSES

The Contractor shall be responsible, at no additional expense to the Embassy, for obtaining all licenses, certifications, and permits that are necessary to comply with the requirements of these specifications. The Contractor shall also obtain and pay the royalty and license costs for any proprietary or copyrighted items used in the execution of the work.

10 ACCIDENT REPORT

The Contractor shall promptly notify the COR both orally and in writing of any workplace accident related to the performance of this job description involving physical injury or property damage. The COR will provide the necessary information regarding who to contact and the specific form of the written follow-up notification. Any damage caused by the Contractor or its employees to the property of the Embassy shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at its cost and to the satisfaction of the COR.

ATTACHMENT 1

SCOPE OF WORK – FREQUENCY AND SPECIFICATION OF TASKS

A – OBC & CMR - MAINTENANCE OF GROUNDS (Clin 001 & Clin 003)

The Contractor shall provide labor, tools, equipment, and materials to provide gardening services such as mowing the lawn, small pruning, formation pruning, planting flowers, replacing dead species, putting mulching, replacing plants and bushes, checking the irrigation system, and watering all plants and grounds. Provide pest control, fertilization, weeding, removal of debris, etc. These tasks include grounds, planters, and in pots (in the open spaces and interior as indicated).

Perimeter outside sidewalks, planters, and curbs must be maintained as well such as weeding maintenance of vegetation, and grass, removal of debris, leaves, etc.

The Contractor will inform the COR immediately about the findings and problems that may arise, and about possible solutions that will impact the work plan. The work plan must reflect safety at work, procedures, use of PPE and methodology. Work plan will be submitted to the COR/ POSHO for approval. Work plan shall be adjusted to meet U.S. and Post’s safety standards.

The Contractor will put in soil to level the grounds covering holes and unevenness. Superficial finishing can be lawn, gravel, stones, wooden chips depending on the area. Contractors must provide and put wires, precincts, ropes, or any other element that is required to maintain the verticality of bushes and trees. The embassy will provide flowers, soil, seeds and finishes.

When irrigation system is deficient the contractor must provide the equipment necessary to ensure water reaches all areas to be watered. It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to immediately report to the Embassy Supervision if it observes deficiencies in the irrigation system so that they can be repaired. Any changes to irrigation schedule must be informed to and approved by the COR.

The grass cutting shall include the cutting with lawn scarifier and reseed only when necessary.

This work will be coordinated with and approved by the COR.

All work must be scheduled in advance in the work plan submitted to the COR for approval and can require adjustment to avoid conflict with the activities that the Embassy may have in the official properties such as, and not limited to, social events on the parks or public transit at

Consulate area.

Pest control will take place considering corrective actions needed. Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDS) will be presented with the products to apply, including a safety report to ensure protection of personnel and environment, frequencies, methodology. Process can take place only when the approvals have been granted by the COR/ POSHO.

B – OBC - PRUNING OF BOUGANVILLEA AND LAURUSTINUS (VIBURNUM TINUS)

AND BUSHES (Clin 002)

Pruning of these species and any other bushes or small/ low trees will take place every other month.

This will be done by trimming main and secondary branches with clean cuts avoiding fracture or cracks of the branches structure, doing formative and thinning pruning. Cuts will have an angle respecting the main longitudinal axis of the branches. Progressive and even cuts will take place to avoid affecting the surrounding areas. Ladders to reach high areas shall be provided by the

Contractor.

If necessary, during spring and summer season these pruning will be done every month, compensating during autumn and winter with less frequent pruning. This will be agreed between the COR and the Contractor based on the need, but the final annual quantity of pruning will be 6.

The residues for the pruning will be collected and transported to a container while the work is taking place and a final cleaning in the area and surrounding spaces must be done.

The Contractor shall provide carts and a dumpster or any equipment to collect all residues. Special permission shall be granted by the Embassy to place dumpsters on the sites. Data to request access will include name of the company, plate number, color, make and model of vehicle; name and DNI of driver with at least 6 working days prior to the location of the dumpster in the designated areas.

C – CMR - PRUNING OF BAMBOO AND IVY (Clin 004)

Quarterly pruning of these species will take place, trimming main and secondary branches with clean cuts avoiding fracture or cracks of the branches structure, doing formative and thinning pruning. Cuts will have an angle respecting the main longitudinal axis of the branches. Progressive and even cuts will take place to avoid affecting the surrounding areas.

The residues of the pruning will be collected and transported to a container while the work is taking place and a final cleaning in the area and surrounding spaces.

The Contractor shall provide a dumpster to collect all residues. Special permission shall be granted by the Security Office to place dumpsters in the sites. Data to provide to request access will include name of the company, plate number, color, make and model of vehicle; name and DNI of driver with at least 4 working days prior to the location of the dumpster in the designated areas.

E – CMR - CLEANING OF GUTTERS AND TERRACES (Clin 005)

Leaves in terraces, roofs and gutters of Oro building, pool house, quincho, workshop and mechanical rooms will be removed in a monthly basis.

Leaves and residues will be collected in bags and transported to a container while the work is taking place, and final cleaning will take place in the area and surrounding spaces.

The Contractor shall provide all PPE and equipment to perform the work safely.

Special permission shall be granted by the Security Office if dumpsters are placed in the sites.

Data to provide to request access will include name of the company, plate number, color, make and model of vehicle; name and DNI of driver with at least 4 working days prior to the location of the dumpster in the designated areas.

F – CMR - MAINTENANCE OF TENNIS COURT (Clin 006)

Maintenance of the tennis court will be done in a daily basis, preferably early in the morning.

Schedules of reservations will be checked to avoid disturbance to court users.

The work consists of:

• Removal of leaves and residues from the surface of the court and the sidewalks. Sweep the floor on the sides.

• Scratch the clay to level the surface with a lute (raspado)

• Use of roll on all the surface (roleo)

• Cover the holes on the surface with clay (bacheo)

• Sweep the court with the brush and the white lines.

• Irrigation of the surface (two types of irrigation deep and shallow watering)

• Remove excess of clay and put in new clay if required.

All tools will be new and must be kept in the site at the end of the workday inside of the cabinet.

G – CMR – MAINTENANCE OF SWIMMING POOL (Clin 007)

Two times a week the swimming pool will be maintained.

• All surface residues and leaves will be removed from the surface, collected in bags, and discarded in the containers destined for that purpose.

• The sides of the pool will be brushed off with a special brush, and the bottoms will be swept, sweeping the entire surface. This will be done at least twice a week on a minimum basis.

• PH and Chlorine levels will be maintained according to the reference parameters indicated in the kit test. The result of the analysis will determine the incorporation of chlorine, algaecides, muriatic acid and/ or clarifier, PH enhancer or reducer as appropriate. After the incorporation of products and a time to react, a second test will be done to verify that the levels are correct and allow optimal conditions of use. All products that are used must be first brand.

• Emphasis while taking care of the quality of the water in the pool and maintaining the PH and Chlorine parameters after rain, high temperatures, etc. must occur.

• The clarifier will only be used when the water may be cloudy.

• The edges will be cleaned with a specific brush, and an antifouling can be used.

• A thorough cleaning of filters and accessories will be executed. The equipment, pumps, filters, water heaters, etc. must be maintained. The diatom filter will be cleaned at least twice a week and will be changed at the most every 3 months. The provision and assembly of the filters will be in charge of the company. The CMR diatom filter will be cleaned at least twice a week and will be changed at the most every 3 months. The provision and assembly of the filters will be in charge of the company.

• If existing filters have a temporary problem, the company must provide a portable filter to guarantee water filtering. This portable filter should allow the filling of water with the filtered water.

• The kit test reagents will be changed at least annually. The chemical products will be first brands such as Clorotec or Difram or similar.

• The floating dispenser where the triple action chlorine tablets are placed will be used.

• It must be guaranteed that the handling of chemicals is carried out by qualified personnel, using appropriate personal safety equipment. The storage of said products must take place in cabinets designated for this purpose.

• The water level will be checked, and the skimmer will have water at half height to allow it to function properly. More water will be charged by completing the level if required.

• The facilities must always be clean, ready to be used at any time with transparent, crystal clear water without residues or odor and without components that may affect the health of users.

H – MSGR - SEASONAL PRUNING, MAINTENANCE OF GARDENS AND SWIMMING

POOL, DRAINS CLEANING (Clin 008)

H1 - Seasonal tree and bushes pruning

Two months before the pruning season (preferably in April), the gardening staff will tour the premises, detecting all the species and areas in which intervention is necessary, and the pruning schedule will be planned. The species, times and work system will be detailed.

Tree pruning will be carried out annually in which pruning of primary or secondary branches must be carried out, with clean cuts without fracturing or fissuring the structure of the branches, carrying out formation pruning, aeration pruning and/or thinning of branches.

The cuts will be made progressively and partially to regulate the result of the task without affecting surrounding areas. Inclined cuts will be made with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trunks or branches, in such a way as to allow the rapid runoff and cleaning of the same.

The product of pruning will be reduced to allow its transfer to a container provided by the contractor by carrying out periodic and final cleaning. The company will have to remove the waste produced by pruning from the property under its charge in dump trucks. It will be necessary to coordinate in advance with the Supervision, the date of completion of these tasks, the data corresponding to the Dump Truck company and all relevant information in order to receive approval from the Embassy.

The removal of fallen branches and cleaning of leaves will be carried out, both on the property itself and in the neighbors who could be affected by the tasks. The company will provide the bags or any item needed to contain the waste.

The contractor will provide tools, equipment and materials necessary as well as safety elements to carry out the tasks. It will be responsible for hiring all the dump trucks necessary to remove what is produced in the pruning.

A safety plan will be presented by the Contractor and must be approved by the Embassy prior to the start of the pruning works. Tasks at heights that are necessary will be evaluated in a particular way and contractor must have an approved safety plan by the Embassy prior to carrying out the work. All safety regulations must be complied with and equipment, ladders/ scaffolding and

Personal Protective Equipment shall be inspected and in good condition and must be provided by the contractor.

H2 - Maintenance of gardens and swimming pool

These tasks will be carried out a minimum of twice a week, not invalidating the increase in frequency in case the service requires it, without implying greater costs for the Embassy.

The start of the work will be coordinated in advance between the Company's contact and the

Supervision designated by the Embassy. Working schedule will be approved by the Embassy and can be modified during the performance period of this contract due to occupants’ needs or availability.

Labor, tools, equipment and materials necessary to maintain the gardens will be provided by making grass mowing and cutting, pruning and trimming of all species, planting of flowers, replacement of withered species, removal or pruning of dry vines or those that could affect other species or the property, removal of species if indicated, irrigation system controls, irrigation and watering in planters and areas not affected by the property’s irrigation system, pest control, fertilization, removal of weeds and dirt. These tasks include grounds, planters, flowerbeds and paths, pots or any other area of the garden. The lawn will be kept in perfect condition by executing the necessary cuts and cleaning in each visit including edges and clippings. The necessary weeding of grass and flowerbeds will be included.

When property’s irrigation system is deficient the contractor must provide the equipment necessary to ensure water reaches all areas to be watered. It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to immediately report to the Embassy Supervision if it observes deficiencies in the irrigation system so that they can be repaired. Any changes to irrigation schedule must be informed to and approved by the COR.

When requested or approved by the Embassy, the Contractor will provide labor to put in or replenish soil, to level the grounds covering holes and unevenness’, superficial finishing. This can be lawn, gravel, stones, wooden chips depending on the area. If indicated, the addition of

Mar del Plata or similar stones on roads or flowerbeds should be considered.

Contractors must provide and put wires, precincts, ropes, or any other element that is required to maintain the verticality of bushes and trees. Embassy will provide flowers, soil, seeds and finishes when needed

The removal of fallen branches and leaves will be carried out every visit as needed and after carrying out minor pruning and trimming of shrubs. The contractor will maintain any outside potted plants or shrubs making sure they are properly watered and fertilized as necessary. The company will provide bags or any item needed to contain the waste, and final disposal will be done at a designated location.

As for pest control, only corrective or preventive actions will be taken that are considered necessary. The action plan, the safety sheet and information required for the products to be used, prior to their application, will be submitted to the supervision of the Embassy for approval and any product can´t be used until it is approved by the Embassy. The same applies for the products to remove or prevent weeds.

The swimming pool will be maintained, controlling the appropriate PH and chlorine level by means of water analysis. The necessary additives such as chlorine, algaecide, muriatic acid and/or clarifier will be incorporated as appropriate depending on the result of these analyses. The products must be provided by the contractor and must be of first brand. The bottom and surface will be cleaned, the water will be filtered, and it will be delivered in optimal conditions suitable for use. If necessary, clean water should be added to maintain the level. A complete cleaning of filters and accessories will be carried out. Contractors must provide any equipment necessary to maintain the pool, including portable pumps when needed.

Perimeters, solariums and paths will be cleaned by sweeping and washing the surfaces of exterior flooring. The cleaning of sidewalks outside the municipal line is exempt from these tasks.

It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to immediately report to the Embassy Supervision if deficiencies in the operation of the swimming pool equipment filters are observed so that they can be repaired.

The above must result in clean facilities, ready to be used at any time. The pool water is transparent, crystal clear without residues or odor and without components that can affect the health or comfort of users.

H3 - Drains cleaning

Cleaning of garage front and rear patio rainwater drains must be done once a week to keep them free of leaves and dirt.

The company will provide the bags, or any item needed to contain the waste, and final disposal will be done at a designated location.

I – DATTR - SEASONAL PRUNING, MAINTENANCE OF GARDENS AND SWIMMING

POOL, CLEANING OF GUTTERS AND DRAINS (Clin 009)

I1 - Seasonal tree and bushes pruning

Two months before the pruning season (preferably in April), the gardening staff will tour the premises, detecting all the species and areas in which intervention is necessary, and the pruning schedule will be planned. The species, times and work system will be detailed.

Tree pruning will be carried out annually in which pruning of primary or secondary branches must be carried out, with clean cuts without fracturing or fissuring the structure of the branches, carrying out formation pruning, aeration pruning and/or thinning of branches.

The cuts will be made progressively and partially in order to regulate the result of the task without affecting surrounding areas. Inclined cuts will be made with respect to the longitudinal axis of the trunks or branches, in such a way as to allow the rapid runoff and cleaning of the same.

The product of pruning will be reduced to allow its transfer to a container provided by the contractor by carrying out periodic and final cleaning. The company will have to remove the waste produced by pruning from the property under its charge in dump trucks. It will be necessary to coordinate in advance with the Supervision, the date of completion of these tasks, the data corresponding to the Dump Truck company and all relevant information to receive approval from the Embassy.

The removal of fallen branches and cleaning of leaves will be carried out, both on the property itself and in the neighbors who could be affected by the tasks. The company will provide the bags or any item needed to contain the waste.

The contractor will provide tools, equipment and materials necessary, as well as safety elements, to carry out the tasks. It will be responsible for hiring all the dump trucks necessary to remove what is produced in the pruning.

the start of the pruning works. Tasks at heights that are necessary will be evaluated in a particular way and contractor must have an approved safety plan by the Embassy prior to carrying out the work. All safety regulations must be complied with and equipment, ladders/ scaffolding and

Personal Protective Equipment shall be inspected and in good condition and must be provided by the contractor.

I2 - Maintenance of gardens and swimming pool can be modified during the performance period of this contract due to occupants’ needs or availability.

Labor, tools, equipment and materials necessary to maintain the gardens will be provided by making grass mowing and cutting, pruning and trimming of all species, planting of flowers, replacement of withered species, removal or pruning of dry vines or those that could affect other species or the property, removal of species if indicated, irrigation system controls, irrigation and watering in…