S02_Attachment -Statement of Work Memphis NS.pdf

Memphis National Cemetery Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

Turfgrass Renovation Shrine Project SOW

General Information 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. National cemeteries are national shrines. The standards of maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the contractor at this cemetery shall reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, the contractor’s strict adherence to the specifications shall be required and shall be essential.

This performance work statement describes the objectives for Memphis National Cemetery

General Scope of Work Memphis National Cemetery needs a turf renovation Work shall include the removal and replacement of all turf that encompasses Memphis National Cemetery in its entirety (approx. +/- 44 acres); the replacement turf shall be a Zoysia Turfgrass with being the cultivar of “Palisades Zoysia” (approx. +/- 44 acres). The Raise and realignment of headstones and markers

The area around administration/maintenance building shall not be included in this project. See attach map for identified area of exclusion.

Supplies, Services and Prices/Costs:

Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment; materials, sod and supplies to perform the turf renovation at Memphis National Cemetery by contractor for all areas that encompasses(s) the Memphis National Cemetery (approx. +/- 44 acres).

Place of Performance

3568 Townes Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

SEE ATTACHMENTS AND BURIAL SECTION DRAWINGS

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

General Requirements:

Site Manager: A “Site Manager” provided by the Contractor shall be at the work site whenever work is being performed. The “Site Manager” must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial landscaping operation that included surveying, soil excavation, and site construction in industrial, commercial, or public sites. The “Site Manager” will ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained.

At all times when any performance of the work at the site is being conducted by any employee of the Contractor or his subcontractors, the Contractor shall have a representative (this person may or may not be the “Site Manager”) present who has the capability of receiving instructions in the English language, fluently speaking the English language and explaining the work operations to persons performing the work in the language that those performing the work are capable of understanding. The Contracting officer shall have the right to determine whether the proposed representative has sufficient technical and bilingual capabilities, and the Contractor shall immediately replace any individual not acceptable to the Contracting Officer.

Work Hours: Normal working hours are from 7:30a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

All work will be scheduled within normal work hours of the work week, Monday through Friday only.

Contractor Response Times:

• During Normal Working Hours. The Contractor shall be prepared to shift workers and work areas as necessary to safeguard the cemetery and its visitors and restore the work area(s) to a safe condition. The Contractor shall respond to all normal working hours’ requests made by the COR within 30 minutes of the initial notification.

• Calls by other Government employees other than the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR shall not be acted upon but shall be referred to the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR for review. Repairs shall begin as expeditiously as circumstances allow and should normally be completed within (24) hours of the initial emergency call. The Contractor shall keep the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR fully informed of the situation and what action will be taken to secure and correct the situation.

• Scheduled Ceremonies and Events. A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided the week prior to the event, and a list of scheduled funerals and other events will be provided the day of the service. The Contractor shall be responsible for staying abreast of all such upcoming events and when in doubt, shall contact the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR for clarification.

• Disruption of ceremonies, funerals, and other special events. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that no contract work causes any funeral, ceremony, procession, or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity or security of the event is compromised. No construction noise shall audible within 1000’ of service site at time of service.

• Meetings. The Contractor shall coordinate with the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR on a regular basis to ensure that work in proceeding satisfactorily and that the work will not interfere with any scheduled ceremonies, funerals, or processions. Meetings will be scheduled at least as frequently as shown below and may be requested by either party at

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project any time. Participants in these meetings are not limited to the Site Manager and DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR but may include additional Contractor or Government Personnel as required.

Daily: To report on work completed, establish a work schedule and to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. These daily meetings are also an opportunity for the Contractor to ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary, depending on the event.

Weekly: To propose work to be done during the coming week, receive the schedule of upcoming ceremonies, discuss work progress and other items as appropriate.

• Record Keeping and Reporting. The Site Manager or his designee shall provide the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR with weekly written accurate reports identifying work completed during the past seven days including the following: All flat markers that will be raise/realigned as well as all floral vases that were removed/replaced and the sq. yards. of turf renovation (gravesite renovation) shall be recorded per gravesite location and a proposed plan of work for the upcoming week.

• Licenses: Permits; Vehicle, Liability and Workman’s Compensation Insurance. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary and current licenses, permits, vehicular insurance and registration, Workman’s Compensatory Liability Insurance, property liability insurance etc., prior to the start date of this service. The contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer copies of these policies before commencing work.

• Utility Location. Prior to commencing any excavation or turf removal operations, the Contractor shall confirm the location of any utilities in the work area. Utilities include potable water systems, electrical power, gas, and water and sewer lines. A utility locator company may be brought in to assist in this process at the sole expense of the Contractor.

• Contractor Equipment. The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment more than five tons on any turf area except when authorized in writing by the

COR.

• Erosion Control. Contractor shall Install and maintain erosion control material/methods to meet local requirements. Copies of these requirements may be reviewed by contacting the

• The Contractor shall provide adequate warning devices, signage, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions, as determined by the COR for the protection, safety, and warning to all pedestrians and vehicular traffic within the area. At least four signs will be provided and erected by the Contractor on the perimeter of the burial section being worked on to indicate to the public of work in progress.

• The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all work shall be done in a manner that safeguards all VA visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for any and all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees.

Furthermore, the contractor and his/her employees shall have a clear understanding of, and be sensitive to, such environmental issues as ground water contamination, wetlands, Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project etc., and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

• The Contractor shall schedule an on-site session(s) with the COR to review site conditions;

handling, numbering, placement of floral vases; and any other Contractual requirements as determined by either the Contractor or COR prior to beginning work.

Work Scheduling:

• Upon receiving Notice to Proceed (NTP) under this contract, the Contractor and Site Manager shall contact the COR to visit the site and plan the work schedule. The contractor will have all work/services for the base project completed, not to exceed 365 calendar days.

• In planning the work schedule, the following standards will apply:

• Provide schedule of Irrigation repair installation to include location, employees, and equipment.

• All contract work MUST be completed as required under this contract in the Burial Section/Border Areas (designated on the contract drawings and provided to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer and/or DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR.

• Work Activity Sequence: In burial sections where work consists of irrigation installation and

Repairs -- The Contractor shall submit proposed sequence of work activities to DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR for approval prior to starting work.

• The contractor shall provide a schedule of re-surveying of any permanent gravesite control monumentation that has been disrupted in each section from the turf renovation or irrigation installation process.

• The contractor shall provide a schedule of any headstone miss-alignment problem cause by the irrigation repair process. The COR will supply contractor headstone spec (height and tolerances per request). Any adjustment to headstones caused by the turf renovation process as well as any cleaning of headstones will be at the contractor’s expense pending investigation of cause. (*Note: No headstone shall be removed or leave the individual gravesite).

• “Work Hours: Work shall be performed between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Holidays, unless otherwise directed by the COR. At Contractor request and with the written permission of the COR, work shall also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and/or Holidays. When emergency situations, that are caused by the Contractor or severe adverse weather prohibits work during the week, then he/she must obtain approval from the COR to work on weekends in order to meet the period of performance. The Government will not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration time frame. No work is permitted on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and the two days immediately prior to Memorial Day for preparation.

Notwithstanding, if any work under this contract shall be performed outside of the VA’s normal working hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday), then Contractor

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project must notify the COR at least 48 hours in advance. Federal Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Presidents Day” or something to this affect.

• Phasing and Work Sequencing: Contract work shall be accomplished in a sequenced manner, with work limited to occurring in no more than one burial section at any given time to minimize overall disruption to the cemetery. Requests to work on more than one burial section at a time may be submitted to the COR for approval. Approval/disapproval will be based on the impact to the cemetery operations and the progress and workmanship of the contractor, as determined by the COR. Work cannot begin in subsequent sections until such time that work has been completed in prior sections. Submit proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project.

• Record Keeping and Reporting. The Contractor's Project Manager designee shall provide the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR with weekly written accurate reports detailing the section and range of graves in that specific week. These lists will be provided on not less than a weekly basis and shall identify all the above work that took place within the previous seven calendar days. Upon request, the Project Manager will also provide a plan of action for the upcoming week.

• All temporary markers, floral, commemorative, buried permanent floral vases, or other types of decorations and arrangements causing interference with the irrigation operation shall be carefully, and in an orderly manner moved from, and per completion of work, moved back to all gravesites by the Contractor. Contractor may be required to probe each grave site before turf removal to locate floral vases. This is to ensure that floral vases are placed back on the correct burial site. Prior to removal, the Contractor shall verify the location of the items and associated decorations by using tags and a permanent ink marker indicating from which grave the item was removed as well as a graph, notating from which grave each floral vase came from. This is to be coordinated with the COR. *Note (No headstone/marker shall be removed from the individual gravesite.

• Any flat stone marker(s) broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the COR or CO by close of business each working day in order that the grave can be properly marked. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the headstone replacement. All headstone replacements must be coordinated with the COR. Any grid or sectional monuments disturbed, displaced or broken shall be replaced by the Contractor at his cost. All grid or sectional monuments disturbed, etc., shall be properly reset by a licensed land surveyor at Contractor's expense. Curbs, roads, walks, turf, trees, utilities, etc. existing above and below the ground that are damaged or disturbed by the Contractor during performance of contract work shall be repaired at the expense of the Contractor. Repairs to the above shall be corrected by the Contractor.

• Any broken irrigation sprinklers, controllers, wiring or other irrigation parts/component broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the COR or CO by close of business each working day in order that the damage location can be properly marked.

The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the irrigation part(s)/component and repair replacement labor. All irrigation replacements must be coordinated with the

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

Turf Renovation

Scope The removal and renovation of all existing turf areas within Memphis National Cemetery in its entirety and replacing with Zoysia turfgrass using the “Palisades” cultivar. Work shall include, but limited to:

• Removal of all existing turfgrass

• Preparing for installation of new Palisades Zoysia Turfgrass

• Installation of new Palisades Zoysia Turfgrass

The area around administration/maintenance building shall not be included in this project. See attached map for identified area of exclusion.

Cemetery shall supply irrigation water for work, Contractor will be responsible for the watering of the sod.

Cemetery shall supply maps (used as a guide only) may not show exact location of irrigation sprinklers, headstones, trees, etc.

1.1 Vegetation Removal

a. Existing turf is to be sprayed with a short acting non-selected herbicide designed to eliminate turf and weeds.

b. The Glyphosate products can be used in the cemetery with the written permission of the SED District Agronomist.

c. For any Bermuda grass removal; Recognition -1.29oz/per acre + Fusilade II 26oz/per acre (sprayed in 1 application) shall be used. Glyphosate 41% product may be used for all grass removal.

d. All existing turf and weeds must be eradicated before stripping of topsoil and dead vegetation. Application to be applied by a licensed applicator to ensure appropriate rates of application and other State regulated requirements.

1.2 Stripping Topsoil

a. Strip two to four (2-4) inches of topsoil from within limits of work area and remove from work site each day.

b. Existing topsoil may be used if all debris and vegetation is removed. If not existing topsoil cannot be used. New topsoil shall be a fertile, friable, natural topsoil of loamy character and characteristic of locality with an organic matter content of 2%-4% or more. Topsoil shall be capable of growing healthy horticultural crops of grasses.

c. Stockpile topsoil and protect as directed by DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR. Eliminate foreign materials, such as dead grass, weeds, roots, stones, subsoil, frozen clods, and similar foreign materials larger than 25 mm (1 inch) in any dimension from topsoil that will be used in final grading.

d. Topsoil work, such as stripping, stockpiling, and similar topsoil work shall not, under any circumstances, be carried out when soil is wet so that tilth of soil will be destroyed. Topsoil removed from the work area may be stored in a temporary on-site location designated by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR until removal from cemetery site at the end of workday.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

1.3 Lines and Grades

a. Area must be tilled, graded, and compacted to a level to provide a flowing transition through existing terrain (no depression or low line areas).

b. A Registered Professional Land Surveyor or Registered Civil Engineer shall establish lines and grades for approval by DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR.

c. Grading shall provide a smooth transition at curbs, trees, planters, and uninterrupted drainage flow into existing drains. Contractor shall notify DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR or designee of any differences before requesting approval of lines and grades.

d. After establishment of lines and grades and DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR approval, Contractor will be responsible for any additional cut and/or fill required to ensure that site is graded to ensure that surface water drainage will drain to existing storm drains and that they are no standing water areas throughout the sections (such as depression and sunken graves).

1.4 Filling and Back Filling

a. Do not fill or backfill until all foreign materials have been removed from excavation. For fill and backfill use excavated materials and topsoil as applicable.

b. Do not use unsuitable excavated materials such as topsoil, construction materials and materials subject to decomposition, clods of clay and stones larger than 1-inch, organic materials including silts which are unstable, and inorganic materials including silts, too wet to be stable.

1.5 Compaction

a. Compact with approved tamping rollers, sheep-foot rollers, pneumatic tired rollers, steel wheeled rollers, or other approved equipment (hand or mechanized) well suited to soil being compacted.

b. Do not operate mechanized vibratory compaction equipment, which may damage existing liners or caskets.

c. Sub-grade must be thoroughly tamped to compaction.

1.6 Topsoil

a. Topsoil shall be a well-graded soil of good uniform quality. Topsoil shall contain a minimum of 2% organic material. Organic material will be reflected in soil test and provided to DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR. It shall be a natural, friable soil representative of productive soils in the vicinity. Topsoil shall be free of admixture of subsoil, foreign matter, objects larger than 25 mm (one inch) in any dimension, toxic substances, weeds and any material or substances that may be harmful to plant growth and shall have a pH value of not less than 5.5 nor more than 7.0. Testing for pH will be required by an approved laboratory.

b. Copies of the pH tests shall be furnished to the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR PRIOR to topsoil being placed.

c. Amend topsoil not meeting the pH range specified by the addition of pH Adjusters.

Top-dress is to be organic matter, weed free consistent with irrigation requirements to promote healthy grass. If sufficient topsoil is not available on the site to meet the depth as specified herein, the Contractor shall furnish additional topsoil.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

d. At least 10 days prior to topsoil delivery, notify the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR of the source(s) from which topsoil is to be furnished. Obtain topsoil from well-drained areas.

1.7 Installation of Topsoil

a. After tilling the soil for bonding of topsoil with the subsoil, spread four (4) inches of topsoil evenly over prepared site. Incorporate topsoil into the subsoil to avoid soil layering.

b. Do not spread topsoil when it is excessively wet or dry. Correct irregularities in finished surfaces to eliminate depressions.

c. Protect finished topsoil areas from damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Complete lawn work only after areas are brought to finished grade.

d. The areas within the drip lines of existing trees are not to be tilled at a depth greater than three inches or backfilled not to exceed four inches from existing grades.

e. Contractor must protect all trees, shrubs and plants. Exceptions must be approved by

DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR.

1.8 Finish Grading, Sod and Sodding

a. Complete sod installation only after areas are brought to finished grade (approved by DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR) and all vegetation has been eradicated.

b. Sod shall be certified sod as classified in the TPI Guideline Specifications to Turf Grass Sodding.

c. The composition of the grass species in the sod shall be the composition of the grass species in the sod shall be Zoysia grass (Palisades Cultivar).

d. 1 application of fertilizer is required within 4 weeks after the installation of sod, using a starter fertilizer 5-5-15 or equivalent at the rate of .5lbs -.75lbs of nitrogen per 1000 square feet.

e. 1 application of systemic fungicide that is labeled for control and prevention of Rhizoctonia species turf disease within 8weeks of installation.

f. Prior to delivery of sod, the contractor shall have an interim inspection of the work area by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR. Any discrepancies (grading, backfilling, headstone placement, etc.) shall be corrected prior to laying sod in the work area.

g. Contractor is to provide certification documents of sod “Palisades Zoysia” to DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR for each delivery and shall be verified by DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR prior to the installation.

h. Sod shall be delivered to the work site no more than one day prior to installation.

Contractor shall make all necessary arrangements to protect delivered sod from excessive drying and wind damage.

i. Sod shall be insect, disease and weed free.

j. Sod shall be laid expeditiously without interruption, until the work area is completely sodded. Sod shall be cut and fitted around all flat markers and other obstructions.

k. Sod should only be laid/rolled over bare moist soil with pieces laid in a staggered brick-like pattern and edges fitted tightly together to avoid any open cracks.

l. Rolling and watering thoroughly is required by the contractor to insure good contact with the soil for fast rooting.

1.9 Sod around Trees

a. Care shall be taken not to damage tree roots.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

b. New sod will be laid no closer than 36”- 42” inches from tree trunk in a circular pattern.

In instances where a greater diameter is required due to tree roots, prior approval will be obtained from the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR.

c. Sod is to be installed in a circular pattern away from base of tree and surface root unless otherwise specified by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR.

1.10 Floral Vases

After installation of sod, Contractor shall ensure that all floral vases are at their proper and marked locations and are at finished grade. The contractor may have to probe each grave for location of buried vases.

2 Guaranty

2.1 Turf Establishment Period

a. The turf establishment period for each section completed shall begin no less than 30 days after the last square foot piece of sod is laid in that section.

b. The last square foot of sod laid in section must be verified and documented in writing by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR and acknowledged by signature before start of establishment period can begin.

c. The contractor may request a final of that section from the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR after the 30-day establishment period has ended if new turf is good visible appearance and verified rooting of new sod.

2.2 During the Turf Establishment Period the Contractor shall

a. Water turf to maintain an adequate supply of moisture within the root zone. Apply water at a moderate rate so as not to displace the mulch or flood the plants and turf. The contractor is responsible for applying one quarter of an inch of water (1/4”) twice a day for a three-week period. Cemetery has a newly renovated, fully automated irrigation and fully functional irrigation system.

b. Contractor shall coordinate with COR on irrigation scheduling and operation syringe times needed for new sod areas.

c. The contractor shall supply all necessary watering equipment (to include hoses, sprinkler heads etc.) and labor to apply water.

d. Water to be provided by cemetery.

e. Eradicate all weeds. Water, fertilize, and perform any other operation necessary to promote the growth of grass.

f. Any fertilizer application(s) shall not exceed ½ lbs (.5lbs) of Nitrogen (N) for any single application.

g. Replant areas void of turf 0.1 m2 (one square foot) and larger in area.

h. Mowing will be required by the contractor when grass reaches (2.5 inches) high and has firmly rooted. Mow to a (2 inch) height and take no more than 1/3 of the grass at any mowing. Contractor will be responsible for one mowing minimum weekly or until an acceptable stand of grass is provided and accepted by the government.

i. The contractor shall not be held accountable or responsible for damage to the renovated areas caused by cemetery personnel.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

2.3 Turf Maintenance Period

a. The Contractor shall maintain the area 45 days or more as needed to maintain quality of new turf. All new Sod must be rooted prior to any acceptance of any section. The establishment period shall end for each section as accepted by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR in writing and acknowledged by signature.

b. The contractor shall also water the installed turf as required until the final acceptance.

c. The contractor shall be responsible for the health of the turf until final inspection and acceptance by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR and make all necessary corrective actions at no expense to the government.

d. The contractor shall not be held accountable or responsible for damage to the renovated areas caused by cemetery personnel or actions.

e. Continue mowing and irrigation until sod is 100% established and is accepted by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR in writing and acknowledged by signature. Germinated weeds must be eliminated by spraying with a post emergent herbicide combination product or with a post and pre-emergence herbicide for control of weeds or both, if necessary, to achieve 100% weed control in turfgrass.

3 Clean Up and Repair of Damaged Areas

a. Upon completion of the work, the Contractor shall remove all debris, rubbish, and excess material from Cemetery Property.

b. A temporary storage site may be provided by the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR for short-term storage (not to exceed two weeks).

c. At the end of each day the Contractor shall remove all debris from the work site and the cemetery. The Contractor shall always ensure that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. This may include sweeping or washing down the roadways of dirt and debris. The Government shall not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract. All unsuitable/unusable materials are to be disposed of off station.

d. Contractors shall be responsible for cleaning any cemetery structures that are soiled or stained because of contractor’s performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures and grounds at the end of each workday. No chemicals are to be during the wash down. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such soiled or stained areas shall be brought to the immediate attention of the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR prior to washing/cleaning.

e. In areas where planting and turf work have been completed, clear the area of all debris, Spoil piles, and containers. Clear all other paved areas when work in adjacent areas is completed. Remove all debris, rubbish, and excess material from the Cemetery.

f. Contractors shall be responsible for replacement of any cemetery structure, to include turf, curb, road pavement, headstone or marker, valve boxes, control markers, sprinkler heads, which is chipped, marred, damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR prior to repair/replacement/installation.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

g. The Contractor shall either repair or replace the property or reimburse the Government the full amount for all property damage(s). The Contractor shall be aware that Government property - beyond standard structures and equipment - also includes markers, monuments, trees, beds, and turf, i.e. - wounded trees or scalped turf, roads, curbs, potable water system as well as headstones/markers shall be repaired or replaced.

h. The contractor and DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR shall inspect the trees and shrubbery of a schedule renovation area prior to the start of the renovation and note all abnormalities or existing conditions. Another inspection will be conducted after the completion of the renovation and the contractor will make all corrective actions to any noted damage. A licensed arborist will complete all corrective actions to damaged trees.

i. Where existing or new turf areas have been damaged or scarred during planting and construction operations, restore disturbed area to their original condition.

4 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

a. All work under this contract will be performed primarily out-of-doors and personnel performing these services will be exposed to wind, sun, cold, dampness, fog and rain.

These conditions, may, at times, be extreme. The contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect his/her employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent. No work shall be done when the ground is too wet or in an otherwise unsuitable condition for planting. Submit a written request to the DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR stating the special conditions and proposal variance.

b. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, the work often requires contact with, and exposure to, grieving individuals. Contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, courtesy, and respect while within the cemetery or at its perimeter or entrances.

Inquiries from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred to Government cemetery staff.

Gratuities of any kind are strictly prohibited.

5 CEMETERY RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Locate the temporary gravesite control monumentation markers if applicable.

b. Verify the location of all gravesites within the scope of work.

c. The Cemetery shall provide water for contractor to utilize water hoses, portable water tanks and/or water trucks as necessary to water to areas where needed to complete the work required by this contract.

6 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a. The Contractor is responsible for supplying all equipment, personnel, tools, supplies and materials necessary to perform the services required by this contract.

b. Contractor-furnished items necessary to perform work as required under this contract shall be furnished, maintained, and operated by the Contractor and shall be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable OSHA, Federal, State, County, City laws, ordinances, and regulations.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

c. Materials and supplies procured for the performance of the contract by the Contractor shall be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, County, and City laws, ordinances, and regulations.

d. The Contractor is responsible for the supply, maintenance, and repair of all Contractor-owned equipment. This includes minor maintenance/repair and minor operating parts for equipment such as lubrication, oil changes, spark plugs, gaskets, cotter pins/keys, electric extension cords, etc., to keep all equipment in good operational condition throughout the period of performance of this contract.

e. Contractor Staging area location must be approved by the DISTRICT

AGRONOMIST/COR. Contractor shall base operations out of this staging area, using it for materials and equipment storage, administration, employee toilets, trash dumpster area, employee parking, employee lunch/break area, etc. Because of the limited area of the cemetery for staging the contractor may have to secure/arrange an alternate location off site at his expense for spoils or other material/equipment storage.

f. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all its motor vehicles and equipment meet

State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

g. Electricity: In case the Contractor requires electricity while in performance of this contract, the Contractor shall provide and utilize portable generators as necessary to complete the work. If Contractor hookup to Cemetery's electrical distribution system is approved by DISTRICT AGRONOMIST/COR, Contractor is to provide all necessary connections and complete connection work in accordance with NEC requirements.

h. Water Connections: The Contractor is responsible for making connections to any water supply in accordance with cemetery connections. Contractor shall not obstruct normal traffic flow on adjacent roads while water is being obtained or dispersed.

i. Refuse Facilities: The Contractor shall provide his/her OWN refuse facilities of which will be located only in the COR approved "Staging Area" at contractor’s expense. Contractor shall not place dumpsters or refuse facilities in any other location at the cemetery other than the approved staging area.

j. The Contractor is required to dispose of all debris and other waste materials generated by his/her work at a licensed off-site landfill unless otherwise directed by the COR. The Government shall not provide receptacles for disposal of debris because of the services provided under this contract. In case of Hazardous Materials, the Contractor is required to obtain required disposal permits from the State regulatory agency.

k. Portable Chemical Toilets: The Contractor shall provide portable chemical toilets for use by workmen as necessary to comply with applicable OSHA requirements at contractor’s expense. These portable toilet facilities shall be kept clean and free of excessive odors, insects, etc. Portable toilet facilities will be located in the COR approved Contractor Staging Area only - it is not permissible to locate portable toilet facilities in any other locations throughout the cemetery. Use of the permanent cemetery toilet facilities by workmen is strictly prohibited throughout the duration of this contract.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

l. Only Contractor’s equipment and supplies (property) required performing work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area at the end of each workday. No Contractor equipment maintenance repairs of any kind can be done on cemetery property without the prior approval of the COR.

m. SAFETY: Any actions of the Contractor, must meet all safety requirements of Beaufort National Cemetery's Safety Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, OSHA, and the State.

It is incumbent upon the Contractor to be familiar with these requirements. Copies of all referenced safety standards may be reviewed by contacting the Beaufort National Cemetery Safety Officer. "Safety" shall also include the Contractor having a safety representative who maintains regular and routine contact with the Safety Officer of Beaufort National Cemetery.

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Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

Bid OPTION 1

Raise and Realign of Headstones Shrine Project SOW

General Information 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. National cemeteries are national shrines. The standards of maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the contractor at this cemetery shall reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, the contractor’s strict adherence to the specifications shall be required and shall be essential.

This performance statement describes the objectives for Memphis National Cemetery

General Scope of Work Memphis National Cemetery needs the raise and re-align of the upright headstones, floral vases and markers to all sections to the cemetery consisting of approximately +/- 36,403 upright headstones and 358 markers. The work shall consist of removing, cleaning, raising, realigning, and resetting the upright headstones and floral vases that are already in place in these sections.

Supplies, Services and Prices/Costs:

The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment, materials, and supplies to perform the raise and re-align to all sections at Memphis National Cemetery by contractor for these sections.

Place of Performance

3568 Townes Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

SEE ATTACHMENTS AND BURIAL SECTION DRAWINGS.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

General Requirements:

Site Manager: A “Site Manager” provided by the Contractor shall be at the work site whenever work is being performed. The “Site Manager” must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial landscaping operation that included surveying, soil excavation, and site construction in industrial, commercial, or public sites. The “Site Manager” will ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained. At all times when any performance of the work at the site is being conducted by any employee of the Contractor or his subcontractors, the Contractor shall have a representative (this person may or may not be the “Site Manager”) present who has the capability of receiving instructions in the English language, fluently speaking the English language and explaining the work operations to persons performing the work in the language that those performing the work are capable of understanding. The Contracting officer shall have the right to determine whether the proposed representative has sufficient technical and bilingual capabilities, and the Contractor shall immediately replace any individual not acceptable to the Contracting Officer.

Work Hours: Normal working hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday. All work will be scheduled within normal work hours of the work week, Monday through Friday only.

Contractor Response Times:

• During Normal Working Hours. The Contractor shall be prepared to shift workers and work areas as necessary to safeguard the cemetery and its visitors and restore the work area(s) to a safe condition. The Contractor shall respond to all normal working hours’ requests made by the COR within 30 minutes of the initial notification.

• Calls by other Government employees other than the COR shall not be acted upon but shall be referred to the COR for review. Repairs shall begin as expeditiously as circumstances allow and should normally be completed within (24) hours of the initial emergency call. The Contractor shall keep the COR fully informed of the situation and what action will be taken to secure and correct the situation.

• Scheduled Ceremonies and Events. A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided the week prior to the event, and a list of scheduled funerals and other events will be provided the day prior to the service. The Contractor has responsible for staying abreast of all such upcoming events and when in doubt, shall contact the COR for clarification.

• Disruption of ceremonies, funerals, and other special events. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that no contract work causes any funeral, ceremony, procession, or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity or security of the event is compromised.

• Meetings. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR on a regular basis to ensure that work in proceeding satisfactorily and that the work will not interfere with any scheduled ceremonies, funerals, or processions. Meetings will be scheduled at least as frequently as shown below and may be requested by either party at any time. Participants in these meetings are not limited to the Site Manager and COR but may include additional Contractor or Government Personnel as required.

Daily: To report on complete work, establish a work schedule and to ensure that no work is being performed at the immediate site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. These

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project daily meetings are also an opportunity for the Contractor to ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary, depending on the event.

Weekly: To propose work to be done during the coming week, receive the schedule of upcoming ceremonies, discuss work progress and other items as appropriate.

• Record Keeping and Reporting. The Site Manager or his designee shall provide the COR with weekly written accurate reports identifying work completed during the past seven days including the following: All upright headstone/markers that will be raise/realigned as well as all floral vases that were removed/replaced and the sq. yards. of turf renovation (gravesite renovation) shall be recorded per gravesite location and a proposed plan of work for the upcoming week.

• Licenses: Permits; Vehicle, Liability and Workman’s Compensation Insurance. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary and current licenses, permits, vehicular insurance and registration, Workman’s Compensatory Liability Insurance, property liability insurance etc., prior to the start date of this service. The contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer with copies of these policies before commencing work.

• Utility Location. Prior to commencing any excavation or turf removal operations, the Contractor shall confirm the location of any utilities in the work area. Utilities include potable water systems, electrical power, gas, and water and sewer lines. A utility locator company may be brought in to assist in this process at the sole expense of the Contractor.

• Contractor Equipment. The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment, more than five tons on any turf area except when authorized in writing by the COR.

• Erosion Control. Contractor shall Install and maintain erosion control material/methods to meet local requirements. Copies of these requirements may be reviewed by contacting the COR.

• The Contractor shall provide adequate warning devices, signage, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions, as determined by the COR for the protection, safety, and warning to all pedestrians and vehicular traffic within the area. At least four signs will be provided and erected by the Contractor on the perimeter of the burial section being worked on to indicate to the public of work in progress.

• The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all work shall be done in a manner that safeguards all

VA visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for any and all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees. Furthermore, the contractor and his/her employees shall have a clear understanding of, and be sensitive to, such environmental issues as ground water contamination, wetlands, etc., and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

• The Contractor shall schedule an on-site session(s) with the COR to review site conditions;

handling, numbering, placement of floral vases; and any other Contractual requirements as determined by either the Contractor or COR prior to beginning work.

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project

Work Scheduling:

• Upon receiving Notice to Proceed (NTP) under this contract, the Contractor and Site Manager shall contact the COR to visit the site and plan the work schedule. The contractor will have all work/services for the base project completed, not to exceed 365 calendar days.

• In planning the work schedule, the following standards will apply:

• Provide schedule of Irrigation repair installation to include location, employees, and equipment.

• All contract work MUST be completed as required under this contract in the Burial Section/Border

Areas (designated on the contract drawings and provided to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer and/or COR.

• Work Activity Sequence: In burial sections where work consists of irrigation installation and

Repairs -- The Contractor shall submit proposed sequence of work activities to COR for approval prior to starting work.

• The contractor shall provide a schedule of re-surveying of any permanent gravesite control monumentation that has been disrupted in each section from the turf renovation or irrigation installation process.

• The contractor shall provide a schedule of any headstone miss-alignment problem caused by the irrigation repair process. The COR will supply contractor headstone spec (height and tolerances per request). Any adjustment to headstones caused by the turf renovation process as well as any cleaning of headstones will be at the contractor’s expense pending investigation of cause. (*Note:

No headstone shall be removed or leave the individual gravesite).

• “Work Hours: Work shall be performed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Holidays, unless otherwise directed by the COR. At Contractor request and with the written permission of the COR, work shall also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and/or Holidays. When emergency situations, that are caused by the Contractor or severe adverse weather prohibits work during the week, then he/she must obtain approval from the COR to work on weekends in order to meet the period of performance. The Government will not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration time frame. No work is permitted on Veterans Day and Memorial Day and the two days immediately prior to Memorial Day for preparation. Notwithstanding, if any work under this contract shall be performed outside of the VA’s normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), then Contractor must notify the COR at least 48 hours in advance. Federal Holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Presidents Day” or something to this affect.

• Phasing and Work Sequencing: Contract work shall be accomplished in a sequenced manner, with work limited to occurring in no more than one burial section at any given time to minimize overall disruption to the cemetery. Requests to work on more than one burial section at a time may be submitted to the COR for approval. Approval/disapproval will be based on the impact to the cemetery operations and the progress and workmanship of the contractor, as determined by the COR. Work cannot begin in subsequent sections until such time that work has been completed in

Turfgrass Renovation and Raise& Realign Option SOW Shrine Project prior sections. Submit proposed project work schedule sequence for COR review and approval prior to start of project.

• Record Keeping and Reporting. The Contractor's Project Manager designee shall provide the COR with weekly written accurate reports detailing the section and range of graves in that specific week.

These lists will be provided on not less than a weekly basis and shall identify all the above work that took place within the previous seven calendar days. Upon request, the Project Manager will also provide a plan of action for the upcoming week.

• All temporary markers, floral, commemorative, buried permanent floral vases, or other types of decorations and arrangements causing interference with the irrigation operation shall be carefully, and in an orderly manner moved from, and per completion of work, moved back to all gravesites by the Contractor. Contractors may be required to probe each grave site before turf removal to locate floral vases. This is to ensure that floral vases are placed back on the correct burial site. Prior to removal, the Contractor shall verify the location of the items and associated decorations by using tags and a permanent ink marker indicating from which grave the item was removed as well as a graph, notating from which grave each floral vase came from.