STATEMENT OF WORK

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES / COSTS

PRICE SCHEDULE: Contractor shall furnish all equipment, parts, materials, labor and supervision necessary to “Raise, Realign, Clean Upright Headstones & Renovate Turf with Sod” at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, Pa. 15017.

Term of the contract shall be one (1) year from date of award. The Contractor shall complete all work within 365 calendar days after receipt of Notice of Award, subject to all terms, conditions, provisions, and schedules of the contract.

ITEM

NO. DESCRIPTION EST.

QTY UNIT

National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Sections 1, 2, 3, C1 & C2: Raise, Reset, Lower, Realign & Backfill Upright Headstones, Clean Upright Headstones, Renovate & Replace Existing Cemetery Turf with New Sod

1 Job

Note #1: Water & Irrigation Requirements: It is estimated that by completion of the project, there shall be a total of approximately 121,615 square feet of new turf established with sod by the Contractor. The Contractor is required to provide water to the newly installed sod and to regularly water the sod during and after installation for a period of sixty (60) days to ensure that the sod has adequately rooted into the soil and is maintained in a healthy state.

Note #2: Initial Sixty (60) Day Sod Installation Watering Requirements: The Contractor is required to provide water and to regularly water the sod during installation and to continue to apply water for a period of sixty (60) days to ensure that sod has adequately rooted into the soil to become established.

As an example, if the Contractor installs sod in section 1 on September 1st, then he is responsible to continuing watering the sod as needed to maintain it in a healthy state until November 1st.

Note #3: Water Availability: The Contractor will be able to utilize the cemetery irrigation system to water the sod. If for some reason the cemetery irrigation system is not operable and cemetery water source is not available, then the Contractor shall be responsible for providing water to the turf areas in the SOW via water truck.

Note #5: Acceptability. A re-established turf area is “acceptable” when (i) the Contractor’s clearly evidences compliance, without exception, in meeting contract requirements set forth in Section A.6 (Surface Renovation & Turf Grass Re-Establishment), and (ii) 100% turf grass coverage is established to the complete satisfaction of the COR and NAD Regional Agronomist.

Note #6: Acceptance of Re-established Turf Area(s): Acceptance is defined as the point in time which the Government takes back control & physical possession of the re-established turf area(s). The Government has the right either to reject or to require correction when the re-established turf area is not in conformity with contract requirements. Acceptance (in part or whole) shall be in writing.

Note #7: Sod Installation Recommendation: It is strongly recommended that the Contractor begin the turf renovation portion of this contract no earlier than mid August and not install any new sod until early September. By this time of the summer excessive heat and humidity usually begins to lessen, the intensity of the sun is not as great as well as days become shorter w/ cooler nights and the chance for weed invasion into new turf has lessened as well. This shall allow a better chance for newly laid sod to become rooted and thrive and possibly require somewhat less water to become established.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

Burial Sections Upright Headstones Turf square footage (approximate)

1 (4x8) 1,231 43,331

2 (4x8) 667 23,478

3 (4x8) 1,119 39,388

C1 (4x4) 630 11,088

C2 (4x4) 246 4,330

Grand Total: 3,893 121,615

DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

A.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

A.1.1 NCA MISSION

The 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 interned there. For this reason, the Contractor's strict adherence to the specifications shall be required and shall be essential.

Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledge the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness required of the Contractor employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

A.1.2 SCOPE OF WORK

(a) Contractor shall furnish all equipment, parts, materials, supplies, labor and supervision necessary and incidental to raise, realign and clean headstones and renovation turf with sod at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

(b) Work shall be performed in strict accordance with all terms, conditions, specifications, schedules and drawings.

A.1.3 SPECIFICATIONS AND DRAWINGS

Upon request, two (2) additional sets of specifications and drawings shall be provided to the Contractor at time of award.

A.1.4 FIRE SAFETY

(a) Applicable Publications: Publications listed below form part of this Article to extent referenced. Publications are referenced in text by basic designations only.

(i) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):

E84-1998………………Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

(ii) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

10-1998…………..……Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers FCLCH-30-1996……...Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code 51B-1999……………….Standard for Fire Prevention during Welding, Cutting and Other Hot Work 70-1999…………………National Electrical Code 241-1996………………..Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations

(iii) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

29 CFR 1926…………...Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

(b) Fire Safety Plan: Establish and maintain a fire protection program in accordance with 29 CFR 1926. Prior to start of work, prepare a plan detailing project-specific fire safety measures, including periodic status reports, and submit to COR for review.

(c) Site and Building Access: Maintain free and unobstructed access to facility emergency services and for fire, police and other emergency response forces in accordance with NFPA 241.

(d) Facilities: Separate temporary facilities, such as trailers, storage sheds, and dumpsters, from existing buildings and new construction by distances in accordance with NFPA 241.

For small facilities with less than 6 m (20 feet) exposing overall length, separate by 3m (10 feet). Onsite staging area to be defined by COR after Award.

(e) Temporary Electrical: Install, use and maintain installations in accordance with 29 CFR

1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 70. If temporary electrical is required, the Contractor shall notify the COR prior to use of Temporary Electrical Services.

(f) Means of Egress: Do not block exits of occupied buildings, including paths from exits to roads.

(g) Fire Extinguishers: Provide and maintain extinguishers in construction areas and temporary storage areas in accordance with 29 CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 10.

(h) Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Store, dispense and use liquids in accordance with 29

CFR 1926, NFPA 241 and NFPA 30.

(i) Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking rest areas.

A.1.5 OPERATIONS AND STORAGE AREAS

(a) Coordination of Work with COR or Authorized Designee: Burial activities at a National Cemetery shall take precedence over construction activities. Construction noise during the interment services cannot disturb the burial service. To cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities, the Contractor shall cease all work in areas where burials are taking place. Trucks and workmen are prohibited from passing through the service area during this period.

(b) The Contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the COR or Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall hold and save the Government, its officers and agents, free and harmless from liability of any nature resulting from the Contractor's performance and/or negligence. It is understood that the VA shall not be held responsible for any damage to the Contractor's equipment, materials, supplies or the like which may result from vandalism, theft etc. while on site.

(c) Temporary buildings (e.g., storage sheds, shops, offices) and utilities may be erected by the

Contractor only with the approval of the Contracting Officer and shall be built with labor and materials furnished by the Contractor without expense to the Government. The temporary buildings and utilities shall remain the property of the Contractor and shall be removed by the Contractor at its own expense upon completion of the work.

(d) The Contractor shall, under regulations prescribed by the Contracting Officer or COR, use only established roadways, or use temporary roadways constructed by the Contractor when and as authorized by the COR or Contracting Officer.

When materials are transported in performance of work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. The Contractor shall repair or pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

(e) The COR shall designate working space and space available for storing materials. Unless otherwise indicated on drawings as the Contractor’s “Staging Area”, all working and storage space must be approved by the COR prior to its use.

(f) Contract personnel are subject to the Cemetery rules of conduct. In addition to items listed elsewhere in this contract, the Contractor is responsible for ensuring that no contract work causes any committal service, ceremony, procession or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity, security, or safety of the event or visit is compromised.

(g) Contractor shall execute work in such a manner as to interfere as little as possible with work being done by others. Keep roads clear of construction materials, debris, standing construction equipment and vehicles at all times. Materials and Equipment shall not be stored in other than assigned areas.

A.1.6 UTILITIES SERVICES

(a) No utility services such as water, gas, steam, sewers or electricity, or fire protection systems and communications systems may be interrupted without prior approval of the COR.

(b) Contractor shall submit a request to interrupt any such services to COR, in writing, 48 hours in advance of proposed interruption. Request shall state reason, date, exact time of, and approximate duration of such interruption.

(c) Contractor shall be advised (in writing) of approval of request, or of which other date and/or time such interruption shall cause least inconvenience to operations of Cemetery.

Interruption time approved by the cemetery may occur at other than Contractor's normal working hours.

(d) To minimize interference of construction activities with flow of Cemetery traffic, the

Contractor is to keep roads, walks and entrances to grounds, to parking and to occupied areas of buildings clear of materials, debris and standing construction equipment and vehicles. At least one lane must always be open to traffic.

A.1.7 ALTERATIONS

(a) Survey: Before any work is started, the Contractor will conduct a thorough survey with the COR of areas in which alterations occur and areas which are anticipated routes of access, and furnish a report, signed by both to the Contracting Officer. This report shall list existing conditions at site. Use of a video camera to survey and document existing conditions is encouraged.

(b) Re-Survey: Thirty days (30) before expected final inspection date, the Contractor and COR together shall make a thorough re-survey of the areas of buildings involved. The re-survey report shall list any damages caused by Contractor's workmen in executing work under this contract.

A.1.8 PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, GRASS, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, AND

IMPROVEMENTS

(a) The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which is not to be removed, and which does not interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so by the COR and shall avoid damaging vegetation that shall remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance or by the careless operation of equipment by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut, remove, and properly dispose of from the site as defined herein.

(b) The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities at or near the work site and on adjacent property of a third party. The Contractor shall immediately notify the COR of any such occurrence and repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

(c) Refer to Articles, "Alterations", "Restoration", and "Operations and Storage Areas" for additional instructions concerning repair of damage to structures and site improvements.

A.1.9 RESTORATION

(a) Contractor shall remove, cut, alter, replace, patch and repair existing work as necessary.

Except as otherwise shown or specified, shall not disturb any water, steam, gas, or electric services without prior approval of the COR or Contracting Officer. Existing work to be altered or extended that is found to be defective in any way, shall be reported to the COR before it is disturbed. Materials and workmanship used in restoring work shall conform in type and quality to that of original construction, except as otherwise shown or specified.

(b) Upon completion of contract, deliver complete and undamaged work. Existing work (lawns, paving, roads, walks, etc.) disturbed or removed as a result of performing required new work, shall be patched, repaired, reinstalled, or replaced with new work, and refinished and left in as good condition as existed before commencing work. All restoration work shall be accomplished without undue delay.

(c) The Contractor, at its own expense, shall immediately restore to service and repair any damage caused by Contractor's workmen/sub-contractors to existing piping, conduits, wires, cables, etc., of utility services or of fire protection systems and communications systems (including telephone - if applicable), to the work performed under this agreement, which are not scheduled for discontinuance or abandonment.

(d) Expense of repairs to such utilities and systems not shown on drawings or locations of which are unknown shall be covered by adjustment to contract time and price in accordance with clause entitled "CHANGES" (FAR 52.212-4 and VAAR 852.236-88) and "DIFFERING

SITE CONDITIONS" (FAR 52.236-2).

A.1.10 PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING SERVICES

A registered professional land surveyor or registered civil engineer whose services are retained and paid for by the Contractor shall be used to restore any grave section corner monuments that may be disturbed because of the Contractor’s work performance.

A.1.11 LAYOUT OF WORK

(a) The Contractor shall layout the work and shall be responsible for all measurements in connection with the layout. The Contractor shall furnish, at Contractor's own expense, all stakes, templates, platforms, equipment, tools, materials, and labor required to layout any part of the work. The Contractor shall be responsible for executing the work to the lines and grades needed to accomplish the work and to ensure that grave markers are correctly and accurately located on their associated gravesites.

(b) The Contractor shall also be responsible for maintaining and preserving all temporary and permanent stakes and other marks until authorized by the COR to remove them. If such marks are destroyed by the Contractor or through Contractor's negligence before their removal is authorized, the Contracting Officer may replace them and deduct the expense of the replacement from any amounts due or to become due to the Contractor.

A.1.12 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

(a) The Contractor shall maintain one set of as-built drawings, which shall be kept current during performance of the project, to include all contract changes, modifications, and indicating work progress on a section-by-section basis.

A.1.13 USE OF ROADWAYS

For hauling, use only established public roads and roads on Cemetery property and, when authorized by the COR, such temporary roads which are necessary in the performance of contract work. Temporary roads shall be constructed by the Contractor at Contractor's expense.

When necessary to cross curbing, sidewalks, or similar construction, must be protected by well-constructed bridges.

A.1.14 TEMPORARY TOILETS

Provide at the Contractor staging area only, (for use of all Contractor's workmen) ample temporary sanitary toilet accommodations consisting of suitable chemical closets where directed. Keep such places clean and free from flies and all connections and appliances connected therewith are to be removed prior to completion of contract, and premises left perfectly clean.

A.1.15 AVAILABILITY & USE OF WATER

It is estimated that by completion of the project, there shall be a total of 121,615 square feet of new turf established with sod by the Contractor. The Contractor will be able to utilize the cemetery irrigation system to water the sod. If for some reason the cemetery irrigation system is not operable and cemetery water source is not available, then the Contractor shall be responsible for providing water to the turf areas in the SOW via water truck.

A.1.16 HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Where the Contractor or any of the Contractor's employees, prior to, or during the construction work, are advised of or discover any possible archeological, historical and/or cultural resources, the Contractor shall immediately stop work, verbally notify the COR, and then with a written follow up.

A.1.17 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor is required to check-in with the VA COR (or designee) on a daily basis (or as otherwise agreed upon with the COR). The Contractor shall provide the COR with an initial work schedule prior to the preconstruction meeting. The contractor shall provide monthly schedule update to the COR highlighting work progression and deviations from the initial schedule. The COR shall furnish the Contractor with a schedule of funerals and/or special events. This daily check-in is mandatory and may be accomplished by telephone, e-mail or scheduled meetings as agreed upon with the COR.

(a) Points Of Contact (for Department of Veterans Affairs):

Robert Renk Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery of the Alleghenies 1158 Morgan Road Bridgeville, Pa. 15017

Tele: (724)-746-4291 Fax: (724)-746-4360 E-mail: Robert.Renk@va.gov

(b) Points Of Contact (for Contractor – please indicate):

________________________________ Tele #: ( ) _______ - _____________ (Name & Title)

Fax #: ( ) ________ - ________________

E-Mail: ________________________________

________________________________ Tele #: ( ) _______ - _____________ (Name & Title – Alternate POC)

E-Mail: ________________________________

Note: If work is authorized to be performed after hours or on weekends / holidays, and an emergency occurs, the Contractor shall contact the VA Police Office in the absence of the COR's or Acting Director. The VA Police shall then contact the Cemetery management or take appropriate action.

A.1.18 IDENTIFICATION, PARKING, SMOKING AND VA REGULATIONS

mailto:Robert.Renk@va.gov

(a) The Contractor's employees shall wear visible VA approved photo identification at all times while on the premises of the cemetery. This must be coordinated with the COR before any work may begin. All Contractor employees shall be required to adhere to National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Facility Security Policy. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. The cemetery shall not invalidate or make reimbursement for parking violations of the Contractor under any conditions.

(b) Smoking is prohibited inside any building at the cemetery. Possession of weapons is prohibited.

Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations may result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

A.1.20 ORIENTATION FOR CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES

(a) Contractor shall attend an orientation meeting as arranged by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). The VA shall schedule this meeting and it shall include discussion of the following topics: (VA shall provide information to the Contractor regarding these topics and shall document the meeting)

(i) Fire and Safety

(ii) Project Work Schedule, Rules Pertaining To Workers, General Parameter Job Related

Issues

(iii) Disaster procedures

(iv) Other

(b) The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that Contractor employees coming to the work site shall receive the information required above.

(c) The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure Contractor employees providing work on this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required work.

(d) Contractor’s staff will be required to sign a “rules of behavior” and view the “SACRED

TRUST” prior to starting work.

A.2 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

A.2.1 CONTRACTOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) Period of Performance: The Contractor shall complete all work defined herein within 365 calendar days from start to finish Notice of Award has been issued.

(b) Work Hours: Work may be performed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday unless otherwise directed by the COR. At the Contractor’s request, and with the written permission of the COR, work shall also be permitted to be scheduled for weekends and / or Holidays. In emergency situations caused by the Contractor, or when severe adverse weather prohibits work during the week, the Contractor shall arrange with the COR to work on weekends and/or holidays in order to meet performance time frames.

The Government shall not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules needed for the Contractor to complete all contract work within the specified project duration.

No work shall be permitted during Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day weekend activities.

Notwithstanding, if any work under this contract shall be required outside of the VA's normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), the Contractor shall request for a deviation in writing to the COR at least 24 hours in advance. The COR shall notify the appropriate individuals regarding Contractor's anticipated schedule and shall provide written approval or disapproval to the Contractor.

(c) After Normal Hours On-Call / Emergency Situations: The Contractor shall establish and maintain a point-of-contact to receive emergency calls from the COR(s). The point-of-contact shall be available on a 24-hour basis including during weekends, Federal Holidays and after normal hours of operation. The Contractor is to provide phone, pager and cell phone numbers for emergency and/or after hour’s situations. Repairs shall be made as expeditiously as circumstances allow or within (24) hours upon initial emergency call.

Contractor shall follow procedures listed in paragraph A.1.17 for emergency notifications.

(d) Daily Work Schedule: As provided under paragraph A.1.17, the Contractor shall coordinate with the COR(s) on a daily basis a work schedule 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.

The Project Manager can thus assign tasks accordingly throughout the rest of the Cemetery

- so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided. If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR(s) may then assist in doing so. At the Government’s discretion, daily or weekly meetings shall be conducted at a time agreed upon by both the COR and the Contractor.

(e) Scheduled Ceremonies: In the event that a burial is scheduled for the cemetery, the

Contractor shall be provided a list of scheduled ceremonies the week prior to the event, and a list of scheduled funerals shall be provided daily. The Contractor is solely 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. The Contractor is solely responsible for staying abreast of all such upcoming events and when in doubt, he/she must ask the COR(s). The Contractor shall meet with the COR at the end of each day to determine work completed and ensure that work is on schedule. In the absence of the COR, the Contractor shall meet with the Alternate COR of this contract as provided under Paragraph A.1.17.

(f) The Contractor's performance and progress on this contract shall be measured weekly based on how timely, accurately, and adequately he/she accomplishes and completes weekly work schedules necessary to systematically accomplish the contract work over the duration of the project. In instances where the COR determines that the work is behind schedule, he shall notify the Contracting Officer and the Contractor shall increase workforce and/or hours of operation at no additional cost to the Government in order to achieve completion of the contract work within the specified timeframe.

A.2.2 REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

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 commencement of work. The Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer copies of these required documents with his/her proposal and at other times where the COR deems necessary during the duration of the project.

A.2.3 UTILITY LINES COMPLIANCE

Where work conflicts with existing utility/service lines (above ground/below ground), the corresponding utilities company and the COR shall be notified and the Contractor shall obtain any necessary permits/ blueprints and cooperate with the utilities company/cemetery staff to avoid any damage or liability, and provide a safe work environment for his/her employees.

Contractor is responsible for damages to utilities, above and below ground.

A.2.4 GENERAL PARAMETERS

(a) 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 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, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

(b) Damage to Government property: Contractors shall be responsible for replacement of any cemetery structure, to include turf, curb, road pavement, headstone or marker, permanent floral vases, valve boxes, control markers etc, which is chipped, marred, damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor and shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COR) prior to repair, replacement, and installation.

(c) Liability: At the Government's discretion, 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 headstones, monuments, trees, plant beds, and turf, i.e. wounded trees or scalped turf, etc - as well as headstones - shall be repaired or replaced.

(d) Contractors shall be responsible for cleaning cemetery structures, headstones, monuments, and roadways that are soiled or stained because of Contractor's performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures, headstones, and monuments at the end of each workday.

(e) Roadways shall be cleaned with a street sweeper each day as needed to keep the existing roads free from dirt and mud resulting from Contractor operations. No hazardous chemicals are to be used at any time on Government property. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) prior to washing/cleaning.

(f) At the end of each day, the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. The Government shall not provide receptacles(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract. The Contractor shall be permitted to place his trash receptacle dumpsters in the COR approved "Contractor Staging Area".

(g) Adequate warning devices, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor at all work sites to eliminate hazards and for the protection, safety, and warning of all public visitors, pedestrians, cemetery employees, and vehicular traffic within the area.

(h) The Government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with any other Contractors and with Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, and needing any direction, it shall be provided by the COR(s). The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR(s) any problems or questions that may arise with any other personnel on site during the period of performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not take it upon him or herself to resolve any problems or issues with other on-site Contractors or employees but rather shall leave it to the COR(s) to resolve the issue.

(i) The Contractor (including his or her employees, sub-contractors, consultants or the like) shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except as provided in this contract to perform work or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor's equipment and staff at no additional cost to the government.

(j) The Contractor shall possess and maintain all necessary insurance, licenses and permits required for contract performance. Contractor is responsible for any injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, as well as for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by his/her employees fault or negligence, and shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance having coverage for a limit as required by the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

(k) Reporting "on-the-job" Injuries: The Contractor is required to report all "on-the-job" injuries incurred by the Contractor, its agents or employees, resulting from performance of this contract. Contractor shall notify the COR (either orally or via telephone) within twenty-four

(24) hours of the injury and provide details and exact location of the incident. This shall be followed by a written notice to the COR. Any Contractor (including its agents and employees) that knowingly files a false claim may be criminally prosecuted.

A.2.5 WORK ENVIRONMENT

(a) All work under this service contract shall be performed primarily out-of-doors and personnel performing these services shall be exposed to wind, sun, cold, dampness, frost, fog and rain. These conditions at times may be extreme. The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect his/her employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent. Inclement weather shall not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications or project schedule. The Contractor understands that it may be necessary to work throughout all weather conditions and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines, at no additional cost to the Government.

(b) The Government reserves the right to order the contract work to cease once the surface conditions deteriorate to soggy or muddy conditions. Once the surface reaches this condition, it is non-productive for the Contractor to continue to fulfill the contract. When the Government orders work to stop due to surface conditions, the Contractor may request a time extension to compensate for the number of days lost due to existing conditions.

(c) Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, the work could occasionally involve contact with and/or exposure to grieving individuals. Contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure and stability at all times.

A.2.6 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

(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.

(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) Contractor Staging area shall be located where shown on the drawings and/or where approved by the COR. Contractor may, with COR approval, install a 6' high chain link fence with gates around this entire area for duration of the project. 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. After completion of project work, Contractor is to remove fencing and restore area back to original condition.

(e) 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.

(f) The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all of 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 National Cemetery of the Alleghenies electrical distribution system is approved by COR, Contractor is to provide all necessary connections and complete connection work in accordance with NEC requirements, and at no cost to the Government. Such connection is to be via a Contractor installed meter, with the Contractor providing monthly reimbursement to the cemetery based on metered quantity usage multiplied by the electric rate in effect during that month.

(h) The Contractor shall monitor and record rainfall occurring at this site during the contract period. In the event of a State or Local Government mandate of a drought restriction, the Contractor shall follow all guidelines concerning watering restrictions of turf and newly sodden areas. If the Contractor does not follow the guidelines and is subject to a fine, he/she assumes the responsibility of paying any State or Local imposed fines.

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

(j) Portable Chemical Toilets: The Contractor shall provide portable chemical toilets for use by workmen as necessary to comply with applicable OSHA requirements. These portable toilet facilities shall be kept clean and free of excessive odors, insects, etc. Portable toilet facilities shall 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.

(k) Only Contractor’s equipment and supplies (property) required for perform of work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area at the end of each workday. The maintenance and repair of equipment owned by the Contractor may not be performed without prior approval of the COR.

(l) Contractor is required to provide and install two signs per active work area. The 24”x 36” sign shall be secured with two posts and approved by the COR before installation. The signs are intended to convey to the visitors in large type the project name, contract number, contractor name, brief description of project and apologies for the temporary construction needed to beautify the cemetery. I.E.

Contract VA36C7862xxxxxxx Headstone Raise, Realignment & Regrading / Turf Renovation Project

Please excuse the temporary appearance as we work hard to provide our veterans with a national shrine deserving of their service and sacrifices.

National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Contractor XYZ

Please direct all questions to the Cemetery Administration located in the main office Thank you.

A.3 CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

A.3.1 Conduct: Contractor personnel are required to adhere to the following standards of dress, conduct, supervision and training while performing work on Government property.

Any violations shall be subject to immediate enforcement action by the Contracting Officer if these standards are not met. Contractor shall be responsible for training and safety precautions prescribed by OSHA regarding safety equipment and devices. Contractor personnel shall:

(a) Be fully clothed at all times, including upper garment to cover body from the waist to the neck and long pants or slacks. Garments, which have a message, slogan or printing of any kind other than the Contractor's business attire, are prohibited. Uniforms are acceptable.

(b) Maintain a neat and professional appearance throughout its workforce, vehicles, equipment, and maintenance areas. Uniforms are acceptable. If uniforms are used, they must be in unison among all employees.

(c) Not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at anytime on Government premises. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices shall only be done at lunchtime and in a designated break area. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, Contractor employees shall come into daily contact with grieving individuals, therefore Contractor employees shall 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.

(d) Consume food and beverage only within areas designated by the COR(s). Intoxication, and violence or criminal acts of any kind shall not be tolerated and is cause for immediate removal from Government property. Use or sale of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited, and use of tobacco products is only allowed in specific areas designated by the COR.

(e) Only take breaks/rest periods and lunch breaks at the Contractor Staging Area, not in the field. Workers are to utilize Contractor provided temporary chemical toilet facilities located only in the Contractor Staging Area. Misconduct shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

A.3.2 Worker Parking: All Contractor employees are to park only in the COR approved Contractor

Staging Area identified for this project. Workers are not allowed to park throughout the cemetery grounds. Violation of this requirement shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action to include removal from the cemetery.

A.3.3 Responsibilities & Violations: The Contractor is responsible to ensure that his/her employees

(including Contractor Consultants, sub-Contractors, etc.) are aware of all the terms and conditions set forth in the contract regarding their performance and conduct. Any violation of Contractor conduct requirements may result in contract termination with possible repercussions, including costs incurred, debarment, or fines.

A.4 LABOR FORCE, EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY

A.4.1 The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Inclement weather is not an excuse for not meeting specifications.

Contractor shall be responsible for providing at no additional costs, labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines. The Contractor shall use any additional resources necessary to meet or return to specified work requirements after special events and/or services. The Contractor shall determine the number of employees, and the amount and kinds of equipment needed during the period of performance.

If at anytime the Contractor becomes aware, anticipates or plans any changes within his/her company or personnel that might impact the performance of this contract, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer.

A.4.2 Safety: Matters related to safety, and any actions of the Contractor, must meet all safety requirements of National Cemetery of the Alleghenies Safety Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs, OSHA, and the State. It is incumbent upon the Contractor to be familiar with these requirements. "Safety" shall also include the Contractor having a safety representative who maintains regular and routine contact with the Safety Officer at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

A.5 GOVERNMENTS RESPONSIBILITIES

A.5.1 Upon award of the contract, the Government shall inform the Contractor prior to commencing the work, of any known damages to the cemetery grounds, headstones/markers or any other areas that the Contractor is unaware of and not responsible for. In addition, upon award of the contract, a walk-through of the cemetery grounds by the Contracting Officer, the COR, and Contractor shall be scheduled to occur.

A.5.2 The Government shall not provide the Contractor with any furnishings, fuel storage, equipment, materials, restrooms, or telephones. Electricity shall only be provided as defined in Paragraph A.2.6(g).

A.6 UPRIGHT HEADSTONE REALIGNMENT, RESETTING AND BACKFILL

A.6.1 Handling of Markers and Headstones

1. Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledge the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness required of the Contractor employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

a. Contractors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit or jump on headstones or markers. Nor can they drive over them. Contractor personnel should use tools approved by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), such as shovels, pry bars or pinch bars to lift flat markers out of the ground; pick axes are not an acceptable tool.

b. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or markers. Once headstones/markers are removed from the socket, do not place on dirt piles or mud; they should be carefully placed on each associated gravesite and protected in such a way as to prevent any soiling and be out of the way of any other work.

c. Headstones shall be removed from their sockets using wooden and/or metal clamps. If metal clamps are used, the area that contacts the headstone must be protected with a rigid fabric that will prevent damage to and marking of the headstone. Clamps may be attached to a skid steer loader (i.e. Bobcat®) or similar machine to extract the headstone from the socket. When headstones are removed from their sockets, they shall be carefully stored on each associated gravesite; do not lean headstones against each other. Use care not to scratch or damage headstones in any manner. The headstones shall be laid with front inscription side up while the headstone is lying horizontally on the ground. The headstone shall be protected from direct ground contact while lying horizontally. The protection method shall be as approved by the COR and shall be free of deterioration in weather. An approved method is to support each headstone with two wood 4X4’s. Alternate methods can be approved. Cardboard shall not be used. Wood or other suitable appropriate and attractive material shall be used to keep the headstones from contact with the soil while lying horizontally during the construction period. This also shows respect for the families visiting the gravesites and the remains that are buried.

d. Contractor shall be responsible for replacing damaged headstones and markers and for restoring turf damaged during performance of this work.

e. Additionally, should any activity result in exposure and/or damage to any remains, container for remains (i.e., casket or urn), or outer burial container, the contractor must contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance.

2. Any doubts as to proper procedures shall be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO for guidance or resolution.

3. The contractor is required to discuss the guidance with this contractor employees and have each employee sign a statement of compliance and deliver the signed statement to the COR before work may begin.

TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF HEADSTONE AND MARKER PLACEMENT

DURING THE RAISE AND REALIGNMENT PROJECT, THE FOLLOWING

PROCEDURES WILL BE FOLLOWED BY NORTH ATLANTIC DISTRICT

PERSONNEL, CEMETERY PERSONNEL AND CONTRACTING OFFICER’S

REPRESENTATIVE (COR) BEFORE THE RAISE & REALIGNMENT PROCESS

BEGINS

NAD will provide each cemetery with the correct Gravesite Layout Map(s) prior to beginning the Raise & Realign (R&R) project. The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or cemetery director/designee as listed in the official contract documents shall conduct an initial gravesite verification survey prior to the (R&R) of any headstone or marker in a VA national cemetery.

The COR will obtain a copy of the Burial Register Report from the Burial Operation Support System (BOSS) and current gravesite layout map(s) obtained from the NAD for the verification survey. The Burial Register Report and gravesite layout map(s) will be used to verify the section, row, grave number, first and last name of each decedent and the condition of the headstone/marker included in the scope of work (SOW). All inconsistencies will be researched, discussed and resolved with the North Atlantic District (NAD) Director prior to the R&R of any headstone or marker. Upon completion of the verification survey and corrective actions as necessary, the COR shall certify the survey by signing the Headstone/Marker Raise & Realign Verification Survey sheet. A copy of the signed Headstone/Marker Raise & Realign Verification Survey sheet shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer (CO) which will be incorporated into the contract files; a copy of the survey will be maintained by the cemetery. Additional copies of the survey will be retained by the COR for the official contract files. The CO will give the approval to begin the project.

Prior to the completion of each workday, a Daily Headstone/Marker Raise & Realign Verification Survey will be completed for all headstones and markers raised & realigned.