Gardening Pool Maintenance Service.doc

American Embassy Maseru

Date: June 29, 2012 To:

Prospective Offerors Subject: Request for Proposals number SLT60012R0503 Enclosed is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Gardening Services to U. S. Embassy Maseru. If you would like to submit a proposal, follow the instructions in Section 3 of the solicitation, complete the required portions of the attached document, and submit it to the address shown on the Standard Form 1449 that follows this letter.

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

Quotations are due by August 15, 2012 at 12:00 noon to U. S. Embassy Maseru, 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru, Lesotho.

Sincerely, Spencer A. Maguire

Contracting Officer

Enclosure

As Stated.

1 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SLT60012R0503

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

June 29, 2012

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL

a. NAME

Spencer A. Maguire

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER(No collect calls)

+266-2231-2666 ext 4140

8. OFFER DUE

08/15/2012

9. ISSUED BY

CODE

U. S. Embassy Maseru

254 Kingsway Avenue

Maseru 100, Lesotho

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UNRESTRICTED

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SET ASIDE: % FOR

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SMALL BUSINESS FORMCHECKBOX

EMERGING SMALL BUSINESS

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HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS

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SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED FORMCHECKBOX

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STD:

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

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SEE SCHEDULE

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

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RFQ FORMCHECKBOX

IFB FORMCHECKBOX

RFP

15. DELIVER TO:

Code

16. Administered by:

See Block 9

See Block 9

17.a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE

TELEPHONE NO:

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

Financial Management Unit

U. S. Embassy Maseru

254 Kingsway Avenue

Maseru 100, Lesotho

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17b CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

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SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Gardening Services at U. S. Embassy Maseru

Month

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

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27a.SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA FORMCHECKBOX

ARE FORMCHECKBOX

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

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27b.CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA FORMCHECKBOX

ARE FORMCHECKBOX

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

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28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN Two COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED HEREIN.

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29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ------------------

OFFER DATED ----------------YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT)

30c. DATE SIGNED

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

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV3/2005)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Computer Generated

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

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RECEIVED

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INSPECTED

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ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ____________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL

FINAL

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COMPLETE

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PARTIAL

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FINAL

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO.

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41C. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 3/2005) BACK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 - The Schedule

· SF 18 or SF 1449 cover sheet

· Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number SLT600-12-R-0503 Prices, Block 23

· Continuation To SF-1449, RFP Number SLT600-12-R-0503 Schedule Of Supplies/Services, Block 20 Description/Specifications/Work Statement

Section 2 - Contract Clauses

· Contract Clauses

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

Section 3 - Solicitation Provisions

· Solicitation Provisions

· Addendum to Solicitation Provisions - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12 Section 4 - Evaluation Factors

· Evaluation Factors

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

Section 5 - Representations and Certifications

· Representations and Certifications

· Addendum to Offeror Representations and Certifications - FAR and DOSAR Provisions not Prescribed in Part 12

SECTION 1 - THE SCHEDULE

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

RFP NUMBER SLT600-12-R-0503

PRICES, BLOCK 23

1.

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The contractor shall perform gardening services, including furnishing all labor, material, equipment and services, for the U.S. Embassy Maseru - Lesotho. The price listed below shall include all labor, materials, insurance (see FAR 52.228-4 and 52.228-5), overhead, and profit. The Government will pay the Contractor the fixed price per month for standard services that have been satisfactorily performed.

After contract award and submission of acceptable insurance certificates, the Contracting Officer shall issue a Notice to Proceed. The Notice to Proceed will establish a date (a minimum of ten (10) days from date of contract award unless the Contractor agrees to an earlier date) on which performance shall start The performance period of this contract is from the start date in the Notice to Proceed and continuing for 12 months, with four, one-year options to renew. The initial period of performance includes any transition period authorized under the contract.

Temporary Additional Services are services that are defined as Standard Services but are required at times other than the normal workday. These services shall support special events at the Post. The Contractor shall provide these services in addition to the scheduled services specified in this contract. The COR shall order these services as needed basis. This work shall be performed by Contractor trained employees, and shall not be subcontracted. The COR may require the Contractor to provide temporary additional services with 24 hour advance notice.

The Contractor shall include in its next regular invoice details of the temporary additional services and, if applicable, materials, provided and requested under temporary additional services. The Contractor shall also include a copy of the COR’s written confirmation for the temporary additional services.

Because Temporary/Additional Services are based on indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity the minimum and maximum amounts are defined below:

Minimum: The Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of 12000sqm.This reflects the contract minimum for the base year and option period.

Maximum: The amount of all orders shall not exceed 18000sqm. This reflects the contract maximum for the base year and each option period for temporary/additional services

2.0

PRICING

2.1.

BASE PERIOD

The firm fixed price for the first year of the contract is:

Per month ________ x 12 = ___________per year

TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

Per Square Meter Unit Price ___________________________________

Estimated Number of Square Meters for Base Year: 17400sqm Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed Amount for Base Year

(per square meter unit price x 17, 400sqm) = ________________ BASE PERIOD TOTAL AMOUNT (total standard services per month + total temporary additional services) =________________________________________

2.2.

FIRST OPTION YEAR PRICES

The firm fixed price for the first year of the contract is:

Estimated Number of Square Meters for First Year: 17400sqm Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed Amount for First Year

(per square meter unit price x 17, 400sqm) = ________________ BASE PERIOD TOTAL AMOUNT (total standard services per month + total temporary additional services) =________________________________________

2.3

SECOND OPTION YEAR PRICES

The firm fixed price for the Second year of the contract is:

Estimated Number of Square Meters for Second Year: 17400sqm Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed Amount for Second Year

(per square meter unit price x 17, 400sqm) = ________________ BASE PERIOD TOTAL AMOUNT (total standard services per month + total temporary additional services) =________________________________________

2.4

THIRD OPTION YEAR PRICES

The firm fixed price for the third year of the contract is:

Estimated Number of Square Meters for Third Year: 17400sqm Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed Amount for Third Year

(per square meter unit price x 17, 400sqm) = ________________ BASE PERIOD TOTAL AMOUNT (total standard services per month + total temporary additional services) =________________________________________ 2.5

FOURTH OPTION YEAR PRICES

The firm fixed price for the fourth year of the contract is:

Estimated Number of Square Meters for Fourth Year: 17400sqm Total Temporary Additional Services Not to Exceed Amount for Fourth Year

(per square meter unit price x 17, 400sqm) = ________________ BASE PERIOD TOTAL AMOUNT (total standard services per month + total temporary additional services) =________________________________________

2.6

GRAND TOTAL

Base Year:

First Option Year:

Second Option Year:

Third Option Year:

Fourth Option Year:

Grand Total:

CONTINUATION TO SF-1449

RFQ NUMBER SLT600-12-R-0503

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES, BLOCK 20

1.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

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

1.2.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintenance and appearance of the grass, shrubbery, garden areas, trees, and related landscape elements of the U.S. Post and properties are an important part of the representational responsibilities of the U.S. mission. The Government will measure the Contractor’s work by the appearance of the landscape covered by this contract. The Contractor shall perform complete gardening and landscape maintenance services as described in this contract for all Government properties listed in 1.14. The Contractor shall include all planning, administration, and management necessary to assure that all services comply with the contract, the COR's schedules and instructions, and all applicable laws and regulations. The Contractor shall meet all of the standards of performance identified in the contract. The Contractor shall perform all related support functions such as supply, subcontracting, quality control, financial oversight, and maintenance of complete records and files.

1.3.

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

1.3.1.

SUPERVISION. The Contractor shall designate a representative who shall be responsible for on-site supervision of the Contractor's workforce at all times. This supervisor shall be the focal point for the Contractor and shall be the point of contact with U.S. Government personnel. The supervisor shall have sufficient English language skill to be able to communicate with members of the U.S. Government staff. The supervisor shall have supervision as his or her sole function.

1.3.2.

SCHEDULES. The Contractor shall maintain work schedules. The schedules shall take into consideration the hours that the staff can effectively perform their services without placing a burden on the security personnel of the Post. The Contractor shall deliver standard services between the hours of 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Friday. For those items other than routine daily services, the contractor shall provide the COR with a detailed plan as to the personnel to be used and the time frame to perform the service.

1.3.3.

QUALITY CONTROL. The Contractor shall be responsible for quality control. The Contractor shall perform inspection visits to the work site on a regular basis. The Contractor shall coordinate these visits with the COR. These visits shall be surprise inspections to those working on the contract.

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

1.3.5.

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PLAN. The Contractor shall submit an annual Grounds Maintenance Plan that reflects the proposed frequency for meeting the requirements of this contract. The Grounds Maintenance Plan will be developed to fit the requirements of local conditions, types of vegetation, and climate factors. The Contractor shall submit the Grounds Maintenance Plan to the COR for approval within 30 days after contract award.

1.4

LAWN CARE

1.4.1.

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

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

1.4.3.

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

1.4.4.

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

1.4.5.

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

1.4.6.

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

1.5.

PRUNING

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

1.5.2.

The Contractor shall prepare a written schedule, as part of the Grounds Maintenance Plan, showing the method, frequencies, and dates of pruning.

1.5.3.

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

· direct and encourage plant growth in directions desired,

· remove dead and unsightly growth, and

· maintain a neat and attractive appearance.

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

1.5.4.

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

1.6.

LEAF REMOVAL. The contractor shall, on a monthly basis, remove leaves and pine needles from the properties listed in 1.14, including but not limited to the roofs and gutters as well as all other areas on the ground, and also do so o a weekly basis during the period of February through June.

1.7.

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

1.8.

REMOVAL OF DEBRIS. The Contractor shall remove foreign material, cuttings, grass, leaves, bark, limbs, dead vegetation, paper, and trash from the maintained areas including walkways, stairways and curbs within or adjacent to the area. The Contractor shall remove all debris and equipment from the work site before the end of each workday. Debris removal shall prevent unsightly accumulation. The Contractor shall promptly remove collected debris to an authorized disposal site. The Contractor is responsible for all expenses incurred in the collection and disposal of debris.

1.9.

WATERING.

1.9.1.

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

1.9.2.

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

1.9.3.

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

1.9.4.

The Government shall furnish the supply of water.

1.10.

FERTILIZER.

1.10.1.

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

1.10.2.

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

1.10.3.

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

1.10.4.

The Contractor shall apply weed killer once a year. If weed killer is not required, the contractor shall request a waiver in writing from the COR.

1.10.5.

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

1.11 PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL. The contractor shall maintain a program for controlling pests and plant disease so as to maintain flowers, shrubs, vines, trees and other planted areas in a healthy and vigorous condition. The Contractor shall obtain approval of the COR for all pesticides.

The contractor shall present a plan for pest and disease control as a part of its Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.12.

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

1.13.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL.

The contractor shall maintain a program for controlling pests and plant disease so as to maintain flowers, shrubs, vines, trees and other planted areas in a healthy and vigorous condition. All pesticides shall be approved prior to application by the COR.

The contractor shall present a plan for pest and disease control as a part of its Grounds Maintenance Plan.

1.14.

LOCATION FOR GARDENING SERVICES

All standard services are to be delivered on regular Post working days.

Location Address

Ambassador's Residence: 143 Half-moon Street (Maseru West)

DCM's Residence : 253 Kingsway Avenue (Maseru West)

Chancery

: 254 Kingsway Avenue (Maseru West)

1.15.

POOL CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF WINDOWS AT AMBASSDOR’S RESIDENCE.

The Contractor shall provide all cleaning and maintenance service of the pool located at the Ambassador’s Residence, including but not limited to vacuuming, chemicals, backwashing, filter changes and maintenance, and supplying all consumables and supplies. The Contractor shall clean all windows at Ambassador’s Residence, including out buildings, at least once a month.

1.16.

CLEANING OF GUTTERS AND ROOFS

The Contractor shall clean all gutters and roofs at least once a month as well as the day after any and all heavy storms at all designated properties.

1.17.

CLEANING OF TENNIS COURT

The Contractor shall sweep the tennis court at least once a week and pressure-wash the tennis court surface at least once a quarter.

2.

WORKING HOURS

All work shall be performed during 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Friday except for the holidays identified in the Addendum in Section 2. Other hours may be approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative. The Contractor must provide at least 24 hour advance notice to the COR who will consider any deviation from the hours identified above.

3.0

DELIVERABLES

The following items shall be delivered under this contract:

DESCRIPTION

QUANTITY

DELIVERY DATE

DELIVER TO:

Insurance

10 days after award

Contracting Officer

Grounds Maintenance Plan

30 days after award

COR

List of Personnel

14 days after award

COR

Police Clearance for Personnel

Transition Plan

Payment Request monthly

4.

PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 GENERAL. The Contractor shall maintain discipline at the site and shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent any unlawful, riotous or disorderly conduct by Contractor employees at the site. The Contractor shall preserve peace and protect persons and property on site. The Government reserves the right to direct the Contractor to remove an employee from the worksite for failure to comply with the standards of conduct. The Contractor shall immediately replace such an employee to maintain continuity of services at no additional costs to the Government.

4.2

STANDARD OF CONDUCT.

4.2.1 Uniforms and Personal Equipment. The Contractor's employees shall wear clean, neat and complete uniforms when on duty. All employees shall wear uniforms approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

4.2.2 Neglect of duties shall not be condoned. The Contractor shall enforce no sleeping while on duty, unreasonable delays or failures to carry out assigned tasks, conducting personal affairs during duty hours and refusing to render assistance or cooperate in upholding the integrity of the worksite security.

4.2.3 Disorderly conduct, use of abusive or offensive language, quarreling, intimidation by words, actions, or fighting shall not be condoned. Also included is participation in disruptive activities, which interfere with normal and efficient Government operations.

4.2.4 Intoxicants and Narcotics. The Contractor shall not allow its employees while on duty to possess, sell, consume, or be under the influence of intoxicants, drugs or substances that produce similar effects.

· Criminal Actions. Contractor employees may be subject to criminal actions as allowed by law in certain circumstances. These include but are not limited to the following actions:

· Falsification or unlawful concealment, removal, mutilation, or destruction of any official documents or records or concealment of material facts by willful omission from official documents or records;

· Unauthorized use of Government property, theft, vandalism, or immoral conduct;

· Unethical or improper use of official authority or credentials;

· Security violations; or,

· Organizing or participating in gambling in any form.

4.2.6 KEY CONTROL. The Contractor shall receive, secure, issue and account for any keys issued for access to buildings, offices, equipment, gates, etc., for the purposes of this contract. The Contractor shall not duplicate keys without the COR's approval. Where it is determined that the Contractor or its agents have duplicated a key without permission of the COR, the Contractor shall remove the individual(s) responsible from this contract. If the Contractor has lost any such keys, the Contractor shall immediately notify the COR. In either event, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the cost of rekeying that portion of the system.

4.3.

NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF LABOR DISPUTES

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

4.4. PERSONNEL SECURITY

4.4.1 After award of the contract, the Contractor shall provide the following list of data on each employee who will be working under the contract. The Contractor shall include a list of workers and supervisors assigned to this project. The Government will run background checks on these individuals and Police Clearance for Personnel. It is anticipated that security checks will take 30 days to perform. For each individual the list shall include:

· Full Name

· Place and Date of Birth

· Current Address

· Identification number

· Previous record and employment history 4.4.2 Government shall issue identity cards to Contractor personnel, after they are approved by the Regional Security Officer (RSO). Contractor personnel shall display identity card(s) on the uniform at all times while providing services under this contract and may require escorting by designated personnel of the contractor, as determined by the RSO. These identity cards are the property of the US Government. The Contractor is responsible for their return at the end of the contract, when an employee leaves Contractor service, or at the request of the Government. The Government reserves the right to deny access to U.S.-owned and U.S.-operated facilities to any individual.

5. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall provide all necessary gardening supplies and equipment, including, but not limited to: rakes, push and riding lawn mowers, hoe, pitchfork, pruning-sheers, seeds and seedlings, fertilizers and manure, weed eaters, gloves, uniforms, etc. to perform the work identified herein. All such gardening supplies and equipment provided by the Contractor shall be stored on-site at the location where the Contractor’s services are to be performed

6. INSURANCE

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

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

1.

Bodily Injury stated in US Dollars:

Per Occurrence M75, 000.00 Cumulative

M300, 000.00 2.

Property Damage stated in US Dollars:

Per Occurrence M75, 000.00 Cumulative

M300, 000.00 6.3 The types and amounts of insurance are the minimums required. The Contractor shall obtain any other types of insurance required by local law or that are ordinarily or customarily obtained in the location of the work. The limit of such insurance shall be as provided by law or sufficient to meet normal and customary claims.

6.4 For those Contractor employees assigned to this contract who are either United States citizens or direct hire in the United States or its possessions, the Contractor shall provide workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with FAR 52.228-3.

6.5 The Contractor agrees that the Government shall not be responsible for personal injuries or for damages to:

· any property of the Contractor,

· its officers,

· agents,

· servants,

· employees, or

· any other person,

· arising from and incident to the Contractor's performance of this contract. The Contractor shall hold harmless and indemnify the Government from any and all claims arising, except in the instance of gross negligence on the part of the Government.

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

6.7 Government as Additional Insured. The general liability policy required of the Contractor shall name "the United States of America, acting by and through the Department of State," as an additional insured with respect to operations performed under this contract.

6.8 Time for Submission of Evidence of Insurance. The Contractor shall provide evidence of the insurance required under this contract within ten (10) days after contract award. The Government may rescind or terminate the contract if the Contractor fails to timely submit insurance certificates identified above.

7. LAWS AND REGULATIONS

7.1 Without additional expense to the Government, the Contractor shall comply with all laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations required to perform this work. If there is a conflict between the contract and requirements of local law, the Contractor shall promptly advise the Contracting Officer of the conflict and of the Contractor's proposed course of action for resolution by the Contracting Officer.

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

8.0. TRANSITION PLAN

Within fourteen (14) days after contract award, the Contracting Officer may ask the contractor to develop a plan for preparing the contractor to assume all responsibilities for gardening services. The plan shall establish the projected period for completion of all clearances of contractor personnel, and the projected start date for performance of all services required under this contract. The plan shall assign priority to the selection of all supervisors to be used under the contract.

9.

(a) QUALITY ASSURANCE AND SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP). This plan is designed to provide an effective surveillance method to promote effective contractor performance. The QASP provides a method for the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor contractor performance, advise the contractor of unsatisfactory performance, and notify the Contracting Officer of continued unsatisfactory performance. The contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract. The role of the Government is to conduct quality assurance to ensure that contract standards are achieved.

Services.

Performs all gardening services set forth in the performance work statement (PWS)

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

(c) STANDARD. The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than two (2) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items), if any of the services exceed the standard.

(d)

PROCEDURES.

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

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

(3) The COR determines the complaint is invalid, the COR will advise the complainant. The COR will retain the annotated copy of the written complaint for his/her files.

(4) If the COR determines the complaint is valid, the COR will inform the Contractor and give the Contractor additional time to correct the defect, if additional time is available. The COR shall determine how much time is reasonable.

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

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

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

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

10.0 RECRUITMENT OF THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS FOR PERFORMANCE ON DEPARTMENT OF STATE CONTRACTS (February 28, 2012)

1. On contracts exceeding $150,000 where performance will require the recruitment of non-professional third country nationals, the offeror is required to submit a Recruitment Plan as part of the proposal. Contractors providing employer furnished housing are required to submit a Housing Plan.

2. Recruitment Plan – Exhibit F to Section J

a. State the anticipated number of workers to be recruited, the skills they are expected to have, and the country or countries from which the contractor intends to recruit them.

b. Explain how the contractor intends to attract candidates and the recruitment strategy including the recruiter.

c. Provide sample recruitment agreement in English.

d. State in the offer that the recruited employee will not be charged recruitment or any similar fees. The contractor or employer pays the recruitment fees for the worker if recruited by the contractor or subcontractor to work specifically on Department of State jobs.

e. State in the offer that the contractor’s recruitment practices comply with recruiting nation and host country labor laws.

f. State in the offer that the contractor has read and understands the requirements of FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons.

g. Contractor and subcontractors shall only use bona fide licensed recruitment companies. Recruitment companies shall only use bona fide employees and not independent agents.

h. Contractor will advise the Contracting Officer of any changes to the Recruitment Plan during performance.

3. The offeror will submit a Housing Plan (Exhibit G to Section J) if the contractor intends to provide employer furnished housing for TCNs. The Housing Plan must describe the location and description of the proposed housing. Contractors must state in their offer that housing meets host country housing and safety standards and local codes or explain any variance. Contractor shall comply with any Temporary Labor Camp standards contained in this contract. In contracts without a Temporary Labor Camp standard, fifty square feet is the minimum amount of space per person without a Contracting Officer waiver. Contractor shall submit proposed changes to their Housing Plan to the Contracting Officer for approval.

4. Department of State contractor and subcontractors will treat employees with respect and dignity by taking the following actions:

a. Contractor may not hold employee passports and other identification documents longer than 48 hours without employee concurrence. Contractors and subcontractors are reminded of the prohibition contained in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1592, against knowingly destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any actual or purported passport or other immigration document to prevent or restrict the person’s liberty to move or travel in order to maintain the services of that person, when the person is or has been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons.

b. Contractor shall provide employees with signed copies of the/their employment contracts, in English and the employee’s native language, that define the terms of employment, compensation, job description, and benefits. Contracts must be provided prior to employee departure from their countries of origin.

c. Contractor shall provide all employees with a “Know Your Rights” brochure and document that employees have been briefed on the contents of the brochure. The English language version is available at http://www.state.gov/g/tip or from the Contracting Officer.

d. Contractor shall brief employees on the requirements of the FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons including the requirements against commercial sex even in countries where it is legal and shall provide a copy of the briefing to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

e. Contractor shall display posters in worker housing advising employees in English and the dominant language of the Third Country Nationals being housed of the requirement to report violations of Trafficking in Persons to the company and the company’s obligation to report to the Contracting Officer. The poster shall also indicate that reports can also be submitted to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Hotline at 202-647-3320 or 1-800-409-9926 or via email at OIGHOTLINE@STATE.GOV.

f. Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with sending and receiving nation laws regarding transit, entry, exit, visas, and work permits. Contractors are responsible for repatriation of workers imported for contract performance.

g. Contractor will monitor subcontractor compliance at all tiers. This includes verification that subcontractors are aware of, and understand, the requirements of FAR 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons and this clause. Contractors specifically agree to allow U.S. Government personnel access to contractor and subcontractor personnel, records, and housing for audit of compliance with these requirements.

h. The contractor agrees to include this clause in all subcontracts over $150,000 involving recruitment of third country national for subcontractor performance.

SECTION 2 - CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERICAL ITEMS (FEB 2012), is incorporated by reference. (See SF-1449, block 27a).

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items (May 2012)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Feb 2009) (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).

___Alternate I (Aug 2007) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).

(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Pub. L. 108-77, 108-78).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

_X_ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) (Pub. L. 110-252, Title VI, Chapter 1 (41 U.S.C. 251 note)).

__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (June 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

X (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Feb 2012) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) 52.204-11, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act—Reporting Requirements (Jul 2010) (Pub. L. 111-5).

__ (6) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Dec 2010) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

_X_ (7) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Feb 2012) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (8) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (May 2012) (section 738 of Division C of Pub. L. 112-74, section 740 of Division C of Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Division D of Pub. L. 111-8, and section 745 of Division D of Pub. L. 110-161).

__ (9) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (10) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Jan 2011) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (11) [Reserved]

__ (12)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011).

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2011).

__ (13)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.

__ (14) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Jan 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (15)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Jan 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Oct 2001) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Jul 2010) of 52.219-9.

__ (16) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Nov 2011)(15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (17) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

__ (18) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcon-tracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (19)(i) 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns (Oct 2008) (10 U.S.C. 2323) (if the offeror elects to waive the adjustment, it shall so indicate in its offer).

__ (ii) Alternate I (June 2003) of 52.219-23.

__ (20) 52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program—Disadvantaged Status and Reporting (Dec 2010) (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323).

__ (21) 52.219-26, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program— Incentive Subcontracting (Oct 2000) (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323).

__ (22) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657 f).

__ (23) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Apr 2012) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (24) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (Apr 2012) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (25) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the WOSB Program (Apr 2012) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (26) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

__ (27) 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Mar 2012) (E.O. 13126).

__ (28) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999).

__ (29) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246).

__ (30) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Sep 2010)(38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (31) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793).

__ (32) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Sep 2010) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (33) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).

__ (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Jan 2009). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

__ (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (36) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (Dec 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).

__ (37)(i) 52.223-16, IEEE 1680 Standard for the Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products (Dec 2007) (E.O. 13423).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Dec 2007) of 52.223-16.

_X_ (38) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Aug 2011) (E.O. 13513).

__ (39) 52.225-1, Buy American Act—Supplies (Feb 2009) (41 U.S.C. 10a-10d).

__ (40)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American Act—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act (May 2012) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, and 112-42).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2012) of 52.225-3.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2012) of 52.225-3.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Mar 2012) of 52.225-3.

_X_ (41) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (May 2012) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).

_X_ (42) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.’s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

__ (43) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

__ (44) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).

_X_ (45) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 255(f), 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

__ (46) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 255(f), 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).

__ (47) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

_X_ (48) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—Other than Central Contractor Registration (May 1999) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (49) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (Feb 2010) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

__ (50) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

__ (51)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] __ (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965 (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).

__ (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 1989) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).

__ (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act—Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Sep 2009) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).

__ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act—Price Adjustment (Sep 2009) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).

__ (5) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment—Requirements (Nov 2007) (41 351, et seq.).

__ (6) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Act to Contracts for Certain Services—Requirements (Feb 2009) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.).

__ (7) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Mar 2009) (Pub. L. 110-247).

__ (8) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (Sept 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)(1)).

(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records—Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause—

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Apr 2010) (Pub. L. 110-252, Title VI, Chapter 1 (41 U.S.C. 251 note)).

(ii) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Dec 2010) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities.