Southern Utah Grounds Maint Attachments.pdf

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

Attachments A through J

ATTACHMENT (A)

ATTACHMENT (B)

ATTACHMENT (C)

ATTACHMENT (D)

ATTACHMENT (E)

ATTACHMENT (F)

ATTACHMENT (G)

ATTACHMENT (H)

ATTACHMENT (I)

ATTACHMENT (J)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN CHECKLIST

CONTRACT DISCREPANCY REPORT FORM

WORK SUMMARY AND PROGRESS REPORT

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST

SOUTHERN UTAH NATIONAL CEMETERY FLORAL/GROUNDS POLICY

CEMETERY MAP

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE MAP

LANDSCAPING DESIGN MAP

ATTACHMENT (K) INITIAL HEADSTONE RAISE AND REALIGN SURVEY

ATTACHEMNT (L) DAILY HEADSTONE RAISE AND REALIGN VERIFICATION SURVEY

ATTACHMENT (A)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 1

Grave, Excavation, Backfill, and Interments

SECTION 2

Headstone Maintenance & Cleaning

SECTION 3

Headstone Initial and Replacement Setting; and Raise & Realignment

SECTION 4

Turf Maintenance: Fertilization, Pest Control, Aeration, and Dethatching

SECTION 5

Lawn Maintenance: Sodding/Seeding

SECTION 6

Lawn Maintenance: Mowing, Trimming & Edging

SECTION 7

Leaf Collection

SECTION 8

Plant Material Maintenance

SECTION 9

Irrigation Maintenance and Operations

SECTION 10

Trash and Debris Removal

SECTION 11

Janitorial Services

SECTION 12

Snow and Ice removal

SECTION 13

Floral removal

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 1

GRAVE EXCAVATION, BACKFILL, AND INTERMENTS

1.1 GENERAL

Any/all work done in this section is subject to the General Requirements that form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

1.2 SCOPE

Work consists of excavation, backfilling and preparing for interments specified by the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR). The COR or representative will notify the Contractor 24 hours in advance of the gravesite to be opened. The National Scheduling Office will schedule committal services (i.e. services held at the committal service area) Monday through Friday. The Contractor shall provide interment services described herein, with preparation services performed before these times and interment services accomplished after the committal service is complete. As a service to all Veterans and their families, a national cemetery will never go more than two days without offering interment times and the NCA will accommodate interments when there is a three-day federal holiday. Therefore, there may be instances where the Contractor shall be required to perform interments on weekends and/or holidays and outside the regular hours.

1.3 PROCEDURE

1.3.1 All gravesite excavations, for casketed or cremated remains (cremains), shall be completed no less than one and one-half (1 ½) hours prior to the committal service. If a private concrete vault is to be used, the gravesite excavation shall be completed to allow the vault to be pre-set in the grave one

(1) hour prior to the service. Each new gravesite shall be finished and ready for viewing by the next of kin no later than one and one-half (1 ½) hours after the committal service.

1.3.2 It will be the COR's responsibility to notify the Contractor of any underground utilities in the vicinity of gravesite excavation. In turfgrass areas, prior to permitting excavation equipment in the burial section, the Contractor shall provide and place turf protection mats/panels along the path of entry to the grave site and the on the turf area surrounding the gravesite to protect the turf from damage from the equipment used to excavate the graves.

1.3.3 Gravesites measure 5’ x 10' unless otherwise advised by the COR. The COR will advise the

Contractor of the required type (see below), depth, and position prior to any excavation operation.

Contractor should probe all full interments prior to excavation to assure adequate depth for 2nd interment. COR should be notified immediately of insufficient depth to accomplish interment.

1.3.3.a Caskets, Traditional: The graves shall be excavated to three (3) feet by eight (8) feet and a depth of five (5) feet or seven (7) feet, depending on the expectation of second interment(s), and to be determined by the COR.

1.3.3.b Cremains, In-Ground: The graves shall be approximately 18 inches square and three (3) feet deep.

1.3.3.c Caskets, Crypts: The graves shall be excavated to three (3) feet by eight feet and a depth of 18 to 20 inches or to the top of the crypts.

1.3.4 When a grave is opened to receive a second interment and is found to be of insufficient depth to permit interment due to an existing vault, poly liner, or casket not being deep enough, the Contractor shall notify the COR or Cemetery Director immediately. After notification to the COR and/or the

Cemetery Director and with their approval, the remains of the first interment shall be removed and the grave excavated to a depth to accommodate both interments.

1.3.5 Additional costs for disinterment and excavating the grave to a greater depth to accommodate the second interment shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis through the Changes clause of this contract. The gravesite shall be screened from the public view during the removal and re-interment of any remains.

1.3.6 In turfgrass areas, turf should be removed and salvaged from the gravesite prior to excavation and shall be reused, if possible, on the gravesite. Turf shall be cut 2 inches deep to keep roots healthy.

1.3.7 All excavated soil shall be removed from the gravesite area prior to the scheduled interment and brought back in to backfill the grave. Any excess backfill shall be hauled and dumped within the laydown / spoils area by the Contractor. The Contractor shall periodically remove the spoils from the laydown area and dispose of at an approved off-site landfill..

1.3.8 Jackhammers or other mechanical means may be used during frozen ground conditions. The

Contractor shall contact the COR with questions concerning accessibility. The Contractor may pre-dig grave excavations during more favorable weather with approval from the COR.

1.3.9 When a grave is opened, the Contractor shall be responsible for removing any headstone(s) needed to ensure access for the vault and the remains and subsequently reinstalling headstone(s) removed. All open excavated graves shall be properly protected and secured to prevent unauthorized access to the excavation by visitors, NCA staff, or contractor employees.

1.3.10 The Contractor shall transfer the remains in a dignified manner from the committal service area to the proper gravesite following all NCA policies. The Contractor shall be required to lower casketed remains into gravesite with a mechanical lowering device (Contractor furnished) in a safe and efficient manner, with dignity, and without damage to casket.

1.3.11 Lowering devices are not an approved mechanism to transport remains; the contractor shall transfer the remains in a dignified manner by using casket carriers and/or pallbearers from the service area to the gravesites. If the casket carrier is open to plain view like a pick-up truck; the remains will need to be drape/dress with a casket cover before transported to the gravesite.

1.3.12 The Contractor shall be required to place the government-furnished poly liner around the casket for a traditional gravesite. Backfill material immediately between the government-furnished poly liner and the excavation shall be sufficiently non-compressive to allow for more solid compaction without the aid of equipment to reduce subsequent ground settlement. The material should be relatively uniform in size to aid in self-compaction and large enough to avoid migration into surrounding soils.

An example of a suitable material is #57 crushed stone.

1.3.13 Backfill material on-top of the government-furnished poly liner and/or on-top of the concrete lid shall be sufficiently pliable to allow voids to be filled for more solid compaction to reduce subsequent ground settlement. Backfill shall be brought to established grade in one (1) foot lifts, maximum. In turfgrass areas, the backfill shall stop approximately 4-6 inches in depth from the top of the grade to permit space for topsoil. Each lift shall be thoroughly compacted by means of an approved mechanical or hand tamper. Backfill should not be mounded but should conform to existing grades.

The Contractor shall remove all unusable dirt, rocks, roots, and other types of objects from the cemetery grounds.

1.3.14 If the excavation is five feet deep or deeper, workers are prohibited from entering into the excavation until the sides of the grave are shored in a safe manner in accordance with OSHA standards.

1.3.15 If the grave has an existing headstone; it shall be removed and carefully placed in an area near the gravesite and covered with proper protection. The headstone shall be replaced after the grave is backfilled. A temporary marker for the second interment shall be centered directly in front of existing headstone.

1.3.16 In turfgrass areas, after backfilling is complete and compacted, the remaining four (4) to six (6) inches shall be filled with topsoil. The salvaged sod shall be replaced and tamped/rolled to ground level. If sod is not salvageable, new sod must be placed within 30 days of interment. The sod shall be thoroughly watered every few days for two weeks thus reestablishing sod. If the grave does not have usable sod, new sod shall be put on the grave or the grave shall be reseeded. The Contractor shall be responsible for mowing and watering all sodded/seeded areas and maintaining them in a healthy and vigorous condition. If the sod or seed fails to establish, the Contractor is responsible for resodding or reseeding. Graves shall have healthy turf reestablished within thirty (30) days of interment. Refer to Section 5: Lawn Maintenance Sodding/Seeding for more details on topsoil and sodding/seeding specifications.

1.3.17 During the winter season when the Cemetery turf is going into or is in dormancy and new sod cannot be established, the Contractor shall prepare the gravesite with topsoil (i.e. tamp, level, and rake) and place either a straw or natural chipped wood mulch on top of the gravesite to prevent washout and shall keep the gravesite weed-free. New sod or seed shall be installed on the grave at the earliest opportunity, during the next growing season when the Cemetery turf is coming out of dormancy.

Graves shall have healthy turf reestablished within thirty (30) days of the start of the growing season.

Refer to Section 5 Lawn Maintenance: Sodding/Seeding for more details on topsoil and sodding/seeding specifications.

1.3.18 The Contractor or his/her representative shall place the temporary marker on the grave. Setting the new headstone when it is delivered is part of the new interment.

1.3.19 All floral bouquets and arrangements left at the gravesite by the funeral party shall be neatly arranged upon the grave and removed when they become unsightly. All stands from floral wreaths shall be removed before placing the wreath flat on the grave.

1.3.20 See Exhibit A for gravesite diagram and handling of multiple interments.

1.3.21 The Contractor shall designate a member of his/her staff to keep visitors away from open gravesite prior to the committal service and provide other duties as assigned by the COR.

1.3.22 The Contractor shall bring the flag of the United States of America to half-staff each day one-half (½) hour before the start of the first committal service and raise it to full-staff one-half (½) hour after the conclusion of the last committal service and all family members have departed the committal service area each day.

1.4 DIAGRAM "D" (in Exhibit A): The conditions shown in "D" will occur only rarely, and usually when the minor dependents predecease their parents or in extremely rare cases when an accident takes the lives of a family group.

1.5 DIAGRAM "E" (in Exhibit A): When the remains are in a small casket, they shall be placed in the lower corner of the gravesite, at a depth of five (5) feet, permitting room for an additional like burial at the head of the first at a depth of seven (7) feet and the second at five feet.

1.6 When it is necessary to make side-by-side burials in a single gravesite, extreme care shall be exercised to accurately locate the sideline of the site. Where a burial vault or poly liner is used in such cases, it may be necessary to encroach several inches on adjacent site(s). This is permissible provided the site encroached upon has been or shall be utilized as shown in "A" or "B" (in Exhibit A).

1.7 Unusual conditions may require occasional deviations from the methods indicated. For cases not covered herein, the Contractor shall consult with the COR for advice on determination of action to be taken.

SECTION 2

HEADSTONE MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

2.1 GENERAL

All work performed in this section is subject to the General Requirements and contract documents forming a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

2.2 SCOPE

NCA Standard: All upright headstones (hereafter referred to as “headstones”) shall be clean, free of debris and objectionable accumulations. The headstones located within the Cemetery are currently GRANITE.

Work consists of cleaning all headstones as specified by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to remove objectionable material and discoloration, such as environmental deposits, accumulations of bird droppings or dirt/mud, tire and hose markings, grass stains, residue from trees, mold, mildew, moss, algae, lichen, fungus, and so forth.

2.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

2.3.1 All headstones shall be cleaned prior to Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day and any other time as determined by the COR, with a washing of two (2) times per year minimal. The Contractor shall pressure wash sidewalks, curbs, and entrance gate of the Cemetery. The natural surfaces shall be retained. They shall not be painted, white washed, or calcimined. Any headstones that have any dirt splash up or grass debris from mowing/trimming shall be promptly cleaned when found.

2.3.2 All equipment and supplies maintained and operated by the Contractor shall be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, and County laws, ordinances and regulations and meet

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

2.4 PROCEDURE

2.4.1 Cleaning techniques shall demonstrate a clear understanding of, and the sensitivity to, such environmental issues as ground water contamination, wetlands, etc., and shall be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, and County laws, ordinances and regulations.

2.4.2 Clean water shall be used to clean headstone. Cleaning techniques with water shall include high pressure spraying, scrubbing and/or rinsing.

2.4.3 When water under pressure is used, the pressure shall not exceed 500 psi. Excessive soil, staining and/or discoloration may be removed with plain water and a stiff brush (no wire brushes, bleach, solvents, or abrasive cleaners/blasting shall be permitted), followed by rinsing with clear water.

2.4.4 The toning or patina of the stone will not he removed unless as a result of cleaning accomplished to remove the accumulations previously noted. In this instance the stone should be cleaned in its entirety so as to present a uniform appearance.

2.4.5 If water used in cleaning should soften the soil around the base of the headstone so that the headstone is loosened, care shall be taken not to tip the headstone out of plumb or alignment. Headstones shall be set and anchored firmly in place with no movement from forces subjected by the COR or inspector after cleaning has been completed.

2.4.6 In turfgrass areas, care shall be taken to protect the turf area from any damage. Any turf damaged by the Contractor shall be restored at Contractor's cost in accordance with “LAWN MAINTENANCE:

SODDING/SEEDING.”

SECTION 3

HEADSTONE INITIAL AND REPLACEMENT SETTING; AND RAISE AND REALIGNMENT

3.1 WORK OVERVIEW. The result of the Contractor’s performance must meet or exceed the requirements of this section. This section outlines upright headstone initial and replacement setting, aligning, backfilling, and compacting. The Contractor shall provide all supervision, professional advice/guidance, labor, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel to provide the services defined herein. Work consists of setting new or replacement upright headstones (hereafter referred to as “headstones”) on gravesites and resetting or realigning those already in place that have shifted out of vertical or horizontal alignment. It includes reporting physical defects to the Contracting

Officer or his authorized representative.

3.2 RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING. The Contractor’s Superintendent or his designee shall provide the COR with daily written reports accurately identifying all headstones set and replaced listed by deceased names and headstone numbers for each gravesite location.

3.3 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.3.1 The type of headstone to be used will be determined by the COR through direction of the National

Cemetery Administration and in accordance with the general plan of the Cemetery.

3.3.2 Inscribed headstones will be delivered directly to the Cemetery on a continual basis. The Contractor shall install headstones within ten (10) workdays of receipt/inspection/acceptance by the COR. This time frame must be met regardless of the quantity or type of installations requested. All headstones received during the winter months must be set, except when weather conditions do not allow access to the gravesite. Jackhammers or other mechanical means shall be used during frozen ground conditions. The Contractor shall contact the COR with questions concerning accessibility. The

Contractor may pre-dig headstone sockets during more favorable weather with approval from the

COR.

3.3.3 The Contractor shall submit an annual schedule of raising and realignment prior to start of work to the

COR. The schedule shall be used in performing inspections on raising and realignments.

3.3.4 The Contractor shall unload the headstones from the delivery vehicle and shall uncrate all stones received. The Contractor shall remove any glue or crating material from the headstones that may adhere to the surface.

3.3.5 The COR will inspect all headstones for inscription accuracy and damage in accordance with the monument inscription report, and then notify the Contractor for installation when appropriate.

3.3.6 The Contractor shall protect headstones from the weather to avoid damage or staining in transporting or storage. Each stone shall be placed so as to rest on its bottom edge and leaning against a wall or other substantial support at a safe and stable angle at the storage area. Several stones may be stacked against the first stone to conserve space with a proper protective separator (such as cardboard) in all cases. The COR will designate a suitable area for storage of the stones at the Cemetery.

3.3.7 If there is any breakage or damage in any form due to the Contractor's handling or negligence, the cost for replacement shall be borne by the Contractor. Defective headstones shall not be set.

Replacement stones will be ordered by the COR or his authorized representative.

3.3.8 All temporary markers, floral, commemorative, or other type of decorations (arrangements) causing interference with the setting or raise and realignment of headstones shall be carefully, and in an orderly manner, moved during the installation and moved back to all gravesites upon completion by the Contractor. Prior to removal, the Contractor shall verify the numbering sequence and location of the headstone and associated decorations or vases.

3.3.9 Prior to starting work in each new initial burial section, coordinate the correct permanent gravesite control markers and the required gravesite row/gravesite spacing layout dimensions with the COR.

3.3.10 Prior to setting any headstone or removing any headstone from its socket, the Contractor shall verify headstone number is in sequence with adjacent headstones to ensure the correct headstone is being set on the correct gravesite.

3.3.11 Trees or shrubs obstructing headstones shall be noted and the Contractor shall notify the COR for determination of remedial action or modification for installation.

3.3.12 The Contractor shall restore all damage caused during performance of this work. Repairs shall be completed by the Contractor within fourteen (14) workdays, unless otherwise agreed to with the

COR.

3.3.13 Any headstones broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the COR by close of business each working day in order that the grave can be properly marked. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the headstone replacement. All headstone replacements must be coordinated with the COR.

3.3.14 Any grid or sectional monuments disturbed, displaced or broken shall be replaced by the Contractor at his cost. All grid or sectional monuments disturbed, etc., shall be properly reset by a licensed land surveyor at Contractor’s expense.

3.3.15 Curbs, roads, walks, turf, trees, utilities, etc. existing above and below the ground that are damaged or disturbed by the contractor during performance of contract work shall be repaired at the expense of the contractor.

3.3.16 The Contractor shall report on his weekly inspection report to the COR the following:

Number of initial headstones installed and what section

______Upright, ________Section(s);

Number of replacement headstones installed and what section

______Upright, ________Section(s);

3.4 UPRIGHT HEADSTONE SETTING PROCESS

3.4.1 Standard upright headstones are approximately 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 4 inches thick and weigh approximately 220 pounds. Headstones may vary in size and weight depending on their age with regard to the production date.

3.4.2 Prior to starting work in each burial section, coordinate the correct permanent gravesite control markers and the required gravesite row/gravesite spacing layout dimensions with the COR.

Headstones shall be accurately adjusted and precisely installed on the correct gravesites by utilizing grave plotting maps, existing permanent gravesite control markers and/or temporary gravesite control markers. The Contractor shall accurately and precisely install temporary gravesite control markers at the ends of each gravesite row when not already existing and verified.

3.4.3 Headstones for individual graves shall be erected on the centerline at the head of the grave with the inscription facing the grave. They shall be set plumb, in a line laterally, transversely, and diagonally with the headstones of other graves within the section. All headstones shall be set using a top string line, a face of headstone string line, a side of headstone string line and a transverse string line for proper alignment.

3.4.4 All measurements and string line set-ups shall be taken from established section gravesite control markers, not from previously set headstones, unless otherwise directed by the COR. All measurements shall be made in ascending grave number order.

3.4.5 At the start of work in each burial section, the first row of initial headstones in a burial section is to be inspected by COR for appearance, spacing, depth, alignment, plumb, height, accuracy, and smoothness in grade transition. No further setting of headstones shall be done until this first row has been inspected and accepted by the COR. It is the Contractors responsibility to notify the

COR 24 hours in advance of when each of these inspections will be needed.

3.4.6 The normal height of 25 inches above finish grade for upright headstones is the current standard height setting. Minor deviations in this standard height are permissible only to provide a uniform appearance in the top line in order to compensate for slight ground rises or depressions within a burial section. In irregular terrain where sloping and uneven ground conditions exist, all headstones shall be set at proper heights and levels to provide a flowing transition through uneven terrain. In new initial burial sections where no turf is present, headstones shall be set at a height that allows for a normal height of 25 inches for upright headstones after topsoil, seed or sod is applied. Headstone height(s) in new burial sections shall be determined by the COR.

3.4.7 Initial and replacement headstones in old sections of the Cemetery where such stones were not or cannot be set at the standard height of 25 inches shall be set at with the inscription the same distance above the ground as the adjacent headstones provided they can be set above ground level.

3.4.8 Headstones may 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 shall 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. Headstones shall be lifted and transported or set by at least two (2) people unless special one-person devices are approved.

Realignment, when consisting merely of straightening the headstone, may be accomplished by one (1) person. Contractor personnel shall use only tools and methods approved by the Contracting Officer

Representative (COR) to lift and move headstones out of the ground; pick axes are not an acceptable tool.

3.4.9 WHEN HEADSTONES ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR SOCKETS, THEY SHALL BE

CAREFULLY STORED ON EACH ASSOCIATED GRAVESITE. Use care not to scratch or damage headstones in any manner. Once headstones are removed from the socket, do not place on dirt piles or mud; they should be protected from damage, soiling, or staining. Contractor shall be responsible for replacing damaged headstones and restoring all damages caused to turf during performance of this work. Each stone shall be placed so as to rest on its bottom edge and leaning against a substantial support at a safe and stable angle with the front inscription side up. The headstone shall be protected from direct ground contact while lying horizontally. The protection method shall be approved by the COR and shall be deterioration resistant. One example of an approved method is to support each headstone with two (2) pieces of 4x4 lumber. Alternate methods may be submitted for COR review. Cardboard shall not be used.

3.4.10 SOCKET EXCAVATION: Sockets shall be dug with a three (3) inch clearance at the front, back, sides and underneath the headstone. Headstone sockets shall be dug to the required depth to meet the height and alignment requirements as specified in paragraph 3.4.6. See Exhibit B.

3.4.11 UPRIGHT HEADSTONE INSTALLATION, BACKFILL, AND COMPACTION (IN TURF)

3.4.11.a All headstone sockets shall be clean and free of loose dirt and debris prior to adding

Crushed Rock Base Material.

3.4.11.b Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material shall be added and heavily tamped to 90% to 95% compaction in the bottom of the sockets to provide a minimum three (3) inch footing under the base of the headstone prior to the re-installation of the headstones. Moistened Crushed

Rock Base Material shall be placed around all four sides of the headstones and compacted, providing for a minimum fourteen (14) inches’ depth of Crushed Rock Base Material along the sides of the headstone as measured from the bottom of the headstone. Typically there should be four (4) inches of space remaining from the top of the compacted Crushed Rock

Base Material to the ground surface to allow tamped topsoil and grass seed to be applied, to match surrounding landscaping. The actual measurement shall vary depending on the how much the headstone was raised or lowered and will be approved by the COR.

3.4.12 CRUSHED ROCK BASE MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.4.12.a Crushed Rock shall be composed of limestone, granite, dolomite, or any other hard, sound rock that is produced by blasting and then crushing.

3.4.12.b Crushed Rock shall be clean, hard, tough, and durable fragments (excluding schist, shale or slate) of uniform quality throughout and free of any detrimental quantities of soft, friable, thin, elongated or laminated pieces, disintegrated material, dirt, organic matter, oil, alkali, or other deleterious substance.

3.4.12.c Crushed Rock shall consist of hard durable fragments of particles of rock, free of stripping dirt, vegetation, and other foreign substances.

3.4.12.d Hardness: Resistant to breaking, crushing or crumbling.

3.4.12.e Shape: Sharp and angular (Do not use rounded pea gravel.)

3.4.12.f Gravel or Crushed Gravel mixed with filler, sand, crushed rock, or crushed stone is NOT an acceptable substitutes.

3.4.12.g Crushed Rock shall consist of the product obtained by crushing rock or stone so that is meets the following gradation requirements:

Sieve Size % Passing

Particle Size % of Passing

1/2 inch 100

3/8 inch 70 – 90

No. 4 50 – 72

No. 8 35 – 55

No. 40 14 – 32

No. 200 4.0- 10.0

3.4.12.h The gradation of crushed rock shall comply with ASTM D-448. Sampling and sieve analysis shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D-75 and ASTM C-136.

3.4.13 COMPACTION OF CRUSHED ROCK BASE MATERIAL

3.4.13.a The Crushed Rock Base Material shall be compacted in lifts not exceeding 1-1/2” in thickness. Before compaction, moisten or aerate each layer as necessary to provide optimum moisture content. If the fines are dry at the time of compaction, use a very fine mist type hose and spray the Base Material sparingly. The moisture content of the material during placing operations shall be within ± 2% of the optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM D 1557. Compact each layer to 90% to 95% relative density. Do not perform compaction operations on excessively wetted soils.

3.4.13.b Tamping Tools: Shall be approved by COR prior to use. Tamping tools shall have sufficient impact area and weight to achieve 90% to 95% compaction of the Crushed Rock

Base Material. Tamping tools made of wood or containing wood are not acceptable

3.4.13.c The COR will spot check optimal moisture content by employing a quick test known as the

“Hand Test” in which he/she will squeeze a handful of soil. Optimally the soil will have the right amount of moisture for proper compaction when it is moldable and breaks into only a couple of pieces when dropped. If the soil is powdery and will not retain the shape made by the COR’s hand, it is too dry; if it shatters when dropped, it is too dry; if the soil is plastic, leaves small traces of moisture on the COR’s fingers and stays in one piece when dropped, it has too much moisture for compaction.

3.4.14 Existing sockets that exceed the correct depth requirements shall be filled with sufficient Moistened

Crushed Rock Base Material and compacted per the requirements of paragraph 3.4.13 to achieve the correct final depth. After filling in the sockets in this manner, proceed with requirements in paragraph 3.4.10 for completing the stone installation.

3.4.15 In cases where sockets need to be realigned/shifted, and/or re-dug, apply the following procedures:

3.4.15.a After removal of the headstone, backfill and compact the existing socket prior to digging the new socket. Backfill the existing socket with Moistened Crushed Rock Base Material.

Thoroughly tamp to 90% to 95% compaction at each 1-1/2” inch vertical intervals (1-1/2” inch lifts), leaving the last 4 inches at the top to have tamped topsoil and grass seed applied.

3.4.15.b Contractor shall dig/excavate the new socket in accordance with the requirements in paragraph 3.4.10.

3.4.16 The mean (or average) topsoil level shall be determined for the entire section to be aligned in all directions and approved by the COR. The Contractor shall use the mean (or average) topsoil level to allow all of the headstones in the section to be aligned vertically without having drastic changes in headstone heights (several inches) between the rows and columns of headstones in ALL directions.

In irregular terrain where sloping and uneven ground conditions exist, all headstones shall be set at the proper height and overall level necessary to provide a smooth, flowing transition between ALL headstones in ALL directions through uneven terrain. The Contractor shall take the adjoining sections and/or terrain into consideration when determining the mean topsoil levels. IMPORTANT:

To meet the requirement of a smooth, flowing transition, the Contractor may be required to set the headstones at a height other than at the required 25 inches above grade with approval by the COR.

See Exhibit D.

3.4.17 Specific headstones in each burial section shall be chosen and designated to be “Key” stones

(keystones) for use throughout the headstone setting process. See Exhibit C. All keystones are to be vertically plumbed and aligned by leveling the front, back, and sides while raising or lowering the headstone as necessary to achieve a height of 25 inches above the mean (average) topsoil level.

These keystones are headstones that are visibly in line with the majority of the rest of the headstones in both the rows and the columns and are as close as possible to the proper measurements for that particular section of headstones. Keystones shall be at a maximum spacing of every 10th headstone or at a more frequent spacing as required in areas of sloped or rolling terrain in order to achieve a flowing transition between the rows and columns.

3.4.18 Install heavy string lines along the front, sides, tops, and transversely of all applicable Keystones. The string lines shall be laid out to the correct dimensions as determined by Keystones and the requirements of paragraphs 3.4.1 and 3.4.4 such that the rows and columns are evenly spaced. All headstones shall be vertically plumbed and aligned by leveling the front, back, and sides while raising or lowering the headstone as required to achieve a height of 25 inches above the mean (average) topsoil level.

IMPORTANT: To meet the requirement of a smooth, flowing transition, the Contractor may be required to set the headstone at a height other than at the required 25 inches above grade with approval by the COR. These measurements shall be adhered to as closely as possible and may be adjusted to suit unique site conditions with approval by the COR. See Exhibit D.

3.4.19 All remaining headstones in the rows, columns, and transverse directions are then aligned along the string lines front to back, side-to-side, transversely, and match the required row and column spacing for the section. All remaining headstones are to be vertically plumbed and aligned by leveling the front, back, and sides while raising or lowering the upright headstone as required to achieve a height of

25 inches above the mean (average) topsoil level. See Exhibit D. The installation, adjusting, and setting of the remaining headstones shall meet all requirements of this contract.

3.4.20 A plus/minus (+/-) 1/8 inch maximum tolerance shall be maintained in the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions in accordance with the dimensional requirements of paragraphs 3.4.2 and 3.4.3.

The alignment of the headstones should be checked frequently during this process because the tamping of the headstones may move the headstone out of level or off the mark on the line.

3.4.21 Headstones shall be installed to within one degree of fully vertical when measured on front and sides using a digital level.

3.4.22 The completed set headstones shall be anchored firmly in place so that the headstones are rigid with no give or play regardless of the soil and terrain conditions. All headstones shall be firmly set and anchored in place with no movement from forces subjected by the COR.

3.4.23 The measurements between rows or columns of headstones and between the headstones within each row or column may differ from one gravesite section to the next. This condition is to be discussed with COR where this is found to occur. Some variances may be allowed by the COR in order to keep a uniform appearance of headstones being aligned.

3.4.24 Headstones set shall be clean of all dirt, handprints, etc. by the close of the work day in accordance with HEADSTONE CLEANING.

3.4.25 Any headstones broken or damaged by the Contractor shall be reported to the COR by close of business each working day in order that the grave can be properly marked. The Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the replacement. The cost of the replacement headstone(s) will be deducted from Contractor’s invoice(s). All headstone replacements must be coordinated with the

COR. Any existing permanent gravesite control markers, temporary contractor installed control markers, grid or sectional monuments that are disturbed, displaced, or broken shall be replaced and properly reset by a licensed surveyor at the Contractor’s expense. Curbs, roads, walks, turf, trees, utilities, etc. existing above and below the ground that are damaged or disturbed by the Contractor during performance of contract work shall be repaired at the Contractor’s expense. The requirements of this paragraph shall be completed by the Contractor within fourteen (14) workdays, unless otherwise agreed to by the COR.

3.4.26 Government-furnished headstones that are permanently removed from a grave for any purpose shall be transported by the Contractor to an approved location within the laydown area, destroyed in a manner that obliterates the inscription, and disposed of to prevent reuse.

3.4.27 TURFGRASS REESTABLISHMENT: All turf areas that are disturbed where headstone setting or raise and realignment work has occurred, shall have turfgrass re-established in accordance with

“LAWN MAINTENANCE: SODDING/SEEDING.”

SECTION 4

TURF MAINTENANCE, FERTILIZING, PEST CONTROL, AERATION AND DETHATCHING

4.1 GENERAL

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

4.2 SCOPE

NCA STANDARD: High maintenance areas have a well-established, healthy, 95% weed-free stand of turf.

The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the turf areas of the Cemetery and the immediate area surrounding the Cemetery in a healthy condition utilizing turf management best practices, to include fertilization, soil amendments, weed and pest control, aeration and/or dethatching.

The turfgrass at the cemetery is a tall fescue (90%) and Kentucky bluegrass (10%) mix.

4.3 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

4.3.1 The Contractor shall supply all necessary applicators, hoses and other equipment.

4.3.2 Water shall be furnished by the Government at no cost to the Contractor.

4.3.3 The Contractor shall furnish all required pesticides, fertilizers, soil amendments, and any other supplies.

4.3.4 The NCA (COR or representative) will have soil testing of the site performed approximately every three (years), or as needed for projects. A copy of the soil test results will be provided to the contractor and COR, along with recommendation and guidance for the application of any required soil amendments, as indicated by the soil testing.

4.3.5 The Contractor shall develop a plan for fertilizer and chemical application. The contractor shall provide a detailed fertilizer and chemical application plan within the first thirty (30) calendar days of the contract award to include each option year(s).

4.3.6 No fertilizers and/or chemicals shall be applied to cemetery grounds without prior approval from the

COR and the Continental District Agronomist.

4.4 PROCEDURE

4.4.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for taking all precautions to prevent damage to the Cemetery, in any manner, including headstones, monuments, flower bases, trees and other structures during maintenance operations. The Contractor shall be charged current replacement costs for headstones, other Cemetery structures or property damaged as a result of actions by contractor personnel.

4.4.2 Fertilizer: The Contractor shall develop and submit a complete fertilizer program/schedule to the

COR and the Continental District Agronomist for written approval within thirty (30) days upon award and arrival on site. The submitted plan/schedule shall include the name and analysis of the product to be applied, the time frame for application, and the amount of product. The fertilizer plan/schedule encompasses the growing season in its entirety (March through November) (approximately 3 to 5 times per year as dictated by weather conditions and chosen fertilizer products). The fertilizer program shall be approved by the COR and Continental District Agronomist prior to applications.

4.4.2.a Fertilizer shall be applied in late spring, late summer, and late fall unless otherwise approved in the fertilizer program by the COR and Continental District Agronomist.

Timing of the first application should occur when the turfgrass is actively growing and following 2-3 mow cycles. Sequential applications occur every 8-10 weeks dependent upon fertilizer analysis. The last application should occur 4-6 weeks prior to the historic frost dates. Drought-stressed turf is not fertilized.

4.4.2.b Fertilizer shall be applied based on the results and recommendations of a soil test for each section. The cemetery is a new construction, and until a soil test is conducted, the fertilizer recommendation will be a standard fertilizer for cool season grass: a ratio of

3:1:2 (N-P-K) or similar throughout the whole cemetery. The fertilizer must contain a minimum of 50% slow-release nitrogen and a micronutrient package (ie S, Mn, Mg, Fe).

4.4.2.c The fertilizer shall be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The fertilizer shall be applied at a rate to achieve 3 to 4 pounds of N (nitrogen) per 1000 square feet per year.

4.4.2.d The fertilizer application equipment shall be correctly calibrated and the application made to achieve a uniform distribution of the fertilizer throughout the application area.

4.4.2.e The Contractor shall ensure that the fertilizer is properly watered in by adjusting the watering schedule as necessary. The cemetery does have an irrigation system. The contractor shall be responsible for timing the application prior to an appropriate precipitation event or utilizing the existing quick coupler at the cemetery for irrigation.

4.4.2.f The Contractor shall make sure that all headstones, monuments, sidewalks, patios, and other like surfaces are free of fertilizer granules immediately after the application and before watering in of fertilizer occurs. This shall aid in avoiding staining of surfaces.

4.4.2.g The Contractor shall be responsible for removal of any staining, marking, of headstones, monuments, sidewalks, patios, and other like surfaces that occurs as result of a fertilizer application made by the Contractor.

4.4.2.h The Contractor shall schedule the fertilizer application with the COR and only apply once given approval by the COR. The Contractor shall supply the product labels and give the

COR a minimum one week notice prior to application.

4.4.2.i Contractor must keep application records of all fertilizations and furnish a copy to the

COR by 5:00 PM the day of application. Records must show fertilizer product

(including NPK ratio, percent slow-release N, micronutrients), total amount of fertilizer applied, application area, rate of fertilizer application, and weather conditions.

4.4.3 Soil Amendments: When soil tests indicate a need for soil amendments, the Contractor shall apply amendments at the rates indicated in those tests. Time of application shall be in late fall or early winter, unless local practice indicates a more favorable time. Soil amendments could include lime, gypsum, elemental sulfur, or compost. Contractor must keep application records of all soil amendments and furnish a copy to the COR by 5:00 PM the day of application . Records must show type, amount, application area, and weather conditions.

4.4.4 Weed Control: All weed growth and disease shall be controlled by means of mowing, trimming, pulling, harrowing, and spraying, or any other method approved by the COR and in accordance with the NCA Integrated Pest Management Plan. All Turf areas shall be 95% weed free. The Contractor shall develop and submit a complete herbicide application program/schedule to the COR and the

Continental District Agronomist for written approval within thirty (30) days upon award and arrival on site. The submitted plan/schedule shall include the name and analysis of the product to be applied, the time frame for application, and the amount of product.

4.4.4.a The herbicide applications shall be applied directly by or under the supervision of a current commercially licensed Utah State Certified Pesticide Applicator. All personnel using herbicide sprays shall be properly trained. All applications shall be performed as per the Rules and Regulations of the Utah Department of Agriculture, or other jurisdiction having authority over the Contractor’s applicator.

4.4.4.b Treatment of weeds in turfgrass areas shall be accomplished by two (2) pre-emergent herbicide broadcast applications, along with three (3) post-emergent herbicide broadcast applications, unless approved otherwise by the COR and Continental District Agronomist in the herbicide application program. The pre-emergent applications generally occur in the later winter/early spring and late summer/early fall with the exact timing based upon soil temperature (55℉ in spring and 70℉ in fall) and weather conditions. The post emergent applications generally occur in the early spring/mid spring, early summer/mid summer, and late summer/fall with exact timing based on weed development and residual period of prior applications.

General Schedule for Herbicide Applications

Pre-Emergent Application #1

Late Winter/Early Spring –exact timing of application based on soil temperature and weather conditions. Prior approval from COR required before application. If split application are required, the timing of the split shall follow COR approval and specific herbicide labels (estimated 4-10 weeks following first pre-emergent application).

Pre-Emergent Application #2

Late Summer/Early Fall – exact timing based on soil temperature and weather conditions. Prior approval from COR required before application. If split application are required, the timing of the split shall follow COR approval and specific herbicide labels (estimated 4-10 weeks following first pre-emergent application).

Post-Emergent Application #1

Early Spring/Mid Spring – exact timing based on weed development. Prior approval from COR required before application.

Post-Emergent Application #2

Early Summer/Mid Summer – exact timing based on weed development and residual period of Post-

Emergent Application #1. Prior approval from COR required before application.

Post-Emergent Application #3

Late Summer/Fall – exact timing based on weed development and residual period of Post – Emergent

Application #2. Prior approval from COR required before application.

4.4.4.c Turf in high visibility areas shall be maintained at 95% weed-free throughout each year.

Any repeat or follow up applications necessary to maintain the 95% weed-free standard, respectively, shall be applied at no additional cost to the government.

4.4.4.d The herbicides used by the Contractor in turf areas shall be specifically labeled for control of weeds in the Tall fescue/Kentucky bluegrass blend and any other types of turf at the Cemetery. The Cemetery turf is pre-dominantly Tall Fescue.

4.4.4.e Chemical chemistry rotation must be used – alternate between herbicide mode of actions to mitigate herbicide resistance.

4.4.4.f The Contractor shall schedule the herbicide applications with the COR and only apply once given approval by the COR. The Contractor shall supply the product labels and give the COR a minimum one week notice prior to application.

4.4.4.g The Contractor is responsible for specifically following all label directions on the bag/container of herbicide at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, all safety, mixing, weather conditions, and application directions and information.

4.4.4.h The Contractor shall always mix and apply herbicide so as to provide optimum control of target weeds, according to label directions.

4.4.4.i All Contractor personnel shall be properly clothed and wearing proper safety equipment during any and all applications.

4.4.4.j All mixing of chemicals and filling of tanks shall be performed off site or only in an appropriate area of the Cemetery as determined and directed by the COR.

4.4.4.k Performance of work shall not impede nor disturb any burials or memorial services, or burial operations at any time. As a general “rule of thumb” work should not take place within 1000 feet of the committal service area during a service, or during a ceremony in the Cemetery.

4.4.4.l The Contractor shall coordinate any watering requirements to activate chemicals, as needed. The Contractor shall schedule and perform this watering requirement.

4.4.4.m The Contractor shall be responsible for any damages and/or turf replacement due to weed invasion and/or misapplication of chemicals.

4.4.4.n Plants, shrubs, trees, bushes, or other vegetative landscaping that are damaged or killed by the Contractor due to careless herbicide application shall be replaced with similar quality and size plantings at no additional cost to the government. The Contractor shall contact the COR prior to replacing any plantings.

4.4.4.o Contractor must keep application records of all herbicide applications and furnish a copy to the COR by 5:00 PM the day of application. The written record shall show the company name, company contact information, and the names, titles, and license information of the company’s staff that performed the application. The written record shall specify application area, the chemicals used (trade name, chemical, amount/dose), targeted weeds, and weather conditions (including the temperature and the average wind speed) during the time of application.

4.4.5 Insect Control: All turf damaging insects or those that present a hazard to cemetery visitors shall be controlled by…